China allocates 69 bln yuan for consumer goods trade-in program Xinhua) 09:41, July 26, 2025 BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- China has allocated 69 billion yuan (about 9.66 billion U.S. dollars) in its third batch of ultra-long special treasury bond funds to support the country's consumer goods trade-in program, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) said on Friday. The MOF, together with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), has this year earmarked 300 billion yuan in such funds to back the program, MOF official Wu Gai told a press conference. The first two batches of these funds -- totaling 162 billion yuan -- were allocated in January and April this year, according to Wu. The remaining funds will be disbursed in October to support local authorities in advancing the trade-in program, he added. As of July 16, a total of 280 million people across the country have applied for subsidies under the consumer goods trade-in program, driving sales of related commodities to exceed 1.6 trillion yuan, data from the NDRC shows. In its next step, the NDRC said it will optimize subsidy distribution methods, ensure more orderly policy implementation, and strengthen supervision over product quality and pricing. (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Wu Chaolan) UN-Habitat sub-regional office for southern Africa launched in Botswana Xinhua) 14:09, July 26, 2025 Botswanan President Duma Boko (L) and Anaclaudia Rossbach, executive director of the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat), attend the launching ceremony of the UN-Habitat sub-regional office for southern Africa in Gaborone, Botswana, July 25, 2025. The sub-regional office was officially launched here on Friday to promote inclusive urbanization through improved service delivery and regional cooperation. (Photo by Tshekiso Tebalo/Xinhua) GABORONE, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) Sub-Regional Office for Southern Africa was officially launched here on Friday to promote inclusive urbanization through improved service delivery and regional cooperation. Speaking at the ceremony in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, President Duma Boko emphasized that the UN-Habitat's presence would bolster the country's efforts to achieve affordable housing for all by leveraging global expertise, technical resources, and policy experience. "Your global expertise, technical resources, and policy experience will be instrumental in helping us design and implement tailored solutions, from informal settlement upgrades and slum prevention to climate-resilient infrastructure and inclusive urban planning for youth and gender equity," Boko said. He highlighted urbanization as one of Botswana's major challenges, with nearly 70 percent of the population now residing in urban areas. This shift demands innovative approaches to urban planning, governance, and management. To address housing needs, Botswana's National Housing Program aims to deliver 100,000 affordable housing units for low-income earners by 2028, Boko added. Yang Wenyan, UN resident coordinator in Botswana, noted that the new hub positions UN-Habitat to better serve Southern Africa by functioning as a platform for policy advice, capacity development, and knowledge exchange. Key focus areas include housing, land governance, smart cities, and climate adaptation. "It enhances our technical support to the government and anchors our efforts in one of today's most dynamic development priorities, urban transformation," Yang said. Anaclaudia Rossbach, executive director of the UN-Habitat, described the hub as a testament to the shared commitment to tackling the region's most pressing urban challenges. "This initiative stems from the Memorandum of Understanding between UN-Habitat and Botswana, outlining our collaboration to advance sustainable urban development in line with (African Union) Agenda 2063, the New Urban Agenda, and the (United Nations) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 11, which aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable," Rossbach explained. Housed at the United Nation building in Gaborone, the sub-regional hub aims to enhance coordination across Southern Africa, provide tailored technical support, and facilitate knowledge-sharing in critical areas such as housing, land development, urban planning, smart cities, and climate resilience, as well as build local capacity and empower Botswana's young professionals to engage at regional and global levels. (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Wu Chaolan) Photo Credit: MASN Baltimore Orioles color commentator Ben McDonald made his return to the television booth for Friday nights game against the Colorado Rockies at Camden Yards. McDonald had a scary fall last Thursday from a deer stand while hunting, which resulted in the former pitcher suffering a concussion and two cracked vertebrae. While the injuries (especially brain injuries) are no laughing matter, McDonald has been in good spirits while recovering from the fall. And the MASN TV production made sure to put a fun twist on welcoming the beloved announcer back to the booth. First, play-by-play announcer Kevin Brown and McDonald wore floppy hats to open the broadcast. Actually, Im not sure this is the right headgear for you, Brown said. I think we might need to get some more in for Ben. A little bit more safety for Ben right now. Thats probably more my speed right there, something to protect my noggin just a little bit, McDonald said. Put me in some bubble wrap. If I only would have had this about four days ago, it would have been much, much better. Members of the MASN production crew indeed put McDonald in bubble wrap and gave him an Orioles helmet to wear. Ben McDonald returns to the Orioles MASN booth, and they make sure to get him a helmet and bubble wrap. #MLB https://t.co/Frnt9G54oM pic.twitter.com/dn4cf1XIpY Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 26, 2025 If folks are confused, and you put it out there, you took a bit of a fall last week, Brown said to McDonald. You fell out of a tree, suffered a concussion, a couple of cracked vertebrae. Were just so happy that youre okay Were just so happy that youre back. I appreciate that, McDonald said. I appreciate everybody reaching out too. A lot of text messages, and emails, and phone calls. I appreciate all that. The good news, Im fine. The doctor said, Youre cleared to go. We couldnt find anything. I said, Theres not anything up there to find, doc. Everythings good. He said, Listen, you might have a little brain cramp occasionally on camera, but other than that, youre going to be fine and be ready to go. So, Im looking forward to it. Its great to be back. Its great to be next to you, and with our wonderful MASN crew. Im looking forward to it. McDonald posted on X about the broadcast opening: Its great to see McDonald back in the booth and having a sense of humor about whats surely been a very tough several days. A California woman's been left disfigured after flames 'exploded' in her face while making s'mores over an outdoor firepit. Viana Poggi, 18, was enjoying a fun summer night on July 6 with her cousin Alaina Arbiso when chaos unfolded before their eyes. While using a cement tabletop firepit, flames suddenly blew toward Poggi, leaving her with blistering burns on her face and arms. Fire disaster: Viana Poggi, 18, was making s'mores with her cousin on a tabletop firepit on July 6 when flames suddenly erupted Injuries: When flames blew toward Poggi, she was left with burns on her face and arms Her cousin Arbiso said all she could remember was how fast everything happened in that terrifying moment, before she pushed her relative into a nearby pool. Arbiso said: 'Within, like, a millisecond, you don't even see it coming - you have no time to react. It just happened.' After pushing Poggi into the water, Arbiso then grabbed a hose and sprayed down the flames spreading on the table. Another family member was also hit by the dangerous flames, but only Poggi was severely injured. When she got to a local burns center, staff asked Poggi about what was used to fuel the firepit. Poggi said: 'Even when I got to the ER, I just said I got hit by fire, and they asked me, "Was it rubbing alcohol?" Because it's so common for people to be burned that way.' A friend of hers Alexandra Welsh, who's a trauma nurse in the emergency room, was shocked after seeing someone she knew arrive with such intense injuries. Welsh said: 'I work at a trauma center, so I see a lot of traumatic injuries come in, but it is so different when it is someone who you think of as a little sister.' Vessel: The firepit Poggi used was fueled by rubbing alcohol, but when hers needed to be refilled with the substance, nobody saw the small flame still burning inside Wounds: Poggi's been left with scars and burn marks to her face Despite the freak accident impacting her life, Poggi, who's been left with scars and burn marks, decided to make the best of it. She documented her recovery on TikTok, where she showed herself wearing a hospital gown when she was still covered in bandages. Poggi said: 'I always remember it could have been worse. I try to keep a good attitude.' The teen's due to start college soon at the University of San Francisco but, because of the burns, she's also preparing for several procedures to help with her recover. A GoFundMe page was set up by Arbiso to help her cousin with medical expenses while she embarked on the next chapter of her life. Arbiso wrote about Poggi: 'With the big move coming, multiple reconstruction surgeries, and a long emotional/physical recovery in her foreseeable future, [she's] going to need all the help she can get.' Prep time: Poggi's due to start college soon at the University of San Francisco, but she's also preparing for several procedures to help her recovery Poggi hoped that her unfortunate experience would make other people think twice before they used specific types of firepits. She said: 'I really want people to know the danger of using an alcohol-fueled pit because they are so common. We owned, I think, three of them.' There were several types of tabletop alcohol-fueled firepit available to buy online and in stores. Some were fueled by gel fuel, wood, wood pellets, and propane. Last year, multiple types of the vessel were recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The recall on the popular brand Colsen's pits warned that 'alcohol flames can be invisible and lead to flame jetting when refilling the firepit reservoir'. A Brit who moved to Spain and built a new life for himself revealed the biggest challenge he experienced. Lee Thornley, 43, left his job as a barrister and relocated overseas in 2008 with the intention to learn Spanish. There are reportedly some 350,000 British people officially registered as living in Spain, with many attracted by the alluring weather and good food. 'I just thought, I want to change things, and I didn't have any kids and didn't have any mortgages, so I was like I'm just going to go to Spain and learn Spanish,' he told MailOnline Travel. Lee fell in love with the area that his language school was based in, Costa de la Luz, and the benefits he was experiencing from moving countries. 'I felt healthier, I felt happier,' he explained, revealing how he thought at the time that he 'never wanted to go back to London'. The Brit met his now ex-wife, who he shares two children with, and bought land in the area. They built a hotel that became luxury rural hideaway, Casa la Siesta. However, Lee's Spanish journey hasn't always been easy. Lee Thornley (pictured), 43, left his job as a barrister and relocated overseas in 2008 with the intention to learn Spanish Lee fell in love with the area that his language school was based in, Costa de la Luz, and the benefits he was experiencing from moving countries. Pictured: Casa la Siesta, Lee's hotel He admitted one of the biggest challenges he faced was learning the language. 'Language I think that's probably the biggest challenge you have,' Lee explained. 'You know, your ability to communicate, so getting a good grasp of the Spanish language was probably the first challenge to overcome.' It took Lee 12 months to become completely fluent. 'When you're very much immersed in it, and you have to, then you just do. There's no option. You just have to figure it out,' he said. Another challenge Lee faced was tackling the hotel project, which was a much larger task than he had worked on before. He added: '... I'd done housing projects, but on a much smaller scale, like a regular two bedroom house in York, or we did a house project in Spain as well. 'We had, we had some experience, but nothing like what the scale of the project ended up being. 'So, it was more kind of naivety that, in a positive way, meant that I was confident to go ahead and have a go at it. Lee fell in love with the area that his language school was based in, Costa de la Luz, and the benefits he was experiencing from moving countries He admitted that one of the biggest challenges he faced was learning the language 'But for sure, once I started on building a much bigger project like that, you realise you've got a lot to learn pretty quickly.' From building the hotel, Lee developed a passion for interior design and went on to found his own tile business. Lee now splits his time between Yorkshire and Spain. He moved back to the UK with his family a few years after his first child was born. 'So when we had our first daughter, we lived out there full time until she was three,' he said. Being away from family and the children not having 'access to their grandparents and them being part of their growing up' was important to both Lee and his wife. 'So it was more family reasons I think, wanting the kids to kind of grow up around a wider family network,' he explained. However, the businessman intends to return to Spain full time in the future. 'Once the kids go off to uni, we'll definitely move back to Spain,' Lee said. As for his tips for those wanting to make the move and start a new life in Spain, Lee emphasises the importance of getting stuck into the local culture. Another challenge Lee faced was tackling the hotel project, which was a much larger task than he had worked on before Lee now splits his time between Yorkshire and Spain. He moved back to the UK with his family a few years after his first child was born 'It's just really important to kind of integrate yourself as much as possible before you necessarily go in with two feet,' he explained. Getting to know the local people and being seen 'as part of the community' is vital for settling down there. 'I think we did a good job at living out there, learning Spanish, contributing to local economy, making friends, and then after that, actually making that decision as to whether or not to stay,' Lee added. 'I think sometimes I hear people saying "well, we're going to leave our home in the UK because it's worth X and buy something cheaper in Spain, and our life's going to be better". 'And it doesn't always work out, and I don't really think it's a surprise you need to kind of do your do your kind of time on the ground and really understand it before you make that big decision as to whether or not you actually want to live there.' Lee now owns Bert & May, a successful tiles company, and is currently fundraising through Crowd Cube to launch more stores across the UK. A man who posed as cabin crew and managed to fly for free 120 times has been convicted after finally being caught. Echoing Frank Abagnale Jr's escapades in the 1960s - when the then teenager famously posed as a Pan Am pilot and jetted around the world - Tiron Alexander managed to evade capture for six years. On June 5th, a federal jury in Florida convicted the former airline employee of entering into a secure area of an airport by false pretenses and wire fraud. From 2018 to 2024, the Florida-based 35-year-old accessed flights on an airline carrier's website that were reserved for cabin crew and pilots. Posing as a flight attendant, Alexander managed to board 34 flights with the carrier without detection, after being able to enter in cabin crew badge number details into the airline's flight application website. A statement on the website of the US Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Florida detailed his deception. It read: 'Alexander claimed through the airline carriers website application process - a process that required an applicant to select whether they were a pilot or flight attendant and provide their employer, date of hire, and badge number information - that he worked for seven different airlines and had approximately 30 different badge numbers and dates of hire.' Further evidence found that he had taken a similar approach with three other airlines, with prosecutors believing the amount of flights he boarded by pretending to be a working flight attendant was around 120. Fraudster: A Florida caught last month convicted Tiron Alexander, 35, of wire fraud and entering into a secure area of an airport by false pretenses - it's thought he managed to board 120 flights without paying by pretending to be cabin crew After an investigation by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Alexander was arrested and convicted last month. The fraudster is scheduled to be sentenced on August 25th. Alexander had, according to the evidence submitted in court, worked for Delta for two years from 2010 to 2012 as a global ticketing support representative. He was also familiar with the role of flight attendant, having spent a year working for Atlantic Southeast Airlines from 2013 to 2014, while another stint in the skies saw him employed as cabin crew for US regional airline Republic Airways. Trial evidence also showed Alexander had posed as a flight attendant on three other airlines, and he had ultimately booked more than 120 free flights by claiming he was a flight attendant, according to the announcement. According to information published by Fortune, it's thought the frauds mostly took place from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The publication reports that screenshots suggest he was flying on Spirit Airlines, a Florida-based flyer. Alexander's deception appears straight out of the Frank W. Abagnale Jr. handbook, which inspired the 1980 book, 2002 blockbuster movie - starring Leonardo DiCaprio, and 2011 Broadway musical. Leonardo DiCaprio in a still from 2002's Catch Me If You Can, which was based on the story of Frank W. Abagnale Jr, who managed to travel the world by posing as a pilot while he was still a teen in the late 60s Abagnale was a clever teen who posed as a Pan Am pilot to travel the world in the 1960s; he raked in $2.5 million passing off bad cheques all while evading the FBI and Interpol. Once one of the most formidable forgers, Mr Abagnale has since changed his ways and now advises governments and businesses on cybersecurity, identity theft, and scams. Described as the 'ultimate conman' for managing to evade the FBI for years, last year he warned that AI will create a 'tsunami' of scammers just like him. 'Anything today can be replicated, duplicated, counterfeited, deep-faked, or AI-manipulated,' he said, adding: 'Technology breeds crime. It always has and always will.' The infamous New York City hotel, the Waldorf Astoria, has reopened its doors after a massive eight-year renovation gave the nostalgic building a modern facelift - but the essence of old Park Avenue money hasn't disappeared. After eight years of renovations, delays, and ownership scandals, the iconic hotel is back, with many nods to its roots. The Waldorf Astoria has a long history of influencing culture, fashion, and architecture, donning a unique Art Deco style that put the hotel on the map. Conrad Hilton, the founder of the Hilton Hotels chain, once referred to the Waldorf Astoria as 'the greatest of them all'. The newest version of the hotel has significantly cut down on rooms from 1,400 to only 375, increasing the exclusivity and making it even more difficult to book a stay. The reduction has also made the rooms some of the largest in the city, starting at 570 square feet. The hotel's infamous Peacock Alley, which once connected the Waldorf and the Astoria before it became one building, has been restored to its original grandeur. The alley got its name from the promenade that guests would take to show off their wealth. The Waldorf Astoria reopened its doors on July 15 after eight years of renovations The hotel's infamous Peacock Alley, which used to connect the two buildings before it moved locations, prominently displaces the grand Waldorf Clock (pictured), once commissioned by Queen Victoria The iconic hotel has a long history in New York City, as it was once two separate hotels before it moved to Park Avenue The Waldorf Salad (pictured) was invented at the hotel and is one of the Waldorf Astoria's claims to fame Now that the building is one hotel, Peacock Alley has become the Waldorf Astoria's breathtaking lounge. The grand Waldorf clock is the star of the show in the center of the lounge. It was once commissioned by Queen Victoria for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Also featured prominently in Peacock Alley is a beautiful Steinway grand piano that once belonged to the famous American composer Cole Porter. Porter composed scores for several Broadway shows, including Kiss Me, Kate, and the 1965 film, High Society, which starred Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, and Frank Sinatra. He lived in the Waldorf Astoria from 1934 until he died in 1964. The tribute to him goes beyond decoration, as the hotel plans to have a pianist play the instrument for guests in the lobby. Slide me Rooms decreased in the new renovations from 1,400 to just 375. The room sizes are now the largest in the city, starting at 570 square feet The Waldorf Astoria has seen some of history's most iconic stars. Pictured above are two guests celebrating the new year in 1940 Setting the scene The doors to the Waldorf Astoria have seen many celebrities and political figures, including Winston Churchill, Marilyn Monroe, and even Queen Elizabeth II, walk through them. The hotel is steeped in history, with the Grand Ballroom being the first venue to host the Tony Awards. Monroe is said to have met former President John F. Kennedy at the awards ceremony. The Waldorf Astoria also introduced the world to the famous Waldorf salad, a classic fruit and nut salad created by the maitre dhotel Oscar Tschirky in 1893. The hotel's kitchen is responsible for producing other staples like red velvet cake and eggs Benedict. Lemuel Benedict, a retired Wall Street stockbroker, is believed to have ordered the combination to cure his hangover, which inspired Tschirky to popularize the dish. The Waldorf Astoria was the first to offer 24-hour room service for its guests and was even the first to start hiring female chefs, starting in 1931, according to Culture Now. The Peacock Alley got its name from the promenade that rich guests would take from one hotel to the next. It now serves as a lounge, pictured above Despite the renovations, the architecture and design ring true to the hotel's Art Deco style Slide me The Waldorf History is famous for unique cocktails, including the Bronx Cocktail and Rob Roy In addition to food, the Waldorf Astoria was famous for cocktails. One of the bartenders, Johnnie Solon, invented the Bronx Cocktail behind the hotel's bar. The cocktail is a mix of gin, orange juice, and a dash of vermouth. History riddled with drama The hotel's story begins in 1897 when cousins William Waldorf Astor and John Jacob Astor IV built two separate hotels on Fifth Avenue. The cousins turned their mansions into hotels during a bitter feud to one-up each other. A cruel twist came in 1929 when they were forced to demolish their hotels for construction of the Empire State Building. They then made a deal to combine the Waldorf and the Astoria into one hotel, moving the location to Park Avenue. The grand opening came two years later when the Waldorf Astoria debuted as a 47-story skyscraper with a coveted Grand Ballroom that saw Frank Sinatra perform and Albert Einstein speak. In 1977, Conrad Hilton achieved his dream of acquiring the property, but sold it to Chinese firm Anbang Insurance Group in 2014 for a whopping $1.95 billion in 2014. Historic figures have graced the iconic hotel, including Queen Elizabeth, seen here arriving for a dinner The Waldorf Astoria opened its doors in 1931 after moving locations to make way for the Empire State Building Over a decade later, the sale remains the most expensive hotel sale in history. In 2017, the insurance group began renovations. However, just two years later, the firm's chairman, Wu Xiaohui, was sentenced to 18 years in prison for fundraising fraud and embezzlement by the Chinese government. Anbang declared bankruptcy, and the Waldorf Astoria was acquired by another Chinese firm called Dajia Insurance Group. The legal woes further delayed the hotel's current renovations, and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 pushed it back even further. A new era With a rich history of scandal, art, culture, and wealth, the Waldorf Astoria has now entered a new era. The renovation was overseen by architects from Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, one of the leading architecture firms in the country. The team told the New York Times that they spent years sifting through archival photos to create new designs that rang true to the hotel's origin. Chef Michael Anthony, who previously won a Michelin Star at New York's Gramercy Tavern, is spearheading the cuisine at the Waldorf Astoria's Lex Yard restaurant. The hotel's ballroom has served as a staple of culture over multiple decades, with greats like Frank Sinatra having performed. A 1934 file photo is seen above The Waldorf Astoria has consistently been at the forefront of cocktail innovation, with drinks such as the Rob Roy cocktail and Bronx Cocktail originating there. Pictured a bartender makes a Rob Roy at the hotel on Wednesday The hotel also features a massive 30,000 square foot spa with a sprawling fitness center. The brand is staying true to its ballroom roots, reimagining the Grand Ballroom to accommodate new technology. The bordering rooms have undergone renovations to make them soundproof, so guests can still rent them out during events. A gaudy crystal chandelier that used to be the centerpiece of the ballroom has been removed and replaced with a modern lighting system. Frank Mahan, a principal architect with SOM, told the Times that the lighting of the ballroom, 'never quite worked the way it was intended'. The chandelier's harsh lighting damaged the paneling and metalwork of the ballroom, but now light comes through from coves in the ceiling. The hotel's third floor features a stunning hallway called the Silver Corridor, connecting the Grand Ballroom, the Astor Room, and the Basildon Room. The hallway's grandiose chandeliers light up the jaw-dropping murals on the ceiling, painted by Edward Emerson Simmons. The Lex Yard restaurant (pictured) is the flagship dining experience at the Waldorf Astoria Michelin Star Chef Michael Anthony (pictured) is taking over the hotel's Lex Yard restaurant Guests are also promised ultimate comfort in their rooms, which feature dressing areas and private bar areas. The Waldorf Astoria is officially open for guests and has rooms available starting at a whopping $1,500 a night. Europe's best holiday city has been revealed, with voters praising the idyllic location for its incredible views, budget-friendly pizza and affordable flights from the UK. In a new survey conducted by luxury magazine Travel + Leisure, readers cast votes for their favourite city worldwide, with the Italian hotspot of Florence taking the crown as Europe's most loved. Frequented by between 10 and 16million holidaymakers each year, sunseekers eagerly flock to the Tuscan city due to its rich Renaissance art and architecture, walkable city center and delicious food. Described by Travel + Leisure as a 'must-see' thanks to its 'artistic treasures', 'superlative shopping' and 'wide selection of hotels', Florence, often known simply as 'The Beautiful', gained an overall reader score of 90.08. Taking the top spot in Europe and 11th in the world, Florence even beat the popular European cities of Seville, Spain, Instanbul, Turkey and fellow Italian city of Rome. Once named by SerSace as 'the most beautiful city in the world', travellers seeking a romantic European getaway are in luck due to its historical charm and picturesque scenery. Visitors can gaze at some of the world's most gorgeous architecture, including the Duomo cathedral, which even contains its own piazza. Meanwhile, the Pagliazza Tower, which dates back to the sixth or seventh century, is one of Europe's most captivating squares. In a new survey conducted by luxury travel magazine Travel + Leisure, readers cast a vote for their favourite city worldwide, with the Italian hotspot of Florence (pictured) taking the crown as Europe's most loved, gaining an overall reader score of 90.08 Florence is frequented by between 10 and 16million holidaymakers each year, with sunseekers eagerly flocking to the Tuscan city due to its rich Renaissance art and architecture, walkable city center and delicious food Once named by SerSace as 'the most beautiful city in the world', travellers seeking a romantic European getaway are in luck due to its historical charm and picturesque scenery For those looking to further indulge themselves in the Tuscan culture, the city is also home to some of the world's most iconic and historic artwork, including pieces by Michelangelo, Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci. The Galleria dell Accademia di Firenze, the location of Michelangelo's David, is a five-metre-high marble sculpture that serves as one the world's most famous artistic masterpieces. From the gallery, it is just a seven minute stroll to the city's 1200's cathedral, a major feature of Florence's skyline. The city's iconic medieval bridge - Ponte Vecchio, is one of Florence's most visited attractions. It was the only bridge in Florence to survive WWII and is famed for the shops that line its sides. Food lovers will also be surprised by how easily tourists can get their hands on a slice of authentic Italian pizza for just 1.30, while pasta dishes can also be enjoyed for a mere 5. Famous for its gelato, signature local deliacies include the negroni cocktail and ribollita soup. Just last week, Florence was named the world's most walkable city due to its compact layout and pedestrian-friendly streets. Research undertaken by financial website Insider Monkey saw Florence race to the top spot, surpassing locations such as Madrid, Porto and Hamburg. The Galleria dell Accademia di Firenze, the location of Michelangelo's David, (pictured) is a five-metre-high marble sculpture that serves as one the world's most famous artistic masterpieces The city's iconic medieval bridge - Ponte Vecchio (pictured), is one of Florence's most visited attractions. It was the only bridge in Florence to survive WWII and is famed for the shops that line its sides Food lovers will also be surprised by how easily tourists can get their hands on a slice of authentic Italian pizza for just 1.30, while pasta dishes can also be enjoyed for a mere 5. Flights from the UK run daily and from 44 return prices, with a flight time of just two hours With high praise awarded for its 'history and timeless architecture', the city was said to be explorable within just a two-hour window, as its hidden gems are easily accessible by foot. The study also spoke favourably about the city's good air quality and safety levels. Accessing the charming city from the UK could also not be easier, with daily flights from London's Heathrow Airport to Florence-Peretola Airport launching in 2023. With a flight time of just two hours and return fares starting from 44, there are up to 69 flights from the UK running a week, according to Skyscanner. Indeed, for those based outside of the capital, several other UK airports also offer direct routes to the nearby Italian city of Pisa, just an hour's train ride away. It is even possible to get to Florence by train from the UK. Simply hop on the Eurostar to Paris before making a change to Milan and then catching a final train to Florence. Hotel rooms may look sparkling clean when you first arrive but surprising levels of bacteria and viruses can be lurking in overlooked places. Beyond the usual suspects like sinks and toilets, common 'touchpoints' such as remotes and light switches are also crawling with germs, studies say. University of Houston research found hotel rooms had up to 10 times more bacteria including fecal strains than are allowed in hospitals. One reason? Hotel staff often spend just 30 minutes cleaning each room, and some decorative items may be skipped entirely, according to Enza Laterrenia, head of housekeeping at Canne Bianche Lifestyle Hotel in Italy. Here's where the germs are hiding and what experts say you should do as soon as you check in. 1. Decorative items 'Having worked in hotels, the first thing I fling off to a far corner of the room are decorative pillows and any decorative runner that goes along the foot of the bed,' Maria Diego, a San Diego-based travel adviser, told Travel & Leisure. 'These never get washed.' Duvet covers can also be a hotspot. 'Most hotels do not wash the big duvet. They only wash the sheets,' a former hotel staffer wrote on Reddit last year. Experts warn decorative pillows and bed runners are rarely - if ever - washed between guests Maria Diego, a San Diego-based travel adviser, says the first thing she does upon entering a hotel room is toss the decorative pillows and bed runner into a corner - because 'these never get washed' 2. High-touch surfaces Diego said she's cautious around remotes, light switches, phones, and other commonly used surfaces. Rani Cheema, a Los Angeles travel adviser, singled out the room phone: 'I am grossed out by the receiver,' she said. 'No one's cleaning that.' Carpets are another offender. According to Cheema, many high-end hotels are now replacing them with hard floors or area rugs for hygiene reasons. 3. Bathtubs Studies have shown that hotel bathrooms can be dirtier than airplane lavatories particularly the countertops. But the bathtub is even worse. A 2023 investigation by WaterFilterGuru.com found that tubs can harbor up to 40 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. 'I also won't take a bath in a hotel unless it's a super-luxe five-star hotel, and only if it's a non-jet bathtub,' Diego said. Jetted tubs, experts warn, can be difficult to disinfect and may house hidden bacteria. Hotel bathtubs can harbor up to 40 times more bacteria than a toilet seat, researchers found 4. Hard-to-reach and overlooked spots Curtain rods, ceiling fans, showerheads and bedside lamps are often missed during cleanings, Laterrenia said. 'When I enter a room and notice a dusty charging port next to the bed or a bedside lamp caked in residue, that tells me the basics may have been done, but the details were missed,' Lori Carter told Fox News Digital. 5. Glasses and ice buckets Glassware may not always be replaced between guests. In some cases, housekeeping has been found simply wiping them down. 'Personally, I never use mugs or glasses in the room without rinsing them out first,' Carter said. 'I usually boil water in the kettle and give each item a thorough rinse.' 'It's not about fear, it's about good habits,' she added. And the ice bucket? That could be the next breeding ground. During one norovirus outbreak at a hotel, guests vomited in ice buckets, helping the illness spread, Brian Labus, an associate professor of epidemiology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, told Travel & Leisure last year. Experts advise rinsing hotel glasses and avoiding ice buckets without liners one outbreak was traced to guests vomiting in them Experts recommend only using buckets with liners or bringing your own cooler and drinkware if you're worried. If anything seems off, Carter added, don't hesitate to alert the front desk. 'The staff can have the room cleaned again or move you to another room,' she said. The life and work of the glamorous Hollywood megastar Year: 2025 Certificate: 15 Watch now on NOW Watch now on Sky Raquel Welch was a huge star, and it's hard to explain just how big in today's fractured media landscape. 'You take Beyonce, J-Lo, Scarlett Johansson, roll them up into one... she was that big,' says one contributor to a documentary that frames Welch as one of the last big stars to come out of the old studio system. The profile isn't of the same quality as an HBO star treatment (see Faye, on Faye Dunaway, for comparison) but Welch is such a fascinating subject that even a middling profile is pretty compelling. It delivers several good glimpses beneath her glamorous surface, too. The publicity shot for One Million Years BC was a big part of what sent her fame global but, amusingly, that fur bikini wasn't Welch's choice - she would have preferred a one-piece. And, as much as she was known for her body, people didn't always pay attention to what she actually did with it. Welch was a female action hero way ahead of her time in such westerns as Hannie Caulder and 100 Rifles. In the latter, she also delivered a daring bi-racial sex scene while, in the 1970 film Myra Breckinridge - she played a trans woman. Throughout this feature-length profile, friends and co-stars such as Gina Gershon, Michael Gross and particularly Dyan Cannon do a good job of fleshing out her story, as do family members such as her son and stepson. Still, it's a shame Welch, who died in 2023, isn't around to give us her own take in full - the archive interviews only get you so far... (86 minutes) Back in 2004, Julia Roberts caused a stir when she named Bollywood icon Aishwarya Rai 'the worlds most beautiful woman'a bold statement that helped cement Rais global status as more than just a movie star. At the time, Rai was already dominating Indian cinema with 24 films under her belt. Roberts' comment came as Rai was generating international buzz for her breakout role in Bride and Prejudice, a vibrant Bollywood-style adaptation of Pride and Prejudice that introduced her to Western audiences. And that wasnt her first Austen moment eithershed previously wowed critics with her performance in Kandukondain Kandukondain, a retelling of Sense and Sensibility, earning rave reviews. Rais rise to stardom began long before Hollywood, when she was crowned Miss India in 1994 and went on to win the Miss World pageant. Two decades later, shes still turning headsRai, now 51, recently made a stunning return to the global stage, commanding the 2025 Cannes Film Festival red carpet with two unforgettable looks. Back in 2004, Julia Roberts caused a stir when she named Bollywood icon Aishwarya Rai 'the worlds most beautiful woman'a bold statement that helped cement Rais global status as more than just a movie star; (Aishwarya Rai in 1995) Aishwarya played Lalita Bakshi in 2004's Bride and Prejudice On day one, she dazzled in an ivory Manish Malhotra saree featuring intricate silver zari and rose gold embroidery. She followed it up with a dramatic black Gaurav Gupta gown complete with a sweeping capeproving shes still a red carpet force. Despite the fanfare and iconic praise from Roberts, Rai has always remained grounded about her appearance. 'I am really OK with the way I look, it's fine,' she told CBS in 2004. 'All this is transient. I mean, it's really, you know, it changes with time, and that's the external.' In the same interview, Rai revealed that acting was never part of her original plan. Raised in a strict, middle-class household by a merchant marine father and a writer mother, she had her sights set on a very different path. A straight-A student, she was on track to become an architectuntil the Miss World pageant came along and changed everything. Roberts' comment came as Rai was generating international buzz for her breakout role in Bride and Prejudice; (Aishwarya Rai in 2002) Rais rise to stardom began long before Hollywood, when she was crowned Miss India in 1994 and went on to win the Miss World pageant, instantly cementing her status as one of the most breathtaking women in the world Rai said she only entered the competition because she hoped to shift global perceptions of India. 'For me, it went beyond being a beauty queen,' she explained. 'For me, it was about being the 20-year-old girl from India on [an] international platform and a lot of people actually would assume that I wasn't even educated in India because of the way I'd speak. 'And they'd be like, "Have you studied in India? Do you actually speak English out there?" and, I was like, "This is so interesting that so many people know so little about my country." 'And this is exactly what I wanted to do when I set out on this little mission in my head.' Before settling down, Aishwarya Rais love life drew intense media attention. She began dating Salman Khan in 1999, but their tumultuous relationship ended in 2002. She then had a brief romance with actor Vivek Oberoi, which fizzled out by 2005. Two decades later, shes still turning headsRai recently made a stunning return to the global stage, commanding the 2025 Cannes Film Festival red carpet with two unforgettable looks On day one, she dazzled in an ivory Manish Malhotra saree featuring intricate silver zari and rose gold embroidery, then followed it up with a dramatic black Gaurav Gupta gown complete with a sweeping capeproving shes still a red carpet force Aishwarya Rai pictured with family in April Aishwarya walks the runway at Paris Fashion Week 2023 Actor Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya and their daughter Aaradhya pose in 2019 Julia Roberts sparked a buzz in 2004 when she crowned Bollywood icon Aishwarya Rai 'the worlds most beautiful woman' (seen in 2025) Despite the headlines, Rai remained focused on her career and kept her personal life mostly private. That changed when sparks flew with Abhishek Bachchan on the set of Dhoom 2and this time, the love stuck. The couple went public with their engagement in January 2007 and tied the knot just a few months later in a lavish ceremony. Their fairytale continued with the birth of their daughter, Aaradhya, on November 16, 2011instantly making her one of the most famous celebrity kids in India. Strictly Come Dancing star Craig Revel Horwood admits he's been forced to 'mellow' his judging style by woke BBC bosses over fears of upsetting contestants. Craig, 60, who's the longest serving judge after 21 years on the panel, has always been the harshest critic but now he ensures every negative comment is followed with a positive to 'encourage' the celebrity cast. The scaling back of his onscreen persona comes after a 'change of dynamic' on the show which in recent years has seen professional dancers Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice leave the lineup over accusations of bullying. In an exclusive interview with MailOnline, the choreographer says that in today's mainstream culture, he would likely be cancelled for the same deadpan insults he remarked two decades ago. According to Craig, finding the right balance as a man on television can be difficult because comments are often 'misconstrued' and 'taken out of context', especially with Strictly, which is broadcast live on the BBC. This month alone, TV chef Gregg Wallace, 60, was sacked from MasterChef after 45 of 83 allegations made against him including one of unwelcome physical contact were upheld and co-host John Torode, 59, was also axed for using racist language. Strictly Come Dancing star Craig Revel Horwood admits he's been forced to 'mellow' his judging style by woke BBC bosses over fears of upsetting contestants Craig, who's the longest serving judge after 21 years on the panel, has always been the harshest critic but now he ensures every negative comment is followed with a positive The scaling back of his onscreen persona comes after a 'change of dynamic' on the show which in recent years has seen Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice leave the lineup Craig said: 'I have found myself mellowing slightly, especially with the change of dynamic... when you consider what I used to say, I would never be able to say those sorts of things now. 'Back 21 years ago I could be more direct but now what I do is be honest and upfront with the contestants about their routine like I am with anything, I am honest, and with Strictly I am honest but then I will try tag a positive onto the end of it. 'I generally do one point now where it's a negative and a point that's positive just to help them build and grow and give them more confidence.' Craig, who's previously admitted comedians tend to react worst to negative feedback, unlike like sportspeople that thrive on his critic, is adamant he doesn't ramp up his insults for ego's sake and has the competitors' best interests at heart when he's dishing out advice. He added: 'As long as I am honest and not being harsh for effect and telling the truth about the dance then no one can really go against that. 'You will only be cancelled if you're being untoward in that way or doing it for effect or your own personal gain but that isn't my case and never will be. 'Some people don't always agree with what I say, and they get swayed by their own opinion but that's not based on any dance qualifications.' The 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing is already in full swing as the show's pros have begun rehearsals and their celebrity partners are quietly being signed up. The 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing is already in full swing as the show's pros have begun rehearsals and their celebrity partners are quietly being signed up Craig has been a judge on the Strictly panel, which now includes Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke, since the show launched in 2004 The judge says he has he and former Strictly contestant Pete Wicks have become close friends after the ex-TOWIE star competed on the show last year And there's a real reality feel to this year's line-up, with ex-Love Island star Dani Dyer, I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! winner Vicky Pattison and Married At First Sight UK relationship guru Paul C Brunson all reportedly on board. Their involvement confirms a significant change intact from bosses in regard to talent, as historically reality stars were banned from the show until recent years. But Craig is all for the change and he thinks they'll benefit the show by bringing in a younger audience, just like YouTubers and TikTok stars. The Aussie explained: 'It's a good thing we're having more reality stars because the Love Island crowd brings in a new audience. 'If you take Joe Sugg as an example, when he was on the show not many people who are the Strictly Come Dancing demographic audience would know who he is because they're not on YouTube, but he proved to be completely popular and you can understand why he has so many followers and that brings the audience to the show, it's constantly growing in audience numbers and online numbers. 'On Strictly, you get to know the person, rather than what they present to the public, you see them challenged, which is the joy of the show. 'If you didn't know someone like Pete Wicks, you have certainly fallen in love with him and start to follow him and his podcast. He has become a really good friend of mine because of that, I don't make friends with everyone, but he came to see my show at the Union Chapel in Islington, and he loved it. 'I fell in love with Pete through the show and thought he was a great contestant and I look forward this year to meeting more people like that.' Love Island winner Dani Dyer is reportedly taking part in the upcoming series of Strictly, which begins in September, as Craig welcomes more former reality stars to join the lineup Geordie Shore's Vicky Pattison is also said to be performing on Strictly this year after previously winning I'm A Celeb The new series will be Craig's 23rd and only himself and host Tess Daly, 56, remain from the show's debut series back in 2004. Asked his secret to his longevity, the judge said: 'To have a long-lasting career on television you have to be honest, be yourself and not only that but always be current. 'You need to keep up with the times and embrace languages because of course over the past 20 years language has changed with text messaging, every year there's a new trend, you have to keep up with the kids. 'I have to talk on Strictly, I'm not up there demonstrating as a teacher, there's no script, so you have to react to what you see. If you react honestly to what you see, then that's the best part.' And following the overnight demise of his fellow BBC stars, Gregg and John, does Craig have any sympathy for those who have been the subject of cancel culture, which also includes Wynne Evans, who competed on the show last year. Craig said: 'It is difficult for anyone on television because you are in the public eye and whatever you say can be misconstrued in several different ways and it can be taken out of context quite often. 'It is important to think about what you are saying and remember that you are standing on a platform that is public, it's really important to treat people with kindness and respect, if you go against that then be it on your head.' Craig has teamed up with Fox's Fabulous Chocolatey biscuits as they bring the first Dubai style pistachio cream filled sweet treat to UK supermarkets The range, which is available in Tesco stores nationwide for six months before launching into all major food stores, hopes to bring the luxuriousness of the viral Dubai chocolate to the UK The dancer stars in a new video to promote the biscuits, where with one bite of the 2.65 treat, he is transported from rainy England to the Middle East Craig, who's typically hard to please, has given his seal of approval, saying he loves the Dubai-inspired chocolates, which are perfect with a cup of tea Craig has teamed up with Fox's Fabulous Chocolatey biscuits as they bring the first Dubai style pistachio cream filled sweet treat to UK supermarkets. The new range, which is available exclusively in Tesco stores nationwide for six months before launching into all major food stores, hopes to bring the luxuriousness of the viral Dubai chocolate to the UK at an affordable price. And Craig, who's known for being hard to please, has tried and tested the chocolatey biscuit and given his seal of approval, saying: 'As a luxury or with a cup of tea they are absolutely delicious.' The dancer stars in a new video to promote the biscuits, where with one bite of the 2.65 treat, he is transported to the Middle East. Craig said: 'Fox's Fabulous Chocolatey are going to make a killing because the biscuits are only 2.65, and you get the same experience or even better than the Dubai chocolate. Obviously from TikTok there has been an explosion of Dubai chocolate but who can actually afford it?' Speaking about shooting the video, Craig said: 'The campaign is fun because once you have a taste of the chocolate it takes you to a dream state in Dubai where you think that's where you are but in reality, you're sitting in rain with wet washing out and I was sat in a children's pool rather than a hotel one.' Craig, whose family recently visited the UK from Australia to celebrate his milestone 60th birthday, said his mother joined him on the Fox's Chocolatey photoshoot, and also enjoyed tasting the biscuits. He added: 'I bought my mum, and we had such a laugh. We were pretending we were in Dubai, lounging by the pools and eating gorgeous chocolate biscuits. My mum loved them and she's very fussy about chocolate biscuits, so it was a good temperature to know whether they were good or not, but she had at least three of them!' She was the face of the late noughties, continually pictured at the most exclusive fashion parties with her posse, which included other high profile names such as Kelly Osbourne, Peaches Geldof and Kimberly Stewart. Her wild ways were well documented in the tabloids and she even earned the reputation as the 'next Kate Moss' thanks to her effortlessly glamorous party hard lifestyle, which mirrored the supermodel's memorable 90s era. However, Agyness Deyn now lives a much quieter life away from the spotlight after officially quitting her successful modelling career in 2012, aside from select appearances to focus on acting and design. The now 42-year-old, who was British heritage brand Burberry's muse in the late noughties, previously admitted she walked away from the modelling industry 'when things were good'. Agyness has since appeared on the runway a handful of times, with notable appearances in 2019 and 2023 for House Of Holland and Burberry respectively. Aside from her ventures into other career paths, Agyness has also been busy raising her young family with husband Joel McAndrew. The pair share three children. Agyness Deyn, 42, and her husband Joel McAndrew looked every inch the doting parents as they enjoyed a rare public outing on Tuesday It is clear the couple are focused on family life as they seemed besotted by their young tot, away from the spotlight The model, who was British heritage brand Burberry's muse in the late noughties, previously admitted she walked away from the modelling industry 'when things were good' (pictured in 2007) The couple were spotted looked every inch the doting parents as they enjoyed a rare public outing on Tuesday with their newest addition, who they welcomed earlier this year. It is clear the couple are focused on family life as they seemed besotted by their young tot as they couldn't stop smiling. Agyness was spotted pushing the pram along, while Joel carried the baby inside a restaurant in London's trendy Primrose Hill. The former model cut a casual figure in a baggy white T-shirt and black trousers, with a sweatshirt wrapped around her shoulders. They were accompanied by her friend, the British musician and composer Antony Genn, who appeared delighted to meet her new bundle of joy. Agyness, real name Laura Michelle Hollins, married Joel in 2016 and said at the time: 'I get to marry my best friend today.' She was previously married to Friends actor Giovanni Ribisi, 44, from June 2012, but it was all over by November 2015. The pair divided their five Los Angeles homes and vehicles between them as they finalised their divorce last year. Agyness now lives a much quieter life away from the spotlight after officially quitting her successful modelling career in 2012, aside from select appearances to focus on acting and design Agyness pushed the pram along, while Joel carried the baby inside the restaurant at Primrose Hill The former model cut a casual figure in a baggy white T-shirt and black trousers, with a sweatshirt wrapped around her shoulders She was the face of the late noughties, continually pictured at the most exclusive fashion parties with her posse, which included other high profile names such as Kelly Osbourne (pictured in 2008), Peaches Geldof and Kimberly Stewart Her wild ways were well documented in the tabloids and she even earned the reputation as the 'next Kate Moss ' thanks to her effortlessly glamorous party hard lifestyle, which mirrored the supermodel's memorable 90s era (pictured in 2009) Agyness has since appeared on the runway a handful of times, with notable appearances in 2019 and 2023 for House Of Holland and Burberry respectively (pictured in 2024) TMZ reported that while the couple don't have any children and neither is getting spousal support, the pair had come to an agreement about their assets The site claimed that Giovanni would keep two of their homes, while she would get three. Agyness fronted campaigns for the likes of Burberry, Doc Martens, and Mulberry, but at 29-years-old she decided to call time on her modelling career. The British beauty confirmed in 2012 she has 'officially' stopped modelling in favour of pursuing her love of acting because she has grown disenchanted with the fashion industry over time. She said: 'I suppose I have stopped modelling officially. I've not done any for a good long while now. I think it was about four years ago when my feeling were changing towards the industry. 'I didn't hate it, but I was yearning to do something different. I was on a gradient. I was something different.' In 2019, she made a shock return to modelling as she walked the runway for Burberry alongside Kendall Jenner and Bella and Gigi Hadid for LFW. The star's acting career began in 2010 when she played Aphrodite in Clash of the Titans. In 2011 she appeared as a warrior in Woodkid's debut music video. Aside from her ventures into other career paths, Agyness has also been busy raising her young family with husband Joel Joel also opted for a white T-shirt and black trousers The former model cut a casual figure in a baggy white T-shirt and black trousers, with a sweatshirt wrapped around her shoulders They were accompanied by her friend, the British musician and composer Antony Genn, who appeared delighted to meet her new bundle of joy Agyness, real name Laura Michelle Hollins, married Joel in 2016 and said at the time: 'I get to marry my best friend today' Agyness now enjoys a more private and low-key life, with only 10k followers on Instagram Following on from the success of Pusher, she made her West End stage debut as Paula in Francois Archambault's comedy, The Leisure Society, for which she received rave reviews. In 2015, she starred in the fantasy-horror thriller film Patient Zero. In 2018, Agyness appeared in the Netflix original movie The Titan as Dr. Freya and starred in Alex Ross Perry's Her Smell as Marielle Hell, bassist for the fictional band Something She. Agyness now enjoys a more private and low-key life, with only 10k followers on Instagram. Ioan Gruffudd was the very picture of paternal joy and delight this week, as he climbed the steps of the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Los Angeles, his new wife Bianca Gruffudd, nee Wallace pregnant stomach proudly on display at his side. True, he wasn't exactly fizzing with joy, as he had been two days earlier, at the premiere of the Fantastic Four film again with Bianca where the two kissed for the cameras, he protectively cradling her bump. Yet there were plenty of smiles in court. The couple were even heard laughing with his legal team, as they prepared to face his ex-wife, Alice Evans. Not so Alice, meanwhile. She arrived alone and unsmiling, dressed from head to toe in black. Asked, how she was feeling, she answered: 'About how you would expect,' before hurrying inside. It's not the first time the former couple have faced each other before a judge since their acrimonious split four years ago. There were some hopes, however, that this week's hearing might finally resolve their ongoing financial wrangle, which, according to Alice, has left her and their two daughters, Ella, 15, and Elsie, 11, effectively destitute and homeless a point her former husband strongly disputes. Ioan, 51, meanwhile is also seeking to make permanent a restraining order, put in place against Alice in 2022 following a deluge of abusive texts and social media posts, meaning they will never see or contact each other ever again. Ioan Gruffudd cradles Bianca Gruffudd's baby bump earlier this week The couple arrive at court regarding a child support case with his ex-wife, Alice Evans Alice showed up to court alone and unsmiling Once settled, the case will hopefully see a much-needed ceasefire in one of the nastiest divorce battles in recent times. But, as sources point out, the fallout especially for the two girls will never be over. As one said: 'If the order is granted there will never be a chance for the girls to heal or for there to be a blended family with the new baby. It is extremely sad. It hurts everyone, including the children.' It will mean that Ioan and Alice will never be able to attend a graduation ceremony, wedding, baptism or God forbid an emergency room, together with their daughters. So who is the winner here? It's been four-and-a-half years since the once-golden couple, who met on the set of the film 102 Dalmatians, split up, and two years since they were legally divorced. The marital home has been sold. Alice, 56, has full custody of the children and the three of them are living in distinctly more modest circumstances in the suburb of Encino in the San Fernando Valley. Ioan and Bianca, 32, met in 2021 when he was still married to Alice and she was an extra on his TV crime drama Harrow, which was filmed in her native Australia. Now living in Los Angeles, they married in April and their baby is due early next year. No one knows what Ella and Elsie think about the impending arrival of a new half sister or brother: their estrangement from their father is complete. They never see him, and haven't for some time. Meanwhile, all sides are pleading poverty, with Alice saying that it is simply not possible to make ends meet on the existing payments from Ioan, which comprises $3,000 per month in child support and $1,500 a month in spousal support. In a written statement to court, backed by documentation, she says she owes money to utility companies, and defaulted on the $6,500-a-month rent at their previous apartment in Beverly Hills, which led to her eviction. She also owes $35,000 to her lawyer. He is seeking to reduce the payments and says that it isn't possible to find more or better-paid work. The irony of the legal fight is that it is costing them both money which they say that they don't have. A full five-day trial will cost at least $50,000 in legal fees. This week's court outing will have cost a further $5,000 to $10,000. Ioan has also contended in legal papers that he wants to make the three-year restraining order, which he was granted in August 2022, last a lifetime. It says that Alice must stay away from him and Bianca, and bans her from speaking about them, including in interviews or on social media. It was granted after Alice sent hundreds of abusive text messages and emails. One observed: 'Some vixen has your nuts between her veneers.' In a legal filing last year Alice wrote of her regrets at the behaviour, and said that she had not contacted him in years. She wrote: 'I understand why the court issued the DVRO (restraining order), and I wish I had never sent the messages or published the social media posts. 'I was acting out of emotional anguish caused by the unexpected end of our marriage and Ioan's rather quick public announcement of a new romantic relationship on social media, which our eldest daughter discovered via an Instagram post.' But when asked how many times he believed the order has been breached by his ex since it was filed Ioan indicated: 'Approximately 5,000 times.' That would amount to an average of 138 times a month, or four times a day. Alice denies that this is the case. Both sides say that they can prove that they are telling the truth. Ioan believes that his ex-wife has been harassing him mostly through anonymous Twitter accounts but also claims she has physically stalked him. She hit back: 'There is absolutely no evidence of stalking... I have no idea where he and his wife live, nor do I have any interest in stalking them. This is plainly ridiculous.' She also denies Ioan's contention that she has made herself homeless in June in order to make him look bad, which she says is simply absurd. Earlier this month documents filed by Ioan laid out a series of devastating text messages sent to him by his daughters as they faced eviction. In a text Ella tells him: 'Mummy works very hard and also looks after us 24/7. You left us and now you can't provide for us. 'You need to get a job daddy. Looking after your girlfriend is not a job. You are a father who has abandoned his children and doesn't see them or talk to them. You don't even send Christmas presents. It's pathetic and everyone sees you. 'Ps if there is enough money for us never to become homeless then why aren't you helping us out? You hate mummy more than you love us.' She also begged him to lend them the funds to allow them to put down a deposit on a new place to live. She writes: 'Hi dad we could really use some help with getting a place to live. We have found many we love under $4,000 but we don't have the credit score or enough to put down as security. Please can you think about helping us?' Ioan doesn't include his responses to the girls in the documents. In other texts, her younger sister Elsie becomes angry with her father, chiding him for 'trashing' Alice in other, unseen messages. Alice and Ioan met on the set of the film 102 Dalmatians in 2000 and got married in 2007 The couple had two daughters together, Ella, now 15, and Elsie, now 11 She writes: 'If you think me and Ella will ever come and live with you and Bianca you are ****ing crazy and everything you say about Mummy makes us both sick. She is the nicest kindest most beautiful person in the world and you just want to break her and us. I am disappointed in you.' She also says: 'How will you feel when you remember what you did to your children and their mum. All my friends are worried for us and trying to help us but not you.' Ioan says that the texts 'prove' that Alice is trying to manipulate him; she says that they do nothing of the sort and that it is 'absurd' to suggest that her claims of financial distress are anything other than genuine. She also insists the texts were written and sent by his children without her involvement. Adding fuel to the fire are the actions of a keyboard army. Existing mostly on Tattle Life, the notorious website known as a troll's paradise, there appear to be hundreds of people who have sent thousands of messages about the divorce, with over 300,000 posts about Alice Evans, all of them negative. Many of them amplify the narrative which suggests that Alice has been 'abusing' Ioan. And at this point, enter law blogger and defence attorney Andrea Burkhart, who is much quoted and loved by the Tattle Life site. One Tattler this week calls her 'our legal correspondent'. Ms Burkhart said on X that she flew to Los Angeles from her home in Washington state to attend court this week and take notes on the Alice-Ioan divorce. She routinely disparages Alice as 'Malice' and says that her financial distress is phoney. 'Alice just lies about her financial situation,' wrote Burkhart in 2024. Why she is so invested in this case is anyone's guess presumably her YouTube channel about various legal tussles makes money and this is one of a number of cases she follows. In October last year, Ms Burkhart turned up at a court hearing, and Alice apparently saw Burkhart in the court room, talking and laughing with Ioan. Incensed and alarmed, she used her mobile phone to take a picture of Burkhart, and was temporarily booted from the court. Meanwhile, as a side-effect of the restraining order, Alice isn't able to talk about the divorce or her husband on social media, or elsewhere. The irony that trolls are getting rich on her financial and emotional misery while she is gagged from speaking is a cruel one. Meanwhile the months roll on, the lawyers' bills get ever larger and the children grow up, estranged from their father. There was a ghastly incident in 2023 during a custody visit when Ella, now 15, first met her father's new girlfriend. She said that she hadn't wanted to meet Bianca, and Ioan said in court documents that Ella had reacted furiously to Bianca's presence and vandalised the apartment. The teen applied for a restraining order against her father which was not granted. Alice appeared to have indicated that she wants to move on and attain a state of peace with Ioan and Bianca. After they announced her pregnancy in May it was reported that she was 'fuming', but Alice quickly said this was not the case. Writing on Instagram, she said: 'I am not fuming. Why on earth would I be? As for those who sent me nasty messages or made nasty comments online please remember that a baby announcement is a beautiful thing that brings much happiness and you're sullying it with your hate. Shame on you. The baby deserves better.' Is peace in finally in sight? Sadly, at the hearing on Wednesday, the case was pushed back yet again, and is due for a full five-day hearing, probably towards the end of this year. The guns may have quietened, but the war goes on. Cheryl Burke is celebrating seven years of sobriety. The Dancing With The Stars pro, 41, marked the milestone with a powerful post about quitting alcohol on Thursday. In her candid message, Cheryl said she initially believed drinking provided her with 'confidence' - until one day she was unable to recognize her own reflection. The post contained various photos from her past when she did indulge in alcohol - before she gave it up for a life of 'peace', 'power', and more. '7 years ago, I thought sobriety would mean losing everything. The fun. The freedom. The fearless version of me I thought only showed up after a drink,' she wrote in the Instagram caption. 'But what I didnt realize back then Was that the escape I craved was really from myself. And the girl I ran from? She was the one waiting to save me. Cheryl Burke marked the milestone with a powerful post about quitting alcohol for a life of 'peace' and 'self-respect' The post contained various photos from her old life of drinking 'I used to believe alcohol gave me confidence, connection, and control. Turns out, it stole those things quietly day by day until I couldnt recognize my own reflection. 'Today, I no longer chase chaos dressed as fun. I no longer tolerate connections that require me to abandon myself. And I no longer mistake numbness for peace. 'What I thought Id miss in sobriety? Was never real to begin with. Ive gained Presence. Peace. Self-respect. 'And a relationship with my Higher Power that reminds me I was never walking alone not even in my darkest moments. 'God didnt take the pain away He held my hand through it and gave me the strength to rise. 'If youre reading this and wondering if its possible I promise you, it is. Theres a whole world on the other side of rock bottom. And its so much more beautiful than I ever imagined. 'Heres to 7 years sober. Heres to choosing clarity, wholeness, and me. One day, one hour, one minute at a time.' In the photos, Cheryl delved further into her decision to cut out alcohol completely, saying she believed it would 'numb everything - the pain, the pressure, the pretending.' Cheryl said she once thought drinking made her a more 'magnetic' and 'lovable' person to be around She used alcohol in order to 'numb' the 'pain' and 'pretending' She assured those struggling with addiction that sobriety is 'beautiful' Burke candidly reflected on her old life in the powerful post 'Addiction wasn't freedom. It was a cage dressed up like a good time,' she also noted, before assuring those struggling that it sobriety indeed a 'beautiful' thing. Cheryl became sober in 2018, during her engagement to her now ex-husband Matthew Lawrence. 'It was just a decision that I made for myself,' she previously said on the Lady Gang podcast, explaining she realized she was 'done' with drinking during their engagement party. Cheryl also described how her late father, who also struggled with alcoholism, factored into her decision to quit drinking. The dancer's father Stephen Louis Burke died shortly before she announced her engagement to Matt. 'My dad was an alcoholic,' she said. 'So either I was gonna crash and burn and check myself into rehab or I was gonna just quit cold turkey.' She expanded on this in a 2020 interview with Extra, saying: 'My father had passed away during that time... It was almost like a promise to myself. I was also getting engaged, I was engaged, sorry, and I was about to get married...For me, my dad was a former alcoholic, so it was either, I was going to crash and burn, or I was going to stop cold turkey.' She feared missing out on being 'the life of the party' by quitting drinking Now Cheryl has found 'peace' and 'power' in sobriety 'It became, like, an everyday thing, me drinking. It was like I needed to show myself, I guess, that this was not something that I depended on, especially after my dad's passing. 'It wasnt a hard thing for me to do, also my body just wasnt reacting well to it at all... 'Probably more like a subconscious thing than anything else.' Shelly Horton has opened up about her experience with menopause as she prepares to release a tell-all book about her ordeal. The Today Extra presenter, 51, has long been open about her struggle with perimenopause and admitted to Stellar this week that the condition 'broke' her. 'I'm living proof that you can go through dark times and come out. It broke me... but I rebuilt,' she said. Perimenopause typically affects women between 40 - 50 years old, and is the transitional phase before menopause where their hormone levels start to fluctuate, causing symptoms like irregular periods and mood changes. Shelly added she hadn't even heard of perimenopause until she found herself in hospital in 2020 to undergo an ablation a procedure to stop persistent bleeding. 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. Shelly Horton has opened up about her experience with menopause as she prepares to release a book about her ordeal Doctors at the time told her that she might have cancer, sending her for an ultrasound. When the test proved negative, doctors told her that she must be 'stressed' and to 'take up a hobby'. 'I drove home in tears, blaming myself, and didnt go and see another doctor for nine months,' she admitted. Shelly added that it was a consultation with friend and TV medico Dr Ginny Mansberg that helped her understand her experience and dispel her preconceived notions about menopause. 'I had that stereotype in my brain of grey-haired old ladies clutching their pearls and fanning themselves,' she said. 'I didnt understand that perimenopause can last 10 years... so, in fact, I was right in the average age group.' Shelly has since become an ardent spokesperson on the matter, sharing her experiences at the first parliamentary round table on menopause. It was a historic moment, as it was the first time menopause had been mentioned in the Australian Parliament. The Today Extra presenter has been open about her struggle with perimenopause, and admitted to Stellar this week that the condition 'broke' her 'I'm living proof that you can go through dark times and come out,' she said. 'Perimenopause broke me, but I rebuilt me'. Shelly is pictured with husband Darren Robinson What is perimenopause? Perimenopause means 'around menopause' and refers to the time during which a woman makes the natural transition to menopause, marking the end of the reproductive years Women start perimenopause at different ages They may notice signs of progression toward menopause, such as menstrual irregularity, sometime in your 40s. But some women notice changes as early as their mid-30s Source: mayoclinic Advertisement She is also set to release a book this week, I'm Your Peri Godmother, detailing her experiences, as part of a continued effort to de-stigmatise the issue that millions of women deal with. It comes after Shelly shared the shock and heartbreak she felt when her doctor told her she would need to have a hysterectomy due to severe bleeding and perimenopause symptoms. 'I'm shocked at how overwhelmed and teary I feel about it' she wrote in her column for Nine Honey in 2024. Shelly, who has been married to husband Darren Robinson for over a decade, added that while she has never wanted children, she has still felt some 'grief' over losing the reproductive organ. 'I'm proudly childfree by choice, so I am furious this organ that I haven't ever needed gives me so much misery,' she wrote. 'I've joked to friends I want to sell my uterus on eBay "One uterus. Never used. Still in box!" 'Yet, just as I laugh, I also feel a mix of anger, sadness and a sense of betrayal by my own body.' Shelly stressed that 'a uterus does not define a woman' and added her story is a 'call to action for all of us to redefine womanhood beyond biological functions.' Shelly is set to release a book this week, I'm Your Peri Godmother, detailing her experiences She has been open in the past about why she doesn't want to have children with her husband, and they are perfectly content to be raising a family that includes two dogs instead. But Shelly admitted she was rattled by an email from a troll which labelled Horton as an 'obese feminist' he would like to see 'get off TV'. The full email read: 'I'm so happy you don't have kids, now just to get you off TV would be the best Christmas gift any man could ask for. Obese feminist is nothing to be proud of.' 'Trolls don't normally worry me. I get messages like that a lot as do most women in the media,' she said the following day. 'But I've been working very long hours on some big new projects, so I was tired, he got under my skin. Thank you all for being my cheer squad... felt like a warm hug. Suck on that,' she added, referring to the email's author. Rebecca Judd has slammed former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews as she continues to rail against crime in her home state. The AFL WAG, 42, has been a flag-bearer for fighting Victoria's spiralling crime crisis and weak bail laws for several years. She appeared on Triple M's Friday Huddle this week and wasted no time in taking aim at the former Premier. Bec listened to Andrews' blunt response to her 2022 video, in which she first voiced her concerns about feeling 'unsafe'. Andrews shot down Judd's claims that not enough was being done to combat crime in her upmarket suburb of Brighton. 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. Bec Judd has slammed former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews as she continues to rail against crime in her home state 'I'm not interested in having an argument with Ms Judd,' he said at the time. 'I'm also obliged to point out though, I think there are more than 70 additional police in the Bayside area. The most recent crime statistics released by an independent agency would not support those sweeping assessments about patterns of crime.' After listening to the throwback clip, Judd slammed the former Premier as a 'liar'. 'Actually a pretty good actor isnt he?' she said. 'That was a flat out lie about the data and the extra police officers... a lie which has been proven. '[He is] probably the biggest liar Victoria has ever seen.' Judd added while she was initially trolled for her outspoken stance on Melbourne crime, Victorians have started to rally behind the influencer. 'There's a lot of: "how dare you have an opinion because you live in that suburb". I always get: "white privileged woman from Brighton", so therefore I'm not entitled to an opinion. 'There was a heck of a lot of trolling, just go and spend some more on private security and shut up.' She appeared on Triple Ms Friday Huddle this week and wasted no time in taking aim at the former Premier after listening again to his 2022 response to her claims of feeling unsafe 'Actually a pretty good actor isnt he?' she said. 'That was a flat out lie about the data and the extra police officers... a lie which has been proven. '[He is] probably the biggest liar Victoria has ever seen' She said that her continued efforts to highlight what she described as a 'huge problem' throughout the state have resulted in the trolls vanishing. 'All of a sudden the trolling has disappeared I would say 100 per cent of my DMs are now: "you were right, keep speaking up about it,"' she said. 'The support has been insane I don't think I get blowback from anyone now. I've had people apologise to me, I've had people say: "I was against you and now Im not". Even people who didnt like me for whatever reason. 'I feel like I've really banded Victorians together,' she said. 'The fact of the matter is we have a huge problem and this is killing our state.' It comes after Judd took aim at Andrews back in March, saying he could've saved lives if he fixed Melbourne's crime scourge while in power. She called Andrews 'the Dictator' in a social media post to her 750,000-plus Instagram followers after current Premier Jacinta Allan announced the government would implement harsher bail laws. 'Gee, this aged well,' Judd posted on Instagram with an accompanying image of a 2022 story in which she warned Melbourne has a crime crisis. 'All of a sudden the trolling has disappeared I would say 100 per cent of my DMs are now: "you were right, keep speaking up about it,"' she said 'Imagine the lives that could've been saved. Imagine the terror experienced by so many Victorians that could've been stopped if the Dictator had acted when I called this out. 'Today Jacinta Allan has announced the toughest bail laws in the country. Yes it is too late for so many but it is a start. 'And mark my words, if the government stuffs this up again, I will continue to let everyone know about it. 'I am a mum and proud Victorian who just wants my beloved Melbourne to go back to being the best city in the world where everybody feels safe to live their lives.' Gwyneth Paltrow has made an appearance on Astronomer's social media page, acting as their 'spokesperson' to answer questions after the company's 'affair' saga. Astronomer's CEO Andy Byron was caught canoodling with his Head of HR Kristin Cabot at a Coldplay concert on July 16 - causing a social media frenzy because of their embarrassed response to blowing up on the big screen. Chris Martin - who is Paltrow's ex-husband and father to her two children - called the couple out at the time for 'having an affair' because of their fraught reaction. Both Byron and Cabot quit their jobs at the tech company as a result of the scandal. The little-known tech company, which makes software to help other businesses' workflow, came into the stratosphere after the Coldplay moment with many not knowing what they do or that it existed. Now, Paltrow has made a cameo on Astronomer's LinkedIn page in a hilarious PR-crisis move by the company - which named her as a 'temporary spokesperson' - to change that. The actress, wearing a blue shirt with corporate music playing in the background, said: 'Thank you for your interest in Astronomer. Hi, I'm Gwyneth Paltrow. 'I've been hired on a very temporary basis to speak on behalf of the 300 plus employees at Astronomer. 'Astronomer has got a lot of questions in the last few days, and they wanted me to answer the most common ones.' Gwyneth Paltrow has made an appearance on Astronomer's social media page, acting as their 'spokesperson' to answer questions after the company's 'affair' saga Kristin Cabot and Astronomer CEO Andy Byron, who is also married, were caught red-handed on a kiss cam during a Coldplay concert in Boston, Massachusetts on July 16 - and called out by bewildered lead singer Chris Martin As the corporate music continued playing softly in the background, the cameo shifted to an on-screen question - supposedly highlighting one of the 'most common' inquiries the company has received in the wake of the scandal. 'Q: OMG! What the actual f**k' the text begins, abruptly cutting off just as Paltrow reappears on screen. The actress continues saying: 'Yes! Astronomer is the best place to run Apache Airflow.' She then seemingly leans into the irony of the moment, remarking, 'We've been thrilled to see so many people suddenly interested in data workflow automation.' With a knowing smile, she adds, 'As for the other questions we've received' just before the nearly one-minute clip cuts back to the on-screen questionnaire. 'Q: How is your social media team holding' the next query begins, before the screen pans back to The Talented Mr. Ripley star, who offers another comedic response. 'Yes! There is still space available at our Beyond Analytics event this September!' 'And now, we'll return to doing what we do best... delivering game-changing results for our customers. Thank you for your interest in Astronomer.' Paltrow seemingly leaned into the irony of the moment, remarking, 'We've been thrilled to see so many people suddenly interested in data workflow automation Social media users have largely shown support for the temporary hire's on-screen cameo, with several praising Astronomer's Chief Marketing Officer, Leo Zheng, for the bold and creative move One user even referenced the band that originally exposed the corporate couple, writing, 'And Astronomer proves it can see beyond a sky full of stars. Cold! Well played!' Social media users have largely shown support for the temporary hire's on-screen cameo, with several praising Astronomer's Chief Marketing Officer, Leo Zheng, for the bold and creative move. 'Absolutely brilliant, Leo Zheng and team - just brilliant,' one LinkedIn user commented. 'Phenomenal work, Leo Zheng,' wrote another. 'Leo Zheng: mic drop,' quipped a third. One user even referenced the band that originally exposed the corporate couple, writing, 'And Astronomer proves it can see beyond a sky full of stars. Cold! Well played!' 'Wait - wasn't she Chris Martin's ex-wife?' another joked, referencing the Coldplay frontman. Still, not all responses were without critique as some viewers questioned the campaign's clarity and tone. 'A clever way to reach your audience - unexpected, but memorable,' one commenter wrote. 'Though, to be honest, the question and answer felt like they were on entirely different airflows.' 'Wait - wasn't she Chris Martin's ex-wife?' another joked, referencing the Coldplay frontman Gwyneth and Chris Martin were married for over a decade - and share two children together. After Martin blew up the Astronomer couple's alleged affair, Gwyneth came to the company's rescue Still, not all responses were without critique as some viewers questioned the campaign's clarity and tone Astronomer's HR chief Kristin Cabot was seen for the first time since the kiss cam scandal that led to her resignation on Thursday. The software company confirmed the married 52-year-old stepped down from her role, just over a week after she was caught with the company's CEO at Boston's Gillette Stadium. 'Kristin Cabot is no longer with Astronomer - she's resigned,' a rep told TMZ. But the fallen HR head appeared more focused on the health of her plants than her marriage when she was spotted for the first time back at her $2.2million home on Wednesday. Exclusive Daily Mail photos show the now ex-Head of People alone and looking glum as she watered her flowers and shrubs on the lawn of her two-story, four-bedroom property in Rye, New Hampshire. She was pictured without her wedding ring, which she had been previously seen wearing in social media photos, but was notably absent during her now infamous concert appearance. The status of her marriage remains unknown, however, with her husband, Privateer Rum CEO Andrew Cabot, 60, an heir to the $15.4billion Cabot family fortune, nowhere to be seen at their home. Astronomer's replacement for Byron surprised many as he gushed over the viral infamy in his first statement since entering the hotseat this week. Pictured: Chris Martin of Coldplay Cabot was reported to have resigned from the company on Thursday, just a few days after Byron stepped down as CEO The billionaire businessman was reportedly on a work trip in Asia when the scandal erupted and returned on Saturday to find his family embroiled in the controversy. Kristin's now-deleted LinkedIn account showed that she has served as an 'advisory board member' at Privateer Rum since September 2020. Astronomer's replacement for Byron, interim CEO Pete DeJoy, surprised many as he gushed over the viral infamy in his first statement since entering the hotseat this week. He appeared to suggest he was thrilled by the Coldplay incident, and celebrated the fact Astronomer is now a household name thanks to the saga. He wrote: 'The spotlight has been unusual and surreal for our team and, while I would never have wished for it to happen like this, Astronomer is now a household name. 'I'm stepping into this role with a wholehearted commitment to taking care of our people and delivering for our customers. Astronomer's foundation remains strong, built around the thriving Apache Airflow community.' He added that the company 'won't let you down.' The backyard of Melissa and Joe Gorga's New Jersey shore house was battered by a tornado. The 46-year-old former Real Housewives of New Jersey personality took to Instagram on Friday to share footage of the violent weather tearing through her pool deck. A security camera caught the moment heavy wind and rain swept up her cabana and dropped it into the pool. 'A tornado just blasted through my Shore House. literally came through for one minute, Wrecked the joint and left,' she wrote in a caption to her nearly three million followers. Fellow New Jersey residents rushed to the comments, with Jersey Shore alum Snooki posting, 'Same. My backyard is destroyed. WTF was that?' Melissa's 19-year-old daughter Antonia was startled, writing, 'WHAT NO.' The backyard of Melissa Gorga's New Jersey shore house was battered by a tornado The 46-year-old former Real Housewives of New Jersey personality took to Instagram on Friday to share footage of the violent weather tearing through her pool deck And Mob Wives star Renee Graziano said she was 'praying everyone is safe.' Envy By MG, Melissa's clothing boutique added, 'Omgggggg!!! That is very very intense!' Others empathized with the star, with one person writing, 'Omg that's so sad.' The mother-of-three who shares Antonia, Gino, 17, and Joey, 15, with her husband didn't specify what day the inclement weather occurred. But on Tuesday NJ.com reported that a large waterspout was classified as a 'landspout tornado' due to it touching land. Earlier this week Melissa shared a family photo featuring her husband and their three kids. She captioned it, 'My fav summer nights Casual dinner with the fam.' Just weeks ago in late May the multihyphenate uploaded a video of her husband grilling on their pool deck as their kids and their friends bustled about. For comparison, Melissa included an image of the property on a sunny day Fellow New Jersey residents rushed to the comments, with Jersey Shore alum Snooki posting, 'Same. My backyard is destroyed. WTF was that?' Others empathized with the star, with one person writing, 'Omg that's so sad' One snarky follower quipped about Melissa's sister-in-law Teresa Giudice, 'Well that's Teresa for you' She reflected in the accompanying caption, 'Oh how things change- where are the swimmies and the big bows in the hair,' referencing her children's younger days. 'They have officially taken over Missy G's!! But I wouldn't change it for anything Love being able to talk to them about their lives AND I love that all three of them all have their friends here and they all hang out together,' the sentimental mom wrote. Melissa advised other parents, 'For all those with little ones, look forward to this stage too because it's a great one also!' And she ended the note, 'The one thing I won't let change is that we will all still eat breakfast together while listening to Lionel Richie radio.' Larry Emdur has revealed his next high-end purchase after going viral on social media. The beloved Channel Seven star took to Instagram last week to share a hilarious clip off the back of a rumoured romance with the Sunrise Cash Cow. The video showed Larry holding up a piece of paper that read: 'Just because I got kicked out of high school doesn't mean I'm stupid.' The Morning Show host had more to say with subsequent cards; however as he picked up each one, Larry neglected to bring it to the front of the pile, leaving only his first card visible. 'To all the haters and frootloopy fruitbats who looked at my last few posts and actually really truly thought I had an affair with the @sunriseon7 Cash Cow. How stupid do you think I am?? Heres my response,' he captioned the cheeky clip. 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. Larry Emdur has revealed his next high-end purchase after going viral on social media The post certainly resonated with friends and followers, racking up more than 28,000 likes. Responding to the reaction on Saturday, Larry revealed just how viral the post had gone, joking he may be about to swap the Seven studio for a swashbuckling life on the high seas. He shared a photo that showed a 30-foot-long pontoon boat that had been designed to look like a pirate ship. The unique item is currently for sale on Facebook Marketplace with the seller, who is based in Michigan, asking a princely AU$36,000 for it. Captioning the image, Larry revealed that his previous video had clocked up almost one million views since he posted on Monday. 'When my last post (that was outrageously stupid) hit 100k views I said to [my wife] Sylvie: "If that s*** post reaches 1 million views I'm going to buy this pirate ship",' Larry wrote. 'Ummmmm, better get my eye patch and hook ready.' Larry again proved his on-point social media game, with followers flooding the comments to praise his giggle-worthy posts. The video showed Larry holding up a piece of paper that read: 'Just because I got kicked out of high school doesn't mean I'm stupid.' He had more to say with subsequent cards, however as he picked up each one, Larry neglected to bring it to the front of the pile The post certainly resonated with friends and followers, racking up more than 28,000 likes. Responding to the reaction on Saturday, Larry revealed just how viral the post had gone, while revealing that he may be about to swap the Seven studio for a swashbuckling life on the high seas 'This is the best thing I've seen on the internet today,' one fan wrote. '@larryemdur pictures of you on your ship please and thanks. Eye patch optional.' Summing up the sentiment of many, another offered: 'You are so funny. Keep it coming.' The post comes after Larry shocked fans by revealing an unexpected romance with a Channel Seven co-star. The Gold Logie winner took to Instagram last Saturday to share a photo that showed him getting up close and personal with one of his colleagues. It was all in good fun, though, as Larry was merely recreating the viral footage of billionaire tech CEO Andrew Byron who was caught canoodling with his company's HR chief Kristin Cabot at a Coldplay concert in Boston. The affable TV veteran shared a side-by-side photo that showed the viral moment next to Larry looking very comfortable with the Sunrise Cash Cow. 'When my last post (that was outrageously stupid) hit 100k views I said to Sylvie: 'If that s*** post reaches 1 million views Im going to buy this pirate ship",' Larry wrote. 'Ummmmm, better get my eye patch and hook ready.' The post comes after Larry shocked fans after revealing an unexpected romance with a Channel Seven co-star Larry, playing the part of the HR exec with aplomb, looked chuffed to be in the company of his bovine belle, who lovingly wrapped her hooves around the presenter's chest. He captioned the hilarious photo with a sincere apology to his wife of 30 years, writing: 'Sorry, Sylvie x.' The post was met with a flurry of laughing face emojis, with many praising the former Price Is Right host's sense of comic timing. Meanwhile, Larry is still very much happily married to Sylvie, with the couple celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary in December. Scheana Shay put on an united front with her 'cheating' husband Brock Davies as they were joined by daughter Summer Moon at the Azusa Public Library in L.A. on Friday. The TV personality, 40, recently revealed in an excerpt from her newly-released memoir My Good Side that Davies had an affair when she was pregnant with their daughter. And during Friday's episode of her Scheananigans podcast, Davies broke his silence over the infidelity to issue a groveling apology and called himself an 'absolute coward.' However, the couple brushed aside the cheating revelation as they were seen publicly for the first time since Shay opened up about the topic in her book - which was released on July 22. The Vanderpump Rules alum was effortlessly chic during their visit to the library while wearing a white tweed miniskirt as well as a matching cropped blazer with gold buttons. She left the outer piece unfastened to show off a cream-colored, bandeau top underneath. Scheana Shay, 40, put on an united front with her 'cheating' husband Brock Davies as they were joined by daughter Summer Moon at the Azusa Public Library in L.A. on Friday And during Friday's episode of her Scheananigans podcast, Davies broke his silence over the infidelity to issue a groveling apology and called himself an 'absolute coward' Scheana additionally slipped into a pair of closed-toed, white pumps and accessorized the preppy look with gold earrings. The reality star's brunette locks were parted in the middle, and fell down to brush the tips of her shoulders. The mom-of-one was seen carrying a camera in her left hand while flashing a cheerful smile as the trio arrived to the building. Davies was stylishly casual wearing a brown button up which was tucked into the waist of light gray, pin-striped trousers. He completed the ensemble by donning a pair of black loafers and sported black shades as they strolled underneath the bright sunshine. Their daughter Summer Moon - who turned four back in April - was spotted walking in between her parents. Shay later posed for a memorable snap with her mini-me daughter as they spent time inside the library. The media personality stopped by the venue for an event called An Afternoon With Scheana Shay and was described as a 'candid, funny, and unfiltered look behind the cameras,' per the official Azusa website. Shay later posed for a memorable snap with her mini-me daughter as they spent time inside the library The TV personality recently revealed in an excerpt from her newly-released memoir My Good Side that Davies had an affair when she was pregnant with their daughter; seen in 2024 in Beverly Hills In her memoir My Good Side, Shay revealed that Brock had cheated on her when they were living in San Diego during the pandemic. She had also been pregnant with their daughter at the time. She recalled being in 'a state of paralyzed shock' when Davies initially confessed his infidelity with a woman at his gym. The star admitted that she had not been able to 'contain my rage' at the time and further penned, 'I slapped him and threw a Rubik's cube in his direction, which he dodged. 'To this day, every time I see a Rubik's cube it triggers me, pulling me right back to this incredibly dark moment in my life. Same goes for any mention of an F45 gym.' And on Friday's episode of her podcast, Brock addressed the affair and expressed, 'It's rough to realize that your actions have betrayed the ones that you love. 'It was a sexual affair. There was no dating. There was no courting,' he said. 'It was just purely that meetup, and then we had sex. And it happened multiple times over a three-week span.' Davies said he ended the fling with the unnamed woman because, 'I felt horrible about it,' he said, adding, 'I was like, "This is not okay. I'm not doing this." And I pulled the pin.' Admitting that he had been going to therapy, the reality star said he was able to stay quiet about his infidelity because he 'minimized what it was' and was able to 'compartmentalize it.' She recalled being in 'a state of paralyzed shock' when Davies initially confessed his infidelity with a woman at his gym 'It was a sexual affair. There was no dating. There was no courting,' he said. 'It was just purely that meetup, and then we had sex. And it happened multiple times over a three-week span'; seen in 2023 in Hollywood 'I was an absolute coward,' the Lopez vs Lopez actor admitted. 'That man was a coward, and he wasn't thinking about protecting you. He was just thinking about protecting himself, saving his face.' He continued, saying his actions were 'selfish. It was a self-preservation tactic, you could say. 'I believed that I was never gonna do it again, and we could just move past this. ... And it was just another level of betrayal that I put on top of the first one.' Davies said he developed those tactics during his unstable upbringing in his native New Zealand which instilled in him a 'drive for achievement,' and the need to 'find my value in my achievements.' 'It created this egomaniac,' he explained. 'I detached from a lot of my emotions easily. I minimized a lot of my destructive qualities and characters. 'Looking back on that now, I can kind of understand where there's a serious problem there. It wasn't until I was open to learning more about that where I realized, "Okay, I am a part of this problem and I can change it."' In her memoir which was published on Tuesday, she mentioned Scandoval - which had been between co-stars Tom Sandoval and Rachel Leviss - and rumors that Davies may have also consorted with Leviss which lead to his confession. On the podcast, The Valley star didn't mention anything about Leviss, who is living in Arizona and working as a sound bowl therapist, but did say running into friends in San Diego about 18 months after the fling reminded him that 'my destructive actions might cost me everything.' 'Since then, it has just been building up and building up,' he revealed. In her memoir which was published on Tuesday, revealed in the was that Scandoval between co-stars Tom Sandoval and Rachel Leviss and rumors that Davies may have also consorted with Leviss, that lead to Davies' confession 'Every day, just got bigger and bigger and bigger, and the weight was heavier and heavier. 'And Scandoval, on the side of it all, was an element, but it wasn't the core reason.' 'I realized that in order for me to actually have a healthy relationship with you, one based on complete honesty, I needed to address this,' he told his wife. 'This was the one thing that was hanging over me. It burned a hole in my heart. It really did.' Shay writes in her book that Davies told her he was scared of being a dad again and would be a 'bad dad,' as a result of his relationship with son and daughter who live with his ex-wife and her new husband in Australia. 'I realized that in order for me to actually have a healthy relationship with you, one based on complete honesty, I needed to address this,' he told his wife The pair were legally married later that same year and then held a romantic ceremony which took place in Cancun in 2022 'I just used that as an easy way out," he asserted of Friday. 'And the reality is, you just gotta do the work,' saying he had 'a serious conversation with myself,' to become a better husband and father. He thanked his wife for modeling 'a type of forgiveness' he'd never known, adding, 'I'm proud of you for telling your story, and I'm sorry for this being a part of your story.' Scheana first began dating Davies in 2019 and their daughter was born two years later in April 2021. The pair were legally married later that same year and then held a romantic ceremony which took place in Cancun in 2022. Jackie 'O' Henderson has shocked listeners and her longtime co-host Kyle Sandilands by revealing her potential plans to walk away from radio and move overseas once her 10-year ARN contract wraps up. The 50-year-old presenter made the shock admission live on The Kyle and Jackie O Show this week, revealing she intends to spend half the year living in Italy after her $10m a year contract ends. Kyle and Jackie signed a record-breaking $200 million deal with ARN in late 2023, locking them in for another 10 years. But despite nine years still remaining, the popular radio host already has her sights set on the next chapter. 'That's my plan at the end of the 10 years to go to Italy and live there for six months every year,' Jackie told listeners. 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. Jackie 'O' Henderson has shocked listeners and her longtime co-host Kyle Sandilands by revealing her potential plans to walk away from radio and move overseas once her 10-year ARN contract wraps up The comment appeared to catch Kyle off guard, who had just finished telling Jackie about his own dream of retiring in a 'French chateau'. 'So what you're saying is, after this 10-year deal's up, that's it for you?' he asked in disbelief. 'Yep,' Jackie replied simply, prompting stunned silence in the studio. Newsreader Brooklyn Ross attempted to quiz Jackie on how long she'd been planning the move, but Kyle quickly shut it down. 'Forget a dream... The shock here is I've got nine years left with her that's it,' Kyle joked. Jackie laughed off her co-host's reaction, telling him: 'Nine years is a long time,' to which Kyle cheekily responded, 'I plan to die on air.' Kyle and Jackie O signed a record-breaking $200 million deal with Australian Radio Network (ARN) in November 2023 that would see them remain on airwaves until 2034 - earning a whopping salary of $10m each per year. In January, the duo opened up about what their extensive contracts stated would happen to the show if one of them were to die. The 50-year-old presenter made the shock admission live on The Kyle and Jackie O Show this week, revealing she intends to spend half the year living in Italy after her $10m a year contract wraps up Jackie and co-host Kyle Sandilands signed a record-breaking $200 million deal with ARN in late 2023, locking them in for another 10 years 'I've got a whole page in there about what happens if you die,' Jackie told Kyle. 'Oh yes, I've got that as well. Actually, I've had that for quite a few years. And I think you only just put that in yours this year,' her co-host confessed. 'Wait. Why was I in yours? Was I more likely to die?' Jackie exclaimed. Kyle reassured her the death clause is something the lawyers came up with years ago, but that the new deal was a chance for Jackie to add her own individual stipulations. 'They [lawyers] rang me when they were doing this new deal and said "Jackie wants this [death] clause",' he said. 'I said, "well, she should get that." I've had that for years.' As part of Jackie's contract, the host specified she wanted the option to leave the show if Kyle passed away. The KIIS FM co-hosts both started their radio careers early, but didn't really 'make it' until they were randomly paired up together to host Austereo's national Hot30 Countdown in the year 2000. Since then, the on-air powerhouse have gone from strength to strength and received a host of industry awards and consistently top ratings across Sydney. Jimmy Presnell of Love Is Blind fame is opening up about undergoing a hair transplant. The 29-year-old reality television star recently appeared on social media to share details about the cosmetic procedure. In a TikTok video shared earlier this month, he noted, 'I decided to stay in the states for my procedure, which typically is a little bit more expensive to do, but there's a lot of things that come with that, and I'll explain that as well.' Engaging his nearly 90,000 followers, he revealed the eye-watering price he paid to revive his hair. 'I went to Solve Clinics in River North, Chicago. They charge roughly $5 a graft. I had a little over 2,000 grafts, I think 2,100 or 2,200. So roughly 10, 11 grand for the procedure,' the Netflix star shared. Jimmy Presnell of Love Is Blind fame is opening up about undergoing a hair transplant Jimmy also told his followers that follow-up costs and additional procedures are optional, but he chose to get them. Explaining platelet-rich plasma costs, he stated in the video, 'I have been doing PRP, which I've made some videos on that and what that kind of entails, and those typically run anywhere from 400 to $600.' While many people travel to Turkey to take advantage of the thriving hair transplant industry there, Jimmy opted to stay stateside. 'For me, when I was going through the evaluation process, I was getting quotes anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000. 'It included flight, it included hotel, all that good stuff, but there was no ongoing consultation or talking to your surgeon. So they just pretty much send you home after the surgery. You don't really have any type of relationship,' he explained. Last December Jimmy used his online platform to document the surgery process, including his day by day recovery. 'It's swollen bad. It hurts to smile, it hurts to laugh. My head definitely feels super dry,' he shared three days post-operation. And about his objective, Jimmy said, 'I didn't want to try to have a hairline of a 17 or 18-year-old. It's not realistic. I wanted to look my age and have thicker, healthier-looking hair. That's the goal here.' The 29-year-old reality television star recently appeared on social media to share details about the cosmetic procedure 'I decided to stay in the states for my procedure, which typically is a little bit more expensive to do, but there's a lot of things that come with that, and I'll explain that as well,' he explained in a recent TikTok Engaging his nearly 90,000 followers, he revealed the eye-watering price he paid to revive his hair Jimmy documented the surgery process, starting with an outline the doctor made along his hairline In June he took to Instagram to share a six-month post-operation update with his 274,000 followers. He captioned the video, 'Officially 6 months post hair transplant with @solveclinics, super excited where Im at already! Even more excited to see where itll go!' Leaning into the camera to reveal his renewed hairline, he said that he saw 'a ton of growth' in months four, five, and six. Satisfied with his results, he said his hair is 'getting thicker and thicker as the days go on.' Jimmy rose to fame when he appeared on Love Is Blind in early 2024. At the time, his former fiancee Chelsea Blackwell went viral for claiming to look like Megan Fox. Another Real Housewives star has reportedly been infected with the same parasite that disfigured Brandi Glanville. Real Housewives of Orange County alum Vicki Gunvalson, 63, claims she caught the parasite while filming Bravo's Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip with Brandi in Morocco in January 2023. 'Brandi is in so much pain. Shes got a very large parasite,' Gunvalson said of the former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, 52, while appearing on Friday's episode of SiriusXM's Jeff Lewis Live. 'We all got sick when we went to Morocco. It's been four years and Brandis face shes got a parasite. It moves. It goes into her mouth. Its bad,' the reality star said. Gunvalson claimed she herself been suffering from bloating, constipation, and feeling sluggish ever since returning from Morocco, and was told that her 'gut' is 'loaded with parasites.' DailyMail.com has reached out to Bravo representatives for comment. Another Real Housewives star has reportedly been infected with the same parasite that disfigured Brandi Glanville, 52 (pictured) RHOC alum Vicki Gunvalson, 63, claims she caught the parasite while filming Bravo's Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip with Brandi in Morocco in January 2023; The two seen in 2022 The star claims she has not been 'the same' as she complained that her 'stomachs bloated, I dont feel good. I feel tired.' 'Where Im at now is like, "Why do I always feel sluggish?"' She went on: 'I dont go poop. Like, its very hard for me. It might be once a week, if that. Its a pellet that comes out. Thats it.' Gunvalson said she's been doing colonics treatment 'three times a week' and has taken medicines like 'Duralax' and 'Metamucil old lady stuff' to help her issues. That's when she reportedly found out she had parasites in her gut. The star revealed she's been taking Ivermectin 'twice a month' in order to kill the parasites. Gunvalson also added that she '100 percent' believes that Glanville picked up the parasite during their trip. She described how there was a breakfast buffet for the cast members in Morocco, consisting of fruit, pastries, and eggs, which was 'covered in flies.' She said that although she did not eat from the buffet, you 'couldn't get around' the flies, as they would be in restaurants as well. The series was ultimately shelved after their co-star Caroline Manzo accused Glanville of sexual assault while filming. However, Gunvalson appears to have gotten her dates wrong, as the Morocco season was filmed in January 2023, and not four years ago as she claimed. 'We all got sick when we went to Morocco. It's been four years and Brandis face shes got a parasite. It moves. It goes into her mouth. Its bad,' the reality star said Gunvalson said she herself been suffering from bloating, constipation, and feeling sluggish ever since returning from Morocco, and was told that her 'gut' is 'loaded with parasites' The star revealed she's been taking Ivermectin 'twice a month' in order to kill the parasites; Pictured in 2023 Glanville has been open about her health battle, and previously shared that she's spent over $100,000 seeking treatment for her condition, which she believes is caused by a facial parasite. In May she provided a rare update while calling out those who've left 'cruel comments' about her face. 'I haven't posted much on any social site lately because I'm hiding out and don't want to deal with the cruel comments on my appearance,' she revealed in part on X. However, Glanville promised fans that her hideout is over and that she would no longer be disguising herself with 'filters and heavy edits' on social media. Glanville has incurred substantial expenses because of her health concerns. The Bravo star said she's spent 'over $113,000' of her own money seeking treatment for the mystery condition outside of her health insurance plan. However, she's seen no improvements since. After various medical appointments, multiple physicians told the reality star she could be suffering from a 'parasite that jumps around [her] face.' Meanwhile cosmetic surgeon Dr. Terry Dubrow who is married to Real Housewives Of Orange County star Heather Dubrow said he was 'concerned' that Glanville could be suffering from either an 'infectious process' or a 'foreign-body reaction to something she's had injected.' Dubrow also clarified that Glanville isn't at 'fault' for not being certain about what is plaguing her, and he instead blamed her doctor for not having a solid diagnosis and treatment plan. Glanville has claimed to have spent over six figures trying to figure out what has caused her facial disfigurement; (right, she is pictured in 1998) After various medical appointments, multiple physicians told the reality star she could be suffering from a 'parasite that jumps around [her] face' However, he seemed fairly certain that whatever was going on with her is 'not a parasite' and is 'not from something she ate.' Instead, he suggested the issue is 'something that got into her bloodstream and seeded some foreign body.' Surprisingly, Dubrow even thought it was possible that Glanville could be ahead of her doctors, as he said she could be right that she might require surgery. He noted that she could have been infected with either mycobacteria or fungi, which could be 'very difficult to treat.' Dubrow looked particularly concerned when he said Glanville's condition was 'like a ticking time bomb,' because the potential damage could get more and more severe in a short period of time. Brandi later shared that she had a consultation with Dubrow, but had decided to get a second opinion. Brandi explained that Dubrow told her it might take five years for her to be 'totally fine.' 'Five years is way too long for me to wait,' the reality beauty said on her Brandi Glanville Unfiltered podcast, while also revealing she has not had sex in a year due to her health issues. Botched star Dr. Terry DuBrow (pictured December 10) previously asserted that whatever was going on with Glanville is 'not a parasite' and is 'not from something she ate' 'I have places to go, people to make out with. I have not had sex since last October. I haven't kissed [or] made out with anyone. I haven't socialized, really.' The star shared that she wants to 'run tests, get another MRI, another cat scan' adding that she wants to 'get to the bottom of this.' Brandi added that she doesn't 'feel better' and stills sees 'this thing in my face jumping around.' She also shared that she has 'four different doctors' who have given her 'four different opinions of what it could possibly be.' Elsa Pataky appeared to be having the time of her life on Saturday as she got in some quality time with her 11-year-old twin sons Sasha and Tristan. The Fast and Furious franchise star, 49, shared a series of photos to Instagram that showed the trio enjoying a day out in Paris. They spent their outing at The Louvre and Balloon Museum before stopping for a snack at a Parisian bakerybut there were some notable faces missing from the reel. 'Paris, je t'aime!' Elsa captioned the post, which is French for 'I love you'. Several photos showed art installations at The Louvre, including the Mona Lisa painted by Leonardo da Vinci. 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. Elsa Pataky, 49, appeared to be having the time of her life on Saturday as she got in some quality time with her 11-year-old twin sons Sasha and Tristan The Fast and Furious franchise star shared a series of photos to Instagram that showed the riot enjoying a day out in Paris In other images, Elsa cuddled up with her two boys, sporting a wide grin as she took selfies with the rambunctious kids. Sasha and Tristan also enjoyed some playtime in a huge ball pit found at the Balloon Museum, which is currently located at Grand Palais Ephemere. Elsa and her children then stopped for lunch at a ritzy restaurant, indulged in a sweet treat at a Parisian bakery, and went for a boat ride on the Seine. However, their happy day out was missing some familiar faces. Husband and father Chris Hemsworth was absent from the outing, and so was his eldest daughter, India Rose. It is likely the actor, 41, is currently on a media run to promote the second season of his National Geographic series Limitless, which will be released next month. The post comes after Chris shared a sweet post dedicated to his wife Elsa on her 49th birthday last week. The Aussie star took to Instagram last Saturday to wish the Spanish actress a happy birthday as they celebrated her special day together. They spent their outing at The Louvre and Balloon Museum before stopping for a snack at a Parisian bakerybut there were some notable faces missing from the reel Husband and father Chris Hemsworth was absent from the outing, and so was his eldest daughter, India Rose '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 wrote. One image showed the actress wearing a giant smile on her face as she sat alongside her husband with a 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. 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. 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. Jo Wood has revealed she wanted to prove she wasn't a victim after 'letting herself go' following her split from Ronnie Wood. The 70-year-old was married to Rolling Stones rocker Ronnie, 78, for 24 years between 1985-2011. In a new interview with The Times, Jo opened up on the heartbreak and how she picked herself back up. She explained: 'After Ronnie I found it's important to say to myself, "I'm not a victim, I can still enjoy a good life."' She added: 'When I was really brokenhearted I totally let myself go. I didn't shave my legs, I didn't shave anything. I was just miserable.' Jo recently bumped into Ronnie in a Barbados hotel. He was with his wife Sally, 47, and their twin daughters. Jo Wood has revealed she wanted to prove she wasn't a victim after 'letting herself go' following her split from Ronnie Wood The 70-year-old was married to Rolling Stones rocker Ronnie, 78, for 24 years between 1985-2011 When asked about the run-in, Jo laughed and said: 'Like my Mum used to say about my Dad, seeing him was like putting on a comfy pair of old slippers. 'The editor of my novel wanted more anger but I refused. The story is not about Ronnie but I do want to send out that message: you have to forgive. It sets you free. I didn't want to be bitter and angry. You realise that chapter of your life is over and the universe has something else for you. I forgave Ronnie years ago.'' She previously told the Daily Mail's Richard Eden: 'I'd only been there a day and I walked into the hotel restaurant and there was Ronnie with his wife and kids. 'You should have seen his face when he saw me.' Ronnie is now married to theatre producer Sally, 31 years his junior, with whom he has twin daughters. Jo added: 'I'm no stalker.' Jo and Ronnie share children Leah, 46, and Tyrone. She also became stepmother to Ronnie's son Jesse, 48, from his first marriage. She is also mum to another son, Jamie, 50, from her first marriage to clothing entrepreneur Peter Greene. Jo previously shared the secret to her close relationship with her ex-husband Ronnie, whom she has remained on good terms with since their 2009 divorce. She explained: 'After Ronnie I found it's important to say to myself, "I'm not a victim, I can still enjoy a good life."' She said: Id only been there a day and I walked into the hotel restaurant and there was Ronnie with his wife and kids' (Ronnie pictured with wife Sally last week) She said: 'I know that I can pick up the phone and ring him if there's anything, like, trouble or anything like that. 'But I could do that with Keith [Richards] as well. I saw Keith recently, with Patti [Hansen, his wife]. I'm fine with them all. I didn't do anything wrong! 'When you have children and grandchildren, I think it's important I like to know that I can say, 'The kids have been, you know, even though they're grown up. Have a word with them!'' In recent years, Jo has ditched the rock-and-roll lifestyle from her marriage to Ronnie for an eco-friendly countryside cottage. Aside from WiFi, Jo said she more or less lives self-sufficiently and has traded in her days of drinking and joints for homegrown veg and is even creating a capsule supplement called Longevity to boost her health. Speaking to The Telegraph, Jo admitted that she didn't have an addictive personality which made it easier for her to walk away from the party lifestyle after it suddenly dawned on her one day that way of living wasn't what she wanted. Jo revealed the hilarious nickname given to her by her grandchildren as she admitted they know all about her wild drug-taking rock and roll past. The former wife of The Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood was known for embracing the party lifestyle in her younger days. Last year Jo revealed she had left her wild nights of partying behind for an eco-friendly countryside cottage (pictured) The TV personality moved to the old farmhouse in 2019 and has embraced 'off-grid' living, generating her own electricity and nurturing her own vegetable patch And the star admitted her grandchildren are now calling her 'Gangsta Granny' after she revealed some of her past antics to them. Speaking on Good Housekeeping UK's podcast My Life in A Biscuit Tin , Jo said: 'I know I shouldn't say this, but I was in the car with them and they were giggling, two of them [grandchildren, Maggie and Kobe]. 'They went, "Gran, have you done any drugs?" I said, "Of course I have, but I don't recommend it". 'I said, "Because it didn't get me anywhere except lots of sleepless nights". Explaining how she believes it is important to be honest with your family she added: 'You can't be dishonest, because they'll find out. 'So, I tried to warn them it was a waste of time, but I was in a very special situation. So then they said, "We're going to call you Gangster Gran from now on."' She has 10 grandchildren in total, four from Jamie, two from Leah and four from Jesse. Tom Cruise appeared to be in jovial spirits as he landed in London on his helicopter with his 'new love' Ana de Armas. The Hollywood star, 63, and the Blonde actress, 37, were first linked in February and have been spotted travelling together on many occasions since then. In their latest trip, the pair touched down in London on Friday and travelled in A-list style as they stepped out of Tom's lavish helicopter together. Tom cut a casual figure in a blue T-shirt and dark jeans, which he styled with white trainers and slung a backpack over one shoulder. The Mission: Impossible star appeared to be in jovial spirits as he flashed a huge smile and waved after stepping out the helicopter. He was joined by Ana, who cut a sporty figure in black leggings and a grey 'Vermont' sweater, which she styled with comfortable black shoes. Tom Cruise appeared to be in jovial spirits as he landed in London on his helicopter on Friday (he is pictured with David Coulthard) He was joined by his 'new love' Ana de Armas, who cut a sporty figure in black leggings and a grey sweater, which she styled with comfortable black shoes She brought her two beloved dogs with her on their travels and sweetly cradled her Maltese Elvis in her arms while Havanese pup Salsa walked alongside her. Former racing driver David Coulthard also joined the group and was seen strolling alongside Tom upon his arrival in London. The F1 star, 54, looked smart in a polo shirt and navy jeans, which he styled with a black bomber jacket during the outing. Tom and Ana were first linked on Valentine's Day of this year and have been frequently seen in each other's company since. Though they have not yet commented on their relationship, they jetted off for a sun-soaked trip to Menorca earlier this month. They were photographed looking very comfortable in each other's company as they enjoyed a luxury yacht trip during the holiday. 'Tom has been showering Ana with gifts ever since they met, it's his thing, he is thoughtful,' a source exclusively told DailyMail.com. 'First it started with her favorite flowers then books he thought she would want to read because she's an avid reader.' She brought her two beloved dogs with her on their travels and sweetly cradled her Maltese Elvis in her arms while Havanese pup Salsa walked alongside her 'The more they got to know each other, the bigger the gifts became. There has been jewelry like gold bracelets and designer clothing, things like that, things every girl would love. 'Probably the biggest gift he has given her is being able to go anywhere in the world at a moment's notice, not many people can do that. She loves to travel.' DailyMail.com contacted Tom and Ana's representatives at the time. Ana was last known to be dating Manuel Anido Cuesta, the stepson of Cuba's president, with the pair photographed kissing during a night out in Madrid, Spain, in November 2024. Meanwhile, Tom was previously linked to Russian socialite Elsina Khayrova - the ex-wife of oligarch Dimitry Tsvetkov. Tom and Ana first sparked romance rumours on Valentine's Day, when they were spotted for what was reportedly a professional dinner in London. The following month, they were pictured with cheeky smiles on both of their faces after their flight landed at the London Heliport. In April, the pair were spotted arriving together in London again to spend Ana's 37th birthday together, with fans spotting them on a romantic stroll a park that same week. The Hollywood star, 63, and the Blonde actress, 37, were first linked in February and celebrated Ana's 37th birthday together in April, taking sweet pictures together Tom has a daughter Suri, 19, with his ex-wife Katie Holmes (pictured in 2005) while he also shares two adopted children - Bella, 32 and Connor, 30 - with his ex Nicole Kidman They have been friends ever since they co-starred in the 2019 movie Wasp Network. Tom and Ana are currently co-starring in Doug Liman's supernatural thriller Deeper. On Good Morning America in May, Ana said: 'It's so much fun. We're definitely working on a lot of things. 'Not just one, but a few projects with [filmmakers] Doug Liman and Christopher McQuarrie and, of course, Tom. And I'm so excited.' Tom shares a daughter Suri, 19, with his ex-wife Katie Holmes - who he was married to from November 2006 until June 2012, when Katie filed for divorce. The following month, the couple signed a divorce settlement worked out by their lawyers. The acrimonious split saw Tom state that Katie divorced him in part to protect Suri from Scientology and that she is no longer a practicing member of the organisation. Tom was also wed to Nicole Kidman from 1990 until 2001 and they adopted two children together - Bella, 32 and Connor, 30. Nicole is now married to Keith Urban and the couple have two daughters - Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret. Coco Chanel once said that elegance is refusal. I say elegance is dead. We need look no further than three wealthy, beautiful, middle-aged famous women who have sacrificed dignity this week and for what exactly? Clicks and likes? Relatability? Attempts to prove they're still super-hot, sexy and irresistible? We begin with Gwyneth Paltrow, making headlines as the subject of a new book, Gwyneth: The Biography, by Amy Odell. Among the revelations: Gwyneth allegedly called her ex-fiance, Brad Pitt, 'dumber than a sack of s***'. After moving on with Ben Affleck, she spoke openly of their sex life to friends, reportedly admitting to make-up artist Kevyn Aucoin that she loved it when Affleck 'tea-bagged' her. After moving on with Ben Affleck, Gwyneth spoke openly of their sex life to friends, reportedly admitting to make-up artist Kevyn Aucoin that she loved it when Affleck 'tea-bagged' her Affleck is said to be livid. 'This isn't just tabloid gossip it's humiliating,' a source said. 'He feels completely exposed.' Meanwhile, Affleck's second ex-wife Jennifer Lopez has been simulating graphic sex acts onstage, while barely covering her genitalia, in pathetic attempts to prove that, despite Affleck dumping her again she's still ultra, ultra-desirable. Really, that's the only thing that matters in Lopez's small world and even smaller mind. Not talent, or being a decent person, or finding a dignified way to emerge from this latest and entirely predictable heartbreak. No the only thing that matters is whether men still want to have sex with her. Could you imagine this as your animating life force? JLo is no deeper than a puddle. Last week, while performing in Italy since she couldn't sell tickets in the US, she's been forced overseas Lopez, 56, aggressed her audience with this disclosure: 'Sometimes I like it hard. [Other] days, I like it real slow.' And she thinks this is going to make Affleck regret cutting her loose! The immaturity is astonishing. By the way, this is a woman who routinely yells at paparazzi for invading her privacy then turned around and, in her 2024 documentary, The Greatest Love Story Never Told, shared a bound book of Affleck's emails and love letters with the co-writers on her album. A shocked and dismayed Affleck was captured in the documentary talking about that breach of trust. 'Things that are private,' he said, 'I had always felt, are sacred and special because, in part, they're private.' You want to ask him: Ben, have you not met Jennifer Lopez? There's no spare part of any person or relationship she won't use for attention. Over in Italy, she wasn't done talking about her sexual proclivities. Lopez went on to say that she also sometimes feels 'naughty' and 'on those days, I like it real fast.' Who needs to know this? Last week, while performing in Italy, Lopez, 56, aggressed her audience with this disclosure: 'Sometimes I like it hard. [Other] days, I like it real slow' Lopez has school-age twin teenagers. She's also made a big show of saying she wants to remain close to the three children Affleck shares with Jennifer Garner, but it's hard to reconcile that with the open pot shots she's taking at their father performing a song believed to be about Affleck called 'Wreckage of You'. Subtle. And then there's Jessica Simpson, herself attempting a phoenix-like rise from her own recent divorce. Performing on the Today show this week in a much-too-tight corset that revealed a prominent paunch, Simpson reportedly divulged to people backstage that she had wet herself onstage. It's not the first time Simpson, a 45-year-old mother of three, has gone public this way. In fact, in 2023 she posted a picture of herself squatting, legs akimbo, outside a tent at what looked like a music festival. 'When you gotta go, you gotta go,' she wrote. Disgusting. Somewhere along the way, the idea of female empowerment got mangled with confessional culture. The result is otherwise beautiful, successful women denigrating themselves on stage, in interviews and on social media. Charlize Theron just did it too, going on the sex-centric podcast Call Her Daddy and talking like an insecure girl desperate for the cool kids to like her. Earlier this month, Theron, 49, told host Alex Cooper that, 'I've probably had three one-night stands in my life, but I did just recently f*** a 26-year-old and it was really f***ing amazing.' The only rational response to this is second-hand embarrassment. Theron is one of the last true movie stars, and she debased herself, her Amazonian glamour, with this cheap, tawdry attempt to sound relevant. It's reminiscent of Steve Buscemi's 'How do you do, fellow kids!' meme from 30 Rock. Once upon a time, movie stars and pop idols stood apart, deliberately. Their remoteness was key to what made them special. Could you ever imagine Grace Kelly talking about her bathroom habits, let alone squatting for an Instagram post? Madonna pushed the sexual boundaries in the 90s, of course, but she did it with a knowingness and a sense of agency. Nothing about her then felt desperate or cheap. Provocative, yes. But even Madonna keeps many things private her relationships with her ex-husbands among them. Performing on the Today show this week in a much-too-tight corset that revealed a prominent paunch, Jessica Simpson reportedly divulged to people backstage that she had wet herself onstage Perhaps ground zero was, as with so much of what's plaguing us, the Kardashians. Since the first iteration of their reality show debuted in 2007, so much of the culture has turned inside out: Sexual intimacy no longer private but a product to be commodified (not for nothing did Kim's sex tape leak the tape that built the Kardashian empire) and no family issue too sensitive to share. It's a sensibility that extends to their physicalities, bodies and faces, blown up with filler and implants until nothing seems real anymore. The end result: One of the world's richest men marries a Kardashian clone and wannabe. Truly, what does Lauren Sanchez do with her access to the world's finest minds but choose Kris Jenner as her new BFF, adopt the body and facial interventions of a Kardashian, and present her oiled-up bottom on a yacht to the world's media as a means to prove that she, too, is sexually desirable. Self-respect is negligible, sophistication a rare trait, and elegance well, it's no longer refusal. It has been refused. It was one of the most successful movies of the Eighties, a dark comedy that tells the story of a bitter divorce with neither party giving an inch. But in the much anticipated remake of The War Of The Roses, the real battle appears to have been behind the scenes between Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman. In The Roses, they take on the lead roles, played first time round by Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. Sources say that despite the actors being 'very keen' to work together, all was not well during filming, with Cumberbatch's serious 'method' acting at odds with Ms Colman's 'no-nonsense, let's get on with it' attitude. One insider told The Mail on Sunday: 'The Roses was supposed to be a fairly easy and straightforward one to film - about a husband and a wife who don't like one another. 'But at times Benedict was treating it like it was some kind of Shakespearean play, wanting to seriously connect with his part, which is totally fair enough. 'Olivia is very much the type to just get on with it, no faffing. It's a comedy - it's like there was a lot of overthinking going on. 'It led to the chemistry between them not exactly being the best. It was a comedy, like a romcom, not the airy fairy-type stuff Benedict has done before.' In the much anticipated remake of The War Of The Roses, the real battle appears to have been behind the scenes between Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman, pictured in the movie Colman and Cumberbatch pictured in The Roses. Sources say that Cumberbatch's serious 'method' acting was at odds with Ms Colman's 'no-nonsense, let's get on with it' attitude In The Roses, they take on the lead roles, played first time round by Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, pictured A spokesman for Cumberbatch attempted to play down the issues between the pair. She said they were both keen to take part in The Roses, which will be out in cinemas next month, because they were friends who had never worked together before. Following filming, which took place in both Salcombe, south Devon and Los Angeles, it is not known if they are still as close. Oscar-winner Ms Colman, 51, is one of Britain's most decorated actresses and has appeared in a wide range of productions from ITV drama Broadchurch to Netflix series The Crown, where she played the late Queen. She won a best actress Oscar in 2019 for her role as Queen Anne in The Favourite. Harrow-educated Cumberbatch, 49, who has been nominated for an Oscar twice, began his acting career with the New Shakespeare Company before going on to star in the West End and big-budget Hollywood films. One industry source said: 'You only have to spend a small amount of time in Olivia and Benedict's company to realise that they are very different types of people.' Ms Colman's agent didn't respond when asked if she wished to comment. Martine McCutcheon's estranged mother Jenny Tomlin has emotionally reached out to the star to beg for a reconciliation after having cut her off following the tragic death of her son. The former EastEnders star, 49, and her author mother, 69, were once close, however, in a heartbreaking new interview, Jenny admitted she pushed her daughter away after suffering an emotional breakdown following the loss of Martine's brother Laurence John (affectionally known as LJ) in 2022. Confessing the pain of the distance between her and Martine, Jenny admitted that she 'misses' her daughter so much that it 'physically hurts' and is now reaching out to say 'sorry' after losing contact. Speaking to OK! magazine, Jenny said: 'When I lost LJ, I detached. I was so heartbroken I couldnt talk to Martine. There was no big row Martine tried to contact me for months, but I didnt answer. Martine was grieving and needed me, too. I want the chance to say sorry. I miss her so much it physically hurts.' She went on to add: 'I didnt contact Martine. I abandoned her. I was so wrapped up in my own grief that I was neglecting my other child. That was the start of it, and things just snowballed. And here we are.' Jenny told how the pair were briefly in touch last October when Martine 'texted me out of the blue' to ask a favour of her husband Alan, however, Jenny admitted the meeting was 'awkward' with a 'heavy atmosphere'. Martine McCutcheon 's estranged mother Jenny Tomlin has emotionally reached out to the star to beg for a reconciliation after having cut her off following the tragic death of her son [Martine and Jenny pictured in 2006] Jenny admitted she pushed her daughter away after suffering an emotional breakdown following the loss of Martine's brother Laurence John (affectionally known as LJ) in 2022 [Martine and LJ pictured together] While there were vague plans to unite at Christmas, nothing came of it and their relationship has fallen silence ever since, with Jenny's attempts at getting in contact proving fruitless. Jenny noted that she could relate to David and Victoria Beckham's heartbreak over their estrangement from eldest son Brooklyn, adding it's 'heartbreaking' to be estranged from or lose a child. The Behind Closed Doors writer went on to recall LJ's sudden death in 2022 from acute ischaemic heart disease and diabetes which left her devastated, with Martine going on to comfort her mother following the tragedy. However, Jenny recalled going 'down a deep, dark pit' that led her to being assessed by a 'mental health team', with Jenny going on to push her daughter away amid her immense grief. She also told how along with losing Martine, she's essentially lost her 10-year-old grandson Rafferty, confessing that this separation 'felt like another death'. She has tried to make amends as recently as a few weeks ago, driving down to the Love Actually star's Surrey home where she 'banged on the door' and 'shouted her name', but nobody answered. Jenny suggested that she had no choice but to do the interview to beg for Martine to get back in touch, adding that there's not a day that she doesn't think of her daughter. She added: 'I dont think Ill ever stop trying when it comes to my girl. If I could speak to Martine, Id tell her how sorry I am. Ive lost one child, I dont want to lose another.' Jenny concluded that she's seen what silence does to families and doesn't want to be 'another story of regret', and hopes that she and Martine can 'find our way back'. When I lost LJ, I detached. I was so heartbroken I couldnt talk to Martine. There was no big row Martine tried to contact me for months, but I didnt answer' [Martine pictured with her grandmother, mother and brother L-R] 'I didnt contact Martine. I abandoned her. I was so wrapped up in my own grief that I was neglecting my other child. That was the start of it, and things just snowballed. And here we are' [LJ, Martine and Jenny pictured L-R] MailOnline have reached out to Martine's representatives for comment. Jenny's message for Martine comes amid a difficult time for her daughter, who was recently declared bankrupt just months after the break up of her marriage, MailOnline revealed. The actress filed a petition for her insolvency over a debt to a finance company, official public records reveal. Martine's financial woes follow soon after the very public split from husband Jack McManus, with whom she shares a ten-year-old son. The couple, who had married in a lavish event at Lake Como in Italy in 2012, announced their split late last year. And her bankruptcy was issued just two months after Martine and musician Jack, 42, sold the family home they had shared, a five bedroom detached home in Surrey for 1,355,000, as they went their separate ways. The bankruptcy order was made in her married name Martine McManus - despite her being formally single by the then. Jenny's message for Martine comes amid a difficult time for her daughter, who was recently declared bankrupt just months after the break up of her marriage, MailOnline revealed [Martine pictured with Jack] The actress filed a petition for her insolvency over a debt to a finance company, official public records reveal [pictured in 2018] It was issued in March at the County Court in Guildford, Surrey following a petition filed by a company called LDF Finance to whom she owed an unspecified sum of money. But that wasn't the only financial blow to strike her soon after the marriage split: her company Raven Music Ltd was also wound up just last month at the request of HMRC due to unpaid tax bills, MailOnline has learned. The most recent accounts for the company reveal that it owed more than 175,000 to the taxman, payable in the 12month period after February 2022. Martine's total personal tax bill has not been revealed, and it is not known if the Official Receiver will apply for a public examination of her bankruptcy which would disclose her financial affairs to the world. The cast and fans of the History Channels hit reality series Swamp People are mourning the loss of one of their beloved members. On Saturday, July 26, 'Little' Willie Edwards shared heartbreaking news on Facebook that his grandfather, Junior Edwards, had passed away. 'Rest easy pawpaw,' he wrote, alongside a touching photo of Junior out on the water with Little Willies father, Willie Edwards. 'I know youre probably running your hoop nets or doing something crazy inside those pearly gates you will be extremely missed pawpaw. We love you more than anything!!! Until we meet again.' While 'Little' Willie did not disclose specific details surrounding Juniors death, including the date or cause, the outpouring of grief from the Swamp People community was immediate and heartfelt. Junior Edwards was a staple of the show from its very first season in 2010. The cast and fans of the History Channels hit reality series Swamp People are mourning the loss of beloved cast member Junior Edwards, whose death was announced on Saturday (Ashley Jones and Junior Edward) 'Little' Willie Edwards shared heartbreaking news on Facebook that his grandfather, Junior Edwards, had passed away Over the course of more than a decade, he appeared in roughly 100 episodes, earning a reputation as one of the toughest and most skilled alligator hunters on the bayou. Although he stepped back as a regular cast member in 2015, Junior continued to make guest appearances sporadically in the following years. Castmates paid tribute to Juniors legacy and his impact on the show and their lives. Ashley 'Deadeye' Jones called Junior 'a legend,' praising him as one of the greatest alligator hunters the world has ever seen. Fellow star Ronnie Adams also shared condolences, sending his love and support to the Edwards family during their difficult time. The heartfelt tributes extended beyond the cast, with hundreds of fans flooding the Facebook post with messages of sympathy and support. 'Prayers for your family. We loved watching your paw paw when he was on,' one fan wrote. 'May he rest in Heaven.' Another added, 'Im so so sorry to hear this! Losing a daddy is incredibly hard! Yall are in my prayers!!!' Junior Edwards death marks a poignant moment for Swamp People fans and the Louisiana community who have followed his journey over the years. His legacy as a legendary hunter and beloved family man will surely live on. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has said that entire job categories could be wiped out by artificial intelligence, as he becomes the latest exec to forecast a seismic change in corporate America. The billionaire, who has recently developed a relationship with the President, spoke about the future of the US workforce during his latest trip to Washington this week. 'Some areas, again, I think just like totally, totally gone,' he said, specifically referencing customer support roles. 'That's a category where I just say, you know what, when you call customer support, you're on target and AI, and that's fine.' Altman, who has an estimated net worth of $1.8 billion, also suggested that AI could already diagnose a patient better than doctors, The Guardian reported. His comments come as an increasing number of Wall Street CEOs have warned about how the rise of AI will take a sledgehammer to jobs. 'Artificial intelligence is going to replace literally half of all white-collar workers in the U.S.,' Ford CEO Jim Farley said earlier this month. Altman's visit to Washington was aligned with the Trump administration's unveiling of its 'AI action plan,' which ChatGPT creator OpenAI has provided recommendations for. In a wide-ranging interview at the Federal Reserve on Tuesday, the billionaire spoke about the good and bad economic and societal impacts of AI. Altman speaking at the Capital Framework for Large Banks conference at the Federal Reserve in Washington The OpenAI CEO has recently formed a relationship with President Trump Altman said the transformation of customer services is already all but complete. 'Now you call one of these things and AI answers. It's like a super-smart, capable person. There's no phone tree, there's no transfers. It can do everything that any customer support agent at that company could do,' he said. 'It does not make mistakes. It's very quick. You call once, the thing just happens, it's done.' While he said AI's diagnostic capabilities had surpassed human doctors, he did not go so far as to say the technology would wipe out healthcare jobs. 'ChatGPT today, by the way, most of the time, can give you better it's like, a better diagnostician than most doctors in the world,' he said. 'Yet people still go to doctors, and I am not, like, maybe I'm a dinosaur here, but I really do not want to, like, entrust my medical fate to ChatGPT with no human doctor in the loop.' Altman also opened up about his biggest concerns about AI technology, and how it could be a hotbed for fraud. He said he is concerned that the US is facing an 'impending fraud crisis' as AI could enable criminals to impersonate other people. Altman, who has an estimated net worth of $1.8 billion, also suggested that AI could already diagnose a patient better than doctors Ford Motor CEO Jim Farley predicted the rise of AI will replace 'half of all white-collar workers' Altman is increasingly taking the place his estranged co-founder Elon Musk in the President's inner circle 'A thing that terrifies me is apparently there are still some financial institutions that will accept a voice print as authentication for you to move a lot of money or do something else - you say a challenge phrase, and they just do it,' Altman said. 'That is a crazy thing to still be doing AI has fully defeated most of the ways that people authenticate currently, other than passwords.' He also said that he worries about a hostile nation using these weapons to attack the US financial system, The Guardian reported. It comes as Altman, and OpenAI, ramp up their presence in Washington. Altman is increasingly taking the place of his estranged co-founder Elon Musk in the President's inner circle. Musk and Altman were once close collaborators in the founding of OpenAI, but are now engaged in a public feud, with Musk suing the company in November last year. He said the company was 'perverting' its original mission - maximizing profits rather than benefiting humanity. On Tuesday, Altman said OpenAI will open its first office in DC early next year. Despite Altman's warnings about the risks of the technology, there has been a marked change in the mood music around regulation in the last several years. Under the Biden administration, OpenAI and its rivals asked for AI regulation. Now they are urging the government to avoid regulation that could curb companies' ability to compete with foreign innovations, particularly in China. The White House released its 'AI action plan' on Wednesday, vowing to keep 'woke AI' models out of Washington and to win the 'AI race.' One executive order states that the federal government 'has the obligation not to procure models that sacrifice truthfulness and accuracy to ideological agendas.' The administration also signed an order to incite innovation and remove what it called 'onerous Federal regulations' that hamper development of the tech. Social Security will continue mailing paper checks in a major U-turn from a previously announced plan. The agency had planned to halt checks after September 30 to cut costs and reduce fraud, shifting entirely to electronic payments. Paper checks cost about 50 cents to issue, compared with 15 cents for direct deposits, officials said. But the agency has now reversed course, saying that it will continue to issue paper checks for Americans who have no other means of getting payments, a spokesperson confirmed to DailyMail.com. This includes both recipients of retirement and disability benefits. Despite the about-face, the agency urged people to switch to direct deposit if they can. 'We will continue to drive down paper check volume, which is less than 1 percent of total,' the spokesperson said. The news comes as a grim new forecast this week warned Social Security's retirement fund is set to run short in just seven years which could end up meaning benefits will be slashed for millions of recipients. The Social Security Administration said it will continue to issue paper checks for beneficiaries who have no other means of getting payments The check U-turn came after pushback from Massachusetts Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren. Warren met with Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano on Wednesday and asked about the plan to discontinue paper checks, according to CBS News. 'There are about 600,000 Americans who still receive their paper checks it's a small fraction of people who receive Social Security payments, but it's a population that often needs checks through paper' instead of through electronic deposit, Warren said. She added that Bisignano made a commitment that 'no one would be left behind.' Millions of Americans are 'unbanked,' which means they do not have a traditional checking or savings account at a bank or credit union. The reasons why can vary, from past money mistakes to losing a job or not having enough money to meet minimum balance requirements. These people tend to rely on alternative banking services, such as check cashing establishments, in order to access vital funds. But paper checks are also more than 16 times more likely to be reported stolen or lost compared to electronic transfers, according to government data. There is also a higher chance that they will be returned deliverable or altered. Checks cost 50 cents each, the Social Security Administration said, compared with 15 cents for an electronic transfer The policy reversal came after pushback from Massachusetts Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren Social Security relies on its trust funds to provide monthly benefit checks to around 70 million Americans who still receive paper checks but are able to switch can provide a bank account or credit union for direct deposits or an approved pre-paid debit card. Registration can be completed at the government's Go Direct website. The policy reversal comes after latest forecasts painted a grim picture for the future of the program. Social Security's retirement fund is set to run short in just seven years which could end up slashing benefits for millions of Americans by thousands of dollars a year. According to latest projections, retirees could face automatic 24 percent benefit cuts as early as the end of 2032. This means a couple who both worked would receive $18,100 less each year if they retire at the start of 2033. The new forecast from the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB), released Thursday, moves up the insolvency date for both Social Security and Medicare trust funds. A projection just last month had funds lasting until 2033, but that has already been revised. A major factor is the impact of President Donald Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill', which experts warned would speed up the use of funds. "China Girl" (1942), directed by Henry Hathaway and starring George Montgomery and Gene Tierney, is a wartime romantic drama set against the backdrop of World War II in occupied China and Burma WikipediaIMDbWikipediaAFI Catalog. Overview / Story American newsreel photographer Johnny Bugsy Williams (George Montgomery) is detained by Japanese forces while reporting in China. He refuses to cooperate and ultimately escapes a detention camp, along with a Canadian fighter called Major Bull Weed and the enigmatic "Captain" Fifi Wikipedia+11AFI Catalog+11Wikipedia+11. Johnny pilots them across enemy lines to safety in Mandalay, where he reconnects with his friend, Captain Shorty Maguire of the "Flying Tigers" Wikipedia+2AFI Catalog+2Wikipedia+2. Despite being urgently asked to join the cause, Johnny initially declines, only to later find himself drawn into perilous conflictand a complicated romance with Haoli Young (Gene Tierney), a cultured, Vassar-educated Chinese-American woman running an orphanage school in Kunming Wikipedia+6Wikipedia+6AFI Catalog+6. ? Romance & Betrayal Johnny and Haolis attraction grows amid cultural and wartime tension. Haoli resists his advances initially, but they fall in love as agents of espionage encroach upon their trust. Johnny is used as an unwitting pawn by Fifi and Bull, who are revealed to be Japanese spies. The betrayal deepens the drama, putting Haolis lifeand the children under her careat risk Wikipedia+2AFI Catalog+2Wikipedia+2. Climax & Sacrifice Haolis father is killed in a Japanese bombing raid. Haoli herself dies rescuing orphan children. Overwhelmed by grief and rage, Johnny mans a machine gun and shoots down a Japanese aircraft in a defiant, emotional showdownthe moment when personal loss transforms into moral reckoning Wikipedia. Production & Legacy Directed by Henry Hathaway , screenplay by Ben Hecht , story by Darryl F. Zanuck YouTube+7AFI Catalog+7Wikipedia+7. The film was shot in black-and-white , released by 20th Century Fox in December 1942, and also known as A Yank in China, Burma Road, and Over the Burma Road AFI Catalog+2Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2. Noted by critics as a propaganda-laced adventure romance, blending wartime urgency with Hollywood melodrama. While praised for Tierneys screen presence and Hathaways direction, it is often considered a minor part of the studios output, notable for its anti-Japanese wartime messaging and exotic setting YouTube+2mysteryfile.com+2Letterboxd+2. Why It Matters Offers a window into WWII-era American cinema , combining espionage, cross-cultural romance, and wartime heroism. Illustrates Hollywoods shifting political narratives and mounting attention to Asia as a theater of conflict. Features early Gene Tierney in a rare ethnically ambiguous leading role, showcasing her talent and star quality amidst a stirring, if flawed, narrative. Would you like an alternate format for inclusion in a movie blog, educational essay, or social media post? New England has emerged as the best region to spend your twilight years with four of its states ranked among the top ten places to retire. Taking the crown for the best state to put down roots in retirement has been awarded to often overlooked New Hampshire. The state, known for its luscious green wilderness and quaint towns, is also a great bet for those looking to retire due to its low taxes, excellent healthcare and safe neighborhoods. The state triumphed in an analysis run by Bankrate which analyzed factors including a state's affordability, weather, safety, healthcare, taxes and how many people there would be of a similar age. New Hampshire ranked as the best of all fifty states for neighborhood safety, fifth for healthcare and sixth for taxes. It was joined by its New England neighbors Maine, Rhode Island and Vermont in the top ten. Three western states also scored highly and made the top ten, Idaho, Utah and Wyoming. 'Surprising to many, including me, is that there are four states from New England in the top 10,' Bankrate analyst Stephen Kates said of the survey's findings. New Hampshire is the best state in America to spend your retirement years, according to an analysis by Bankrate. The often-overlooked Granite State, known for its lush forests and charming towns, scored high for its low taxes, top-tier healthcare, and safe neighborhoods Your browser does not support iframes. 'Health care, both access and cost, as well as safety, recreation, and walkability play a major role in our rankings, and these states excel in these categories.' Intriguingly states that have often been viewed as retirement hotspots scored below the bottom of the table. Florida was ranked 41st, and was joined by seven other sun belt states in the bottom ten. 'Unlike more common retirement rankings by state, Florida didn't land very high on our list,' Kates explained 'Coming in at number 41, Florida ranks strongly on taxes and abundance of other retirees. 'However, it ranks poorly for health care, home insurance costs and natural disasters, which create significant cost disadvantages for retirees.' Louisiana earned the unenviable bottom place, scoring poorly in every category. The sunny southern state even ranked 39th in the weather category due to the number of tornadoes and hurricanes it experiences. New Hampshire is known for its quaint, historic towns with low crime The luscious green wilderness of the state offers many opportunities for recreational activities New Hampshire has some of the most celebrated beaches on the East Coast Bankrate analyst Stephen Kates said it was surprising how well New England states scored Texas also scored badly, following Louisiana in 49th overall place. The Lone Star state scored last for healthcare and second last in having people of a similar age. Kates urged retirees and those looking to retire in the coming years to take note of the new rankings that go beyond the traditional draws such as a sunny, warm climate and low taxes. He believes that factors such as access to recreational activities and public safety can actually have a greater bearing on a retirees quality of life. Modis Maldives visit is not merely about symbolism it is about restoring momentum and rebuilding trust There are no permanent friends or foes in politics only permanent interests. The same holds true for international relations, where nations shift positions on the geopolitical spectrum in alignment with changing priorities. IndiaMaldives relations are a case in point. Once harmonious, then strained, they now seem poised for revival as Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the Maldives signals more than just a diplomatic formality. The visit marks a carefully planned return to normalcy in bilateral ties that had, in recent years, turned visibly sour. While symbolic, the moment is far from trivial Modi will be the first foreign leader to be hosted by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu as the guest of honour at the countrys Independence Day celebrations. When Mohamed Muizzu came to power in late 2023 on the back of the nationalist India Out campaign, IndiaMaldives relations hit a low point. The campaign accused New Delhi of undue interference and demanded the removal of Indian military personnel from Maldivian soil. In the months that followed, Muizzus administration began tilting towards China, raising alarm bells in New Delhi about the potential erosion of a critical strategic partnership in the Indian Ocean region. Today, the optics have changed significantly. Prime Minister Modis visit is more than a diplomatic thaw it is a reaffirmation of Indias enduring strategic stakes in the Maldives. Just nine months ago, Muizzu visited India, where both sides adopted a joint vision for a comprehensive economic and security partnership now serving as the guiding framework for future cooperation. The Maldives holds a pivotal position in Indias Neighbourhood First policy and the broader MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision. Situated at a maritime crossroads in the Indian Ocean, it plays a central role in Indias regional security, maritime cooperation, and strategic depth. Despite the political turbulence, India has remained a steadfast partner. From training Maldivian defence personnel to conducting joint naval exercises, the bilateral defence architecture has remained robust. India has also stepped in during crises economic and environmental reaffirming its position as the regions first responder. Notably, Indian assistance helped prevent a potential debt default in the Maldives. The present close ties are timely as it is the time when Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean is on the rise and it is actively pursuing its policy of encircling India. China has significantly increased its influence in the Maldives through infrastructure projects, trade agreements and military cooperation, raising concerns about the island nations over-reliance on China and its potential impact on regional power dynamics. The Maldives location near crucial sea lanes makes it strategically important for China, particularly in relation to energy supplies and access to the Indian Ocean. Thus, having Maldives on its side is crucial for India to dominate the Indian Ocean. Economically, India remains one of the Maldives largest trading partners, with bilateral trade nearing $500 million. Negotiations are currently underway for a free trade agreement and a broader investment treaty, especially in critical areas such as fisheries and renewable energy. Meanwhile, Indian-funded infrastructure projects most notably the flagship Greater Male Connectivity Project promise to transform the countrys transportation landscape by linking four major islands. The personal diplomacy that has defined Modis foreign policy finds expression in Maldives as well striking a careful balance between strategic reassurance and political pragmatism. While this renewed engagement may not erase the memory of the India Out campaign overnight, it underscores an important lesson: regional partnerships must be nurtured and must be anchored in mutual respect, shared interests and long-term strategic foresight to keep the region free from outside interference. Male, Jul 26 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday reaffirmed Indias commitment to strengthening its strategic and developmental partnership with the Maldives during his two-day visit to the island nation. In a series of high-level meetings, Modi met Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Speaker of the Peoples Majlis Abdul Raheem Abdulla, and former president Mohamed Nasheed. Discussions revolved around key areas of cooperation, including infrastructure development, technology, climate change, and energy. Our nations continue to work closely in sectors like infrastructure, technology, climate change, energy, and more. We look forward to deepening this partnership in the years to come, Modi posted on X, while extending greetings on the 60th anniversary of Maldivian Independence. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted that Latheef expressed gratitude for Indias continued assistance, describing the bilateral relationship as deep-rooted and special. During his meeting with Speaker Abdulla, Modi lauded the establishment of the India-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group, reiterating Indias pledge to support capacity building in the Maldivian Parliament. In his interaction with Nasheed, Modi emphasized that the Maldives remains a key pillar of Indias Neighbourhood First policy and Mahasagar vision. Nasheed thanked India for its unwavering support in fostering bilateral ties. The prime minister also engaged with leaders across the Maldivian political spectrum, highlighting the bipartisan backing for the India-Maldives friendship. Our shared values continue to guide this important partnership, Modi said. On Friday, Modi held wide-ranging discussions with President Mohamed Muizzu and announced a Rs 4,850 crore line of credit for infrastructure and developmental projects in the Maldives. Marking a major turnaround in the ties after a spell of unease, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held wide-ranging talks with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, focusing on consolidating cooperation in areas of trade, defence and infrastructure. PM Modi landed in Male on Friday morning to a warm welcome with Muizzu and a number of top ministers of his Government receiving the PM at the Velena internationalairport, reflecting the importance Male attached to the trip. Hours later, he was accorded a ceremonial welcome and a guard of honour at the iconic Republic Square. Deeply touched by the gesture of President Muizzu to come to the airport to welcome me. I am confident that India-Maldives friendship will scale new heights of progress in the times to come, Modi wrote in a social media post. The two leaders held a one-on-one meeting before settling down for delegation-level talks. This is perhaps the first State visit of a head of Government that Muizzu is hosting since assuming office in November 2023. The turnaround in the bilateral ties assumes significance as Muizzu, known to be close to China, came to power in the island nation in November 2023 on the back of an India Out campaign. Muizzus policies in the first few months of his presidency resulted in severe strain in the ties. Within hours of his oath, he had demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from his country. Subsequently, India replaced the personnel with civilians. The Indian military personnel were deployed to the Maldives to maintain and operate two helicopters and an aircraft, which were used for humanitarian and rescue operations. It is believed that New Delhis sustained efforts, including its assistance to the island nation to deal with its economic woes, helped bring the relations back on track. Weve continued to work at it, and I think the result is there for you to see, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Tuesday when asked about the turnaround in the ties. The Maldives is one of Indias key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region and the overall bilateral ties, including in areas of defence and security, witnessed an upward trajectory under the previous Governments in Male. During his two-day visit to Maldives, Modi reaffirmed Indias commitment to supporting the island nations development through a wide-ranging partnership. A major highlight of the visit was the signing of an agreement to extend a new Line of Credit (LoC) worth Rs 4,850 crore to the island nation. This financial assistance is expected to fund key infrastructure and developmental projects across Maldives. This apart, an amendatory agreement was signed to reduce the countrys annual debt repayment obligations on previous Indian-funded LoCs, providing further financial relief to the nation. This is the second leg of PM Modis two-nation tour after his landmark United Kingdom trip, which included the signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement and high-level engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation. In Maldives, Modi will be taking part in the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the island nation as the Guest of Honour. Lauding the bilateral relations between the two countries, Modi said that India is Maldives closest neighbour. While addressing a briefing with Muizzu, he said, For us it is always friendship first. Modi said that though India and Maldives are celebrating 60 years of their diplomatic relations, the roots go as deep as the sea. ...The roots of our relations are older than history and as deep as the sea. The commemorative stamps released today display traditional boats of both nations. This reflects that we are not just neighbours but also co-passengers. Modi said that the friendship between the two countries will remain bright and clear. He also announced that India would always support Maldives to strengthen its defence capabilities. PM Modi said that a free trade agreement between the two countries has started. To speed up our economic partnership, we have taken several steps. To speed up our shared investment, we will soon work toward finalising the Bilateral Investment Treaty. Talks on Free Trade Agreement have also begun. Now, our goal is from paperwork to prosperity, he added. Modi said that with the local currency settlement system, New Delhi will be able to have direct trade between Rupee and Rufiyaa. The pace with which UPI is gaining momentum in Maldives, tourism and retail will strengthen, he said. The Maldives National Defence Force earlier in the day presented Modi with the traditional Haiykolhu, a cherished Maldivian gesture of hospitality and honour. Aimed at strengthening economic ties and expanding bilateral trade, the two nations have also launched formal negotiations for the India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (IMFTA). Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were also signed to deepen cooperation in various sectors. These include agreements on fisheries and aquaculture, meteorological collaboration between Indias Institute of Tropical Meteorology and the Maldives Meteorological Services along with the sharing of scalable digital governance solutions to promote digital transformation. A MoU was also signed for the recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia by Maldivian authorities, which will facilitate smoother trade in pharmaceutical products. Strengthening financial connectivity, a network-level agreement was concluded between NPCI International Payments Limited and the Maldives Monetary Authority to bring Indias Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to Maldives. Modis visit also featured the inauguration and handing-over of several major development projects funded by India. These included the formal handover of 3,300 social housing units in Hulhumale built under Indias Buyers Credit facilities and the inauguration of the roads and drainage system project in Addu City. Apart from this, six High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) will also be inaugurated in the nation to improve the local infrastructure. India also handed over 72 vehicles and various types of equipment to Maldivian Defence Ministry to bolster their security. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday concluded a two-day visit to the Maldives, where he attended the island nations 60th Independence Day celebrations as the guest of honour. The visit is seen as a significant step towards revitalising India-Maldives relations following a period of strain. Modi was warmly welcomed by President Mohamed Muizzu and senior members of his Cabinet at Republic Square in Male, the venue of the grand celebrations. Sitting beside President Muizzu, the prime minister watched a 50-minute ceremony featuring a military parade and vibrant cultural performances by children and traditional artistes. The event was attended by top Maldivian political and military leaders, as well as members of the Indian delegation including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. This momentous occasion showcased the rich cultural heritage and vibrant spirit of the Maldivian people, Modi said in a post on social media. It also signified the countrys journey of transformation-from ancient maritime traditions to leadership in global climate action. The prime minister reached Male on Friday, following an official visit to the UK, and held extensive talks with President Muizzu. The discussions focused on deepening cooperation in areas such as trade, defence, and maritime security. After the talks, India announced a Rs 4,850 crore line of credit to the Maldives and launched negotiations for a free trade agreement. The two countries also signed six agreements covering fisheries and aquaculture, meteorology, digital public infrastructure, UPI, Indian pharmacopoeia, and concessional financing. In a significant economic relief gesture, New Delhi reduced the Maldives annual debt repayment obligation by 40%, from USD 51 million to USD 29 million. This move is seen as an effort to help the Maldivian economy amid ongoing financial challenges. Modi also interacted with the Indian community in the Maldives, appreciating their role in strengthening people-to-people ties. He commended the contributions of the diaspora and met with beneficiaries of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, calling them true embodiments of India-Maldives friendship. Describing the visit as very fruitful and productive, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Modi had now departed for India after a successful diplomatic engagement. The renewed warmth in relations is particularly notable given that President Muizzu came to power in November 2023 following an India Out campaign. Modis visit, and the tone of the talks, signal a reset in the relationship between the two Indian Ocean neighbours. While Indias western land borders are now well defended, the real threats the country faces arise from the growing challenges posed by China, across its land and its maritime frontiers in the Indian Ocean, which extend from the Straits of Hormuz to its West, to the Straits of Malacca to its East. Also important, while steadily building up its presence in this region, are the challenges faced from Chinas supply of conventional weapons and nuclear weapons capabilities, to Pakistan. The US, in turn, has deployed its Fifth Fleet for operations across the Indian Ocean. There has been a continuing effort in recent years for India and the US to cooperate by strengthening maritime ties and enhancing security cooperation across the Indian Ocean. President Donald Trump, however, appears to feel very upset that India does not relate enthusiastically to everything he undertakes in US relations with Pakistan. India has also shared common interests and cooperation with littoral States in the Indian Ocean, other than Pakistan. More importantly, India has an abiding interest in the free flow of energy resources across the Indian Ocean from the Straits of Hormuz to and beyond the Straits of Malacca. President Trumps sudden and recent interest in relations with Pakistan appears to have been aimed at getting a huge cryptocurrency deal signed between his familys Principal Company, the World Liberty Financial (WLF), and a newly formed Pakistan Crypto Council. This has happened coincidentally, just after the April 22 attacks on strategic Pakistani targets. What now appears clear is that businesses run by the Trump family have finalised agreements for undertaking lucrative mining for minerals and other projects in Pakistan. All this was undertaken with the involvement of senior Pakistani officials, duly supervised by their ubiquitous General Asim Munir. One has heard of and seen the Pakistan military supervising civilian officials, but what is taking place now is a unique new role for the Pakistan Army Chief, of being involved in economic agreements with the United States. These agreements are said to cover the utilisation of the vast amounts of Pakistans mining resources. Trump has shown his appreciation for the role of General Munir in these developments by hosting an astonishing and unprecedented lunch for General Munir in Washington. General Munirs expectations of large amounts of US economic assistance and support are unlikely to meet Pakistans expectations. Moreover, any large-scale US support may not be available if Pakistan chooses not to permit US resources for projects close to its borders with China. The main Provinces requiring such resources for export will be Baluchistan and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provinces, on Pakistans western borders. While the supply of US weapons and equipment to Pakistan may not commence soon, one has to bear in mind that the Chinese arms and aircraft supplies to Pakistan recently appear to be of a distinctly higher quality than supplies in the past. This appears evident from the enhanced capabilities of some of the latest Chinese fighter aircraft supplied to Pakistan. It is an issue that is, no doubt, receiving serious attention in South Block. Constant threats of economic sanctions on every conceivable occasion, by the Trump Administration, against a number of countries, are meanwhile inevitably inviting adverse reactions from those threatened by the US. Chinese expert Changping Zhao, who is said to have been recently released from a US Prison, has since been appointed as an Adviser for the Pakistan Project!! A high-stakes cryptocurrency deal between World Liberty Financial (WLF), a firm backed by the Trump family, and the newly formed Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) has naturally raised eyebrows in India. This is especially as President Trump himself has pushed hard to act as mediator between India and Pakistan. The timing of the deal, signed just days after the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, has raised eyebrows in both New Delhi and Washington. World Liberty Financial (WLF), a large Finance and cryptocurrency company, was founded in 2024 and is no ordinary financial startup. The firm is said to be 60 per cent owned by Trumps sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., alongside their brother-in-law, Jared Kushner. These three are said to collectively hold a majority stake and are entitled to 75 per cent of all revenue from WLFs coin sales. The company, co-chaired by Zachary Witkoff-son of Steve Witkoff, a longtime Trump associate-acts as a pioneer in blockchain innovation and integration. On April 26, 2025, WLF signed a Letter of Intent with the Pakistan Crypto Council, a body established just a month earlier, under the leadership of Bilal bin Saqib, a key advisor to Pakistans Finance Minister. The agreement was formalised during a high-profile meeting in Islamabad, hosted by Pakistans Ministry of Finance, which included measures for integrating blockchain technology across Pakistans financial institutions. Specific goals included asset tokenisation, stablecoin development for trade and remittances, and the creation of regulatory sandboxes for DeFi pilot projects, all under the aim of promoting financial inclusion. A high-stakes cryptocurrency deal between World Liberty Financial (WLF), a firm backed by the Trump family, and the newly formed Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) has inevitably invited speculation about the U.S. Presidents motivations. It is also being claimed that President Trump was being pushed to act as mediator to resolve differences between India and Pakistan. The timing and content of the deal, signed just days after the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, naturally raised eyebrows in New Delhi. On April 26, 2025, WLF signed a Letter of Intent with the Pakistan Crypto Council, a body established just a month earlier under the leadership of Bilal bin Saqib, a key advisor to Pakistans finance minister. The agreement was formalised during a high-profile meeting in Islamabad, which was hosted by Pakistans Ministry of Finance. It aimed to integrate blockchain technology across Pakistans financial institutions. The announcement of this deal came just days after the Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians and triggered Indias retaliatory Operation Sindhoor, on May 7, targeting terror camps deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Quite obviously, Pakistan-Trump Family cooperation promoted by Pakistans General Asim Munir is moving into new and uncharted waters!! Pahalgam terror attack On April 22, 2025, a horrific terror attack unfolded in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Five militants armed with assault rifles ambushed a group of Hindu tourists, deliberately targeting them after verifying their religion. In the brutal shooting that followed, 26 people were killed, including a local Muslim pony-ride operator who reportedly tried to fight the attackers. Investigations led by the National Investigation Agency pointed to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and its affiliate The Resistance Front (TRF), with alleged support from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Yeh Dil Mange More resonated across the nation in 1999 when Captain Vikram Batra said this and asked his superiors to allow him to continue with his participation in the action during the Kargil war. Given the code name Shershah, he made the ultimate sacrifice the next day, fighting the Pakistani soldiers and militants. His gallant action reclaimed Peak 5140. He, along with Yoigendra Yadav, Manoj Kumar Pandey, Balwan Singh and Rajesh Singh Adhikari, besides many others, became household names due to their gallant acts on the war front. The war, lasting nearly 60 days, ended on July 26, and the nation every year salutes the bravehearts during Kargil Vijay Diwas. Military action began after it was found that Pakistan soldiers and militants over the months had intruded into Indian territory in Kargil and built fortifications. Indian army and IAF swung into action and launched Operation Vijay. However, the armed forces were ordered not to cross the Line of Control(LOC). Our soldiers had to climb the heights to evict the intruders, and several sectors like Tiger Hill saw fierce gun battles. The enemy had the advantage as they could easily detect our movement, as they had occupied the heights. It was sheer bravery and guts, besides excellent man management by the young officers, which saw the Indian armed forces overcoming this disadvantage in adverse weather conditions. Nearly 530 Indian casualties took place during the fierce fighting lasting nearly two months. The entire nation backed our troops. Pakistan refused to take back the bodies of its soldiers, claiming they were not part of its army. With the vast number of television channels operating by then, the Kargil war was brought right into the drawing rooms of India. Several television reporters risked their lives to cover the action live at the front line in harsh weather conditions. The Atal Bihari Vajpayee dispensation set up the Kargil Review Committee after the war to tone up the defence and security apparatus. The committee was headed by K Subrahmanyam, father of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The report was tabled in Parliament in 2000. Following the Kargil Review Committee report, a Group of Ministers (GoM) was set up by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in 2000 to consider the recommendations in the Kargil Review Committee. The GOM recommendations, like the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff(CDS), creation of additional tri-services organisations like Integrated Defence Staff, the Andaman and Nicobar Command, the Nuclear Command Authority, Strategic Forces Command, the Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare, the Defence Technology Council and the Defence Acquisition Council, have taken place. Given the fast-changing nature of warfare, India has adopted a very flexible approach to deal with new challenges in terms of information technology, space and artificial intelligence. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in his message on Saturday, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the bravehearts on behalf of the nation. He stated that Kargil Vijay will forever remain a unique example of bravery for future generations. Duty-Honour-Courage! he added. Cameco Corporation (NYSE:CCJ Get Free Report) (TSE:CCO) saw unusually large options trading activity on Thursday. Stock investors acquired 28,210 put options on the stock. This represents an increase of 942% compared to the average volume of 2,706 put options. Cameco Stock Down 0.4% Shares of NYSE:CCJ opened at $79.60 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $68.07 and a 200 day simple moving average of $53.43. Cameco has a 52 week low of $35.00 and a 52 week high of $80.06. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a quick ratio of 1.26 and a current ratio of 2.70. The company has a market cap of $34.66 billion, a PE ratio of 199.00 and a beta of 1.03. Get Cameco alerts: Cameco (NYSE:CCJ Get Free Report) (TSE:CCO) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The basic materials company reported $0.11 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.18 by ($0.07). Cameco had a return on equity of 4.47% and a net margin of 7.50%. The business had revenue of $549.58 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $890.07 million. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.13 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 24.4% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts expect that Cameco will post 1.27 earnings per share for the current year. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms have recently weighed in on CCJ. Scotiabank reissued an outperform rating on shares of Cameco in a research report on Tuesday, July 8th. UBS Group reissued a buy rating on shares of Cameco in a research report on Tuesday, June 10th. Sanford C. Bernstein set a $70.00 price target on Cameco and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, June 10th. Desjardins began coverage on Cameco in a research report on Friday, April 4th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price target on Cameco from $90.00 to $100.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, June 20th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, ten have assigned a buy rating and three have given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $80.65. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on CCJ Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Cameco during the second quarter worth $202,000. Concord Wealth Partners acquired a new stake in Cameco in the second quarter valued at approximately $103,000. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC grew its position in Cameco by 5.0% in the second quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 87,099 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $6,465,000 after acquiring an additional 4,160 shares in the last quarter. Total Clarity Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Cameco during the 2nd quarter worth $281,000. Finally, Yousif Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Cameco by 6.5% during the 2nd quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 6,965 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $517,000 after purchasing an additional 425 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.21% of the companys stock. Cameco Company Profile (Get Free Report) Cameco Corporation provides uranium for the generation of electricity. It operates through Uranium, Fuel Services, Westinghouse segments. The Uranium segment is involved in the exploration for, mining, and milling, purchase, and sale of uranium concentrate. The Fuel Services segment engages in the refining, conversion, and fabrication of uranium concentrate, as well as the purchase and sale of conversion services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Cameco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cameco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Stevens Capital Management LP purchased a new position in shares of Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO Free Report) in the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund purchased 3,678 shares of the oil and gas companys stock, valued at approximately $486,000. Several other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in VLO. Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC increased its stake in Valero Energy by 18.5% during the 1st quarter. Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC now owns 22,402 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $2,959,000 after acquiring an additional 3,503 shares during the period. Sendero Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in Valero Energy by 11.0% during the 1st quarter. Sendero Wealth Management LLC now owns 20,198 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $2,668,000 after acquiring an additional 2,000 shares during the period. Applied Finance Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Valero Energy by 3.0% during the 4th quarter. Applied Finance Capital Management LLC now owns 178,293 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $21,857,000 after acquiring an additional 5,203 shares during the period. AlTi Global Inc. increased its stake in Valero Energy by 18.2% during the 4th quarter. AlTi Global Inc. now owns 64,793 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $8,585,000 after acquiring an additional 9,963 shares during the period. Finally, Trexquant Investment LP increased its stake in Valero Energy by 1,930.4% during the 4th quarter. Trexquant Investment LP now owns 113,603 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $13,927,000 after acquiring an additional 108,008 shares during the period. 78.69% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Valero Energy alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In VLO has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price objective on Valero Energy from $152.00 to $147.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, April 28th. Citigroup lowered Valero Energy from a buy rating to a neutral rating and raised their price objective for the stock from $134.00 to $150.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 16th. UBS Group raised their price objective on Valero Energy from $164.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday. Barclays raised their price objective on Valero Energy from $140.00 to $141.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, May 12th. Finally, Mizuho lifted their price target on Valero Energy from $158.00 to $166.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 13th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, ten have given a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $153.87. Valero Energy Trading Up 1.2% Shares of VLO stock opened at $142.03 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $44.48 billion, a P/E ratio of 59.18, a P/E/G ratio of 2.88 and a beta of 1.00. Valero Energy Corporation has a twelve month low of $99.00 and a twelve month high of $167.78. The company has a quick ratio of 1.09, a current ratio of 1.56 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $137.66 and its 200 day simple moving average is $130.81. Valero Energy (NYSE:VLO Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 24th. The oil and gas company reported $2.28 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.66 by $0.62. The business had revenue of $29.89 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $27 billion. Valero Energy had a return on equity of 5.74% and a net margin of 0.62%. Valero Energys quarterly revenue was down 13.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $2.71 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Valero Energy Corporation will post 7.92 EPS for the current fiscal year. Valero Energy Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 2nd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 31st will be issued a dividend of $1.13 per share. This represents a $4.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.18%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 31st. Valero Energys payout ratio is presently 159.72%. Valero Energy Profile (Free Report) Valero Energy Corporation manufactures, markets, and sells petroleum-based and low-carbon liquid transportation fuels and petrochemical products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Latin America, Mexico, Peru, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Refining, Renewable Diesel, and Ethanol. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VLO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Valero Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Valero Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Applied Finance Capital Management LLC decreased its position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW Free Report) by 5.7% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 14,429 shares of the medical research companys stock after selling 876 shares during the period. Applied Finance Capital Management LLCs holdings in Edwards Lifesciences were worth $1,046,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in EW. Prosperity Consulting Group LLC raised its position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 3.6% during the 4th quarter. Prosperity Consulting Group LLC now owns 3,906 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $289,000 after purchasing an additional 134 shares during the period. Arlington Trust Co LLC increased its stake in Edwards Lifesciences by 1.2% in the 1st quarter. Arlington Trust Co LLC now owns 11,092 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $804,000 after buying an additional 135 shares in the last quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Edwards Lifesciences by 2.8% during the first quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 5,136 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $372,000 after acquiring an additional 142 shares during the period. Versant Capital Management Inc lifted its position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 9.3% in the first quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 1,698 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $123,000 after acquiring an additional 145 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC lifted its position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 0.5% in the first quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 30,195 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $2,170,000 after acquiring an additional 145 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.46% of the companys stock. Get Edwards Lifesciences alerts: Insider Activity In related news, CFO Scott B. Ullem sold 11,250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $74.40, for a total transaction of $837,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 41,098 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,057,691.20. This represents a 21.49% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, VP Donald E. Bobo, Jr. sold 2,570 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $77.40, for a total transaction of $198,918.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president directly owned 50,356 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,897,554.40. The trade was a 4.86% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 30,848 shares of company stock worth $2,314,488 in the last 90 days. Company insiders own 1.29% of the companys stock. Edwards Lifesciences Price Performance Shares of Edwards Lifesciences stock opened at $79.92 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $46.88 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.50, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.81 and a beta of 1.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06, a quick ratio of 3.66 and a current ratio of 4.45. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $76.58 and a 200-day moving average price of $73.56. Edwards Lifesciences Corporation has a one year low of $59.41 and a one year high of $83.00. Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:EW Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 24th. The medical research company reported $0.67 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.62 by $0.05. Edwards Lifesciences had a return on equity of 15.25% and a net margin of 72.96%. The company had revenue of $1.53 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.49 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.70 earnings per share. Edwards Lifesciencess revenue was up 11.9% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts expect that Edwards Lifesciences Corporation will post 2.45 EPS for the current year. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts recently issued reports on the company. Stifel Nicolaus increased their target price on Edwards Lifesciences from $90.00 to $95.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday. Citigroup restated a buy rating and issued a $95.00 price target (up from $84.00) on shares of Edwards Lifesciences in a research note on Thursday, May 22nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $80.00 to $85.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday. Dbs Bank raised shares of Edwards Lifesciences to a hold rating in a report on Monday, June 2nd. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada upped their target price on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $85.00 to $89.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have assigned a hold rating, thirteen have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $85.00. Check Out Our Latest Report on EW Edwards Lifesciences Profile (Free Report) Edwards Lifesciences Corporation provides products and technologies for structural heart disease and critical care monitoring in the United States, Europe, Japan, and internationally. It offers transcatheter heart valve replacement products for the minimally invasive replacement of aortic heart valves under the Edwards SAPIEN family of valves system; and transcatheter heart valve repair and replacement products to treat mitral and tricuspid valve diseases under the PASCAL PRECISION and Cardioband names. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Edwards Lifesciences Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Edwards Lifesciences and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Assetmark Inc. grew its holdings in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 13.5% in the first quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 278,873 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 33,075 shares during the period. Assetmark Inc.s holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $44,266,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. 49 Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 79.0% in the 1st quarter. 49 Wealth Management LLC now owns 5,334 shares of the companys stock worth $847,000 after buying an additional 2,354 shares in the last quarter. Cortland Associates Inc. MO boosted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 704.0% during the 1st quarter. Cortland Associates Inc. MO now owns 142,950 shares of the companys stock worth $22,690,000 after purchasing an additional 125,171 shares during the period. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC boosted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 24.9% during the 1st quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 439,082 shares of the companys stock worth $69,695,000 after purchasing an additional 87,631 shares during the period. Brighton Jones LLC boosted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 31.1% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 8,531 shares of the companys stock worth $1,027,000 after purchasing an additional 2,023 shares during the period. Finally, Symmetry Investments LP purchased a new position in shares of Philip Morris International during the 4th quarter worth about $1,966,000. 78.63% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Philip Morris International Stock Performance NYSE:PM opened at $160.92 on Friday. Philip Morris International Inc. has a one year low of $112.43 and a one year high of $186.69. The firm has a market cap of $250.47 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.59, a P/E/G ratio of 2.30 and a beta of 0.51. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $178.86 and a 200-day simple moving average of $160.14. Philip Morris International Announces Dividend Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 22nd. The company reported $1.91 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.86 by $0.05. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 10.57% and a negative return on equity of 120.86%. The business had revenue of $10.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.33 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.59 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 7.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts predict that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 27th were issued a $1.35 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, June 27th. This represents a $5.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.36%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is currently 102.66%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades PM has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group initiated coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Wednesday, July 9th. They set a buy rating and a $220.00 price target for the company. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $182.00 price target (up from $156.00) on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Thursday, April 24th. Citigroup reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Tuesday. Bank of America lifted their price target on shares of Philip Morris International from $182.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, June 4th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised shares of Philip Morris International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Sunday, July 20th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $186.73. View Our Latest Analysis on PM About Philip Morris International (Free Report) Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. raised its holdings in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 7.5% during the first quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 100,761 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 7,046 shares during the quarter. Avantax Advisory Services Inc.s holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $15,994,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in PM. Perigon Wealth Management LLC increased its position in Philip Morris International by 0.4% during the 1st quarter. Perigon Wealth Management LLC now owns 14,087 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,236,000 after purchasing an additional 60 shares during the period. TBH Global Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 0.9% during the 1st quarter. TBH Global Asset Management LLC now owns 6,932 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,100,000 after purchasing an additional 61 shares in the last quarter. Capital Advisors Wealth Management LLC increased its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 2.1% during the first quarter. Capital Advisors Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,005 shares of the companys stock valued at $477,000 after buying an additional 63 shares during the period. Lloyd Advisory Services LLC. raised its stake in Philip Morris International by 3.3% in the first quarter. Lloyd Advisory Services LLC. now owns 2,032 shares of the companys stock worth $323,000 after buying an additional 64 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Western Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in Philip Morris International by 1.5% in the first quarter. Western Wealth Management LLC now owns 4,446 shares of the companys stock worth $706,000 after buying an additional 64 shares in the last quarter. 78.63% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Philip Morris International Price Performance PM opened at $160.92 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $250.47 billion, a PE ratio of 30.59, a P/E/G ratio of 2.30 and a beta of 0.51. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 1 year low of $112.43 and a 1 year high of $186.69. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $178.86 and a 200-day moving average price of $160.14. Philip Morris International Dividend Announcement Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 22nd. The company reported $1.91 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.86 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $10.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.33 billion. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 120.86% and a net margin of 10.57%. The companys revenue was up 7.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.59 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 EPS for the current year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Investors of record on Friday, June 27th were issued a $1.35 dividend. This represents a $5.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.36%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, June 27th. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is currently 102.66%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts have weighed in on PM shares. Barclays reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Tuesday. Jefferies Financial Group assumed coverage on Philip Morris International in a research report on Wednesday, July 9th. They set a buy rating and a $220.00 price target on the stock. Citigroup reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Tuesday. Needham & Company LLC reissued a buy rating and set a $195.00 price objective on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Bank of America boosted their target price on shares of Philip Morris International from $182.00 to $200.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, June 4th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $186.73. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on PM Philip Morris International Company Profile (Free Report) Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Burney Co. boosted its position in shares of Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE:BRO Free Report) by 17.1% during the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 3,110 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 455 shares during the period. Burney Co.s holdings in Brown & Brown were worth $387,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Price Capital Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Brown & Brown during the first quarter valued at $1,473,000. Roundview Capital LLC grew its position in shares of Brown & Brown by 57.9% in the first quarter. Roundview Capital LLC now owns 23,586 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,934,000 after purchasing an additional 8,648 shares during the period. Madison Asset Management LLC grew its position in shares of Brown & Brown by 6.2% in the first quarter. Madison Asset Management LLC now owns 2,060,954 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $256,383,000 after purchasing an additional 119,856 shares during the period. Somerville Kurt F acquired a new stake in shares of Brown & Brown in the first quarter valued at about $373,000. Finally, KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS grew its position in shares of Brown & Brown by 2.1% in the first quarter. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS now owns 82,800 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $10,300,000 after purchasing an additional 1,700 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 71.01% of the companys stock. Get Brown & Brown alerts: Brown & Brown Price Performance Shares of BRO stock opened at $103.38 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55, a current ratio of 2.52 and a quick ratio of 2.52. The firms 50-day moving average is $108.34 and its two-hundred day moving average is $111.48. Brown & Brown, Inc. has a 12 month low of $97.61 and a 12 month high of $125.68. The company has a market capitalization of $29.64 billion, a PE ratio of 28.80, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.25 and a beta of 0.82. Brown & Brown Announces Dividend Brown & Brown ( NYSE:BRO Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Monday, April 28th. The financial services provider reported $1.29 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.30 by ($0.01). Brown & Brown had a return on equity of 17.77% and a net margin of 20.84%. The firm had revenue of $1.40 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.41 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.14 earnings per share. Brown & Browns revenue for the quarter was up 11.6% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts predict that Brown & Brown, Inc. will post 4.18 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, August 20th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, August 13th will be paid a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.58%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, August 13th. Brown & Browns dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 16.71%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth BRO has been the topic of several research analyst reports. BMO Capital Markets reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $122.00 target price (up previously from $116.00) on shares of Brown & Brown in a research report on Thursday, June 12th. Truist Financial dropped their target price on shares of Brown & Brown from $138.00 to $130.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, April 30th. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their target price on shares of Brown & Brown from $105.00 to $109.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Friday, April 11th. Wells Fargo & Company reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $127.00 target price (up previously from $125.00) on shares of Brown & Brown in a research report on Thursday, June 12th. Finally, Edward Jones initiated coverage on shares of Brown & Brown in a research report on Wednesday, April 16th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Brown & Brown has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $118.92. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Brown & Brown Brown & Brown Company Profile (Free Report) Brown & Brown, Inc is an insurance agency, wholesale brokerage, insurance program and service organization. It engages in the provision of insurance brokerage services and casualty insurance underwriting services. It operates through the following segments: Retail, National Programs, Wholesale Brokerage, and Services. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BRO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE:BRO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Brown & Brown Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brown & Brown and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Burney Co. decreased its holdings in Suncor Energy Inc. (NYSE:SU Free Report) (TSE:SU) by 1.4% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 20,432 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after selling 289 shares during the quarter. Burney Co.s holdings in Suncor Energy were worth $791,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA increased its stake in Suncor Energy by 0.9% in the 4th quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 23,308,055 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $831,631,000 after buying an additional 209,447 shares during the last quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank increased its stake in Suncor Energy by 3.0% in the 4th quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank now owns 19,098,225 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $680,847,000 after buying an additional 552,018 shares during the last quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. increased its stake in Suncor Energy by 65.0% in the 1st quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 16,018,129 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $620,136,000 after buying an additional 6,311,513 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its stake in Suncor Energy by 4.2% in the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 10,981,927 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $391,809,000 after buying an additional 445,613 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Suncor Energy by 29.5% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 7,629,169 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $278,537,000 after buying an additional 1,737,573 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 67.37% of the companys stock. Get Suncor Energy alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Suncor Energy from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, April 17th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $66.00. Suncor Energy Trading Down 1.0% Shares of SU stock opened at $39.31 on Friday. The company has a 50 day moving average of $38.06 and a 200-day moving average of $37.36. The company has a quick ratio of 0.84, a current ratio of 1.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21. Suncor Energy Inc. has a 12-month low of $30.79 and a 12-month high of $41.94. The firm has a market cap of $48.07 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.33, a PEG ratio of 3.50 and a beta of 0.80. Suncor Energy (NYSE:SU Get Free Report) (TSE:SU) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 6th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.91 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.86 by $0.05. Suncor Energy had a net margin of 11.95% and a return on equity of 14.90%. The company had revenue of $9.10 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.39 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.41 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Suncor Energy Inc. will post 3.42 earnings per share for the current year. Suncor Energy Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, June 25th. Investors of record on Wednesday, June 4th were paid a $0.4133 dividend. This represents a $1.65 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.20%. This is a positive change from Suncor Energys previous quarterly dividend of $0.40. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, June 4th. Suncor Energys payout ratio is currently 47.84%. Suncor Energy Company Profile (Free Report) Suncor Energy Inc operates as an integrated energy company in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through Oil Sands; Exploration and Production; and Refining and Marketing segments. The Oil Sands segment explores, develops, and produces bitumen, synthetic crude oil, and related products. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SU? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Suncor Energy Inc. (NYSE:SU Free Report) (TSE:SU). Receive News & Ratings for Suncor Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Suncor Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Caliber Wealth Management LLC KS acquired a new stake in Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL Free Report) during the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm acquired 4,179 shares of the enterprise software providers stock, valued at approximately $584,000. Other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services Ltd. increased its stake in Oracle by 71.6% in the 1st quarter. Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services Ltd. now owns 257,378 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $35,984,000 after buying an additional 107,404 shares during the period. Rockland Trust Co. increased its stake in Oracle by 4.8% in the 1st quarter. Rockland Trust Co. now owns 10,165 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $1,421,000 after buying an additional 467 shares during the period. Calamos Advisors LLC increased its stake in Oracle by 1.5% in the 1st quarter. Calamos Advisors LLC now owns 711,290 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $99,445,000 after buying an additional 10,426 shares during the period. Cornerstone Advisory LLC increased its stake in Oracle by 34.1% in the 4th quarter. Cornerstone Advisory LLC now owns 12,968 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $2,258,000 after buying an additional 3,299 shares during the period. Finally, Peak Retirement Planning Inc. acquired a new position in Oracle in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $211,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 42.44% of the companys stock. Get Oracle alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts have commented on the stock. DA Davidson boosted their target price on shares of Oracle from $140.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, June 12th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on shares of Oracle from $135.00 to $185.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, June 12th. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted 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. Scotiabank assumed coverage on shares of Oracle in a research report on Thursday, July 17th. They issued a sector outperform rating and a $300.00 target price for the company. Finally, Piper Sandler raised shares of Oracle from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $190.00 to $270.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 10th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-three have given a buy rating and three have issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Oracle presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $218.29. Insider Transactions at Oracle In other Oracle news, EVP Maria Smith sold 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $232.99, for a total value of $2,329,900.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 40,807 shares in the company, valued at $9,507,622.93. The trade was a 19.68% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Vice Chairman Jeffrey Henley sold 400,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $190.42, for a total transaction of $76,168,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 1,097,576 shares in the company, valued at approximately $209,000,421.92. This trade represents a 26.71% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 448,669 shares of company stock valued at $85,555,309. 42.20% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Oracle Price Performance Shares of Oracle stock opened at $245.05 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.07, a quick ratio of 0.75 and a current ratio of 0.75. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $204.42 and its 200-day simple moving average is $171.59. Oracle Corporation has a twelve month low of $118.86 and a twelve month high of $251.60. The firm has a market cap of $688.31 billion, a P/E ratio of 56.46, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.62 and a beta of 1.39. Oracle (NYSE:ORCL Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, June 11th. The enterprise software provider reported $1.70 earnings per share 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 for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $15.58 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.63 EPS. The firms revenue was up 11.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts expect that Oracle Corporation will post 5 EPS for the current fiscal year. Oracle Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, July 24th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 10th were given a $0.50 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, July 10th. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.82%. Oracles dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 46.08%. 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. See Also 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). Receive News & Ratings for Oracle Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oracle and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MGIC Investment (NYSE:MTG Get Free Report) and Corebridge Financial (NYSE:CRBG Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, valuation, risk and profitability. Dividends MGIC Investment pays an annual dividend of $0.52 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.0%. Corebridge Financial pays an annual dividend of $0.96 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.7%. MGIC Investment pays out 17.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Corebridge Financial pays out 81.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. MGIC Investment has raised its dividend for 6 consecutive years and Corebridge Financial has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years. Get MGIC Investment alerts: Valuation and Earnings This table compares MGIC Investment and Corebridge Financials revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio MGIC Investment $1.21 billion 5.04 $762.99 million $3.01 8.51 Corebridge Financial $19.58 billion 1.00 $2.23 billion $1.18 30.19 Corebridge Financial has higher revenue and earnings than MGIC Investment. MGIC Investment is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Corebridge Financial, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Profitability This table compares MGIC Investment and Corebridge Financials net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets MGIC Investment 63.49% 14.96% 11.80% Corebridge Financial 3.73% 22.19% 0.73% Insider and Institutional Ownership 95.6% of MGIC Investment shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 98.3% of Corebridge Financial shares are held by institutional investors. 1.1% of MGIC Investment shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.3% of Corebridge Financial shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Volatility and Risk MGIC Investment has a beta of 0.89, suggesting that its share price is 11% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Corebridge Financial has a beta of 1.06, suggesting that its share price is 6% more volatile than the S&P 500. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent ratings and target prices for MGIC Investment and Corebridge Financial, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score MGIC Investment 1 5 2 0 2.13 Corebridge Financial 0 3 9 0 2.75 MGIC Investment currently has a consensus price target of $26.88, indicating a potential upside of 4.87%. Corebridge Financial has a consensus price target of $39.91, indicating a potential upside of 12.03%. Given Corebridge Financials stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Corebridge Financial is more favorable than MGIC Investment. Summary Corebridge Financial beats MGIC Investment on 10 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About MGIC Investment (Get Free Report) MGIC Investment Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides private mortgage insurance, other mortgage credit risk management solutions, and ancillary services to lenders and government sponsored entities in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam. The company offers primary mortgage insurance that provides mortgage default protection on individual loans, as well as covers unpaid loan principal, delinquent interest, and various expenses associated with the default and subsequent foreclosure. It also provides pool insurance for secondary market mortgage transactions; and contract underwriting services, as well as reinsurance. The company serves originators of residential mortgage loans, including savings institutions, commercial banks, mortgage brokers, credit unions, mortgage bankers, and other lenders. MGIC Investment Corporation was founded in 1957 and is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. About Corebridge Financial (Get Free Report) Corebridge Financial, Inc. provides retirement solutions and insurance products in the United States. The company operates through Individual Retirement, Group Retirement, Life Insurance, and Institutional Markets segments. The Individual Retirement segment provides fixed annuities, fixed index annuities, variable annuities, and retail mutual funds. The Group Retirement segment offers record-keeping services, plan administration and compliance services, and financial planning and advisory solutions to employer-defined contribution plans and their participants, as well as proprietary and non-proprietary annuities, advisory services, and brokerage products. The Life Insurance segment offers term life and universal life insurance in the United States, as well as issues individual life, whole life, and group life insurance in the United Kingdom; and distributes medical insurance in Ireland. The Institutional Markets segment provides stable value wraps, structured settlement and pension risk transfer annuities, corporate and bank owned life insurance, private placement variable universal life and annuities products, and guaranteed investment contracts. The company was formerly known as SAFG Retirement Services, Inc. Corebridge Financial, Inc. was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. The company operates as a subsidiary of American International Group, Inc. Receive News & Ratings for MGIC Investment Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MGIC Investment and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nvwm LLC increased its holdings in Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR Free Report) by 1.9% in the first quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 3,287 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 60 shares during the quarter. Nvwm LLCs holdings in Digital Realty Trust were worth $471,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Key Financial Inc boosted its position in Digital Realty Trust by 114.0% during the 1st quarter. Key Financial Inc now owns 259 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $37,000 after acquiring an additional 138 shares during the period. Opal Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Digital Realty Trust in the first quarter worth about $38,000. Grove Bank & Trust grew its position in Digital Realty Trust by 306.7% in the 1st quarter. Grove Bank & Trust now owns 305 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $44,000 after buying an additional 230 shares in the last quarter. Alpine Bank Wealth Management acquired a new position in Digital Realty Trust during the 1st quarter valued at about $49,000. Finally, Adirondack Trust Co. raised its position in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 40.8% during the 1st quarter. Adirondack Trust Co. now owns 352 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $50,000 after buying an additional 102 shares in the last quarter. 99.71% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Digital Realty Trust alerts: Digital Realty Trust Stock Down 1.2% Shares of Digital Realty Trust stock opened at $177.86 on Friday. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has a 1 year low of $129.95 and a 1 year high of $198.00. The company has a market cap of $59.90 billion, a P/E ratio of 46.68, a P/E/G ratio of 2.71 and a beta of 0.95. The company has a current ratio of 1.92, a quick ratio of 1.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $173.62 and a 200 day moving average price of $164.02. Digital Realty Trust Dividend Announcement Digital Realty Trust ( NYSE:DLR Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 24th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.87 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.74 by $0.13. The business had revenue of $1.49 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.44 billion. Digital Realty Trust had a net margin of 23.98% and a return on equity of 6.59%. The firms revenue was up 10.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.65 earnings per share. As a group, analysts expect that Digital Realty Trust, Inc. will post 7.07 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 13th were paid a dividend of $1.22 per share. This represents a $4.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.74%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, June 13th. Digital Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 128.08%. Insider Activity at Digital Realty Trust In other news, Director Mark R. Patterson sold 175 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $176.50, for a total value of $30,887.50. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 6,522 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,151,133. This represents a 2.61% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth DLR has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Truist Financial decreased their price objective on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $185.00 to $184.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, May 12th. New Street Research raised Digital Realty Trust to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, April 28th. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price objective on Digital Realty Trust from $190.00 to $205.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday. Raymond James Financial raised their target price on Digital Realty Trust from $190.00 to $205.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday. Finally, JMP Securities reiterated a market outperform rating and issued a $220.00 price target on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a research report on Monday, April 28th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating, fifteen have issued a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $188.53. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Digital Realty Trust Digital Realty Trust Company Profile (Free Report) Digital Realty Trust, Inc operates as a real estate investment trust, which engages in the provision of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions. It serves the following industries: artificial intelligence (AI), networks, cloud, digital media, mobile, financial services, healthcare, and gaming. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DLR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Digital Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Digital Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First Heartland Consultants Inc. lowered its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report) by 32.1% during the first quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 991 shares of the investment management companys stock after selling 468 shares during the period. First Heartland Consultants Inc.s holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $541,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Mascagni Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in the 4th quarter valued at $31,000. American Capital Advisory LLC acquired a new stake in The Goldman Sachs Group during the 1st quarter valued at $29,000. Transce3nd LLC acquired a new stake in The Goldman Sachs Group during the 4th quarter valued at $31,000. Godsey & Gibb Inc. increased its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 170.0% in 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. Finally, Lowe Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 326.7% in 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. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 71.21% of the companys stock. Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other The Goldman Sachs Group news, CFO Denis P. Coleman sold 7,463 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $724.40, for a total transaction of $5,406,197.20. Following the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 18,594 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,469,493.60. The trade was a 28.64% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CEO David M. Solomon sold 6,608 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $712.31, for a total transaction of $4,706,944.48. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 126,176 shares in the company, valued at $89,876,426.56. This trade represents a 4.98% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 20,079 shares of company stock worth $14,423,221. 0.55% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on GS shares. Barclays dropped their target price on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $760.00 to $720.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, April 15th. Citigroup boosted their target price on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $550.00 to $700.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, July 21st. Daiwa Capital Markets downgraded shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $560.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Friday, April 4th. HSBC reissued a reduce rating and issued a $627.00 target price (up previously from $558.00) on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a research report on Tuesday, July 8th. Finally, Hsbc Global Res downgraded shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from a hold rating to a moderate sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have given a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $660.00. Get Our Latest Research Report on The Goldman Sachs Group The Goldman Sachs Group Trading Up 1.3% The Goldman Sachs Group stock opened at $728.63 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.68, a current ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.26. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $657.60 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $605.58. The firm has a market capitalization of $223.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.06, a PEG ratio of 1.53 and a beta of 1.35. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 52-week low of $437.37 and a 52-week high of $729.89. The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, July 16th. The investment management company reported $10.91 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $9.82 by $1.09. The firm had revenue of $14.58 billion during 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 Goldman Sachs Groups revenue was up 14.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $8.62 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 47.12 earnings per share for the current year. The Goldman Sachs Group Increases Dividend 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 paid a dividend of $4.00 per share. This represents a $16.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.20%. This is a positive change from The Goldman Sachs Groups previous quarterly dividend of $3.00. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 29th. The Goldman Sachs Groups payout ratio is presently 35.26%. The Goldman Sachs Group Company 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. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First Heartland Consultants Inc. decreased its position in Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM Free Report) by 4.1% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 8,147 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 352 shares during the period. First Heartland Consultants Inc.s holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $969,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Bell & Brown Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Exxon Mobil by 0.7% in the 1st quarter. Bell & Brown Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 74,800 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $8,896,000 after buying an additional 509 shares during the period. J.P. Marvel Investment Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Exxon Mobil by 0.8% in the 1st quarter. J.P. Marvel Investment Advisors LLC now owns 41,372 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $4,920,000 after buying an additional 334 shares during the period. Phoenix Financial Ltd. boosted its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 23.9% during the 1st quarter. Phoenix Financial Ltd. now owns 97,050 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $11,561,000 after purchasing an additional 18,752 shares during the period. AM Investment Strategies LLC boosted its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 10.1% during the 1st quarter. AM Investment Strategies LLC now owns 2,430 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $289,000 after purchasing an additional 223 shares during the period. Finally, Drive Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 12.5% during the 1st quarter. Drive Wealth Management LLC now owns 32,072 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $3,814,000 after purchasing an additional 3,558 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 61.80% of the companys stock. Get Exxon Mobil alerts: Exxon Mobil Price Performance Shares of XOM opened at $110.42 on Friday. Exxon Mobil Corporation has a twelve month low of $97.80 and a twelve month high of $126.34. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $108.75 and its 200-day simple moving average is $109.02. The firm has a market capitalization of $475.87 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.64, a PEG ratio of 2.08 and a beta of 0.50. The company has a current ratio of 1.24, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12. Exxon Mobil Announces Dividend Exxon Mobil ( NYSE:XOM Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, May 2nd. The oil and gas company reported $1.76 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.73 by $0.03. Exxon Mobil had a net margin of 9.49% and a return on equity of 12.06%. The business had revenue of $83.13 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $86.11 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $2.06 EPS. The companys revenue was up .1% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts forecast that Exxon Mobil Corporation will post 7.43 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, May 15th were paid a dividend of $0.99 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, May 15th. This represents a $3.96 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.59%. Exxon Mobils dividend payout ratio is currently 52.52%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms recently weighed in on XOM. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research report on Tuesday, July 15th. UBS Group lowered their price objective on shares of Exxon Mobil from $135.00 to $131.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, April 14th. Barclays reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research report on Thursday, May 22nd. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Exxon Mobil from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, June 27th. Finally, Piper Sandler increased their price objective on shares of Exxon Mobil from $131.00 to $134.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating, eight have issued a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $125.42. View Our Latest Research Report on XOM About Exxon Mobil (Free Report) Exxon Mobil Corporation engages in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in the United States and internationally. It operates through Upstream, Energy Products, Chemical Products, and Specialty Products segments. The Upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding XOM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Exxon Mobil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Exxon Mobil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GLOBALT Investments LLC GA lowered its stake in shares of iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF (BATS:GOVT Free Report) by 10.0% during the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 146,225 shares of the companys stock after selling 16,326 shares during the quarter. GLOBALT Investments LLC GAs holdings in iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF were worth $3,361,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. First Heartland Consultants Inc. raised its holdings in shares of iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF by 5.5% during the first quarter. First Heartland Consultants Inc. now owns 30,411 shares of the companys stock valued at $699,000 after purchasing an additional 1,587 shares during the period. Phoenix Financial Ltd. raised its holdings in shares of iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF by 13.0% during the first quarter. Phoenix Financial Ltd. now owns 513,307 shares of the companys stock valued at $11,789,000 after purchasing an additional 59,144 shares during the period. Drive Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF by 7.4% during the first quarter. Drive Wealth Management LLC now owns 365,099 shares of the companys stock valued at $8,392,000 after purchasing an additional 25,008 shares during the period. Caliber Wealth Management LLC KS acquired a new position in shares of iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF during the first quarter valued at about $359,000. Finally, Trilogy Capital Inc. increased its position in shares of iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF by 199.0% during the first quarter. Trilogy Capital Inc. now owns 1,789,793 shares of the companys stock worth $41,138,000 after acquiring an additional 1,191,284 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF alerts: iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF Stock Up 0.2% BATS:GOVT opened at $22.79 on Friday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $22.72 and its 200-day simple moving average is $22.73. About iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF The iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF (GOVT) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the ICE U.S. Treasury Core Bond index. The fund tracks a market-weighted index of fixed-rate nonconvertible U.S. Treasury securities with a remaining maturity of one year or more. GOVT was launched on Feb 14, 2012 and is managed by BlackRock. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GOVT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF (BATS:GOVT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Trex (NYSE:TREX Get Free Report) and JELD-WEN (NYSE:JELD Get Free Report) are both construction companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their valuation, risk, earnings, profitability, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership and dividends. Profitability This table compares Trex and JELD-WENs net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Trex alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Trex 17.69% 22.78% 14.66% JELD-WEN -9.49% 3.70% 0.88% Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent recommendations and price targets for Trex and JELD-WEN, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Trex 1 7 7 2 2.59 JELD-WEN 1 7 0 0 1.88 Valuation and Earnings Trex presently has a consensus price target of $74.88, suggesting a potential upside of 9.37%. JELD-WEN has a consensus price target of $7.34, suggesting a potential upside of 42.21%. Given JELD-WENs higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe JELD-WEN is more favorable than Trex. This table compares Trex and JELD-WENs revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Trex $1.15 billion 6.38 $226.39 million $1.82 37.62 JELD-WEN $3.78 billion 0.12 -$189.02 million ($4.03) -1.28 Trex has higher earnings, but lower revenue than JELD-WEN. JELD-WEN is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Trex, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Volatility & Risk Trex has a beta of 1.5, indicating that its stock price is 50% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, JELD-WEN has a beta of 1.69, indicating that its stock price is 69% more volatile than the S&P 500. Institutional and Insider Ownership 96.0% of Trex shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 95.0% of JELD-WEN shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.7% of Trex shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 1.2% of JELD-WEN shares are owned 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. Summary Trex beats JELD-WEN on 11 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks. About Trex (Get Free Report) Trex Company, Inc. manufactures and distributes composite decking, railing, and outdoor living products and accessories for residential and commercial markets in the United States. It offers decking products and accessories under the names Trex Transcend, Trex Select, Trex Signature, Trex Transcend Lineage, and Trex Enhance for protection against fading, staining, mold, and scratching; Trex Hideaway, a hidden fastening system; and Trex DeckLighting, a LED dimmable deck lighting for use on posts, floors, and steps. The company also provides Trex Transcend Railing products that are used in Trex decking products and other decking materials; Trex Select Railing products for a simple clean finished look; Trex Enhance Railing system; Trex Signature aluminum railing for a contemporary look; and Trex Select T-Rail railing products. In addition, it offers Trex Seclusions, a fencing product that includes structural posts, bottom and top rails, pickets, and decorative post caps. Further, the company acts as a licensor in various licensing agreements with third parties to manufacture and sell products under the Trex name, including Trex Outdoor Furniture; Trex RainEscape, an above joist deck drainage system; Trex Pergola, a cellular PVC product; Trex Latticeworks outdoor lattice boards; Trex Cornhole boards; Diablo Trex Blade, a saw blade for wood-alternative composite decking; Trex SpiralStairs and structural steel posts; and Trex Outdoor Kitchens, cabinetry, and Storage products. It sells its products through wholesale distributors, retail lumber dealers, and Home Depot and Lowes stores. Trex Company, Inc. was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Winchester, Virginia. About JELD-WEN (Get Free Report) JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells wood, metal, and composite materials doors, windows, and related building products in North America and Europe. The company offers a line of residential interior and exterior door products, including patio doors, and folding or sliding wall systems; non-residential doors; stile and rail doors; and wood, vinyl, and wood composite windows. It also provides other ancillary products and services, such as trim boards, glasses, hardware and locks, window screens, and molded door skins, as well as miscellaneous installation and other services. The company sells its products under the JELD-WEN, AuraLast, MiraTEC, Extira, LaCANTINA, MMI Door, Karona, ImpactGard, JW, Aurora, IWP, True BLU, ABS, Siteline, National Door, Low-Friction Glider, Hydrolock, VPI, AURALINE, FINISHIELD, MILLENNIUM, TRUFIT, EPICVUE, EVELIN, Swedoor, Dooria, DANA, Mattiovi, Zargag, Alupan, Domoferm, Kellpax, and HSE brands. It serves wholesale distributors and retailers, retail home centers, and building product dealers, as well as homebuilders, contractors, and consumers. JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. was founded in 1960 and is based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Receive News & Ratings for Trex Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Trex and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Phoenix Financial Ltd. cut its holdings in shares of Ingersoll Rand Inc. (NYSE:IR Free Report) by 39.1% during the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 30,241 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 19,442 shares during the quarter. Phoenix Financial Ltd.s holdings in Ingersoll Rand were worth $2,420,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Sowell Financial Services LLC acquired a new position in Ingersoll Rand during the first quarter worth about $262,000. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC boosted its position in Ingersoll Rand by 14.4% during the first quarter. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC now owns 3,066 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $245,000 after acquiring an additional 385 shares during the last quarter. QRG Capital Management Inc. boosted its position in Ingersoll Rand by 9.4% during the first quarter. QRG Capital Management Inc. now owns 7,669 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $614,000 after acquiring an additional 660 shares during the last quarter. Dynamic Advisor Solutions LLC boosted its position in Ingersoll Rand by 19.7% during the first quarter. Dynamic Advisor Solutions LLC now owns 11,823 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $946,000 after acquiring an additional 1,948 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Farther Finance Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Ingersoll Rand by 29.3% in the 1st quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 2,945 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $237,000 after purchasing an additional 667 shares during the last quarter. 95.27% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Ingersoll Rand alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other Ingersoll Rand news, insider Elizabeth Meloy Hepding sold 3,500 shares of the 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 sale, the insider directly owned 10,986 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $920,407.08. This represents a 24.16% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, insider Vicente Reynal sold 38,657 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 20th. The shares were 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 directly owned 193,186 shares in the company, valued at approximately $16,040,233.58. This represents a 16.67% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.59% of the companys stock. Ingersoll Rand Price Performance Shares of IR opened at $88.27 on Friday. Ingersoll Rand Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $65.61 and a fifty-two week high of $106.03. The firms 50 day moving average price is $83.96 and its 200 day moving average price is $83.03. The company has a market cap of $35.61 billion, a P/E ratio of 43.70, a PEG ratio of 3.65 and a beta of 1.43. The company has a quick ratio of 1.76, a current ratio of 2.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45. Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The industrial products company reported $0.72 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.74 by ($0.02). Ingersoll Rand had a return on equity of 12.33% and a net margin of 11.30%. The business had revenue of $1.72 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.73 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.78 earnings per share. Ingersoll Rands quarterly revenue was up 2.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts forecast that Ingersoll Rand Inc. will post 3.32 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Ingersoll Rand announced that its Board of Directors has approved a share buyback plan on Thursday, May 1st that permits the company to repurchase $1.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization permits the industrial products company to repurchase up to 3.3% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are generally an indication that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued. Ingersoll Rand Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 4th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 14th will be given a $0.02 dividend. This represents a $0.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.09%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 14th. Ingersoll Rands dividend payout ratio is presently 3.96%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have weighed in on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their target price on shares of Ingersoll Rand from $78.00 to $95.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Monday, July 21st. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of Ingersoll Rand from $86.00 to $95.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, July 1st. Melius Research set a $93.00 target price on shares of Ingersoll Rand in a report on Monday, July 14th. Melius lowered shares of Ingersoll Rand from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $93.00 target price on the stock. in a report on Monday, July 14th. Finally, Barclays boosted their target price on shares of Ingersoll Rand from $85.00 to $92.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, July 9th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $100.92. View Our Latest Analysis on Ingersoll Rand 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. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Ingersoll Rand Inc. (NYSE:IR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Ingersoll Rand Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ingersoll Rand and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Integrated Investment Consultants LLC decreased its position in The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW Free Report) by 73.5% in the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 27,820 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 77,246 shares during the period. Integrated Investment Consultants LLCs holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $2,178,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Atwood & Palmer Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Charles Schwab in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Westside Investment Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 75.0% in the 1st quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 350 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 150 shares during the last quarter. WFA Asset Management Corp acquired a new position in shares of Charles Schwab in the 1st quarter worth approximately $33,000. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 90.5% in the 1st quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC now owns 463 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $36,000 after acquiring an additional 220 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Beacon Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 53.1% in the 1st quarter. Beacon Capital Management LLC now owns 487 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $38,000 after acquiring an additional 169 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 84.38% of the companys stock. Get Charles Schwab alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, insider Jonathan S. Beatty sold 2,850 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, May 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $87.57, for a total value of $249,574.50. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 15,219 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,332,727.83. This trade represents a 15.77% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, insider Paul V. Woolway sold 3,290 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $90.95, for a total transaction of $299,225.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 35,864 shares in the company, valued at $3,261,830.80. This trade represents a 8.40% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 116,313 shares of company stock worth $10,264,091. 6.30% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Charles Schwab Price Performance Shares of SCHW opened at $97.05 on Friday. The Charles Schwab Corporation has a twelve month low of $61.15 and a twelve month high of $98.28. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $90.34 and its 200-day simple moving average is $82.81. The firm has a market capitalization of $176.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.09, a PEG ratio of 0.93 and a beta of 0.93. The company has a current ratio of 0.53, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53. Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 18th. The financial services provider reported $1.14 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.10 by $0.04. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 33.68% and a return on equity of 19.73%. The business had revenue of $5.85 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.64 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.73 EPS. The companys revenue was up 24.8% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts forecast that The Charles Schwab Corporation will post 4.22 EPS for the current fiscal year. Charles Schwab declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a stock buyback program on Thursday, July 24th that allows the company to buyback $20.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization allows the financial services provider to repurchase up to 11.6% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are generally a sign that the companys board believes its stock is undervalued. Charles Schwab Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 22nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 8th will be issued a $0.27 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 8th. This represents a $1.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.11%. Charles Schwabs payout ratio is 29.03%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have recently commented on the stock. UBS Group upped their price objective on shares of Charles Schwab from $95.00 to $96.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, April 22nd. JMP Securities upped their price objective on shares of Charles Schwab from $106.00 to $110.00 and gave the stock a market outperform rating in a report on Monday, July 21st. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating and issued a $117.00 price objective (up from $83.00) on shares of Charles Schwab in a report on Tuesday, July 15th. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Charles Schwab from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $100.00 price objective on the stock in a report on Friday, April 25th. Finally, Cowen restated a buy rating on shares of Charles Schwab in a report on Tuesday, May 20th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and sixteen have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $98.65. View Our Latest Research Report on SCHW Charles Schwab Profile (Free Report) The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SCHW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Carnegie Investment Counsel increased its stake in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWF Free Report) by 18.4% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 3,297 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 512 shares during the quarter. Carnegie Investment Counsels holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF were worth $1,095,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Pinnacle Associates Ltd. lifted its holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 3.0% in the first quarter. Pinnacle Associates Ltd. now owns 17,263 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $6,233,000 after purchasing an additional 502 shares during the period. Summit Wealth Partners LLC lifted its holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 0.6% in the first quarter. Summit Wealth Partners LLC now owns 52,672 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $19,019,000 after purchasing an additional 314 shares during the period. Blankinship & Foster LLC lifted its holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 15.3% in the first quarter. Blankinship & Foster LLC now owns 5,875 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,121,000 after purchasing an additional 780 shares during the period. City National Bank of Florida MSD lifted its holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 3.7% in the first quarter. City National Bank of Florida MSD now owns 12,342 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $4,457,000 after purchasing an additional 438 shares during the period. Finally, JPL Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 3.3% in the first quarter. JPL Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,631 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $550,000 after purchasing an additional 52 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.33% of the companys stock. Get iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF alerts: iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Stock Up 0.5% IWF stock opened at $439.88 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $114.85 billion, a P/E ratio of 33.43 and a beta of 1.08. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $414.92 and a 200 day simple moving average of $393.00. iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF has a fifty-two week low of $308.67 and a fifty-two week high of $440.90. iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Company Profile iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment returns that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell 1000 Growth Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of equity securities of Russell 1000 index issuers with relatively higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWF Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Journey Strategic Wealth LLC lowered its stake in shares of Williams Companies, Inc. (The) (NYSE:WMB Free Report) by 4.7% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 6,359 shares of the pipeline companys stock after selling 313 shares during the period. Journey Strategic Wealth LLCs holdings in Williams Companies were worth $380,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Menard Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Williams Companies during the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. HWG Holdings LP bought a new stake in shares of Williams Companies during the 1st quarter worth approximately $26,000. Hoey Investments Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Williams Companies during the 4th quarter worth approximately $28,000. Iron Horse Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Williams Companies by 4,490.9% during the 1st quarter. Iron Horse Wealth Management LLC now owns 505 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 494 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Abound Financial LLC bought a new stake in shares of Williams Companies during the 1st quarter worth approximately $32,000. Institutional investors own 86.44% of the companys stock. Get Williams Companies alerts: Williams Companies Stock Down 1.5% WMB stock opened at $57.85 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63, a current ratio of 0.40 and a quick ratio of 0.36. The stock has a market capitalization of $70.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.93, a PEG ratio of 1.97 and a beta of 0.65. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $59.36 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $58.19. Williams Companies, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $40.41 and a fifty-two week high of $63.45. Williams Companies Dividend Announcement Williams Companies ( NYSE:WMB Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, May 5th. The pipeline company reported $0.60 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.55 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $3.05 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.90 billion. Williams Companies had a return on equity of 15.95% and a net margin of 21.18%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 10.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.59 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Williams Companies, Inc. will post 2.08 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 13th were given a dividend of $0.50 per share. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.46%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, June 13th. Williams Companiess payout ratio is 106.95%. Insider Activity at Williams Companies In related news, SVP Terrance Lane Wilson sold 2,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $62.70, for a total value of $125,400.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president owned 315,645 shares in the company, valued at approximately $19,790,941.50. This trade represents a 0.63% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Insiders own 0.44% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Scotiabank upped their price objective on Williams Companies from $59.00 to $60.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 15th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $63.00 price target on shares of Williams Companies in a research note on Tuesday, July 15th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on Williams Companies from $64.00 to $67.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 28th. TD Cowen began coverage on shares of Williams Companies in a research report on Monday, July 7th. They issued a buy rating and a $67.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Wolfe Research raised shares of Williams Companies from an underperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research report on Friday, June 13th. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $61.77. Get Our Latest Analysis on Williams Companies Williams Companies Company Profile (Free Report) The Williams Companies, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy infrastructure company primarily in the United States. It operates through Transmission & Gulf of Mexico, Northeast G&P, West, and Gas & NGL Marketing Services segments. The Transmission & Gulf of Mexico segment comprises natural gas pipelines; Transco, Northwest pipeline, MountainWest, and related natural gas storage facilities; and natural gas gathering and processing, and crude oil production handling and transportation assets in the Gulf Coast region. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WMB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Williams Companies, Inc. (The) (NYSE:WMB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Williams Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Williams Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mediolanum International Funds Ltd grew its holdings in shares of Moodys Corporation (NYSE:MCO Free Report) by 6.2% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 34,947 shares of the business services providers stock after acquiring an additional 2,043 shares during the quarter. Mediolanum International Funds Ltds holdings in Moodys were worth $16,124,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Wolff Wiese Magana LLC lifted its stake in Moodys by 1,000.0% in the 1st quarter. Wolff Wiese Magana LLC now owns 55 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 50 shares during the last quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Moodys by 5,050.0% during the first quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC now owns 103 shares of the business services providers stock worth $48,000 after buying an additional 101 shares in the last quarter. Alpine Bank Wealth Management bought a new position in shares of Moodys in the 1st quarter valued at $49,000. Mizuho Bank Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Moodys during the 4th quarter valued at $66,000. Finally, LGT Financial Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Moodys during the 4th quarter worth $83,000. Institutional investors own 92.11% of the companys stock. Get Moody's alerts: Insider Activity at Moodys In related news, CEO Robert Fauber sold 415 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $503.40, for a total value of $208,911.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 61,886 shares in the company, valued at $31,153,412.40. This trade represents a 0.67% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.14% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes MCO has been the subject of several research reports. Robert W. Baird lifted their price target on Moodys from $525.00 to $552.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday. BMO Capital Markets boosted their target price on shares of Moodys from $509.00 to $534.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Thursday. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on shares of Moodys from $493.00 to $498.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, July 7th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on shares of Moodys from $573.00 to $595.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday. Finally, Bank of America initiated coverage on Moodys in a research report on Thursday, April 10th. They set a buy rating and a $530.00 target price for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $538.80. Get Our Latest Stock Report on MCO Moodys Stock Down 0.1% Moodys stock opened at $512.62 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $92.22 billion, a PE ratio of 43.55, a PEG ratio of 3.17 and a beta of 1.38. Moodys Corporation has a 12-month low of $378.71 and a 12-month high of $531.93. The firms fifty day moving average is $489.03 and its 200 day moving average is $475.67. The company has a quick ratio of 1.56, a current ratio of 1.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.70. Moodys (NYSE:MCO Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 23rd. The business services provider reported $3.56 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.39 by $0.17. The firm had revenue of $1.90 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.82 billion. Moodys had a net margin of 29.18% and a return on equity of 60.73%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 4.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $3.28 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Moodys Corporation will post 13.95 EPS for the current fiscal year. Moodys Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 5th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 15th will be paid a $0.94 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 15th. This represents a $3.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.73%. Moodyss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 32.47%. About Moodys (Free Report) Moodys Corporation operates as an integrated risk assessment firm worldwide. It operates in two segments, Moodys Analytics and Moodys Investors Services. The Moodys Analytics segment develops a range of products and services that support the risk management activities of institutional participants in financial markets. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MCO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Moodys Corporation (NYSE:MCO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Moody's Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Moody's and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mediolanum International Funds Ltd lessened its stake in 3M Company (NYSE:MMM Free Report) by 10.1% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 368,699 shares of the conglomerates stock after selling 41,453 shares during the quarter. 3M comprises about 0.7% of Mediolanum International Funds Ltds holdings, making the stock its 26th largest holding. Mediolanum International Funds Ltd owned 0.07% of 3M worth $53,402,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ increased its stake in shares of 3M by 1.2% in the 1st quarter. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ now owns 114,968 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $16,884,000 after acquiring an additional 1,331 shares during the last quarter. J.P. Marvel Investment Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of 3M by 5.4% in the first quarter. J.P. Marvel Investment Advisors LLC now owns 70,044 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $10,287,000 after purchasing an additional 3,573 shares during the period. Phoenix Financial Ltd. increased its position in 3M by 23.6% during the first quarter. Phoenix Financial Ltd. now owns 2,151 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $316,000 after purchasing an additional 411 shares during the last quarter. Wilkins Investment Counsel Inc. increased its position in 3M by 1.2% during the first quarter. Wilkins Investment Counsel Inc. now owns 151,470 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $22,245,000 after purchasing an additional 1,790 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Neo Ivy Capital Management purchased a new position in 3M during the first quarter worth about $839,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 65.25% of the companys stock. Get 3M alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts have recently weighed in on MMM shares. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of 3M in a research note on Saturday, July 12th. Citigroup upped their price objective on 3M from $141.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, May 30th. Wells Fargo & Company reiterated an overweight rating on shares of 3M in a research report on Friday, July 18th. Barclays set a $170.00 target price on 3M in a research note on Friday, July 18th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. set a $167.00 price target on 3M in a research note on Friday, July 18th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, 3M currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $156.33. Insider Buying and Selling at 3M In other 3M news, EVP John Patrick Banovetz sold 7,759 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $148.37, for a total value of $1,151,202.83. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 31,372 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,654,663.64. This trade represents a 19.83% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, EVP Zoe L. Dickson sold 7,915 shares of 3M stock in a transaction dated Thursday, May 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $149.02, for a total value of $1,179,493.30. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 6,127 shares of the companys stock, valued at $913,045.54. The trade was a 56.37% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.34% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. 3M Stock Performance NYSE MMM opened at $151.27 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.87, a current ratio of 1.72 and a quick ratio of 1.20. The company has a market cap of $80.57 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.04, a P/E/G ratio of 3.01 and a beta of 1.02. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $149.99 and a two-hundred day moving average of $146.15. 3M Company has a 1-year low of $112.68 and a 1-year high of $164.15. 3M (NYSE:MMM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 18th. The conglomerate reported $2.16 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.01 by $0.15. The firm had revenue of $6.16 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.09 billion. 3M had a net margin of 16.01% and a return on equity of 96.48%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 1.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.93 earnings per share. As a group, analysts anticipate that 3M Company will post 7.8 EPS for the current year. 3M Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 12th. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 23rd were given a dividend of $0.73 per share. This represents a $2.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.93%. 3Ms dividend payout ratio is currently 40.61%. About 3M (Free Report) 3M Company provides diversified technology services in the United States and internationally. The companys Safety and Industrial segment offers industrial abrasives and finishing for metalworking applications; autobody repair solutions; closure systems for personal hygiene products, masking, and packaging materials; electrical products and materials for construction and maintenance, power distribution, and electrical original equipment manufacturers; structural adhesives and tapes; respiratory, hearing, eye, and fall protection solutions; and natural and color-coated mineral granules for shingles. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MMM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for 3M Company (NYSE:MMM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for 3M Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for 3M and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Navellier & Associates Inc. reduced its stake in shares of Black Hills Corporation (NYSE:BKH Free Report) by 12.6% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 8,833 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 1,271 shares during the period. Navellier & Associates Inc.s holdings in Black Hills were worth $539,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Principal Financial Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Black Hills by 1.9% during the 1st quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 215,402 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $13,064,000 after purchasing an additional 4,077 shares in the last quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC boosted its position in shares of Black Hills by 15.9% during the 1st quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 7,918 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $480,000 after purchasing an additional 1,087 shares in the last quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Black Hills by 215.5% during the 1st quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 1,647 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $100,000 after purchasing an additional 1,125 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its position in shares of Black Hills by 59.2% in the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 605 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $37,000 after buying an additional 225 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio purchased a new stake in shares of Black Hills in the 4th quarter worth about $96,000. 86.71% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Black Hills alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, BMO Capital Markets assumed coverage on shares of Black Hills in a research report on Tuesday, May 13th. They issued an outperform rating and a $68.00 price objective on the stock. Black Hills Price Performance Black Hills stock opened at $56.72 on Friday. Black Hills Corporation has a 52 week low of $54.92 and a 52 week high of $65.59. The company has a quick ratio of 0.62, a current ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $57.14 and its 200 day simple moving average is $58.63. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.11 billion, a PE ratio of 14.47, a P/E/G ratio of 2.61 and a beta of 0.70. Black Hills (NYSE:BKH Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 7th. The utilities provider reported $1.87 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.92 by ($0.05). Black Hills had a return on equity of 7.83% and a net margin of 12.67%. The business had revenue of $805.20 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $729.73 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.87 earnings per share. Black Hillss quarterly revenue was up 10.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts predict that Black Hills Corporation will post 4.12 EPS for the current fiscal year. Black Hills Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 2nd. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 18th will be issued a $0.676 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, August 18th. This represents a $2.70 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.77%. Black Hillss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 68.88%. Black Hills Profile (Free Report) Black Hills Corporation, through its subsidiaries, operates as an electric and natural gas utility company in the United States. The company operates in two segments: Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities. The Electric Utilities segment generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 222,000 electric utility customers in Colorado, Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming; and owns and operates 1,394 megawatts of generation capacity and 9,106 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BKH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Black Hills Corporation (NYSE:BKH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Black Hills Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Black Hills and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Carnegie Investment Counsel lessened its holdings in Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC Free Report) by 6.0% during the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 21,628 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 1,389 shares during the period. Carnegie Investment Counsels holdings in Omnicom Group were worth $1,793,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of OMC. Machina Capital S.A.S. boosted its holdings in Omnicom Group by 25.0% in the first quarter. Machina Capital S.A.S. now owns 8,142 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $675,000 after purchasing an additional 1,628 shares during the last quarter. Guardian Wealth Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Omnicom Group by 9.0% in the first quarter. Guardian Wealth Management Inc. now owns 29,657 shares of the business services providers stock worth $2,459,000 after buying an additional 2,460 shares during the last quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in Omnicom Group by 13.2% during the first quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 225,003 shares of the business services providers stock worth $18,655,000 after acquiring an additional 26,190 shares during the period. Garrison Bradford & Associates Inc. purchased a new position in Omnicom Group during the first quarter valued at approximately $82,000. Finally, Readystate Asset Management LP acquired a new position in Omnicom Group in the first quarter valued at approximately $18,856,000. 91.97% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Omnicom Group alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages have recently commented on OMC. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price objective on shares of Omnicom Group from $84.00 to $78.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, July 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on shares of Omnicom Group from $104.00 to $96.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, July 10th. Citigroup reiterated a buy rating and issued a $103.00 price objective on shares of Omnicom Group in a research report on Tuesday, April 15th. Barclays lowered shares of Omnicom Group from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and lowered their target price for the stock from $105.00 to $80.00 in a research note on Wednesday, June 25th. Finally, Bank of America upgraded Omnicom Group from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $80.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Monday, June 23rd. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $94.43. Omnicom Group Stock Down 0.8% Shares of OMC opened at $76.41 on Friday. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $72.72 and a 200 day moving average price of $77.68. Omnicom Group Inc. has a one year low of $68.37 and a one year high of $107.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.97, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a current ratio of 0.92. The stock has a market capitalization of $14.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.96, a PEG ratio of 1.53 and a beta of 0.92. Omnicom Group (NYSE:OMC Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, July 15th. The business services provider reported $2.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.02 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $4.02 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.95 billion. Omnicom Group had a net margin of 8.67% and a return on equity of 33.62%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 4.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.95 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Omnicom Group Inc. will post 8.25 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Omnicom Group Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 10th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 2nd will be paid a dividend of $0.70 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 2nd. This represents a $2.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.66%. Omnicom Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 40.17%. Omnicom Group Profile (Free Report) Omnicom Group Inc, together with its subsidiaries, offers advertising, marketing, and corporate communications services. It provides a range of services in the areas of advertising and media, precision marketing, commerce and branding, experiential, execution and support, public relations, and healthcare. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding OMC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Omnicom Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Omnicom Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Phoenix Financial Ltd. lifted its position in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM Free Report) (TSE:AEM) by 16.7% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 9,500 shares of the mining companys stock after buying an additional 1,358 shares during the quarter. Phoenix Financial Ltd.s holdings in Agnico Eagle Mines were worth $1,035,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. DAVENPORT & Co LLC acquired a new position in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines during the 1st quarter worth $226,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its stake in Agnico Eagle Mines by 1.2% in the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 485,317 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $52,613,000 after purchasing an additional 5,717 shares during the last quarter. Private Trust Co. NA raised its stake in Agnico Eagle Mines by 454.9% in the 1st quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 283 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 232 shares during the last quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Agnico Eagle Mines in the 1st quarter valued at about $34,000. Finally, Captrust Financial Advisors raised its stake in Agnico Eagle Mines by 6.5% in the 4th quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 5,663 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $443,000 after purchasing an additional 347 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.34% of the companys stock. Get Agnico Eagle Mines alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages recently weighed in on AEM. Lake Street Capital reissued a buy rating on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines in a research note on Monday, June 23rd. Bank of America boosted their target price on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from $170.00 to $173.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, June 23rd. CIBC reissued an outperform rating on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines in a research note on Tuesday, July 15th. TD Securities raised shares of Agnico Eagle Mines to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, July 17th. Finally, UBS Group boosted their target price on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from $110.00 to $115.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, April 11th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have issued a buy rating and five have assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Agnico Eagle Mines currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $136.90. Agnico Eagle Mines Stock Up 0.9% AEM opened at $126.96 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $63.84 billion, a PE ratio of 27.01, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.91 and a beta of 0.50. Agnico Eagle Mines Limited has a 1 year low of $69.72 and a 1 year high of $129.77. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $120.00 and a 200 day moving average price of $108.53. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05, a quick ratio of 1.20 and a current ratio of 2.37. Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE:AEM Get Free Report) (TSE:AEM) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 24th. The mining company reported $1.53 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.39 by $0.14. The firm had revenue of $2.38 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.27 billion. Agnico Eagle Mines had a return on equity of 12.09% and a net margin of 26.48%. Agnico Eagle Miness quarterly revenue was up 34.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.76 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Agnico Eagle Mines Limited will post 4.63 earnings per share for the current year. Agnico Eagle Mines Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 16th. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 2nd were issued a $0.40 dividend. This represents a yield of 1.36%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 30th. Agnico Eagle Miness dividend payout ratio is presently 34.04%. About Agnico Eagle Mines (Free Report) Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, a gold mining company, exploration, development, and production of precious metals. It explores for gold. The company's mines are located in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico, with exploration and development activities in Canada, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Agnico Eagle Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Agnico Eagle Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Phoenix Financial Ltd. cut its stake in Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL Free Report) by 35.1% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 79,067 shares of the transportation companys stock after selling 42,836 shares during the quarter. Phoenix Financial Ltd.s holdings in Delta Air Lines were worth $3,450,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of DAL. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC lifted its stake in Delta Air Lines by 5.9% during the 1st quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 161,395 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $7,037,000 after acquiring an additional 9,034 shares in the last quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC raised its holdings in shares of Delta Air Lines by 152.3% in the first quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC now owns 12,567 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $548,000 after purchasing an additional 7,586 shares during the last quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC lifted its position in shares of Delta Air Lines by 8.2% during the first quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 39,374 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $1,670,000 after purchasing an additional 2,973 shares in the last quarter. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. lifted its position in shares of Delta Air Lines by 21.2% during the first quarter. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. now owns 145,240 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $6,332,000 after purchasing an additional 25,406 shares in the last quarter. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its holdings in Delta Air Lines by 3.7% during the first quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 9,585 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $418,000 after purchasing an additional 344 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 69.93% of the companys stock. Get Delta Air Lines alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes DAL has been the subject of several analyst reports. Susquehanna Bancshares increased their price objective on shares of Delta Air Lines from $51.00 to $65.00 and gave the company a positive rating in a research note on Friday, July 11th. Citigroup upped their target price on Delta Air Lines from $62.00 to $65.50 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, July 11th. Barclays increased their price target on Delta Air Lines from $58.00 to $65.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, July 11th. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $67.00 price objective on Delta Air Lines and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, July 11th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered Delta Air Lines from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, April 8th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fifteen have assigned a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Delta Air Lines presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $66.21. Delta Air Lines Stock Performance Shares of DAL stock opened at $54.84 on Friday. The firms 50 day moving average is $50.84 and its 200 day moving average is $52.41. The stock has a market capitalization of $35.81 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.95, a PEG ratio of 1.70 and a beta of 1.49. Delta Air Lines, Inc. has a 12 month low of $34.74 and a 12 month high of $69.98. The company has a current ratio of 0.38, a quick ratio of 0.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74. Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 10th. The transportation company reported $2.10 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.01 by $0.09. Delta Air Lines had a net margin of 7.24% and a return on equity of 24.86%. The business had revenue of $15,507,000 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $16.16 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $2.36 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down .1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Delta Air Lines, Inc. will post 7.63 earnings per share for the current year. Delta Air Lines Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 21st. Investors of record on Thursday, July 31st will be issued a dividend of $0.1875 per share. This is a boost from Delta Air Liness previous quarterly dividend of $0.15. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 31st. This represents a $0.75 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.37%. Delta Air Liness dividend payout ratio is 8.70%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, EVP Alain Bellemare sold 45,423 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $55.56, for a total transaction of $2,523,701.88. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 131,731 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,318,974.36. The trade was a 25.64% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, EVP Peter W. Carter sold 17,550 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $57.19, for a total transaction of $1,003,684.50. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 191,442 shares in the company, valued at $10,948,567.98. This trade represents a 8.40% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 133,973 shares of company stock worth $7,511,746 in the last 90 days. 0.88% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Delta Air Lines Company Profile (Free Report) Delta Air Lines, Inc provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo in the United States and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Airline and Refinery. Its domestic network centered on core hubs in Atlanta, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Detroit, and Salt Lake City, as well as coastal hub positions in Boston, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia, New York-JFK, and Seattle; and international network centered on hubs and market presence in Amsterdam, Bogota, Lima, Mexico City, London-Heathrow, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Sao Paulo, Seoul-Incheon, and Tokyo. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DAL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Delta Air Lines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Delta Air Lines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp (NYSE:MGY Free Report) Analysts at Zacks Research upped their Q1 2026 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for Magnolia Oil & Gas in a research report issued on Monday, July 21st. Zacks Research analyst N. Choudhury now anticipates that the company will post earnings per share of $0.43 for the quarter, up from their prior estimate of $0.42. The consensus estimate for Magnolia Oil & Gas current full-year earnings is $2.10 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Magnolia Oil & Gas Q2 2026 earnings at $0.45 EPS, Q3 2026 earnings at $0.47 EPS, Q1 2027 earnings at $0.46 EPS, Q2 2027 earnings at $0.47 EPS and FY2027 earnings at $1.88 EPS. Get Magnolia Oil & Gas alerts: Magnolia Oil & Gas (NYSE:MGY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 30th. The company reported $0.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.53 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $350.30 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $337.83 million. Magnolia Oil & Gas had a return on equity of 20.73% and a net margin of 28.50%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 9.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $0.46 earnings per share. A number of other brokerages also recently issued reports on MGY. Bank of America increased their price target on Magnolia Oil & Gas from $23.00 to $25.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, May 23rd. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price target on Magnolia Oil & Gas from $22.00 to $21.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, June 16th. Citigroup reissued a sell rating on shares of Magnolia Oil & Gas in a research report on Thursday, July 10th. Piper Sandler increased their price target on Magnolia Oil & Gas from $24.00 to $25.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, July 17th. Finally, Susquehanna reduced their target price on Magnolia Oil & Gas from $31.00 to $30.00 and set a positive rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, April 22nd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $26.67. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on MGY Magnolia Oil & Gas Trading Down 1.0% Shares of NYSE:MGY opened at $23.75 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $4.57 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.81, a P/E/G ratio of 3.13 and a beta of 1.28. Magnolia Oil & Gas has a 1 year low of $19.09 and a 1 year high of $29.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a current ratio of 1.33 and a quick ratio of 1.33. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $23.00 and its 200 day simple moving average is $23.16. Magnolia Oil & Gas Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 2nd. Investors of record on Monday, May 12th were issued a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.53%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, May 12th. Magnolia Oil & Gass dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 29.85%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Magnolia Oil & Gas Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. State of Wyoming boosted its holdings in shares of Magnolia Oil & Gas by 8.2% during the 1st quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 5,777 shares of the companys stock valued at $146,000 after acquiring an additional 440 shares in the last quarter. OneDigital Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Magnolia Oil & Gas by 3.0% during the 4th quarter. OneDigital Investment Advisors LLC now owns 15,768 shares of the companys stock valued at $369,000 after acquiring an additional 464 shares in the last quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS boosted its holdings in shares of Magnolia Oil & Gas by 1.4% during the 4th quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 40,783 shares of the companys stock valued at $954,000 after acquiring an additional 564 shares in the last quarter. Summit Investment Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Magnolia Oil & Gas by 3.3% during the 4th quarter. Summit Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 18,119 shares of the companys stock valued at $424,000 after acquiring an additional 574 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Farther Finance Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Magnolia Oil & Gas by 16.8% during the 1st quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 4,366 shares of the companys stock valued at $111,000 after acquiring an additional 629 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 94.73% of the companys stock. Magnolia Oil & Gas Company Profile (Get Free Report) Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp. engages in the acquisition, development, exploration, and production of oil and natural gas properties. It operates assets located in the Eagle Ford Shale and Austin Chalk formations in South Texas. The company was founded on February 14, 2017 and is headquartered in Houston, TX. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Magnolia Oil & Gas Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Magnolia Oil & Gas and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sather Financial Group Inc reduced its stake in AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO Free Report) by 4.2% in the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 9,111 shares of the companys stock after selling 395 shares during the quarter. AutoZone makes up 2.3% of Sather Financial Group Incs portfolio, making the stock its 21st biggest position. Sather Financial Group Incs holdings in AutoZone were worth $34,738,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Angeles Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in shares of AutoZone by 7.4% during the 1st quarter. Angeles Wealth Management LLC now owns 87 shares of the companys stock worth $332,000 after purchasing an additional 6 shares in the last quarter. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ raised its stake in AutoZone by 2.9% during the 1st quarter. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ now owns 3,599 shares of the companys stock worth $13,722,000 after buying an additional 102 shares during the period. Phoenix Financial Ltd. bought a new position in AutoZone in the first quarter worth approximately $255,000. Prescott Group Capital Management L.L.C. boosted its holdings in AutoZone by 6.7% in the first quarter. Prescott Group Capital Management L.L.C. now owns 1,345 shares of the companys stock worth $5,128,000 after acquiring an additional 84 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Equitable Trust Co. grew its stake in AutoZone by 83.6% in the first quarter. Equitable Trust Co. now owns 549 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,093,000 after acquiring an additional 250 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.74% of the companys stock. Get AutoZone alerts: AutoZone Trading Down 0.6% Shares of AutoZone stock opened at $3,819.20 on Friday. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $3,711.34 and its 200 day simple moving average is $3,595.67. AutoZone, Inc. has a 12 month low of $2,898.57 and a 12 month high of $3,916.81. The firm has a market capitalization of $64.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.85, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.29 and a beta of 0.39. Insider Activity at AutoZone AutoZone ( NYSE:AZO Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, May 27th. The company reported $35.36 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $37.07 by ($1.71). The business had revenue of $4.46 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.41 billion. AutoZone had a negative return on equity of 56.07% and a net margin of 13.56%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 5.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $36.69 earnings per share. Analysts predict that AutoZone, Inc. will post 152.94 EPS for the current fiscal year. In related news, Chairman William C. Rhodes III sold 27,500 shares of AutoZone stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $3,708.93, for a total value of $101,995,575.00. Following the sale, the chairman owned 8,546 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $31,696,515.78. The trade was a 76.29% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, VP Richard Craig Smith sold 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $3,875.90, for a total value of $11,627,700.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president owned 2,925 shares in the company, valued at approximately $11,337,007.50. The trade was a 50.63% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 33,862 shares of company stock worth $126,058,789. 2.10% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on AZO shares. Wall Street Zen raised AutoZone from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 14th. BMO Capital Markets restated an outperform rating and set a $4,100.00 price target (up previously from $3,850.00) on shares of AutoZone in a research note on Wednesday, May 28th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on shares of AutoZone from $3,830.00 to $4,350.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, May 23rd. Oppenheimer upgraded shares of AutoZone from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $4,600.00 price objective for the company in a report on Friday, May 2nd. Finally, Mizuho upped their target price on shares of AutoZone from $3,740.00 to $4,050.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, July 3rd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nineteen have issued a buy rating and three have given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $4,087.00. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on AutoZone AutoZone Profile (Free Report) AutoZone, Inc retails and distributes automotive replacement parts and accessories in the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. The company provides various products for cars, sport utility vehicles, vans, and light trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AZO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for AutoZone Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AutoZone and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ increased its position in Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE:TFC Free Report) by 63.3% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 437,097 shares of the insurance providers stock after purchasing an additional 169,480 shares during the period. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publs holdings in Truist Financial were worth $17,987,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Comerica Bank lifted its stake in Truist Financial by 3.6% during the 4th quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 449,484 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $19,499,000 after acquiring an additional 15,499 shares during the period. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec lifted its stake in Truist Financial by 81.7% during the 4th quarter. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec now owns 1,108,466 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $48,085,000 after acquiring an additional 498,531 shares during the period. Code Waechter LLC bought a new position in Truist Financial during the 1st quarter valued at about $365,000. Cantor Fitzgerald Investment Advisors L.P. lifted its stake in Truist Financial by 4.6% during the 1st quarter. Cantor Fitzgerald Investment Advisors L.P. now owns 435,650 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $17,927,000 after acquiring an additional 19,286 shares during the period. Finally, Stifel Financial Corp lifted its stake in Truist Financial by 2.8% during the 4th quarter. Stifel Financial Corp now owns 2,242,763 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $97,291,000 after acquiring an additional 60,848 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 71.28% of the companys stock. Get Truist Financial alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Truist Financial In other news, insider Bradley D. Bender sold 12,540 shares of Truist Financial stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $45.19, for a total transaction of $566,682.60. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 500 shares in the company, valued at approximately $22,595. This trade represents a 96.17% 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 link. Company insiders own 0.17% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades TFC has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Barclays lowered their target price on shares of Truist Financial from $51.00 to $47.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, April 21st. Piper Sandler lowered their price objective on shares of Truist Financial from $45.00 to $41.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, April 21st. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on shares of Truist Financial from $52.00 to $50.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, March 28th. Morgan Stanley reiterated a mixed rating on shares of Truist Financial in a research note on Monday. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut shares of Truist Financial from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $48.00 price objective on the stock. in a research note on Wednesday, July 9th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, ten have issued a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Truist Financial presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $48.65. Get Our Latest Report on TFC Truist Financial Trading Up 0.3% TFC stock opened at $45.64 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $42.08 and a 200 day moving average price of $42.11. Truist Financial Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $33.56 and a fifty-two week high of $49.06. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.75, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a current ratio of 0.86. The firm has a market cap of $59.76 billion, a PE ratio of 12.44, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.70 and a beta of 0.85. Truist Financial (NYSE:TFC Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 18th. The insurance provider reported $0.91 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.93 by ($0.02). The company had revenue of $5.04 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.04 billion. Truist Financial had a return on equity of 8.69% and a net margin of 16.82%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 406.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.91 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Truist Financial Corporation will post 4 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Truist Financial Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 2nd. Investors of record on Friday, May 9th were given a $0.52 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 9th. This represents a $2.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.56%. Truist Financials dividend payout ratio is presently 56.68%. Truist Financial Company Profile (Free Report) Truist Financial Corporation, a financial services company, provides banking and trust services in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States. The company operates through three segments: Consumer Banking and Wealth, Corporate and Commercial Banking, and Insurance Holdings.Its deposit products include noninterest-bearing checking, interest-bearing checking, savings, and money market deposit accounts, as well as certificates of deposit and individual retirement accounts. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TFC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE:TFC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Truist Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Truist Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Stevens Capital Management LP bought a new stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE Free Report) in the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm bought 5,009 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock, valued at approximately $463,000. Several other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in ARE. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its holdings in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 212.9% in the 4th quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 8,265,880 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $806,337,000 after buying an additional 5,624,163 shares in the last quarter. Capital World Investors purchased a new position in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities during the 4th quarter worth $326,959,000. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC grew its holdings in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 1,038.4% during the 4th quarter. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC now owns 1,610,074 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $157,063,000 after purchasing an additional 1,468,644 shares during the period. Northern Trust Corp grew its holdings in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 67.9% during the 4th quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 2,565,406 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $250,255,000 after purchasing an additional 1,037,413 shares during the period. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE grew its holdings in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 218.1% during the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 1,164,554 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $113,602,000 after purchasing an additional 798,438 shares during the period. 96.54% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Alexandria Real Estate Equities alerts: Alexandria Real Estate Equities Price Performance ARE stock opened at $82.33 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 0.23 and a quick ratio of 0.22. The firm has a market capitalization of $14.24 billion, a P/E ratio of -633.27, a P/E/G ratio of 6.92 and a beta of 1.25. The businesss 50-day moving average is $74.09 and its two-hundred day moving average is $84.48. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. has a 1 year low of $67.37 and a 1 year high of $125.63. Alexandria Real Estate Equities Dividend Announcement Alexandria Real Estate Equities ( NYSE:ARE Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, July 21st. The real estate investment trust reported $2.33 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.29 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $737.28 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $748.02 million. Alexandria Real Estate Equities had a negative return on equity of 0.05% and a negative net margin of 0.33%. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess revenue for the quarter was down .6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $2.36 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. will post 9.32 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 30th were given a $1.32 dividend. This represents a $5.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.41%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, June 30th. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess dividend payout ratio is currently -4,061.54%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Mizuho lowered their price target on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $121.00 to $91.00 in a report on Thursday, June 12th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $117.00 to $95.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, May 20th. Baird R W lowered their price target on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $129.00 to $102.00 in a report on Thursday, June 12th. Wedbush lowered their price target on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $104.00 to $76.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, April 30th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded Alexandria Real Estate Equities from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, April 3rd. Eleven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Alexandria Real Estate Equities presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $99.54. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Alexandria Real Estate Equities About Alexandria Real Estate Equities (Free Report) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc (NYSE: ARE), an S&P 500 company, is a best-in-class, mission-driven life science REIT making a positive and lasting impact on the world. As the pioneer of the life science real estate niche since our founding in 1994, Alexandria is the preeminent and longest-tenured owner, operator, and developer of collaborative life science, agtech, and advanced technology mega campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations, including Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ARE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Alexandria Real Estate Equities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alexandria Real Estate Equities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Taylor Wimpey (OTCMKTS:TWODY Get Free Report) was upgraded by investment analysts at Kepler Capital Markets to a strong-buy rating in a report issued on Wednesday,Zacks.com reports. Separately, Royal Bank Of Canada downgraded shares of Taylor Wimpey from a moderate buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 9th. Get Taylor Wimpey alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on TWODY Taylor Wimpey Stock Down 0.6% Taylor Wimpey Company Profile TWODY stock opened at $14.90 on Wednesday. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $15.93 and a 200-day moving average price of $15.09. Taylor Wimpey has a 52-week low of $13.05 and a 52-week high of $23.56. (Get Free Report) Taylor Wimpey plc operates as a homebuilder in the United Kingdom and Spain. It builds and delivers various homes and communities. Taylor Wimpey plc was incorporated in 1935 and is based in High Wycombe, the United Kingdom. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Taylor Wimpey Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taylor Wimpey and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Integrated Investment Consultants LLC lifted its position in shares of The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA Free Report) by 24.6% during the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 5,073 shares of the aircraft producers stock after purchasing an additional 1,003 shares during the quarter. Integrated Investment Consultants LLCs holdings in Boeing were worth $865,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in BA. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in Boeing by 29.5% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 15,171,869 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $2,677,170,000 after purchasing an additional 3,452,075 shares in the last quarter. Castlekeep Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Boeing during the 4th quarter worth $568,000. Alyeska Investment Group L.P. acquired a new stake in shares of Boeing during the 4th quarter worth about $526,889,000. Zimmer Partners LP acquired a new position in Boeing in the 4th quarter valued at about $393,736,000. Finally, Northern Trust Corp grew its position in Boeing by 33.6% in the 4th quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 6,504,610 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $1,151,316,000 after acquiring an additional 1,634,231 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 64.82% of the companys stock. Get Boeing alerts: Boeing Stock Up 0.8% Shares of NYSE:BA opened at $233.02 on Friday. The Boeing Company has a 52-week low of $128.88 and a 52-week high of $235.27. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $213.01 and its 200-day simple moving average is $186.75. The company has a market capitalization of $175.70 billion, a P/E ratio of -13.00 and a beta of 1.41. Insider Buying and Selling Boeing ( NYSE:BA Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, April 23rd. The aircraft producer reported ($0.49) earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($1.39) by $0.90. The business had revenue of $19.50 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $19.57 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted ($1.13) earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 17.7% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that The Boeing Company will post -2.58 earnings per share for the current year. In other Boeing news, SVP Brendan J. Nelson sold 640 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, May 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $206.28, for a total transaction of $132,019.20. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president directly owned 13,258 shares in the company, valued at $2,734,860.24. This represents a 4.60% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP David Christopher Raymond sold 3,899 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $187.01, for a total value of $729,151.99. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 42,513 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,950,356.13. This represents a 8.40% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 7,744 shares of company stock worth $1,511,370. 0.09% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several brokerages have recently issued reports on BA. Bank of America upgraded Boeing from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their price objective for the company from $185.00 to $260.00 in a research note on Monday, June 2nd. Redburn Atlantic upgraded Boeing from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $180.00 to $275.00 in a research note on Friday, June 27th. TD Securities cut Boeing to a cautious rating in a research note on Thursday, May 22nd. Royal Bank Of Canada restated a cautious rating on shares of Boeing in a research note on Thursday, June 12th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company restated an underweight rating on shares of Boeing in a research note on Thursday, May 22nd. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating, seventeen have issued a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $221.55. Read Our Latest Report on BA Boeing Company Profile (Free Report) The Boeing Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, sells, services, and supports commercial jetliners, military aircraft, satellites, missile defense, human space flight and launch systems, and services worldwide. The company operates through Commercial Airplanes; Defense, Space & Security; and Global Services segments. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Boeing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boeing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Integrated Investment Consultants LLC trimmed its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report) by 34.1% during the first quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 1,191 shares of the investment management companys stock after selling 616 shares during the period. Integrated Investment Consultants LLCs holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $651,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 2.5% during the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 6,584,202 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $3,761,576,000 after purchasing an additional 161,500 shares during the period. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its position in The Goldman Sachs Group by 63,864.7% in the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 3,976,684 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $2,172,423,000 after acquiring an additional 3,970,467 shares during the period. FMR LLC increased its position in The Goldman Sachs Group by 23.7% in the 4th quarter. FMR LLC now owns 3,586,348 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $2,053,614,000 after acquiring an additional 687,711 shares during the period. Northern Trust Corp increased its position in The Goldman Sachs Group by 15.0% in the 4th quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 3,292,679 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $1,885,454,000 after acquiring an additional 428,502 shares during the period. Finally, International Assets Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in The Goldman Sachs Group in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $1,766,238,000. 71.21% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes GS has been the topic of several analyst reports. JMP Securities restated 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. Royal Bank Of Canada restated a sector perform rating on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a research report on Thursday, July 10th. Wall Street Zen upgraded The Goldman Sachs Group from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, July 12th. Hsbc Global Res cut The Goldman Sachs Group from a hold rating to a moderate sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 8th. Finally, Barclays lowered their target price on The Goldman Sachs Group from $760.00 to $720.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, April 15th. One equities research 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.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $660.00. The Goldman Sachs Group Stock Performance Shares of NYSE GS opened at $728.63 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.68, a current ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.26. The stock has a market capitalization of $223.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.06, a PEG ratio of 1.53 and a beta of 1.35. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $657.60 and its 200 day simple moving average is $605.58. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 52-week low of $437.37 and a 52-week high of $729.89. The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, July 16th. The investment management company reported $10.91 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $9.82 by $1.09. The business had revenue of $14.58 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations 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 quarterly revenue was up 14.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $8.62 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 47.12 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The Goldman Sachs Group Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 29th. Investors 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 2.20%. This is a boost from The Goldman Sachs Groups previous quarterly dividend of $3.00. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 29th. The Goldman Sachs Groups payout ratio is presently 35.26%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CEO David M. Solomon sold 6,608 shares of The Goldman Sachs Group stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $712.31, for a total value of $4,706,944.48. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 126,176 shares in the company, valued at $89,876,426.56. The trade was a 4.98% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, EVP John F.W. Rogers sold 6,008 shares of The Goldman Sachs Group stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $717.39, for a total value of $4,310,079.12. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 65,761 shares in the company, valued at $47,176,283.79. The trade was a 8.37% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 20,079 shares of company stock worth $14,423,221 in the last three months. 0.55% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. The Goldman Sachs Group Company 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. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Van Berkom & Associates Inc. raised its stake in shares of RLI Corp. (NYSE:RLI Free Report) by 104.3% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 1,075,321 shares of the insurance providers stock after purchasing an additional 549,042 shares during the period. RLI accounts for 2.8% of Van Berkom & Associates Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 11th largest position. Van Berkom & Associates Inc. owned about 1.17% of RLI worth $86,381,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund lifted its stake in shares of RLI by 100.0% in the 1st quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund now owns 19,526 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,569,000 after purchasing an additional 9,763 shares in the last quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement System raised its holdings in RLI by 99.6% in the first quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement System now owns 112,616 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $9,046,000 after buying an additional 56,208 shares during the period. Brown Advisory Inc. lifted its position in RLI by 100.0% during the first quarter. Brown Advisory Inc. now owns 13,224 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,062,000 after buying an additional 6,612 shares in the last quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in RLI by 100.0% during the first quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC now owns 372 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 186 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. grew its stake in RLI by 112.2% during the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 3,871 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $311,000 after buying an additional 2,047 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.89% of the companys stock. Get RLI alerts: RLI Stock Performance RLI stock opened at $67.78 on Friday. RLI Corp. has a 12-month low of $67.12 and a 12-month high of $91.14. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06, a current ratio of 0.34 and a quick ratio of 0.35. The company has a market capitalization of $6.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.42 and a beta of 0.67. The firms fifty day moving average price is $72.62 and its 200 day moving average price is $74.70. RLI Increases Dividend RLI ( NYSE:RLI Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Monday, July 21st. The insurance provider reported $0.84 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.75 by $0.09. RLI had a return on equity of 15.82% and a net margin of 17.81%. The company had revenue of $562.28 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $445.55 million. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.72 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 20.0% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts forecast that RLI Corp. will post 3.08 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, May 30th were paid a dividend of $0.16 per share. This represents a $0.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.94%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 30th. This is a positive change from RLIs previous quarterly dividend of $0.15. RLIs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 18.34%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts have recently commented on RLI shares. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut their target price on shares of RLI from $95.00 to $85.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, April 9th. Wall Street Zen upgraded RLI from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday. Compass Point lowered RLI from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, April 25th. Finally, JMP Securities reaffirmed a market perform rating on shares of RLI in a research report on Thursday, April 24th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, RLI currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $78.60. View Our Latest Research Report on RLI Insider Transactions at RLI In other RLI news, COO Jennifer L. Klobnak bought 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 24th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $69.15 per share, with a total value of $207,450.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer directly owned 98,450 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,807,817.50. This trade represents a 3.14% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. 2.16% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. About RLI (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. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for RLI Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RLI and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GLOBALT Investments LLC GA reduced its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO Free Report) by 2.1% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 503,373 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 10,618 shares during the period. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF comprises approximately 0.9% of GLOBALT Investments LLC GAs holdings, making the stock its 19th largest holding. GLOBALT Investments LLC GAs holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF were worth $22,783,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in VWO. Bank of America Corp DE grew its stake in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 6.6% during the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 107,088,490 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $4,716,177,000 after buying an additional 6,672,276 shares during the last quarter. Betterment LLC grew its stake in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 1.6% during the 4th quarter. Betterment LLC now owns 59,799,391 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,633,565,000 after buying an additional 961,166 shares during the last quarter. Wealthfront Advisers LLC grew its stake in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 1.9% during the 1st quarter. Wealthfront Advisers LLC now owns 45,420,074 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,055,713,000 after buying an additional 844,429 shares during the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. grew its stake in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 3.3% during the 1st quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 43,805,548 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,982,639,000 after buying an additional 1,380,127 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Northern Trust Corp grew its stake in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 64.6% during the 4th quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 41,809,891 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,841,308,000 after buying an additional 16,414,518 shares during the last quarter. 67.19% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF alerts: Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Price Performance Shares of VWO opened at $50.84 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $94.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.08 and a beta of 0.69. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $48.95 and a 200 day moving average price of $46.26. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF has a 12 month low of $39.53 and a 12 month high of $51.25. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Profile The Fund seeks to track the performance of the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index, that measures the return of stocks issued by companies located in emerging market countries. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VWO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code Legato Capital Management LLC decreased its position in shares of Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE:WGO Free Report) by 59.6% in the first quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 9,765 shares of the construction companys stock after selling 14,395 shares during the quarter. Legato Capital Management LLCs holdings in Winnebago Industries were worth $337,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. SG Americas Securities LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Winnebago Industries during the first quarter worth about $1,054,000. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its position in Winnebago Industries by 9,187.9% in the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 23,777 shares of the construction companys stock worth $819,000 after purchasing an additional 23,521 shares in the last quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC grew its stake in shares of Winnebago Industries by 26.3% during the 1st quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC now owns 7,216 shares of the construction companys stock worth $249,000 after purchasing an additional 1,503 shares during the period. Teacher Retirement System of Texas purchased a new position in shares of Winnebago Industries during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $254,000. Finally, Parallel Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Winnebago Industries by 629.2% during the 1st quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 824 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 711 shares in the last quarter. Get Winnebago Industries alerts: Winnebago Industries Stock Up 0.8% Winnebago Industries stock opened at $31.68 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $887.99 million, a PE ratio of -53.69 and a beta of 1.01. Winnebago Industries, Inc. has a 12 month low of $28.00 and a 12 month high of $65.65. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $32.17 and a 200-day simple moving average of $36.38. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 2.41 and a quick ratio of 0.89. Winnebago Industries Dividend Announcement Winnebago Industries ( NYSE:WGO Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, June 25th. The construction company reported $0.81 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.79 by $0.02. Winnebago Industries had a positive return on equity of 2.86% and a negative net margin of 0.62%. The business had revenue of $775.10 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $808.15 million. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.13 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was down 1.4% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts anticipate that Winnebago Industries, Inc. will post 3.41 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, June 25th. Investors of record on Wednesday, June 11th were given a dividend of $0.34 per share. This represents a $1.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.29%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, June 11th. Winnebago Industriess payout ratio is -230.51%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Benchmark cut their target price on shares of Winnebago Industries from $60.00 to $42.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, June 30th. Citigroup cut their target price on shares of Winnebago Industries from $37.00 to $33.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, June 26th. Roth Capital cut their target price on shares of Winnebago Industries from $37.00 to $30.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Thursday, June 26th. BMO Capital Markets cut their target price on shares of Winnebago Industries from $50.00 to $42.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, June 26th. Finally, Truist Financial cut their target price on shares of Winnebago Industries from $40.00 to $36.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, June 26th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $42.33. Read Our Latest Report on WGO About Winnebago Industries (Free Report) Winnebago Industries, Inc manufactures and sells recreation vehicles and marine products primarily for use in leisure travel and outdoor recreation activities. The company operates through three segments: Towable RV, Motorhome RV, and Marine. It provides towable products that are non-motorized vehicles to be towed by automobiles, pickup trucks, SUVs, or vans for use as temporary living quarters for recreational travel, such as conventional travel trailers, fifth wheels, folding camper trailers, and truck campers under the Winnebago and Grand Design brand names. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WGO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE:WGO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Winnebago Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Winnebago Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Opinion / Columnist As Zimbabwe's ruling party, Zanu PF, navigates the complex landscape of succession politics, internal power struggles are coming to the fore. The party's aging leadership and looming succession have created an environment in which various factions are vying for influence and position. At the heart of this struggle is the concept of gatekeeping, where established members of the party seek to control access to power and influence. Political parties are different from churches, where the gospel is preached to everyone and new members are accepted into the church membership. Membership cards are scarce, and it's difficult to get a political party membership card because old members are afraid of new entrants to the party, especially wealthy and educated new members. Even if you're allowed to join, there are stringent rules in place to ensure that new members are not elected into influential positions within the party. This is what's happening within my beloved political party, Zanu PF.It's not a secret that our party president, ED Mnangagwa, will not seek to contest the 2028 presidential elections, and therefore Zanu PF has to elect a new presidential candidate for the 2028 presidential elections at its 2027 elective congress. Unfortunately, some within the party have self-anointed themselves to the throne before the 2027 Zanu PF Congress. I was watching our party spokesperson, Chris Mutsvangwa, on YouTube, where he was seemingly defending his party yet appeared to be selling himself as the rightful candidate for the Zanu PF presidency.We respect the efforts and sacrifices of our liberation war heroes in giving us independence. We cherish the hard work, heroism, and dedication to the cause of the struggle. However, the opinion that Zanu PF is a private limited company of war veterans is misplaced. Zanu PF is a party of both combatants and non-combatants. The war veterans did not win the war alone; the masses were on their side. If that's the case, then those who didn't participate in the war should also have the right to contest for the presidency.Our war veterans claim that they fought for democracy and "one man, one vote." If this is true, then why are they gatekeeping? Why draft questionable circulars meant to prevent people like Kudakwashe Tagwirei's appointment to the Central Committee? As far as we know, we don't have an heir apparent to the Zanu PF presidency. We don't have the anointed ones be it army generals, war veterans, or non-veterans. We want a level playing field where everyone who feels like contesting for that top position can contest freely. We don't want party press conferences that are suddenly transformed into self-promoting press conferences. A Zanu PF spokesperson must represent the party and must not be conflicted.The last press conference by Chris Mutsvangwa clearly shows that there's some gatekeeping taking place in Zanu PF. Gatekeeping refers to the practice of controlling or limiting access to a particular group, position, or opportunity. In the context of Zanu PF, gatekeeping is often associated with the old guard established members who have been in the party for a long time and are resistant to change. These individuals often use their influence and power to maintain the status quo and protect their own interests.The old guard in Zanu PF has been accused of using various tactics to limit the influence of newer members and prevent them from rising through the ranks. One such tactic is the use of party rules and regulations to block potential challengers. In the case of Kudakwashe Tagwirei, it's alleged that Obert Mpofu has released a circular aimed at preventing Tagwirei's co-option into the Central Committee. The circular, which has been circulating within Zanu PF circles, appears to be an attempt to entrench the current leadership and limit opportunities for new members.Entrenchment refers to the practice of firmly establishing oneself or a group in a position of power, often making it difficult for others to challenge or change the status quo. By releasing the circular at this particular time, Mpofu may be trying to block Tagwirei's ascension to the Central Committee and protect the interests of the current leadership. The timing of the circular is significant, as Tagwirei was being considered for co-option into the committee.The party establishment in Zanu PF has significant influence over the party's direction and decision-making processes. The establishment often uses its power to shape the party's agenda and limit opportunities for newcomers. In this case, the circular may be seen as an attempt by the party establishment to maintain its grip on power and limit the influence of potential challengers.The politics of gatekeeping within Zanu PF highlights the complex power dynamics at play within the party. As the party approaches a critical juncture in its leadership succession, it remains to be seen how these dynamics will play out. Will the old guard continue to dominate the party, or will newer members be able to break through the barriers and shape the party's future? Only time will tell.Etiwel Mutero is a teacher, archivist and a political analyst.You can contact him_ _on +263773614293 etiwelm02@gmail.com Cheshire Police have confirmed devastating news: the body found in a lake in Oakmere on Monday, July 21, corresponds to Rachel Booth, a 38-year-old woman and mother of three, who had been missing since the early hours of the previous Saturday. According to DefensaCentral, Rachel's family had reported her disappearance after last seeing her in the town of Barnton, Northwich, in the United Kingdom. Since then, officers worked tirelessly on the search, which included public appeals and extensive operations in the area. The last time Rachel was visually recorded was at 3:50 a.m. on July 19, when she was captured by security cameras at a gas station on the A556 road, about five miles from where she was last seen by her family. According to The Sun newspaper, Rachel bought milk and wine and showed no strange signs. "She didn't seem strange, disturbed or nervous," said an employee of the establishment, quoted by the British media outlet. The witness also stated that Rachel had gone for a run and was fine at the time of purchase. Normal circumstances However, despite the fact that everything seemed to be in order, the reality behind the case became tragic. The police found her body floating in a lake in Oakmere, near Delamere Lake Holiday Park, where underwater search units were deployed. Shortly after, the formal identification was carried out. "It has been confirmed that it is Rachel. Her family has been informed and is receiving support from specialized agents. They have requested privacy for the moment," the authorities said in an official statement. DefensaCentral can report that, according to sources close to the investigation, no criminal circumstances are suspected surrounding the death. The police have stated that "a file will be prepared for the coroner," ruling out for the moment that there are indications of third-party intervention. Meanwhile, the Wild Shore Delamere water park, near the site of the discovery, announced on its social networks that it will remain closed as a sign of respect. The news has caused deep shock in the local community, especially among the parents of the school attended by Rachel's three children. A mother, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed her sadness to The Sun for the loss: "Rachel was always nice. This news has devastated us all." A vile predator and convicted rapist who sexually assaulted three young girls in County Donegal has been jailed. Louis Feeney, who has 85 previous convictions - for offences include rape and sexually assault - was handed a five-year prison sentence at Letterkenny Circuit Court. The 74-year-old, with an address at Killowen Street, Coleraine, subjected the three girls to incidents that caused very significant harm. Feeney, who was extradited from Northern Ireland in March, is also facing sentence later this year over a large consignment of drugs 20 years ago. A car in which Feeney was the lone occupant was intercepted and Gardai located 1840 grams of cocaine. The drugs were worth 128,000 at the time and the court heard would now have a potential street value of 200,000. In June of this year, Feeney pleaded guilty to a charge of being in possession of controlled drugs for unlawful sale or supply. Earlier in the year, Feeney - who has been in custody at Castlerea Prison since his arrest after being handed across the border by the PSNI - pleaded guilty to five sample counts of sexually assaulting young girls at various locations in Donegal. Judge Maguire said the incidents had a devastating impact on the victims and continued to permeate and infect all aspects of their lives. He said: The harm done was very significant. The injured parties were very young and vulnerable, being of an age up to secondary school. Further sadness was the isolation they felt not knowing that the others were going through it. When a brother of a victim asked Feeney for sweets he said the boys sister would have to do something for me. The boy asked what he meant and Feeney told him: She knows what I mean. On another occasion, he offered a girl some money if she stayed where she was. Judge Maguire, who commended the victims for the powerful impact statements submitted, said the assaults were predatory in nature and for Feeneys sexual gratification. Feeney has 85 previous convictions in Northern Ireland, including 23 relating to sexual crimes and some of which include sexual assault of a child. Feeney has also been convicted of rape and is on the Sex Offenders Register. Judge Maguire said Feeney doesnt appear to have anything near to full insight and protested at having a lack of memory. Noting that the maximum penalty on each count was five years, Judge Maguire determined that a proportionate global headline sentence was one of five years. He said that while Feeney did not cooperate in interviews, he did plead guilty. He said that Feeney was elderly but not so old that he is immediately at risk of dying in prison. Having regard to the totality principle, Judge Maguire sentenced Feeney to five years in prison and said he was not suspending any portion. At a sentencing hearing earlier in the week, Feeney asked that he be able to attend via video link for the judgement. However, he was hauled before the court and stood in the dock to hear Judge Maguire deliver his judgement after the court consulted with the victims. In total, Feeney was charged with nine counts of sexual assault against three victims in Donegal on dates between 1993 and 2005. Feeney pleaded guilty to five counts on a full facts basis, while the other counts were taken into consideration. Detective Garda Robin Doyle outlined the case to State barrister Ms Fiona Crawford BL. One of the complainants told how she was 10 years old when one of the incidents occurred. Feeney placed his hand down her trousers and inside her underwear, touching her private parts with his hands. The court heard that the incident lasted for a few minutes. The complainant told Gardai that it was weird and recalled Feeney smelling of body odour and cigarettes. Another incident occurred at a time when the complainant was in secondary school. She recalled how Feeney rubbed her underwear before placing his hand inside. She told him to stop and he did not say anything in response, but continued to sexually assault her. Detective Garda Robin Doyle. (North West Newspix) Detective Garda Doyle told Ms Crawford that the complainant recalled being at another location when Feeney approached her from behind and placed his hand down the front of her trousers while rubbing himself against me. He didnt talk or anything, she told Gardai. She said that Feeney would get quite crabbit if questioned and he would always carry on as if nothing happened. This complainant also outlined how Feeney rubbed himself up against her at another location and then placed his hand under her top. He proceeded to place his hand down her underwear and began to rub his fingers all over. The woman told investigating Gardai that Feeney was getting a thrill from this and she told how he kissed her on another occasion and she tried to push him away. This incident stuck with her in later years as the smell of him was rotten she said. On a further occasion, Feeney approached the girl and placed his hand on her back, under her top, before moving it around and feeling her breasts. A second complainant told how Feeney rubbed her shoulders with cold hands and then placed his hands in the area around her breasts. When she nudged him to stop and started to walk away, Feeney offered her money to stay. Feeney later started to rub her shoulders again before kneeling down and putting a hand on her leg. The girl stood up and walked away at this stage. The court was told how a third complainant in the matter told Gardai how Feeney told her to lay down on a floor before getting on top of her. She said Feeney felt all around her body and then placed his hands inside her top and her underwear. She recalled the smell of fags from Feeney, who sexually assaulted her on another occasion when he also placed a hand inside her clothing before stopping when he heard someone else approaching. When Detective Garda Doyle initially interviewed Feeney, he denied all of the allegations. The court heard victim impact statements from all three victims. One told how she felt that her innocence was robbed by Feeney and she is now filled with confusion and constant worry. She said he took over her childhood and added: He robbed me of my childhood memories and my innocence. He had no right to take this from any child. She added: Its not something that will go away. I have to live with this for the rest of my life. A second victim said the assaults still have an effect, physically, emotionally and spiritually. I felt that my innocence was taken away from me very young and I no longer felt safe or protected, she said. She recalled how she often tried to hide what had happened and covered it up. She told no-one as she felt shame and said: There was always the shadow of the hidden secret. The woman recalled having difficulty connecting emotionally and how it affected many more aspects of her life. I carried a sense of confusion, she said. I spent many years thinking about coming forward and opening up, but I was overwhelmed by the shame and the sorrow it would bring. Her innocence and security were replaced by anxiety and sadness, which shaped the way she saw both herself and the world around her. The memories of the abuse haunt me, she said. Asked by his barrister, Mr Peter Nolan BL, if he had anything to say, Feeney said from the witness box: I am sorry for giving you all the trouble. I am sorry. Mr Nolan said his client has a long and very serious criminal history. We are not shying away from that in any shape or form, Mr Nolan said. Defence barrister Mr Peter Nolan BL. (North West Newspix) He said the probation and welfare report contained little redemption and Feeney has been placed as a high risk of reoffending. The probation report added that Feeney has demonstrated little to no regard for his victims or the effects that his crimes have had. Feeney, who has been deemed unsuitable for community service, was adopted at a young age having spent the first four years of his life in a childrens home, the court heard. He has never been able to trace his birth parents. The last he saw of a brother was at his adopted mothers funeral in 1998 and Feeney has lived between hostels and boarding houses. Mr Nolan said Feeney secured housing in 2011 and was there until his incarceration. The court was told that Feeney did have some history of employment, including as a milkman, a factory worker and a council labourer while he was a roadie for a show band for a period of time. Mr Nolan asked Judge Maguire to take account of Feeneys age and for whatever leniency he could give. He will probably die in prison, Mr Nolan said with reference to the pending drugs charge. Light at the end of the tunnel for this 74-year-old man, I dont think its possible. Thousands of people both young and old have filled the streets of Belfast for the citys annual Pride parade. Spectators lined the citys footpaths to cheer on the thousands who took part in the parade. Belfast Pride Festival is one of the biggest festivals in the citys calendar, with hundreds of events taking place. Organisers of Belfast Pride said it is the biggest cross-community parade in Belfast and is a protest and celebration of the lives of LGBT+ people. The theme for this years event is No Going Back, as organisers said there must be no turning back from the advances made in visibility, legal protections and societal recognition. Throughout the city, many people had rainbows painted on their faces, while others waved LGBT+ flags and held placards with equality messages written on them. A series of groups and floats, representing up to 250 charities and organisations, took off from Custom House Square at 1pm. It made its way north of the city before making its way down Donegall Place and past City Hall before finishing at Victoria Street. Friends, work colleagues and many young families, including pet dogs, were among those in the crowd. Belfast Pride organisers took the decision to ask political parties to not attend the parade in an official capacity, after Stormont backed a ban on puberty blockers. The parade started in 1991 and over the last 30 years has grown to be the largest single parade in Northern Ireland. Ahead of the parade taking place, First Minister Michelle ONeill tweeted: Happy Belfast Pride to everyone celebrating today, I hope its filled with joy and love for you all. Your courage over many years has helped transform our society for the better. Happy Belfast Pride to everyone celebrating today, I hope its filled with joy and love for you all. Your courage over many years has helped transform our society for the better. As your First Minister, Im committed to building a future where everyone in our LGBTQIA+ pic.twitter.com/vvPiNlgenQ Michelle ONeill (@moneillsf) July 26, 2025 As your First Minister, Im committed to building a future where everyone in our LGBTQIA+ community is seen, valued, and treated equally. Be proud. Be you. Today and every day. Have a wonderful day. Thousands rally in Yemen's capital to protest against Gaza starvation Xinhua) 15:18, July 26, 2025 Protestors participate in a demonstration against starving the people in Gaza, in Sanaa, Yemen, on July 25, 2025. Tens of thousands of Yemenis gathered for a mass demonstration in the Yemeni capital Sanaa on Friday to protest against what they called a "man-made" mass starvation in the besieged Gaza Strip. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua) SANAA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Tens of thousands of Yemenis gathered for a mass demonstration in the Yemeni capital Sanaa on Friday to protest against what they called a "man-made" mass starvation in the besieged Gaza Strip. The participants raised banners reading: "Stop starvation in Gaza," "Stop war on Gaza," and "Israeli blockade on Gaza should immediately be lifted." Israel has limited humanitarian aid from entering Gaza for months, causing a mass starvation that has already killed 122 Palestinians, mostly children, according to Gaza's health authorities. In Sanaa, the demonstrators held up pictures of the acutely malnourished mothers and children of Gaza that went viral on mainstream media. There were also bridegrooms attending the protest. They told Xinhua that despite the joy on their wedding day, they joined the demonstration to express their anger about the humanitarian tragedy and the "deliberate starvation" of the Palestinian people in Gaza. Israel and Hamas have held weeks of indirect negotiations in Qatar, but no progress has been declared so far. The Houthi group, which controls much of northern Yemen, has been launching ballistic missiles and drones toward Israel since November 2023 to show solidarity with the besieged Palestinian people and to pressure Israel to end its war and blockade on Gaza. A protester holds a piece of bread with the word "GAZA" during a demonstration against starving the people in Gaza, in Sanaa, Yemen, on July 25, 2025. Tens of thousands of Yemenis gathered for a mass demonstration in the Yemeni capital Sanaa on Friday to protest against what they called a "man-made" mass starvation in the besieged Gaza Strip. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua) An aerial drone photo taken on July 25, 2025 shows protestors participating in a demonstration against starving the people in Gaza, in Sanaa, Yemen. Tens of thousands of Yemenis gathered for a mass demonstration in the Yemeni capital Sanaa on Friday to protest against what they called a "man-made" mass starvation in the besieged Gaza Strip. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua) (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Wu Chaolan) As we said in The Groove on March 29th, 2014, "All true disco music can be traced back to three Caribbean Islands: Cuba, Hispaniola, and Jamaica..."Cuba nunca es subestimada.." Many sources have suggested that the French Caribbean and Brazil should be included in that list because of the importance of BEGINE, SOCA, SAMBA, and eventually BOSSA NOVA. Some of those sources suggest that all LATIN MUSIC is DISCO. We are not in total agreement to that. We have insisted that the first authentic DISCO is a Congolese fusion of Cuban music with various local variations. If that is to believed then Cuban Music is still an extremely important source for the creation of most DISCO music variations. Much of the music featured in this show is from the 'Cuba: Music And Revolution (Culture Clash In Havana Cuba....)' series presented by the British Soul Jazz label. Most of that music released between 1973 and 1985. We also are presenting many songs sung by the late IBRAHIM FERRER, a member of the legendary BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB. COMO FUE IBRAHIM FERRER - BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB Presents IBRAHIM FERRER (2LP) - WORLD CIRCUIT DACAPO RAUL GOMEZ - CUBA: MUSIC AND REVOLUTION (CULTURE CLASH IN HAVANA CUBA: EXPERIMENTS IN LATIN MUSIC 1975-85 VOL. 1) 3LP - SOUL JAZZ SILENCIO IBRAHIM FERRER - BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB Presents IBRAHIM FERRER (2LP) - WORLD CIRCUIT HERIDO DE SOMBRAS IBRAHIM FERRER - BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB Presents IBRAHIM FERRER (2LP) - WORLD CIRCUIT AQUELLOS OJOS VERDES IBRAHIM FERRER - BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB Presents IBRAHIM FERRER (2LP) - WORLD CIRCUIT NUESTRA ULTIMA CITA IBRAHIM FERRER - BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB Presents IBRAHIM FERRER (2LP) - WORLD CIRCUIT GUATEQIE CAMPESINO IBRAHIM FERRER - BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB Presents IBRAHIM FERRER (2LP) - WORLD CIRCUIT EL SON DEL CAMPEON CONJUNTO RUMBAVANA - CUBA: MUSIC AND REVOLUTION (CULTURE CLASH IN HAVANA CUBA: EXPERIMENTS IN LATIN MUSIC 1975-85 VOL. 1) 3LP - SOUL JAZZ MAMI ME GUSTO IBRAHIM FERRER - BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB Presents IBRAHIM FERRER (2LP) - WORLD CIRCUIT SONDEANDO GRUPO DE EXPERIMENTACION SONORA DEL ICAIC - CUBA: MUSIC AND REVOLUTION (CULTURE CLASH IN HAVANA CUBA: EXPERIMENTS IN LATIN MUSIC 1975-85 VOL. 1) 3LP - SOUL JAZZ AMAME Y NO PIENSES MAS FARAH MARIA - CUBA: MUSIC AND REVOLUTION (CULTURE CLASH IN HAVANA CUBA: EXPERIMENTS IN LATIN MUSIC 1973-85 VOL. 2) 3LP - SOUL JAZZ NADIE SE SIENTE CANSADO GRUPO MONUMENTAL - CUBA: MUSIC AND REVOLUTION (CULTURE CLASH IN HAVANA CUBA: EXPERIMENTS IN LATIN MUSIC 1975-85 VOL. 1) 3LP - SOUL JAZZ MI SON CARIDAD GRUPO MONUMENTAL - CUBA: MUSIC AND REVOLUTION (CULTURE CLASH IN HAVANA CUBA: EXPERIMENTS IN LATIN MUSIC 1975-85 VOL. 1) 3LP - SOUL JAZZ JUANA 1600 GRUPO IRAKERE - CUBA: MUSIC AND REVOLUTION (CULTURE CLASH IN HAVANA CUBA: EXPERIMENTS IN LATIN MUSIC 1975-85 VOL. 1) 3LP - SOUL JAZZ SOLO DE TUMBA Y BONGO LOS PAPINES - CUBA: MUSIC AND REVOLUTION (CULTURE CLASH IN HAVANA CUBA: EXPERIMENTS IN LATIN MUSIC 1973-85 VOL. 2) 3LP - SOUL JAZZ CIENFUEGOS TIENE SU GUAGUANCO IBRAHIM FERRER - BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB Presents IBRAHIM FERRER (2LP) - WORLD CIRCUIT EN CASA DEL TROMPO NO BAILES ORQUESTA RIVERSIDE - CUBA: MUSIC AND REVOLUTION (CULTURE CLASH IN HAVANA CUBA: EXPERIMENTS IN LATIN MUSIC 1973-85 VOL. 2) 3LP - SOUL JAZZ MARIETA IBRAHIM FERRER - BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB Presents IBRAHIM FERRER (2LP) - WORLD CIRCUIT TE QUIERO PORQUE TE QUIERO PABLO MILANES - CUBA: MUSIC AND REVOLUTION (CULTURE CLASH IN HAVANA CUBA: EXPERIMENTS IN LATIN MUSIC 1975-85 VOL. 1) 3LP - SOUL JAZZ CHEQUERE SON GRUPO IRAKERE - CUBA: MUSIC AND REVOLUTION (CULTURE CLASH IN HAVANA CUBA: EXPERIMENTS IN LATIN MUSIC 1975-85 VOL. 1) 3LP - SOUL JAZZ LA 132 RICARDO EDDY MARTINEZ - CUBA: MUSIC AND REVOLUTION (CULTURE CLASH IN HAVANA CUBA: EXPERIMENTS IN LATIN MUSIC 1973-85 VOL. 2) 3LP - SOUL JAZZ MUEVETE CAN LAS FUERZAS DEL CARAZON FA 5 - CUBA: MUSIC AND REVOLUTION (CULTURE CLASH IN HAVANA CUBA: EXPERIMENTS IN LATIN MUSIC 1973-85 VOL. 2) 3LP - SOUL JAZZ CANCION CON TODOS GRUPO DE EXPERIMENTACION SONORA DEL ICAIC - CUBA: MUSIC AND REVOLUTION (CULTURE CLASH IN HAVANA CUBA: EXPERIMENTS IN LATIN MUSIC 1975-85 VOL. 1) 3LP - SOUL JAZZ VOCACION REVOLUCION EDUARDO RAMOS - CUBA: MUSIC AND REVOLUTION (CULTURE CLASH IN HAVANA CUBA: EXPERIMENTS IN LATIN MUSIC 1975-85 VOL. 1) 3LP - SOUL JAZZ Y QUE BIEN JUAN PABLO TORRES Y SU GRUPO ALGO NUEVO - CUBA: MUSIC AND REVOLUTION (CULTURE CLASH IN HAVANA CUBA: EXPERIMENTS IN LATIN MUSIC 1973-85 VOL. 2) 3LP - SOUL JAZZ LUNA WANESTAIN EMILIANO SALVADOR - CUBA: MUSIC AND REVOLUTION (CULTURE CLASH IN HAVANA CUBA: EXPERIMENTS IN LATIN MUSIC 1975-85 VOL. 1) 3LP - SOUL JAZZ GRANDES AMIGOS LOS REYES 73 - CUBA: MUSIC AND REVOLUTION (CULTURE CLASH IN HAVANA CUBA: EXPERIMENTS IN LATIN MUSIC 1975-85 VOL. 1) 3LP - SOUL JAZZ UN LAMENTO HECH CANCION LOS REYES 73 - CUBA: MUSIC AND REVOLUTION (CULTURE CLASH IN HAVANA CUBA: EXPERIMENTS IN LATIN MUSIC 1975-85 VOL. 1) 3LP - SOUL JAZZ CON CADENCIA Y CON DULZURA LAS D'AIDA - CUBA: MUSIC AND REVOLUTION (CULTURE CLASH IN HAVANA CUBA: EXPERIMENTS IN LATIN MUSIC 1975-85 VOL. 1) 3LP - SOUL JAZZ The President of the Irish Medical Organisation, Dr Anne Dee, has warned the Governments decision to delay the planned rollout of alcohol health information labelling until 2028 at the earliest is a serious threat to public health. Dr Dee, a consultant in public health, believes the government has a duty to prioritise the welfare of the Irish people and that the decision is wrong. With this delay, we are seeing health being ignored in favour of corporate interests and profiteering," she stated outlining some of the potential repercussions of the decision to delay the rollout of the new regulations. It will result in preventable incidences of cancer, increased incidences of liver disease and harm to children because of a refusal to fully enact a bill signed into law seven years ago. Dr Dee insists that the labelling provisions under the public health (Alcohol) Act 2018 are an essential tool in reducing alcohol-related harm such as the worsening rates of liver disease, alcohol-related cancers and Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). READ ALSO: Hundreds gather at vigil for mother and children killed in Fermanagh shooting In a hard-hitting statement, the president of the IMO has once again urged the government to reconsider its decision and to introduce the regulations as soon as possible. This is about giving people the basic information that alcohol causes cancer, liver damage, and harm during pregnancy. These are irrefutable facts. There is no excuse for keeping them off the label, she said. The longer this Government delays, the more irreversible damage is done. Dr Dee has also criticised the influence of vested interests in opposing the measure. Earlier in the week, Drinks Ireland, the Ibec sector organisation representing alcohol drinks manufacturers, welcomed the Government decision to defer additional labelling requirements on drinks producers operating in the Irish market. It says the decision provides much-needed relief for these companies, both small and large, and will allow exporters to focus their resources and efforts on market diversification and, in some cases, the survival of their businesses. "It is essential that Government addresses competitiveness and the business cost base. Our members are currently contending with major trade uncertainty, new tariffs on product entering our most important export market, the US, and threats of further tariff escalation. In these uncertain times, companies must be as competitive as possible to survive in international markets. This means tackling regulatory burden and reducing costs for producers. "While we are export focussed, we need a strong, competitive domestic marketplace. This labelling legislation, which was being introduced as a unilateral national measure, rather than an EU harmonised approach, would have increased packaging and labelling costs by some 35%," said a spokesperson. Three men have been arrested in Dublin after gardai found almost 350,000 euro in cash stuffed inside a suitcase in a car. The discovery was made as part of an operation targeting an organised crime gang involved in the sale and supply of controlled drugs and money laundering activities in the Dublin area. The car was searched in Drumcondra on Friday. The operation was carried out by the Dublin Crime Response Team (DCRT) who searched three men, who were passengers in the vehicle, and their luggage, and located and seized an estimated 345,640 euro cash. Three men, aged in their 40s, were arrested by gardai and are currently being detained at garda stations in the Dublin region. Assistant Commissioner Paul Cleary, from the Dublin Metropolitan Region, said: This significant seizure of cash not only removes ill-gotten gains from the hands of criminals, but also deprives them of money they would have used to fund further criminal activities and cause harm in our communities. A local independent Louth bookstore has secured a grant of up to 5,000 as part of the Books At One Community Fund 2025. Roe River Books in Dundalk was successful following a national call for submissions to deliver interesting and innovative community initiatives. The announcement of the store came as Books At One announced that 21 stores across the country would receive funding as part of the Books At One Community Prize Fund. Each winning independent Irish bookstore will receive a grant of up to 5,000 to deliver a unique community engagement initiative that reimagines how bookshops can serve as creative and social hubs across Ireland. The Books At One Community Fund, supported by The One Foundation, was launched to support independent bookshop owners in helping bring creative ways to connect with their local communities, where they may not have had the resource or finance to do previously. READ NEXT: Closing date for Louth Business Awards fast approaching Whether through inclusive cultural events, youth workshops, or storytelling festivals, the initiative will assist independent bookstores to bring innovative ideas to life which will benefit their local communities. Chairperson of The One Foundation Eoghan Stack said: Books At One are delighted to announce the recipients of the 2025 Community Fund. "This fund was developed to support independent bookstore owners in creating new and interesting ways their store could be used for community engagement, creating more welcoming spaces that reflect the voices in their local towns. "We believe the power of a bookshop goes far beyond bookshelves and look forward to seeing how these ideas come to life across the country." The winning ideas will be brought to life over the coming months, across towns and cities with events and activities that put people and stories at the heart of community life. For further information or to follow the progress of these projects, visit www.booksatone.ie or follow @books_at_one on Instagram Cllr Dolores Minogue has said that Louth and rural Ireland must not be left behind in the new National Development Plan and that rural communities need to "thrive and not just survive". In comments to the Dundalk Democrat in relation to the Government's National Development Plan, Cathaoirleach of Ardee Municipal District, Cllr Minogue, said that "as we start the process of the new Development Plan, we must be aware that rural Ireland cannot be left behind and in this case Louth. I fully support my colleague [Fine Gael Deputy] Joe Cooney, when he says "we must not leave rural Ireland behind in the new Development Plan". Cllr Minogue continued: "I would fully agree with him, For too long many of our smaller towns villages have been overlooked when it comes to investment in infrastructure services and connectivity. "The upcoming development plan must do more to support rural communities not just in words, but in action. By making our rural areas more accessible and better connected we given a fighting chance to our local schools, GAA clubs, community halls and small businesses. These are the cornerstones of rural life, and without them, the hearts of our communities begin to fade." Read also: O Murchu slams health service gap in Louth The Ardee councillor added, "it's not enough to talk about balance regional development, we need to see tangible investment in roads, broadband, public transport, and housing that supports families to stay and build their lives locally. A well-developed rural development strategy will help ensure our young people don't feel forced to leave for opportunities elsewhere." Referring to Louth, Cllr Minogue further added, "if we want rural Ireland, to thrive not just survive then the next development plan must deliver on the promise of equality, sustainability, and long-term viability for all our communities." A nationwide public consultation has been launched on the potential introduction of a ban on commercial sunbed use in Ireland. The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane OConnor TD launched the initiative on Friday following the publication of a report by the Institute of Public Health (IPH) which found compelling evidence of health risks associated with the use of sunbeds. The IPH's report recommended a ban on the commercial use of sunbeds in order to reduce the incidence of skin cancer which is the most common form of cancer in the country. Such a ban in Ireland would follow in the footsteps of countries like Australia where commercial sunbed use has already been banned. READ NEXT: Seven children aged 17 and under have drowned in Ireland in just eight weeks Minister Murnane OConnor recently established a Cross-Departmental Working Group to explore the policy, legal, and public health implications of such a ban. Commenting on the launch of the nationwide public consultation, Minister Murnane OConnor said: "This consultation marks an important step in our commitment to protect public health." She continued: "The evidence is clear: there is no safe level of sunbed use. Despite existing legislation, sunbeds are still being accessed by young people, putting them at serious risk of skin cancer. "We must act decisively to prevent avoidable harm. I am encouraging everyone to have their say by participating in this public consultation. This is an important step in our efforts to safeguard the health of our communities, especially our young people, from a known carcinogen." The consultation invites feedback from the public, healthcare professionals, industry stakeholders, and advocacy groups on a proposed ban and its potential impact. Submissions will inform the Working Groups recommendations to Government later this year. Supporting the launch of the public consultation, Chief Medical Officer Professor Mary Horgan said: "The evidence linking sunbed use to skin cancer is unequivocal. This is preventable harm, so we must focus on developing policies that protect people from these products." She added: "The goal is to ensure that any recommendations are grounded in evidence, science, public health priorities, and the lived experiences of people across Ireland. As the results of this public consultation will inform the work of the Cross-Departmental Working Group, it is vital that the public consultation is a thorough and inclusive process that considers the views of all stakeholders." The public consultation will remain open until 3 October 2025. More information can be found here. Hey Friday Night Truck Stop Listeners - Ray is off working as a driver for a movie set somewhere here in the valley area, and I'm behind the wheel. We're starting with some Rockabilly, then into an interview with Steve Bragg from Empress Effects (guitar pedals) to tell you about the 20th anniversary party they are putting on - and you're invited! A couple of new songs from Kate Greenland - pre-releases from her soon to be available album (CD release concert is November 8 at Red Bird.) More music in hour two Ive Got Rockabilly Roarin in My Blood Doug Jones - Single - Single Baby Plays Bass Cherry Divine - Rockabilly Chicks Vs. Mean Evil Woman Did You Miss Me Wanda Jackson - the Best of the Classic Capitol Singles Hot Dog! That Made Him Mad Wanda Jackson - the Best of the Classic Capitol Singles As Long As Im Movin Janis Martin - The Blanco Sessions Mastered-Final Sequence Oh Lonesome Me Janis Martin - The Blanco Sessions Mastered-Final Sequence Crazy Cherry Divine - Rockabilly Chicks Vs. Mean Evil Woman I Never Will Marry Linda Ronstadt with Dolly Parton - Duets I Dont Know Much Linda Ronstadt with Arron Neville - Duets Concrete Cowboy Kate Greenland - Demo - Demo Nobody Cant Break My Heart The Way I Do Kate Greenland - Demo - Demo Love is Never Ending Brad Paisley - Time Well Wasted Just Like You Johnny 99 (featuring Matt Kelly on Steel) - Single Fly Away Pretty Bird Linda Ronstadt with Laurie Lewis - Duets Were Gonna Hold On George Jones & Tammy Wynette - Grand Ole Opry Classic Collection - Duets Could You Love Me One More Time Ricky Skaggs & Emmylou Harris - Grand Ole Opry Classic Collection - Duets Some Kind of Fool Amos Garrett - The Gift: A Tribute to Ian Tyson - The Gift: A Tribute to Ian Tyson Summer Wages The Good Brothers - The Gift: A Tribute to Ian Tyson - The Gift: A Tribute to Ian Tyson He Held Up His Hat (and he kissed me behind it) Kristin Schmitt - Good Dirt - Good Dirt Thats What the Good Dirts For Kristin Schmitt - Good Dirt - Good Dirt The Truck Got Stuck Corb Lund - HAir Ny Eyes Like a Highland Steer - HAir Ny Eyes Like a Highland Steer My Saddle Horse Has Died Corb Lund - Horse Soldier! Horse Soldier! - Horse Soldier! Horse Soldier! Seven Shells Fred Eaglesmith - Lipstick Lies & Gasoline - Lipstick Lies & Gasoline Alcohol & Pills Fred Eaglesmith - Lipstick Lies & Gasoline - Lipstick Lies & Gasoline 105 Fred Eaglesmith - Lipstick Lies & Gasoline - Lipstick Lies & Gasoline Cains Blood Stephen Fearing - Out to Sea - Out to Sea Beguiling Eyes Stephen Fearing - Out to Sea - Out to Sea Black Sheep Blackie and the Rodeo Kings (featuring Serena Ryder) - Kings and Queens - Kings and Queens Got You Covered Blackie and the Rodeo Kings (featuring Rosanne Cash) - Kings and Queens - Kings and Queens When Emma Begley and Joseph Flannery first moved into their home in the Mealagh Valley in Bantry in West Cork, they had no functioning heating or furniture. The bride wore a Madi Lane Samson dress from Memories in Cork city. The couple, originally from Dingle, moved into their fixer-upper just before Christmas in 2022, and over the last three years have worked to make the house their forever home - learning new DIY skills, installing heating, and welcoming their black Labrador Pluto. Emma and Joseph first met when they were teens and had attended the same school. They got engaged under the Eiffel Tower in Paris in August, 2023. The couple were wed by solemniser Kathryn Cashman in an intimate ceremony at Dunowen House in Clonakilty on June 21, surrounded by their closest family and friends. We had the whole weekend there with the family of 16 adults and four kids. My sisters boyfriend, Oigi O Se, sang a beautiful song, Follow The Heron Home. The talented Carys Ann Evans played the harp throughout the ceremony. Joes nieces, Maya and Elsie May, were flower girls. Joes nephew, Fionn, was page boy and his nephew Liam was ringbearer, the couple said. The bride wore a Madi Lane Samson dress from Memories in Cork city, while the groom wore a suit purchased locally in Quills in Bantry with a tweed waistcoat. Flowers were by Twig and Stem, while the bridal accessories were from Rosie and Dott. On my clutch, there was a something blue heart pin which one of the kids in my class had given to me, said Emma. Make-up was by Annette OBrien and hair was by Dominica Laureckis. Emmas sister Shauna was her right-hand woman for the day. Everything and anything I needed, she sorted, and I am very grateful to her, said Emma. After the ceremony, the couple and their families enjoyed a special banquet. Everyone stayed for the two nights and we played board games in the evenings. Everyone stayed for the two nights and we played board games in the evenings," the couple said. The couple had high praise for Dunowen House. They set up the ceremony for us, popped the champagne and kept it flowing, provided all the catering and the most perfect accommodation as well as going above and beyond. Pictures of the wedding were by Anna Groniecka Photography. She is so talented and everyone is still talking about how incredible the photographs are, we constantly get complimented on them, the couple said. The following Saturday, the couple held a happily ever after party in Dannos, Dingle, with all their nearest and dearest. We felt like we had the best of both worlds, a relaxed, intimate wedding weekend and a chance to celebrate after with friends and family. For the happily ever after celebration, Paulie OBrien played fantastic Irish trad on guitar and sang. After Paulie finished up, various family members stepped up to the mic to sing songs, which everyone sang along to, which was so special. A friend of ours, Katie Fitzgerald, made the wedding cake for the after party in Dannos, Emma and Joseph said. What was the most memorable thing about the day? Emma and Joe had an intimate wedding with their closest friends and family in attendance. For us, it was the house and entire relaxed experience as we had never been to a wedding like it before, so having such a small wedding and venue made the experience all the more intimate, they said. Reinstatement works to Parliament Bridge are to be completed by early October, Cork City Council have announced. Works commenced in April, a year after the structure was damaged by a vehicle. In May of 2024, the vehicle collided with the bridge at the junction on Sullivans Quay, damaging an 8m-long stone parapet, which had to be removed. In a post shared on social media this week, a spokesperson for Cork City Council said that missing or damaged elements of the parapet have been carefully repaired or restored, in accordance with established conservation best practice methods, under the supervision of a conservation architect. The reinstatement works to the southwestern section of the Parliament Bridge parapet are under way, utilising elements of the original parapet, which had to be retrieved from the bed of the River Lee. The stonework repairs are being undertaken by Gebel and Helling Conservation Ltd, who repaired St Patricks Bridge in 2018. The four lighting columns are in the process of being recast using original moulds by the original manufacturer, Sugg & Co Ltd, [who are] based in the UK, the spokesperson added. Works to the eastern footpath and parapet are now substantially complete, [and] it is anticipated that overall works will be completed by early October 2025. Independent councillor for the Cork City South East ward, Kieran McCarthy, said that the bridge badly needed work. It is great to see movement on the repairing of Parliament Bridge, said Mr McCarthy. It is well overdue, the bridge has been in a poor state for quite a while now, even before the more recent accident. The stonework badly needed a TLC cleaning, [and] the repair of the bridges lamp posts is to be welcomed. Parliament Bridge is also one of the set of the oldest bridges in the city, he added. It dates back to 1806 and still, today, provides a really important function of access to the city centre island, but, also, its setting and architecture create very striking views to admire close up and from a distance, making it a core piece of municipal history. Irelands EU commissioner has said the rights and dignity of prisoners must be protected and supported at all times. Micheal McGrath, European commissioner for democracy, justice and rule of law, was commenting on the most recent report from the Council of Europes Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT). The report found that overcrowding in Irish prisons remains a chronic issue, with prisoners sometimes forced to live in squalid conditions. The CPT report did not specifically instance Cork Prison, which regularly exceeds its capacity of 296, and which yesterday held 387 prisoners, meaning it was operating at 131% capacity, with 85 prisoners sleeping on the floor. Mr McGrath said it was an issue for Irelands national authorities to decide how best to address prisoner overcrowding. I know here in Ireland, there are a lot of efforts being made to extend prison capacity, and building of new facilities, and that will lead to an improvement in prisoner conditions, he said. Mr McGrath said investment in good prison conditions showed a clear benefit to society, even though it may be a difficult one to sell publicly. We do have to uphold human dignity in all settings, and we do have to invest in people who have made mistakes, but who may see a path back to making a positive contribution to society, he said. Thats in everyones interest that we do that. More than 100,000 young Catholics from all over the world, including 53 from the diocese of Cork and Ross, are expected to converge on Rome next week for the Jubilee of Youth celebrations, which the Bishop of Cork has described as Electric Picnic for Catholics. The event will culminate with an open-air Mass, celebrated by Pope Leo. The Irish contingent 600 young people will be led by Bishop of Cork and Ross Fintan Gavin, who is the chairman of the Council for Evangelisation, Catechetics, and Pastoral Renewal of the Catholic Bishops Conference. He will also be celebrating the Jubilee of Youth Mass, alongside Pope Leo and senior clerics. Bishop Gavin said: We have four leaders: Two priests and two young women who are leaders here. There are 53 in our group, from all over the diocese; theyve had various levels of preparation. Weve had three or four different events: Weve had a trip to Knock, weve had a day retreat, and weve had two or three sessions. So, they kind of know one another, said Bishop Gavin, in advance of the trip to Rome. Its very much a pilgrimage. Theyre talking about a million young people from all over the world, who will gather with Pope Leo next weekend. Other events during the week-long pilgrimage include evening gatherings at the Instituo Santa Maria, at which there will be guest speakers, including prominent Catholic personalities. They will include Bishop Robert Barron, the founder of the online platform Word on Fire Catholic Ministries and a member of US president Donald Trumps Faith Council. Other speakers include Sister Mary Grace, an Australian nun with a substantial online presence; and Bishop of Down and Connor, Alan McGuckian. Having done this a number of times with young people over the years, it can be a life-changing experience, just to see other people of faith from all over the world, Bishop Gavin said. Its a bit like your Electric Picnic for Catholics. It has that fun atmosphere of people together, good weather, celebrating their faith and values, so all of that is very positive. Generation Zs, younger people are finding that, probably in the culture theyre living in, some of those deeper needs, in terms of a sense of belonging, meaning, and purpose, are not being fulfilled, he added. Theyre drifting back towards your traditional, stable values that come from faith and connection and particularly our own Catholic faith. We can see that in the numbers of engagement in our own youth ministry. Weve a young adult community in the city centre and they meet every Wednesday in Mardyke House. These are all small signs of hope. Planning permission has been refused for 280 apartments on the grounds of the former Bessborough mother and baby institution. Rejecting the proposal by developer Estuary View, An Coimisiun Pleanala previously An Bord Pleanala cited concerns about housing mix and the developments design. The proposed buy-to-sell scheme was one of two large residential developments proposed by Estuary View on separate sites on the former Bessborough estate. Between 1922 and 1998, the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary ran Bessborough as a mother and baby institution, during which time 9,768 mothers and 8,938 babies were admitted. According to the Mother and Baby Homes Commission, 923 children died at Bessborough, or after being transferred from there. Burial records exist for only 64 of those children. In previous rulings on two applications relating to one area near the Bessborough folly, beside the nuns graveyard, An Bord Pleanala said the potential existed for the presence of human remains and/or burials at those proposed development sites. Last month, Taoiseach Micheal Martin pledged to work with survivor groups and Cork City Council on the memorialisation of the site. The proposed 280-apartment scheme, The Meadows, had been intended to be built on the eastern side of the Bessborough site, and included four buildings ranging in height from one to 10 storeys. Historian and former lord mayor of Cork, Kieran McCarthy, who is an independent councillor for the Cork City South East ward, said he believed that Bessborough needed to become a large-scale memorial site or park. Id like to see the whole space as a prominent commemoration site in our city and in our region, he said. And for this to be pursued for many reasons, yes, as a sincere nod to those whose personal lives are woven to the mother and baby home story, but also as a commemoration lighthouse of the journey Irish history and all its nuances still need to travel. Mr McCarthy said he believed the memorial should have the folly at its heart. Peter Horgan, Labour Party councillor for the Cork City South East ward, said he welcomed the decision. Given that this entire site is fraught with emotion and history, we need to put an end to the constant retrenching of concern that is brought whenever an application is provided here, he said. Mr Horgan also said he believed the entire Bessborough site should become a place of memorial. Speaking last month at the annual Bessborough commemoration ceremony, now in its 11th year, the Taoiseach said he would work with all concerned on the issue of memorialisation. I am not going to make any simple promises or declarations these things have to be navigated but I will work with Cork City Council, and in terms of the land here, to see how the situation can be unravelled, he said. Two significant development projects in Cork have been nominated for this years Irish Planning Awards. The Irish Planning Institute announced the shortlist for the awards this week, which includes the Kennedy Quay Mixed Use Development project on Cork South Docklands and the development plan for the Gouldings site in Cork city. Both project plans were developed by Tom Phillips and Associates, which was also nominated for the Planning Consultancy of the Year award. The biennial Irish Planning Awards recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements in the planning profession, including projects and plans at a local, county, regional, and national level. This years awards attracted 80 entries, which were judged by a panel of expert judges who selected the shortlist of 55 nominees across 12 categories. Gavin Lawlor, president of the Irish Planning Institute, said that the awards provide an excellent opportunity to acknowledge and reward the innovative work undertaken by members across the country. The Irish Planning Institute is delighted to be hosting the biennial awards that celebrate creativity and quality throughout the Irish planning sector, said Mr Lawlor. The awards provide an excellent opportunity to acknowledge and reward the innovative work by our members who strive every year to deliver high quality projects and sustainable developments. With a record 80 entries, submissions for the 2025 Planning Awards were particularly strong, with excellent examples of sustainable, innovative, and thoughtful planning right across the various categories. The black-tie awards ceremony will take place at Clontarf Castle Hotel in Dublin on September 25. Cork city centre wardens are set to be in place shortly, as the council and Cork Business Association have confirmed that recruitment is well under way. Earlier this summer, Cork City Council announced that it had partnered with the Cork Business Association and An Garda Siochana to launch a recruitment campaign for city centre wardens, as part of a new Community Safety Warden Scheme pilot programme. The wardens will be a visible presence on city streets, engaging with the public and visitors, supporting businesses, and helping to maintain a safe and inviting environment. A spokesperson for Cork Business Association told The Echo that the wardens will be a new presence in the city centre. We see them as Cork city ambassadors, to support residents, tourists, and businesses alike. Once hired, the wardens will undergo a detailed training plan, with support from a number of agencies and associations, including CCC and An Garda Siochana, and we hope to have them present on the street by early Q3. A council spokesperson added: The response to the city centre warden post was very positive, and a large number of applications were received. Funding from Cork City Council and the Department of Justice currently allows for the filling of four positions. The recruitment process is well under way, and Cork City Council is hopeful that the wardens could be in place during Q3 in 2025. A teenager who is accused of trying to burgle a neighbours house in Mahon to steal a television and Playstation from a bedroom, and then lying down and falling asleep, asked the judge by video link from prison: Could you not make it peremptory? Judge Mary Dorgan said to 19-year-old Michael Harrington of Ravensdale Rd, Mahon, Cork: Good try, but no. The judge explained that the case only dated back to May 31. Sergeant John Dineen said directions were still awaited from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Solicitor Eddie Burke represented the teenager at Cork District Court as the case was adjourned for DPP directions until July 31. A peremptory adjournment could have resulted in the case being struck out if there was no progress by the next date. Det Sgt Niall Hayes objected to bail previously saying: It is alleged that on May 31, Michael Harrington entered a house at Ravensdale Rd without permission of the home owner. He proceeded to ransack a bedroom in the house and place a Playstation and Playstation games and a television in a bag by the bedroom door. He then fell asleep on the bed and was found there by neighbours who are related to the owner. He admitted attempting to steal, before falling asleep in the bed. At the time of his arrest he was found hiding in the attic of his home. He is addicted to prescribed tablets and has a substantial drug debt from cocaine and cannabis use. It is the garda belief that if given bail, Michael (Mikey) Harrington will continue to commit serious offences to pay for his drug addiction. Mr Burke said the young man really wanted to rehabilitate. Judge Dorgan said for now the safest place for him to be was in prison and to get help on his release. Applications are now open for a residency opportunity from Music Network and Ionad Culturtha in Baile Mhuirne for musicians who are autistic. Through this opportunity, Music Network and Ionad Culturtha are seeking to make space for social change in the music sector in general. Both organisations are hoping to also learn from the musician-in-residence in terms of how they can better facilitate and include autistic people in their own programmes, along with in the wider sector both in performance and educational environments. The selected musician will receive a bursary of 8,000 and will have access to a dedicated space in October and November this year to develop their creative practice and create new work and/or artistic collaborations. The chosen musician also will engage with the wider community, working alongside an experienced facilitator to deliver a programme of inclusive music activities and showcase their work live in concert at the conclusion of the residency. Music Network CEO Sharon Rollston said: We are delighted to partner with Ionad Culturtha to offer this residency, only the second of its kind, which we see as a valuable opportunity not only to support an autistic musician but also to learn from them as they spend time at the venue as musician-in-residence. Ionad Culturtha artistic director Liadh Ni Riada added: We are looking forward to empowering artists who have unique challenges in developing their work. The Ionad Culturtha is delighted to afford artists the opportunity to create in our space and we hope that this is the start of recognising the need for more equality and inclusivity in the arts. Last years awardee, Patrick Stefan, will visit Baile Mhuirne on August 22 during National Heritage Week to perform a special concert featuring the world premiere of a new Irish-language commission he has written at Ionad Culturtha. There will also be an online information meeting for people interested in applying for the residency on Thursday August 14 at 11am. Applications for the 2025 residency are now open and the deadline for applying is Monday, September 1, at 2pm. The online application form, along with guidelines and details on registration for the online information session are available now at www.MusicNetwork.ie or by contacting programmesadmin @musicnetwork.ie. So far this year, Cork City Council has distributed more than 1.16m in arts funding, the Lord Mayor of Cork, Fianna Fail councillor Fergal Dennehy, has said. Mr Dennehy made the announcement at a reception in City Hall to celebrate the contribution of the arts sector to the life of the city. The council, the Lord Mayor said, had awarded 992,550 in grants to 90 arts and cultural organisations across the professional and voluntary sectors in Cork city, and a further 169,000 was distributed in artists bursaries and project awards to city artists. Deirdre OReilly, head of marketing and comms at Cork International Film Festival, Gillian Hennessy, Triskel Arts Centre, artist Elinor ODonovan, and Aoibhi McCarthy of Sample Studios at the Lord Mayors reception. Thanking the artists, arts workers and community representatives gathered for the reception, Mr Dennehy said Cork had long been a city that embraces the arts and creativity. This investment underpins Cork City Councils commitment to supporting the conditions where art and artists can thrive, he said. These grants support the creation of new and ambitious work and ensure that creativity is embedded in every corner of our community - putting arts and culture at the centre of a vibrant, just and progressive city. The City Hall reception also marked the publication of an interim report on implementation of the city councils Arts and Culture Strategy 2022 - 2026. Ciara OMahony of Promenade and Naomi Daly, senior producer at the Everyman Theatre, at the reception. Welcoming the report, Rebecca Loughry, director of services for Corporate, Community and Cultural Affairs, said it provided a snapshot of the breadth of activity conducted in the city across a single year. It is a testament to the work of the staff of the arts and events team in Cork city council, but it is also clear from the report how much relies on the strength of our brilliant arts community, she said. This is a programme of work built on partnership and collaboration, carried out in the interests of everyone in our city. Highlights from Cork City Councils Arts and Culture Strategy: The Creative Communities Roadshow created a series of creative tasters, information sharing and networking events for artists, community workers and members of the public. The events were held in Ballincollig, Blarney, Douglas, Mahon, Togher, and The Glen. Sanctuary Catering Project members Naomi Masheti, Lilia Buzadzhi, Farah Haidray, and Eugenia Volianska. Some 16 community-led creative projects have been funded under the Creative Ireland Cork City Creative Communities grant scheme. Cork citys first Christmas parade was held in November 2024. LUXE spectacle company performed its winter procession to an audience of approximately 40,000 people in Corks city centre. Florence and Tadhg Crowley, who is the senior curator at The Glucksman UCC, attend the reception for recipients of arts and creativity awards. A pilot IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access) Exchange was established in 2025 as a professional peer learning development programme for arts organisations in Cork. Valerie Byrne of Cork City Council arts office and artist Evgeniya Martirosyan at the Lord Mayors reception. Cork City Council joined with the Arts Council and Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to host the Night-Time Culture Forum at City Hall in October 2025. The New Assisted Listening Devices Loan Scheme, ListenTALK, saw assisted listening devices made available to arts organisations in the city, to enhance accessibility. Devices have been loaned to date by Cork Opera House, The Everyman and Dance Cork Firkin Crane. This PRIDE festival, the Sexual Health Centre in Cork will be joining the celebration with a clear message: sexual health is part of the party. Graham Nagle, LGBTI counsellor at the centre, said: PRIDE is protest. PRIDE is celebration. PRIDE is visibility, and that visibility includes speaking openly about our health, our identities, our desires, and our carepublicly and proudly. Fiona Finn, CEO of the Sexual Health Centre, explained: Were delighted to be offering a broad range of services to the community, not just during PRIDE but every day of the year. Our services are inclusive, confidential, and non-judgmentalbecause everyone deserves access to sexual health care that respects who they are. Events include Guided Queerful Meditation on Monday, July 28 from 5:30 to 7pm and a Zine Workshop on Tuesday, July 29 from 5 to 7pm, and a Queering Sex Talk with Mr Nagle on Thursday 31 from 5 to 7pm, all at 18 South Mall. On Wednesday 30 at 8pm, a Pride Poetry Slam event will be held at Nudes Cocktail Bar, while on Friday, August 1, a Your PRIDE Look Makeup Masterclass will be held at 4pm in Brown Thomas with tools provided and all genders welcome. Saturday, August 2 is a Family Fun Day from 12 to 6pm at Fitzgerald Park, while on Sunday August 3, the Sexual Health Centres DASH van will be at the Pride Parade, stocked with free condoms and lube, and offering rapid HIV tests and sexual health info. Many events are free, but some require RSVP - email info@sexualhealthcentre.com to attend the events. As anyone who has spent any time in the company of children will tell you, play is the language of childhood. It is how children learn about and process the world around them. Play is so critical to their emotional, intellectual, social and physical development that it is enshrined in Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which recognises a childs right to play. The Article also obliges governments to introduce any necessary legislative, administrative and other measures to protect this right. It is a right that currently needs protecting from all sides. Many fear childhood is being steadily eroded by the advent of smartphone use among children, which is impeding on their right to learn and play and to develop at their own pace. It leaves them vulnerable and exposed to multiple risks in the unregulated online world we all now inhabit, but which our young, in particular, are not equipped to deal with, causing negative consequences for their mental health and wellbeing. As the parent of four children ranging in age from three to 23, I have seen how apps like Snapchat have migrated from filters that gave people cute bunny ears, to embracing a dark underbelly with addictive properties driven by algorithms. Distressing and damaging content online can include extreme violence, sexually explicit material, and unrealistic portrayals of bodies and lifestyles. Then there is the issue of online bullying, which allows bullies to follow victims around in their pockets and bedrooms. Two years ago, the Irish Medical Organisation called for social media usage among children and young people to be treated as a public health emergency, warning that the content accessible to them is overwhelmingly destructive. Daisy Greenwell, co-founder and director of Smartphone Free Childhood Ireland (Smartphonefree.ie), a parent-led drive which began in Greystones to delay smartphone and social media access until after primary school, and for as long as possible up to age 16, believes the biggest risk of smartphone devices is that they are not designed with childrens best interests in mind. Smartphones open the door to a world of content, interactions and addictive design features that children are not developmentally ready for - and that even adults struggle to manage, Greenwell says. Were seeing growing evidence that early smartphone and social media use is linked to a rise in anxiety, poor sleep, attention issues and a loss of confidence - particularly in girls. Perhaps the most heartbreaking risk of all is the observation of Greenwell and many other parents and teachers that children are missing out on the chance to be fully present in their own childhoods. Real friendships, says Greenwell, creative play, long chats, curiosity, boredom, daydreaming - these are the building blocks of a healthy young mind. Smartphones crowd these things out. Eoin Bracken, Principal of Castletownroche National School in North Cork, is one of many educators who are keen to address the issue. As a principal and a parent, I have huge concerns surrounding smartphone or smart device usage, he said. Were slowly gaining a better understanding and appreciation of the implications for the current and future generations. Personally, I spend far too much time using my phone. Theyre highly engaging and do everything we ask of them, delivering content we find highly appealing. Its unfair and a huge ask to get young children to safely navigate the most appealing and often concerning content which is so easily available to them. The school has sought to remedy this by implementing a successful Accelerated Reader Programme, with daily reading sessions. It is not enough, however, for schools to try and stem the impact of smartphones and social media alone. Bracken has asked parents to sign up to Smartphone Free Childhood Irelands pledge not to purchase a smartphone for their children until they are at least of secondary school age. The idea is to have a safety in numbers approach to tackling the issue. Bracken is realistic enough to know that, for many parents, this opportunity may have passed them by. But I am hopeful all incoming families will consider this going forward. Weve got to start somewhere and cannot change the world overnight, however, its healthy to have parents much more aware that we have to be proactive in the face of such challenges. Greenwall says schools can be crucial allies in the movement to keep childrens lives smartphone-free. When schools take a clear, thoughtful stance on smartphones, it gives parents the confidence to hold the line at home. It levels the playing field, reduces peer pressure, and creates a shared sense of community values. A sense of community has long been one of Irelands core strengths. Ireland knows how to come together, support each other and care for its vulnerable members. It does this every time someone passes away. It is a difficult, highly pressurised time to be a parent, and parents need to support each other. There is no manual or dress rehearsal, when it comes to raising children. What would Greenwell advise parents who may be unsure about signing the smartphone-free pledge? We know this isnt an easy decision, she notes, and we always come from a place of empathy, not judgement. To any parent unsure, Id say: if something doesnt feel right about smartphones and childhood, youre not imagining it. Youre not alone - and you do have a choice. The pact isnt about cutting kids off from the world. Its about protecting their wellbeing while theyre still developing, and helping them build resilience, relationships and offline experiences that are vital in the long-run. And the unexpected upside? Your child not having a smartphone actually makes your life easier. You dont have to worry about what theyre seeing and experiencing online. It is about putting the child back into childhood, where they are meant to be. Think of the iconic buildings of Cork, and you may alight upon Shandon church, the Quad at UCC, or Blarney Castle. But there is a strong case to be made that the most iconic of all lies eight miles off the Cork coast, out in the wild Atlantic. The lighthouse on Fastnet Rock has withstood the most extreme conditions Mother Nature can lash at it for 121 years, and was described by The Economist as a monument of mans gift to mankind. The place is awash with history - the most southerly tip of Ireland, the Rock was usually the last sight of the homeland by emigrants heading to America - and thus dubbed Irelands teardrop. Despite its remoteness, - Fastnet comes from the Irish for lonely rock - the stone lighthouse here is a feat of engineering, and remains the tallest and widest anywhere in Ireland or Britain. The remarkable dot in the ocean is about to come into sharper focus, as the biennial Fastnet Race starts today, involving 470 yachts. These vessels and their hardy crew will set off from the Isle of Wight on a 700-mile race that uses the Fastnet as a turning point, before the yachts head back to the finishing line in England or, in latter years, Cherbourg in France. This is the centenary year of the event, as it was 100 years ago, in August, 1925, that the very first Fastnet Race took place. Remarkably, the winner that year is still afloat. Jolie Brise won the event a record three times in total, as well as winning a Tall Ships Race, and during her charmed life has changed hands at least ten times and survived a fire on board. Presumably, La Jolie Brise restaurant in Baltimore is named in her honour. Those early races took six days to complete - these days, thanks to modern technology it is all over in just over 30 hours! Fittingly, a Cork mans yacht was the first to reach the Fastnet in that 1925 race, Harry Donegans Gull eventually coming in third. A year later, Gull entered again but began to leak badly during a storm and limped into Cork Harbour. An American journalist on board reflected that she was sailed by a pack of wild Irishmen who flogged the life out of her. Mr Donegan, a solicitor on the South Mall, was the first of four generations of the same family to complete the Fastnet race - followed by Brendan, Jim, and Peter. As for the Gull, Harry Donegan eventually sold it to an English lawyer and set off from Crosshaven to deliver it to him in Dublin on the day World War II ended in 1945. However, on the way, the vessel drifted out of the wartime three-mile protection zone, and Harry was stunned to see a Nazi submarine emerge and the captain attempt to surrender to him! Harry waved him away and left him to be picked up by someone else while he sailed off to his rendezvous. Tragically, he drowned two years later when his yacht overturned in Dun Laoghaire. His son Brendan, a seven-year-old at the time, wrote a memorable article in the 2010 Holly Bough about his death, and how he eventually overcame a fear of water and discovered a love for yachting in later life. Tragedy also famously struck the Fastnet Race in 1979, when a storm caused devastation. At least 75 boats capsized and 15 competitors died, along with six observers who were aboard yachts shadowing the fleet. Among those observers who made it to a safe harbour on Cape Clear were former Echo and Examiner owner Ted Crosbie - a keen sailor - and photographer Mick Olney. When the storm abated, they raced to Crosshaven to deliver the photographic reels depicting the unfolding tragedy. The race that year was won by American media mogul Ted Turner, founder of CNN and one-time husband of Jane Fonda. Notwithstanding that tragedy, the Fastnet Race remains a force for good for Cork and Ireland. In 1975, on the 50th anniversary of the event, leading Irish yachting writer, W.M. Nixon, stated: For many in the worlds international offshore racing community, the Fastnet Rock is all they know of Ireland. That may well still be the case today. The route out into the choppy Atlantic was chosen to test the maritime skills of the participants to their absolute limits. And sometimes, it gets more than choppy in the swells around Fastnet. In 1985, the largest wave ever recorded off Irelands seas was witnessed from the lighthouse. Former keeper Dick ODriscoll was working in the landmark when a freak wave reached as high as the light and came crashing through the glass, overturning a vat of mercury and sending the poisonous liquid pouring down the stairs. The monster wave must have measured 157ft, or 48 metres, about the height of a 14-storey building, to do that damage - although the exact height remains unverifiable and the highest official wave off Ireland is a relatively puny 98ft (30 metre) effort recorded by a computerised buoy off the west coast during a hurricane in 2020. Imagine a wave crashing two-thirds of the way up the Elysian from sea level, and you get some idea of that freak of nature out at the Fastnet 40 years ago. It was reported in 1985 that Fastnet keeper Mr ODriscoll doubted the tower would have withstood another wallop, but it never came. Suddenly, there was a great calmness. The mysteries of the ocean know no bounds. Another Fastnet keeper once said that big seas would come sailing over the entire building like the field of horses in the Grand National. Paul Barron, an electronic engineer with Irish Lights, had a birds eye view of Storm Barra from the Fastnet lighthouse in 2021, and reported: It is extremely noisy during the squalls, so much so it is hard to talk. During the height of the storm, the entire tower seems to shudder a small bit. All that stood between me and the elements were little panes of glass. But the structure is incredibly strong as the granite stones that were used were all keyed together like a giant jigsaw. And Im sure it has survived bigger storms and events than this! Only two Irish men have won the Fastnet race - Stephen Fein in 1987 and Limericks Ger ORourke in 2007. Former Cork Examiner sailing correspondent Tom OSullivan has called it the Everest for sailors with a glamour akin to Formula 1. He remembered one outing with Ted Crosbie when they both watched a spectacular sunrise over Mizen Head. Skipper beckoned for a gin, recalled Tom, to which I replied, Its 6am! Ted paused briefly and shouted: Tom, break out the gin, the sun is over the yardarm in Australia. According to a report from The Washington Post, DOGE is using an AI tool to analyze federal regulations and determine which to get rid of. A DOGE PowerPoint presentation obtained by the publication notes that its "AI Solution" reportedly called the DOGE AI Deregulation Decision Tool found that 100,000 out of over 200,000 regulations "can be deleted." The document sets a September 1 goal deadline for agencies to complete their own deregulation lists using the tool, which it says can be done in under four weeks, and then "DOGE will roll-up a delete list of 50% of all Federal Regulations (100k Regulatory Rules)." The tool is targeting regulations that are no longer required by law, The Washington Post reports. After it makes its suggestions, staffers would review the proposed deletions before finalizing a plan. According to the PowerPoint, the tool has already been tried out by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), where it's been used to write "100% of deregulations," and by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for decisions on 1,083 regulatory sections. The Washington Post spoke to three HUD employees who confirmed it was recently used. One also said that the tool got things wrong on several occasions, misreading the language of the law at times. DOGE will reportedly start training other agencies on the tool this month. Head over to The Washington Post to read the full report. When we say that NordVPN is a good VPN that's not quite great, it's important to put that in perspective. Building a good VPN is hard, as evidenced by all the shovelware VPNs flooding the market. NordVPN may not be perfect, but it's easily top-five caliber and excels in certain use cases. First, the bad: NordVPN's apps could all stand to undergo a little more quality control, with elements distracting from other elements and inconsistent designs from platform to platform. At least one of its FAQ pages directly contradicts itself. And while all the server locations could unblock Netflix, the one in Nigeria still showed U.S. content, indicating that our real location might have leaked. However, there's a lot of good to balance that out. Speeds are fantastic and we saw no other hint of any kind of leak. Its server network is expansive and not overly reliant on virtual locations. The vast majority of servers are ideal for unblocking foreign websites. The real draw, though, is the extra features, including the innovative and flexible Meshnet, plus a malware blocker that acts more like a full antivirus and forward-looking quantum resistant encryption. Advertisement Advertisement Editors' note: We're in the process of revamping our VPN coverage to provide more in-depth, actionable information and buying guides. Our recommendations, and all the info on this page, are subject to change as the update continues. To see the new direction, check out our revamped ExpressVPN review and Proton VPN review, or learn more about how we test VPNs. NordVPN Fastest VPN NordVPN NordVPN is a fast service with a powerful content scanner and built-in file transfer features. Pros Excellent download speeds Useful exclusive features Extensive server network Cons Clunky interface choices Collects device info by default $3 at NordVPN Table of contents Findings at a glance Check out a summary of our NordVPN review in the table below. Category Notes Installation and UI Connections happen quickly and features are easy to use on all platforms UI sometimes gets in the way; map screens can be clunky and apps come with unnecessary notifications Surprisingly, the best UI may be in the browser extension Speed Extremely fast download speeds with only a 6.4-percent average drop Good latencies on nearby servers, but farther ones have some lag Fast upload speeds, but losses spiked in a few locations Security Uses acceptable protocols with uncracked encryption NordWhisper obfuscated protocol recently implemented on Windows, Android and Linux No DNS, WebRTC or IPv6 leaks on five test servers Pricing Best plan is the 2-year Basic for $81.36, or $3.39 per month Basic gives you the complete VPN If you get a multi-year plan, be sure to manually renew in order to keep the promotional rates Bundles Plus tier adds advanced malware protection and NordPass password manager Complete plan adds NordLocker cloud storage Prime tier adds ID theft protection and insurance features Privacy policy NordVPN does not log user activity on the VPN, a policy backed up by several third-party audits However, it does log potentially identifiable device information unless you opt out in settings Some concerning liberties taken in the overall Nord policy, but no documented malfeasance Virtual location change Four out of five test servers unblocked Netflix three times running, including virtual India location Location in Nigeria got into Netflix, but didn't change available titles Server network 153 server locations in 117 countries and territories Server network is about 40 percent virtual, including all locations in Africa Features Extra servers grant additional privacy (double VPN, Onion over VPN, obfuscation) or specific optimizations (P2P, dedicated IP) Meshnet directly connects two devices without a NordVPN server mediating Threat Protection blocks dangerous domains and the Pro upgrade has some antivirus capability Dark Web Monitor reports to you when any sensitive information has appeared on clandestine leak sites Presets let you activate several settings with one clickPost-quantum encryption is nice, but not necessary yet Kill switch is a useful safety feature on all appsSplit tunneling by app on Windows and Android, and by URL on browser extensions Customer support Written FAQs, live chat and email support Live chat connected to an expert human within a minute FAQs are poorly organized and contain some conflicts, but well-written on average Background check NordVPN is headquartered in Panama, while its parent company Nord Security is based in the Netherlands 2018 theft of public keys was a mistake, but NordVPN did almost everything right in response Claims of law enforcement collaboration are overblown NordVPN will comply with requests, but that doesn't mean they'll have information to provide Installing, configuring and using NordVPN NordVPN's biggest strengths are its speeds and the range of options it puts at your fingertips. User experience is important, but it's not quite as front-and-center as it is with ExpressVPN and Proton VPN. Here's how the apps run on all the major platforms. Windows The Windows app is the first instance of NordVPN's UI being not bad enough to complain about, but not good enough to be considered excellent. The initial connection process is a little slow, and it's far easier to connect than it is to disconnect (click the power button while connected to shut the VPN off). The map takes up space that would have been better allocated to the server list. Sam Chapman for Engadget The minor problems continue in the settings list, which makes the mistake of not keeping all its tabs visible in the window if you open one, you have to click back to the main menu to reach another page. The pages themselves are easy to use; it's just a bit clunkier than it could have been. Mac Setup is swift and easy on Mac, but the full NordVPN interface is a little awkward. The vast majority of the main window is taken up by a large map, which is mostly useless. There's no way to zoom out to see the whole world, and you can't choose between servers in each country unless you zoom way in. The server list on the left-hand side is almost always more useful. Sam Chapman for Engadget The preferences panel is better. All the tabs come with clear explanations of their function, and are laid out so the menu is always visible, unlike the Windows app. The gear icon at the bottom includes its own set of tabs that encompass most of the common functions, including changing your VPN protocol, activating the kill switch and setting the VPN to automatically connect on untrusted networks. Android NordVPN on mobile can be described in much the same way as its desktop apps: generally great, occasionally getting in its own way. On Android, the map screen is much more helpful. It's expandable to the entire world and allows you to choose between servers within a country. On the other hand, the important settings are buried in the Profile tab, and the app notifies you about your "security score" to pressure you into activating certain settings. Sam Chapman for Engadget To find the general settings page on Android, tap the bottom-right Profile tab and scroll down. Except for Threat Protection, which has its own tab on the main window, every feature is located here. It's probably necessary to keep the main app from getting cluttered, but still mildly frustrating. iOS The NordVPN iOS app resembles a compressed version of the macOS client, for better or worse. As with Android, most of its features are in the bottom-right Profile tab. It works well most of the time, but often feels slightly cumbersome. There's a bit too much on the screen, and a bit too much of the stuff has nothing to do with the VPN's core function. Sam Chapman for Engadget Advertisement Advertisement As an example, you can't log into your account within the app you have to load your Nord account page in a web browser. Forced app switching is a design choice that truly needs to die. That said, VPN connections happen quickly. If you tend to simply leave your VPN active, you probably won't notice any of this stuff. Browser extensions Most VPN browser extensions consist of the same features on a smaller scale, and NordVPN's on Chrome, Firefox and Edge are no exception. They are important for one reason, though: they're the only way to split tunnels by URL and the only split tunneling at all on macOS and iOS. Despite being more compact, they're also easy to use, making for an excellent quick-start VPN solution. Sam Chapman for Engadget NordVPN speed test All VPNs slow down your average browsing speeds by adding extra steps into the connection process. When we test speed, we're looking for the VPN to drag as little as possible on your unprotected speeds. Download speed will be the most important stat for most users, since that determines how fast web pages load and how quickly videos can buffer. Latency is important for live connections like video chats, games and live streaming. Latency increases with distance in the test below, data packets were sent to the remote server, then back to our home network. Upload speeds likewise influence your live two-way communications and are also vital for torrenting. Let's see how NordVPN performs on all three metrics. Server location Latency (ms) Increase factor Download speed (Mbps) Percentage drop Upload speed (Mbps) Percentage drop Unprotected (Portland, OR, USA) 22 -- 59.20 -- 5.86 -- Seattle, WA, USA (Fastest) 44 2x 57.21 3.4 5.62 4.1 New York, NY, USA 177 8x 56.90 3.9 5.60 4.4 Stockholm, Sweden 371 16.9x 55.94 5.5 5.63 3.9 Istanbul, Turkey 411 18.7x 53.02 10.4 5.78 5.9 Hong Kong 350 15.9x 56.18 5.1 5.72 2.4 Johannesburg, South Africa 602 27.4x 53.26 10.0 5.67 3.3 Average 326 14.8x 55.42 6.4 5.54 4.0 To summarize: NordVPN's download speeds are the fastest we've seen and its upload speeds and latency tie with the best. Downloads only dropped by an average of 6.4 percent across the globe and readings were mostly consistent the servers in question performed much the same in each test. We even threw in Turkey and South Africa, two locations that commonly cause problems, but NordVPN still kept the drop to 10 percent. Sam Chapman for Engadget Latency is more a product of physical distance than VPN infrastructure, but you can still see differences between services. When tested on a similar range of locations, ExpressVPN and Proton VPN both kept average latencies under 300 ms. NordVPN's average came out to 326 milliseconds, though we should note that its latency increased less than Proton's on the closest server. Advertisement Advertisement Upload speeds declined an average of four percent, but there were a few anomalously high readings in Istanbul that skewed those numbers up. Without that location, NordVPN's upload rates would also have been the industry's current best. NordVPN security test No matter how well-built a VPN looks from the outside, there are several ways its security can fail. The most common problems are outdated protocols with weak encryption, failing to block IPv6 traffic or inadvertent leaks from sending DNS requests outside the encrypted tunnel. We'll start by looking for those common leak sources, then check whether NordVPN's encryption might be failing in less traceable ways. VPN protocols A VPN protocol is a set of rules used to get data quickly and safely from your device to a VPN server and back, even while that data is encrypted. Different protocols are connected with different encryption algorithms and can impact the speed, security and stability of your connection. When testing VPN security, the first step is to see if it's using any protocols like PPTP that are outdated and crackable, or homebrewed protocols with unclear security. NordVPN users have four options for protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2 (not available on Mac or iOS), NordLynx and NordWhisper (available on Windows, Android and Linux only). Sam Chapman for Engadget OpenVPN and IKEv2 are both standard protocols you'll find on most VPN providers. Both use various strengths of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), with OpenVPN defaulting to AES-256 and IKEv2 to AES-128. OpenVPN can be set to UDP (faster but less stable) or TCP (more reliable but slower). So far, so secure. Advertisement Advertisement NordLynx is unique to NordVPN, but it's not that far off the beaten track it's just WireGuard with extra security. WireGuard normally works by saving a stable IP address for each connection, which raises the very slight risk of exposing a user. NordLynx adds a second layer of abstraction that means those stable addresses are never revealed. Since NordVPN strongly recommends it for most situations, we used it for all our tests in this review. Finally, there's NordWhisper, a new protocol introduced in early 2025 that disguises your VPN traffic as normal web traffic to evade blanket web blocks. It's likely to be slower than the other protocols, so don't use it unless everything else has been blocked. We also don't recommend counting on it too much in general large-scale censorship technology, like the Great Firewall of China, tends to rely on blocklists of known VPN servers, whose identity NordWhisper can't disguise. Leak test Our first order of business was to check five test servers to see if they leaked our real IP address staying away from the ones in the speed test in order to get as comprehensive a picture of NordVPN's security as possible. With help from ipleak.net, we found all five to be free of the three major types of leaks. DNS leaks occur when a VPN sends DNS requests (in short, how your browser knows which websites to show you) outside its encrypted tunnel. By default, NordVPN uses its own private DNS servers, which our tests showed to effectively prevent leaks. WebRTC leaks are caused by real-time communication protocols sending information outside the VPN, which may reveal your real IP address. NordVPN is consistently successful at keeping WebRTC inside the tunnel, but you can have your browser block it if you're still worried. IPv6 leaks happen when a VPN only blocks IPv4 traffic and lets v6 through. NordVPN automatically blocks IPv6 traffic while it's active, so an IPv6 leak is all but impossible. Sam Chapman for Engadget Advertisement Advertisement Although that's all great news, it is still possible for leaks to occur without a clear explanation, so we ran one final test on NordVPN. Encryption test Wireshark is a program that captures detailed images of information sent over a device's internet connection. Even though our tests showed NordVPN to be free of leaks, we wanted to inspect it at the most granular level. Using WireShark, we recorded the traffic sent to an unencrypted HTTP site, before and after connecting to each NordVPN test server. Every server showed the same pattern: readable plaintext before, encrypted ciphertext after. If there is a security flaw remaining in NordVPN, it's unlikely to be relevant to the overwhelming majority of users. How much does NordVPN cost? NordVPN's pricing structure looks convoluted at first, but it's much simpler than it appears. A Basic subscription gets you full VPN functionality, and all the other tiers just add more features. If all you need is a VPN, you only need to concern yourself with the left side of the table below. Advertisement Advertisement The best deal for a Basic NordVPN subscription, which lets you connect to NordVPN with up to 10 devices at once, costs $81.36 for two years when you pay upfront ($3.39 per month). One year of the same plan costs $59.88 in advance ($4.99 per month) or $12.99 for one month at a time. The table below shows the complete cost; for more information on plans above Basic, see "side apps and bundles" in the next section. Plan 1-month cost 1-year cost 2-year cost Basic $12.99 $59.88 ($4.99/month) $81.36 ($3.39/month) Plus $13.99 $71.88 ($5.99/month) $105.36 ($4.39/month) Complete $14.99 $83.88 ($6.99/month) $129.36 ($5.39/month) Prime $17.99 $107.88 ($8.99/month) $177.36 ($7.39/month) The longer plans save money, but be careful: if you let them expire, you'll automatically renew at the more expensive one-year plan. Enough customers claim to have been auto-renewed at the higher rate that they've launched a class-action lawsuit against NordVPN, accusing the company of deceptive pricing practices and making renewals too difficult to cancel. A NordVPN PR rep said they could not comment on ongoing legal action, "other than to state that we are and always have been very clear about the recurring nature of our services." No court date has been set so far. That said, there's a fairly straightforward workaround in the meantime: To prevent the auto renewal, log out of your NordVPN account, then sign up for a discounted plan again using the same email. As long as you do this before your subscription expires, your new account should link to your old one, keeping you subscribed at the introductory rate. Free trials and refunds Every NordVPN plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you cancel and request a refund before 30 days are up, you'll get the full cost back. The only way to try it for free without paying is to get the app on Android, where there's a seven-day trial through the Google Play Store. NordVPN side apps and bundles NordVPN is part of a larger family of Nord Security products, which you can save money on if you need more than one. We won't review all of them here, but for reference, here's everything you'll get from the higher subscription tiers. Advertisement Advertisement Basic: VPN on 10 devices, specialty servers, DNS ad-blocking, Meshnet Plus: All Basic features, plus malware scanning, extra scam blocking, tracker blocking, NordPass password manager, data breach scanner Complete: All Plus features, along with 1TB of NordLocker encrypted cloud storage Prime: All Complete features, plus NordProtect features like dark web monitoring, credit monitoring, ID theft insurance and extortion insurance Another tier called Ultra includes a subscription to Incogni, a data removal service run by Nord's partner Surfshark. The Ultra bundle is only available in certain countries, since NordVPN is still testing it; users outside the test countries can still add Incogni service at checkout. There also used to be a NordVPN family plan, but it seems to have been eliminated after Nord expanded the devices per subscription to 10. You can get a dedicated IP address on NordVPN to ensure you have the same IP every time you connect. This lets you configure remote firewalls to let you through while you're connected to the VPN. A dedicated IP costs $8.99 per month, $70.68 for a year ($5.89 per month) or $100.56 for two years ($4.19 per month). The NordVPN pricing page lists access to a Saily eSIM plan as a perk, though mysteriously, none of the existing plans seem to include it yet. A lot of VPNs are expanding into the eSIM space, so this may change soon. Close-reading NordVPN's privacy policy A VPN privacy policy isn't just empty words it's a contract between the provider and its users. If a service openly defied its own policy, it could be sued for false advertising. VPNs tend to sneak loopholes into their privacy policies instead of flouting them outright; these loopholes can shed light on how the provider actually views your privacy. Advertisement Advertisement We combed through NordVPN's privacy policy to see whether it tries to take any such liberties. The policy has two parts: the general Nord Security policy and an addendum specific to NordVPN. General Nord privacy policy This policy applies to all Nord Security apps. It's impossible to create an account without a valid email address, but you can use a separate email masking service to make that anonymous. The policy also explicitly says that your email address will be added to a marketing mailing list, though you can opt out. Irritating, but not a privacy risk in itself. We're more concerned about the later statement that it may process data without the user's consent "under the legal basis of our or third parties' legitimate interest." This clause covers some cases we'd agree are legitimate, such as identifying people who launch cyberattacks from NordVPN servers. But Nord also considers it "legitimate interest" to process your personal data "to improve or maintain our services and provide new products and features." Reached for comment, a NordVPN representative said that using personal data in this way "generally involves aggregated, depersonalized or technical information." That's somewhat reassuring, but the "generally" leaves a bit too much wiggle room. Ideally, we'd prefer that personal data exist wholly in the "consent only" section. Advertisement Advertisement The section on sharing your data with third parties only lists "some of" the service providers who may receive your information. Among these are Google Analytics, which is known to store personal data on U.S. servers all of which are potential security risks in the age of DOGE. Other unnamed "third parties" are involved in targeting ads at users of Nord websites. The NordVPN representative said that "since some partners, such as payment processors, can vary by region or specific service and may change over time depending on our operational needs, we do not publish a fixed list." They added that all third parties are "contractually required to handle personal data in accordance with applicable laws and industry standards." We aren't using this to condemn Nord; many of these practices are fairly standard in the VPN industry. But it's important to know about all the potential leakage points before trusting your deepest secrets to any company. NordVPN specific policies The NordVPN privacy policy doesn't add much atop the general Nord notice. It does track session activity connected to your username to make sure you're staying within the 10-device limit, but it automatically deletes these logs 15 minutes after you disconnect. The logs also don't include your IP address or the addresses of VPN servers you used. Sam Chapman for Engadget The only real problem we found is that NordVPN apps collect information about your activity on the app by default. This doesn't include information about your browsing habits, but it does include unique traits that could conceivably be used for "device fingerprinting" in which a third party can deduce a user's identity through clues about their device. You can turn this off in the General settings. A NordVPN spokesperson told us that the data collected is "not personally identifiable," and that the company takes "deliberate steps to strip out anything that could be linked back to a specific person." This presumably means the data is aggregated so it only shows general trends, not any one device's activity. That's a lot less risky, but we still recommend switching the setting off. Third-party privacy audits NordVPN has passed five independent audits of its privacy policy so far, most recently from Deloitte in late 2024. Annoyingly, you can only read the entire report by logging into a Nord account, but it at least doesn't have to be a paid account. The audit found that NordVPN was following its own no-logs policy. Specifically, the Deloitte Lithuania investigators concluded that "the configuration of IT systems and management of the supporting IT operations is properly prepared, in all material respects in accordance with the NordVPN's description set out in the Appendix I." (Appendix I of the report is identical to NordVPN's privacy policy.) Can NordVPN change your virtual location? You'll be most interested in this section if you mainly use a VPN to change their location for streaming. To see if NordVPN could unlock new streaming libraries, we picked a new batch of five test servers, then logged onto Netflix. Since Netflix tries to block all VPN servers to prevent copyright issues, our first question was whether we'd get through at all. Our second question: would connecting to a NordVPN server actually change what Netflix library we saw? It should, given that NordVPN seems leak-proof, but thoroughness demands we check anyway. Here's what we found. Server location Netflix unblocked? Content changed? Canada Yes Yes Argentina Yes Yes Germany Yes Yes India Yes Yes Nigeria Yes No Four out of five locations worked perfectly. On a Canadian server, we were able to stream Star Trek: The Next Generation, which left American Netflix years ago. The Argentine server gave us access to something called Pasion de Gavilanes, which we'd never heard of but sounds great. Sam Chapman for Engadget The only problem was Nigeria. We tested it several times, connected to multiple different Nigerian locations, but saw our American Netflix library every time. We then ran a leak test on Nigeria, which wasn't one of our security test locations, and found it to be working normally. It's hard to say what happened, especially since the Nigeria server doesn't appear to be virtual, but we can confirm that it wasn't working. Investigating NordVPN's server network NordVPN has servers in 153 cities in 117 countries. Out of all total options, 62 are virtual locations (about 40 percent), where the server is really located somewhere else. This makes it possible to get servers into more places, but depending on your actual location relative to the server, it may perform differently than you expect. Sam Chapman for Engadget Virtual locations have allowed NordVPN's server network to grow quite extensive, with lots more locations in South America, Africa and Asia than the industry standard. Check out the distribution in the table. Region Countries and territories with servers Total server locations Total virtual server locations North America 15 36 12 South America 10 10 6 Europe 48 57 11 Africa 10 10 10 Middle East 7 7 4 Asia 24 26 18 Oceania 3 7 1 Total 117 153 62 (40.5 percent) The relatively low proportion of virtual locations (nearly identical to that of ExpressVPN) is a good sign, as it means NordVPN has been growing its server network thoughtfully. Some VPNs looking at you, HMA inflate their server lists as a marketing point without seriously considering what it takes to maintain such a large network. That thankfully doesn't seem to be the case here. Extra features of NordVPN Here's everything you get with a NordVPN app other than the VPN itself. There's a lot going on here, so we'll limit ourselves to a sketch of each feature. Specialty servers As soon as you load NordVPN, you'll see a list of special servers near the top of the right-hand column. We'll go over each of them in order. Dedicated IP: As discussed in the bundles section, a dedicated IP address costs extra. With this, you'll always connect with the same IP, which is private to you alone. It may be worth the price if you find yourself getting asked for CAPTCHAs a lot more while connected to NordVPN though for what it's worth, that didn't happen to us. Double VPN: This sends your connection through a second VPN server before it reaches your ISP. The second server is your apparent location. There are 10 endpoints to choose from. As you might imagine, your internet will run slower with two VPN servers in the mix, so only use this if you seriously need security. Obfuscated servers: These are only available on OpenVPN. Obfuscation can help you get around firewalls that seek out and block VPN traffic. If you can't get online with NordVPN when you're on a certain network, obfuscated servers might work. Onion Over VPN: After encrypting your data as normal, these servers send it through several nodes of the Tor network, granting you the total anonymity of onion routing while keeping you safe from malicious relays. It's available in two locations, Netherlands and Switzerland, and like double VPN is best used only when you need the utmost privacy. P2P: NordVPN only allows torrenting on its peer-to-peer servers, but fortunately, it's got P2P servers in 114 countries only three fewer than it has in total. NordVPN keeps your download and upload speeds very fast on average, so you shouldn't have trouble torrenting from any location. Meshnet Meshnet is NordVPN's most unique and exciting feature by a long shot. By logging into the same NordVPN account on multiple devices, you can connect those devices directly through a NordLynx tunnel without needing a NordVPN server in between. Sam Chapman for Engadget Essentially, you're using your own devices as VPN servers obviously not great for privacy, but amazing for accessing web services in other countries. While two devices are connected, you can transfer files between them through the NordLynx tunnel. You can even invite friends and use their devices. Threat Protection NordVPN has two levels of antivirus: Threat Protection and Threat Protection Pro. The former is a simple DNS filter that stops your browsing from loading unsafe web pages while NordVPN is active. It's the highest level available on Android, iOS and Linux, or on any Basic subscription. Sam Chapman for Engadget Threat Protection Pro, which Plus subscribers or higher can set up on Windows and Mac, can work even when you aren't connected to a NordVPN server. It acts more like a standalone antivirus by scanning downloaded files for malware, and can even block trackers. Basic Threat Protection (without Pro) can block some trackers by filtering out domains known to use them, but doesn't block the trackers directly. Dark Web Monitor While active, Dark Web Monitor continually searches known data breach dump sites on the dark web and notifies you if it ever finds your account email address. If you get that notification, change any passwords associated with the address. With a Prime subscription, you can also have it search for your phone number, social security number or other financial information. Presets Presets let you set up one-click VPN connections with a desired group of settings, a lot like Proton VPN's Profiles. NordVPN comes pre-loaded with presets that optimize for "Downloads," "Speed" and "Browsing," which sounds to us like the same thing three times. More usefully, you can create presets for particular countries, then add website shortcuts that will appear once you've connected. You could, for example, set one that connects to a specific location, then add a shortcut to a streaming site available in that location. Post-Quantum encryption Experts widely believe that quantum computers will eventually make our current encryption algorithms obsolete, but there's almost no consensus on when that will actually happen except that it hasn't happened yet. Knowing that, NordVPN's "post-quantum encryption" feature comes across as a bit premature, but it's reassuring that someone is thinking about it. Having said that, we don't recommend using post-quantum encryption yet. It works by layering one of the known quantum-proof encryption standards on top of a standard NordLynx session, which makes your VPN connection slower and more erratic. Until we can verify a real quantum cyberattack, post-quantum encryption is a needless precaution. Kill switch A kill switch cuts off your internet the instant you lose your connection to a NordVPN server. This protects you in case a server unexpectedly fails, and as a side benefit, prevents you from connecting to any fake VPN servers. You should keep the kill switch on at all times. Split tunneling Split tunneling is available on NordVPN's Windows and Android apps (and Android TV by extension), along with its browser extensions. On Windows and Android, it splits by app: you can determine which apps get online through the VPN and which go unprotected. The browser extensions let you split by URL, so the VPN only protects certain sites. NordVPN customer support options NordVPN's apps link directly to its online help center. As always, we went in with a specific question in mind: whether the basic level of Threat Protection could block trackers, and if so, what kind. We found the categories on the written support page difficult to parse, especially the troubleshooting section would the average user appreciate the difference between "app issues," "connection issues" and "errors"? We correctly guessed that our question would be under "Using NordVPN -> Features," but the introductory article on Threat Protection and Threat Protection Pro was buried at the bottom of the list. Unfortunately, that made things more confusing, as this article says that Threat Protection (not Pro) both does and doesn't block trackers. In NordVPN's favor, however, using the search bar brought us instantly back to that article without any confusion. The live support experience Using NordVPN's live chat was a smooth and reassuring experience. From the time we decided to ask directly, it took us less than a minute to connect with a real person, who quickly cleared up the confusion and promised to update the confusing support page (we'll check back to see if they actually do). Sam Chapman for Engadget One other option is an email support form, which can be found both on the website and in the help sections of NordVPN apps. This is best for complex problems that require screenshots to explain, and promises a response within 24 hours. NordVPN background check NordVPN was founded in 2012. Launching with its desktop apps, it moved to iOS and Android in 2016, then added apps for browser extensions and smart TVs. Its developer, Nord Security, has no parent company, and its history is relatively uncontroversial. We've documented two notable incidents below, plus more about Nord Security's operations. Headquarters and ownership Nord Security was founded in Lithuania, and maintains offices there. Although Nord Security is registered in Amsterdam, NordVPN operates under a separate license in Panama, which makes any data requests subject to Panama's courts. Finland server breach The first serious incident in NordVPN's history began in March 2018, when unidentified hackers managed to steal three private keys from one of Nord's data centers in Finland. Researchers didn't notice the leak until October 2019, well after the stolen keys had expired, but NordVPN's encryption was still technically vulnerable for several months. We say "technically," because it was really only the outer layer of encryption and even if they'd broken through it all, the hackers would only have seen browsing activity, not usernames, passwords or anything else sensitive. If anything, NordVPN's response actually makes us trust it more. It ended its relationship with the contractor who ran the Finnish data center and revamped its policies to eliminate the kind of negligence that led to the breach. Arguably, its only real error was not immediately disclosing the breach. NordVPN learned about the leak and started addressing it in May 2018, but the news didn't break until more than a year later. That timing probably made it look more suspicious than any actual mishandling did. Law enforcement compliance Another minor controversy erupted in 2022, when PCMag and other outlets reported that NordVPN had edited its website to say that it would comply with data requests from law enforcement. NordVPN responded with a new post that said nothing had changed: their policy was always to comply with lawful requests, which provided the requests were lawfully submitted through a Panamanian court is literally their only option. We're inclined to agree. VPNs are legal companies. They wouldn't last long if they openly declared their intent to break the law. The key is that when law enforcement comes calling, there shouldn't be anything to show them, as with the Turkish seizure of ExpressVPN. That's why verifiable no-logging policies are so important. Final verdict NordVPN is a great service on its own merits. It only suffers from having to be compared with the likes of ExpressVPN and Proton VPN. For example, its P2P servers are good for torrenting, but not as useful without Proton's port forwarding. It's fast, but speed tests fluctuated just a little more than Express. NordVPN's extra features are the best reason to pick it over its rivals. With Meshnet, you can theoretically set up a VPN connection anywhere in the world, and no other VPN has anything close to Meshnet's file transfer powers. Threat Protection Pro is also great if you can get it, adding file scanning to bolster the typical approach of just blocking suspicious DNS addresses. Specialty servers round out the offering, with double VPN maintaining good speeds with extra safety and Onion over VPN being among the safest ways to use Tor. Surfshark is one of the youngest major VPNs, but it's grown rapidly over the last seven years. Since 2018, it's expanded its network to 100 countries, added a suite of apps to its Surfshark One package and experimented with advanced touches like servers that constantly rotate your IP address. Formerly a budget VPN, Surfshark is still pretty affordable but the cost of a one-month subscription is way too high. These days, it's more interested in innovation than affordability. Its features may not always be cutting-edge Nexus is basically Tor and Everlink is a slightly better kill switch but it's rare to find either implemented so well in a commercial VPN. Plus, download and upload speeds are fantastic. It all adds up to one of the best VPNs for casual users, even when compared to others in its weight class. But those already deeply familiar with VPNs might trip over some aspects. For this review, I studied 11 different angles on Surfshark's service, some through hands-on tests and others with old-fashioned journalism. Check out the sections most important to you, then head to the end for my final verdict. Advertisement Advertisement Editors' note: We're in the process of rebooting all of our VPN reviews from scratch. Once we do a fresh pass on the top services, we'll be updating each review with a rating and additional comparative information. Surfshark Surfshark VPN A fast, stable VPN with unique features and good attention to security. Pros Very fast speeds Split tunneling on all apps Can choose your own multihop paths Cons Single-month pricing is excessive Lots of popups on desktop NoBorders Mode useful but can turn on needlessly $53.73 for 27 months at Surfshark Table of contents Findings at a glance This table summarizes everything I discovered about Surfshark. For details on any bullet point, see its section in the full review. Category Notes Installation and UI Excellently organized, but geared toward new VPN users Apps are overly reliant on popup messages to convey information Auto-connect and NoBorders are enabled by default Mobile apps have the same clear controls with less friction, though Android and iOS are quite different Speed Download speed drops an average of 5.4 percent worldwide, the fastest in our current round of tests Average upload speed drop is 3.6 percent Mean worldwide latencies slightly higher, with an average ping of 344 ms Security Uses WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2, which are all secure protocols No IP address leaks, including via DNS or WebRTC Blocks IPv6 by defaultWireShark test showed that encryption works Pricing Three pricing tiers, each available at three durations Surfshark Starter has the full VPN service Best deal is $53.73 for 27 months, but can only be renewed as $47.85 for 12 months One month is sharply overpriced, but longer durations grant steep discounts Bundles Alternative ID masks your email address and personal details when signing up for websites Surfshark Antivirus got a perfect AV-Test protection score with no false positives Surfshark Alert checks data breaches to see if any of your important info turns up Surfshark Search is a private search engine that can change locations using Surfshark's VPN network Incogni automatically requests that data brokers delete your information Surfshark includes a coupon code for Saily eSIM service Privacy policy Based in the Netherlands and appears to be GDPR compliant June 2025 audit confirmed that the posted privacy policy is accurate RAM-only servers delete stored activity at intervals Does gather information from ad trackers, but those are run by third parties and don't compromise what you do on the VPN Virtual location change Unblocked Netflix on 14 out of 15 servers in five test locations One Japan server got caught, but disconnecting and reconnecting solved the issue Every server showed the content library from its country, suggesting an untraceable change of location Server network 141 servers in 100 countries 47 server locations are virtual, or about 1/3 of the entire network a smaller fraction than any direct competitor At least one real server on every continent Features Everlink instantly switches you to the next-best server if your current one fails Nexus makes it possible to select your own multihop nodes and constantly switches out your IP address Technically has unlimited simultaneous connections, but you might get in trouble for using a huge number at once NoBorders and Camouflage modes help Surfshark work on restrictive networks, though NoBorders sometimes activates when you don't need it Bypasser lets you split tunnels by URL or app (URL only on iOS) CleanWeb blocks banner ads and trackers on all apps, while the CleanWeb 2.0 browser extension blocks video ads and auto-rejects unnecessary cookies Customer support Can access the most-used troubleshooting articles straight from the app FAQ pages are easy to use without technical knowledge Live chat support starts with a bot but gets you to human experts quickly Email ticket took less than a day to return with a useful answer Background check Founded in Lithuania in 2018; currently based in the Netherlands No major hacks or breaches since launch Merged with NordVPN in 2022, but continues to operate independently Removed risky certification authority formerly used by IKEv2 on Windows Installing, configuring and using Surfshark For this section, I'll be going over how it feels to use Surfshark. I'll look at how easy or difficult it is to install, what you have to do to set it up and whether the user interface (UI) helps out or gets in the way on each platform. Windows Surfshark is easy to download and install on Windows. You can get it through the Microsoft store, but going directly through the Surfshark website makes sure you have the latest and most complete version. The downloader asks you to click "Yes," but mostly handles itself, and finishes up in a short time. Sam Chapman for Engadget The first point that might divide casual users and VPN veterans comes once you open the app for the first time. Surfshark insists on taking you through a guided setup process for all its features. This is extremely helpful if you've never used a VPN before. If you have, its repeated insistence on sending you through the tour can get aggravating. Advertisement Advertisement This pattern repeated itself as I went through the app. The front page is sensibly organized and arranged so I could see all the facts and settings but it remains way too reliant on unskippable pop-ups to provide information. Messages appeared when I tried to cancel a stuck connection, when I turned settings on and off and even when I tried to close the app. It's usually important information, but displaying a message that freezes every other button is a bad move. Sam Chapman for Engadget It's a shame, because everything else works fine. The settings tabs do an admirable job of packing multiple, semi-related apps into a single UI. Just take note that a lot of stuff is enabled by default, including auto-connect and NoBorders, which may make the VPN behave in ways you don't need. Mac Surfshark's app for macOS is mostly the same as its Windows app, for better or worse. It's got the same split-second download and installation and the same clear organization of tabs with well-explained features. It's also got the same relentless popups, settings on by default and occasionally sticky connections. If it gets hung up at 95 percent, just wait it's still working. Sam Chapman for Engadget Android The Surfshark Android app, available through the Google Play Store, is ready after you simply download and login. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but Surfshark's design language turns out to be very easy to compress into mobile except that it's dark-mode by default, while all the other three are light. I found everything I needed within moments. Android even removes almost all the full-screen stop-everything notifications. Sam Chapman for Engadget Advertisement Advertisement One thing to be aware of: when you start up the Android app, the VPN is visible, but the landing page includes all the features of Surfshark One. To get the VPN-only front page, click the arrow across from "VPN" at the top of the screen. That said, you can do almost everything you need to do no matter which page you're on. iOS It's unusual to see a big difference between a VPN's apps on the two mobile platforms, but Surfshark switches up its design from Android to iOS. Everything now lives in four tabs on the bottom of the window. The settings tab is great, largely because it looks like how preferences do on Mac and Windows. Sam Chapman for Engadget The main VPN window is a bit jankier. It works fine, but in order to make the server list constantly visible (unnecessary IMO), it relegates the actual VPN connection to a floating box that looks like an afterthought. It even includes a button to open the server list that's already open. I freely admit this is just a personal complaint, but it still baffles me. Browser extensions Surfshark's browser extensions for Firefox and Chromium are almost clones of its desktop apps, with a few differences. The Alert tab tells you if the site you're on has suffered a security breach recently. CleanWeb 2.0 is the main reason to add Surfshark to your browser; it's a much stronger blocker that even works on some video insert ads. Sam Chapman for Engadget Surfshark speed test: Super fast with some latency All VPNs add to your web browser's workload, so it's normal to see speeds drop. The best VPNs manage to keep the drops as small as possible. I used speedtest.net to see how quickly my download speeds declined at six of Surfshark's server locations that's a measure of how fast a browser can load web pages, buffer videos and download large files. Advertisement Advertisement I also looked for latency, which affects real-time communication with another server (important for gamers) and upload speed, which affects how quickly your device can send data (important for torrenting). My results are in the table. Server location Latency (ms) Increase factor Download speed (Mbps) Percentage drop Upload speed (Mbps) Percentage drop Portland, U.S.A. (unprotected) 18 58.27 5.88 Bend, U.S.A. (fastest) 30 1.7x 55.35 5.0 5.56 5.4 Montreal, Canada 164 9.1x 56.47 3.1 5.58 5.1 Bogota, Columbia 281 15.6x 55.01 5.6 5.58 5.1 Johannesburg, South Africa 605 33.6x 51.87 11.0 5.62 4.4 Dubai, U.A.E. 534 29.7x 54.53 6.4 5.74 2.4 Jakarta, Indonesia 449 24.9x 57.55 1.2 5.92 -0.7 Average 344 19.1x 55.13 5.4 5.67 3.6 In terms of download and upload speeds, Surfshark is the fastest VPN I've tested so far, beating out ExpressVPN, Proton VPN and NordVPN and none of those are exactly sluggish. If you look at the Indonesia row, you'll see I actually got a higher upload speed than I did without the VPN active. That probably has more to do with natural fluctuations from my ISP than anything Surfshark did, but it still indicates how little this VPN weighs down your browsing. Sam Chapman for Engadget Latency is more of a mixed bag. Jumps in ping time are expected across long distances, but I also saw a fairly large jump on a server in the same state as me. Surfshark may not be ideal for fast-paced online games, but its speeds are just about perfect for any other task. Surfshark security test: Simple but effective protocols To determine whether Surfshark can keep you safe, I'll be looking at three factors: whether it uses secure and up-to-date VPN protocols, whether any of those protocols leak your IP address and whether encryption is being applied to all data packets. The first is a matter of researching the technology, but I've run practical tests for the other two. VPN protocols Surfshark uses the VPN protocols WireGuard, OpenVPN (over TCP or UDP) and IKEv2. All of these are field-tested protocols that rely on uncracked encryption and proven authentication methods. There's no proprietary protocol with shady source code, nor any outdated legacy options that might pose a risk if you pick them. My only complaint is that OpenVPN isn't available on Mac. Sam Chapman for Engadget Advertisement Advertisement Each of these protocols does the same thing: establish communication between your device, VPN servers and the internet. They handle the steps differently, but the average user is only likely to see small differences. If one protocol isn't working, you can switch to another or just pick the automatic protocol selection option, which worked fine during my tests. If you want to pick for yourself, use the table below for reference. Protocol Use case Available on Other notes WireGuard Generally provides the best speeds All platforms Saves static IP addresses, but Surfshark masks these with dynamic IPs for users OpenVPN over TCP When the other protocols have dropped your connection All platforms except macOS and iOS Automatic obfuscation OpenVPN over UDP When you need speed more than stability (and WireGuard isn't working) All platforms except macOS and iOS Automatic obfuscation IKEv2 On mobile, as it's good at reconnecting when moving between Wi-Fi and data All platforms except Windows Not open source Leak test Next, I picked five of the servers I didn't use for the speed test and checked all of them for three different kinds of leaks using ipleak.net. Surfshark has its own DNS servers, so DNS leaks are unlikely those usually come from a VPN using public servers to resolve DNS requests. As expected, DNS requests didn't reveal my IP address in any of the tests. Sam Chapman for Engadget There's more potential for IPv6 leaks, as Surfshark doesn't support IPv6. It recommends turning it off instead, and has guides on doing that. To fully put Surfshark through its paces, though, I ran my tests with IPv6 still active on my computer. On all five servers, the IPv6 test could not run. This indicates that Surfshark actively blocks IPv6, which (until more of the internet starts running on the new protocol) is a fine way to prevent IPv6 leaks. The leak testing tool also checks for WebRTC leaks, so I ran each test with a Google Meet call active, but that didn't leak either. In short, Surfshark didn't spring a leak no matter how many times I poked it. I'm prepared to call it watertight. Encryption test To be absolutely sure I was recommending a safe VPN, I used WireShark (no relation) and HTTP Forever to see whether its encryption works. From examining the data stream before and after connecting to a Surfshark server, it's clear that encryption is truly being applied. Take a look for yourself the fact that you can't get any information from the screenshot means the VPN protocol is working. Sam Chapman for Engadget How much does Surfshark cost? Surfshark is part of a suite of security products a lot like its sister brand NordVPN, but with the offerings per tier a little more coherent. It comes in three subscription types, each of which is available at three durations. The table below shows the whole range of costs. Advertisement Advertisement Note that the 24-month plans are introductory only. You can only renew for one month or 12 months. The prices below also factor in extra months you'll get when you sign up for the first time, which aren't available in renewals. Plan One month 12 months 24 months Surfshark Starter $15.45 $48.75 ($3.19/month with 3 extra months) $53.73 ($1.99/month with 3 extra months) Surfshark One $17.95 $50.85 ($3.39/month with 3 extra months) $67.23 ($2.49/month with 3 extra months) Surfshark One+ $20.65 $91.35 ($6.09/month with 3 extra months) $107.73 ($3.99/month with 3 extra months) Surfshark's price drops steeply from its shortest to its longest subscriptions. $15.45 is way overpriced (even for a service we quite like), but $1.99 per month is about the least you'll pay for any VPN worth recommending. The jump from Starter (which only includes the VPN service) to One (which includes everything else except Incogni) is also tiny on the 12-month plan only an extra $0.20. Surfshark is almost certainly doing this to juice active user numbers but that doesn't mean you can't take advantage of it. To our mind, the 12-month subscription to Surfshark One is extremely good value, provided you already know you want Surfshark VPN. Every plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. At any point before 30 days have elapsed, you can start a live chat conversation to get your money back. This is only allowed once every six months. Advertisement Advertisement You can also get a free trial for seven days by installing the Surfshark app from the Apple or Android app store, creating an account, then choosing the plan that includes the 7-day free trial. However, since you have to enter a payment method for this and it's not accessible on Windows the 30-day period is generally more convenient. Surfshark side apps and bundles Here's what you can get from Surfshark aside from its VPN service. In order to keep our focus on the VPN, we didn't have time to rigorously test all these, but we've included the basic information to help you make your decision. Alternative ID Alternative ID is included along with VPN service in a Surfshark Starter plan. It consists of two features: masked email generator and personal detail generator. Masked email generator gives you a random email address that sends all messages along to your real inbox. Since it auto-forwards everything, an email mask isn't for reducing spam. Instead, it lets you keep your real email address secret when signing up for online services since providing your actual address runs the risk of leaking it. For an extra $2.89 per month, you can also get an alternative phone number that works similarly. Sam Chapman for Engadget Personal detail generator creates fake names, addresses and birthdays you can use to sign up for any websites you're uncertain about. Be sure to use it along with the VPN, or your IP address will reveal the actual details. It also might be helpful for randomly generating your next RPG character. Surfshark Antivirus Surfshark Antivirus is included in Surfshark One and One+ subscriptions. It can scan files as you download them and can also scan your whole system for malware, checking against a list of unwanted programs it claims to update every three hours. Advertisement Advertisement AV-Test gave it a perfect score in protection. A top score (6 out of 6) means Surfshark Antivirus caught 100 percent of malware thrown at it, both known threats and zero-day attacks. It also got a perfect usability score for totally avoiding false positives, and a 5.5 out of 6 on performance it had nearly no impact on downloading apps or copying files, but slowed down popular websites by around 30 percent on average. Surfshark Alert Surfshark Alert, which is also part of Surfshark One and One+, scans the information released in data breaches to see if any of your important data has been compromised. It can check for email addresses, usernames, passwords, credit card numbers and government IDs. It can also warn you when malware on your computer is capable of stealing your data. Surfshark Search You can get access to Surfshark Search, a search engine akin to Google, with a One or One+ subscription. It offers a number of benefits over Google, including being totally ad-free (a perk of being subsidized by subscription). You can also change the region from which you get results. Surfshark claims that all results are totally organic, with no trackers or learning from logged searches. Incogni Incogni, an automated data removal service, is the one feature restricted to Surfshark One+ plans. It searches data brokerages to see if they have any of your information, then contacts them for you to request they purge the data. Brokers don't have to honor all deletion requests, but it never hurts to try. Incogni keeps searching as long as your subscription is active, so it can automatically send multiple requests to the same broker if necessary. Saily eSIM Several VPNs now provide their users with Saily eSIM discounts, which can be used to get regular phone service in foreign countries. Surfshark grants various discounts through the coupon code surfshark5, which appears to be usable even without a Surfshark account. Close-reading Surfshark's privacy policy Surfshark's privacy policy shows us its outward attitude toward user privacy. While it's possible for a VPN provider to lie outright in its posted policy, they prefer not to for liability reasons. An unreliable service will instead use loopholes, vagueries and incomplete statements to make privacy promises it doesn't plan on keeping. Advertisement Advertisement By contrast, a VPN service worth your money will be as specific as possible about any exceptions to its no-logs policy. I read Surfshark's entire privacy policy to see which type of VPN it is no small feat, as it's well over 5,000 words long. The page includes summaries, but they're pared down a little too far to be useful, so it's into the full text I go. Sam Chapman for Engadget Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which makes it subject to the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). That's good news, since GDPR does not permit any company to retain data without justifying it. The Netherlands is likely part of the Nine Eyes intelligence-sharing agreement, but agencies can't spy on a VPN's users unless that VPN is already saving activity logs and if it is, it's got much bigger problems than where it's based. Surfshark's entire server network runs on RAM-only infrastructure, so any saved activity is erased at regular intervals. Even better, the policy is clear that your activity on any server is deleted within 15 minutes. If we take Surfshark at its word, there's very little reason to worry about servers being seized or searched. That means the only risk is that Surfshark itself might take advantage of its access to your information. It does, unfortunately, claim the right to view information gathered by third-party trackers, such as the cookies used by social media sites to track ad performance. But none of those trackers are watching what you do when you use the VPN, nor digging into your actual browsing activity which, as we've seen, doesn't exist after 15 minutes. Independent privacy audits Although we can't conclusively verify any VPN's privacy policy, since that involves the logically impossible feat of proving a negative, we can get very close by checking independent audits. Third-party auditors can verify a VPN's public statements through a combination of interviews, document review and directly tinkering with the infrastructure. Surfshark passed its most recent audit in June 2025, which at time of writing leaves very little room for interference. Deloitte, the audit firm, concluded that "the configuration of IT systems and management of the supporting IT operations is properly prepared, in all material respects in accordance with the Surfsharks description set out in the Appendix I." I checked that description and found that it matches up to Surfshark's public privacy policy. So, as much as we can say that any VPN is private, Surfshark is private. It may not stop all personalized ads, but it will at least keep your personal information secret. Can Surfshark change your virtual location? If you mainly need a VPN for streaming, this is the section for you. Here, I test whether Surfshark can change your location convincingly enough for you to see content from other countries, without getting caught and blocked by streaming platforms. Sam Chapman for Engadget The procedure is simple: I pick five test locations, connect to three different servers in each and load Netflix. If I get in cleanly without error messages, and actually see different shows than I would without a VPN, I'll know Surfshark convincingly changed my location. (As a reminder, when unblocking with any VPN, always make sure you're logged into your streaming account first.) Server Location Unblocked Netflix? Changed content? Canada 3/3 3/3 Ireland 3/3 3/3 Colombia 3/3 3/3 South Africa 3/3 3/3 Japan 2/3 2/3 Surfshark performed extremely well in this test, not only unblocking every location at least twice but also maintaining fast enough speeds to keep the videos from stuttering. The only failure was that one server in Japan got spied out as a VPN and blocked. However, simply disconnecting and reconnecting was enough to get me over the hurdle. Sam Chapman for Engadget Any failure to change virtual location counts against a VPN, but even the best services can't keep their servers off 100 percent of blocklists. NordVPN, another top-five VPN, scored the same 14/15. As far as I'm concerned, that's a passing grade for streaming but if it's a dealbreaker for you, remember ExpressVPN and Proton VPN both have perfect scores. Investigating Surfshark's server network Surfshark has a total of 100 server locations in 141 countries. Of those locations, 47 are virtual and 92 are physical. A virtual VPN server gives you an apparent digital location different from where it's really located. There's little security tradeoff, but speeds may vary depending on how far you are from the server's actual position. The one count against Surfshark here is that it doesn't clarify where its virtual servers are really located, so using them is a speed crapshoot. The table below shows the proportions of server locations in each region, so you can decide whether Surfshark is likely to be useful for where you are. You can find a full list on Surfshark's website, though only the apps show which servers are actually virtual. Region Countries with servers Total server locations Virtual server locations North America 8 32 5 South America 10 10 6 Europe 46 58 13 Africa 6 6 4 Middle East 3 3 1 Asia 25 26 18 Oceania 2 6 0 Total 100 141 47 (33%) These numbers are interesting in a few ways. First, Surfshark's server network is only about one-third virtual, the lowest proportion of any major VPN I've reviewed so far. There's also no continent without a single physical server. This makes Surfshark a very good choice to guarantee usable internet speeds while globetrotting. As usual, servers are mostly in Europe and North America, although there's a fair amount of Asia represented by the virtual locations. Surfshark is newer than most of its competitors, so it's impressive that it's built such an extensive network in half the time. The table reveals a VPN service that's interested in expanding, but won't do so at the expense of establishing quality locations that actually work. Extra features of Surfshark Surfshark sets itself apart from the VPN pack with several features, some visible to the user and some working behind the scenes. Mostly, its features are familiar concepts implemented well, rather than outright innovations like NordVPN's Meshnet but there's a lot of possibility for exciting new directions. Underlying technology: Surfshark Nexus and Everlink Surfshark has two technological innovations under the hood that make its VPN relatively unique. The first is Nexus, which has been active since 2022. Nexus connects all Surfshark's servers together into a tighter network than most VPNs use. All its servers are nodes in a web of interconnected paths, a lot like the Tor network, except proprietary to one company. When you choose a server location, you're only selecting the last node in a sequence. Surfshark software selects the entry point and the path to your chosen exit. This gives every user more options for a working connection path, and allows Surfshark to regularly rotate your apparent IP address so activity on one masked identity can't trace back to you. It's also what makes it possible to pick the two steps in a double-hop connection (see "Dynamic MultiHop" below). Sam Chapman for Engadget Everlink is a newer technology that Surfshark calls a "self-healing VPN infrastructure." Any time you're connected to Surfshark through the WireGuard protocol, you're also connected to Everlink a parallel infrastructure that watches your VPN connection. If it ever drops, Everlink instantly reconnects you to another server nearby, theoretically so fast you won't notice the outage. This is basically one step up from a kill switch. Instead of cutting off your connection, Everlink switches it to the next server instead. This makes it difficult to test the way to check a kill switch is to simulate a server drop by cutting off your own internet connection, which makes Everlink's function impossible. However, I can at least say I'm cautiously excited about Everlink's potential power to negate server drops. Unlimited simultaneous connections One thing you'll regularly hear about Surfshark is that it puts no limits on how many devices can connect through your account. In theory, one subscription is enough for you, your household and any friends that want to borrow it. In practice, though, "unlimited" is a stretch. A support article acknowledges that some people may abuse the privilege by reselling access, or by masking illegal botnet activity behind hundreds of Surfshark connections. The article doesn't explicitly say Surfshark will limit or ban abusers, but questions to the support team revealed that an account could be locked if an automated system detects fraud. If you use a high number of simultaneous connections, even legitimately, you could be flagged though you may be able to unlock your account by telling customer service what happened. Bypasser split tunneling Bypasser lets you split your internet connection so certain apps or websites go through the VPN while others remain outside. This gets you better speeds on sites and apps that don't involve any sensitive information. Also, whenever a service requires your real IP address, you can keep using the VPN for everything else. Torrenting is a classic use case you can keep BitTorrent protected in the background while you do something innocuous without VPN protection, improving speeds for both processes. Sam Chapman for Engadget Bypasser split tunneling is available on all of Surfshark's desktop and mobile clients, though iOS users can only split by website, not by app. Windows and Android users can also choose between two forms of split: "Bypass VPN," which keeps all listed sites and apps outside the VPN tunnel, and "Route via VPN," in which only the listed sites and apps stay within the VPN tunnel. Dynamic MultiHop Many VPNs have a double-hop option, which routes connections through two VPN servers to keep you protected in case one breaks. However, most of them restrict you to set paths of two servers. Surfshark is the only VPN that lets you choose both steps, thanks to Nexus pre-establishing paths between all the servers. Sam Chapman for Engadget For the best performance, I recommend picking an entry node near your real location, then choosing your exit node based on what you need to unblock. If you aren't unblocking anything in particular, your best bet is to simply choose two nodes in your own country. Camouflage Mode obfuscation VPN obfuscation refers to VPNs hiding the fact that they're VPNs at all so not only is your IP address not your real one, but it doesn't appear to have been changed. Surfshark's obfuscation is called Camouflage Mode. As long as you're connected via OpenVPN, it's active automatically. So, if you suspect an outside firewall is preventing you from getting online while running Surfshark, switching to OpenVPN might solve the problem. NoBorders mode NoBorders is another option for getting online with Surfshark under external restrictions, especially those imposed by entire governments (like the Great Firewall of China). If Surfshark detects restrictions on internet usage, NoBorders activates and switches you to a server well-placed to get around those restrictions for example, an IP address from the next country over. Sam Chapman for Engadget The problem with NoBorders is that it's active by default, which may restrict you to certain servers when you don't need the help. I recommend switching NoBorders off in the settings for better performance. It may turn on again if it detects possible restrictions, so check the setting again if you find your speeds slower than usual. CleanWeb CleanWeb, Surfshark's ad blocker, is available in two forms. The basic version of CleanWeb, which blocks banner ads and trackers, comes with all Surfshark apps. Sam Chapman for Engadget CleanWeb 2.0 comes as a browser extension, which means it only works in-browser. However, it's a much stronger blocker, capable of cancelling video ads on streaming and YouTube. It also automatically rejects non-vital cookies on every site so you don't have to click the button which I appreciated, as my ADHD brain is easily distracted by pop-ups. Static and dedicated IPs Surfshark gives you a list of static IP addresses at no extra charge, another rarity among leading VPNs. A static IP means you'll have the same address every time you connect to the VPN, so you won't look suspicious for regularly opening the same service with a different IP. Without this, you'll find yourself hitting CAPTCHAs more often. You can also keep your home device connected to a static IP server and use that to access your home network remotely. For an extra cost, Surfshark also offers dedicated IPs, which are the same as static IPs except you're the only person using them. Sometimes, a static IP can get blocked because of one bad user's behavior; a private dedicated IP removes that risk. Other features A few other features are worth noting. Surfshark has a kill switch that cuts off your internet connection if your VPN server ever drops this is largely obsolete with Everlink, but remains in the background as an extra precaution. You can set the VPN to connect automatically except on trusted networks, and can choose the location to which it auto-connects. Sam Chapman for Engadget If you need to briefly work without the VPN, you can pause Surfshark for five minutes, 30 minutes or two hours. Finally, Android users can have their VPN server override their GPS location, moving it to wherever their IP address is currently. You obviously don't want to use this while your phone is navigating you somewhere, but otherwise it's useful for privacy. Surfshark customer support options Surfshark includes a few links to troubleshooting pages directly in the app, a tantalizingly unfinished feature. If you go to the settings tab and click Get Help and then Browse Guides, you'll see several links to FAQ articles about the version of the VPN client you're using. Clicking any link opens the page in your default browser. Jumping directly from the app to the relevant guide is really convenient, but if your problem isn't one of the five most common, you're out of luck just click More Guides to go to the main support page. Sam Chapman for Engadget Once you're here, you'll find a helpful set of articles that make good design choices to put the average user at ease. "Getting started" includes setup guides for every Surfshark app, with abundant screenshots. Help articles are effectively written from the user's perspective. Instead of technical descriptions of problems, they start with topics like "I can't connect to Surfshark" or "I'm getting an error," then provide a sequence of DIY solutions. The only category without a clear direction is "Surfschool," which gathers a disparate bunch of feature explanations, advanced tips and basic VPN information under one heading. If you can't find what you need in the other sections, it may be easier to use the search bar instead of digging around in Surfschool. The live support experience To reach live support, scroll to the bottom of the main support page, then click "Chat with us." A chat window will open in the corner of your screen. I used the live chat support to ask about receiving a link to the test account I used to write this review. As is now standard, I had to work my way past a chatbot first, but that didn't take too long. Once I reached a real person, they resolved my problem right away. Sam Chapman for Engadget The email ticket system is for difficult problems that can't be resolved in a single exchange, so I decided to test it with something a little more complicated. I asked about the status of IKEv2, which Surfshark promised to eliminate in 2022 but has only removed from Windows (this is in fact what they promised to do, but I wasn't aware of that yet). I heard back about 22 hours later with a speedy and applicable answer: a representative said that "currently, Surfshark does not have plans to remove IKEv2 from all operating systems." See the next section for details about that risk. Surfshark background check: No real blemishes Surfshark was founded in 2018, making it a relative newcomer to the security scene, and the VPN was its first product. Alert and Search debuted in 2019, while Antivirus and Incogni joined them in 2021. For the first two years of its existence, Surfshark was part of the Tesonet group, a Lithuanian startup incubator that also helped launch NordVPN (see "Connection to NordVPN" below). Its youth may be why there are few serious blemishes on Surfshark's record. Like Proton VPN, which is just a year older, it simply hasn't had time to put a foot wrong yet. However, that doesn't mean it's inevitable that Surfshark will screw up at some point. So far, it appears to be learning from its predecessors and avoiding their mistakes. The trusted root certification authority risk The only potential error I can point to hasn't compromised anyone yet, but may in the future. In 2022, Surfshark was one of several VPNs cited for relying on a trusted root certification authority a verification method that, if compromised, could let an attacker sneak malware onto a user's device using Surfshark's ID badge. There's no record of the certificate actually being exploited, and Surfshark claimed it was necessary to enable the IKEv2 protocol. In response to the report, Surfshark deprecated IKEv2 from its Windows app, which was the only one that used trusted root CAs for IKEv2. It's still available on all OSes except Windows, but a Surfshark rep told me in an email that they don't use trusted root CAs on those platforms, so there's no risk. Connection to NordVPN In 2022, Surfshark announced a merger with NordVPN, though both companies repeatedly stressed that nothing about either service would change. According to Surfshark's announcement at the time, "The idea behind the deal is to align on a tactical level in reaching mutual goals while keeping the autonomy of our operations." As of 2025, nothing seems especially merged about NordVPN and Surfshark. Publicly, they're still completely different brands with few mentions of the other on their respective websites. In an email, a Surfshark representative told me that "Surfshark and Nord Security operate as autonomous companies relying on separate infrastructures, different product development plans and separate customer bases." That said, it's worth noting that Surfshark and Nord have a shared lineage in Tesonet, the Lithuania-based tech incubator that, with Nord, shares Tom Okman and Eimantas Sabaliauskas as co-founders, and nurtured Surfshark for the first two years of its life. In the end, a Surfshark representative told Engadget that Surfshark currently "operates independently" of Tesonet. Be that as it may, the combination of Surfshark and NordVPN is yet another example an increasingly consolidated VPN industry, where competitors like Kape Technologies and Ziff Davis operate multiple digital service brands under one corporate roof. Final verdict In a lot of ways, Surfshark works hard to earn your trust. Its reliance on brick-and-mortar servers testifies to that, as do its speeds, regular privacy audits and refusal to rest on its laurels. Nexus and Everlink may not be perfectly implicated, but they do have tangible results that indicate they're a lot more than just marketing gimmicks. Both are positive signs of a VPN provider genuinely trying to stand out in a crowded field. It's also a great sign that Surfshark responded to the trusted root CA risk with a targeted intervention. I wish they'd found a way to run IKEv2 on Windows without as much risk (other VPNs manage it), but I can't deny they seem serious about addressing potential issues before they become crises. It's nice that I can enthusiastically recommend Surfshark for its attention to security as well as its speeds and straightforward features. Blake Lively, the Hollywood actress embroiled in a messy legal feud with filmmaker Justin Baldoni, is facing another backlash. This time it's coming from a small YouTuber who covered the high-profile legal battle and is taking legal action of her own. She claimed Lively and her team crossed the line by issuing subpoenas aimed at getting her personal data. On Tuesday, 20 July, content creator Kassidy O'Connell filed a letter to the judge overseeing Lively's lawsuit against Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios, accusing Lively's legal team of using the courts to 'harass and intimidate' independent creators. The 12-page document included an alleged subpoena sent to Google, demanding personal information about O'Connell's account. 'There is no evidence or sound legal basis whatsoever to have issued this subpoena in the first place,' the YouTuber wrote. '[Lively] has been gratuitously allowed to extend her witch hunt for discovery, in which she has no evidence to support.' Privacy and Power Imbalance O'Connell's letter is stirring up concern about the balance of power between public figures and everyday online commentators. She said the subpoena not only invades her privacy but also sets a worrying precedent for other creators who simply report on public legal disputes. 'On what legal basis were these subpoenas issued out of this court? Was ANY evidence at all presented to validate them or is [Lively] free to submit just any subpoena to anyone that is not her fan?' she questioned. The YouTuber also warned the court she plans to seek sanctions over what she called an 'unduly burdensome' legal maneuver aimed at silencing critics. Baldoni's legal team backed O'Connell's claims, revealing that other creators such as McKenzie Folks were also subpoenaed. In some cases, the demands went as far as requesting credit card or bank account information used for premium account accessraising alarm bells about the breadth and intention behind these subpoenas. Lively's Legal Camp Responds Lively's representatives defended their actions, stating that subpoenas are standard legal tools and 'not accusations of wrongdoing.' 'There is no silencing of content creatorsthey are obviously making their views known,' her spokesperson said in a statement to Us Weekly. 'This is a sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit against Justin Baldoni and a number of other Wayfarer defendants, and we are simply seeking information to aid in our fact gathering.' According to Lively's team, the subpoenas are part of a broader effort to trace what they allege was a deliberate smear campaign orchestrated by Baldoni's crisis PR team to 'bury' the actress' harassment claims without leaving a digital trail. 'The subpoenas to social media companies are one piece of the puzzle to connect the evidentiary dots of a campaign that was designed to leave no fingerprints,' her representative added. Timeline of the Feud Lively's legal clash with Baldoni first erupted in December 2024, stemming from the production of the film It Ends With Us. The Gossip Girl star accused the Jane the Virgin actor and director of fostering a hostile work environment and engaging in sexual harassment. She also claimed he retaliated by hiring a crisis PR firm to undermine her reputation. Baldoni, for his part, denied all accusations. He claimed that it was Livelyalong with her husband Ryan Reynoldswho seized control of the film's post-production and convinced the studio to release her version, sidelining him in the process. Although Baldoni's counter-lawsuit against Lively was dismissed last month, the legal battle is far from over. Lively's deposition has been rescheduled to 31 July, and the trial is set to begin on 9 March. Originally published on IBTimes UK Hulk Hogan's sudden death has left behind more than a wrestling legacy it may also ignite a bitter estate battle, particularly involving his estranged daughter, Brooke Hogan. The WWE icon, born Terry Gene Bollea, died Thursday at the age of 71 following cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home. Though he reportedly had extensive estate planning in place, legal experts say a court fight over his $25 million fortune is still possible especially if key documents weren't updated after his 2023 marriage to third wife, Sky Daily. Wife Guaranteed Share Under Florida Law Daily, 49, stands to inherit at least 30% of Hogan's estate, even if he didn't revise his trust after their wedding. Florida's spousal elective share statute ensures she receives that amount by law. "He married Sky two years ago, so he probably updated the trust so she would get a spousal elective share," said estate paralegal June Fredricksen of the Shofner Law Firm to The Sun. "Even if Sky was left out of his estate and he didn't update his trust since they married, she would still get a spousal elective share." Hogan had established both revocable and personal trusts, which are typically used to protect assets and avoid probate. However, if assets were left outside the trust or if beneficiaries contest the will or trust terms court proceedings may still be triggered. "If Brooke is left out of the will, she can contest it," Fredricksen noted. Such a move could put Hogan's wealth in legal limbo and make assets vulnerable to creditors. Tension With Family, Political Ambitions Hogan's relationship with Brooke had long been strained. The father-daughter duo reportedly hadn't spoken in years, and he never met her newborn twins, Oliver and Molly Gene. Adding fuel to any potential rift, Hogan's wealth includes an $11.5 million mansion, multiple businesses, and a newly launched beer brand all assets likely to be at the center of any legal wrangling. Beyond family drama, Hogan had recently flirted with politics. In a 2024 Fox News interview, the wrestling legend said he'd be willing to "rule with an iron fist" if elected. "If you need a president or a vice president, I'll volunteer and take this country over," he said, describing his vision of "a flat tax and nothing but common sense." He also made an awkward appearance at a Donald Trump rally last fall, struggling to tear his shirt off in his signature style. Close observers said the moment underscored his declining health and signaled just how far he had physically fallen. Despite years of pain from wrestling-related injuries and past struggles with prescription medication, Hogan had hoped for more time. His widow, Sky, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram: "To the world, he was a legend... but to me, he was my Terry. My partner. My heart." Support Us Your Support will ensure EPWs financial viability and sustainability. The EPW produces independent and public-spirited scholarship and analyses of contemporary affairs every week. EPW is one of the few publications that keep alive the spirit of intellectual inquiry in the Indian media. Often described as a publication with a social conscience, EPW has never shied away from taking strong editorial positions. Our publication is free from political pressure, or commercial interests. Our editorial independence is our pride. We rely on your support to continue the endeavour of highlighting the challenges faced by the disadvantaged, writings from the margins, and scholarship on the most pertinent issues that concern contemporary Indian society. Every contribution is valuable for our future. Bangladeshs Finance Ministry yesterday approved a proposal by the Shipping Ministry for raising tariffs on both goods and vessels at the Chittagong seaport, in some cases up to 10 times or above. The proposal aims at improving the quality of services and efficiency at the seaport. Bangladesh has approved a proposal for raising tariffs on both goods and vessels at the Chittagong seaport, in some cases up to 10 times or above. The proposal aims at 'improving the quality of services and efficiency' at the port. Port-use tariffs have not been raised since 1986. A section of port users perceives this decision 'illogical' as it will be tough for exporters to absorb this additional cost. Port-use tariffs have not been raised since 1986. However, tariffs for five services were revised last in May 2008. Under the revised charges, as just approved, port dues per gross register tonnage (GRT) have been increased from $0.241 to $0.306 while pilotage charge (for 10,000 GRT vessel) increased from $357.75 to $800. The shifting charge for night has been raised from $59.60 to $80. The tugboat charge for 200 GRT to 1000 GRT has been ramped up from $158 to $615, for 1000 GRT to 5000 GRT from $316 to $615, for 5000 GRT to 10000 GRT from $632 to $1230. For the vessels over 10000 GRT to 20,000 GRT tug charge is re-fixed $2,050 and over 20,000 GRT the charge will be $3,415. The rate for the hire of tugboat for any other purpose is increased from $158 to $512.50, ship berthing or un-berthing charge increases from $88.50 to $94.32 and mooring- occupancy charge raised from $167 to $224.85. Also, the jetty crane charges for below-10-tonne capacity has been increased from $42 to $58.24, quay gantry-crane charge (loaded), not exceeding 21-foot, increased from $15 to $20.80, and over-21-foot-crane charge increased from $22.50 to $31.20. The tugboat cost for fire fighting is to see over tenfold increase in the latest revision-from $30 to $325.89. Diving-board charge increases from $178.60 to $286.21, hire for salvage-diving unit shoots up from $71.50 to $344.59, dredger rentals increase from between $2,235 and $4,470 to $10,281. Entry fees for people and vehicles are also to see a significant rise. A gate pass (temporary) for one user will now cost Tk 100 in a rise from previous Tk 25 while covered van, truck, and trailer-entry charge will go up to Tk 200 from Tk 12.5. In the multipronged rate-rise package, the port authority is raising charge for hiring dump barges from $41.70 to $68.37 while the same for explosives barges will be from $59 in the past to $98 now. The charges for loading or discharging containers are also seeing a good rise. Boxes not over 21 feet will be charged $68 from previous $43, while boxes over 21-foot size will be charged $102 from previous $65, and over 40-foot containers will be charged $115. Less-than-container load (LCL) containers loading or discharging charge-for not over 21-foot size-will be $204 from $130, for over 21 feet will be $306 from $195, while over 40-foot containers will be charged $344. Empty containers-not over 21-foot size-will be charged $34 in a hike from the present $22.10, over 21-foot boxes will be charged $51 from current $33.20, and the over 40-foot containers will be charged $57 for loading or discharging. A section of port users perceives this decision illogical as it will be tough for exporters to absorb this additional cost. It is also unhappy that port users were not consulted for the decision. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2025) - Navigator Acquisition Corp. (TSXV: NAQ.P) ("Navigator" or the "Company") announces the resignation of Geoff Hampson, who is resigning to pursue his personal endeavors. The Company would like to thank Mr. Hampson for his contribution and wishes him well. The current board consists of Kyle Shostak (Chief Executive Officer), Alex Lyamport (Chief Financial Officer), Basil Karatzas and Brett Janis. About Navigator Navigator Acquisition Corp. is a British Columbia capital pool company. Further information about the Company is on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-Looking Information: This press release may include "forward-looking statements", including forecasts, estimates, expectations, and objectives for future operations that are subject to several assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Navigator. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "plans" or similar terminology. The forward-looking information contained herein is provided for the purpose of assisting readers in understanding management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking information are based on management of the parties' reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on such management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Such factors, among other things, include: receipt of Exchange and applicable regulatory approvals, impacts arising from changes in general macroeconomic conditions; changes in securities markets; change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls and regulations and political or economic developments. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The forward-looking information set forth herein reflects the Company's reasonable expectations as at the date of this news release and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/260213 SOURCE: Navigator Acquisition Corp. At least 120 people have now died in Gaza from starvation-related causes, including over 80 children, even as Israel says hundreds of aid trucks are waiting at the border for the UN to distribute inside the Strip. The World Food Programme has warned that 90,000 women and children are in urgent need of treatment for malnutrition. The UN says its efforts to deliver aid are being held back by Israeli military restrictions and criminal looting The United Nations and several experts warn that Palestinians in Gaza are facing the risk of famine. Reports continue to emerge of more people dying from hunger-related causes. Israel, however, says that hundreds of aid trucks are waiting at the border for the UN to distribute them inside Gaza. ALSO READ | 1 in 5 children in Gaza City is malnourished: Wheres the food aid? As per the latest update, two more infants have died from malnutrition, as the total number of starvation-related deaths in Gaza climbs to over 120. Among them are more than 80 children, Al Jazeera reported. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The World Food Programme has stated that nearly a third of Gazas population is going without food for days. It has warned that 90,000 women and children urgently need treatment for malnutrition. After nearly two years of intense conflict, the worsening humanitarian situation has led some Western countries, once supportive of Israels actions in Gaza, to reconsider their positions. France said on Thursday that it would soon recognise an independent State of Palestine, joining other European nations that have taken similar steps. Notably, the leaders of France, the UK and Germany have also agreed that Israel should lift all restrictions on aid access immediately. On Thursday, Israels military took journalists to the Gaza side of the Kerem Shalom crossing, where aid boxes were stacked on pallets across a wide area. Israel says it has allowed about 4,500 aid trucks to enter Gaza since May, when the full blockade was lifted. This averages to roughly 70 trucks a day, one of the lowest daily rates since the war began and far short of the few hundred that the UN says are needed daily. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Israel argues it is letting in enough supplies and blames UN agencies for not collecting and distributing the aid. The UN says its efforts are blocked by Israeli military restrictions and incidents of criminal looting. On Friday, Israel said it would now allow foreign countries to airdrop food into Gaza. Jordan and the United Arab Emirates are expected to begin these aid drops in the coming days, The New York Times reported citing COGAT, the Israeli military agency in charge of humanitarian matters in Gaza. So why has the aid not reached people until now? What is stopping it? Lets take a look: Access denials and unsafe areas To retrieve the aid at the border or move around most of the Gaza Strip, U.N. trucks must enter zones controlled by the military after obtaining its permission. Once the aid is loaded, the trucks must get safely to the population. The whole trip can take 20 hours, the U.N. says. Large crowds of desperate people, as well as criminal gangs, overwhelm trucks as they enter and strip off the supplies. Witnesses say Israeli troops regularly open fire on the crowds, causing deaths and injuries. Israeli soldier stands beside humanitarian aid packages awaiting pickup on the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom crossing in the Gaza Strip. AP Taken together, these factors have put people and humanitarian staff at grave risk and forced aid agencies on many occasions to pause the collection of cargo from crossings controlled by the Israeli authorities, said Olga Cherevko, a spokesperson for the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At least 79 Palestinians were killed while trying to get aid entering Gaza this week, according to Gazas health ministry. A U.N. official who was not authorised to discuss the issue publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said Israeli forces opened fire toward crowds who tried to take food from an entering truck convoy. Israels military said soldiers shot at a gathering of thousands of Palestinians in northern Gaza who posed a threat, and it was aware of some casualties. On its website, OCHA said there is a breakdown of law and order, which is partly due to the collapse of Gazas Hamas-run civilian police force, leading to insecurity at the crossings and for convoys moving within Gaza. It said this is further compounded by the increase of armed gangs. The military frequently assigns routes for trucks to use that are unsuitable, either impassable for long truck convoys, passing through crowded markets, or controlled by dangerous gangs, OCHA said. When the U.N. objects to a route, the military provides few alternatives, it said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The U.N. also struggles with facilitation from the military. It says more than half its movement requests, 506 out of 894, were either denied or impeded by the military in May, June and July. There are also regular delays by Israels forces in coordination. The delays result in lost time, difficulty planning and wasted resources as convoys spend hours waiting for the green light to move only to be denied, OCHA said. ALSO READ | Why Israel wants its military intelligence to study Islam and learn Arabic What is Israel saying? Israel says it doesnt limit the truckloads of aid coming into Gaza and that assessments of roads in Gaza are conducted weekly where it looks for the best ways to provide access for the international community. Col. Abdullah Halaby, a top official in COGAT, the Israeli military agency in charge of transferring aid to the territory, said there are several crossings open. We encourage our friends and our colleagues from the international community to do the collection, and to distribute the humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, he said. An Israeli security official who was not allowed to be named in line with military procedures told reporters this week that the U.N. wanted to use roads that were not approved. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He said the army offered to escort the aid groups, but they refused. What is the UN saying? For much of the war, U.N. agencies were able to safely deliver aid to those who need it, despite Israeli restrictions and occasional attacks and looting. The Hamas-run police provided public security. But as Israeli airstrikes targeted the police force, it has been unable to operate. The U.N. says being escorted by Israels army could bring harm to civilians, citing shootings and killings by Israeli troops surrounding aid operations. Palestinians hold onto an aid truck returning to Gaza City from the northern Gaza Strip. AP The U.N. and aid groups also say that looting of trucks lessens or stops entirely when enough aid is allowed into Gaza. The best protection for us is community buy-in, said U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. And to get that community buy-in, communities have to understand that trucks will come every day, that food will come every day. Thats what were asking for, he said. With inputs from AP The Kargil War concluded on July 26, 1999, with India declaring victory against Pakistan. Nearly 500 Indian soldiers lost their lives during the two months that the war lasted. Now, the day is observed as the Kargil Vijay Diwas. On this day in 1956, Egypt seized control of the Suez Canal from Britain and France Soldiers on top of Tiger Hills after recapturing it from the Pakistani forces. PTI One of the key wars in the Indian subcontinent came to an end on July 26, 1999. We are talking about the Kargil War, the third direct conflict between India and Pakistan since Independence. Since India won the war, it is also known as Kargil Vijay Diwas. If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers ongoing series, History Today will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In 1956, Egypt nationalised the Suez Canal, effectively seizing control from the British and French-owned Suez Canal Company. On this day, Mumbai experienced one of the worst urban floods in Indian history after receiving 944 mm of rainfall in just 24 hours. Here is all that took place on this day. India won Kargil war India achieved victory in the Kargil War under some of the most challenging conditions on July 26, 1999. The war was fought in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir, along the Line of Control (LoC). Some 500 soldiers lost their lives in this war, including Captain Vikram Batra and Grenadier Yogendra Yadav. The conflict began in May 1999, when Indian forces discovered that Pakistani soldiers and armed militants had illegally infiltrated Indian territory by occupying key high-altitude positions in the mountains. These intrusions threatened the critical SrinagarLeh highway and aimed to cut off Ladakh from the rest of India. Key battles were fought to recapture vital peaks like Tiger Hill, Tololing, and Point 4875. File Image/PTI India responded swiftly with Operation Vijay, mobilising a massive force of over 200,000 troops, supported by the Indian Air Forces Operation Safed Sagar. The war was fought in extremely challenging conditions, at altitudes ranging from 16,000 to 18,000 feet, with treacherous terrain and harsh weather. Indian soldiers displayed exceptional courage, scaling near-vertical cliffs and engaging the entrenched enemy. Key battles were fought to recapture vital peaks like Tiger Hill, Tololing, and Point 4875. Pakistan initially denied involvement, claiming the infiltrators were Kashmiri insurgents. However, evidence including documents and equipment recovered from captured soldiers proved the presence of Pakistan Army regulars. International pressure, particularly from the United States, eventually forced Pakistan to withdraw. Egypt seized Suez Canal Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser shocked the world by seizing control of the Suez Canal from the British and French. He took over control from the Suez Canal Company on July 26, 1956, leading to tensions that led to the Suez Crisis. The Suez Canal, a vital waterway linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, was a strategic and economic lifeline, especially for European nations reliant on oil imports from the Middle East. Though located in Egypt, the canal had long been operated under British and French control, a remnant of colonial influence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Nassers decision came after the US and Britain withdrew funding for the Aswan High Dam, a major infrastructure project central to Egypts modernisation plans. In response, Nasser declared that revenue from the canal would be used to finance the dam. As he gave a speech in Alexandria, Egyptian forces swiftly took control of the canals offices and infrastructure. Britain, France and Israel secretly planned to take back control over the canal. However, International backlash, mainly from the United States and the Soviet Union, forced the invading nations to withdraw. By early 1957, Egypt retained control of the canal, which was reopened to shipping under Egyptian authority. Floods hit Mumbai The financial capital of India, Mumbai, came to a standstill on July 26, 2005, when the city witnessed one of the worst urban floods in Indian history. The city received an unprecedented 944 mm of rainfall in just 24 hours, overwhelming Mumbais drainage infrastructure. The relentless downpour began in the afternoon and intensified through the evening, catching millions of commuters off guard. Trains stopped, roads flooded, flights were cancelled, and telephone networks failed. Thousands were stranded in offices, schools, cars, and trains overnight. The city, often praised for its resilience, came to a standstill. Mumbaikars brought out boats to cross roads that turned into rivers during the 2005 deluge. File image/PTI What made the situation worse was the poor drainage system, much of it choked with plastic waste, with the Mithi River overflowing. Low-lying areas like Kurla, Sion, Andheri, and Bandra were submerged under several feet of water. The floods and related incidents, such as landslides, building collapses, and electrocutions, claimed over 1,000 lives across Mumbai and its surrounding areas. Thousands more were injured, and property damage ran into crores of rupees. The disaster exposed significant weaknesses in Mumbais urban planning, infrastructure, and disaster management capabilities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This Day, That Year On this day in 2016, Hillary Clinton was officially nominated as a Democratic presidential candidate. In 1965, the Republic of Maldives gained its independence from Britain. Los Angeles experienced its first major smog on this day in 1943. A controversial new study claims that a hostile alien spacecraft could attempt to attack Earth in November. Scientists say a rare interstellar object, only the third ever detected, is racing through our Solar System at extraordinary speed. Called 3I/ATLAS, the researchers say that the object may be a piece of alien surveillance technology disguised as a natural space body The so-called undercover UFO could be a piece of alien technology that might strike Earth unexpectedly. AI-Generated/Representational Image A hostile alien spacecraft might try to attack Earth in November, according to a controversial new study. The group of scientists believe a strange intergalactic object may be a possible threat. ALSO READ | Earth is spinning faster. Why this could become a problem in the future In their draft paper, they suggest the object, known as 3I/ATLAS, could be a piece of alien technology that might strike Earth unexpectedly. According to the researchers, the objects path makes it easier for an intelligent spacecraft to come near Earth without drawing attention. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But what exactly is this object? Should you be worried? This is what the new study explains: What is the hostile alien spacecraft? According to the scientists, a rare interstellar object, the third ever spotted, is speeding through our Solar System at an extremely high velocity. Called 3I/ATLAS, the object was first detected on July 1 as it moved towards the Sun at more than 130,000 mph, Live Science reported. Within a day, it was confirmed to be an interstellar visitor. Early observations indicated it might be a comet roughly 15 miles wide, bigger than the Manhattan region in New York City. The newly identified interstellar invader 3I/ATLAS contains large amounts of water ice. Scientists believe this water may have been trapped inside the object for as long as seven billion years, making it older than the solar system itself, Space.com reported. The team also detected a mix of organic molecules, silicates, and carbon-based minerals on 3I/ATLAS. These features suggest the object shares similarities with asteroids located on the outer edge of the solar systems main asteroid belt, between Mars and Jupiter. However, the researchers behind the new study proposed that the object may not be a comet at all, but instead a form of alien surveillance equipment disguised as a natural body. One of the researchers, Avi Loeb, a Harvard astrophysicist known for connecting unusual space objects to possible alien life, had earlier suggested that Oumuamua, the interstellar object seen in 2017, could have been an artificial probe sent by an alien civilisation, due to its strange shape and unexplained acceleration. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In this new paper, Loeb teamed up with Adam Hibberd and Adam Crowl from the Initiative for Interstellar Studies in London to argue that 3I/ATLAS may also have an alien origin, based on its path through space. The three researchers pointed out that its higher speed, which is much faster than Oumuamua and other similar objects, and its unusual entry angle into the Solar System may provide various benefits to an extraterrestrial intelligence, Loeb explained in a blog post. ALSO READ | New worlds in the making: Is this how our solar system was born? Should you be worried? According to Loeb, 3I/ATLAS will pass close to Mars, Jupiter and Venus, which he suggests could give aliens a chance to place surveillance gadgets on those planets quietly. When the object reaches its closest point to the Sun in late November, it will no longer be visible from Earth. This could be intentional to avoid detailed observations from Earth-based telescopes when the object is brightest or when gadgets are sent to Earth from that hidden vantage point, Loeb said. He added that if the object turns out to be a technological artefact, it might support the dark forest theory. This idea suggests alien life stays hidden to avoid detection, either to protect itself or to remain unnoticed by others. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Loeb has cautioned that if this theory is correct, a possible attack cannot be ruled out, and defensive measures might be needed. However, there is a catch: 3I/ATLAS is moving too quickly for any spacecraft from Earth to reach it before it leaves the Solar System. Other scientists remain unconvinced by the alien theory. Many believe 3I/ATLAS is simply a comet. Early observations indicated it might be a comet roughly 15 miles wide. AI-Generated/Representational Image Samantha Lawler, an astronomer from the University of Regina in Canada who studies the motion of objects in the Solar System, told Live Science, All evidence points to this being an ordinary comet that was ejected from another solar system, just as countless billions of comets have been ejected from our own solar system. Even Loeb acknowledged in his blog post that his alien probe idea might be unlikely: By far, the most likely outcome will be that 3I/ATLAS is a completely natural interstellar object, probably a comet. The researchers also urged readers not to take the paper as final, adding that it has not yet been reviewed by other scientists. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Some critics have gone further, calling the study an insult to serious scientific work, pointing out that there is strong evidence suggesting 3I/ATLAS is not a sign of alien contact, The New York Post reported. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) has made it mandatory for all soldiers and officers in the intelligence unit to undergo training in Arabic and Islamic Studies. The decision comes after major intelligence failures linked to the events of October 7, 2023. The programme will also include lessons in Houthi and Iraqi dialects The IDFs Intelligence Directorate is making major changes to its Arabic and Islamic Studies training. Reuters/File Photo The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) has made it compulsory for every soldier and officer in the intelligence unit to be trained in Arabic and Islamic Studies. By the end of next year, all members of AMAN, which is the Hebrew short form for Israels Military Intelligence Directorate, will be trained in Islamic Studies. Half of them will also receive training in Arabic. ALSO READ | 1 in 5 children in Gaza City is malnourished: Wheres the food aid? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This decision has been issued by AMAN head Major General Shlomi Binder. But why has the order been issued? Lets find out: Why Israel made Arabic, Islam studies mandatory for military The IDFs Intelligence Directorate is making major changes to its Arabic and Islamic Studies training, The Jerusalem Post reported. The move comes after major intelligence setbacks linked to the events of October 7, 2023. The aim is to make future commanders fluent in Arabic and knowledgeable about Islamic culture, helping them analyse situations more effectively. Speaking to the newspaper, Doron Kadosh, the military correspondent for Israels Army Radio, said a new department will be set up to focus on Arabic and Islam teaching. The aim is to help language analysts better understand local variations and cultural subtleties. Reuters/File Photo The training will also cover the Houthi and Iraqi dialects. As part of the changes, the army also plans to restart the Telem. Notably, this programme previously supported Arabic and Middle Eastern education in Israeli middle and high schools but was closed six years ago due to funding issues. Its closure caused a sharp fall in Arabic learning. Telem had offered pre-military seminars and cultural workshops to help students better understand the Arab world. Now, this training will become a central part of Amans instruction system. It will start from pre-service stages and continue through advanced officer courses. By next year, all intelligence soldiers, including cyber experts from Unit 8200, will be trained in Islamic studies, and 50 per cent of them will be trained in Arabic, the report said. ALSO READ | Why France has decided to recognise Palestine statehood now The challenges One of the key challenges facing Israeli intelligence in recent years has been the difficulty in interpreting Houthi communications. The issue, the report says, is partly caused by the Houthis regular use of qat, a mild narcotic plant chewed socially in Yemen and some other Arab regions. It affects clarity of speech, making it harder for intelligence personnel to understand their messages. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In June, an Israeli attempt to assassinate the Houthi military commander reportedly failed because he was at a gathering that focused on qat-chewing, according to the Army Radio. To help with these problems, Aman is starting new courses on Houthi and Iraqi Arabic dialects. The aim is to help language analysts better understand local variations and cultural subtleties. Teachers from those communities have been brought in to provide authentic instruction. A senior Aman official told Army Radio, Until now, we havent been good enough in the areas of culture, language, and Islam. We need to improve in these areas. We wont turn our intelligence officers and soldiers into Arab kids who grew up in a village, but through language and cultural studies, we can instil in them doubt and deep observation. Israel-Hamas conflict rages on This move comes at a time when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said his government is considering alternative options to ceasefire negotiations with Hamas. Both Israel and the United States have pulled back their negotiating teams, creating more uncertainty around future talks. Efforts by the Trump administration to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have so far failed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Experts are warning that Gaza is now on the brink of famine due to Israel blocking food entirely or allowing in only small quantities for months. ALSO READ | Gaza in ruins: How the territory has been reduced to rubble Recently, the number of deaths due to lack of food has increased. Over two dozen countries Western-aligned nations and more than 100 aid and human rights groups have demanded an end to the war. Many have condemned Israels blockade and criticised a new aid delivery method introduced by Israel. Some of the aid groups said even their own staff are unable to get enough food. At the Patients Friends Hospital, the main centre treating malnourished children in northern Gaza, more children than ever before are arriving in critical condition. Gazas Health Ministry said around 80 people have been killed since Thursday night, mostly in airstrikes. Nine of those died while trying to receive aid. With inputs from agencies STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi announced the new all-arms brigades called Rudra on Kargil Vijay Diwas. He said the army is aiming to evolve into a future-oriented force through the creation of these integrated brigades and stronger special forces units. During his address, he also announced three new initiatives to pay tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the Kargil war with Pakistan Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi announced the new all-arms brigades named Rudra on Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed on Saturday. He said the army is working towards becoming a future-oriented force by setting up these all-arms brigades and powerful special forces units. In his speech, he also introduced three new efforts to honour the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the Kargil war with Pakistan. The projects include an e-shradhanjali app dedicated to martyrs, a QR code-based audio feature that shares Kargil war stories, and the Indus Viewpoint, which will let visitors explore the Batalik sector near the LoC to understand how soldiers live there. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So, what exactly is the Rudra brigade? And what else did the Army chief announce? Lets take a look: What is Indian Armys Rudra brigade? Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi announced the Rudra brigade, which is essentially an all-arms brigade. Todays Indian Army is not only successfully addressing current challenges but is also rapidly advancing as a transformative, modern, and future-oriented force. Under this, new all-arms brigades named Rudra are being formed, and I approved it yesterday, he said during the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas ceremony at Dras in Kargil. So, what will these Rudra brigades consist of? They will include a mix of infantry, mechanised infantry, armoured units, artillery, special forces, and unmanned aerial systems. These will be backed by customised logistics and combat support, according to the Army chief. #WATCH | Dras, Kargil | Addressing the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations, Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi says, "The forces that are conspiring to harm India's sovereignty, integrity and people, will be given a befitting reply in the future too, this is the new normal pic.twitter.com/EeETvgBVAM ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2025 He said, Similarly, agile and lethal special forces units, Bhairav Light Commando Battalions, have been established to shock the enemy on the border. Every infantry battalion now includes Drone Platoons, while artillery has enhanced its firepower manifold through Divyastra Batteries and Loiter Munition Batteries. Army Air Defence is being equipped with indigenous missile systems. This will increase our force multifold, the Army chief added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sources told CNN-News18 that two infantry brigades have already been restructured into Rudra Brigades. Until now, the Army operated brigades based on individual arms, but the new Rudra brigades will bring together multiple arms under a single formation. The 3 projects launched on Kargil Vijay Diwas As part of the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Indian Army chief launched three projects, including a digital platform where citizens can offer e-shradhanjali to martyrs. The other two are a QR code-based audio gateway that shares stories from the 1999 Kargil war, and the Indus Viewpoint, which gives visitors a chance to travel up to the Line of Control (LoC) in the Batalik sector. Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on July 26. It celebrates Indias victory in the Kargil conflict in 1999, when the Army completed Operation Vijay after nearly three months of fighting in extremely high-altitude locations such as Tololing and Tiger Hill. An army officer told news agency PTI that the e-shradhanjali project aims to raise awareness about the sacrifices made by soldiers and the challenges they faced while performing their duties. Meanwhile, the QR code application works like an audio guide, where users can hear detailed accounts of the battles fought during the war with Pakistani forces in 1999. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD #WATCH | Kargil Vijay Diwas | Dras: Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi lays wreath at the Kargil War Memorial to pay tribute to those who laid down their lives in the line of duty during the Kargil War in 1999. Today marks the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas. pic.twitter.com/qKpHPJnncb ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2025 The concept is similar to museums, where the visitors can listen to the details of the exhibits using earphones. Here, people will get to listen to the saga of courage, valour, bravery and sacrifice by the soldiers, the officer said. The third initiative, the Indus Viewpoint, lets visitors reach the LoC in the Batalik sector to better understand the conditions in which Indian soldiers serve. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This will give an idea to the visitors about the conditions in which soldiers serve, the difficulties and constant dangers they face on a day-to-day basis to ensure that the nation remains safe, the officer added. Batalik, located at over 10,000 feet, held key strategic value during the Kargil war as it sits between Kargil, Leh, and Baltistan. Army chief on Operation Sindoor Speaking about Operation Sindoor, General Upendra Dwivedi said that the strikes launched during the operation sent a strong message to Pakistan that terror supporters would not be spared. He said the May 7 strikes were not just a counter-response to the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians were killed, but a clear warning to Pakistan. #WATCH | Dras, Kargil | Addressing the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations, Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi says, "We stand near Tiger Hill, Tololing and Point 4875, remembering the resolve and valour of the warriors... We salute those who sacrificed their lives so we pic.twitter.com/F7AozRLXuk ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2025 India attained a decisive victory by effective targeting of terror infrastructure in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. The army targeted the terrorist infrastructure and foiled the other aggressive moves of Pakistan to attain a decisive victory, he said. He also said that India responded to Pakistans military actions between May 7 and 9 with measured and precise retaliation". With inputs from agencies Commenting on the devastating Air India plane crash, the new head of the USs Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), Bryan Bedford, dismissed the possibility of an inadvertent movement of the aircrafts fuel control switch. The wreckage of the Air India plane that crashed moments after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport, lies on a building, in Ahmedabad. Both switches feeding fuel to the two engines of Air India flight 171 were cut off followed before the plane crashed in Ahmedabad, seconds after taking off, the first investigation report into the crash has revealed. PTI As the investigation into the Air India 171 plane crash continues, the new head of the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ruled out mechanical issues as the cause behind the crash in Ahmedabad. The new FAA boss went on to suggest that the fuel control switches on the doomed AI 171 were manually moved, hinting at a pilot error. In a statement on the matter, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford dismissed the possibility of an inadvertent movement of the aircrafts fuel control switch. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We can say with a high level of confidence it doesnt appear to be a mechanical issue with the Boeing fuel control unit. We feel very comfortable that this isnt an issue with inadvertent manipulation of fuel control, Reuters quoted FAA administrator Bryan Bedford as saying. Meanwhile, Indian authorities, who are currently investigating the matter, requested patience for the final report. They urged both the public and experts to refrain from drawing conclusions and did not comment on Bedfords recent remarks. The matter is still under investigation As per the preliminary report released by Indias Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners fuel supply to engines had been cut off, causing it to crash. While it is not concluded what caused the fuel switches position to change, soon after the report was released, Western media started alluding to a pilot error. In the report, it was also mentioned that the cockpit voice recording revealed that one pilot asked the other why he had moved the switches, to which the latter replied he hadnt. In light of this, several Western news outlets started speculating about the mental health of the pilots and started to report more about their personal lives. Amid the chaos, Boeing is maintaining a cautious stance on the matter. Reacting to Bedfords statement, Boeing said: Well defer to the FAA for any comments on this. According to Reuters, the FAA chief made the remarks while he was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an air show in Wisconsin. In support of this assertion, Bedford cited an evaluation conducted by FAA employees who had taken the units out, tested them and had inspectors get on aircraft and review them. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Although Air Marshal Tiwari did not specify the exact weapons used during the May 710 clashes, the IAF deployed Sukhoi-30MKI, Rafale, and Mirage-2000 fighter jets to carry out precision strikes using BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles It took less than 50 air-launched weapons fired by India during Operation Sindoor to compel Pakistan to seek a ceasefire, IAF Vice Chief Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari has revealed. We have discussed a lot about the cost-benefit, especially of air power. There is no greater example I think than what we did in Operation Sindoor. Less than 50 weapons can bring the adversary to the talking tablethat is an example that needs to be studied and will be studied (by scholars), Air Marshal Tiwari said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Although Air Marshal Tiwari did not specify the exact weapons used during the May 710 clashes, the IAF deployed Sukhoi-30MKI, Rafale, and Mirage-2000 fighter jets to carry out precision strikes using BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, along with Crystal Maze-2, Rampage, and Scalp missiles. These targeted Pakistani airbases and radar sites, some located near nuclear facilities and command and control centres. Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Friday said Operation Sindoor remains active, and stressed that Indias military preparedness must stay at an exceptionally high level, 24/7 and year-round. Delivering the keynote address at a defence seminar held at Subroto Park, General Chauhan said that future warfare will require more than conventional combat skills. Soldiers, he noted, must evolve into a blend of information warriors, technology warriors, and scholar warriors." The CDS said there are no runners-up in a war, and any military must be constantly alert and maintain a high degree of operational preparedness. An example is Operation Sindoor, which still continues. Our preparedness level has to be very high, 247, 365 days (a year), Gen Chauhan said. India seems to have resolved a complex arithmetic: diplomacy without submission, trade without compromising sovereignty, tech engagement that does not sacrifice agency, and multilateralism that negotiates interest, not ideology It is not the India of aspiration alone; it is the India of agency, reframing between autonomy and engagement, between principle and pragmatism. File image/ AP In the rapidly shifting global political architecture, few nations stand at as pivotal a juncture as India, caught in the confluence of normative aspirations, strategic autonomy, economic opportunity, and diplomatic realignment. From international tech rulesetting to highstakes trade negotiations, from balancing sanctions pressure to recalibrating relations with China, the past few weeks have made clear that its Indias real moment. This is not mere reactivity but about India stepping forward to set the narrative, even under the weight of great power tensions and domestic imperatives. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Take the sharp warning from Nato SecretaryGeneral Mark Rutte, a diplomatic salvo that carries real consequences. In statements delivered in Washington and to Congress, Rutte emphasised that secondary sanctions, including tariffs up to 100 per cent, could be deployed against major economies like India, China, and Brazil should they continue to trade with Russia. The intent: leverage global economic ties to pressure Moscow toward a peace settlement over Ukraine. The declaration is a clear signal that Indias commercial engagements are being scrutinised through the lens of Western security priorities. Delhis swift rebuke, citing double standards and asserting its sovereign right to conduct its trade, reveals Indias determination to resist external dictates, even as it shoulders the complexity of geopolitical entanglements. Yet, this episode does not simply reflect Indian defiance. Rather, it underscores a rare and consequential exercise of normative sovereignty. India is not tethered to any bloc; it takes pride in being a multi-aligned and principled actor. Domestic energy security demands, its longstanding commitment to global South solidarity, and cautious calibration with both West and East place it in a strategic sweet spot or jeopardy, depending on perspective. When Rutte urged these countries to make the phone call to Vladimir Putin or face sanctions, he emphasised pressure, but India refused to be boxed into Western frameworks, opting instead for a calibrated diplomacy. This is not a retreat; this is selfdefinition in action. World Trade Organisation (WTO) reform, gaining traction ahead of the Cameroon Ministerial, is another arena where India is quietly influencing multilateral rules. Talks now hinge on thorny compromises: easing consensus gridlocks, demanding proof for industrial subsidies, and revisiting the special status of countries like India and China. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pushed by the US and Europe to revive a stalled WTO, these shifts could undermine developing country carve-outs. While India remains restrained, its backroom diplomacy is active. The challenge lies in securing meaningful exceptions without stalling reform, testing not just Indias trade stance but also its broader role in global rule-making. This is more about realigning trade with development than resistance. At the same time, New Delhi finds itself on the cusp of a potentially transformative bilateral trade agreement with the US, ahead of a hard August 1 US tariff deadline. An article of faith in Indias political economy has been bilateralism as an antidote to protectionism, and Washington has signalled expansiveness: from hightech to supplychain resilience. Yet this is no yawning liberal fixture; it is a negotiation circumscribed by domestic concerns on both fronts. For India, offering tariff concessions or regulatory liberalisation might invite debate around industrial policy and food sovereignty; for the US, access to Indian markets must be matched by deeper procurement commitments and intellectual property standards. If last weeks Natosanctions episode underscores Indian autonomy, this trade narrative highlights its readiness to play a constructive, collaborative role, so long as reciprocity and national interest underpin any deal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, Indias pivot toward China, marked by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankars first visit to Beijing since the 2020 standoff, is a calculated move. At the SCO summit, his meeting with top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi focused on de-escalation, a border resolution, and reviving trade minus restrictive measures. China called normalisation hard-won, underscoring mutual interest in quiet diplomacy and regional stability. Beneath the optics, India is asserting agency: addressing boundary disputes, restoring critical supply chains, and preserving open trade. Its a calibrated frameworkfriendship without illusion, cooperation without compulsion. Now, juxtapose these developments with Indias stealth campaign in global Artificial Intelligence normsetting. While less visible to the worlds press, New Delhi has been earnest, partaking actively in the Unescoled 2025 AI Action Summit and championing inclusive, transparent, and sustainable AI frameworks. Internally, the governments Shinrin hush, its hallmark IndiaAI mission, has enabled the creation of the India AI Safety Institute and the publicsector BharatGen model, announced earlier this year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This reflects a coherent, outwardlooking narrative: one where India is not merely a consumer of Western AI but a producer and ethical interlocutor in its own right, framing a normative trajectory for the Global South. This junction of AI, trade, sanctions, and diplomacy reveals an Indian posture defined by complexity rather than simplification. India is neither a protectable emerging market nor a fearful collateral of competition; it is instead a multifaceted actor shaping its lane, steering norms, and anticipating friction. If India is being squeezed by trade reform at the WTO, by diplomatic pressure over Russia, and by bilateral negotiations with large economies, it is responding with a choreography of normative offers, negotiation discipline, and diplomatic nuance. Strategic autonomy is no longer a slogan; it is a tactical posture. Indias message comes across loud and clear: we will trade responsibly, not opportunistically; we will engage in global initiatives, not deflect them; we will assert our interests, not surrender them. This posture is especially critical because Indias multilateral footprint is expanding with institutionshaping spaces. In 2025, it has convinced even sceptics that its voice is consequential and its initiatives, from AI safety to trade alliances, are worth centralising. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD None of this is without strain. The geoeconomic environment is a maze of competing pressures: pressure to align with Western sanctions regimes, to commit to bilateral trade deals, to accelerate AI governance, and to stabilise border diplomacies. But India seems to have resolved a complex arithmetic: diplomacy that does not buy influence with submission, trade that does not cost sovereignty, tech engagement that does not sacrifice agency, and multilateralism that negotiates interest, not ideology. The key test lies ahead: can India engineer a degree of coherence across ministries, Commerce, Finance, External Affairs, and IT? Can it manage stakeholder friction between business communities aligned to greenhouse tech corridors and those tied to legacy energy relations with Russia? Can it maintain credibility on the world stage while cultivating domestic legitimacy? These questions are not rhetorical; they are strategic deadlines directed at policymaking systems, where alignment and execution define success. Ultimately, this is more than policy choreography; it is India redefining its global centre of gravity. When the US Congress debates whether India is aligned enough to merit exemption from sanctions, Delhis internal coordination across diplomatic, economic, and strategic lines becomes part of its national security calculus. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD When WTO multilateralism teeters, India can offer constructive reform, leadership or resistance. When AI norm debates emerge, India doesnt merely have a seat; it has proposals. India projects the kind of policy confidence few states of its standing enjoy. India stands assertive, multialignmentcentric, normatively engaged, and institutionally responsive. It is not the India of aspiration alone; it is the India of agency, reframing between autonomy and engagement, between principle and pragmatism. Amal Chandra is an author, political analyst and columnist. He posts on X at @ens_socialis. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. In the balmy blue expanse of the Indian Ocean, geography is destiny. Few countries exemplify this axiom better than the Maldives, a string of vulnerable islands perched just 400 kilometres south-west of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit saw its politics swinging from nationalistic bravado to regional pragmatism. India is a lifeline for the Maldives economically, strategically, and sometimes existentially. Equally, the geographical location of the Maldives is of great strategic interest for India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Muizzu administration came to power amid campaign bluster demanding India Outa slogan aimed squarely at the presence of a minor Indian military contingent and Indian involvement in national affairs. For a time, it appeared that Chinese investment and political overtures could fill whatever void India might leave behind. Beijing, keen to expand its Belt and Road footprint, signed infrastructure deals and seemed eager to deliver. But in office, Muizzu has been forced to triangulate. The islands routines of dependency have imposed themselves on decision-making. The core of this dependency is ignored only by the wilfully blind. Take potable water, a resource analysts regretfully call strategic in a thirsty archipelago. In 2014, when a fire disabled Males only desalination plant, India, within hours, launched Operation Neer, sending drinking water by plane and ship. Other essentials function in a similarly Indian orbit. A big proportion of staples for the Maldivian tablerice, flour, sugar, and vegetablescomes from India. Around 70 per cent of the medicines on Maldivian pharmacy shelves bear Indian labels, a fact underscored by Indias prompt medical assistance during the pandemics darkest days. Construction is largely an act of import substitution: cement and steel from the Indian state of Gujarat underpin the Maldives celebrated resorts. Even the fuel that powers government facilities and tourisms infrastructure comes, more often than not, from Indian refiners. Indian generosity is not purely altruistic; it is part of a carefully calibrated strategy for regional stability. New Delhis extension of a $565 million (over 5,000 crore) line of credit during Modis visit was complemented by the gifting of 100 military vehicles and, most notably, a 40 per cent reduction in Maldivian debt repayments. These gestures appear aimed not only at Male but also at small Indian Ocean states teetering under Chinas loans. Indias message, thinly veiled, is that it remains an engaged neighbour without the debt trap tendencies attributed to Beijing. Underpinning this economic largesse is the delicate but vital domain of security. The Muizzu government did, rhetorically and practically, demand the withdrawal of an Indian military presencea few helicopters, pilots, and medical teams. But few in Male believe that strategic cooperation is obsolete. For much of the last two decades, Indian military personnel have quietly supplied a reassuring counterweight to the regions instabilityresponding to terror threats, evacuating citizens, and delivering supplies during storms. If trust can be rebuilt, there is little doubt India could once more be invited to base a small, stabilising detachment on Male. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The diplomatic thaw is also boosting the engine of Maldivian prosperity: tourism. Indian visitors have long been an economic mainstay, accounting for a record 23 per cent of arrivals at the height of post-pandemic travel in 2021 and still second only to Russia in 2023 at around 11 per cent. As relations warm, Indian touristsbuoyed by rupee-rufiyaa payment schemes and new digital connectivityare again filling the resorts. Hoteliers expect their share to rise swiftly, restoring a crucial underpinning of the islands revenues. For India, the challenge is to translate geographical inevitability into goodwill, not resentment. Easing the debt overhang for Male, maintaining open lines of credit, and quickening disaster response all lend durable influence. Muizzus government is betting, sensibly, on triangulation. Engagement with China will continue and should not unduly concern New Delhi so long as core security interests are respected. But the underlying message is clear: in the Indian Ocean, the TINA factor rulesThere Is No Alternative to India, certainly not for the Maldives. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For all the rhetoric of India Out the Maldives best bet remains partnership, and for India, steady generosity will be the surest path to lasting influence in the archipelagos sunlit waters. The writer is a senior journalist with expertise in defence. Views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of Firstpost. Kargil Vijay Diwas must be celebrated in earnest across the world using all Indian embassies and consulates to mark bravery over deceit and honour in war as against the ugliness and crime of covert wars that is Pakistans forte. Image: PTI It is now 26 years since India won a heady victory in Kargil, pushing back Pakistani soldiers in a glacial cold in July 1999. The fight was one of sheer grit, fighting extremely treacherous terrain and an enemy sitting at the heights in sheltered bunkers. Few in the history of war have achieved such a remarkable victory, led from the front by young captains and followed literally to the death by their troops. While the anniversary deserves the homage of the whole country, it was actually just one episode, a marker perhaps, in a long line of such incursions that have plagued this country since the time of Partition. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Regular-Irregular Mix The patterns have been rather repetitive. A series of tribal incursions into Kashmir was followed on October 22, 1947, by a large group of trained tribals and regular Pakistan army personnel in a bid to get control over the state. The whole is detailed in a book by a decorated officer, Major General Akbar Khan, which, however, omits the rape and looting by the greedy invaders and the fierce resistance by the Kashmiris themselves. Khan was the original architect of a Pakistani strategy that continued for almost eight decades, using a mix of both irregulars and troops. A brilliant and ambitious man, he later tried to engineer a coup in the famous Rawalpindi conspiracy case, which arose in part due to the resentment of the ceasefire with India. He was jailed but was later co-opted by Prime Minister Zulfikar Bhutto to quell the furious Baloch. A violent man with a violent history, he set the stage for the Kashmir problem by the eventual occupation of a part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan called Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Pakistan got its pound of flesh, and instead of being satisfied with its lot, remained lusting for more. Following the same pattern came Operation Gibraltar", when the Pakistanis again organised a mixed force of irregularsnot non-state actors but men trained in warfare and headed by Pakistan army regularswhich was ended with the Soviet Union bringing about a meeting between the two sides at Tashkent. That declaration promised good neighbourliness and basically sought to restore the status quo ante. But Foreign Minister Bhutto by then had launched a fiery speech at the United Nations, appealing passionately to stop the war of aggression by India and demanding a plebiscite. Pakistan had started this war and all the others. Bhutto, meanwhile, was intent on sabotaging the Tashkent Agreement, and the reasons for that soon became apparent as he became the powerful and hugely popular prime minister on the back of President Ayub Khans humiliation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Pakistan Army Fights a War, and Loses The 1971 war was a blip in Pakistans warfighting, though it began with another genocide, this time not in Balochistan but in then East Pakistan, which sent a stream of refugees into India. This time India chose to up the ante in the west, even as it won a resounding victory with the help of the Bangladesh resistance. That led to the Shimla Agreement, which principally called for the Kashmir issue to be resolved in a strictly bilateral fashion and talked of furthering good neighbourliness and created the Line of Control to be respected by both sides. Naturally nothing of the kind happened. The wily Bhutto managed to get around the then Indian prime minister, promising eternal good behaviour if the 93,000 prisoners held by India were returned and the status quo ante restored. Worst, it left even the LoC undemarcated in the north, with a vague reference to a line ending at NJ9842. Why Indira Gandhi did not use this resounding military victory to end the Kashmir issue once and for all remains a mystery, and the fact that India had to launch an Operation Meghdoot to ensure that Siachen remained within its territory is now history. With Pakistan, the long view was clearly missing in Delhi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD And Then Regulars as Irregulars Once Pakistan acknowledged its nuclear capability to the world in 1987 in an interview given by AQ Khan, father of Pakistans nuclear Programme, (in 1998, Pakistan announced it conducted nuclear tests and became a nuclear state), its wars shifted towards the use of irregulars entirely, together with a large group of terrorists of different hues. There was the Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Jaish-e-Mohammad, whose men received training from the Pakistan army or ex-Pakistan army folks, and a group of others who were cannon fodder, particularly those from Kashmir on both sides. Reports of the Ministry of Home Affairs detail terrorism in Punjab from the 1980s, with Kashmir in flames thereafter. And then came Kargil. Excerpts from a thoroughly researched book by Nasim Zehra outlined how the Pakistanis tried thrice, at least, (not counting the 1965 war) to occupy the heights and that an ISI chief wanted to use ex-Afghanistan mujahideen and launch them into Kargil. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Another thought was to paradrop troops, which was negated by a rather sensible air force. In the event, Pakistani troopsagain disguised as irregulars or tribalssimply walked into vacated posts as Indian troops withdrew during winter. Tactically brilliant but strategically short-sighted. India used its air force, signalling its willingness to escalate, and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was forced to ask the US under President Clintonotherwise friendly to himto stop the war. Worse, the Pakistani army earned nothing but shame in its refusal to acknowledge the death of its own soldiers from the Northern Light Infantry. With this defeat, it went back to backing terrorism until 9/11, when an irate US president told Pakistan to shut its terror camps in a with us or against us ultimatum. General Pervez Musharraf was smart enough to oblige. Terrorism dropped to near nothing until the Mumbai attacks. Pakistan conducted a detailed investigation, with the international watchdog, the Financial Action Task Force, looking over its shoulder. Terror dropped but never ever stopped entirely. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Irregulars as Bait Fast forward to the present. Field Marshal Asim Munir changed tactics entirely. He used terrorists as bait in a horrific attack, fully expecting the Indian army to react. When it did, he used it to get a series of advantages, including his elevation to Field Marshal, sanction from the IMF for a huge step up in the defence budget, showered praise on the US for its intervention, and welcomed mediation. Pakistans position as president of the UN Security Council has been used astutely to shield the Terrorist Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taibba (LeT), and even recently a resolution at the UN Security Council, which, apart from calling for a pacific settlement of disputes, also noted with appreciation the work of the UNs Mediation Support Unit (MSU) and urged the Secretariat to ensure the availability of well-trained, experienced, independent, impartial, and geographically and linguistically diverse mediation experts at all levels. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Thats the way the wind is blowing. Expect that Pakistan will again try to pull India into a war that serves its interests in propagating mediation and projecting itself as a peaceful power. Never has there been such hypocrisy at the global level. Roll Out the Red Carpet All this from a state that has not kept to a single agreement in its violent life, not even the UN Conventions on Terrorism or bilateral agreements with its neighbours, including Iran. Kargil Vijay Diwas must be celebrated in earnest across the world using all our embassies and consulates to mark bravery over deceit and honour in war as against the ugliness and crime of covert wars that is Pakistans forte. Remember it was Indian troops who gave Pakistani soldiers an honourable burial when Rawalpindi refused to recognise them. Its also time to bring out the role of irregular warfare and the costs it imposes on the global system. Fund universities and think tanks focusing on the myriad criminal, moral, and deceptive aspects of terrorism. And above all, celebrate all our victories: 1965, 1971, Kargil, and even Sri Lanka. Its shameful that there is not even a monument to commemorate those who died in Indias peacekeeping operation in Sri Lanka. Ironically, Colombo does, but Delhi still shuffles its feet. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In Kashmir, observe in force a Black Day" in Kashmir on October 22, the day the raiders rolled in, and publicise the sacrifices of those Kashmiris who died fighting them. In sum, roll back the legacy of Akbar Khan and the ugly principles it stood for by reminding the country and the outside world that there are values to war and peace. As wars rage across the world, these have been forgotten. Time to take the lead in bringing back value systems that once united Asia. Let the world begin to heal. The author is Director (R&A) at the Centre for Land Warfare Studies. She tweets @kartha_tara. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Bangladesh and Pakistan have agreed to implement visa-free travel for each others diplomats and official passport holdersan unprecedented policy shift that marks the most explicit sign yet of Dhakas growing closeness to Islamabad In a move that has raised alarm across Bharat, Bangladesh and Pakistan have agreed to implement visa-free travel for each others diplomats and official passport holders. This policy shift marks the most explicit sign yet of Dhakas growing closeness to Islamabad, following the sudden and opaque ouster of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Framed officially as a gesture of Muslim brotherhood and regional solidarity, this development has far deeperand darkerimplications, especially for Bharat. To those familiar with Bangladeshs liberation struggle, the deal reeks of strategic capitulation and ideological drift. After all, this is the same Pakistan whose military committed unspeakable atrocities in 1971, the very trauma that gave birth to Bangladesh. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The symbolism is unmistakable: Post-Hasina Bangladesh is behaving like a Pakistani client state, seduced back into the orbit of the regime it broke free from five decades ago. And this isnt without precedent. Mujibs Dangerous Playbook What we are witnessing today echoes a disheartening chapter in Bangladeshs formative years. Just two years after leading a bloody struggle for independence, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman began realigning with Islamabada move that stunned Dhaka and Delhi alike. In 1974, Mujib gave a state welcome to Pakistani Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, offering him more honours than were extended to Bharats President, VV Giri, who had visited Dhaka only days earlier. President Giris reception was deliberately subduedovershadowed by preparations for Bhuttos visitleaving even Bangladeshis puzzled. This contrast wasnt merely accidental. It was a shift in the ideological direction of the state. Mujibs fiery Bengali nationalism began to give way to pan-Islamic overtones. Post-independence, his speeches, once invoking unity among Bengalis, started leaning heavily on Bangladeshs Muslim identity. The man who had once declared, I am a human being first, then a Bengali, and then a Muslim, had reversed that ordersignalling a fundamental redefinition of the countrys soul. The Aeroplane That Said It All Nothing illustrated Mujibs post-liberation hypocrisy better than the aircraft controversy surrounding his return from Pakistani captivity. Bharat had fought a brutal war and negotiated his release. It had even arranged its own aircraft to fly him home. Yet Mujib chose a British Royal Air Force (RAF) Comet instead. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The British celebrated it as a diplomatic coup, with Rae Britten, the British deputy high commissioner in Dhaka, terming it a considerable prestige. New Delhi was deeply slighted. The row exposed Mujibs desire to downplay Bharats foundational role in Bangladeshs freedomand to elevate the West and Islamic powers as future allies. The disregard didnt stop there. At a strategically important railway bridge inauguration shortly afterwardan infrastructure project executed in record time by Bharats engineers with liberal assistance from New DelhiMujib thanked the British for financial support but made no mention of its neighbouring country. He then left by helicopter, inviting only British High Commissioner Sir Arthur Gold aboard. Subimal Dutt, Bharats distinguished former foreign secretary and ambassador, was left to travel back in a crowded, non-VIP carriage, without food or official courtesy. Author Manash Ghosh, who was then reporting from Dhaka for The Statesman, writes about Subimal Dutts plight in Mujibs Blunders, one of the best books to come out in recent times. No food or water was served to him during the four-hour return journey. He (Dutt) was seen frequently dozing off and his head falling and resting on the shoulders of his co-passengers, who repeatedly woke him up, and he with folded hands sought their forgiveness. I go to bed early, hence the problem, he had gone on to explain embarrassingly, Ghosh adds. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Mujibs actions were seen as a calculated distancing from Bharat. After all, Subimal Dutt had played a great role in the reconstruction of Bangladesh post-liberation. Todays visa-free agreement with Pakistan carries the same symbolic weighta statement of ideological realignment. The Return of US-Pakistan Influence Since Sheikh Hasinas ouster, Bangladeshs new administration has moved swiftly to rehabilitate pro-Pakistani forces, many of them linked historically to Jamaat-e-Islami and other Islamist outfits banned by the previous dispensation. While this is being spun as democratic pluralism, it is, in reality, a deliberate erasure of the 1971 war consensus that built Bangladesh as a secular, pluralistic republic. The rollback has been quietly orchestrated by Washington, which had long viewed Hasina as an obstacle to its Indo-Pacific strategy. Her refusal to lease St Martins Island for a US naval base in the Bay of Bengal infuriated American policymakers. Enter Donald Lu, a US State Department official with a dubious reputation for regime change, and Ambassador Peter Haas, whose fingerprints are all over Dhakas recent political recalibration. Just as the CIA played a silent role in the events leading to Mujibs assassination in 1975, todays developments bear the mark of Washington-Islamabad collusion. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lessons from Mujibs Fall History offers a chilling warning. Mujibs appeasement of Pakistan and alienation of Bharat didnt save himthey isolated him. And now Mohammed Yunus, the economist-turned-administrator propped up by Western and Pakistani interests, is repeating the same fatal mistakes. Yunus weaponised anti-Bharat rhetoric, aided by the Pakistani ISI and the American deep state, to unseat Hasina. But nearly a year later, his administration is floundering amid economic chaos and rising insecurity. Minorities are being terrorised. And the middle class is losing hope amid a declining economy and rising joblessness. Having nothing to show, Yunus is now resorting to Islamist appeasement: invoking jihadist nostalgia, deepening ties with Islamabad, and empowering religious extremists. But as Mujibs downfall proves, this path leads to disaster. Sooner or later, he too will be consumed by the very fire he has ignited. Conclusion Bangladesh stands at a perilous juncture. It can choose ideological amnesiaforgetting war crimes, surrendering to foreign meddling, and embracing Islamist reactionism. Or, it can choose memory, justice, and sovereignty, rooted in the blood sacrifice of 1971 and anchored by Bharats principled friendship. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The choice now lies with the people of Bangladesh. They must confront the Islamist virus that re-emerges with intermittent regularity. This ideology returned for the first time just a couple of years after independence. And now, half a century later, it once again threatens to devour the republic from within. One hopes this is only a passing cloud. If not, Bangladesh risks walking the path to perditionabandoning its secular foundations, its democratic promise, and the very spirit of its liberation war. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. The companys revenue grew 14 per cent year-over-year to $96.4 billion, largely fueled by strong Google Cloud sales. The cloud division proved to be a major driver of growth, with revenue increasing 32 per cent from the previous year to $13.62 billion A Google logo is seen at a company research facility in Mountain View, California, U.S. Reuters Googles parent company, Alphabet, recorded a 19 per cent year-on-year growth in its net profit in the April-June quarter, worth $28.2 billion. The increase in the tech giants profit is attributable to the launch of Alphabets AI model, which has been going well. Alphabets performance in the previous quarter was driven by the expansion of its cloud computing division and the positive impact of its AI products. We had a standout quarter, with robust growth across the company. We are leading at the frontier of AI and shipping at an incredible pace. AI is positively impacting every part of the business, driving strong momentum, CEO Sundar Pichai said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The companys revenue grew 14 per cent year-over-year to $96.4 billion, largely fueled by strong Google Cloud sales. The cloud division proved to be a major driver of growth, with revenue increasing 32 per cent from the previous year to $13.62 billion. Cloud platform and AI emerge as stars of the show Alphabet has been witnessing a boom, and the credit goes to the high demand for Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and an expansion of its core products like AI infrastructure and generative AI solutions. To keep up with rising demand for its cloud products and AI-driven services, Alphabet has raised its capital expenditure forecast for 2025. The company now plans to invest around $85 billion this year, up from its earlier estimate of $75 billion. Anat Ashkenazi, chief financial officer (CFO) of Alphabet, said, Our updated outlook reflects additional investment in servers, the timing of delivery of servers, and an acceleration in the pace of data centre construction, primarily to meet cloud customer demand. The companys end-to-end AI search experience on Google, AI Mode, has been launched in the US and India, and has received positive feedback. AI Overview on Google now has over 2 billion monthly users in more than 200 countries. Still, some analysts warned that the higher spending may draw fresh scrutiny from investors, who have largely stayed on the sidelines this year. Alphabet shares are up just 0.5 per cent in 2025, trailing Microsofts 20 per cent increase and a 22 per cent rise in Meta stock, also held back by regulatory battles that are looking to break its illegal monopoly in the search and ad-tech markets. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies At least eight people were killed and over 13 others injured during what Iranian media called a terrorist attack on the countrys judiciary centre in Zahedan city At least eight people were killed and over 13 others injured during what Iranian media called a terrorist attack on the countrys judiciary centre in Zahedan city. According to AFP, the attack took place in the southeastern Iranian city on Saturday. As per the report, the attackers were later killed by security forces, and the rescue operation is currently underway. Among those killed were five civilians and three assailants when gunmen struck a judiciary building. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Unknown gunmen attacked the judiciary centre in Zahedan, the capital of southeastern Sistan Baluchistan province, the judiciarys Mizan Online said as quoted by AFP. Five people have been killed and 13 injured in this terrorist attack, it added. Attackers attempted to infiltrate the centre Iranian media stated that the attackers attempted to enter the building to scale a larger attack. The official IRNA news later confirmed that the three attackers were killed by the Iranian security forces. Alireza Daliri, deputy police commander of Sistan-Baluchistan province, told local reporters that the incident is under investigation. Meanwhile, multiple reports cited by AFP suggested that Jaish al-Adl (Arabic for Army of Justice), a Baloch jihadist group based in Pakistan but also active in Iran, claimed responsibility for the attack. The semi-official Fars news agency said that the assault may have involved a suicide bomber, with both gunfire and explosions reported near the courthouse. Citing eyewitnesses, the Baluch rights group HAALVSH claimed that multiple judiciary officials and security personnel were killed or wounded when the attackers attempted to storm the judges chambers. Cambodias ambassador to the UN, Chhea Keo, has said that the country has sought an unconditional ceasefire with Thailand, adding that Phnom Penh also wanted a peaceful solution to the dispute A Cambodian military personnel stands on a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher, around 40 km from the disputed Ta Moan Thom temple, after Thailand and Cambodia exchanged heavy artillery on Friday as their worst fighting in more than a decade stretched for a second day, in Oddar Meanchey province, Cambodia, July 25, 2025. Reuters Cambodia on Saturday called for an immediate ceasefire with Thailand, two days after deadly border clashes rocked the two South East Asian neighbours, killing at least 14 Thai people. Cambodias ambassador to the UN, Chhea Keo, has said that the country has sought an unconditional ceasefire with Thailand, adding that Phnom Penh also wanted a peaceful solution to the dispute. Thailand is yet to respond to Cambodias ceasefire proposal publicly. Earlier on Friday, the country declared martial law in eight districts bordering Cambodia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, Thailands foreign minister told Reuters that there is no need for third-party mediation for both countries to end their hostilities, as world leaders called for a ceasefire. 138,000 people evacuated in Thailand More than 138,000 people have been evacuated from Thailands border regions, its health ministry said, reporting 15 fatalities 14 civilians and a soldier with a further 46 wounded, including 15 troops. Fighting resumed in three areas around 4 am on Friday (2100 GMT Thursday), the Thai army said, with Cambodian forces firing heavy weapons, field artillery, and BM-21 rocket systems, and Thai troops responding with appropriate supporting fire. Thailand launched an airstrike against Cambodia following weeks of squabbling along the border, which culminated in an exchange of fire from both sides. The two sides have blamed each other for increasing hostilities along the border, with Thailand accusing Cambodia of its inhumane, brutal and war-hungry and Phnom Penh slamming Bangkok over unprovoked military aggression. Border dispute reaches UN At the UN, Cambodias envoy questioned Thailands assertion that his country, which is smaller and less militarily developed than its neighbour, had initiated the conflict. (The Security Council) called for both parties to (show) maximum restraint and resort to a diplomatic solution. That is what we are calling for as well, said Chhea Keo. None of the other attendees of the UNSC meeting spoke to reporters. Meanwhile, Thailand has shut its borders with Cambodia, with the countrys acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai saying that fighting now included heavy weapons and had spread to 12 locations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Brussels and Washington are reportedly nearing a potential agreement that could involve a 15 per cent US tariff on EU goods, with possible exemptions for key sectors US President Donald Trump sips Diet Coke from his wine glass after a toast, during a luncheon for world leaders at the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, US, September 25, 2018. File Image/Reuters US President Donald Trump on Friday (July 25) stated there was roughly a 50/50 chance, maybe less of reaching an agreement with the European Union to lower import tariffs, as he spoke to reporters before departing the White House for Scotland. Trump, aiming to reduce US trade deficits, has threatened punitive tariff increases on numerous countries unless they secure trade deals with Washington by August 1. 90 deals in 90 days His administration launched a 90 deals in 90 days initiative in April, postponing higher duties, but has so far announced only five agreements, including with Britain, Japan, and the Philippines. I would say that we have a 50/50 chance, maybe less than that, but a 50/50 chance of making a deal with the EU, Trump remarked. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The EUs 27 member states have tasked the European Commission with negotiating to avoid steep US tariffs, with Trump warning of 30 per cent levies if no deal is reached by the end of the month. According to multiple diplomats, Brussels and Washington are nearing a potential agreement that could involve a 15 per cent US tariff on EU goods, with possible exemptions for key sectors. EU readies retaliatory sanctions package However, on Thursday, EU states approved a retaliatory package targeting $109 billion (93 billion euros) of US goods, set to take effect on August 7 if negotiations fail. Trump claimed that most of the trade deals he sought were nearly finalised, though he clarified that his focus was on sending letters to impose tariffs on trading partners, not on negotiating comprehensive free trade agreements. He noted that tariffs, paid by importers rather than the exporting country, effectively act as a sales tax passed on to US consumers. I dont want to hurt countries, but were going to send a letter out some time during the week, and its basically going to say, Youre going to pay 10 percent, youre going to pay 15 percent, youre going to pay maybe less, I dont know, Trump explained. He added that his negotiators were working diligently with EU counterparts but expressed frustration with Canada, threatening a 35 per cent tariff and stating, we havent really had a lot of luck in those talks. Trump also mentioned that the US and China, its third-largest goods trading partner this year, have the confines of a deal in place. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chinas Premier Li Qiang called for urgent global consensus on artificial intelligence safety and governance, announcing a new international cooperation body. Chinese Premier Li Qiang is seen on a screen as he speaks at the opening ceremony of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai. AFP Chinas Premier Li Qiang warned on Saturday that the growth of artificial intelligence must be balanced against security risks, stating that global agreement was urgently required even as the technology race between Beijing and Washington showed no signs of slowing down. His comments come just days after US President Donald Trump launched an ambitious low-regulation policy aimed at solidifying the countrys dominance in the rapidly evolving area, vowing to remove red tape and onerous regulation that may stymie private sector AI development. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Opening the World AI Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai on Saturday, Li emphasised the importance of governance and open-source development, announcing the formation of a Chinese-led body for international AI cooperation. The risks and challenges brought by artificial intelligence have drawn widespread attention How to find a balance between development and security urgently requires further consensus from the entire society, the premier said. He gave no further details about the newly announced organisation, though state media later reported the preliminary consideration was that it would be headquartered in Shanghai. The organisation would promote global governance featuring extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, state news agency Xinhua reported, without elaborating on its set-up or mechanisms. At a time when AI is being integrated across virtually all industries, its uses have raised major questions, including about the spread of misinformation, its impact on employment and the potential loss of technological control. In a speech at WAIC on Saturday, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Geoffrey Hinton compared the situation to keeping a very cute tiger cub as a pet. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD To survive, he said, you need to ensure you can train it not to kill you when it grows up. Pledge to share AI advances The enormous strides AI technology has made in recent years have seen it move to the forefront of the US-China rivalry. Premier Li said China would actively promote the development of open-source AI, adding Beijing was willing to share advances with other countries, particularly developing ones. If we engage in technological monopolies, controls and blockage, artificial intelligence will become the preserve of a few countries and a few enterprises, he said. Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu warned against unilateralism and protectionism at a later meeting. Washington has expanded its efforts in recent years to curb exports of state-of-the-art chips to China, concerned that they can be used to advance Beijings military systems and erode US tech dominance. Li, in his speech, highlighted insufficient supply of computing power and chips as a bottleneck to AI progress. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD China has made AI a pillar of its plans for technological self-reliance, with the government pledging a raft of measures to boost the sector. In January, Chinese startup DeepSeek unveiled an AI model that performed as well as top US systems despite using less powerful chips. Defining test In a video message played at the WAIC opening ceremony, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said AI governance would be a defining test of international cooperation. The ceremony saw the French presidents AI envoy, Anne Bouverot, underscore an urgent need for global action and for the United Nations to play a leading role. Bouverot called for a framework that is open, transparent and effective, giving each and everyone an opportunity to have their views taken into account. Lis speech posed a clear contrast to the Trump administrations America First view on AI and the US measures announced this week, said WAIC attendee George Chen, a partner at Washington-based policy consultancy The Asia Group. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The world is now clearly divided into at least three camps: the United States and its allies, China (and perhaps many Belt and Road or Global South countries), and the EU which prefers regulating AI through legislation, like the EU AI Act, Chen told AFP. At an AI summit in Paris in February, 58 countries including China, France and India as well as the European Union and African Union Commission called for enhanced coordination on AI governance. But the United States warned against excessive regulation, and alongside the United Kingdom, refused to sign the summits appeal for an open, inclusive and ethical AI. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed gratitude for Pakistans partnership in countering terrorism and preserving regional stability as he hosted Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday (July 25) in Washington, lauding the latter for Islamabads alleged role in counter terrorism operations. The two leaders Friday gathered for comprehensive discussions aimed at bolstering US-Pakistan relations, enhancing trade ties, and addressing regional security challenges, according to their statements to the press. In a post on X, Rubio expressed gratitude for Pakistans partnership in countering terrorism and preserving regional stability and highlighted the focus of their talks on expanding bilateral trade and fostering deeper cooperation in the critical minerals and mining sectors. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Met with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister @MIshaqDar50 today to discuss expanding bilateral trade and enhancing collaboration in the critical minerals sector. I also thanked him for Pakistans partnership in countering terrorism and preserving regional pic.twitter.com/QZB9RZwIA8 Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) July 25, 2025 US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that Rubio commended Pakistans continued willingness to play a constructive role in mediating conversations with Iran and its commitment to preserving regional stability. The leaders also explored preparations for the upcoming US-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue, scheduled for August in Islamabad, with a focus on strengthening joint efforts against terrorist groups like ISIS-K to enhance regional security. Rubio underscored the need for expanding mutually beneficial bilateral trade and exploring opportunities for collaboration in the minerals sector, which is increasingly vital due to global demand for critical resources. According to Arab News, Dars eight-day US visit includes chairing several United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meetings, as Pakistan holds the rotating presidency this month. TRFs designation as terror outfit The meeting follows Rubios recent announcement that the US will designate The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy for the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), as both a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). The TRF had claimed responsibility for the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, which resulted in 26 deaths. Driven primarily by Apple iPhones, India now accounts for one in every three smartphones imported by the US, amid ongoing trade negotiations with Washington. Indias share of US smartphone imports skyrocketed to nearly 36 per cent in the first five months of 2025, up from just 11 per cent in 2024. On the other hand, Chinas dominance in the sector weakened, with its share falling from 82 per cent to 49 per cent. Driven primarily by Apple iPhones, India now accounts for one in every three smartphones imported by the US, amid ongoing trade negotiations with Washington. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite smartphones being Indias top export to the US by value, US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Indian-made iPhones. According to the US International Trade Commission (USITC), US imports of Indian-made smartphones soared to 21.3 million units from January to May 2025, a more than threefold increase year-on-year, with a value of $9.35 billiona 182 per cent rise compared to the $7 billion recorded for all of 2024. In May, Apple CEO Tim Cook noted that most iPhones sold in the US during the April-June quarter were expected to originate from India, where about 20 per cent of Apples global iPhone production capacity is now located. Chinas share shrinks China, meanwhile, saw its smartphone exports to the US drop by 27 per cent year-on-year to 29.4 million units, valued at approximately $10 billion. Behind China (49 per cent) and India (36 per cent), Vietnam held a 14 per cent share, exporting 8.3 million units. 2020-A turning point Apples shift toward India began in 2020, spurred by the Indian governments Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which has significantly boosted smartphone manufacturing. Apple, through its contract manufacturers, has been the primary beneficiary, enabling it to diversify production away from China. Initially producing older iPhone models in India, Apple now manufactures its entire lineup, including the premium Pro range. Trumps pressure Trump has criticised Apples growing reliance on India for US-bound exports. In a May social media post, he stated, I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhones that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else. If that is not the case, a tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the US. Thank you for your attention to this matter. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite this, Apple is pressing ahead with its India expansion, with its contract manufacturer Foxconn announcing a $1.49 billion investment in Yuzhan Technologies (India) Pvt Ltd in May, as reported to the London Stock Exchange. The new facility is slated for Tamil Nadu, where Foxconn already operates a major iPhone production hub. An aid vessel launched by the Freedom Flotilla, carrying 19 activists and two journalists, is nearing Gaza in defiance of Israels blockade. Named Handala, the boat could face interception like its predecessor Madleen, as tensions mount over humanitarian access. The Freedom Flotilla ship "Handala" as it leaves for Gaza at a port in Syracuse, Sicily, southern Italy. AFP The activist group Freedom Flotilla announced Saturday that its latest aid boat dispatched to Gaza was approaching the territory and planned to land there the following morning in defiance of an Israeli blockade. The vessel, named the Handala after a popular Palestinian cartoon character, was just 105 nautical miles (194 kilometres) from its destination, organisers said closer to Gaza than its predecessor the Madleen was when it was intercepted in June. The Israeli navy said it would likewise block the new vessel from reaching the war-torn Palestinian territory. The [Israeli army] enforces the legal maritime security blockade on the Gaza Strip and is prepared for a wide range of scenarios, which it will act upon in accordance with directives of the political echelon, an army spokesperson told AFP on Saturday. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Carrying 19 activists and two journalists from various countries, the Handala first set sail from Sicily on July 13 in a bid to break the Israeli blockade on Gaza and deliver aid to its population. The territory is facing severe shortages of food and other essentials, with the United Nations and NGOs warning of an imminent famine. The Handalas crew said in a post on X that they would go on a hunger strike if the Israeli army intercepted the boat and detained its passengers. The last boat sent by Freedom Flotilla, the Madleen, was intercepted by the Israeli army in international waters on June 9 and towed to the Israeli port of Ashdod. It carried 12 campaigners on board, including prominent Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. Warnings of starvation in Gaza have intensified this week. Nine more people died of malnutrition on Friday, according to the territorys Hamas-run health ministry - bringing the total such deaths since the war began to 122 Displaced Palestinian mother Samah Matar holds her malnourished son Youssef, who suffers from cerebral palsy, at a school where they shelter amid a hunger crisis, in Gaza City. Reuters Gaza is facing its worst humanitarian crisis, with the UNs World Food Programme saying, Malnutrition is surging with 90,000 women and children in urgent need of treatment. Warnings of starvation in Gaza have intensified this week. Nine more people died of malnutrition on Friday, according to the territorys Hamas-run health ministry - bringing the total such deaths since the war began to 122. France and the UK have called on Israel to immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid into the territory. In a joint statement, the two countries said, Withholding essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD UN Chief Antonio Guterres said he could not explain the level of indifference and inaction we see by too many in the international community - the lack of compassion, the lack of truth, the lack of humanity. Trump asks Israel to finish the job Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has called on Israel to escalate its military conflict to finish the job against Hamas, days after withdrawing his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and other negotiators from ceasefire talks. I think they want to die, and its very, very bad. It got to be to a point where youre gonna have to finish the job, Trump said, referring to Hamas, as he embarked on his four-day private visit to Scotland. The presidents comments signal a shift in his tone from negotiation to war mongering as ceasefire talks failed earlier this week. Theyre gonna have to fight and theyre gonna have to clean it up. Youre gonna have to get rid of em, Trump told Israel. Gaza truce talks Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire have reached an impasse, more than two weeks after they began. A Hamas official on Friday accused US envoy Steve Witkoff of reneging on Washingtons positions and distorting reality after he announced the United States withdrawal from Gaza truce talks and accused the group of blocking a deal. The negative statements of the US envoy Witkoff run completely counter to the context in which the last negotiations were held, and he is perfectly aware of this, but they come to serve the Israeli position, said Hamas political bureau member Bassem Naim in an interview with AFP. With inputs from agencies STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Maxwells lawyer, David Markus, say there were no offers of clemency made to Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence on sex trafficking charges The US Justice Departments deputy chief conducted a second day of questioning Friday with Ghislaine Maxwell, the imprisoned accomplice of late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, whose infamous case has dragged President Donald Trump into a political firestorm. Todd Blanche, who is also Trumps former personal attorney, has so far declined to say what he discussed with Maxwell in the highly unusual meetings between a convicted felon and a top DOJ official.Maxwells lawyer, David Markus, said Friday afternoon that she was asked about everything and answered every single question during the second day of questioning at a courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida. They asked about every single, every possible thing you could imagine, Markus told reporters outside the courtroom, without elaborating. But he did say there were no offers of clemency made to Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence on sex trafficking charges. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump is looking to move past the Epstein scandal, which has seen him on rare unsure footing over claims his administration mishandled a review of the notorious case. On Friday, Trump again sought to put distance between himself and Epstein, the disgraced financier who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. I have nothing to do with the guy, Trump, whose past friendship with Epstein has received much media attention this week, told reporters ahead of a visit to Scotland. Never briefed Trump urged journalists to focus instead on Democratic Party figures like former president Bill Clinton and his treasury secretary, former Harvard president Larry Summers, whom the Republican claimed were really close friends of Epstein. Asked whether he was considering a pardon or commutation of Maxwells 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking, Trump said it was something I havent thought about but stressed he had the power to do so. He also denied multiple US media reports that he was briefed in the spring by Attorney General Pam Bondi that his name appeared multiple times in the so-called Epstein Files. No, I was never never briefed, no, Trump said. Multi-millionaire Epstein was accused of procuring underage girls for sex with his circle of wealthy, high-profile associates when he died by suicide in a New York jail cell. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD His death fueled conspiracy theories that he was murdered to stop him testifying against prominent accomplices. Trump, who had promised his supporters revelations about the case, infuriated some after his administration announced in early July that it had not discovered any new elements warranting the release of additional documents. The Department of Justice and the FBI said there was no proof that there was a list of Epsteins clients, while affirming he died by suicide. Scapegoat? Ahead of the second round of questioning, Markus told reporters Ghislaine has been treated unfairly for over five years now and described her as a scapegoat. Everything she says can be corroborated and shes telling the truth. Shes got no reason to lie at this point and shes going to keep telling the truth, he added. Maxwell, the only former Epstein associate who has been convicted, was jailed in 2022 for grooming underage girls between 1994 and 2004 so that Epstein could sexually exploit them. Her lawyer said she still intended to appeal her conviction in the Supreme Court. The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that Trumps name was among hundreds found during a DOJ review of Epsteins case files, though there has not been evidence of wrongdoing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump filed a $10 billion defamation suit against the Journal last week after it reported that he had penned a sexually suggestive letter to Epstein for his 50th birthday in 2003. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson cut short the legislative session this week, sending lawmakers home on summer recess a day early to avoid potentially combustible debate particularly among Trumps Republicans on the release of files. Wildfires, many of them destructive, have become a common occurrence in Greece in recent years. Several have broken out in the past month Blazes burn trees during a wildfire, in the northwestern suburb of Kryoneri, in Athens, Greece. AP A wildfire burned through a northern suburb of the Greek capital of Athens on Saturday and some residents were ordered to evacuate, the countrys Fire Service reported. Residents of the town of Kryoneri, 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) northeast of Athens received three SMS messages to evacuate to safe areas, Fire Service spokesman Vassilis Vathrakoyannis told reporters. Greek media have shown houses on fire. The spokesman said there have been reports of damages. We will take stock when the fires have been put out. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The real difficulties are ahead of us, Vathrakoyannis said, adding that Greece has asked for six firefighting planes from the European Unions Civil Protection Mechanism. On site, 145 firefighters and 44 fire engines, 10 firefighting planes and seven helicopters are attempting to put out the fire, whose origin is unknown. Four ambulances are treating at least five residents, most of them elderly with respiratory problems. Temperatures reaching, or exceeding, 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit), dry conditions and high winds are fanning the flames. Under such conditions wildfires expand very quickly and become dangerous. These conditions are expected to prevail over the coming days, Vathrakoyannis said. The fire service is also dealing with three other major fires in the southwest on Greeces two largest islands Crete in the south and Evia north of Athens and also on the island of Kythera, northwest of Crete. At least 335 firefighters, 19 planes and 13 helicopters are involved, but can only operate in daylight. In total, 52 wildfires broke out across the country over the past 24 hours, the spokesman said. Wildfires, many of them destructive, have become a common occurrence in Greece in recent years. Several have broken out in the past month. Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munirs sudden change of travel plans by skipping his tour to Sri Lanka and rushing to China has the potential to garner the attention of both India and the United States, but also reflects Islamabads dependence on Beijing India keeps a close eye on the recent change in travel plans by Pakistans Army Chief and the newly appointed Field Marshal Asim Munir. The Pakistani army chief recently skipped his scheduled trip to Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Instead, he rushed to Beijing to meet Chinas foreign minister and other military officials. The visit is being seen as a balancing act since it came at a time when Pakistans deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, is in Washington to meet the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During the meeting between Munir and Wang Yi, the latter reportedly expressed concerns about the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects and institutions in Pakistan. How is the visit being perceived? Experts told The Economic Times that Pakistans military is attempting to work a fine balance between the US and China with an eye on countering India and asserting its relevance in South Asia. On Thursday, MEA MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh said India has repeatedly raised its concerns regarding the US support to Pakistans military infrastructure. Government of India closely monitors all military and security-related developments in its neighbourhood and regularly takes up our concerns in this regard in our interactions with our partners at an appropriate level, the Indian minister said in reply to a question. With Munir prioritising China over Sri Lanka and Indonesia, one thing remains clear: Islamabad remains heavily dependent on Beijing and can easily be swayed by China. This begs the question for Washington, DC, whether ties with Pakistan are really worth it or not. When the then-Pakistani DGMO came to Attari to meet his Indian counterpart during the Kargil War, he said something so unusual that it reflected Pakistans defeat in the 1999 conflict. Heres what he said. As India commemorates Kargil Vijay Divas, a retired senior Army officer recalled what happened when the then-Pakistani DGMO arrived in India to meet his Indian counterpart. As Pakistani troops started to struggle in early July 1999, then-PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee called his Pakistani counterpart, Nawaz Sharif, and asked him to send Pakistans Director General Military Operations (DGMO) for talks with the Indian DGMO. In the meeting, India aimed to convey to Pakistan the plan for their full pull-back beyond the Line of Control (LoC). For the talks, then-Indian DGMO Lt Gen Nirmal Chander Vij (retd), accompanied by then-deputy DGMO Brig Mohan Bhandari (retd) to meet Pakistani DGMO Lt Gen Tauqir Zia (retd). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, what was interesting was the fact that the Pakistani DGMO came all alone for the meeting at Attari. This meeting was significant since this was the first time the two DGMOs came face to face during the Kargil War. While speaking to The Times of India, Bhandari recalled a peculiar interaction with Zia. Miyan Saab ne joote khane ke liye akele bhej diya Bhandari, who later retired as Lt Gen and now lives in Ranikhet, recalled that he was surprised seeing Lt Gen Zia arriving alone, saying it was something highly unusual for DGMO meetings. As per the schedule, we left Delhi at 6.30 am on July 11 for Amritsar, where we reached around 8.15 am. From there, we boarded a chopper to Attari. After reaching the meeting spot, when I went to check on the Pakistani side, I saw Zia standing by himself, smoking, his cap askew, the retired Indian Lt. General told TOI on Saturday. As I met him earlier about 3-4 times during talks on Siachen, I asked him, Ye kya hai Tauqir akele? (How come you are alone?) He replied, Kya karun? Miyan Saab ne joote khane ke liye akele bhej diya(What could I have done? Miyan Saab sent me alone to take the blows), he averred, adding that Miyan Saab was a reference to then-Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif. Bhandari mentioned that the protocol did not allow the Indian DGMO to meet his Pakistani counterpart without any accompanying delegation. I asked Zia to call over personnel from the Pak Rangers, stationed at the border, for formalitys sake. Three officers joined him. But despite that, we deliberately made them wait for 10 minutes as we all were angry with what they did in Kargil amid the ongoing peace talks between the two sides. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The war could have concluded before Bhandari told TOI that the meeting between the two DGMOs went on for three hours, during which the Indian DGMO gave them directions on the Dos and Donts while fully retreating beyond LoC. Zia and his three associates just took notes without saying anything, for obvious reasons as they were on the losing side when our DGMO asked if they had any doubt, Zia just replied, No doubt, Bhandari revealed. Bhandari recalled that one of the conditions laid by Lt Gen Nirmal Chander Vij, the veteran who served for nearly 40 years in the Army, was that the Pakistanis were not supposed to lay landmines while retreating from Indian territory, but they did the exact opposite. Against the accepted conditions, they continued to attack our troops in various skirmishes, and we decided to teach them a lesson by carrying out heavy shelling on their posts across LoC from July 15 to 24. It was only then that they fully pulled back, and the conflict officially ended on July 25. If they had accepted the conditions in the first place without further violence, it would have ended by July 16 or 17, Bhandari recalled. French President Emmanuel Macrons bid to recognise a Palestinian state could shift power dynamics in West Asia, pressure Western allies and revive long-stalled peace efforts amid growing frustration over the ongoing war in Gaza. French President Emmanuel Macrons announcement to officially recognise a Palestinian state this September may not immediately alter realities in Gaza or halt Israels war but it has injected new momentum into the global debate over peace and statehood in West Asia, especially at a time when the United States and Israel have stepped back from diplomacy, blaming Hamas for failing to reach a deal and stating that they would consider alternative options. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If implemented, France will become the first Western permanent member of the United Nations Security Council to grant such recognition, joining China and Russia. This could shift power dynamics within the council and add pressure on Western allies to reconsider their positions. Macrons announcement follows months of failed attempts to build consensus with G7 allies like the UK and Canada. While those efforts faltered due to fears of antagonising the United States, France has decided to move ahead unilaterally. French diplomats say the country will now attempt to bring others on board ahead of a broader peace-focused conference in September. Although symbolic, Macrons move highlighted a growing frustration with military-led approaches to the crisis. With war continuing in Gaza, peace talks dormant and civilian casualties mounting, the French president has sought to revive the long-stalled two-state solution as the only credible path to a lasting resolution. The prospect of a negotiated solution seems increasingly distant. I cannot resign myself to that, Macron wrote to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, reaffirming his countrys intent. He added that recognising Palestine is essential to keeping diplomatic options alive and meeting the legitimate aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians. Macrons decision also serves a domestic purpose: addressing mounting public pressure over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. But given Frances influential position in the EU and the UN Security Council, its move could ripple far beyond its borders. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Strategic analysts note that Macrons timing is deliberate. With less than two years left in office, he is seeking to define his legacy in foreign policy. His decision comes at a moment when US-led efforts have largely stalled, and Israel has shown little appetite for negotiations. The United States and the UK, still opposed to recognising Palestinian statehood, could soon find themselves isolated on the Security Council if more countries follow Frances lead. This could set a diplomatic precedent among Western powers, David Rigoulet-Roze of the French Institute of Strategic Analysis told AP. France would be the first G7 nation and the most influential European power to endorse Palestinian statehood, lending the move symbolic and geopolitical weight. Already, 147 countries have recognised Palestine; France would be the 148th, and the most powerful among them in Europe. While Germany has ruled out recognition and the UK has no immediate plans to follow suit, Macrons initiative may force a re-evaluation among Western capitals. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Israel and the United States have denounced the move, accusing Macron of rewarding Hamas following its October 7, 2023 attack that triggered the ongoing war. Trump has dismissed the announcement as inconsequential, although he softened his tone by calling Macron a good guy. With Gaza in ruins and Israeli settlement expansion continuing in the West Bank, hopes for a viable two-state solution may seem distant. Yet Macrons recognition bid could redefine the contours of diplomacy, forcing difficult conversations in Western capitals and possibly creating new space for negotiations in the long run. With inputs from agencies Thousands took to the streets of Kuala Lumpur, chanting of Turun Anwar, demanding Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahims resignation, citing economic hardships and broken reform promises. People march during a protest calling for Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to resign in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Reuters Thousands of people demonstrated in Malaysias capital on Saturday to demand Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahims resignation, as public frustration builds over growing living costs and claims of failure to implement promised changes. Protesters, mostly dressed in black t-shirts and bandannas with the slogan Turun Anwar, or Step Down Anwar, marched through the heart of Kuala Lumpur before gathering in Independence Square to hear speeches from top opposition leaders. Police estimated that at least 18,000 people were in attendance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Anwar, who ran on a reformer platform before entering office in November 2022, has faced criticism for steps aimed at increasing government revenue, including as an expanded sales and services tax and subsidy modifications, which some believe could result in a spike in consumer costs. In an effort to alleviate concerns about growing expenses, the premier announced a cash handout, increased aid for low-income households and a vow to lower fuel prices this week. Protester Nur Shahirah Leman, 23, a member of an Islamic student group, expressed concern that increased taxes and higher power rates placed on major firms will eventually be passed on to consumers. These taxes are levied on manufacturers, so it would automatically affect the prices of food, she said. Anwar has also faced claims of judicial interference and doubts over his commitment to anti-corruption efforts, after prosecutors dropped graft charges against several figures allied to the government and following a recent delay in the appointment of the countrys top judges. Anwar has repeatedly denied interfering in the courts. Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who turned 100 this month, joined the rally and accused Anwar of misusing his position to prosecute political rivals, charges the premier has previously rejected. Those who are innocent are charged, those who have done wrong are let go, Mahathir told the crowd. Mahathir and Anwar, his former protege-turned-rival, have been locked in an intense feud that has dominated Malaysian politics for nearly three decades. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The pair mended fences to oust the long-ruling Barisan Nasional government in 2018, but their coalition collapsed in less than two years amid infighting. India has announced a fresh line of credit for the Maldives worth $565 million and the two countries signed an agreement to reduce their annual debt repayment burden by 40 per cent Prime Minister Narendra Modis first day in the Maldives was productive, as Male seeks to reset ties with India after a year of heightening tensions between the two countries that disrupted tourism in the island nation. India has announced a fresh line of credit for the Maldives worth $565 million and the two countries signed an agreement to reduce their annual debt repayment burden by 40 per cent. PM Modi arrived in Male on Friday and was received by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu at the airport. After a day of meetings, both leaders affirmed their commitment to a bilateral investment pact and a free trade agreement. India and the Maldives also signed seven MoUs and agreements. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India-Maldives ties as deep as the ocean The two sides sealed six pacts in the fields of fisheries and aquaculture, meteorology, digital public infrastructure, UPI, Indian pharmacopoeia, and for Indias concessional line of credit to the island nation. For us, it is always friendship first, Modi said in his media statement, adding the roots of our relations are older than history, and as deep as the ocean. The outcomes of the Modi-Muizzu talks signalled a major turnaround in the relationship after a spell of unease and tension. The renewed intensity in the ties assumes significance as Muizzu came to power in November 2023 on the back of an India Out campaign. In his comments, Muizzu appreciated Indias pivotal role in supporting the Maldives to manage its economic challenges. Indias continued assistance to the Maldives through the export of essential commodities is a key facet of our bilateral cooperation under the long-standing trade agreement, he said. Held very fruitful discussions with President Muizzu. Maldives is at the core of our Neighbourhood First and Mahasagar Vision. Our discussion covered several sectors, notably commercial and cultural linkages. We both agree that the India-Maldives friendship will always be pic.twitter.com/wNlXkx3suz Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 25, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Modi and Muizzu also jointly inaugurated a number of India-assisted projects, including a new defence ministry building in Male, roads and drainage systems in Addu city and 3,300 housing units in Hulhumale. The prime minister also handed over 72 vehicles and equipment for use by the Maldives National Defence Force. Refresh for updates. Pakistans Deputy Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar backed the USs move to designate The Resistance Front (TRF) as a terrorist organisation. This marked a significant shift from Dars previous stance on the Pakistan-based terror group Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar backed the United States decision to designate Lashkar-backed The Resistance Front (TRF) as a terrorist organisation. This marked a significant shift from Dars previous stance on the Pakistan-based terror group. It is pertinent to note that it was TRF that claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. The attack that rocked India claimed the lives of 26 innocent people. While speaking at an event in Washington, Dar said that Pakistan has no objection" to the US designation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, he went on to claim that linking TRF with Lashkar-e-Taiba is wrong," without giving any evidence for his assertion. It is a sovereign decision of the United States to designate the TRF. We have no issue. And we welcome, if they have any evidence, that they are involved," Dar said at the event organised by the Atlantic Council. I questioned Pakistan's Foreign Minister in Washington I asked about TRF - the group responsible for the Pahalgam attacks which PAK defended at the UN PAK before: "We don't consider TRF illegal. Show proof" PAK now: "US has listed TRF as a terror group. We have no objection" pic.twitter.com/D3fdfX9qUU Shashank Mattoo (@MattooShashank) July 26, 2025 The change in stance Earlier in April, Dar told Pakistans parliament that Islamabad had prevented the inclusion of TRF in the United Security Council (UNSC) resolution that condemned the Pahalgam terror attack. We opposed the mention of TRF in the UNSC statement. I got calls from global capitals, but Pakistan will not accept. TRF was deleted, and Pakistan prevailed," Dar had said. At that time, the Pakistani foreign minister also maintained that Pakistan would need more substantial evidence regarding the TRFs involvement in terror activities. Even while responding to the question posed by The Hindustan Times on Friday, Dar defended his claim, saying there was no conclusive proof then to warrant TRFs inclusion in the UN Security Council statement. It is pertinent to note that India designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a terrorist outfit under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in January 2023. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The terror group surfaced back in 2019 through online announcements and has since claimed responsibility for several attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, including a grenade attack in Srinagar that injured seven civilians, and a series of targeted killings in 2021. Britains proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is not included in the FTA with India because London has not yet formally notified the tax. The free trade agreement between India and the UK does not cover Britains proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). However, officials stated on Friday (July 25) that if such a tax is introduced later, India will have the right to take measures to offset its impact on domestic exports, reported Economic Times. The CBAM is not included in the agreement because Britain has not yet formally notified the tax. In December 2023, the UK announced plans to implement the CBAM starting in 2027. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The issue was raised during negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). If it is implemented and negates the trade benefits of India under the agreement, India will have the freedom to rebalance it. We can take counterbalancing measures. This much understanding has been made in the form of note verbale, an official was quoted as saying by the ET.. A note verbale refers to a diplomatic communication exchanged between two countries. There is an understanding that in case the UK make it effective against India in future, then we will also have the right to take counterbalance measures India can take away the concessions and there will be a mechanism for that, the official further noted. India is also engaged in discussions with the European Union, which is planning its own CBAM. The two parties are negotiating a trade agreement, expected to be finalised this year. India has labelled the CBAM as a trade barrier. A carbon tax is considered a non-tariff barrier. The European Union has already implemented such a tax on imports exceeding a specific carbon emission threshold. For every tonne of excess carbon emission, a levy ranging from 1 to 100 per tonne is imposed. India and the United Kingdom (UK) signed the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Thursday (July 24) during PM Narendra Modis visit to the UK. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD New Delhi and London concluded talks in May to reach a bilateral Free Trade Agreement, discussions for which first began in January 2022. As per the British government estimates, the FTA will boost its GDP by 4.8 billion ($6.5 billion) annually. Indian exports to the UK are expected to double by 2030. A different battle is already unfolding online, as citizens from both Thailand and Cambodia engage in fierce, hostile exchanges on social media platforms Royal Thai Army soldiers are pictured on armoured vehicles on a road in Chachoengsao province. Thailand launched air strikes on Cambodian military targets on July 24 as Cambodia fired rockets and artillery. AFP The deadly border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia this week, which claimed over a dozen lives, have heightened fears of a full-scale conflict in the region. The clashes have already prompted regional governments to work urgently to prevent war. Yet, a different battle is already unfolding online, as citizens from both nations engage in fierce, hostile exchanges on social media platforms. Tensions, which have been simmering since a skirmish in May killed a Cambodian soldier, escalated dramatically with Thursdays deadly attacks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Conflict enters digital realm The longstanding rivalry between Thai and Cambodian nationalists, often centred on disputes over cultural heritagesuch as temples, territories, traditional dances, costumes, food, and sportshas now spilt into the digital realm with renewed intensity. Young people from both sides are fueling the conflict online, trading insults and defending their governments narratives in the comment sections of social media posts. One Cambodian user wrote, Justice for Cambodia, on a TikTok video attempting to explain the conflict, adding, Thai troops opened fire on Cambodian forces first. A Thai user shot back, [Whos] gonna trust [what] the largest scammer country said?"a jab at Cambodias notorious scam centres that have ensnared countless victims. Another Thai user, rallying support on X, posted, Cambodia fired at Thailand first. This is the truth. Join in using the hashtag #CambodiaOpenedFire, in a message that garnered a million views. Cambodians, in response, have taken to using the hashtag Thailand opened fire while sharing their own videos about the conflict. Deepening divisions The deteriorating relationship between the two nations has reached its lowest point in a decade, with both governments imposing travel restrictions and bolstering military presence along their shared border since May. The escalating online rhetoric has raised alarms about deepening divisions between the two countries populations. In a rare joint statement issued in May, Thai and Cambodian journalists associations warned that social media users have circulated information without clear sources and caused confusion. They called on users to carefully consider the potential consequences of sharing inflammatory content related to the border dispute. As Cambodia pushes for a ceasefire, it remains uncertain whether the online aggression will subside. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Complicating matters, influential political figures from both sides, active on social media, are also trading barbs. Thailands former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, a polarising populist, posted on X about offers to mediate the conflict but added, But I asked for some time because I have to let the Thai military teach Hun Sen a lesson for his cunningness. Cambodias former leader Hun Sen, still a dominant force in Cambodian politics, fired back on Friday via his X account, stating, I am not surprised by Thaksins attitude toward me, because he has even betrayed the Thai King, as well as members of his own party. Now, under the pretext of taking revenge on Hun Sen, he is resorting to war, the ultimate consequence of which will be the suffering of the people. While Dar asserted that a trade deal between the two countries would take just a few days, Rubio did not mention a timeline. The US State Department and Pakistans foreign ministry said the two stressed in their discussion the importance of expanding trade and ties in critical minerals and mining Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that the country is very close to securing a trade deal with the US, although the US has made no such announcement. Dars comment came after he held a bilateral meeting with US State Secretary Marco Rubio on Friday. I think we are very close to finalising a deal with US. Our teams have been here in Washington, discussing, having virtual meetings and a committee has been tasked by the prime minister to fine-tune now, the foreign minister said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While Dar asserted that a trade deal between the two countries would take just a few days, Rubio did not mention a timeline. The US State Department and Pakistans foreign ministry, in separate statements after Rubios meeting with Dar, said the two stressed in their discussion the importance of expanding trade and ties in critical minerals and mining. A post by Rubio on X after the meeting and the State Departments statement mentioned no timeline for finalising a trade deal. Met with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister @MIshaqDar50 today to discuss expanding bilateral trade and enhancing collaboration in the critical minerals sector. I also thanked him for Pakistans partnership in countering terrorism and preserving regional pic.twitter.com/QZB9RZwIA8 Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) July 25, 2025 Meanwhile, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has said that India and the US are finalising the first tranche of a mutually beneficial, multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). Replying to a question posed by the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, MEA said that trade teams from both the nations are currently engaged in negotiations on the BTA and discussions are aimed at adopting an integrated approach to further strengthen and deepen bilateral trade relations, including through enhanced mutual market access, reduction of tariff and non-tariff barriers, and closer integration of supply chains. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US President Donald Trump, similarly, said earlier this month that his administration is very close to finalising a trade deal with India. Were very close to a deal with India where they open it [the market] up. Peace talks and a settlement in Ukraine have never been on the real agenda of the West, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Saturday, in her first comments on negotiations since Russian and Ukrainian officials held talks on Wednesday. File- Flames and smoke billow from buildings during mass Russian drones and missile strikes on the Ukraine's capital Kyiv on July 4, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo: OLEKSII FILIPPOV/AFP) Russia has accused the Western nations of never seriously seeking peace in Ukraine, instead charging them with prolonging the conflict through continued military support for Kyiv Peace talks and a settlement in Ukraine have never been on the real agenda of the West, said Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Saturday, her first remarks since direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials earlier in the week. If the West truly wanted peace, it would stop supplying weapons to Kyiv, she said, as quoted by the TASS news agency. Zakharova had previously declined to comment during her regular Thursday briefing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The criticism was echoed by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who reiterated that while Moscow remains open to negotiations, achieving Russias military and political objectives remains a core priority. The main thing for us is to achieve our goals. Our goals are clear, Peskov told state television. He emphasised that President Vladimir Putin is committed to a peaceful resolution but acknowledged that the process would be long and difficult. Russia has long insisted that any peace agreement must include Ukraines withdrawal from four regions Moscow annexed in 2022territories it does not fully controlas well as Kyivs formal renunciation of NATO membership and acceptance of strict limits on its armed forces. These demands have been flatly rejected by Ukraine and its Western backers. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday that Kyiv had proposed a new round of talks this week. While Russian state media confirmed discussions were ongoing, no date has been finalised, though Istanbul is expected to remain the host city. The diplomatic developments come amid heightened U.S. pressure on Russia. President Donald Trump recently warned Moscow that it has 50 days to agree to a ceasefire or face severe tariffs. Trump also announced plans to step up military support to Ukraine, including advanced Patriot air defence systems, and hinted at plans for European allies to buy large quantities of US arms to replenish Ukraines supplies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite the proposed peace efforts, hostilities have continued on the ground. Russia has intensified its drone strikes in recent days, with Ukraine reporting one of the highest overnight barrages this year. Ukraines air force said it downed 18 of 57 Shahed-type drones launched by Russia overnight into Sunday, while another seven drones went off radar. Civilian casualties were reported in both Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv regions. In Zaporizhzhia, two women were injured when a drone struck their home, while two others were wounded in Kharkiv after a drone hit a residential building, local officials said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described the recently concluded FTA between India and UK as historic, and said the trade pact showed the worlds trust in the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hailed the recently signed Free Trade Agreement between India and the United Kingdom as historic, saying it reflected the worlds growing trust in the country. Speaking after launching development projects worth 4,900 crore in Tamil Nadu, Modi reaffirmed the NDA governments focus on the states progress. The Prime Minister said he felt blessed to arrive in Tamil Nadu directly after concluding his foreign tour, during which the IndiaUK FTA was finalised before his visit to the Maldives. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Calling the trade deal with the UK a milestone, he said, India and Britain have signed a Free Trade Agreement. This reflects the increasing global trust in India and our growing self-confidence. With this confidence, we will build a developed India and a developed Tamil Nadu. FTA with Britain adds pace to our vision of Viksit Bharat, Viksit TN, the PM, clad in a traditional veshti (dhoti), shirt and an angavastram worn around the neck, said. He landed here directly after wrapping up his official tour of the Maldives. As regards Operation Sindoor, he said weapons manufactured under the Make in India initiative played a great role during the cross-border military offensive in destroying enemy targets and made enemies lose sleep. Promising a developed India and Tamil Nadu, he said, infrastructure and energy are the backbone of any states development; our focus on infrastructure and energy in last 11 years shows our commitment to TNs growth. The NDA government has constructed Atal Sethu, Sonmarg Tunnel, Bogibeel bridge in different parts of the country and these created thousands of job opportunities. As regards the railways, he said it is the lifeline of industrial growth. The projects he inaugurated on Saturday are related to airport, highways, railways, port and power in Tamil Nadu and he said that infrastructure. The inaugurated projects include a new state-of-the-art Tuticorin airport terminal building, developed at an estimated cost of around Rs 450 crore. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As regards railway projects, it includes the electrification of the 90 km MaduraiBodinayakkanur line, commissioned at a cost of Rs 99 Crore and the Rs 650 crore worth doubling of the 21 km Nagercoil TownKanniyakumari section. The PM dedicated to the nation, two strategically significant highway projects 4-laning of 50 km SethiyathopeCholapuram stretch of NH-36, developed at a cost Rs 2,350 crore and 6-laning of the 5.16 km NH-138 Tuticorin Port Road, built at around Rs 200 crore. He inaugurated the North Cargo BerthIII with a cargo handling capacity of 6.96 MMTPA at V O Chidambaranar Port established at a cost of Rs 285 crore. On the occasion, he invoked legendary freedom fighters from the regionVO Chidambaram Pillai, king Veerapandia Kattabomman and chieftain Veeran Azhagu Muthukon. Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi participated in the event. State Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu presented a memento, a replica of the iconic Valluvar Kottam in Chennai, to the prime minister on the occasion. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, Union Minister of State L Murugan, TN Social Welfare Minister P Geetha Jeevan, Lok Sabha MP Kanimozhi and top officials took part. India looks forward to deepening its partnership with the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday, as he met several Maldivian leaders, including Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India is keen to further strengthen its partnership with the Maldives as he held meetings with several key Maldivian leaders, including Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef. Had a very good meeting with Vice President Uz. Hussain Mohamed Latheef. Our discussion touched upon key pillars of the India-Maldives friendship. Our nations continue to work closely in sectors like infrastructure, technology, climate change, energy and more. This is greatly beneficial to our people. We look forward to deepening this partnership in the years to come, he posted on X. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Had a very good meeting with Vice President Uz. Hussain Mohamed Latheef. Our discussion touched upon key pillars of the India-Maldives friendship. Our nations continue to work closely in sectors like infrastructure, technology, climate change, energy and more. This is greatly pic.twitter.com/QR60E7wLJ2 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2025 Latheef said it was an honour to call on the Indian prime minister. As this year marks 60 years of formal diplomatic relations with India, the Prime Minister and I reflected on the journey of friendship and reciprocal support our countries have taken. I hope that the strong cooperation with India continues to grow and strengthen, Latheef said. PM Modi also met leaders of political parties. Had a meaningful meeting with members of different political parties of the Maldives. The participation of leaders across the political spectrum underscores the bipartisan support for the strong and time-tested India-Maldives friendship. Our shared values continue to guide this important partnership, he posted on X. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Had a meaningful meeting with members of different political parties of the Maldives. The participation of leaders across the political spectrum underscores the bipartisan support for the strong and time-tested India-Maldives friendship. Our shared values continue to guide this pic.twitter.com/B3hTqgRuQj Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2025 Had a very good meeting with Vice President Uz. Hussain Mohamed Latheef. Our discussion touched upon key pillars of the India-Maldives friendship. Our nations continue to work closely in sectors like infrastructure, technology, climate change, energy and more. This is greatly beneficial to our people. We look forward to deepening this partnership in the years to come, he posted on X. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Had a very good meeting with Vice President Uz. Hussain Mohamed Latheef. Our discussion touched upon key pillars of the India-Maldives friendship. Our nations continue to work closely in sectors like infrastructure, technology, climate change, energy and more. This is greatly pic.twitter.com/QR60E7wLJ2 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2025 Prime Minister Modi also met former Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed. India will keep supporting the Maldives through capacity building and developmental cooperation, the prime minister said. Nasheed, who served as president of the Maldives from November 11, 2008 to February 7, 2012, expressed gratitude for Indias continued support for a stronger India-Maldives relationship. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Met the former President of Maldives, Mr. Mohamed Nasheed. He has always been a strong advocate of deeper India-Maldives friendship. Spoke about how the Maldives will always be a valued pillar of our Neighbourhood First policy and Mahasagar vision. India will keep supporting Maldives through capacity building and developmental cooperation. , he said in a post. Met the former President of Maldives, Mr. Mohamed Nasheed. He has always been a strong advocate of deeper India-Maldives friendship. Spoke about how the Maldives will always be a valued pillar of our Neighbourhood First policy and Mahasagar vision. India will keep supporting pic.twitter.com/4N33p4qn9l Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2025 The prime minister conveyed wishes on the 60th anniversary of Independence Day of the Maldives. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Both sides exchanged views on the deep-rooted & special relationship. VP Latheef thanked PM for Indias continued assistance to Maldives in times of need, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a social media post. Modi also met Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Speaker of the Peoples Majlis (the Maldivian Parliament). Talked about the deep-rooted India-Maldives friendship, including the close relationship between our respective Parliaments, Modi said. He also welcomed the formation of the India-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group in the 20th Majlis. India remains committed to supporting capacity building in the Maldives, the prime minister said. Speaker thanked PM for Indias continued commitment to enhancing ties with Maldives and between the two democracies, Jaiswal said. The two sides noted the excellent people-to-people ties between the two countries, the MEA Spokesperson said. Prime Minister Modi also held a meaningful meeting with members of different political parties of the Maldives. The participation of leaders across the political spectrum underscores the bipartisan support for the strong and time-tested India-Maldives friendship. Our shared values continue to guide this important partnership, the prime minister said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Both sides reaffirmed their commitment for a stronger India-Maldives relationship, building upon the vibrant people-to-people ties and the shared values between the two democracies. The Maldivian leaders thanked the PM for Indias continued support on developmental assistance for the welfare of the Maldivian people, Jaiswal said. On Friday, Modi held wide-ranging talks with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and announced a Rs 4,850 crore line of credit to the island nation. With inputs from agencies PM Modi also met the Maldives Vice President Uz. Hussain Mohamed Latheef and Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Speaker of the Peoples Majlis. The high-level meetings came a day after PM Modi held several bilateral talks with President Mohamed Muizzu Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met the former president of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, on the second day of his trip to the island-nation. Spoke about how the Maldives will always be a valued pillar of our Neighbourhood First policy and Mahasagar vision. India will keep supporting Maldives through capacity building and developmental cooperation, PM Modi said on X. Met the former President of Maldives, Mr. Mohamed Nasheed. He has always been a strong advocate of deeper India-Maldives friendship. Spoke about how the Maldives will always be a valued pillar of our Neighbourhood First policy and Mahasagar vision. India will keep supporting pic.twitter.com/4N33p4qn9l Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Indian prime minister also met the Maldives Vice President Uz. Hussain Mohamed Latheef and Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Speaker of the Peoples Majlis. The high-level meetings came a day after PM Modi held several bilateral talks with President Mohamed Muizzu. Later today, PM Modi will attend the Maldives Independence Day celebrations as the chief guest. Congratulate the Government and the people of Maldives on the diamond jubilee celebrations of their Independence. Honoured to join PM @narendramodi for the Independence Day celebrations in Male today. We celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations as well, reiterating pic.twitter.com/HYJ69Zaypx Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 26, 2025 His first day in the Maldives was productive, as Male seeks to reset ties with India after a year of heightening tensions between the two countries that disrupted tourism in the island nation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India has announced a fresh line of credit for the Maldives worth $565 million and the two countries signed an agreement to reduce their annual debt repayment burden by 40 per cent. The two sides sealed six pacts in the fields of fisheries and aquaculture, meteorology, digital public infrastructure, UPI, Indian pharmacopoeia, and for Indias concessional line of credit to the island nation. For us, it is always friendship first, Modi said in his media statement, adding the roots of our relations are older than history, and as deep as the ocean. The outcomes of the Modi-Muizzu talks signalled a major turnaround in the relationship after a spell of unease and tension. The renewed intensity in the ties assumes significance as Muizzu came to power in November 2023 on the back of an India Out campaign. A Southwest Airlines flight from Burbank to Las Vegas plunged 300 feet seconds after takeoff to avoid a possible midair collision with a nearby fighter jet, leaving two flight attendants injured and passengers in shock. The FAA has launched an investigation A Southwest Airlines airplane travelling from Southern California to Las Vegas plunged dramatically shortly after takeoff on Friday in response to a warning about a plane nearby, sending several passengers flying out of their seats and injuring two flight attendants. Stef Zamorano, who was going to Las Vegas with her husband to celebrate his birthday, reported that the plane shook abruptly immediately after takeoff and seemed like it was falling. Zamorano saw a woman who wasnt wearing a seat belt shoot up and out of her seat. The man sat next to her was grabbing her arm, and she said the woman across the aisle was terrified. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She was pretty much verbalizing how we all felt, saying, I want to get off this plane. I want to be on the ground, " Zamorano told The Associated Press. Data from the flight tracking site FlightAware shows it dropped roughly 300 feet (91.44 meters) in 36 seconds. The Federal Aviation Administration said the flight, Southwest 1496, was responding to an onboard alert about another aircraft in its vicinity. The FAA is investigating. Southwest said the crew responded to two alerts that required the pilot to climb then descend. The flight departed from Hollywood Burbank Airport just before noon. Still in shock, Zamorano said she could hardly make out what the pilot was saying when he later addressed the passengers. Another passenger, comedian Jimmy Dore, posted on X that the pilot mentioned a near miss. Pilot said his collision warning went off & he needed to avoid plane coming at us, Dore posted. The plane was in the same airspace near Burbank as a Hawker Hunter Mk. 58 just after noon local time, FlightAware shows. A Hawker Hunter is a British fighter plane. Records show it is owned by Hawker Hunter Aviation, a British defense contracting company. The company didnt immediately respond to messages seeking comment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Mike Christensen, an airport spokesman for Hollywood Burbank, said that neither the control tower nor the operations department, which tracks planes departing and arriving, have any record of the Southwest flight plunging in their airspace. Southwest said the flight continued to Las Vegas, where it landed uneventfully. The airline said that it is working with the FAA to further understand the circumstances of the event. This close call is just the latest incident to raise questions about aviation safety in the wake of Januarys midair collision over Washington, D.C., that killed 67 people. Opposition legislators in Taiwan overwhelmingly survived a major recall campaign on Saturday, in a result viewed as a public rebuke to President Lai Ching-tes Democratic Progressive Party. While the DPP claimed China interfered in the vote, all 24 Kuomintang (KMT) lawmakers targeted in the effort retained their seats. A voter leaves a booth during voting for the recall election at a polling station in Taipei. AFP On Saturday, opposition legislators in Taiwan survived a massive recall poll, defeating a drive to remove one-fifth of the islands MPs - a move supporters believed would send a message to China but opponents called an attack on democracy. According to Taiwanese medias live vote counts, all recall votes against 24 MPs from the major opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), were rejected. Civic groups launched a campaign that culminated in voting. The election results would be a setback for President Lai Ching-tes Democratic Progressive Party, which squandered an opportunity to restructure Taiwans legislature and reclaim its majority. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The government said the islands largest-ever recall vote had faced unprecedented election interference by China, which claims the democratically governed island as its own - a claim Taiwan rejects. While Lai won last years presidential election, the DPP lost its legislative majority. The opposition has flexed its muscles since then to pass laws the government has opposed and impose budget cuts, complicating efforts to boost defence spending in particular. KMT Chairman Eric Chu thanked Taiwans voters and called for Lai to apologise and reflect on his own governance. One should not lose the elections and then call for malicious recalls. One should not seek for one-party dominance and destroy democracy, he told a press briefing in Taipei. Most importantly, the people of Taiwan chose stability and chose a government that gets things done, rather than political infighting. The political drama comes as China ramps up a military and diplomatic pressure campaign against Taiwan to assert the territorial claims that Lai and his government reject. Lai has offered talks with Beijing many times but been rebuffed. It calls him a separatist. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The heated recall campaign has been closely watched by China, whose Taiwan Affairs Office and state media have repeatedly commented on the vote and used some of the same talking points as the KMT to lambast Lai, Reuters reported this week. Taipei this week said Beijing was clearly trying to interfere in its democracy and it was up to Taiwans people to decide who should be removed from or stay in office. Wu Szu-yao, secretary general of the DPPs legislative caucus, said the party respected the voters decision with pleasure, adding that the result would only strengthen the DPPs anti-communist and pro-Taiwan stance. This time we saw China was trying everything it could to intervene, she told reporters at party headquarters in Taipei, pointing to Chinese military pressure and a disinformation campaign. We must be more vigilant against their possible malicious intentions toward Taiwan. The groups seeking the recalls have said theirs is an anti-communist movement, accusing the KMT of selling out Taiwan by sending lawmakers to China, not supporting defence spending and bringing chaos to parliament. The KMT rejects the accusations, denouncing Lais dictatorship and green terror - referring to the DPPs party colour. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The KMT campaigned against what it called a malicious recall that failed to respect the result of last years parliamentary election, saying they have simply been keeping lines of communication open with Beijing and exercising legitimate oversight of Lais government. Recall votes for seven other KMT lawmakers will be held on August 23. The presidents recent comments signal a shift in his tone from negotiation to war mongering as ceasefire talks failed earlier this week US President Donald Trump has called on Israel to escalate its military conflict to finish the job against Hamas, days after withdrawing his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and other negotiators from ceasefire talks. I think they want to die, and its very, very bad. It got to be to a point where youre gonna have to finish the job, Trump said, referring to Hamas, as he embarked on his four-day private visit to Scotland. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The presidents comments signal a shift in his tone from negotiation to war mongering as ceasefire talks failed earlier this week. Theyre gonna have to fight and theyre gonna have to clean it up. Youre gonna have to get rid of em, Trump told Israel. Trumps remarks indicated he was unlikely to exert pressure on Israel to scale back its 21-month military campaign in Gaza, even as the humanitarian crisis deepens, with one UN official this week describing Gazans as walking corpses. US quits Gaza truce talks Earlier this week, the United States joined Israel in pulling its negotiators from Gaza ceasefire talks, with special envoy Witkoff blaming Hamas for failing to reach a deal and saying Washington would consider alternative options. In Qatar, mediators have been shuttling between Israeli and Hamas delegations for more than two weeks in a bid to secure a breakthrough in indirect talks for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages after nearly two years of fighting. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his government was still seeking a ceasefire despite recalling its negotiators from Doha, accusing Hamas of blocking an agreement. Starvation looms in Gaza Meanwhile, Gaza is facing its worst humanitarian crisis, with the UNs World Food Programme saying, Malnutrition is surging with 90,000 women and children in urgent need of treatment. Warnings of starvation in Gaza have intensified this week. Nine more people died of malnutrition on Friday, according to the territorys Hamas-run health ministry - bringing the total such deaths since the war began to 122. France and the UK have called on Israel to immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid into the territory. In a joint statement, the two countries said, Withholding essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable. With inputs from agencies US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that Cambodian and Thai leaders have agreed to meet immediately to negotiate a ceasefire, following three days of intense border fighting. A Cambodian military personnel stands on a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher, around 40 km (24 miles) from the disputed Ta Moan Thom temple, after Thailand and Cambodia exchanged heavy artillery on Friday. Reuters US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Cambodian and Thai leaders had agreed to meet immediately to work out a cease-fire, as he sought to broker peace after three days of fighting along their border. During a visit to Scotland, Trump stated on social media that he had spoken with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailands acting prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, and warned them that if the border conflict continued, he would not make trade deals with either of the Southeast Asian governments. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Both Parties are looking for an immediate Ceasefire and Peace, Trump wrote as he gave a blow-by-blow account of his diplomatic efforts. Before Trump spoke to the two leaders, clashes on the Thai-Cambodian border persisted into a third day and new flashpoints emerged on Saturday as both sides said they had acted in self-defense in the border dispute and called on the other to cease fighting and start negotiations. More than 30 people have been killed and more than 130,000 people displaced in the worst fighting between the Southeast Asian neighbours in 13 years. There were clashes early on Saturday, both sides said, in the neighbouring Thai coastal province of Trat and Cambodias Pursat Province, a new front more than 100 km (60 miles) from other conflict points along the long-contested border. The two countries have faced off since the killing of a Cambodian soldier late in May during a brief skirmish. Troops on both sides of the border were reinforced amid a full-blown diplomatic crisis that brought Thailands fragile coalition government to the brink of collapse. As of Saturday, Thailand said seven soldiers and 13 civilians had been killed in the clashes, while in Cambodia five soldiers and eight civilians had been killed, said Defense Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata. Following calls for restraint on both sides from Trumps senior aides, he became directly involved on Saturday, speaking to each leader and saying he relayed messages back and forth. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE!, Trump wrote, saying both countries wanted to get back to the Trading Table. He has sought to reach separate deals with dozens of countries in response to his announcement of wide-ranging tariffs on imports to the U.S. When all is done, and Peace is at hand, I look forward to concluding our Trading Agreements with both! Trump said. He offered no details on the ceasefire negotiations he said Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to hold. The Thai and Cambodian embassies in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment. In the Thai border province of Sisaket, a university compound has been converted into temporary accommodation, where a volunteer said more than 5,000 people were staying. Samrong Khamduang said she left her farm, about 10 km from the border, when fighting broke out on Thursday. The 51-year-olds husband stayed behind to look after livestock. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We got so scared with the sound of artillery, she said. But my husband stayed back and now we lost the connection. I couldnt call him. I dont know what is happening back there. In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the chair of the ASEAN regional bloc, said he would continue to push a ceasefire proposal. Cambodia has backed Anwars plan, while Thailand has said it agreed with it in principle. There is still some exchange of fire, Anwar said, according to state news agency Bernama. He said he had asked his foreign minister to liaise with the respective foreign ministries and, if possible, I will continue engaging with them myself at least to halt the fighting. Security council meeting Thailands ambassador to the United Nations told a Security Council meeting on Friday that soldiers had been injured by newly planted land mines in Thai territory on two occasions since mid-July - claims Cambodia has strongly denied - and said Cambodia had then launched attacks on Thursday morning. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Thailand urges Cambodia to immediately cease all hostilities and acts of aggression, and resume dialogue in good faith, Cherdchai Chaivaivid told the council in remarks released to media. Cambodias defense ministry said Thailand had launched a deliberate, unprovoked, and unlawful military attack and was mobilizing troops and military equipment on the border. These deliberate military preparations reveal Thailands intent to expand its aggression and further violate Cambodias sovereignty, the ministry said in a statement on Saturday. Cambodia called for the international community to condemn Thailands aggression in the strongest terms and to prevent an expansion of its military activities, while Bangkok reiterated it wanted to resolve the dispute bilaterally. Thailand and Cambodia have bickered for decades over jurisdiction of various undemarcated points along their 817-km (508-mile) land border, with ownership of the ancient Hindu temples Ta Moan Thom and the 11th century Preah Vihear central to the disputes. Preah Vihear was awarded to Cambodia by the International Court of Justice in 1962, but tension escalated in 2008 after Cambodia attempted to list it as a UNESCO World Heritage site. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD That led to skirmishes over several years and at least a dozen deaths. Cambodia in June said it had asked the court to resolve its disputes with Thailand, which says it has never recognized the courts jurisdiction and prefers a bilateral approach. US President Donald Trump on Saturday compared the deadly border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand to the India-Pakistan conflict, saying it too could be resolved peacefully. US President Donald Trump on Saturday likened the escalating border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand to the historical India-Pakistan war, saying it too could be brought to a successful halt. Drawing on that comparison, Trump said he had spoken with leaders of both Southeast Asian nations and was actively mediating to secure a ceasefire, warning that ongoing hostilities, now in their third day had already claimed at least 33 lives. I am trying to simplify a complex situation! Many people are being killed in this War, but it very much reminds me of the Conflict between Pakistan and India, which was brought to a successful halt, Trump said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump also indicated he would not move forward on trade deals with either nation until fighting has stopped. Just spoke to the Prime Minister of Cambodia relative to stopping the War with Thailand, Trump, who is on a visit to Scotland, said in a post on his Truth Social network. I have just spoken to the Acting Prime Minister of Thailand, and it was a very good conversation, he said soon after in a new post. Thailand, like Cambodia, wants to have an immediate Ceasefire, and PEACE, he added. I am now going to relay that message back to the Prime Minister of Cambodia. After speaking to both Parties, Ceasefire, Peace, and Prosperity seems to be a natural. We will soon see! Tensions flared over long-contested ancient temple sites before fighting spread along the countries rural border region, marked by a ridge of hills surrounded by wild jungle and agricultural land where locals farm rubber and rice. Clashes, now in their third day, broke out Saturday in the countries coastal regions where they meet on the Gulf of Thailand, around 250 kilometres (160 miles) southwest of the main frontlines. With inputs from agencies Paris cybercrime prosecutors called for the police probe July 11 to investigate suspected crimes including manipulating and extracting data from automated systems as part of a criminal gang. An illustration photograph taken on February 20, 2025 shows the X account of Elon Musk displayed on a phone screen next to the X logo displayed on a laptop screen, in a residential property in Guildford, south of London. AFP US officials issued a harsh condemnation Friday of Frances criminal investigation into the social network X, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, on suspicion of foreign interference. As part of a criminal investigation, an activist French prosecutor is requesting information on Xs proprietary algorithm and has classified X as an organized crime group, the US State Departments Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor wrote on their X account. Democratic governments should allow all voices to be heard, not silence speech they dislike. The United States will defend the free speech of all Americans against acts of foreign censorship. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Paris cybercrime prosecutors called for the police probe July 11 to investigate suspected crimes including manipulating and extracting data from automated systems as part of a criminal gang. The social media company last week denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated. X also said it had refused to comply with the prosecutors request to access its recommendation algorithm and real-time data. The investigation follows two January complaints that alleged the X algorithm had been used for foreign interference in French politics. One of the complaints came from Eric Bothorel, an MP from President Emmanuel Macrons centrist party, who complained of reduced diversity of voices and options and Musks personal interventions in the platforms management since he took it over. X said it categorically denies all allegations and that the probe is distorting French law in order to serve a political agenda and, ultimately, restrict free speech. Tesla and SpaceX chief Musk has raised hackles with his forays into European politics, including vocal backing for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party ahead of February legislative elections. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Democracy is too fragile to let digital platform owners tell us what to think, who to vote for or even who to hate, Bothorel said after the investigation was announced. Smart traffic lights safeguard Tibetan antelope migration 16:00, July 26, 2025 By huaxia ( Xinhua A herd of Tibetan antelopes cross a road while vehicles stop to give way upon staff members' instruction at Hol Xil Nature Reserve, northwest China's Qinghai Province, May 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Long) XINING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- In the early summer, drivers on a stretch of National Highway 109 in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province often encounter a unique spectacle: herds of Tibetan antelopes crossing the busy road. In a display of harmony between nature and human activity, vehicles on the highway pull over and wait patiently, creating a temporary pause in traffic flow to allow the animals to pass safely. More recently, a high-tech "mobile sentry" has joined this harmonious scene. Stationed by the roadside, it is remotely controlled by dedicated staff who adjust its height and angle, zoom in and out, and meticulously record the entire process of the antelopes crossing the road. Every year from May to July, female antelopes from areas such as Sanjiangyuan in Qinghai, Qiangtang in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region and the Altun Mountains in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region travel hundreds of kilometers to give birth in the heart of the Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve, and many need to cross the iconic National Highway 109. The mobile devices on duty for antelope migration are part of an intelligent management platform for human-wildlife conflict mitigation, which is the result of a key national research and development project. The platform utilizes traffic signals that drivers can understand at a glance, effectively indicating when to proceed or stop, which can minimize the impact of antelope migration on highway traffic and efficiently avoid the risk of collision, said Lian Xinming, head of the project and a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology. "So far, our project has collected data on 28 groups of antelopes crossing the road during their migration from wintering grounds to breeding grounds," Lian said. Using video recordings from the mobile devices, researchers analyze the scale and speed of each antelope herd to determine the correlation between the two, providing data support for rapid traffic light response. When the platform detects antelopes approaching the road, it sends an early warning to staff at a nearby protection station, alerting them to direct traffic. Meanwhile, electronic billboards on both sides of the passage display messages such as "Tibetan antelopes are crossing ahead, please slow down." Once the last antelope has passed, the platform prompts vehicles to proceed. Lian noted that in situations where some antelopes do not cross the road, only cross halfway or turn back after crossing, the platform also relies on data analysis and AI recognition to rapidly judge the animals' crossing intentions, and to prevent accidents between vehicles and herds. The idea to develop traffic lights for antelope migration in the Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve had been brewing in the minds of scientists for two decades. Back in June 2004, thanks to the call of the Green River non-governmental environmental organization and support from all sectors of society, China's first traffic lights for wildlife were installed on the Qinghai-Xizang Highway. Yang Xin, who initiated the project, remembers that whenever personnel at the observation point heard a command on their walkie-talkie, they would turn on the traffic lights on both sides of the highway where the antelopes were about to cross. The traffic police would then signal cars to pull over using standard road traffic gestures. Today, with China's advancements in intelligent machinery and other technological fields, those manual traffic lights have been upgraded to a more intelligent system. The management platform is expected to be put into use in 2027. By then, with the help of the smart traffic lights, this lifeline for antelopes migrating to breed and deliver their young will operate more safely and smoothly, Lian said. Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered Tibetan antelope is mostly found in Xizang, Qinghai and Xinjiang. The species' population has increased over the past three decades thanks to a ban on illegal hunting and measures implemented to improve habitats. This file photo taken on July 28, 2023 shows a herd of Tibetan antelopes crossing a road en route to their habitat in Sanjiangyuan area, northwest China's Qinghai Province. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024. Contracts Contracts For July 25, 2025 NAVY Toll Remote Logistics Pty. Ltd., Melbourne, Australia, is being awarded a $950,000,000 multiple award of firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide logistical capabilities which supports the six phases of the continuum of military operations in support of the Geographic Combatant Command's joint operations, coalition partners, and other U.S. federal agencies in setting and sustaining the theater through the following requirements: theater opening (includes reception, staging, onward-movement, and integration support; sustainment; theater distribution; and stability operations and Defense Support of Civil Authorities support. The contract will run concurrently with the previously awarded contract and will include a five-year base performance period with one five-year option with individual requirements performed under task orders when specific dates and locations are identified. If the option period is exercised, the total estimated contract maximum for each contractor could be up to $1,900,000,000. The base period will begin August 2025 and is expected to be completed by December 2029; if all options are exercised, the performance period will be completed by December 2034. Work will be performed in twenty geographic regions: the Middle East; Bahrain; the United Arab Emirates; Africa; Eastern Europe and Western Asia; Western Europe; Mainland Asia; Japan; the Indian Ocean; Sri Lanka; Australia and Oceania; the Pacific Islands; Philippines; Indonesia; Malaysia and Singapore; Thailand; Vietnam; and Southeastern Asia. Due to the fact that the specific requirements cannot be predicted at this time, more specific information about the percentage and where the work will be performed cannot be currently provided. Fiscal 2025 operations and maintenance (Navy) (O&M,N) funds in the amount of $500, minimum, will be obligated and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Additional funds will be obligated at the task order level with the appropriate fiscal year O&M,N funding as issued by the customers for each area of responsibility. The requirement was competitively procured with small business set aside for geographic regions within the U.S. and outlying territories, with 96 offers received. Naval Supply Systems Command, Headquarters, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity (N00023-25-D-0083). Vigor Marine, Portland, Oregon, is awarded a $42,592,765 firm-fixed-price contract (N3220525C4008) for a 130-calendar day shipyard availability for Military Sealift Command's Fleet Replenishment Oiler USNS Earl Warren (T-AO 207). This contract includes a base work package and three unexercised options for additional work and time, which, if exercised, would increase the cumulative value of this contract to $43,813,594. Work will be performed in Portland, Oregon, beginning Oct. 15, 2025, and is expected to be completed by Feb. 22, 2026. Working capital funds (Navy) in the amount of $42,592,765 are obligated for fiscal 2025 and will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with proposals solicited via the Government Point of Entry website, and one proposal was received. Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $33,355,000 modification (P00026) to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N0001921C0040). This modification increases the contract ceiling to provide cut in for Block 4 type vision effectivity development capability under the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft for Israel System Development and Design Phase II efforts to include software development and systems engineering. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (80%), and undisclosed locations outside the continental U.S. (20%), and is expected to be completed in July 2026. Foreign Military Sales customer funds in the amount of $7,661,140 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $28,328,040 cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price contract to provide integration activities for an F-35 Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customer including engineering support, program management, meetings, conferences, working groups, site support and activation, technical and financial support, information, and additional country-specific support. Work will be performed in Nagoya, Japan (52%); Fort Worth, Texas (29%); Tokyo, Japan (10%); various locations within Japan (5%); Orlando, Florida (3%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (1%), and is expected to be completed in May 2028. FMS customer funds in the amount of $28,328,040 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001925C0117). Seemann Composites LLC,* Gulfport, Mississippi, is awarded $12,610,993 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-24-C-2461) for production of composite components to LCAC 100 class craft. Work will be performed in Gulfport, Mississippi (76%); Horsham, Pennsylvania (24%), and is expected to be completed by June 2027. Fiscal 2025 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $12,610,993 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Bell Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is awarded an $11,493,611 modification (P00021) to a firm-fixed-price order (N0001921F0030) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001917G0002). This modification settles a request for equitable adjustment resulting from Nacelle Improvements induction delays due to the availability of CV-22 aircraft. Work will be performed in Amarillo, Texas (53%); Bell Fort Worth, Texas (46%); and Boeing Ridley Park, Pennsylvania (1%), and is expected to be completed in February 2027. Fiscal 2023 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $11,493,611 will be obligated at the time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. MPC Products Corp., Niles, Illinois, is being awarded a $9,817,200 contract for the repair for 150 control assemblies in support of the F-18 aircraft. The contract does not include options. All work will be performed in Niles, Illinois, and is expected to be completed by July 2026. Fiscal 2025 working capital (Navy) funds in the full amount of $9,817,200 will be obligated at time of award, and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One company was solicited for this non-competitive requirement pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S. Code. 2304(c)(1) and one offer was received. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity (N00383-25-C-B036). DEFENSE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICE Ernst & Young LLP, New York, New York, is being awarded a modification to extend the existing labor-hour contract (HQ042321F0002) for financial statement audit services for the Navy and Marine Corps. The modification (P00027) is for a maximum face value of $69,389,290, bringing the total cumulative face value to $337,478,268 from $268,088,978. The modification is necessary to convert the Navy Working Capital Fund financial statement audit from a one-year to a two-year audit cycle, and provide an audit of the Navy General Fund and Marine Corps General Fund fiscal 2026 annual financial statements with an expected completion date of Dec. 31, 2026. This contract was the result of a competitive acquisition for which one quote was received. Fiscal 2025 Navy operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $18,900,921 will be obligated at time of award. Fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $50,488,369 are subject to availability and will be obligated when available. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service, Contract Services Directorate, Columbus, Ohio, is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE M1 Support Services, Denton, Texas, has been awarded a $19,427,229 modification (P00139) to a previously awarded contract (FA4890-16-C-0012) for the T-38 Aircraft Maintenance Program. The modification will bring the total cumulative face value of the contract to $276,902,328. Work will be performed at Beale Air Force Base, California; Holloman AFB, New Mexico; Langley AFB, Virginia; and Whiteman AFB, Montana, and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2026. No funds will be obligated at time of award. The Air Combat Command Acquisition Management and Integration Center, Joint Base Langley-Eustis Air Force Base, Virginia, is the contracting activity. CACI, Inc-FEDERAL, Chantilly, Virginia, has been awarded a $10,007,000 modification (P00033) to a previously awarded contract (FA8821-24-F-B001) for implementation of the Phased Array Project for the Satellite Control Network. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $392,608,522. Work will be performed in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 22, 2027. Fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation appropriations funding in the amount of $3,900,000 is being obligated at the time of modification award. The Space Systems Command, Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, is the contracting activity. CORRECTION: The $44,155,395 contract (FA8210-25-F-B009) awarded to Cubic Defense Acquisition Inc., San Diego, California, on July 24, 2025, was announced with the incorrect date. The correct date is July 25, 2025. ARMY Russell Marine LLC, Channelview, Texas, was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for the demolition of existing floodwall and construction of new floodwall. The amount of this action is $14,315,000 with a cumulative total face value of $14,315,000. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Texas City, Texas, with an estimated completion date of May 10, 2027. Fiscal 2025 civil construction funds in the amount of $14,315,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston, Texas, is the contracting activity (W912HY-25-C-0007). U.S. TRANSPORTATION COMMAND CORRECTION: The modification announced on July 15, 2025, was announced with the wrong amount. The correct total of the modifications is $775,000,000. The program which allows for procurement of services was also announced incorrectly. It should say Universal Services Contract-10 (U.S. Code 10). *Small business https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4256138/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry statement on the Israeli Parliament's adoption of a declaration on extending sovereignty to the territory of the West Bank 24 July 2025 18:33 1252-24-07-2025 On July 23, the Knesset (Parliament) of Israel adopted a declaration on extending the sovereignty of Israel to the territory of the West Bank. While not a legislative act, the document urges the Government to "extend, as soon as possible, Israeli sovereignty, including Israeli law, judicial authority, and administration, to the entire Jewish settlement area in all its diversity in Judea, Samaria and the Jordan Valley." It also describes the creation of a Palestinian state as an "existential threat to Israel, its citizens and the entire region." This move by Israeli lawmakers has been received with deep concern in Moscow. It effectively predetermines the outcome of talks on the final status of the Palestinian territories and contradicts Israel's commitments under the Oslo Process, as well as the provisions of relevant United Nations General Assembly and Security Council resolutions. Russia remains committed to facilitating direct Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, with the goal of establishing an independent Palestinian state that coexists in peace and security with Israel - a cornerstone of long-term stability in the Middle East. We proceed from the assumption that the adopted declaration will not be followed by concrete steps from the Government of Israel aimed to facilitate its actual implementation. Should such steps be taken, they would inevitably lead to a further escalation of tensions in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone, with unpredictable consequences for both Israel and the entire Middle East. Russia continues to prioritise an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and detainees, and the relaunch of the peace process, while avoiding unilateral actions that seek to create irreversible facts on the ground. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address AFRICOM's Deputies focus on Security Partnership in Namibia U.S. Africa Command's Deputy Commander, Army Lt. Gen. John W. Brennan, and Deputy to the Commander for Civil-Military Engagement Ambassador Robert Scott traveled to Windhoek, July 21-22, to build upon the partnership between the United States and Namibia. By U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs , United States Africa Command WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA Jul 25, 2025 U.S. Africa Command's Deputy Commander, Army Lt. Gen. John W. Brennan, and Deputy to the Commander for Civil-Military Engagement Ambassador Robert Scott traveled to Windhoek, July 21-22, to build upon the partnership between the United States and Namibia. The visit underscores AFRICOM's commitment to addressing shared security interests and working alongside partners to enhance stability in the region. Lt. Gen. Brennan and Ambassador Scott engaged with Namibia's Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs Frans Kapofi. The leaders discussed regional security concerns, joint training opportunities, maritime domain awareness, and efforts to counter wildlife and timber trafficking. "Namibia plays an important role as an anchor for fostering stability in southern Africa," said Brennan. "I appreciate Minister Kapofi's willingness to meet this week. Our two nations' ongoing collaboration reflects a shared commitment to addressing complex challenges in the region and advancing areas of mutual interests. We look forward to working with Namibia to develop new avenues of cooperation in the future." "U.S. Africa Command is dedicated to forging strong partnerships with African nations like Namibia who are directly contributing to security, stability, and prosperity in the region," said Scott. "From participating in maritime security events to collaborating on vital projects like building field hospitals and countering wildlife trafficking and other transnational threats, we are finding common ground with Namibia." AFRICOM and Namibia have traditionally partnered in areas such as enhancing the country's health infrastructure, stemming wildlife trafficking, and expanding trade and development opportunities. Additionally in 2025, Namibia observed AFRICOM's maritime security exercise Obangame Express and participated in the African Maritime Forces Summit. Both events bring militaries together to enhance joint readiness and foster opportunities for African nations to collectively safeguard their coastlines. AFRICOM is one of seven U.S. geographic combatant commands, responsible for military engagement across 53 African nations. Working with partners and allies, the command counters malign actors and transnational threats, responds to crises, strengthens African security forces, and supports U.S. government efforts in Africa to advance U.S. national interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement on the situation in Gaza Media statement Friday 25 July 2025 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Prime Minister of Australia The situation in Gaza has gone beyond the world's worst fears. The position of the Australian Government is clear: every innocent life matters. Every Israeli. Every Palestinian. This conflict has stolen far too many innocent lives. Tens of thousands of civilians are dead, children are starving. Gaza is in the grip of a humanitarian catastrophe. Israel's denial of aid and the killing of civilians, including children, seeking access to water and food cannot be defended or ignored. We call on Israel to comply immediately with its obligations under international law. This includes allowing the United Nations and NGOs to carry out their lifesaving work safely and without hindrance. Any proposals for the permanent forced displacement of the Palestinian population must be abandoned. Australia condemns the terror and brutality of Hamas and we reiterate our call for the immediate release of the remaining hostages. We continue to support all international efforts to facilitate a ceasefire, recognising that an immediate and permanent ceasefire gives the best hope of bringing hostages home and easing the agony of their loved ones. Australia is proud to have strongly supported the creation of the modern state of Israel. Then, as now, the global community envisioned two states: the State of Israel and the State of Palestine. Recognising the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for a state of their own has long been a bipartisan position in Australia. The reason a two state solution remains the goal of the international community is because a just and lasting peace depends upon it. Australia is committed to a future where both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples can live in peace and safety, within secure and internationally-recognised borders. Until that day, every effort must be made here and now to safeguard innocent life and end the suffering and starvation of the people of Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address European Peace Facility: Council adopts the second bilateral assistance measure in support of the Albanian Armed Forces European Council / Council of the European Union Council of the EU Press release 25 July 2025 14:58 The Council today adopted the second bilateral assistance measure under the European Peace Facility of 15 million with the aim of strengthening defence capacities and capabilities of the Albanian Armed Forces, bringing the total amount of support to Albania to 28 million to date. The decision complements the support already provided by the EU and aims to further strengthen the ability of the Albanian Armed Forces to deploy timely and effectively. The assistance measure will also enhance Albania's potential to contribute to the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) operations and missions and international coalitions. Albania is a close and consistent foreign and security policy partner of the EU, a contributor to EU operations, and a NATO ally. Strengthening our security and defence cooperation with Albania directly reinforces European stability, security, and peace. - Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council Today's decision illustrates the EU's strong continued engagement with Albania on security and defence. It also reflects the mutual commitment to strengthen cooperation in this field, building on the signature of the Security and Defence Partnership between the EU and Albania in November 2024 and the launch of the first Security and Defence Dialogue in April 2025. The adoption of a new support package recognises Albania's full alignment with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy. Through the European Peace Facility measure, the EU will provide to the Albanian Armed Forces light armoured multipurpose vehicles, as well as tactical and engineering vehiclesand, where needed, related supplies and services, including operational and maintenance training. Background The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 for the financing of actions under the common foreign and security policy to prevent conflicts, preserve peace and strengthen international security and stability. In particular, the European Peace Facility allows the EU to finance actions designed to strengthen the capacities of third States and regional and international organisations relating to military and defence matters. The first bilateral assistance measure under the European Peace Facility in support of Albanian Armed Forces worth 13 million was adopted in July 2024. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address European Peace Facility: Council adopts first assistance measure in support of the Djibouti Armed Forces European Council / Council of the European Union Council of the EU Press release 25 July 2025 11:55 Today the Council adopted an assistance measure under the European Peace Facility (EPF) in support of the Djibouti Armed Forces. This first measure benefitting Djibouti is worth 10 million and aims to strengthen the defence capacities of the Djibouti Armed Forces to safeguard the sovereignty and rights of Djibouti in accordance with the United Nation Convention Law of the Sea and to strengthen maritime security in the Red Sea. The assistance measure is expected to enhance the Djiboutian Navy's operational readiness by contributing to: the development and maintenance of assets to deliver full operational capabilities over the long term increased maritime domain awareness enhanced presence at sea Today's decision is in line with the EU's objective to provide an integrated and coherent response to the increased insecurity in the Red Sea and secure EU interests at this critical maritime chokepoint. In this regard, EPF support will strengthen Djibouti's potential with respect to maritime domain awareness, complementing EU Common Security and Defence Policy operations in the Red Sea. Background and next steps The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 for the financing of actions under the common foreign and security policy to prevent conflicts, preserve peace and strengthen international security and stability. In particular, the European Peace Facility allows the EU to finance actions designed to strengthen the capacities of third States and regional and international organisations relating to military and defence matters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Georgia: Statement by the Spokesperson on disinformation European External Action Service (EEAS) 25.07.2025 EEAS Press Team The European Union firmly rejects and condemns the disinformation and baseless accusations by the Georgian authorities regarding the EU's role in Georgia. Recent statements falsely claiming that the EU seeks to destabilize Georgia, drag it into war or impose so-called "non-traditional values," constitute a deliberate attempt to mislead the public. Undermining EU-Georgia relations through Russian-style conspiracy theories and divisive narratives only serves those who oppose Georgia's democratic and European path. We strongly denounce the personal attacks against the Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia. The Ambassador plays a vital role in fostering relations between the EU and Georgia. He enjoys the full trust and support of the EU. We urge all political actors in Georgia to refrain from spreading disinformation, avoid inflammatory personal attacks, and work towards the European future for its population. The EU has been a consistent and reliable partner to Georgia. The EU reaffirms its unwavering support for the territorial integrity of Georgia and reiterates its steadfast solidarity with the Georgian people and its readiness to continue supporting Georgians on their path towards a European future. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address France announcement of recognizing Palestinian state 'may cause domino effect' Global Times By Wang Qi Published: Jul 25, 2025 11:45 PM In response to a media inquiry regarding French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement that France will formally recognize the Palestinian State during a UN meeting in September, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday that the Palestinian question is at the heart of the Middle East situation. The only viable way to resolve it lies in the two-State solution. Guo stated that China supports the upcoming UN high-level conference on the implementation of the two-State solution. "We will continue working with the other member states to end the Gaza conflict, ease the humanitarian crisis, implement the two-State solution, and realize the full, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question," Guo said. In a X post on late Thursday (local time), Macron announced that France will officially recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September, stressing the "historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East," which would make France the first G7 nation to do so. "The urgent thing today is that the war in Gaza stops and the civilian population is saved, Macron said, calling for an immediate cease-fire, the release of all hostages, and large-scale humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. In a formal letter to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Macron said the urgent need is to achieve the only viable solution (two-state solution) to meet the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, put an end to terrorism and all forms of violence, and ensure lasting peace and security for Israel and the entire region. In response, Abbas's deputy, Hussein al-Sheikh, thanked the French leader, saying "This position reflects France's commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the establishment of our independent state," according to Sheikh's X post. Hamas, according to Al Jazeera, also praised Macron's announcement in a statement as a "positive step in the right direction toward doing justice to our oppressed Palestinian people and supporting their legitimate right to self-determination." Al Jazeera said the move makes France the largest and arguably most influential country in Europe to move toward recognizing a Palestinian state, after EU members Norway, Ireland and Spain indicated they would also begin the same process. It added that at least 142 countries out of the 193 members of the UN currently recognize or plan to recognize a Palestinian state. Cui Hongjian, a professor of the Academy of Regional and Global Governance at Beijing Foreign Studies University, said that France's stance reflects the autonomy of its major-power diplomacy. France's shift from initial hesitation and ambiguity to increasingly clear support was backed by the growing consensus that sympathy for Palestine and support for the "two-state solution" are gradually becoming a consensus among more European countries, Cui said. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez welcomed Macron's announcement in an X post, stressing that "the two-state solution is the only solution." In a statement on Thursday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he would hold an "emergency call" with French and German leaders on Friday to discuss "what we can do urgently to stop the killing," according to the BBC. Statehood is an "inalienable right of the Palestinian people", Starmer said, adding that a ceasefire would "put us on a path to the recognition of a Palestinian state and a two-state solution," the BBC report. In a joint statement released on Monday, Western countries including UK, France, Australia, Canada and 21 other countries, plus the EU, have called for an immediate end to the war on Gaza, saying that suffering there had "reached new depths." According to a senior official in the French presidency reached by CNN, the Elysee is confident that it won't be the only ones recognizing Palestine in September. France's announcement is likely to trigger domino effect of Palestinian state recognition, Cui said. It is possible that in September, some countries may follow suit and align with France in expressing their stance, said the expert, noting that there will also be countries that do not publicly declare their position, however, their stance may further tilt toward France in practice. Macron's announcement came on the same day that the US and Israel walked away from Gaza cease-fire talks in Qatar, with US special envoy Steve Witkoff accusing Hamas of showing "a lack of desire to reach a cease-fire in Gaza," according to the New York Times. Regarding Macron's announcement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on X that the US "strongly rejects" the French plan, as the "reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace." Meanwhile, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Macron's announcement. "Such a move rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became," according to The Times of Israel's report. Cui believed that Europe and the US are increasingly at odds, and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is further evidence of this divergence. An increasing number of Western countries have come to realize that Israel's actions have far exceeded the scope of what was initially claimed as self-defense and are moving toward geopolitical ambition of shaping a new Middle East order that favors Israel, said Cui. Meanwhile, in the US, the Republican administration, which appears to have stronger ties with Jewish interest groups compared to the previous Democratic administration, is moving toward more explicit support for Israel, Cui noted. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Thursday that the Palestinians are facing "the biggest humanitarian catastrophe" of their time amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the West Bank, due to the failure of global efforts to deter Israeli actions, Xinhua reported. The Israeli military campaign in Gaza, ongoing since October 2023, has resulted in more than 59,210 Palestinian deaths and over 143,040 injuries, according to Gaza-based health authorities. Cui believes that France's announcement carries positive implications for the broader Middle East. If this [pro-Palestine] trend continues among Western nations, it will likely generate greater pressure on Israel globally, including mounting condemnation in international public opinion and practical moves of opposition, said Cui, adding that this shift may eventually impact on the US decisionmaking. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Two-state solution' remains the only viable path to resolution: Chinese FM on Macron's announcement to recognize Palestinian state in Sept Global Times By Global Times Published: Jul 25, 2025 04:27 PM In response to a media inquiry regarding French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement that France will officially recognize the Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday that the Palestinian question has been the core issue in the Middle East, and the "two-state solution" remains the only viable path to its resolution. Guo stated that China supports the upcoming high-level UN meeting aimed at implementing the two-state solution. China will continue to work with the international community to promote a cease-fire in Gaza, alleviate the humanitarian crisis, implement the two-state solution, and ultimately achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting resolution to the Palestinian question. In a X post on late Thursday (local time), Macron announced that France will officially recognize the State of Palestine in September, stressing the "historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East," which would make France the first G7 nation to do so. Macron said that he will formalize the decision at the UN General Assembly in September. "The urgent thing today is that the war in Gaza stops and the civilian population is saved. He also called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and large-scale humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. "We must also ensure the demilitarization of Hamas, secure and rebuild Gaza. Finally, we must build the State of Palestine, guarantee its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarization and fully recognizing Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the region." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran condemns U.S. and Israel Over U.N. food rights rejection IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jul 25, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has condemned the U.S. and the Israeli regime for opposing a U.N. resolution recognizing access to food as a human right, which has led to the current starvation of civilians in Gaza. In a post on his X account, Baqaei blasted the United States and the Israeli regime for their 2021 opposition to U.N. Resolution 76/166, titled "The Right to Food", which affirms the right to access to food as a fundamental human right. Baqaei wrote: "Was the starvation of Gaza's people not premeditated?" On December 16, 2021, only the US and the Israeli regime voted against the resolution at the U.N. General Assembly. The rest of the international community stood united in support of the resolution, which emphasized the prohibition of starvation as a method of warfare under international humanitarian law. Baqaei argued that this opposition reflects "a deliberate policy to weaponize food against civilians," saying: "Is their opposition to this resolution not clear evidence of a premeditated policy to use food as a weapon of war?!" 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address France announces recognition of Palestinian state IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jul 25, 2025 French President Emmanuel Macron says France will recognize the Palestinian state, a move that comes amid growing international outrage over the starvation campaign imposed by the Israeli regime on Palestinian residents in Gaza. Macron announced the decision in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, saying that he will formalize it at the United Nations General Assembly in September. "The urgent thing today is that the war in Gaza must stop, and the civilian population must be protected," he wrote. The Islamic Resistance Movement welcomed the decision, describing it as a sign of a shifting international approach. Hamas said in a statement that such positions increase political and moral pressure on the occupying Israeli regime and could play an important role in halting crimes being committed in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, according to Al Jazeera. Hamas also called on other European countries to stand with the Palestinian people and to recognize historical justice. Macron's decision makes France, which is one of Israel's closest allies, the biggest Western power to recognize a Palestinian state. His move could pave the way for other countries to take the same measure. Spain, Ireland, and Saudi Arabia welcomed the French move as well, with Riyadh calling it a historic decision. The United States and Israel however rejected it. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a post on X, criticized what he called the reckless decision that "only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the decision "rewards terror", and that "A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel, not to live in peace beside it." France's move comes as global outrage is growing against Israel over the mounting civilian death toll in Gaza, where Palestinians lose their lives to either airstrikes or shootings by Israeli forces targeting people waiting to get food. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, the war has killed at least 59,587 people and wounded 143,498 others since early October 2023. 4208**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Blatant Israeli genocide of Palestinians in Gaza must be ended by international community: Vice president IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jul 25, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said that the blatant genocide of Palestinians by the Israeli regime in Gaza must be immediately ended with practical and binding action by the international community. "The death of innocent people due to starvation as a result of the Zionist regime's prevention of food delivery to the oppressed people of Gaza has been accompanied by the shameful silence of international human rights organizations," the Vice President wrote in a post on his X account. "This blatant genocide must be immediately ended by practical and binding action by the international community, and the perpetrators of this human crime must be punished," Aref added. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Japan-Cambodia Foreign Ministers' Telephone Conversation Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan July 25, 2025 On July 25, at 2:20 p.m., for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone conversation with H.E. Mr. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia. The summary of the conversation is as follows: At the outset, Minister Iwaya expressed Japan's deep concern over military clashes occurring between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Kingdom of Thailand. He urged both Cambodia and Thailand to exercise maximum restraint and stated his strong hope that the tension between the two countries will be eased peacefully through dialogue. In response, Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn explained Cambodia's position and expressed Cambodia's desire for a swift return to normalcy. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Latvian company wins 24 million euro international Drone Coalition procurement Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Defence 07/25/2025 - 10:04 In Latvia Information prepared by Media Relations Section The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia informs that a company from Latvia has been recognized as the only winner in the unmanned aircraft procurement competition announced within the framework of the international Drone Coalition, gaining the right to conclude a contract for the supply of high-performance autonomously guided unmanned systems to Ukraine worth approximately 24 million euros. "By supporting Ukraine in its fight against the aggressor, we have also significantly strengthened our defense industry. The fact that a Latvian company is the only one to have won the international Drone Coalition procurement confirms that our defense industry can provide military technology solutions that meet Ukraine's needs. We will continue to support Ukraine while strengthening and developing our local defense industry," says Defense Minister Andris Spruds. The procurement competition attracted interest from 163 entrepreneurs from the 57 member states of the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group. A total of 31 applicants successfully met with coalition experts for an in-person evaluation, during which their capacity to provide the stated production on time, in the specified quantity, and to the required quality was verified. Consequently, 14 companies were awarded contracts for test batches. After the unmanned aerial vehicle tests in Latvia, six entrepreneurs were forwarded to the second round of testing in Ukraine, of which the Latvian company was the only one to successfully pass the tests and was selected for procurement. It has already been reported that in January of this year, contracts were concluded within the framework of the international Drone Coalition for supplies worth almost 54 million euros from the international drone fund to provide Ukraine with 30,000 drones. Two Latvian companies out of five won the right to supply around 12,000 drones worth 17 million euros. Latvia, in agreement with the United Kingdom on co-leading the drone coalition, agreed last year that the UK would take on the coordination of the coalition's common fund and joint procurement. The establishment of the fund officially came into effect with its signing on 10 July 2024. The coalition member states contribute funding to the common fund, which is allocated for joint procurement in support of Ukraine. The drone coalition has committed to regular joint procurement to ensure the continuity of supplies of unmanned aerial vehicles to Ukraine. The goal of the drone coalition member states is to ensure the supply of drones, technological support and assistance in personnel training for Ukraine's needs. The commitment envisages supplying Ukraine with combat drones of various capacities, developed in accordance with the requirements set by the Ukrainian armed forces. The coalition officially includes 20 member states that have signed a letter of intent - Latvia, the United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Estonia, Italy, New Zealand, Canada, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Turkey, Ukraine, Germany and Sweden. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address HMNZS Canterbury concludes week-long Fiji deployment New Zealand Defence Force HMNZS Canterbury has combined an Operation Calypso tasking with a week-long series of diplomatic and community events while berthed in Suva, Fiji. 25 July, 2025 The ship was in Fiji in support of the South West Pacific Heads of Maritime Forces (SWPHMF) and to participate in events celebrating the Fiji Navy's 50th anniversary. On berthing in Suva on 17 July, the crew unloaded the Royal New Zealand Navy's two Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) the Bluebottles Tahi and Rua. Under Operation Calypso, a Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) team from HMNZS Matataua will remain in Suva for the next two months working with Republic of Fiji Navy personnel to deploy the Bluebottles to help identify and track vessels operating suspiciously in Fiji's exclusive economic zone, partnered with RNZAF aircraft and Fijian patrol vessels. Fijian Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, praised the abilities of the Bluebottles during a press conference at Suva's Maritime Essential Services Centre (MESC) on 21 July. He described the deployment of uncrewed surface technology to Fiji as "historic" and a clear indication of both countries' responsiveness to challenges around illegal fishing and narcotics trafficking. "For both New Zealand and Fiji, we are facing a more dynamic and challenging security environment than we have for some time," he said. "Both countries have large exclusive economic zones that we need to safeguard. I would like to extend a sincere thanks to New Zealand for the deployment of these vessels in Fiji. It is a continued testament to the close cooperation among our forces, and our joint willingness to adapt to a changing security environment." For RNZN Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Garin Golding, attendance at the SWPHMF meeting was invaluable as it put the maritime and navy heads of 14 nations on the same page when it came to understanding regional challenges and how best to respond to them. "Fiji, for example, has a significant issue with the trafficking of narcotics through the islands and they are having a terrible effect on its citizens and the country. That's why there is joint operation utilising our Navy and Air Force assets along with Fijian Navy personnel and vessels to assist in disrupting the supply. This is the real value that comes from meetings such as this." RADM Golding made the point that the challenges faced by Pacific Island nations are not theirs alone. "What affects our neighbours, directly or indirectly affects us so we have a critically important role to play in the region." Another New Zealand-Fiji collaboration which Minister Tikoduadua hoped would remain constant was the inaugural Leander Trophy rugby competition, created to celebrate the Fijian Navy's 50th anniversary and intended as a challenge to visiting Royal New Zealand Navy rugby teams. The Fijian Navy emphatically cemented their right to hold the trophy during a one-sided match against HMNZS Canterbury's rugby team in Champagnet Park on Saturday 19 July. The trophy now resides in a new display cabinet at the MESC, awaiting the next challenger. Canterbury's 50th anniversary events continued with a Women in Navy luncheon on the ship's bridge on Monday, hosted by Commanding Officer Commander Bron Heslop. The following day around 60 volunteers headed to Mosquito Island, a popular picnic island near Lami Bay, to conduct a substantial beach clean-up in support of environmental group Eco Guardians of Fiji. The rubbish, much of it accumulated in several piles, took four hours to bag up and transport back to shore in multiple trips. Many items were substantial, including large sheets of corrugated iron and fence netting. Canterbury's Operations Officer Lieutenant Commander Jack Walters, in charge of the clean-up, said they were happy to volunteer their time. "The awesome thing about this is, Eco Guardians and the New Zealand Defence Force, we're here because of our values and making the world a better place. This time, it's a battle against pollution." On Tuesday night the Royal New Zealand Navy Band, quartered on board Canterbury, performed with the Fijian Navy Band and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Band in an evening concert at Albert Park, attracting hundreds of locals. Canterbury hosted members and guests of the SWPHMF for a cocktail function on Wednesday night, which included a Multi Culture Group performance. On Thursday members of the Ship's Company and the Royal New Zealand Navy Band supported the Fijian Navy and Fiji veterans in a 50th anniversary street march in Suva. It was Canterbury's final activity before departing Suva on Friday for Gladstone, Australia, to resume logistics duties for Exercise Talisman Sabre, a major multi-national military exercise. Canterbury's motto, kotahitanga, means unity, and reflects the diverse, multi-service culture fostered aboard. An example was four Fijian chefs coming on board during the week for galley experience on board a large ship. Canterbury's recent travels have included New Zealand Army and Air Force personnel obtaining sea riding experience and a contingent of 20 Royal Australian Navy officers and sailors undergoing training and sea time. Canterbury also has a Ship's Amphibious Load Team (SALT) of New Zealand Army personnel. The ship's "embarked forces" population will jump as it conducts two trips between Australia and Wellington, collecting NZ Army and RNZAF personnel, equipment, armoured vehicles and aircraft following Talisman Sabre. Commander Heslop says it has been an honour and a privilege to participate in the week's activities in support of SWPHMF and the RFN's 50th Anniversary. "This visit has demonstrated New Zealand's commitment to our Pacific neighbours, and we stand ready to face the challenges of today, and tomorrow, together." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UK: Palestine Action ban 'disturbing' misuse of UK counter-terrorism legislation, Turk warns Press releases Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights 25 July 2025 GENEVA -- The UK Government's decision to proscribe the 'Palestine Action' protest group under terrorism legislation raises serious concerns that counter-terrorism laws are being applied to conduct that is not terrorist in nature and risks hindering the legitimate exercise of fundamental freedoms across the UK, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk warned today. The UK Government proscribed Palestine Action under the Terrorism Act 2000 after some of its members broke into a military airfield in June and reportedly spray-painted two military aircraft, among other incidents of property damage. "UK domestic counter-terrorism legislation defines terrorist acts broadly to include 'serious damage to property'. But, according to international standards, terrorist acts should be confined to criminal acts intended to cause death or serious injury or to the taking of hostages, for purpose of intimidating a population or to compel a government to take a certain action or not," said Turk. "It misuses the gravity and impact of terrorism to expand it beyond those clear boundaries, to encompass further conduct that is already criminal under the law." The ban, among other things, makes it a criminal offence to be a member of Palestine Action, express support for the group, or wear an item of clothing that would arouse "reasonable suspicion" that a person is a member of or supports the organization. Such conduct is punishable by criminal penalties, including fines and prison sentences of up to 14 years. "The decision appears disproportionate and unnecessary. It limits the rights of many people involved with and supportive of Palestine Action who have not themselves engaged in any underlying criminal activity but rather exercised their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association," the High Commissioner said. "As such, it appears to constitute an impermissible restriction on those rights that is at odds with the UK's obligations under international human rights law." "The decision also conflates protected expression and other conduct with acts of terrorism and so could readily lead to further chilling effect on the lawful exercise of these rights by many people," he added. Since the UK Government's ban came into effect on 5 July, at least 200 people have been arrested under the UK Terrorism Act 2000, many of them while attending peaceful protests. "I urge the UK Government to rescind its decision to proscribe Palestine Action and to halt investigations and further proceedings against protesters who have been arrested on the basis of this proscription. I also call on the UK Government to review and revise its counter-terrorism legislation, including its definition of terrorist acts, to bring it fully in line with international human rights norms and standards," the High Commissioner said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan Strongly Condemns Israel's Illegal Annexation Attempt in the Occupied West Bank Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan unequivocally condemns the Israeli parliament's unlawful attempt to assert "sovereignty" over the Occupied West Bank. This deplorable act constitutes a grave violation of international law and reflects Israel's persistent disregard for Palestinian rights and established international norms. Such deliberate and provocative actions highlight the occupying power's systematic attempts to undermine efforts for peace and entrench its illegal occupation. These unilateral measures represent a dangerous escalation that jeopardizes regional stability and prospects for a just and lasting settlement. Pakistan calls upon the international community to take swift and decisive action to hold Israel accountable for its violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions and international humanitarian law. These measures will neither be recognized nor alter the internationally acknowledged status of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the Palestinian people's inalienable right to self-determination. We steadfastly advocate for the establishment of an independent, sovereign, and viable Palestinian state based on the pre-June 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions. Islamabad 25 July 2025 218/2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Palace defers to Congress, judiciary on impeachment process Philippine News Agency By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos and Benjamin Pulta July 25, 2025, 6:35 pm MANILA -- Malacanang on Friday said it would let Congress and the judiciary exercise their independence in fulfilling their constitutional mandates, including the handling of the impeachment process. This, after the Supreme Court (SC), in a unanimous decision, declared the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte as unconstitutional. In a statement, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Malacanang has yet to review the high court's decision. Castro, nevertheless, called on the public to "respect the Supreme Court and place their trust in our institutions." "The impeachment process is a matter handled by the legislative and judicial branches, and we recognize their independence in carrying out their constitutional mandates," she said. In declaring the Articles of Impeachment unconstitutional, the high court also ruled that the Senate could not acquire jurisdiction over the impeachment proceedings. The SC en banc said the impeachment complaint "is barred by the one-year rule under Article XI, Section 3(5) of the Constitution" and that it violates the right to due process enshrined in the Bill of Rights. However, the Court said "it is not absolving" Duterte from any of the charges against her. "But any subsequent impeachment complaint may only be filed starting February 6, 2026," the SC said. The case stemmed from four impeachment complaints against Duterte. The first three were filed before the House of Representatives (HOR) by private individuals and different groups on Dec. 2, 4, and 19, 2024. A fourth complaint was lodged by a resolution approved by more than one third of the HOR members of the 19th Congress on Feb. 5, 2025, which was transmitted as the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate on the same day. This was followed by two petitions filed before the Supreme Court challenging its constitutionality. The Court said that while it does not determine whether an impeachable officer may be removed or disqualified from political office, it emphasized that "it has the duty to construe the process mandated in the Constitution." In declaring that the Articles of Impeachment were barred by the one-year rule, the Court differentiated the first three complaints from the fourth complaint. The first three, it said, were filed under Article XI, Section 3(2) of the Constitution, which allows any citizen to file a verified complaint with an endorsement by any HOR member. The fourth one was through Article XI, Section 3(4) of the Constitution through a verified complaint or resolution filed by at least one-third of members of the House of Representatives. The Court took note that the House in the 19th Congress did not act on the first three endorsed complaints, which were considered "terminated or dismissed" upon the adjournment of the House. Of the 15 justices, Associate Justices Benjamin Caguioa and Filomena Singh took no part in the proceedings. Caguioa inhibited himself, citing being related to one of the party's counsels, while Singh is on official leave. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Senate Impeachment Court defers to SC on VP Sara case Philippine News Agency By Wilnard Bacelonia July 25, 2025, 6:35 pm MANILA -- The Senate, sitting as an Impeachment Court, on Friday said it respects the Supreme Court's ruling declaring as unconstitutional the impeachment articles filed against Vice President Sara Duterte. In a statement, Senate Impeachment Court spokesperson lawyer Regie Tongol said the decision affirms the chamber's careful and deliberate approach in seeking constitutional clarity before moving forward with any trial. "The Senate, sitting as an Impeachment Court, has always acted in deference to the Constitution and the rule of law. As a co-equal branch of government, we are duty-bound to respect the finality of rulings issued by the High Court," Tongol said. He added that the ruling upholds the Senate majority's position to act with prudence and restraint amid unresolved legal questions surrounding the complaint. "We now await the formal transmittal of the Supreme Court's decision and any related guidance that may affect the Impeachment Court's jurisdiction moving forward," he said. The Senate also reiterated its commitment to uphold constitutional order, ensure due process, and protect the integrity of democratic institutions. Mixed reactions Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada welcomed the decision, calling it a vital reminder that all efforts to hold public officials accountable must be anchored in legality and due process. "While I cannot speak for or on behalf of my colleagues on this matter, the Senate has always been firmly committed to the rule of law, and I expect the body, when we convene the 20th Congress, to take a collective stand by acceding to the High Court's decision," Estrada said. "As a co-equal branch of government, we must abide by the decision of the Supreme Court. Even in a political process like impeachment proceedings, we must adhere to established procedures and due process to ensure that our actions are neither arbitrary nor solely driven by political agendas," he added. Estrada said the Senate can now focus on urgent national concerns, including the rehabilitation of communities affected by recent typhoons. Senator Imee Marcos, meanwhile, called on her colleagues to accept the ruling and move forward. "Galangin at respetuhin ang desisyon ng Korte Suprema. Sa mga kasamahan kong senadortrabaho na tayo! 'Wag na mamulitika! (Let us respect the Supreme Court's decision. To my fellow senatorslet's get back to work and stop politicking)," she said. Senator Joel Villanueva expressed support for the Senate's cautious approach. "The Senate has always acted with prudence, not haste. We remain guided by our duty to uphold the rule of law and respect due process. As an impeachment court and as a legislative body, we remain committed to following the Constitution and established procedures and will continue to do so," Villanueva said. Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed disappointment, describing the high court's move to stop the impeachment trial as abrupt and worrying. "Maliwanag naman na sinabi ng Korte Suprema na hindi nila pinapawalang-sala si VP Duterte, at maaaring mai-file ang impeachment complaint ulit next year (The Supreme Court clearly said it is not exonerating VP Duterte, and that an impeachment complaint may be filed again next year)," she said in a statement. Senator Bam Aquino echoed similar sentiments, maintaining that the trial should have proceeded. "Matibay ang aking paninindigan na dapat ipagpatuloy ang impeachment trial. Bilang co-equal branch, malinaw ang mandato ng konstitusyon at kapangyarihan ng senado, kaya nararapat na irespesto ang proseso ng impeachment (I firmly believe the impeachment trial should proceed. As a co-equal branch, the Senate's constitutional mandate is clear and the impeachment process should be respected)." Aquino said. The SC's decision effectively halts the impeachment proceedings against the Vice President, pending any further motions or developments. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PAF: Add'l FA-50 fighter jets a big boost to PH air defense Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno July 25, 2025, 10:59 am MANILA -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) welcomed South Korea's pledge to deliver by 2028 the first batch of the 12 FA-50 Block 70 light combat aircraft it has acquired from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). "The PAF welcomes any development that will significantly expedite the enhancement of our air defense capabilities, as we also appreciate commitments such as this from our regional partners that highlight our strong security cooperation," PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in a message to reporters late Thursday. South Korean Ambassador to Manila Lee Sang-hwa, in a luncheon meeting with the press on Tuesday, said Seoul targets to deliver three out of the 12 FA-50 aircraft to the Philippines before the end of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s term. Castillo also said the additional FA-50s, once they arrive, would substantially strengthen the country's air defense capabilities and support its mission of safeguarding Philippine sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Philippines last month signed the USD700 million contract to acquire the 12 FA-50 Block 70 light combat aircraft from KAI, as it seeks to enhance its air defense capabilities. The comprehensive package includes mission equipment, integrated logistics support, and a training and logistics information system. The South Korea-made combat jets represent the latest evolution of the FA-50 platform, featuring advanced avionics, modern radar systems, and extended operational range. Its delivery will be carried out in phases over the next five years, with full completion targeted by 2030. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Palestinian government says Gaza crisis Israel-imposed, demands 'immediate end to famine' Iran Press TV Friday, 25 July 2025 4:04 PM The government in the Gaza Strip has slammed the Israeli regime over the deadly food crisis on the enclave, demanding an "immediate end to the famine" created by the zionist forces in the blockaded Palestinian territory. Gaza's Government Media Office called on the Tel Aviv regime to immediately open all of the crossings to the Palestinian territory and end the man-made famine. It demanded that the Israeli regime forces allow the entry of baby formula as part of 500 aid trucks and 50 fuel trucks daily to stave off the "disaster" in Gaza. "We demand the formation of an international commission to investigate the systematic starvation crime," it said in a statement. It also called for the arrest of Israeli "war criminals", including soldiers vacationing in or travelling to countries around the world. "We hold the Israeli occupation, the US administration, and countries involved in genocide, such as Britain, Germany, and France, as well as the international community, fully responsible for this historic crime," Gaza's Government Media Office said in the statement. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, hospitals recorded nine new deaths due to starvation and malnutrition over 24 hours, raising the total number of starvation deaths to 122. Gaza's Government Media Office confirmed the death toll from famine and malnutrition in Gaza has risen to 122, including 83 children. Meanwhile, head of the UN aid organization for Palestine issued a warning this week calling for worldwide action to address Israel's ongoing blockade of aid to the Gaza Strip. Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), said the international community's inaction in this regard equates to complicity in the starvation of the people of Gaza. Philippe Lazzarini said the Israeli regime forces have banned UNRWA from bringing humanitarian aid into Gaza since March. Lazzarini described the deteriorating situation in Gaza as a man-made crisis, facilitated by the impunity afforded to the Israeli regime. The UN official insisted that to stop the starvation of Palestinians in Gaza, urgent need for political intervention was required. "Only political will and leadership can reverse full-fledged starvation," Lazzarini pointed out. The US-Israeli genocide, which began in October 2023, has so far killed more than 59,580 Palestinians, mostly women and children. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran warns of Israeli plan to 'eradicate' Palestine, calls for urgent end to Gaza blockade Iran Press TV Friday, 25 July 2025 3:43 PM Iranian foreign minister has warned that Israel seeks to "eradicate" Palestine as a nation and identity, calling for urgent international action to lift the devastating Israeli blockade that has left Gaza in a state of humanitarian collapse. Abbas Araghchi made the statements in a phone conversation on Friday with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The Iranian minister stressed the urgent need to activate all available capacities, including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other international mechanisms, to end the siege, deliver essential aid, and halt the genocide in occupied Palestine. He added that Gaza is suffering from a disastrous situation as a result of the escalation of the Israeli regime's crimes, especially the blockade of food and medicine and depriving the oppressed people in the besieged territory of food and water. The comments come as Gaza's Health Ministry announced on Friday that at least 122 Palestinians, including many children, have died from starvation since Israel began its war on Gaza in October 2023. Most of these deaths have occurred in recent weeks. Meanwhile, tons of humanitarian aid remain stuck at Gaza's borders, as Israeli authorities continue to restrict entry. Limited aids are distributed at US-backed GHF (Gaza Humanitarian Fund) centers, where Israeli forces have killed over 1,000 Palestinian aid seekers and left more than 5,000 others injured in the past few months. The Iranian foreign minister also slammed a motion passed in the Israeli parliament (Knesset) that seeks to illegally annex the West Bank and Jordan Valley, describing it as another sign of the regime's "expansionist and lawless nature". "This action, simultaneous with the genocide in Gaza and the continued gross violation of human rights in the West Bank, reveals the Zionists' sinister intentions in pursuing the complete eradication of Palestine as a land, nation, and independent identity," Araghchi emphasized. He reiterated that the firm stance of the OIC and most countries in the world in condemning such an Israeli action would be "very important and meaningful". On Wednesday, Knesset lawmakers voted 71-13 in favor of the motion, a non-binding vote which calls for "applying Israeli sovereignty to Judea, Samaria and the Jordan Valley" - the Israeli terms for the Palestinian territory. The move, coinciding with both the Gaza genocide and ongoing human rights violations in the West Bank, reveals more than ever the fact that "this regime has no goal other than the complete annihilation of Palestine as a land, nation, and independent identity," the Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a Thursday statement. The top Iranian and Saudi diplomats pointed to the importance of taking practical and immediate measures to help the people in Gaza and put an end to the Israeli regime's crimes against Palestinians and discussed ways to make use of regional and international capacities, including the OIC and joint Islamic-Arab mechanisms, in this regard. The Saudi foreign minister expressed his country's readiness to help achieve such goals. Since October 7, 2023, Israeli attacks have killed at least 59,676 Palestinians, the majority of them women and children. The ongoing aggression has leveled large swaths of Gaza, internally displacing almost all of the 2.2 million population. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Canada PM condemns Israel over Gaza humanitarian catastrophe Iran Press TV Friday, 25 July 2025 3:38 PM Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has condemned the Israeli regime over the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. "Canada condemns the Israeli government's failure to prevent the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian disaster in Gaza," Carney stated late Thursday night. Carney said the aid operation led by the Israeli regime needed to be handed over to an international organization capable of properly distributing Canadian-funded aid provided for the starving people in the besieged Palestinian territory. "Israel's control of aid distribution must be replaced by comprehensive provision of humanitarian assistance led by international organizations. Many of these are holding significant Canadian-funded aid which has been blocked from delivery to starving civilians," Carney stated. "This denial of humanitarian aid is a violation of international law," Carney added. Currently, the failed international US-run food distribution in Gaza remains heavily restricted by Israeli security controls, with frequent delays, bottlenecks at border crossings and numerous instances of hundreds of Palestinians being killed at aid points. UN agencies have condemned the US and Israel-backed food distribution system, calling it "an abomination" and "a death trap". The United Nations reported that Israeli forces have shot dead more than 1,000 aid seekers at US-run Gaza Humanitarian Foundation distribution points in the past months. The United Nations, traditionally in charge of aid operations in Palestine, called once more for global action to end the brutal Israeli blockade on Gaza. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), issued a warning this week calling for worldwide action to address Israel's ongoing blockade of aid to the Gaza Strip. Lazzarini said the international community's inaction in this regard equates to complicity in the starvation of the people of Gaza. He said the Israeli regime forces have banned UNRWA from bringing humanitarian aid into Gaza since March. Lazzarini characterized the situation as a man-made crisis, facilitated by the impunity afforded to the Israeli regime. He insisted that to stop the starvation of Palestinians in Gaza, an urgent need for political intervention was required. "Only political will and leadership can reverse full-fledged starvation," Lazzarini emphasized. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, hospitals recorded nine new deaths due to starvation and malnutrition over 24 hours, raising the total number of starvation deaths to 122. The US-Israeli genocide, which began in October 2023, has so far killed more than 59,580 Palestinians, mostly women and children. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran: US-Israeli 'no' vote to UN resolution suggests Gaza starvation 'premeditated' Iran Press TV Friday, 25 July 2025 11:33 AM Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman has suggested that the mass starvation in Gaza may be "premeditated," pointing to the United States and Israel's lone opposition to a 2021 UN resolution that bans the use of starvation as a method of warfare. In a Friday post on X, Esmaeil Baghaei drew attention to the December 2021 vote on UN Resolution 76/166, which recognized access to food as a human right. The resolution was passed overwhelmingly by the United Nations General Assembly. Yet, only the United States and Israel voted against it. "On 16 December 2021, only Israel & the United States voted against a landmark UN resolution 76/166 recognizing access to food as a human right," he wrote, adding, "The world stood unitedthe Right to Food Resolution was endorsed by the whole UN membership while these two rejected it outright." "The resolution explicitly reaffirms the prohibition of starvation as a method of warfare under IHL. Didn't their opposition to that resolution indicate a premeditated policy of using food as a weapon of war?" Baghaei asked. UN Resolution A/RES/76/166, titled "The Right to Food", affirms that hunger is a violation of human dignity. It urges governments to ensure food security and condemns the use of starvation in conflict, in line with international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute. The resolution was drafted with broad support from human rights-focused UN members. The resolution stresses "the obligation of all States and parties to an armed conflict to protect civilians, in accordance with international humanitarian law, and calling upon Member States, the United Nations and other relevant organizations to take further steps to provide a coordinated emergency response to the food and nutrition needs of affected populations." Baghaei's remarks come as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate under the Israeli blockade. According to Doctors Without Borders (MSF), 25 percent of children under five and pregnant or breastfeeding women screened at MSF clinics in Gaza last week were malnourished. MSF directly blamed Israel's "policy of starvation." The group also warned that severe malnutrition rates among children have tripled in just two weeks. Gaza's Health Ministry says at least 115 Palestinians, including many children, have died from starvation since Israel began its war on Gaza in October 2023. Most of these deaths have occurred in recent weeks. Meanwhile, tons of humanitarian aid remain stuck at Gaza's borders, as Israeli authorities continue to restrict entry. Limited aids are distributed at US-backed GHF (Gaza Humanitarian Fund) centers, where Israeli forces have killed over 1,000 Palestinian aid seekers and left more than 5,000 other injured in the past few months. On Thursday alone, 19 aid seekers were killed by Israeli fire. Since October 7, 2023, Israeli attacks have killed at least 59,587 Palestinians, the majority of them women and children. The ongoing aggression has leveled large swaths of Gaza, internally displacing almost all of the 2.2 million population. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel 'wiping out' Gaza to make way for settlements: Extremist minister Iran Press TV Friday, 25 July 2025 7:38 AM An extreme-right Israeli minister has openly admitted that the regime is ethnically cleansing Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to make way for settlements. Israel's so-called heritage minister Amichai Eliyahu made the brazen remarks in a radio interview on Thursday, sparking widespread condemnations. Israel's ruling regime "is racing ahead for Gaza to be wiped out," he said. "Thank God, we are wiping out" the Palestinian territory and "pushing this population". He also noted that Gaza will be cleared for Israeli settlement, adding, "All Gaza will be Jewish." He further said that the Arabs, who are loyal to the occupying regime, may remain in the Gaza Strip. Eliyahu, a member of the racist Jewish Power party, also denied reports of mass starvation in Gaza caused by an inhumane Israeli siege on in the territory. "There's no hunger in Gaza," he claimed. "But we don't need to be concerned with hunger in the Strip. Let the world worry about it." Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid denounced Eliyahu's comments as "a moral attack and a propaganda disaster." Israel is led by an "extremist minority" cabinet, whose ministers "sanctify blood and death," he said. Israeli lawmaker Efrat Rayten called on Netanyahu's cabinet to issue an "unequivocal condemnation" of Eliyahu's "abhorrent and repugnant" remarks. "A sitting minister is openly calling for serious war crimes. He's not an opposition figure, not a private citizen, not a social media pundit. He is a central cog in the executive branch. Eliyahu is a dangerous man," she said. The Israeli protest group Brothers and Sisters in Arms also said the usurping entity is being run by "extremist ideologues" like Eliyahu who has "no morality, no purity of arms, [and] no shame." In November 2023, Eliyahu said that dropping a nuclear weapon on Gaza was "one of the possibilities" in Israel's genocidal war on the Palestinian territory. The minister's remarks were entered as evidence of intent in the genocide case filed by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. In addition to the genocide case, the International Criminal Court (ICC), also located in The Hague, issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel unleashed its brutal Gaza onslaught on October 7, 2023, after the Hamas resistance group carried out its historic operation against the occupying entity in retaliation for the regime's intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people. The Tel Aviv regime has so far failed to achieve its declared objectives of eliminating Hamas and freeing all captives in Gaza, despite killing 59,586 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injuring 143,498 others. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Evacuees seek safety as Cambodia and Thailand clash Hundreds of thousands pour into shelters amid fresh shelling, while officials wrangle over a peace deal and warn of a wider war. By RFA staff 2025.07.25 BANGKOK, Thailand -- Evacuees fled by the thousands from the border of Thailand and Cambodia on Friday as the two countries' militaries traded fire for a second day, an escalation in a long-running conflict that threatened to grow wider. Rocket attacks and shelling started near the Ta Muen Thom temple, which was also the flashpoint for the initial skirmish on Thursday. Clashes were reported in 12 locations, up from six on Thursday, according to Thailand's military. More than 130,000 people have been evacuated from Thailand's border regions, said the country's health ministry, which also reported 15 people killed in two days of skirmishes. Leaders from both countries talked publicly about resolving the conflict. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has backed a cease-fire proposal offered by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, which chairs the ASEAN conference of nations that counts Cambodia and Thailand as members. The Cambodian leader posted on Facebook on Friday that Thailand had initially agreed to the deal, but later backed out. After initially pushing for a bilateral agreement, Thailand's foreign ministry said in a post on X that it will consider the Malaysian proposal, but that "appropriate on-the-ground conditions" must exist. Earlier Friday, the acting prime minister of Thailand, Phumtham Vejjayachai, told reporters that the situation between the countries "had intensified and could escalate into a state of war." Seamstress Pornpan Sooksai was among 600 people who took shelter at a gymnasium at a university in Surin, Thailand, about 80 kilometers from the border. She told the Associated Press that she had been doing laundry on Thursday when the shelling began. "I just heard boom, boom, boom. We already prepared the cages, clothes, and everything, so we ran and carried our things to the car. I was frightened, scared," she said. In Cambodia, hundreds of residents near the border in Oddar Meanchey fled to a nearby Buddhist pagoda. Among them was 36-year-old Salou Chan, who lives about 20 kilometers from the disputed area. "I fear for the safety of my children, they are still small," he told Agence France-Presse. "I don't know when I will be able to return home, but I want them to stop fighting soon. Nobody's looking after my rice paddy and livestock." The two days of fighting follow many years of tension along the disputed border, and eight weeks of political jousting between Thai and Cambodian officials after a shooting incident on May 28 that killed a Cambodian soldier. On Wednesday, Thailand expelled Cambodia's ambassador and recalled its own. Includes reporting by RFA Khmer and Pimuk Rakkanam for RFA, as well as Agence France-Presse, The Associated Press, and Reuters. Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content July not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Warns Montenegro Over University's Cooperation With Sanctioned Chinese Center By RFE/RL's Balkan Service July 25, 2025 The United States has expressed concern over reports of the University of Montenegro's cooperation with a scientific center controlled by the Chinese military's leading scientific and engineering research institution. On July 18, the university signed a memorandum of cooperation on cryptography, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity with China's National Supercomputer Center in Jinan. "This institution is operated by China's National University of Defense Technology (NDUT) and is sanctioned by the Commerce Department," the State Department told RFE/RL. NDUT, overseen by the People's Liberation Army (PLA), is a leader in supercomputing, a tool that allows scientists to do simulations critical for national defense as well as other important issues. US universities and companies have drastically scaled back research cooperation with Chinese institutions in recent years amid concern over exploitation and theft of intellectual property, especially for Beijing's military use. To hinder scientific knowledge transfer to Washington's primary adversary, the United States has sanctioned a number of Chinese research institutions tied to the Asian country's military over the past decade. NDUT was first blocked by the Commerce Department in 2015. Cooperation with universities in US-aligned countries could potentially give China a backdoor to the latest US research. Given Montenegro's NATO membership and regional leadership in cyber capacity building, the State Department said, "its partnerships in sensitive areas such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity should align with shared NATO security priorities and avoid enabling or cooperating with entities linked to China's military modernization efforts." It added that it was "important that academic and research institutions adopt robust research security measures, including but not limited to, screening their potential collaborations for ties to entities of concern." The memorandum was signed by the university's rector, Vladimir Bozovic, who earned a PhD in the United States in mathematics and cryptography, including encryption methods and principles. During his US studies, he also worked as a researcher at the Florida-based Center for Cryptology and Information Security (CCIS). The rector's office did not respond to RFE/RL's questions about why it signed an agreement with a US-sanctioned institution, given that Montenegro is a NATO member and hosts the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Center (WB3C). Montenegro is under no obligation to observe US sanctions -- which restrict US companies and individuals from transacting with blocked entities -- but Washington frowns upon allies and partners that do not. Jeffrey Stoff, a former US government official who has studied Chinese penetration of US academia, told a Congressional hearing in January that universities are focused "on attracting sustaining revenue sources and human capital from anywhere and anyone," which can run counter to US national-security interests. It is unclear, what, if any, financial or human capital the University of Montenegro would receive from China's National Supercomputer Center in Jinan under the cooperation agreement. The University of Montenegro has also engaged with other Chinese companies under US sanctions. In December, a delegation led by Bozovic traveled to China to meet with representatives of leading IT companies, including Hikvision, which was blacklisted by the US Commerce Department in 2019. The European Parliament also removed Hikvision's cameras from its offices in 2021, and several European countries have banned their use in government buildings. Neither the European Commission nor NATO responded to RFE/RL's request for comment on the university's cooperation with Chinese entities under US sanctions. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/us-warns-montenegro-china- partnership-cybersecurity-risk/33483795.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's answer to a media question regarding the anti-Serb provocation in Kosovo 25 July 2025 17:46 1258-25-07-2025 Question: On July 18, the local "police" detained Assistant Director of the Serbian Government Office for Kosovo and Metohija Igor Popovic, without any justification while he was in the region to attend a memorial ceremony for the victims of Kosovo Albanian militants in 1998-1999. How would you comment on this? Maria Zakharova: The so-called authorities in Pristina have committed yet another lawless act targeting Serbs. What has transpired is a clear manifestation of escalating terror against the Serb population - further proof of Prime Minister Albin Kurti's intent to demoralise them and force them to abandon their homes. This is a cynical provocation in line with the ongoing ethnic cleansing in Kosovo. Igor Popovic is a member of the Serbian delegation participating in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue mediated by the European Union. His unlawful detention plainly demonstrates Kosovo Albanians' unwillingness to pursue a diplomatic resolution to the Kosovo issue and confirms the determination of local Albanian radicals to sabotage any steps towards a long-term, sustainable peace on mutually acceptable terms. The EU's lack of a coherent response, despite its role as the curator of the negotiation process, suggests Brussels still has no intention of restraining the anti-Serb terror perpetrated by Kosovo Albanians - washing its hands of the matter. Regrettably, this comes as no surprise: "civilised Europe" has long forfeited what little authority it had left, proving incapable of resolving its own internal problems, let alone assisting others. Belgrade's legitimate demand for Popovic's immediate release must be fulfilled. The only way to prevent a dangerous escalation in the region is through responsible dialogue between the involved parties, grounded in international law and anchored by the cornerstone UN Security Council Resolution 1244. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Thailand to Consider Ceasefire Proposal, But Must Defend Itself - Foreign Ministry 20250725 BANGKOK (Sputnik) - Thailand will consider the proposal of Malaysian Prime Minister and ASEAN Chairman Anwar Ibrahim for a ceasefire in the border conflict with Cambodia but is currently forced to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Thai Foreign Ministry said on Friday. "The Royal Thai Government wishes to thank Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for the offer of a ceasefire, which Thailand fully agrees with in principle and will consider. However, it must be stated that throughout the day [July 25], Cambodian forces have continued their indiscriminate attacks on Thai territory," the ministry said on X. The ceasefire must be based on appropriate conditions on the ground, the statement added. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Thailand Open to Malaysia's Mediation in Resolving Conflict With Cambodia - Bangkok Sputnik News 20250725 Thailand is ready to accept Malaysia's mediation in resolving the border conflict with Cambodia, Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said. "We are ready, if Cambodia would like to settle this matter via diplomatic channels, bilaterally, or even through Malaysia, we are ready to do that. But so far we have not had any response," the spokesman told the media. Meanwhile, the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Friday called an emergency meeting with the heads of the country's diplomatic missions to discuss the escalating border conflict with Thailand. "On the morning of 25 July 2025, at the Ministry, His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister PRAK Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, conducted a briefing for members of the diplomatic corps, including defense attaches, in Cambodia to apprise them of developments regarding the Cambodian-Thai border tension," the ministry said in a statement. The meeting is aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict and finding a diplomatic resolution of the tensions. The officials will discuss the history of the conflict and assess the recent accidents, which led to the current situation. The diplomats will also emphasize the importance of the dialogue between the sides in order to prevent future escalation, the Khmer Times newspaper reported. The long-standing dispute over the 11th-century Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, escalated dramatically Thursday. Following weeks of heightened tensions from landmine incidents and subsequent mutual diplomatic expulsions, heavy artillery and rocket attacks erupted near border temples. The Thai Ministry of Public Heath said on Friday that the death toll from the strikes conducted by Cambodia on Thailand had reached 15, while 46 people had been injured. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas Welcomes France's Intention to Recognize Palestine in September Sputnik News 20250725 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Palestinian movement Hamas has hailed the statement by French President Emmanuel Macron about his country's intention to recognize the state of Palestine in September. On Thursday, Macron said that France would officially recognize the state of Palestine at a meeting of the UN General Assembly in September. "The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement of his country's intention to recognize the State of Palestine during the upcoming UN General Assembly session in September, and consider it a positive step in the right direction to achieve justice for our oppressed Palestinian people and support their legitimate right to self-determination and establish their independent Palestinian state on all occupied lands with Jerusalem as its capital," the movement said in a statement on Thursday. At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Macron's decision to recognize Palestine. "We strongly condemn President Macron's decision to recognize a Palestinian state next to Tel Aviv in the wake of the October 7 massacre. Such a move rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became. A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel," Netanyahu said on X. The Jerusalem Post newspaper reported that Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz called Macron's decision a disgrace and said that Israel will not allow the creation of the Palestinian state. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Thailand's Acting Prime Minister Warns Border Clashes With Cambodia Can Escalate Into War Sputnik News 20250725 Thailand's acting prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, warned on Friday of the risk of the ongoing border conflict with Cambodia escalating into war. The long-standing dispute between Thailand and Cambodia over the 11th-century Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, escalated dramatically on Thursday. Following weeks of heightened tensions from landmine incidents and subsequent mutual diplomatic expulsions, heavy artillery and rocket attacks erupted near border temples. "If the situation escalates it could develop into war, though for now it remains limited to clashes," the acting prime minister was quoted as saying by AFP. More than 100,000 people have fled Thailand's provinces on the border with Cambodia amid the escalation, the Bangkok Post newspaper reported on Friday, citing the Thai Interior Ministry. Clashes are currently taking place in 12 areas, Reuters reported, citing a Thai official. The UN Security Council will hold a meeting on the escalation of tensions between Thailand and Cambodia at 19:00 GMT on Friday behind closed doors, the Mission of Pakistan told RIA Novosti. "Private meeting tomorrow at 3 pm [EST]," the Mission of Pakistan, which is currently chairing the UN Security Council, said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address France to Officially Recognize Palestine in September - Macron Sputnik News 20250725 France will officially recognize the state of Palestine at a meeting of the UN General Assembly in September, French President Emmanuel Macron said. "I have decided that France, true to its historical commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, will recognize the State of Palestine. I will make this solemn declaration at the United Nations General Assembly in September," Macron said on X. He added that "the urgent need today is to end the war in Gaza and provide assistance to the civilian population." In response, Benjamin Netanyahu's office writes, "Such a move rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became." US State Secretary Marco Rubio has said that the United States strongly rejects French President Emmanuel Macron's "reckless" decision to recognize the state of Palestine. "The United States strongly rejects Emmanuel Macron's plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN general assembly. This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th," Rubio said on X on Thursday. The state of Palestine is recognized by 147 countries, the US is not among them. In 2024, Washington vetoed Palestine's full membership in the United Nations. Since 2024, Palestine has been recognized by ten states, including Ireland, Norway, Spain, and Armenia. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address E3 Leaders' Statement on the Situation in Gaza and the West Bank: 25 July 2025 E3 Leaders' Statement on the Situation in Gaza and the West Bank. From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP Published 25 July 2025 The time has come to end the war in Gaza. We urge all parties to bring an end to the conflict by reaching an immediate ceasefire. We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages who have been held captive by Hamas since October 7, 2023. A negotiated ceasefire is the best chance to bring the hostages home, end the anguish of their families and finally bring relief to the civilian population in Gaza. The disarmament of Hamas is imperative, and Hamas must have no role in the future of Gaza. We reaffirm our commitment to supporting the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. The humanitarian catastrophe that we are witnessing in Gaza must end now. The most basic needs of the civilian population, including access to water and food, must be met without any further delay. Withholding essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable. We call on the Israeli Government to immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid and urgently allow the UN and humanitarian NGOs to carry out their work in order to take action against starvation. Israel must uphold its obligations under international humanitarian law. We firmly oppose all efforts to impose Israeli sovereignty over the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Threats of annexation, settlements and acts of settler violence against Palestinians undermine the prospects for a negotiated two-state solution. We are committed to working together with our international partners including at the United Nations to develop a specific and credible plan for the next phase in Gaza that will put in place transitional governance and security arrangements, and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid at scale. This must be accompanied by the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the removal of Hamas leadership, as key steps towards a negotiated two-state solution. We stand ready to take further action to support an immediate ceasefire and a political process that leads to lasting security and peace for Israelis, Palestinians and the entire region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Urgent support needed as over 1.3 million war-displaced Sudanese begin to return home UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Joint IOM-UNHCR-UNDP press release 25 July 2025 GENEVA -- While conflict persists across much of Sudan, pockets of relative safety have emerged, and to date over 1 million internally displaced Sudanese have made their way home. A further 320,000 people have crossed back into Sudan since last year, mainly from Egypt and South Sudan, some to assess the current situation in the country before deciding to return. People are mainly going back to Khartoum, Sennar and Al Jazirah States, where the impact of more than two years of war is immense. Regional Directors from UNHCR and IOM recently visited Khartoum and witnessed widespread devastation and a chronic lack of services for its remaining inhabitants. These include thousands of internally displaced Sudanese, as well as refugees and asylum-seekers hosted in Sudan, many of whom had been completely cut off from assistance since the war began. The visits followed an earlier mission to Sudan in February by the UNDP Regional Director aimed at developing long-term solutions for internally displaced people and refugees to secure livelihoods and basic services. With humanitarian operations massively underfunded both inside Sudan and across neighbouring countries hosting those who fled, an urgent increase in financial support is needed. Humanitarian partners stress that recovery efforts must begin in areas that are becoming accessible and relatively safer. At the same time, funds are desperately needed to improve conditions for refugees in host countries. "More than evidence of people's desire to return to their homeland, these returns are a desperate call for an end to the war so that people can come back and rebuild their lives," said Mamadou Dian Balde, Regional Refugee Coordinator for the Sudan crisis, who has just returned from Khartoum and Wadi Halfa at the border with Egypt. "Not only do they mark a hopeful but fragile shift, they also indicate already stretched host countries under increasing strain. We urge stronger international solidarity with the Sudanese people uprooted by this horrifying war and with the countries that have opened their doors to them." While fighting has subsided in the areas to which people are returning, conditions remain perilous. Public infrastructure - power supply lines, roads and drainage systems - have been completely destroyed. Schools and hospitals have been ruined or turned into collective shelters hosting displaced families. Lost or destroyed civil documents and the inability to replace them means people cannot access existing services. In addition to the dangers posed by unexploded ordnances, sexual violence and child rights violations are widespread. Speaking from Port Sudan immediately after his visit to Khartoum, IOM Regional Director Othman Belbeisi underlined the need to support returnees in their voluntary choice to return: "Those heading home are not passive survivors, they are vital to Sudan's recovery. Yes, the humanitarian situation is dire, but with the right support, returnees can revive local economies, restore community life, and foster hope where it's needed most. But they cannot do it alone. We must work alongside local partners to ensure that people return not to shattered systems, but to the foundations of peace, dignity, and opportunity. The thousands of people seeking to return home are driven by hope, resilience, and an enduring connection to their country. However, it is essential to emphasize that return must remain a voluntary, informed, and dignified choice." "Anyone who's been forced from home knows the overwhelming urge to return," said UNDP Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States, Abdallah Al Dardari. "But without urgent action, people will be coming back to cities that are in ruins. We are in a race against time to clear the rubble and provide water, power, and health care. We also need to offer longer-term support for jobs and businesses and to address the unseen damage of war, including with counselling and legal aid for women victims of violence." Despite these returns, hundreds continue to flee both within Sudan and across its borders daily, due to ongoing conflict particularly in the Darfur and Kordofan regions. More than two years in, the people of Sudan have suffered enough and deserve an end to the fighting. A political solution to the crisis in Sudan must be found for a lasting peace that will allow people to fully return and rebuild their lives. Notes to editors: Sudan remains home to 10 million internally displaced people, including 7.7 million forced from their homes by the current conflict. It also still hosts around 882,000 refugees and asylum-seekers, primarily from South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Eritrea. Since the current conflict began, more than 12 million people have been forcibly displaced. Over four million have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, including 3.2 million Sudanese refugees and some 800,000 refugees who were previously hosted by Sudan and went back home to escape the violence. There are a total of 4 million Sudanese refugees in neighboring countries, including those displaced before the current conflict. Despite limited resources, UN agencies in coordination with local authorities and partners are working to meet essential needs and establish a stable environment that can support enhance resilience and strengthen access to services for returnees, displaced people, and host communities who remained. Efforts are underway to provide clean water, boost capacities of health facilities to deliver services and prevent the spread of deadly diseases like cholera, and ensure families have access to necessities such as bedding and hygiene supplies. Transport and cash for food, medicines and clothes are being provided for vulnerable people arriving in border areas. Safe spaces for women are being established in Khartoum and Al Jazira to provide mental health and legal aid services to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. Plans are also underway to conduct debris removal, including dangerous remnants of war. As of 21 July 2025, aid agencies including the UN have only received 23 per cent of the $4.2 billion required to deliver life-saving aid to nearly 21 million vulnerable people inside Sudan, restore basic services, and scale-up protection services. Only 16 per cent of the $1.8 billion needed to support 4.8 million people who have fled Sudan and sought safety in the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, South Sudan and Uganda, as well as local communities hosting them, has been received. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In hard-hitting human rights address, Guterres calls for urgent action on Gaza, authoritarianism and climate justice By Vibhu Mishra 25 July 2025 - The world is facing a "moral crisis" marked by rising authoritarianism, deepening inequality and a dangerous indifference to human suffering, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warns in a powerful address on human rights. Recalling his own experience living under dictatorship in Portugal, Mr. Guterres told participants at the Global Assembly of the international rights charity Amnesty International on Friday that the fight for human rights is "more important than ever". He called on States to uphold international law and defend human rights "consistently and universally, even or especially when inconvenient", urging collective action to restore global trust, dignity and justice. 'A moral crisis' Mr. Guterres painted a stark picture of a world in turmoil, citing multiple ongoing crises, foremost among them, the war in Gaza. While reiterating his condemnation of the 7 October 2023 terror attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups in Israel, the Secretary-General said that "nothing can justify the explosion of death and destruction since". "The scale and scope is beyond anything we have seen in recent times," he said. "I cannot explain the level of indifference and inaction we see by too many in the international community. The lack of compassion. The lack of truth. The lack of humanity." UN staff 'neither dead nor alive' He described UN staff in Gaza as working in "unimaginable conditions", many of them so depleted they "say they feel neither dead nor alive". Since late May, he noted, more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed trying to access food - not in combat, but "in desperation - while the entire population starves". "This is not just a humanitarian crisis. It is a moral crisis that challenges the global conscience." Ready to scale up aid Mr. Guterres said the UN stands ready to dramatically scale up humanitarian operations "as we successfully did during the previous pause in fighting", but called for an "immediate and permanent ceasefire", the unconditional release of all hostages and full humanitarian access. "At the same time, we need urgent, concrete and irreversible steps towards a two-State solution," he stressed. He also spoke about other conflicts, including Sudan as well as Russia's invasion of Ukraine, where he called for a "just and lasting peace" based on the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions. Rising authoritarianism The Secretary-General warned that authoritarian tactics are on the rise globally. "We are witnessing a surge in repressive tactics aiming at corroding respect for human rights," he said. "And these are contaminating some democracies." Political opposition movements are being crushed, accountability mechanisms dismantled, journalists and activists silenced, civic space strangled and minorities scapegoated. Rights of women and girls in particular are being rolled back, most starkly, he said, in Afghanistan. "This is not a series of isolated events. It is a global contagion." Weaponization of technology He decried the growing weaponization of digital platforms, saying algorithms are "boosting the worst of humanity, rewarding falsehoods, fuelling racism and misogyny and deepening division". He called on governments to uphold the Global Digital Compact adopted by countries at the UN General Assembly last September and to take stronger action to combat online hate and disinformation. Climate justice is human rights Turning to climate, Mr. Guterres described the environmental emergency as a "human rights catastrophe", with the poorest and most vulnerable communities suffering most. He welcomed the International Court of Justice (ICJ)'s advisory opinion this week, affirming that climate change is a human rights issue and that States have obligations under international law to protect the global climate system. But, he cautioned against a transition to clean energy that sacrifices human rights. "We cannot accept a clean energy future built on dirty practices...We cannot accept enormous violations of human rights, many of them against children, in the name of climate progress." He called for urgent emissions cuts, a just transition away from fossil fuels and real financing for developing countries to adapt, build resilience and recover from loss and damage. A legacy of activism The Secretary-General concluded by praising Amnesty International's decades of activism, calling its work "indispensable" to the global human rights movement. "When you stand for human rights, you stand with what is right," he told delegates. "Your courage continues to change lives. Your persistence is shifting the course of history. Let's keep going. Let's meet this moment with the urgency it demands. And let's never, ever give up." Founded in 1961, Amnesty International is a global human rights movement that campaigns to end abuses and promote justice. The organization has long worked in collaboration with the United Nations, participating actively in the development of international human rights law and mechanisms. Today's speech by Mr. Guterres is first-ever address by a UN Secretary-General to Amnesty International's Global Assembly, the charity's highest decision-making body. The UN chief spoke via a video link to the event in Prague. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 1.3 million Sudanese return home, offering fragile hope for recovery 25 July 2025 - With pockets of relative safety emerging in Sudan, over 1.3 million Sudanese people, including one million who were internally displaced and over 300,000 refugees, have returned home, according to UN agencies. "The thousands of people seeking to return home are driven by hope, resilience and an enduring connection to their country," said Othman Belbeisi, regional director of the International Organization of Migration (IOM). While this development does offer hope, many of these people are returning to states and cities whose resources have been devastated by over two years of war. Since conflict broke out in April 2023, over 12 million Sudanese have been forcibly displaced, representing the largest displacement crisis in the world. One third of these displaced people have fled into neighbouring countries such as Chad and South Sudan, which are increasingly struggling to support the influx of refugees. "Not only do [the returnees] mark a hopeful but fragile shift, they also indicate already stretched host countries under increasing strain," said Mamadou Dian Balde, the regional coordinator for the UN's refugee agency, UNHCR. 'A race against time' IOM emphasised that for these returns to accord with international law, they must be voluntary and dignified. Most of the 1.3 million Sudanese returnees are heading to Khartoum, Al Jazirah and Sennar states where the impact of the conflict is still very acute. In Khartoum specifically, many buildings, including UNHCR office, are in ruins, and such public infrastructure as roads and power plants has been compromised or destroyed. "Without urgent action, people will be coming back to cities that are in ruins. We are in a race against time to clear the rubble and provide water, power and healthcare," said Abdallah Al Dardair, director of the Arab States for the UN Development Programme (UNDP). Additionally, Khartoum is already housing many internally displaced people and others who had formerly sought asylum in Sudan before the war broke out. Returnees also face danger from unexploded ordnance and high rates of gender-based and sexual violence against women and girls. To address the psychosocial and protection needs of these women and girls, safe spaces have been set up in Khartoum and Al Jazirah states. Key to recovery In highlighting the hope that these returns signal, Mr. Belbeisi emphasised that returnees must be seen as active participants in the recovery of conflict-ridden Sudan. "Those heading home are not passive survivors. They are vital to Sudan's recovery. Yes, the humanitarian situation is dire, but with the right support, returnees can revive local economies, restore community life and foster hope where it's needed most," he said. However, humanitarian work in and around Sudan is drastically underfunded. Only 23 per cent of the estimated $4.2 billion dollars needed for the next year has been received, meaning that lifesaving services may have to be scaled back. "More than evidence of people's desire to return to their homeland, these returns are a desperate call for an end to the war so that people can come back and rebuild their lives," Mr. Balde said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Ukraine, Syria, Democratic Republic of the Congo UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Occupied Palestinian Territory UN Relief Chief calls for Gaza ceasefire as starvation spreads OCHA warns once again that conditions on the ground in Gaza are already catastrophic and deteriorating fast - with death, displacement and destruction continuing to be reported as a result of ongoing Israeli military operations. The starvation crisis is deepening across the Strip. Hunger and malnutrition increase the risk of illnesses that weaken the immune system, especially among women, children, older people, and those with disabilities or chronic diseases. The consequences can turn deadly fast. Food scarcity is also having a severe impact on pregnant and breastfeeding women, as their babies are more likely to be born with health complications. It affects mothers' ability to breastfeed, putting children at increased risk of infectious diseases. Life is being drained out of Gaza, as systems and services are on the verge of collapse. Just yesterday, the local health authorities announced that two more people died from starvation. In the meantime, the trickle of supplies that are making it into the Strip are nowhere near adequate to address the immense needs. The Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, warned that Gaza is starving and called for a ceasefire now. "We must save as many lives as we can - and we have a plan," he said in a social media post yesterday. Mr. Fletcher shared that plan with Member States. It outlines the steps necessary to stop the horror, as well as the constraints placed on humanitarian operations in Gaza and the UN's proposed solutions to resolve them. UN teams are in place to ramp up delivery as soon as they are allowed to do so. Their supplies - which have been paid for by the world - are ready to move. During the last ceasefire, tens of thousands of truckloads entered Gaza, with food aid reaching nearly every single person in the Strip. What is missing right now is safe, sustained access. Aid workers face constant danger, crossings are unreliable, and critical items are routinely blocked. If Israel opens the crossings, lets fuel and equipment in, and allows humanitarian staff to operate safely, theUN will accelerate the delivery of food aid, health services, clean water and waste management, nutrition supplies, and shelter materials. Ensuring these elements are in place will be critical to scaling up assistance in the event of a ceasefire. However, right now, various constraints imposed by the Israeli authorities on aid delivery continue to hamper humanitarians' ability to respond. One aid agency provided a recent example of a mission which faced multiple obstacles on its way to bring supplies to the agency's warehouse. The convoy was loaded and ready to depart Kerem Shalom at 9:39 a.m. that morning. Only at 6:16 p.m. in the evening was the team informed by the Israeli authorities that they would have to use a different route than the one originally planned. The team also had to change the warehouse where the supplies would be dropped off, as the original site came under displacement orders the same day. The mission finally ended close to midnight, nearly 19 hours after it began. OCHA reiterates that humanitarian actors must be enabled to deliver aid safely and efficiently. As access constraints continue, yesterday - out of 15 attempts to coordinate humanitarian movements inside Gaza - four were outright denied, with another three impeded. One was postponed, and two others had to be canceled by the organizers. Only five missions were facilitated, including the pickup of cargo from the crossings and the transfer of fuel. The quantities of fuel entering Gaza remain insufficient to maintain critical facilities. The limited amount of fuel received yesterday has been fully allocated to support community kitchens, healthcare, and water and sanitation facilities. Meanwhile, the Under-Secretary-General has written a letter to the head of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. In it, Mr. Fletcher reiterated that the UN stands ready to engage with any partner to ensure that desperately needed humanitarian aid reaches people in Gaza. However, he stressed that any such partnership must adhere to the globally accepted principles of humanity, impartiality neutrality and independence. This means that aid must go where needs are greatest and without discrimination, and that humanitarians answer to civilians in need, not the warring parties. These principles are vital to fostering the community acceptance and trust that underpin effective humanitarian action. Mr. Fletcher said he welcomes dialogue on how to reach as any people as possible and alleviate widespread suffering - without causing harm. Ukraine UN Deputy Relief Chief urges Security Council to act now to protect civilians The Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Joyce Msuya, told the Security Council that there is no safe place left in Ukraine - with renewed waves of missile and drone strikes devastating lives across multiple regions over the past week. "Civilians in Ukraine continue to bear the heaviest burden - struggling to access food, water, power and healthcare," she said. "Nearly 13 million people need assistance, but limited funding means we can reach only a fraction of them." Ms. Msuya noted that despite relentless risks, humanitarian partners in the country continue their vital work - reaching more than 3.6 million people with emergency healthcare, shelter, clean water and cash to families since January - but access remains precarious. The Assistant Secretary-General stressed that humanitarian access must be ensured. She called on the Council and all Member States to exert their influence to ensure that civilians are protected and aid workers can reach those in need. Ms. Msuya also underscored the need to support the response. "Ukrainians cannot afford delays or donor fatigue," she said. "Every contribution counts." Syria About 176,000 people displaced by As-Sweida hostilities OCHA reports that as of yesterday, an estimated 176,000 people have been displaced due to the recent hostilities in As-Sweida Governorate, in southern Syria. This includes an increase in displaced people arriving in Damascus Governorate - in addition to those in As-Sweida, Dar'a and Rural Damascus. The UN continues to work with its partners, including the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, to deliver assistance to those affected by the violence, but access - particularly to As-Sweida - remains highly constrained. Meanwhile in northern Syria, local authorities reported a large explosion yesterday at an ammunition depot in Ma'arrat Tamasrin town, in Idleb Governorate. Six people were killed and at least 140 others injured, according to the local authorities. Syrian Civil Defense teams responded to evacuate people and transfer the injured for medical care - though secondary explosions in the vicinity have significantly hindered emergency response efforts. These latest developments underscore the urgent need to sustain large-scale humanitarian assistance in Syria. However, severe underfunding of the response is challenging these efforts.* The Humanitarian Coordinator in Syria, Adam Abdelmoula, yesterday launched an extension of the 2025 humanitarian appeal. The plan requires US$3.2 billion to support 10.3 million people in need through the end of this year. But to date, only $367 million has been received, representing less than 12 per cent of the funding needed. Last year's response plan was only 37 per cent funded - a steep decline compared to previous years. OCHA and its partners call on the international community to step up with timely, flexible and predictable funding to help millions of Syrians rebuild their lives and futures. *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Syria with urgent support. Democratic Republic of the Congo Stepped-up funding needed to strengthen cholera response OCHA warns that the worsening cholera outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) demands an urgent scale-up of the response. As of today, health authorities have reported more than 38,000 suspected cases and nearly 950 deaths since January, surpassing the total number of cases and deaths for last year. The outbreak has now spread to 17 of the DRC's 26 provinces, including Kinshasa, Mai-Ndombe and Equateur, which are non-endemic for cholera. While the Government, the UN and humanitarian organizations are scaling up health interventions, significant challenges remain. Water, sanitation and hygiene services remain critically underfunded. To curb the spread of cholera, a vaccination campaign has been underway since early July, aiming to reach 3 million people across 11 health zones in four provinces through the end this month. Yesterday, an additional $750,000 was allocated from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support anticipatory action against cholera in the capital Kinshasa, where a significant increase has been reported. Kinshasa has recorded more than 1,500 suspected cases and 120 deaths since mid-April. The new CERF allocation for the cholera response is the third of its kind in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2025, following earlier CERF allocations for the cholera response in North Kivu in March and Maniema and Tshopo in May. OCHA warns that the risk of the outbreak spreading further will increase as the rainy season approaches between September and December. Immediate funding is urgently needed to strengthen health responses and address critical gaps in water, sanitation and hygiene services. Posted on 25 July 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SecAF visits Asia-Pacific to strengthen alliances, assess readiness Published July 25, 2025 Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) -- Secretary of the Air Force Troy E. Meink departed July 24 on his first international trip as SecAF, traveling throughout the U.S. Asia-Pacific area of responsibility to reinforce international partnerships and meet with Airmen and Guardians supporting the Department of the Air Force's 2025 Department-Level Exercise. Meink's visit underscores the United States' ongoing commitment to its allies and partners across all warfighting domains. It emphasizes the Department of the Air Force's role in enhancing regional security through integrated operations. "The United States remains committed to deterring potential threats in the Asia-Pacific," Meink said. "This trip reinforces the Department of the Air Force's commitment to prevent aggression and defend our allies and partners in the region." The secretary's first stop included meetings with leadership from Pacific Air Forces and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii to receive a strategic overview of the mission in the region. He also received an update on the DLE series, which began July 10. This DLE series is incorporating multiple command exercises into one overall threat deterrence scenario and is featuring 12,000 U.S. Air and Space Force personnel, more than 350 bomber, fighter, cargo and refueling aircraft, and space-based and space-enabled capabilities to include, but not limited to, space electromagnetic warfare, space domain awareness, orbital warfare and navigational warfare. "This is a first-in-a-generation large-scale exercise for our Air Force and Space Force," Meink said. "Bringing together Airmen and Guardians with our allies and partners strengthens our ability to operate jointly and reestablish deterrence across the Asia-Pacific." Meink's trip will include Guam, the Philippines, Japan, and Alaska, where the delegation will engage with international senior leaders and visit Airmen and Guardians deployed and stationed throughout the Asia-Pacific region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 621st CRW shows off mobility expertise during DLE Published July 25, 2025 By Staff Sgt. Scott Warner 621st Contingency Response Wing Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- Beginning July 4, more than 185 members with the 621st Contingency Response Wing deployed across the United States and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command's area of responsibility to generate support for the 2025 Department of the Air Force's "first-in-a-generation" Department-Level Exercise series. During this large-scale exercise that included joint and multinational partners, more than 12,000 U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force personnel and more than 350 aircraft participated with a focus on enhancing rapid global mobility capabilities. "This series isn't just about exercising our capability to open airbases to move cargo or refuel jets," said Col. John Foy, 621st CRG commander. "It's about showcasing our unique ability to generate air power across the globe regardless of time, space or distance." From July 4-15, at Grant County International Airport in Moses Lake, Washington, more than 100 Airmen with the 521st and 321st Contingency Response Squadron, based out of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, participated in the DLE, showing 621st CRW's capability to form a Contingency Response Element whose main mission is to open, operate and close airbases anywhere in the world on demand. "The U.S. Air Force has shifted its focus towards the partner integration and combat readiness exercises to sharpen its capabilities across the spectrum of conflict as we prepare to rapidly respond to any contingency or challenge worldwide," said Bill Hoeft, 621st CRW Inspector General director of inspections. To properly support DLE, the 621st CRW and its subordinate units trained rigorously over multiple iterations of exercise Unified Devil, its largest internal force generation exercise in the unit's 20-year history that culminated in a contingency response inspection by AMC's inspector general. AMC's support to the DLE is the largest and most complex global air mobility exercise to date, focused squarely on testing logistics, readiness and allied interoperability. It also incorporated space-based and space-enabled capabilities to include, but not limited to, space electromagnetic warfare, space domain awareness, orbital warfare and navigational warfare. The exercise marks a significant evolution in the U.S. military's approach to strategic deployment, combining airlift, aerial refueling, aeromedical evacuation and joint command-and-control operations in a contested environment. The operation is being integrated with all the exercises under the DLE umbrella to include exercise Bamboo Eagle, bringing together combat, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance elements in an expansive, multi-domain scenario. "Blending mobility logistics into combat and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations provide a level a realism that has not routinely been integrated in past mobility-centric exercises," Foy said. "This allows us to incorporate the logistics required to get from home station to the fight is a vital aspect of war fighting that must be exercised, understood and tested." Building upon past Mobility Guardian iterations, this year's exercise seeks to push the boundaries of operational agility under stress. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin says the goal is clear: simulate large-scale force deployment and sustainment "at speed and scale" across vast, contested terrain. "Exercising at this speed, scale and tempo is how we prepare for the future fight," Allvin said. "We need Airmen to move fast and think outside the box, disrupting the operational status quo. We also build trust and understanding through deliberate planning, operating and learning alongside our partners across the Pacific." The DLE spans more than 3,000 miles across the Pacific and is the DAF's premiere mobility exercise. "This exercise, the first of its kind since the Cold War, marks pivotal moment for our Air Force and Space Force, bringing together Airmen and Guardians to bolster our nation's war fighting capabilities," Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink said. "Training like this alongside the Joint Force, our allies and partners in realistic operations environments using distributed operations is how we integrate capabilities to overcome any national security challenge." AMC forces are an integral part of the DLE series, that will incorporate multiple command exercises into one overall threat deterrence scenario, including Resolute Force Pacific, Resolute Space, Mobility Guardian, Emerald Warrior and Bamboo Eagle 25-3. It will also integrate multiple allies and partners in specific component exercises with shared interests. "The 621st Air Mobility Advisory Group mission is to integrate partners to shape and strengthen rapid global mobility," Col. Angela Polsinelli, 621st AMAG commander said. "For the DLE, our air mobility operation squadrons are fully integrated to plan and execute mobility missions across the entire exercise, including REFORPAC." Polsinelli added that the air mobility liaison officers and expeditionary air ground liaison element Airmen have embedded with joint partners throughout the theater to streamline joint logistics, going so far as to parachute in with their U.S. Army counterparts. Additionally, air advisors were utilized to build ally and partner capabilities to strengthen interoperability and reinforce collective agility. The 621st AMAG represents three distinct mission sets as well as being the connective tissue AMC needs to ensure the rapid deployment of a strong, deterrent force that underpins global peace and stability. Other units for the 621st Contingency Response Wing involved in mobility support to the DLE are: 621st Contingency Response Group, 821st CRG, 321st CRS and the Wing Staff Agencies. With AMC's participation with the DLE still underway, one thing is for certain, the 621st Contingency Response Wing is a community of ready warriors, anywhere where they are needed. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address USS Cincinnati Conducts a Port Visit to the Republic of the Marshall Islands US Navy 25 July 2025 From Lt.j.g. Camillia Nguyen, MAJURO, Republic of the Marshall Islands -- The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Cincinnati (LCS 20) conducted a port visit for an Independence Day celebration in Majuro, July 9-13. After celebrating the 249th birthday of the United States at sea this year, Cincinnati pulled into the Republic of the Marshall Islands to maintain a continuous forward presence in the Indo-Pacific, providing security and stability to the region. While in port, Sailors guided ship tours for local community members and held a celebration at Delap Dock, which strengthened the bond between the U.S. Navy and Marshall Islands partners. "Port visits bring a variety of opportunities for us to further strengthen our relationships with our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region," said Capt. Matt Scarlett, commodore, Destroyer Squadron 7. "Allowing Sailors to participate in relationship-building events during port visits helps us bring our people together and demonstrate the close relationship we have with the Marshallese people." The ship opened for public tours prior to hosting an Independence Day celebration aboard. Volunteers from the College of the Marshall Islands, to include students and faculty, assisted in organizing and setting up the event. During the celebration, there was a band performance as well as a traditional dance performance by Marshallese dancers. "We are here as a proponent of Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet's efforts to fortify maritime partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region," said Cmdr. Andrew Recame, commanding officer, USS Cincinnati. "Our visit allows us to enhance those unique bonds that unite our heritage, shared values, and culture." As the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed DESRON in Southeast Asia, DESRON 7 serves as the primary tactical and operational commander of littoral combat ships rotationally deployed to Singapore, functions as Commander, Task Force 76 Sea Combat Commander, and builds partnerships through training exercises and military-to-military engagements as the executing agent of Commander, Task Group CARAT (Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training). As the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, U.S. 7th Fleet routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address USS John L. Canley and Royal New Zealand Navy Conduct Talisman Sabre AUV Operations US Navy 25 July 2025 From Petty Officer 1st Class Chase Stephens, Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7 GLADSTONE, Australia -- Sailors from the Royal Australian Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy and the U.S. Navy embarked the Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base USS John L. Canley (ESB 6) to conduct integrated mine countermeasures operations during exercise Talisman Sabre, July 13-19, 2025 The operations further enhanced objectives of Talisman Sabre as a bilateral exercise with multinational participation hosted by Australia that focuses on mid-intensity, high-end warfighting to ensure forces are capable, interoperable, deployable on short notice and combat-ready. "We are participating in this exercise with USS John L. Canley to practice joint operations, interoperability and integration of mine countermeasures forces for any potential conflict," said Royal New Zealand Navy Lt. Cmdr. James Harper, the officer-in-charge of mine countermeasures for HMNZS Matataua. "When the fight comes, we need to be able to work together quickly and efficiently." The three navies worked together to conduct simulated mine countermeasures operations by utilizing advanced mine detection and neutralization technologies. They each collaborated closely to develop relationships and a deeper understanding of each navy's procedures in order to better integrate when conflict or crises arise. "This week has been fantastic," said Royal Australian Navy Chief Petty Officer Simon East, the officer-in-charge of the Australian Mine Warfare Team. "The interoperability between the many different units we embarked has been phenomenal. To go to where we were on day two, which was already good, to now; I would say we are absolutely battle ready." The integrated mine countermeasures operations sent a deliberate message of combined strength and integrated deterrence. It also served to strengthen relationships and increase interoperability with allies and partners through shared experiences and tough, realistic training. "Having our Royal Australian Navy and Royal New Zealand Navy partners onboard has been a fantastic opportunity for us to build on our collective strengths and look for long-term opportunities to advance our shared interests," said Capt. Ryan Fulwider, commanding officer of John L. Canley. "Our nations regularly operate together at sea. This exercise reflects our commitment to continued modernization of our partnership across all domains, as we work together to enhance maritime security." Australia and the United States share a long history of security cooperation around the world. The U.S. Navy's continued, face-to-face interactions with allies and partners builds a strong foundation for its relationships, creating confidence in the region that we will be able to work together effectively in any situation. John L. Canley is part of the America Strike Group and supports deployment of forces, equipment, supplies and warfighting capability. Talisman Sabre is the largest bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific by strengthening relationships and interoperability among key allies and partners, while enhancing our collective capabilities to respond to a wide array of potential security concerns. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address WFP food trucks keep moving inside Gaza as hunger deepens and restrictions persist World Food Programme 25 July 2025 GAZA, Palestine -- The UN World Food Programme (WFP) continues to deliver life-saving food assistance inside Gaza as the fear of starvation intensifies. Here are the latest updates on WFP operations and food insecurity: WFP Operations Since 21 May, when border crossings re-opened to aid, WFP has offloaded 1,387 trucks with over 26,000 metric tons (MT) of life-saving food assistance to holding areas via the Kerem Shalom (south) and Zikim (north) border crossing points. Trucks within Gaza are then required to come to these holding areas to pick-up the food for further transport into Gaza. WFP teams inside Gaza have been able to collect over 22,000MT of this food aid from the holding areas. A total of 1,833 trucks have been dispatched to reach starving civilians inside Gaza. Despite these efforts, the quantity of food aid delivered to date is still a tiny fraction of what a population of over two million people need to survive. Just to cover basic humanitarian food assistance needs, more than 62,000 MT is required every month. Access to essential fresh and nutritious produce such as fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and dairy products require commercial cargo to be reinstated into Gaza. The truck fleet used by WFP requires regular maintenance and bringing spare parts into Gaza remains a significant challenge. As of 25 July 2025, there is now roughly 3,500 MT of WFP cargo (the equivalent of 300 trucks) ready to be collected from holding areas for collection and distribution inside Gaza. o Food aid awaiting collection in the border holding areas is consistently assessed to ensure that all food aid meets global safety and quality standards. In the past week alone (19 July to 25 July) - WFP has dispatched 349 trucks carrying an estimated 4,200MT of vital food aid into Gaza. During this same period (19 July to 25 July 2025): o WFP requested permission for 138 aid convoys to collect cargo from the holding area to be delivered to hungry families inside Gaza. Only 76 requests were approved - just over half o Once food aid is loaded, convoys are typically delayed, waiting up to 46 hours before receiving final permissions to travel along approved routes within Gaza. During these delays crowds of hungry people often anticipate the arrival of our trucks and gather along the expected transport routes which are too few. o Once released, it can take convoys up to 12 hours, on average, to complete their missions. o Only two border crossing points have been cleared for WFP use. More dependable and safer convoy routes inside Gaza are needed to prevent crowds gathering along the limited routes. o So far, only 60 truck drivers have been vetted and approved by authorities to transport vital food assistance inside Gaza. More are urgently needed. Security Risks to Humanitarian Convoys Each delay to aid convoys entering Gaza means more starving people gathering along known routes hoping to intercept trucks transporting food assistance. When aid trucks are held at checkpoints or re-routed multiple times, WFP teams and crowding civilians are exposed to significant risk: active hostilities, drone surveillance, sniper fire, and bombardments. Deadly incidents near humanitarian convoys continue. Any violence involving civilians seeking humanitarian aid is completely unacceptable. Israeli authorities have provided assurances that more trucks will be able to carry food aid into Gaza using more routes and border crossing points with faster clearances, dependable communications, and without armed forces nearby. Since 23rd July, WFP has seens faster food convoy approvals and movements but requires a sustained commitment to avert the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Food Needs Inside Gaza The desperate need for food inside Gaza has reached astonishing levels. People are dying due to a lack of humanitarian assistance. A recent WFP assessment found nearly one person in three is not eating for days at a time. Some 470,000 people are enduring famine-like conditions (Catastrophic hunger - IPC Phase 5). Malnutrition is surging and some 90,000 children and women urgently need treatment. Food aid is the only real way for people to eat. Requirements to Scale Operations WFP stands ready to further scale up and deliver life-saving assistance directly to the most vulnerable families in need. For this, WFP reiterates its calls for: At least 100 aid trucks per day to be allowed through northern, central and southern border points in a sustained and predictable manner. Faster loading and dispatching of trucks from crossing points into Gaza. No armed presence nor shooting near convoy routes or civilian aid distribution points. Uninterrupted connectivity to allow humanitarian organizations to coordinate effectively. A sustained ceasefire that creates the necessary conditions for safe, scaled, and impactful humanitarian aid. WFP has over 170,000 metric tons of food in or on its way to the region - enough to feed the entire population of 2.1 million people for almost three months. We have experienced teams on the ground, and proven systems in place to respond at scale. # # # The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas reaffirms commitment to peace talks after criticism from U.S. envoy People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 10:30, July 26, 2025 GAZA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Hamas on early Friday reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing ceasefire negotiations, following criticism from U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff on the group's intentions in the talks. In a press statement, Hamas expressed its "astonishment" over the envoy's comments, reaffirming that its engagement in the diplomatic process was aimed at reaching a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. "The movement has acted with a sense of national responsibility and flexibility throughout the negotiations," Hamas said, noting that it has submitted responses to mediators after consulting with Palestinian factions and regional partners. The group said that it has dealt positively with the comments and proposals it received from mediators, including those from Egypt, Qatar and the United States, adding that it remains open to further negotiations and committed to working within the established mediation framework. Witkoff said Thursday that the United States will seek "alternative options" for a ceasefire in Gaza and the U.S. negotiating team is returning home from Qatar for consultations upon Hamas' latest response, which he called "selfish." "We have decided to bring our team home from Doha for consultations after the latest response from Hamas, which clearly shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza," he wrote on the social platform X. "We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza," he added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Daughter Diplomacy' On Rise In Central Asia As Leaders Seek To Preserve Dynasties By Merhat Sharipzhan and RFE/RL's Turkmen Service July 26, 2025 Call it sister power. In a region where sons have routinely been groomed for succession in the upper echelons of power, there is a new trend in Central Asia: Daughters are emerging as significant political players. The latest example of dynastic diplomacy to include female offspring came earlier this month when Turkmenistan's former president and holder of the title National Leader of the Turkmen People, Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, traveled to Baku to meet Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Notably absent were sons of the leaders who are often paraded through the halls of diplomacy on such trips as a right of succession. Conspicuously present at the occasion were Oguljahan Atabaeva, Berdymukhammedov's daughter, and Leyla Aliyeva, Aliyev's daughter. Just weeks earlier, Saida Mirziyoeva, the eldest daughter of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev, met with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on an official visit to Moscow while accompanying her father. "It's not a coincidence," says Bruce Pannier, a senior analyst at US-based Turan Research Center at the Yorktown Institute, calling it "presidential daughters' diplomacy." "These meetings are a manifestation of an emerging power paradigm for influential families in the region, constructing informal but potent avenues for diplomacy," he said. This paradigm, which emphasizes the role of family ties and personal relationships in shaping political decisions, is becoming increasingly prevalent in Central Asian politics, he added. Berdymukhammedov held Turkmenistan in an iron grip for 15 years before relinquishing the presidency to his son, Serdar Berdymukhammedov, in 2022. While Serdar now nominally occupies the office, it is assumed by most analysts that his father still exerts tremendous influence behind the scenes as chairman of the parliament's upper chamber Halk Maslahaty (People's Council). Likewise, Aliyev assumed the presidency of Azerbaijan in 2003 upon the death of his father, Heydar Aliyev, a Soviet-era KGB general and Azerbaijan's longtime leader. Heydar Aliyev Jr. the only son and the youngest of Ilham Aliyev's three children at age 28, is widely seen as the country's next leader. But the appearance of daughters on the international stage appear to show a deeper succession, with females being readied to take on powerful roles as well as autocratic leaders look to consolidate national power among their immediate family members. Leyla Aliyeva, vice president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, has become a prominent figure in Azerbaijani public life, accompanying her father on official foreign trips and domestic engagements. For Atabaeva, Baku was her second public outing on a state visit with her father. In April, she accompanied him to Uzbekistan, where they had dinner with Saida Mirziyoeva. Her rise in visibility has been accompanied by a social media blitz in recent months. Turkmen-language pages on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, particularly those created by bloggers close to the government, have carried videos of her meetings and conferences. Almaty-based rights defender Baqytzhan Toreghozhina says that in Central Asia's patriarchal societies, where women's rights often remain under siege, the lives of women in ruling families are a different story. "Shielded from everyday struggles and propelled into roles of political significance, they navigate family intrigue, protocol duties, and at times, wield influence in systems designed to keep power within bloodlines," Toreghozhina said. At official summits with other Central Asian leaders, Serdar Berdymukhammedov keeps a low profile, she said. "No bright speeches, no charisma, no eloquence." In contrast, Atabaeva has appeared confident and composed in public, displaying a natural ease in front of cameras. Toreghozhina suggests her father may be promoting her visibility not only to strengthen family influence but also to pressure his son. "I do not exclude that Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov is actively promoting his daughter to spur Serdar into actionto make him more assertive, to push him toward becoming a real leader," she said. Kazakh journalist Vadim Boreiko observes a pattern across Central Asia, where authoritarian leaders employ what he terms a "unisex formula" to consolidate family dominance. "In these systems, every family member, man or woman, plays their role to ensure power never leaves the family's grasp," Boreiko says, "This isn't about gender equality. It's about dynasty preservation." He cites Kazakhstan as a cautionary tale for dynastic rulers. Former President Nursultan Nazarbaev appeared to have secured his legacy in 2019 by transferring formal power to Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev, widely viewed as his most loyal protege. But when nationwide protests erupted in January 2022, Toqaev seized the moment to remove Nazarbaev and his family network from Kazakhstan's political scene. "A part of the power got out of the family, and that was it," Boreiko said. From late former Uzbek President Islam Karimov's daughter Gulnara Karimova, once tipped as her father's successor before her dramatic fall from grace, to Tajikistan's Ozoda Rahmon, currently a key figure in President Emomali Rahmon's administration, Central Asia's "first daughters" have long played roles that blur the lines between ceremonial and strategic. They are at times deployed to soften their father's image on the international stage, lead charitable initiatives, or even manage key sectors of the economy. But these roles can also be traps, used to placate public demands for modernization while reinforcing patriarchal control. "Women in these families aren't necessarily empowered in the way the West imagines. Their public presence often serves the family's survival strategy," Toreghozhina warns. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/turkmenistan- central-asia-berdymukhammedov-atabaeva-aliyev-aliyeva- leyla-dynasty/33477780.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 25 July 2025 - Day 1248 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The UK Ministry of Defence reported that since May 2025, Russia has rolled out extensive cellular (mobile) internet blackouts across its territory. 654 outages were recorded in June alone, nearly ten times the number recorded in May. These outages impacted coverage for over half the country. The Russian government has formally stated that the blackouts are intended to block Ukrainian uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) reliant on cellular signals, but independent reports suggest the goal is tighter control over online information. Fixed line (wired) internet slowdowns are rising too, with the Russian censorship agency Roskomnadzor allegedly testing full blackouts and throttling access to platforms like YouTube. The Medusa Project, a group of exiled Russian journalists based in Latvia, documented 20-21 day internet shutdowns in regions including Nizhny Novgorod, Saratov, Omsk, Tula, and Rostov-on-Don. Disruptions to ATMs, digital payments, and public safety alerts have reportedly taken place as a result. At least one period of outages reportedly coincided with a wave of Ukrainian UAS strikes, during which Russia claimed to have downed over 200 Ukrainian UAS nationwide. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 153 combat encounters. Zagarbniki launched one rocket and 37 aviation strikes, using six missiles and dropping 45 controlled air bombs. In addition, the Russians have engaged 1,383 kamikaze drones and carried out 4,524 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. Ukrainian units repelled three attacks of the Russian invaders in the Northern Slobozhansky and Kursky directions today. Since the beginning of the day in the South Slobozhansky direction, the Russian enemy has four times attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders near Vovchansk, Glybokoye, Figolivka and in the direction of Cossackoia Lopana. In the Kupyansky direction, Russian units carried out one assault action, trying to break through the position of Ukrainian defenders in the area of Stepova Novoselivka. In the Lyman direction since the beginning of the day, Russian invaders attacked the positions of Ukrainians 22 times near the settlements of Grekivka, New Mir, Serednoe, Ridkodub, Yampolivka, Kolodyazi and Dibrova. At the moment, Ukrainian defenders repel five attacks of the opponent. In the sivers komu direction, Russian forces 27 times tried to break through in the areas of grigorivka, verkhnyokamans kogo and viymki. Nine combat clashes are ongoing so far. Three combat clashes were recorded in the Kramators .komu direction, enemy units tried to advance in the area of Chasovoy Yar and towards the White Mountain. In the Toretsky direction, Russians attacked the positions of Defense Forces five times. The attack efforts of the occupiers concentrated in the areas of Diliyivka, Toretsk and Rusynogo Yar, currently two combat clashes are ongoing. Since the beginning of the day in the Pokrovsky direction, the Russians tried 39 times to break through Ukrainian defense in the areas of popiv yar, Novoekonomicne, Razine, Lisivka, Chunyshine, Zvirove, Kotline, Udaachne, Muravka, Novoukrainka and Oleksiyivka. Fighting is ongoing in four locations. Defense forces deter enemy attacks, the Russian enemy suffers significant losses - today 168 invaders have been defecated in this direction, of which 113 are irrevocable. Ukrainian defenders destroyed a tank, an infantry fighting vehicle, a car, eight motorcycles, nine unmanned aircraft and a BPLA control point. Three cars, three motorcycles, four artillery systems and four personnel shelters were also significantly damaged. In the Novopavlovsky direction, Ukrainian units stopped 13 Russian attacks on the positions of Ukrainian troops near the settlements of Zeleny Gai, Tovste, Novohatske and Temirivka, five more fighting clashes are ongoing so far. In the Orihiv direction, the Russian zagarbniki tried to advance in the area of Kamiansky. In the pridniprovsk direction, the Russian opponent made seven unsuccessful attempts of attack, suffered losses and retreated. In the direction of Gulyaipils komu, Russian forces did not carry out offensive actions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PH, Canada pledge stronger cyber defense cooperation Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno July 25, 2025, 12:22 pm MANILA -- The Philippines and Canada reiterated their commitment to beefing up their cyber defense cooperation, the Department of National Defense (DND) said on Friday. Filipino and Canadian representatives made the pledge during a bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the Digital Defense Symposium 2025 in Singapore on July 22, DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said in a news release. "Representing the DND Philippines, Atty. Odessa Rossilyz L. Magisa, officer in charge, Office for DND Information Security, met with Mr. Hani Nasser, Director of Domains and Technology Policy of the Department of National Defense of Canada. Both sides explored practical areas for collaboration, including capacity-building and information-sharing programs," he added. Andolong said the bilateral engagement is part of the broader defense partnership between the Philippines and Canada, anchored on the Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation signed in January 2024. This was reaffirmed by the conclusion of the negotiations for the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) in March this year. Earlier this month, Manila and Ottawa also convened a high-level bilateral cyber working group meeting in the Philippines. The Digital Defense Symposium 2025 is one of the collaboration platforms facilitated through the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Cybersecurity and Information Center of Excellence (ACICE). (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UK Space Commander speech on defence in the space domain Transcript of the UK Space Commander's address on defence in the space domain at the Royal United Services Institute. From: Ministry of Defence and Major General Paul Tedman CBE - Commander, UK Space Command Published 25 July 2025 Location: Royal United Services Institute, London Delivered on: 24 July 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) My thanks to RUSI and particularly Matt Savill for arranging today's event. I am often told that the UK suffers a little 'space blindness' and that the understanding of the importance of space to our economy, prosperity, national security and defence is not well understood. Therefore, I am delighted, that on the back of a clear articulation of the importance of space, and associated risks and threats in recently published UK strategies, we have an opportunity today to delve deeper. From geopolitics to technology and the evolving nature of warfare, the world is changing more rapidly than at any time for decades. Ladies and gentlemen, as we stand on the brink of a new space age, the importance of outer space in global affairs has never been more evident. No longer just a frontier for scientific exploration, space is now a domain of strategic, economic, and political competition. The global space economy is on track to surpass $1 trillion by 2035. 18%, or 450 billion - that's about a fifth - of the UK's economy is underpinned by space-based services. The UK employs fifty thousand space professionals and generates about 19 billion in growth. Conversely, loss of GPS would cost the economy about 7 billion a week. Given these facts the UK has designated space a Critical National Infrastructure sector. Closer to home in Defence, we can no longer assume superiority in space. The increasing counterspace threat now means that gaining control of the Space Domain, at a time and place of our choosing, is a necessary first step to protecting the force from adversary space and delivering vital space effects, such as positioning, navigation and timing (PNT), satellite communications (SATCOM), and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) to our own forces. Put simply, the integrated force can't understand, move, communicate, or fight without assured space delivered effects. Space literally fuels our way of life and underpins our way of war. This national dependency on space is increasingly being held at risk by space risks and threats. Risks include space weather and, of course, congestion: The dramatic reduction in launch costs have seen the democratisation of space. There are now over 80 space faring nations. To bring the challenge to life for you: UK Space Command tracks about 45,000 objects in orbit, including about 9000 satellites. We have seen about 150 launches so far this year and 3 satellite or rocket bodies deorbit and re-enter the earth's atmosphere daily. The threat is also growing in scale, in sophistication, and in speed. Over the past year, China has conducted close-proximity operations, deployed dual-use inspector satellites, and integrated kinetic, directed-energy, AI, and cyber tools into a formidable counterspace arsenal. There are now 20 counterspace systems in geostationary equatorial orbit (GEO), and over 200 in low earth orbit (LEO) ready, rehearsed, and operational. This is not an emerging threat it is here, now, and active. So what must be done? Well, I'd posit that the UK must now be more assertive in defending our national interests and our freedom of action in space. Access is no longer enough. We must be able to control space, defend our assets, and if required deny its use to hostile actors. Passive resilience is insufficient. We require persistent domain awareness and credible counterspace capabilities if we are to deter, endure a first strike, and, if necessary, fight through and win. No one wants a war in space, and it is certainly not inevitable. But we must be clear eyed about these challenges to our vital national interests. Equally though, we must be optimistic and excited by the strategic opportunity that space affords the UK. I'm pleased to say we are making progress... We have been working across Government as 'One Space' to align on priorities and re-establish effective governance. The Cabinet Office has led efforts to cohere a One Space enterprise, set national objectives and prioritise capability investment choices to maximise finite resources, and, dare I say it, prevent sideways energy. Over the last year, UK Space Command has launched the UK's first military satellite in 13 years, we've opened a state-of-the-art National Space Operations Centre, we've invested over 300 million in satellites and software and accelerated operational integration - we have seen a 300% rise in space outputs from all our units. Moreover, the recently published Strategic Defence Review, National Space Strategy and Industrial Strategy have elevated space to the heart of national strategy. They collectively recognise that we urgently need to build a modern, agile, and resilient infrastructure for both the defence and civil space enterprise. One capable of meeting the threats, mitigating the risks, preparing for the challenges and seizing the opportunities. Chapter 7.5 of the Strategic Defence Review marks a turning point. It elevates space to parity with the traditional domains recognising it as the keystone of modern, multi-domain operations. It issues a clear strategic imperative: to build a resilient, hybrid, and integrated UK space enterprise one able to deter threats, assure critical services, and deliver strategic advantage in an increasingly hostile domain. It sets out three priorities: Firstly, space control: We will invest in Space Domain Awareness capabilities, Command and Control at levels of classification and counterspace systems, both on-orbit and on Earth. Secondly, Decision Advantage. SATCOM and data relays are fundamental to understanding the battlespace and communicating decisions effectively. Finally, Sense to enable 'Understand' and 'Strike' functions. Space-based ISR to globally see and target with precision. And as has been trailed, all of this will be enabled by a Digital Targeting Web. We are not going to do this alone. Space is the ultimate team sport. So, being clear on what needs to be nationally separable capabilities - to assure effects and provide us strategic autonomy - and what we can collaborate on with allies, and access through commercial, is seminal to our force design. We recognise that to keep pace with the threats and technology we need to move much faster and exploit commercial industry. To achieve the right hybrid architecture, the Strategic Defence Review also recommends that the National Armaments Director prioritises a Space Portfolio to help us: Innovate at scale; Better embrace commercial practices; Learn from models like Taskforce Kindred; Pick winners - spreading bets is for those that haven't done the work to prioritise. And focus on volume and velocity, not process. UK investment in space will not only provide the military with the capability we need to support the integrated force, become a space leader in NATO and support our allies, but it will also enable us to protect and defend our vital national interests, and, critically, it will drive growth into our economy. So let me try and bring all that together. As our dependency increases and space becomes increasingly contested and congested, and as we deepen our understanding of the myriad hazards on orbit, the UK remains committed to ensuring we retain the freedom to operate in, through and from space. This is critical to our economy and prosperity, and our ability, as individuals as much as a nation, to understand, communicate, navigate, and, in Defence's case, fight. Defence is contributing to a wholesale transformation of Britain's space approach. And events like today will be critical to success, to improve national space IQ and bring to life the risks, threats and to seize the opportunities. We must treat the UK's space blindness. Defence must be more assertive in defending our national interests and our freedom of action in space. Access is no longer enough. We must be able to control space, defend our assets and if required deny its use to hostile actors. Passive resilience is insufficient. We require persistent domain awareness and credible counterspace capabilities if we are to deter, endure a first mover strike, and, only if necessary, fight through and win. The Strategic Defence Review, the National Security Strategy, and the Industrial Strategy provide the ends of UK space ambition. Now we must define and deliver the ways and means. We know what the right-hand side of the slide looks like, we now need to chart a coherent and resourced course from where we are to where we want to be by 2035. As one space enterprise, across civil, military, and commercial domains. The direction is clear. The time is now. The cost of inaction is rising. To secure the UK's future as a competitive space power by 2035 - our ambition must be matched by boldness, urgency, investment, and, above all else, leadership. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Simulated battle creates real readiness By Captain Karam Louli 25 July 2025 The crackle of simulated gunfire breaks the stillness of a North Queensland afternoon as Australian and New Zealand troops launch into a coordinated assault. Cresting a ridgeline, they move with precision, each step part of a wider strategy of multinational interoperability during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. Across the ridge, the Opposition Force (OPFOR), played by a dedicated team of Australian soldiers, awaits. The OPFOR mission is to provide a realistic and formidable challenge to test the resilience and cohesion of the friendly force, known as Blue Force. Among them is Major Jillie-May Reading, Officer Commanding OPFOR, who coordinates her troops from just behind the front line. "The Opposition Force's role on Talisman Sabre is to create dilemmas and tactical actions that force the Blue Force to go into decisive action," Major Reading said. "Our company detachment is delaying Blue Force as they approach, which delays their overall advance." For Blue Force Australian soldier Private Spencer Dunn, the realism is intense. "Having an enemy force out there prepares me for what it might be like and also allowed me to work in a bigger force," Private Dunn said. Meanwhile, across the battlefield the sounds of gunfire grow more intense, joined by shouted commands and the thud of boots on dry ground. The Blue Force adapts, manoeuvres and pushes forward, while the OPFOR determinedly holds on, refusing to give ground easily. After the battle, Major Reading reflected on the challenges of and benefits of serving in an OPFOR. "We were so small on the ground compared to the Blue Forces," she said. "The OPFOR sub-units across the troop and section level did an exceptional job in executing their tactical skills. "However, for the OPFOR soldiers, seeing a battle from the enemy's perspective has improved their own tactical acumen." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address First test in Australia of advanced strike missile being co-developed with United States The Hon Pat Conroy MP Minister for Defence Industry Minister for Pacific Island Affairs 25 July 2025 The Albanese Government has delivered on its commitment to rapidly boost the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) long-range strike capability with the test firing of a Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) in Australia for the first time today. PrSM is a next generation long-range missile with a maximum range beyond 500 kilometres and is central to strengthening Australia's land and maritime strike capability. The successful test firing today was a tangible demonstration of how Army is realising speed to capability and was also the first time Army has fired a PrSM from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). The test firing was attended by the Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy and United States Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll at the Mount Bundey Training area in the Northern Territory. The acquisition of PrSM delivers on the 2024 National Defence Strategy, which directed the Army to optimise for littoral manoeuvre and strengthen its long-range land and maritime strike capability. The test conducted today was two years ahead of schedule and followed the delivery of the first PrSM a year ahead of schedule, as well as the first HIMARS two months ahead of schedule. It comes after Australia and the United States signed a Memorandum of Understanding earlier this year for PrSM production, sustainment and follow-on development. Negotiations are expected to commence later this year on options for future domestic manufacturing and maintenance of PrSM in Australia. Australia and the United States, as co-development partners, will continue to develop PrSM to maintain its world leading military advantage. Future missile upgrades will expand this capability to include a greater range of over 1000 kilometres, improved sensors and novel warheads. Quotes attributable to the Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon. Pat Conroy MP: "Today's PrSM firing is another example of the Albanese Government accelerating long-range strike capabilities for the ADF, alongside the firing of Standard Missile 6, the Tomahawk missile and the Naval Strike Missile last year. "From delivering HIMARS ahead of schedule to delivering and testing PrSM ahead of schedule, the Albanese Government is modernising the Australian Army at speed. "This successful launch is a significant milestone in the Government's plan to deliver a twenty-five-fold increase to Army's long-range strike capability." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Air Force continues partnership to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health Issued by Defence Media 25 July 2025 A ten-year long partnership between Air Force and Indigenous health leaders will continue through to the end of the decade, with an agreement signed to provide health support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The signing of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Air Force and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) took place on the lands of the Ngunnawal peoples, with respect paid to their Elders past and present, reaffirming a shared commitment to improving health outcomes in some of Australia's most remote communities. Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, DSC, CSC, OAM, and NACCHO Chairperson Donnella Mills formalised the agreement during a ceremony in Canberra. "This MOU is about 'walking the talk' of meaningful community engagement and explores health-related opportunities in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities," Air Marshal Chappell said. "It enables Air Force personnel to share their expertise in remote communities, building relationships that extend well beyond clinical care." The agreement supports Exercise Kummundoo, an initiative that creates opportunities for Air Force people to deploy into unique environments to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Ms Mills acknowledged the decade of partnership delivered under the two previous MOUs since 2014. "This partnership shows what's possible when we walk together and invest in community strengths. For over a decade, NACCHO and the Air Force have worked side by side, guided by respect, learning, and service, to build healthier futures and stronger connections," Ms Mills said. "As we renew our commitment, I honour the generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have served Country, community, and the Air Force. Their legacy drives us to keep building opportunities and delivering lasting change." Built on the Australian Defence Force's values of Service, Courage, Respect, Integrity and Excellence, the program aligns with the broader Whole of Australian Government (WoAG) 'Closing the Gap' commitment, contributing to national efforts to improve life expectancy, health access and opportunity for First Nations peoples. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address HIMARS extends range on Christmas Island By Flight Lieutenant Brent Moloney 25 July 2025 A Royal Canadian Air Force C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft has deployed a US Army M142 high-mobility artillery rocket system (HIMARS) and Australian Army soldiers to Christmas Island for Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. The operation demonstrated the ability of partner nations to rapidly deploy and employ land-based, long-range precision fires. The Christmas Island activity focused on a simulated HIRAIN (HIMARS Rapid Infiltration) mission, in which a HIMARS launcher and supporting communications vehicle are flown to a forward airfield, a movement that extends the range of the munition fired. Once the mission is conducted, the vehicles withdraw rapidly by the aircraft before counter-fire can be brought to bear. HIRAIN brings deterrence through the unpredictable appearance of land-based, long-range precision fires against land and maritime targets, and is an essential element of littoral warfare, which the Australian Army is now deeply focused on through the enhancement of its forces and capabilities. Targeting data was provided in real-time by the combined US-Australian Land Effects Coordination Cell in South Australia, with data transmission supported by Project OPEROSE, the ADF and US operational test and evaluation of a combined Command and Control node for theatre-level precision long-range fires. The task was a key test for OPEROSE, which aims to enhance targeting, target prosecution and sustained guided weapons logistics. Supervising the activity was Lieutenant Colonel Ed Guelfi, of the US Army's 17th Field Artillery Brigade, who said the strategic message behind the mission was clear. "Collectively, we have rapidly deployed a HIMARS to demonstrate our ability to put combat power anywhere, at any time of our choosing," Lieutenant Colonel Guelfi said. On arrival, the HIMARS vehicles underwent Australian Border Force bio-security checks, and then the vehicles manoeuvred into a suitable position to simulate the conduct of a HIMARS launch. Overseeing the deployment of the HIMARS capability to Christmas Island was the Royal Australian Navy's Commodore Peter Leavy. "Most of the Island is actually a national park, so there is a lot of preparatory work needed to deploy capabilities up here and this was a great exercise to test all of those aspects to ensure we could operate in this area," Commodore Leavy said. "Christmas Island is very strategically positioned in the Indian Ocean and we need to be able to operate here and to protect the territory and the Australian citizens that live here." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement on Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) July 2025 Joint statement from UK and Australia on the Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) July 2025 From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Ministry of Defence, The Rt Hon John Healey MP and The Rt Hon David Lammy MP Published 25 July 2025 1 . On 25 July 2025, the Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator the Hon Penny Wong and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence the Hon Richard Marles MP hosted the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs the Rt Hon David Lammy MP and the Secretary of State for Defence the Rt Hon John Healey MP for the Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) in Sydney. 2 . Ministers noted the global security environment had become more dangerous and unpredictable since they last met in December 2024. They recognised the elevated importance of the enduring Australia-UK relationship in responding together to address these challenges. 3 . Ministers agreed to significantly increase their cooperation to bolster Australia and the UK's defence and national security, enhance economic security and mitigate and address the impacts of climate change. Ministers agreed on the enduring importance of the UK-Australia relationship in delivering economic growth to our peoples and globally. 4 . Ministers underscored the role Australia and the UK play in upholding the rules, norms and institutions, including respect for universal human rights, that underpin global prosperity and security, and noted their deep, clear and longstanding commitment to the multilateral system. They committed to consider joint initiatives and advocacy on multilateral reform, including on the UN Secretary-General's UN80 Initiative, to ensure the multilateral system is able to continue to deliver on critical core functions and mandates. Closer cooperation in the Indo-Pacific 5 . Ministers reaffirmed that the security, resilience and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions are interconnected. They committed to continue to expand efforts to safeguard internationally agreed rules and norms and respect for sovereignty. Ministers agreed on the need to shape a world characterised by adherence to rules and norms, rather than power or coercion. 6 . Ministers committed to further strengthen cooperation, bilaterally and with regional partners, to ensure a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Ministers agreed the UK and Australia's enduring engagement in the Indo-Pacific was important to shaping a favourable strategic balance in the region. 7 . Recognising the deteriorating geostrategic environment, Ministers emphasised the need for all countries to manage strategic competition responsibly, and the importance of dialogue and practical measures to reduce the risks of miscalculation, escalation and conflict. 8 . Ministers reiterated their strong opposition to coercive or destabilising activities by China's Coast Guard, naval vessels and maritime militia in the South China Sea, including sideswiping, water cannoning and close manoeuvres that have resulted in injuries, endangered lives and created risks of miscalculation and escalation. Ministers agreed to continue cooperating to support freedom of navigation and overflight in the region, including through participation in joint activities. They also reiterated their concern about the situation in the East China Sea. 9 . Ministers emphasised the obligation of all states to adhere to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which provides the comprehensive legal framework for all activities in the ocean and seas. They agreed that maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law. Ministers reaffirmed that the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal decision is final and binding on the parties. They emphasised any South China Sea Code of Conduct must be consistent with UNCLOS and not undermine the rights of States under international law. 10 . Ministers agreed on the critical importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. They called for the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues through dialogue and not through the threat or use of force or coercion, and reaffirmed their opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo. They expressed concern at China's destabilising military exercises around Taiwan. Ministers recognised that the international community benefits from the expertise of the people of Taiwan and committed to support Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organisations where statehood is not a pre-requisite or as an observer or guest where it is. They reiterated their will to continue to deepen relations with Taiwan in the economic, trade, scientific, technological, and cultural fields. 11 . Ministers strongly condemned the DPRK's ongoing nuclear and ballistic missile programs and called for the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of the DPRK. Ministers also expressed grave concern over the DPRK's malicious cyber activity, including cryptocurrency theft and use of workers abroad to fund the DPRK's unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs. 12 . Ministers emphasised their commitment to ASEAN centrality and recognised the critical role of ASEAN-led architecture in promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the region. They reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to support the practical implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. 13 . Ministers underscored their commitment to deepen engagement on trade and investment diversification in Southeast Asia, including through Invested: Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, Australia's AUD 2 billion Southeast Asian Investment Financing Facility and dedicated Southeast Asia Investment Deal Teams, and the UK's enhanced economic engagement. Ministers agreed to continue to strengthen coordination on clean energy transition in Southeast Asia and cooperation to bolster the region's economic resilience through the mobilisation of private finance for climate objectives and green infrastructure, exploring collaboration on financing of low-carbon energy projects, and coordination of support to the ASEAN Power Grid. 14 . Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to combat people smuggling, human trafficking and modern slavery in South and Southeast Asia, recognising that women and girls were most impacted, with a focus on trafficking into scam centres. 15 . Ministers reiterated their commitment to the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) as the premier ministerial-level forum in the Indian Ocean region. They agreed to continue collaboration on shared priorities in the Indian Ocean, including maritime security. 16 . Ministers reiterated their serious concern at the deepening humanitarian crisis and escalating violence in Myanmar, compounded by the devastating earthquake in March. They strongly condemned the Myanmar regime's violent oppression of its people, including the continued bombardment of civilian infrastructure. They called for all parties to prioritise the protection of civilians. They called on the regime to immediately cease violence, release those arbitrarily detained, allow safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, and return Myanmar to the path of inclusive democracy. Ministers reiterated their support for ASEAN's efforts to resolve the crisis, including through the Five Point Consensus and the work of the ASEAN Special Envoy and UN Special Envoy. They welcomed ASEAN leaders' recent call for an extended and expanded ceasefire, and inclusive national dialogue. 17 . Ministers highlighted their commitment to continue to work with Pacific island countries through existing regional architecture, recognising the centrality of the Pacific Islands Forum. They agreed on the importance of pursuing Pacific priorities as set out in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. Ministers joined Pacific partner calls for increased access to climate finance, including further support to Pacific-owned and led mechanisms such as the Pacific Resilience Facility. Ministers welcomed ongoing reform of multilateral climate funds, including the Green Climate Fund (GCF), to provide better outcomes for Pacific island countries, noting encouraging progress made regarding the accreditation of Direct Access Entities and GCF regional presence. Ministers welcomed the UK's continued contributions to Pacific security through their assistance in the removal of explosive remnants of war via their participation in the Australian-led Operation Render Safe. Ministers agreed to continue to work together to advance transparent and high-quality development in line with the Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles (PQIPs), including through the Pacific Business Club. Ministers committed to work collaboratively on respective approaches to the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to encourage reform consistent with the PQIPs. Ministers underscored our shared commitment to cyber coordination and capacity-building in the Pacific including through support to the inaugural Pacific Cyber Week in August 2025, a concept endorsed by the Pacific Islands Forum. Ministers emphasised the importance of sharing expertise and strengthening people-to-people links for a more cyber-resilient Pacific. Ambitious partners, facing global challenges together 18 . Ministers unequivocally condemned Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and called on Russia to immediately withdraw its troops from Ukraine's internationally recognised territory, and adhere fully to its obligations under international law, including in relation to the protection of civilians and treatment of prisoners of war. They reiterated their commitment to making sure that Ukraine gets the military and financial support it needs to defend itself in the fight now and agreed to step up action against Russia's war machine. They emphasised the importance of taking further action against Russia's shadow fleet, acknowledging the sanctions both countries had imposed in this regard. They also called on Russia to immediately cease their illegal deportation of Ukrainian children and reunify those already displaced with their families and guardians in Ukraine. 19 . Ministers reiterated their deep concerns about the role of third countries in supporting Russia's illegal war in Ukraine and the associated impact for the security of the Indo-Pacific. They called on China to prevent its companies from supplying dual-use components to Russia's war effort, and exercise its influence with Russia to stop Moscow's military aggression and enter negotiations to end the war in good faith. Ministers strongly condemned the DPRK's support for Russia through the supply of munitions and deployment of DPRK personnel to enable Russia's war efforts. Ministers called on Iran to cease all support for Russia's illegal war against Ukraine and halt the transfer of ballistic missiles, UAVs and related technology. 20 . Ministers agreed deepening military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK was a dangerous expansion of Russia's war that has significant implications for security in the Indo-Pacific region. They expressed deep concerns about any political, military or economic support Russia may be providing to the DPRK's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Ministers affirmed their commitment to cooperating with international partners to strengthen efforts to hold the DPRK to account for violations and evasions of UN Council Resolutions (UNSCRs) including as founding members of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT). Ministers acknowledged the release of the MSMT's first report, which shines a light on unlawful DPRK-Russia military cooperation including arms transfers and Russia's training of DPRK troops. Ministers urged all UN Member States to abide by their international obligations under the UNSCRs to implement sanctions, including the prohibition on the transfer or procurement of arms and related material to or from the DPRK. 21 . Ministers called on Iran and Israel to adhere to the ceasefire and urged Iran to resume negotiations with the US. Ministers stated their determination that Iran must never develop a nuclear weapon. It is essential that Iran act promptly to return to full compliance with its safeguards obligations, cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency, and refrain from actions that would compromise efforts to address the security situation in the Middle East. Ministers condemned Iran's unjust detention of foreign nationals and raised ongoing concerns over the human rights situation in Iran, particularly the escalation of the use of the death penalty as a political tool during the 12-day conflict, and the ongoing repression of women, girls and human rights defenders. 22 . Ministers reiterated their support for Israel's security and condemnation of Hamas' horrific attacks on 7 October 2023, and underlined that Israeli actions must abide by international law. They called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, an end to Israeli blocks on aid, and the urgent and unconditional release of all hostages. 23 . Ministers reaffirmed their conviction that an immediate and sustained ceasefire, alongside urgent steps towards a credible and irreversible pathway to a two-state solution are the only ways to deliver lasting peace, security and stability for Israelis, Palestinians and the wider region. 24 . Ministers expressed grave concerns at the horrific and intolerable situation in Gaza. They continue to be appalled by the immense suffering of civilians, including Israel's blocking of essential aid. They reiterated their call for Israel to immediately enable full, safe and unhindered access for UN agencies and humanitarian organisations to work independently and impartially to save lives, end the suffering and deliver dignity. Ministers also condemned settler violence in the West Bank, which has led to deaths of Palestinian civilians and the displacement of whole communities, and expressed opposition to any attempt to expand Israel's illegal settlements. 25 . Ministers expressed their deep concern for the safety and security of humanitarian personnel working in conflict settings around the world. They reaffirmed their commitment to finalise a Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel and implement practical actions to ensure greater respect for and protection of humanitarian personnel. Ministers also called on all countries to endorse the Declaration once launched and to reaffirm their responsibility to uphold humanitarian principles and ensure respect for international humanitarian law. Ministers discussed the essential role of the humanitarian system which is critical to saving lives and livelihoods and avoiding mass displacement. Ministers noted that the core work of the UN, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and international, national and local humanitarian organisations, must be preserved. Ministers also reiterated support for the Emergency Relief Coordinator's humanitarian reset. 26 . Ministers committed to continue close collaboration on protecting and promoting gender equality internationally and countering rollback of rights, including through Australia-UK Strategic Dialogues on Gender Equality and progressing subsequent agreed commitments, such as the UK-Australia Gender Based Violence MoU. 27 . Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the full implementation of the Women Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. They acknowledged the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and agreed to continue working together on implementing the WPS agenda, promoting the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation and leadership of women in conflict prevention, mediation and resolution, and working together on preventing conflict-related sexual violence and ending impunity. 28 . Ministers reiterated their serious shared concerns about human rights violations in China, including the persecution and arbitrary detention of Uyghurs and Tibetans and the erosion of their religious, cultural, education and linguistic rights and freedoms. They expressed their deep concern with the transfer of a cohort of 40 Uyghurs to China against their will in February this year. Ministers shared grave concerns about the ongoing systemic erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy, freedom, rights and democratic processes, including through the imposition of national security legislation and the prosecution of individuals such as British national Jimmy Lai and Australian citizen Gordon Ng. They shared their deep concern over the actions of Hong Kong authorities in targeting pro-democracy activists both within Hong Kong and overseas, including in Australia and the UK. 29 . Ministers expressed growing concern over foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) and attempts to undermine security and democratic institutions and processes. They committed to working closely to analyse and respond to FIMI in order to raise the costs for malign actors, and build collective responses to FIMI, including in multilateral fora, and to promote resilient, healthy, open and fact-based environments. 30 . Ministers acknowledged the unprecedented opportunities presented by critical and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, and the need to mitigate harms to build trust and confidence. They committed to collaborate on reciprocal information sharing on advanced AI capabilities and research, including between Australian agencies and the UK AI Security Institute, and working together to capture the opportunities of AI through the bilateral Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership. 31 . Australia welcomed the UK's new Laboratory for AI Security Research (LASR) and looked forward to exploring the opportunities for cooperation between our nations. The lab will pull together our world-class industry, academia and government agencies to ensure we reap the benefits of AI, while detecting, disrupting and deterring adversaries who would use it to undermine our national security and economic prosperity. 32 . Ministers expressed shared concern over the persistent threat of malicious cyber activities impacting our societies and economies and agreed to continue to work closely on leveraging all tools of deterrence, including the use of attributions and sanctions to impose reputational, financial costs and travel bans on these actors. Our respective statements calling out the egregious activity of Russia's GRU on Friday 18 July is a good example of such cooperation. 33 . The UK is pleased to welcome Australia as a partner to the Common Good Cyber Fund, designed to strengthen cybersecurity for individuals most at risk from digital transnational repression. The Fund was first launched by the Prime Ministers of the UK and Canada under the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism. This participation underscores the growing commitment among G7 partners and like-minded nations to counter this threat and to deliver support to those who may be targeted. 34 . Ministers reiterated their commitment to the Commonwealth as a unique platform for cross-regional dialogue and cooperation. They noted the importance of the Commonwealth in elevating the voices of small developing states on issues of global importance. Ministers took note of the important role of the Commonwealth Small States Offices in New York and Geneva, and committed to looking into options for expansion of this offer. Building shared defence capability 35 . Ministers welcomed the continued growth in the bilateral defence relationship including the deployment of a British Carrier Strike Group to Australia for Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 as part of an Indo-Pacific deployment. HMS Prince of Wales is the first UK aircraft carrier to visit Australia since 1997 and the deployment demonstrates the UK's ongoing commitment to increase interoperability with Australia in the Indo-Pacific following significant contributions to Exercises Pitch Black and Predator's Run in 2024. Ministers look forward to future opportunities in Australia and the wider region, including leveraging the Royal Navy's (RN) offshore patrol vessels persistently deployed in the Indo-Pacific. 36 . Ministers also welcomed the success of the inaugural Australia-UK Staff Level Meeting, with the second meeting set to take place in Australia later this year. This forum will continue to progress joint strategic and operational objectives, supporting the evolution of the bilateral relationship. 37 . Ministers reaffirmed their enduring commitment to the generational AUKUS partnership, which is supporting security and stability in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, enhancing our collective deterrence against shared threats. This capability and technology sharing partnership will deliver military advantage to deter adversaries and promote regional security. The partnership also provides new pathways for innovation, boosting interoperability between partners and strengthening our combined defence industrial base. 38 . Ministers announced their intent to sign a bilateral AUKUS treaty between the UK and Australia on Saturday, 26 July. The Treaty is a landmark agreement, which will underpin the next 50 years of UK-Australian bilateral cooperation under AUKUS Pillar I. 39 . The Treaty will enable comprehensive cooperation on the design, build, operation, sustainment, and disposal of our SSN-AUKUS submarines; support the development of the personnel, workforce, infrastructure and regulatory systems required for Australia's nuclear-powered submarine program; and realise increased port visits and the rotational presence of a UK Astute Class submarine at HMAS Stirling under Submarine Rotational Force - West. 40 . The Treaty will enable our two countries to deliver a cutting-edge undersea capability through the SSN-AUKUS, in conjunction with our partner the US. Through working together we are supporting stability and security in the Indo-Pacific and beyond for decades to come, creating thousands of jobs, strengthening our economies and supply chains, building our respective submarine industrial bases and providing new opportunities for industry partners. 41 . Ministers welcomed the significant progress made towards delivering Pillar I, including the entry into force of the AUKUS Naval Nuclear Propulsion Agreement between Australia, the UK and US on 17 January 2025 and the progress in design of the SSN-AUKUS submarines that will be operated by the RN and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). 42 . Ministers welcomed the UK's June commitment, in its Strategic Defence Review, to build up to 12 SSN-A submarines, and continuous submarine production through investments in Barrow and Raynesway that will allow the UK to produce a submarine every 18 months, and recognised the UK's additional investment to transform the UK's submarine industrial base. 43 . Ministers reaffirmed Australia and the UK's strong and ongoing commitment to the delivery of the AUKUS Optimal Pathway. Reflecting the UK's enduring dedication to this partnership, and long-standing engagement in the Indo-Pacific, Ministers welcomed the planned deployment of a RN submarine to undertake a port visit to Australia in 2026, delivering a varied programme of operational and engagement activities. The visit will support preparations for the establishment of the Submarine Rotational Force - West from as early as 2027, and represents another step forward on the shared path towards the delivery of SSN-AUKUS - ensuring our navies are ready, integrated, and capable of operating together to promote security and stability in the region. 44 . Ministers underscored the importance of ensuring Australia's acquisition of a conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability sets the highest non-proliferation standard, and endorsed continued close engagement with the International Atomic Energy Agency. 45 . Ministers affirmed their commitment under AUKUS Pillar II to continue to deliver tangible advanced capabilities to our defence forces and welcomed progress to date. By leveraging advanced technologies, our forces become more than the sum of their parts. They underlined the importance of Pillar II in streamlining capability acquisition and strengthening our defence innovation and industry sectors. 46 . As part of Talisman Sabre 25, AUKUS partners participated in Maritime Big Play activities as well as groundbreaking AI and undersea warfare trials. The partners tested the remote operation of the UK's Extra Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle, Excalibur, controlled from Australia while operating in UK waters. The exercise once again accelerated interoperability between our forces and the accelerated integration of remote and autonomous systems. 47 . Ministers noted the successful UK E-7A Seedcorn training program in Australia. The program, which is set to conclude in December 2025, was established to preserve a core of Airborne Early Warning and Control expertise within the Royal Air Force (RAF) and to lay a strong foundation for the introduction of the UK's own Wedgetail aircraft. Thanks to the exceptional support of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), since its inception in 2018, 30 RAF personnel - including pilots, mission crew, engineer officers, aircraft technicians, and operations specialists - have benefited from world-class training and exposure to the Wedgetail capability. 48 . Ministers welcomed the upcoming deployment of a RAAF E-7A Wedgetail to Europe in August under Operation Kudu to help protect vital supply lines for humanitarian aid and military assistance into Ukraine. Delivering upon the vision for true interchangeability detailed in the Wedgetail Trilateral Joint Vision Statement in 2023, this deployment will see the Wedgetail jointly crewed by Australian and British service members in a live operational setting. Ministers also welcomed Australia's decision to extend support for training Ukrainian personnel under Operation Interflex, through Operation Kudu, to the end of 2026. Australia and the UK will also continue to work closely together to share insights and observations from the conflict. 49 . Ministers reiterated their nations' continued investment in the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) as a unique multilateral arrangement that plays a constructive role in building habits of cooperation and enhancing the warfighting capabilities of its members. They look forward to Exercise Bersama Lima 2025 which will feature high-end warfighting serials and next-generation assets such as Australia's F-35s and the UK's Carrier Strike Group. 50 . Ministers affirmed their shared ambition to conduct a bilateral defence industry dialogue at both the Senior Official and Ministerial levels, providing a forum to deepen defence industry collaboration, enhance joint capability development, and cooperate on procurement reform to ensure improved efficiency in capability acquisition and sustainment. 51 . Ministers agreed to deepen cooperation on using Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar technology in both nations. This includes exploring the potential of using Australian AESA radar technologies for UK integrated air and missile defence applications. They agreed to undertake a series of targeted risk reduction activities in the near future to inform future decisions." 52 . Ministers agreed to progress personnel exchanges that support the future combat effectiveness of the Australian Hunter Class and British Type 26 Frigates. To support the introduction of these platforms into service, the RAN and RN will undertake a series of maritime platform familiarisation activities that enable our people to gain experience in critical capabilities, including underwater and above water weapon systems, primary acoustical intelligence analysis, and overall signature management. 53 . Ministers agreed to strengthen their sovereign defence industries through closer collaboration between the UK's Complex Weapons Pipeline and Australia's Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise. As a first step the Ministers announced a collaborative effort to develop modular, low cost components for next-generation weapon systems. 54 . Ministers acknowledged the shared legacy and the contribution of veterans to the bilateral relationship. They reaffirmed their commitment to identify avenues for closer collaboration on improving veterans' health and transition services. Partnering on trade, climate and energy 55 . Ministers agreed to work closely to safeguard and strengthen the role that free and fair trade and the rules-based multilateral trading system plays in economic prosperity and building resilience against economic shocks. 56 . Ministers reaffirmed the importance of the rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core, to economic security and prosperity. Ministers agreed to deepen cooperation to reform and reposition the Organization, and the broader global trading system, to meet the trade challenges of the new economic and geopolitical environment. Ministers agreed to continue working together to overcome blockages in multilateral rulemaking, including by working in smaller and more agile plurilateral groupings to address contemporary challenges, such as non-market policies and practices, which could complement ongoing multilateral efforts. They welcomed cooperation on plurilateral rulemaking, including efforts to have the E-Commerce Agreement incorporated into WTO architecture and brought into force as soon as possible. They reaffirmed the importance of restoring a fully-functioning dispute settlement system as soon as possible, welcoming the UK's decision to join the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA) while our countries work to fix the system. 57 . Ministers welcomed the entry into force of the UK's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in December 2024 and welcomed Australia as 2025 Chair. Ministers affirmed the need to work cooperatively together to ensure the CPTPP remains high standard and fit-for-purpose in addressing evolving challenges through continued progress on the CPTPP General Review and expansion of the membership. They looked forward to planned CPTPP trade and investment dialogues with the EU and with ASEAN. 58 . Ministers welcomed the second meeting of the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA) Joint Committee on 3 June which celebrated the strong and growing trade and investment relationship between the UK and Australia and the strong uptake of the agreement's benefits. 59 . Ministers welcomed close engagement on economic security under the annual United Kingdom-Australia Economic Security Dialogue, noting that its establishment by AUKMIN in 2023 was timely in preparing for future needs. They reflected on the closer integration of our analysis capabilities and committed to a joint-funded track 1.5 to generate practical insights and informal policy dialogue that will inform our joint economic security efforts. 60 . As both countries continue to develop their bilateral partnership through the UK-Australia FTA, the Economic Security Dialogue, and other fora, Ministers committed to deepening cooperation in key sectors of mutual interest. Ministers view this as an opportunity to explore new areas of collaboration and share best practices in the interests of boosting bilateral trade and investment, facilitating innovation and research, and supporting our mutual economic security and resilience. This year, officials in relevant departments will compare approaches with the aim to identify areas of common interest or complementary strength and discuss further opportunities for related cooperation. This may include initiatives to advance supply chain resilience, frontier research, investment promotion, public finance cooperation, and effective regulation. 61 . Ministers affirmed the calls in the Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement for countries to come forward in their next NDCs with ambitious emissions reduction targets aligned with keeping 1.5 degrees within reach. In that context, Ministers recognised the immense economic opportunities in ambitious climate action and a rapid transition to renewable energy. Ministers welcomed the UK's ambitious NDC and looked forward to Australia's NDC and Net-Zero Plan. Ministers further welcomed the report released by the UN Secretary General titled 'Seizing the Moment of Opportunity: Supercharging the new energy era of renewables, efficiency, and electrification' that highlighted the compelling economic case for the rapidly declining cost of renewable energy, and the rapidly growing role of the clean energy economy in powering jobs and economic growth. Ministers affirmed their determination to fulfil multilateral climate commitments and reiterated the importance of reforming the finance system and improving access to climate finance for developing countries. Ministers recommitted to building nature-positive economies to support a central theme of Brazil's COP Presidency. The UK reiterated its support for Australia's bid to host COP31 in partnership with the Pacific and expressed the hope that a decision would soon be reached. Ministers welcomed UK sharing its hosting experience and agreed to explore secondments to support COP31 planning. The UK and Australia welcome the close collaboration between our countries in the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) negotiations for an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including through our shared membership of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution. At this critical juncture ahead of INC-5.2, the final opportunity to secure an agreement, we call upon all members of the INC to recommit to working constructively to achieve an effective comprehensive agreement that addresses the full lifecycle of plastic. We recognise that Commonwealth countries are particularly affected by plastic pollution and in that regard we renew our commitment to collaborating through the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance, to tackle plastic pollution in the commonwealth. Ministers pledged to deepen collaboration through the UK-Australia Climate and Clean Energy Partnership. 62 . Ministers welcomed close cooperation to support the development of resilient critical mineral supply chains governed by market principles. This includes developing a roadmap to promote a standards-based market to reflect the real costs of responsible production, processing and trade of critical minerals as agreed at the recent G7 meeting on 17 June. Ministers agreed upon the importance of the sustainable and responsible extraction and processing of critical minerals for the energy transition, and committed to working together on solutions. These include the new Critical Minerals Supply Finance developed by UK Export Finance (UKEF) which can provide finance support to overseas critical minerals projects that supply the UK's high-growth sectors. UKEF has up to 5bn in finance support available for projects in Australia and will work closely with Export Finance Australia. Ministers also undertook to ensure the UK is consulted on the design and implementation of Australia's Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve. 63 . Ministers discussed the leading roles being played by Australia and the UK in the full and effective implementation of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement welcoming in particular Australia's role as Co-Chair of the Preparatory Commission. Ministers were encouraged by each country's progress towards ratification of the treaty, which is a landmark agreement for protection of the world's ocean. 64 . Ministers discussed the increasing geostrategic, climatic, and resource pressures on the Antarctic and Southern Ocean region and reaffirmed their shared and long-standing commitment to the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS). Ministers committed to upholding together the ATS rules and norms of peaceful use, scientific research, international cooperation and environmental protection, and to deepen understanding of the impact of climate change on the oceans and the world through Antarctic research including in the context of the International Polar Year of 2032/33. Ministers welcomed the United Kingdom's chairing of CCAMLR for 2024-5 and 2025-6. 65 . Ministers agreed on the importance of ensuring all children have the right to grow up in a safe and nurturing family environment. Ministers recognised the transformative impact on children's health, capacity to learn and economic prospects that growing up in a family-based environment can have. Ministers acknowledged the UK's Global Campaign on Children's Care Reform and agreed to work together to drive international awareness and demonstrate their commitment to children's care reform. 66 . Ministers reiterated their commitment to upholding shared values and continuing to invest in sustainable development, gender equality, disability equity and social inclusion, which underpin global prosperity. To support sustainable development, Ministers agreed to deepen cooperation with emerging donors of development assistance, to diversify funding, enhance development effectiveness, share lessons and build trust and transparency with partners. Ministers committed to work together to deliver sustainable solutions for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), recognising their unique vulnerabilities and to ensure meaningful engagement in international processes, including ODA graduation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Shaheen and Kaine Lead Colleagues in Urging Trump to End Threats of Tariffs on Brazil Senate Foreign Relations Committee July 25, 2025 WASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, led their colleagues in sending a letter to President Donald Trump expressing serious concerns regarding his threats to start a trade war with Brazilwhich would raise costs for American familiesunless Brazil's Supreme Court ends the prosecution of longtime Trump friend and former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro is facing criminal charges for attempting to lead a violent, January 6-style coup. Americans import more than $40 billion annually from Brazil, including nearly $2 billion worth of coffee. Trade between the U.S. and Brazil supports nearly 130,000 jobs in the United States. A trade war with Brazil would make life more expensive for Americans, harm both the American and Brazilian economies, and drive Brazil closer to Chinaand all because the President of the United States wants to corrupt a foreign judicial proceeding to help his personal friend. "We write to express significant concerns about the clear abuse of power inherent in your recent threat to launch a trade war with Brazil. The United States and Brazil have legitimate trade issues that should be discussed and negotiated. However, your Administration's tariff threat is clearly not directed at that," wrote the senators. "Interfering in another sovereign nation's legal system sets a dangerous precedent, provokes an unnecessary trade war and puts American nationals and companies at risk of retribution," the senators continued. "Using the full weight of the American economy to interfere with these proceedings on behalf of a friend is a gross misuse of power, undermines America's influence in Brazil and could derail our broader interests in the region." "Your actions would increase costs for American families and businesses," the senators wrote. "Brazil has also vowed to retaliate, and you have preemptively vowed to retaliate in kind - meaning that U.S. exporters will suffer and taxes on imports for Americans will rise beyond your threatened 50 percent level." The senators concluded, "The overriding goals of the U.S. in Latin America must be enhancing mutually beneficial economic relationships, promoting free and fair democratic elections and countering PRC influence. We urge you to reconsider your actions and prioritize the economic interests of Americans who want predictability not another trade war." In addition to Kaine and Shaheen, the letter is cosigned by Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Peter Welch (D-VT), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA). Full text of the letter is available here and below: Dear President Trump: We write to express significant concerns about the clear abuse of power inherent in your recent threat to launch a trade war with Brazil. The United States and Brazil have legitimate trade issues that should be discussed and negotiated. However, your Administration's tariff threat is clearly not directed at that. Nor is it about a bilateral trade deficit, as the U.S. ran a $7.4 billion goods trade surplus with Brazil in 2024, and has not run a trade deficit with Brazil since 2007. Rather - as you state explicitly in your letter to Brazilian President Lula da Silva - the threat to impose 50 percent tariffs on all imports from Brazil and ordering the U.S. Trade Representative to launch an investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 are primarily intended to force Brazil's independent judicial system to stop the prosecution of Brazilian former President Jair Bolsonaro. Interfering in another sovereign nation's legal system sets a dangerous precedent, provokes an unnecessary trade war and puts American nationals and companies at risk of retribution. Mr. Bolsonaro is a Brazilian national being prosecuted in Brazilian courts for alleged actions under their jurisdiction. He is accused of working to undermine the results of a democratic election in Brazil and plotting a coup d'etat. Using the full weight of the American economy to interfere with these proceedings on behalf of a friend is a gross misuse of power, undermines America's influence in Brazil and could derail our broader interests in the region. Your Administration's announcement on July 18, 2025, of visa sanctions against Brazilian judiciary officials working on Mr. Bolsonaro's case indicates - once more - your Administration's willingness to prioritize your personal agenda over than the interests of the American people. Your actions would increase costs for American families and businesses. Americans import more than $40 billion annually from Brazil, including nearly $2 billion worth of coffee. U.S.-Brazil trade supports nearly 130,000 jobs in the United States which are put at risk through threats of steep tariffs. Brazil has also vowed to retaliate, and you have preemptively vowed to retaliate in kind - meaning that U.S. exporters will suffer and taxes on imports for Americans will rise beyond your threatened 50 percent level. A trade war with Brazil will also work to drive Brazil closer to the People's Republic of China (PRC) at a time when the U.S. needs to aggressively counter PRC influence in Latin America. Chinese state-owned and state-connected firms are investing heavily in Brazil, including multiple port projects underway, and recently the China State Railway Group entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to study a transcontinental railway project. These considerations are not unique to Brazil. Throughout Latin America, the PRC is working to enhance its influence through its Belt and Road Initiative. We are concerned that your actions to undermine an independent judicial system will only enhance skepticism of American influence throughout the region and provide PRC officials and state-backed companies enhanced credibility for their agenda. The same trend is also occurring in East and Southeast Asia. The overriding goals of the U.S. in Latin America must be enhancing mutually beneficial economic relationships, promoting free and fair democratic elections and countering PRC influence. We urge you to reconsider your actions and prioritize the economic interests of Americans who want predictability, not another trade war. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Regular Press Briefing of the Ministry of National Defense on July 14, 2025 Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China Source Ministry of National Defense EditorChen Zhuo 2025-07-25 16:33:39 On the afternoon of July 14, 2025, Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, Deputy Director-General of the Information Office of China's Ministry of National Defense (MND) and Spokesperson for the MND, answered recent media queries concerning the military. Jiang Bin: First, I would like to announce two pieces of information. First, the Young Leaders Conference of China-Africa Peace and Security Forum will be held in Nanjing from July 15 to 19, with about 90 mid-and-senior level military officers from over 40 African countries attending. The Conference is hosted by the Chinese Ministry of National Defense and organized by the PLA Army Command College. With the theme of Building Peace Together for the Future, the conference is aimed at implementing the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and further boosting consensus, solidarity and cooperation between China and African countries on peace and security, so as to facilitate the building of an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. Second, army special forces of China and Serbia will carry out Peace Guardian-2025 joint training in Hebei in the second half of July. This will be the first joint training between Chinese and Serbian militaries. It will help strengthen combat capabilities of participating troops and deepen cooperation between the two militaries. Journalist: The Philippine Defense Secretary has recently said in an interview that China's willingness to sign the Protocol to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone was just a symbolic gesture. With one of the world's largest nuclear arsenals, China should denuclearize first to show its sincerity. Do you have any comment? Jiang Bin: Some people in the Philippines often make groundless accusations against China's efforts in preserving regional peace. Do they speak for themselves or stand for their country? We are not sure. Establishing the Southeast Asia nuclear weapon-free zone (SEANWFZ) is significant for strengthening the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and promoting regional peace and stability, and is conducive to the fundamental security interests of ASEAN countries. The Chinese side is firmly committed to such an undertaking, and has made clear our willingness to take the lead in signing the Protocol. China follows a policy of no-first-use of nuclear weapons, and has made an unconditional commitment of not using or threatening to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear weapon-free zones. China is the only nuclear-weapon state that has made such a commitment. China's nuclear force and nuclear policy have been a significant contribution to world peace, which is widely recognized by the international community. Journalist: Sources from the Japanese government said that Japan plans to export six Abukuma-class frigates to the Philippines. Some analysts believe this is aimed at "China's maritime expansion". What's your take? Jiang Bin: It is our consistent position that defense and security cooperation between relevant countries should not target at any third party or harm the interests of any third party. During WWII, Japanese militarists committed heinous crimes when they invaded and colonized Japan's neighboring countries, including China and the Philippines, and occupied islands in the South China Sea. In recent years, Japan has breached its commitments under the pacifist Constitution and exclusively defense-oriented policy by continuously exporting weapons and equipment to other countries, attempting to build small cliques to stir up trouble in the South China Sea, which created destabilizing factors in the Asia-Pacific region. 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. We urge the Japanese side to deeply reflect on and draw lessons from history, speak and act prudently on military and security matters, and do more to contribute to regional peace and stability. Journalist: The head of Taiwan's military agency has reportedly announced the establishment of Taiwan's first HIMARS company, and that it will greatly improve the Taiwan military's precision strike and overall defense capabilities. In addition, Taiwan's military agency has approved the acquisition of 168 units of US M109A7 self-propelled howitzers. Do you have any comment? Jiang Bin: In order to solicit US support for "Taiwan independence", the DPP authorities are selling Taiwan's interests to flatter the US and squandering the hard-earned money of the Taiwan people to pay protection fees. Buying US weapons to embolden themselves is useless and self-deceiving. Resisting reunification by force is a dead end. War provocations made by the "Taiwan independence" armed forces are futile, and will only lead to self-destruction. On the afternoon of July 14, 2025, Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, Deputy Director-General of the Information Office of China's Ministry of National Defense (MND) and Spokesperson for the MND, answers recent media queries concerning the military. (Photo by Sun Yue) Journalist: According to reports, the DPP authorities stated that the activation of the W121 extension of the M503 route by the Civil Aviation Administration of China intends to reduce the depth of Taiwan's air defense and shorten its early warning time, which would ultimately eliminate the "median line of the Taiwan Strait", thereby posing military threats to Taiwan. Some media reports said that the activation came just days before Taiwan's Han Kuang military exercise, and might escalate tensions across the Taiwan Strait. What's your comment? Jiang Bin: Taiwan is a part of China and there is no so-called "median line of the Taiwan Strait". The establishment and activation of relevant route is a routine work carried out by the competent authorities based on the needs of civil aviation development and management. It is beneficial to compatriots on both sides of the Strait. The DPP authorities used it as an excuse to hype up the so-called "military threats from the mainland" for their selfish gains, attempting to create security anxiety, intensify antagonism and confrontation, and obstruct cross-Strait exchanges. Their scheme would never be welcomed nor succeed. The root cause for the current tension across the Taiwan Strait lies in the DPP authorities' collusion with external forces in their continuous provocations for "Taiwan independence". We hope that all Taiwan compatriots can see through the true nature of the DPP authorities in seeking independence, realize the serious harm of "Taiwan independence", firmly oppose "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, and jointly safeguard cross-Strait peace and stability. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address HK police issue wanted notices for 19 individuals linked to subversive organization Global Times By Chen Qingqing Published: Jul 25, 2025 12:50 PM Updated: Jul 25, 2025 11:41 PM The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force issued wanted notices on Friday for 19 individuals involved in subversive organization "Hong Kong Parliament," including wanted fugitives Yuan Gongyi and Ho Leung-mau Victor for suspected of violating the national security law for Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government said in a statement. The wanted nine individuals such as Yuan, Ho and Fok Ka-chi as well as Choi Ming-da are suspected of organizing an overseas election for the "Hong Kong Parliament" to establish the so-called body. And the 10 other individuals like Chin Po Fun are alleged to have participated in the election for the "Hong Kong Parliament" as candidates and, upon being "elected," took oaths to serve as so-called "members of the Hong Kong Parliament," according to the statement. Among those fugitives, Yuan, Ho, Fok and Choi were previously placed on a HK$1 million bounty each for suspected of endangering national security. The Secretary for Security also exercised powers under Article 89 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance in June and December 2024 to officially designate Yuen, Fok, and Choi as absconders, and impose applicable restrictions against them. For the remaining 15 individuals, the police are now offering HK$200,000 bounties for each, appealing to the public to provide any information about their whereabouts or the related cases. The investigation remains ongoing, and more individuals may be added to the wanted list as needed, according to the statement. The police said the so-called "Hong Kong Parliament" aims to subvert state power, with goals including promoting "self-determination" and drafting a so-called "Hong Kong Constitution," with the intention of overthrowing or undermining the basic system of the People's Republic of China established by the Constitution, or overthrowing the body of central power of the PRC or HKSAR authorities,with unlawful means. These acts are suspected of violating Article 22 of the National Security Law for Hong Kong: the offense of subverting state power. Accordingly, the police applied to the court for arrest warrants and issued wanted notices. The legal basis and key facts for each wanted person are detailed in the annex, according to the statement. The Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) voiced its support on Friday for the Hong Kong Police Force's lawful and just action in placing 19 individuals bent on destabilizing Hong Kong on a wanted list. The office said the so-called "Hong Kong Parliament" election constitutes a grave violation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong and poses a serious threat to China's sovereignty, security, and development interests. The latest move aims to demonstrate the extraterritorial effect of the National Security Law for Hong Kong and to show the Hong Kong authorities' determination to severely punish individuals who challenge China's sovereignty over Hong Kong and undermine its constitutional order, Lau Siu-kai, a consultant from the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies who is also a senior policy advisor, told the Global Times on Friday. Given the ongoing efforts of outside forces to create chaos in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong SAR government's actions will serve as a deterrent to such elements, forcing them to rein in their activities and contributing to the maintenance of national security and stability in the city, Lau said. Willy Fu, a law professor who is also the director of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong & Macao Studies, told the Global Times on Friday that this move strictly follows Article 37 of the National Security Law for Hong Kong, which incorporates the principle of "personal jurisdiction," and Article 38, which demonstrates the extraterritorial application of the law. This aligns with the international law principle of "protective jurisdiction," which holds that any sovereign state has the right to exercise judicial authority over acts overseas that threaten its national security, Fu said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Japan claims first spotting of China's new submarine rescue ship in Tsushima Strait transit; experts say move, if confirmed, is normal, legitimate Global Times By Liu Xuanzun and Liang Rui Published: Jul 25, 2025 11:24 PM Japan claimed on Friday that its Maritime Self-Defense Force had for the first time spotted a new submarine rescue ship of China transiting the Tsushima Strait. Chinese military affairs experts said such a transit, if confirmed, would conform to the international law and practices, and could be a part of a normal far seas training session. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force on Thursday spotted a new type of submarine rescue ship of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, which sailed northeast through the Tsushima Strait and entered the Sea of Japan on Friday, according to a press release from Japan's Ministry of Defense Joint Staff on Friday. This is the first time the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force has confirmed the presence of this type of submarine rescue ship, according to the Japanese release. Another press release from Japan's Ministry of Defense Joint Staff on Thursday claimed that two Type 052D destroyers and a Type 903 comprehensive replenishment ship of the PLA Navy also sailed through the Tsushima Strait and entered the Sea of Japan on Thursday. The Chinese side has not announced information related to the alleged movements as of press time. Wang Yunfei, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Friday that if the Japanese release is accurate, the PLA Navy vessels could be conducting a far seas training mission featuring sessions on maritime rescue. Zhang Junshe, another Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Friday that a submarine rescue ship is a type of vessel that, as the name suggests, supports submarine activities. In the event of a submarine accident, it can carry out emergency rescue mission. The alleged transit through the Tsushima Strait could be part of a normal training session. Both experts said that the alleged voyage would be legitimate and in compliance with international law. In response to concerns expressed by Japanese defense officials about the Chinese military's increased activities near Japan, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson at China's Ministry of National Defense, said at a media briefing on March 14 that the activities of the Chinese military in the relevant maritime and airspace are in full compliance with international law and practices. They are legitimate, reasonable, and beyond reproach, the spokesperson noted. He said that, "We firmly oppose Japan's groundless accusations against China's normal exercises and training activities." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA Navy's carrier-based fighter pilot recruitments reach historic high: official Chinese media Global Times By Liu Xuanzun and Liang Rui Published: Jul 25, 2025 07:49 PM Updated: Jul 25, 2025 07:55 PM The recruitment number of carrier-based fighter jet pilots of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy this year hit a record high, official Chinese media revealed on Friday. A Chinese military affairs expert said that the increase in recruitment is crucial for boosting the combat effectiveness of aircraft carriers, reflecting the growing number and variety of carrier-based aircraft on board Chinese carriers, and also suggesting the future fleet of carriers may expand. The PLA Navy's 2025 pilot recruitment process has recently been completed successfully, according to the military channel of China Central Television (CCTV) on Friday. This year's intake includes graduates from regular high schools, students from naval aviation schools, as well as fresh bachelor's and master's degree graduates from both military and civilian universities, with recruitment sources becoming increasingly diverse and optimized. The candidates' scores of the national college entrance exam (also known as the gaokao), the number of those meeting the standards for carrier-based fighter pilots, and the proportion of qualified applicants have all reached record levels, the CCTV report said. "The fact that pilot recruitments have reached a new high shows that the intake is steadily increasing, which aligns with the development trend of China's carrier-based aircraft," Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Friday. Fu said that as the types and numbers of carrier-based aircraft continue to grow, more qualified pilots are needed. Through progressive selection and training, pilots are prepared to eventually operate from aircraft carriers. Multiple training pathways help broaden the talent pool, extend pilot careers, and improve overall quality, Fu added. China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, commissioned in September 2012, and the Shandong, which is China's second carrier and also the first one domestically built, entered naval service in December 2019. China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, is undergoing sea trials. It is the country's first domestically designed and built catapult-equipped aircraft carrier, features a straight flight deck with electromagnetic catapults and arrestor gear, according to official media reports. Fu said that the number of aircraft carried varies between carriers, so pilot demand also differs. "The Liaoning carries around 20 to 30 fighter jets, while the Shandong, thanks to its more optimized design, can carry more. The Fujian uses an electromagnetic catapult system, which allows for more frequent takeoffs compared to the ski-jump system. It will also be equipped with new aircraft types such as early warning aircraft, increasing demand for both pilots and command personnel," Fu said. Official media reports indicate that both the variety and quantity of China's carrier-based aircraft are expanding. The J-15 is China's first fixed-wing carrier-based fighter, while the upgraded J-15T fighter jet and the J-15D electronic warfare aircraft were unveiled at the Airshow China 2024 in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province. The upgraded J-15 fighters boast upgraded avionics and weapons systems, and a refined airframe structure, resulting in enhanced combat capabilities. Meanwhile, a model of the carrier-borne J-35 stealth fighter jet was also unveiled at the airshow along with the PLA Air Force's J-35A variant. The J-35A is equipped with a homegrown engine and a human-machine interaction design, enabling it to perform both air superiority and strike missions against ground and maritime targets, the Xinhua News Agency reported at the time. Wang Yongqing, the chief designer of multiple types of aircraft as well as the chief expert of the Shenyang Aircraft Design and Research Institute of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), told the Global Times in an exclusive interview in June that the debut of the J-35A and the first exhibit of a model of the J-35 witnessed at the Airshow China 2024 is the fruition of the "air-sea twin configuration" design philosophy. The number of carrier-based pilots typically exceeds the number of aircraft, Fu said. "This ensures operational readiness even if some pilots are temporarily unavailable. Additionally, some aircraft require two-person crews. The diversity of missions also demands a higher number of pilots than aircraft." "In the future, pilots in carrier aviation units will need to not only fly aircraft but also operate electronic warfare systems. This raises the bar for professional skills and expands the demand for talent across disciplines. Therefore, accelerating pilot training is imperative," Fu added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on July 25, 2025 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: July 25, 2025 18:30 CCTV: Yesterday, the China-EU Summit was held in Beijing. How does China view this summit? Before the summit, relevant EU chief said they will continue to express concerns on the rebalancing of trade ties and other issues. Any progress on that? Guo Jiakun: This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-EU diplomatic ties. Yesterday, President Xi Jinping met with European Council President Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen who were on a visit to China. Together with the two EU leaders, Premier Li Qiang co-chaired the 25th China-EU Summit. Leaders of the two sides had long, in-depth and candid talks, and exchanged views on strategic issues concerning bilateral relations, specific issues in China-EU cooperation, and international hotspots of mutual concern. President Xi Jinping summarized the important experience and lessons from the 50-year-long development of bilateral relations. He pointed out that mutual respect, seeking common ground while shelving differences, open cooperation and mutual benefits are the important principles and direction of efforts for developing China-EU relations in the future. President Xi Jinping put forward three propositions on the future development of China-EU relations. We should uphold mutual respect, consolidate partnership, uphold open cooperation, properly handle frictions and differences, practice multilateralism and safeguard international rules and order. Premier Li Qiang stressed that as long as both China and the EU earnestly uphold free trade, the international economy and trade will stay dynamic. As long as both sides firmly practice multilateralism, the trend towards a multipolar world will continue to strengthen. Important common understandings were reached at the summit. Both sides attach importance to China-EU ties, and agreed to uphold and deepen partnership, maintain strategic communication, enhance understanding and mutual trust, and write a more splendid chapter in the next 50 years of China-EU relations. Both sides agreed to maintain open cooperation, broaden ties in trade and investment, and achieve more positive results of cooperation. Both sides expressed their commitment to properly addressing trade frictions and differences through dialogue and consultation, and their opposition to decoupling and the severing of industrial and supply chains. Both sides agreed to jointly safeguard the international rules and order established after World War II, uphold multilateralism and free trade, support the peaceful settlement of international disputes through political means, jointly address global challenges, and make new contributions to world peace and development. The two sides issued a joint statement on climate change. They stressed that the China-EU green partnership is an important part of the China-EU partnership, which demonstrates the willingness and joint efforts of the two sides to address climate change, achieve green development, and make the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Belem a full success. Both sides agreed to forge an "upgraded version" of the China-EU export control dialogue mechanism, have timely communication on each other's concerns, and jointly keep the industrial and supply chains between China and Europe stable and unimpeded. As in any bilateral relations, differences do exist between China and the EU. On economic and trade issues which are of concern to the EU, China shared its position in a comprehensive, patient, in-depth and detailed way with a friendly, respectful and candid attitude. China stressed that the China-EU economic and trade relations are mutually complementary and win-win in nature. There should and can well be a dynamic equilibrium formed in the interactions. China is committed to realizing the sustainable and balanced growth of trade with the EU. We are willing to import more quality products from the EU that meet China's market demand, and hope the EU will ease restrictions on high-tech exports to China. China stressed that whether there is overcapacity should be determined in the global context and by the market. Take the new energy vehicle industry as an example. The International Energy Agency estimated that there will be a shortage of 27 million new energy vehicles globally by 2030. China's new energy capacity is advanced capacity that can bridge the world's "green gap." It is contribution, not "excess." The false "Chinese overcapacity" narrative reflects an incomplete understanding of the relations between supply and demand in a globalized market, and is just a pretext for protectionist measures. China reiterated that China's industrial subsidy policy follows the principles of openness, fairness, and compliance, and strictly adheres to the WTO rules. Industrial subsidy policies are widely adopted in countries around the world. The EU itself has provided a large amount of subsidies for the development of relevant industries, and should not apply double standards on this issue. On Ukraine, China pointed out that the Ukraine issue is not and should not become an issue between China and the EU. We reiterated our consistent and clear position of promoting talks for peace and a political settlement, and expressed our willingness to maintain communication with the EU. China also made clear its strong position on the EU's sanctions on Chinese companies citing Russia-related factors. The two sides agreed to enhance understanding and trust through dialogue and properly handle relevant issues. Overall speaking, this summit is positive and constructive. It is conducive to enhancing mutual understanding and trust, and creating more favorable conditions for future cooperation. China hopes the EU will work with China in the same direction to jointly usher in an even brighter future for the bilateral relations. AFP: French President Emmanuel Macron said yesterday that France will formally recognize the Palestinian State during a UN meeting in September. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this? Guo Jiakun: The Palestinian question is at the heart of the Middle East situation. The only viable way to resolve it lies in the two-State solution. China supports the upcoming UN high-level conference on the implementation of the two-State solution. We will continue working with the other member states to end the Gaza conflict, ease the humanitarian crisis, implement the two-State solution, and realize the full, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question. AFP: U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told media outlet CNBC yesterday that TikTok will go down for Americans unless China agrees to give the U.S. more control over the app. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this? Guo Jiakun: We have stated our principled position on TikTok on multiple occasions. Al Jazeera: We know how the humanitarian situation in Gaza is getting worse and worse. Now the issue is that people are dying of hunger, not only of bombing. What should be done by the international community at least to help those people who are under the siege as the material access and the aid which is on the border cannot go to them since weeks or months ago? Guo Jiakun: China closely follows the current situation in Gaza. We hope relevant parties will reach a ceasefire and deescalate the situation as soon as possible, and effectively alleviate the humanitarian crisis. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Sends Message of Sympathy to Russian President Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, July 26 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un , president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, sent a message of sympathy to Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation, on July 25. The message is as follows: The respected President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, Upon hearing the unexpected sad news that dozens of people were killed by the air crash in Amur Region, I express deep condolences to you and, through you, to your government, people, the bereaved families and the victims on behalf of the government and people of the DPRK and on my own. Our people are now sharing the distress and sorrows that the fraternal Russian people experienced. I, sharing the extremely regrettable feelings with the bereaved families who lost close relatives and friends, wish their pain to be healed as soon as possible. I sincerely wish the government and people of Russia to firmly overcome the pain of loss and regain peace and stability as soon as possible under your leadership. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Transcript of Special briefing by MEA on Prime Minister's State Visit to Maldives (July 25, 2025) India - Ministry of External Affairs July 25, 2025 Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I welcome you to this Special Press Briefing by Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri on Prime Minister's State Visit to the Maldives. We also have with us our High Commissioner to Maldives, Shri G. Balasubramanian. As also, we are joined by Shri Puneet Agrawal, who is the Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs looking after IOR region. With that, I invite Foreign Secretary, Sir, to make his opening remarks on the developments of the day. Sir, over to you. Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary: Thank you, Randhir. Good evening. Thank you all for joining this briefing. As you would be aware, the Prime Minister is on a two-day state visit to the Maldives. You are all familiar with the fact that this is his third visit to the Maldives. He also happens to be the first head of government to be visiting the Maldives during the administration of President Muizzu. Earlier this morning, on arrival at the airport, the Prime Minister was warmly received by President Dr. Muizzu and members of his cabinet at the airport. This was a very special gesture by the President. The Prime Minister was also corded a Ceremonial Guard of Honour and welcomed with a special cultural performance. In the afternoon today, the Prime Minister and President Dr. Muizzu held restricted and delegation-level talks. This gave both leaders the opportunity to review the entire gamut of issues in the bilateral relationship. They renewed various aspects of India-Maldives relations and in particular reflected on the progress made since October 2024, when President Dr. Muizzu had visited India on a state visit and when both countries had adopted the Joint Vision for India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership. You would already be familiar with; you would have seen the ceremony for exchange of memoranda of understanding and agreements between the two sides. Let me just review the key agreements and MOUs that have been signed. We have signed an MOU related to the extension of a fresh line of credit of Rs 4,850 crore to the Maldives. This is the first LOC extended to the Maldives that is denominated in Indian rupees. The LOC represents a continuation of the tradition of assistance to the development needs of the Maldives and we expect that several infrastructure projects will be carried out as a result of this LOC agreement benefiting the lives of citizens here in the Maldives. Together with this, the two sides also signed an amendatory agreement that amended the existing dollar line of credit between India and the Maldives. I would like to in particular point to the fact that with the signature of this amendatory agreement, the annual debt repayment obligations of the Maldives will reduce by a sharp 40% from nearly US$51 million annually to about US$29 million. The other understandings signed today include an MOU on cooperation in the field of fisheries and aquaculture, an MOU between the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology of the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Maldives Meteorological Services in the Ministry of Tourism and Environment; an MOU on cooperation in the field of sharing successful digital solutions that have been implemented at population scale for digital transformation between the Ministry of Electronics and IT of India and the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology of the Maldives. There was also an MOU on the recognition of Indian pharmacopoeia in the Maldives, which will reinforce the availability and sourcing of high-quality medicines in the Maldives; and a network-to-network agreement between India's NPCI, the National Payments Corporation of India International Limited, and the Maldives Monetary Authority. This is intended to take forward the work on implementing the Unified Payments Interface that will greatly benefit tourism between the two countries. In addition to that, there were a number of announcements and events that took place during the course of the day. The two countries have agreed to launch negotiations on an India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement. On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two sides issued commemorative stamps. The Prime Minister also handed over 3,300 social housing units in Hulhumale that were built under the Indian Buyer's Credit Scheme. The two leaders also together inaugurated the Roads and Drainage System Project in Addu City, six high-impact community development projects. And just now, a short while ago, the Ministry of Defence building in Male. The Prime Minister also handed over 72 vehicles and other equipment that will be used by the MNDF for various purposes. The two leaders were together for a tree plantation event, which is being carried out under the initiative taken by Prime Minister Modi in India, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, Plant for Mother. In the same place, the Prime Minister also handed over two BHISHM Health Cubes that will be of great relevance in medical emergencies, especially in remote parts of the country. Tomorrow, as you would be aware, the Prime Minister will be the Guest of Honour at the Independence Day celebrations at Republic Square. He will also be meeting with a few political leaders of the country, interact with the Indian diaspora residing in the Maldives, including also ITEC alumni from the Maldives. This very, very timely and productive visit has provided an opportunity to both countries and both leaders to review our very close cooperation and to continue to build further on it. The two sides, as I said in the beginning, reviewed the joint vision for the India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, and as a result of the discussions today, arrived at the conclusion that we should continue to implement various elements of this vision, and explore newer avenues to collaborate further between the two sides. Let me stop there. If there are any questions, I would be happy to answer them. Ayushi Agarwal, ANI: Sir, good evening. This is Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. Sir, did China feature in the talks when it comes to the security in the Indian Ocean, and also any discussion on Pahalgam attack or on Operation Sindhoor? Sidhant Sibal, WION: Hi sir, Sidhant from WION. How much will you see this visit as a turnaround in the relationship? Your last year, the relationship was not doing so well but looking at the comments from both the leaders today, it looks like that it is firmly on a very positive trajectory. Meera Srinivasan, The Hindu: Thank you. It's Meera Srinivasan from The Hindu. Secretary, you mentioned that there's a 40% reduction in the annual debt repayment obligation consequent to today's agreement. So, could you tell us which period of debt this pertains to? Debt taken from when to when, and if possible, what is the total amount of debt that this pertains to? And the second question is, is this in response to a request from Maldivian side for possible debt cancellation or a moratorium? Thank you. Siddhant, CNN-News18: Hi, Foreign Secretary. I'm Siddhant from CNN-News18. Foreign Secretary, if you can throw some light on the medical evacuations that India have been doing in Maldives. Has there been a request made by the Maldivian side to enhance more medical evacuations? And if you can also throw some light on the medical tourism from Maldives to India? Thank you. Deepak Ranjan, PTI: Deepak Ranjan from PTI. Prime Minister has said that we are in talks about a Free Trade Agreement, any timeline in which it would be completed or concluded? Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary: Okay. Ayushi to your question, I would say that you may have heard the His Excellency, the President also refer to this in his remarks at the top of the delegation level talks with the Prime Minister. And of course, we proceed on the assumption that security is an issue of mutual interest. The President expressed his commitment to the importance that Maldives attaches to security related issues and the commitment for the two sides to continue to work together. I think the fact that there is quite a high frequency of contacts between security authorities of the two countries, and the engagement at various levels, whether it is direct professional level exchanges between the security forces or the training activity that is carried out, or the exercises that are carried out between various security forces. There is very close coordination on all of these issues. This remains an important issue. And we continue to work very closely together with Maldives on any issues that might impinge on not just our security, but our common security in this region that we share. On Pahalgam as well. Again, the President reiterated the Maldives condemnation of the attack and reiterated the solidarity and support of the people of the Maldives with India following this attack. Sidhant, your question on the turnaround in the relationship. I wouldn't say that the impression is that these are overnight things or sudden developments. We have ... this is a very close relationship. It has a basis and a foundation that goes back a long way. There may be instances or events or things that may happen from time to time, but there is a fundamental understanding between the two sides and the two countries on the importance and the significance of this relationship. As I have had occasion to say earlier as well. Both sides have applied themselves to the relationship to addressing issues in the relationship. And both sides have paid attention including at the very highest levels to addressing concerns that might be there. And I think you see the result of that effort that has been made at both ends. And the fact that you have within the space of about 10 months reciprocal visits at the highest levels possible ... just testifies to and signifies once again the strength of this relationship. On Meera's question about the reduction of the debt obligations, you might be aware that we had a line of credit of about $800 million that had been extended to the Maldives sometime ago. There were a number of projects that had been executed under that, and there was a certain amount from the LOC had been utilized and drawn down. But for various reasons Maldives was not able to finalize projects and move forward on utilizing the balance funds that were available under that LOC. But given the way the LOCs work and the terms and conditions of the LOCs, the repayment obligations had kicked in, and it was therefore also taken into account the overall financial situation of the Maldives, both sides came to the conclusion that perhaps a rationalization of the LOC was necessary. In the normal course, this would have been more tricky and complicated, but given the special circumstances obtaining we've come to an agreement which has been reflected in the amendatory agreement that has been signed today that reduces the obligations of the Maldives towards debt repayment by closing out this particular LOC. But since the development needs of Maldives remain, there are other projects that they need to do. It has been replaced by the line of credit agreement which we have signed today, denominated in Indian rupees. And this is expected to be more attuned to, I would say, the current financial circumstances of the Maldives, besides also contributing to a manner of implementation that would benefit both sides more. This is something that was done cooperatively between the two sides. Sidhant's question on medical evacuation. I think the assets are available here in the Maldives, and whenever there is a requirement that is projected or a request that is made the evacuations are carried out as per that procedure. On medical tourism, as you are aware, India continues to be a very popular destination for medical services and medical attention from people in the Maldives and some of the agreements that have on which work has begun, for instance, on UPI. So, it's not just for, you know, the normal tourism, but for any other kind of service that Maldives citizens might want to avail from India, which includes medical tourism as well. On the FTA talks, I can't point to an exact timeline, but my understanding from discussions with my commerce ministry colleagues is that this is an FTA that should be - that we should be able to conclude rather quickly. Today's agreement reflects an understanding that essentially it reflects the agreement on the terms of reference, which usually is something that takes more time. But these have been agreed and now it remains for offers to be exchanged and discussed. And that is the next stage that will take place. My expectation is that it'll get done fairly quickly. Shyama, Doordarshan News: Hi, sir. Shyama from Doordarshan News. Sir, this NPCI agreement with the MMA. How soon do you think an Indian tourist would be able to transact in UPI over the RuPay card? Umashankar, Independent Journalist: Independent journalist. My question is that, is there any update on hydrographic agreement as it was not renewed by Maldives; and also if this came up during the discussions between both the leaders? Arosha, Maldives Republic: Thank you. I'm Arosha from Maldives Republic. Secretary, I would like to ask from you, are you aware of now deleted social media post by Abdullah bin Mohammed Ibrahim? He is President Muizzu's brother-in-law. He made a critical remarks about Prime Minister Modi. If so, could you share how Indian government view such incident, particularly in the context of effort to strength the India-Maldives relationship? Thank you. Nazahath, Raajje TV: Thank you. Nazahath Raajje TV here. There were certain remarks made by the President himself and some of the state ministers that were rather derogatory towards Indians and the Prime Minister Modi. It wasn't very well received by the Indian citizens understandably so. Now as some of the journalists did mention, this is described as a turning point, this visit especially, does the Indian government expect Maldivian government to apologize since it's the sentiments were hurt definitely? Unidentified Speaker, Adhadhu: Thank you. I'm from Adhadu. Foreign Secretary has mentioned before about the Indian platforms here doing the medical evacuations. As far as I know some of the agreements that were met before has come to an end in the February of this year. So, has there been any extension to those agreements or any request from the Maldivian side extension of that three platforms that is right now? Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary: Okay. I think on the NPCI, the implementation agreement has been signed today. The technical work is now required, and it should proceed apace, and we feel that the people should be able to use UPI as soon as the technical work and the operationalization of the MOU is concluded. This was important to have this agreement on operationalization. The technical people will now get together to take it forward. On RuPay, I think RuPay is already operational. So, in fact, if you recall, when President Muizzu was in India they witnessed the first live sort of transaction of the RuPay using the RuPay card take place here in the Maldives. On hydrography, we have been in close touch with our colleagues in Maldives. And we are working on capacity building in the Maldives. We are working on training here in the Maldives to enable Maldives personnel to develop their capacities in this area. This is not something that is necessarily restricted or dictated by specific agreements or discussions. It's something on which both sides continue to talk. And as I said, the emphasis is increasingly on building capacity here in the Maldives. We had two questions here by our colleagues from Maldives. I think the subject matter of both was very similar. In so far as the social media post you referred to, I am not aware of the post, I have not seen the post. But the other question that related to the some of the remarks that were made earlier, I would only like to say, and I think this visit as well as the visit that Dr. Muizzu had paid to India in October last year, demonstrate the very strong relationship, a very close relationship between the two sides and I would also say that our ties are strong enough to withstand some of these passing, in this case remarks that have been made and have also withstood the test of time. So, I would rather than look back, prefer to look forward and look into the future and going by everything that has happened today and especially in the last 9 or 10 months since President Muizzu visited India, that future is undoubtedly and unquestionably bright. On MEDEVAC platforms, they are here, and I think as I said the assets remain here, their term has been extended here and they continue to be used as per the request of the Maldivian authorities. Mr. Brijmohan Singh Raghuvanshi, Sadhna Samuh: Sir namaskar, main Brijmohan Singh Raghuwanshi Sadhna Samuh se hu, sir. Jaisa ki humare ek sahyogi ne ek sawal isme mai add karunga isme ki, pichle kuch samay purv jo hai Maldives ki sarkar ne kuch tippani ki thi. Aur us tippani ke baad se aaj hamare liye bada gauranvit wala ye din hai. Hamare aadarniya Pradhan Mantri ko yahan pe is roop mein dekha ja raha hai. Nishchit roop se ye videsh niti aur Pradhan Mantri ji ki lokpriyata ka ye sabse bada natija hai. Lekin main ek cheez zarur puchna chahunga ki Saudi Arab ke baad maine dekha ki ye dusra Islamic desh hai jahan pe hamare Pradhan Mantri ka jo samman ho raha hai, jo hamara trade hone ja raha hai, wo bahut mazboot ho raha hai. Toh vipaksh is baat ka arop lagata hai ki varg vishesh ke liye khaas tor se Pradhan Mantri karte hain, aisa vipaksh arop lagata hai. Aur toh main ye janna chahta hu kya Islamic deshon ko khaas tor se focus kiya ja raha hai aane wale samay pe antarrashtriya patal pe Pradhan Mantri ji ki lokpriyata ko badhane ke liye, aur khaas tor se vishv star pe bhi kya ye mana jaye ki Islamic deshon se ab humara jo rishta hai wo aur mazboot hoga. [Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi]: Sir, Namaskar. I am Brijmohan Singh Raghuwanshi from the Sadhna Group. As one of our colleagues raised a question, I would like to add to it: Some time ago, the government of Maldives made certain remarks, and following those remarks, today is a matter of great pride for us. Our respected Prime Minister is being seen in this manner here. This is undoubtedly the result of our foreign policy and the Prime Minister's growing popularity. However, I would definitely like to ask one thing after Saudi Arabia, this is the second Islamic country where I have seen such great respect being given to our Prime Minister, and our trade relations are becoming much stronger. Now, the opposition often alleges that the Prime Minister favors a particular community. That's what the opposition claims. So, I would like to know whether Islamic countries are being especially focused on, with the aim of enhancing the Prime Minister's popularity in the international stage in coming times. And more importantly, can we now say that our relations with Islamic countries are set to become even stronger at the global level? Jeevan Bhawasar, Aakashwani: Namaskar sir, Jeevan Bhawasar here from Akashwani. Sir, dono deshon mein tourism ko badawa dene ke liye bhi aaj bahut baatcheet hui hai. Toh ye tourism badawa dene ke liye aage kya kya ho sakta hai? [Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi]: Namaskar Sir, this is Jeevan Bhawasar from Akashvani. Sir, there have been extensive discussions today on promoting tourism between the two countries. What are the possible steps that could be taken going forward to boost tourism? Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary: Toh dekhiye, Brijmohan ji, aapka sawal main apne aap ko, jo ek isko main ek rajnayik samikaran mein hi dekhunga, aur sirf itna hi kehna chahunga ki, jo hamari rajnayik ranneeti hai, aur jis tarah se hum dusre deshon ke saath rishte banane pe sochte hain ya kaam karte hain, us uski jo ek jo usme jo kaam kiya ja raha hai, usme jo kaam hota hai, usme jis tarah ki cheezein jinke bare mein aap baat kar rahe the, unka usme asar nahi padta. Hum ye dekhte hain ki hamare core interests kya hain? Kis desh ke saath kin cheezon pe baat karni hai, jo hamare international interests hain, hame kya defend karna hai aur hame kya dusre deshon se chahiye, ye us pe nirbhar rehta hai. Toh kisi desh ki dharmik pravritti kya hai, mujhe nahi lagta ki ye usme ek bada factor banta hai. Pradhan Mantri ji aur unke netritva mein jo desh ki ek rajnayik ranneeti taiyar ki gayi hai, ye isi cheez pe nirbhar hai. Aur aapne jo sawal pucha, paryatan ko badhawa dene ke liye, toh jaisa maine pehle bhi kaha hai aur aaj bhi in cheezon pe baatcheet hui hai. UPI pe maan lijiye jaise is pe agar ek samjhauta aage aane wale samay mein hota hai, toh ye kaafi sahuliyat pradan karega Bharatiya nagrikon aur Maldives ke nagrikon ko, payments mein sahuliyat hai usme karne ke liye. Uske liye wo banking channels mein kaafi kabhi kabhi kathinaiyan mushkile aati hain, unse ek tarah se chhutkara milega aur ek sahuliyat isse pradan hogi, isse paryatan ko kaafi badhawa mil sakta hai. [Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi]: So, Brijmohan ji, I will view your question strictly from a diplomatic perspective, and I would only like to say this when it comes to our diplomatic strategy and the way we think about or work on building relations with other countries, the kind of factors you were referring to do not influence our approach. We look at what our core interests are what issues we need to discuss with a particular country, what our international priorities are, what we need to defend, and what we seek from other countries. It is based on these considerations. The religious orientation of a country, I don't believe, plays a major role in that. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the foreign policy framework that has been developed is guided by these principles. And as for your question about promoting tourism, as I mentioned earlier, and as has been discussed today as well for instance, if there is an agreement on UPI (Unified Payments Interface) in the near future, it will provide significant ease for both Indian and Maldivian citizens in terms of digital payments. Right now, banking channels sometimes face challenges and difficulties this system would help bypass those and offer convenience. That, in turn, can significantly promote tourism. Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Thank you sir. With that, ladies and gentlemen, we come to the close of this press briefing. We'll keep you updated with developments of tomorrow. And thank you very much for coming for this press briefing. Thank you. Male July 25, 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DEVELOPMENT OF INDIGENOUS DEFENCE TECHNOLOGIES India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 25 JUL 2025 3:19PM by PIB Delhi Ministry of Defence (MoD) is allocating funds towards the R&D for indigenous defence technologies. During the last three years, DRDO was sanctioned projects worth Rs 29,558.66 crore. The yearly break-up of funds is as follows: Year No. of projects sanctioned Cost (Rs. in Cr) 01-Jan-2023 to 31-Dec-2023 40 Rs 3,842.71 Cr 01-Jan-2024 to 31-Dec-2024 43 Rs 22,175.49 Cr 01-Jan-2025 till date 20 Rs 3,540.46 Cr Kaveri Derivative Engine (KDE), is the power plant for the remotely piloted strike aircraft (IUCAV aircraft). In this regard two projects have been sanctioned namely Flightworthy Kaveri Dry Engine Development with the cost of Rs 472.42 crore and Technology Demonstration of Kaveri Derivative 'Dry' Engine with the cost of Rs 251.17 crore. Several structural reforms are being undertaken to enhance civil-military partnership in the defence ecosystem. Some of the key reforms are given as under: Development-cum-Production-Partners (DcPP) are identified to ensure faster prototype development and faster transition to production phase, thereby enhancing the defence ecosystem. Industries are included in the loop for faster realisation technologies developed through academic projects, through DRDO Industry Academia-Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE). Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), the certification agency of DRDO, is working closely with its domestic civil counterpart i.e. DGCA for common approach in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) certification. CEMILAC's MoD approved guiding document certification IMTAR V2.0 has provisioned the adoption of civil drone certification for lower weight UAV thus enabling common certification criteria for both civil military use. CEMILAC is also interacting with certification agencies (EASA & ANAC) and aircraft OEM (Airbus & Embraer) for civil-military derivative aircrafts methodology for certification so that domestic DcPP can obtain certification in India. DRDO has entered into MOUs with defence industrial corridors TIDEL Park Ltd and UPEIDA to collaborate as knowledge partner for sharing of ideas, resources and expertise for development of Defence Industrial Corridors. DRDO has established 15 DRDO Industry Academia Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoE) across the country at IISc Bangalore, various IITs and Central/State Universities to encourage directed research for developing new technologies for defence and security in identified areas. DRDO has evolved a new ToT policy and procedures with zero ToT fee for its industry partners (Development cum Production Partners (DcPP)/ Development Partner (DP)) and zero royalty for supply to Indian Armed Forces and Govt Deptt. Several world class test facilities have now been opened for industries in DRDO labs and necessary SOP has been formulated. DRDO patents are available on DRDO website for use by industries. These patents are available free of cost to industries to enable Aatmanirbhar Bharat. DRDO has launched Technology Development Fund (TDF) which provides financial support to the Indian industries for the design development of innovative defence products. Dare to Dream 4.0 contest as launched during Def Expo with 10 problem statements to encourage innovation through the Indian scientific community. Dare to Dream is a scheme to promote individuals and start-ups for innovations in Defence & Aerospace. This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth in a written reply to Shri Tejasvi Surya in the Lok Sabha today. *** VK/Savvy/Nirmit (Release ID: 2148337) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks Rs 2,000 crore contract with BEL for Air Defence Fire Control Radars for Indian Army India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 25 JUL 2025 3:16PM by PIB Delhi Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the procurement of Air Defence Fire Control Radars for the Indian Army, worth approx. Rs 2,000 crore, under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) category. The contract was inked and exchanged by senior officials of MoD and BEL in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi on July 25, 2025. With minimum 70% indigenous content, these Fire Control Radars will be able to detect all forms of air-borne threats, including fighter aircraft, attack helicopters and enemy drones. This would mark a significant milestone in the modernisation of the Air Defence Regiments and enhance the Indian Army's operational readiness, while contributing to the economic growth of the nation. The procurement marks a pivotal step towards empowering indigenous defence industries by encouraging Indian MSMEs through components' manufacturing and raw material supply. *** SR/Savvy (Release ID: 2148334) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Leader says Iran's scientific and military progress will move faster IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jul 25, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says future will show that Iran's military and scientific progress will accelerate even further. Ayatollah Khamenei made the remark in a message issued on Friday on the occasion of the 40th day since the martyrdom of Iranian scientists and high-ranking military commanders in Israeli attacks on Iran. He wrote in the message that the wicked Zionist regime, which is a sworn enemy of the Iranian nation, inflicted a blow, adding that absence of military commanders such as Lieutenant General Mohammad Baqeri, Lieutenant General Hossein Salami, and Major General Amir-Ali Hajizadeh is a heavy to any nation, but the short-sighted and foolish enemy did not reach its goal. Ayatollah Khamenei said that it will become clear in the future that both the scientific and military progress of Iran will by the grace of God accelerate. He said that these martyrs had chosen a path where attaining martyrdom was not unlikely and eventually, they reached what they longed for, yet losing them is bitter and heavy for the Iranian nation, especially the families of the martyrs. He also said that even in this tragic event, bright points can clearly be seen. First, the endurance, patience, and strength of spirit shown by the survivors, which is rarely seen outside of the developments brought about by the Islamic Republic of Iran. Second, the perseverance and resilience of the institutions led by these martyrs, which did not allow this heavy blow to disrupt their activities. Third, the miraculous resilience of the Iranian nation, which was manifested in their unity, spiritual strength, and resolute determination. He said that once again, this incident revealed the solid foundation of Islamic Iran, adding that the enemies of Iran are beating air. God willing, Iran will grow stronger each day, he said adding that in this path the following issues should not be ignored: Preserving national unity is the duty of everyone. Accelerating progress in science and technology across all sectors is the duty of the scientific elite. Safeguarding the dignity and honor of the country and the nation is the unwavering duty of spokespeople and people of pen. Increasingly equipping the country with tools for protecting national security and independence is the duty of the military commanders. Seriousness, perseverance, and delivering results in national affairs is the duty of all executive organizations. Providing spiritual guidance, lighting hearts with faith, and encouraging patience, peace, and resilience is the duty of the religious leaders. Preserving revolutionary enthusiasm and awareness is the duty of each and everyone, especially the youth. 9417**4482 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Uranium enrichment right and removal of sanctions were on Iran's agenda in Istanbul talks: Deputy Foreign Minister IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jul 25, 2025 Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-e-Ravanchi says that ending the "oppressive sanctions" and upholding Iran's rights under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (N.P.T.), including the right to uranium enrichment, were central to Iran's agenda in the meeting with the European troika. Takht-e-Ravanchi is in Istanbul to partake in discussions between Iran and the E3 - the European members of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (J.C.P.O.A.): Germany, Britain, and France. He made the remarks in a press briefing following the meeting on Friday. He said the meeting was a continuation of the previous rounds, but with the significant development that Iran had been attacked by the Israeli regime and the United States. According to Takht-e-Ravanchi, the Iranian side said in the meeting that the attacks were in clear violation of international law and the U.N. Charter and criticized the positions taken by these countries regarding the attacks. Another issue addressed in the meeting was the return of sanctions and the snapback mechanism, he said, adding that Iran voiced strong opposition to these measures and added that Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi had sent a letter to the U.N. chief, which has been distributed all the members of the U.N. Security Council. Prior to the talks, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei told IRNA that the meeting provided a valuable opportunity for the E3 to revise their stance on Iran's nuclear program and served as a test of their realism toward the matter. 9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gharibabadi: Iran and E.U. hold 'serious, frank' discussions IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jul 25, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi says that Iran and the European troika have held serious talks with "specific ideas". "Together with [Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-e-Ravanchi], we held a serious, frank, and detailed discussion with the E3/EU PDs.," Gharibabadi wrote on his X account on Friday after his meeting in Turkey's Istanbul. Regarding the agenda of the meeting, he wrote, "The latest developments regarding the issue of sanctions lifting and the nuclear issue were discussed and reviewed." He said that Iranian side "seriously" criticized the Europeans' stances regarding the recent war of aggression by the Israeli regime and the United States against Iranian people and explained Iran's principled positions, including on "the so-called snapback mechanism." "Both sides came to the meeting with specific ideas, the various aspects of which were examined. It was agreed that consultations on this matter will continue." Before the meeting, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei told IRNA that the meeting between Iran and the E3 - comprising Britain, France, and Germany - presents a valuable opportunity for the three European countries to revise their stance on Iran's nuclear issue and serves as a test of their realism regarding the matter. The trio are members of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal officially named the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or the J.C.P.O.A. 9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Exclusive I Iran views Istanbul meeting as opportunity for Europe to correct its stance IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jul 25, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei says that a meeting between Iran and the E3 - comprising Britain, France, and Germany - presents a valuable opportunity for the three European countries to revise their stance on Iran's nuclear issue and serves as a test of their realism regarding the matter. Baqaei made the remarks in an exclusive interview with IRNA, published on Friday, the same day when representatives from Iran and the E3 meet in Istanbul, Turkey. The trio are members of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal officially named the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or the JCPOA. In response to a question about repeated threats by European countries to invoke the so-called "snapback mechanism" against Iran, the spokesperson stated that there is no justification for failing to remove Iran's nuclear file from the U.N. Security Council's agenda at the scheduled time. He added that the E3 fundamentally lack the legitimacy or right to resort to such mechanisms due to their conduct regarding their commitments under the JCPOA. In fact, he noted, the E3 have knowingly undermined their status as "JCPOA participants" by repeatedly violating their obligations under the agreement and by supporting U.S. and Israeli military attacks on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities. The attacks, which were part of a war of aggression launched by Israel against Iran on June 13, are in clear violation of Resolution 2231 and directly contradict its core purpose: the confirmation of the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program, including its right to uranium enrichment, Baqaei noted. "Therefore, they no longer possess the legal authority to invoke or even extend JCPOA mechanisms that they themselves have violated," he added. Under the JCPOA, which was concluded in 2015 between Iran, the European Union, Russia, China, the E3, and the United States, Iran agreed to restrict its nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of U.N. Security Council sanctions. The multilateral agreement was thrown into disarray after the United States unilaterally withdrew in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran. A year later, the Islamic Republic took reciprocal measures after the remaining Western parties to the JCPOA failed to compensate for the U.S. withdrawal. In his interview, the spokesperson said that reinstating Security Council resolutions - which had been annulled under the JCPOA and Resolution 2231 endorsing the deal - has no legal, ethical, or logical justification, as Iran remains a JCPOA member and its reciprocal measures were a response to the failure of the U.S. and Europe to fulfill their obligations. Fundamentally, the three European countries, who have themselves consistently violated their commitments to Iran, lack the legal or moral standing to accuse Iran of violating the very resolution they have themselves breached, he added. Israel deciding Europe's course of action Referring to Israeli pressure on the E3, Baqaei said it is not surprising that Israel - the only nuclear-armed regime in the region, the biggest opponent of the JCPOA, and the main instigator of the U.S. unilateral withdrawal from the agreement - is now trying to dictate terms to Europe and further complicate the situation. "The question now is whether these three countries are willing to further sacrifice their credibility for the malicious ambitions of the Zionist regime," the Iranian diplomat stated. Iran's cooperation with I.A.E.A. Baqaei stated that the Islamic Republic suspended its cooperation with the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (I.A.E.A.), after the U.S. and Israel struck Iran's nuclear sites last month. "Iran's suspension of cooperation with the I.A.E.A. was a direct result of the illegal aggressive acts of the Zionist regime and the U.S., which, by violating the U.N. Charter and international law, dealt a heavy blow to the non-proliferation regime and severely damaged the safety and security of Iran's nuclear facilities," he said. The spokesperson also stated that any decision regarding Iran's interaction with the I.A.E.A. is based on a recent law passed by the Iranian Parliament, which requires that cooperation must have permission and coordination from the Supreme National Security Council. Baqaei further stated that the deputy chief of the I.A.E.A. will travel to Iran in the coming weeks. He added that while no visit to the Iranian nuclear sites is planned, the upcoming trip will focus on consultations regarding a new method of cooperation between Iran and the agency. 4208**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Report warns of 'alarming gap' in US missile stockpile after Iranian retaliation Iran Press TV Friday, 25 July 2025 7:20 PM The Wall Street Journal has warned of an "alarming gap" in the US missile arsenal, noting the stockpile fell significantly short during Washington's recent support operations aimed at protecting the Israeli regime against a large-scale Iranian retaliation. The US daily published the remarks in a Thursday report detailing the United States' unprecedented support operations for the Israeli regime during Iran's retaliation for Tel Aviv's 12-day war in June. The US deployed two of its most advanced Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems, nearly a third of its global stock, to support Israel, yet Iranian projectiles still managed to break through. The shortcoming came, although former Pentagon official Dan Shapiro has called the US deployment "an extraordinary commitment of US technology and personnel to Israel's security," it said. With five of America's seven THAAD units already deployed abroad, the paper said, US commanders were now concerned about "dwell" issues, namely lack of downtime for crucial maintenance and training. Observers have also pointed out that the multi-billion-dollar American defense apparatus failed to perform as expected, even as Washington scrambled its Patriot missile systems in a bid to shield the Israeli regime. According to the Journal, the Iranian missile barrage was so overwhelming that American planners even considered redirecting the interceptors that had been ordered by Saudi Arabia towards the occupied Palestinian territories. "Achieving successful lethal object kills in dense raid environments becomes significantly more complicated," noted Tri Freed of Johns Hopkins. The paper, meanwhile, broke down the steep cost of the support. It said over 150 Thaad interceptors had been launched, almost 25% of all ever acquired by the Pentagon. Replenishing just the Thaads used will cost up to $2 billion and take more than a year, the daily wrote, adding Lockheed Martin, the US defense giant behind the system, can only produce around 100 interceptors annually. The paper also exposed that, aside from the American missiles, Israeli missile stockpiles also drained quickly, saying by the end, the regime was nearing depletion of its Arrow, David's Sling, and Iron Dome systems. A US official admitted, "Had Iran fired a few more large volleys of missiles," Tel Aviv would have exhausted its Arrow 3 reserves. Navy depletion and poor results The US Navy also unleashed 80 of its Standard Missile-3 interceptors, priced between $8-25 million each. Meanwhile, American destroyers, unable to reload missiles at sea, were forced back to port mid-war, something experts have called an alarming weakness with far-reaching implications. 'Iranians may do this again, we can't' Top-notch American experts went on to further underline the gross underprepared status of the country's missile architecture in the face of high-volume threats. "We are at long last waking up to the need for massive defensive munitions procurement," said Tom Karako of Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, which works closely with US officials. Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, soon to take the helm of the US Central Command, also warned Congress about the "munitions and magazine depth" problem. Karako offered another admission, stating, "The other worry is that the Iranians are going to do this again. And we can't afford to do it again." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In talks with E3, Iran insists on its 'absolute' enrichment right as per NPT Iran Press TV Friday, 25 July 2025 6:18 PM Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi says Tehran insists on its "absolute" right to enrichment inside the country as per the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Takht-Ravanchi made the remark while speaking to reporters after the second round of talks between Iran and the European troikaFrance, Britain and Germany in Istanbul, Turkey, on Friday, which lasted more than three hours. During the talks with the E3, he said, Iran raised the "important" issue of its rights in accordance with the NPT. "Enrichment, which is among our absolute rights, should be continued inside the country," added Takht-Ravanchi, who along with Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi led the Iranian negotiating team. He said the removal of cruel sanctions was also discussed and the Iranian negotiators emphasized that "these sanctions should be terminated as soon as possible." Pointing to the issue of Europe's intention to trigger the so-called snapback mechanism, Takht-Ravanchi added that the Iranian diplomats "clearly and explicitly" expressed their views in opposition to it. He explained that Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a recent letter addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, elaborated in detail on Tehran's legal stance in this regard and ruled out the legal or moral authority of the European troika to trigger snapback sanctions against the country. The letter has been registered with the United Nations and is now available to the members of the Security Council, he noted. Takht-Ravanchi further said during the Istanbul meeting, the Iranian negotiators expressed their views about the Israeli-US acts of aggression against the Islamic Republic. "We explained that this action by the [Israeli] regime and the United States is contrary to international law, inconsistent with any international norms and in violation of the United Nations Charter," he added. The Iranian diplomats also criticized the three European countries' stance vis-a-vis the blatant aggression against the Islamic Republic. In a post on his X account earlier in the day, Gharibabadi said Iran and the European troika agreed to continue discussions on sanctions relief and the nuclear issue. He added that the Iranian negotiators held a "serious, frank, and detailed" discussion with Europeans about "the latest developments regarding the issue of sanctions lifting and the nuclear issue." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Leader: Iran's military, scientific progress will accelerate Iran Press TV Friday, 25 July 2025 5:59 PM In a message marking the 40th day since the martyrdom of top Iranian commanders and scientists in a US-Israeli aggression, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution said both military and scientific advances will move forward with greater speed and determination. In the Friday message to the Iranian nation, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei condemned the "wicked and criminal Zionist ruling group" for aggression on Iran, calling it "a blow delivered by the vile and spiteful enemy of the Iranian nation." "Undoubtedly, the loss of commanders like Martyrs Bagheri, Salami, Rashid, Hajizadeh, Shadmani and other military personnel, as well as scientists such as Martyrs Tehranchi and Abbasi, is heavy for any nation," the Leader said. "But the foolish and shortsighted enemy did not achieve its goal." Ayatollah Khamenei noted that the Israeli regime's attempt to slow down Iran's progress has backfired. "The future will show that both our military and scientific movements will accelerate even more rapidly toward high horizons, God willing," he said. The Leader's remarks come in the wake of Israel's June 13 aggression targeting senior Iranian officials and nuclear scientists in an act of terrorism that killed scores of civilians as well. Days later, the United States escalated the war by bombing three civilian nuclear facilities in Iran. In a powerful response, Iranian Armed Forces launched retaliatory strikes on strategic Israeli targets across the occupied territories and also hit the al-Udeid air base in Qatar, the largest American military outpost in West Asia. Iran's coordinated operations forced a halt to the aggression by June 24. Ayatollah Khamenei praised the Iranian people and institutions for their strength in the face of US-Israeli aggression. "This painful incident also revealed some shining points the patience and fortitude of the survivors, not seen anywhere else except in the history of the Islamic Republic; the steadfastness of institutions under the martyred leaders, who ensured that this heavy blow did not hinder their progress; and the miraculous resilience of the Iranian nation, seen in its unity, spiritual strength, and firm determination to remain in the field." "These enemies are hammering cold iron," he added. "The Islamic Republic will, by God's grace, become stronger by the day." The Leader also laid out seven strategic duties for all sectors of Iranian society, including maintaining national unity, accelerating scientific and technological progress, preserving national dignity, enhancing defense capabilities, ensuring government efficiency, providing spiritual guidance, and fostering revolutionary enthusiasm particularly among the youth. "May the Merciful and Almighty God grant everyone success in fulfilling these duties," he concluded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran, E3 hold 'serious, frank' talks, agree to continue consultations: Top diplomat Iran Press TV Friday, 25 July 2025 1:42 PM Iran and the European troikaFrance, Britain and Germanyagree to continue discussion on sanctions relief and the nuclear issue, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has said. Gharibabadi made the remark in a post on his X account on Friday at the end of another round of nuclear talks between Iran and the E3 at Iran's Consulate General in Istanbul. The closed-door meeting, which lasted more than three hours, was attended by Iranian deputy foreign ministers Majid Takht-Ravanchi and Gharibabadi and senior representatives from the E3 countries. The discussions followed a similar round held on May 16 in Istanbul. In his post, Gharibabadi said the Iranian negotiators held a "serious, frank, and detailed" discussion with Europeans about "the latest developments regarding the issue of sanctions lifting and the nuclear issue." He added that the Iranian diplomats "seriously" criticized E3's stances regarding the recent Israeli-US war of aggression against the Iranian people. "We explained our principled positions, including on the so-called snapback mechanism," Gharibabadi emphasized. He affirmed that both sides came to the Istanbul meeting with specific ideas and examined various aspects regarding them. In talks with his German, French, and British counterparts and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas last week, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the EU and European troika need to abandon their "worn-out policies" of threat and pressure if they seek to play a role in any new round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States. Pointing to repeated European threats about the activation of a mechanism that would re-impose hefty sanctions on the Islamic Republic, Araghchi said, "If EU/E3 want to have a role, they should act responsibly, and put aside the worn-out policies of threat and pressure, including the 'snapback' for which they lack absolutely no moral and legal ground." Snapback would bring into force six previous Iran-related Security Council resolutions adopted between 2006 and 2010. It would reinstate the expired UN arms embargo that barred countries from supplying, selling, or transferring most military equipment to Iran and prohibited Tehran from exporting any weapons. It would also impose export controls, travel bans, asset freezes, and other restrictions on individuals, entities, and banks. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Friday that the talks in Istanbul are a test of the European parties' realism regarding the 2015 nuclear agreementformally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)and a valuable opportunity to correct their perspective. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran destroyed Israel's military, security centers: Top commander Iran Press TV Friday, 25 July 2025 11:29 AM The spokesman for Iran's Armed Forces says Iranian missiles delivered "crushing" blows to Israel during last month's war, destroying military and security centers deep inside the occupied territories despite Israel's deployment of advanced anti-missile defenses. "Despite the martyrdom of the first layer of command on the first night of the operations, the aerospace force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), with the guidelines of Leader of the [Islamic] Revolution [Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei] and rapid restructure [of command], managed to overcome the world's most advanced air defense systems," Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi said. Shekarchi made the remarks during a ceremony in Qom on Thursday commemorating the 40th day since the martyrdom of senior military commanders in Israel's aggression against Iran. He added that along the 1,200-kilometer route to the occupied territories, "hundreds of fighter jets, advanced radars, and air defense systems made by the US, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France were deployed to counter Iran's missile and drone attacks. However, Iran's missiles penetrated these defensive layers and hit their targets from the north to the south of the occupied territories." Shekarchi said the West-backed Israeli aggression aimed "to target the country's infrastructure and pave the way for the partition of Iran" within a week by assassinating senior military commanders. "However, it [Israel] failed to achieve its objectives, despite utilizing all military capacities." He also said that on the 17th day of the war, the Israeli regime called for direct US involvement due to "repeated battlefield defeats." "The enemy's air defense systems were unable to intercept Iran's advanced missiles, and this issue shifted the military balance in favor of Iran," Shekarchi added. "The enemy's air defense systems were unable to intercept Iran's advanced missiles, and this issue shifted the military balance in favor of Iran." The general emphasized that the Israeli regime was "unable to withstand the crushing responses of the warriors of Islam," and attributed Iran's victory in the 12-day war to "the wise guidelines of the Leader, the national cohesion and unity, and the steadfastness of the armed forces, including the army and IRGC." He warned, "The enemies must know that any aggression on this land will be met with decisive and regrettable response." He warned that following repeated military failures, the enemy is now focusing on "psychological and media warfare" to sow discord among the Iranian people, urging the nation to be "vigilant" about the enemies' plots. The Israeli regime launched a blatant and unprovoked act of aggression against Iran on June 13, assassinating many high-ranking military commanders and nuclear scientists in addition to civilians. The US joined the Israeli war on the country and launched attacks on three nuclear facilities in Iran in violation of the United Nations Charter and the Non-Proliferation Treaty. The war came as Iran and the United States had held five rounds of indirect negotiations, mediated by Oman, over Iran's nuclear program since April, and were preparing to hold fresh talks in the Omani capital on June 15, which was cancelled following the Israeli aggression. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Istanbul meeting 'test' for Europeans' realism on Iran nuclear issue: FM Spox Iran Press TV Friday, 25 July 2025 10:49 AM Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei says ongoing talks with Britain, France, and Germany are a test of the European parties' realism regarding the 2015 nuclear agreement and a valuable opportunity to correct their perspective. Speaking to IRNA news agency ahead of a meeting between Iranian and European representatives in Istanbul Friday, Baghaei urged the three countries to amend their previous "unconstructive" approaches, which have harmed Europe's credibility and reduced its influence in negotiations. Baghaei criticized the European trio for adopting a "biased position" on recent Israeli and US military aggression against Iran, and justifying violations of international law. He said Iran would raise its objections during the talks and demand explanations from the European parties. "The Islamic Republic of Iran has previously protested such inappropriate positions and will clearly convey its objections to the European parties at today's meeting, demanding an explanation." On the issue of snapback sanctions under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, Baghaei dismissed European threats to trigger the mechanism, saying the three countries lack the legal standing to do so. "There is no justification for keeping Iran's nuclear issue on the Security Council's agenda beyond the scheduled time," he added. Baghaei further stated that continuous violations of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) by Britain, France, and Germany, including support for US and Israeli military actions targeting Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities, have undermined their status as participants in the deal and stripped them of their legal authority to invoke JCPOA mechanisms. "Therefore, they no longer have the legal authority to utilizeor even extendthe JCPOA mechanisms that they have themselves breached." Baghaei also said Israel which is the sole nuclear-armed regime in the region and the main opponent of the JCPOA is pressuring European countries and complicating the nuclear issue by seeking to dictate its terms. "It is unsurprising that the Zionist regime, the region's sole nuclear weapon holder and the main adversary of the JCPOA, is now trying to dictate terms to Europe and complicate matters. But the question is whether these European countries are willing to sacrifice their credibility for Israel's malicious ambitions." He dismissed discussions of extending Resolution 2231 as "meaningless and baseless." "Given the lack of any legitimate grounds for reinstating sanctions and the Europeans' own disqualification, discussing an extension of Resolution 2231 is doubly meaningless and unfounded. We oppose it." Regarding Iran's suspension of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Baghaei said it was a response to unlawful Israeli and US military actions violating the UN Charter, damaging the non-proliferation regime, and threatening the safety of Iran's nuclear facilities. While Iran remains a party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, future cooperation with the IAEA will be managed through Iran's Supreme National Security Council, he said. Baghaei noted that the IAEA deputy director general is expected to visit Tehran soon to negotiate a new cooperation framework but indicated there are no plans for visits to nuclear sites damaged in recent attacks. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tehran On The Brink: Can Iran Survive Its Water Crisis? By Kian Sharifi July 25, 2025 What You Need To Know Worsening Water Crisis: Iran is experiencing a deepening water crisis that has forced authorities to impose widespread water cuts, with dam reservoirs across the country dropping to their lowest levels in decades. Drought, mismanagement, and mounting climate challenges are causing major disruptions to daily life for millions. US Management of the Zangezur Corridor In The Caucasus: The United States has suggested putting the proposed Zangezur Corridor -- connecting Azerbaijan and its Naxcivan exclave via Armenia -- under American management, triggering alarm in Iran. Experts say Tehran fears the plan would isolate it, weaken its influence, and force reliance on Azerbaijan for trade, risking "geopolitical suffocation." Armenia insists the link must remain a transit route under its sovereignty, while Azerbaijan opposes any foreign involvement. Analysts describe the US proposal as unworkable and ill-prepared. Iran, E3 To Meet In Istanbul: Iran and the E3 (Britain, France, and Germany) are set to meet in Istanbul on July 25 for deputylevel talks on Tehran's nuclear program and potential sanctions relief. It will be their first meeting since a June cease-fire that ended a 12day conflict between Israel and Iran and followed US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The EU's deputy foreign policy chief will also attend. European governments have warned they could trigger a UN "snapback" of sanctions by the end of August if talks stall, while Iran insists on recognition of its right to enrich uranium and trustbuilding steps from Washington before deeper negotiations. The Big Issue Is Tehran Becoming Uninhabitable? Over 40 cities across Iran, including Tehran, are facing routine water rationing and prolonged supply interruptions. In some areas, households and businesses endure hours-long daily outages as officials scramble to take emergency measures. The roots of the crisis lie in a mix of prolonged drought and drastically reduced rainfall, soaring temperatures, excessive extraction from aquifers, and years of inefficient management -- especially in agriculture. While urgent water transfer projects and aggressive conservation campaigns have been launched, the scale of the problem is nationwide, affecting both urban centers and rural communities. President Masud Pezeshkian has acknowledged the scale of mismanagement that contributed to the crisis, arguing that basic changes are now critical to the nation's future. He's also referenced the worsening water crisis to again broach the subject of moving the country's capital, saying "the continued survival of Tehran as the capital is no longer possible." Why It Matters: Iran has entered its fifth consecutive year of drought, with rainfall in several provinces, including Sistan-Baluchistan, Hormozgan, Bushehr and Khuzestan, dropping by more than 50 percent. The prolonged dry spell has severely strained water supplies, with the latest reports indicating that reservoirs feeding Tehran's dams are now at just 14 percent of their total capacity. Pezeshkian's government last year floated an ambitious idea: relocating the nation's capital to the Makran coast on the shores of the Sea of Oman. He even appointed his campaign chief, Ali Abdolalizadeh, as a special envoy for "maritime economy development." However, following widespread criticism, the plan has been quietly shelved. Analysts warn that the Makran region itself remains underdeveloped, with large areas still lacking even basic water pipelines. What's Being Said: Azam Bahrami, a water and environmental expert based in the Netherlands, says agricultural practices need to change in Iran as part of broader reforms to ensure efficient water use. She told RFE/RL's Radio Farda that agriculture accounts for up to 90 percent of Iran's water use. Water officials say nearly half of Iran's provinces are now officially water-stressed and that current supplies simply don't match demand. Expert Opinion: "The decisive factor is the ruling establishment, because it is the authorities who invest, introduce new technologies, monitor progress, and strengthen society to help it endure climate change and long-term drought," Bahrami told Radio Farda. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/farda-briefing-water- shortage-iran-tehran/33482959.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran Says It Will Continue Discussions With European Powers After 'Frank' Talks By RFE/RL July 25, 2025 Iran says it has agreed with European diplomats to continue discussions on Tehran's nuclear program after "serious, frank, and detailed" talks -- the first since the bombardment of Iranian nuclear and military sites by Israel and the United States -- during a meeting in Istanbul. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the discussions on July 25, which lasted around four hours, were held with his counterparts from Britain, France, and Germany (E3) as well as the European Union. He wrote on X shortly after the meeting that the Iranians "seriously" criticized the Europeans for their position on the 12-day conflict with Israel last month. "Both sides came to the meeting with specific ideas, the various aspects of which were examined. It was agreed that consultations on this matter will continue," Gharibabadi wrote. He added that the Europeans were informed of "our principled positions," including on the E3's threat to initiate the return of UN sanctions against Iran. 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 of the 2015 nuclear deal. Under the agreement -- the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) -- longstanding UN restrictions on arms sales, banking, and nuclearrelated technology were lifted ten years ago. European governments still have the option to trigger the deal's "snapback" mechanism before the October 15 deadline -- a step that would reinstate those sanctions and give them a narrow but meaningful source of leverage in ongoing negotiations. European delegates at the July 25 meeting did not comment immediately on the talks. A European source told RFE/RL last week that the E3 have offered to extend the deadline once, and only if there is meaningful progress in talks between Tehran and Washington. Iran would also need to reconsider its move to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) -- a decision made in the wake of US and Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities last month. Iran and the United States were scheduled to hold a new round of talks on June 15, but the meeting was scrapped due to the war. The two sides have yet to agree to meet, with Tehran saying it cannot trust Washington and the White House questioning whether there is any merit in further talks given the damage caused to Iran's nuclear sites. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-europe-istanbul-nuclear- talks/33483815.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IAEA Insists Inspectors Return to Iranian Facilities as Soon as Possible - Grossi Sputnik News 20250725 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) insists that its inspectors return to nuclear sites in Iran as soon as possible and continue their work, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said on Friday. During a public lecture organized by the Nuclear Research and Safety Institute at the National University of Singapore (NUS), Grossi said that it is impossible to change the past, and the current task is to prevent further attacks, violence, and similar incidents. The IAEA chief added that this is one of the most difficult situations the agency has faced in the context of non-proliferation and recalled that all countries that have signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) subject their nuclear facilities to the strictest inspection regime. In the case of Iran, the agency's inspectors have been dealing with this with some success and some failures, because there have been gray areas for a long time, the IAEA chief said. Grossi also recalled his report to the Board of Governors in June, in which he said that Iran does not possess nuclear weapons and doe not have a program to develop them, but must be fully accountable for everything that it does, since its nuclear program is extremely large and ambitious. There have been moments in the past, when Iran violated its obligations, which became a source of concern and doubt about what is really happening in the country, Grossi added. On July 2, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a decree implementing a law suspending cooperation with the IAEA. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi noted that despite the country's decision to suspend cooperation with the IAEA, the channels for cooperation remain open. Iran has stated that the restoration of cooperation is conditional on ensuring the safety of its nuclear facilities and nuclear scientists. The suspension of cooperation is linked to Iran's criticism of the IAEA and Grossi for inaction amid US and Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities in Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Meets the U.S. Secretary of State in Washington D.C. Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, met with the U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, on 25 July 2025, in Washington D.C. The two leaders discussed the broad contours of Pakistan-U.S. bilateral relations and emphasized the importance of close cooperation between the two countries. for regional peace and stability. The DPM/FM appreciated the pivotal role played by President Trump and Secretary Rubio in de-escalating tensions between Pakistan and India by facilitating a ceasefire and averting a broader conflict between the two nuclear armed states. Referring to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, the DPM/FM stressed the need to resolve this issue in accordance with the UN resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people, reaffirming that it remains the core issue between Pakistan and India. The DPM/FM briefed Secretary Rubio on Pakistan's presidency of the United Nations Security Council and highlighted various initiatives undertaken by Pakistan, including the adoption of Resolution 2788 on the "Peaceful Settlement of Disputes" by consensus. The DPM/FM emphasized the importance of strengthening economic ties between the two countries, particularly through enhanced trade and investment linkages. Additionally, he highlighted significant potential for collaboration in areas such as information technology, artificial intelligence, crypto and minerals at the government level as well as within the private sector. Recalling Pakistan's notable achievements in counterterrorism, the DPM/FM highlighted Pakistan's sacrifices as a frontline state in the global war on terror. He emphasized that increased cooperation between Pakistan and the United States to combat terrorism would greatly benefit both sides and help bring peace and stability in the region. The DPM/FM expressed Pakistan's readiness to play a constructive role in global peacebuilding efforts. The leaders exchanged views on the need for concerted international efforts to achieve sustainable peace in the Middle East and discussed the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Secretary Rubio acknowledged the positive trajectory of Pakistan-U.S. relations and expressed his desire to elevate bilateral cooperation, with a particular focus on economic development, trade, investment, and counterterrorism cooperation. He appreciated Pakistan's commitment to maintaining the ceasefire understanding with India and its ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a long-term partnership between Pakistan and the United States and agreed to continue working together on bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual concern. Islamabad 25 July 2025 219/2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Pakistan, undertook an official visit to the People's Republic of China. Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan Rawalpindi - July 25, 2025 No PR-233/2025-ISPR Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Pakistan, undertook an official visit to the People's Republic of China. During the visit, the COAS held a series of high-level meetings in Beijing with senior Chinese political and military leadership, reaffirming the ironclad strategic partnership between Pakistan and China. The COAS called on His Excellency Han Zheng, Vice President of the People's Republic of China and His Excellency Wang Yi, Foreign Minister of China. Discussions focused on the evolving regional and global political landscape, connectivity initiatives under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the need for coordinated responses to shared geopolitical challenges. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the depth of bilateral engagement and reiterated their shared commitment to sovereign equality, multilateral cooperation, and long-term regional stability. The Chinese leadership lauded the Pakistan Armed Forces as a cornerstone of resilience and a vital contributor to peace in South Asia. On the military side, Field Marshal Asim Munir held meetings with General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), General Chen Hui, Political Commissar of the PLA Army and Lieutenant General Cai Zhai Jun, Chief of Staff of PLA Army. Upon arrival at the PLA Army Headquarters, the COAS was presented with a guard of honour, symbolizing the longstanding camaraderie between the two Armed Forces. These engagements featured comprehensive exchanges on defence and security cooperation, including counterterrorism collaboration, joint training, defence modernisation, and enhanced institutional linkages. Emphasis was placed on improving operational interoperability and strategic coordination to confront hybrid and transnational threats. The Chinese military leadership reiterated full confidence in the strength of the bilateral defence partnership and acknowledged Pakistan's pivotal role in promoting regional peace. Field Marshal Asim Munir appreciated China's consistent support and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to further expanding military-to-military cooperation across all domains. The visit reflects the growing depth of politico-military ties between the two brotherly nations and underscores their shared resolve to advance regional security through sustained high-level dialogue and engagements. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New sanctions package against Russia Germany - Federal Government The EU Member States have agreed on an 18th package of sanctions against Russia. This package is another clear signal to Russia: the EU is continuing to work towards the goal of achieving just and lasting peace for Ukraine. Monday, 21 July 2025 On 18 July 2025, the EU adopted the 18th package of sanctions against Russia - one of the toughest packages of measures to date. It is aimed in particular at the Russian energy, banking and military sectors. It is also once again directed at the evasion of sanctions and calls Russia to account for its crimes against Ukrainian children and Ukraine's cultural heritage. Measures against the energy sector In the energy sector, the price cap for Russian crude oil has been lowered from 60 to 47.60 US dollars per barrel. In future, it is to be regularly adjusted on the basis of a dynamic oil price cap, which is always 15 percent below the global market price. The new package of measures also includes sanctions against the so-called "Russian shadow fleet". A further 105 ships transporting Russian oil in circumvention of previous sanctions have been listed by the EU - a total of 444 ships are now affected. In addition, the import of products made from Russian crude oil refined in third countries is prohibited. Any transactions in connection with the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines are also prohibited, meaning that recommissioning is not possible. Measures against the banking sector The financial sanctions are aimed at further restricting Russia's access to the European financial system. A total of 45 Russian banks have been completely excluded. For the first time, the EU is extending its measures to financial institutions in third countries such as China and Turkey - especially if they circumvent sanctions or work with cryptocurrencies. The provision of banking software to Russian institutions has also been prohibited in order to prevent technical support for financial transactions. Trade sanctions In terms of trade policy, the package is aimed in particular at the Russian military-industrial complex. The list of prohibited dual-use goods has been significantly expanded and now also includes CNC machines and chemical components that can be used to produce fuels. Sanctions have also been imposed on companies from Russia, China, Hong Kong and Turkey that supply militarily relevant goods and thus contribute to Russian warfare. Belarus has also been included: eight Belarusian companies that support Russia with security-related supplies are affected. Human rights and cultural protection The sanctions package specifically targets individuals responsible for the deportation and ideological re-education of Ukrainian children - over 80 participants have been sanctioned. People who manipulate the cultural heritage of Ukraine in occupied territories are also impacted. The EU is thus sending a clear signal against human rights violations and in favour of criminal responsibility. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Address by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Aleksandr Pankin at G20 Development Working Group Ministerial Meeting on illicit financial flows (IFFs) and social protection, Skukuza, 25 July 2025 25 July 2025 17:39 1257-25-07-2025 Distinguished Mme.President, dear colleagues, We extend our gratitude to South African friends for a well-thought choice of topical issues. Illicit financial flows and social protection represent major present-day challenges. As part of the implementation of the SDGs we promised to focus the efforts on human needs, make sure nobody is left behind. A task was set to eradicate the inequality in development level between the countries. In this context, partnership between the donors and recipients and the reform of world economic institutions in favour of developing states are in our focus. We acknowledge with regret that strategic targets have not been implemented into practical results. Certain positive developments of recent years, by that I mean the rise of the multipolar world and emergence of new centres of growth such as BRICS, faced the confrontational position from the West. Dominating elites leave fair economic competition in the past. Instead world's economic system turns into an arena for confrontation, blackmailing, dictate and political pressure. Donors' obligations, such as the developed countries' allocation of 0.7 percent of GDP to the development goals or 100 billion USD to support the climate actions, are not fulfilled and get sidelined. The poorest states are now proposed to rely on their domestic material resources while discriminatory external environment remains unchanged. Achieving SDGs benchmarks by 2030 apparently stumbles, progress forecasts are most discouraging. African countries are among the most vulnerable. Former colonizers are trying to restore their dominance on the continent with new methods - through deepening dependence on donor aid and enslaving loans. The volumes of so-called "aid" that reach the states in need are significantly lower than the losses caused by illicit financial flows (IFF). According to UNCTAD, in Africa the IFFs reach 5090 billion USD yearly, while donor funding is no more than 6065 billion USD. Mining industries, where the Western transnational corps are rooted, are the most threatened ones. The money flows into the pockets of Western elites depriving the African governments of the resources they need for economic diversification. We consider combatting the IFFs as key element of world economic stability. We note the unprecedented increase of scale and sophistication of financial schemes, especially those involving illegal online operators. Cryptocurrencies became a popular tool for concealing the source of funds and their cross-border transfer - they are part of over 75 percent of illegal schemes. In 2024, in Russia alone, over 1,300 web pages involved in illegal financial activities were blocked. Virtual assets are increasingly often exploited by terrorist and organized criminal groups. Some countries deliberately use them to interfere in domestic affairs of sovereign states to incite hatred. The IFFs can only be successfully countered through fair and open international cooperation, including in the areas of taxation and anti-corruption. A particular impetus should be given to the retrieval of assets. However, the West is persistently politicizing relevant multilateral formats, thus undermining cooperation. Biased anti-Russian steps of suspending Russia's membership in FATF and Egmont Group disrupted the integrity of global network of combatting the money laundering and rendered a number of international financial investigations impossible. The EU is ready for plain pillage - seizing foreign sovereign financial assets frozen in their jurisdiction. The world majority needs to bolster its financial independence, establish control over capital circulation by reducing the dependence on unreliable Westcentric financial architecture. Promising initiatives are being discussed in BRICS, including those on cross-border payments and joint depository, payment and clearing infrastructure (BRICS Clear). We shall continue to strengthen the sovereignty of Global South in all aspects. Access to social services is one of the fundamental human rights. However, almost half of planet's population is deprived of it. Such is the legacy of colonialism: while the Golden Billion enjoys almost universal basic social protection, in poorest countries barely 10 percent of population has access to it. Developing economies are critically limited in their options to form the material basis for improving social support. Primary obstacle in this area is the subordinate positions (particularly vulnerable in the context of market and geopolitical volatility) in world's division of labour which is imposed on them. Due to lack of a system of equal access to benefits, dependence of Global South on Western donor aid is increasing, while the volumes of external assistance are dwindling - they are reallocated for military spending, under the pretext of imagined threats, and for fuelling the conflicts. This is also the case for international development banks: while during the pandemic the World Bank allocated 12.5 billion USD as emergency funds for social welfare, at the same time, since February 2022, it granted astronomical 81 billion USD to Ukraine. Development aid must be depoliticized, predictable and based on national priorities of the recipients. Setting out various pre-conditions for recipients of funds, including questionable climate and gender aims, is unacceptable. Social protection is a long-term investment into the future. Russia is ready to share with all partners its expertise in building the national social welfare system and mobilizing tax revenues, including advanced digital solutions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nuclear Potential of Russian Submarines Can Cool Any Western Hothead Sputnik News 20250725 The powerful nuclear weapon potential of Russian nuclear submarines is capable of cooling any hothead in the West, and a nuclear shield is a guarantee of Russia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, Russian presidential aide Nikolai Patrushev said in an interview with Sputnik. On Thursday, Russia's new nuclear-powered Knyaz Pozharsky submarine cruiser, which is a part of the Borei-A project, was incorporated into the Russian navy. Russian President Vladimir Putin participated in the flag-raising ceremony over the new submarine. "Russia's nuclear shield is the best guarantee of our country's sovereignty and territorial integrity ... As for Western supporters of talks about the need to move from a cold to a hot war with Russia, I would like to remind them that our strategic naval nuclear forces permanently conduct combat patrols, and they are ready to strike designated targets. The powerful weapons capabilities on board are able to cool any hothead," Patrushev said. The inclusion of a new nuclear-powered submarine into the Russian navy is evidence that Russia's nuclear shield is constantly being strengthened, Patrushev said. The draft of an updated shipbuilding program for the Russian Navy for 2025-2050 will be submitted to Russian President Vladimir Putin for approval in September, Russian presidential aide Nikolai Patrushev, chairman of the Russian Maritime Board, said in an interview with RIA Novosti. On May 30, Putin approved the strategy for the development of the Russian Navy until 2050, the first such document in the country's modern history that was initiated by the Russian Naval Board, Patrushev said. "For its implementation [Russian Navy strategy], a draft of the updated naval shipbuilding program until 2050 has been developed, which is to be submitted to the president in September. Its key feature should be planning the full cycle for each ship, ensuring the import independence and technological sovereignty of domestic shipbuilding," the official said. Patrushev previously emphasized the need to design and build ships with tactical and technical characteristics surpassing foreign navies. Russia is rapidly advancing its nuclear naval capabilities, with four additional Borei-A submarines equipped with Bulava ballistic missiles to be added in the coming years, Putin said at a meeting on the development of the submarine navy on Thursday. The president emphasized the importance of continuing serial production of nuclear-powered submarines of the Yasen-M, equipped with Kalibr cruise missiles, project as well. On Thursday, Putin participated in the flag-raising ceremony over Russia's new nuclear-powered Knyaz Pozharsky submarine cruiser, which is the fourth in the series of the nuclear-powered submarines built as part of Russia's Borei-A project. Like other Russian fourth-generation nuclear-powered submarines, the Knyaz Pozharsky will form the backbone of Russia's naval strategic nuclear forces for the decades to come. Over the past decade, the Russian Navy has commissioned 49 ships of various classes. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2025/07/25 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Date 6 a.m. Jul. 24 (Thu.) to 6 a.m. Jul. 25 (Fri.) (UTC+8) PLA activities 26 sorties of PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN ships, and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 24 out of 26 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities. 1140725_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan [Open a new window] 1140725_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan [Open a new window] NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese FM summons Japanese diplomat over visit of DPP official to Japan Global Times By Global Times Published: Jul 26, 2025 08:42 AM Liu Jinsong, Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, urgently summoned Chief Minister of the Embassy of Japan in China Yokochi Akira on Friday to lodge a stern representation and strong protest over the visit to Japan by Lin Chia-lung, head of the "foreign affairs department" of Taiwan's DPP authorities. Liu stated that the Taiwan question is at the very core of China's interests and is fundamental to the political foundation of China-Japan relations, as well as the basic trust between the two countries. By allowing Lin to visit under the pretext of a so-called "private capacity" and providing a platform for his anti-China separatist activities, the Japanese side has sent a seriously wrong signal, Liu said. 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, as well as the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's recovery. China urges Japan to abide by the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan and its solemn commitments on the Taiwan question, and to take immediate steps to eliminate the negative impact of this incident, Liu said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Can Zelenskyy Stem Anger Over Anti-Corruption Backtrack With A New Bill? By Steve Gutterman and RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service July 24, 2025 Faced with angry protests at home and opprobrium from the West after signing a law that critics say robs anti-corruption agencies of their independence and sets back years of progress on justice and the rule of law, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy blinked. But it's unclear how far his backpedaling will go and whether he will manage to contain one of the biggest domestic crises in Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Just two days after signing the legislation that his own government had pushed swiftly through the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, Zelenskyy approved a new "well-balanced" bill after saying that the outcry had not fallen on deaf ears and that it "is important that we respect the position of all Ukrainians and are grateful to everyone who stands with Ukraine." "I've just approved the text of a draft bill that guarantees real strengthening of Ukraine's law enforcement system, independence of anti-corruption agencies, and reliable protection of the law enforcement system against any Russian influence or interference," he said in a post on X on July 24. "Most importantly, it includes real tools, excludes any Russian ties, and upholds the independence of NABU and SAPO. The draft bill will be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine today." Zelenskyy's announcement came after a July 23 meeting of the heads of law enforcement agencies, anti-corruption agencies, and the Prosecutor-General's Office for their input to help "make it happen." But he offered few details about the content of the new bill and did not say he would seek to undo the legislation he signed on July 22 -- law No. 12414, its official number, which is scrawled on many of the cardboard signs held by protesters. Opponents of the law called for more protests on July 24, and a member of the opposition Holos party said 48 Rada lawmakers had backed draft legislation that aimed to restore the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), setting it up for a possible vote as early as July 25. The law makes Ukraine's Prosecutor-General the de facto head of SAPO, effectively stripping the agency's chief of their authority, and allows the prosecutor-general to unilaterally close cases involving top officials and reassign cases being investigated by NABU to other agencies. NABU and SAPO officials said on July 23 that "clear and unambiguous steps" are needed to restore the safeguards against governmental interference that they were previously guaranteed. The European Union called the decision to adopt the original bill a "serious step back," while other opponents of the law voiced concern that it represented a stark reversal after a decade of democratization following the pro-European and anti-corruption Maidan protests, which pushed Moscow-friendly President Viktor Yanukovych from power in 2014 in what came to be called the Revolution of Dignity. "In essence, Ukraine is being dragged 10 years back in terms of the fight against corruption," Dmytro Kozyatynskiy, a young veteran of the war against Russia's invasion, said at one of the initial protests against the law in Kyiv. The new law "strips society of one of the greatest achievements since the Revolution of Dignity -- independent anti-corruption institutions," according to Transparency International Ukraine. Defending the legislation shortly after he signed it, Zelenskyy said it was needed to remove "Russian influence" from the fight against corruption. He again suggested that was a prominent goal when he promised a day later to submit a new bill, saying there "will be no Russian influence or interference in the activities of law enforcement agencies." Playing Into Moscow's Hands Critics say that, on the contrary, the original legislation plays into Moscow's hands in ways that could weaken Ukraine's defense against the Russian onslaught, threatening to undermine unity among Ukrainians and sap support for Kyiv from the West at a crucial juncture in the war. It could also amplify concerns in Washington about Ukrainian corruption at a time when US President Donald Trump has begun to lay a large part of the blame for the lack of progress toward peace on Russia and promised to increase supplies of weapons to Ukraine via Europe. Prominent US Senators Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a Republican, and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, the most senior Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed concern about the new law in a statement on July 23. "Ukraine has made enormous strides on its anti-corruption agenda since the Revolution of Dignity...The Verkhovna Rada's recent passage of a law, signed by President Zelenskyy, we fear undermines much of that progress and goes against Ukraine's tremendous fighting spirit as well as the expectations of Ukraine's citizenry and the international community," Shaheen and Graham said. "One of the most widely used talking points for ending support for Ukraine is that it was awash with corruption" they said. "We acknowledge that Ukraine continues to make progress on this front and we urge the government to refrain from any actions that undermine that progress." Trump has threatened to impose new sanctions on Russia if Moscow and Kyiv do not reach a deal by early September to stop the fighting. A third round of talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators in Istanbul on July 23 produced no apparent progress toward peace. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-corruption- protests-zelenskyy-russia/33482681.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Following SSU investigation, russian agent who committed arsons in Bukovyna sentenced to 15 years in prison Security Service of Ukraine 18:00, 24 July 2025 Based on SSU materials, a traitor who committed arson attacks in Chernivtsi region on the order of the FSB was sentenced to 15 years in prison. The main enemy's targets were the energy facilities of the Ukrainian railways (Ukrzaliznytsia) and vehicles of the Defence Forces. According to the investigation, russian tasks were carried out by a 23-year-old resident of the city of Siverskodonetsk, who moved to Bukovyna after the start of the full-scale war and began looking for 'easy money' on Telegram channels. As a result, he was 'noticed' and recruited by russian special services. Following the instructions of the occupiers, the traitor first carried out 'test' assignments, in particular, painted provocative graffiti on the walls of buildings. Later, the agent began to carry out his main tasks. First, he set fire to a relay cabinet on the railway line, and then began to track and try to destroy a service vehicle of an AFU serviceman. In both cases, the traitor filmed the fire with a phone camera to 'report' to the FSB, aiming to get money from the occupiers. The SSU Counterintelligence detained the agent in hot pursuit when he tried to flee the scene after setting fire to a military vehicle. Based on the evidence collected by SSU investigators, the court found him guilty under two articles of the CCU: 111.2 (high treason committed under martial law); 114-1.1 (obstruction of the lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine). The operation was carried out by the SSU Office in Chernivtsi region under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor's Office. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Mykolaiv: SSU detains FSB agents preparing twin terrorist attacks near Territorial Recruitment Center Security Service of Ukraine 10:00, 24 July 2025 The SSU Counterintelligence has prevented new terrorist attacks in southern Ukraine. As a result of a special operation, two FSB agents who were preparing twin explosions in Mykolaiv have been detained. The investigation has established that the enemy's plan was to first detonate an improvised explosive device (IED) near an administrative building of the regional Territorial Recruitment Center. Later, when the emergency services arrived at the scene, another explosive device planted nearby was to detonate. In this way, the ruscists planned to kill as many people as possible, aiming to undermine the internal situation in the frontline region. According to the investigation, the terrorist attack was prepared by two FSB agents who acted separately from each other but had one handler. One of the suspects is a 38-year-old resident of Kirovohrad region, who came to the attention of the occupiers when he posted anti-Ukrainian comments on social media. After recruitment, his task was to equip caches with IEDs. Then the russian handler passed the geolocation of the caches to the executor of the planned terrorist attack, an 18-year-old resident of Kyiv region, who was recruited by the FSB while searching for 'easy money' on Telegram channels. Following the instructions, the young agent took two IEDs from caches in Kherson and Mykolaiv. He hid one of them in a garbage bin near the Mykolaiv Territorial Recruitment Center, and planted the other one nearby. At that moment, SSU officers detained him red-handed and thus thwarted the enemy's plans. At the scene, the suspect was seized of phone, which he tried to install near the Territorial Recruitment Center to stream the terrorist attack to the occupiers online. SSU investigators served him a notice of suspicion under Articles 15.2, 258.2 of the CCU (completed attempted terrorist act). The other agent was detained at home. He is charged under Article 111.2 (high treason committed under martial law). The offenders are in custody without the right to be released on bail. They face from 12 years in prison to life imprisonment with confiscation of property. The operation was carried out by the SSU Office in Kherson and Mykolaiv regions under the procedural supervision of Kherson Specialized Prosecutor's Office and Mykolaiv Region Prosecutor's Office for the Southern Region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU Statement - UN Security Clouncil: Maintainance of Peace and Security in Ukraine European External Action Service (EEAS) 25.07.2025 New York Press and information team of the Delegation to the UN in New York 25 July 2025, New York - Statement on behalf of the European Union at the UN Security Clouncil 9965th meeting: Maintainance of Peace and Security in Ukraine, delivered by H.E. Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis, Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations. Check against delivery President, Thank you to the briefers for sharing their assessment of the disastrous consequences of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. The past weeks we have seen the continuation of two trends. On the one hand, Ukraine has shown a genuine commitment to peace by calling for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire as a first step to ending this war. On the other hand, Russia has continued its indiscriminate missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities and towns. Intentionally directing an attack against civilians or civilian objects or causing disproportionate civilian harm is a war crime. Earlier this month the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine published its report on the protection of civilians. It concluded that June 2025 saw the highest number of monthly civilian casualties in the past three years, with 232 people killed and 1,343 injured. This is unacceptable. I underline once again the EU's steadfast determination to put an end to Russia's war of aggression and to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, in line with the decisions of the UN General Assembly. We, as Europeans, together with Ukraine, have been working tirelessly to this end and we welcome all efforts in that direction. We have joined Ukraine and international partners, including the United States, in calling for a full, unconditional and immediate ceasefire. This pause in hostilities could serve as a vital step toward reducing civilian suffering and allow for further exchanges of prisoners of war and for the return of forcibly displaced Ukrainian children. Russia could end its war now. It could accept a full and unconditional ceasefire, as Ukraine has. We call on the Council to exert maximum pressure for a ceasefire. This would provide space for meaningful talks aimed at ending Russia's war of aggression and achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace, grounded in the principles of the UN Charter and international law. We urge Russia to cease its aggression and withdraw all its forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine immediately, completely and unconditionally. I remind this Council that Ukraine has an inherent right of self-defence under article 51 of the UN Charter. Russia is the aggressor. Ukraine is the party defending itself. Furthermore, the EU strongly condemns support by third countries, and actors and entities therein, which enable Russia to sustain its war of aggression. The EU condemns the continued military support provided by Iran, Belarus and the DPRK. We urge all countries to immediately cease any direct or indirect assistance to Russia in its war of aggression. The EU underlines the importance of humanitarian relief efforts and confidence-building measures, notably the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilians and the return of all Ukrainian civilians, particularly children, that have been forcibly transferred or deported to Russia and Belarus . We commend the efforts of OCHA and its humanitarian partners in providing assistance to those in need. Full, safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access must be facilitated for humanitarian relief to reach all civilians in need, including in areas under temporary Russian occupation. In closing, I reaffirm the EU's unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. The EU will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ministry of Energy and JICA agree on further actions to restore energy infrastructure and enhance Ukraine's energy security Ukraine Government Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, posted 25 July 2025 15:05 Deputy Minister of Energy of Ukraine Roman Andarak took part in a meeting of the Joint Coordination Committee within the framework of the Emergency Recovery and Reconstruction Project between the Ministry of Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). During the meeting, the interlocutors discussed further actions to ensure stable electricity supply and strengthen Ukraine's energy security. "We highly appreciate the strong partnership between JICA and Ukraine in these exceptionally challenging times. Your support not only helps to restore the destroyed infrastructure, but also strengthens the protection of our energy future and empowers communities across Ukraine. We thank the people of Japan for this solidarity, which strengthens ties and lays the foundation for further development of cooperation between our companies, particularly during recovery and reconstruction," Roman Andarak emphasized. He also noted that the Ministry of Energy is actively working to meet the needs of Ukraine's energy companies and create a strategic reserve of equipment necessary to strengthen and protect the regional energy infrastructure. The Deputy Minister sincerely thanked Japanese partners for the wide range of practical assistance provided to Ukraine during more than three years of full-scale war. This includes electric generators for critical infrastructure facilities, mobile gas turbines, and passive protection measures for key energy facilities. This assistance is a testament to the shared commitment and mutual trust between Ukraine and Japan. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Singapore-registered container ship MV X-Press Pearl carrying hundreds of tonnes of chemicals and plastics, sinks after burning for almost two weeks, just outside Colombo's harbour on June 2, 2021. Photo by AFP Sri Lanka's highest court ordered a Singaporean shipping firm to pay US$1 billion in damages for causing the island's worst marine pollution. The Supreme Court on Thursday directed Express Feeders, the owners of the MV X-Press Pearl, which sank off Colombo Port in June 2021 after a fire that raged for nearly two weeks, to pay the money within a year. "The X-Press Pearl... shall make further compensation payments as may be directed by this court," the 361-page judgment read. Environmentalists had brought the case to court, alleging that both government authorities and firm owners had failed to prevent the fire from becoming an unprecedented ecological disaster. The shipping firm initially apologized and paid $7.85 million for the immediate cleanup and as compensation for fishermen who were deprived of their livelihoods following the catastrophic incident. They then obtained an order from London's admiralty court in July 2023, limiting their liability to a maximum of 19 million pounds ($25 million). Sri Lanka has appealed that decision. The Sri Lankan government also filed a lawsuit against the ship's owners in the Singapore International Commercial Court, claiming unspecified damages. That case has been put on hold pending a decision from the admiralty court in London. There was no immediate response from the Singaporean owners or their local representatives. The vessel was carrying 81 containers of "dangerous cargo," including acids and lead ingots, when it sank. Tons of microplastic granules from the ship inundated an 80-kilometer (50-mile) stretch of beach along Sri Lanka's western coast. Fishing was prohibited for months due to the plastic pollution. Sri Lankan authorities believe the fire was caused by a nitric acid leak, which the crew apparently knew about nine days before the blaze started. Ports in Qatar and India had refused to offload the leaking nitric acid, and the vessel arrived in Sri Lankan waters with the leak. Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal met with General Sean Clancy, Chair of the EU Military Committee Ukraine Government Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, posted 25 July 2025 14:41 Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal met with General Sean Clancy, Chair of the EU Military Committee. The parties discussed the current security situation, operational challenges, and prospects for further defense cooperation with the European Union. Ukrainian intelligence representatives provided the partners with comprehensive information on the situation at the front, the plans of the russian occupation forces, and the situation in the russian defense industry. The delegations also analyzed further steps to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities on the battlefield. "Special attention was paid to the EUMAM training mission. Together with General Sean Clancy, we assessed its results. The training of Ukrainian military personnel demonstrates high efficiency. We considered the possibilities for further expansion of this mission. We will continue to develop the direction of training and education of personnel," said Denys Shmyhal. In addition, during the meeting, the parties touched upon the priority needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces: scaling up the production of interceptors; FPV drones; long-range unmanned aerial vehicles. As Denys Shmyhal noted, Ukraine highly appreciates the practical support of the European Union in strengthening its defense capabilities. "Through joining efforts, we are strengthening the security not only of Ukraine but of the entire European continent. I sincerely thank General Sean Clancy and all our partners in the EU for their leadership, solidarity, and strategic vision. We continue our work on the path toward a common victory and stable peace in Europe," emphasized the Ukrainian Minister of Defense. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Too early to arrange Russian, Ukrainian leaders' meeting: Kremlin People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 13:31, July 25, 2025 MOSCOW, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Kiev is putting the cart before the horse by suggesting holding a meeting between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine before new agreements have been reached, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday. "They are trying to put the cart just slightly ahead of the horse. The full scope of work needs to be completed first, and only then can the leaders be given the opportunity to formalize any results achieved," Peskov said. The complexities of the Ukrainian settlement process make it impossible to achieve "immediate breakthroughs," he said. The third round of direct Russian-Ukrainian talks took place on Wednesday in Istanbul. Before the plenary meeting, the heads of the delegations, Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky and Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, held a one-on-one conversation. Medinsky said that a decision on the fourth round of talks will be made after the new agreements are implemented. Umerov proposed that the two countries' presidents meet along with U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to negotiate an end to the conflict by the end of August. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's Backing Of Russia Is Harder To Deny. Ukraine Is Taking Notice. By Todd Prince and RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service July 25, 2025 The arrest of two Chinese nationals in Ukraine on espionage charges this month has punctuated a shift in Kyiv's tone toward Beijing, whose support for Russia's war is becoming harder to ignore. Ukraine's intelligence service on July 9 said a 24-year-old Chinese man - expelled from a Ukrainian technical school two years ago - tried to obtain classified information about the Neptune missile program by befriending a defense worker. Authorities say he intended to pass the information to his father, who was also arrested, for delivery to Chinese intelligence. The arrests came just one day after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy imposed sanctions on five Chinese companies for aiding Russia's war effort, an unusually direct move by Ukraine. From the outset of Russia's full-scale invasion, Beijing has claimed neutrality while buying up Russian oil and gas -- Moscow's financial lifeline -- and supplying dual-use technology to its military. Kyiv, like many in the West, had hoped China would use its leverage over Russian President Vladimir Putin to press for peace. That hope appears to be fading. China, once content to provide components like microchips, is now believed to be delivering entire systems. In May, pro-Russian Telegram channels claimed Moscow was using a new Chinese laser weapon to shoot down Ukrainian drones. This week, Ukraine's military intelligence agency said Moscow is now launching drone decoys assembled inside Russia but made entirely from Chinese parts. Meanwhile, Beijing has been welcoming officials from Ukraine's occupied territories at trade shows while Chinese companies have been selling heavy equipment to Russian companies operating in those territories. The shift in Beijing's behavior comes amid reports that China is no longer even pretending to be neutral. EU officials told RFE/RL that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the bloc's top diplomat Kaja Kallas during a July 3 meeting in Brussels that Beijing does not want Russia to lose the war, fearing it would free up the United States to focus more directly on China. Wang, the officials said, denied that China is backing the war, but his comments marked a departure from Beijing's previous ambiguity. At an EU-China summit on July 25, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told her Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping that relations between Brussels and Beijing were at an "inflection point" while issuing a thinly veiled warning that China's relationship with Moscow was a "determining factor" in how the ties would proceed. Ukraine's recent actions -- from espionage arrests to corporate sanctions -- suggest Kyiv is adjusting its stance as well. "I think there has been a certain evolution," said Oleksandr Merezhko, chair of the Ukrainian parliament's foreign affairs committee. "At the very beginning, there was some hope China could be involved in the [peace] process. But now we've become more realistic and speak more openly: China supports Russia." Beijing declined an invitation to attend the Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland last year, which drew representatives from more than 100 nations and organizations. As recently as December, Zelenskyy had expressed hope of restoring prewar trade levels with China and deepening ties with the country as he accepted Beijing's new envoy to Ukraine. But that optimistic tone had changed by June, after China halted exports of drone parts to Ukraine. Days later, Zelenskyy traveled to Singapore and delivered what experts said was his first public criticism of Beijing since the invasion. In July, at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, he warned that countries backing Russia would be excluded from postwar reconstruction -- a message widely interpreted as aimed at China. Growing Distance Meanwhile, the US-Ukraine agreement signed in June on critical minerals investment also calls for the exclusion of countries supporting Russia, underscoring the growing distance between Kyiv and Beijing. Still, Ukraine is treading carefully. China remains its largest trading partner by far, exporting more to Ukraine than Poland and Germany combined. Disrupting that trade would further strain Ukraine's war-battered economy. Some in Kyiv see benefits in the cooling relationship. "Additional criticism of China from Kyiv will align with the United States in its confrontation with Beijing," Vita Holod, a board member of the Ukrainian Association of Sinologists, told RFE/RL. For now, Ukraine isn't severing ties, but the illusion of China's neutrality has evaporated in Kyiv. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/china-backing-russia- ukraine-war/33483703.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Secures Funds For Some Patriot Systems; Russia Strikes Kharkiv Hospital By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service July 25, 2025 President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine has secured funds for three Patriot missile defense systems and is in talks for seven more following a deal that allows the country's European allies to purchase US military equipment and provide it to Kyiv. Nearly two weeks after US President Donald Trump issued a 50-day ultimatum to Russia to reach a deal on the war or face severe tariffs while also announcing plans to supply Ukraine with more defensive weapons via Europe, Zelenskyy's announcement is a sign that the plan is moving forward. In comments to the press released on July 25, Zelenskyy confirmed that the United States will send more Patriot systems -- proven effective in countering Russian ballistic missile attacks -- to Ukraine. "The US president will be transferring, selling these systems to us. Our task is to find funding for all 10 systems," Zelenskyy said. "I have officially received confirmation from Germany for two systems, and from Norway for one. We are currently working with Dutch partners." Separately, Zelenskyy said that Washington and Kyiv had agreed on a deal worth between $10 billion and $30 billion for Ukraine to provide its drones to the United States. Since taking office six months ago, Trump has sought to broker an end to the war in Ukraine. Facing pushback from President Vladimir Putin -- most notably the rejection of the US call for a cease-fire -- he has now green-lit the flow of some weapons he had previously held back in a bid not to antagonize his Russian counterpart. Earlier this week, after negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul on July 23 ended without major progress, Washington announced up to $322 million in military sales to Kyiv. Two weapons systems which Ukraine already fields -- the HAWK missile system and Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle -- will be bolstered with additional equipment and support in the sale, according to a press release from the US Defense Department. Meanwhile, Russian drone and missile strikes continued to pound Ukrainian cities -- something Trump appeared to be particularly frustrated with while delivering his comments at the White House on July 14. Early on July 25, Russian forces struck a hospital that treats tuberculosis patients in Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, leaving at least a dozen people injured, regional governor Oleh Synehubov said. He added that a teenage girl was among the wounded. "The roof of the third floor was struck... A common medical ward is located there," Natalia Trokhlebova, the acting chief of the facility, told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service. "Fortunately, we have few patients now, and the third floor is closed," she added. The day before, Zelenskyy commented on the ongoing Russian strikes, suggesting that they are a response to Kyiv's proposal of an immediate cease-fire, which its delegation had advocated in Istanbul. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-war-zelenskyy- trump-patriots/33483926.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Lost Nearly 3,000 Soldiers in Battles With Russia's Tsentr Battlegroup Last Week Sputnik News 20250725 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The losses come in addition to over 5,000 more Ukrainian soldiers eliminated by other battlegroups over the same time period. "The enemy lost up to 2,975 military personnel, 22 armored combat vehicles, including a US-made M113 armored personnel carrier and two multiple rocket launcher combat vehicles," the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement about the Tsentr Battlegroup's gains over the last seven days. Meanwhile, the Zapad Battlegroup eliminated more than 1,610 Ukrainian soldiers, the Yug Battlegroup more than 1,135 and the Vostok Battlegroup more than 1,360 over the given period, the ministry said, adding that in battles with Russia's Sever Battlegroup, Kiev lost over 1,150 soldiers. At the same time, the Russian armed forces have carried out 10 group strikes on military including with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, on Ukrainian military and industrial complex enterprises and Ukrainian armed forces facilities in past week, the ministry also said Also Russian air defense forces have shot down 27 guided aerial bombs, six US-made HIMARS missiles, and 2,049 Ukrainian drones in past week, the Russian Defense Ministry reported on Friday. "Air defense systems shot down 27 guided aerial bombs, six US-made HIMARS multiple launch missiles, a Czech-made Vampire multiple launch rocket, four Neptune long-range guided missiles, and 2,049 aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles," the ministry said in a statement. Russian air forces have destroyed four Patriot anti-aircraft missile launchers, the ministry added. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Forces Down 2,049 Drones, 6 HIMARS Missiles in Past Week Sputnik News 20250725 Russian air defense forces have shot down 27 guided aerial bombs, six US-made HIMARS missiles, and 2,049 Ukrainian drones in past week, the Russian Defense Ministry reported on Friday. "Air defense systems shot down 27 guided aerial bombs, six US-made HIMARS multiple launch missiles, a Czech-made Vampire multiple launch rocket, four Neptune long-range guided missiles, and 2,049 aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles," the ministry said in a statement. Russian air forces have destroyed four Patriot anti-aircraft missile launchers, the ministry added. At the same time, the Russian armed forces have carried out 10 group strikes on military including with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, on Ukrainian military and industrial complex enterprises and Ukrainian armed forces facilities in past week, the ministry also said. Meanwhile, the Russian military destroyed four Ukrainian unmanned boats in the northwestern part of the Black Sea overnight, the ministry added. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukrainian Military Goes Dark: Major Starlink Outage Paralyzes War Machine Sputnik News 20250725 The Starlink satellite network outage was recorded along the entire front line of the Ukrainian armed forces, Ukrainian media reported on Thursday, citing a soldier. US billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, the CEO and founder of the SpaceX, which operates Starlink, confirmed a system outage and stated on Thursday that it is "actively" working on a solution. British newspaper Inews has reported earlier, citing a Ukrainian commander, that more than half of the Ukrainian armed forces would lose communication lines if the Starlink satellite systems were turned off. Starlink is a satellite network designed to provide broadband internet access around the globe. In total, more than 6,000 Starlink satellites have been launched into orbit since 2019. The number of users exceeds 2 million in more than 60 countries. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine continues to show its commitment to peace. But President Putin prefers war: UK statement at the UN Security Council Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Dame Barbara Woodward DCMG OBE Published 25 July 2025 Location: United Nations, New York Delivered on: 25 July 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) Colleagues, the world has rallied around President Trump's call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Ukraine has agreed. And we echo that call once again today. Yet week after week, night after night, we see the number of Russian assaults grow. June was the deadliest month yet, and July is on track to be even deadlier. This makes a mockery of the diplomacy that Russia claims to support. And the consequences are ever more devastating for the people of Ukraine. Across five nights from the 18 to 23 July, Russia launched over 940 drones and 59 missiles at Ukrainian cities, killing 20 civilians and injuring a further 216. Just days before, a record-breaking 728 long-range drones were launched on Ukraine in a single day. Since the start of the invasion, over 13,500 civilians have been killed and more than 34,000 injured. This includes more than 200 children killed or injured since March alone. We cannot allow ourselves to become desensitised to these figures. Behind each Russian strike there is a person, a family, a community whose lives have been torn apart by Russia's brutal military invasion. The Shygyds are one such family. On 5 June, as a Ukrainian firefighter arrived at the scene of a Russian attack on Chernihiv, he discovered that his wife, his daughter, and his grandson had all been killed. His grandson was only a year old. Three generations lost to cold-blooded Russian brutality in just one night. This is not an isolated incident. Families like The Shygyds are being torn apart across Ukraine and have been since February 2022. Russia has a clear and unqualified obligation to uphold the UN Charter. Russia also has an obligation to respect the Geneva Conventions and to the protection of civilians under international humanitarian law. There is simply no justification for brutal aggression like this. The reality is clear: Ukraine, a country illegally invaded by Russia, continues to show its commitment to peace. But President Putin prefers war. He is shunning diplomatic efforts made in good faith to bring an end to this horror, a horror of his own making. There is no ambiguity about what needs to come next. It is time for Russia to stop prevaricating and agree to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, as the first step towards a just and lasting peace. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Denys Shmyhal discussed the needs of the Defence Forces and the training of military personnel with the Chair of the EU Military Committee Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 25 July, 2025, 12:51 PM EEST Minister of Defence of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal met with the Chair of the European Union Military Committee (EUMC), General Sean Clancy. The parties discussed the current security situation, operational challenges, and prospects for enhanced defence cooperation with the European Union. Ukrainian intelligence representatives provided their partners with comprehensive information on the frontline situation, the plans of the russian occupation forces, and the state of russia's defence industry. The delegations also reviewed further steps to enhance Ukraine's defence capabilities on the battlefield. "Particular focus was placed on the EUMAM training mission. Together with General Clancy, we assessed its outcomes. The training of Ukrainian military personnel has proven highly effective. Opportunities for further expansion of the mission were discussed. We will continue to develop the training programs for personnel," said Denys Shmyhal. The parties also addressed the priority needs of Ukraine's Defence Forces: scaling up the production of interceptors; FPV drones; long-range strike UAVs. As noted by Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine deeply values the European Union's practical support in enhancing defence capabilities. "Through our joint efforts, we are enhancing the security of Ukraine as well as the entire European continent. I sincerely thank General Clancy and all EU partners for their leadership, solidarity, and strategic vision. We continue to work together towards a shared victory and lasting peace in Europe," emphasised the Minister of Defence of Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andriy Yermak Holds a Series of Discussions with American and European Partners President of Ukraine 25 July 2025 - 23:03 Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, held a series of meetings and consultations with international partners on current issues related to security, reforms, the peace process, and coordination of bilateral relations at various levels, including in the field of military cooperation. In particular, meetings were held with U.S. Charge d'Affaires ad interim to Ukraine, Julie Davis, and Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Martin Jaeger. Andriy Yermak also held phone calls with National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Jonathan Powell; Deputy Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy, Pietro Carini; Advisor for Continental Europe and Turkiye to the President of France Bertrand Buchwalter; and Ukraine Assistant to Germany's National Security Advisor, Elena Siegmann. Andriy Yermak informed them about the results of the meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul. A key outcome of the talks was the preliminary agreement to exchange at least 1,200 prisoners of war on each side. In addition, Ukraine underscored its proposal to hold a leaders-level meeting between Ukraine and Russia, with the participation of the Presidents of the United States and Turkiye, by the end of August. The Head of the Presidential Office noted that Ukraine continues to maintain a constructive position on achieving a just and lasting peace. The counterparts confirmed their readiness to continue close dialogue and to coordinate efforts in the negotiation process with the Russian side. Andriy Yermak also briefed the partners on ongoing work on legislative initiatives aimed at strengthening the effectiveness and independence of anti-corruption institutions. It was noted that the relevant proposals have already been submitted to parliament for consideration. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Greek heatwave drags out as temperatures near 46C A week-long heatwave in Greece that began on Monday is now expected to last more than a week, the country's weather service said as temperatures on Friday neared 46C. A woman cools down at a public fountain on the waterfront during a heatwave in Thessaloniki, Greece, on July 24, 2025. Photo by AFP The National Observatory in Athens said the warmest temperature recorded was 45.8C in the Peloponnese region of Messinia. In Athens, the highest temperature in parts of the capital was 42C, also recorded in the main port of Piraeus. Officials once again modified the opening hours of the Acropolis, the country's top archaeological site, for the safety of visitors and staff. The monument was shut from midday to 5:00 pm -- the hottest part of the day -- in line with usual safety rules. The Greek weather agency EMY modified a warning note to reflect that temperatures would begin falling after Monday July 28, instead of on the weekend as it had previously reported. Northern winds are expected to pick up later Friday, raising the risk of fires, EMY said. A wildfire earlier this week destroyed more than 2,800 acres (1,130 hectares) of forest and grassland near the mountain village of Feneos in the Peloponnese. It was apparently started by two workmen using welding equipment near a forest. Over half of the area affected was a pine forest that cannot regenerate, the National Observatory said. On Friday, a fire burning near the city of Kilkis in northern Greece forced the evacuation of a university, homes and businesses, the fire service said. A high of 44C was expected in Greece on Saturday, with a maximum of 42C forecast in Athens, the agency said. In neighboring Albania, there were 10 active fires including one in Delvina, near the border with Greece. Another fire in Kakavia, near the border crossing with Greece, was brought under control on Thursday. We Are Preparing More Unpleasant Surprises for the Enemy - Address by the President President of Ukraine 25 July 2025 - 20:24 I wish you good health, fellow Ukrainians! Today, I held a meeting of the Staff. Reports were presented by our intelligence agencies - the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine and the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine - regarding the challenges expected this summer and autumn, as well as Russia's intentions. We had a detailed discussion about the threats that must be addressed. There was also a report on the operational situation, delivered by Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. All operational areas were covered, with Pokrovsk receiving primary focus. In the Sumy region, we continue to take action along the border. I also want to thank all our units operating on Russian territory. The Minister of Defense reported on the delivery of assistance from our partners - we are ensuring the reliable transfer of weapons to Ukrainian warriors. I have instructed preparations to begin for a Technology Staff meeting - specifically on drones. A plan has been approved to reach the amount of 500 to 1,000 interceptors per day, which is not easy. Per day within a defined timeframe, and this is a matter of personal responsibility for all our officials involved. Today, I was in the region and visited one of the companies producing drones - this specific type, the interceptors. I thanked the team very much - they are a truly fantastic team of manufacturers. I am grateful to the developers and to all developers who are advancing this very effort, scaling it directly within our forces and in our defense. We are contracting everything we can - at maximum capacity. We are ensuring funding for all drone manufacturers - of all types of drones. I also visited today one of the medical centers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs - a center specializing in post-injury rehabilitation for our military personnel. I spoke with the guys and presented them with state awards. You know that such gratitude to our warriors, to all our people defending the state by protecting its independence, is always important. Documents are currently being prepared, along with all the necessary submissions, to confer the titles of Hero of Ukraine on several Ukrainian warriors. The decrees will be issued soon. I also held meetings today on preparing legislative decisions that we are planning to implement in the near future. And of course, our communication with all partners continues to ensure that not a single day is lost this summer, which could add pressure on Russia. I am grateful to the European leaders. I want to thank the United States of America - the pressure on the aggressor is not weakening, and that is crucial. We are preparing more unpleasant surprises for the enemy. I thank everyone who is helping Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Support for the EU Accession Negotiation Process: Ihor Zhovkva Holds Briefing for Ambassadors of the Nordic and Baltic States President of Ukraine 25 July 2025 - 19:52 Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Ihor Zhovkva, held a briefing for the ambassadors of the Nordic and Baltic states: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden. The participants discussed the outcomes of the third meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul. Ihor Zhovkva noted that Ukraine had once again shown its commitment to constructive dialogue and offered the Russian side a meeting at the level of leaders in order to bring the war to an end as soon as possible with a just and lasting peace. The briefing also focused in detail on Ukraine's European integration. The diplomats discussed the efforts needed to open negotiation clusters for Ukraine's accession to the EU in the near future. Our country is counting on the active support of the Nordic and Baltic states, in particular Denmark, which currently holds the Presidency of the EU Council. Representatives of these countries assured that they would continue doing everything possible to ensure progress in the negotiation process. Ihor Zhovkva also noted that President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has prepared a bill that guarantees the independence of anti-corruption agencies and strengthens the system of law and order. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Presidential Office Hosts Meetings with the EU Delegation Led by the Chair of the EU Military Committee President of Ukraine 25 July 2025 - 13:47 Deputy Heads of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Ihor Zhovkva and Pavlo Palisa, held meetings with a European Union delegation led by the Chair of the EU Military Committee, General Sean Clancy. The main topics of discussion included security challenges, priority areas of cooperation between the European Union and Ukraine in the defense sector, and the urgent needs of Ukrainian warriors. Ihor Zhovkva expressed gratitude for the military support provided by the European Union and its Member States. He also reaffirmed Ukraine's readiness to deepen cooperation within the new SAFE instrument to ensure the most critical needs of the Defense Forces are met. The parties also discussed ways to transition swiftly to the practical operational phase of the Coalition of the Willing. During the meeting, Pavlo Palisa highlighted technology transfer, the development of the defense industry, coordination of security efforts, and military cooperation between Ukraine and its European partners. "Our experience in countering modern threats - drones, electronic warfare, new tactics - can be a valuable contribution to allied training. Our soldiers have experience that cannot be gained in peacetime. We are ready to share the knowledge acquired under real conditions," he noted. Representatives of the European Union reaffirmed the EU's unwavering support for Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SSU detains another FSB agent who assisted ruscists in shelling Kharkiv Security Service of Ukraine 10:00, 25 July 2025 SSU cyber experts have detained another FSB informant who was adjusting russian massive missile and bomb attacks on Kharkiv. The main task of the suspect was to track and pass the coordinates of mobile firing groups, radar and anti-aircraft missile systems protecting the frontline city. In this way, the ruscists planned to destroy the air defences of the regional centre in order to target the civilian infrastructure of Kharkiv. According to the investigation, russian orders were executed by a 42-year-old local seller of baby strollers who came to the attention of the FSB when he posted anti-Ukrainian comments on social media. To adjust russian attacks, during the air raid alert the informant monitored the air defence system from the balcony of his apartment on the outskirts of the city. While observing, he marked the coordinates of potential targets on Google maps and passed them to a handler via anonymous chats. According to findings, the occupiers planned to use missile weapons and super-heavy guided bombs to destroy military targets. SSU officers have timely exposed the enemy informant and detained him at home. In addition, the SSU have taken comprehensive measures to secure the locations of the Defence Forces. During the searches at home, the detainee was seized of a phone with evidence of his contacts with the occupiers. SSU investigators served him a notice of suspicion under Article 114-2.2 of the CCU (unauthorized dissemination of information on the movement, location of the Armed Forces of Ukraine or other military formations formed in accordance with the laws of Ukraine, committed under martial law). The offender is in custody facing up to 8 years in prison. The operation was carried out by the SSU Office in Kharkiv region under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor's Office. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN warns of escalating human toll in Ukraine amid relentless aerial attacks, mounting aid shortfall 25 July 2025 - Russian aerial attacks continue to intensify across Ukraine, exacting a rising toll on civilians and infrastructure, senior UN officials told the Security Council on Friday, warning of mounting humanitarian needs amid faltering donor support. "Nowhere is safe in Ukraine," said Miroslav Jenca, Assistant Secretary-General for Europe at the UN Department of Political Affairs. Citing figures from the UN human rights office, OHCHR, he said civilian casualties reached a three-year high in June, with 6,754 civilians killed or injured in the first half of 2025 alone. Russian forces launched over 5,000 long-range munitions against Ukraine so far in July, including a record-breaking 728 drones in a single day. Major cities such as Kyiv and Odesa have been hit by swarms of missiles and drones. Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya echoed those words, saying "there is no safe place left in Ukraine" as the use of explosive weapons in populated areas has left cities reeling. A rehabilitation centre for persons with disabilities in Kharkiv, maternity wards, schools and energy infrastructure have all come under fire in recent weeks. Spiralling humanitarian situation The humanitarian impact is worsening sharply, she continued. "Nearly 13 million people need assistance, but limited funding means we can reach only a fraction of them," Ms. Msuya warned. As of now, only 34 per cent of the $2.6 billion required for this year's humanitarian response has been received. Ukraine's displacement crisis also continues to grow. Over 3.7 million people remain displaced within the country while nearly six million are refugees abroad. More than 26,000 people have newly registered at transit centres since April alone. Strikes in Russia The senior UN officials also expressed concern over reported civilian casualties from Ukrainian drone strikes inside Russia, including in Belgorod, Kursk and Moscow. While the UN could not independently verify these incidents, Mr. Jenca reiterated that "international law clearly prohibits attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. We strongly condemn all such attacks wherever they occur." Concerns over nuclear safety Attacks near Ukraine's nuclear facilities have further alarmed the UN. Earlier this month, drone strikes hit Enerhodar, where Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant staff live, and drones have been detected near other operating plants. "Any nuclear incident must be avoided at all costs," Mr. Jenca said. Political momentum needed While some diplomatic movement continues, including recent prisoner exchanges and talks in Istanbul, UN officials called for intensified political will towards a ceasefire. "The heartbreaking and rising human toll of the past nearly three and a half years of war underscores the urgency of a complete, immediate and unconditional ceasefire," Mr. Jenca said, "as the first step towards a just and lasting peace." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Deputy Relief Chief urges Security Council to act now to protect civilians in Ukraine UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Briefing to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine by Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, on behalf of Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator New York, 25 July 2025 As delivered Thank you, Mr. President Thank you for the opportunity to brief the Council once again on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, along with Assistant Secretary-General Jenca. Since our last update to this Council on 20 June, the humanitarian situation in Ukraine has continued to deteriorate sharply. Over the past week, renewed waves of missile and drone strikes have devastated lives and infrastructure across multiple regions, as already outlined by Assistant Secretary-General Jenca. According to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, the scale and speed of civilian harm remain alarmingly high. In the first half of 2025, nearly 50 per cent more civilian casualties were recorded compared to the same period last year. Over the past day, authorities report strikes on urban centres, including Cherkasy, Kharkiv and Odesa, killed five civilians and injured 93 - among them 11 children - as hostilities intensify nationwide. Last weekend, attacks struck populated areas in Dnipro, Kharkiv and Sumy, reportedly killing dozens of people and injuring more than 70, including children. In Kharkiv, a rehabilitation centre for people with disabilities was hit. In Kyiv, a kindergarten, a metro station, shops and residential buildings were damaged. In the Ivano-Frankivsk region - once seen as a refuge far from the front lines and home to many displaced families - we saw the largest attack there since the war escalated in 2022. There is no safe place left in Ukraine. These are the latest in a series of attacks that have brought even more fear and suffering to communities - both near the front lines and far from them. The use of explosive weapons in populated areas, including long-range missiles and drones, remains a key driver of civilian harm. Mr. President, Civilians in Ukraine continue to bear the heaviest burden - struggling to access food, water, power and healthcare. Nearly 13 million people need assistance, but limited funding means we can reach only a fraction of them. For many displaced women and girls, safety remains out of reach. Risks of violence - at home, in shelters and during evacuations - continue. Yet the local, women-led groups best placed to help are scaling back due to funding shortfalls, leaving countless women without the protection they so urgently need. Displacement from front-line areas continues to rise. Since April, more than 26,000 people fleeing hostilities have registered at transit centres. In response, our partners are working with authorities to open new sites in the Sumy and Dnipro regions to meet rising needs. Across Ukraine, 3.7 million people remain displaced, with nearly 6 million refugees abroad. Additionally, unverified reports in recent days and weeks indicate civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure in the regions of Kursk, Bryansk, Belgorod, Voronezh, Kaluga, Lipetsk and Tula regions in the Russian Federation. Under international humanitarian law, all parties must take all feasible precautions to avoid and minimize civilian harm. Mr. President, The continued use of antipersonnel mines puts civilian lives and livelihoods at risk every day. The Antipersonnel Mine Ban Convention strictly prohibits their use. Under this Convention, States have agreed that the harm caused by these weapons is unacceptable and that considerations of humanity must impose limits on their use. We cannot go back. This is why we note with alarm the recent decree by the Ukrainian President announcing Ukraine's withdrawal from the Convention. This follows the regrettable decisions of neighbouring countries to withdraw from this Convention. Assertions of exceptional threats and military necessity cannot outweigh international humanitarian law, which seeks to limit human suffering precisely when a State is fighting against its enemy. The Secretary-General has urged all States to adhere to humanitarian disarmament treaties and immediately halt any steps towards their withdrawal. Mr. President, Despite relentless risks, our humanitarian partners in Ukraine continue their vital work, reaching more than 3.6 million people with emergency healthcare, shelter, clean water and cash to families since January. But access remains precarious. In regions such as Kherson and Donetsk, intensified fighting has forced aid convoys to be delayed or suspended, putting humanitarian workers at risk and interrupting life-saving support. We remain committed to ensuring all necessary arrangements are in place to reach people in need, safely and without obstruction. Our ability to reach an estimated 1.5 million civilians in areas under the control of the Russian Federation, including parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, remains extremely limited and increasingly difficult. It is not for lack of capacity or will, but rather persistent access impediments that prevent us from getting help to those who need it most. At the same time, we urgently need the resources to sustain and expand efforts where we have access. International humanitarian law couldn't be clearer: All parties must allow safe, rapid and unimpeded access to civilians in need - no matter where they are or who controls the territory. Mr. President, Despite the growing scale of needs, funding remains critically low - just 34 per cent of the $2.6 billion required for the 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan has been received, forcing cuts to vital programmes just as needs are soaring. Cash assistance, mental health support, and services to respond to gender-based violence have been slashed due to funding shortfalls. Without an immediate influx of resources, even prioritized programmes will be at risk - just as the people of Ukraine approach a fourth wartime winter. Last week, the United Nations and our humanitarian partners launched the 2025-2026 Winter Response Plan, which aims to reach 1.7 million people with heating support, winter clothing, shelter repairs, emergency energy solutions and cash. The plan prioritizes households in front-line and collective sites - where freezing temperatures could turn already dire conditions into deadly ones. We urge Member States to act now - so that emergency supplies are in place before winter hits and conditions make it far harder to reach those in need. Mr. President, Allow me to close with three urgent messages to this Council: First, civilians and civilian objects must be protected. The scale of civilian death and injury and the destruction to homes, schools, hospitals and displacement centres must stop. Disproportionate and other indiscriminate attacks are strictly prohibited. Second, ensure humanitarian access. All parties must facilitate safe, rapid and unimpeded access to civilians in need, wherever they are. The Council and all Member States must exert their influence to ensure civilians are protected and humanitarians can reach those in need. Third, support the response. Ukrainians cannot afford delays or donor fatigue. Every contribution counts. Mr. President, This war continues to inflict suffering on a staggering scale. The trauma is daily, the destruction is widespread, and the resilience of civilians is being pushed to its limits. But our commitment to assist them must not waver. Thank you. Posted on 25 July 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese envoy calls for continued efforts to promote political settlement of Ukraine crisis Global Times By Xinhua Published: Jul 26, 2025 11:22 AM A Chinese envoy on Friday called for continued efforts to promote the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. Russia and Ukraine have recently continued to implement the consensuses reached in previous rounds of negotiations and promoted the exchange of prisoners of war and remains of fallen soldiers. They also held the third round of direct talks a few days ago in which a new consensus on the continuation of the exchange of prisoners of war and other humanitarian issues was reached, said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations. "China welcomes these positive developments and calls on the parties concerned to maintain the momentum of the peace talks, continue to build consensus and enhance mutual trust with a view to reaching a comprehensive, lasting and abiding peace agreement," he told the Security Council. However, Russia and Ukraine have, in the past few days, continued to carry out large-scale drone and missile strikes against each other, resulting in heavy casualties and infrastructure damage and destruction. China is deeply concerned and saddened by this, he said. China, once again, urges the parties to the conflict to show maximum restraint, comply effectively with international humanitarian law, and refrain from attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure in any circumstances. It is imperative that the two sides make joint efforts to de-escalate on the battlefield at an early date, he said. Russia and Ukraine have recently appealed to each other to restore peace in Europe and achieve a political solution to the crisis. Major actors in the international community have also repeatedly released positive signals on dialogue, negotiations and the cessation of hostilities, and have continued to engage in diplomatic efforts for peace talks, he noted. China welcomes all efforts toward peace and encourages both Russia and Ukraine to continue to show political will and flexibility. China encourages the international community to continue to call for peace, build a consensus of peace and carry out efforts for peace. All parties should jointly make practical efforts to promote the political settlement of the crisis, he said. China has always maintained an objective and impartial stance on the Ukraine issue and has been committed to promoting peace talks and a political solution. China has actively carried out diplomatic mediation and maintained effective communication with both Russia and Ukraine. China will, as always, play a constructive role in the political settlement of the crisis, said Geng. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU Still Has Questions On Ukraine Despite Zelenskyy's Anti-Corruption Law U-Turn By Rikard Jozwiak July 26, 2025 The European Union has breathed a collective sigh of relief after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's swift U-turn this week over legislation that would have limited the independence of two key anti-corruption agencies. But questions and speculation remain about what triggered it, what it says about Kyiv's ruling class and how it will affect the war-torn country's chances to join the bloc. On July 22, Zelenskyy signed a bill approved by parliament that placed the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) under the auspices of the Prosecutor General, a position appointed by the president. Within hours Ukrainians, despite Russian air strikes earlier in the day, took to the streets to protest the move, which critics said took away the independence of the institutions in a country long know for deep-seated corruption. The response also was immediate from Brussels to the Ukrainian parliament and president rushing through the legislation. Both the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the president of the European Council, Antonio Costa, called Zelenskyy demanding an explanation and expressing "strong concerns." European enlargement commissioner Marta Kos said in a post on X that "independent bodies like NABU and SAPO are essential for Ukraine's EU path." Within two days Zelenskyy had done an about-face, putting forward new legislation that would reverse course and ensure independence for NABU and SAPO. But the damage was already done. Speaking on condition of anonymity, one diplomat said Zelenskyy "really had managed to shoot himself in the foot for no apparent reason" as it gave ample ammunition to the many in the 27-nation bloc who claim that Kyiv just is hopelessly corrupt. Another noted that it seemed that Ukraine suddenly had transported back to the era of former President Viktor Yanukovych, who constantly battled to control the judiciary. Yanukovych was ousted from power in 2014 during the Maidan protests, sparked by his decision not to sign a political association and free trade deal with the EU, instead choosing closer ties with Moscow. Grumblings over this week's legislative rollercoaster were also directed against Zelenskyy's head of office, Andriy Yermak, a powerful but deeply polarizing figure in European circles. Sources said questions persist if this in fact was the "real face" of Zelenskyy and his entourage given that many officials have long held fears about what they call his "tendencies to want to centralize power." Zelenskyy admitted that demonstrations in the country, the first such show of defiance against the government since Russia launched its full-scale the invasion in February 2022, had made him change his mind. EU officials saw the change as positive -- signaling both a healthy and powerful civil society that also highlighted Zelenskyy's democratic credentials -- in contrast with the considerable backsliding, for example, that has been seen recently in Georgia. It appears as though pressure from Brussels may have also helped Zelenskyy's decision. Everything was on the table, admits one official, and the bloc made that known. That would mean freezing some of the billions of euros in funds that the EU provides Ukraine on a regular basis. A lot of this cash is conditioned on reform efforts, notably when it comes to the judiciary. Visa Liberalization One of the benchmarks for Ukraine to get visa liberalization to the bloc back in 2017 was the setting up of NABU. While no one was openly suggesting the suspension of visa liberalization, as is currently being mooted with Tbilisi, the threat of looking into it was enough to rattle Kyiv. Then there was the delicate issue of de-coupling Ukraine from Moldova, allowing the latter to proceed alone in the EU accession process. That would be a heavy blow to Ukraine given the pair so far have moved closer to membership hand in hand. The discussion about this started in Brussels in the spring with Hungary reluctant to give green light to Kyiv to start accession talks. The idea was very much alive before the latest developments in Ukraine and EU officials have indicated to RFE/RL that it may come up again in early September with the view of giving Moldova's ruling pro-EU government a boost before its crucial parliamentary election later that same month. The fact that Hungary appears to be unlikely to change its position on the issue ahead of its own national elections in April next year, has made the issue even more pressing. Many EU member states believe that this decoupling would be unfair as it essentially would give in to Budapest's "blackmailing." Yet some diplomats admitted that the latest events had weakened their argument, regardless of the subsequent Ukrainian backtracking. Highlighting the diverging paths, the same day Ukraine's parliament approved the controversial law, Greek police arrested the Moldovan oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc, arguably the country's most wanted man. A former politician and one of Moldova's richest people, Plahotniuc is allegedly the mastermind behind the theft of $1 billion from Chisinau a decade ago -- a charge he denies. At this moment, Moldova's and Ukraine's efforts to fight corruption couldn't have contrasted more in the eyes of some in Brussels. Interestingly, there is a feeling in Brussels that the Ukrainian frustration with the Hungarian veto and the bloc's inability to deal with it could have driven Zelenskiy to care less about EU "hobby horses" such as corruption. Rumors are swirling that several of the bloc's leaders told him at a recent conference in Rome that he should be ready to accept that Moldova might move ahead of Ukraine. That, coupled with less focus on the issue from the new American administration, gave him an opportunity to deal with long-standing nuisances such as pesky anti-corruption officials, diplomatic sources said. He may have overplayed his hand on this occasion or possibly revealed it. Either way, the EU has taken note. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-questions-ukraine- zelenskyy-anti-corruption-law/33484075.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SPRINGFIELD, Mo., July 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Paul Mueller Company (OTC: MUEL) corrects an earlier release which contained an error in the earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025. PAUL MUELLER COMPANY SIX-MONTH REPORT Unaudited (In thousands) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Twelve Months Ended June 30 June 30 June 30 2025 2024 2025 2024 2025 2024 Net Sales $ 72,624 $ 65,670 $ 131,484 $ 116,026 $ 264,043 $ 228,900 Cost of Sales 44,760 45,871 85,798 80,431 171,491 158,123 Gross Profit $ 27,864 $ 19,799 $ 45,686 $ 35,595 $ 92,552 $ 70,777 Selling, General and Administrative Expense 13,332 11,417 24,865 21,775 49,338 84,743 Operating Income (Loss) $ 14,532 $ 8,382 $ 20,821 $ 13,820 $ 43,214 $ (13,966 ) Interest Income (Expense) 578 70 607 (1,178 ) 1,484 (1,351 ) Other Income 50 506 114 2,050 441 3,383 Income (Loss) before Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes $ 15,160 $ 8,958 $ 21,542 $ 14,692 $ 45,139 $ (11,934 ) Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes 3,531 2,154 4,985 3,439 10,163 (4,817 ) Net Income (Loss) $ 11,629 $ 6,804 $ 16,557 $ 11,253 $ 34,976 $ (7,117 ) Earnings (Loss) per Common Share Basic and Diluted $ 12.50 $ 7.26 $ 17.74 $ 11.13 $ 37.40 ($ 6.79 ) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Six Months Ended June 30 2025 2024 Net Income $ 16,557 $ 11,253 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment 2,015 (780 ) Comprehensive Income $ 18,572 $ 10,473 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS June 30 December 31 2025 2024 Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 21,678 $ 21,169 Marketable Securities 29,929 24,446 Accounts Receivable, net 47,032 31,266 Inventories (FIFO) 45,417 40,905 LIFO Reserve (21,899 ) (20,146 ) Inventories (LIFO) 23,518 20,759 Current Net Investments in Sales-Type Leases 54 39 Other Current Assets 5,442 4,933 Current Assets $ 127,653 $ 102,612 Net Property, Plant, and Equipment 63,264 50,754 Right of Use Assets 2,290 2,235 Other Assets 165 1,862 Long-Term Net Investments in Sales-Type Leases 1,932 1,211 Total Assets $ 195,304 $ 158,674 Accounts Payable $ 12,998 $ 17,588 Current Maturities and Short-Term Debt 468 3,466 Current Lease Liabilities 371 336 Advance Billings 39,572 26,788 Billings in Excess of Cost 19,792 7,635 Other Current Liabilities 19,556 15,591 Current Liabilities $ 92,757 $ 71,404 Long-Term Debt 5,499 5,096 Other Long-Term Liabilities 692 2,329 Lease Liabilities 993 896 Total Liabilities $ 99,941 $ 79,725 Shareholders' Investment 95,363 78,949 Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Investment $ 195,304 $ 158,674 SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA June 30 December 31 2025 2024 Book Value per Common Share $ 102.52 $ 84.27 Total Shares Outstanding 930,183 936,837 Backlog $ 234,212 $ 153,685 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT Common Stock Paid-in Surplus Retained Earnings Treasury Stock Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Total Balance, December 31, 2024 $ 1,508 $ 9,708 $ 96,037 $ (22,697 ) $ (5,607 ) $ 78,949 Add (Deduct): Net Income 16,557 16,557 Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax 2,015 2,015 Dividends (495 ) (495 ) Treasury Stock Acquisition (1,663 ) (1,663 ) Other - Balance, June 30, 2025 $ 1,508 $ 9,708 $ 112,099 $ (24,360 ) $ (3,592 ) $ 95,363 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 Operating Activities: Net Income $ 16,557 $ 11,253 Adjustment to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities: Pension Contributions (Greater) than Expense - (16 ) Depreciation & Amortization 3,380 3,427 Deferred Tax Expense 288 - Loss on Disposal of Equipment 469 175 (Gain) on Sales of Equipment - (106 ) (Inc) in Accts and Notes Receivable (15,765 ) (9,354 ) (Inc) in Cost in Excess of Estimated Earnings and Billings (16 ) - (Inc) Dec in Inventories (2,256 ) 1,290 (Inc) in Prepayments (782 ) (2,389 ) (Inc) in Net Investment in Sales-type leases (579 ) (80 ) Dec in Other Assets 2,026 738 (Dec) Inc in Accounts Payable (4,589 ) 4,242 (Dec) Inc in Accrued Income Tax 913 (1,165 ) Inc (Dec) in Other Accrued Expenses 3,088 (227 ) Inc (Dec) in Advanced Billings 12,784 (8,519 ) Inc in Billings in Excess of Costs and Estimated Earnings 12,156 8,306 Inc in Lease Liability for Operating - 57 Principal payments of Lease Liability for Operating (156 ) (53 ) Inc (Dec) in Long Term Deferred Tax Liabilities 17 (78 ) (Dec) in Other Long-Term Liabilities (1,730 ) (93 ) Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $ 25,805 $ 7,408 Investing Activities Intangibles - - Purchases of Marketable Securities (16,464 ) (24,649 ) Proceeds from Sales of Marketable Securities 10,981 38,522 Proceeds from Sales of Equipment - 131 Additions to Property, Plant, and Equipment (13,850 ) (6,612 ) Net Cash (Required) for Investing Activities $ (19,333 ) $ 7,392 Financing Activities Principal payments of Lease Liability for Financing (50 ) (22 ) (Repayment) of Short-Term Borrowings, Net (5,186 ) (751 ) Proceeds of Short-Term Borrowings, Net 2,136 754 (Repayment) of Long-Term Debt (1,864 ) (422 ) Dividends Paid (495 ) (378 ) Treasury Stock Acquisitions (1,664 ) (11,910 ) Net Cash (Required) for Financing Activities $ (7,123 ) $ (12,729 ) Effect of Exchange Rate Changes 1,160 (545 ) Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 509 $ 1,526 Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year 21,169 1,883 Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Quarter $ 21,678 $ 3,409 PAUL MUELLER COMPANY SUMMARIZED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In thousands) A. The chart below depicts the net revenue on a consolidating basis for the three months ended June 30. Three Months Ended June 30 Revenue 2025 2024 Variance Domestic $ 58,928 $ 52,830 $ 6,098 Mueller BV $ 13,796 $ 13,164 $ 632 Eliminations $ (100 ) $ (324 ) $ 224 Net Revenue $ 72,624 $ 65,670 $ 6,954 The chart below depicts the net revenue on a consolidating basis for the six months ended June 30. Six Months Ended June 30 Revenue 2025 2024 Variance Domestic $ 109,005 $ 91,707 $ 17,298 Mueller BV $ 22,579 $ 24,989 $ (2,410 ) Eliminations $ (100 ) $ (670 ) $ 570 Net Revenue $ 131,484 $ 116,026 $ 15,458 The chart below depicts the net revenue on a consolidating basis for the twelve months ended June 30. Twelve Months Ended June 30 Revenue 2025 2024 Variance Domestic $ 219,480 $ 180,833 $ 38,647 Mueller BV $ 45,548 $ 49,322 $ (3,774 ) Eliminations $ (985 ) $ (1,255 ) $ 270 Net Revenue $ 264,043 $ 228,900 $ 35,143 The chart below depicts the net income (loss) on a consolidating basis for the three months ended June 30. Three Months Ended June 30 Net Income 2025 2024 Variance Domestic $ 10,922 $ 6,027 $ 4,895 Mueller BV $ 694 $ 774 $ (80 ) Eliminations $ 13 $ 3 $ 10 Net Income $ 11,629 $ 6,804 $ 4,825 The chart below depicts the net income (loss) on a consolidating basis for the six months ended June 30. Six Months Ended June 30 Net Income 2025 2024 Variance Domestic $ 16,350 $ 10,075 $ 6,275 Mueller BV $ 200 $ 1,148 $ (948 ) Eliminations $ 7 $ 30 $ (23 ) Net Income $ 16,557 $ 11,253 $ 5,304 The chart below depicts the net income on a consolidating basis for the twelve months ended June 30. Twelve Months Ended June 30 Net Income 2025 2024 Variance Domestic $ 34,609 $ (10,408 ) $ 45,017 Mueller BV $ 388 $ 3,285 $ (2,897 ) Eliminations $ (21 ) $ 6 $ (27 ) Net Income (Loss) $ 34,976 $ (7,117 ) $ 42,093 B. June 30, 2025 backlog is $234.2 million compared to $187.3 million at June 30, 2024. The majority of this backlog is in the U.S. where the backlog is $223.6 million at June 30, 2025 compared to $181.2 million at June 30, 2024. The $42.4 million increase in U.S. backlog is primarily from the Industrial Equipment segment, which grew $41.8 million from June 2024 to June 2025. The majority of this increase is related to our pharmaceutical customers, which continue to drive our improvement in revenue and net income over the prior year. In our European Operations, the backlog has increased from the prior year -- $11.3 million at June 30, 2025 versus $6.5 million on June 30, 2024. C. We manage our business in the U.S. looking at earnings before tax (EBT) and excluding the effects of LIFO and non-reoccurring events such as the pension settlement. This non-GAAP adjusted EBT (as shown in the table below) is up over the prior year by $6.9 million for the three months; $10.3 million for six months and $20.1 million for the trailing twelve months primarily from strong results in the Industrial Equipment segment. Ended June 30 Three Months Six Months Twelve Months (In Thousands) 2025 2024 2025 2024 2025 2024 Domestic Net Income $ 10,922 $ 6,027 $ 16,350 $ 10,075 $ 34,610 $ (10,408 ) Income Tax Expense $ 3,292 $ 1,899 $ 4,920 $ 3,070 $ 10,002 $ (4,560 ) Domestic EBT - GAAP $ 14,214 $ 7,926 $ 21,270 $ 13,145 $ 44,612 $ (14,968 ) LIFO Adjustment $ 369 $ (246 ) $ 1,752 $ (463 ) $ 587 $ (619 ) Pension Adjustment $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 41,774 Domestic EBT - Non-GAAP $ 14,583 $ 7,680 $ 23,022 $ 12,682 $ 45,199 $ 26,187 D. On May 8, 2025, the tender offer, announced on March 31, 2025, expired with 6,654 shares being tendered for a total of $1,663,500. E. The consolidated financials are affected by the euro to dollar exchange rate when consolidating Mueller B.V., the Dutch subsidiary. The month-end euro to dollar exchange rate was 1.07 for June 2024, 1.04 for December 2024, and 1.17 for June 2025. This press release contains forward-looking statements that provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions. All statements regarding future performance growth, conditions, or developments are forward-looking statements. Actual future results may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the factors described in the Companys Annual Report under Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements, which is available at paulmueller.com. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update these forward-looking statements to reflect any future events or circumstances. The accounting policies related to this report and additional management discussion and analysis are provided in the 2024 annual report, available at www.paulmueller.com . Press Contact: Ken Jeffries | Paul Mueller Company | Springfield, MO 65802 | (417) 575-9346 kjeffries@paulmueller.com | https://paulmueller.com Chinese President Xi Jinping met with European Union leaders during their visit to Beijing for the 25th China-EU Summit on Thursday. CGTN published an article exploring China-EU relations in two-way trade and investment, emphasizing the need for both sides to embrace multilateralism, openness and cooperation to bring greater stability and certainty to the world. BEIJING, July 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fifty years ago, China-Europe trade was a trickle. Now, as the two sides mark half a century of ties, a single day's trade equals what they exchanged in the entire year when relations were first established. Noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the European Union, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that China-EU relations have come to another critical juncture in history. There are no fundamental conflicts of interest or geopolitical contradictions between China and the EU, Xi told European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. "The current challenges facing the EU do not come from China," he said, adding that the fundamentals and prevailing trend of China-EU relations featuring cooperation over competition and consensus over differences have remained constant. Xi put forward three proposals for the future of China-EU relations: both sides should uphold mutual respect and consolidate the positioning of their relations as partnership, embrace openness and cooperation while properly managing differences and frictions, and practice multilateralism and uphold international rules and order. Trade and investment At Thursday's meeting, the Chinese president said the China-EU economic and trade relationship is by nature complementary and mutually beneficial and can indeed achieve dynamic equilibrium through development. China's high-quality development and opening up will provide new opportunities and potentials for China-EU cooperation, Xi noted, calling on both sides to strengthen green and digital partnership and boost mutual investment and cooperation. In 2024, trade between China and the EU soared to $785.8 billion, an increase of over 300 times compared to when diplomatic relations began in 1975, according to China's customs authorities. Two-way investment flows have also shown sustained growth in recent years, indicating a positive trend. Chinese battery manufacturer CALB, for instance, is building a $2.2-billion plant in Sines, Portugal, expected to create 1,800 jobs. Xi expressed hope that the EU can remain open in the trade and investment market, refrain from using restrictive economic and trade tools, and foster a sound business environment for Chinese enterprises investing and operating in the EU. At the 25th China-EU summit on Thursday, both sides agreed to forge an "upgraded version" of the China-EU export control dialogue mechanism, have timely communication on each other's concerns and jointly keep the industrial and supply chains between China and Europe stable and unimpeded. Multilateralism Xi said China has always viewed and developed China-EU relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, regarded the EU as an important pole in a multipolar world and consistently supported European integration and the strategic autonomy of the EU. China-EU relations are not targeted at, subjugated to, or controlled by any third party, he said, calling on both sides to deepen strategic communication, enhance understanding and mutual trust, and foster a correct perception of each other. Pascal Lamy, the former European commissioner for trade, told CGTN that despite differences, China and the EU share crucial common ground in defending multilateralism and cooperating on global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss and ocean protection. Among the outcomes of Thursday's summit, leaders of China and the EU issued a joint statement on climate change, highlighting their shared commitment to addressing climate change and pursuing green development. Xi underscored the importance of China and the EU as constructive forces for multilateralism, openness and cooperation, and called on both sides to provide more stability and certainty to the world. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-25/Xi-calls-on-China-EU-to-provide-more-stability-certainty-for-world-1FiJWe1RNAs/p.html After years of struggle, State Savings Bank and Ukreximbank received ownership of Gulliver shopping center (Three O LLC) in Kyiv, one of the largest and most expensive shopping centers in Ukraine, a member of the supervisory board of Ukreximbank Oleksandr Bevz has said. "The work of the teams of both banks, the government and legal advisors," he said on Facebook on Saturday and specified that the ownership rights were obtained as a collection for the debts of the beneficiary of Gulliver. Member of the supervisory board of Ukreximbank Viktoria Strakhova added in the comments under the post that a guarantee was given for the loans under English law, and the beneficiary did not enter into ownership rights. Oschadbank Supervisory Board Member Rosa Tapanova said privatization of this asset is not possible. "Management and sale," she described the possible options under Bevz's post. As reported, the Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA) twice announced a competition for the management of the Gulliver shopping center, but rejected the applications of applicants due to inconsistencies in the tender offer. NEW YORK, July 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces that a lawsuit has been filed against Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (NYSE: HIMS) and certain of the Companys senior executives for potential violations of the federal securities laws. If you invested in Hims & Hers, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/hims-hers-health-inc-class-action. Investors have until August 25, 2025, to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors who purchased Hims & Hers securities. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and is captioned Sookdeo v. Hims & Hers Health, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-05315. A subsequent complaint alleging substantially similar claims was also filed and is captioned Yaghsizian v. Hims & Hers Health, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-05321. Why was Hims & Hers Sued for Securities Fraud? Hims & Hers operates a telehealth platform that provides consumers with access to online consultations with licensed healthcare professionals, prescription medications, and a range of wellness products. On April 29, 2025, Hims & Hers and Novo Nordisk announced a long-term collaboration starting with the immediate sale of Novo Nordisks popular weight loss drug Wegovy on the Hims & Hers platform. The active ingredient in Wegovy is semaglutide. As alleged, Hims & Hers touted and misrepresented to investors the nature of its partnership with Novo Nordisk, including asserting that under the terms of the agreement His & Hers could offer both Wegovy and compounded semaglutide to its customers. Hims & Hers also allegedly represented to investors that its sale of compounded semaglutide complied with FDA regulations. The Stock Declines as the Truth is Revealed On June 23, 2025, Novo Nordisk announced that it was terminating the partnership, based on Hims & Hers deceptive promotion and selling of illegitimate, knockoff versions of Wegovy that put patient safety at risk and alleged that Hims & Hers failed to adhere to the law which prohibits mass sales of compounded drugs. On this news, the price of Hims & Hers stock fell $22.24 per share, or more than 34%, from $64.22 per share on June 20, 2025 to $41.98 per share on June 23, 2025. Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/hims-hers-health-inc-class-action. What Can You Do? If you invested in Hims & Hers you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm. All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses. Submit your information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/hims-hers-health-inc-class-action 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/hims-hers-health-inc-class-action Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Dallas, Texas, July 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Benefits Reimagined, a leader in AI-powered employee benefits platforms, proudly announces the launch of its innovative ACA application. This cutting-edge solution, built on the robust SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), is designed to streamline compliance processes for organizations of all sizes. The application can function as a standalone solution or seamlessly integrate with Benefits Reimagined's flagship platform, offering unparalleled flexibility and efficiency. Benefits Reimagined Logo In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) remains a critical concern for organizations. Benefits Reimagined addresses this challenge by leveraging artificial intelligence to automate and simplify compliance tasks, ensuring accuracy and reducing administrative burdens. The new ACA application empowers businesses to navigate complex regulatory requirements with ease, providing real-time insights and comprehensive reporting capabilities. "Our ACA application represents a significant advancement in compliance technology," said Sabya Mitra, CEO of Benefits Reimagined. "By harnessing the power of AI and SAP BTP, we are able to deliver a solution that not only meets the current needs of our clients but also anticipates future regulatory changes. This innovation underscores our commitment to providing intelligent, scalable, and user-friendly solutions for our customers." The ACA application is designed to integrate effortlessly with existing enterprise systems, including SAP SuccessFactors, ensuring a smooth transition and minimal disruption to business operations. Its scalable architecture supports the evolving needs of businesses, while its intuitive interface enhances user experience and engagement. Benefits Reimagined's ACA application also features advanced analytics powered by ElasticSearch and Kibana, offering organizations deep insights into their compliance status and enabling data-driven decision-making. The platform's intelligent tools, such as Athena, the AI chatbot, further enhance user interaction by providing instant support and guidance. Ideal for organizations seeking a cost-effective, hyper-personalized, and future-ready compliance solution, the ACA application by Benefits Reimagined is set to transform how businesses manage their regulatory obligations. By combining flexibility, extensibility, and intelligent service delivery, this application redefines the standards of compliance management in the industry. About Benefits Reimagined Benefits Reimagined is an advanced, AI-powered employee benefits platform designed to revolutionize how organizations manage benefits. Built on SAP HANA, Node.js, and SAP UI5, it offers seamless integration with SAP SuccessFactors and other enterprise systems. With features like personalized benefits administration, advanced analytics powered by ElasticSearch and Kibana, and intelligent tools like Athena, the AI chatbot, the platform simplifies complex processes. Key highlights include: Flexibility: Tailored benefits plans to meet diverse employee needs. Extensibility: Scalable architecture for evolving business requirements. Communication HUB: Enhanced employee engagement through streamlined communication. Intelligent Service Delivery (ISD): Automated workflows for efficiency. Compliance Tools: ACA compliance dashboards and reporting capabilities. Ideal for organizations seeking cost-effective, hyper-personalized, and future-ready employee benefits solutions, Benefits Reimagined is the ultimate choice for transforming employee engagement and benefits management. Press inquiries Benefits Reimagined https://benefitsreimagined.com/ Preeti Roy preeti.r@renewhr.com +1-(972) 440-0306 Dallas, Texas Washington, DC, July 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Link to ThinkCareBelieve's Article: https://thinkcarebelieve.blog/2025/07/26/week-27-american-stardom-in-the-hands-of-president-trump/ ThinkCareBelieve has published an article on Week 27 of America's rise to stardom. America is on a steady upward trajectory in the hands of President Trump. The article covers POTUS's tour of the Federal Reserve this week and made a thorough assessment of the $3.1 Billion renovation project. Winning the AI Race and American Energy Dominance was a big focal point and the White House Action Plan was released this week. "It's time to reclaim our heritage as a nation of builders." Potus told us. The article also goes into the 250,000 additional MLK Jr. documents which have been made available for the public at the National Archives and how DNI Tulsi Gabbard declassified the 2020 House Intelligence Committee report and related documents, which focused on the 2016 election, and released the statement that Obama administration officials manipulated intelligence to falsely claim that Russian interference helped Donald Trump win. "The American People deserve the truth." she stated at a press conference with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt this week, I think its a disservice to the American people that Former President Obamas office and others who are criticizing the transparency that is being delivered by releasing these documents. They are trying to deflect away from their culpability in what is a historic scandal. The media has been put on notice to tell the American people the truth. ThinkCareBelieve's article has President Trump's 3 historic trade deals this week with the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, and Australia is opening it's country up to American beef. The U.S. economy is as strong as ever and the S&P 500 posted its 5th straight record close of the week. All indicators are showing that people are investing like never before. According to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, The One Big Beautiful Bill jumpstarted investment that is lifting productivity, wages and living standards. The article has HHS Secretary Kennedy's important announcement of his latest report that hospitals have been doing organ harvesting while people still showed signs of life, particularly during COVID. He says the entire system must be fixed to ensure that every potential donor's life is treated with the sanctity it deserves. The article also covers how the State Department is continuing with its reorg and announced that the U.S. is withdrawing from UNESCO citing that like many organizations, it has strayed from its mission. Many investigations are continuing and we are learning so much. The article covers the extensive developments surrounding Immigration, Border Security and Child and Human Trafficking with Congressional Hearings and probes into NGOs contributing to UnAccompanied Minor Children going missing. The Trump Administration states that the 320,000 number of missing children is probably closer to 450,000, and that ICE, under the Trump Administration has found and rescued 13,000 children so far. Efforts will be intensified with a stronger focus on sanctuary cities, says Border Czar Tom Homan. President Trump is now in Scotland until Tuesday July 29th. He is doing new business with the UK and Europe on America's behalf. He made a signature impressive arrival in The Beast with motorcade. We cannot thank him enough ThinkCareBelieve is an outlook. ThinkCareBelieves mission for Peace advocacy facilitates positive outcomes and expanded possibilities. To achieve Peace, we will find the commonalities between diverse groups and bring the focus on common needs, working together toward shared goals. Activism is an important aspect of ThinkCareBelieve, because public participation and awareness to issues needing exposure to light leads to justice. Improved transparency in government can lead to changes in policy and procedure resulting in more fluid communication between the public and the government that serves them. America needs hope right now, and Americans need to be more involved in their government. ### SINGAPORE, July 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With the price of Bitcoin fluctuating around $120,000, many analysts predict that the cryptocurrency market will remain in a state of high volatility for a long time. 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Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c7b5f95d-f179-4769-9540-15831d0a66d6 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/23d382d3-ebc4-457a-817b-a6320f967959 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/51c9b6be-6688-4f1e-b32e-71757453b2e2 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/25de417c-bbd5-4645-8938-2563a4dd7922 Vancouver, July 25, 2025 - RUMBLE RESOURCES INC. (CSE: RB) (the "Company" or "Rumble"), is pleased to announce that, further to its news release dated June 11, 2025, the Company has completed its non-brokered private placement of 7,000,000 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.075 per Unit for proceeds of $525,000. Each Unit consists of one common share and one two-year transferable share purchase warrant entitling the holder to acquire an additional common share for $0.10. Of the Units, 4,700,000 were sold under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption contained in Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106. The common shares comprising the Units offered under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption are not be subject to a hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. However, the warrants comprising the Units, and shares issuable upon the exercise of the warrants, are subject to a 60-day contractual hold period. The remaining 2,300,000 Units sold are restricted from trading until November 26, 2025. The Company will use proceeds from the private placement for funding the acquisition and exploration on the Wilmac Project, submitting an application to have its shares quoted in the United States on OTC Markets, and for general working capital. The Company further announces that it has issued 1,000,000 units pursuant its option agreement relating to the Wilmac Copper-Gold Project (the "Property") with each unit consisting of one common share and one two-year transferable share purchase warrant entitling the holder to acquire an additional common share of the Company for $0.10. These units are restricted from trading until November 26, 2025. Rumble has the option to acquire a 70% interest, subject to a 2% net smelter returns royalty in the Wilmac Copper-Gold Project (the "Property"), which is located in south-central British Columbia, approximately 10 kilometres west of the currently producing Copper Mountain Mine. Disclaimer Readers are cautioned that the discussion about adjacent or similar properties is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization or potential of the Wilmac property. The Company has no interest in or right to acquire any interest in any such adjacent properties. About Rumble Resources: Rumble Resources Inc. (CSE: RB) is engaged in the identification, acquisition, exploration and development of mineral resource projects. The Company holds the exclusive option to acquire a 100% interest in the Woolford Creek claims, located approximately 15 kilometres north of Squilax, British Columbia on the northeast shore of Little Shuswap Lake and is comprised of seven mining claims in the Kamloops Mining Division, British Columbia covering approximately 3,620.07 hectares. ON BEHALF OF RUMBLE RESOURCES INC. FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, including with respect to future plans, and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, business, economic and capital market conditions, the ability to manage operating expenses, and dependence on key personnel. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements respecting: completion of the Wilmac property option. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, anticipated costs, and the ability to achieve goals. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, the continued availability of capital and financing, litigation, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed this press release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/260195 Toronto, July 25, 2025 - Metalite Resources Inc. (CSE: METL) (OTC Pink: JNCCF) (FSE: D68) ("Metalite" or the "Company") announces the consolidation of the outstanding common shares in the capital of the Company (each, a "Common Share") on the basis of one post-consolidation Common Share for every ten pre-consolidation Common Shares as at July 25, 2025 (the "Consolidation"). It is anticipated that the Common Shares will begin trading on a consolidated basis at market opening on July 30, 2025 (the "Effective Date"). The new CUSIP of the Common Shares will be 591236302 and the new ISIN will be CA5912363028. Shareholders with physical certificates will receive a letter of transmittal from the Company's transfer agent, Odyssey Trust Company (the "Transfer Agent"). All registered shareholders will be required to send their certificate(s) representing pre-Consolidation Common Shares, along with a properly executed letter of transmittal, to the Transfer Agent, in accordance with the instructions provided in the letter of transmittal. Shareholders who hold their Common Shares through a broker, investment dealer, bank or trust company should contact that nominee or intermediary on the procedures for processing the Consolidation of their Common Shares, and for determining their post-Consolidation positions. Further details regarding the Consolidation are provided in the Company's information circular dated December 31, 2024 which can be found under the Company's SEDAR+ profile on www.sedarplus.ca. About Metalite Resources Inc. Metalite Resources Inc. is a Canadian junior mineral exploration issuer with a precious metals focused project in NSW, Australia. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "should", "anticipate", "will", "estimates", "believes", "intends" "expects" and similar expressions which are intended to identify forward-looking statements. More particularly and without limitation, this press release contains forward looking statements concerning the timing of the effective date of the Consolidation. Metalite cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of Metalite, including those described in Metalite's disclosure documents available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Metalite. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and Metalite does not undertake to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by securities law. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction. Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or for dissemination in the United States. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/260196 Photo: https://t.me/dsns_telegram Five people were injured in a Russian attack by KAB guided bombs, ballistics and drones on Kharkiv on Saturday night, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said on Telegram as of 07:30. "Five people were injured. Among them are three rescuers. They were injured after the first arrival during a second strike. The enemy is targeting those who are rescuing and eliminating the consequences of the bombings. This is terrorism in its purest form," Terekhov said. "More than 20 enemy strikes in almost three hours of the night four guided bombs, two ballistic missiles and then 15 Shahed UAVs. Residential high-rise buildings, a civilian enterprise, roads, and a contact network were damaged. As of this morning, seven fires in Kyiv district are being extinguished," Terekhov said. In January, Congress lifted a decades-long ban on federal funding for needle exchange programs and clinics. Since then, the number of programs has skyrocketed, driven in large part by the opioid epidemic. Programs have popped up in states that might never have considered them -- or might even have actively opposed them -- only 10 years ago. Kentucky has gone from zero to 11 programs, says Daniel Raymond, policy director at the Harm Reduction Coalition. Florida authorized a program in Miami -- and we thought they would never have one.The goal of needle exchanges, in which drug users hand in their used syringes for new sterile ones, is to reduce the number of infections from diseases like HIV and hepatitis -- illnesses that are transmitted through the sharing of contaminated needles.Theres long been a stigma surrounding needle exchange programs, with many believing that they condone and encourage illegal drug use. But that idea is fading rapidly. Theres been a sea change, says Raymond. The stigma comes from unfamiliarity. Contrary to common misperceptions, he says, needle exchange programs arent crack dens or safe places to shoot up.Much of the sea change is the result of the opioid epidemic that has devastated communities across the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that, on average, 78 people die from opioid overdoses every day. Such frightening numbers have united policymakers across party lines. In July, 46 governors signed a compact pledging to make the epidemic a key issue for their states.Needle exchange programs are increasingly seen as a key tool in dealing with the epidemic. Experts are hoping these programs will not only stop the spread of infectious diseases but also help curb drug overdoses. Many exchange programs incorporate services such as condom distribution, advice on avoiding overdoses, and referrals to substance abuse and mental health treatment centers.Even early adopters are expanding their existing needle exchange programs. Delaware, Maryland and Massachusetts have had programs for years, but due to limitations they were unable to grow them until now. Maryland, for example, had one of the nations first needle exchange programs, but it was restricted to Baltimore. In October, the program was allowed to expand statewide. We want to have a replicable model for the rest of the state, so we are working with the other localities in Maryland to put together their own programming, says Leana Wen, Baltimores health commissioner.Needle exchange programs have proved effective in stopping the spread of infectious diseases when they are part of a larger anti-addiction strategy. Raymond points to an HIV outbreak last year in Scott County, Ind., that has been contained since a needle exchange program was established, as well as a program in southeast Ohio that has seen a reduction in hepatitis C cases.Much of the effectiveness of a needle exchange program depends, of course, on how it is designed and run. Wen advises her public health colleagues to reach out beyond their own profession. Health centers cannot go at this alone, she says. They have to team up with faith centers and other advocacy organizations, those people who are trusted messengers.Obviously, needle exchanges alone wont end the opioid epidemic or eliminate needle-spread infections, says Andrea Young, supervisor of an HIV/AIDS program in Dayton, Ohio. The city started a needle exchange program last year after a series of drug overdoses. It has served hundreds of residents and exchanged thousands of syringes -- no doubt it has even saved lives. As, she says, its one tool in our arsenal to keep the numbers down. Next article: OlivetheBoy and AratheJay to light up WatsUp On Campus at UniMAC-GIJ this Saturday Previous article: 10 fascinating facts about Highlife Legend Daddy Lumba And the legacy he leaves behind Featured CONFIRMED: Daddy Lumba is dead Enoch Darfah Frimpong Showbiz News Jul - 26 - 2025 , 13:12 2 minutes read Graphic Showbiz has confirmed that Ghanaian highlife musician Charles Kwadwo Fosu, commonly known as Daddy Lumba is dead. He died at the Bank Hospital in Accra at dawn on Saturday. He was 60 years old. Sources close to the family have told Graphic Online that, he had been admitted at the hospital for an undisclosed health condition and passed Saturday morning [July 26, 2025]. As of 1pm on Saturday, many people had gathered at Daddy Lumba's residence at East Legon in Accra. The singer-songwriter and musician has more than 30 albums to his name and widely regarded as one of the greatest Ghanaian musicians of all time. The family has since through a legal representative put out an official announcement to confirm the passing of Daddy Lumba. "With profound sorrow and deep grief, the Fosu family announces the passing of Ghana's beloved musical icon, Charles K. Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, who passed away earlier today, Saturday, July 26, 2025, after a short illness," the statement signed by counsel for the family said. "Daddy Lumba was more than a musician; he was a cultural icon whose music touched countless lives. His soulful voice provided the soundtrack to our love stories, and his poignant lyrics captured the poetry of our struggles, dreams, and resilience," it added. "During this time of immense loss, we respectfully request privacy for the family and loved ones as they navigate this profound grief. Details of funeral arrangements will be shared in the coming days," the statement signed by Fati Ali Yallah counsel for the Fosu Family from Baba Jamal & Associates indicated. Who was Daddy Lumba? Daddy Lumba was born on September 29, 1964 and hailed from Nsuta near Mampong in the Ashanti Region. He started his music career at age 16 and became the leader of the then Juaben Secondary School choir in 1983 After secondary school, Daddy Lumba formed the Lumba Brothers group with his friends Yaw and Kwabena and girlfriend, Theresa Abebrese. With the help of his girlfriend Theresa, Daddy Lumba travelled to Germany after school to seek greener pastures and met Ernest Nana Acheampong. Nana Acheampong, another highlife legend introduced Daddy Lumba to highlife music as all Lumba knew then was gospel music. They formed the group called Lumba Brothers and rose to fame with many songs starting with the "Yy aka akwantuo mu". They released many songs until they went their separate ways later on. Daddy Lumba, went ahead as a musical legend renowned for his timeless compositions and influence on Ghanaian music. Writer's email: enoch.frimpong@graphic.com.gh Follow @enochfrimpong Follow @Graphicgh Next article: Caring in silence: Parents of children with Cerebral Palsy calls for urgent support Previous article: Celebrating Cedi @60: How one jato note improved my quality of life Featured People & Places: Likpe ancestral caves - Hidden gem in Oti Region Douglas Anane-Frimpong Features Jul - 26 - 2025 , 09:57 3 minutes read Situated in the Guan District in the Oti Region, Likpe Todome is home to one of Ghana's most intriguing eco-tourism attractions the Likpe Ancestral Caves. Located beneath the Likpe Mountain, one of the Akuapim Togo mountain ranges, the village acts as a gateway to the caves, which involves a climb of between 45 minutes and an hour to reach. The caves are a hidden treasure offering a rare insight into the lives of those who once sought sanctuary within them. The people of Likpe are Guans who migrated from Atebubu, now in the Bono East Region, to settle around Hohoe. According to historical accounts, a conflict arose between the new settlers, being the minority group, and some old settlers, sparked by the murder of a pregnant woman from the minority group. The refusal of the old settlers to replace the deceased with a member of their tribe provoked the minority group, who began preparing for battle by sharpening stones. Spies reported to their people that the new settlers were sharpening (lili) stones (kpe), an action that signalled a pending conflict. The battle was averted; however, the Likpe people felt they could no longer live in harmony with their neighbours and, therefore, took refuge in the hills. Lili kpe, The name "Likpe" originates from the Ewe language lili kpe, which refers to sharpening stones to make weapons for battle. Spying area of cave six The Likpes lived in caves for many years until they finally emerged and established the first of ten Likpe settlements, known as Likpe Todome, a settlement beneath the mountain. The Likpe Ancestral Caves consist of six interconnected chambers, each serving a unique purpose. The journey begins with a long walk to the first cave, the Conference Chamber, where the chief, elders, and community members gather to discuss important matters and make decisions. Following this is the adjacent Hideout Cave, used by guards to protect the community from potential threats. From there, one descends into the third cave, which served as a sleeping chamber for community members. Sleeping chamber Next, the underground Palace Cave features stones arranged as seats for the chief and elders, utilised for significant gatherings and ceremonies. Beyond the palace cave lies the Holding Cell or Prison, designated for detaining criminals and offenders. Lastly, the Spy Cave, used by guards to watch the surroundings and spot potential enemies or invaders, offers stunning views of the landscape. A trip to the caves is an adventure of tortuous climbing and descending cliffs and navigating through narrow entrances that sit on precipices that portend danger, especially for the acrophobic. Curiously, visitors can explore the caves and enjoy the picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. A visit to the nearby Wadjakli Falls is also imperative, with the journey to both places lasting for about four hours. The Likpe Ancestral Caves are a true hidden gem, offering a unique insight into Ghana's rich history and cultural heritage. Next article: Africas call for reparation: Right, but we must also strengthen ourselves Featured Joseph Kabila: Former Congolese president on trial for treason BBC Africa International News Jul - 26 - 2025 , 11:27 3 minutes read The treason trial of the former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Joseph Kabila, has begun in a military court in the capital, Kinshasa. He also faces other charges, including murder and rape, linked to his alleged support for M23 rebels - who control a large part of the mineral-rich east of the country. He denies the charges, did not appear at the hearing and has asked to be tried in absentia. Kabila's successor, President Felix Tshisekedi, has accused him of being the brains behind the rebels. The ex-president has rejected the case as "arbitrary" and said the courts were being used as an "instrument of oppression". After several hours, Friday's trial was adjourned to the end of the month, following a request by prosecutors for extra time to review documents. A ceasefire deal between the rebels and the government was agreed last week, but fighting has continued. Kabila had been living outside the country for two years, but arrived in the rebel-held city of Goma, in eastern DR Congo, from self-imposed exile in South Africa in May. Pointing to overwhelming evidence, the UN and several Western countries have accused neighbouring Rwanda of backing the M23, and sending thousands of its soldiers into DR Congo. But Kigali denies the charges, saying it is acting to stop the conflict from spilling over onto its territory. Former presidents in DR Congo serve as senators for life and enjoy lifetime immunity. But in May, Kabila's fellow senators stripped his immunity to allow his prosecution on charges that include torture, taking part in an insurrectionist movement, and the forcible occupation of Goma. According to the AFP news agency, the charge sheet describes Kabila as "one of the initiators of the Congo River Alliance" - the wider rebel grouping which includes the M23 and other militia. Kabila has been accused of conspiring with Rwanda to remove President Tshisekedi from power. Both parties deny this. The 54-year-old led DR Congo for 18 years, after succeeding his father Laurent, who was shot dead in 2001. Joseph Kabila was just 29 at the time. He handed power to President Felix Tshisekedi following a disputed election in 2019, but they later fell out. In a now-deleted YouTube video released in May, Kabila lashed out at the Congolese government calling it a "dictatorship", and said there was a "decline of democracy" in the country. At the time the Congolese government spokesperson, Patrick Muyaya, rejected Kabila's allegations, saying he had "nothing to offer the country". In anger at Friday's trial, Ferdinand Kambere - a close ally of Kabila who served in his now-banned PPRD party, accused the government of "double standards". He said it was too soft in its peace deal but too hard on Kabila, adding that the trial was a way to exclude Kabila from the country's politics. Another Kabila stalwart - Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary - reportedly said a guilty verdict was a forgone conclusion and that the trial was little more than "theatre". But as the trial opened, Congolese Deputy Justice Minister Samuel Mbemba had stern words for any detractors. "Justice does not negotiate, it does not join in dialogue. The calendar for justice is different from the political calendar." Featured Meet Justice Kweku Ackaah-Boafo: Jurist, educator and ethics advocate Hadiza Nuhhu-Billa Quansah Life Jul - 26 - 2025 , 12:02 6 minutes read Every profession has its pinnacle. In the judiciary, that summit is the Supreme Court. For Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo, reaching that height is not only a personal milestone but a call to national service. His Lordship, Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo, is among the seven justices of the Supreme Court whom President John Dramani Mahama recently swore in at the Jubilee House in Accra. He describes himself as a jurist with global training and frontline professional experience at both the bench and the bar, as well as a solid grasp of contemporary jurisprudential best practices in public and private international law, including jurisprudence on electronic media search and surveillance. He is recognised for some landmark cases, such as a significant judgment on medical negligence against the 37 Military Hospital. In this case, the hospital was found liable for the death of Helena Brema Nyamekye, a 27-year-old PhD candidate who died after being delivered of a baby. The circumstances uncovered several failures in medical care and decision-making. Justice Ackaah-Boafo delivered a notable judgment in a copyright infringement case involving Martin Kpebu and Fred Kusim Awindaogo concerning the ownership of an unpublished law book titled "Annotated Evidence Act of Ghana." The dispute centred on authorship and copyright ownership between the two lawyers. He ruled that the defendant could not claim sole ownership of the book. Although the defendant argued he rewrote all the Plaintiff's work and was the sole author, the court determined that both parties were joint owners of the work. Writing of judgments Sharing his experience on what inspires him to write such concise judgments, Justice Ackaah-Boafo, told The Mirror in an interview last Tuesday in his office in Accra, We live in a world where people are reading these judgments. Todays media ecosystem creates more platforms for accessing legal information, which is good because public accessibility helps dispel myths and misconceptions regarding judgments. For instance, in the case of the Republic v Cassiel Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa, I realised a lot of people were taking an interest in reading the judgment and that it was circulating through not just traditional but also digital media platforms in a way that did not exist when platforms were limited. Judgements must communicate to the parties, and beyond that, they must educate and inform the outside public, who are keen to know what is going on in the legal world. So, I dont just write, I put in a lot and do extensive research and I believe if it must be done, it must be done very well. According to him, writing is something he learned from Yiadom Atuobi-Danso of Atuobi Danso Law Office in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Atuobi-Danso is very particular about what you send out. My experience practising with lawyers like him and Justice Gordon Cudjoe, a jurist in the Ontario Superior Court in Canada, has shaped my thinking and appreciation of legal work. I believe in the promise of justice; therefore, I tell new judges, lawyers and students that you dont have to be everyone but unique in whatever you do and achieve the desired results, he stated. Ethics Touching on the ethics of the legal profession, His Lordship told The Mirror that it is vital to uphold the dignity and integrity of the profession by adhering to accepted moral values and codes of conduct. This safeguards the professions reputation and maintains public confidence. It is to uphold the ethics of the profession that I decided to be a part-time lecturer at the Ghana School of Law from 2021 to present, teaching ethics. If you are invested in the privilege of your licence, you would not do anything unethical. So I exhort lawyers and judges to uphold ethics. We may not be perfect, but we should aspire to be ethical. Besides, you should be a proud, honourable member of the legal profession, he said. He expressed dissatisfaction about the use of insulting language in the courtroom, emphasising that it is unacceptable for lawyers to exchange insults . You can disagree among yourselves, but it is absolutely inappropriate to trade insults or be condescending towards a colleague. I will never stand for that. Legal journey His Lordship obtained his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from 1991 to 1994 at the University of Ghana. He completed his professional law programme (BL) at the Ghana School of Law from 1994 to 1996 and proceeded to the University of Helsinki, Finland (Faculty of Law) for the Master of Laws (LL.M) from 1999 to 2002. He further pursued an Executive Master of Arts in African Integration and Development (EMRIAD) at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) and graduated as the Overall Best Student in 2021. Justice Ackaah-Boafo practised predominantly in Canada as a Barrister and Solicitor in Toronto. His principal areas of practice included Criminal Law, Family Law, and Immigration Law. As defence counsel, he appeared before provincial and federal courts, as well as adjudication tribunals such as the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) and the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). He was one of the lawyers involved in the notable Jane Creba trial. He joined the bench in Ghana and has served as a Justice of the High Court (General Jurisdiction Division, Accra) from April 2015 to December 2022. He was appointed to the Court of Appeal in December 2022 and is currently a Supreme Court judge. Background Justice Ackaah-Boafo was born in Accra. He hails from Aboso/Insu-Siding in the Western Region. He is a Christian and a member of the Full Gospel Business Mens Fellowship International, East Legon Chapter, and the Fountain of Glory Assemblies of God Church. I am a deacon, board member and the president of the mens ministry. His Lordship is married to Joycelyn Kuukua Ackaah-Boafo and has two children: Nicholas and Maud. For him, when there are no legal duties on the menu, he loves to unwind by watching his favourite club Liverpool play, reading biographies, foreign judgements, and staying at home mostly to rest. I love to be in my little corner. If you dont go looking for trouble, trouble wont find you, he smiled. According to him, his appointment to the apex court has been humbling. This nation deserves the best, and the opportunity to the Supreme Court is a call to serve Ghana. I ask for Gods grace to accomplish my duties and leave behind a fitting legacy. Writer's email address: [email protected] Featured Nurturing mediocrity Dinah Serwaa Amankwah Life Jul - 26 - 2025 , 08:34 5 minutes read The announcement by the Minister of Education that the teacher licensure examination should end in August has attracted the concern of stakeholders who value quality in education. Considered a quality assurance measure, its cancellation raises apprehension. The examination has consistently revealed that a cross-section of teachers possesses woefully inadequate professional knowledge. After the first examination and the associated high failure rate, I was on a radio panel that discussed the outcomes. My co-panellists were educators and union executives one from the Ghana National Association of Teachers and the other from the National Association of Graduate Teachers. Both executives categorically lauded the licensure examination as a quality assurance move, the failure rate notwithstanding. However, they were apprehensive about the difficult nature of the questions. When I argued that the questions should rather be tougher, they got alarmed. We reached a consensus that the problem rested with indolent teachers, because such baulk at learning. Their proposed intervention was that teachers would be served with past questions to help them prepare better for future licensure examinations. I considered that move as spoon-feeding teachers. They did not disagree. The move for cancellation is a typical Ghanaian move to hide a weakness instead of working to overcome a challenge. In standard education, examination failure could represent knowledge gaps in candidates. An educational system that prioritises excellence establishes avenues for remedial, so that candidates who lag in knowledge can study and bridge the gap. Such measures ensure that learners and professionals acquire the requisite knowledge for the academic and professional levels they claim or occupy. Such a system operates on merit. Ghana is galloping furiously away from merit and excellence in education and the workforce. The leakage eyesore that characterises the BECE and WASSCE examinations is a sad proof of mediocrity. The society has become desensitised to dubiousness and praises learners who pass through the apparent dubiousness. The canker has spiralled to tertiary institutions. About 13 years ago, two instructors in mathematics one from a public university, the other from a private university complained about an emerging work pressure. The respective academic boards subtly indicated that they should not fail students. Such subtlety has since given way to blatant persecution of instructors for students high failure rate in examinations. The hypocrisy in that stance stems from the fact that the students in question may not even have qualified for the university classroom. Fee-paying students can get into any programme with whatever porous grades amidst other compromised steps. Conversely, one consistently wonders about teaching and learning at the basic and secondary levels. How is it possible that many learners spend between 12 and 14 years learning English, yet cannot construct a single correct sentence in English, the medium of instruction and expression, by the time they reach the tertiary classroom? Such learners find reading a chore because they cannot read, let alone comprehend the material read. Their comprehension skills remain abysmally low, so information processing is an unattained learning goal. Composing essays is an impossibility for such students. Logically, such students struggle academically and achieve mediocrity at best, especially in an environment where learning resources are scarce. Alarmingly, academically-challenged students are on the increase, for complicated reasons. Yet, learning institutions across learning levels are focused on commercialising information instead of ensuring learning. Learner needs are heartlessly ignored by school administration, so teaching/learning hiccups continuously escalate. Instead of investigating poor performance to strategise for effective teaching/learning, oversight bodies and learning institutions focus on superficiality: passes. Despite examination malfeasance and the slapping reality that effective learning is not occurring, that learning resources are deliberately withheld for administrative greed and learner exploitation, strange passes occur, even excellent grades and classes. Quality in the minority, though and ill-prepared graduates are absorbed across all sectors of the workforce. The education sector receives its adequate quota employees are only interested in receiving government money. Logically, the same lackadaisical attitude, which culminates in poor performance, almost no service or mediocrity, rears its ugly head across classrooms, sometimes equally split between the learner and the teacher. If any such cross-section of teaching elements is examined on professional knowledge and preparedness for nurturing human capital, such will fumble. For the sake of humanity, such human resources should only be aided to improve in knowledge and skill to strengthen the base of the nation's human capital. But this is a country that runs away from reality and hard work to engage in rhetoric and semantics. Keeping Appearances. So here we go, living up to form, closing an effective standard avenue to set up a committee to work out something for quality. Typically, we may not hear of any replacement again, and another regime may have to re-establish the licensing process at some point in the nation's lifetime. Jaundiced elements can be ignored for their selfishness and short-sightedness in effective human resource mobilisation. The same cannot go for the person heading the education sector, known for being savvy in human dealings in the past. The Minister of Education ought to question himself whether his move will place him in history as a pursuer of quality or advocate for mediocrity/sub-standard education. For this writer, it is all about what the nation is denying the growing generations, so-called future leaders, and moaning about the deliberate sinking of a human fleet. What a country! The writer is a Sr. Lecturer, Language and Communication Skills, Takoradi Technical University, Takoradi. Writers E-mail: dinah.amankwah@ttu.edu.gh Education Minister tasks BTU to pioneer sustainable agric innovation Severious Kale-Dery Jul - 26 - 2025 , 09:57 3 minutes read The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has charged the Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) to take a bold leadership role in developing sustainable agricultural practices that support food security and rural transformation in the Upper East Region. He urged the university to link the institutions research and academic work directly to the livelihoods of the communities around it. Sustainable agriculture must not just be a theory in the classroom. The BTU has a responsibility to translate its technical expertise into everyday solutions that improve farming yields, ensure climate resilience and create jobs for young people in the region, the minister noted. Mr Iddrisu stated this when he inaugurated a 19-member governing council of the BTU in Accra last Thursday, emphasising that the governments vision for technical universities was not just to produce graduates, but to train innovators and problem-solvers. The strength of our education system lies in its ability to solve problems. The BTU must rise to that task in agriculture and beyond, he added. Role, support With Ghanas agriculture sector facing challenges of climate change, low productivity and limited mechanisation, technical universities such as the BTU have a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between policy and practice. The Education Minister thus tasked the BTU to take full advantage of the ecological, agricultural and unique climate conditions in the Upper East Region and reposition the university to focus on the training of the needed human capital to use research to improve subsistence farming in the region. He assured the council that the university would benefit from a US$5 million grant from the Government of Italy under a bilateral arrangement to boost Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Ghana. The grant, managed through the Ministry of Education, would support infrastructure upgrades, acquiring modern equipment and developing new technical programmes that respond to labour market needs. The minister commended the vice chancellor for his efforts in getting a multi-purpose lecture facility with offices and laboratories to be built by the faculty and students to enrich and give students exposure to practical skills. Let me emphasise that due process, particularly the procurement processes and laws of Ghana, must be respected in both letter and spirit, he advised the university's VC. He acknowledged the aggressive programmes the current leadership had introduced and was confident they would attract many potential students once they saw immediate benefits for the surrounding communities. He, however, cautioned that the university should act within the limits of the regulatory authority of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). Governing Council Dr Bishop Akolgo, a developmental economist, chairs the council. Speaking on behalf of the members, Dr Akolgo gave the assurance that the council would ensure that the BTU created the right environment for teaching and learning. He further pledged that the council would work to position the university at the centre of the region's transformation, from the poverty headquarters into a more resilient net exporter of the staples that you can harness from the north. ENI applauds new investment climate Dotsey Koblah Aklorbortu Jul - 26 - 2025 , 09:57 2 minutes read Global energy giant, ENI, has lauded the government for fostering a highly collaborative and investor-friendly environment, reaffirming the organisations commitment to deepening its presence in the countrys energy sector. It expressed strong satisfaction with the governments commitment to building a stable and transparent regulatory framework, which has helped create a conducive climate for investment. The commendation came during a meeting held in Accra with the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Mr John Abdulai Jinapor, the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, and the Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Kwame Governs Agbodza. Future investment The meeting brought together senior government officials and top executives of ENI to review the progress of ongoing operations, explore future investment opportunities and strengthen partnerships in the upstream petroleum sector. A major highlight was ENIs confirmation of a significant ramp-up in gas supply, now reaching 270 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd), reinforcing the companys strategic role in meeting Ghanas energy demands. The company also announced its readiness to inject additional capital into Ghanas upstream sector, citing optimism about the countrys energy prospects. Contributions Mr Abdulai Jinapor praised ENIs continued contributions, particularly its recent declaration of commerciality, a milestone he described as "a testament to ENIs commitment and success in Ghanas energy landscape." The progress made over the past six months alone surpasses that of the last eight years. ENIs operations have had a ripple effect, catalysing new investments and boosting investor confidence in the sector, the minister said. Finance Ministry The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, for his part, acknowledged ENIs resilience and forward-looking stance despite past challenges. He assured the company of the governments continued support, including the restoration of a $500 million partial risk guarantee by the first quarter of 2026. I am impressed with ENI's steadfast commitment, Dr Forson said. We remain committed to ensuring timely payments and establishing a framework that will sustain growth and investor trust, he said. He further encouraged ENI to intensify exploration and production efforts in line with the countrys ambition to scale up oil production to 500,000 barrels per day in the near future. The meeting underscored a renewed spirit of collaboration between the government and ENI, signalling a promising outlook for the country's energy sector anchored on mutual trust, policy stability, and shared vision for growth. Insurance fair ends today - Visit Accra Mall food court Elizabeth Nyaadu Adu Jul - 26 - 2025 , 12:00 4 minutes read The First Vice President of the Ghana Insurers Association (GIA), Dr Nashiru Iddrisu, has said insurance remains the most reliable means of transferring risk and bouncing back from sudden losses that could devastate families and businesses. He therefore called on Ghanaians, especially informal sector workers, to protect themselves with insurance coverage as the most reliable way to recover from unexpected events. Speaking to the Daily Graphic on the sidelines of the ongoing 2025 Insurance Fair at the Accra Mall Food Court last Thursday, Dr Iddrisu explained that every segment of Ghanas economy needed insurance protection against lifes uncertainties, hence the need for it to be embraced by all. This fair is about redefining insurance. We are encouraging everyone, including individuals, families, and businesses, to walk through the stands, ask questions, and get the right products that meet their needs. It is a one-stop platform for clarity, education and innovation in the insurance space, Dr Iddrisu stated. Statistics The industry push comes as many Ghanaians, particularly those in the informal sector, remain vulnerable to financial ruin from accidents, illness, fire, theft, and other unexpected events that insurance could help them survive. A christian group from South Korea performing at the insurance fair. Pictures: BENEDICT OBUOBI According to provisional data released by the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), in collaboration with the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), Ghana recorded a total of 7,289 road crashes and 1,504 fatalities between January and June 2025. The report further indicated that 12,354 vehicles were involved in various accidents during the six months, causing injuries to 8,300 individuals. Additionally, 1,301 pedestrians were reported to have been knocked down by vehicles across the country. These figures, Dr Iddrisu said, reflected the urgent need for Ghanaians to adopt insurance as a proactive measure to secure themselves and their families against financial ruin. Insurance Fair The annual event is organised by the Graphic Communications Group Ltd (GCGL), in collaboration with the National Insurance Commission (NIC) and the Ghana Insurers Association (GIA). Abena Arhin, a representative of Graphic communications group Ltd, interacting with representatives from GLICO Group This years edition, on the theme, Boosting Insurance in the Formal and Informal Sectors in Ghana, brought together insurance sector players, state and corporate institutions, as well as individuals, to explore opportunities within the sector. The three-day event, scheduled for 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, aims to address the countrys insurance penetration challenges while positioning the sector as a critical pillar of national development. The participating insurance companies include State Insurance Company Ltd, Enterprise Insurance, GLICO Life, Equity Health Insurance, Serene Insurance, Millennium Insurance, Prudential Life Insurance, MiLife Insurance and Hollard Insurance. Others are Bedrock Insurance, Vanguard Assurance, Imperial General Insurance, Sanlam Allianz, Nsia Insurance, Old Mutual and Coronation. Opportunity He described the fair as an opportunity to connect with both insured and uninsured populations. He explained that the informal sector, which contributed over 80 per cent to the national economy, remained a major target for micro insurance products and mobile-based services. People in the informal sector own businesses, assets and properties just like those in the formal sector. Some are even wealthier. So why shouldnt they be insured? he asked. He added that the insurance industry was gradually shedding its conservative image and embracing innovation. Today, with just a click of a button, you can get insurance via telecom platforms like MTN or Telecel. There are exciting digital insurance solutions to meet various needs, Dr Iddrisu said. He, therefore, called on the public to take advantage of the fair, which has attracted over 30 companies, including life, general, and health insurers, to engage directly with service providers and understand their offerings. Low penetration Touching on the state of the industry, he stressed that the insurance sector still had a lot of room for growth, with penetration currently below two per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He attributed the low uptake partly to mistrust, negative perceptions, and limited understanding of insurance products. Many people buy a product expecting something entirely different. But when you understand what youre buying, your experience with insurance will be totally different, he stated. He advised the public to be well informed before committing to any insurance product, adding that insurance companies were committed to paying legitimate claims promptly. Seek clarification, ask questions, understand exactly what you are signing up for. That is the only way to ensure the product truly serves your needs. Paying claims is our business. Its even a form of advertisement when we pay quickly and genuinely, he added. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/ The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) recorded 191 combat clashes during the past day. The AFU General Staff reported this on Telegram in operational information regarding the Russian invasion as of 08:00 on Saturday. "According to the updated information, the invaders carried out one missile and 60 air strikes, using six missiles and dropping 78 guided bombs. In addition, the Russians used 4,172 kamikaze drones to destroy them and carried out 6,279 attacks on the positions of our troops and settlements," the General Staff said. Featured KNUST gets drone innovation, simulation unit Gilbert Mawuli Agbey Jul - 26 - 2025 , 09:57 6 minutes read The evolution of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones, from early rudimentary concepts to their widespread use today, can be traced back to the use of balloons and kites, and later, rudimentary radio-controlled aircraft. Initially developed for military training and reconnaissance, drones have become commonplace in various civilian applications such as photography, delivery and surveillance. Particularly, drone technology is revolutionising agriculture by offering farmers cost-effective tools for crop monitoring, mapping and precision application of resources such as pesticides and fertilisers. This leads to increased yields, reduced waste and safer working conditions. Additionally, drones provide a unique chance to make agricultural work more efficient in various ways, reducing the workload for farmers and entrusting it to skilled drone pilots. Intervention To scale up the use of drone services and the provision of other digital tools and skills, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) E-learning Centre, in partnership with Agri-Impact Limited, has established a new drone innovation and simulation unit at the university. Prof. (Mrs) Rita Akosua Dickson (left), Vice Chancellor, Daniel Aquaye (2nd from left partly covered), CEO, Agrimpact, being assisted by some dignitaries to cut the tape to inaugurate the drone centre. Those with them include Prof. Eric Appau Asante (middle), Director, E-learning Centre, KNUST. The unit was officially inaugurated last Tuesday, July 22, 2025, during the fourth edition of the E-learning Awareness Week on the theme: Transforming Education through Responsible Innovation and Inclusion in the Digital Era. Its 11 drone facilities serve multiple purposes, spanning agriculture, video coverage, data sourcing, sensing, and extraction of resources at remote locations. The training facility, dubbed Dan F. Acquaye Drone Innovation and Simulation Unit and located at the universitys E-learning centre, has been named after the Chief Executive Officer of Agri-Impact Limited, Daniel Fahene Acquaye, an agribusiness expert, who also serves as an E-learning Ambassador at KNUST. The provision of the drone unit formed part of the implementation the $500,000 Harnessing Agricultural Productivity and Prosperity for Youth (HAPPY) project, a four-year partnership rolled out by the Mastercard Foundation and implemented by Agri-Impact Limited, aimed at creating over 326,000 dignified and fulfilling jobs for youth of which 70 per cent will be women and persons who are challenged. Supported by an eight-member consortium, comprising Newage Agric Solutions, the National Service Authority (NSA), Ghana Cares (MiDA), the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), TechnoServe, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and Jobberman, HAPPY aims to increase food production and productivity in rice, soybean, tomato and poultry value chains by 20 per cent, while reducing food imports by 10 per cent. Units The centre has three different units, namely a showroom that exhibits the various drones for people to see and read about them physically. An official of the E-Learning Centre, flying a drone. The other space is the drone simulation unit, which has virtual exposure to learners. Additionally, different online applications are leveraged to train young people online to become drone pilots before they have on-site, hands-on exposure to drones to utilise. The last area is the drone research and development space, which serves as a resource and development hub where models would be created and serve as a workshop for people to learn to sail. Several functions Speaking at the end of the ceremony, the Director of the E-learning Centre, KNUST, Professor Eric Appau Asante, said the unit, which performed several functions, would also serve the university community and the nation. Dennis Tandoh (right), Member of the Instructional Design team, supervising Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson (seated), to fly a drone. Those looking on include Professor Marian Asantewah Nkansah (left), Director of Student Affairs. Specifically, he said it would train people on how to pilot a drone to serve the teaming needs of the Ghanaian economy, saying we are targeting to train a good number of young people who will end up creating jobs with the skills acquired. As a result, we have developed a comprehensive curriculum to guide learners to fit into this drone wave, he said and stressed that the unit was committed to training young people to become dronepreneurs. He added that the new unit would clearly assist the university in embracing the digital transformation that the world is pursuing, and that Ghana requires many drone pilots to help promote the nation's growth. He thanked Mr Acquaye and his outfit for their continuous commitment to innovation, educational advancement and relentless support to the KNUST in its quest to deliver quality tertiary education to students. Innovations In a remark, the Vice Chancellor, KNUST, Professor Rita Akosua Dickson, also applauded Mr Acquaye, an alumnus of the university, for the innovations he had introduced to support the institution. Daniel Aquaye, CEO, Agrimpact, trying his hands on a drone. She further praised him for supplying the university with greenhouses for growing vegetables to feed the community. She assured the institution would continue to collaborate with him for their mutual benefit. Solve problems For his part, Mr Acquaye said society can never do away with digital technologies, not only because they have become the order of the day but also because of their opportunities regarding job creation and solving industries' problems. Looking at the agricultural space, he mentioned that physical eyes cannot be used to monitor and provide services all the time, saying, We want to introduce drone services which can monitor large commercial farms and small farms. He mentioned that the drones would be able to collect specific data to improve productivity and the overall development of the agricultural sector, and said that while doing so, a new group of young people would establish enterprises in agricultural drone services. He said that using drones for agricultural mapping, nutrient analysis in the soil, disease detection among other applications, can be easily achieved to improve crop production in the country. He also indicated that when these technologies are used, farmers can save 30 per cent of their costs and increase productivity by between 30 and 50 per cent. Other interventions He said that in partnership with the KNUST E-learning centres E-HAPPY programme, more than 190,000 people have been supported in less than two years of the four-year project and that more than 50 beneficiaries have established their own enterprises using digital tools. We will continue to expand, so we need a centre like the drone unit to deliver the services towards achieving the goal, Mr Acquaye noted and further announced that the first cohort would be trained at the unit in the next two months. While expressing gratitude to the university management for the honour, he underscored the importance of using drone technology to improve, particularly in agriculture, to ensure food security. Writers email: [email protected]. Featured Second daylight shooting in a week rocks Kumasis Asawase GNA Jul - 26 - 2025 , 08:16 1 minute read Another man has been shot dead in broad daylight at Sabon Zongo in Kumasis Asawase constituency, marking the second fatal shooting in the area within a week by unknown assailants riding motorbikes. The assailants, reportedly on a motorbike, shot the yet-to-be-identified man just as he was about to enter his vehicle near OTEC FM in Sabon Zongo close to the Manhyia roundabout. This marks the second shooting incident in less than a week in the Asawase area by unidentified gunmen wielding AK-47 assault rifles and using motorbikes as their mode of transport. The first fatal incident, which occurred on July 22, 2025 at Asawase F-Line near the Community Centre, claimed the life of Abdul-Malik Azenba, the Kusasi Chief in the Ashanti Region. The assailants shot and killed the chief at his residence, also using an AK-47 rifle. No arrests have been made yet. Fridays incident has heightened fear and panic among residents of Kumasi, especially those living in Asawase and its surrounding areas. A heavy police presence has been deployed in the area as a manhunt begins for the perpetrators. Empty shells retrieved from the crime scene by the police confirm that an AK-47 rifle was used in the attack. Read also: No smocks, no bikes at night: Ashanti Region REGSECs crackdown following killing of Kusaase Chief Featured Vice-President returns to say thank you to Oguaaman - Traditional Council honours her with Osabarimba Royal Award Diana Mensah Politics Jul - 26 - 2025 , 08:01 4 minutes read The chiefs and elders of the Oguaa Traditional Council have offered traditional prayers for the Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, invoking the blessings and good health of the Almighty God for a daughter of their land. They also prayed for the President, John Dramani Mahama, and the country at large, inviting the protection, prosperity and guidance of God for the nation, the government and its leader. Led by the Oguaamanhen, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, the chiefs and elders called for ancestral and divine protection for the country and the leaders, as well as the assurance of peace and prosperity for the country. The Vice-President was also awarded the Osabarimba Royal Award accompanied by a shield and a citation. She was also presented with kente, a traditional cloth, a pair of traditional slippers, popularly known as ahenma mpaboa, and beads. The traditional council offered the prayers and pronounced the well-wishes when the Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, paid a courtesy visit on the Oguaamanhen at the Emintsimadze Palace in Cape Coast, the official seat of the paramount chief of the Oguaa Traditional Area. The visit was to express her appreciation to the chiefs and people for their support that led her to become Ghanas first female Vice-President. The courtesy call was also to build momentum for PANAFEST 2025, which climaxes in Cape Coast today. As a proud daughter of the Central Region and former first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, her visit carried personal and cultural significance, reinforcing her roots and commitment to her hometown. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang was accompanied by some staff of her office, regional leaders, Regional Chairmen of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of Cape Coast North and South, other party executive and supporters in the Central Region. The atmosphere was festive and celebratory, marked by cheers, traditional appellations, while party members sang the anthem as she entered the palace. Present were the Policy Advisor at the Office of the Vice-President, Dr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, the Presidential Staffer and Special Aide to the Vice-President, Prof. Theresah Ennim; the Head of Administration, Alberta Graham; the Central Regional Minister, Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere, and the Metropolitan Chief Executive of Cape Coast, George Justice Arthur. Traditional reception The Oguamanhen, surrounded by members of his council, commended the Vice-President for the humility of returning to her roots to show appreciation and honour the chiefs and elders of the Oguaa paramountcy. Osabarimba Kwesi Atta also recognised Prof. Opoku-Agyemangs selfless service and immense contributions to the country. He described her as a proud daughter of the land and reaffirmed the support of the Oguaa Traditional Area for her leadership. The Vice-President thanked the people of Oguaa and the Central Region, saying I thank you for the love, prayers and respect you have always shown me. She added: I am a mother for you and for all. I know your prayers are with me, and I feel your support every day as I work to serve this nation. Your prayers have carried me this far, and I know they will continue to guide me. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang acknowledged the critical role traditional authorities played in ensuring peace and development, and said the government remained committed to working hand in hand with the Oguaa Traditional Council to bring progress to the Central Region. The Vice-President also called for continued collaboration between traditional authorities and the government to advance national development. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang stressed that her position as Vice-President was not just a personal achievement but a shared victory for all women and the people of Ghana. Youth To the youth, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang charged them to avoid behaviours that could harm themselves, the country or their communities. I appeal to you to desist from any behaviour that will not be good for this country or for yourselves. We all have a role to play in ensuring that Ghana grows stronger and remains united, she stated. Enemy attacks with 208 UAVs, 27 missiles of various types; 10 missiles, 25 strike UAVs recorded in nine locations Air Force Photo: https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/ On the night of July 26 (from 20:00 on July 25), the enemy attacked with 235 air attack vehicles (208 UAVs and 27 missiles of various types), air defense shot down/suppressed the electronic warfare of 200 enemy air attack vehicles, ten missiles and 25 strike UAVs were recorded in nine locations, as well as the fall of downed (fragments) in eight locations, the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) said. The enemy attacked with 208 Shahed-type strike UAVs and simulator drones of various types from the following directions: Bryansk, Kursk, Orel, Millerovo, Shatalovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, Russia, Hvardiyske temporary occupied territories in Crimea; 12 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles (from Voronezh, Kursk, Rostov regions Russia, Yeisk and temporary occupied territories of Crimea; eight Iskander-K cruise missiles (from Yeisk, Voronezh, Rostov regions); seven Kh-59/69 guided aviation missiles (from the airspace of Belgorod region, Russia and temporary occupied territory of Zaporizhia region). The main direction of the strike was Dnipropetrovsk region, the Air Force Command said. The air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare and unmanned systems units, mobile fire groups of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. "According to preliminary data, as of 09:30, air defense shot down/suppressed the electronic warfare of 200 enemy air attack vehicles: 183 attack UAVs; 17 missiles of various types. A hit was recorded "ten missiles and 25 strike UAVs in nine locations, as well as the fall of downed (fragments) - in eight locations," the Air Force Command said on the Telegram channel. Haiti - FLASH : Canada sends military surveillance drones to Haiti As part of a new initiative to combat violence and the spread of armed gangs in Haiti, the Canadian government has begun sending military surveillance drones to support Haitian security forces. The information was revealed by Canadian media outlet CBC News, citing federal officials involved in the operation. The drones, whose the exact number was not disclosed for security reasons, began arriving in Haiti in June 2025 and will continue to be delivered in the coming weeks. These are unarmed, high-tech aircraft designed for intelligence and reconnaissance tasks, with the aim of strengthening the capabilities of the Haitian National Police (PNH). According to CBC News, these drones will allow the PNH to monitor areas with high gang concentrations, identify suspicious movements, and better plan their interventions. The drone deployment is part of Canada's broader contribution to the Kenyan-led international mission approved by the UN Security Council. SL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Economy : CFI relies on economic intelligence to better guide investment in Haiti The CFI is relying on economic intelligence to better guide investment in Haiti. The Department of Studies and Economic Intelligence (DEI) of the Investment Facilitation Center (CFI-Invest Haiti) held a training workshop this week for 14 CFI monitoring officers as part of the implementation of the Economic Intelligence program. This program aims to foster a strategic economic and commercial information system to attract investment in Haiti. During two days of rich discussions, CFI executives and heads of technical departments shared visions, tools, strategies, and actions to structure, implement, and operationalize an effective economic monitoring system. In his opening remarks, Vladimir Leveille, Director of the DEI, reiterated that Competitive Intelligence (CI) should be a strategic lever for strengthening Haiti's competitiveness in attracting private investment and effectively achieving better results in productive and sustainable investment strategies. He explained that competitive intelligence involves identifying signals of growth, expansion, and innovation in key sectors (agribusiness, textiles and clothing, agriculture, BPO, renewable energy, tourism, etc...) as well as priority sectors and innovative industries capable of boosting the national economy by attracting foreign and local direct investment. During the first day, participants discussed the fundamental pillars of competitive intelligence, as well as the challenges of its deployment. The second day focused on the use of technical and technological tools (company databases; open data; RSS feed aggregators; company websites, etc...), actions to be taken, and a business intelligence system to explore as part of the implementation of the IE program, which will feed into the CFI's economic and commercial information system. This workshop allowed the executives responsible for business intelligence at the CFI to broaden the discussion to more cross-functional issues such as innovation, leadership, structuring partnerships, and the importance of equipping teams to become active relays of the country's business intelligence strategy. In a competitive environment where states are constantly battling to attract investment, business intelligence is becoming an essential lever for differentiation. By identifying promising sectors, regional dynamics, investor needs, and competitiveness factors, the CFI aims to provide a structured regional offering capable of attracting and reassuring investors. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Justice : Open letter from Joverlain Moise to Secretary of State Marco Rubio Joverlain Moise, son of the late President Jovenel Moise, in an open letter urges U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to exert his influence so that the Haitian oligarchs accused of involvement in the assassination of President Moise and who are living in the United States are brought under the control of the American justice system. Letter from Joverlain Moise : "Mr. Secretary of State, Since the arrival of settlers in the Americas, the United States and the Republic of Haiti have been the two oldest sovereign Nations on the continent. Our histories are intertwined, and our peoples have always shared this common responsibility : to uphold the democratic ideal while defending human dignity. For several decades, the Haitian people have endured a succession of crises that continue to worsen. But it was on July 7, 2021, with the brutal assassination of constitutionally elected President Jovenel Moise, my father, that we reached the bottom of this descent into hell. This despicable and unprecedented act killed a president, but not the hope, the vision, or the dignity that Jovenel Moise, the man, embodied for his people. As a former Senator from the State of Florida, home to the largest Haitian diaspora, you are well aware of the economic and political dynamics that have undermined Haiti. You are also aware of the nefarious role played by certain powerful oligarchs who have long financed terrorist activities, political instability, multiple coups d'etat, and ultimately, the assassination of my father. An assassination accompanied by unspeakable acts of torture. A bullet-riddled body, which I myself donned before it was buried. This tragedy paved the way for looting and massacres : children, women, men, all victims of a corrupt and predatory system. Mr. Secretary of State, you know that competent American institutions have apprehended some of these oligarchs. Yet, others, who have fomented more than one plot against Haitithe early ally that helped preserve the United States from European dominationstill enjoy the protection of your territory today, unmolested. It goes without saying that, with your influence, you have the capacity and moral authority to contribute to ensuring that justice is done. You are also aware that the financial resources of these criminals far exceed those of our weakened judicial institutions, many of which they have already infiltrated, corrupted, and neutralized. It is imperative that the perpetrators of such serious crimes be tried in a country with institutions capable of guaranteeing real and appropriate justice. The entire world knows that the Haitian judicial system has been dismantled by those it should be prosecuting. As long as chaos reigns, Haiti's law enforcement and prisons will remain dysfunctional. Consequently, extraditing such criminals to a country in a state of institutional decay would be an act of blatant irresponsibility, a gesture that the very spirit of republican fraternity, at the heart of the American nation, cannot condone. This is especially true given that these oligarchs have been able to take advantage of the technological infrastructure, communications networks, financing, and weaponry of the United States of Americaa friendly country. The impunity for these crimes, planned on American soil and then committed on Haitian soil, tarnishes your nation's reputation and further weakens the sovereignty of Haiti, which nevertheless aspires to recover with dignity. This letter is not a call for interference, but a call for decency and justice. It is the expression of a Haitian youth standing firm, rejecting inevitability, but knowing that they will need time, peace, and loyal and good-faith allies to reconquer and then rebuild their free homeland. This letter is also an exhortation to a historic ally, to finally understand the extent of the trauma suffered and to act in the name of the common good and the principles our two nations have always defended. I thank you for your attention, and for every act of solidarity that will allow Haiti to finally emerge from the shadows and march proudly towards its rebirth. Respectfully." Joverlein Moise Son of the 58th President of the Republic of Haiti, Jovenel Moise HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... USA : Boulos Transferred to Federal Prison Haitian businessman and politician Pierre Reginald Boulos was transferred this week from a migrant detention center in Florida to a federal prison in Miami. This development marks a turning point in his case. Boulos was recently arrested in the United States for violating the Immigration and Nationality Act, and for his alleged support for armed gangs and the destabilization of Haiti. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45385-haiti-justice-prominent-haitian-businessman-reginald-boulos-arrested-in-the-usa.html WFP : Delivery of 26 tons of food In Cite-Soleil, last week, the World Food Program (WFP) provided more than 26 tons of food to the Fontaine Foundation Hospital, a local community organization. This assistance will allow them to prepare meals for children hospitalized in their health center. USA withdraws from UNESCO The United States announced this week its withdrawal from UNESCO, which it deems incompatible with its national interests, according to the Trump administration. OAS in Kenscoff The representative of the OAS Secretary General in Haiti, Christobal Dupouy, conducted a guided tour of Kenscoff yesterday in preparation for the rehabilitation of the municipal police station and the Lotin sub-police station, according to Acting Mayor of Kenscoff, Massillon Jean. Preventing Child Gang Recruitment: More than 100 Haitian women have been trained in community violence reduction to prevent child gang recruitment and restore trust with the police. Now certified, these mediators embody their communities' hope for a solution to the crisis based on dialogue, reconciliation, and child protection. This project is supported by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), France via the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and Quisqueya University. Environment : Risk Management Training The DPC Training Directorate is launching the second training session to strengthen communal committees in the West, from July 21 to 26, as part of the Climate Risk Management and Resilience Project (PGRAC). The objective: to strengthen local resilience to climate hazards. With logistical support from Sikse, eight communes in the West were trained over the course of a week in: - Hazard awareness; - Contingency planning; - Preparing family emergency plans; - Preventing gender-based violence (GBV). HL/ HaitiLibre It's been a long time coming, but now it's official: Intel is burying its plans for a German semiconductor plant to produce modern chips plus a processing plant in Poland. The construction plans have been on hold for a year. At the same time, Intel is putting the brakes on the expansion of its research and production plant in Ohio, USA. The company wants to close the processing plant in Costa Rica and distribute the capacities to the existing sites in Vietnam and Malaysia. Anzeige This was announced by Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan at the analyst conference on the announcement of the latest business figures. At the same time, Lip-Bu Tan wants to further streamline Intel. Of the 96,400 employees counted at the end of June, only around 75,000 are to remain by the end of the year. Intel already laid off thousands of employees in July, including many engineers from its own semiconductor plants and CPU developers. It's down to the wire for the Intel Foundry In a statement to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Intel paints a bleak picture if its own chip manufacturing division, Intel Foundry, does not achieve great success soon. According to this, the 14A process generation for 2027 is the last chance to turn the tide. The manufacturer has already admitted that 18A is not the hoped-for success in customer acquisition. "If we are not able to secure a significant external customer and achieve key customer milestones for Intel 14A, there is a risk that the development and manufacture of Intel 14A and the follow-on leading-edge processes will not be commercially viable. In such a case, we could interrupt or discontinue our efforts on Intel 14A and the successor processes as well as various projects to expand our production," explains the Group. In other words: If 14A is not a commercial success, Intel will probably stop research and development of new manufacturing processes. Previous manufacturing processes would then continue to run until at least 2030. However, Intel would be dependent on external chip contract manufacturers such as TSMC for processors and other products. In the long term, this would be the de facto end of the Intel Foundry the design and manufacturing divisions could separate from each other in such a case. Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt Mit Ihrer Zustimmung wird hier ein externer Preisvergleich (heise Preisvergleich) geladen. Preisvergleiche immer laden Preisvergleich jetzt laden (mma) 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. Fitch stated that current government policies are unlikely to stop the growth of the debt-to-GDP ratio. The downgrade reflects Fitchs concerns about Finlands rising public debt, sustained budget deficits, and a lack of sufficient measures to correct the imbalance. The outlook remains stable. Finlands long-term credit rating has been downgraded by Fitch Ratings from AA+ to AA, the countrys lowest rating in nearly thirty years. It noted that ageing demographics, increased defence costs, and rising social spending continue to place pressure on public finances. Finlands sovereign rating was last at AA in 1996. It had held the higher AA+ status from 2016 until the downgrade was issued on Friday. In its announcement, Fitch cited a legislative proposal by the Orpo government to reduce the debt ratio by one percentage point annually. The agency warned that the proposed law would only take effect in the next decade and expressed doubt over its practical impact. The proposals effectiveness and political feasibility are uncertain, the statement read. The decision comes amid a weakening economic outlook. Finlands debt burden has been increasing steadily, and government expenditure is expected to continue growing in the coming years. According to Fitch, the rating cut is driven by the view that the governments fiscal consolidation plans are not strong enough to address the structural deficit. Public sector debt, which stood at 74 percent of GDP in 2023, is projected to exceed 80 percent by the end of the decade. Defence expenditure has risen following Russias invasion of Ukraine, and healthcare costs are rising due to demographic ageing. The downgrade is not expected to have an immediate major effect on Finlands borrowing costs. Nordeas chief analyst Jan von Gerich said on Friday that the move had been anticipated. The direction is of course negative, and it reflects the challenges facing Finlands economic outlook, he told Helsingin Sanomat. But the situation is not dramatic. Von Gerich said the downgrade could increase Finlands borrowing costs slightly but did not foresee a significant selloff of Finnish government bonds. Were talking about a few basis points in yields, he said. The states interest expenditure this year is projected to exceed three billion euros. Responding to the downgrade, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo called the news a serious signal and said it will be addressed in the upcoming government budget talks. The decision was not unexpected, Orpo wrote on X. The government has worked hard to improve the situation, but economic growth and cyclical conditions have been weaker than forecast. Finance Minister Riikka Purra said the country is on a concerning path and that more action will be needed. We cannot afford to wait, she said in a written statement. Further adjustment measures are needed, and they must continue over several government terms in order to bring the debt ratio down. Fitch also noted that the Orpo government has struggled to implement fiscal policy changes swiftly, pointing to political uncertainty and slow legislative timelines. In its previous assessment, Fitch had already warned that Finlands rating could be at risk if the public debt ratio continued to rise or if structural reforms failed to take hold. Finland is now rated at AA by Fitch, two notches below the top AAA rating. The country continues to hold AA+ ratings from S&P and Moodys. HT Speaking during an official visit to France, Valtonen told Yle that a bill passed by Ukraines parliament earlier this week had raised serious concerns in Finland and across the EU. The legislation would reduce the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office (SAPO). Finlands Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said Ukraine must continue its anti-corruption reforms if it hopes to advance towards European Union membership. The bill, passed quickly and without broad consultation, has prompted a request for clarification from Brussels. I contacted Ukrainian officials as soon as I learned about the bill, Valtonen said. This isnt just about EU accession. Its about the direction Ukraine is heading, one its citizens have worked and sacrificed for. The minister said that ongoing reforms must continue and that Finland stands ready to support them. She described EU membership as a potential outcome but not the sole purpose of reforms. A strong market economy, equal treatment under the law, and a working democratic system are essential, she said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to the criticism on Thursday by announcing that he had sent a revised version of the bill to parliament. He said the updated proposal would preserve the independence of the countrys anti-corruption agencies, though the new draft has not yet been made public. We will review the updated proposal once it's available, Valtonen added. Ukraine's bill has sparked protests and strong reactions within the country. Critics said the measure undermines years of progress in tackling corruption. The original bill was passed with limited debate, raising concerns among both Ukrainian civil society and international observers. EU leaders have repeatedly said that anti-corruption reforms are central to Ukraine's candidate status, which was granted in 2022. In addition to military support, EU institutions have provided financial and technical assistance for domestic reforms. The European Commission is scheduled to publish its next assessment of Ukraines progress later this year. Meanwhile, peace efforts between Ukraine and Russia remain stalled. A brief meeting between the two sides in Turkey earlier this month produced no significant outcome. Valtonen said the results were unsurprising, given Russias refusal to agree to a full ceasefire. She welcomed the latest EU sanctions on Russia and said continued international pressure remains crucial. Ukraine has suggested a summit between heads of state could take place before the end of August. Russia has said such a meeting would only be appropriate for signing a final agreement, not further talks. If the summit goes ahead, Finland would support it, Valtonen said. She also reaffirmed Finlands backing for the US aid package currently stalled in Washington and noted that military and humanitarian support must continue regardless of the pace of diplomatic developments. HT This night, long-range SBU drones hit the production facilities of the Stavropol radio plant "Signal" in Russia, a source in the security service told Interfax-Ukraine. This plant specializes in the production of various types of electronic warfare, radar, radio navigation equipment, remote control radio equipment and works for the Russian military-industrial complex. The plant is under international sanctions. One of the strikes fell on building No. 2 (workshop No. 5), where expensive imported equipment is located - machine tools based on numerical program control. The second hit was recorded in building No. 1, where the radio electronic devices shop No. 17 is located. "The SBU continues to systematically disable enemy facilities working for war against Ukraine. Each such defeat stops production processes and reduces the enemy's military potential. This work will continue in the future," the source said. Trump bill cuts $330,000 at Blue Ridge Public Radio Jeff Hunter and other staff at WHQR public radio in Wilmington work on a pledge drive on July 23, 2025, to shore up resources after the elimination of federal funding for public media. [JANE WINIK SARTWEL/Carolina Public Press] A local radio news briefing, childrens after-school PBS programming, emergency weather alerts during hurricanes, tunes during the commute home all could disappear under federal budget cuts to public media in North Carolina. Related Stories Thats thanks to a $1.1 billion cut to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting signed by President Donald Trump last week. NPR and PBS member stations in North Carolina and across the nation will no longer receive any federal funding or support. Across the state, local radio and TV stations are scrambling to develop contingency plans as they grapple with potential programming cuts and layoffs. Starting in 2026, PBS North Carolina will be short $4 million annually. WTVI, Charlottes PBS station, will lose $1.2 million annually, or 25% of its budget. For NPR member stations, the situation isnt much better. WUNC out of Chapel Hill and WFAE out of Charlotte will each lose approximately $800,000 from their annual budgets. WFAE has already laid off six employees. The station says it is working to avoid additional reductions in staff, but its too early to say definitively. Some Republicans in Washington say NPR and PBS are too left-leaning to be deserving of federal funding. President Trump characterizes the cuts as ending taxpayer subsidization of biased media. But North Carolinas public broadcasting stations provide far more than national NPR and PBS programming. Many serve as their communities primary source of local news, weather updates, emergency alerts and public service announcements. They offer advertising platforms for local businesses, classical music programming and educational content for schools. After Tropical Storm Helene devastated Western North Carolina, the only source of information amid the blackouts in many areas was radio. The service local stations provided was essential. The federal cuts will force stations nationwide to eliminate many of these local services. Stations are turning to individual donors, which make up the lions share of their budgets already, to increase their contributions. But some stations may be too crippled to continue at all. This will be a survival year, Kevin Crane, station manager at WHQR in Wilmington, told Carolina Public Press. WHQR will lose $174,000 in annual federal funding. I want to make sure people understand that this is not about saving money, Crane said. This is about journalism, and the fact that some people dont like it. Both WNCW out of Spindale and WBJD out of Atlantic Beach will lose 10 percent of their budgets. Blue Ridge Public Radio out of Asheville will lose $330,000 annually. WDAV out of Davidson stands to lose $250,000. But the cuts alone dont tell the full story. More than cuts to public media Music rights, satellite systems and emergency alert distribution: costs for all these services would be added to stations balance sheets. Some stations wont be able to bear them. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, or CPB, negotiated and paid for all the music played by its member stations. Without this service, stations will have to bear those costs themselves. Many, such as WFDD out of Winston-Salem, cannot. In just a few short months we may lose the music rights that allow us to play any music on the radio, Tom Dollenmayer, general manager of WFDD, told CPP. Simply put, without music licensing no music will be able to be broadcast on-air or online after Dec. 31, 2025. CPB also paid for the satellite distribution service that all local member stations use to share content and download programming from NPR. That centralized service is going away as well, and local stations are left to wonder how they will pay to keep it afloat. Many stations are concerned about their continued ability to receive and broadcast emergency alerts. Major controversies have sprung up in recent months about the inadequacy of existing emergency alert systems, including in the Texas floods, and this cut will further handicap that infrastructure. CPB received funding from FEMA to support the emergency alert system and the emergency readiness of all of the public media stations in the country. Now, both those agencies have lost substantial funding. If smaller stations can no longer support themselves, they will not be able to broadcast emergency alerts that come over the airways. For bigger stations, its a question of if and when equipment will fail or require upgrades. Maintaining that emergency infrastructure will require national and local oversight, according to Ju-Don Marshall, president of WFAE. Station managers across the state share those concerns about vulnerability of the emergency alert system. Right now, we have a strong structure and strong support, Paul Hunton, president of WUNC, told CPP. But the minute that emergency alert systems need upgrades, stations arent going to be able to pay for them, which really puts our listeners at risk and puts our communities at risk. According to Hunton, stations are exploring collaborative approaches to replace services that CPB once provided centrally. Together, they might be able to negotiate costs for music royalty rights and satellite distribution services, and not lose them altogether. Whether this kind of collaboration will occur remains to be seen. It could be a safety net for smaller stations. Growing news deserts These cuts will be felt most sorely in rural areas, where stations have smaller and less wealthy donor bases, according to Ele Ellis, president of Blue Ridge Public Radio. In some rural areas, public radio is the only place people can get news, the only place they can get weather, the only place they can get the city council meeting, Ellis said. Those stations are the ones that have very few staff and cant get by if they have to fire even just two people. That just makes more news deserts in America. Itll be hard in Asheville, for sure, but its going to be even harder in other places. When Helene struck, stations like Blue Ridge Public Radio and WNCW in Spindale were wholly dedicated to distributing information on how to get help and give help to survivors. Because of widespread power and internet outages, radio was often the only source of information in some areas in those early days. WBJD, also called Public Radio East, broadcasts in what is both a news desert and a hurricane-prone region. To maintain services, they will need to raise an additional $12,000 per month. In some areas, local radio stations are the only source of local news not owned by major corporations. But even in larger cities like Charlotte, there will be loss of local reporting and accountability journalism, according to Marshall of WFAE. That local focus is what distinguishes public radio from corporate-owned media, according to station managers. We are people who live in your community were your neighbors, were your friends, were your family, said Hunton of WUNC. In an era where were seeing a lot of media organizations being bought up by national conglomerates, the one thing that public media provides is truly local information, news and journalism from the people who live among you and who know whats going on in the community. Its local jobs. Its your local economy. Its information thats useful for your daily life. But it isnt just radio. The $4 million hit PBS North Carolina is taking will cripple the stations ability to fulfill their mission. These dollars are essential to the work we do every day from providing trusted educational programming for children and families, to maintaining critical emergency communication infrastructure across the state, to sharing stories that reflect the voices and experiences of North Carolinians, Allyson Meade, spokesperson for PBS NC, told CPP. Most stations are gearing up for pledge drives and emergency fundraisers in the coming weeks and months, racing against a New Years deadline when music licensing expires and satellite services shut down. Still, station managers, especially those with large listening bases, remain confident their communities will come through and are cautiously optimistic about their future. There is also some hope that Congress may provide some kind of exit-ramp funding. Theres always the potential to make the case that what we do, the emergency services and all of the large national infrastructure that local stations provide, is enough to ask Congress for additional funding or future funding, Hunton said. The clock, however, is ticking. * * * * * Jane Winik Sartwell is a staff reporter for Carolina Public Press, who focuses on coverage of health and business. Jane has a bachelor's degree in photography from Bard College and master's degree in journalism from Columbia University. She is based in Wilmington. Email Jane at jsartwell@carolinapublicpress.org to contact her. Why did NC lawmakers strip Warren Wilson College from Helene recovery bill? Damian Fernandez, the president of Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, addresses students in September 2024, after Tropical Storm Helene devastated the surrounding community. In the most recent Helene recovery package from the state allocated $500 million to help address remaining damage to Western North Carolina, more than $4 million went to small private colleges and universities in the area. Even so, Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, which says it sustained $12 million in damages, was not on the receiving end of any financial aid from the state. The Swannanoa Valley in eastern Buncombe County experienced devastating flooding from Helene when the river crested at 26.1 feet, the highest point since 1916. Warren Wilson Provost and Dean of the Faculty Jay Roberts said 60 campus buildings experienced either roof or flood damage. FEMA and the Army Corps of Engineers helped remove 70,000 cubic yards of debris at the school. The campus did not have drinking or running water for weeks, he said. Warren Wilson President Damian J. Fernandez issued a statement voicing his disappointment with the legislations exclusion of the college. He asked lawmakers to reconsider providing support when the legislature reconvenes later this month. Montreat College, located just 12 miles east of Warren Wilson, also experienced significant damage. Its gymnasium was the most impacted, and the college estimated it would take up to eight months to restore. Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk described its damage as moderate to Carolina Public Press in October. Three of its buildings were damaged by fallen trees, including a residence hall. But Montreat and Lees-McRae each received $1.5 million in the latest relief package. In addition, Mars Hill University received $500,000. Brevard College, Gardner-Webb University and Lenoir-Rhyne University each received $250,000. And despite initially being allocated $1.5 million when the House appropriations committee introduced the bill in May, Warren Wilson ultimately received nothing in the final version. State representatives in the area are saying the change-up was a political move. When the package was on the floor for a vote June 26, where it ultimately passed unanimously, state Rep. Lindsey Prather, D-Buncombe, pointed out Warren Wilsons lack of funding. Prather represents the 115th district, where Warren Wilson is located. Im confused and Im disappointed and Im very frustrated, Prather said on the floor. It certainly feels like the institutions in Buncombe which as a whole, received the most amount of damage are being carved out of this bill. I hope that this isnt politicization of recovery. Its hard not to read it that way. In addition to the lack of funding to Warren Wilson, Prather said an aspect of the funding allocated to the larger public universities also struck her as odd. Western Carolina University and Appalachian State University both received $2 million, whereas UNC-Asheville, also located in Buncombe County, had to share its $2 million with the North Carolina Arboretum. The arboretum is an affiliate of the UNC System, but is not directly under UNC-Asheville or any individual institution. Seeing as Montreat, a conservative religious college that is also located in Buncombe County, Prather told CPP these disparities make it seem as though institutions that are perceived as more progressive are being treated unfairly. While Warren Wilson is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and a member of the Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities, Roberts said he would describe the school as one with a historic religious affiliation rather than a religious college. Warren Wilson was one of eight private colleges and universities included in the original bill proposed by the House. Johnson C. Smith University, an HBCU in Charlotte, was also initially positioned to receive $500,000 then later removed. While Charlotte did not get the brunt of the storm, JCSU reported it had to close a residence hall due to water damage from Helene, leading the university to relocate more than 200 students. When the legislation made its way to the Senate, all higher education institutions were stripped from the bill entirely. It wasnt until the bill landed in the conference committee, a temporary joint committee created for the House and Senate to work out the bodies differences on a piece of legislation, that the six private schools and three UNC System schools made the final cut. The conference committee was composed of four Republican representatives and four Republican senators. None of them responded to multiple requests for comment from CPP. Prather said the makeup of the committee was disappointing but not surprising based on the current leadership in the legislature. Republican leaders in the legislature were the first to say that we all need to pull together for Western North Carolina and we cant politicize this, we all need to support our brothers and sisters, she said. And then they go and form a conference committee with only Republicans, including some Republicans that dont live in Western North Carolina. State Rep. Eric Ager, D-Buncombe, represented Warren Wilson in past iterations of the states districts. Now the college falls under Prathers jurisdiction, but it wasnt easy for her to get there. Ager believes its Prathers election that made Republicans strip Warren Wilson from the recovery package. When North Carolina was redistricted in 2023, Republicans used what Ager called a donut strategy, leaving Asheville as its own district in the middle and drawing two districts that lean more conservative, the 114th and 115th, around the city. Despite the 115th district appearing to be a Republican stronghold, Prather won the seat by a thin margin in 2024. Its hard to see any other reason why Warren Wilson was left out of Helene funding than politics, Ager said. Thats the only reason I can think of that makes Warren Wilson different, because the reality of it is they suffered a lot more damage than the other schools that were on the list, he said. Warren Wilson leaders were surprised by the colleges exclusion because the schools communication and relationships with lawmakers were positive throughout the storm and recovery efforts, Roberts said. They dont want to speculate on why Warren Wilson was cut, and theyre still working to get answers several weeks later. The college is attempting to be sensitive in the way it lifts up concerns about being excluded, Roberts said. He hopes all Americans understand that natural disasters are not political events. Natural disasters are when every American regardless of where they come from, what their political affiliation is gets support because we come together as a country during times like this, he said. I think that should be an understood, baseline expectation for everyone in whatever region of the country you come from, and thats certainly our expectation here. While the storm had a great impact on Warren Wilson, Roberts emphasized the impact Warren Wilson has on the state 40% of their students are from North Carolina, another 40% are Pell Grant eligible and the colleges presence contributes $50 million to North Carolinas economy, he said. Ager and Prather both said they hope proposed funding for Warren Wilson will be revisited, though they arent sure it would be a successful endeavor. * * * * * Kate Denning is a Carolina Public Press intern whose reporting focuses on education issues. She is a 2025 graduate of North Carolina State University. Email kdenning@carolinapublicpress.org to contact her. Heads of diplomatic missions of the G7 countries said they expect early adoption of the presidential bill on NABU and SAPO, as reported on the X platform on Friday. "G7 Ambassadors welcome the President's commitment to swiftly restoring and ensuring independence of anti-corruption agencies. Continued progress on anti-corruption and rule of law reforms is a demand of Ukrainian society, prerequisite for EU integration and key for business climate," the diplomats said on X. "We will continue to follow developments closely and look forward to seeing swift passage by the Rada," the G7 diplomats said. The White House demanded that journalists who won Pulitzer Prizes for coverage of Russian interference in the 2016 election have their awards stripped for "perpetuating a hoax." Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt bashed reporters during a White House press briefing Wednesday following a release from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence claiming to have uncovered "overwhelming evidence" that the reports were "manufactured" by former President Barack Obama. "This is truly one of the greatest political scandals in American history, and reporters at legacy outlets, some of which are sitting in this room today like the New York Times and the Washington Post were ridiculously awarded Pulitzer Prizes for their perpetuation of this hoax. It is well past time for those awards to be stripped from the journalists who received them," she said. Leavitt: Reporters at legacy outlets, some of which are sitting in this room today, were ridiculously awarded pulitzer prizes for their perpetuation of this hoax. It is well past time for those awards to be stripped. It is not journalism to propagate political disinformation in pic.twitter.com/ZMmzER4Aqj Acyn (@Acyn) July 23, 2025 The Washington Post and the New York Times both won a Pulitzer for National Reporting in 2018 for their coverage of the interference. Despite reports and conclusions from American intelligence and Department of Justice officials, President Donald Trump has continued to claim there was no interference. He previously requested that the Pulitzer Board take back the awards, but his appeal was denied, the New York Times reported in 2022. "It is not journalism to propagate political disinformation in service of the Democrat Party and those in the intelligence community who hand over out of context and fake intelligence to push a false political narrative," Leavitt continued. While Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's office claimed the Obama administration laid the groundwork for "a years-long coup against President Trump," the Senate Intelligence Committee investigation was actually led by Republicans. The 2020 report agreed with the results of a 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment, which concluded that Russian President Vladimir Putin directed a campaign to spread disinformation to hurt Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's campaign. Obama's office said in a statement that although it "does not normally dignify the constant nonsense and misinformation flowing out of this White House ... these claims are outrageous enough to merit one," before calling the Trump administration's release "ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction." The Trump administration has been under intense fire recently over the handling of the files on Jeffrey Epstein, following a report by the DOJ and FBI declaring that he had killed himself and had no client list. However, Trump called for "Grand Jury testimony" to be procured and released with a judge's approval after the Wall Street Journal reported that the president previously sent Epstein a drawing of a naked woman in a birthday message. Trump has denied the article's claims. Gabbard defended her office's release, stating on Newsmax Tuesday night, "We will be releasing further documents tomorrow that will refute that statement." Originally published on Latin Times A Republican lawmaker insisted that Americans have "been over" the Jeffrey Epstein case as backlash against the Trump administration for not releasing the files continues. Florida Rep. Carlos Gimenez called for the Trump administration to release the Epstein files so that they could "move on" in an interview with CNN Thursday. "This is much more important to a few people than it is to the vast majority of Americans. Americans, I think, are over the Epstein case. They have been over it for a long time. It keeps being brought up and that's why I think hey man, just release the things and this thing will go away," he said. Gimenez: "I haven't heard from my constituents. Americans are over the Epstein case. They have been over it for a long time ... we need to move on." pic.twitter.com/pRaT6gTb4E Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 24, 2025 The representative went on to say that the average American is more worried about "kitchen table issues" like the cost of living. "We got a lot more important things to do for the American people than what happened eight, 10, 20 years ago. It's already been resolved in court. The man was found guilty. He did some heinous things to young girls and he paid the ultimate price with his own suicide. We need to move on," Gimenez continued. Gimenez's statements come as his own party pushes for Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell to testify before lawmakers and DOJ and FBI officials in an attempt to get more clarity about the case. Calls for the Trump administration to release the files have intensified over the last few weeks following a report from the Department of Justice and the FBI declaring that Epstein killed himself and had no client list. Supporters of President Donald Trump and even MAGA influencers have expressed their disappointment in the report, demanding the full release of the files. Since the DOJ and FBI's memo, a report by the Wall Street Journal alleged that Attorney General Pam Bondi warned Trump that his name was in the Epstein files. Although that alone does not mean he may have committed a crime, this report came after the same publication issued a different report alleging Trump sent Epstein a drawing of a naked woman in a birthday message. Trump and the White House have denied both of these reports, and the president filed a lawsuit against the Journal following the first article. Democrats have since amped up calls for Bondi as well as FBI Director Kash Patel to testify before lawmakers about the results of their report and for more transparency on the files. Originally published on Latin Times Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was mocked on social media after insinuating that the Obama administration discouraged a peaceful transition of power by sharing reports on Russian interference in the 2016 election. During a Thursday interview on Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk's radio show "The Charlie Kirk Show," Gabbard defended her claim that the Obama administration releasing reports on attempts by Russian President Vladimir Putin to influence the 2016 election amounted to "treasonous conspiracy" because it affected the "peaceful transition of power." "In this system, there is to be a peaceful transition of power. What we saw play out here was President Trump was elected by the American people in 2016, shocking most people in the United States," Gabbard said. Tulsi Gabbard: "In this system, there is to be a peaceful transition of power ... so yes, this is a treasonous conspiracy" pic.twitter.com/QpbQvq8hTb Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 24, 2025 The top intelligence official went on to allege that "instead of accepting that this is the will of the people," former President Barack Obama convened his national security team to create "this contrived, false narrative through the production of this Intelligence Community Assessment in January 2017 with the specific intent of subverting the will of the American people." "So yes, this is a treasonous conspiracy that subverts the will of the American people," she continued, citing what she called the dissemination of a "hoax" that prompted years-long investigations. However, several social media users said that they found Gabbard's statements "hypocritical" given the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots where MAGA supporters stormed a federal building. President Donald Trump pardoned all those involved shortly after starting his second-term earlier this year. "Someone better let her know about January 6th," one user said. Another wrote, "Didn't Hillary Clinton call Trump the evening of the election to concede and congratulate him?" Someone better let her know about January 6th. SickoftheCrap (@SickoftheC) July 24, 2025 One person simply called Gabbard "delusional," while others shared clips and images from the Capitol riots to as evidence of what they believed a non-peaceful transition of power looked like. Silly us. We thought "peaceful transfer of power" meant something else entirely.https://t.co/r2Xwb0jLxs Fantasy Nerds (@ffnerd) July 24, 2025 "Silly us. We thought 'peaceful transfer of power' meant something else entirely," a user chided with a video of rioters pushing back against Capitol police. Peaceful Transition of Power! I think she is calling out her Boss!! David R Greenfield (@DavidCuse68) July 24, 2025 "Wasn't Trump the one they did that," one user questioned, as another jabbed, "I think she is calling out her Boss!!" Gabbard's office published a press release Friday claiming to have uncovered evidence of a "treasonous conspiracy" by the Obama administration, alleging that they fabricated the Russian election interference reports. Obama's office has pushed back against Gabbard's release, calling the allegations a "ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction." Originally published on Latin Times Thailand and Cambodia pounded each other with heavy artillery fire for a third day on Saturday, as a border conflict that killed at least 33 people and displaced more than 150,000 from their homes spread across the frontier. Clashes broke out for the first time in the countries' coastal regions where they meet on the Gulf of Thailand, around 250 kilometres (160 miles) southwest of the main frontlines thumping with blasts on Saturday afternoon. "It feels like I'm escaping a war zone," 76-year-old Samlee Sornchai told AFP at a temple shelter for evacuees in the Thai town of Kanthararom, after abandoning his farm near the embattled frontier. Both sides say they are open to a truce in the combat being fought with jets, tanks and ground troops, but have accused the other of undermining armistice efforts. Tensions initially flared over long-contested ancient temple sites before fighting spread along the countries' rural border region, marked by a ridge of hills surrounded by wild jungle and agricultural land where locals farm rubber and rice. Cambodia's defence ministry said 13 people have been confirmed killed in the fighting since Thursday, including eight civilians and five soldiers, with 71 people wounded. Thai authorities say 13 civilians and seven soldiers have been killed on their side, taking the toll across both nations higher than it was in the last major round of fighting between 2008 and 2011. Both sides reported a coastline clash around 5:00 am Saturday (2200 GMT Friday), with Cambodia accusing Thai forces of firing "five heavy artillery shells" into Pursat province, bordering Thailand's Trat province. The conflict has also forced more than 138,000 people to be evacuated from Thailand's border regions, and more than 35,000 driven from their homes in Cambodia. After an urgent UN Security Council meeting in New York on Friday, Cambodia's UN ambassador Chhea Keo said his country wanted a ceasefire. "Cambodia asked for an immediate ceasefire -- unconditionally -- and we also call for the peaceful solution of the dispute," he told reporters. Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said Saturday that for any ceasefire or talks to proceed, Cambodia needed to show "genuine sincerity in ending the conflict". "I urge Cambodia to stop violating Thai sovereignty and to return to resolving the issue through bilateral dialogue," Maris told reporters. Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said Friday, before the UN meeting was held, that Bangkok was open to talks, possibly aided by Malaysia. Malaysia currently holds the chair of the ASEAN regional bloc, of which Thailand and Cambodia are both members. Both sides have blamed the other for firing first. Additionally, Cambodia has accused Thai forces of using cluster munitions, while Thailand accused Cambodia of targeting civilian infrastructure, including a hospital hit by shells and a petrol station struck by at least one rocket. Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra -- still an influential figure in the kingdom -- visited shelters on Saturday to meet evacuees. "The military needs to complete its operations before any dialogue can take place," Thaksin told reporters. The fighting marks a dramatic escalation in a long-running dispute between the neighbours -- both popular destinations for millions of foreign tourists -- over their shared 800-kilometre (500-mile) border where dozens of kilometres are contested. A UN court ruling in 2013 settled the matter for more than a decade, but the current crisis erupted in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a clash on the border. The leak triggered a political crisis in Thailand as Paetongtarn -- Thaksin's daughter -- was accused of not standing up for Thailand enough, and of criticising her own army. She was suspended from office by a court order. China's Premier Li Qiang warned Saturday that artificial intelligence development must be weighed against the security risks, saying global consensus was urgently needed even as the tech race between Beijing and Washington shows no sign of abating. His remarks came just days after US President Donald Trump unveiled an aggressive low-regulation strategy aimed at cementing US dominance in the fast-moving field, promising to "remove red tape and onerous regulation" that could hinder private sector AI development. Opening the World AI Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai on Saturday, Li emphasised the need for governance and open-source development, announcing the establishment of a Chinese-led body for international AI cooperation. "The risks and challenges brought by artificial intelligence have drawn widespread attention... How to find a balance between development and security urgently requires further consensus from the entire society," the premier said. He gave no further details about the newly announced organisation, though state media later reported "the preliminary consideration" was that it would be headquartered in Shanghai. The organisation would "promote global governance featuring extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits", state news agency Xinhua reported, without elaborating on its set-up or mechanisms. At a time when AI is being integrated across virtually all industries, its uses have raised major questions, including about the spread of misinformation, its impact on employment and the potential loss of technological control. In a speech at WAIC on Saturday, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Geoffrey Hinton compared the situation to keeping "a very cute tiger cub as a pet". To survive, he said, you need to ensure you can train it not to kill you when it grows up. The enormous strides AI technology has made in recent years have seen it move to the forefront of the US-China rivalry. Premier Li said China would "actively promote" the development of open-source AI, adding Beijing was willing to share advances with other countries, particularly developing ones. "If we engage in technological monopolies, controls and blockage, artificial intelligence will become the preserve of a few countries and a few enterprises," he said. Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu warned against "unilateralism and protectionism" at a later meeting. Washington has expanded its efforts in recent years to curb exports of state-of-the-art chips to China, concerned that they can be used to advance Beijing's military systems and erode US tech dominance. Li, in his speech, highlighted "insufficient supply of computing power and chips" as a bottleneck to AI progress. China has made AI a pillar of its plans for technological self-reliance, with the government pledging a raft of measures to boost the sector. In January, Chinese startup DeepSeek unveiled an AI model that performed as well as top US systems despite using less powerful chips. In a video message played at the WAIC opening ceremony, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said AI governance would be "a defining test of international cooperation". The ceremony saw the French president's AI envoy, Anne Bouverot, underscore "an urgent need" for global action and for the United Nations to play a "leading role". Bouverot called for a framework "that is open, transparent and effective, giving each and everyone an opportunity to have their views taken into account". Li's speech "posed a clear contrast to the Trump administration's 'America First' view on AI" and the US measures announced this week, said WAIC attendee George Chen, a partner at Washington-based policy consultancy The Asia Group. "The world is now clearly divided into at least three camps: the United States and its allies, China (and perhaps many Belt and Road or Global South countries), and the EU -- which prefers regulating AI through legislation, like the EU AI Act," Chen told AFP. At an AI summit in Paris in February, 58 countries including China, France and India -- as well as the European Union and African Union Commission -- called for enhanced coordination on AI governance. But the United States warned against "excessive regulation", and alongside the United Kingdom, refused to sign the summit's appeal for an "open", "inclusive" and "ethical" AI. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen and US President Donald Trump said Friday they would meet in Scotland this weekend in a decisive push to resolve a months-long transatlantic trade standoff. In a drive to slash his country's trade deficits, Trump has vowed to hit dozens of countries with punitive tariff hikes if they do not hammer out a pact with Washington by August 1. The EU -- which is facing an across-the-board levy of 30-percent -- has been pushing hard for a deal with Trump's administration, while also planning retaliation should talks fall short. Von der Leyen first announced the meeting, writing on X: "Following a good call with POTUS, we have agreed to meet in Scotland on Sunday to discuss transatlantic trade relations, and how we can keep them strong." Arriving on UK soil late Friday, Trump confirmed he would meet the head of the European Commission, which has been negotiating with Washington on behalf of the 27-nation bloc. "I'll be meeting with the EU on Sunday, and we'll be working on a deal," he told reporters as he touched down at Prestwick Airport near Glasgow. "Ursula will be here -- a highly respected woman. So we look forward to that," Trump said. "We'll see if we make a deal," added the president -- who reiterated earlier comments saying the chance of a deal was "50-50", with sticking points remaining on "maybe 20 different things." "But we're meeting ... with the European Union. And that would be, actually, the biggest deal of them all, if we make it," he said. The high-level meeting follows months of negotiations between top EU and US trade officials, and days of signals suggesting the sides were moving towards an agreement. According to multiple European diplomats, the agreement under consideration would involve a baseline 15-percent US levy on EU goods -- the same level secured by Japan this week -- and potential carve-outs for critical sectors. Von der Leyen's spokesperson Paula Pinho said "intensive negotiations" had been taking place at technical and political level in the run up to Sunday's meeting. "Leaders will now take stock and consider the scope for a balanced outcome that provides stability and predictability for businesses and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic," she said. Hit by multiple waves of tariffs since Trump reclaimed the White House, the EU is currently subject to a 25-percent levy on cars, 50 percent on steel and aluminium, and an across-the-board tariff of 10 percent, which Washington threatens to hike to 30 percent in a no-deal scenario. The EU wants to avoid sweeping tariffs inflicting further harm on the European economy -- already suffering from sluggish growth -- and damaging a trading relationship worth an annual 1.6 trillion euros ($1.9 trillion) in goods and services. EU member states gave the European Commission a mandate to pursue a deal to avoid hefty US tariffs, with retaliation held out as a last resort if talks fail. Seeking to keep up the pressure in the final stretch of talks, EU states on Thursday backed a package of retaliation on $109 billion (93 billion euros) of US goods including aircraft and cars -- to kick in in stages from August 7 if there is no deal. Most states prefer a deal to no deal -- even with undesirable levies of 15 percent -- but exemptions are key, with aircraft, steel, lumber, pharmaceutical products and agricultural goods under discussion, diplomats said. Concerning steel, diplomats say a compromise could allow a certain quota to enter the United States, with amounts beyond that taxed at 50 percent. Since launching its tariffs campaign, Trump's administration has so far unveiled just five agreements, including with Britain, Japan and the Philippines. While EU hopes have been rising for a deal, the approaching August 1 deadline also comes with a sense of deja-vu: earlier this month, EU officials also believed they were on the cusp of a deal, before Trump hiked his tariff threat to 30-percent. "The final decision is in the hands of President Trump," an EU diplomat stressed this week. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy notes that we managed to thwart the Russian plan for Sumy region, and Ukrainian military continue to operate on Russian territory. "Special attention is paid to Pokrovsk axis. There were 51 fierce clashes there over the past 24 hours alone. Ukrainian units are defending their positions, and every destruction of the occupiers is very valuable. Our active actions in Sumy region continue, and I am grateful to every unit that is gradually squeezing out Russian forces," Zelenskyy said in Telegram channel on Saturday, talking about the report of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky. He also thanked Syrsky for "managing to thwart the Russian plan regarding Sumy region." "Although this region of ours remains one of the priority areas for the enemy, our forces consistently block Russian attempts to advance deep into Sumy region from the border. There are also results in the replenishment of the exchange fund for Ukraine in a week. We continue to operate on Russian territory," the president said. According to him, they discussed in detail the needs of our units specific weapons, the supply of which needs to be increased. "Next week, I will talk about this with partners," Zelenskyy said. He gave the NSDC secretary separate tasks to attract external financing for the production of drones. This year's production of drones will significantly exceed the indicators expected at the beginning of the year. "There was a report by the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service: an analysis of the application of sanctions against Russia, key results, key priorities. The sanctions have significantly slowed down Russia's economic potential, and we have chosen directions that can have an additional painful impact on the aggressor. Today there was a report by the head of the Intelligence Agency without details, but the aggressor will feel everything exactly as it should," the Supreme Commander-in-Chief also added. The Easter period usually offers a rare respite in Gedeb, in Ethiopia's deeply troubled north, but on April 17 death rained from the skies in this sleepy town caught up in a war between rebels and the army. On this important holiday for Ethiopian Orthodox and Protestant Christians, many families had gathered in the morning to repair the local primary school. But out of the blue, shortly before 11:00 am (1400 GMT), "a drone fired on the crowd and pulverised many people right in front of my eyes", a resident told AFP. Ethiopia and many other African nations are increasingly turning to drones as a low-cost means of waging war, often with mixed military results but devastating consequences for civilian populations. Last year, Ethiopia carried out a total of 54 drone strikes, compared to 62 attacks in Mali, 82 in Burkina Faso and 266 in Sudan, according to data collected by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), a US-based monitor. According to one of two Gedeb residents contacted by AFP, the strike killed "at least" 50 people, and according to the second, more than 100 -- a figure corroborated by several local media outlets. It is one of the deadliest in a series of drone attacks since the conflict began in August 2023, pitting the Ethiopian army against the Fano, the traditional "self-defence" militias of the Amhara ethnic group. A shoe seller at the scene, whose nephew was killed instantly, also blamed an armed drone that continued to "hover in the air" some 20 minutes after the strike. "The sight was horrific: there were heads, torsos and limbs flying everywhere and seriously injured people screaming in pain," he recalled. Ethiopian authorities have not released any information about this attack in Amhara, where the security situation makes some areas very difficult to access and communications are subject to significant restrictions. The Ethiopian army's use of drones, which began during the bloody Tigray War (2020-2022), has since spread to the Amhara and Oromia regions amid multiple insurgencies. In the Amhara region alone, now the hardest-hit, at least 669 people have been killed in more than 70 drone strikes since 2023, according to ACLED data analysed by AFP. Remotely piloted aircraft used for reconnaissance and strikes -- low-cost technologies now ubiquitous in current conflicts and particularly in Ukraine -- are generating massive interest in Africa. Some 30 African governments have acquired drones, according to data cross-referenced by AFP from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) "Military Balance" and the Center for a New American Security's Drone Proliferation Dataset. For decades, wars in Africa had been fought on land, conducted primarily by light and mobile infantry units. "Drones offer sub-Saharan African militaries more affordable and flexible access to air power, which has been out of reach until now due to its cost and operational complexity," said Djenabou Cisse, a west African security specialist at the Foundation for Strategic Research. Countries like China, Turkey and Iran have the advantage of selling drones "without attaching any political conditionality related to respect for human rights", she added. Among African military commands, the most popular is undoubtedly the Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drone, which, along with its big brother, the Akinci, has dethroned the Chinese Wing Loong in recent years. The TB2 made a notable appearance in 2019 in Libya, the first African theatre of drone warfare, between the Ankara-backed Government of National Accord and its eastern rival, Marshal Haftar, equipped with Chinese weapons supplied by the United Arab Emirates. The following year, its deployment in the Karabakh region during the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and then in Ukraine starting in 2022, boosted its popularity. Orders soared and waiting lists grew. While contract details are kept secret, experts consulted by AFP estimate that a "system" of three drones costs nearly $6 million -- significantly less than the several tens of millions for a fighter jet or combat helicopter. This offsets its rather average performance, with a range limited to 150 kilometres (75 miles). The TB2 is produced by private company Baykar, headed by the son-in-law of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. It "is now an integral part of Turkey's foreign policy, whose strategy is to export its military products worldwide," said Batu Coskun, a researcher at the Sediq Institute in Tripoli. The growing footprint of Turkish drones in Africa is partly due to the fact that unlike the West, Ankara is free from the cumbersome export control procedures for military equipment. "It's essentially at the president's discretion," he said. After severing ties with former colonial ruler France, the military regimes of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have turned to Turkish drones to attack jihadist fighters as well as separatists. In December last year, the Malian army eliminated a leader and several members of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), a pro-independence coalition, in a drone attack. In November 2023, drones played a decisive role in the recapture of the northern Malian city of Kidal from predominantly Tuareg rebels. A senior Malian officer praised the "discretion" of Turkish military cooperation. "When you pay for military equipment in the West, it has to go through political agreements, negotiations," he said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "With Turkey, we have a speed that we don't have elsewhere, not even in Russia or China," two countries that also supply military equipment, he added. According to a young Malian surveillance drone pilot, who also wished to remain anonymous, the Turkish aircraft "are easy to pilot, which means we don't need a long training period". In Chad, four Turkish drones have replaced French fighter jets at the forward bases they occupied until N'Djamena ended its military cooperation agreements with France at the end of 2024. The latter had repeatedly provided air support to help the Chadian government halt the advance of rebels threatening the capital. The capital N'Djamena is equipped with only five Russian Sukhoi aircraft and as many ageing Mi-24 helicopters. Contrary to Franco-Chadian relations, "there is no military cooperation agreement (between N'Djamena and Ankara) but a trade agreement that allows us to acquire military equipment", a Chadian officer told AFP. Turks are present to provide technical assistance and the former French bases are "entirely in the hands of the Chadian military", the same source added. This flexible cooperation on drones clearly illustrates the desire of some African leaders to "assert their sovereignty and greater strategic autonomy". said researcher Djenabou Cisse. On the ground, however, the tactical and strategic gains from the use of drones do not always materialise, several experts said. "Drones alone cannot defeat an adversary," Cisse said, adding: "We saw this in Libya, where both sides had sophisticated drones, and more recently in Sudan, where each side uses drones, but with very unequal capabilities." "Not only have these countries failed to fully stabilise but conflicts have often become entrenched or even escalated," the researcher added. Drones are proving especially decisive in open terrain, when the enemy is unable to disperse and hide as is the case with jihadists in the Sahel, according to a detailed study by the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP). In Ethiopia, they helped turn the tide of the conflict in Tigray at a key moment, giving a decisive advantage to federal forces without, however, securing a definitive victory. In the summer of 2021, a large column of Tigray rebel forces, which reached within 200 kilometres of Addis Ababa and threatened to seize the capital, was stopped by the arsenal of drones deployed by the government. Analysis of satellite images by Dutch peace organisation PAX at several Ethiopian air bases confirmed the presence of TB2s and, more recently, the Akinci, as well as Chinese Wing Loongs and Iranian Mohajer-6s. These drones have "significantly increased the Ethiopian army's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, as they can prowl for nearly 24 hours, track enemy movements, identify their positions, provide targeting information or directly strike targets," Wim Zwijnenburg, a drone specialist for PAX, told AFP. While the fighting subsequently focused primarily on Tigray, it continued into 2022 and high tensions remain in the region despite the conclusion of a fragile peace agreement, while other hotbeds of violent insurrection have spread to Amhara and Oromia. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, winner of the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize for his peace efforts with neighbouring Eritrea, is now regularly accused of indiscriminate abuses against the population. "The drones continued to target civilians despite the presence of sophisticated sensor systems, high-definition cameras and night vision," supposedly allowing for better threat identification, said Zwijnenburg, deploring "a lack of operator training or, in the worst case, a deliberate decision". In Gedeb, the small Amhara town targeted during Passover, residents contacted by AFP said there had been no fighting in the area in the run-up to the attack. They live in constant fear now. "We are ready to flee to the bush at any moment in the event of a sudden drone strike," said one of them. "We live in extreme fear." France's highest court Friday annulled a French arrest warrant against Syria's ex-president Bashar al-Assad -- issued before his ouster -- over 2013 deadly chemical attacks. The Court of Cassation ruled there were no exceptions to presidential immunity, even for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. But its presiding judge, Christophe Soulard, added that, as Assad was no longer president after an Islamist-led group toppled him in December, "new arrest warrants can have been, or can be, issued against him" and as such the investigation into the case could continue. Human rights advocates had hoped the court would rule that immunity did not apply because of the severity of the allegations, which would have set a major precedent in international law towards holding accused war criminals to account. They said that, in this regard, it was a missed opportunity. "This ruling represents a setback for the global fight against impunity for the most serious crimes under international law," said Mazen Darwish, the head of the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression, a civil party to the case. French authorities issued the warrant against Assad in November 2023 over his alleged role in the chain of command for a sarin gas attack that killed more than 1,000 people, according to US intelligence, on August 4 and 5, 2013 in Adra and Douma outside Damascus. Assad is accused of complicity in war crimes and crimes against humanity in the case. Syrian authorities at the time denied involvement and blamed rebels. The French judiciary tackled the case under the principle of universal jurisdiction, whereby a court may prosecute individuals for serious crimes committed in other countries. An investigation -- based on testimonies of survivors and military defectors, as well as photos and video footage -- led to warrants for the arrest of Assad, his brother Maher who headed an elite army unit, and two generals. Public prosecutors approved three of the warrants, but issued an appeal against the one targeting Assad, arguing he should have immunity as a head of state. The Paris Court of Appeal in June last year however upheld it, and prosecutors again appealed. But in December, Assad's circumstances changed. He and his family fled to Russia, according to Russian authorities, after Islamist-led fighters seized power from him. In January, French investigating magistrates issued a second arrest warrant against Assad for suspected complicity in war crimes for a bombing in the Syrian city of Deraa in 2017 that killed a French-Syrian civilian. The Court of Cassation said Assad's so called "personal immunity", granted because of his office, meant he could not be targeted by arrest warrants until his ouster. But it ruled that "functional immunity", which is granted to people who perform certain functions of state, could be lifted in the case of accusations of severe crimes. Thus it upheld the French judiciary's indictment in another case against ex-governor of the Central Bank of Syria and former finance minister, Adib Mayaleh. He has been accused of complicity in war crimes and crimes against humanity over alleged funding of the Assad government during Syria's civil war. Mayaleh obtained French nationality in 1993, and goes by the name Andre Mayard on his French passport. Darwish, the Syrian lawyer, said that part of the court's ruling was however a "great victory". "It establishes the principle that no agent of a foreign state, regardless of the position they hold, can invoke their immunity when international crimes are at stake," he said. Syria's war has killed more than half a million people and displaced millions from their homes since its eruption in 2011 with the then-government's brutal crackdown on anti-Assad protests. Assad's fall on December 8, 2024 ended his family's five-decade rule. Hong Kong police announced bounties Friday for information leading to the arrest of 19 overseas activists, accusing them of national security crimes. Political dissent in Hong Kong has been quashed since Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law in 2020 after huge, sometimes violent pro-democracy protests the year before. Many opposition figures have fled abroad, while others have been arrested and sentenced to years in jail. Police said the 19 activists were involved in what they called a "subversive organisation", Hong Kong Parliament -- a pro-democracy NGO established in Canada. On July 1, Hong Kong Parliament said on social media that it was holding an unofficial poll online to form a "legislature", aimed at "opposing one-party dictatorship and tyranny and pursuing Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong". In a statement on Friday, police accused the group of seeking to "unlawfully overthrow and undermine the fundamental system" of the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities. The investigation into the organisation is ongoing, the police said, warning that they "will offer bounties to hunt down more suspects in the case if necessary". They also called on the accused to "return to Hong Kong and turn themselves in, rather than make further mistakes". A reward of HK$200,000 ($25,500) each was offered for 15 of the activists, while the four others were already wanted for HK$1 million, the statement said. The bounties are seen as largely symbolic given that they affect people living abroad in nations unlikely to extradite political activists to Hong Kong or China. Friday's announcement is the fourth time the financial hub's authorities have offered rewards for help capturing those alleged to have violated the city's national security laws. "The Hong Kong government is deepening repression in Hong Kong, extending its long arm abroad and seeking to silence the diasporas," Human Rights Watch's Maya Wang said in a statement to AFP. According to the Hong Kong police's website, as of Friday there are now 34 people wanted for national security offences, including secession, subversion, or foreign collusion. Previous rounds of bounties were met with intense criticism from Western countries, with Hong Kong and China in turn railing against foreign "interference". Hong Kong has also previously cancelled the passports of other pro-democracy activists on its wanted list, under its second homegrown national security law enacted in 2024. As of July 1, authorities had arrested 333 people for alleged national security crimes, with 165 convicted in Hong Kong. Earlier this month, Hong Kong police arrested four people, including a 15-year-old, who were allegedly part of a group in Taiwan that called for the overthrow of the Chinese Communist Party. This week police said they had arrested an 18-year-old for writing "seditious words" on a toilet wall in a commercial building. Photo: https://www.ntv.com.tr/ Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced the achievement of an "agreement in principle" on organizing a summit of the leaders of Ukraine and Russia in Turkey. Speaking on the Turkish NTV channel about the last Ukrainian-Russian meeting in Istanbul, Fidan noted: "During the meeting, the conditions under which and how the leaders should come together were discussed. An agreement in principle was reached on organizing a summit of the leaders in Turkey." "The negotiating delegations have a lot of work to do here. Now, when they are speaking slowly, I see a desire for such a meeting. If this continues, I believe that a solution will emerge. Not everyone has the opportunity to take the initiative. We are trying to create a favorable environment," Fidan said. As reported, on Friday, Russian president's press secretary Dmitry Peskov, answering the question of whether the prospect of a meeting between the heads of Russia and Ukraine has become more real following the third round of Ukrainian-Russian talks in Istanbul and whether the Kremlin considers the deadline proposed by Ukraine, by the end of August, for its holding, to be realistic, Peskov said: "A meeting at the highest level can and should put a final stop to the settlement and fix all the modalities and agreements that are to be worked out during the expert work. It is impossible to do the opposite." Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, co-author of the bill on sanctions against Russia, welcomed the steps of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to adopt the bill that restores the independence of the NABU and the SAPO. "Ukrainians are demonstrating democracy in action. I hope Zelenskyy will continue to show transparency and anti-corruption commitment. His credibility and support depend on it," Blumenthal said on the X platform on Friday. Peru's Tourism Sector Projected to Reach Record $23 Billion Contribution to GDP in 2025 - Image Credit Unsplash+ The WTTC, in collaboration with Oxford Economics, forecasts that by the end of 2025, the tourism sector in Peru will contribute over $23 billion to the national economy, representing a 6.9% increase from the previous year. This contribution is expected to account for 7.8% of Peru's GDP. The Economic Impact Report (EIR) by the WTTC estimates that the sector will support 1.17 million jobs in Peru by the end of 2025, accounting for 6.6% of the country's total employment. This represents an 8.4% increase in employment compared to 2019 levels. Domestic tourism spending in Peru is projected to reach $12 billion by the end of 2025, reflecting a 6.5% year-on-year growth. International tourism is expected to generate over $5 billion, a 9.4% increase from the previous year. In 2024, the tourism sector contributed $21.6 billion to Peru's GDP, accounting for 7.5% of the national economy, and supported 1.11 million jobs, equivalent to 6.4% of total employment. International spending reached $4.7 billion, nearly 22% higher than the previous year, while domestic tourism spending was $11.4 billion, marking a year-on-year growth of over 9%. Leisure travel accounted for more than 86% of total tourism spending in 2024, with business travel comprising 13.8%. The primary source markets were Chile (25%), the United States (18%), and Ecuador (8%). Looking ahead to 2035, the WTTC projects that Peru's travel and tourism sector will contribute $34.3 billion to the national economy, representing 8.5% of GDP. Employment in the sector is expected to reach 1.4 million jobs by 2035, with the creation of 278,500 new positions over the next decade. International visitor spending is anticipated to reach $9.4 billion by 2035, while domestic spending is projected to exceed $16 billion, reinforcing tourism as a significant economic sector in Peru. Regionally, the travel and tourism sector in Central and South America contributed $358.7 billion to GDP in 2024, accounting for 7.5% of the regional economy. This represents a growth of over 9% from 2019 levels. Employment in the sector reached 17.5 million jobs, or 8% of total regional employment, with a year-on-year increase of 4.4%. For 2025, the WTTC forecasts that the regional travel and tourism sector will contribute $372 billion to GDP, representing 7.6% of the economy. Employment is expected to rise to 18.2 million jobs, accounting for 8.2% of total regional employment. Teacher of the Month: Cindy Dickinson PITTSFIELD, Mass. School is out, but learning continues at Hancock Shaker Village. For the past 10 years, Cindy Dickinson has served as the museum's education director, developing engaging educational materials for the museum's visitors, which has earned her the iBerkshires.com Teacher of the Month designation. The Teacher of the Month series, in collaboration with Berkshire Community College, will feature distinguished teachers nominated by community members. You can nominate a teacher here "I'm proud to reflect a 65-year tradition of educating the public I've always loved museums growing up, and as I became interested in the possibility of teaching or educating, museums seemed like a really good career for me," Dickinson said. "Museums, to me, are the classroom that everyone feels comfortable in and can engage in and find some connection to something that they might not have realized they were interested in." Dickinson said she is very fond of Hancock Shaker Village's model because of the many different ways that people can experience the museum. The village is largely a self-guided model, featuring formal talks, craft demonstrations, and other activities that visitors can participate in. Additionally, it offers a series of school field trips that engage students from kindergarten through 12th grade. It also has summer programming for kids between the ages of 6 and 14. When people think of education at Hancock Shaker Village, Dickinson is the first person who comes to mind for many, said Carrie Holland, the village's director and CEO. For many Berkshire County residents, field trips to the farm and its hands-on material are a core memory, whether it's from their experiences in textiles, architecture, or the farm. "So, when we think of education, there are a lot of children facing programs some are on the farm, which is a beautiful summer program, our hatch program, which brings Cindy and our egg incubators into classrooms, and the field trips. A lot of children have those memories and have those educational moments," Holland said. "And that's a lot of Cindy herself, as well as the team that she manages. So I think that's a huge impact that she's had over the years." It was said that thousands of people are impacted by the educational material created alongside Hancock Shaker Village staff. The museum has approximately 3,000 students participating in its school field trips, around 60 students in its summer programs, and five to six interns. However, this does not include the visitors the museum receives on a daily basis. The adult learning opportunities are another significant layer of Dickinson's impact. There are numerous workshops, holiday events like "Haunted Hancock," special lecture series, guided tours of the museum, and more, Holland said. Dickinson is "one of the fuels that keeps the village going," said Jaycee Babbs, village interpreter. She develops all of the museum's interpretive programming, creates the lectures and programming, writes the educational panels, and more, he said. "They're written in a very accessible way that no matter how much knowledge you have, whether you're an expert or you're a novice, you can really understand and digest that information," Babbs said. "She also makes sure that everybody knows that they're appreciated, and she brings that into the classroom and brings that into anywhere that we're educating. She always makes sure that everybody is considered and makes sure that everybody is comfortable and is learning what they would like to learn." It is very important to have someone like Dickinson to enhance visitor experience at a museum, he said. I feel like visitor experience is something that can kind of get jammed into a number of categories, and it's one of those things that needs to be its own thing as a practice," Babbs said. "I like to say that in the education department, we do work a lot with visitors, and we make sure that their experiences are as educational and as great as possible." "One of the things that did attract me to Hancock Shaker Village is the fact that we have an excellent working farm," Dickinson said. The farm introduces people to what a farm is all about, what life is like on a farm, and how to take care of animals in a responsible way, she said. Dickinson was introduced to the Shakers in middle school in Kentucky and has been fascinated by them ever since. The Shakers are a wonderful entry point into understanding how we live together as a society. [They] in many ways, do not live the way most of the rest of us do, and yet they have thrived." Although the Shakers shared the values of our society is committed to equality, peace, and harmony their ways of living were different, Dickinson said. Another aspect that interested Dickinson in the Village is the opportunity to remind visitors "that there are other models and ways of living that we can explore and consider as we choose our own paths for how we want to live our lives," she said. "And helping people to get to know this really wonderful religion and the people who have practiced it for 250 years." Dickinson has worked in museums since graduating from the University of Delaware, where she participated in the Winterthur Program in American Material Culture. From there, she went on to work at Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst for 19 years. "That was a very interesting experience. Dickinson's house is owned by Amherst College and was a small house museum. During the time I was there, working with other colleagues, it expanded into a two house museum and really became an interesting destination for visitors," Dickinson said. "I got to do a lot of exhibits and program planning, and really had a great, great career-building experience there." Photo: MFA of Ukraine Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha welcomed the position of the G7 countries, expressed in the joint statement of the ambassadors, as Sybiha said on the X platform on Friday. "We welcome the Group of Seven's clear position. We share the same goal a strong, prosperous, and resilient Ukraine as an indivisible part of the Euro-Atlantic community. We remain committed to reforms on our path to the EU and NATO, the fight against corruption, and independent anti-corruption infrastructure. Open dialogue and unity are key on this path," Sybiha said in a post on X. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Hong Kong police announced rewards for information leading to the arrest of 19 overseas-based activists for their roles in what they called a subversive organisation abroad, accusing them of violating a national security law imposed by Beijing. Police said in a statement Friday that the group, Hong Kong Parliament, aimed to promote self-determination and establish a so-called Hong Kong constitution," alleging it was using illegal means to overthrow and undermine China's fundamental system or overthrow the institutions in power in the city or China. On request by the police, the citys court issued arrest warrants for activists Elmer Yuen, Johnny Fok, Tony Choi, Victor Ho, Keung Ka-wai and 14 others. They are alleged to have organised or participated in an election abroad for the Hong Kong Parliament, as well as setting up or becoming members of the group. According to a Facebook statement by the group on 30 June, its election drew some 15,700 valid votes through mobile app and online voting systems. It said the candidates and elected members came from various regions, including Taiwan, Thailand, Australia, the US, Canada and Britain. On Friday, the UK condemned the Hong Kong authorities for offering rewards in exchange for assisting in the arrest of these activists. "The Hong Kong Police Force's issuing of further arrest warrants and bounties on individuals living in the UK is another example of transnational repression," Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said in a joint statement. While the group calls itself Hong Kong Parliament, its electoral organising committee was founded in Canada and its influence is limited. Among the 19 activists, police have already offered 1 million Hong Kong dollars ($127,400) for information leading to the arrest of Yuen, Ho, Fok and Choi when previous arrest warrants were issued against them. For the remaining 15 people, rewards of 200,000 Hong Kong dollars ($25,480) were offered, urging residents to provide information about the case or the people. The investigation is still ongoing. If necessary, police will offer bounties to hunt down more suspects in the case, police said. Images of five activists Simon Cheng, Frances Hui, Joey Siu, Johnny Fok, and Tony Choi are displayed during a press conference to issue arrest warrants in Hong Kong ( REUTERS ) They also called on those wanted to stop their actions while they still can, saying that they hoped the activists will take this opportunity to return to Hong Kong and turn themselves in, rather than making more mistakes. Over the past two years, Hong Kong authorities have issued arrest warrants for various activists based overseas, including former pro-democracy lawmakers Nathan Law and Ted Hui. They also canceled the passports of some of them under a recent security law introduced to the city last year. The moves against overseas-based activists have drawn criticism from foreign governments, especially given the former British colony was promised that its Western-style civil liberties and semi-autonomy would be kept intact for at least 50 years when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997. In March, the United States sanctioned six Chinese and Hong Kong officials who it alleged were involved in transnational repression and acts that threaten to further erode the citys autonomy. But Beijing and Hong Kong insist the national security laws were necessary for the citys stability. Hong Kong police have maintained that the Beijing-imposed law applies to permanent residents in Hong Kong who violate it abroad. In retaliation to the U.S. move, China in April said it would sanction U.S. officials, lawmakers and leaders of non-governmental organisations who it says have performed poorly on Hong Kong issues. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Preliminary results of Taiwans unprecedented polls reveal voters have rejected the bid to oust about one-fifth of its lawmakers with alleged close ties with Beijing. Early trends after one hour of poll counting point to a lead in favour of most of the 24 lawmakers from the opposition Nationalist Party, KMT, Taiwan News reported. Thousands turned out to cast their votes in ballots across several schools, community centres and temples in Taiwan. The independence-leaning ruling Democratic Progressive Party won last year's presidential election, but the China-friendly Nationalists, also known as the KMT, and the smaller Taiwan People's Party have enough seats to form a majority bloc. Those who supported removing the 24 lawmakers were angry that the KMT and its allies blocked key legislation, especially the defence budget, and passed controversial changes that are seen as diminishing the power of the executive and favouring China, which considers the island its territory. open image in gallery A supporter of the recall election takes pictures with a mascot in Taipei on 22 July 2025, ahead of the recall votes, which will be held on 26 July ( AFP/Getty ) The opposition parties' actions sparked concerns among some Taiwanese about the island's democratic integrity and its ability to deter Chinese military threats, leading to the recall campaigns. The scale of the recall elections is unprecedented, with another seven KMT lawmakers facing similar votes on 23 August. But the KMT alleged the ruling party was resorting to political retaliation after it lost the legislative majority, saying the recalls were undermining and challenging Taiwan's democratic system. The KMT holds 52 seats, while the ruling DPP holds 51 seats. For the DPP to secure a legislative majority, at least six KMT lawmakers would need to be ousted, and the ruling party would need to win all by-elections, which would need to be held within three months following the announcement of results. For a recall, more than a quarter of eligible voters in the electoral district must have voted in favour of the recall, with the total number of supporters exceeding those against. The poll closed at 4 pm. local time. With vote counting still underway, the overall trend is against the recall. One closely fought campaign centred on KMT Caucus Whip Fu Kun-Chi, who served as Hualien County chief before being elected to the Taiwanese parliament. Early trends suggest he would survive the recall. open image in gallery Supporters and volunteers of the recall group gather outside of a metro station shouting 'Great recall, great success' in Taipei on 22 July 2025 ( AFP/Getty ) The elections have intensified tensions between those backing the status quo and those favouring improved ties with Beijing. Critics accuse China-friendly politicians of compromising Taiwan and take issue with their meetings with mainland Chinese politicians. But these Taiwanese politicians claim their connections are vital for dialogue given Beijing's refusal to interact with the DPP. When asked about the recall election, China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian said in June that since the administration of Taiwan president Lai Ching-te came into power, it has sought to achieve "one-party dominance" and practiced "dictatorship" under the guise of "democracy", state broadcaster CCTV reported. She was quoted as saying that Mr Lai's government has spared no effort in suppressing opposition parties and those who supported the development of cross-strait relations. Taiwan's mainland affairs council said Wednesday that the Chinese authorities and state media had tried to blatantly interfere with the vote. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Unprecedented polls are underway in Taiwan as the island votes to decide whether to oust 24 of its parliament lawmakers, who were only elected into office eighteen months ago. Voters are queuing up in schools, temples, and community centres to cast their ballots on whether to oust about one-fifth of their lawmakers, all from the opposition Nationalist Party, in what is being called the Great Recall Movement that could reshape the power balance in the island. If more than six lawmakers are recalled, it could shift the balance of power in the parliament in favour of Taiwanese president Lai Ching-te, who wants Taiwan to forge a future separate from China, against an opposition largely seen as favouring close ties with Beijing. open image in gallery A voter on a wheelchair (2nd R) is brought to a booth after arriving at a polling station by ambulance to vote in the recall election in Taipei on July 26, 2025 ( AFP via Getty Images ) The poll sees close competition between Taiwans major political parties, the DPP, the KMT, and their allies. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Taiwans independence-leaning ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won last year's presidential election for an unprecedented third term over a platform that strongly rejected Chinas territorial claims over Taiwan. The party came to power by winning 40 per cent of the votes, even though its share of the vote had decreased compared to the previous election. open image in gallery Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te (C) attends the "Sea Safety No.12" exercise, ( AFP via Getty Images ) Soon after coming to power, Mr Lai, 64, a former doctor who had served as vice-president to Tsai Ing-wen since 2020, said Taiwan would continue to walk side by side with democracies around the world. The DPP-led government has tried to highlight the Taiwan identity as something unique and different from that of China. However, many Taiwanese citizens have expressed concern that this approach could continue to put the island under threat from Beijing, which has upped its military exercises around Taiwan in recent years. Kuomintang (KMT) Although the DPP won the presidential elections, it was a coalition led by the China-friendly Nationalists, or Kuomintang (KMT), that got enough seats to form a majority bloc in the islands parliament. The KMT has been accused by the ruling party of blocking key legislation, especially the defence budget, and of passing legislative changes favouring China, which considers Taiwan a part of its own territory. open image in gallery Opposition Kuomintang (KMT) legislators gesture during the central government budget for 2025 at Parliament in Taipei on January 21, 2025 ( AFP via Getty Images ) It has succeeded in passing three controversial bills and budget cuts to the 2025 national budget, which together were seen as strengthening the powers of parliament at the cost of the executive. All the lawmakers currently facing recall belong to the KMT, the largest party in the legislature with 52 seats. With the election commission scheduling recall polls for seven more KMT legislators on 23 August, nearly one-third of all legislative constituencies face the vote, mostly concentrated in the north and urban regions. Taiwan Peoples Party (TPP) The TPP is a smaller party and a relative newcomer in the race, gathering strong support among young people disillusioned by the ruling and main opposition parties. It controls eight of the Taiwanese parliaments 113 seats and works in a coalition with the KMT to wield control over the legislature. Beijing The relations between Taiwan and mainland China have been central to the recall mandate. Many supporters of the recall movement point to close ties between some KMT officials and leaders in mainland China. open image in gallery A placard reading "Never forget 6.4", during a vigil of the 36th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown at Liberty Square on June 04, 2025 in Taipei, Taiwan ( Getty Images ) In April, some KMT legislators travelled to the mainland and met with Beijings chief theoretician Wang Huning, a member of the Politburo Standing Committee, raising concerns that KMT leaders could be taking orders from Beijing. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A temple town, a mystery whistleblower and a chilling confession: allegations of rape, murder and the secret burial of hundreds of women and girls over two decades have shocked the quiet holy town of Dharmasthala in southern Indias Karnataka state. His face hidden behind a black hood, the whistleblower appeared before a local court earlier this month carrying skeletal remains that he claimed were taken from a mass burial site of sexual assault victims. The man claimed to be a former sanitation worker at the Dharmasthala temple and alleged he was forced into secretly disposing of hundreds of bodies, many of which showed signs of brutal violence and sexual assault. In a written complaint to the police chief of Dakshina Kannada district, the man, whose identity is being withheld for his safety, said he worked under duress for nearly 20 years before fleeing into hiding with his family in 2014. Driven by guilt, remorse and haunting nightmares, he had returned after more than a decade to expose the horrific crimes he allegedly witnessed during his time working at the temple. According to his testimony and redacted complaint, seen by The Independent, the alleged rape, torture and murder of girls and women and the disposal of their remains occurred between 1995 and 2014. The whistleblower demanded exhumation of the hundreds of corpses he claimed to have buried and an investigation so that justice could be ensured for the victims who were denied dignity even in death. His lawyer, KV Dhananjay, told The Independent this was an unprecedented case where the witness had come forward not only with his testimony but also evidence, demanding accountability. open image in gallery Food being served to hundreds of pilgrims at the Manjunatha Temple kitchen. Around 10,000 pilgrims pass through the temple every day ( Getty ) Here is the individual who says that it is not the fear of law but the fear of conscience and fear for morality that has brought him back, Dhananjay said. In the last 100 years of court judgments, you dont find a parallel. The emergence of a whistleblower has put the spotlight on hundreds of cases of women and girls who were found dead or reported missing in and around Dharmasthala over the years, many of which were ignored or not formally investigated by police. Nearly two weeks after the man filed his complaint, Karnatakas state government constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to look into the allegations. Nestled in the lush Western Ghats on the banks of the Netravati river, Dharmasthala is a major Hindu pilgrimage site. The medieval Shri Manjunatha Temple, dedicated to the deity Shiva and managed by a family, attracts millions of devotees to the small town every year. The whistleblower said he was from the Dalit community, the lowest rung of the Hindu caste system, and worked at the temple from 1995 to 2014. What began as regular employment later turned into work of covering up evidence of extremely horrific crimes, he alleged. He fled in 2014 when the mental torture I was experiencing became unbearable. The tipping point came after a young girl was sexually harassed, he alleged, prompting him to run away. open image in gallery His face hidden behind a black hood, the whistleblower who says he was asked to secretly dispose of bodies appeared before a local court earlier this month ( X/@business_today ) He and his family went into hiding in a neighbouring state, he claimed, constantly changing residences in fear for their lives. In a chilling first-person account, the man said he found corpses washed up on the riverbank and assumed they were suicides or accidental drownings. But he soon noticed that most of them were women, and many were naked or semi-naked and showed signs of violence. It was in 1998 when he was first asked to secretly dispose of the bodies, he alleged. When he refused, he was allegedly beaten and threatened. We will cut you into pieces. Your body will also be buried like the other corpses. We will sacrifice all your family members, he alleged he was told. He claimed that many of the victims he ended up burying in secret were minor girls and women subjected to brutal sexual violence. They bore torn clothes, acid burns, and other injuries. In a particularly distressing case in 2010, the man said he was ordered to bury a girl he estimated was 12 to 15 years old. She was still wearing her school uniform shirt but other garments were missing. She had a school bag. Her body showed clear signs of sexual assault. There were strangulation marks on her neck, the whistleblower said in his testimony. They instructed me to dig a pit and bury her along with her school bag. That scene remains disturbing to this day. He also claimed that destitute men were murdered at Dharmasthala and similarly buried. The man alleges that he was a witness to these murders. According to the lawyer, the corpses were not buried in designated cemeteries but on open land. These were not organised interments sanctioned by any authority but random burials, hidden and illegal, he said. The whistleblower said he kept silent for years out of fear but the insurmountable sense of guilt and recurring nightmares became too much to bear. I can no longer bear the burden of memories of the murders I witnessed, the continuous death threats to bury the corpses that I received and the pain of beatings that if I did not bury those corpses, I would be buried alongside them, he said. Dhananjay said the whistleblowers claims described a place where ordinary laws just dont work at all. Now if it is true, one must assume that if somebody goes missing in such a place, the police are simply not going to record it, he said. But just because we are unable to explain the past, the rocks should not blind us to the present. The lawyer said the whistleblower took matters into his own hands because he expected little from police. Before coming to us, he went to one such burial site, exhumed the remains, and handed them over to the court, he said. So now, the court has half the picture. The other half is for police to take him to the site where the recovery was made. They have not done that either. This man was not wanted. There were no pending investigations against him. No one was even looking for these bodies. By not acting, police are sending a message to the world that this man may be telling the truth. In a statement issued on Sunday 20 July, the temple authorities said they support a fair and transparent investigation. Truth and belief form the foundation of a societys ethics and values. We sincerely hope and strongly urge the SIT to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation and bring the true facts to light, said K Parshwanath Jain, the official spokesperson for Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala. The whistleblower hasnt named any of the people he claims are responsible. He has sought protection from the court first, saying he will disclose more details once he and his family receive proper protection. Should anything happen to him before he is able to reveal the names, he has said, Dhananjay will open a sealed version of his full testimony. The truth about these tragedies must not die with me, he said in his testimony. Karnataka State Commission for Women chair, Nagalakshmi Chowdhary, told The Independent that the appointment of a special investigation team was a significant step. She referenced the anguish of families still waiting for answers. An old woman is still hoping to recover the remains of her daughter just so she can perform her last rites, she said. Thats why I wrote to the Karnataka government, and within four or five days they constituted the SIT. If you are a child and you need help because something has happened to you, you can call Childline free of charge on 0800 1111. You can also call the NSPCC if you are an adult and you are worried about a child, on 0808 800 5000. The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (Napac) offers support for adults on 0808 801 0331. Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/ Head of the President's Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak held a series of meetings and consultations with foreign partners on current issues of security, reforms, the progress of the peace process, as well as coordination of bilateral relations in the field of military cooperation, according to the presidential website on Friday. Meetings were held with U.S. Charge d'Affaires ad interim to Ukraine Julie Davis and Ambassador of Germany Martin Jaeger. In addition, Yermak had a call with National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Jonathan Powell; Deputy Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy, Pietro Carini; Advisor for Continental Europe and Turkiye to the President of France Bertrand Buchwalter; and Ukraine Assistant to Germanys National Security Advisor, Elena Siegmann. "Andriy Yermak informed them about the results of the meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul. A key outcome of the talks was the preliminary agreement to exchange at least 1,200 prisoners of war on each side. In addition, Ukraine underscored its proposal to hold a leaders-level meeting between Ukraine and Russia, with the participation of the Presidents of the United States and Turkiye, by the end of August," the presidential portal said. Yermak informed the partners about the ongoing work on legislative initiatives aimed at increasing the efficiency and independence of anti-corruption institutions. It was noted that the relevant proposals have already been submitted to the parliament for consideration. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Thailand has mobilised gunboats to patrol its province bordering Cambodia as conflict between the two nations enters the third day, with death toll climbing to 33 and tens of thousands seeking refuge. The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting behind closed doors late Friday in New York, while Malaysia, which chairs the 10-nation regional bloc that includes both countries, called for an end to hostilities and offered to mediate. The council did not issue a statement, but a council diplomat said all 15 members called on the parties to deescalate, show restraint and resolve the dispute peacefully. It also urged the regional bloc, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, known as ASEAN, to help resolve the border fighting, the diplomat said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the meeting was private. The Thai army said five more people died on Friday, increasing the toll from the conflict to 33 fatalities so far. Thailands navy joined the army in the border conflict on Saturday. Cambodias UN Ambassador Chhea Keo told reporters that his country, which called for the emergency meeting, asked for immediate ceasefires, unconditionally, and we also call for the peaceful solution to the dispute. He responded to accusations that Cambodia attacked Thailand, asking how a small country with no air force could attack a much larger country with an army three times its size, stressing, We do not do that. open image in gallery ( AFP via Getty Images ) UN Security Council urges restraint by both sides Mr Keo said the Security Council called for both sides to exercise maximum restraint and resort to diplomatic solution which is what Cambodia is calling for as well. Asked what he expects next, the ambassador said: Lets see how the call can be heard by all the members there. Thailands UN ambassador left the meeting without stopping to talk to reporters. The Thai Health Ministry on Friday said more than 58,000 have fled from villages to temporary shelters in four affected border provinces, while Cambodian authorities said more than 23,000 people have evacuated from areas near the border. The latest flare-up in a long-running border dispute between the two countries has killed at least 19 people in Thailand mostly civilians while Cambodia said Saturday that 12 people more people have killed on its side, bringing its death toll to 13. Thailands acting prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, said Friday that Cambodia may be guilty of war crimes due to the deaths of civilians and damage caused to a hospital. He said Thailand had exercised the utmost restraint and patience in the face of provocations and aggression from Cambodia. Tensions over a disputed border area erupted into fighting after a land mine explosion along the border wounded five Thai soldiers on Wednesday. open image in gallery Cambodia Thailand ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Clashes break out across border areas The Thai military reported clashes early Friday in multiple areas along the border, including near the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple claimed by both sides. Associated Press reporters near the border could hear sounds of artillery from early morning hours. The Thai Army said Cambodian forces had used heavy artillery and Russian-made BM-21 rocket launchers, prompting what Thai officials described as appropriate supporting fire in return. Early Saturday, Cambodian Gen Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, told reporters Saturday that seven more civilians and five soldiers have died from two days of fighting. It earlier reported one fatality a man who was killed when the pagoda he was hiding in got hit by Thai rockets. The Cambodian Education Ministry claimed that on Friday two Thai rockets had hit a school compound in Oddar Meanchey but caused no injuries. It said all schools in the province have been closed. The Thai Army denied it targeted civilian sites in Cambodia, and accused Cambodia of using human shields by positioning their weapons near residential areas. open image in gallery ( Handout ) Thousands flee villages near the border As the fighting intensified, villagers on both sides have been caught in the crossfire, leading many to flee. Around 600 people took shelter at a gymnasium in a university in Surin, Thailand, about 80km (50 miles) from the border. Evacuees sat in groups, on mats and blankets, and queued for food and drinks. Seamstress Pornpan Sooksai was accompanied by four cats in two fabric carriers. She said she was doing laundry at her home near Ta Muen Thom temple when shelling began Thursday. open image in gallery ( REUTERS ) I just heard, boom, boom. We already prepared the cages, clothes and everything, so we ran and carried our things to the car. I was frightened, scared, she recalled. Rattana Meeying, another evacuee, said she had also lived through the 2011 clashes between the two countries but described this flare-up as worse. Children, old people, were hit out of the blue, she said. I never imagined it would be this violent. At the nearby Phanom Dong Rak hospital, periodic explosions could be heard Friday, and a military truck arrived with three injured Thai soldiers, including one who had both legs severed. Thursdays shelling shattered windows at one of the hospitals buildings and damaged its roof. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice China has dismissed allegations that it was supplying weapons to Cambodia amid its ongoing border conflict with Thailand, which has led to at least 33 deaths and hundreds of thousands displaced. Chinese officials denied supplying any new weapons or military support to the Cambodian Armed Forces amid the conflict, which has spilled into its third day. Senior Col Sheng Wei, deputy director of the Asia division of the Office of International Military Cooperation (OIMC) of Chinas People Liberation Army, said all the Chinese military equipment currently possessed by Cambodia are the result of historical cooperation projects. Since tensions began along the Thailand-Cambodia border, China has not provided any military equipment to Cambodia for use against Thailand. Please do not believe fake news generated by malicious actors, Col Sheng Wei said, according to The Straits Times. The conflict began on Thursday, with the two nations trading air strikes along contested stretches of their 817km border. More than a dozen people were killed on the first day of conflict, prompting hundreds of thousands to evacuate from border areas between the two nations. Royal Thai Army soldiers are pictured on armoured vehicles on a road in Chachoengsao province ( AFP via Getty Images ) Thailand reported clashes in multiple areas along the border on Friday, including near the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple, which is claimed by both nations. The Thai Army accused Cambodian forces of using heavy artillery and Russian-made BM-21 rocket launchers, prompting them to engage in what they called appropriate supporting fire in return. Thailand's UN ambassador Cherdchai Chaivaivid called Cambodia's actions a flagrant act of aggression and a serious breach of international law. Thailand further strongly condemns Cambodias indiscriminate attacks against civilians, civilian objects, and public facilities, particularly hospitals, which constitute a flagrant violation of the Geneva Conventions of 1949, the Thai UN ambassador said. Thailand also blamed Cambodia for laying new landmines one of which injured a Thai soldier- and called for a quick military response. Cambodia, on the other hand, accused Thailand of launching air strikes and dropping bombs on roads inside its territory. It expressed outrage at Thailands use of what it claimed was a large amount of cluster munitions, labelling it a violation of international law. Both sides claim to have acted in self-defence. Cambodia also said it sought a peaceful solution to the dispute. Cambodias UN Ambassador Chhea Keo told reporters that the country asked for immediate ceasefires, unconditionally. He responded to accusations that Cambodia attacked Thailand, asking how a small country with no air force could attack a much larger country with an army three times its size. Cambodia has a defence budget of $1.3bn in 2024 with 124,300 active military personnel, compared to Thailands well-funded military that has a defence budget of $5.73bn in 2024 and over 360,000 active army personnel. The conflict has entered its third day on Saturday, with the death toll climbing to 33 and tens of thousands seeking refuge. Amid speculations of China providing weapons to the Cambodian army, a Chinese delegation meeting Thai officials in Beijing requested that its clarification be communicated to the Thai public in the interest of regional stability and trust. The delegation said the Chinese weapons in the Cambodian armoury are from past military cooperation agreements, adding that no new military support has been provided. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An Illinois landlord who brutally stabbed a six-year-old boy to death in a hate crime has died in prison. Three months ago, Joseph Czuba was sentenced to 53 years behind bars for the attack. He was found guilty in February of murder, attempted murder and hate-crime charges in the death of Wadee Alfayoumi and the wounding of the boys mother, Hanan Shaheen. The 73-year-old Czuba targeted them in October 2023 because of their Islamic faith and as a response to the war between Israel and Hamas, which started days earlier. Czuba died Thursday in the custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections, the Chicago Sun-Times reported, citing the Will County Sheriffs Office. The law enforcement agency did not return a call seeking comment on the death. Joseph Czuba, the landlord convicted of killing a Muslim boy, has died in prison. ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Ahmed Rehab, the executive director of Council on American-Islamic Relations Chicago office, said in a statement on Saturday that this depraved killer has died, but the hate is still alive and well. Evidence at trial included harrowing testimony from Shaheen and her frantic 911 call, along with bloody crime scene photos and police video. Jurors deliberated less than 90 minutes before handing in a verdict. The family had been renting rooms in Czubas home in Plainfield, about 40 miles from Chicago when the attack happened. Central to prosecutors case was harrowing testimony from the boys mother, who said Czuba attacked her before moving on to her son, insisting they had to leave because they were Muslim. Prosecutors also played the 911 call and showed police footage. Czubas wife, Mary, whom he has since divorced, also testified for the prosecution, saying he had become agitated about the Israel-Hamas war, which had erupted days earlier. Police said Czuba pulled a knife from a holder on a belt and stabbed the boy 26 times, leaving the knife in the childs body. Some of the bloody crime scene photos were so explicit that the judge agreed to turn television screens showing them away from the audience, which included Wadees relatives. The attack renewed fears of anti-Muslim discrimination and hit particularly hard in Plainfield and surrounding suburbs, which have a large and established Palestinian community. Wadees funeral drew large crowds, and Plainfield officials have dedicated a park playground in his honor. Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Researchers are deploying an unlikely ally in the effort to improve hurricane forecasting. Three sharks fitted with sensors are swimming in warm Atlantic Ocean waters to collect critical hurricane data, a contrast to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations usual flying Hurricane Hunters in the skies. The ocean is so huge, so enormous, that its just inaccessible to anything, for the most part, Aaron Carlisle, a University of Delaware marine ecologist leading the effort, told The Washington Post. But by instrumenting the animals that live out there, he said, you can basically turn them into these ocean sensors that are constantly collecting data. The sharks are collecting information on water conductivity and temperature. Record sea surface temperatures have fueled particularly large and strong hurricanes in recent years. The temperatures are the result of a warming planet and human-caused climate change. open image in gallery Researchers are turning to sharks to provide hard-to-get ocean data that could help forecast hurricanes. Sensors attached to the sharks can aid in their understanding of the path and strength of the cyclones ( Trophic and Spatial Ecology Research Lab ) Its unclear whether the sharks will ever get close to the cyclones. But, by monitoring the temperature, the scientists can better understand what the U.S. is in for each hurricane season, including where the hurricanes will go and if theyre supercharged. Sharks, a keystone species and an apex predator, have a unique access to data that has been hard to get. Weather satellites are unable to see past the oceans surface and the robotic gliders that scientists send to the continental shelf are effective but slow and expensive to maintain. The tags on the sharks have the ability to collect that data more efficiently. Two mako sharks are tagged to measure temperature, depth, and conductivity. A white shark has a satellite tag to help evaluate if the species could be a good candidate for similar tagging in the future. They may also test hammerheads and whale sharks. Sharks are faster than [robotic] gliders. They can stay out for longer periods of time, Caroline Wiernicki, a shark ecologist and Ph.D student working with Carlisle, told The Post. So the hope is that we can have these sharks go out and work in concert with existing monitors, she said. The research is being led by Carlisle and fellow University of Delaware professor Matt Oliver. They are working with the NOAAs Mid-Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Ocean Observing System the regional arm of the agencys Integrated Ocean Observing System program. In the future, the plan is to tag dozens of sharks a year and feed that data into hurricane computer models. So far, Carlisle told The Post that one of the two sharks has relayed temperature data back to them, but the other has been swimming in water too shallow for the sensor to turn on. The researchers said that they chose the makos because they often return to the surface, allowing the tags to send the data to satellites for the scientists to retrieve. Able to reach swimming speeds of over 40 miles per hour, shortfin makos are the fastest sharks in the ocean. Following a review, NOAA said in 2022 that it would not list them as a threatened or endangered species. They are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. open image in gallery The University of Delaware researchers fitted two mako sharks with tags to track water conductivity, temperature, and depth. In the future, they hope to tag more species, but assure that they do everything they can to minimize the impact on the subjects ( Trophic and Spatial Ecology Research Lab ) Right now, one in three species of sharks and rays are threatened with extinction. Overfishing has driven global shark and ray numbers down by more than 70 percent since the 1970s, according to the International Fund for Animal Welfare. The charity notes that humans kill around 190 sharks per minute and 100 million sharks each year in commercial fisheries. The researchers explained to USA Today that they did not expect the sensors to have much harmful impact on their test subjects and that they undergo a thorough permitting and review process. We do everything we can to minimize the impact of puncturing the animals fins, Carlisle told The Post. We all love the animals, so we dont want to hurt them. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An elite unit of detectives is being convened to monitor social media for anti-migrant posts. The National Internet Intelligence Investigations team will operate from the National Police Coordination Centre (NPoCC) in Westminster, drawing officers from forces across England and Wales. The unit will be tasked with flagging early signs of potential civil unrest and maximising social media intelligence, after last years riots exposed gaps in police planning. Home Office ministers say it will give local commanders national support to spot and respond to online threats. The move comes as protests outside asylum hotels spread across the country. On Saturday, crowds gathered in Norwich, Leeds and Bournemouth to demand action, with further demonstrations planned. Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner warned the cabinet that ministers must tackle the real concerns that people have about immigration to prevent disorder. Critics seized on the plan, branding it disturbing and warning of freespeech infringements. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp accused the government of trying to police what you post, what you share, what you think because it cant police the streets itself. Labour have stopped pretending to fix Britain and started trying to mute it, he added, accusing ministers of favouring surveillance over frontline policing. The NPoCC, which led the nationwide police response to Covid lockdowns under Operation Talla, will coordinate the new unit. Details of the unit emerged in a letter to MPs from Dame Diana Johnson, the policing minister, published before parliaments summer recess and were revealed by The Telegraph. She confirmed ministers were acting on recommendations from the Commons home affairs committee and His Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, both of which urged a nationally coordinated socialmedia monitoring capability. Dame Diana wrote that the new team will provide a national capability to monitor social media intelligence and advise on its use to inform local operational decisionmaking, helping forces to manage publicsafety threats and risks. While initial funding runs until 2026, she said future support would depend on spending priorities. A Home Office spokesperson said: This new team will help police forces track real-time information and protect communities from incidents and emergencies before they escalate. As part of the governments Plan for Change, we are restoring visible, neighbourhood policing, focused on the publics priorities, including halving knife crime and violence against women, clamping down on theft and anti-social behaviour, and ensuring that people can feel safe in their own high streets. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Police are offering 20,000 for any information about the fatal stabbing of a 20-year-old man in an east London park, one year after his death. Imran Maroof, 20, was killed on 27 July last year following reports of a fight in Plashet Park, Newham. Police officers arrived at the scene at 7.38pm to find the young man suffering from stab injuries. Despite attempts by the emergency services to stabilise Mr Maroof, the Metropolitan Police said he was pronounced dead at the scene. A 16-year-old boy, who could not be named for legal reasons, was arrested the following month in connection with the murder and later appeared at Bexley Magistrates Court. However, the case against him was subsequently dropped. A police spokesperson confirmed that no charges were brought. Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Townsend, from Specialist Crime South, said Mr Maroofs murder had a profound impact on the young mans family, adding that the Met remains committed to finding his killer. Imrans family and friends continue to live with the trauma, she said. One year has passed since this senseless killing, and the Met remains committed to bringing those who killed Imran to justice. If you were in the vicinity of Plashet Park on the day of the stabbing or know anything that could help us, we need you to contact us. Police have released a photo of the victim and confirmed that the independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to 20,000 for information. Alexa Loukas, London regional manager for Crimestoppers, said: We know that some people may be reluctant or worried to speak directly to the police with information, which is why Crimestoppers is here. We are completely independent and guarantee you will remain 100 per cent anonymous when you contact us. We offer a safe way for anyone to come forward and tell us what they know, but not who they are. We are unable to identify any phone numbers or IP addresses if you are reporting online. Imrans family deserve answers and we hope this reward will encourage someone to do the right thing and speak up with any information that may help the police. Anyone with information is urged to call 101, quoting crime reference 6541/27JUL. Alternatively, to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A 3-year-old boy who was in the care of a contractor for Alabamas human resources department died on Tuesday after a transport driver left him alone in a hot car for around five hours. The child was identified by the Jefferson County Coroner's Office as Ketorrius "KJ" Starks Jr, of Bessemer, according to AL.com. The vehicle was left in the driveway of a home with the windows rolled up. Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates said the boy had been left in the car from 12.30 p.m. until around 5.30 p.m. He was pronounced dead at 6.03 p.m. Temperatures were in the mid-to-high 90s on Tuesday afternoon in the area, but with humidity factored in, it would have felt as high as 103 degrees at 1 p.m. and 100 degrees by 5 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. According to the boy's aunt, Brittney Debruce, the boy was in the custody of the Alabama Department of Human Resources and was living at a foster home. Ketorrius Starks Jr, 3, of Alabama, died after he was left in a hot car for five hours by a contract worker for the state's Department of Human Resources ( Debruce/Starks families ) When the foster parent went to pick the boy up from daycare, he was not there. According to Debruce, a transport driver who was as a contractor for the DHR driving children to visitations picked the boy up and took him to a DHR office in Bessmer for a scheduled visit with his father. After the visit, Ketorrius was never brought back to the day care. Debruce and the Birmingham police eventually found the child inside the car. The boy's mother was then notified that her son had died, leaving the family distraught. "We don't know what's going on," Debruce told AL.com. The DHR provided a statement to AL.com about the incident. A child in DHR custody was being transported by a contract provider when the incident occurred. The provider has terminated their employee. Due to confidentiality, DHR cannot comment further regarding the identity of the child or the exact circumstances," the agency said. Birmingham police are investigating the childs death. The company that picked up Ketorrius is called The Covenant Services. According to the Debruce family attorney, Courtney French, after the driver took Ketorrius from his visit with his father, the worker stopped to grocery shop and to buy tobacco. The worker then returned home and left the boy in the car. The Independent has requested comment from The Covenant Services. This is a heartbreaking and preventable tragedy. French told the outlet. She estimated that with the heat index the day of the incident hitting 108 degrees Farhenheit, the temperature inside the car was likely around 150 degrees. Ketorrius's parents issued a statement, calling the situation their "worst nightmare." "Our baby should be alive," the parents said. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The House Ethics Committee has told Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, to make more payments over her Met Gala Tax the Rich outfit. While the Met Gala is always an eye-catching affair, in September 2021, Ocasio-Cortez stunned onlookers with a Brother Vellies custom white mermaid gown that had the words Tax the Rich written in red on the back. At the time, the congresswoman explained on Instagram she wanted to bring attention to the idea of raising taxes for the wealthiest Americans by doing so in front of the very people who lobby against it, per the Daily News. The event cost $35,000 per person at that time, The New York Times reported. For years, the ethics panel has been investigating Ocasio-Cortezs attendance at the 2021 Met Gala, and now it says she must make additional payments worth nearly $3,000 in relation to the event. open image in gallery The House Ethics Committee has told Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, to make more payments over her Met Gala 'Tax the Rich' outfit ( Getty ) open image in gallery The House Committee found AOC failed to fully comply with the Gift Rule ( Getty ) The panel released a report Friday stating the estimated rental cost the congresswoman had paid for the dress and some of her accessories in 2022 was below fair market value. The Committee found that she failed to fully comply with the Gift Rule by impermissibly accepting a gift of free admission to the 2021 Met Gala for her partner [Riley Roberts] and by failing to pay full fair market value for some of the items worn to the event, the report read. But the panel did not find evidence Ocasio-Cortez intentionally underpaid for any goods or services related to the gala. In many instances, the congresswoman relied on the advice of counsel in determining appropriate payment amounts, and most discussions about payment were handled through a campaign staffer, the report read. open image in gallery Ocasio-Cortez stunned onlookers with a Brother Vellies custom white mermaid gown that had the words Tax the Rich in red on the back ( Getty ) Ocasio-Cortez previously paid just shy of $1,000 for her Met Gala outfit, but the panel found its fair market value to be worth more than $3,700. The panel said the congresswoman did make significant steps to comply with House gift rules and advised her to pay an additional $2,733.28 to settle the matter. The congresswoman was also advised to donate $250 to the Mets Costume Institute for the cost of Roberts meal at the 2021 gala. Mike Casca, Ocasio-Cortezs chief of staff, said in a statement obtained by The Hill, The Congresswoman appreciates the Committee finding that she made efforts to ensure her compliance with House Rules and sought to act consistently with her ethical requirements as a Member of the House. She accepts the ruling and will remedy the remaining amounts, as shes done at each step in this process, Casca added. The Independent has reached out to the congresswomans office for comment. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Tennessee police officer who taught drug prevention to children was betrayed by his own bodycam after it captured him having an affair with a school teacher. Brian Gilley, who has since been dismissed from the Lebanon Police Department, is accused of engaging in sexual activity with Shelby Moss inside school property while on duty. The bodyworn footage, obtained by WZTV, showed the pair kissing in a classroom in August 2024, moments after a child leaves the room. The video was blurred to hide the youngsters identity. Moss worked at the Castle Heights Elementary School, in Lebanon, and Gilley had been assigned to work there as a Drug Abuse Resistance Education officer. The Lebanon Police Department said that a month later in September, another incident took place after classes had ended, during which the two engaged in sexual activity though there is no footage of that incident. open image in gallery A Tennessee police officer has been fired after his bodycam footage outed him as having an affair with a school teacher in her own classroom. Pictured, teacher Shelby Moss, who has since resigned over the incident ( WZTV ) Gilley later said he was unsure whether any students were still on school grounds at the time. According to Fox, Gilley denied the allegations in an internal interview, telling investigators that no sexual contact occurred while he was on duty. But he later admitted to the relationship and resigned soon after. During a decertification hearing in April 2025, Gilley asked for forgiveness, saying: I know Ive done wrong, but Ive also impacted that community in so many ways. It was a mistake and it will never happen again. He added he was very embarrassed by his conduct. In May 2025, the Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission voted to decertify Gilley, who is now barred from serving in law enforcement in the state. In a statement, Lebanon Police Department Chief, Mike Justice, said: While Gilleys actions did not align with our departments standards or policies, the conduct was not criminal in nature, did NOT involve children, and did NOT occur in the presence of children or in the classroom. open image in gallery The bodyworn footage showed the pair kissing in a classroom in August 2024, moments after a child leaves the room. The video was blurred to hide the youngsters identity. ( WZTV ) We hold our officers to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. Gilleys actions fell short of those expectations that our community demands and deserves. LPD reported that Moss was married at the time of this relationship with Gilley. She received a two-day suspension earlier this year but later resigned in May. A spokesperson for the Lebanon Special School District told Fox Nashville that the district had been made aware that a teacher engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a police officer after hours while on campus, in December 2024. The District immediately conducted a thorough investigation and took appropriate disciplinary action in line with our policies and procedures, the spokesperson said. We want to assure our families and community that we take all concerns seriously and act promptly to maintain a safe and respectful learning environment for everyone." The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Fossils of an ancient shark species have been discovered in a Kentucky cave, officials announced during Shark Week. The Discovery Channel isnt the only one educating shark lovers this week. Mammoth Cave National Park recently announced the discovery of an ancient shark species with unique teeth. The ancient shark species, known as Macadens olsoni, is notable for its unique tooth whorl, a curved row of teeth designed for crushing small sea creatures, Mammoth Cave said in a press release issued Thursday. open image in gallery Fossils of an ancient shark species have been discovered in a Kentucky cave, park officials announced ( Mammoth Cave National Park ) The shark species likely grew to less than a foot long and probably ate mollusks and worms, according to the park. The fossils were found in the Ste. Genevieve Formation, which dates back to around 340 million years ago, when Mammoth Cave was submerged in a warm, shallow sea. This discovery is a remarkable addition to our understanding of ancient marine life and underscores the importance of preserving and studying our natural history, Mammoth Cave Superintendent Barclay Trimble said. The shark species was named after Mammoth Cave and Rickard Olson, a retired park scientist, who played a crucial role in documenting shark fossils in the park as part of a recent Paleontological Resource Inventory, according to the park. open image in gallery The ancient shark species, known as Macadens olsoni , is notable for its unique tooth whorl, Mammoth Cave National Park said ( Mammoth Cave National Park ) This finding not only enhances our knowledge of ancient marine ecosystems but also emphasizes the critical role of paleontological research in our national parks, Trimble said. He added: Every discovery connects the past with the present and offers invaluable educational opportunities for students and the public. At least 70 species of ancient fish from more than 25 caves and cave passages have been identified at Mammoth Cave, including more than 40 species of sharks and relatives. Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua Another girl was returned to government-controlled territory of Ukraine, Head of the President's Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak said. "As part of the initiative of the President of Ukraine Bring Kids Back UA, another Ukrainian teenage girl was returned from the Russian territory. The 18-year-old girl spent three years in Russia, where her family was forced to leave Mariupol in 2022," Yermak said in the Telegram channel on Saturday. According to him, despite everything, the girl "did not stop studying at a Ukrainian school online and even before she came of age began to plan her return, the other day she crossed the border and is already safely in the free territory of Ukraine." Yermak also thanked the Helping to Leave team for their support and assistance in rescuing the girl. The conspiracies began circulating before the proverbial ink was dry. Jeffrey Epstein, the billionaire financier and convicted child sex offender, dead after apparent suicide in New York jail, ran the headline in The Washington Post on 11 August 2019 (single quote marks theirs). The Boston Globe too described it as an apparent suicide. Epsteins jail death gets US scrutiny, said The Philadelphia Inquirer. When FBI agents arrested Epstein after his private jet landed in New Jersey a month earlier and charged him with sex-trafficking minors in Florida and New York, his victims waited to learn the truth. After his death, the voices clamouring for transparency got louder. As did those claiming conspiracy. A year on, when his former girlfriend, British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, was arrested by the FBI at a secluded property in New Hampshire, they didnt stop. And they didnt quieten when Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for conspiring with Epstein to sexually abuse minors. Over the years, conspiracy theories have abounded of deep state cover-ups, speculation that rich and powerful men had been involved in an elite sex-trafficking ring, and that Epstein had been murdered so their identities would never be revealed. Donald Trump, on the presidential campaign trail in 2024, fanned the flames further when he announced hed seek to open the governments Epstein files should he be elected. When he did win the presidency, his attorney general, Pam Bondi, spoke of an Epstein client list sitting on her desk. We knew that a cast of celebrities and politicians were in Epsteins black book names like Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew, Tony Blair, Bill Cosby, and Woody Allen. But how many of those were just recipients of Epsteins political donations, friends, acquaintances? What incriminating evidence lay within the thousands of documents the FBI had assembled in the course of its investigation? Finally, it looked like we were about to find out. Then, earlier this month, Trumps justice department and the FBI suddenly released a two-page unsigned memo concluding Epstein hadnt maintained a client list after all and whats more, it wouldnt be releasing any further files related to its sex-trafficking investigation, despite the promises by Trump and Bondi who had pledged to release a truckload of bombshell FBI documents. Nobody could have foreseen a fissure in the Maga ranks to appear so quickly and prominently. Karl Rove, former White House Deputy Chief of Staff under George Bush, said we were witnessing what happens when conspiracy collides with reality. For years, he said, Trump raised questions about Epstein After assuming the presidency a second time, Mr Trump was obligated to deliver. When he didnt, Many in Maga reacted with incredulity and anger. Tucker Carlson, once Trumps most vocal cheerleader, turned on him, accusing the administration of betraying its base and of dismissing legitimate questions about Epstein. open image in gallery So what does Ghislaine Maxwell really know? According to journalist Julie Brown: everything ( US District Court for the Southern District of New York ) Each day, the saga seems to unravel further. The Wall Street Journal published a story describing a sexually suggestive letter that the newspaper says bore Trumps name and was included in a 2003 album given to Epstein for his 50th birthday. Trump vehemently denied writing the letter, calling it false, malicious, and defamatory. He then proceeded to sue the paper and its owner, media mogul Rupert Murdoch. While Trump announced he asked Bondi to release pertinent files on the criminal investigation of Epstein, subject to court approval, further intrigue was stirred on Wednesday when the WSJ reported that Bondi had informed Trump during briefing back in May that his name appeared in Justice Department documents related to Epstein. The White House pushed back, dismissing the WSJ story as fake news. But an unnamed White House official told Reuters they were not denying that Trumps name appears in the documents. Then, also on Wednesday, a judge rejected the Trump administrations request to unseal transcripts from grand jury documents relating to Epstein from 2005 and 2007 because they did not meet any of the extraordinary exceptions under federal law that could make them public. A day later, an official at the Department of Justice met with Maxwell inside an office in a Florida courthouse. In a statement ahead of that meeting, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said: If Ghislaine Maxwell has information about anyone who has committed crimes against victims, the FBI and the DOJ will hear what she has to say. Their first meeting was described as very productive by Maxwells lawyer, but for now at least, its unlikely well hear exactly what Maxwell told him. open image in gallery Police confiscated hundreds of notepads when they conducted a search of Epsteins home in Palm Beach, Florida, in 2005 ( Tribune News Service/Getty ) Meanwhile, Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat and fierce Trump critic, took issue with the fact that Trump sent Blanche, his former personal lawyer turned federal prosecutor, to interview Maxwell ahead of her potential public testimony. The conflict of interest is glaring. It stinks of high corruption, he said on X (Twitter). Its important to understand what, exactly, the Epstein files are and how they differ from the court documents Trump is now asking to be released. Barry Levine, author of The Spider: Inside the Criminal Web of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, says that the grand jury testimony at issue is very limited and has little to do with the two-decades-long sex-trafficking operation that Epstein ran. He says the US attorney at the time, Geoffrey Berman, went in front of a grand jury and presented just enough evidence to successfully bring an indictment. And that indictment was very narrow in its content for the sexual abuse of minors from 2002 to 2005 at Epsteins homes in Palm Beach and New York, Levine says. If you look at the prosecution of Ghislaine Maxwell, that prosecution was extremely narrow also in terms of the specific allegations against her. Maxwell was convicted on five sex-trafficking-related counts. Levine said if these court documents are released, they're going to tell us very little in addition to what we already know. Its basically a sliver of the information thats contained in the actual FBI files. Those files the real Epstein files, if you like are, Levine says, incredibly detailed. The FBI files cover every aspect of Epsteins crimes and his life over two decades, including extensive interviews with victims and information that goes all the way back to the original FBI investigation in 2006. Epstein was already a convicted child molester when he was arrested in 2019: in 2008, he pleaded guilty to a state charge in Florida of procuring a minor for prostitution. Back then, a federal investigation into his crimes resulted in a non-prosecution agreement. Alexander Acosta, who was then the US attorney responsible, said he offered a lenient plea deal because he was told Epstein was an intelligence asset. As Levine said, We dont know if it was US intelligence or a foreign role as an intelligence asset. If, indeed, Epstein was an intelligence asset at all. By all accounts, he had a grandiose image of himself as an international man of mystery. The FBI file on Epstein, which dates back to that time, is 300GB. That translates to enough information to fill perhaps 100,000 books by some estimates, Levine says. We dont know if there has ever been any criminal investigation into Trumps conduct as it relates to Epstein. But, Levine said, that doesn't necessarily mean that there [arent] details about Donald Trump in the file because they were friends for 15 years. He was Epsteins wingman after [Trumps] divorce from Ivana Trump; they hung out a great deal. They were still friends during his marriage to Marla Maples and even up to the time when Trump was courting Melania. Trump and Epstein were friends before, according to the president, they fell out in the early 2000s. By not allowing full disclosure of the Epstein files, Trump has ignited what Levine said is the most infighting within the Maga movement hes ever seen. Theres a raging inferno in the Maga ranks that Trump has, for the first time in his political career, been unable to put out, and were seeing individuals who have worshipped him like a god now speaking out against him. It really is fascinating. open image in gallery The DOJ have been interviewing Ghislaine Maxwell about her relationship with Epstein ( US District Court for the Southern District of New York ) So what does Ghislaine Maxwell really know? According to journalist Julie Brown, whose investigation into Epstein for the Miami Herald in 2018 was credited with the FBI reopening the sexual abuse case against him: everything. I think [the DOJ] are trying to get her to say Trump wasnt involved. I think thats the aim of this, Brown says. Theyre not aiming to expose anybody else who was involved. Theyre just aiming to clear up any misconceptions around Trump So far theres been no evidence he was involved with Epsteins crimes at all, but nevertheless, the idea that he shut the investigation down so solidly without even saying, were going to look at this a little bit more I think makes a lot of people wonder Brown, whose 2021 book Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein Story has recently seen a surge in demand, selling out both in shops and online, says its unfortunate the way the Trump administration has handled the Epstein files. For a long time, they promised transparency with this case And I think there was some hope on the part of both the public and the survivors that they would get some answers. Here was a man who abused hundreds of young girls and women over two decades. And he essentially got away with it. We dont know why theyre not releasing it. Its a little bit disturbing to be announcing all over television that youre going to release these files and then all of a sudden on the Friday after the Fourth of July holiday, when nobodys really paying attention to the news, to issue this statement that basically says theres nothing to see here and were not going to open the files. Brown says there are likely a lot of other people involved in Epsteins crimes that havent been brought to justice; so many, she says, who have avoided prosecution. open image in gallery These pictures were captured by White House photographer Ralph Alswang on Sept. 29, 1993. after the president made remarks at an event for donors to the White House restoration project ( Bill Clinton Presidential Library ) Epstein was trafficking underage girls for sex over the course of two decades. Because of that, his co-conspirators could number as many as 100, Brown believes. He had so many different people work for him at different times people who helped arrange his schedule in quote marks, lawyers who helped arrange the visas for models that he would bring from overseas, pilots. He had a huge staff of people. The list goes on and on. As Barry Levine says, we know from the attorney general in the Virgin Islands who investigated Epsteins operation there that Epstein was using international fixers to bring women in from all different countries, like Russia and elsewhere. When Palm Beach police conducted a search of Epsteins home there in 2005, they confiscated hundreds of notepads, the contents of some of which have been made public in civil lawsuits. On those, youll see messages from powerful men who called him, Brown says. Theyll have their name, and then itll say Im at this hotel. Now, thats not enough to say they were doing anything with underage girls. But I know from talking to some of the attorneys representing these survivors that there were powerful people who would come to Palm Beach and basically call to tell Epstein Im here. And the unspoken or unwritten message was: you can send somebody to me. Brown believes that its unlikely Maxwell will ever reveal what is in those files. At her trial, her main line of defence was that it didnt happen that these girls were all making it up to get money out of a very wealthy man. The truth is, Brown said, Maxwell knows exactly whats in the Epstein files. She knows everything. And she used her motherly way, her nurturing way, to lure these women into this orbit. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Southwest flight out of Burbank, California, rapidly descended shortly after takeoff on Friday to avoid a mid-air collision. The flight, bound for Las Vegas, plunged 475 feet from an altitude of 14,100 feet just six minutes after departing from Hollywood Burbank Airport, ABC News reported, citing data from Flightradar24, a flight tracking site. The Federal Aviation Administration told The Independent in a statement: Southwest Airlines Flight 1496 responded to an onboard alert that another aircraft was in the vicinity while in Los Angeles Air Route Traffic Control Center airspace. It continued: The FAA is investigating the event that occurred around 11 a.m. local time on Friday, July 25. open image in gallery A Southwest flight out of Burbank, not pictured, rapidly descended shortly after takeoff on Friday to avoid a mid-air collision ( AFP/Getty ) Passenger Steve Ulasewicz told the outlet the rapid descent felt like a significant drop, and the pilot told passengers the maneuver was performed to avoid a mid-air collision." ABC News identified the other plane as a Hawker Hunter, which it reports was flying at an altitude of 14,653 feet. The outlet reported, citing an unnamed source, there were several of these fighter jets in the area for a normal operation. Another passenger on the Southwest flight told local ABC News affiliate KABC the plane had later landed safely in Vegas. Southwest confirmed the plane landed uneventfully. open image in gallery The flight, bound for Las Vegas, descended 475 feet from an altitude of 14,100 feet, according to a flight tracking site ( AFP/Getty ) The budget airline said in a statement, it was engaged with the Federal Aviation Administration to further understand the circumstances. Southwest said no customers immediately reported injuries, but two flight attendants were wounded and treated for their injuries. We appreciate the professionalism of our Flight Crew and Flight Attendants in responding to this event. Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of our Customers and Employees, the airline said. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A school district in Tennessee will no longer accept doctors notes as an excuse for a childs absence in an apparent attempt to prepare them for the workplace. New rules set out by the Lawrence County School System Board of Education state that absences are not excused and only permits them in a number of specific circumstances. Regular illness is not included in the list. Sanctions for multiple instances of alleged truancy include loss of school event privileges and even referral to juvenile court for truancy. If you have the sniffles, that is fine, Director of Schools Michael Adkins said during a recent meeting. You are going to have them when you go to work one day. We have all gone to work sick and hurt and beat up. The new attendance policy states that absences shall be classified as absent and absences are not excused or unexcused. A school district in Tennessee will no longer accept doctors notes as an excuse for a childs absence in an attempt to teach them good work ethic and reliability ( Getty Images ) Social media users acted with outrage to the news, with one writing: I hope teachers send kids to his office to throw up. Where were the parents when this type of policy was being passed? questioned another. What can be the reasoning behind this? another person asked This is not right nor fair to the children. [If] I was a parent I would pull my kid out of school cause you are putting other students and their parents at risk of potential illness! added another. The districts policy adds that exemptions can be made by a schools principal in circumstances including a death in the family, religious observance, court summons, school-endorsed or military activities, or circumstances out of the students control. Absence is also permitted in cases of chronic illness verified by a licensed medical provider practicing in Tennessee, according to the policy. That includes pregnancy-related issues and births, according to the policy. However, there is no option given for doctors to verify a child is absent because they are sick or injured, or if they need to stay home to recover and prevent spreading contagious illnesses. Attendance is a key factor in student achievement, and therefore, students are expected to be present each day school is in session, the attendance policy states. The Lawrence County School System believes attendance is vital to ones educational experience and future financial earnings. The new policy is also designed to address the issue of chronic absenteeism, which the district defines as missing 10 percent or more time meant to be in class. Such students will also automatically fail the subjects and grades regardless of their academic results. We are going to take control of the attendance of our students, Adkins said. You can bring all the doctors notes you want, but it is still unexcused. The policies follow a notable increase in diseases affecting children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 216 children died during this past flu season a higher number than any time since the 2009 U.S. swine flu pandemic. 2025 also saw an outbreak of measles explode into a total of 1,319 confirmed cases as of Wednesday, according to the CDC. Cases have been recorded in 40 states stretching across the country, while vaccination rates dropped in 78 percent of American counties, with an average decline of 2.67 percent to below the 95 percent herd immunity threshold to predict or limit the spread of measles. In addition, a new study in the medical journal JAMA found that the health of America's children has significantly worsened across several key indicators since 2007. A U.S. child is 15 to 20 percent more likely to have a chronic condition in 2023 than a child in 2011 with the prevalence of conditions such of depression, anxiety, sleep apnea and obesity all increasing. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Texas man is suing a doctor in California he claims mailed his girlfriend pills to end her pregnancy - in what may be a legal first - and a test of new state abortion laws. Jerry Rodriguez filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Remy Coeytaux, after the doctor sent the abortion-inducing drugs across state lines in order to murder his unborn son, Rodriguez claimed. It appears to be the first time an interstate lawsuit for wrongful death over an abortion has been filed, according to The Washington Post. In Texas, a person who assists a pregnant woman in obtaining a self-managed abortion commits the crime of murder and can be sued for wrongful death, the lawsuit, filed in Texas federal court and obtained by The Independent, states. The woman herself cannot be prosecuted. The suit adds it is also a state jail felony for anyone other than a Texas-licensed physician to provide an abortion-inducing drug for the purpose of inducing an abortion. open image in gallery Containers of mifepristone and misoprostol, the two drugs used to perform a medical abortion ( AFP/Getty ) In violation of these and many other laws, defendant Remy Coeytaux mailed abortion-inducing drugs into Texas that were used to murder Jerry Rodriguezs unborn child, the complaint reads. Rodriguez is suing Coeytaux for $75,000 over what he claims is wrongful death. Hes also seeking an injunction to stop the doctor from distributing abortion-inducing drugs in violation of state or federal law. The injunction, the suit states, is being sought on behalf of a class of all current and future fathers of unborn children in the United States. But such state legislation clashes with that of California, which retains a so-called Shield Law to protect medical professionals such as Coeytaux. The law provides that California will not deliver a person accused or charged with committing a crime related to abortion/gender-affirming care over to law enforcement officials. This includes situations where a California-licensed pharmacist dispenses an abortion-inducing drug mifepristone to a patient in a state with abortion-restrictive laws. open image in gallery In Texas, a person who assists a pregnant woman in obtaining a self-managed abortion commits the crime of murder and can be sued for wrongful death. The woman herself cannot be prosecuted ( AP ) According to Rodriguezs suit, he began dating his girlfriend in June 2024, while she was separated from her husband, but not yet divorced. The Independent has chosen not to name the woman, due to privacy reasons and because she is not a defendant in the lawsuit. The suit alleges that the womans husband, Adam Garza, twice ordered the abortion medication from Coeytaux after she became pregnant by Rodriguez with the intent of using them to murder Mr. Rodriguezs unborn child, and pressured her to take the pills. A Venmo receipt confirming Garzas purchase of the drugs from Coeytaux was included in the lawsuit, with a reference of Aed axes allegedly a homonym for Aid Access, an organization that ships abortion-inducing drugs into jurisdictions where abortion is not legal. Defendant Coeytaux caused the death of Mr. Rodriguezs unborn child through his wrongful acts, the lawsuit states. Although [the woman] cannot be charged with murder for her role in killing her unborn child, her immunity does not shield Coeytaux from liability for aiding or abetting or directly participating in the murder. Mr. Rodriguez seeks this injunction on behalf of a class of all current and future fathers of unborn children in the United States. The Independent has reached out to Dr Remy Coeytaux for comment on the lawsuit. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice On Wednesday, Speaker Mike Johnson let the House of Representatives break for August recess one day early. Johnson had no other option because Democrats ground the chamber to a halt in an attempt to get their Republican colleagues to vote on files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) joined by Trump-rebelling Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) had been gathering co-sponsors for their discharge petition that would allow them to circumvent leadership to release files related to the convicted sex offender and trafficker. But discharge petitions need seven legislative business days to ripen, so cutting short the calendar delays the ripening. It marked a turning point for a party thats been flailing since Donald Trump won last November. For the past few months, while Democrats have opposed Trumps initiatives, they have not landed a single clean punch politically. Rather, theyve mostly stayed out of the way and hoped for his unforced errors, of which there have been several. But that changed significantly this week. Democrats of all stripes in the House signed onto the discharge petition. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) represents a district that voted for Trump. But she signed onto Khanna and Massies discharge petition and did not mince words. We deserve transparency and Im pretty appalled to see parliamentary procedure used to hide pedophiles, she told The Independent. Democrats did get some substantial wins out of it, too. Not only did the House Oversight Committee vote to subpoena Ghislaine Maxwell, Epsteins former girlfriend and associate who is serving a 20-year sentence; three Republicans crossed over in one of the subcommittees to subpoena files related to the Epstein investigation. And Democrats are not just gumming up the works on the House side. Earlier this week, Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), told The Independent that he hoped that the Senate would not take up the Epstein files. Unfortunately for his caucus, Democrats in the Senate decided to hijack the committee process there, too. On Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee convened for legislation Cornyn wanted to pass through the committee on opioids. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) attempted to include an amendment related to Epstein. In the same token, Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) tried to force a vote to disclose files related to Epstein, but Republicans blocked his efforts on the floor. It should be stated that Booker and Gallego both likely want to run for president. During the August recess, Gallego will head to Iowa, which traditionally hosts the first presidential caucus. And ever since Bookers record-breaking sort-of filibuster, he has raised prodigious amounts of money and he likely sees this as a way to boost his profile even more. But Democrats are not just drawing blood on Epstein. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) has continued to keep the heat on the Trump administration and clashed with Republicans in the Senate about Jeffrey Epstein. ( Getty ) Earlier this month, the Texas state legislature announced it would reconvene in the middle of the decade to redraw its congressional maps in an attempt to flip more seats and grow the GOP majority. That seems to have set off something in Democrats. Gov. Gavin Newsom has said that Democrats should respond in kind by having California redraw their map. And its not just liberal Newsom who supports this idea. Rep. Adam Gray, a freshman Democrat who narrowly flipped a seat Trump won, expressed openness to Newsoms proposal. I think what's important is that people all play by the same rules, he told The Independent. And you know, I think it doesn't necessarily help either party to be toying around or trying to manipulate the rules, or change the rules, that seems to be what Texas is doing, which I think is a poor decision. California has a unique situation because it has an independent commission that draws congressional districts. Any effort to shore up Democrats in the Golden State would need to pass legal scrutiny or change that situation. Unsurprisingly, Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) put it more bluntly. The only way that you can deal with a bully is by socking them back, so it's time for us to sock them back, Crockett told The Independent. Right now they decided to start a fight so that they could shit on the American people. The least that we could help is fight back so that we could help the American people. But perhaps the most audacious idea came from Gallego, who suggested that Democrats dilute districts that the Voting Rights Act protected to ensure equal representation of Black voters, as a way to make more districts where Democrats could win. I would tell you what I would know would happen the Republicans at any point should they ever take control of the registry commission in Arizona, what absolutely do anything, do to do to screw us, he told The Independent. Therefore, he said that Democrats should not be afraid to use the same weapons against Republicans. That might not go over well with some African-American voters, who are the most consistent voters in Democratic primaries. At the same time, in a time when Democratic voters have demanded that theys see elected officials fight, they might be more unwilling to let go of old decorum rules. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Disgraced former GOP Representative George Santos, whose wild public scandals ranged from pretending to be a Broadway producer to embezzling campaign donor funds, reported to prison Friday to begin his seven-year sentence for fraud. Santos, 37, is now in custody at a federal prison in Fairton, New Jersey after pleading guilty last year to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Santos represented parts of Queens and Long Island, serving for barely 12 months in 2023 before he was expelled from the U.S. House of Representatives. Santos shared a goodbye post on X Thursday night, thanking his allies and critics alike. Well, darlingsThe curtain falls, the spotlight dims, and the rhinestones are packed, he wrote. From the halls of Congress to the chaos of cable news what a ride its been! Was it messy? Always. Glamorous? Occasionally. Honest? I tried most days. To my supporters: You made this wild political cabaret worth it, he added. To my critics: Thanks for the free press. I may be leaving the stage (for now), but trust me legends never truly exit. open image in gallery Former Representative George Santos reported to prison for a seven-year sentence Friday ( AP ) Santos revealed he was filling out an application for a pardon from President Donald Trump during a May interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored. Santos mentioned it again Thursday while live-streaming on X, addressing a viewers question about the pardon in the final hours before he reported to prison, ABC News reports. The only person that could answer that question is, you know, whoever the President of the United States is, in this case, President Donald Trump, Santos responded. The disgraced lawmaker also told Politico Thursday he will not waver in his support for Trump. Santos appeared on The Tucker Carlson Show two weeks ago to discuss his impending sentence. The ex-lawmaker said he doesnt know if hell leave prison alive. I dont know that I survive it, Santos said. Theyre putting me in a violent prisonIm not a street-wise guy, I dont know how to fight. open image in gallery Former Representative George Santos pleaded guilty last year to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft ( AFP/Getty ) I cant change that, its sad, I have a familyIm genuinely serious, Santos added. People think Im exaggerating when I say this: Ive never had to fight a day in my life. Santos pleaded guilty in August after reaching a deal with prosecutors. By entering that plea, the IRS says Santos admitted that he filed fraudulent FEC reports; embezzled campaign donor funds; used credit cards without authorization; stole identities; fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits; and lied in Congressional reports. His career in Congress was short and tumultuous. Santos was among four New York Republicans who flipped Democratic seats during the 2022 midterms. Once he was in office, reports emerged claiming Santos misrepresented himself. This included a New York Times report claiming there was no evidence Santos ever worked at Citigroup or Goldman Sachs, even though he listed both companies on his resume. In a later report, the Times poked holes in Santoss claim that his mother survived the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Immigration records reviewed by the outlet showed she wasnt even in the country at the time. Santos went on to become the subject of a House Ethics Committee investigative report, which found he stole money from his campaign and lied to voters and donors. He was expelled from Congress in a 311 to 114 vote on December 1, 2023. The Justice Department went on to indict him on 23 counts. Judge Joanna Seybert sentenced Santos in April, asking him, Wheres the remorse? Where do I see it? Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Ghislaine Maxwell was granted a form of limited immunity to talk during her meetings with Department of Justice officials, according to reports. The British socialite and former ex-girlfriend of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein met with Deputy U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche on multiple occasions this week and she initiated the meetings, according to ABC News. The so-called proffer immunity is commonly granted to those who prosecutors are seeking cooperation from in a criminal case. Maxwell was tried, convicted and sentenced in 2022 over her role in Epsteins scheme to abuse underage girls. Such an agreement allowed Maxwell to answer questions from Blanche which her attorneys claimed she did fully. open image in gallery Maxwell, who is serving her 20-year sentence at a federal prison in Tallahassee, Florida, spent a total of nine hours speaking to DOJ officials about the Epstein case on Thursday and Friday. According to reports she was granted a limited amount of immunity for the talks ( Federal Bureau of Prisons ) Her responses to those questions would not be able to be used against her at a later stage, the sources added. Maxwell, who is serving her 20-year sentence at a federal prison in Tallahassee, Florida, spent a total of nine hours speaking to Blanche about the Epstein case on Thursday and Friday. According to her attorney, David Oscar Markus, Maxwell was asked about 100 different people during her interview and answered every single question asked of her over the last day and a half. She answered those questions honestly, truthfully, to the best of her ability, Markus, said. She was asked about maybe about 100 different people. She answered questions about everybody and she didn't hold anything back." She never invoked a privilege. She never refused to answer a question. So were very proud of her. open image in gallery Maxwell, the former girlfriend of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was tried, convicted and sentenced in 2022 over her role in the abuse of minors ( US District Court for the Southern District of New York ) open image in gallery According to her attorney, David Oscar Markus (pictured), Maxwell was asked about 100 different people during her interview and answered every single question asked of her over the last day and a half ( AP ) Blanche was interviewing Maxwell at a federal courthouse in Tallahassee to discuss others who may have committed crimes against victims. The DOJ has enlisted her help as the fallout continues over the so-called Epstein files. Epstein died by suicide while awaiting his own trial for sex-trafficking in 2019. Though President Donald Trump previously promised to release all information related to the Epstein files, the president has come under fire after representatives on both sides of the political aisle, and even his own stalwart MAGA support base, have criticized the handling of the situation by Attorney General Pam Bondi. open image in gallery Maxwell has spent around nine hours answering questions from U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche this week ( AP ) Bondi has shut down rumors about a so-called client list of high-profile individuals who may have participated in alleged crimes that Epstein committed, with the DOJ and FBI releasing a memo earlier this month saying no such list existed. Recent reports from CNN and The Wall Street Journal also claimed Bondi alerted Trump, in early spring, that his name appeared in the Epstein files. Being mentioned in the files does not suggest any wrongdoing, and hundreds of other people were also named. The president has not been accused of any wrongdoing. Trump has blasted those continuing to obsess over the files and his alleged involvement in its release, blaming the issue on Radical Left Democrats and claiming that the whole thing is a SCAM. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice John Bolton, Trumps former national security advisor, slammed Tulsi Gabbards report accusing former President Barack Obama of engaging in a years-long coup against President Donald Trump. Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, last week declassified evidence that she said revealed a treasonous conspiracy committed by Obama and his government over the investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election. Bolton, a frequent Trump critic, called Gabbards findings exaggerated and lacking in substance. Shes strung together a series of things that arent necessarily related, shes exaggerated what actual congressional reports have said, shes imagined evidence that doesnt exist, Bolton said Friday on NewsNation. So, if anybody really gets into it, it collapses pretty quickly. But as a campaign to save her job, I think it actually worked out pretty successfully for her, he continued. Last month, Politico reported that the president was down on her. open image in gallery John Bolton, Trumps national security advisor for part of his first administration, blasted Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard for her exaggerated report over the investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election ( Getty Images ) Whether it succeeded in distracting from the Jeffrey Epstein affair, I dont know, he added, alluding to the media firestorm over Trumps ties to the late sex offender that has plagued the administration for weeks. But there is, in substance, nothing to it and certainly no justification for the Justice Department to launch a criminal investigation. Gabbards report accuses Obama and the former intelligence community of leaking false information to the media and using politicized intelligence to subvert Trumps 2016 election victory. She addressed the report from the White House this week. The report uses an investigation by Republicans in the House of Representatives, and go against CIA reports that Russia tried to help Trump in 2016. The information we are releasing today clearly shows there was a treasonous conspiracy in 2016 committed by officials at the highest level of our government, the director of national intelligence said in a statement. 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. In the wake of the reports release, Democrats including Obama have accused the Trump administration of trying to use it to distract from the uproar over the so-called Epstein files. open image in gallery Gabbard released a report accusing Obama and his government of committing a treasonous conspiracy to subvert the 2016 election findings that Democrats have called a distraction from the Jeffrey Epstein firestorm ( Getty Images ) "These bizarre allegations are ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction, a spokesperson for the office of the former president said. Trump has been trying to distance himself from Epstein. He even went so far as to claim the Epstein files were a hoax cooked up by Democrats, including Obama, former President Biden, and former FBI Director James Comey. The Epstein files have dominated the news cycle ever since the Justice Department released a July 6 memo that stated there would be no further disclosures and that there was no evidence to support the existence of a client list, putting a decisive end to months-long anticipation for more information on the case. Outrage ensued, with members of Congress and Trumps MAGA base alike calling for heightened transparency. Attorney General Pam Bondi released Phase 1 of the Epstein files in February; that same month, she said the client list was sitting on her desk. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Two top officials at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, who led the investigation into the so-called Sharpiegate scandal, were placed on leave amid clashes with the Trump administration, according to a report. Steve Volz, assistant administrator in the agencys Satellite and Information Service, and Jeff Dillen, deputy general counsel for the agency, were placed on leave this week, CNN first reported. They both worked on the investigation into the Sharpiegate scandal. In 2019, President Donald Trump drew a map with a black marker depicting a path for Hurricane Dorian, suggesting it would hit Alabama. The agency then issued a statement that contradicted its own scientists and supported Trumps claims. The storm then hit near the Carolinas. An investigation later found that NOAAs leaders violated the agencys scientific integrity policy. One of those leaders was Neil Jacobs, the man the president has nominated to lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportations vote on his nomination is scheduled to take place July 30. A former NOAA official thought the timing of the moves was an interesting coincidence. Two high-ranking officials at NOAA, who worked on the Sharpiegate investigation, were placed on leave amid clashes with the new Trump administration. ( Getty Images ) Its an interesting coincidence that less than a week before Neil Jacobs senate committee vote, the two dedicated career civil servants who investigated him for scientific integrity violations around Sharpiegate were dismissed from service, one former NOAA official told CNN. A spokesperson for the agency offered explanations as to why both men were placed on leave. Mr. Dillen was placed on administrative leave by the departments senior career attorney pending a review of performance issues over the past several weeks, a spokesperson told the Washington Post in a statement. Separately, Dr. Volz was placed on administrative leave on an unrelated matter. Volz, who has decades of experience in aerospace and is the agencys longest-serving assistant administrator, similarly wondered whether the timing was coincidental. The question that I would ask is, why now? Volz told the Washington Post. Maybe the desire here is to get anybody who might slow down their ability to execute their plan out of the way. I think Im one of those people. Discussions about privatizing some of NOAAs satellite operations have also swirled and led to clashes between the officials and new Trump hires, the Post reported. Volz has also advocated for mainly relying on the governments satellites while using private companies for data. Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trumps second presidency, calls for NOAA to be broken up and for the National Weather Service to fully commercialize its forecasting operations. Trump has repeatedly disavowed Project 2025; many of its architects now work in the Trump administration. Close Trump on Epstein: 'Talk about Clinton, not Trump' Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A lawyer for Ghislaine Maxwell, the accomplice of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, says his client is unsure whether shell comply with a congressional subpoena to testify about his abuse of girls and whether others were involved. We have to make a decision about whether she will do that or not, her attorney David Oscar Markus told Politico. Thats been scheduled for the week of August 11th and we havent gotten back to them on whether well do that. The lawyers comments came after he and Maxwell met with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche in Tallahassee, where shes serving 20 years behind bars for her role in Epsteins scheme to sexually exploit girls, to discuss the Epstein case that has rattled the Trump administration for weeks. Maxwell had initiated the meetings and was granted a form of limited immunity to talk to the Justice Department, ABC News reported. Upon arriving in Scotland for a golfing trip, the president said: A lot of people asking me about pardons ... this is no time to be talking about pardons. The president, who has never been accused of wrongdoing in the Epstein case, has tried to distance himself from his former friend. House Democrats are now trying to get the so-called birthday book that has been at the center of recent fallout. In a letter to Epsteins estate, they asked for a complete, unredacted copy of the book by August 10. The Wall Street Journal first detailed a reported Trump letter in the book. Trump has sued the outlet for $10 billion over the report. The European Parliament is considering proposals to speed up the EU's phase out Russian gas by one year, to January 2027, Reuters said citing documents seen by the agency. "European Union countries and lawmakers are preparing to negotiate the EU's plan to ban imports of Russian gas - with the starting point a legal proposal the European Commission made last month to phase out all Russian gas imports by January 1, 2028. The Parliament's lead lawmakers on the Russian gas ban have each proposed that this deadline is moved forward to January 1, 2027, documents detailing their amendments to the Commission proposal showed," the report reads. The proposals are by EU lawmakers Inese Vaidere from the centre-right European People's Party, the biggest lawmaker group in the Parliament, and Ville Niinisto from the Greens. EU diplomats have said it is unlikely that governments will agree to extend the ban on Russian gas supplies by a year, but MEPs could use the demand as leverage to push for other changes in the talks. For example, Vaidere has also proposed a requirement for governments to impose penalties on companies that violate the ban, potentially including by revoking licences for energy trading. Niinisto wants a full ban on Russian oil imports from January 1 2027, which the European Commission did not propose. The European Parliament will vote in the autumn on whether to confirm its position for negotiations with EU countries on the ban. The final measures need the approval of Parliament and a qualified majority of EU countries meaning they cannot be blocked by EU members Hungary and Slovakia, which still import Russian gas through the pipeline and oppose the EU plans. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Record temperatures and an increasing global demand has stretched Japans supply of matcha this year, leading prices to rocket. Farmers and industry officials have spoken out as they struggle to meet the ever-increasing demand for the bright green tea drink from Japan, which has peaked in popularity this year. Matchas popularity has been growing over recent years, with sales soaring by 202 percent in the UK in 2023 alone according to Orion Market Research. The antioxidant rich beverage has reached its apex this year, driven by social media and Japans post-pandemic tourism boom. The Kyoto region, which accounts for a quarter of Japans production of tencha - the stemmed leaves dried and ground into matcha - was hit by severe heatwaves last summer during Japan's hottest year on record, which led to weak yields in the recent April-May harvest. US-based tea importer Lauren Purvis told the BBC her customers were seeing what was once a months supply run out in days: "Some cafes are even asking for a kilo a day. They're desperate to keep up," the Mizuba Tea Co. owner said. Masahiro Yoshida, a sixth-generation farmer, was only able to harvest 1.5 tons of tencha this year, down a quarter from his typical harvest of two tons. open image in gallery Matcha production has been stunted by record-breaking heat ( Getty/iStock ) Last year's summer was so hot that it damaged the bushes, so we couldn't pluck as many tea leaves, he told Reuters from his storefront in Uji, south of Kyoto. Traditionally, the tencha leaves are kept under shade for weeks while growing in order to develop the teas umami taste. The leaves are then harvested, dried and ground into powder using stone mills. Tealife founder Yuki Ishii told Reuters that it saw a ten-fold increase in demand for matcha from customers, despite the amount available from Japan declining. I'm basically always out of stock," he said. open image in gallery A sign board reading 'Matcha is out of stock' is displayed in front of a tea store in Uji, Kyoto prefecture ( REUTERS ) Japan produced 5,336 tons of tencha in 2024, nearly three times more than a decade before as more farmers switch to the crop, according the Japanese Tea production Association. Despite this, the association expects lower matcha output this year. As well as surging demand and lesser tea crops this year, US tariffs on Japan have pushed up matcha prices. On Tuesday, Washington and Tokyo announced a trade deal which means there will be a 15 per cent import tax on Japanese products going into the US. The move has led matcha distributors to brace for the impact, with Ms Purvis saying orders surged by more than 70 per cent in early July ahead of a deadline for the two countries to reach a trade agreement. As Japanese tea is not grown in the US, there is no American industry under threat that tariffs need to protect, she told the BBC. We hope there will be a realisation that specialty tea should be exempt. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A wildfire injured three people and forced the evacuation of about 2,000 residents near the southern Albanian town of Delvina on Friday. "Three people have sustained burns and suffered asphyxiation," Delvina Deputy Mayor Brunilda Meleqi told Reuters by phone. Six villages were evacuated, and a church and 10 uninhabited houses were destroyed by the blaze, she said. The fire's intensity eased in the evening after two helicopters were deployed to assist firefighting efforts. The Defence Ministry said around 60 soldiers had been dispatched to help contain the fire. Earlier this week Greek authorities ordered the evacuation of several villages after a major forest fire broke out near the city of Corinth. More than 180 firefighters, supported by a fleet of 15 aircraft and 12 helicopters, were battling the fast-moving blaze in a pine forest in mountainous terrain west of Athens, officials said. There were no immediate reports of injuries or deaths as fire crews worked through the night, fanned by gusty winds and a stubborn heatwave that has pushed temperatures to around 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) across much of Greece. Residents watch flames rise from a wildfire burning next to the village of Karteri, in Feneos area, near Corinth, Greece, July 22, 2025. REUTERS/Vassilis Psomas ( REUTERS ) Greece and the wider Balkans sweltered under the third heatwave of the summer this week, with laborers barred from work, tourists kept away from the ruins, and firefighters battling blazes scattered across the arid countryside. Shipyard workers in Perama, a town 16 km (10 miles) from Athens, halted operations for five hours on Friday as crushing heat hit the Mediterranean nation, now struggling amid its third and longest heatwave of the summer. Temperatures soared past 40 degrees Celsius, reaching a peak of 44 degrees Celsius in the west on Friday, ahead of a forecast drop coming on Sunday. Those building and repairing vessels in the Piraeus Port Authority's repair zone faced particularly difficult conditions, working in the heat and amid the flames of welding tools. "The last few summers have become very difficult. The temperature is rising, our working environment is becoming even more difficult, and as a result we have several colleagues with health problems due to this work and the heat," said Danil Polatsidis, an electrician at Perama shipyard. Akis Antoniou, president of the Piraeus metal workers' union, said workers often endure conditions exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, as the machinery used and repair materials amplify the heat. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Five people have been killed in Ukraine and Russia as both countries launched a wave of overnight drone and missile attacks. In Ukraines Dnipro region, three people died in Russian shelling, while two were killed in Russias Rostov region after a Ukrainian drone strike. Ukrainian officials said Russia launched 235 drones and 27 missiles in a massive combined attack overnight. Ten missiles and 25 drones found their targets, striking nine locations, while air defences shot down or intercepted the rest, according to Ukraines Air Force. A terrible night. A massive combined attack on the region, Serhiy Lysak, the governor of Dnipropetrovsk region, wrote on Telegram. An additional six people were injured, he said, posting photos of smashed buildings, burnt-out cars and firefighters battling blazes. open image in gallery Russian drone strike on Dnipro, Ukraine ( Reuters ) In Dnipro city, a multi-storey building and a business were damaged, and a fire engulfed a shopping centre outside the city. Ukraines southern Dnipro and northeastern Sumy regions also came under heavy rocket and drone attack. Officials in Sumy reported three people injured after Russian drones hit a central square and damaged the regional administration building. Kharkiv also sustained intense bombardment. Ukraines emergency services said six people were hurt, including four rescuers injured in a so-called double tap strike, where a second attack follows the first to target emergency workers. open image in gallery Rescuers work at a damaged city hospital that was hit by a Russian guided air bomb in Kharkiv ( AP ) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed that Russia would feel the consequences. Russian military enterprises, Russian logistics, Russian airports must feel that the Russian war has real consequences for them, he said. There can be absolutely no silence in response to such strikes, and Ukrainian long-range drones ensure this. Ukraines attacks on Russia have also intensified in recent months. Russias Defence Ministry said its air defences intercepted 54 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 24 over the Bryansk region and 12 over Rostov. Officials in Moscow and other areas also reported drone attacks, though most were shot down. In Russias Rostov region, which borders Ukraine, acting governor Yuri Slyusar said a Ukrainian drone attack killed two people. Drones also struck an industrial facility in the neighbouring Stavropol region, sparking a brief fire, according to governor Vladimir Vladimirov. open image in gallery People take shelter in a residential building in Kharkiv ( Reuters ) Officials also reported drone attacks on Moscow and the Penza region southeast of the capital, though they were intercepted. In Russias Ingushetia region in the North Caucasus, a woman and three children were injured after a drone fell on a home, regional health officials said. On the battlefield, Russias Defence Ministry claimed to have seized the village of Zelenyi Hai in the eastern Donetsk region and Maliivka in the Dnipro region. Kyiv did not comment on the claims. Mr Zelensky said he had been briefed by Chief of Staff Oleksandr Syrsky on active and long-range actions on Russian territory, including clashes in Pokrovsky and efforts to repel Russian advances into the Sumy region. Our forces are consistently blocking Russian attempts to advance deep into the Sumy region from the border, he said. Mr Zelensky added that drone production in Ukraine this year would significantly exceed earlier forecasts. In Moscow, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that peace talks had never truly been on the Wests agenda. If the West wanted real peace in Ukraine, it would stop supplying Kyiv with weapons, she said, according to state news agency TASS. Russias Defence Ministry claimed its overnight strikes had hit Ukrainian military sites that manufacture components for missile weapons, as well as produce ammunition and explosives. The Independent could not verify this claim. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A forestry worker among 10 killed while battling wildfires in Turkey had been married just days before. Turkeys minister of agriculture and forestry Ibrahim Yumakl paid tribute to forest hero Tolunay Kocaman, one of the 10 workers who lost their lives during a forest fire in the city of Eskisehir, in the north west of the country. We paid a condolence visit to the precious family of Eskisehir Seyitgazi, our forest hero Tolunay Kocaman who was martyred while fighting to protect our green Homeland, said Mr Yumakl. May Allah have mercy on our martyr; I wish patience and condolences to his grieving family and loved ones. We will never forget the struggle and sacrifices of our martyrs. open image in gallery Ibrahim Yumakli paid tribute to the lost forest hero ( Wikimedia ) Forestry worker Mr Kocaman, 28, was married on 14 July and returned to duty from his honeymoon three days before he died, according to Turkeys state run news agency. A friend of Mr Kocaman told the agency: On the day he was martyred, I took provisions to the fire area in the afternoon. Full moon has arrived to get water supplement. Joyfully out of his vehicle now. Even he said, 'Open up the Full Moon has come. Firefighters continue to battle wildfires across Turkey and Cyprus, with new blazes erupting along the Mediterranean coast on Friday, prompting the government to declare two western provinces disaster zones. open image in gallery Ten workers died in the Eskisehir flames ( Dia Photo ) Firefighters fought 73 blazes on Friday, while forest fires which started in Sakarya, Bilecik and Eskisehir and reached Afyonkarahisar, have been brought under control. Two separate fires, which started in the Safranbolu and Ovack districts of Karabuk, are still ongoing, the minister said, adding: We are continuing our response here with two aircraft, 19 helicopters, and our ground vehicles. The vastness of the area, its very fractured, rugged terrain, and its fullness of canyons and steep cliffs, will likely present some challenges, but our colleagues have established positions on the ground and are responding. As we've mentioned here, occasionally unstable winds may make our work difficult, but God willing, we will overcome them." open image in gallery Firefighters fought 73 blazes on Friday ( IHA ) Mr Yumakli said that Turkey was at war with these fires, describing them as an enemy that does not tire, rest or get hungry. In the midst of the heat, the minister said Turkey broken an all-time temperature record on Friday. Information published by the countrys General Directorate of Meteorolgy suggested that temperatures would rise by another 10 degrees, starting Saturday. Mr Yumamli said: We are currently facing an enemy not unlike last year's fires or those before, but rather something even more powerful. I want to emphasise this. We are fighting such an enemy with two centuries of experience, the Forestry Department, under the coordination of our Governor's Office, all our institutions and organizations, especially AFAD, all our civil society organizations, and our citizens, whose hearts will not allow even a single branch of this homeland to be harmed. We will certainly extinguish these fires, just as we have done in the past. Let no one doubt this. He warned Turkeys citizens: Please don't light fires in open spaces. Whatever activity you're doing outdoors, if it's flammable, don't think of it as open space, away from trees and forests. Without even realizing it, we could be experiencing what we're experiencing today in Karabuk. I wholeheartedly thank all my citizens for their common sense, their support, and their prayers. I wish all my brothers and sisters involved in the firefighting efforts success. May God protect their feet. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The UK is working with Jordan on plans to airdrop aid into Gaza and evacuate children needing medical assistance, Sir Keir Starmer has announced amind mounting international pressure on Israel to let more aid into Gaza, as aid organisations warn of mass starvation . The Israel military confirmed it had resumed airdrops of aid on Saturday night. "The airdrops will include seven pallets of aid containing flour, sugar, and canned food to be provided by international organisations," the military said. But the UN has warned that the focus on airdrops is a distraction and could lead to more deaths in the war-torn strip. The Israeli military also said that it is prepared to establish humanitarian corridors for United Nations convoys. The military's statement did not say when any humanitarian corridors for UN convoys would open, or where. It also said the military is prepared to implement humanitarian pauses in densely populated areas. Sir Keir held emergency talks with French president Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday. In a readout of the call, a spokesperson for Sir Keir said the leaders had agreed it would be vital to ensure robust plans are in place to turn an urgently needed ceasefire into lasting peace. The three leaders agreed the situation in Gaza is appalling, the readout said, adding there is an urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, for Israel to lift all restrictions on aid and urgently provide those suffering in Gaza with the food they so desperately need. open image in gallery Starving Palestinians desperately seek food at an aid kitchen in Gaza City on Saturday ( Reuters ) The prime minister set out how the UK will also be taking forward plans to work with partners such as Jordan to airdrop aid and evacuate children requiring medical assistance, the statement added. However, the head of the United Nations' Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA has criticised aid airdrops, saying it will not reverse the deepening starvation" in Gaza. They are expensive, inefficient and can even kill starving civilians, Philippe Lazzarini said. It is a distraction and smokescreen. open image in gallery From left: Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz and Keir Starmer in The Hague on Friday ( PA ) Instead, he suggested that the starvation in Gaza can only be solved through political will. "Lift the siege, open the gates and guarantee safe movements and dignified access to people in need, he said. Israel says it has let enough food into Gaza and accuses the United Nations of failing to distribute it. The United Nations says it is operating as effectively as possible under Israeli restrictions. "The [Israeli military] emphasises that there is no starvation in the Gaza Strip; this is a false campaign promoted by Hamas," the Israeli military said in its Saturday statement. However, Mr Lazzarini said UNRWA has the equivalent of 6,000 trucks in Jordan and Egypt waiting for the green light to enter Gaza. Driving aid through is much easier, more effective, faster, cheaper and safer, he added. Its more dignified for the people of Gaza. It comes as Israeli airstrikes and shootings overnight killed at least 25 people, according to Palestinian health officials. The majority of victims were killed by gunfire as they waited for aid trucks close to the Zikim crossing with Israel, staff at Shifa hospital said, where the bodies were brought. The UN and experts have warned that Palestinians in Gaza are at risk of famine, with reports of increasing numbers of people dying from causes related to malnutrition. Al-Shifa Hospital in the Gaza Strip said on Saturday that five people in Gaza have died due to famine and malnutrition in the past 24 hours. open image in gallery Palestinians carry the body of a person who was killed while trying to reach aid trucks ( AP ) Gazas Government Media Office also warned of an unprecedented and imminent humanitarian disaster being committed by Israel. It said 100,000 children aged two years and under, including 40,000 babies, are at risk of death within days due to a lack of baby formula and nutritional supplements. The Israeli military says it is allowing aid into the enclave with no limit on the number of trucks that can enter. However, the UN said this is hampered by Israeli military restrictions on its movements and incidents of criminal looting. Israel is facing increased international pressure to end the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza as US-led peace talks in Qatar were cut short on Thursday. Washingtons special envoy Steve Witkoff accused Hamas of a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire. The deal under discussion is expected to include a 60-day ceasefire in which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others in phases in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Aid supplies would be ramped up, and the two sides would negotiate on a lasting truce under the deal. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Six months in an Israeli military prison and branded a traitor by friends it has been a tough year for Itamar Greenberg. The 19-year-old Israeli Jew made the rare decision to refuse conscription to the IDF last August as it waged its devastating war in Gaza. Instead, Itamar accepted half a year behind bars alongside military criminals. I have lost friends, sadly, he tells The Independent. I have a lot of friends who are soldiers, some of them decided to cut our connection. They actually think Im a traitor. I understand what they feel, but obviously I dont agree. open image in gallery Itamar Greenberg says he has lost a number of friends who joined the army ( Itamar Greenberg ) Since his release four months ago, Itamar has continued supporting fellow young refusers willing to risk ostracisation from Israeli society by defying the mandatory order for all Jewish, Druze or Circassian citizens of Israel to serve years with the IDF. Men must serve at least 32 months in the army, while women must serve at least 24 months. Israeli Arabs, religious women, married individuals, and those deemed medically or mentally unfit are exempt from compulsory military service, the IDF says on its website. Last Tuesday, a group of young refusers burnt their army draft letters during a rally in Tel Aviv. Another protest also took place in Jerusalem on Tuesday this week, when ultra-orthodox Jews blocked a highway to protest military conscription although their objection is centred around protecting their strong religious identity, as opposed to conscientious objections to the IDFs actions in Gaza. The refuser movement, activists say, is growing. But Itamar says they remain on the fringes, despised by some, disliked by many. The fear of being jailed, and of being shunned to the periphery of Israeli society after their release, drives many young adults who disagree with the IDFs actions to join the army nonetheless. I have friends that are afraid of going to prison and some of them are in the army, Itamar explains. Some dont want to be in the army. They think its immoral. They are joining it because they are afraid of Israeli society and the consequences on their social life. open image in gallery An IDF draft letter burning on the ground ( Andrey X/@the_andrey_x ) Itamar recalls one of his good friends who came close to refusing service. When his family told him he would be kicked out of the house if he did not serve, the friend gave in and is now with the IDF. Family life is complicated for Itamar, too. The son of an army officer, he avoids engaging in debates around politics and activism while at home, choosing instead to remain silent while his father discusses his work. Hes proud of it, all of the family are proud of it, Itamar says, explaining that bringing his activist views inside the family home would only damage their relationship to no avail. Last weeks rally, which saw dozens take to the streets in support of a handful of young Israelis who set their draft on fire, came at a time of increasing international pressure on Israel. Starvation has torn through the devastated enclave, killing dozens of children, Palestinian health officials say. In recent weeks, catastrophic levels of hunger have seen the first hunger-related deaths spiral something experts and UN officials say is a result of Israels blockade on aid entering Gaza has pushed the strip to the brink of famine. Israel says the hunger crisis is because of a man-made shortage of food, which is engineered by Hamas, Palestinian health officials say the IDF has killed more than 62,000 Palestinians since its bombardment began on 7 October 2023, soon after Hamas-led attacks killed around 1,200 Israelis and saw 250 taken hostage, according to Israeli figures. open image in gallery Palestinians gather to receive food from a charity kitchen, amid a hunger crisis, in Gaza City ( Reuters ) For the few on the Israeli left who have refused service on ideological grounds, the ongoing destruction in Gaza has added a unique complexity to their daily lives. Its very complicated to live in a society, to walk in the street and you know that most people around you are war criminals, or taking part in genocide, Itamar says. Most Israelis who want the war to end, he adds, dont care about the lives of Palestinians, but rather they want the soldiers back home; theyre afraid for their lives. Yona Roseman, 19, was among those to burn her draft letter last week. She expects to be jailed when her conscription date passes in 24 days. Its scary, she says of a looming stint in prison. Yonas parents, while they have come to understand her choice, were initially not very supportive of her decision. But I dont have any second thoughts about it. Its very much what needs to be done. Like Itamar, Yona says the decision has made her an outcast in Israel. open image in gallery Yona Roseman says she may be sent to prison after 24 days ( Andrey X/@the_andrey_x ) Its a decision which takes you out of mainstream society. I have friends from my class who cut ties with me over my decision. My social circle these days is made up of people who are with me in this sort of activism, so I have a community, but its disconnected from the rest of society. Yona and Itamar are tentative in their hopes for any significant change in public mood in Israel. They both note that interest in the refuser movement is growing, but Yona believes that almost everyone who could have refused would have done so by now. I don't know what could change for them to stop showing up and fighting, she says. Instead, the young activists hope that those who are already serving in the army will turn their backs on it. Itamar speaks of a friend who serves in the IDF and is not a leftist. He says the friend recently messaged into a group chat: I dont know how to say it, but its started to look like were doing genocide. Yona also has friends in the IDF who tell her that they lack the bravery to be a refuser. I feel for them, but really, they should just get out of that. It's not an easy process, but it's not a complicated decision. But despite being part of an ostracised group in Israeli society, losing several friends and spending a six-month stint in prison, Itamar wishes he could do more. He says: I just feel that I dont do enough, even though almost all my life has been for stopping [occupation]. I just dont know how. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Australia will recognise a Palestinian state at next months United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced. It comes after the UK, France and Canada recently announced their plans to recognise Palestine, with Britain saying it would only refrain from doing so if Israel takes urgent steps to end the war. Israel and the US have been critical of the decisions, similarly saying they are a reward for Hamas. Canada, France and Britain were the first major Western powers to put forward plans to recognise a Palestinian state a move that could heap pressure on other allies to do the same. So far, recognition of Palestinian sovereignty has largely been limited to countries in Africa, South America and Asia that have historically been critical of Israel. The history of Palestinian recognition In 1988, the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), the official representative of the Palestinian people, formally declared the establishment of the State of Palestine. In practice, the Palestinians have limited self-government through the Palestinian Authority (PA) in parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The PA lost control of the Gaza Strip to Hamas in 2007. The UN considers both territories as occupied by Israel and comprising a single political entity. Palestinians also want East Jerusalem to be part of a future state. Currently, 147 of the 193 member states of the United Nations recognise the state of Palestine. Palestine has been a non-member observer state of the United Nations General Assembly since November 2012. Last year, the United Nations General Assembly granted Palestine additional rights, including being seated with member states, the right to introduce proposals and participate in committees. It still does not have the right to vote. Which European countries recognise Palestine? open image in gallery Palestinians gather to receive food from a charity kitchen in Gaza ( REUTERS ) In the EU, Sweden, Slovenia, Ireland and Spain are the only members of the bloc so far to have recognised Palestine. Seven EU countries had already taken the step before joining the Union: Bulgaria Cyprus Czech Republic Hungary Romania Poland Slovakia Several other EU members, including Malta and Belgium, have indicated their intention to recognise the state of Palestine. Italys prime minister Giorgia Meloni said on Saturday that recognising the State of Palestine before it is established could be counterproductive. "If something that doesn't exist is recognised on paper, the problem could appear to be solved when it isn't," Ms Meloni told Italian daily La Repubblica. A German government spokesperson said on Friday that Berlin was not planning to recognise a Palestinian state in the short term and said its priority now is to make "long-overdue progress" towards a two-state solution. G20 recognition open image in gallery Displaced Palestinian mother Samah Matar holds her malnourished son Youssef in Gaza City ( REUTERS ) Among the G20, a group of the worlds major economies, ten countries recognise the state of Palestine. These are: Argentina Brazil China India Indonesia Mexico Russia Saudi Arabia South Africa Turkey Nine countries in the G20, including the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and South Korea do not, though Britain, France, Canada and Australia plan to recognise Palestinian sovereignty in September. The EU, which is counted as an entity of the G20, does not recognise Palestine. Why have G7 countries been reluctant to recognise Palestine? open image in gallery Sir Keir said the UK governments primary aim was getting aid into Gaza and getting hostages released when asked why UK recognition of the state of Palestine was conditional ( PA Wire ) None of the G7 countries the UK, USA, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan currently recognise a Palestinian state. US state department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce suggested a UN conference called to discuss recognising a Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution was a publicity stunt and called it a slap in the face to the victims of the October 7 attacks. She also suggested that the UK announcement could risk rewarding Hamas. US President Donald Trump has himself expressed doubts about a two-state solution, proposing a US takeover of Gaza in February. This was condemned by Arab states, Palestinians and the UN as "ethnic cleansing, a claim Israel has rejected. Sir Keir said the UK governments primary aim was getting aid into Gaza and getting hostages released when asked why UK recognition of the state of Palestine was conditional. He added he was particularly concerned that the very idea of a two-state solution is reducing and feels further away today than it has for many, many years. While Sir Keir signalled the UK could back away from recognising a Palestinian state if his conditions are met, No 10 is understood to believe that such a two-state solution would also proceed from negotiations towards a sustained peace. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Canadians are trading their annual vacations south of the border for domestic road trips, exploring Ottawa, the Yukon's midnight sun, Nova Scotia's whale watching, or hiking in Banff. This newfound desire to stay local began earlier this year when U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to annex Canada and imposed tariffs on Canadian goods, spurring a 'Buy Canadian' movement to boycott US businesses and avoid US travel. London, Ontario-based Guess Where Trips, selling curated mystery road trip packages, reported a 75 per cent increase in Canadian trip sales year-on-year. "It is clear that more Canadians are choosing to explore small businesses and hidden gems close to home, rather than crossing the border for their holidays and vacations," operations manager Jessica Bax said. Road trips around Ottawa are among their most popular packages, Bax said, as more Canadians explore their capital city. Prime Minister Mark Carney has also made a pitch for Canadians to take advantage of a new "Canada Strong" pass that grants free or discounted access to several national parks, historic sites and museums this summer. "Canadians are making choices to visit this great country, spend time here with their family, with their friends. They're making choices to buy Canadian products," he said in a press briefing in Huntsville, Ontario on Tuesday. The discount pass contrasts with Trump ordering higher entrance fees at U.S. national parks for visitors from other countries. A Bank of Canada survey this week showed that 55% of Canadians plan to spend less money vacationing in the United States this year while 35% said they would spend more on traveling within Canada. A survey by TD Bank showed 64% of Canadians polled planned to travel within the country, mirroring an increase in domestic flight bookings. Canadian domestic tourism spending rose 4% in the first quarter this year from a year earlier, said Destination Canada, a government agency that promotes Canadian tourism. The number of flight return trips from the United States made by Canadians fell 17% in May from a year earlier, while the number of such trips made by car fell by 37% that month, according to Statistics Canada. Walter Flower, who operates whale watching tours in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, said he has been busier this year as more people exploring the UNESCO World Heritage town booked a 45-minute ocean adventure hoping to spot whales off the east coast. open image in gallery Lord Purvis of Tweed called for ministers to discuss outstanding fees with US President Donald Trump during his September visit (Suzanne Plunkett/PA) ( PA Wire ) Divya Mohan, a communications specialist in Toronto, says she had initially planned to go to Texas this year but instead opted to explore the city of Winnipeg in Manitoba. "It just felt like the timing wasn't right... may be in the future," Mohan, 39, said of her trip in April. "Winnipeg is just one more destination in Canada to explore," Mohan said, coming away impressed with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. On the west coast in British Columbia, RVs have gained popularity, said Storm Jespersen, a regional manager at family-owned tourism firm Evergreen Hospitality Group. "This year is going to be the busiest year in our company's history across our 26 properties... it's so busy, I don't think you can even rent one (RV) very easily right now," said Jespersen. open image in gallery Canadians gather at the Detroit River waterfront in Windsor, Ontario, during the "Bridging Our Friendship" solidarity rally with Detroit residents on April 26, 2025 ( Dominic Gwinn/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty ) Traveling in Canada can be expensive as domestic flights to remote locations often cost more than traveling to the United States or even Europe. But travelers have found ways to do it cheaper - through road trips or by hunting for discounts. "Doing road trips or just weekend trips to a cabin nearby is a great way to switch things up without spending thousands of dollars to fly a family of four across the country and back," said Vancouver-based marketing executive Kramer Solinsky. On his list this year, Solinsky plans to visit Montreal and the east coast for the first time and is traveling to Mexico City and Osaka in Japan instead of other sun-soaked options like Florida and California. To make some remote regions in northern Canada more accessible, Air North - the airline for the northern regions of Yukon and Northwest Territories - added more capacity and non-stop routes for the summer, betting on higher demand from what it said was "clear and growing interest among Canadians in exploring more of their own country" Air North said arrivals to Yukon rose 7.6% from January to June this year and the airline continues to see growth in demand for flights to northern Canada. Other Canadian carriers have reported similar trends: Porter Airlines increased its summer network capacity to domestic travel to 80% from 75%, while peer WestJet in May suspended nine routes between Canada and the United States citing lower demand. Irish pension rules cap returns for individuals and are restricting investment here in assets like housing and start-ups that can generate long-term economic benefits, the head of investment house Elkstone says. Significant pension reforms in the US as well as UK initiatives to funnel funds to growth mean Ireland is now in danger of falling even further behind. What now after your Leaving Cert results? Heres how to plan your next steps whether you got top points or not Chinese FM meets with ASEAN secretary-general Xinhua) 10:36, July 26, 2025 Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Kao Kim Hourn, secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in Beijing, capital of China, July 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Kao Kim Hourn, secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in Beijing on Friday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China consistently prioritizes ASEAN in its neighborhood diplomacy, and supports ASEAN in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs. Guided by the central conference on work related to neighboring countries held in April this year, China will work with ASEAN member states to build a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future, he said. Wang said that under current circumstances, China and ASEAN should focus on cooperation in three key areas. First, the two sides should work together to uphold free trade and the multilateral trading system. Wang noted that as major forces in the Global South, China and ASEAN should strengthen solidarity and cooperation to reject unilateralism, safeguard WTO rules, and ensure the authority and integrity of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Second, the two sides should fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), fostering a new narrative of peace, friendship and cooperation in the South China Sea, Wang said. Third, the two sides should work together to maintain regional peace and stability. "Recent clashes on the border between Cambodia and Thailand which caused casualties are deeply distressing," Wang said, noting that China -- a common friend and neighbor to both nations -- stands ready to maintain an impartial position and continue playing a constructive role in de-escalating tensions. For his part, Kao Kim Hourn expressed appreciation for China's firm support of ASEAN's centrality in regional cooperation, and of the construction of the ASEAN community. ASEAN looks forward to leveraging the fifth anniversary of the ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership in 2026 to enhance its strategic alignment with China and deepen practical cooperation across all fields, Kao Kim Hourn said. On the recent border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, Kao Kim Hourn thanked China for its active efforts to promote peace talks. (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Wu Chaolan) The conservative Irish news site Gript has taken High Court action against the Press Council after it ruled that the website breached three principles in its code of practice. Former Clare hurler was acquitted by jury over incident that injured boy (12) Former All Star Gilligan (48) was alleged to have whacked the boy with a stick after coming across him and another boy, also 12, at the Jamaica Inn Hostel, a Co Clare property he owned and was attempting to sell at the time. Fifty years on from Miami Showband massacre, dark corners of Irish-British history remain unprobed The 1975 attack, carried out by loyalist paramilitaries, killed three band members and shocked the country Miami Showband members Brian McCoy, Fran O'Toole, Des McAlea, Stephen Travers, Tony Geraghty and Ray Miller. Photo: Maxwell archive John Downing Sat 26 Jul 2025 at 06:30 After the massacre, the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) issued a statement that, even by Northern Ireland paramilitary non-standards, ranks among the most concocted pack of lies ever uttered. Unmasking Richard Brennan: how rapist former priest kept his dark crimes hidden while living in US Man jailed for abusing sisters was lauded for his work at hospitals and churches before his dark past was exposed Unmasking Richard Brennan: how rapist former priest kept his dark crimes hidden while living in US Catherine Fegan Sat 26 Jul 2025 at 06:30 The reporter watched on as Richard Brennan carefully kitted himself out in his personal protective equipment. He wore not one, but two surgical masks. He had a hair bonnet covering his head, a plastic gown over his body, eye goggles and two pairs of medical-grade gloves. Everyone under the age of 18 will be able to avail of free entry to heritage sites across the country throughout August, the OPW has announced. Back in the USSR: a visit to the mysterious land of Transnistria Tipperary reporter Eoin Kelleher spends a day on the peaceful streets of the Land of Monuments, drinking cognac, touring a fortress and visiting the Torture Museum A visit to Transnistria - the unrecognised republic in Moldova Eoin Kelleher Sat 26 Jul 2025 at 07:00 Visiting the breakaway republic of Transnistria in Moldova is akin to stepping back in time to the old USSR before it dissolved - a land of soviet style buildings, communist relics, and stodgy cuisine. John Downing: The curious case of a killer bear spared being put down after time on death row Germany offers sanctuary to Gaia as fate of condemned animal that killed jogger divides Italy A bear in an enclosure in the Alternative Wolf and Bear Park in the Black Forest district of Freudenstadt. Photo: Getty John Downing Sat 26 Jul 2025 at 06:30 An Italian killer bear that had been on death row has been given a reprieve thanks to the munificence of a German wildlife sanctuary that is laying on a special 1.2m secure detention centre. Palestinians pray over the bodies of people killed in an Israeli airstrike on a school in Gaza. Photo: AP The heart that does not sink at the sight of children wasting away in the arms of their helpless mothers can scarcely be human. What is undergraduate research? The Council for Undergraduate Research defines undergraduate research as the inquiry or investigation conducted by an undergraduate in collaboration with a faculty mentor that makes an original intellectual or creative contribution to the discipline. It is recognized as one of Texas A&M University's high-impact practices that prepares students for the workplace and society. Students connect with faculty and graduate students who, in addition to research, can offer advice about career paths and about applying for graduate school and fellowships. How to get started Department programs Independent research courses: Each department offers a variety of courses (291, 485, 491, etc.) that provide undergraduates with opportunities to work closely with faculty on a research topic. Employment: With more than 350 engineering faculty and more than $282 million in research expenditures, there are opportunities for students to work on funded research projects within the College of Engineering or within a students department. University programs Undergraduate Research Scholars Program: This program is for outstanding students who have completed their sophomore year and are interested in pursuing graduate studies. Students contribute to ongoing faculty research to develop or expand their appreciation for research. Programs - summer Undergraduate Summer Research - REU Program: This opportunity is open to undergraduate engineering students from Texas A&M and around the nation who are interested in working alongside Texas A&M engineering faculty and graduate students on research. Programs - fall/spring Engineering Honors Program: Students accepted into Engineering Honors are required to complete between four and six hours of research by the time of graduation, depending on the requirements of their particular major. Conducting research allows students to further develop essential critical thinking skills and enhance professional skills crucial for future careers in industry, government labs or academia. AggiE-Challenge: The multi-semester program gives engineering undergraduates course credit and an opportunity to engage in multidisciplinary team projects addressing elements of some of the most important engineering challenges facing our society. ROE Scholar: The two-semester research program prepares undergraduate engineering students for careers in academic research and helps them gain research experience in preparation for graduate school. Research programs Majors: Those interested in materials science and engineering-related research Contact: Dr. Ibrahim Karaman ikaraman@tamu.edu Majors: Those interested in materials science and engineering-related research Contact: Dr. Michael Demkowicz demkowicz@tamu.edu or Ms. Isabel Cantu icantu@tamu.edu Majors: Technology, geography and health Contact: Dr. Tracy Hammond hammond@cse.tamu.edu Texas Center for Undergraduate Research in Energy and Combustion Majors: Aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering Contact: Dr. Eric Petersen epetersen@tamu.edu Interdisciplinary Research Experiences in Mechatronics, Robotics and Automated System Design Majors: Mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, manufacturing engineering, engineering technology Contact: Dr. Sheng-Jen "Tony" Hsieh hsieh@tamu.edu Majors: All engineering majors (including computer science), related math/sciences (e.g., physics, biology) Contact: Erin Williams emwilliams@tamu.edu Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) - Advancing Transportation Leadership and Safety Center (ATLAS) Summer Internship Program Majors: All majors are welcome Contact: Laura Higgins l-higgins@tti.tamu.edu Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) - University Transportation Center for Railway Safety (UTCRS) Majors: Engineering majors Contact: Amy White a-white@ttimail.tamu.edu, railwaysafety@utrgv.edu Majors: Computer Science or Computer Engineering Contacts: Jason O'Kane jokane@tamu.edu Majors: Engineering and science majors, particularly with interests in re-use water quality Contacts: Dr. Terry Gentry tjgentry@tamu.edu, Dr. Ali Fares alfares@pvamu.edu, Dr. Anish Jantrania anish.Jantrania@ag.tamu.edu Majors: Biomedical engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, industrial, mechanical engineering and material science engineering Contact: Dr. Gerard Cote gcote@tamu.edu ATP-Bio Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program in Biopreservation Technologies Majors: All science and engineering majors, including, but not limited to: chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, mechanical engineering, physics Contact: Johaynah Al-Rifi atp-bio@tamu.edu Resources The following resources allow you to search for summer research programs across the U.S. by discipline or by state/location. Young Cork mother (26) battling cancer organises Nathan Carter gig for vital Irish charity Natasha O'Byrne is fundraising for the Irish Cancer Society because of the invaluable support they have provided three generations of her family in their respective cancer journeys Natasha O'Byrne with her two children Emilija and Max Martin Mongan Corkman Sun 27 Jul 2025 at 16:40 Country music royalty Nathan Carter will headline a fundraising concert in aid of the Irish Cancer Society in Cork on Wednesday. Hundreds attend anti-racism protest outside the Dail following brutal attack in Tallaght Hundreds gathered outside the Dail today in solidarity against racist violence, following a brutal, unprovoked attack on an Indian national in Tallaght last week. Organised by members of Irelands migrant community, the protest called attention to a growing sense of fear and vulnerability among immigrants, and demanded urgent action from the government. The victim, an Indian man in his 40s, had arrived in Ireland weeks before the incident, and was attacked at Parkhill Lawns in the Kilnamanagh area around 6pm on Saturday, July 19. Gardai have confirmed they are currently investigating the assault. A vigil was also held in Tallaght last night, drawing significant support from the Indian community. Ajay Shaji, attending the protest as a member of Migrant Nurses Ireland, described the incident as "shocking" and deeply traumatic for the wider migrant community. The migrant community was under stress and really shocked at the news, he said. I don't know how traumatic it must be for him. He was here for [just weeks] and had to go through something like that. There are no words to explain it. Kavi Raj, an Indian national living in Tallaght, called the incident horrifying and explained that attacks like this need to be addressed at government level. We live in Tallaght - we are afraid to walk outside, he said. "Immigrants and Irish people can live side by side, hand in hand, Kavi said. Shinith Ak, who has lived in Kilkenny since 2009, said the attack left him ashamed. One of my family members was attacked, and when I told my hometown back in India, they said, Come back you're not safe there. Rofayda Mohamed, a mother who also attended the protest, expressed her growing fear for her children. The hate is rising. I was horrified, shocked, actually - that this can happen on our streets she said. Im afraid for my children, to go out, to play. This is not acceptable. Speaking at the protest, Dublin West TD Ruth Coppinger called the attack repulsive. These attacks are not isolated. Theyre under-reported and under-investigated, she said. We keep hearing stories from the migrant community, from people of colour in Ireland, about attacks like this. Ms Coppinger stressed the need for community-based, anti-racist networks and policies that address the root causes of social tension including the housing crisis. Gardai have appealed to the public not to share or repost social media footage related to the attack, as their investigation continues. A man has been refused bail after a court heard he allegedly planted a small tracking device in his childs car seat and bombarded his ex-partner with up to 50 emails a day in breach of a safety order. The man, who is aged in his 30s and from Dublin, appeared before Judge Patricia McNamara at Tallaght District Court. Garda Gavin Cribbin objected to bail under the OCallaghan principles, citing eight alleged breaches of a safety order during June and July 2025. The court heard the most serious breach involved a small tracking device allegedly hidden in the seat where the couples child usually sits. The device was discovered on June 29, after the injured partys relative - a passenger in her car - received an alert on their phone warning that a tracker was nearby. The complainant used two separate apps to confirm the presence of the device and eventually located it tucked into the childs car seat. The court heard the accused had allegedly borrowed the seat to facilitate a custody exchange - and it was alleged he later admitted to a relative that he had planted the tracker. Detective Sergeant Ruth Finnegan told the court it was "an AirTag-type of device". Judge McNamara described the tracker incident as particularly insidious and said it formed part of a worrying pattern of behaviour that posed a real risk of interference with the complainant. The accused is facing eight alleged breaches of the safety order, four of which relate to email contact. The court heard the man was only permitted to contact the injured party regarding child access but allegedly sent around 50 emails a day over three consecutive days - some of which were described as abusive and made no reference to child access. One message allegedly contained repeated verbal abuse, and the complainant eventually blocked his email address. The injured party gave evidence in court, saying she had been in a relationship with the man for almost a decade and that they share children. She was granted a two-year safety order in April 2025, after applying earlier in the year. He wont stop contacting me or intimidating me, she said. I feel like hes going to snap one day. The woman described how daily life had become fearful and tense, saying she felt sick when she realised she was being tracked. I dont know what it will take for him to leave me alone, she told the court. She also described a custody handover on July 12, where the man allegedly shouted abuse in front of the children, followed her on foot, and initially refused to hand the children over. Garda Cribbin said that while no explicit threat had been made, the tracking incident was of particular concern and reflected what he called an evolution of behaviour that was becoming more serious and invasive. Defence solicitor John OLeary said his client maintains the presumption of innocence and pointed out there was no history of violence. Refusing bail, Judge McNamara said she was satisfied there was a real risk of interference with the injured party and refused bail under the OCallaghan principles. She said: There is a presumption of innocence, but I am satisfied from what Ive heard that there is a possibility of interference with the applicant in the safety order. She described the tracker allegation as particularly insidious, adding: Its not even the emails, even though theyre quite abusive - its the allegation that he borrowed a car seat and put a tracker in there to monitor her movements. Judge McNamara noted that the injured party had expressed fear and that the behaviour appeared to be escalating. The man was remanded in custody to appear via video link at Cloverhill District Court at a later date. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme. A trespasser who entered a vulnerable 88-year-old mans home, taking "every bit of independence" from him, has had his original jail term doubled, despite appealing to the judge for a lower sentence. The appeal court heard that Gerry Cash (33) with an address at Tombrack, Ferns, Co Wexford left the vulnerable pensioner, who has short term memory loss, in a distressed state after entering his Co Kildare house. Cash was convicted in the District Court of trespassing on a building in a manner that causes or is likely to cause fear in another person contrary to section 13 (1) of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994. He was sentenced to nine months in custody with the final six months suspended and later lodged an appeal against his conviction. However his defence counsel, Asma Saleh BL, yesterday informed the court that the case would proceed by appealing the severity of sentence only and the prosecuting gardas evidence was not contested. Garda Padraig Murphy told the District Court Appeals Court that gardai got a report on February 22, 2023 from the daughter of the injured party. He said that a neighbour alerted her that they saw a white van outside her fathers house and that a man knocked on the window and the door of the house. Garda Murphy said that the man was heard shouting Ive got you that before entering the house. He said that the neighbour saw the man in the sitting room and he later left the property in his van. Gda Murphy said that the victim was left very shaken and pale after the incident. Garda Murphy said that the man was in the care of his daughters, who left him alone for one hour a day. He said this had never happened to the man before and he had no memory of the incident due to his memory loss difficulties. Garda Murphy said that CCTV was obtained and shared with gardai allowing Cash to be identified, arrested and detained. He said that in the interview, Cash admitted to being at the scene and leaving a calling card. He was charged with trespassing and was convicted in the District Court. Ms Saleh said that Cash is extremely remorseful for his actions and that he is aware it was bad behaviour. She said that her clients doctor reports that he suffers from anxiety, depression and low mood swings. She also said that his wife is currently pregnant after a long time in IVF treatment. The daughter of the injured party gave a victim impact statement, telling the court that she is her fathers full time carer and that he used to have one hour on his own. She said when she came into her fathers house that day he didnt know what had happened and was very pale. She said that he shook as she showered him and he was very upset. She said: that man took every bit of independence from my father. She said that her father worked all of his life and he didnt deserve for that to happen to him. Judge Dara Hayes said that the court had the power to increase the appellant's jail sentence as well as decreasing it on appeal. He said that the original sentence of nine months in custody with the final six months suspended was lenient under the circumstances. He said that it was clear from the injured partys reaction that he was put in a position of some distress. The judge said that whatever independence the man had was taken away and that the injured party was entitled to be unmolested in his own home. Judge Hayes decided to keep the sentence of the District Court of nine months in custody but only suspended the final three months. This represents an increase from an effective three months in custody in the original sentencing, to six months in custody after appeal. He said that he would suspend the final three months for the period of 12 months on the condition that Cash keeps the peace and does not contact the injured party or his family again. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme. A highly intoxicated man who was pepper sprayed at Longtitude after aggressively calling a garda a c**t before going on to urinate in his cell has told a court that cannabis isnt a drug. Paul Davis (38), of Deanstown Road, Finglas, Dublin 11, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to criminal damage at Rathfarnham Garda Station and to threatening and abusive behaviour and intoxication in a public place at Marlay Park on June 29, 2024. The court heard Davis was highly intoxicated at the festival when Gardai observed him arguing with security staff around 5:55pm. He was slurring his speech and acting in an aggressive and confrontational manner. When approached by Garda Stephen Walsh and asked to calm down, Davis called the garda a c**t repeatedly and continued to be aggressive. He was pepper sprayed and arrested before being brought to Rathfarnham Garda Station. While in custody, he urinated on a cell door. The court heard that Davis has 54 previous convictions, including those for public order and criminal damage. The court had previously heard in May that Davis had been drug-free for 10 months, regularly attended AA and NA meetings, and was engaging with Cuan Mhuire services. However, he later admitted to the Probation Service that he still smokes cannabis daily and was found unsuitable for community service. When asked to explain this in court, Davis said: Cannabis isnt a drug - its a plant. Davis was arrested at Longitude in Marlay Park. Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 26th Judge Patricia McNamara responded: Oh, well then you think heroin is just a plant? Davis replied: Well no, heroin is chemicalised. Judge McNamara said: There are plenty of chemicals in cannabis too. There are chemicals in it youd find under your kitchen sink - its not some little plant growing from your windowsill. You could be smoking rat poison." She added: That kind of attitude shows a complete naivety about drugs. Those are the kinds of plants that will ruin your life. Davis paid 105 in court to cover the cost of cleaning the cell. Judge McNamara convicted Davis and imposed a three-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, while she also fined him 200, with four months to pay. She told him he must remain of sober habits and abstain from all illicit or non-prescribed drugs during the suspended period. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme. Author Claudia Carroll on the death of her father: I was in a haze that year, I was very close to him and hed been very unwell. It was his time to go, but still, it was really horrible Baileys is set to be served at premieres in Carlow and Wicklow before it is released on Amazon Prime Wicklow dairy farmer Joe Hayden on Baileys Farm in Tinahely with 'The Baileys Ladies' in the upcoming film 'A Sip of Irish'. Photo: 2025 Swipe Films Director Frank Mannion and Wicklow dairy farmer Joe Hayden on Baileys Farm in Tinahely in the upcoming film 'A Sip of Irish'. Photo: 2025 Swipe Films Wicklow dairy farmer Joe Hayden on Baileys Farm in Tinahely with 'The Baileys Ladies' in the upcoming film 'A Sip of Irish'. Photo: 2025 Swipe Films A new film by acclaimed director Frank Mannion that delves into Irelands culinary and drinks legacy stars a charismatic Wicklow dairy farmer who famously serenades his pampered herd of cows, The Baileys Ladies, with his favourite rock and jazz music to produce the cream for Baileys Irish Cream. The latest offering by the Carlow director is his love letter to Irish produce, featuring surprising discoveries, connections and Irish influences across the globe, from Prince Albert of Monacos ties to the Guinness family to our underappreciated contributions to wine making. Surprising viewers who think of Ireland as just the home of Guinness and Irish stew, the cast of A Sip of Irish includes a range of artisans and public figures, including Midleton whiskey blender Deirdre OCarroll, Donegal-based Muff Liquor Co in which Russell Crowe is a proud investor and chefs Anna Haugh and JR Ryall of Ballymaloe, along with Una Healy, Ryan Tubridy, Laura Whitmore, winemaker Michael Flatley (founder of Flatley Whiskey) and Pat Shortt. Easily among the most colourful and captivating characters in the stellar cast, Tinahely farmer Joe Hayden and his herd of Holstein Friesian cows take centre stage in the first segment of the film, which premieres in the Tinahely Courthouse Arts Centre on August 1. Although he has worked with the likes of Ian McKellen and Judi Dench on Quintessentially British, and with Stephen Fry in Sparkling: The Story of Champagne, Frank said that the day spent filming on the unique Baileys Farm, where Joes cows receive a full spa treatment, will live long in his memory. The film celebrates Irelands contribution to the drinks and culinary world, and I wanted to find surprising stories for familiar products, Frank began. It looks at whiskey, stout, artisan brands like Scraggy Bay and Muff Liquor, and also Baileys Irish Cream. Ultimately, the film is an entertaining origin story for all those products. With Baileys, I thought, we know its really popular. We know its 50pc cream. We know it has sold two billion bottles around the world. But what dont we know? Where is it actually made?" I discovered that the quintessential Baileys dairy farm is called the Baileys Farm in Tinahely, County Wicklow, and theres an amazing, dynamic farmer there called Joe Hayden who has won many awards for his Holstein Friesian cows. He has 230 cows that produce the cream for Baileys Irish Cream. He doesnt call them his herd or his cows, but rather his Baileys ladies, and he treats them as such. You often hear of racehorses being treated better than humans. And in a way, Joe has almost like a spa treatment set up for his cows because his philosophy is that a happy cow is more productive, which is a fact. A happy cow will produce better quality milk. He plays music to his cows. So, when theyre in the milking parlour, the cows have to listen to his taste in music, which is The Killers, Bruce Springsteen, and Coldplay. He had a saxophonist there last week, and they seemed to like it. He thinks it makes them more productive, and hes probably right. When I went to the farm, I thought, this is amazing, Joe is a very forward-looking farmer with lots of interesting methods I must be the first to have come here to put him and the Baileys Ladies on camera. But no, last month he had the Real Housewives of Orange County pay him a visit. So, the secret is out! Delighted to have contributed to the production, Joe said that it was a privilege to collaborate with gentleman Frank on a project that will place a global spotlight on Wicklow and its long-standing ties to products that have put Irish food and drinks on the map. This film is going to be huge for the Baileys Farm, and its going to be a huge thing for Wicklow and Tinahely, he said. To be featured in such a way, and to get the whole first segment of the film dedicated to us, its fantastic for the county. Frank spent the day down here. He is a very interesting individual, and I really enjoyed working with him. An absolute professional, and a gentleman to boot. I wasnt sure how he was going to knit everything together, but the film is very cleverly done. The way Frank has woven the story of the Irish influences into everything from Hennessy to Californian white wine development hes a very clever guy. I suppose, like in a lot of things, Ireland punches well above its weight. Ive seen the film a few times, and every time I look at it, I enjoy it more. Its going to be very good for giving Wicklow exposure across the globe and for the business here, and Im thoroughly looking forward to the premiere. Just down the road from Joes farm, Frank and his crew visited St Patricks Well, which was supposedly visited by St Patrick in the fifth century, and is the most southerly point in Ireland he is known to have travelled to. As Frank explained, the reason he wanted to film there was to establish a connection with Prince Albert of Monaco, who has a paternal connection to the Guinness family on the Grimaldi side of the family. We came to shoot in Wicklow because there are two great locations right next to each other that tell very interesting stories that very little is known about, he said. We spoke to Prince Albert in the film, as one of his ancestors married into the Guinness family, so he joked with us that he considers Guinness the family drink! Before coming to Ireland, St Patrick was educated at the Lerins Islands, which are just off the coast of Cannes, off the coast of Monaco. So in the film, we segue from Saint Patricks Well in Wicklow to Monaco and Prince Albert talking about how two of his ancestors were the principal abbots of Lerins Monastery, where the monks make really nice red wine to this day. Another little-known story is the wine geese, these dynamic Irishmen from Galway, Tipperary and Kildare who left Ireland in predominantly the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries for France and set up vineyards that are still world famous to this day, including Lynch-Bages, Phelan Segur, and Leoville Barton. So, again, of course, were known for Guinness, stout, and whiskey, but in the film, we say, well, we should be known for wine as well. And Hennessy Cognac, as Richard Hennessy was from Cork, and we tell that story of how he ended up in Cognac having fought for the French King Louis XV against the English at the Battle of Fontenoy. A Sip of Irish will premiere at the Tinahely Courthouse Arts Centre on Friday, August 1, at 8pm. Tickets are 8/6 and available to the public via courthousearts.ie An additional public screening will take place on the same day at Carlow County Library at 3pm. There will be a reception sponsored by Baileys at both screenings. The film will be released on digital platforms, including Amazon Prime and iTunes, on August 2. RTE broadcaster and Morning Ireland presenter Aine Lawlor at Hodges Figgis in Dublin for the launch of Aileen Crossley's new picture book 'An Ait a nEitlionn na Madai Crainn'. Wicklow author and illustrator Aileen Crossley pictured at Hodges Figgis in Dublin with her new picture book 'An Ait a nEitlionn na Madai Crainn'. Publisher Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhride pictured with Wicklow author and illustrator Aileen Crossley at the launch of her new picturebook 'An Ait a nEitlionn na Madai Crainn' at Hodges Figgis in Dublin. Tinahely-based artist and author Aileen Crossley recently launched a new Irish-language picture book for children, An Ait a nEitlionn na Madai Crainn, which features illustrations inspired by her love for the Wexford countryside. It was standing room only in Hodges Figgis in Dublin when Aileen, in conversation with RTEs Aine Lawlor and publisher Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhride of Eabhloid, described creating the book, its inspiration and the decision to publish it as Gaeilge. Attendees could view the original handmade book and a fine-art lithographic print collection, of which NCAD purchased one limited edition copy for their NIVAL collection. Aileen spoke about how, during a dark period in lockdown, she sought her happy places, Cahore beach being one of them, which brought back memories of walking with her mother and encountering foxgloves, lying in the grass, listening to the sounds of nature. Speaking at the launch, Aine recalled when her colleague Aileen from the RTE graphics department first shared the book, then a work in progress, how she was immediately drawn to it because of the language used in the book. Im old enough to remember my grandmother using words like fairy fingers and Gods little cows; these were the traditional names that I remember when growing up the story is about a child finding redemption in our nDuchas, and this is a book that gives great meaning to that word Duchas, she said. The book is available for sale directly from the publisher at eabhloid.com, at all good bookshops, and also at The Strand Cahore. Thai residents evacuate from their home following clashes between Thai and Cambodian soldiers in Sisaket province, Thailand yesterday. Photo: Sakchai Lalit/AP Thailand warned its border conflict with Cambodia could escalate into a state of war as fighting expanded to new areas and both sides exchanged heated rhetoric on a second day of clashes yesterday. At least 15 people have been killed in Thailand and one in Cambodia, and tens of thousands of people have been displaced on both sides of the contested border. Acting prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai of Thailand claimed Cambodia had deployed heavy weapons on multiple fronts and said Bangkok was defending its territory. The current situation involves acts of intrusion and aggression that are causing harm to the peoples lives. The situation has intensified and could escalate into a state of war. At present, its a confrontation involving heavy weapons, he told reporters. Fighting expanded to 12 locations yesterday the Thai military said, up from six the previous day when they first erupted. The two sides blamed each other for starting the conflict amid continued fighting, with Bangkok accusing Cambodia of deliberately targeting civilians, and Phnom Penh alleging that Thailand was using cluster munitions, an ordnance banned by an international treaty. The Southeast Asian nations contest several stretches of their 817km land border partly drawn by Cambodias French colonial rulers over a century ago which passes near several archaeologically important religious sites claimed by both countries. The US, a longtime ally of Thailand, urged an immediate end to the hostilities. State Department deputy spokesman Tommy Pigott said that Washington was gravely concerned by the escalating violence along the Thailand-Cambodia border and deeply saddened by reports of harm to civilians. China said that it was deeply concerned by the violent clashes and would continue in its own way to do its best to promote peace and dialogue. The UN Security Council was due to meet yesterday to discuss the conflict. Thai foreign ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura told Reuters it rejected the possibility of third-party mediation, insisting that Phnom Penh cease attacks and resolve the situation through bilateral talks. The Thai military reported clashes yesterday in Chong Bok and Phu Makhuea in the Ubon Ratchathani province, Phanom Dong Rak in Surin, and near the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple. In Cambodia, a man died after a Thai rocket struck a Buddhist pagoda where he had taken shelter. Rebel Wilson has launched a blistering response after being sued in Australia over her troubled directorial debut The Deb accusing the British producers of spiteful, toxic behaviour and vowing she will not back down. The Pitch Perfect star posted the statement on Instagram yesterday morning after UK-based financiers AI Film lodged fresh legal proceedings against her in the New South Wales Supreme Court, claiming she sabotaged the films release and made defamatory claims in an attempt to force them to sell her the rights. Prospective Student Visits The College of Engineering hosts information sessions and tours of the Zachry Engineering Education Complex and department visits for prospective students. Register for a Prospective Student Visit Zachry Engineering Education Complex Embark on a virtual or self-paced tour through the unique features of the Zachry Engineering Education Complex. Embark on a Virtual Tour Embark on a Self-Guided Tour Prospective Student Interactive Virtual Sessions Attend an interactive virtual information session for prospective students and view our virtual Zachry Engineering Education Complex tour. Register for a Virtual Information Session Galveston Campus Tour Attend a tour and information session at our Galveston campus. You'll learn about all the perks of studying engineering on the Gulf Coast. Register for a Galveston Campus Tour Engineering Academies Interactive Virtual Sessions The Texas A&M Engineering Academies are also offering virtual information sessions. Students admitted to an engineering academy are coenrolled in the College of Engineering and a partner community college. This means students can stay close to home and save money over the first two years of college. Register for a Virtual Information Session with an Academy Campus Visit Daily campus tours, residence hall tours, admissions information presentations and Corps of Cadets introductory sessions are available through the Texas A&M University Visitor Center. Register for a Campus Visit Europe For all the fuss and posturing at the White House, no progress was made on the Ukraine war End of a supersonic dream The Air France Concorde disaster 25 years on Crash killed all 109 people on board and four on the ground, sounding the death knell for the pioneering project to fly passengers faster than the speed of sound Flames trail from the Concorde Air France flight 4590 from Paris Charles de Gaulle to New York JFK just moments after take-off on July 25, 2000. Photo: Toshihiko Sato Simon Calder UK Independent Sat 26 Jul 2025 at 06:30 The 100 passengers who boarded Air France flight 4590 from Paris Charles de Gaulle to New York JFK on the afternoon of July 25, 2000 believed they were in for the trip of a lifetime. Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump appear to abandon Gaza ceasefire talks US president says Hamas leaders want to die, while Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir urges halt to all aid Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo: Reuters Maayan Lubell Reuters Sat 26 Jul 2025 at 06:30 Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US president Donald Trump appeared yesterday to abandon Gaza ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, both saying it had become clear the Palestinian militants did not want a deal. DISPATCH After four months of a near-total Israeli siege, Gazas few remaining hospitals now have wards for the growing number of malnourished children whose tiny bodies are just the width of their bones. Doctors are famished to the point that they have dizzy spells as they make their rounds, medics say, and the journalists documenting their caseloads are often too weak to even walk to the clinics. A woman survived allegedly being left to die at sea by her husband by clinging onto the boat back to shore, police have said. According to court documents, Douglas Naeher (60) was in a bad mood when the couple set off from the Florida coast on the fishing trip, and snapped when the rod line broke. Fearing a confrontation with her husband of three years, the woman leapt off the boat and clung to a pool noodle a cylindrical piece of foam to stay afloat, while hanging on to a rope attached to the craft. How Irish orphan Nicholas Rossi created lies of a childhood in Dublin and faked his own death, but is finally facing justice in the US Fighting on the Thai-Cambodian border extended into a third day and new flashpoints emerged on Saturday as both sides said they had acted in self-defence in the border dispute and called on the other to cease fighting and start negotiations. ABO Desire, also simply known as Desire, is the show currently spicing up the summer watchlist of every Boys' Love (BL) fan who enjoys their romance messy, mysterious, and biologically complex. This Chinese web drama dives headfirst into the Omegaverse, complete with pheromones, power plays, and secret identities. Its based on Nong Jians novel and has steadily built a global cult following, thanks to its unpredictable plot twists and a dangerously charming cast. Whether youre watching for the steamy dynamics between Sheng Shaoyou and Hua Yong or the layered world-building that mixes science fiction with corporate scheming, Desire doesnt hold back. With Episode 5 around the corner, fans are gearing up for more secrets, more heartbreak, and possibly even some long-awaited answers. What is ABO Desire about? ABO Desire has quickly become fans' new obsession|Credit: Youku ABO Desire takes place in a world transformed by a virus that split society into distinct secondary gendersAlphas, Betas, Omegas, and a rare group called Enigmas. These classifications affect everything from ones instincts to social status. The story follows Sheng Shaoyou, a dominant S-class Alpha with major family baggage, and Hua Yong, a sly intern who appears to be an Omega but is actually hiding his true identity as an Enigma. From covert deals to emotional confrontations, their cat-and-mouse tension keeps viewers locked in. ABO Desire Episode 1-4 recap The first four episodes are a slow burn with tension layered like a well-structured lie. It all begins with Hua Yong stepping into Sheng Shaoyous corporate orbit as a seemingly harmless Omega intern, only to quickly stir suspicion and attraction in equal measure. Meanwhile, secondary characters like Gao Tu and Shen Wen Lang bring in their own complications, especially as Gao Tus suppressed Omega status starts causing physical instability. Emotional stakes rise as Gao Tu and Wen Lang try to make sense of their growing connection, while Shaoyou struggles to define his own feelings for Hua Yong. The fourth episode ends with a strained truce between Shaoyou and Hua Yong, but right when things seem to settle, a rut hitsand with it, a painful rejection that could change everything. What to expect in ABO Desire Episode 5 ABO Desire Episode 5 is when things get a little chaotic as Gao Tus overuse of suppressants starts taking a serious toll, triggering unstable pheromone responses that push him to a breaking point. At the same time, Shaoyou and Hua Yongs relationship takes a brief turn for the better as they seemingly reconcile. But just as fans get a whiff of progress, Hua Yong unexpectedly enters a rut. When Shaoyou offers him a permanent bond as a way to help, Hua Yong rejects it and vanishes, leaving Shaoyou desperate, confused, and more determined than ever to uncover Hua Yongs true identity. Its the kind of episode that flips dynamics and throws characters straight into emotional limbo. ABO Desire Episode 5 release date & time ABO Desire Episode 5 is officially scheduled to drop on Saturday, July 26, 2025, on streaming platforms like iQIYI, Youku, WeTV, Bilibili, and GagaOOLala. Here's when you can catch it, based on your time zone: China / Hong Kong / Taiwan: Saturday, July 26, at 8:00 PM CST (GMT+8) (Available on iQIYI, Youku, WeTV, and GagaOOLala) Philippines / Malaysia / Singapore: Saturday, July 26, at 8:00 PM PHT/MYT/SGT (Streaming via GagaOOLala and iQIYI) Indonesia (Jakarta): Saturday, July 26, at 7:00 PM WIB Thailand / Vietnam: Saturday, July 26, at 7:00 PM ICT India: Saturday, July 26, at 5:30 PM IST (Via GagaOOLala and Plex with subs) United Kingdom: Saturday, July 26, at 1:00 PM BST Central Europe (France, Germany, etc.): Saturday, July 26, at 2:00 PM CEST United States: Eastern Time (ET): Saturday, July 26 at 8:00 AM Pacific Time (PT): Saturday, July 26 at 5:00 AM Australia: AEST (Sydney): Saturday, July 26 at 10:00 PM Global listing on Plex: Friday, July 25 (UTC-based timestamp), but available to stream locally from July 26 depending on region For more news and updates from the world of OTT and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Our Generation free watch episodes 1-24: Move over, K-dramas; 2025 is clearly the year of C-dramas. Starring Zhao Jinmai and Zhang Linghe, Our Generation has taken over everyones watchlist since its July 15 premiere. And in a surprise twist, the romance drama wrapped up its full 24-episode run on Saturday, July 25, giving fans a weekend binge fest they didnt see coming. All 24 episodes are now available on Youku, while platforms like Viu, Viki and Netflix are rolling them out on their own schedules. That said, Youku isn't accessible in many countries. But dont worry, weve got you covered. Keep scrolling to find out how to stream all 24 episodes of Our Generation online for free. What is Our Generation about? Set in a small town during the early 2000s, it follows the journey of Li Ran (played by Zhao Jinmai) and Chen Kaiwen (played by Zhang Linghe), two classmates whose relationship evolves from innocent friendship to a complicated love. The story spans their high school years through early adulthood, capturing the joy, confusion, and heartbreak that come with growing up. Along the way, it explores themes like family pressure, academic competition, first love, and missed timing, all told through a nostalgic lens that resonates with anyone who's ever looked back on their youth with both fondness and regret. Think of it as a slower, emotionally grounded drama where the focus is less on big twists and more on the small, relatable moments that shape who we become. If you're into shows like Reply 1988 or A Love So Beautiful, this one's likely to hit you right in the feels. Our Generation: Has the hit C-drama come to an end? Yes, Our Generation has officially wrapped up, with a surprise twist. On July 26, 2025, the drama dropped its final four episodes (21 to 24) all at once on Youku, giving fans an unexpected binge-worthy weekend. Originally, the show was following a one- or two-episode-per-day schedule, but the surprise release fast-tracked the finale. These episodes became available first to SVIP users on Youku, while VIP users got access to Episode 21 initially, with the rest following soon after. Youku China's surprise schedule for Our Generation| Credit: Youku Where is Our Generation streaming? Our Generation is streaming across various platforms, including Youku, Viu, Viki, and Netflix. How to watch Our Generation episodes 1-24 online for free (and legally) In China, Our Generation is exclusively streaming on Youku. However, it's important to note that Youku isnt accessible in several regions outside China. Meanwhile, Viu also has limited availability depending on the country. For international viewers, the drama is also available on Netflix and Viki, though with a slight delay. As of now, episode 21 has yet to release on Netflix, while Viki, South Koreas popular streaming platform, lists the episode for release in four days. All episodes of Our Generation are now available on Youku| Credit: Youku Here's what you need to know to stream Our Generation for free in the US, Canada, India, and other regions. Watching Our Generation on Netflix (US & Canada) Netflix is the most accessible option if you're in the US or Canada. The drama is available on the platform, but episodes are released with a delay. As of now, Episode 21 has not yet dropped. A subscription is required, and there is no free viewing option. Streaming on Youku with a VPN Youku is the original streaming platform for Our Generation and has all 24 episodes available. However, its not accessible from the US or Canada and several other regions due to regional restrictions. To watch it, youll need a VPN that connects to a China-based server. Once connected, you can access Youkus content, but a paid subscription is likely required. Our Generation became a fan favourite for main leads' electric chemistry| Credit: Youku Accessing Viu from Outside Its Supported Regions Viu streams the drama but only operates in 16 regions, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, the UAE, and a few others. If you're in the US or Canada, Viu won't be available without a VPN. Youll need to switch your location to a supported country to access the site. Some episodes may be available for free with ads, while others will need a premium subscription. Watching on Viki (Rakuten Viki) Viki is available in the US and Canada and offers some Our Generation episodes for free. However, like Netflix, the platform is on a delayed release schedule. Episode 21 is expected to release four days after its debut on Youku. Access to the full drama may require a Viki Pass, and if the show isn't available in your region, a VPN might help unlock it. How to watch Our Generation episodes 1-24 for free? While Netflix does not have a free trial option available anymore, you can still avail it on Youku, Viu, and Viki. Youku (China) Free Trial: 3 to 7-day free VIP trial (depending on region and method of sign-up). Plans: VIP: 25/month ($3.50 USD) SVIP (for early access): 40/month ($5.50 USD) How to Watch Free: Use a VPN set to China. Visit youku.com . Sign up and look for the free VIP trial (usually offered via WeChat or Alipay login). Cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges. Viu Free Trial: 7-day free trial for Premium in supported countries (e.g., Singapore, Malaysia, UAE, Philippines). Plans: Free tier: Watch with ads (only selected episodes) Premium (No ads, full access): Around $2$5/month (price varies by region) How to Watch Free: Use a VPN to connect to a Viu country (like Singapore or the Philippines). Go to viu.com and sign up. Choose the 7-day free trial. Cancel before it auto-renews. Viki (Rakuten Viki) Free Trial: 7-day free trial for Viki Pass (Standard or Plus). Plans (US/Canada): Viki Pass Standard: $5.99/month Viki Pass Plus: $9.99/month Free option: First few episodes available with ads (depends on the drama) How to Watch Free: Visit viki.com. Sign up and start your 7-day free trial. Cancel before the trial ends to avoid being charged. Tips to Avoid Being Charged Set a reminder to cancel 12 days before the trial ends. Use PayPal or virtual cards (like Revolut or Privacy.com) if youre worried about automatic charges. Read the cancellation policymost platforms let you cancel immediately but still keep access until the trial ends. For all the latest K-drama, C-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here. Donor Opportunities Aggie engineers shape our nation and keep it competitive in the global marketplace. Texas A&M University's world-renowned alumni network and history of producing inuential leaders are built upon academic excellence. The Texas A&M Foundation supports the College of Engineering with funds raised through endowments, planned gifts, gifts of securities or real estate, as well as one-time contributions. These funds are then used to provide support to our students, faculty, programs and facilities. The hit Korean drama S Line has officially wrapped up its six-episode run, leaving behind a plethora of reactions, theories, and questions. Starring Lee Soo Hyuk, Lee Da Hee, and Arin, the series drew attention for its provocative concept and dark fantasy tone. With elements of satire, mystery, and psychological horror, S Line dove deep into how people hide, fear, or succumb to their desires. What is S Line really about? The story revolves around Sin Hyeon Hop (Arin), a young girl born with the ability to see S-lines, glowing red threads that connect individuals who have been sexually involved. After a traumatic past and the murder of her father, she lives in isolation until others gain the same ability through mysterious glasses. As more people begin to see the lines, hidden secrets surface, leading to chaos across her high school, with her teacher Lee Gyu Jin (Lee Da Hee) hiding a mysterious past. As greed consumes the wearers, she teams up with Detective Han Ji Uk (Lee Soo Hyuk) to halt this crisis and find the person behind it. S Line ending decode: A cycle that never truly ends The finale of S Line takes a turn many didnt see coming. In the final episode, Sin Hyeon Hop confronts Lee Gyu Jin, the woman who masterminded the distribution of the glasses and manipulated peoples desires. Gyu Jin represents the embodiment of bad desiresnot just temptation, but the kind that pulls people into irreversible choices. Dressed like an angel in the real world, she lured individuals into surrendering their self-control under the guise of truth and transparency. The high school teacher was behind the mystery of the red lines that led to the deaths of many people| Credit: X The climax unfolds on a rooftop where Sin Hyeon Hop fatally stabs Gyu Jin. But Gyu Jin's death isn't a clean endingit becomes a trigger. Her blood rises into the air, transforms into red light, and bursts into glowing S-lines visible to the entire world. What was once a private curse becomes a universal revelation. This shift reveals the shows core message: people often fear their past, but true collapse begins when they cannot accept it. The red lines, once symbolic of shame, now become a mirror forcing society to confront the hidden. Characters who couldnt come to terms with their own historieslike the teachers and the idol traineespiralled into violence, guilt, or denial. Meanwhile, those who did, like the detective, managed to remain in control. Sin Hyeon Hops arc also reflects this transformation. For most of the show, she believed she was responsible for her fathers death, but her mothers confession changed everything. Her journey ends with her appearing emotionally stable, yet in the final moments, she hears Gyu Jins voice again, implying that desire, guilt, and temptation never fully die. The return of a new red thread in her vision suggests that even if one source is gone, another always lurks within. Desires cant be erased. They can only be recognised, resisted, or accepted. Fans reactions: 'Wasted potential' The bold concept of the drama, paired with its unique fantasy element, had fans raving early on. The ability to see red lines revealing past sexual encounters was unlike anything K-drama viewers had seen before. However, by the finale, many felt the story lost its grip. While the emotional depth and moral dilemmas were compelling, several viewers believed the plot would have been stronger had it focused more on the "killer line" narrative rather than expanding into a full-blown S Line universe. Some users expressed that the final scenes felt unexpectedly comical, undercutting the tension that had built up over the episodes. There was also a shared sentiment that the show introduced too many subplots that were never fully resolved. Over on the K-drama community on Reddit, one fan wrote, "What was the cult/dystopian ahh ending? Extremely disappointing. The concept of the S line had such great potential. The drama was such a wasted potential. They could have just gone with the serial killer storyline." Another fan highlighted, "I could accept that they leaned a bit too much into the fantasy element in the last episode, but it felt too rushed and too open-ended for my taste. Especially after that 5th episode. I would consider this as a wasted opportunity." "The concept is so cool they could've made many interesting seasons. But no, they wasted it," a third fan complained. "I really liked the drama in the beginning, but what was that ending? Like seriously, after finishing the drama, I thought it was such a bummer. It could've been much better. Hated the ending and didn't expect it to end this way," one mentioned. Check out more comments in the Reddit thread below: Will there be S Line season 2? Though the ending provided emotional closure for several characters, it also introduced enough ambiguity to leave the door open for another season. The reappearance of the S-line, paired with Gyu Jins lingering voice, hints that the curseor perhaps the consciousness behind itis far from over. Fans are already speculating on potential new storylines, including deeper dives into the origin of the glasses or a broader exploration of how the S-line affects society on a mass scale. As of now, theres been no official confirmation about a second season. But with the series gaining popularity both domestically and internationally, the chances for S Line Season 2 remain strong. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here. A small marble fragment believed to be from a 6th-century B.C. temple on the Acropolis has been voluntarily returned to Greece by a family in Chile that had held it for nearly a century, the culture ministry announced. The current owner of the artifact contacted the Greek Embassy in Santiago earlier this year to return the piece, saying he was inspired by Greece's ongoing campaign for the repatriation of the Parthenon Sculptures from the British Museum. The fragment, a decorative water spout, has been delivered to the Ephorate of Antiquities of Athens. Experts there believe it belongs to an archaic temple on the Acropolis, possibly the Hekatompedos, built around 570-550 B.C. For Greece, the repatriation of every cultural artifact that has been illegally taken gives us great joy and satisfaction, Culture Minister Mrs. Lina Mendoni said in a statement. She added that the return was the result of close collaboration between the ministry and the Greek embassy in Chile. iefimerida.gr Fugitive Moldovan oligarch Mr. Vladimir Plahotniuc, arrested last week in Athens, is now at the center of an international extradition battle, with both Moldova and Russia seeking his transfer to face separate, serious criminal charges. Moldova has filed an official request for the extradition of Mr. Plahotniuc to face charges for his alleged role in a $1 billion bank fraud, a scandal known in the country as the theft of the century. The head of Moldovas police, Mr. Viorel Cernauteanu, said he expects the request to be prioritized. Simultaneously, Russian authorities are seeking his extradition on an outstanding warrant for allegedly planning the assassination of a political rival and for embezzlement. Mr. Plahotniuc, a powerful former political leader who fled Moldova in 2019, was arrested at the Athens airport based on an Interpol red notice. Police discovered he had been living in a luxury villa and had obtained Greek identity documents using false pretenses. His associate, Mr. Constantin Tutu, was also arrested on separate charges. The case will now proceed through the Greek court system, a process that could take several weeks, before the Greek Minister of Justice, Mr. Giorgos Floridis, can make a final determination. Mr. Plahotniuc, a powerful former political leader who fled Moldova in 2019, was arrested at the Athens airport based on an Interpol red notice. Police discovered he had been living in a luxury villa and had obtained Greek identity documents using false pretenses. His associate, Mr. Constantin Tutu, was also arrested on separate charges. The case will now proceed through the Greek court system, a process that could take several weeks, before the Greek Minister of Justice, Giorgos Floridis, can make a final determination. iefimerida.gr An employees' association on the Greek island of Rhodes has called for a protest to block an Israeli cruise ship, a move that directly challenges a recent government warning that such actions are illegal and will lead to arrests. The planned protest follows a similar incident a few days ago on the island of Syros, where demonstrators successfully prevented the same cruise ship , the Crown Iris , from docking. That blockade drew a sharp response from the Minister of Citizen Protection, Michalis Chrysochoidis, who warned that anyone attempting to block the lawful entry of a foreign citizen would face prosecution under Greece's anti-racism law. The Rhodes Municipal Employees Association said its protest is against the "murderous policies of the far-right Netanyahu government." Following the Syros incident, which was condemned by local tourism officials like Deputy Mayor Mr. Giannis Voutsinos, Israel issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to take "heightened precautionary measures" in Greece. iefimerida.gr A major shift in Greek tourism from all-inclusive resorts to local home stays is redirecting tourist spending into neighborhood economies, benefiting small businesses like bakeries and tavernas, according to recent studies. Unlike the traditional resort model, travelers staying in short-term rentals (STRs) spend the majority of their money in the local community. A study by Oxford Economics found that 65% of STR visitor spending takes place outside of their accommodation. This trend is boosting Greece's overall tourism revenue, which rose 10.4% to 4.35 billion euros in the first five months of 2025, according to the Bank of Greece. In Athens, a study by the Greek Tourism Confederation found that STR guests spend more per day in local shops and restaurants than hotel guests. While the rise of short-term rentals has sparked a debate over rising housing costs, another recent study from the Athens University of Economics and Business suggests the impact is limited, blaming poor housing policy instead. Experts say the consensus is growing that the issue is not STRs themselves, but the need for clear regulation. iefimerida.gr A former Minister of Information and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Professor Jerry Gana, has revealed the party is making serious moves to bring back former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking during an interview with AIT on Friday, Gana said the PDP is not only targeting Obi, who dumped the party in May 2022, but also reaching out to other prominent politicians who exited the party before the 2023 polls. Obi contested the last presidential election under the LP, finishing third but with an impressive showing that reshaped Nigerias electoral dynamics. Advertisement Gana stated, Why not? He Obi is not the only person. We are also moving to other persons. But I dont want to announce until we really get there. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/adc-launches-zonal-campaign-teams-ahead-of-november-8-anambra-guber-poll.html He insisted the PDP now has a credible platform that can convince former allies to return: I have a very solid platform. I can now go back to these people and say, the platform you were complaining about is now set, proper, and ready to move. Gana further said, I know many of them would respond positively. What we need is a united, strong opposition to rescue Nigeria. On what makes the current PDP structure different, he added, This time, the reforms weve done, the inclusiveness, the vision everything is clear. Anyone who wants change can come home. . Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has reacted to some claims made by former presidential candidate of New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso. Recall that Mr. Kwankwaso had said that President Bola Tinubus administration is snubbing Northern part of the country in terms of developmental projects. The former governor of Kano State also accused Federal Government of concentrating resources in one part of the country while neglecting other regions. Advertisement He added that mismanagement of resources at the national, state, and local levels has worsened poverty and insecurity, especially in the north. Reacting to Kwankwass claims in a statement on Friday, Abagun Omololu, National Organizing Secretary of the Reuben Fasoranti-led faction of Afenifere, described the claim as grossly misleading and deliberately incendiary. Omololu said that it is unfortunate that Kwankwaso would make such comments without regard for facts. READ MORE: Tinubu Govt Neglecting Development In North, Paying Attention To South Only Kwankwaso He said: No region in Nigeria has received more federal presence in the last decade than the north. Perhaps he is unaware that critical road projects have been initiated and awarded across the North, including the dualisation of the Kano-Maiduguri Road, the Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega Road, and the Abuja-Keffi-Lafia corridor. The Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano, AKK, gas pipeline, neglected by past regimes, is being fast-tracked. Just weeks ago, President Tinubu approved billions for critical infrastructure in Katsina, Borno, and Niger States. We must rise above ethnic saboteurs and sectional agitators masquerading as patriots. Let statesmen, not ethnic lords, shape the conversation. Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has dismissed reports circulating online suggesting that his wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, is battling a health issue. The governor addressed the issue on Friday, during the July edition of the Evening of Praise and Worship held at Lady Jibowu Hall in Ado-Ekiti. There is nothing wrong with my wifes health. She was only on leave and has now resumed her duties at the university, Oyebanji told attendees. Advertisement He clarified that the First Lady, who is a senior lecturer at the University of Ibadan, had taken academic leave and has now returned to her professional responsibilities. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/afenifere-knocks-kwankwaso-for-claiming-tinubu-is-favoring-south-marginalising-north.html Oyebanji also used the platform to thank the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Ekiti State, Rev. Emmanuel Aribasoye, for what he called an encouraging and spiritually uplifting sermon. I have learnt not to be distracted by rumours or negative comments. God is the one working in Ekiti, and all we are witnessing in the state is by His grace, the governor added. He called on residents to stay strong in faith and continue trusting in Gods plan for the progress and peace of the state. Rev. Aribasoye, in his sermon titled The Perfecter, urged Christians to stay focused on God and not be swayed by worldly distractions. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State has slammed former governor Ayodele Fayose over his recent comments declaring the party dead, accusing him of betrayal and urging him to exit the party. Fayose had stated on Channels TV that the PDP was now a carcass, a remark that sparked outrage within the party. In a statement issued on Saturday, the Chairman of the Ekiti PDP Caretaker Committee, Dare Adeleke, fired back, saying Fayoses remarks were born out of personal frustration after failing to gain control of the party structure in the state. Advertisement Eventually, he admitted he was a bitter and disgruntled man who betrayed his own party simply because he didnt get what he wanted, Adeleke said. He is like a soldier who repeatedly sells secrets to the enemy and then complains about not getting promoted. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/stop-defaming-nigeria-dabiri-erewa-faults-kemi-badenoch.html#google_vignette Adeleke alleged that Fayoses alignment with the APC stemmed from selfish interests, noting that his support for President Bola Tinubu was based on tribal ties and not ideology. He admitted on air that he supported Tinubu because hes his friend and kinsman, as if Nigeria now runs on tribal sentiment and clannish association, not merit, Adeleke stated. The party insisted that Fayose no longer holds sway in Ekiti politics and challenged him to prove his relevance. If Fayose was truly as politically influential as he claims, he would have moved PDPs structure in Ekiti to APC or ADC. But not one ward or LGA chairman has followed him. Adeleke reaffirmed the PDPs strength, declaring, The PDP will win Ekiti State and I am emphatic about this. The Zamfara State Government has defended its controversial decision to deploy vigilantes from Borno State to help combat banditry, saying the move was driven by a desperate need to boost security in the region. Speaking on Friday, Hon. Iliyasu Buhari Maijega, Special Adviser on Political Matters to Governor Dauda Lawal, said the measure was never intended to sideline local forces but to enhance their efforts. This administration has remained steadfast in its commitment to restoring peace since day one, Maijega stated during a press briefing on the states worsening insecurity. Advertisement He explained that Governor Lawal has been in constant contact with federal security agencies. Just a few days after assuming office, Governor Dauda Lawal met with security heads in Abuja. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/no-serious-challenger-in-anambra-governorship-race-soludo.html I can confirm he has visited them six times so far, all in a bid to find lasting solutions to the security crisis, he noted. Maijega clarified that the vigilantes from Borno are working alongside the states Community Protection Guards (CPGs), not replacing them. What Zamfara needs most is security, he added, while calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to fulfil his pledge to end banditry by December 2025. Turning to politics, Maijega warned opposition parties against electoral malpractice ahead of the Kaura Namoda South constituency by-election. Anyone planning to manipulate the election through vote buying will be put to shame, he declared. He expressed confidence that the ruling PDP would retain the seat, citing recent progress in infrastructure and healthcare as evidence of Governor Lawals commitment to the people. Industry Partnership Opportunities Whether you are looking to partner with students or faculty or need other industry-related assistance, the Engineering Program of The Texas A&M University System can help. Industry can connect to student programs, either as a potential sponsor of student research programs or through various student internships and recruitment programs. The College of Engineering through its affiliation with the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES), also connects industry with continuing education and research resources. The Kaduna State Police Command has apprehended six suspected kidnappers and seized four assault rifles during separate operations in Jemaa Local Government Area of the state. Mansir Hassan, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, revealed in a statement on Friday that the operations were part of an ongoing crackdown on kidnapping and the illicit circulation of firearms in the state. Hassan stated that during one of the operations, security personnel rescued a kidnapped victim who had been shot by his captors. Advertisement READ MORE: Jigawa Man Nabbed For Allegedly Killing Ex-Wife According to the Command, the initial incident happened on February 22, 2025, when gunmen attacked a home in Ungwan Ninzom, Jagindi Tasha, Jemaa LGA, and abducted the victims son, Hussaini Ibrahim. Hassan stated that the incident was reported to the Divisional Police Headquarters in Kafanchan, prompting the immediate deployment of operatives to the area. He said, Upon receipt of the distress call at about 12:53hrs, a team of officers was deployed to the area to pursue the assailants. Though the suspects initially evaded arrest, we never relented. Two days later, on February 24, the victim was found in a nearby bush with a gunshot wound on his leg. He was rescued alive, taken to a nearby clinic for treatment, and later reunited with his family, Hassan revealed that through investigation and intelligence efforts, four individuals suspected to be members of the kidnapping gang were apprehended. The suspects were identified as Umar Yusuf Jabiri, 30, from Jagindi Tasha; Buhari Muhammad, also known as General, 31, from Bayya Village; Ahmadu Nasiru, 51, of Gidan Waya; and Zakari Saleh, 50, also from Gidan Waya. The police noted that the operation led to the recovery of one English-made AK-47 rifle and three locally manufactured AK-47 rifles. Hassan stated that the suspects are currently in custody and will be prosecuted once investigations are concluded, adding that efforts are underway to track down other fleeing members of the gang. In a separate operation, Hassan disclosed that police operatives intercepted an illegal arms shipment being transported from Plateau State to Zamfara through Kaduna. According to him, the breakthrough happened on July 23, 2025, at about 6:00 p.m., when operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a suspicious waybill in Kaduna. The consignment, hidden in a sack, was found to contain a fabricated AK-47 rifle. It was traced to a courier en route from Jos to Gusau, he said. Hassan further stated that police operatives arrested two suspects in Gusau, Zamfara State capital, after they came to take delivery of the illegal weapon. They were identified as Abdulmumin Sani and Naziru Musa. Both suspects are in custody and will be charged to court once investigations are concluded, he added. Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, says he was cautioned by his wife not to speak ill of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari after his passing in early July 2025. Fayose made this revelation on Friday, while appearing on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme. Known for his long-standing criticism of Buharis administration, Fayose admitted he was initially tempted to publicly condemn the late leader. When President Buhari died, I wanted to come out and abuse him, he said. But my wife called me not to say so. She said, Let the dead be; dont speak ill of him. Advertisement Despite showing restraint, Fayose maintained his disapproval of Buharis leadership. Would you say Buhari performed? Im not among those praising the dead. Dont honour me when I die. When I die, Im gone, he stated firmly. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/reps-give-cbn-governor-14-days-to-remit-n3-64trn-or-face-arrest.html He contrasted Buhari with President Bola Tinubu, describing the current leader as more open and willing to engage. He Tinubu is accessible. Was the former president accessible? Fayose asked. A lot of things happened in those days, but do you still find them in the system? He is not a perfect man, but we are not where we were. Fayose also defended Tinubu against rising criticism over the economy, saying: Nigeria is a sick country; it will take heaven to pull it out at once. What miracle can anybody do in two years? Tinubu inherited a very bad economy. The former governor concluded that while Buharis death deserves sympathy, it should not erase the truth of his record. Operatives of Niger State Police Command have arrested one Ahmadu Jiya of Gbafu for allegedly exhuming his grandmothers corpse for ritual purposes. It was gathered that Ahmadu, a 31 years old was apprehended on July 19, 2025, alongside four accomplices, identified as Mohammed Ndache, Abubakar Mohammed, Ali Mohammed, Mohammed Adamu. In a statement by Spokesman for the states Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun on Friday, disclosed that the suspect obtained the skull of his late grandmother to use in a money-making ritual. Advertisement Wasiu added that police operatives arrested the five suspects in a hotel, located in Bida with a human skull, allegedly intended for use in rituals. READ MORE: Niger Police Nab Two Notorious Kidnappers, Armed Robber The statement reads: He (Ahmadu) exhumed the corpse and obtained the skull in order to make quick money, to settle debts of over two million naira he had accrued over time. On presenting the skull to the herbalist, Mohammed Ndache, in the company of his friend, one Mohammed Adamu, and hearing the terms of the ritual, he (Ahmadu) decided that he couldnt comply with the terms and returned to his village with the skull and hid it in his residence. After two years, his friend Mohammed Adamu, who earlier accompanied him to the herbalist, approached Ahmadu in company of another individual, one Abubakar Mohammed, that they needed the skull urgently and were ready to buy the skull. Ahmadu sold the skull to Abubakar Mohammed and Mohammed Adamu for N100,000 and collected an advance payment of N40,000. All the suspects were subsequently taken to the State CID Minna for discreet investigation. Former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose has said that internal crisis facing People Democratic Party may deny the partys victory in the 2027 Mr. Fayose insisted that the PDP would likely come fourth in the 2027 elections. He made this disclosure during an interview with Channels Televisions programme on Friday. Advertisement The former governor of Ekiti State noted that it was unfortunate that he was absent during the PDPs National Executive Committee, NEC meeting. Mr Fayose said: PDP will come 4th in the next general election. A lot is wrong with our party (PDP), and that is the naked truth, and it is unfortunate. I was duly invited. READ MORE: Atiku Only Knows How To Get Primary Ticket, Not How To Win Election APC Chieftain In most states, they are already compromised. They have eased out so many leaders. Its good for them, but let me remind you, I was part of the G5. I have paid my dues in PDP. You cannot continue to match a man like me. I dont have friends in PDP. I came to PDP alone. How will a party undermine you, a two term governor, you have done everything humanly possible to sustain, and they undermine you, I should be clapping for them? The PDP has been embroiled in several layers of crisis within its leadership ranks. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that many stakeholders of the party, including former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, publisher of Oviation Magazine, Dele Momodu and others have dumped PDP to join coalition adopted platform, Africa Democratic Congress. See Video Here: https://www.facebook.com/channelsforum/videos/757096323503096/?app=fbl Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has ordered an investigation into the collapse of a three-storey building accommodating students of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike Ikwo. Governor Nwifuru noted that most cases of building collapse were as a result of human error and non-compliance with building codes. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that, in a viral video, a section of Pentagon Lodge, accommodating some students of the institution was spotted collapsing on Friday. Advertisement It was learnt that the structure comprises five different blocks, and a portion of one of the blocks collapsed. READ MORE: Two Killed, Six Injured As Uncompleted Building Collapses In Kano Speaking over the the incident in a statement on Saturday by his Chief press Secretary, Dr Monday Uzor, Governor Nwifuru charged relevant bodies and agencies to step up monitoring and supervision of building projects from foundation to completion. He said: It is disheartening to hear about building collapse in this era when we have skilled manpower and well established professional standards. I have directed the Ministry of Capital City Development to ensure that any developer wishing to embark on building projects must get approval. Lives of our people are precious and cannot be compromised under any guise. The Nigerian Society of Engineers, Nigerian Institute of Building and other regulatory agencies should note that their integrity is at stake. Therefore, I urge them to ensure that building collapse becomes a thing of the past in this country. See Video Here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1B2YbBapUP/ Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has berated United Kingdom Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, over her recent claim on Nigerian law. Recall that Kemi, during an interview with CNNs Fareed Zakaria on Sunday, asserted that she cannot pass on her Nigerian citizenship to her children because of her gender. She suggested that it is easier for Nigerians to acquire British citizenship than for foreigners to become Nigerians. Advertisement Reacting to the claim Dabiri-Erewa, speaking as a guest on Channels Television on Saturday, described Kemis remarks as misleading. The NIDCOM boss argued that Kemis claim was against Section 25(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution, which says a person born outside Nigeria qualifies for citizenship if either parent is a Nigerian citizen. She added that defaming ones country publicly must be challenged, and while Nigeria supports its diaspora, no one can be forced to love their homeland. Dabiri-Erewa said: But that is not true. Dont divulge false information. You go on international media and spin a lie, that is a lie, that is not even true. And Im sure people have responded. READ MORE: Badenoch Proposes Immigrants Become UK Citizens After 15 Years Its not true, so why tell us something that is not true? Do you know the number of Nigerians we have in the UK in the political space who are doing very well? We dont have to focus on one person, but when you denigrate your country, we reply to you. Its not about me, or the President, or you, its about Nigeria. You cant lie about your country, and then we keep quiet. There are many who are doing very well politically. So ours is to continue to work with every Nigerian in the diaspora, but you cant force anybody. See Video: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3Dhf2H9M_igDU&ved=2ahUKEwiP6MXtztqOAxUoTUEAHRrTGU4QwqsBegQILhAF&sqi=2&usg=AOvVaw2Bvd3E8wtAHXwqzBxPqG_I Minister of Works, David Umahi, has dismissed claims by Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso that President Bola Tinubu is marginalising the North in road infrastructure projects. Describing the claim as false, misleading, and self-serving, Umahi, in a statement on Friday, insisted that President Tinubu is committed to developing every part of Nigeria with fairness and equity. As the Minister of Works, I have verified facts and figures. The projects are well spread. The North has 52 percent, the South has 48 percent. So the claim of marginalisation is baseless, Umahi said. Advertisement He listed four of Tinubus legacy projects: the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway (South), Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway (North), Trans-Sahara Road in Ebonyi (South), and Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Road (North). READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/why-peter-obi-should-inform-gov-okpebholo-before-visiting-edo-oshiomhole.html He further stated, Anyone who says the North is being marginalised under this administration is not speaking based on facts. We are constructing roads worth hundreds of billions of naira across northern states. Highlighting ongoing projects, Umahi said, The Sokoto-Zamfara-Katsina-Kaduna Road alone is a 275 km dual carriageway costing 824 billion. Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road is 350 km at 764 billion. These are massive investments in the North. He also mentioned key southern projects including the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Lagos-Sagamu-Oyo-Ilorin Road, and repairs on Third Mainland Bridge, Carter Bridge, and Eko Bridge. The South is also receiving attention. No region is left behind. We are balancing development based on need, traffic volume, and economic impact, he said. Umahi assured that a detailed breakdown of ongoing projects above 20 billion would be released next week to further dispel misinformation. Senator Adams Oshiomhole has urged Labour Partys 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to notify Governor Monday Okpebholo before visiting Edo State, stressing that it is a matter of decency and protocol. The former Edo State governor made the statement on Friday, during an interview on Arise TVs Prime Time, amid tensions surrounding Obis recent visit to the state, which Governor Okpebholo had linked to a security breach that allegedly resulted in the deaths of three people. Oshiomhole backed the governors position, stating that even high-profile figures like Obi should inform state authorities before accessing public institutions. Advertisement Lets be clear, the assets of Edo State are managed by the governor on behalf of the people, Oshiomhole said. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/pdp-will-finish-fourth-in-2027-general-election-fayose.html If I were to visit a public institution in another state, I would consider it proper to notify the authorities. This is just standard decency. He clarified that Obis planned visit was to a state-funded educational institution, which according to him, required proper coordination with relevant government officials. While acknowledging his long-standing relationship with Obi, Oshiomhole emphasized their political differences, stating: Peter Obi and I have known each other for years. I respected him then, and I still do. But we dont align politically, and I dont agree with many of his positions. The lawmaker insisted that the matter should not be politicized but seen as a basic expectation of respect for governance. Its not about political parties. Its about respecting constituted authority and the peoples mandate, he added. Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps have apprehended a woman for allegedly mixing yam flour (elubo isu) with toxic colouring substances. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, announced the arrest on Friday via his official X handle. Wahab stated that the suspect, Mrs. Kehinde Raji, was arrested after the Chairman of the Elubo Sellers Association raised an alarm about harmful food adulteration practices in the market, prompting a tip-off that led to her apprehension. Advertisement READ MORE: Jigawa Man Nabbed For Allegedly Killing Ex-Wife The commissioner alleged that the suspect had been combining rotten yam flour with harmful colouring agents to make tainted elubo, which was then distributed to unaware consumers. He wrote, This morning, we received credible intelligence from the Chairman of Elubo Sellers Association regarding dangerous food adulteration practices within the market. The report indicated that some unscrupulous traders were mixing harmful coloring agents with spoiled yam flour to produce contaminated Elubo Isu for unsuspecting consumers. Our KAI enforcement team immediately conducted a raid, leading to the arrest of one Mrs. Kehinde Raji who was caught engaging in this criminal activity. We commend the market leadership for bringing this critical public health issue to our attention. Preliminary reports confirm that several consumers have already suffered health complications from consuming this adulterated product. The suspect will be prosecuted in accordance with the relevant law of #followlasg. JetBrains, creator of the popular Kotlin programming language, is developing a new programming language intended to make AI and code much more controllable and transparent. In a July 23 interview with InfoWorld, JetBrains CEO Kirill Skrygan elaborated on company plans for an as-yet-unnamed language that would describe a program at a higher level of abstraction. He reflected on how computer code originally was written in Assembler and moved to higher levels of abstraction with C and C++, then on to yet higher levels with Java and C#. And now its time to move even higher, Skrygan said. So when we write the code, well basically lay out the ontology, the object-oriented architecture, what we have in mind, or have somewhere written in design docs. This whole architecture program will make AI code generation more controllable, transparent, and useful, he said. JetBrains is exploring how to make this new language a derivative from Kotlin, but Skrygan believes the derivative should be English. So basically, you write the design doc in English, maybe with some semantics, with some abstract paragraph, some other things which might help. He provided the example of creating a cross-platform application that works on iPhone, Android, the web, or other platforms. So instead of writing three applications, you write it in a special programming language, which is basically English, which describes how you want to see this application in a very specified way, and then AI agents, together with JetBrains tooling, will generate the code of all of these platforms, Skrygan said. The Engineering Village @The Commons is a living learning program for first-year engineering students, designed to ease the transition into the rigors of university life by offering academic, professional and social support. Explore opportunities to serve as a peer mentor or tutor to residents at the Engineering Village. Margaret McConnell, executive director of WDIY, and volunteer radio host Karen El-Chaar, during the morning program. WDIY is the public radio station serving the Lehigh Valley. Read more Every Tuesday, Dillon Tanzos arrives at radio station WDIY in Bethlehem, Pa., just before 6 a.m. He turns the lights on, pulls up the shift log that dictates what should play when, and launches Morning Edition, reading the local weather and traffic updates for his neighbors in between national news. Advertisement And he does it all for free, before going to his full-time job at a life insurance company. WDIY is a bare-bones radio operation. Though its signal reaches nearly a million people across the Lehigh Valley, from bustling Allentown to rural stretches of Berks and Northampton Counties, the station employs just five staffers. The other 130 people who make it run are volunteers, like Tanzos. Hobby, passion, whatever you want to call it its my way of contributing to the community around me, Tanzos, 32, said. An Easton resident, he first started listening to WDIY when he was commuting between Northampton Community College and his job at Chick-fil-A. The more he listened, the more he loved it. This is stuff that is fundamentally for the people, he said. Theyre not out to make a buck. With Republicans in Congress voting to cut all federal funding to National Public Radio and its member stations, many at WDIY like other small, rural public radio stations across the country fear that operations will have to cut even closer to the bone. Congress clawing back of $1.1 billion in funds already appropriated to NPR, the Public Broadcasting Service, and local stations through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting will amount to a $111,000 cut in federal grants, or about 15% of WDIYs annual budget, said Margaret McConnell, the stations executive director. She expects the funds to dry up by the beginning of the new year. Its definitely been a roller coaster, she said. WDIY was founded 30 years ago, its call sign inspired by the Peter Gabriel song D.I.Y and the Do It Yourself ethos of the early days of the station. These days, volunteers keep the radio running from about 6 a.m. to midnight, hosting shows, producing new programs, and curating the music. (The station is available 24/7 but is automated in the early-morning hours.) The federal dollars pay rent for an antenna off-site and help fund the development of WDIYs local programs, like A Closer Look with Laurie Hackett, a show focused on interviews with Lehigh Valley nonprofits, and Twenties Toolbox, a show that helps young people navigate growing up both of which just won statewide media awards. The money also pays for NPR programming, which fills about six hours each day on the station, with national shows like Morning Edition and All Things Considered. Without the NPR programming, WDIY would have six empty hours each day. McConnell doesnt have the staff to produce enough content to fill it. The stations few paid staffers already work around the clock, she said. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting also managed and negotiated music licenses for public media, so small stations like WDIY didnt have to handle copyright negotiations with the music rights owners themselves. Music currently makes up about 75% of WDIYs content, McConnell said, and without CPB, she cannot negotiate the copyrights herself. I cant afford it, she said. So there goes the music. I cant play any music. President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress said they wanted to defund public media because they viewed its news as catering to the left. Republicans must defund and totally disassociate themselves from NPR & PBS, the radical left monsters that so badly hurt our country! Trump wrote in an all-caps social media post in the spring. Big-city stations, like WHYY in Philadelphia, will weather the cuts and survive. Its smaller stations like WDIY, in the politically purple Lehigh Valley, that will struggle the most, because they rely more on federal funds. Pennsylvanias senators split over the vote along party lines: Sen. Dave McCormick (R., Pa.) voted to defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, while Sen. John Fetterman (D., Pa.) voted against it. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R., Pa.), who represents the Lehigh Valleys 7th Congressional District, also voted to defund. READ MORE: The future of Philly music stations WRTI and WXPN is unclear as Republicans defund NPR and PBS WDIY is truly a community effort. Norm Williams, 78, became a regular volunteer host a few years ago. Hes the stations host for the Friday Morning Edition, getting to the station just before 6 a.m. each week, and also cohosts Live From Godfrey Daniels, a show featuring folk music from a local music venue, and sometimes In the Tradition, a folk music history program. A musician himself, he loves WDIYs wide range of music offerings. We have a real eclectic mix, he said. He has been listening to NPR since the early 1970s, when the organization was founded. Williams said he feared the consequences of federal funding cuts will make a huge difference to the station, adding that the money adds up to chump change to the federal government. McConnell is now focused on trying to raise money to cover the deficit, with a fundraising campaign aimed at local listeners, as well as a new push to get corporate sponsors, local and national grants, and major donors to give. Member stations across the country are trying to figure out if theres another organization that could negotiate music licenses on their behalf, she said. Without the money, and without NPR programs or negotiated music rights, McConnell fears silence. Id love to say, Not on my watch, but the reality is, if certain things do not fall into place She trailed off. There would be some dead air, for sure. Maori Karmael Holmes posed for a portrait near Forin Cafe on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 in Philadelphia. Read more Its hard to imagine the Philly cultural landscape without the annual celebration of cinema that is the BlackStar Film Festival. But its founder, Maori Karmael Holmes, isnt quite from here. Advertisement She has traveled from Los Angeles to Atlanta, then to D.C., then Philly for grad school, then back to Los Angeles. In the summer of 2012, she had just come back after leaving a grad degree unfinished in California. That year, she started the festival. I had done a festival before called Black Lily, in 2007 and 2008. I still had a curating bug, and so I started a film series at Asian Arts Initiative with Sara Zia Ebrahimi [who now owns Chestnut Hills Multiverse bookstore] in 2011," the Fishtown resident said. And that led up to BlackStar. Sara took the summer off, and I was like, Well, with these August dates, Im going to do this one thing. BlackStar, in its 14th year, runs July 31-Aug. 3. Before Holmes schedule got taken over by the festival, we asked her what a perfect unfettered Sunday in Philly looks like for her. 11 a.m. Im dragging if I dont have coffee so its coffee first always. There are so many good places in the neighborhood. I usually go to Forin. I always get some kind of latte with a nut milk, either almond or macadamia or pistachio. They change their syrups seasonally. Lately theyve got this new citrus latte. I used to do a Ube latte for a really long time, but I kind of wore that out. Then maybe, I will stop by Dreamworld Bakes for a pastry. Everything Ashley Huston does is great. Ive gotten birthday cakes from there. I like the pop tarts and all the things with the sourdough croissant crust. 12:30 p.m. I go to acupuncture every month at Alma, which, like Forin, is on Frankford Avenue. Sometimes, I will go get a massage at Formation, which is in Northern Liberties. 2 p.m. I will pop into Vestige on Frankford Avenue if I need to buy a gift last minute. Its expensive, but its great for gifts. And its so beautiful in there. I just picked up a dress from there although its very ambitious for my budget, Ill say that. I also sometime shop from Vagabond in Old City. 3 p.m. I feel like Im watching movies all the time for work. For leisure, I really like to go to museums, and so Ill go see whats happening at the Fabric Workshop and Museum or at ICA. And if it was really an ambitious day, I would end it with going to the Bryn Mawr Film Institute and watch something. 5 p.m. I really like sitting by the water in FDR Park on a Saturday or Sunday. Its such a peaceful place to picnic and sit and just talk to a friend. Its one of the few outdoor places I feel like I allow myself to do that. Perhaps Id meet up with friends, pack a picnic with fruit and cheese and wine, and just sit in the park. I like to be there when the sun is setting and it is really beautiful. 9 p.m. Again, if it was an ambitious day, Id go see a concert. One of my favorite music venues is Union Transfer. I think its a beautiful space, and I love a lot of the shows that they have there. 11 p.m. Id eat a late dinner at La Chinesca, which is right by Union Transfer. I used to go to Silk City a ton 10 years ago, but Im still a Silk City girl. Its open late and I end up there after a show. Lately, weve been going to Picnic a lot too. For an earlier dinner, Kalaya is always great. BlackStar Film Festival, July 31-Aug. 3, Venues across Center City, blackstarfest.org The Translational Research Immersion Program at the University of Pennsylvania gathers undergraduates from around the country to do research at Penn and CHOP and translate their research into art. Read more Christina Simms wouldnt call herself an artist. The Howard University student was a budding scientist visiting to do research at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. Her main objective was to do lab work. Advertisement Yet as her summer internship entered its final weeks, she faced the daunting task of creating a piece of artwork that could communicate her research to the public. Handed a blank ceramic as her canvas, Simms painted thrashing blue waves that circled the center. To the edges, she added green and red blobs. The artwork almost seemed to depict a restless ocean inhabited by deep-sea critters. But most would find her real muse downright gross. It represented wastewater flushed from CHOPs facilities, the red and green blobs being bacteria and viruses. Simms presented her piece, What Lies Inside at a Thursday showcase at the Institute of Contemporary Art in West Philadelphia alongside 12 other young scientists-turned-painters. The exhibit was part of the 2025 Translational Research Immersion Program at the University of Pennsylvania, a summer program that gathers undergraduates from around the country to do research at Penn and CHOP. Students also learn to translate their research into art. Simms project at CHOP is looking for bacteriophages, viruses that kill bacteria, in wastewater from the hospital. She hopes to find bacteriophages that could kill a type of antibiotic-resistant bacteria called carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales. In the U.S., this bacteria is responsible for 13,000 infections and 1,100 deaths annually. Her work could find a new therapy to fight the bacteria. The best way to portray this research, she decided, was to paint waves of water containing bacteriophages attacking bacteria. She also added her handprints to both sides of the shield, to represent how we all contribute to this wastewater through our excrement. Simms believes translating research into art could help build trust in science. Scientific papers on their own can be hard to read if you lack a science background. Its a lot of big words, a lot of different terminology that you wouldnt really know unless youve been trained to understand it, Simms said. But someone can take five seconds to look at a piece of artwork and understand the deeper meaning of it and what it symbolizes, she added. Science meets art Carsten Skarke, a physician-scientist at Penn, founded the program four years ago after seeing a need for scientists to better communicate their work to the public. He believed the medium of art would help nonscientists connect with the work. And emerging scientists may be further inspired by exploring a creative outlet. How do we inspire the next generation of physicians, researchers and healthcare leaders to discover new medical innovations, to become effective communicators and to engage with communities for feedback? he said. Each piece at the showcase was painted colorfully onto a round, ceramic shield. The pieces illustrated the undergraduates wide-ranging research interests: how magnetic stimulation of the brain can treat depression, using lipid nanoparticles to deliver drugs, and predicting how medications will work with machine learning models, to name a few. Marguerita Hagan, the artist-in-residence at Penns Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, created the blank ceramics and guided the students through the process of translating their work into art. She believes art can help diminish silos within science in a beautiful way. Its taking this intense science and making it visual, Hagan said. Creating this art helped Haverford College student Rebecca Voss reflect on what she found most meaningful about her research. Voss has spent the summer doing clinical research on a technique called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, which uses magnetic fields to stimulate brain cells. Shes studying its use for depression. She has found striking the challenges study participants faced to even get into the trial. They had to search us out, they had to do these mountains of paperwork, and then on top of that, had to come in every single day for TMS visits, she said. Voss opted to paint the shield black and white on one side to show how the work is often boring and tiring for participants. On the other side, she painted a rainbow of colors to represent how brain stimulation can help participants feel a little bit better. I wanted to show that humanity in the shield, she said. Editors note: This story has been updated to correct the name of a Haverford College student participating in the program. On Aug. 30, 1943, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Henry J. Carlin was missing in action. It was unconfirmed at the time, but Carlin had died during a bombing mission in Burma on Aug. 3. Read more Henry J. Carlin, a 27-year-old Philadelphia man serving as a navigator on a B-25C Mitchell bomber, died when his plane was shot down during a mission in Burma on Aug. 3, 1943. Four sets of remains were recovered a few years later from a common grave near the village of Kyunpobin in Burma now known as Myanmar and locals told American representatives that they came from an American crash. Advertisement The remains could not be identified at the time, so they were interred as unknowns at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, known as Punchbowl, in Honolulu. Thanks to modern technology and identification techniques, the remains of U.S. Army Air Forces First Lt. Henry J. Carlin were officially accounted for this year on April 16, the U.S. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced later that month. The remains of the three other men killed in the crash also were accounted for in April. Two men survived the crash and were captured by Japanese forces. On Friday, the agency said it had provided Carlins family a full briefing and was publicly releasing additional information. In 2022, after the Department of Defense approved the agencys disinterment request, the four sets of remains were exhumed from Punchbowl and sent to the agencys laboratory for analysis. Scientists at the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency used dental, anthropological, and isotope analysis, the agency said. The Armed Forces Medical Examiner System also used mitochondrial DNA analysis. Carlins name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, an American Battle Monuments Commission site in the Philippines, along with the others missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for, the agency said. Carlin is to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in May 2026. The other men killed in the crash and now positively identified were First Lt. Charles W. McCook, 23, who was the pilot; Second Lt. Nathaniel L. Hightower Jr., 27, the copilot; and Sgt. Sidney Burke, 22, the armor-gunner. Sgt. John W. Boyd, the radio operator, and Sgt. John E. Leisure Jr., the engineer-gunner, survived after parachuting out of the stricken plane but were captured. Leisure died in a Japanese prison camp the following July. Boyd survived 21 months in captivity in the notorious Rangoon Prison Camp, also known as Rangoon Central Jail. Boyd authored a book that was published in 1996 called Tenko! Rangoon Jail. The mission on Aug. 3, 1943, was to fly out of Chakulia, India, where the 22nd Bombardment Squadron was based, and strike a dam on the Irrawaddy River at Meiktila in central Burma, Boyd wrote in an excerpt that is available online. There were three bombers flying to the target, where they would descend to near-treetop level to deliver their payloads. The first two planes were successful, and Boyd later figured that the Japanese gunners had been surprised initially but were ready for the final plane. We were on the final run and the ground guns were blazing when suddenly we got hit just inside the bomb bay. It must have been an explosive shell of some type because it made a deafening noise and violently shook the aircraft. McCook took the plane into a steep climb, but we immediately began to feel the heat from the fire inside the bomb bay. It was heating up fast, Boyd wrote. Smoke was beginning to spread throughout the airplane and the heat was intense. The fire in the bomb bay had burned through the intercom wiring so communication with the cockpit was lost. The wind draft through the tail of a B-25 turned the fire into a blow torch. We reacted almost without thinking, Boyd wrote. On Aug. 30, 1943, The Inquirer reported that Henry J. Carlin, of the 200 block of West Nedro Avenue, son of Frank J. Carlin, was missing in action. Visitors view a panel titled, The Dirty Business of Slavery at the Presidents House in Independence National Historical Park. Park employees have flagged descriptions and displays for review in response to President Donald Trumps executive order to remove or cover up materials that inappropriately disparage Americans. Read more The Department of the Interior is soliciting members of the public to identify and report content at Independence National Historical Park that they believe shows the United States in a negative light as President Donald Trumps administration takes steps to review or remove materials key to understanding the history of race in America. The Trump administration is currently considering whether to remove displays addressing the history of slavery at INHP after they were flagged by employees during a review prompted by a Trump executive order. Advertisement Without them, the walls at Independence Hall would look a lot different. On entering the INHP campus on Market Street, The House & the People Who Worked & Lived In It is the first signage visitors are greeted with, on the east wall of the Presidents House Site, where Presidents George Washington and John Adams lived. It provides a brief timeline of freedom and slavery at this site. These sites are important because it illustrates that Black people have been in the city since its founding. The Black history of Philly is actually older than Philadelphia itself, said South Philly resident Mijuel Johnson, a community organizer who leads the Black Journey: African American History Walking Tour with stops in Society Hill and at Independence Hall. The earliest Black people arrived just two years after the city was founded in 1682. But there is presence of African people in the greater Philadelphia area as far back as 1639. Laminated paper signs displaying a QR code, which leads to an online feedback form, and a short paragraph of instructions are stationed across INHP sites, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. They encourage the public to submit feedback on areas around the park that need repairs or service improvements, and also ask for comments on any signs or other information that are negative about either past or living Americans or that fail to emphasize the beauty, grandeur, and abundance of landscapes and other natural features. Trumps executive order, issued in March, calls for, among other things, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to ensure all public monuments, memorials, statues, markers, and other properties do not contain descriptions, depictions, or other content that inappropriately disparage Americans past or living (including persons living in colonial times) and instead promote American greatness and progress. Burgum issued a directive in May outlining plans for carrying out Trumps order and calling for encouraging public participation through signage in as many locations within each property as necessary and appropriate to ensure public awareness. It also provides the language for the QR code signs. Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were debated and signed, and is considered the birthplace of American democracy. Millions of visitors come to see the INHP sites, which also include the Liberty Bell and the Presidents House Site. Spokespeople for the Interior Department and the National Park Services Office of Public Affairs said in a statement that Trumps executive order reinforces our commitment to telling the full and accurate story of our nations past. They added that public submissions closed on July 18, but signs were still up for use at Independence and the Liberty Bell as of Friday morning and the most recent visitor submission was from July 21. But at INHP, Trump administration officials are not getting as much help from the public as they might want. That isnt just frustrating, its outrageous Only 13 comments were received via the QR codes at INHP between June 13 and July 21, according to a database of public comments submitted via the code, obtained and reviewed by The Inquirer. None of the comments contained complaints about the content of the sites at Independence; in fact, several submissions were highly complimentary of the tour and employees. What upset me the most about the museum more than anything in the actual exhibits were the signs telling people to report anything they thought was negative about Americans. That isnt just frustrating, its outrageous," one person wrote. It felt like an open invitation to police and attack historians for simply doing their jobs: telling the truth. Johnson, who leads tours of 50 to 100 people from across the world every week, said he had not seen any of his clients scan the code. If the signs are removed, Johnson said, we stand to lose the full perspective of the history of Philadelphia. What defines American greatness is the values that it espouses, he said, but also the understanding that it has not always fully lived up to its ideals. If the truth winds up making America look bad, he said, well, its because America did some bad things. Visitors at INHP were deeply unhappy with the prospect that materials could be censored. Pennsauken resident Nancy Sullivan, a frequent visitor to the park, said she finds the review process appalling. On Friday, she was visiting the Presidents House Site to take pictures, in case the exhibit panels are taken down. She says the history of slavery is not something that can be erased. We know these things existed, she said. It doesnt mean were not a great country. The Park Service can always do better at teaching more about Black and Indigenous history and womens history (the Presidents House Site was dedicated only in 2010), Johnson said, but the underlying intentions of this administration is not to teach history, not to teach it better, but to whitewash it, literally and figuratively. On Thursday, father and son Colin and Colin Martin, visiting from Seattle, had stopped by Independence Hall on their way to Cooperstown, N.Y., to see, as the older Martin said, where everything was created in the United States. He thought taking down exhibits would be a horrible idea. Suppressing history has never been good, his son, a recent college graduate, added. U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, a Democrat who represents the area that includes INHP, said in a statement that rather than censoring Americas history, the administration should be giving INHP the support it needs to showcase our nations story and ideals, especially during our upcoming 250th anniversary. A dog whistle Visitors at other national parks in the region are also weighing in. At Valley Forge, 10 comments were received and only one having to do with speculation surrounding the sexuality of Gen. Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, who helped transform and professionalize the American Army in the 1770s was focused on the content of the exhibits. An internal comment from the parks staff says it will counsel staff on appropriate times to discuss. Gettysburg National Military Park, the site of the crucial battle of the Civil War and President Abraham Lincolns famous address, had 25 submissions from visitors. Several of them were from members of the public who want Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee and his army to be labeled as traitors. A park employee noted in the internal database on two of these comments that Use of the term traitor may be considered inappropriately disparaging towards a group in violation of [Burgums order] and that Use of the term traitor to describe General Lee may be considered inappropriately disparaging towards an individual. This is an oversimplification of difficult decisions made by leaders during the Civil War. Lee was indicted for treason by a federal grand jury weeks after the Civil Wars end, though the case ultimately did not go to trial as President Andrew Johnsons administration prioritized national reconciliation after the war. Gettysburg staff also flagged for review a monument that park staff says glorifies the Lost Cause myth, which romanticizes the Confederacy and downplays the role of slavery in the Civil War. Spokespeople for the Interior Department and the National Park Services Office of Public Affairs said, in an identical statement, that each piece of public feedback is being reviewed and evaluated manually before being referred to a subject matter expert. This deliberate process helps ensure that the input we act upon is both relevant and credible, the statement read. Back in Philadelphia, Ed Welch, president of Local 2058 of the American Federation of Government Employees, who represents workers at the National Park Service in Philadelphia, including IHNP, said he sees this as a not-so-veiled solicitation to garner negative comments about every park in the nation. These barcodes are a dog whistle, he added. Staff writer Ariana Perez-Castells contributed to this article. Centenary University president Dale Caldwell has been selected as Mikie Sherrill's running mate for New Jersey governor. Read more U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill has selected Centenary University president Dale Caldwell as her running mate for New Jersey governor. Caldwell, the first Black president of the university, is also a pastor at Covenant United Methodist Church in Plainfield, Union County. He has experience in the private and public sectors, including working in state government, starting nonprofits, and leading charter schools. He served on the New Brunswick school board for 26 years, including six as president. Advertisement Mikie Sherrill and I represent a different kind of leadership that sees possibilities, not a blind commitment to doing things the way theyve always been done, Caldwell said Friday. My life, much like Mikies, has been dedicated to service: to my church, my students, and my community. Sherrill praised Caldwell as being a voice for the voiceless and said that the duo is committed to New Jersey while Jack Ciattarelli, the GOP candidate, is committed to Trump. Ciattarelli announced his lieutenant governor pick earlier this week at a bar in Sherrills district, choosing Morris County Sheriff James Gannon. Ciattarelli spokesperson Eric Arpert called Caldwell a career political insider and said the pick tells you all you need to know about [Sherrill] and how shell govern. Sherrill and Caldwell are launching their partnership on the campaign trail Saturday with three stops, including one at the Burlington County Fair in Columbus. A 1982 graduate of Princeton University and a 1988 graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Caldwell also received his doctorate in education administration from Seton Hall University in 2017. His resume includes stints as the executive director of Fairleigh Dickinson Universitys Rothman Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and as president of the Educational Services Commission. He served as a deputy commissioner for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs for a few years after being appointed by former Democratic Gov. James McGreevey. He also worked as a senior manager at Deloitte Consulting, and he was the founding executive director of nonprofit Newark Alliance, which focuses on economic growth. Caldwell also brings to the Democratic ticket ties to the charter school movement. He is the founding board chair of a charter school in Asbury Park, and previously worked as the head of a Trenton charter school. In 2015, he argued in an op-ed that charter school students success is a direct threat to the lucrative franchise the NJEA [public schoolteachers union] holds on a public education system that has failed generations of New Jersey children. Caldwells charter school connections could complicate attacks on Sherrill by Ciattarelli, a pro-charter candidate who has sought to cast his Democratic opponent as owned by special interests such as teachers unions. Sherrill has focused on providing mental health services and magnet schools, though both candidates have criticized the states school funding formula. Sherrill had a strong primary campaign, winning a six-person race by over 100,000 votes, but she became a target for attacks as she held onto her status as front-runner. Some of those attacks came from Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who tried to motivate working-class Black voters he said have been neglected by the Democratic Party. At one point, Baraka went to Sherrills hometown, Montclair, and criticized her answer to a question about what programs she would implement to close the racial wealth gap in New Jersey. Sherrill had said she would implement better education programs to have children reading by third grade as well as first-time home ownership programs. Baraka said her answer about children reading would be considered racist if a Republican said it, calling it tone deaf and completely out of touch, and saying that disparities instead come from decades of discrimination. In response, Sherrill said she agrees there is deeply rooted systemic racism in New Jersey that must be addressed. Caldwells connection to fighting racial injustice, both by making history in some of his roles and through his personal connection to the Civil Rights Movement (his father, the Rev. Gilbert Caldwell, was a civil rights activist who protested alongside the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.), could help Sherrills rapport with Black voters. Caldwell said that if successful, Sherrills administration will focus on lowering costs and creating opportunity for New Jerseyans as Trumps MAGA movement costs the state our wallets and our freedoms. Editors note: A comment from Ciattarellis spokesperson has been added to this article. The LGBTQ+ affairs office is now without a leader for the second time in Parkers administration, which began in January 2024. Read more The story of how two top Philadelphia city officials ended up being fired less than a year after they joined Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers administration started with a semi-nude photograph neither of them sent. And it ended with Brandee Anderson, who until Tuesday was the citys chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer, questioning the citys commitment to her former offices work and accusing Parker of fostering a toxic work environment that Anderson said led to her being fired unjustly. Advertisement The path between those two points was long and winding. I did my due diligence in flagging the issue and feel like I very much was retaliated against because I didnt send anyone illicit pictures, and when it was reported to me, I reported it to the appropriate parties, Anderson said in an interview with The Inquirer. It just felt like scapegoating. High-ranking officials rarely speak candidly about what happens behind the scenes in City Hall, even after they leave office. Anderson said she is speaking out to share the truth about a workplace culture that puts a higher value on loyalty than integrity and to call out what she sees as a failure to live up to promises on diversity, equity, and inclusion issues. As a DEI leader, its important to speak truth to power and to stand up for marginalized voices, and it felt like the administration was more interested in secrecy and cover-ups, Anderson said. Im not a government insider. I dont give a f about having another job working for city government, especially after how Ive been treated." Parker spokesperson Joe Grace said that issues surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion are of the utmost importance to Mayor Parker and the administration. We vehemently disagree with many of the former employees allegations and outright misstatements of fact, Grace said. However, as this is a personnel matter, we cannot comment further. An investigation turned around According to Anderson, the saga started when Christopher Dailey, the citys deputy chief of staff, sent a photograph on a cruising app to Tyrell Brown, the director of LBGTQ affairs. Dailey, the top aide to chief of staff Tiffany W. Thurman, is one of the highest-ranking officials in the Parker administration. Dailey declined to comment. Brown reported the incident to Anderson and showed Anderson what she called a semi-nude image on July 2, she said. Philadelphias first city worker strike since 1986 had begun the day before when the largest union for municipal workers walked off the job. As top managers, none of the people involved in the ordeal that led to the firings are union members. Brown said they didnt feel harassed, Anderson said, in part because it was unclear whether Dailey knew to whom he had sent the photo, which included Daileys face. Browns profile was anonymous, she said, but the app used geolocation, meaning users would have been able to see that the person they were contacting was in or near City Hall. Ty wasnt sure what to do, Anderson said. It was just an awkward thing to have a high-ranking city official send that. Anderson said she reported the incident to the office of human resources and Chief Deputy Mayor Vanessa Garrett-Harley. I was just going primarily for guidance in the situation, Anderson said. After she reached out, Anderson said, Garrett-Harley told her: Stop talking about the issue; stop mentioning it. Vanessa said I should have shut it down, Anderson said. Then things took an unexpected turn. The Philadelphia Office of the Inspector General conducted a probe, and after staff in her office were interviewed, Anderson realized that she had gone from sparking an investigation to being the subject of one. On Tuesday, Anderson said, she was called into a meeting with Garrett-Harley and Candee Jones, the human resources director, and she was fired. Anderson said they told her she was being terminated due to a violation of the sexual harassment policy ironically. I asked, What specifically in the policy did I violate?, and they couldnt give me an answer," she said. Anderson said they also faulted her for how she handled the moment when Brown showed her the photograph. Another employee was present during the meeting, and Anderson said Jones and Garrett-Harley told her she should have removed that person from the meeting. Anderson said she was told by the members of the mayors administration that allowing the other person to remain in the room meant she had distributed the photograph. I had no control over the fact that [Brown] brought it up in front of another staff member, Anderson said, adding that employees reporting workplace issues should be able to choose who is present. [The administration officials] were like, You should have kicked the other person out of the room. They should have the right to have whoever they want present." She noted that Dailey, who is white, is still with the city. Its not lost on me that in all of this the two Black leaders who did not engage in poor judgment that we were let go," she said. A mutual separation Neither the city nor Brown commented on the reason for their termination. The Philadelphia Gay News first reported that Brown had left city government Friday morning, a shocking development given that Parker appointed them to the high-profile post less than five months earlier. Brown told the newspaper that they were leaving their post with the city to return to full-time work on Philly Pride 365, the nonprofit they founded that organizes the citys annual Pride celebrations and other events. The article did not mention that Brown was fired or the incident involving Dailey. In an interview, Brown declined to comment on the ordeal. They acknowledged they were terminated, but also characterized it as a mutual separation. I wanted to go back to Philly Pride 365, and they wanted to, I guess, reimagine what they wanted to do with the office, they said. Im trying to move on from this. Brown said they are happy to move on from the city. This is about realignment, and I think what we ultimately all agree upon Pride celebrations its not just about the party," they said. Its a vehicle for resources for the community. This year, there was something missing, especially because I had to step out and step behind the scenes. Brown was the first person to hold the director of LGBTQ affairs role on a permanent basis after Celena Morrison, who was appointed in 2020 by Mayor Jim Kenney, vacated the post in late 2024. An administration email that was sent Friday morning to members of the Mayors LGBTQ+ Commission said that Jessica Shapiro, associate deputy mayor for strategic initiatives, informed the commissions staff at 8:15 p.m. Thursday that both Brown and Anderson had left the city. Tyrell wanted to stress to the commission that this was a mutual decision between them and the city and that they do not want any of us to react out of anger or outrage towards the city, said the email, which was obtained by The Inquirer. An issue to be managed Before joining city government last year, Anderson founded the Antiracism Academy and served as a senior adviser for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the U.S. Department of Commerce. Under Kenney, Anderson served as the citys chief racial equity strategist in the Philadelphia Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity. Parker appointed Anderson in August 2024. I envision a city government where every employee has every equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of race, creed, gender expression, or sexual orientation, Parker said in a statement at the time. Anderson said the administration failed to live up to those lofty goals. Her office was budgeted for 10 positions, she said, but she was allowed to hire only four people. A strategic plan she submitted at the turn of the year resulted in little action. And complaints reported by her office, she said, were routinely ignored. Anderson said it was unfortunate to discover what the administrations workplace culture was like, given that Parker and all three of her top aides are Black women. At best we were there for the aesthetic, and at worst an issue to be managed so as not to attract the ire of Donald Trump, she said. The only things I was able to do were just flag-raisings. The LGBTQ affairs office is now without a leader for the second time in Parkers administration, which began in January 2024. The vacancies come at a time when many are calling on state and local government to vocally oppose Trumps attacks on the LGBTQ community and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Grace, the Parker spokesperson, said the administration was working expeditiously to fill these important positions. Interior designer Stephanie Kraus poses for a portrait at her home in Wayne. Kraus and other design pros shared their tips for products to upgrade different rooms. Read more Whether youre hosting out-of-town visitors or just want to create a more comfortable daily retreat for yourself and your family, its the small, thoughtful details that count the most. We tapped three Philly-area interior design pros for their best advice on creating your own personal sanctuary. Advertisement Read on for their top tips from practical solutions that ensure guests feel at home to plush additions that elevate everyday living on how to make your home a haven. Meet the experts Honesdale native Brian Balthazar is a dynamic designer, TV personality, and former HGTV exec behind staples like House Hunters, Flip or Flop, and Love It or List It. He also runs Pop Goes the Home, an online shop selling entertaining goods and home decor. Shannon Maldonado is the visionary founder and creative director of Yowie, a modern home and lifestyle boutique and hotel in Philadelphia. Stephanie Kraus is the founder and creative director of Stephanie Kraus Designs, a Waynebased boutique specializing in luxury, familyfocused residential interiors across the Philly area and Jersey Shore. For the guest room When Im putting together my guest bedroom, I always think about the things I wish I had when staying at someone elses home, Balthazar said. His must-haves: Folding luggage rack Spare your guests the indignity of digging through their belongings chaotically splayed across the carpet with a simple solution that elevates their suitcase and your hospitality. A folding luggage rack is easy to bring out when needed and stow away when its not, he said. Anthropologie Luggage Rack Amazon Bamboo Luggage Rack Framed essentials Nothing says Ive thought of everything quite like having the key info your guests might need displayed within reach: the WiFi password, the magic Alexa words to raise or lower the blinds, even instructions for how to use the TV or fan. A beautiful frame makes it look intentional, like part of the decor, Balthazar said. Anthropologie Amelia wooden frame White-noise machine or Bluetooth speaker The difference between hours of tossing and turning and a restful night can come down to sound control, like from a white-noise machine or Bluetooth speaker. Make sure the devices name is listed in your framed room info, so guests can easily connect and unwind without awkward guesswork. LectroFan EVO Charging station clarity Set up a dedicated charging organizer on the nightstand, which Balthazar said adds a thoughtful, hotel-like vibe. Unless you want your guest crawling around under the bed, make it super clear where and how they can charge their devices. Anker charging station for iPhone, watch, AirPods Guest book Leave a notebook with a little personality, suggested Balthazar, with prompts like: What dream did you have here? or Whats your worst guest nightmare? Over time, it turns into a fun keepsake filled with quirky stories and guest memories. Indigo A5 notebook from This Corner Frutta A5 notebook with hand painted cover from This Corner Ballpoint pen from This Corner Customizable tray Balthazar always sets a small tray on his guests nightstand or dresser, which he arranges with thoughtful, personalized touches like a water glass and carafe, a small bud vase, a mini bar of favorite snacks, or a book they might enjoy. Just a few thoughtful touches can make their stay feel extra special. Silver-plated tray by Fog Linen Enamelware tray from This Corner Triangle tray from This Corner American Modern Iroquois Carafe by Russel Wright from the Philadelphia Museum of Art For the guest bathroom It may be one of the smallest rooms in your home, but the guest bath offers the biggest opportunity to surprise and delight your guests. A few strategic upgrades suggested by Balthazar and Maldonado can transform this utilitarian space into a spa-like retreat. Shower head Why wait until after the shower to make things feel indulgent? Balthazar said. Think beyond a basic shower head to make the guest bathroom feel just as luxe as the primary bath. A rainfall-style head, handheld wand, or even body jets can instantly transform the experience into something more spa-like. Its an upgrade theyll notice right away. Rainshower combo by Moen Slippers Balthazar keeps a stash of slippers in his closet for guests who forget to pack their own. You can find slippers in bulk online, but if you want to go the extra mile, treat them to a cozy pair theyll actually want to wear when they come down for coffee. Frette Slippers Hawkins Simple Waffle Slippers Bombas Sunday Mule Slippers Mini spa pack I love surprising overnight guests with a little curated spa pack, Balthazar said. It doesnt have to be fancy just thoughtful. He includes treats like turmeric cleansing pads, a luxe toothbrush, and sample-size skincare products. Last time, my guest loved the cleansing pads so much she ordered them that night. Facial cleansing pads from Amazon Piave toothbrush from Boston General Store Travel kit from Malin and Goetz Soap dispenser A beautiful soap dispenser like the wheel-thrown stoneware version with a cork pump from Cloud 9 Clay transforms an ordinary bathroom into something special. It adds a pop of color, Maldonado said about the multifunctional dispensers that were originally designed by a local artist in custom colors for the Yowie shop and hotel. The pump detaches, so it doubles as a bud vase. Cloud 9 Clay soap dispenser from Yowie Candles Having a candle burning in the bathroom makes people feel less self-conscious, said Maldonado, who loves the woodsy scent of palo santo candles from Dilo, designed and poured in Fishtown. It feels very fresh, chic, and elevated. Palo santo candle from Dilo Towels and sheets Hotel-quality towels and sheets are an entry-level, inexpensive way to make guests feel comfortable in a space that isnt their own, Maldonado said. The designer loves the colorful Spectrum towel from The Company Store and the spa-worthy cotton bath-towel bundle from Brooklinen. Spectrum bath towel from The Company Store Super-plush Turkish cotton bath towels from Brooklinen For the living room and kitchen Living spaces like the family room and kitchen are where you gather over festive meals or morning coffee, conversations can flow long into the night, and memories are made. Creating comfort in these communal areas ensures everyone feels at ease, whether youre hosting a rollicking dinner party or cracking into a good book alone on the couch. Maldonado offered her advice on where to focus: Scene-setting scent When Im hosting, I really want people to have a certain feeling when they enter the room, and I think scent is so much a part of that. She picks an incense with a nice mix of feminine and masculine scent, a little bit floral, and its not overpowering. Plus, its local. Its one of our best sellers in the shop. If we burn it, we sell through it very quickly. La Costa Incense by Foxys Funk from Yowie Soft area rug When it comes to investing in your living room space, the first piece should be your rug, to really create that Chill Zone in the living room, Maldonado said. She recommends a plush rug from Nordic Knots in green or purple for a colorful, central place to gather. Some people are sitting on the couch, some people are on the floor I think thats just such a nice vibe. Or if youre playing board games, you just need a nice, cozy rug on the ground. Grand plush rug from Nordic Knots Serving platter When shes hosting friends, Maldonado piles a board with meat, cheese, and fruit. Its an easy, fuss-free way to feed a group, and a bonus if youre intentional about the serving platter its also pretty as the snacks disappear. She recommends a sea breeze ceramic platter from Philly-based artist Sean Gerstley. Sean Gerstley platter from Yowie Conversation starter A Battenberg lace bottle apron from food artist Lila Gohar is silly and clever, Maldonado said, and sure to spark comments. Its tongue-in-cheek, but really charming. Slip it on a bottle of natural wine to serve alongside a platter of snacks. Bottle apron from Gohar World Plush pillows The velvet and cotton bolster pillows from New Zealand brand Klay sold at Quail Store on Locust Street are versatile and gorgeous, and sturdy enough to hold up to lounging. Theyre so pretty and classic, with a twist. For another fun, absurd piece, the designer loves the hand pillow from Brooklyn-based designer John Sohn. Even if you have a cheap couch, this pillow will make it look really expensive. Klay bolster cushion from Quail Store Cotton hand pillow from Sohn Couch cover A tip that Maldonado picked up from her mother-in-law: If you have a couch you dont love, buy a vintage quilt and drape it over. You wont even remember what the old couch looks like. The designer finds great vintage textiles on sites like eBay, Etsy, and Chairish. Polka dot quilt from Schoolhouse For the Shore house Designing vacation homes especially at the Shore is about more than just making them look beautiful, Kraus said. We create environments that restore, recharge, and spark joy. When our clients walk through the door, we want stress to drop and serenity to take over. Cold plunge A favorite recent addition to Kraus wellness arsenal is a cold-plunge tank from Renu Therapy, a sleek, low-maintenance tub that makes wellness chic. For a budget-friendly alternative, she said an inflatable tub from SereneLife delivers a surprisingly satisfying plunge experience, with a less-permanent commitment. Cold Stoic 2.0 from Renu Therapy SereneLife Inflatable Tub from Amazon Infrared sauna The Italian-designed, full-spectrum infrared Clearlight sauna fits four people and is luxurious, Kraus said. She also recommends an easy-to-assemble, two-person infrared sauna made with Canadian hemlock wood. Sanctuary retreat sauna from Clearlight JNH Lifestyles sauna from Amazon Steam shower If youre not quite ready to commit to a full sauna, opt for a steam shower, like a customizable and immersive system from Kohler. With the capacity to add aromatherapy and sound integrations, installing one can bring the spa home in a sleek, space-saving format right in your own shower, Kraus said. Steam showers from Kohler Sumptuous towels and linens Beyond the sauna or steam shower, Kraus said, luxury is in the details. We layer in luxe textures to excite your sense of touch, she added, recommending the 100% cotton Aman towels from Matouk and crisp white linen sheets from Parachute. Your beach house should feel as good as it looks. Aman towel by Matouk from Fine Linens Linen sheet set from Parachute Scent diffuser To boost your own mood and leave a lasting impression for visitors, take a note from luxury hotels and infuse your home with a signature scent. Kraus likes the diffusers from Aroma360, which come with options inspired by luxury hotels, like the leather- and sandalwood-rich scent piped into 1 Hotel, or the jasmine and black pepper number from Ritz-Carlton. Whether integrated into your HVAC or placed in-room, its scent styling at its finest, Kraus said. Starter kit from Aroma360 Beach tote and chairs Take your homes thoughtful design philosophy to the beach with premium cooler tote bags from Business and Pleasure. Kraus said she loves the stylish canvas bags with sturdy leather straps, which add a little preppy panache to seaside entertaining especially stocked with rose and Spindrift or a full beach picnic. Pair your cooler totes with Business and Pleasure Tommy beach chairs that Kraus said are comfortable, inviting, and since they can fold neatly into a backpack easy to cart across the sand. Premium cooler tote bag from Business and Pleasure Tommy chair from Business and Pleasure Soap and lotion End every beach day with a refreshing reset using Salt & Stone Deluxe Body Duo body wash and lotion scented with santal and vetiver. It smells like fresh ocean air, Kraus said. Deluxe Body Duo from Salt & Stone Engineering Contact Information Texas A&M Engineering follows the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Privacy and Security Policy. The Communications Division, the Network and Computing Support Services Division, and the Information Systems Division for the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station maintain the TEES, Engineering Program, and College of Engineering Web sites as a public service. The following is the privacy and security policy for this site: 1. We do not use cookies to collect information. (Note: A cookie file contains unique information a web site can use to track such things as passwords, lists of pages you've visited, and the date when you last looked at a specific page or to identify your session at a particular web site.) 2. 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Unauthorized attempts to upload information or change information on this service are strictly prohibited and may be punishable under the Texas Penal Code Chapters 33 (Computer Crimes) or 33A (Telecommunications Crimes). The following information is collected for this analysis: ONCE considered one of Irelands most ambitious independent drinks ventures, the Killarney Brewing and Distilling Company confirmed it would cease operations this week following the unsuccessful conclusion of its examinership process. The business, which was appointed a liquidator this week, had diversified over time to offer craft brewing and whiskey production, as well as hospitality and tourism offerings. The brewery had been trading since 2015, after garnering strong interest from Irish-American investors to create something new and sellable to the US market. But a challenging few years, underpinned by the pandemic and significant overspends, led to a pile-up of debts that could not be paid, ultimately resulting in the collapse of the multimillion-euro enterprise. Among the list of creditors mentioned in court filings are individual investors and local small businesses, with amounts owed ranging from 147 to over 823,000, the effects of which will be felt from Killarney to across the Atlantic in Illinois. The Killarney Brewery began its story in August 2013, when it was founded by Paul Sheehan, Tim ODonoghue, and Liam Healy, who set out to develop a craft brewery and restaurant in Killarney. The three founders all had deep ties to the US, with Mr Sheehan and Mr ODonoghue having both lived and worked in Chicago for more than a decade, while Mr Healy resided there full time. The trio set out to raise funds in the US for the ambitious project. They ultimately raised 1.2m, which was used to renovate the property they had leased on Muckross Rd in Killarney. The company commenced trading in 2015 and, just three years later, had already begun formulating an expansion plan to create a larger brewery, distillery, and visitor experience. To achieve this, the company purchased a site spanning over four acres at Killalee in Fossa. It then set about raising additional funds using its network of US investors. The successful funding round saw the group raise more than 12m, commencing construction in 2019. A further 6m was raised throughout 2020 and 2021 through EII schemes, an Irish tax relief scheme for investors who fund qualifying Irish SMEs. In addition, the company also anticipated preselling 1,000 casks of whiskey that it said would have yielded up to 7m. While it secured ample funding from a diversified pool of investors, the construction phase was heavily disrupted by the pandemic. Related costs soared by 36%. This was compounded by the companys limited trading ability due to lockdown restrictions. The total overspend on construction rose to 8m, impacting the companys profitability and cashflow, High Court documents show. This led to the business having a limited ability to promote and sell the intended presale of 1,000 casks, which added to its cashflow challenges. To offset pandemic overspends, the group borrowed some 4.4m from a number of sources in late 2022. Killarney Brewing & Distillery Company, Fossa, Killarney. Picture: Don MacMonagle The new Fossa facility eventually opened around the same time, with the distillery commencing operations around 12 months later in late 2023. Around this time, the group went back to the market to raise a Series C 7m in additional capital to repay debts, launch and market its whiskey product in the US, and provide working capital to secure future profitability. The group also anticipated raising a further 4m through the EII scheme. THE Series C funding round proved to be more challenging than anticipated, with just 3.5m being raised. Complications also arose with investments through the EII scheme, which the company said were a result of changes to the government scheme in 2024. At the end of last year, the companys cumulative trading losses had grown to almost 2m, according to High Court documents. The company also had liabilities in excess of assets of 3.27m at the end of last year, which made it balance sheet insolvent. Between 2020 and 2024, it incurred cumulative trading losses of 3.35m. It was also cashflow insolvent and not in a position to discharge related outstanding loans. The group entered discussions with potential investors in 2024, which were unsuccessful. In January of this year, the group attempted to strike a deal with a US-based private equity investor group. This would have potentially seen an injection of up to 15m in the company. However, rapid changes in the global trade climate and a rising threat of tariffs led to one of the parties involved dropping out of the process in early April, causing the group to ultimately withdraw its investment intent in the immediate short term. On April 17, an interim examiner was appointed to the company. At that time, the business had dozens of creditors and owed more than 8m. Included in the list of creditors of the brewing company were Kerry County Council, which was owed an outstanding amount of just over 108,000, and the Revenue Commissioners, who were owed 143,400. But the repercussions extend far beyond just government bodies, with High Court filings of creditors showing the sizeable human cost felt by the brewerys financial challenges. It also had an outstanding loan with Bailmo Limited, which held an all-assets debenture of the company, totalling almost 2.9m at the end of March this year. On Tuesday, the Killarney Brewing and Distilling Company the unsuccessful conclusion of its examinership process. The High Court appointing James Anderson, of Deloitte, as a liquidator over the company. More than 50 jobs will be lost as a result. In its last public statement, the company said: Like many in the drinks manufacturing industry, KBD has faced significant and sustained challenges in recent years, stemming from the lasting effects of the pandemic, delays in opening our state-of-the-art distillery in Fossa, global supply chain disruptions, rising input costs, and ongoing geopolitical and trading pressures. More recently, high tariffs on Irish whiskey exports to the US and wider economic uncertainty have further impacted the business. The company would like to express its sincere and heartfelt thanks to our exceptional employees, whose dedication, resilience, and passion never wavered throughout this incredibly difficult time. We are also deeply grateful to our shareholders and wider investment community for their support and belief in our vision, and to our loyal customers, partners, and the local community in Killarney who have stood by us at every turn. We remain proud of what weve built together and the craft, care, and creativity that defined our journey. HES gone, hes gone. A pyjama-clad gent gesticulated wildly, piercing the silence of a normally uneventful post-surgical ward. He was markedly alarmed, as was this student nurse. Its not every day you have a patient escape during your shift. To add salt to open (post-surgical) wounds, this wasnt just any patient. Just hours before, this wanted man had undergone surgery for an open fracture to his leg, which he sustained while attempting to outrun Gardai. Fortunately, for him, his next escape albeit short-lived would be more successful. All the while, we had no idea our controversial hero had been surreptitiously knotting bed sheets together for his grand exit. His leap from the hospital window was enough to make Hollywood stuntmen swoon. Ill never forget the view that greeted us as we stared incredulously from the hospital window. The defiant sight of him hopping onto the back of a motorbike will be forever ingrained in my mind. His hospital gown was blowing like grass in a storm. He seemed completely unaware of the faces gazing down at him from above. It was the early 90s so there wasnt a camera phone in sight to capture this defining moment. That image of him riding away, bare-assed to the wind, wont be found on Facebook. It exists now only in our memories. The calm atmosphere on the ward that night gave way to chaos. I was only about 24 at the time so my first instinct was to laugh uncontrollably. The face of the senior nurse on the other hand was etched with terror. I always loved being on with her because she was such a fabulous and deeply conscientious person. She was so deeply conscientious, in fact, that the worry was all-consuming for her. He had tubes coming out of him, which would have fallen out on the motorbike. His injuries required urgent care, but he had left with nothing but a hospital gown. The atmosphere turned heavy. There were gardai coming to take statements and reports. While our patient was making the most of his freedom, there was no escape for us. News coverage of the manhunt beamed through television screens across the country. Every tabloid featured details of this salacious tale. Artist Una Keating at her studio in Crookstown, Co. Cork. Picture: David Creedon I dont think there was anything I could have done to foil his escape. For the most part, he had been surrounded by gardai, but there came a point where they had to leave. I had been asked to keep an eye on him but this wasnt a possibility. His care was my priority but there was no way I could have managed a flight risk too. There were still other patients to tend to after all. In the hours that followed the escape, we waited with bated breath for news of his whereabouts. It was about two days definitely more than 24 hours before he was located. We didnt see him again after that. I can only assume his treatment was completed in a more secure unit. It was business as usual after that and the incident went unmentioned. Years rolled by before I bumped into the senior nurse I had been on with that night. We howled with laughter at the memory of his bare bottom. When viewed through a modern lens, its remarkable to think that the escape was coordinated without mobile phones or technology of any kind. I wouldnt go as far as to say the stunt was admirable, but it was certainly impressive. I often think about where this gentleman might have ended up. My life, after all, took a very different turn. Im no longer nursing and have now carved out a career as an artist. The possibility that he may have changed his own life for the better fills me with hope. He was only in his 20s at the time, so who knows where he is now? Perhaps, he became a teacher or maybe even a priest. We can only wish the same for his get-away driver. When I cast my mind back to that peculiar night, I laugh to myself because this man was among the easier patients I dealt with. He was quiet post-op, as many patients are. I dont remember him laughing and joking but he was polite. We came across a lot nastier from the public, but funnily enough it was never the criminals. Luckily, 99% of patients are wonderful. Our night with this patient was undoubtedly the most adrenaline-filled night in the post-surgical ward. For the most part, the atmosphere in this part of the hospital was very subdued. I myself became accustomed to a faster pace after transitioning into emergency care where I spent 15 years. Here, I met a whole host of colourful characters including a lovely lady in her 90s who was accidentally thrown out of a dumper truck after her 100-year-old husband pressed the wrong button. I was cleaning the gutters, she told me. Thankfully, she was fine. I couldnt help but laugh at the way she regaled me with the story. From escapees to old ladies, there is one thing that nursing has taught me. Laughter is always, most certainly, the best medicine. A TRAVEL theme set the wheels in motion for Cork couple Deana Hurley and Eric OLearys big day. Deana, from Bandon, and Eric, from Sundays Well, were married in a civil ceremony by Janice OCallaghan of Bespoke Wedding Ceremonies at Fota Island Resort, which was also the reception venue. Deana Hurley and Eric O'Leary with Xavier Hurley and Reuben OLeary. Pictures: dermotsullivan.com I'm normally a strong-willed woman, but unexpectedly, I cried the whole way down the aisle after seeing Eric already crying at the top happy tears, of course, says Deana. We had originally planned an outdoor ceremony in the gardens adjacent to the Smith Barry Suite, but rain meant we had to move indoors, but it worked out beautifully. Deana Hurley and Eric O'Leary with their wedding party. Guests later told us that as soon as we lit the unity candle, the sun broke through and stayed shining for the rest of the day, giving us full use of the gardens after all. To surprise Eric and his rugby-loving brothers and dad, Deana had arranged for wedding singer Angela Ryan to perform Irelands Call as the newlyweds signed the register. Their faces lit up when they heard it! she says. Deana Hurley and Eric O'Leary. Dermot Sullivan (dermotsullivan.com) was behind the camera, as was the Ivory Films videography team. Toasting to their future happiness were their parents, Margaret Buckley and Billy Hurley and Karen Hegarty and Denis OLeary, as well as the grooms grandparents, Oonagh and Basil Hegarty. Deana Hurley and Eric O'Leary. Deana adds: After dinner, we did an anniversary dance where all married couples hit the dance floor based on how long theyd been married, until only one couple remained, Erics grandparents. They were genuinely surprised and shed a few tears when they realised it was a tribute to them. Deana Hurley and Eric O'Leary. The brides sister Clodagh Hurley was her maid of honour, and their sisters Anneisha Hurley and Celina Neville were the bridesmaids. The grooms brother Tim OLeary was the best man with their brother Jack OLeary and the brides son/grooms stepson Xavier Hurley as groomsmen. Enjoying the fun as pageboy was Reuben OLeary, Deana and Erics 18-month-old son. Deana Hurley and Eric O'Leary. The couple, now based in the Gurranabraher area, first met for a coffee date on Cork's Grand Parade in May 2021, after spotting one another on Facebook Dating. They discovered they share a passion for travel, and after globetrotting together, Eric went down on one knee to propose deep in the Amazon Rainforest in October 2022, adds the bride. Deana Hurley and Eric O'Leary. "Our vision for our big day was a travel-themed wedding. I love creative projects, so I DIYed as much as I could, says Deana. Elizabeth Cott of Wonderous Weddings created the floral decor, and the team at Fota Island Resort, led by Roberta OKeeffe, made the day seamless, says the bride. Deana Hurley and Eric O'Leary with Eric's grandfather Basil Hegarty. Magician and MC Jamie Skelton was a huge hit with guests, says Deana, who wore a custom-designed dress by Mizz Rio, Dublin. I originally wanted my dress in black but surprised myself and everyone else by choosing ivory. The bridal hairstyling was by Kim Moynihan (Hair by Kim,) and Aneta Winnicka was the makeup artist. Eric sourced the suits from Suits.ie, Ballycurreen. Deana Hurley and Eric O'Leary. The Danny OLeary band and DJ Bertie kept the dance floor full. I overdid it, says the bride. Between the Macarena, cha-cha slide, bunny hop and every country line dance imaginable, I came away with two sprained Achilles tendons! But every second was worth it." Her sister Clodagh surprised Irish country music fan Deana with a video message from her favourite singer, Derek Ryan. Deana, a project manager with GlobalMeet, and Eric, a healthcare assistant with Cope Foundation, plan to honeymoon in South Africa in October. Doing it solo Solo travellers are finding an increasingly diverse and sophisticated offering for holidays and adventures. Solos new women-only tours for 2026 offer private rooms with no single supplement, small group sizes, female tour leaders, and women-focused experiences designed for mature, independent travellers. Their 13-day female-only Moroccan Medinas, Mountains & Coast looks great, with Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Marrakesh and Essaouira all on an itinerary mixed with visits to Hassan II Mosque, the Bahia Palace and Yves Saint Laurents glorious Majorelle Gardens. Expect cultural encounters with Berber women in the Atlas Mountains, a Moroccan calligraphy workshop, a cooking class at La Maison Arabe with a local female chef, and visits to embroidery, pottery and argan oil cooperatives run by women. Departs March 31 2026, costs 4,399; solosholidays.com Korcula, Croatia Sail away Sailing holidays are on the up, with the Greek Isles and Croatia firm favourites. For next summer, plan a seven-night Adriatic expedition on a five-star Croatian yacht with just 19 cabins. Journeying along the Dalmatian coast, youll visit historic Split, Makarska, Brac, Hvar, Vis, Korcula, Mljet, Sipan and Dubrovnik. 1,590 including flights from Dublin, pre-stay hotel in Split, all transfers, seven-night cruise in a premium superior cabin with ensuite, welcome reception, breakfast, lunches onboard, captains dinner, olive oil and wine tasting and three guided tours. Departs May 16 2026; travalue.ie Geneva, Switzerland Winter routes Aer Lingus revealed three new winter routes last week, with flights from Dublin to Turin (perfect for accessing Italys alpine slopes) and from Cork to Prague and Geneva. Nestled between the Alps and the shores of Lake Geneva, Switzerlands second largest city is a scenic and cultural treat, but also ideal for ski trips. A gateway to Morzine, and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, including the famous Vallee Blanche, flights will operate once a week from Cork Airport to Geneva on a Saturday, from December 20 to March 28, with one-way fares from 49.99. Fitzpatrick's Castle, Killiney Deal of the week Experience two sides to Leinster with Fitzpatrick Hotel Collections new two-centre escape. Combining rest and adventure, enjoy one night B&B with dinner at Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, with padel courts, an ice bath and Scandinavian sauna and steam room (and just a DART ride from Dublin city). Explore Killiney Beach, Bray Head and Killiney Hill before high-tailing it to the rolling hills of Wicklow to stay at Woodenbridge Hotel & Lodge, Irelands oldest hotel for one nights B&B with dinner. Overlooking the Aughrim river and enveloped in scenic walking, hiking and cycling routes you can explore, relax or play golf. Ideal for families or couples, the package can be booked on a non-consecutive basis if desired. Available September and October, from 419 midweek and 493 on weekends; fitzpatrickcastle.com Irish Ferries is offering great deals for 2025 with the added advantage of a 25% discount on your 2026 sailing to Britain or France. Ferry good deals Irish Ferries is offering great deals for 2025 with the added advantage of a 25% discount on your 2026 sailing to Britain or France. The deal applies to new motorist bookings on the DublinCherbourg route and includes Economy and Flexi fares only. The award-winning Irish ferry company sails from Dublin to Holyhead and Cherbourg, from Rosslare to Pembroke, as well as from Dover to Calais. A woman in her 60s is in a critical condition in hospital following a two-car collision in Co Donegal. Gardai are appealing for witnesses to the crash, which happened on the N13 Letterkenny to Ballybofey road in the townland of Listillion, at approximately 5.05pm on Friday. The injured woman, who the driver of one of the vehicles involved, is currently being treated for life-threatening injuries at Letterkenny University Hospital. No other injuries were reported. The road where the collision tool place will remain closed overnight pending a technical examination of the scene by garda Forensic Collision Investigators. Local diversions have been put in place. Gardai are appealing for anyone with information on the incident to come forward. Anyone who was on the N13 at Listillion between 4.50pm and 5.15pm and who may have witnessed the incident have been asked to contact investigating gardai. Any road users who were travelling in the vicinity at the time, and who may have camera footage, have been make this footage available. Gardai say they can be contacted at Letterkenny Garda Station on 074 9167100, via the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or via any Garda Station. Hundreds of people have gathered for a community vigil in memory of a woman and her two teenage children who died following a shooting in Co Fermanagh. People wrapped their arms around each other as they remembered Vanessa Whyte, 45, a vet originally from Co Clare, her son James, 14, and daughter Sara, 13. The vigil was organised by a community group and held at the primary school, Maguiresbridge Primary School, where James and Sara previously attended. A book of condolence, set up next to a framed photo of the family and surrounded by white flowers and candles, was also opened at the school. The principal of Maguiresbridge Primary School, Honor Irvine, described both James and Sara as popular pupils who loved sport. Im a teaching principal so I taught them both for two years, she told the PA news agency. James was full of fun, always laughing, loved to get a laugh, loved to be outdoors. Sara was the same. Sara loved outdoors, bit of a tomboy, and the two of them got on very well, (had) lots of friends and were very popular in school. She described their mother Vanessa, who was a member of the parents support group which organised fundraisers for the school, as full of life, and a roll up your sleeves, get the job done type of person. She said the vigil, facilitated by the school, offered a place for the community to grieve together. Its been lovely to hear people who knew Vanessa and knew Sara and knew James, talking about them and sharing memories, she said. For the community, its a place to mourn together and to support and comfort each other. She said the family were much loved and would live on in our memories at Maguiresbridge Primary School for many, many years to come. Its hard to put it into words to be honest, were just heartbroken. And I dont think it has sunk in, it will be the days and weeks ahead when we realise the tragic loss that has happened in this community, she added. The vigil was organised by the Village Rural Development Association to give people an opportunity to come together and support each other at this difficult time. This is an opportunity for our village to stand together in the face of such grief, it said in a statement on social media. Flowers, teddy bears and an Arsenal football top with written notes have been laid close to scene of the incident in Drummeer Road. A fourth person, a man who was a member of the same household, remains in a serious condition in hospital in Belfast following the incident on Wednesday. A murder investigation has been launched and police said a triple murder and attempted suicide is one line of inquiry being pursued. First Minister Michelle ONeill said the level of the tragedy is overwhelming. Everybody I have been speaking to finds it very hard to convey what they really feel, deep in their hearts, because there are moments in life that really do stop us in our tracks, and certainly for me, this feels like one of those moments, she told the BBC. People are really stunned and tears have been shed for this beautiful family. You only have to think about Vanessa, a young mother, her two gorgeous children, a whole life ahead of them, and that has all now been cut short. Its a harrowing time, obviously immediately for their family, for everybody that loved them, everybody that knew them, the community that they lived in, the wider Fermanagh community and even further than that. This has impacted so many people. Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir described what happened as heartbreaking. Vanessa was a highly respected vet and work colleague. The situation that has unfolded here is heartbreaking and my thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends, work colleagues of Vanessa, and also James and Sara, he told the BBC. Its really difficult to comprehend to be honest. Climate activists, local councillors, and concerned residents gathered outside Cork City Hall this week to protest against potential plans for liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in the region. Organised by the environmental group Not Here Not Anywhere (NHNA), the demonstration featured banners reading No LNG Terminals and chants of Flooded Lee, rising seas, we say no to LNG. Campaigners warned that the Governments reversal of a ban on fracked gas imports earlier this year has opened the door to new fossil fuel projects along Irelands coast including the Port of Cork. The protest supports a motion submitted to Cork City Council by Green Party Councillor Oliver Moran, which calls on the Council to oppose any LNG infrastructure and instead prioritise large-scale renewable energy. The motion is due to be debated in September by the Councils Environment, Water & Amenities Strategic Policy Committee. It states: That, as a Mission City to be climate neutral by 2030, Cork City Council is opposed to the development of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals, as new fossil fuel infrastructure, and will work to ensure no LNG terminals are developed in the Cork region; and shall focus its support on the development of large-scale renewable infrastructure for energy security instead. "Cork City Council is a member of regional energy stakeholder groups and an EU Mission City to be climate neutral by 2030," said Mr Moran. "Cork's future is in renewables. It's why the Port of Cork is investing 100m in a deepwater berth dedicated to servicing offshore energy. "Offshore energy will bring jobs and energy security tied to Cork. LNG will bring neither of those." Niamh Guiry, an NHNA campaigner and PhD researcher, added: "The people of Cork have made it repeatedly clear, we do not want and cannot afford any new fossil fuel infrastructure in the midst of a widespread and devastating climate crisis. "We are at a pivotal point in history. Now is the time for radical action and political bravery." She urged Cork City Council to pass the motion in September, calling it a critical signal to Government that the fossil fuel era must come to an end. Campaigners argue that LNG terminals would lock Ireland into high-carbon energy for decades, risking failure to meet 2030 climate targets and potential EU fines of up to 26bn. A recent EPA report also identified 115 climate-related risks to Ireland, with Cork seen as particularly exposed. They also pointed to a landmark advisory opinion issued last week by the International Court of Justice, which found that states may breach international law by supporting fossil fuel development or subsidies. Its unthinkable that Ireland could be locked into fossil fuel infrastructure and dependency for years to come," Ms Guiry added. "Passing anti-LNG motions that champion a just transition and the development of widespread renewable energy infrastructure like the one before Cork City Council is hugely important." Among the historic photos of the 20th century, one finds Robert Capas dying Republican soldier of the Spanish Civil War, Cartier-Bressons man leaping over a puddle, the passionate Times Square kiss between a sailor and a young woman in celebration of the end of the Second World War, the little girl in Vietnam fleeing with her skin covered in napalm burns, and Alberto Kordas portrait of Che Guevara. What they all have in common is that they were taken with a Leica camera. A small, compact, revolutionary device; the Leica I, with its 35-millimeter film (also called the 24x36, a reference to its frame size), was first presented by German businessman Ernst Leitz II on March 1, 1925 at the Leipzig Trade Fair, which was renowned for its technological innovations. The cameras success was immediate among photographers and amateurs, not only due to its size, but also its optical quality. Since then, Leica cameras have captured some of the most momentous happenings on Earth. Businessman Ernst Leitz II in 1925, the year he presented the Leica camera in Leipzig. Image provided by Leica. NIKOLAUS BEFORT From June 25 to 27 on the outskirts of the German town of Wetzlar, home to just over 50,000 inhabitants, the Leica company which invited this journalist to join celebrated 100 years of the camera in Leitz Park, the building complex that serves as a Disneyland for the brands faithful following. Construction on Leitz Park began nearly 20 years ago and was completed in 2018. Last year, it was visited by some 60,000 people. During the celebrations, it was full of photographers, tourists, Leica staff, the business community and journalists around 800 guests in all, many of them hailing from Asia, and particularly, Japan. The land of the rising sun is an important market for Leica, being the only place where it sells its smart phone, as the product awaits a European release. Nearly all the visitors carried their camera with them, some hanging theirs from a shoulder like an Hermes bag, with a touch of fetishism. Indeed, representatives from the luxury firm have served as consultants to Leica in the past. U.S. photographer Joel Meyerowitz, alongside his photograph at an exhibition at Leitz Park in Wetzlar, Germany, in an image provided by the company. The centennials packed scheduled included an exhibition of a master of color, Joel Meyerowitz. The affable 87-year-old New Yorker signed books and posed for photos with his admirers. There was also a small collection of images by another Leica fan, the British musician Jamie Cullum, who performed at a gala dinner on Thursday the 26th. That night, before dessert was served, guests were treated to a projection of the nearly final version of the documentary Leica: Witness to a Century by director Reiner Holzemer, in which renowned photographers share their Leica practice. In addition to Meyerowitz, the film features Steve McCurry and the recently deceased Sebastiao Salgado. It has its fair share of surprises, as when it reveals former The Police guitarist Andy Summerss Leica passion. Watch for its release in movie theaters and on streaming platforms. First advertisement for a Leica camera, published in a photography magazine in 1925. Image provided by Leica. The building that houses Leicas cultural center in Leitz Park is shaped like a film reel canister when seen from the sky. It features exhibitions, including a selection of iconic photos that were taken with a Leica, and glass cases that contain different models from throughout the brands history. On Friday the 27th, one of its two yearly auctions took place. Its star was a Leica I prototype from 1923, which an anonymous buyer acquired by telephone for $8.4 million. A few feet away, the Leica Store sells the latest models, as well as others from more than a half-century ago for those who like a retro touch and can pay the price for example, a 1958 apparatus sells for $41,000. There are photographic accessories, home movie projectors, watches (this one is manufactured entirely in Germany, shares a seller in regards to a model that costs $17,500) binoculars and telescopic lenses. Auction for a prototype of the first Leica camera that eventually sold for $8.4 million, at the companys headquarters in Wetzlar, on July 27. Image provided by Leica. Karin Rehn-Kaufmann oversees Leicas 28 galleries located around the world and the interactive Ernst Leitz Museum in Wetzlar. In a conversation with EL PAIS, she says that the latter spaces goal is for anyone over the age of 10 to be able to find something interesting. To that end, it houses numerous touch screens that tell the story of the business, detail photographic processes, color effects and even a digital dark room, where you can bring photos you took on your phone, she explains. In the Leica galleries there are talks and presentations. Two more locations will open in coming months. Members of the Leica community, as Rehn-Kaufmann calls it, have several reasons behind their passion for the cameras. Aside from the lens quality is their elegant design. One must remember that in 2010, when Steve Jobs presented the iPhone 4 to the world, he said, Glass on the front and back, and steel around the sides. Its like a beautiful old Leica camera. Rehn-Kaufmanna says that the cameras manufactured today still feature the design elements of the older models. Karin Rehn-Kaufmann in a presentation for the Leica camera centennial at the companys headquarters in Wetzlar on June 26. Image provided by Leica. And what do professional photographers find so special about their Leicas? Aside from those previously mentioned, the brands cameras have been used by Kertesz, Robert Frank, Bruce Davidson and Elliott Erwitt. Shutterbug and camera collector Jose Luis Mur, owner of Fotocasion, a well-regarded Spanish store, says by telephone that after its launch, the Leica was imitated by all its competitors, there have been up to 300 copies. Not to mention, its photographic images have been replicated to the point that they have become the universal format. Mur adds that these days, Leicas quality can be found in other cameras, meaning that today it is more of an elitist cult object. Perhaps professionals use other cameras, and the Leica is for enjoyment. But before, when one had a Leica in their hands, it was thought that they were going to take better photos. For the past three years, the Leica complex has also been home to an archive that is accessible via guided tour. In its displays sit objects that harken back to the history of the brand, like the first photograph taken by a compact camera in Wetzlar, back in 1914. It was shot at an intersection by its inventor, the engineer Oskar Barnack, who worked at Leica. First known photograph taken by a Leica camera by its inventor, Oskar Barnack, in Wetzlar in 1914. Image provided by the company. Here too is the brands first advertisement, published in a photography magazine; also, a 1920s instruction manual for the camera with an image of a woman on the cover, indicating that the product was meant to be used by a diverse public. All one had to do was look through the lens and click to shoot. That accessibility explains why the impact of the 1925 launch was so enormous. For photographers, it meant going from carrying around a bulky camera to slipping one into their pocket that could be discreetly used in difficult situations. In just a year, around 1,000 were sold. In 1929, 16,000 were manufactured. The Ernst Leitz factory in Wetzlar, where Leica manufactured its products alongside the Lahn River, in 1922. Image provided by the company. NIKOLAUS BEFORT The Leica its commercial name came from a blending of Leitz and the German kamera was manufactured in Wetzlar because ever since 1849, the town had been home to a lens factory built by the waters of the Lahn River that had proved to be particularly suitable for use in the polishing process. Twenty years later, the company was renamed after its owner, Ernst Leitz. At the time, the firm manufactured microscopes and starting in 1907, binoculars. Then came a technician who was destined to put a twist on the Leica story. Oskar Barnack was a photography aficionado whose asthma made it too tiring for him to carry around the enormous wooden apparatuses with glass plates used for shooting in those days. Barnack set about building a small and compact camera that could use movie film, which had already been invented, with the tweak of changing its direction from vertical to horizontal. The inventor of the Leica compact camera, Oskar Barnack, at his desk in 1934. Photograph provided by the company. JULIUS HUISGEN Barnack successfully tested his invention while the town of Wetzlar was experiencing flooding, but World War II, with its German defeat and subsequent difficult era for the country, led to delays in the products commercial release. During that trying time for the company, Ernst Leitz II, the founders son who had taken over the firms leadership, proclaimed: I hereby decide: we will take the risk. And they did, presenting their new product a few months later at Leipzig. Later, in the first years of Hitlers command, Leitz saved some 200 Jews from the Holocaust, giving them money and a ticket to sail to another country. He also gave each one of them a camera. But the Nazis needed businesses like Leica and the products it made. Leitz became a member of the Nazi Party in 1942 and contributed to the Third Reichs arms projects. However, his humanitarian work was recognized by the United States in 2007. Photograph of floods in Wetzlar in 1920, taken by Oskar Barnack, inventor of the compact Leica camera. Image provided by Leica. Back at Leitz Park, Rehn-Kaufmann recognizes that the firm also went through difficult times when digital photography became popular in the 1990s. The company didnt believe in its importance, she says. Furthermore, when the current owners took over Leica in 2004, they were unaware of its true financial situation. Then came the 2008 financial crisis, which made everything more difficult, she says. But here we are! During the event in Wetzlar, there was much discussion, and with good reason, about what artificial intelligence will mean for photography. Leicas CEO Matthias Harsch said at a press conference that for the company, the authenticity of an image is what is most important. Thats why one of the latest models incorporates into each photograph a certificate (they call it a content authenticity initiative) that guarantees that it has been taken by a person, not generated by AI. Rehn-Kaufmann adds, I dont think that people are going to take photos of their family or a wedding with artificial intelligence. AI needs photographs for its training, and we have them. View of a production room at the Leica factory in the 1950s, in an image provided by the company. LIESEL SPRINGMANN And the cameras? Do they have a future beyond the pros? Of course, says Rehn-Kaufmann. The entryway to photography is taking photos with a phone, but when someone really likes photography, they realize that smart phones have their limits. That there will still be photographs in the future, taken with a variety of apparatuses, seems clear. Also, that we will still be excited to see what weve captured with our click. This sensation is summed up by a photographer in the centennial documentary: expect nothing, prepare for everything. The book of the century A model of the Leica M11-P camera, manufactured in 2023. Image provided by Leica. Among the celebrations of the Leica cameras first century in Wetzlar at the end of June was the presentation of the book 100 Leica Stories. The precious 322-page volume tells of the making of historic photos that were taken by a Leica. With more than 170 photographs, the book features anecdotes related to the camera told by its fans, as well as the tale of the companys trajectory, different models, and technical highlights. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition If you've ever had a child who's had a night terror, you'll understand the trauma of watching your kid dissolve into an abyss from which you, their protector, are unable to rescue them. The only solace as a parent is the realisation - one that only comes with experience - that the night terror will pass. The violence within them will leave, and miraculously, they will return to a deep sleep, later waking with no recollection of what disturbed them. For over 21 months we have watched as the worst kind of terror has been visited upon children in Gaza. The terror of bombs falling on their heads while they lie asleep. The terror of their tents being incinerated. The terror of abandonment. Of being orphaned and maimed and dismembered. And now, the terror of forced starvation. A slow and insidious terror that reduces their frail little bodies to skeletons and their eyes to empty fishbowls. Their stomachs to vats of bile. Muhammad Zakariya Ayyoub al-Matouq, a 18-month-old child faces life-threatening malnutrition as the humanitarian situation worsens due to ongoing Israeli attacks and blockade. Picture: Ahmed Jihad Ibrahim Al-arini/Anadolu via Getty Images Unlike the night-terror which wakes our children, the only logical conclusion to the terror Palestinian children face is death. That they face that death while millions of tonnes of food and aid lie rotting in the summer sun just miles from where they starve is a stain on humanity no political posturing will ever scrub off. The sick irony is that, even if that aid was allowed in today, the bodies of these tiny children have been so starved and exposed to disease that a sudden re-feeding could do more harm than good. The physiological and physiological trauma they have been exposed to will affect them for however long they live. Based on the evidence presented to us every day this week, that may not be very long. The last seven days have been amongst the most devastating for the people of Gaza. Israeli airstrikes have increased, along with demolitions of the last urban areas by the IDF. The number of people killed while queuing for what little aid is available passed 1,000. This has been seven days from hell from which Gaza - and our collective consciences - may never recover. July 17 Gaza Health Ministry reports 94 Palestinian bodies arriving in hospitals within 24 hours, bringing the estimated death toll to about 58,667 since October 2023. Last month, the Lancet medical journal concluded that the actual Gaza death toll was likely being under-reported by as much as 41%. Amongst the dead were five civilians killed at the Holy Family Church, a site frequently mentioned by the late Pope Francis in his prayers. The damaged facade of the Holy Family Church a day after it was hit in an Israeli strike in Gaza City last week which killed three in the besieged Palestinian territory's only Catholic church. Photo: Omar Al-Qattaa/AFP via Getty Images Media reports that a kilo of rice is costing as much as $40, and a kilo of sugar $100. Meanwhile, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) reported that they had enough food for the entire population of Gaza for three months stockpiled outside the Strip, but Israel continued to deny its entry. The agency said: The suffering in Gaza is manmade and must be stopped. Israels government responded to starvation allegations by claiming it is Hamas that is causing the suffering, not Israel. In response, the WHO and UN reported over 1,000 Palestinian deaths in attempts to access food since May. As ceasefire talks continued in Doha, the Bogota Summit concluded in Columbia with 30 countries announcing they had taken steps to end Israel's era of impunity. Palestines ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour called it a turning point, while Brazil joined South Africas case at the ICJ on charges of genocide. July 18 According to local health officials, 15 Palestinians three of them children died of starvation within 24 hours, including a six-week-old infant. WHO statistics report 21 children under five have died this year from malnutrition as starvation rates surge amid almost non-existent aid delivery thanks to Israeli denial of access. Media and humanitarian agencies operating in Gaza report that they are suffering the same food deprivation, with journalists dangerously weakened and nearly unable to report. Hamas reiterated that no interim truce would be possible without addressing a broader permanent ceasefire; they previously offered to release all hostages if an overall deal is reached. Genocide scholar Omer Bartov publicly described the situation as genocide in a New York Times op ed, saying systematic infrastructure destruction, forced population shiftsand rhetoric by Israeli leaders meets legal criteria. July 19 Israeli military forces targeted and destroyed 90 installations across Gaza, including civilian infrastructure in the north and Gaza City. Deadly aid-line shootings continue; At least 36 people were shot and killed by Israeli fire while walking toward an aid distribution site near Khan Younis, with witnesses saying no warning was given. Death continues to fall from the sky as well as being fired from the ground - an Israeli strike hit an apartment in Nuseirat refugee camp, killing nine, including an infant and a child, while another strike in Az Zawayda killed the local police chief of Nuseirat and 11 of his relatives. Starvation deaths mount, with health officials confirming a 15-person spike in over 24 hours, among them three children. A Palestinian girl looks on as others clear debris from a makeshift displacement tent camp which was hit by Israeli strikes last week at the UNRWA-run Abou Helou school for girls in the central Gaza Strip. Photo: Eyad Baba/AFP via Getty Images The UNs World Food Programme warned Gaza is on the brink of catastrophic hunger, with aid access severely restricted, despite it being immediately available for distribution. WHO confirms a deadly surge of malnutrition: 21 children under five have died in 2025 as aid routes remain practically non-functional. Israeli forces issued new evacuation orders for central Gaza (southwest Deir al Balah), an area where many displaced Palestiniansand, yes, possibly hostagesare sheltering. Aid agencies reiterate their warnings of hundreds at imminent risk of death by starvation. July 20 Sixty-seven Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli forces while waiting for UN aid trucks in northern Gaza, with another six killed near a southern distribution point, totalling at least 73 deaths in a single day. The UN World Food Programme condemned the slaughter, decrying it as unacceptable and warning that such incidents endanger its staff and innocent civilians, as well as threatening ceasefire negotiations. Israel defended the actions of its soldiers, claiming them to be under immediate threat. Countless eye-witness testimony and video footage contradict the claim. Israeli activists take part in a protest in Tel Aviv, Israel, last week against the war in the Gaza Strip, Israel's measures regarding food distribution and the forced displacement of Palestinians. Photo: AP/Ohad Zwigenberg As another aid-line massacre unfolded, the IDF issued new evacuation directives for central Gaza areas, particularly Deir al Balah and Khan Younis. These orders exacerbated the plight of already displaced residents, aggravating the humanitarian crisis amid exports of famine and violence. Al Jazeera reported a four-year-old girl died of malnutrition on this date, underscoring the starvation crisis among Gazas most vulnerable. WHO and aid groups describe malnutrition and hunger as reaching hellish levels, with hospitals overwhelmed, children dying, and rates of severe malnutrition surging to unprecedented levels. All of this as daily temperatures reach over 35 degrees Celsius on the ground. Only a fraction of the required 600 aid trucks enters Gaza daily only 28 arrive on the 20th leaving over two million residents, including journalists, facing starvation. July 21 The Gaza Health Ministry reported at least 134 Palestinian bodies arriving in Gaza hospitals in the previous 24 hours. Israeli forces launched a fresh offensive in central Gaza, deploying tanks into Deir al-Balah, shelling homes and mosqueskilling at least three civilians. Airstrikes targeted Hudaydah Port (in Yemen), claiming Houthi militant infrastructure, and IDF downed a drone inbound to Israel indicating broader regional tensions. Fifteen Palestinians, including a six-week-old infant, reportedly died of starvation in the last 24 hours bringing the total starvation-linked deaths to at least 101, with 80 of them children. Reuters highlighted that over 800 people have been killed attempting to access food, often from shootings by Israeli soldiers at Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distribution centres in the previous six weeks. Israeli tanks entered Deir al-Balah despite numerous UN facilities there. WHO reported its staff residence and main warehouse were struck three times, resulting in fire damage and the detention of four staff members (one is still in custody). Men ride in the back of a tricycle cart along Salaheddin road in Deir el-Balah in the central Gaza Strip last week. Photo: Eyad Baba/AFP via Getty Images A coalition of 25 nations, including Ireland, the UK, France and Canada, condemned "inhumane killing of civilians" particularly near food sites and demanded an immediate end to the conflict. A separate bloc of 28 countries (including Ireland) signed a joint statement calling for an immediate ceasefire and recognition that civilian suffering in aid queues has reached unprecedented levels. A statement from 111 humanitarian organizations declared mass starvation sweeping Gaza, highlighting that vital food, water, and medical supplies are being held just outside by absurd Israeli restrictions. WHO and aid groups reported a catastrophic collapse of food aid systems, with severe malnutrition becoming widespread: hospitals being overwhelmed with children dying en masse. The daily grim reality of life in Gaza infants denigrated to starvation, thousands killed seeking food, and relentless military pressure continues to be livestreamed by Palestinians. July 22 Newspaper front pages are dominated by a photograph of a starving Palestinian child, Muhammad, who is about 18 months old. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) announced it had completely exhausted its aid supplies - our last tent, our last food parcel gone and warned that some of its own staff are now starving amid crippling Israeli interference with humanitarian deliveries. The UN estimates that only 28 trucks per day are entering Gaza well below the 600 needed leaving 2.2 million people, including NGOs and journalists, facing acute deprivation. Six -week-old Yousefs lifeless body lay limp on a hospital table in Gaza city, reported Reuters, his skin over protruding ribs. The little boy was one of 15 people to starve to death over a 36-hour period." Muhammad Zakariya Ayyoub al-Matouq, a 18-month-old child faces life-threatening malnutrition as the humanitarian situation worsens due to ongoing Israeli attacks and blockade. Having dropped from nine to six kilograms, he struggles to survive in a tent in Gaza City, where milk, food, and other basic necessities are lacking. Photo: Ahmed Jihad Ibrahim Al-arini/Anadolu via Getty Images Further videos and reports expose aid distribution zones run by the US-linked Gaza Humanitarian Foundation as death traps, with militarised settings and live fire resulting in over 1,000 deaths since May. UN officials from WFP and UNRWA confirm systematic killings of people simply trying to reach food fuelling global outrage and accusations of inhumane instrumentation of mass starvation. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO director-general, said Gaza is enduring man-made mass starvation, citing an Israeli blockade that leaves essential aid just outside its borders. All the while, UNRWA, WHO, and other NGOs on the ground report operational staff collapsing from hunger and exhaustion while on duty underscoring the disintegration of humanitarian work. Over 100 aid organisations, including MSF, Save the Children, and Oxfam, once again warn that Gaza is facing mass starvation and call for open crossings and unobstructed aid access. July 23 A coalition of 111 aid and rights organizations including MSF, Oxfam, Save the Children, and the Norwegian Refugee Council issued a joint appeal, calling for unrestricted access, open border crossings, and the removal of military-controlled aid systems. They again warn that staff are now collapsing from hunger while distributing food. Gazas Health Ministry reported at least 10 additional starvation deaths in the past 24 hours (bringing the total to 111), including four children, and highlighted the few remaining health facilities as being grossly overwhelmed. Asked for comment, a White House official says Hamas is to blame for the deaths. Residential bombardments continued: an Israeli air raid killed the Al Shaer family (including a journalist and her five children) while they slept. The same day, Israeli forces targeted 120 "terror infrastructure" sites, resulting in over 100 civilian deaths. July 24 Gaza health officials reported two more deaths from famine and malnutrition within 24 hours, bringing the total to at least 113 starvation-linked fatalities, including many children. The Gaza Health Ministry confirmed these figures, highlighting the tragic daily increase. Israeli forces conducted fresh air and ground operations across central and southern Gaza, resulting in at least 41 Palestinian civilian deaths since dawn until now. Hamas has submitted a new response to mediator-proposed ceasefire and hostage-release terms. Israel has deemed parts of the deal workable but remains publicly dubious while the proposal undergoes review. A joint media statement from BBC, AFP, AP, Reuters, and others warned that journalists in Gaza are facing starvation, with many unable to eat or work. They urged Israeli authorities to facilitate their movement and food access. Palestinians carry sacks of flour unloaded from a humanitarian aid convoy that reached Gaza City from the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday. Photo: AP/Jehad Alshrafi The statement marks another depressing departure: media that had heretofore failed to be editorially critical of Israel finally - after likely 100,000 deaths in 21 months - chose to speak out. And even then, their words have so far been greeted by even more killings. The WHO's Tedros once again emphasised man-made mass starvation in Gaza due to the effective blockade, with 10% of the population malnourished and over 5,100 children admitted to malnutrition programmes this month. Philippe Lazzarini of UNRWA described Gazans as walking corpses and noted 6,000 aid trucks are sitting unused outside Gaza due to Israeli restrictions. In Ireland, Simon Harris issued a press release saying: The suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths of despair and misery. Mass starvation is now spreading across the population. People are dying every day from lack of food and medicines. Children are starving before our eyes. Hundreds have been killed while trying to collect what little food is available. Ireland calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Israel must lift its blockade and allow the full resumption of humanitarian aid into and throughout Gaza. All hostages must be released by Hamas and returned to their families. UN and other humanitarian organisations must be allowed to do their work. It came weeks after Aljazeera reported that Ireland was the largest buyer of Israeli integrated circuits in 2024, importing some $3bn billion worth of electronic integrated circuits and micro-assemblies. The same report listed Ireland as second only to the United States as the biggest importers of Israeli products last year, globally. There is no normal We scarcely needed reminding, but if the last seven days taught us anything, it is that there is no normal in Gaza anymore. Only starvation, dust, the smell of blood and the terror of children. Water comes from rusted pipes; food, if it arrives at all, from the sky, wrapped in plastic and desperation. Burst bags of flour inseparable from the sand. Airdrops that feed one while food queues are a death sentence. And everywhere, children who no longer cry because their bodies have forgotten how. The world knows whats happening. The figures are public, the footage relentless. UN officials say famine is being used as a weapon. Aid workers collapse from exhaustion and hunger. Journalists the last witnesses say they cannot report the truth because they are too hungry to hold a camera. Israel, for its part, says it's pursuing military objectives. But buildings dont bleed, and babies are not Hamas. There are no safe zones in Gaza, only graveyards waiting for names. What is happening in Gaza is not a conflict. It is not a military operation. It is not complicated. It is a genocide, slow only because starvation takes longer than a bomb. Like Christmas, it feels like the budget comes around earlier every year. Part of that is the fallow summer period during which the idle hands of the country's political journalists are searching for work. Without the day-to-day Punch and Judy show of the Dail, there has to be a focus somewhere, though ask ministers at doorsteps and press conferences about the budget any time pre-August, and you will find them rolling their eyes to heaven and asking has it gotten earlier this year and repeating a mantra about the "budgetary process". Given that much of the mid-summer choreography focuses on the summer economic statement and the release of the Tax Strategy Group papers, it is no wonder that those idle hands drift towards budget speculation. This year, the focus has started early on one key issue, not just because it is being speculated upon, but because its actual merit is being discussed, which is novel at least. Usually, budget measures are seen as something of a fait d'accompli and in recent, more prosperous, times everything was on the table because everything was possible within reason. Of course, there were competing interests, but with huge economic surpluses the last government was well able to cater to everyone even a little. However, while Tuesday's announcement of the summer economic statement brought with it news of another surplus, there is a serious question about how it is going to be deployed. Contained in the document was the news that the overall tax package in the October 7 budget is due to be around 1.5bn. Over a billion and a half euro to spend solely on cutting taxes is the stuff of dreams for many governments and one to which this coalition has become quite accustomed. Where does the money go? Last year's 1.6bn income tax package was aimed squarely at low- and middle-income earners with the main tax credits; the personal employee and earned income tax credits increased by 125. On top of that, the standard rate cut-off point was increased to 44,000 and the USC was cut to 3%. Across the board, there were increases in carer tax credits, in credits for renters, in benefit in kind, in capital acquisitions and and with it an extension of mortgage interest tax relief. This year, however, the landscape is somewhat different. With 1.5bn to play with, the Government has already tacitly pledged a large chunk of that away. While a commitment to cut the Vat rate for the hospitality sector is not in the programme for government, despite what some have said this week, it was agreed as part of government formation talks and was taken as a win by Fine Gael, which had pushed hard for the reduced rate. The problem with the reduced rate for restaurants and hotels comes with its costs. In the Tax Strategy Group papers published on Thursday, the authors outlined that cutting the Vat rate for the hospitality sector, including pubs, restaurants, hotels, and hairdressers, would cost 867m per year. While that is lower than the estimated figure put out by finance minister Paschal Donohoe of between 950m and a billion euro, it is a sizable chunk of the tax package available to the government in just two-and-a-half months. Political and social choices On Tuesday, as the government announced a 30bn capital plan alongside the summer economic statement, which warned of moderated spending, it was put to Mr Donohoe that the commitment to one industry could come at a cost to workers. This he accepted, but said that every budgetary decision comes with trade-offs. While the idea of sacrificing tax cuts for workers in order to aid one specific industry is an argument which has been carried out all week, it was refreshing to hear Mr Donohoe say explicitly that the budget is a mechanism of political and social choice. Too often it has been framed as a winners and losers argument, but what it is in actuality is an argument of priority, a statement of intent and the positioning of where we are at any given moment. It is a series of political choices, not a mere shopping list. In a radio debate on Wednesday, economist Barra Roantree argued against a blanket Vat cut, saying that the biggest beneficiaries would be the biggest chains. Why, he questioned, should McDonald's get a Vat cut at a time when its profits have jumped almost 17%? The counterargument, of course, is that the real beneficiary of a cut is the customer. It will come as no surprise that the cost of eating out has risen alongside the cost of food in supermarkets. In my house we use the crudely designed and implemented Spice Bag Index. Through the miracle of food delivery apps keeping receipts, we are able to track the cost of a spice bag in our local Chinese in the years since we bought our home. In that seven-year stretch, the price has jumped from 6.40 to 10.20, though it must be said that the quality remains excellent. There is no question that hospitality, like every other industry, is facing a crunch. The sector has come through covid lockdowns only to face rising costs, constrained supply lines, and a public less willing or able to spend money on entertainment. Divisions But hearing Fianna Fail junior minister Niall Collins on radio this week saying that he did not believe a blanket cut in the Vat rate was justified, while Fine Gael's enterprise minister Peter Burke "unequivocally" backed it, shows that there will be friction in the run-up to the budget on the issue. Government sources questioned on Thursday whether Mr Collins had gone on something of a solo run given that he had somewhat contradicted his party leader Taoiseach Micheal Martin on the issue. But those in government who want to see the cut in the books that Jack Chambers and Paschal Donohoe hold up on the steps of Government Buildings in 10 weeks, might be minded to listen to the message of Mr Collins. Speaking to Limerick's Live 95, Mr Collins said that there was no evidence that a previous reduction in the Vat rate to 9% was "actually passed on to the consumer" and that there was price gouging in the sector. While the budget will lay out a statement of priorities, the passage and success of this particular measure will depend on public buy-in. Convincing stretched middle-income earners to forego tax cuts, which would put somewhere in the region of 75 a month back in their pockets in favour of an industry which many believe has been too expensive for too long will require some finesse in its messaging. While the row has focused on the differing opinions of coalition partners, the consumer has been left out of the discussion. If the Government is faced with a list of choices that are broken down into binary winners and losers, the average person will always choose to win. But if a Vat cut can be sold as a net good for employment, for tax take and for those who just wish to eat out once a month, then it has a chance of resonating with the public. Simply telling members of the public that businesses are a Vat cut away from viability is not a communications strategy, because it doesn't hold up to any scrutiny. If the public sees nearly 700 million spent, they will want to know what's in it for them, be it affordability or the greater good. Otherwise, it will be back to splitting a 10.20 spice bag. Disgraced British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, the imprisoned former girlfriend of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has finished one-and-a-half days of interviews with US Justice Department officials, answering questions about 100 different people, her lawyer said. She answered those questions honestly, truthfully, to the best of her ability, David Oscar Markus told reporters outside the federal courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida, where Maxwell met with deputy attorney general Todd Blanche. She never invoked a privilege. She never refused to answer a question, so were very proud of her, Mr Markus said. David Oscar Markus, a lawyer for Ghislaine Maxwell, talks to the media outside the federal courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida, after deputy attorney general Todd Blanche met with Maxwell (Colin Hackley/AP) Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence and is housed at a low-security federal prison in Tallahassee. She was sentenced three years ago after being convicted of helping Epstein, a wealthy, well-connected financier, sexually abuse underage girls. Officials have said Epstein killed himself in his New York jail cell while awaiting trial in 2019, but his case has generated endless attention and conspiracy theories because of his and Maxwells links to famous people, such as royals, presidents and billionaires, including US President Donald Trump. In a social media post this week, Mr Blanche said Maxwell would be interviewed because of President Trumps directive to gather and release any credible evidence about others who may have committed crimes. Mr Trump has denied prior knowledge of Epsteins crimes and claimed he cut off their relationship long ago. But he faces ongoing questions about the Epstein case, overshadowing his administrations achievements. On Friday, reporters pressed the Republican president about pardoning Maxwell, but he deflected, emphasising his administrations successes. Mr Markus said Maxwell was asked maybe about 100 different people. David Oscar Markus, a lawyer for Ghislaine Maxwell, outside the federal courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida (Colin Hackley/AP) The deputy attorney general is seeking the truth, Mr Markus said. He asked every possible question, and he was doing an amazing job. Mr Markus said he did not ask for anything for Maxwell in return, though he acknowledged that Mr Trump could pardon her. Listen, the president this morning said he had the power to do so. We hope he exercises that power in the right and just way, Mr Markus said. Earlier this month, the Justice Department said it would not release more files related to the Epstein investigation, despite promises that claimed otherwise from attorney general Pam Bondi. The department also said an Epstein client list does not exist. Maxwell is appealing against her conviction, based on the governments pledge years ago that any potential Epstein co-conspirators would not be charged, Mr Markus said. Epstein struck a deal with federal prosecutors in 2008 that shifted his case to Florida state court, where he pleaded guilty to soliciting and procuring a minor for prostitution. Epstein in 2019 and Maxwell in 2020 were charged in federal court in New York. Twenty-eight doctors from Gaza are being held inside Israeli prisons, eight of whom are senior consultants in surgery, orthopaedics, intensive care, cardiology and paediatrics, according to data from Healthcare Workers Watch (HWW), a Palestinian medical organisation. Twenty-one of those detained have been held for more than 400 days. HWW said none had been charged with any crimes by the Israeli authorities. Three healthcare workers have been detained since the start of July. On Monday, the Gaza Health Ministry said an Israeli undercover force detained Dr Marwan al-Hams, head of Abu Youssef al-Najjar hospital in Rafah, outside the field hospital of the International Committee of the Red Cross in the southern Gaza Strip. His whereabouts are unknown, and the Israeli authorities have yet to publish a statement on his detention. On Tuesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that two of its workers were taken into detention from a facility sheltering staff and their families in Dier al-Balah; one remains in Israeli custody. According to the WHO, Israel has arrested and detained more than 300 healthcare workers since the the war between Hamas and Israel began in October 2023. HWW puts this figure higher, at over 400. Muath Alser, director of HWW, said: Many of the health workers were arrested at their work sites, and they remain held for months often without communication, being denied medical care when needed, and suffering from terrible detention conditions. We urge people in power to pressure Israel to release those health workers still under unlawful detention. Overwhelmed hospitals are already struggling to function, while increasing hunger among medical staff in Gaza has left many too weak to provide urgent medical care to malnourished and injured civilians, doctors have told the Guardian and the Arabic Reporters for Investigative Journalism. In February, the Guardian published detailed accounts from senior Palestinian doctors held and then released from Israeli detention who reported being tortured, beaten and humiliated during their time in prison. Those still being held by the Israeli authorities include Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of the Kamal Adwan hospital in northern Gaza, who has been detained at Israels Ofer prison since December 2024. Earlier this week his lawyer told Sky News his health was deteriorating and that he was being beaten and tortured. In a statement to the Guardian, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) accused medical staff in Gaza, including doctors, of involvement in Hamas terror activity. It did not provide any evidence to substantiate the claim. In the context of IDF activity in combat zones, individuals suspected of involvement in terror activity are arrested and investigated. Those found not to be involved in terror activity are released. A regrettable outcome of Hamas exploitation of hospitals is the involvement of medical staff, including doctors, directly in Hamas terror activity. Put plainly, the IDF is not interested in medical staff vis a vis their roles as medical professionals, but due to their potential involvement in Hamas terror, said the statement. Two senior doctors are known to have died in Israeli detention: Dr Iyad al-Rantisi, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Kamal Adwan hospital, died at Shikma prison; Dr Adnan al-Bursh, head of the orthopaedic department at al-Shifa hospital, died shortly after being transferred to Ofer prison in April 2024. Former detainees claim he died from torture and had suffered severe sexual violence in the hours before his death. Their bodies have not yet been returned to their families. The detention of medical staff from Gaza in Israeli prisons has been condemned by the WHO and the UN who have called for their immediate release. Reports of torture, violence and psychological abuse of healthcare workers while in detention have been verified by the UN and published in reports by organisations such as HWW, Human Rights Watch and Physicians for Human Rights Israel. Russia and Ukraine traded aerial attacks overnight resulting in two deaths in each country and many people wounded on both sides, according to officials. On the battlefield, the Russian military said on Saturday that it seized the village of Zelenyi Hai in the eastern Donetsk region that Moscow illegally annexed but only partially controls, and the village of Maliivka in the Dnipro region. There was no immediate comment on the claim from Ukrainian officials. A rescuer looks at a damaged city hospital that was hit by a Russian guided air bomb in Kharkiv, Ukraine (Andrii Marienko/AP) Ukraines southern Dnipro and north-eastern Sumy regions came under combined rocket and drone attack, local officials reported. Head of the Dnipro regional administration Serhii Lysak said at least two people had died and five were wounded in the barrage. In the city of Dnipro, a multi-story building and business were damaged during the strike and outside of the city a fire engulfed a shopping centre. In Sumy, the military administration said three people were injured. On Saturday, Russian drones hit a central square in the city of Sumy, and damaged the building of the regional administration. Kharkiv sustained an intense aerial bombardment overnight. Ukraines State Emergency Situations Service said six people were hurt in Kharkiv, including four rescuers who were wounded in a double tap strike where a second attack targets emergency workers trying to help people wounded in the initial attack. According to the daily air force report, in total Russia targeted Ukraine with 208 drones and 27 missiles overnight. Rescuers clear the rubble after a Russian guided air bomb hit a city hospital in Kharkiv, Ukraine (Yevhen Titov/AP) It said according to preliminary data, air defence and electronic warfare took down or intercepted 183 drones and 17 missiles but hits from 10 missiles and 25 drones had been recorded in nine locations. Russias Defence Ministry on Saturday claimed that it successfully struck military facilities in Ukraine that manufacture components for missile weapons, as well as produce ammunition and explosives. The claim could not be independently verified. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an online statement that there can be absolutely no silence in response to such strikes, and Ukrainian long-range drones ensure this. Russian military enterprises, Russian logistics, Russian airports must feel that the Russian war has real consequences for them, Mr Zelensky wrote. In Russia, officials said that Ukrainian drones targeted multiple regions overnight. A drone attack on the Rostov region, on the border with Ukraine, killed two people, acting governor Yuri Slyusar reported. In the neighbouring Stavropol region, drones hit an unspecified industrial facility, governor Vladimir Vladimirov said on Telegram. He added that the attack sparked a brief fire, but did not specify where exactly. Mr Vladimirov said internet in the region was restricted because of the attack a measure authorities regularly take across the vast country that critics say helps widespread online censorship. An unconfirmed media report said videos posted online by local residents showed that the drones hit the Signal radio plant that makes jamming equipment. The Associated Press was unable to verify the claim. Drones also targeted Moscow, but were shot down, according to mayor Sergei Sobyanin, and an unspecified industrial facility in the Penza region south-east of the capital, governor Oleg Melnichenko said. Russias Defence Ministry said that its air defences shot down or intercepted a total of 54 Ukrainian drones, including 24 over the Bryansk region on the border with Ukraine, 12 over the Rostov region, six over the annexed Crimean Peninsula, four over the Azov sea, three over the Black Sea and a few others over the Orlov, Tula and Belgorod regions. In Russias Ingushetia region in the North Caucasus, a woman and three children were injured after a drone fell on a private house, regional health officials said. A wildfire burned through a northern suburb of the Greek capital Athens on Saturday, and some residents were ordered to evacuate, the countrys fire service reported. Residents of Kryoneri, 12.5 miles northeast of Athens, received three SMS messages to evacuate to safe areas, fire service spokesman Vassilis Vathrakoyannis told reporters. Greek media have shown houses on fire. The spokesman said there have been reports of damage. We will take stock when the fires have been put out. The real difficulties are ahead of us, Mr Vathrakoyannis said, adding that Greece has asked for six firefighting planes from the European Unions civil protection mechanism. A house burns in Kryoneri (Yorgos Karahalis/AP) On site, 145 firefighters and 44 fire engines, 10 firefighting planes and seven helicopters are attempting to put out the fire, the origin of which is unknown. Four ambulances are treating at least five people, most of them elderly, for respiratory problems. Temperatures reaching, or exceeding, 38C, dry conditions and high winds are fanning the flames. Under such conditions wildfires expand very quickly and become dangerous. These conditions are expected to prevail over the coming days, Mr Vathrakoyannis said. The fire service is also dealing with three other major fires in the southwest on Greeces two largest islands, Crete in the south and Evia north of Athens, and also on the island of Kythera, northwest of Crete. At least 335 firefighters, 19 planes and 13 helicopters are involved, but can only operate in daylight. Fifty-two wildfires broke out across the country over the past 24 hours, the spokesman said. Wildfires, many of them destructive, have become a common occurrence in Greece in recent years. Several have broken out in the past month. Andy Chang just turned 45. He lives in Chicago and holds a management position at the University of Chicago Medicine, one of Americas leading academic hospitals. At his age, he is due a colonoscopy. A routine check, nothing extraordinary. The challenge is to get the appointment. You call the hospital, and they ask you to leave a message. You do. They call you back. Another message. Call again. He proposes to solve it by mail. You cant, he is told. It has to be over the phone. Six months on, he is still waiting. It sounds surreal, but the fact is, it is a health system bound by bureaucracy and overwhelmed by processes that have not kept pace with the needs of the population. Chang shared his experience with hundreds of people at CNX Chicago, one of the citys premier tech events. When the laughter died down, he said, If AgentForce had existed, it would have got done. Andy Chang, vice president and chief marketing officer at UChicago Medicine, in 2023. UChicago Medicine According to the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men should start having a colonoscopy as early as age 45, even if they dont have symptoms. Colorectal cancer is among the most common globally, and catching it early can mean the difference between preventive intervention and a race against time. Dr. Montserrat Del Castillo from UNAM, Mexicos National Autonomous University, explains that a colonoscopy allows polyps to be identified and removed before they become malignant. What good is the most advanced medical technology if a simple appointment takes half a year to come round? she says. Chang was not talking about science fiction or magic shortcuts, but about a new way of conceiving technology: as an ally to transform the human experience in systems such as healthcare. Salesforce, the leading American company in customer relationship management, calls this vision the new agentic stack: a layered software architecture that unifies data, integrates applications, activates communication flows and allows AI agents to perform specific tasks without replacing the essential human bond. Beyond automating tasks or generating Ghibli-style images, AI can save lives. While patients continue to face considerable delays, the medical community is already debating how AI could prevent stories like Changs from being the norm. This potential was the focus of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, held recently in Chicago. More than 40,000 specialists discussed the future of cancer care under a clear motto: Driving knowledge to action. Medicine wont be the same in two years because of the widespread use of artificial intelligence, said Dr. Debra Patt of the US Cancer Network. Her statement is not based on optimism, but on evidence: AI is already helping in cancer diagnosis, the design of personalized treatments, and access to clinical trials. All of this contributes to a fairer, more efficient and patient-centered system. Of course, the environmental impact of these technologies is real and must be addressed responsibly. But ignoring their potential also involves a risk: perpetuating inefficient systems and excluding those who need help most by refusing to use a tool that can make a difference. This is where technology such as Data Cloud, one of the pillars of Salesforce, comes into play. It allows patient information to be centralized without duplicating or fragmenting it. Integration is key to redesigning the clinical experience: anticipating, accompanying and responding in real time with precision and empathy. In Latin America, AI is also being considered to boost efficiency in health systems. Dr. Guadalupe Rodriguez Porcayo, former president of the Mexican Society of Public Health (20232024), believes that AI would be very useful and would speed up medical appointments, even in public institutions such as the IMSS (Mexican Institute of Social Security) or the ISSSTE (Institute of Security and Social Services of State Workers). However, she points out that its effectiveness in the healthcare system would be limited by a structural problem: the shortage of medical personnel. More appointments can be scheduled with AI, but if there are not enough health professionals, each patient will continue to wait their turn. Technology does not replace the time needed for quality care, she says. The real challenge, she says, is to reinforce the first level of care and promote a culture of prevention. The underlying problem is the lack of health education in the population and timely detection. There is a lot of work to be done in health centers and family clinics. AI alone will not solve all problems, but it can be a powerful ally in building a more agile, fair, and people-centered health system. If accompanied by political will, investment in medical personnel and a clear commitment to prevention, it is possible that stories like Andy Changs will begin to become the exception, in the U.S., in Mexico and in the rest of Latin America. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The English philosopher Bertrand Russell once wrote that the men who do great work in science are happy men, whose happiness is derived primarily from their work. Indeed, Antonio Perez and Persis Amrolia are the first to arrive, a little after eight in the morning, to Londons Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, and the last to leave. Over the last year, they have forged an intense professional collaboration as well as a friendship that promises to last the rest of their lives. Both specialize in childhood blood cancers. Perez is the director of the CRIS Unit for Advanced Treatments at Madrids Hospital Universitario de La Paz, and he is on the brink of finishing a long stint at the Great Ormond Street Hospital, where the Zayed Centre is based. Amrolia, who divides his time between attending children who require transplants and immunotherapy research, is a bone marrow transplant consultant at GOSH. Immunotherapy, if you boil it down, is just using the patients immune system to fight against cancer. You can use antibodies as treatments for certain cancers, or you can put a chemotherapy attached to the antibody, so that the chemotherapy is targeted to the cancer. In our field, in stem cell transplant, we often use immune cells from the donor to fight against leukemia, and thats effective in some forms of leukemia, but not in other forms, Professor Amrolia explains patiently. The pair received EL PAIS in their London offices to talk about their year of collaboration and explain their next project. The Fight Kids Cancer initiative, which brings together foundations involved in research of the disease, like the CRIS Cancer Foundation, has decided to support the CARINA Project, which is run by Perez and Amrolia. The initiative is taking a new and important step towards increasing the efficiency of CAR-T cell therapy, a field in which both professors are pioneers and specialists. Weve been working for some time in a newer form of immunotherapy called CAR-T cell therapy, where we take the patients immune cells [T lymphocytes, a type of cell that defends against infections and tumors]. We genetically modify them with a disabled virus, so that they express a new receptor called a chimeric antigen receptor [CAR], which enables them to see the leukemia for the first time. And more than that, those cells, when they see the leukemia, get a signal to proliferate and divide so they can kill thousands and thousands of leukemic cells, explains Amrolia. Their new project, a revolutionary trial, looks to utilize CAR-T cell therapy for the first time in acute myeloid leukemia, which does not typically respond to treatment and can return, often with devastating effects, after a failed transplant. The trials objective is to produce universal cells that can reduce cost, complexity and be used to treat more patients. We are working on the next generation of off-the-shelf CAR-T cells, without needing to extract anything from the patient. They come from healthy donors. The complication of these new cells is their manufacturing, because they need more gene editing, which makes them more complex. When we use CAR-T cells from the same patient, there is very low risk of rejection and of targeting different organs. But the advantages are obvious for patients who are unable to travel, who do not have enough T lymphocytes, or their lymphocytes are of very low quality, because they have received previous chemotherapy treatments, Doctor Perez says, enthusiastically. In search of expert critical mass His time in London has reaffirmed Perezs conviction that childhood cancer research does require international cooperation, but also and perhaps most importantly, national cooperation. He sees Spains resources are being geographically disperse, which weakens the countrys ability to make advancements. The most important thing Ive learned from them is how they manage the multidisciplinary team, with a lot of people thinking, a lot of gray material concentrated on the patient from different perspectives immunology, hematology, bone marrow transplant, nurses. They are giving very useful feedback inputs in terms of the cases of very complex patients, says the Spanish scientist. Persis Amrolia and Antonio Perez at Londons Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children. Manuel Vazquez That, to me, is key. You have to concentrate experts in a single facility. In Spain, everything is spread out. There are 52 hospitals that carry out this kind of treatment, but you need to bring genetic specialists, hematologists, immunophenotyping experts, pharmacologists together. When you concentrate things, you learn more quickly and you can carry out better clinical trials. If we were to bring these skills together in five unique facilities (four on the Spanish mainland and one on the Canary Islands) we could begin work on a vast network that would improve response enormously. Its not possible to have expertise or comprehensive programs everywhere, he says. Amrolia is full of praise for Perez and celebrates the lasting nature of their collaboration. I am confident that he has learned a little from the way we treat our patients, as we are one of the largest transplant units in Europe, but what he has brought here is knowledge and experience that has allowed us to promote new research protocols over time, he says. This, despite Brexit. Because the United Kingdoms recent era of darkness and uncertainty has certainly had an impact on science. My observation is that for scientific research, Brexit was a retrograde step. For many years, we were not able to access European grants, which were a great way of setting up collaborations across European countries and pushing forward groundbreaking research. Were now back in the Horizon Europe funding program, so thats a good thing. The other thing I have noticed since Brexit is that when we advertise for a postdoctoral post, we get very few, virtually no applicants from Europe. There are so many bright young scientists out there, and it would have been great to work with them, says Amrolia. After road traffic accidents, childhood cancer is the primary cause of death among kids under the age of 14 in Europe, at 6,000 annual deaths and with more than 60% of 400,000 survivors spending the rest of their lives dealing with complications. Perez and Amrolias happiness also means being able to pass it on to new patients. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Opinion articles written in the style of their author." These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. shall feature, along with the author's name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed Interventions in public spaces are not things to be taken lightly, nor are the names assigned to the streets of towns and cities. In Mexico City, however, the laxity is evident just by taking a stroll: the same applies to the commercial stalls scattered in every corner as to the hospitality businesses that invade the sidewalks without a care in the world. Statues also adhere to this anarchy. Anti-monuments are common on Paseo de la Reforma, one of the citys main thoroughfares. These are symbols that people place overnight in memory or vindication of painful causes, such as femicides, the deaths of children in a school fire, or the miners who were buried underground in an accident. No one dares to remove them because no one had done justice to these victims before. It is understandable. The authorities continue the same arbitrary approach. One morning, a citizen wakes up to find the statue of Christopher Columbus has disappeared from its plinth; another day, without warning or explanation, Fidel Castro and Che Guevara are hoisted onto the back of a heavy machine, cigar and all, and transported to who knows where. This is what recently happened to the Cuban dictator and the guerrilla leader, by order of the mayor of the Cuauhtemoc district, Alessandra Rojo de la Vega, who cited a lack of permits and other administrative requirements when they were installed back in 2017. De la Vega must have considered this a priority in her public policies. Naturally, it hasnt come cheap. From one corner, some Cubans protested, considering the two guerrillas part of the citys historical memory, because they spent a good chunk of their time in the Tabacalera neighborhood plotting the revolution against the wretched Bautista. From the other corner, it was the president of the Republic herself who smiled at her political adversarys gesture, and asked her for the two bronze men in order to take them to another park. Claudia Sheinbaum knew she couldnt address this issue without being reminded that she herself had overthrown Columbus under cover of darkness, so the president already had her speech prepared, and no one needed to bring it up. She said on July 17 that her case was different, that the adventurer (also a slave owner, depending on who you ask) had been given a different place of residence. Oh, and whats more, this was done by popular demand, as many people, especially Indigenous people, had requested it at the municipal offices, she added. Well, the Cuban statues had also been defaced on occasion by those who didnt like seeing their mugs. And there must have been quite a few of those, given who wins elections in that municipality. Reconciling tastes, ideologies, traditions, memories, whims, and obsessions isnt easy. How could it possibly be? Democratic difficulties are made of this fragile and fickle material. It would be simpler to have clear laws or properly consult the population on these matters. Or to reach consensus between parties, or to explain things clearly without beating around the bush. There are policies that require thoughtful debates in parliament, naturally. The case of statues, however, is somewhat more manageable; theres no rush, consultations can be held, and everyone can try to steer their own course by presenting their arguments. Otherwise, any day now well have a big fight over the statue of Josip Broz Tito, which also stands on Paseo de la Reforma, under the trees and among the plants. Some will say the former Yugoslavian leader was a hero of the resistance against the Nazis, and others will simply call him a dictator. And perhaps both are right, but then what do you do with the statue? The same thing happens to these monuments as with Nobel Peace Prizes: it would be better if they were awarded 50 years after the candidates death, lest the winner should fail to live up to the prize later in life, leading the whole of Sweden and part of humanity to choke on their accolades. And by then, if memory holds, they should be sculpted in bronze and minted in coins. If the authorities want. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) The entire nation of Tuvalu, 11,000 people, is making preparations to relocate, reports Sophie Mak at Nikkei Asia . The nine atolls making up Tuvalu are for the most part only two feet above sea level, which is rising as our carbon dioxide emissions are causing surface ice to melt and ocean water volumes to expand because of added heat. Tuvalus dilemma is not just a shame. It is a crime a crime committed primarily by the United States and Britain in modern history. The guilt of the US is compounded by its actions during the past thirty years, when its companies and scientists and politicians knew that our tens of billions of annual metric tons of CO2 emissions cause global heating. These US business and political interests engaged in a sophisticated campaign of denialism that continues today, when ExxonMobil, Koch and other Big Oil interests have captured the Republican Party and destroyed the push made by the Biden administration finally to move the country toward low-carbon energy. We have built in more tens of billions of annual emissions for decades to come, certainly pushing the world past a 1.5 C. (2.7 F.) increase in the average global surface temperature over pre-industrial times. Climate scientists fear that going past that watershed risks throwing the worlds climate into chaos, a chaos that will only increase in severity with every degree we heat up the earth thereafter. It is worth fighting against every degree of increase, since the less the world warms the fewer catastrophes our children and grandchildren will face. But Trumpism has probably doomed us to surge past this first landmark. And that is why fully half of Tuvalus capital, Funafuti, is in danger of being submerged within twenty-five years. Since we will get anywhere from four to six feet of sea level rise within one human lifetime, Tuvalus demise is already built in. Australia is offering residency visas to the people of Tuvalu, allowing several hundred people a year to come to study or work. The arrangement envisages that many will return home after some years, but I think everyone knows that there will be little to return to after a while. Already, half the islanders have applied for this Australian visa. All 11,000 and their descendants are going to have to find somewhere else to live. Australian Broadcasting Co. Tuvalu is disappearing due to climate change and locals are moving to Australia Please enable JavaScript play-sharp-fill Embed Copy and paste this HTML code into your webpage to embed. Tuvalu is disappearing due to climate change and locals are moving to Australia | 7.30 Australia didnt make the offer to Tuvalu out of the goodness of Canberras heart. China is sniffing around the South Pacific islands looking to lease naval bases and had approached Tuvalu, which was traditionally pro-West and pro-Taiwan. But now the people of Tuvalu are set to lose everything, and it would be nice to have a windfall of Chinese yuan in return for a base, to cushion their losses. So Australia engaged in preemptive diplomacy and offered these residency permits on condition that Tuvalu subordinate its foreign policy to Australia. The Tuvaluans granted residency permits will have to get jobs and pay their own way, but those that do will be earning hard currency and likely putting down a marker for a future life in Australia. Photo of Tuvaluans by Winston Chen on Unsplash It is ironic that these dramatic developments are occurring in the South Pacific at the very moment when the International Court of Justice, the main judicial body of the United Nations, has written that: 355. The Court notes that many participants voiced strong concerns about sea level rise and its implications, especially for the stability of maritime zones. They contend that sea level rise should not have the effect of diminishing the maritime entitlements of States. They argue that existing baselines, maritime entitlements, maritime delimitations and statehood should be preserved, notwithstanding the physical effects of sea level rise, including coastal recession. They further contend that the complete submergence of their territory should not deprive them of their maritime entitlements. 356. The Court notes that the IPCC has described sea level rise as unavoidable and has concluded with a high level of confidence that, as a result, the risks for coastal ecosystems, people and infrastructure will continue to increase (IPCC, 2023 Summary for Policymakers, p. 15, Statement B.2.2) . . . 363. Several participants argued that sea level rise also poses a significant threat to the territorial integrity and thus to the very statehood of small island States. In their view, in the event of the complete loss of a States territory and the displacement of its population, a strong presumption in favour of continued statehood should apply. In the view of the Court, once a State is established, the disappearance of one of its constituent elements would not necessarily entail the loss of its statehood . . . 365. The Court concludes from the foregoing that the legal obligation to co-operate requires States, in the context of sea level rise, to work together with a view to achieving equitable solutions, taking into account the rights of affected States and those of their populations. I read them to be saying that the people of Tuvalu will continue to constitute a nation and to own any mineral or other resources under their atolls even if the waters rise above the islands and that other states have a responsibility to find ways of making reparations to them for their loss of a homeland. I think it is implied that Tuvaluans could prevail in a lawsuit at the ICJ against the carbon polluters. Though how you could get Trump to pay up isnt clear, and has never been clear if you follow the history of his stiffing his own contractors. The Tuvaluans are only the tip of the iceberg, alas. Hundreds of millions of us are likely to be displaced from our homes by global heating and its effects over the next few decades. That toll will only rise if we dont stop driving gasoline cars, burning coal and fossil gas for electricity and heating, and if we dont find less carbon-intensive ways to build buildings, farm and engage in other essential activities. By Simon Mabon, Lancaster University (The Conversation) In the past two months, more than 1,000 people seeking food have been killed, according to the UN Human Rights Office. While the figure has been disputed by Israel and the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation which was set up to distribute aid, 28 nations this week condemned the horrifying killing of Gazans trying to get food. As the Israel Defense Forces continues its assault in the city of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, including an attack on the staff residence of the World Health Organization on July 21, UN bodies are warning that the besieged strips last lifelines are collapsing. Already around 60,000 Gazans have been killed and growing numbers are now dying from hunger and malnutrition, according to the Hamas-led Gaza Health Ministry. More than 90% of the private homes in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed. For all the talk of a ceasefire one that is long overdue there is little hope. Israeli military operations continue and Gazans must risk their lives in search of food and aid. Malnutrition is rife. According to the IPCs report in May the international organisation that monitors food security goods indispensable for peoples survival are either depleted or expected to run out in the coming weeks with nearly 500,000 people considered to be facing catastrophe, with a further 1.1 million in an emergency risk category. For the IPC, the catastrophe category is one of extreme food shortages, critical malnutrition leading to starvation and high death rates. The emergency category is one of severe food shortages, very high malnutrition and even death. Israeli officials continue to speak of moving Gazans into what has been termed a humanitarian city but what former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert described as a concentration camp. In the same interview Olmert called decision to move Gazans into the camp as ethnic cleansing. All the while, the worlds leaders look on. Most are apparently content to condemn but little action has been taken. The clamour for Israels allies to take a harder stance on its actions in Gaza is growing louder by the day. On July 23, a group of 38 former EU ambassadors published an open letter to EU heads of states and senior officials accusing Israel of taking calculated steps towards ethnic cleansing and calling out the EUs failure to respond meaningfully to these horrific events. But what do actions look like? Pressure must be applied to the Netanyahu government. In the UK, both prime minister Keir Starmer and foreign minister David Lammy have been quick to stress that the UK has urged Israel to respect international law. They point to the sanctions the UK has imposed on Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, two rightwing ministers in Benjamin Netanyahus coalition government, as a result of their repeated incitements of violence against Palestinians. While Lammy suggests that further sanctions could follow if Israel does not change its behaviour in Gaza and bring about an end to the suffering, the atrocities continue. Practical steps to pressure Israel Pressure is growing on the UK government to recognise Palestine as a state something that I was told by a contact in the Labour government more than a year ago was on Labours agenda before October 7. Lammy insists the government is committed to a two-state solution, but this is not diplomatically viable given that the UK only recognises one state involved in these events. The state of Palestine is recognised as a sovereign entity by 147 other members of the UN. Thats 75% of all members. Other steps could be a full arms embargo, something that has long been called for but rejected by the UK government, which has banned some, but by no means all arms sales to Israel. A number of countries have properly banned arms sales to Israel since October 2023, including Italy, Spain, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium and Japan. There are other more incendiary options. One would be for the UK and others to properly adhere to their obligations under international law. The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defence minister, Yoav Gallant, in November 2024. There are 125 countries that have signed up to the ICC (the US isnt one of them). They could arrest Netanyahu if he enters their countries. There are a range of other things that could be tried. A look at what the international community did to make South Africa a pariah during the later years of apartheid would be worthwhile. EU should use its diplomatic muscle As Israels biggest trading partner, the EU has the potential to wield considerable clout, so the question must be asked: why has so little been done, beyond mere words. Gaza 47, Digital, Midjourney, 2025 In June, the EU found Israel to be in breach of its human rights commitments under the terms of the EU-Israel association agreement. Yet to date there have been as yet no moves to suspend trade. Kaja Kallas, the EUs foreign policy chief declared that all options remain on the table if Israel doesnt deliver on its pledges. These include full or partial suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, sanctions on members of government, military or settlers, trade measures, arms embargoes, or the suspension of academic cooperation including the prestigious Horizon Europe Research and Innovation programme. Of course, getting all 27 member states to agree to such an approach is easier said than done. And national leaders will obviously have to consider that taking steps to put pressure with Israel could damage relations with the Trump administration in the US. But all the while, the situation on the ground is deteriorating, with the world watching while Gaza burns. The failure by Israels allies to take meaningful steps to pressure Israel to prevent the wanton killing and displacement is a stain on humanity. After the horrors of the second world war, Rwanda, Myanmar and Srebrenica, the world said never again. Without action, theres a risk it will shrug its shoulders and say never mind. Simon Mabon, Professor of International Relations, Lancaster University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. In Santa Juana a municipality with about 13,000 inhabitants in the central Biobio region, about 340 miles from the Chilean capital of Santiago a herd of 250 goats is known as the goat brigade. Year-round, theyre deployed to prevent forest fires in several locations. The goats owners 44-year-old biologist Rocio Cruces and 47-year-old forestry engineer Victor Faundez, both of whom were born in the city of Curanilahue explain that one of the goats many functions is to keep the land free of highly-flammable herbaceous and shrub vegetation. The animals achieve this by eating while being herded by the Buena Cabra (Good Goat) team. The project was initiated by Cruces, Faundez and two conservationists back in 2016. The projects initial purpose was to conserve a native forest through ecotourism. Soon, however, it began working to curb fires. The initiatives effectiveness was confirmed at noon on February 3, 2023, the summer in which Chile recorded its deadliest wildfires in a decade. Rocio Cruces holds a baby goat in Santa Juana, Chile. JUAN GONZALEZ It was a trial by fire, literally, Cruces recalls. Along with her husband, she witnessed how the inferno stopped in front of their property: We were shocked because, first of all, we didnt evacuate that day. [Instead], we stayed in the park, in a safety zone we had created, with natural firebreaks thanks to strategic grazing. The surrounding community about 30 families also took shelter with us. We said, We cant just be a success story and hug each other while the rest of the residents [living in] 60% of the territory of the Santa Juana commune get burned. The couple had mixed feelings, ranging from fascination with their achievement, to mourning for the six people who died in the area. We felt a responsibility. And thats when we started knocking on all the doors [in the region], to expand our initiative to other places. We secured funding from CORFO (the Production Development Corporation, a Chilean governmental organization) and thus managed to establish ourselves as an alternative to the traditional way of building firebreaks, the biologist details, in an interview with EL PAIS. The idea of bringing in the goats to prevent these tragedies was born in the summer of 2017, when another fire left more than 20 people dead and tens of thousands of hectares of land destroyed in the Chilean regions of Nuble, La Araucania and Biobio. One of the affected towns was Santa Juana. We were threatened by the fire that broke out miles away from us, but didnt reach our property. That created uncertainty, because we saw how vulnerable we were. So, we began to research what we could do to address this risk, Cruces explains. A group of goats are guided toward the dry areas of Santa Juana. JUAN GONZALEZ The animals consume dry grasses and other vegetation, which can easily catch fire. JUAN GONZALEZ A goat from the Buena Cabra project is seen among the vegetation of Santa Juana. JUAN GONZALEZ The goat brigade rests in the Biobio region. JUAN GONZALEZ A dog guards the Cabra Buena goats as theyre taken to graze, in July of 2025. JUAN GONZALEZ What the couple found was that in countries like Spain, Portugal, Canada and the United States, there are populations that rarely suffer the ravages of forest fires. This is because they practice strategic grazing, which is based on regenerative livestock farming. However, in Chile, back in 2017, there were almost no similar projects. Or, at least, the ones that existed at that time were very incipient. Thus, convinced by foreign experience as well as the limited literature available they acquired their first 16 goats. They would raise them, guide them and implement a comprehensive grazing plan. Smart Collars Unlike other more selective herbivores, goats eat brambles, hawthorns and other highly fire-hazardous plants. Proper land management isnt just about reducing the vegetation load in the soil without the use of herbicides, but also about applying different techniques to create a territory that can withstand a fire and produce nutritious soils. The Buena Cabra team also made modifications to the property named Bosques de Chacay Park to reduce the vegetation load, so that this grazing strategy would work in South American lands. Its not just a matter of leaving the goats to their fate. The key is that its a [structured approach], where the land is divided up [to control the process]. That is, quadrants are created, where the goats enter for a set period of time, but we also implement appropriate rotations and exclusion zones, so as to protect elements like native trees. To do this, they use mobile fences, which are easily adjusted by people. And, currently, in collaboration with scientists from the University of Concepcion and CityLab Biobio along with support from researchers in Andorra and from the City Science and Responsive Environments research groups at the MIT Media Lab Buena Cabra is developing a smart collar capable of tracking the goats movements, via the use of satellite technology. Javier Ferreira guides the animals in Biobio, on July 16, 2025. JUAN GONZALEZ The preliminary results of this latest innovation are expected to be presented in October at MITs 2025 City Science Summit titled Cities in Transition which will bring together some 150 researchers from around the world in Concepcion. Its a project that can be scaled to other regions. The goats not only help clear the land, but they also recover territories [and] carry out organic regeneration, [while] fertilizing the land. The added benefit is the ability to wear GPS collars to track the areas that the goats visit during their grazing. This also helps [researchers] collect information on the goats behavior, including whether theyre [moving] in herds or not, says Diego Ramirez, a telecommunications engineer and data scientist at CityLab Biobio. The smart collars collect information through sensors. This info is then sent to data collection systems, allowing the goats positions to be determined with the use of GPS. In the future, the animals physiological parameters will be measured through sensors. In addition to promoting this new innovation, firebreak services and regenerative livestock farming, Bosque de Chancay Park offers goat tourism. Visitors can enter on bicycles which create water trails and, consequently, greater humidity and interact with the animals. Theyre very intelligent and docile, says Cruces, who holds a small goat in her arms while conducting this interview. Friday, July 25, 2025 - Residents of Kisumu were left in shock after a man was found dead inside his car under unclear circumstances. According to eyewitnesses, the vehicle had been parked by the roadside for several hours with the engine running before concerned passersby raised the alarm. In the video, the residents are seen milling around the car, speaking in hushed tones. Ni stress ya bibi, one of the residents is heard saying. Police were called to the scene and broke into the vehicle, only to discover the lifeless body of the man slumped over the steering wheel. Preliminary reports indicate no visible injuries, and police are not ruling out poisoning, medical complications or possible foul play. Watch the video. A man was found dead in his car in Kisumu! pic.twitter.com/GjUs2RGV6P The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) July 25, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, July 25, 2025 - Kenyan comedian and media personality, Eddie Butita, is officially off the market after unveiling his new girlfriend, fashion model and content creator, CelleTerer, on Instagram. The surprise reveal caught many fans off guard and quickly drew congratulatory messages from fellow celebrities and fans alike. Known for keeping his personal life private, Butita shared a series of stylish snaps on his Instagram Story. Dressed in a crisp blue shirt and matching trousers, he posed beside CelleTerer, who turned heads in a brown leather skirt, white sleeveless top, and chic white boots. The couple looked effortlessly fashionable and visibly happy together. A close friend revealed that the couple has been dating for less than a year. CelleTerer, already making waves in the fashion scene with appearances at events like the Kitenge Fashion Festival, is celebrated for her graceful style and growing social media presence. Butita was the last bachelor among his circle of friends, including Abel Mutua, Phil Karanja, and Njugush. His previous relationship with comedian Mammito Eunice ended amicably, with Mammito later praising Butitas talent and professionalism. Friday, July 25, 2025 - A viral video of a couple having a good time in a public swimming pool has stirred mixed reactions online. While the two appear to be having fun, it's the woman's facial expressions that have fueled speculation that they were engaging in more than just swimming. Social media users were quick to criticize their behavior, calling it inappropriate for a public space and highlighting the couples apparent disregard for other swimmers. The video has sparked debate on etiquette in shared spaces. Watch the video. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, July 25, 2025 - Drama unfolded at a company owned by a Muhindi businessman in Nairobi after a disgruntled employee stormed the premises, wielding a machete, demanding to be paid his five months unpaid salary. In the video, the visibly agitated man is seen confronting his boss while brandishing the weapon. I will kill you before the police arrive here. Just pay my salary arrears, the man was heard saying in the video as his boss tried to calm him down in vain. Terrified employees could be seen watching from a distance as the boss instructed one of the employees to call the security guard. The incident has sparked a heated online debate, with many sympathizing with the man and blaming the employer for alleged labor exploitation and mistreatment, which is said to be rampant in companies owned by Indians. Demanding his 5 months salary from his Muhindi boss pic.twitter.com/HQ4rlIVW6Y DAILY POST (@dailypost_ke) July 25, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, July 25, 2025 - Samuel Githaiga, the missing man who was found lying in a drainage channel at Ngong Bus Park, has been safely reunited with his family. Samuel's brother, Nelson Mwangi, who lives in Utawala, rushed to Ngong town to pick him upon receiving a call that his brother who disappeared from his home in Zimmerman had been sighted in Ngong town. Samuel, who hails from Rwathia in Kangema, Murang'a County, has been living in Zimmerman, Nairobi, with his wife and four children. According to Mwangi, Samuel had been a successful businessman dealing in spare parts and based in Grogon, Nairobi, before life turned upside down. "My brother has gone through a lot in the last few years. He had attempted suicide by jumping from a building and landed on his foot, suffered a stroke and ended up in intensive care unit," Mwangi said. According to his wife, Naomi Wambui, Samuel was to undergo a radiotherapy treatment but was not able to because of lack of money. "We did not have any money so he could not undergo radiotherapy. I managed to raise a small amount of money through fundraisers. His health has deteriorated and at times his head swells, " Wambui said. Before Samuel's illness, he was so successful in business that at some point, he owned several shops in Grogon and two cars. He had also opened a beauty shop for his wife in Nairobi CBD. The beauty shop business has since collapsed and the spare parts business is on its death bed. Currently, Samuel's family moved from their two bedroomed house to a single room. "Life became hard and it affected my husband's health. I think he has not accepted the situation," Wambui said. Samuel's brother claims the couple has had a volatile relationship. In one instance, the brother claimed Samuel attacked Wambui and damaged her eye after suspecting her of using witchcraft on him. However, Wambui has refuted the allegations claiming that her husband's family does not like her. "I am a church going Christian. It is no secret that my husband's family does not like me," Wambui said. Further, Wambui has said that she has been standing by her husband through his illness because prior to his ailment, he was a responsible family man. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, July 25, 2025 - Controversial city lawyer, Raymond Nduga, has launched a scathing and humiliating attack on his ex-wife, airing private details about their failed relationship in a series of now-viral Facebook posts. In the rant, Nduga described his ex-wife as a waste of time in mechi, claiming their intimacy lacked passion and excitement. He went further to accuse her of being a gold digger, alleging that she only stayed in the marriage for financial gain. In another disturbing accusation, the outspoken lawyer claimed that his ex is faking a pregnancy in an attempt to extort money from him. Check out the posts. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, July 25, 2025 - NTVs Swahili news anchor, Fridah Mwaka, has offered a rare and moving glimpse into her early struggles in Nairobi's media industry. In a heartfelt video, the now prime-time star recalled her days at KTN when she relied on public transport and walked long distances to get to work, despite being a familiar face on TV each evening. Fridah described alighting at Bobmill Complex on Mombasa Road and walking to Standard Media Groups offices. She narrated a painful incident as she prepared to step in for Ali Manzu for the 4 p.m bulletin, a lorry splashed her with mud during a heavy downpour. A passing MP recognized her and asked if she was the same person hed seen earlier. I said yes, and I was in tears, she said. I had no spare outfit. I just cried and prayed God would help me. That same MP later offered to buy her a car worth KSh 2.5 million even taking her to a showroom on Ngong Road to choose any she liked. But Fridah turned it down. I dont know if it was foolish, but I was scared and new to Nairobi, she admitted. The Mombasa born journalist also opened on the classism in the newsroom admitting that behind the scenes, she faced silent snubs from colleagues. There are news presenters who never greeted me because I didnt have a car, she revealed. Someone once told me I wasnt in their class. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, July 25, 2025 - A video of a well-endowed, heavily pregnant woman confidently taking part in a viral dance challenge has lit up social media. Despite her prominent baby bump, the expectant mom pulled off smooth, energetic moves that wowed many. While some netizens were surprised, others praised her for embracing joy and staying active during pregnancy. Many also noted that, with a doctors approval, dancing can be a fun and healthy way for moms-to-be to stay fit and celebrate their journey. Watch the video and reactions below. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, July 25, 2025 - A Kenyan woman put her trust in a lawyer to help her secure her home, only to be betrayed in the most unthinkable way. Instead of fighting for her, the very person she hired to protect her allegedly conspired to rob her of everything. Now, she is homeless, left on the streets with her elderly mother, and to make it even more painful, this tragedy comes just weeks after she buried her child. Her heartbreaking story is a painful reminder of the growing cases of professional misconduct and legal exploitation in Kenyas justice system. Watch the video. This video broke my heart This lady trusted her lawyer to help save her home instead the lawyer betrayed her and helped her lose it. Now she's homeless with her elderly mother and she had just buried her child not long ago. No one deserves this kind of pain. May God pic.twitter.com/ahJsn6X99X Abdulahi Adan (@AbdulahiAdan10) July 25, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST The Shahed bomb drone is a familiar threat in the Ukrainian war. Manufactured by Russia under Iranian license under the name Geran, its use in long-range attacks has been a daily occurrence since the first year of the invasion, in 2022. But it is this year that it has become the pillar of Russian pressure against Ukraines rearguard. It is now produced on a massive scale, and its technology has taken a leap forward, putting Ukrainian defenses in a difficult position. Russia is launching three times as many Shahed drones today as it did six months ago. Its distinctive buzzing sound is now even common in downtown Kyiv. Whereas before, they were easily shot down before reaching the outskirts of the Ukrainian capital and other cities far from the front lines, now they arrive by the dozen. Its currently one of the most discussed topics in the Ukrainian media and on military forums: How to stop the new Shaheds? The initial problem is the number of units used in a single attack. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stressed last week that while in 2024 it was unheard of for the enemy to use more than 100 in a single day, it is now commonplace. In the first 24 days of June, between 100 and 480 Shaheds were fired over 13 nights. In four early morning attacks, more than 400 were used. The intelligence services of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense (GUR) estimate that Russian industry is producing 170 long-range bomb drones per day, and the forecast is for this number to rise to 190. Russia is producing the same number of Shahed and Garpiya [another drone with similar functions] in three days in 2025 as it produced in one month in 2024, according to Ukrainian and Western military intelligence. This is why Ukrainian long-range drones are targeting Russian production plants for these unmanned aerial vehicles. But the results are not sufficient, as Igor Romanenko, a reserve lieutenant general, noted on TSN, Ukraines main television news outlet, on June 23: We dont have enough long-range weapons to destroy drone production and storage centers. If we fire 50 drones, 10 will hit the target, but they dont do much damage to the Russians; they have many production centers. Kyrylo Budanov, head of the GUR, announced on June 7 in the military analysis outlet The War Zone that Russia had reached an agreement with Pyongyang, one of its few international allies, to also produce these drones on North Korean territory. In October 2022, a video of a police officer shooting down a Shahed with his assault rifle in Kyiv made its way around the world. Today, this image would be practically impossible. First, because the bombing now occurs at night, and second because those early Shahed-136s were slower, flew lower, and had a more predictable trajectory. One of the first Shaheds used by Russia against Kyiv, on October 17, 2022. Efrem Lukatsky (AP) One of the main changes is altitude: Shahed drones used to fly at very low altitudes to avoid radar detection. Now, Russia chooses to fly them at altitudes of over 3,000 meters to keep them out of range of anti-aircraft machine guns. Not only that, they also change their trajectory during flight to confuse anti-aircraft systems and hit their target from different positions. The new Shaheds are also programmed with artificial intelligence to coordinate their attacks autonomously. The most advanced version moves not with a propeller engine, but with a jet engine that increases its speed, from 190 kilometers per hour to over 450 kmph. These jet-powered aircraft are still in the minority because they significantly increase the cost of the drone. The cost to manufacture a basic Shahed is estimated to range between $17,000 and $44,000, a much lower outlay for a long-range weapon than for a missile. Ukraine does not use missiles to shoot down drones due to the limited number of these weapons it has, such as the American Patriot or the German Iris-T. One of the last packages of U.S. military aid approved by former president Joe Biden was precisely 20,000 missiles specialized in shooting down drones. His successor, Donald Trump, halted their shipment to Ukraine and instead allocated them to the Middle East. The so-called mobile groups, vans with large-caliber machine guns positioned in the path of the drones, have a 40% success rate in shooting down Shaheds. This was explained on June 22 by the head of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi. Despite this, according to Syrskyi, they remain the most important piece of the anti-aircraft defense shield. To improve their effectiveness, Reserve Colonel Oleg Zhdanov explained on TSN on June 24 that larger-caliber machine guns are needed. The problem is that there are very few units in Ukrainian hands, and its most effective ammunition is also limited. A military officer with the anti-aircraft defense system in Zaporizhzhia, in southern Ukraine, told EL PAIS this week, on condition of anonymity, that the best way to shoot down Shaheds is with cannons larger than 20 millimeters in caliber, firing the projectile remotely, without having to hit the target. This caliber can reach an altitude of 2,000 meters, according to this military officer. Larger anti-aircraft guns, such as the German 35-millimeter Gepard, can reach altitudes of 3,000 meters; and the Soviet ZU-23 can reach more than 2,000 meters. When close to their target, the Shaheds descend to an altitude of between 1,500 and 500 meters, military analyst Alexander Kovalenko explained on his Telegram channel. Syrskyi also confirmed that fighter jets such as the American F-16 and the Soviet MiG-29 are being used to intercept the drones. These operations, however, pose a high risk to such valuable aircraft, of which Ukraine has few units. Kyivs priority option is to invest in interceptor drones. Zelenskiy stated this on June 21, establishing their effectiveness in shooting down the Shaheds at 70%. Ukraine, according to its president, has signed agreements with Germany and Canada for the large-scale production of these interceptor drones. These devices are detonated remotely when they are near the Shahed. During nighttime bombing raids, they can be identified by their positioning lights. According to the Zaporizhzhia military officer, this is so that anti-aircraft units can recognize them as their own drones. Another change, according to Zhdanov, is that they now concentrate their attacks on a few targets. Dozens of Shahed drones descend on their targets to overwhelm anti-aircraft defenses. More than 80% of these drones are shot down, but a few make it past the barrier. The Russian military continues to operate combined bombing operations to further saturate anti-aircraft systems: after several waves of Shahed drones, they fire cruise and ballistic missiles that reach the target area just as the drones do. Russia also uses Gerber drones as a diversion, an unmanned aircraft similar to the Shahed but without explosives and whose sole function is to confuse anti-aircraft guns. Nearly half of all drones Moscow deploys in attacks are these diversionary devices. Another variation on the Shaheds is that they are now more lethal. The Ukrainian army has identified one Shahed armed with a thermobaric bomb and several carrying cluster munitions. Zhdanov adds that while they could previously carry 30 kilos of TNT explosive, they can now carry 100 kilos. This allows them to travel shorter distances, between 700 and 1,000 kilometers, sufficient to be fired from Russia or the occupied territories to reach most of Ukraine. The toll of civilian casualties is growing. The last two major attacks on Kyiv left 40 people dead. On June 24, a bombing raid on the city of Dnipro and its outskirts caused 20 deaths and 300 injuries. Russia claims these civilian casualties are due to their homes being located in close proximity to military targets. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Its 10:30 a.m. on a Thursday in July in Guatemala City. A charter flight operated by Eastern Air Express, the airline contracted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in February to operate deportation flights, lands on the runway of the Guatemalan Air Force. A few minutes later, the aircraft doors open and a silent line of about 50 people, escorted by personnel from the Guatemalan Institute of Migration, step onto the tarmac. Some are still wearing gray overalls and blue slippers, the uniform of U.S. detention centers for undocumented people. Among them is Olinda, 31, originally from the north of Guatemala. With one hand she pulls on the collar of her sweatshirt to cover her face, with the other she wipes away her tears. Head down, she enters the Returnee Reception Center with the others to receive a welcome talk, food, and legal guidance. Here, the staff of the Institute of Migration is in charge of reception. Job orientation is provided in the new Care Center for returned migrants, inaugurated on June 2, to which most of them move after completing the initial stage. An attempt is being made to make deportation a less traumatic experience. But Olinda continues to cry. Migrants sit at Guatemalas Migrant Care Center (CAR), waiting to receive guidance and useful information on July 3. Simona Carnino Olinda cannot forget the four months she spent in detention in Pennsylvania, nor the chains that bound her hands, feet and midriff until the plane entered Guatemalan airspace; less still the moment when she was torn from her life in the U.S. it happened when she and her husband were going to buy material for the remodeling company where they worked in Maryland. When the police stopped the car for a check, she began to shake. Neither she nor her husband had legal residency papers. It was a March day and as they pulled the car over and rolled down the window, only one thought crossed her mind: Will I ever see my daughter again? I havent seen her since that day, she says. She is 13 and was at school when they grabbed me. I have only spoken to her on the phone since the arrest. At first, I asked for her to be deported with me, but I stopped when I realized that there are no doctors in prison, no decent food. I didnt want my girl to go through this. Olinda sobs and blows her nose. Her words are echoed by Micaela, who has already taken off her gray jumpsuit and got back into the clothes in which she was arrested. She lived in the U.S. for 12 years. She has left three children behind: the two youngest are American citizens by birth, a right enshrined in the 14th Amendment, though it could still be revoked by the Trump administration. They caught me at home. I dont know how they knew I didnt have papers, she says. My children are still there, but Ill die if I dont see them again. I want to bring them over, but I have to get organized first because they have always lived there, and changing everything will not be easy for them. Life here is very different. Micaela is 45 and has had a hard life in both countries. She is illiterate and signs with her fingerprint. She is sad because she thinks that not knowing how to read or write will make it even more difficult to be reunited with her children. [My daughter] is 13 and was at school when they grabbed me. I have only spoken to her on the phone since the arrest. At first, I asked for her to be deported with me, but I didnt want my girl to go through this Olinda, Guatemalan deportee Olinda also plans to bring over her daughter, who now lives with a neighbor and has not been to school since her mothers arrest. As she is a minor, she needs me for any school procedure, she says, still crying. Shes stranded without me. I hope to find a job here to pay for her ticket no matter what. John eyes the scene and sighs. I was arrested with 15 other colleagues while we were working, he says. The police came in and the boss said nothing. After years working there, it was horrible. That guy [Trump] is fucking crazy, he blurts out in English, clenching his jaw and touching his forehead, before looking for a way to call his relatives to let them know he has arrived. Although Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke in February of an alleged 40% increase in deportations, the truth is that expulsions have decreased significantly, especially to Guatemala, one of the countries with the most deportees in proportion to its population. Between January and July 16 of this year, 24,139 people have been returned. That is an average of 103 sent back on flights every day, compared to 168 per day in 2024, when the figure of 61,680 was reached in total. On the other hand, the number of flights has not decreased drastically, and some are arriving without being filled to capacity. There is no official explanation, but it suggests a strategy used by Trump to appear to be doing more deportations than he in fact is. In June, the news broke that the U.S. had set a new record with 209 deportation flights, without specifying the number of actual deportees on them. Breaking with the practice of the previous administration, most of the deportees are no longer migrants detained at the border, but people arrested inside the country. In fact, almost no one even manages to cross from Mexico these days. In May 2025, more than 12,400 people were apprehended at the southwest U.S. border, compared to more than 170,000 in the same month last year. A reduction of more than 92%. Return south Guatemala, a country that has historically been a source of migrants, is increasingly becoming a place of return and transit, with more people heading south than north. David, a 16-year-old Venezuelan who left Colombia for the U.S. in January 2024 with his mother Marisol, 50, knows this. With a squeegee in one hand and a container of disinfectant in the other, he practices how to clean the windows of a car parked in the centers carpark. Its his first day on the job, because he usually helps his mom sell candy at traffic lights. A year ago, they did it to finance their trip to the north. Now they are doing it to pay for their return to the south, after eight months living on the streets of Mexico City, waiting for a humanitarian flight that would allow them to self-deport to Colombia or Venezuela, but which never arrived. We didnt achieve the American dream, Marisol says. We are depressed, but we couldnt take it anymore on the streets. After Trumps inauguration, which canceled the CBP One application for asylum and humanitarian parole a temporary permit that benefited migrants from Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Haiti thousands of Latin American migrants decided to turn back and make for home. Marisol sells lollipops on the streets of Guatemala City to finance her return trip to Colombia, on July 4, 2025. Simona Carnino The backward migrant journey has also been turned into a business. The crossing between Panama and Colombia is done by raft and costs $300 dollars per person, says Beti, a 32-year-old Venezuelan. Its better than crossing the Darien jungle, but I dont know how many candies we will have to sell to raise $1,500. Beti is five months pregnant. She is traveling with her husband Edwin, 38, and three other children, in addition to the one on the way. They are returning to Caracas after a year and a half, trapped in a round trip that has cost them about $30,000. I never imagined Id be migrating backwards, she continues. The worst thing is that police and drug traffickers still target us. Its the same. We are still merchandise, although we just want to return. The worst thing is that police and drug traffickers still target us. Its the same. We are still merchandise, although we just want to return Beti, Venezuelan migrant Richard, a 50-year-old Venezuelan who has a cane with an iron whip hidden inside, is going with them. After what I experienced, you have to be able to defend yourself, he says, smiling nervously. He was deported from the U.S. to Mexico on March 1, after being arrested while working for Uber in Dallas. They deported me even though I had a work permit and a drivers license, he says. They took me to the detention center, and I only managed to call a friend to ask him to take care of the car. Then he traveled by bus to Panama, but after two months he tried to head north again. In June, he reached Mexico, where he lived on the streets for three weeks, defending himself every night from drug traffickers and thieves, but when he was told about the increase in border controls, he decided to give up. Now Im going to Costa Rica, he says. It has a better economy and is less violent than Mexico, a place that has traumatized me. Lorena Perez, project manager at the Casa del Migrante in Guatemala City, has never seen such a flow of people heading in the opposite direction. Between 2023 and 2024 we dealt with 2,000 people a month, now its an average of 700. Fifty percent are reverse migrants, and the rest are deportees and asylum seekers, she explains. Only 5% are headed to the U.S. Casa del Migrante has adjusted its protocol accordingly: it now offers up to three months of shelter to asylum seekers and about three weeks to families working to raise money and return home. Previously, they only gave one night of lodging to those going north. We are expanding psychological support because those who return, although it seems voluntary, feel sad and carry a sense of failure, she says. Pablo, a Venezuelan migrant seeking political asylum in Guatemala, shows the puppet he uses to make money on the street to support his family, on July 4. Simona Carnino Although Guatemala has never been a regular destination for asylum seekers, requests are on the rise: from 962 in 2022 to 1,837 in 2024 and 664 through May 2025, more than in the same period last year. Among them is Pablo, a civil engineer of Venezuelan origin. Since November 2024, his has been a familiar face at the center. With his Elmo puppet he gives shows at traffic lights in exchange for a few coins with a sign on his neck that reads: Help me bring food home. God bless you. The phrase ends with chamo which in Venezuelan slang means friend. I have applied for political asylum and I have already brought my whole family from Venezuela, says Pablo. My children are already in school and I plan to live here forever. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition After a man of the match display in the first test, Tadhg Beirne was again to the fore as the British & Irish Lions snatched a late win over Australia to secure a series win. The Lions were 26-17 behind with just over 20 minutes remaining then James Lowe offloaded to Beirne in the left hand corner deep inside the Australian 22. There were still three defenders between Beirne and the line, however, and a lot of work still to be done. The big Eadestown man stepped in from the left wing and past the flailing arms of Max Jorgenson before powering through the challenges of Tom Wright and Fraser McReight on the Australian line. That put the Lions within touching distance of Australia but victory wasn't secured until the final minute when Australia finally caved in in the face of an onslaught from the Lions and Hugo Keenan capitalised on a gap to go over the line and score a famous winning try in a 29-26 win. The Lions now have a chance to complete a whitewash series win in the third test next Saturday in Sydney. A NEW exhibition celebrating one of the most influential fashion designers of the 20th century has just opened at the world-renowned Museum of Style Icons at Newbridge Silverware in County Kildare. Mary Quant 60s Mini Revolution honours the legacy of the late British fashion designer, Dame Mary Quant (19302023), whose fearless and playful approach to fashion helped define the Swinging Sixties and revolutionised how women dressed - championed by supermodel Twiggy and worn by cultural icons like Cilla Black, Jean Shrimpton, and Pattie Boyd. The launch of the exhibition took place on Tuesday, July 22, and featured a discussion between collection owner Jannette Flood and host Aileen OBrien about the historical and cultural significance of Quants work. This exciting exhibition marks the first time the collection, owned by Dubliner Jannette Flood, has been shown in Ireland. Having previously featured in the Victoria and Albert Museums globally acclaimed touring exhibition, Floods collection now makes its Irish debut. With more than a million people having seen it across London, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Japan, and Glasgow, the exhibitions arrival in Newbridge is a huge milestone. The display includes a remarkable array of original Mary Quant garments, makeup, and accessories collected by Flood over several decades. Highlights include rare examples of Quants playful "Face Crayons", her iconic black and white PVC handbags, a collection of skinny-rib dresses, a dramatic hot pink cape and ring pull zipper dresses. For Flood, the inspiration to collect Mary Quant came from growing up in a highly style-conscious family. Her mother was a hairdresser, her father a fox furrier, her uncle a tailor, and her great-grandmother a dresser in Dublins Royal Theatre. In 1986, when Virgin Records opened in Dublin with a Topshop upstairs stocking Mary Quant cosmetics, Ms Flood made her first Quant purchase. In the pre-internet age, Ms Flood scoured second-hand shops and vintage bookstores for original items and imagery from the 1960s. William Doyle, CEO of Newbridge Silverware and the Museum of Style Icons remarked, This remarkable exhibition perfectly complements our permanent collection, which includes the only complete set of Beatles suits worn by the band themselves. Mary Quants energy, innovation, and influence reflect the spirit of the 1960s, and we are delighted to share her legacy with Irish audiences. Admission is free and the exhibition runs until the end of 2025. For more information, visit www.visitnewbridgesilverware.com Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. A full closure of a historic Kilkenny bridge will mean not even pedestrian access will be permitted during works. The update came at the recent meeting of Callan Thomastown Municipal District councillors, in answer to a query from Cllr Brian Cleere. Work on the Ferry Mountgarret Bridge, linking South Kilkenny to Co Wexford over the River Barrow, is scheduled to take place for a week, from Monday, July 28. READ MORE - WHAT'S ON IN KILKENNY Closed Kilkenny County Council engineer Padraig Slye explained the nature of the work means pedestrians can not be allowed across the bridge. The bridge will also remain closed to traffic overnight. There will be significant diversion for traffic, which will be signposted. The current Ferry Mountgarret Bridge was constructed in 1930 to replace a previous timber bridge that dated from 1794. Before the bridge, that point of the river had a ferry crossing, so it has been used as a transport link between the counties for hundreds of years. While the most visible part of the bridge is the metal superstructure, it is predominantly built from reinforced concrete. The bridge used to open, to allow river vessels to pass through, up until the 1970s when it was struck by a barge. It has not opened since. The steel rolling bascule bridge (another name for a drawbridge or lifting bridge) is one of only six in Ireland. These works will maximise the remaining service life of the bridge. During the 1960s, NASA was searching for new, lightweight and strong structures for its aircraft. They had to be strong enough to withstand the launch process and the conditions of outer space, but also as light as possible to minimize fuel costs. In 1970, one of the scientists on the research team, Alan Schoen, described a novel geometric shape, which he dubbed the gyroid. Its unique geometry met the space agencys objectives. However, manufacturing it was too complex, given the limited tools available at the time. Today, thanks to 3D printing, its now possible to create this mathematical shape, which has been used in the design of acoustic panels, bone implants and works of art. Gyroids are minimal surfaces: they have zero mean curvature. That is, at every point on the surface, the sum of certain values called principal curvatures is zero. This geometric concept can be seen, for example, in the sinuous shape of soapy liquid, when a circle-shaped wire is immersed in it. Furthermore, gyroids are triply periodic, meaning that they repeat in three spatial directions. This allows for the construction of a composite gyroid shape, repeating the original shape as many times as desired, in all three directions. On the other hand, gyroids dont contain straight lines and cannot be divided into symmetrical parts, making them particularly difficult to visualize. Until recently, constructing them was also tremendously complicated. Gyroids can be used as building blocks to create composite shapes Ana Lopez-Terradas/CENIM-CSIC Additive manufacturing popularly known as 3D printing, which began to develop in the 1980s has made it possible to create gyroids for the first time. To print a gyroid, you must first design it digitally by using the mathematical formula that describes it, and then send the instructions for manufacturing it to the printer. The exact formula for a gyroid is very complicated, but it can be approximated using a simple equation that only involves trigonometric functions, multiplication and addition: sin(x)cos(y) + sin(y)cos(z) + sin(z)cos(x) = 0. Depending on the intended application, gyroids can be made of plastic, ceramic, concrete, or even metal. Metal printing is somewhat different from conventional printing: a laser melts the desired shape and fuses it, layer by layer, over another layer of very fine metal powder. Because complex designs can be mass-manufactured, the desired properties can be maintained (thanks to the constructed structure) by using easily-obtained metals. This avoids the use of expensive and geostrategic metals, such as rare earth elements (REEs). The result is more sustainable, precise, complex and robust parts. From a structural point of view, the gyroid has very interesting properties. First, it has great mechanical strength. A useful analogy is that of a sheet of paper: it doesnt support much weight, but if rolled into a tube, it can withstand a much greater load along its longitudinal axis. Something similar happens with gyroids: by bending surfaces along all three axes, a structure that supports greater loads is achieved. With this design, the construction supports the same weight with less material, in a structure made up of lighter elements. Nature discovered them first Another characteristic of the gyroid is that it has a high specific surface area: the complex geometry of the recesses in the composition generates a large surface area per unit volume. This makes them optimal as heat exchangers, since the larger the contact surface, the more efficient the process of heat transfer. Gyroids have been used in various industrial designs, from acoustic panels to mail packaging to shoe insoles, and even in artistic works. Theyve also been used in biomedicine. Gyroids almost exactly replicate the internal bone structure of humans: not only do they resemble their shape, but theyre also capable of supporting weight. Meanwhile, gyroid hollows allow osteoblasts the cells responsible for bone regeneration to proliferate rapidly. Furthermore, if made from a biodegradable material, they can be safely integrated into a patients body. Decades after Schoens mathematical discovery of gyroids in 1970, gyroids began to be found in nature: theyve been observed in the mitochondria of cells and butterfly wings, as well as in the porous, lightweight structure of human bones. This is yet another example of how evolution has a leg up on humanity when it comes to finding the best design. Through research, scientists simply end up rediscovering it. Ana Lopez-Terradas is an industrial engineer and manager of the Spanish National Research Councils (CSIC) additive manufacturing platform (FAB3D) at the National Center for Metallurgical Research (CENIM). Jon Gurutz Arranz Izquierdo is a science journalist with a grant from the CSIC-BBVA Foundation Awards for Scientific Communication. Agata Timon Garcia-Longoria is the coordinator of the Mathematical Culture Unit at Spains Institute of Mathematical Science (ICMAT). Sign up forour weekly newsletterto get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition 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. Work progresses July 4 on a new migrant detention facility dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" at Dade-Collier Training and Transition facility in the Florida Everglades. Deportation flights from the makeshift South Florida immigration detention facility have begun, the states governor said. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Wetlands International Chief Executive Officer Coenraad Krijger speaks during an interview with Xinhua at the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) in Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North Province, Zimbabwe, July 25, 2025. China is playing a leading role in the global wetland preservation agenda, Wetlands International Chief Executive Officer Coenraad Krijger said Friday. Krijger acknowledged China's efforts in wetland preservation, following the accreditation of nine more Chinese cities as wetland cities at COP15 on Thursday. (Xinhua/Tafara Mugwara) VICTORIA FALLS, Zimbabwe, July 25 (Xinhua) -- China is playing a leading role in the global wetland preservation agenda, Wetlands International Chief Executive Officer Coenraad Krijger said Friday. In an interview with Xinhua on the sidelines of the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) underway in the resort city of Victoria Falls in the Matabeleland North Province of Zimbabwe, Krijger acknowledged China's efforts in wetland preservation, following the accreditation of nine more Chinese cities as wetland cities at COP15 on Thursday. "Indeed, if you look across the world, China has taken a leadership position in doing the right thing for wetlands," he said. "The biggest number of wetland cities in the world is in China, and leading the COP, having these mangrove centers, and having strong policies already in place, and big restoration actions, so I think China is leading." China is home to a significant portion of the world's important wetlands, which highlights the importance of the country's efforts in investing in wetland preservation. "Through the trade relations that China has, and the investments that China has all over the world, (China) is also connected to (other) very important wetlands worldwide," Krijger said. COP15, which officially opened on Thursday, is running under the theme of "Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future," bringing together representatives of governments to strengthen international commitments for wetland conservation and to highlight the vital role of wetlands in sustaining ecological health, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Krijger said platforms such as the Ramsar Convention must continue to amplify the need to preserve wetlands and enhance mutual learning. The Ramsar Convention, named after the Iranian city of Ramsar where the convention was signed in 1971, is an intergovernmental agreement dedicated to the conservation and rational use of wetland ecosystems. Krijger said that Wetland International, a global not-for-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and restoration of wetlands, has worked with China in supporting wetland preservation efforts for many years. "It is really important that any country steps up and takes their wetlands seriously. Wetlands are easy targets for all kinds of developments, such as real estate and harbors. So strong legislation and strong policies are very much needed to counteract the attractiveness of wetlands," he said. "I think we can learn a lot from the Chinese efforts and bring that to the rest of the world. And also, we could perhaps be facilitating exchange and joint learning across our network," Krijger said. While development is welcome, he said, there is a need to maintain a balance between development and the health of wetlands. "This is a key challenge because, on the one hand, people want to live near or in wetlands because of the water and all the benefits it brings. At the same time, if the development is not done in the right way, that will diminish, at least in the long run, but sometimes even in the short run." Krijger said he is eager to visit Chinese wetland cities in the future to learn how they achieve urban development while reaping the benefits of preserving the wetlands. Wetlands International Chief Executive Officer Coenraad Krijger speaks during an interview with Xinhua at the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) in Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North Province, Zimbabwe, July 25, 2025. China is playing a leading role in the global wetland preservation agenda, Wetlands International Chief Executive Officer Coenraad Krijger said Friday. Krijger acknowledged China's efforts in wetland preservation, following the accreditation of nine more Chinese cities as wetland cities at COP15 on Thursday. (Xinhua/Tafara Mugwara) NEW DELHI, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Indian police Saturday killed three Naxals in a fierce gunfight in the eastern state of Jharkhand, officials said. The gunfight broke out in the Ghaghra police station area of Gumla district, about 100 km west of Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand. "The bodies of all three Naxals have been recovered. An AK-47 and two INSAS rifles have also been recovered from the spot," a police official said. The policemen have not suffered any damage in the stand-off. Reports said police had received specific intelligence information about the presence of Naxals in the area planning an attack on government forces. India's federal government has resolved to eradicate Naxalism before the 31st of March 2026. Currently, Naxals are active across the central and eastern parts of India. The insurgency has reportedly claimed hundreds of lives besides rendering thousands of poor inhabitants homeless. En espanol The moment shocked millions of viewers. On Sunday night, Cuban contestant Laura Perez suffered a terrifying fall during the live broadcast of Miss Universe Latina, Telemundo's popular reality show that selects the U.S. Latina representative for Miss Universe 2025. The incident occurred during one of the show's most anticipated challenges, where contestants were harnessed and lifted into the air to "capture the crown" mid-flight. While most participants completed the task without trouble, Perez's attempt turned into a nightmare. Viewers watched in disbelief as Perez, 26, suddenly plummeted from a significant height when her harness failed mid-air. Mexican host Jacqueline Bracamontes rushed to Perez's side as smoke effects concealed the scene, repeatedly asking, "Estas bien? Estas bien?" (Are you OK?) Perez, visibly shaken and unable to get up did not answer. Within minutes, the live broadcast was suspended. Social media exploded with concern for the Cuban-born model as footage of the fall began circulating online. Telemundo released a statement shortly after, obtained by rENSTARZ and the Latin Times,, confirming Perez received immediate medical attention. "The unfortunate accident that occurred last night during Miss Universe Latina, El Reality is under investigation," the network said. "The safety and well-being of our talent and employees is always our top priority in all productions. Laura Perez received immediate medical attention, and we hope she can participate in tonight's finale." Despite Telemundo's assurance that Perez is recovering, no personal statement has been issued by the contestant herself. Fans and fellow contestants have flooded social media with messages of support, awaiting further updates. Perez's accident has raised questions about safety measures in reality competitions. Viewers pointed out that earlier contestants performed the same challenge successfully, but Telemundo confirmed that the incident is under internal review. As the competition approaches its final episode, Perez remains a fan favorite. Known for her poise and grace, she has emerged as one of the strongest contenders for the crown. If medically cleared, she is expected to return for the finale. Born in Santa Clara, Cuba, Perez trained at Arte en Movimiento Escuela Profesional de Danza before relocating to Miami, where she worked in the hospitality industry. In previous interviews, she often credited her grandfather as her greatest inspiration, sharing how his encouragement fueled her modeling career. At 26, Perez represents not just Cuban pride, but the resilience of Latina women pursuing the American dream. Her presence in Miss Universe Latina has captured attention from both fans and judges, and her potential participation in Miss Universe 2025, scheduled for November 21 in Thailand, remains a possibility if her recovery goes well. Whether she returns for the finale or not, Laura Perez's fall has become one of the most dramatic moments in the show's history, reminding audiences of the real risks behind seemingly glamorous productions. Telemundo has yet to announce whether safety protocols will change moving forward. For now, all eyes are on Perez as fans hope for her speedy recovery and possible return to the competition that could change her life. Originally published on Enstarz At least some officials in the Trump administration knew that a triple murdered was among the detainees taken from Venezuela to the U.S. as part of a large prisoner swap that included Salvadoran authorities, according to a new report. The New York Times detailed that "at least some people in the Trump administration" knew about the criminal past of Dahud Hanid Ortiz, who was sentenced to 30 years in prison for killing three people in Spain but fled to the South American country. The outlet added that the crimes of Ortiz were all documented in the media and public court records for years, and that in 2023 officials in the Joe Biden administration decided not to take him in a different prisoner swap. It noted that Spanish authorities asked the U.S. to send him to the country, but they ultimately decided against it and the Department of Justice didn't want him in the U.S. The State Department did not confirm to the outlet whether Ortiz was taken to a U.S. prison upon arrival to the country. Images published by media outlets showed him smiling and holding a flag along with other people released as part of the agreement. One person with knowledge of the case said Ortiz is now in Orlando, Florida. Spanish outlet El Pais noted that Ortiz was born in Venezuela and served in Iraq after getting U.S. citizenship. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison in Venezuela in January last year for killing three people in Madrid in 2016. He had escaped to the South American country after the crime and arrested there two years later. The prisoner exchange took place last Friday and involved the return of 252 Venezuelans held in El Salvador's maximum security prison CECOT in exchange for the 10 Americans held in Venezuela. Diosdado Cabello, Justice Minister in Venezuela's authoritarian government, said when discussing the exchange that "we handed over some murderers for you." Originally published on Latin Times PHNOM PENH, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia attracted a total of 3.36 million international tourists in the first half of 2025, a year-on-year rise of 6.2 percent, said a Ministry of Tourism report released on Saturday. Thailand topped the chart among foreign tourist arrivals to the Southeast Asian country during the January-June period this year, followed by Vietnam and China, the report said. Some 928,027 Thais and 619,300 Vietnamese traveled to Cambodia, down 2.8 percent and 3.2 percent, respectively, the report said, adding that 586,771 Chinese visited the Southeast Asian country, up 50.7 percent. Thourn Sinan, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia chapter, said that given the positive 6.2-percent increase in international arrivals in the first half of the year, he is optimistic about continued growth in the latter half of 2025. "Factors such as ongoing infrastructure improvements, increased marketing efforts, and the recovery of global travel confidence are likely to sustain or even accelerate this upward trend," he told Xinhua. "Additionally, Cambodia's rich cultural heritage and natural attractions remain strong draws for international tourists. However, potential challenges such as geopolitical developments or global economic fluctuations could influence growth, so ongoing monitoring and adaptive strategies will be essential," he said. Tourism is one of the four pillars supporting Cambodia's economy in addition to garment, footwear and travel goods export, agriculture, and construction and real estate. Virginia creeper has its hold on a stand of arborvitae Thursday July 24, 2025, in a Bethlehem backyard. In the fall, the vine's leaves turn a bright red a few of which can already be seen in the Lehigh Valley region. Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com It doesnt seem like we could already be at the end of July, but we are. The calendar year is more than half over and if you look closely youll some small signs of how things in nature are changing. Every so often when theres decent wind, yellow leaves are falling off walnut trees. This of course doesnt mean that fall will come early, but it does momentarily remind you of the coming season. Ive spent a lot of time in the last month pulling Virginia creeper vines out from places I dont want them. This flowering vine is native to the eastern part of the country. It eventually has berries that birds and other wildlife eat, but which are toxic to humans. Ive read that people have died from eating them. Also known as woodbine, this vine in the grape family can be a pest. As it grows it climbs whatever it finds with tendrils that have small adhesive pads at their ends. It has five leaflets that often completely cover things like telephone poles, walls, and dead trees. In the fall the leaves turn a bright red, a few of which Ive already recently seen. The other pesky vine that Ive been constantly dealing with is mile-a-minute vine. This accidentally introduced Asiatic vine is on everyones invasive species list because it will grow just about anywhere. Its easily recognized by its triangular leaves and barbed stems, which is why its also called tearthumb. These barbs quickly dig into your skin if you dont have gloves on, so be sure to wear them if you want to pull out plants of it. If you let it grow, it will be all over everything growing nearby. As you drive around suburban neighborhoods these days, youll almost certainly see Rose-of-Sharon blooming in many yards. Its a hibiscus from Asia and China that was particularly liked and planted years ago. In spite of the fact that its flowers attract many pollinators, this plant is now on some invasive species lists. It produces lots of seeds that easily germinate wherever they fall. Many people find Rose-of-Sharon shrubs growing in their yards even though theyve never planted them. And it also attracts Japanese beetles. Another invasive plant is now blooming with yellow flowers in fields and waste places. Native to Europe, birds-foot trefoil, a member of the pea family, is nice to look at, but it can form large mats of plants that prevent natives from growing. A hummingbird dips in for nectar from a falling stars perennial flower July 10, 2025, in a Bethlehem backyard. Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com On the bird front, if you have sugar/water feeders or nectar-rich flowers in your yard, now is when you should be seeing hummingbirds. In this part of the country, juvenile and also adult birds are moving around a lot by the end of July. Its hard telling juveniles from adult females, but oftentimes juveniles have a beige cast to their heads. Come August, hummingbirds will already be migrating south, and by the beginning of September most of the adult males will be gone. Females and young, though, will continue to migrate through our area until the end of September into early October. Also, when August arrives some early hawk count sites will start to be manned. As always, what goes around comes around. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Photo of one of three left-turn lanes the New Jersey Department of Transportation plans to eliminate on Memorial Parkway near the post office in Phillipsburg. Rudy Miller | For lehighvalleylive.com The New Jersey Department of Transportation has completed the reconfiguration of three controversial left-turn lanes along U.S. Route 22 in Phillipsburg, limiting their use to emergency vehicles only. The U-turn lanes, located near the U.S. Post Office on Memorial Parkway, were scheduled to be phased out beginning in July, according to authorities. Signs now indicate these turns are restricted for official/emergency use only and are no longer available to the general public. These particular traffic patterns, commonly known as Jersey lefts due to their widespread use throughout the state, are gradually being eliminated from new construction projects across New Jersey. The decision comes after Phillipsburg residents expressed concerns to officials about these specific intersections. Community members highlighted problems including inadequate signage and driver confusion, particularly near the Route 22 toll road area. The reconfiguration represents part of a broader effort to improve traffic safety and flow in the region by removing these once-common but increasingly problematic traffic features. Thank you for supporting our journalism. Glenn Epps can be reached at gepps@lehighvalleylive.com or at glenn_epps_ on Instagram, Facebook and Threads. A woman who previously gave evidence of being strangled by a man asked a judge to vary bail to allow the alleged assailant back into her home. The man(34), who has a Dublin address, is accused of assault causing harm to the woman at an address in Laois on July 9 last. Solicitor Joesphine Fitzpatrick told a sitting of Portlaoise District Court that there was now an application to vary bail. She asked the court to hear evidence from the injured party. She said the man had been living in a hostel in Dublin where his life was under threat and he moved to a second hostel where again his life was under threat. Ms Fitzpatrick said the defendants bail conditions required him to stay out of Laois except for court dates. The woman took to the witness box and told Ms Fitzpatrick that she was not giving evidence under duress. She said she wanted to get the man back to her house so he could get the help he needed. The woman expressed a hope that she could hopefully get him off everything and get him clean. She said the man had been threatened in Dublin and was now living rough. He is after being sleeping on the streets as far as I know, she said. Judge Andrew Cody asked how the woman knew he wanted to return. She said she had been speaking to his sister. Judge Cody asked if he had contacted her in breach of his bail conditions. She said he hadnt and that the communication had been initiated by her through his sister. Judge Cody noted she had previously alleged that he had strangled her but now she wanted him back in her house. What has changed? he asked. The woman said she was trying to get him back to get the help he needed. Judge Cody said the court had heard an objection to bail two weeks earlier where the woman had said the man tried to strangle her. I am not going to amend the bail conditions, he said. Judge Cody said he took the decision in the interests of the womans safety. He adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on September 8 for DPP directions. Pervasive overcrowding, worsening safety, poor prisoner treatment have become entrenched at prisons in Ireland according to the official European agency that monitors torture. The Council of Europe anti-torture committee (CPT) has just published its report arising from May 2024 visits to jails in Ireland including the two prisons in Portlaoise. A statement published to launch the report flagged allegations of prisoner abuse by staff have increased since the last report in 2019 with 'slaps, punches, kicks' The CPT said certain reforms to improve the situation in Irish prisons had been implemented since the Committees previous visit in 2019. For example, infrastructure has improved, particularly in the womens estate, and the use of segregation for security reasons has decreased significantly, supported by better record-keeping and oversight. The scope of temporary release has expanded, and slopping-out practices have been almost eradicated. However, it said several entrenched issues of concern remain. These include: Pervasive overcrowding, Worsening safety in mens prisons, Inadequate mental healthcare, Poor treatment of prisoners held on protection regimes, Gaps in legal protections for most vulnerable persons including mentally ill prisoners and young people in detention. In its report, the CPT calls for the Irish authorities to take concrete actions to address these critical issues. The CPT says it found that physical safety in male prisons has deteriorated sharply. It found that allegations of prisoner abuse by staff have increased since 2019, particularly in Cloverhill and Limerick Prisons. "Incidents included slaps, punches, kicks and other violence in places without CCTV coverage, such as escort vans and reception areas. MORE BELOW PHOTO. Midlands Prison Portlaoise. "The CPT also received several allegations of excessive force during control and restraint interventions and relocations, some corroborated by medical findings and independent enquiries. Meanwhile, inter-prisoner violence remains widespread, with drug-related conflict and contraband smuggling driving much of the violence," said the statement. Death in custody is also highlighted. "Equally concerning was a pattern of some preventable deaths in custody, notably among prisoners suspected of concealing drugs inside their bodies. The absence of rigorous critical incident reviews means that similar tragedies recur without institutional learning or corrective action," it said. READ ALSO: More trouble at Ploughing than at the Electric Picnic says Judge Prisons packed beyond capacity was also found to be a problem. "Overcrowding remains a chronic issue. In most facilities visited, many cells were packed with three or four inmates in single or double-occupancy cells. Some persons were forced to sleep on camp beds or mattresses on the floor, sometimes in squalid conditions. "Such overcrowding exacerbated the situation for prisoners held in restricted segregation for protection reasons, who often spend up to 22 or even 23 hours a day locked in their cells, sometimes for extended periods, without meaningful activities. Such conditions, in the CPTs view, may amount to inhuman and degrading treatment," said a statment. The Committee added that it remains critical of the widespread use of closed observation cells whereby segregated prisoners in need of increased supervision are subjected to practices such as being stripped naked and placed in thin, small ponchos without any individual risk assessment. It said confinement to cells with no access to daily fresh air and no therapeutic care for at-risk individuals could be considered degrading. The provision of mental healthcare across prisons was also found to be "critically deficient". It said overcrowding and an embedded reliance on imprisonment for severely mentally ill prisoners "exacerbate the problem". The report said high-Support Units offer little care beyond confinement. "They do not meet the standards promised either in name or in function. The CPT underscores, once again, that prisons are fundamentally inappropriate for those with severe mental illness and they should not serve as substitutes for medical institutions," said the statement. The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) said the findings confirm concerns it has consistently voiced over the past two years. The IPRT Executive Director, Saoirse Brady. The CPT paints a stark picture of chronic prison overcrowding and its impact. Notably, the Committee visited Ireland before we crossed the unprecedented threshold of 5,000 people in prison. Given that we continue to break records almost weekly in terms of escalating prison numbers, conditions have only deteriorated further to an unacceptable and unsafe level. Once again, the CPT has repeated its call for the State to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT). "At a time when the situation across the prison estate is so dire, IPRT supports the Committees recommendation to put in place and invest in preventative mechanisms to proactively identify and address the root causes of ill-treatment in Irish prisons, she said. Very comfy and roomy 3 row SUV! By Mike | on 5.0 (Warning- a little long) We were looking for a roomy 3 row SUV with easy access to all 3 rows. After a ton of research and multiple test drives of the possible options, we settled on the VW Atlas, SEL Premium. Weve owned our Atlas for a little over a month now. Weve taken it on a couple of long trips (1000+ miles), so weve seen enough to write a decent review. The Atlas was one of 4 finalists for us. The others were the GMC Acadia, the Chevy Traverse, and the Infiniti QX60. These were our finalists for one primary reason- access to the rear seat with car seats installed in the middle row seats (without climbing into the middle row, and going through the middle space between the captains chairs). No other 3 row SUVs had this option, although I understand some will have it for the 2020 model year. Because we only had 4 models to look at, we focused all our attention on these models. Likes: Third row access is incredibly easy in the Atlas. By pulling up on the release on the top of the seat, the entire seat tips forward, and then slides forward, leaving a large opening to access the rear seat, and allowing us to buckle our 4 year old into that seat very easily, even while standing outside the car. This middle row seat movement can be performed with a car seat installed in the middle row seats, a maneuver that very few 3 row SUVs are capable of. The Infiniti QX-60 has a similar setup, and it is just as easy to use. The Acadia and Traverse also have this option, but during our test drives, we found the mechanism to be incredibly difficult to use. The salesman said it was probably just stiff, but it was almost impossible for my wife to get the seat to move, and it happened in both of those models. Also, the GMC and Chevy only have this capability on the passenger side, which is highly annoying. The interior of the Atlas is HUGE, the door openings are very wide to provide easy access, and it is very comfortable. The seats in the Atlas were by far the most comfortable of any vehicle we tested. When I say that, I mean ALL of the seats, to include the 2nd and 3rd rows, and the 3rd row is actually usable by adults. I am 510, and I was very comfortable back there. I would not say the same of the other three vehicles tested. Also, the middle row seats of the Chevy and GMC were very uncomfortable. The had a weird shape, with a weird forward hump that hit right between the shoulder blades. Im sure this has something to do with crash safety or something like that, but those seats were just extremely uncomfortable. Our Atlas is equipped with a panoramic sunroof, which is pretty cool. It also has a power sunshade for the sunroof. The Chevy and GMC have a very cheap, manual cover. It is spring-loaded, and if you accidentally let go of it, it will snap back like a window shade. At this price level, it should be a power sunshade. While we are on the topic of sunshades: the 2nd row windows in the Atlas have built-in sunshades, which is ingenious! I wish all cars had this feature. The Atlas has an infotainment system that is easy to use and intuitive, and it allows for swiping and pinch zooming. Apple Car Play is awesome! Surprisingly, some manufacturers have not integrated this feature at this time. The digital instrument panel has a very nice, modern look, and it offers 5 or 6 different views. One of the really cool things about the Atlas- you can display the nav map in the middle of the instrument panel. Additionally, you can make the map bigger and the gauges smaller, which allows you to see more map detail- a really nice option. The car even has an altimeter, which is really cool to me (Im a pilot by trade). Not so much for my wife The Atlas allows for 4 customizable driver settings. It also has an overhead view camera, which allows you to see a birds-eye view of the vehicle- very handy to ensure you are actually centered in that parking spot! (this is only offered in the highest trim level) The car also has a traditional shift lever. This appeals to me, because Im old school. The Atlas has a very nice exterior, and it looks great from both the front and the back. The LED headlights are really nice, and much brighter than standard headlights. Also, the daytime running lights look really cool (I noticed that when another Atlas pulled up behind us on the freeway). It also has a small turn radius, which makes maneuvering in tight spaces much easier. The Atlas has a few other really nice options- adaptive cruise control, auto-dimming headlights, auto-wipers, and an auto-park feature (highest trim level only) for parallel and back in perpendicular parking. The cruise control also has an option to speed up or slow down in increments of 5 mph in addition to the more standard 1 mph increment, which is handy. It also has a feature that turns on the fog light on the side of the car in the direction of a turn, providing extra light for making the turn safely. You can also lock the middle row seat HVAC controls, to prevent the inevitable arguments from the kiddos! One of the best things about the Atlas is the industry leading warranty- 6 years/72k miles, bumper to bumper. Very few of the competitors even come close to this. And it is manufactured in the USA, which I really like. Now lets talk about the things I dont like about the car. (And believe me when I say these things are pretty minor in the grand scheme of things) The biggest gripe I have is the engine power. Given that my primary goal with this vehicle is to comfortably get a lot of people from point A to B, this isnt a huge deal. I didnt buy this car to qualify for the Indy 500, but I do wish VW offered some different engine options, like a V-8 or a turbo V-6. They do offer a turbo 4 cylinder, but it is not offered above the base trim level, and I dont think it is anything more than adequate for this car anyway. A close 2nd for cons would be the height of the front seat armrests (on the door side of each seat). I like to drive with my left arm resting on the armrest while my left hand is controlling the steering wheel. In this car, I simply cannot do that, because the armrest is not high enough. Ditto with the passenger seat. It just isnt comfortable for me, and I think I am pretty representative of a standard driver/passenger. I found that during longer drives, I have to fold up a coat and stick it under my left arm to make it comfortable to drive those longer distances. This is just me, but you might find it to be a similar issue. The rest of the cons are really only small things: the blind spot warning only gives a visual cue in the side mirror, but no audible warning like all of my other vehicles; you cannot program which view comes up for the reverse camera- it is the same initial view every time you shift into reverse, and then you must select the menu and then the view you desire; an entry/exit seat position is not programmable; the adaptive cruise control cannot be turned off to make it operate like normal cruise control, and the following distance setting resets every time the car is shut down, rather than keeping the last used setting; an audible warning sounds whenever the temperature hits 39 degrees, to let you know you might have slick road conditions- seems like an arbitrary number and a little too high to me; the trip mileage reset switch is a manual switch, unlike everything else in the car, which is digital and/or automated; the gauge views themselves are not customizable, but I do love the altimeter!; the seat bolsters are not heated along with the rest of the seat, which makes them seem really cold to the touch when the seat heaters are on; the gas mileage cannot be reset manually; there is only one trip odometer- most vehicles have two or more; gas mileage is just average for this class. Keep in mind, these things are all very minor, but they might be major things for you. Bottom line, this is a nice, comfortable, feature rich 3 row SUV, with 3rd row seats that are useable by full sized adults. My wife and I love it! We highly recommend it, especially if you need access to the back row with car seats installed in the middle row. Read More Leitrim Public Participation Network (PPN), in collaboration with Laois and Tipperary PPNs, hosted a landmark National PPN Event on Thursday, July 17, at the Midlands Park Hotel in Laois, welcoming delegates from 31 Public Participation Networks (PPNs) across Ireland. Themed Building Community Resilience for Times of Emergency, the gathering marked a milestone in national collaboration and community development. The event aimed to foster networking, share knowledge, identify challenges, and develop collaborative solutions to strengthen the resilience of communities across Ireland during times of crisis. A series of interactive workshops, all aligned with the central theme, were facilitated by professional consultant Harriet Emerson, who guided discussions and knowledge exchange throughout the day. This initiative received national support from Minister of State Jerry Buttimer, as well as the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG). The organising committee, comprising representatives from Leitrim, Laois, and Tipperary PPNs, extended heartfelt thanks to all delegates who contributed their insights and experiences to the workshops. READ NEXT: Successful Leitrim event looks to close gender gap in local decision making Brian Smyth, a member of the Leitrim PPN Secretariat, delivered a presentation on the impact of recent storms in Leitrim and the role Leitrim PPN played in the response. Brian Smyth, Secretariat Member Leitrim PPN Earlier this year, Leitrim PPN hosted a public meeting in Ballinamore, ironically, the evening before Storm Eowyn, which drew almost 150 attendees. A second meeting was held in Killargue in February, where residents came together to prepare for future storm-related power outages. The meetings emphasised that a strong community voice must be central to any structure or committee set up to address such issues. The Leitrim Supports and Services Map, available on the Leitrim PPN website and developed in collaboration with stakeholders during the Covid-19 pandemic, was highlighted at the national event as a valuable resource. Also noted was the frequency of communication from Leitrim PPN to its member groups, such as sharing updates on funding, training opportunities, consultations, submissions, surveys, community news, and local events. The active participation of delegates played a crucial role in the event's success and reinforced the vital role PPNs serve in supporting communities during emergencies. READ NEXT: Leitrim native receives highest honour at awards ceremony in Canada Public Participation Networks, both locally and nationally, are officially recognized by the Government as the voice of the community. PPNs across Ireland continue to be acknowledged as essential pillars of support and communication in times of crisis, demonstrating the power of grassroots collaboration and preparedness. PPNs nationally also acknowledged the work of their local County Councils during emergencies and emphasised that a collaborative approach is key moving forward. A comprehensive report from the national event will be presented in due course to relevant stakeholders and to the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. An aerial drone photo taken on July 20, 2025 shows the sea buckthorn forest recognised by the World Record Certification Agency (WRCA) as the largest one of its kind in Longzi County of Shannan, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. With an average elevation of over 3,800 meters, Longzi County is noted for its frigid and arid climate. The river valley of Longzi was still barren and plagued by severe sandstorms in the 1960s, suffering from nearly eight months of dusty weather every year. Sea buckthorn plants were introduced to the county in 1964, and were widely planted a year later. After more than five decades of relentless efforts, a continuous belt of sea buckthorn forest now stretches over 40 kilometers across the valley, covering an area exceeding 50 square kilometers. The sea buckthorn forest of Longzi County was recognised by the World Record Certification Agency (WRCA) as the largest one of its kind in 2019. (Xinhua/Li Xin) This photo taken on July 20, 2025 shows a sea buckthorn forest at a sea buckthorn ecological park in Longzi County of Shannan, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. With an average elevation of over 3,800 meters, Longzi County is noted for its frigid and arid climate. The river valley of Longzi was still barren and plagued by severe sandstorms in the 1960s, suffering from nearly eight months of dusty weather every year. Sea buckthorn plants were introduced to the county in 1964, and were widely planted a year later. After more than five decades of relentless efforts, a continuous belt of sea buckthorn forest now stretches over 40 kilometers across the valley, covering an area exceeding 50 square kilometers. The sea buckthorn forest of Longzi County was recognised by the World Record Certification Agency (WRCA) as the largest one of its kind in 2019. (Xinhua/Li Xin) An elderly woman, one of the first local growers of sea buckthorn plants, strolls at a sea buckthorn ecological park in Longzi County of Shannan, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, July 20, 2025. With an average elevation of over 3,800 meters, Longzi County is noted for its frigid and arid climate. The river valley of Longzi was still barren and plagued by severe sandstorms in the 1960s, suffering from nearly eight months of dusty weather every year. Sea buckthorn plants were introduced to the county in 1964, and were widely planted a year later. After more than five decades of relentless efforts, a continuous belt of sea buckthorn forest now stretches over 40 kilometers across the valley, covering an area exceeding 50 square kilometers. The sea buckthorn forest of Longzi County was recognised by the World Record Certification Agency (WRCA) as the largest one of its kind in 2019. (Xinhua/Li Xin) People enjoy the play of a traditional Tibetan stringed instrument at a sea buckthorn ecological park in Longzi County of Shannan, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, July 20, 2025. With an average elevation of over 3,800 meters, Longzi County is noted for its frigid and arid climate. The river valley of Longzi was still barren and plagued by severe sandstorms in the 1960s, suffering from nearly eight months of dusty weather every year. Sea buckthorn plants were introduced to the county in 1964, and were widely planted a year later. After more than five decades of relentless efforts, a continuous belt of sea buckthorn forest now stretches over 40 kilometers across the valley, covering an area exceeding 50 square kilometers. The sea buckthorn forest of Longzi County was recognised by the World Record Certification Agency (WRCA) as the largest one of its kind in 2019. (Xinhua/Li Xin) An aerial drone photo taken on July 20, 2025 shows the sea buckthorn forest recognised by the World Record Certification Agency (WRCA) as the largest one of its kind in Longzi County of Shannan, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. With an average elevation of over 3,800 meters, Longzi County is noted for its frigid and arid climate. The river valley of Longzi was still barren and plagued by severe sandstorms in the 1960s, suffering from nearly eight months of dusty weather every year. Sea buckthorn plants were introduced to the county in 1964, and were widely planted a year later. After more than five decades of relentless efforts, a continuous belt of sea buckthorn forest now stretches over 40 kilometers across the valley, covering an area exceeding 50 square kilometers. The sea buckthorn forest of Longzi County was recognised by the World Record Certification Agency (WRCA) as the largest one of its kind in 2019. (Xinhua/Li Xin) An aerial drone photo taken on July 20, 2025 shows people visiting a sea buckthorn ecological park in Longzi County of Shannan, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. With an average elevation of over 3,800 meters, Longzi County is noted for its frigid and arid climate. The river valley of Longzi was still barren and plagued by severe sandstorms in the 1960s, suffering from nearly eight months of dusty weather every year. Sea buckthorn plants were introduced to the county in 1964, and were widely planted a year later. After more than five decades of relentless efforts, a continuous belt of sea buckthorn forest now stretches over 40 kilometers across the valley, covering an area exceeding 50 square kilometers. The sea buckthorn forest of Longzi County was recognised by the World Record Certification Agency (WRCA) as the largest one of its kind in 2019. (Xinhua/Li Xin) An aerial drone photo taken on July 20, 2025 shows a sea buckthorn ecological park and a view of Longzi County in Shannan, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. With an average elevation of over 3,800 meters, Longzi County is noted for its frigid and arid climate. The river valley of Longzi was still barren and plagued by severe sandstorms in the 1960s, suffering from nearly eight months of dusty weather every year. Sea buckthorn plants were introduced to the county in 1964, and were widely planted a year later. After more than five decades of relentless efforts, a continuous belt of sea buckthorn forest now stretches over 40 kilometers across the valley, covering an area exceeding 50 square kilometers. The sea buckthorn forest of Longzi County was recognised by the World Record Certification Agency (WRCA) as the largest one of its kind in 2019. (Xinhua/Li Xin) The HSE paid a supplier 723,000 euro twice and has not recovered the overpayment according to the State auditor. The double payment was made by two different areas of the HSE on separate financial systems operating in December 2021, which was not cross checked. The Comptroller and Auditor General Seamus McCarthy said the HSE disclosed the payment and set out actions to avoid such a situation in the future. The HSE acknowledges there were weaknesses in controls, particularly, in relation to appropriate goods receipting protocols, Mr McCarthy said in an assessment attached to the HSEs annual report and financial statements for 2024. The statement on internal control sets out the actions taken by the Health Service Executive to avoid similar circumstances recurring in the future. He said a single integrated financial system, which was due to go live at the start of this month, would significantly reduce the risk of this kind of overpayment occurring in the future. Mr McCarthy also highlighted that 4.1 million euro due to the HSE was lost last year by missing deadlines by which it could claim charges for patients covered by a health insurer. A memorandum of agreement with the health insurer in 2016 sees the HSE paid 70% of its charges for a patient stay, on account, if it makes its submission and validation within a 12-month period of a fully completed claim. If it does not meet that deadline, it must pay for all of the costs. For a sample of eight hospitals examined on audit, it was noted that losses incurred in 2024 as a result of delays in submitting completed claims amounted to two million euro, Mr McCarthy said. The Executive estimates that losses for the remaining hospitals it manages were 2.1 million, resulting in an estimated total loss of 4.1 million euro for 2024. The HSEs annual report indicated there was a 10% reduction in the number of people waiting on trolleys in emergency departments last year. Over 108,000 people were recorded on trolleys in emergency departments last year, amid an 8% increase in the total number of people attending and a rise of 7% in admissions to emergency departments. HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster said one of the most challenging aspects for the HSE was wait times for healthcare, and said tackling unacceptably long waits in emergency departments was an area of focus. The HSE annual report for 2024 analyses the health services performance and health trends among Irish people. Addressing waiting lists for scheduled care and unacceptably long waits in emergency departments (EDs) remains a priority focus area, especially for older people and those with complex needs, Mr Gloster said in the foreword. My plan for 2025 is to continue to bring trolley numbers down and to improve how our health and social care system works across seven days to allow consistent access to care. Requests for assessments of need for children spiked by 26% last year compared to a year previous, and were 33% above expected demand in 2024. There were 8,400 such requests in 2023 and more than 10,600 in 2024, in figures which had previously been shared by Childrens Minister Norma Foley in the Dail. Although there was a slight uptake on the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine compared to the previous year, the 89.9% figure was below the target for 2024. The chairman of the HSEs board, Ciaran Devane, said in an introductory statement to the report that Irelands population is ageing faster than that of any other country in the EU. Since 2015, the number of people aged 65 years and over has increased by 37%. Although life expectancy in Ireland, at 82.6 years, is ahead of the EU average, the burden of cancer is higher and accounts for a quarter of all deaths of those aged over 65. Mr Gloster, who is to step down from his role in March 2026, said 2024 was a year of real progress. We reduced the number of people waiting on trolleys by over 10%, expanded community services and improved access to scheduled care with an additional 24,000 patients seen within target timeframes. Our focus in 2025 will be to build on this momentum, improve patient flow and continue to reform how care is delivered across seven days. In light of growing evidence of democratic backsliding and rising authoritarianism worldwide, digital media are increasingly seen as central drivers of these trends both for their well-documented role in amplifying illiberal and radical right-wing politics, and for their known susceptibility to foreign manipulation. This perception is arguably reinforced by media coverage of some of the recent elections, from France to the United States to Romania, highlighting the importance of video platforms, influencers and podcasters for electoral mobilization, as well as raising alarms about Russian interference. However, if we step back from the narrow focus on electoral campaigns in countries with relatively pluralistic news markets, and take a look at the broader political information environment shaping citizens' opinions, we can often see that it is the mainstream media and domestic actors rather than social media and hostile foreign powers who assume the central role in the dissemination of false information, and in the promotion of illiberal attitudes. Our own research on the rise of illiberalism in Eastern Europe highlights many such examples, while at the same time showing that under certain conditions namely, wherever the majority of the mainstream media market has been captured by illiberal political actors or their business allies social media can act as channels of resistance against the forces of illiberalism. Major channels of propaganda In Eastern Europe, some of the most potent manifestations of the crucial role of mainstream media in the illiberal public sphere are currently observed in Hungary and Serbia. In Hungary, Viktor Orban's Fidesz party has effectively colonized the vast majority of the media market, and turned major media brands into channels of government propaganda, starting with the public service broadcaster MTVA. In Serbia, the key outlets upholding the illiberal regime of Aleksandar Vucic have been commercial TV stations such as Pink TV, TV Happy, TV Prva and TV92, as well as the main national tabloids such as Informer, Alo, Kurir and Srpski telegraf, all owned by Serbian companies with close ties with the ruling elites. You have 57.38% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. Independence Day Address by H.E. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close EMERGENCY services attended an arson attack at a house in a leafy Limerick city suburb in the early hours of this Saturday morning. Gardai responded to the scene on the Father Russell Road in Raheen at around 3am. It is believed that an explosive device was thrown at the home. The front of the building is thought to be extensively damaged, however, no injuries have been reported currently. READ NEXT: Planning Permission sought for solar farm at family home of Limerick's JP McManus A garda spokesperson said: Gardai are investigating an incident of criminal damage at a premises in Raheen, County Limerick in the early hours of this morning, Saturday, July 26, 2025. "No injuries have been reported at this time. Inquiries are ongoing," said the Garda spokesperson. The background to the attack is not known. Anybody who was in the Raheen area of Limerick city at around 3am this Saturday morning and witnessed any suspicious activity is asked to contact investigating gardai in Henry Street on 061 212400. LOCAL authority bosses are planning to sell a portion of land in the car park of the Adare Heritage Centre to Gas Networks Ireland. Council members are to be asked to approve the sale of a portion of land, measuring almost eight square metres for 1,000. If approved, the land will transfer to Gas Networks Ireland. READ MORE: McCarthy Insurance Group expands team with Newcastle West refurbishment The utility firm is carrying out a nationwide programme of works where its staff are replacing what are known as district regulating installations, taking them from underground to above ground. These take the form of a fenced area containing pipework and equipment which regulates gas pressure for a specific area. These installations are seen as crucial for managing the flow of natural gas from transmission pipelines to distribution networks that supply homes and businesses. They ensure gas is delivered at a safe and usable pressure. At this months Adare-Rathkeale district meeting, councillors were asked to take note of the proposed sale. A decision on whether the land is sold or not is likely to be made at the next full council meeting, which takes place on Monday, September 22. Fine Gael councillor Adam Teskey said this station was originally proposed to go into the Town Park. There were plenty of objections to this. If its not good enough for the Town Park, how is it good enough for the heritage centre, the councillor asked. He also asked if this would impact plans to upgrade Adares Heritage Centre. Cllr Teskey was told by officials that the installation is proposed well away from the Adare Heritage Centre building in a secluded part of the car park. FOUR car-loving students at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) are building a racing car from scratch in a bid to emulate their Formula 1 (F1) heroes. The TUS motorsport team whose members are made up of students from across the region have made some of the car parts themselves at the colleges Coonagh campus on Limerick citys northside. READ MORE: Limerick mayor refuses to remove Boro Park from housing plan They have sourced other parts through sponsorship, and even upcycled an engine from a crashed Honda motorbike. Among the members of the core team of mechanical engineering students are Effins Daniel Gammell, Ethan Ellis from Doon, Krzysztof Kowalewski from Shannon, Tommy Brazil from Martinstown, and Alyssa Hanley from Charleville. Above: Former Top Gear presenter Quentin Wilson took time out from his role as speaker at the Manufacturing Solutions exhibition in the college to meet TUS Motorsport members Krzysztof Kowalewski, Ethan Ellis, Asher Grant, Nathan Killane, Hugh OGrady and Daniel Gammell (Picture: Alan Place) Now they are heading across to Silverstone racetrack in Britain, where motorsport legends like the late Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton made their name. While their vehicle is not yet fully finished, they have reached the concept stage of the Formula Student competition which includes teams from around the world. Their car has been shipped across to the elite F1 venue, at Northamptonshire, in the British midlands by van and ferry. And the team has their eyes on the prize: they want to enter the full Student Formula Race at Silverstone in just 12 months time. In total around 30 TUS students have helped in the project. Some have done college assignments which are driving to the ultimate goal. Below: Hugh O'Grady, Daniel Gammell and Asher Grant with a cardboard mock-up of the chassis design (Picture: Alan Place) Many of the students taking part come from different academic backgrounds too - from precision, mechanical, electronic and automotive engineering to international business, creative broadcast and film production. The TUS Motorsports team is led by its president Nathan Killane from Kilcommon in Tipperary, close to the Limerick border. Nathan has experience in the motorsports arena already, having competed in the F1 in Schools contest at secondary level alongside the groups vice president Darragh OGrady, from Thurles. Taking up the story, Nathan said: When it came to the time to choose my CAO, TUS was my first choice because I had a dream of one day competing in Formula Student. In my very first week of college, I reached out to Daniela Butan, one of the lecturers here, to help me establish a team. Since then, weve made real, measurable progress, building momentum each semester. For the group, the project is about more than just building a car, Nathan added. READ MORE: Olympian encourages Limerick to take to local parks for physical and mental health Its an opportunity to develop both technical and soft skills, to promote engineering in a way that inspires students and to showcase the incredible talent we have here at TUS, said the team president. In order to pass the chequered flag, the team availed of two third-level research grants to the value of 13,000. On top of this, they sought help and sponsorship from Kent Stainless which provided the chassis, which is the framework of any motorised vehicle. Beta Tools has come on board to sponsor a tool chest as have Dave Killane Transport, from Nathans Tipperary home place, who are sponsoring the transport. DC Autospares supplied studs and nuts. Locally, Kilmallock firm Senator Engineering made the pedal box, and Ballysimon Road company OMC provided suspension tabs and funding. Takumi Precision based in Raheen funded the 1999 Honda Motorbike, which the students recovered parts from. Shannons Bolger Engineering provided body panels. Another company from Kilmallock SQ Fabs supplied materials, while studs and nuts came from Cavanaghs of Charleville. Financial support was also forthcoming from Ace Autobody and Lyonss Motor Group, both based at Ballysimon Road, alongside John Crowley Plant Hire of Sixmilebridge. When you include the value of benefit-in-kind from sponsors, the team estimates the total outlay to put together the motor will be less than 30,000. It flies in contrast to some of their Formula Student competitors who have spent many multiples of that sum, with one team splashing out 130,000 in 2023. Most of the work on the car has taken place at TUSs Coonagh Campus in Limerick where the team have access to professional tools and equipment as well as assistance from academics. While lecturer in the department of mechanical and automobile engineering Ms Butan was their main source of advice, many of her colleagues have helped them too including Lisa Henihan, Ciaran OLoughlin, James McPhillips, Chris Sexton, Patrick Walsh and Sean Cunningham. Tony Mahon, the departments head also played his part. Ms Butan said: The drive of these students is second to none. When they first approached me with their idea to build a Formula car, I didnt think it was achievable in the timeframe they had but theyve proved me wrong. I told them theyd need a multi-disciplinary team, a solid business plan, and a marketing strategy, because this was about more than just engineering and they delivered on all fronts. She praised the teams drive. Their passion for the project has truly shone through, and they deserve great credit not only for the countless hours theyve dedicated, but also for their strategic approach in aligning their college work with the project. She hailed it as a major achievement not just for the mechanical engineering team but for the college as a whole. Were very proud of their progress and commitment and they are now in pole position to take part in the race 12 months from now, she smiled. When they return to TUS next semester, the team plan to finish the car and race it for the first time. After that, it will be tested over and over as they vie to become the first ever Technological University to race at Silverstone. MORE than 400 grants to restore vacant properties to their former glories have been approved in Limerick. Thats according to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne who has released figures from across the country. In Limerick, more than 5.3m has, or is due to be paid out to property owners to help them refurbish units which are out of use. READ MORE: Date fixed for appeal of the sentence received by Limerick killer of Joe Drennan Some 408 grants were formally approved, and 103 grants have been issued so far, data from the Government has revealed. Nationally, 155.2 million has been paid out to Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant applicants, bringing 2,856 homes back into residential use from vacancy. The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant offers up to 50,000, or up to 70,000 for derelict properties, to help renovate vacant homes for private use or rental. Funded by the Department of Housing through the Croi Conaithe scheme, it is available through local authorities. Since the scheme began, almost 10,000 applications for the grant had been approved across Ireland by the end of last month. More than 700 grants were paid in the second quarter of this year on completion of works, according to the new figures. Its a significant increase on the same period last year when 226 grants were paid out. Minister of State and local TD Niall Collins said: Its hugely encouraging that over 400 vacant property refurbishment grant applications have been approved by council. The grant helps people to bring vacant houses back to use and turn them into homes, breathing new life into our communities, and the number of grants being paid out will continue to rise significantly in the months ahead. MOSCOW, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Peace talks and the settlement of the Ukraine crisis have never been on the West's real agenda, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Saturday. "We need to get to the root of the issue and understand that terms like 'peace negotiations,' 'negotiations in general,' and 'political and diplomatic settlement' have never been a true trend or a true philosophy of the West," she said. Zakharova also called for an international day against Russophobia to counter the West's anti-Russian narrative. Under the banner of Russophobia, weapons flow to Kiev, and children of various nations perish indiscriminately, she added. Apple Inc., Amazon.com Inc. and Microsoft Corp. are among the bluechip names reporting next week that will underscore how companies are confronting tariff-fueled cost increases even as consumer confidence falters and artificial-intelligence investment needs grow. Meta Platforms Inc., seen as the most exposed to an ad spending pullback in the US by large Chinese advertisers, is likely to be quizzed about its unusually high compensation offers to lure AI talent. Highlights to look out for: Monday: Waste Managements adjusted earnings per share should rise after falling two consecutive quarters with its purchase of Stericycle already proving to be more accretive than initially projected, Bloomberg Intelligence said. Tuesday: Procter & Gamble could detail more productivity efforts beyond the office job cuts it has planned over the next two years as it seeks to jumpstart stalling profit growth. Adjusted EPS is seen up 1.6% versus 2.2% a year ago. Wednesday: Meta sales growth should be the slowest in two years. Ad pricing gains are stable due to its AI-driven ad targeting, BI said. Margins remain pressured near term by higher AI spending as exemplified by recent high-profile hires, Jefferies said. Thursday: Apples Greater China revenue is seen rising for the first time in two years. Aggressive promotions there should have helped its product sales firm while its services segment chalks up its eighth quarter of double-digit gains. European Union antitrust moves have yet to slow App Store sales growth, Citi said. Continued delays with AI offerings and US trade policy will weigh on iPhone demand for the rest of the year, Citi added. Friday: Chevrons competitive inventory will be strengthened vis-a-vis arch rival Exxon Mobils , following the close of its long-delayed Hess Corp. acquisition, BI said. Exxon, expected to post a 14% drop in revenue, may be asked about reports that its in talks to explore for oil and gas off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Tucked away on the fifth floor of a building on Lyndhurst Terrace, newly opened Sol offers a refreshing take on Korean cuisine, one thats deeply rooted in tradition but elegantly dressed in French technique. Thats due in large part to the creative energy of head chef Gwanju Kim, formerly of Singapores three-Michelin-starred Odette and Seoul's one-starred LAmant Secret. Although chef Kims journey began in French kitchens, his heart was always drawn to the richness of Korean produce. We used a lot of Japanese ingredients and techniques at Odette, he says. And I used to envy that because Korea has so many incredible ingredients too. After returning to Seoul, he began rethinking Korean cuisine, eventually landing in Hong Kong to bring his vision to life. His goal is to spotlight the ingredients Koreans often take for granted like maesaengi and siraegi and introduce them to a global audience. At the start of our meal, chef Kim presented a basket of the vegetables that would feature in our dishes, explaining their sourcing and traditional Korean culinary roles. Each course included a thorough overview from our server and a lovely table card offering an insightful backstory to the core ingredient at play. For this review, we, a Korean native and a recent Hong Kong transplant, visited Sol about a week after it opened. We ordered the five-course lunch set , and a recommended add-on to start. Our total bill for two came to HK$1,263 , including sparkling water and service. The vibe: Sols interior is warm and inviting, with earthy brown tiles, soft circular lighting and the solstice motif adorning the walls. Two-person booths provide the perfect setting for a conversation while a few larger tables can accommodate groups. A separate space near the open kitchen hosts monthly cooking classes and group bookings, adding a community feel to the refined dining experience. Can you conduct a meeting here? Absolutely. But a meal this good might be better shared with your loved ones. Whos next to you: When we visited for a late weekday lunch, it was still quiet. But the few tables around us seemed to have couples and friends. What wed order again: Stella: My favorites were the creamy steamed egg topped with mushrooms and pine nuts, and a dish recommended by our server: a Jeju abalone paired with two types of Korean seaweed with a classic beurre blanc sauce. A nostalgic moment came with the mubap, a seasoned radish rice dish, served alongside grilled pork jowl, a humble one-pot dinner that instantly sent me back to my childhood in Seoul. Its a clever nod to the chefs belief that the most common ingredients often hold the deepest meaning. Id like to return for dinner, especially with dessert chef Kylie Yang, formerly of Mingles and Hansik Goo, bringing her own modern Korean flair to the final course, which includes two grain-inspired desserts: one made with white rice and the other with barley. Ray: At Sol, none of the usual Korean fare Im accustomed to your bibimbap, Korean barbecue or ginseng chicken soup are on the menu. So this experience helped widen my palate and appreciation for other Korean staples. Standouts in my mind were the delicately layered saewoo-jang , the aforementioned main course of mubap with pork jowl and the just-sweet-enough dessert featuring tastes of barley, chocolate and tonka beans. Id absolutely return for dinner, or better yet, a cooking class. Need to know: Sol is on the fifth floor of 8 Lyndhurst Terrace. There are no signs outside, so check the floor directory inside the building entrance. The restaurant serves lunch from noon to 3 p.m. and dinner from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Only set menus are available for both lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended, which can be made via Google Maps or directly on the restaurants website. Stella Ko and Raymond Schillinger This review was originally published in Hong Kong Edition, a weekly newsletter. To subscribe for free, click here. Read our other restaurant reviews: Joongang Haejang, famous for its Korean hangover soup, as well as Lala, Jee and Tsui Wah, which are in Sols neighborhood. Let us know if you have any restaurants youd like us to review. Drop us a line at hkedition@bloomberg.net. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Sona Comstar Controversy: Late Sunjay Kapur's company Sona Comstar found itself in a middle of a brewing family feud since his death in June this year. The tensions escalated on Friday as the deceased Chairman's mother Rani Kapur raised objections about the company's Annual General Meeting being held on the day. The Sona Comstar AGM continued despite Rani Kapur's objections, with Sunjay Kapur's wife Priya Sachdev Kapur being appointed as a Non-Executive Director of the company. Here is everything we know about the Sona Comstar family feud: The Sona Comstar family feud has its roots in June, when Sunjay Kapur, the company's chairman and non-executive director, passed away at 53 due to a cardiac arrest while playing polo. On June 23, the company, a 30,000 crore family legacy, appointed Jeffrey Mark Overly as the new Chairperson of its Board of Directors, and Priya Sachdev Kapur as an Additional Director in the capacity of Non-Executive Director. 30,000 crore family legacy, appointed Jeffrey Mark Overly as the new Chairperson of its Board of Directors, and Priya Sachdev Kapur as an Additional Director in the capacity of Non-Executive Director. Rani Kapur, former chairperson of the Sona group and wife of former Chairman Surinder Kapur, in a letter dated July 24 to the board of Sona BLW Precision Forgings, alleged that while the family is in the mourning due to the sudden passing away of Sunjay last month, some people have chosen this an opportune time to wrest control and usurp the family legacy. She raised objections in the holding of the AGM on July 25, alleging that she was coerced into signing some documents that have not been revealed to her. Also Read | Power struggle grips Sona Comstar after chairpersons death Following Rani Kapur's allegations, attention shifted to Priya Sachdev Kapur, with some people believing that she referred to her daughter-in-law in her accusations of being forced to sign documents. Livemint could not independently verify if this was true. Sona Comstar has refuted the claims made by Sunjay Kapur's mother. Sona Comstar on Friday said it held its AGM with full regulatory compliance despite Rani Kapur's objections. According to the company's AGM notice, among other resolutions is an ordinary resolution of appointment of Priya Sachdev Kapur, wife of late Sunjay Kapur, as a Non-Executive Director of the company, with with 99.44% votes in favour of the decision Rani Kapur said that as per the Will dated June 30, 2015, she is the sole beneficiary of her late husband Surinder Kapur's estate and accordingly a majority shareholder of the Sona Group including the auto components firm. In a regulatory filing, Sona BLW Precision Forgings (Sona Comstar) stated that as per the company records, Rani Kapur has not been a shareholder of the company at least since 2019. Rani Kapur said the death of her son in the UK last month occurred in a "highly suspicious and unexplained circumstances", and noted that she has not given any consent or officially nominated any person to be on the board of Sona Comstar. Bengaluru: Diagnostics and online pharmacy platform Tata 1mg is doubling down on its business-to-business (B2B) offerings, which bolstered growth in FY25, a top executive told Mint . The enterprise business accounts for 30% of the companys revenue and is expected to grow substantially by the end of the current fiscal year, Gaurav Agarwal, co-founder of Tata 1mg, said in an interview. Our enterprise business is growing very fastalmost 100% year on year. We see tremendous growth opportunities in corporate programmes, especially in diagnostics." Tata 1mgs B2B segment includes the sale of selling healthcare plant to its corporate clientele. The company has been expanding its diagnostics lab centres and increasing the availability of its services beyond metro cities as it prepares to raise external capital of $300 million. Agarwal declined to comment on the progress and timeline of the fundraising. Previously, 1mg had raised $40 million through a rights issue from Tata Digital in 2022. Tata Digital had acquired a strategic stake in 1mg in 2021. Delivering healthcare to corporates is complex because it involves several regulatory requirements. Were also building out our offline retail operations to make this more seamless. Consumers who dont like ordering online can now walk into our stores and get the same benefits," Agarwal said. Also Read | E-pharmacies, chemists at odds as govt mulls a stop to home delivery of drugs The company added 23 retail stores in the June quarter of FY26, taking its total to 126 across 10 cities. This takes us closer to our omnichannel vision," Agarwal noted. It added four diagnostic labs in Patna, Bhubaneswar, Ranchi and Vishakhapatnam, and will ramp up investments to expand its lab network this year. Tata 1mg competes with Apollo, Ranjan Pai-backed PharmEasy and Reliances Netmeds in the pharmacy and diagnostics segment. Tata 1mg's consolidated revenue rose 22% to 2,392 crore in FY25 from 1,968 crore in the previous year, according to Tata Sons annual report. Its loss narrowed to 276 crore from 313 crore a year ago. Quick medicine delivery The newest trend in the healthcare space is the emergence of quick medicine delivery, with the entry of several young companies. Grocery delivery entities Swiggy and Zepto have entered the race, along with new companies including Plazza (led by former Zomato executive Aman Priyadarshi), Medstown, and Medinos, Mint reported earlier. E-commerce marketplace Flipkart too is looking to deliver medicines under its Minutes arm. Tata 1mg is bucking the trend by making operational workarounds for delivery of medicines in the 30-60-minute range in major cities, Agarwal said. Our median delivery time in a city like Gurugram is 25 minutes that is being fulfilled through a mix of online and offline retail stores. Were piloting sub-15-minute deliveries in some cities like Ghaziabad, Jaipur and Lucknow where the economics can meet operational requirements," he said. However, the company is not taking an aggressive approach and is instead playing wait-and-watch, unlike rivals who are doubling down on the proposition. Medicines are not a consumptive demand category where you will eat more medicines simply because its available easy and quickly. Only the catchment radius and demand will decide efficiency. Ten-minute deliveries are generally restricted to a 1-km radius," Agarwal said. Margins are capped at a certain number in a category like pharmacy and we dont want to become a quick commerce player that burns hundreds of dollars every month trying to generate demand." Lower commissions For quick commerce companies, commissions (post-discount) in certain pharma categories are lower than in FMCG categories. Moreover, the frequency of purchases for over-the-counter drugs is lower than for groceries or FMCG, Rishav Jain, managing director at Alvarez & Marsal, told Mint previously. On a marginal cost basis, if this increases the gross order value then it can add to the absolute gross profit per order, which flows down to operating profit," Jain said. Tata 1mg is evaluating how faster deliveries can play into its larger operational infrastructure. We are experimenting with faster deliveries and observing how it can be executed best," said Agarwal, who isnt too worried about the growing competition. A lot of people have taken a crack at vertical commerce in this space over the last few years but given the fundamental challenges of economics and regulations, we have seen almost every single one of them struggle." Six years after the tragic passing of actor Cameron Boyce, Adam Sandler has paid quiet tribute to his former co-star in his latest film, Happy Gilmore 2, which released on July 25. The heartfelt nod was spotted by fans who noticed Boyce briefly appearing on a television screen in the background of a scene set at a check-in booth. Cameron Boyce's Tribute In 'Happy Gilmore 2' The fleeting clip, believed to be footage from Boyces Disney Channel show Jessie, appears to be a subtle homage to the young actor, who played Sandlers son in the Grown Ups franchise. Also Read | Happy Gilmore 2 release date: When and where to watch Adam Sandler starrer Although not publicly announced or confirmed by the production team, the moment did not go unnoticed by fans. Social media was quick to react, with one user posting: Adam Sandler subtly including Cameron Boyce in this scene from #HappyGilmore2 hits different (sic). Another wrote, Excuse me while I sob (sic), echoing the emotional resonance the scene had for many viewers. Check out some more reactions below: When Adam Sandler Paid Tribute To Cameron In Another Film This isnt the first time Sandler has honoured Boyces memory. In 2020, his Netflix comedy Hubie Halloween concluded with a heartfelt message: In loving memory of CAMERON BOYCE, accompanied by a photograph of the actor. The tribute praised Boyce as one of the kindest, coolest, funniest, and most talented kids we knew. What Happened to Cameron Boyce? Cameron Boyce died in July 2019 at just 20 years old due to a seizure caused by an ongoing medical condition. The news sent shockwaves through Hollywood and his fan base. Sandler, then 52, shared a moving tribute on X (formerly Twitter), describing Boyce as Too young. Too sweet. Too funny Just the nicest, most talented, and most decent kid around (sic). TEL AVIVIsrael has emerged from a string of stunning military successes with nearly unchecked power in the Middle East. Now Washington is struggling to adjust. The Trump administration in recent days has expressed frustration with Israeli actions in Syria and Gaza. President Trumps MAGA supporters, in particular, are growing more critical of his support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who they fear will drag the U.S. deeper into a morass of regional wars. Israel this month bombed Syrias military headquarters and presidential palace in Damascus, saying it was defending the Druze religious minority group from sectarian violence. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. helped broker an agreement to de-escalate the situation after characterizing the clashes between Israel and Syria as a misunderstanding. The U.S. has backed interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaas efforts to unite the country. Separately, Israel drew widespread condemnation, including from the Trump administration, after it struck a Catholic church in Gaza, killing three people. Israel said it was an accident. The White House said this past week that Trump was caught off guard" by the bombing in Syria and the strike that hit the Catholic church. The dissonance in part reflects Israels new position of power after a series of wars that have left it with no significant regional rivals, according to former officials and analysts. The fundamental change that has to be recognized in addressing the future of the Middle East is that Israel is now the strongest power in the Middle East," said Amos Hochstein, who was a senior adviser under President Joe Biden. They are the absolute, overwhelming, dominant military hegemon of the Middle East. Like it or hate it, its fact; there is no real counterweight." Ironically, that is not necessarily good news for Israel or the U.S.," Hochstein said, adding that Israels strength is leading it to overreach, prolonging its wars in Gaza and beyond. Israels recent assertiveness has in part been encouraged by the Trump administration. Trumps decision to join Israels attack on Iran in Junethe first time the two countries fought side by side in a warhas reinforced Israels view that the U.S. supports and is aligned with its goals in the Middle East. Trump administration officials have said they want the killing in Gaza to stop and for Israel and Hamas to sign a cease-fire deal. But an agreement to halt the fighting has proven elusive. On Thursday, the U.S. special envoy, Steve Witkoff, recalled the U.S. negotiating team from Doha, Qatar, saying Hamas showed a lack of desire" to reach a deal. Israel, meanwhile, has renewed its assault on Hamas in recent months, leading to growing international condemnation over the rising toll on Palestinians. The tensions over the recent bombings in Syria and Gaza in part stem from mixed U.S. messaging and Israeli misunderstandings, said Dan Shapiro, who served as U.S. ambassador to Israel under President Barack Obama. The Trump administration has greenlighted Israeli actions in Gaza and Lebanon and didnt stand in Israels way when Netanyahu attacked Iran last month. But it flashed a red light on Syria, after initially echoing Israeli concern over Sharaas Islamist ties. When you have this kind of differentiated approach, it requires very clear communication to avoid mixed signals," said Shapiro. It seems there have been some gaps there, which can lead to misunderstandings, and then friction between the two governments after the fact." A senior administration official said the White House coordinates closely with Israel and has considerable influence over Netanyahu because the prime minister knows that the United States literally is the sole reason the state of Israel exists." Trump speaks directly to Netanyahu when issues arise, the official said. After Israeli forces hit the church in Gaza, the president spoke to Netanyahu and urged him to put out a statement explaining what happened, the official said. The Israeli military on Tuesday said that a mortar accidentally hit the church due to an unintentional deviation of munitions" and apologized. Mike Huckabee, the U.S. ambassador to Israel and supporter of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, denounced Israeli-settler attacks on Taybeh, a Palestinian Christian village. In a rare criticism of Israel, he called the event an absolute travesty" and said we will certainly insist that those who carry out acts of terror and violence in Taybehor anywherebe found and prosecuted. Not just reprimanded, thats not enough." The Israeli moves are angering Trumps MAGA supporters. Trump ran on extricating the U.S. from the region and broadly ending American involvement in foreign wars so it had the resources to deter China. So far, they see Netanyahu leading Trump to act against his instincts. He is putting his own country on the path to further war and dragging the U.S. into further war," Curt Mills, executive director of the America First-aligned magazine The American Conservative, said on the Trump ally Matt Gaetzs television show this past week. When Netanyahu makes a decision, he has the temerity to demandthe chutzpah, franklythat the U.S. back him, and its an extremely unstable situation." Some former U.S. officials and analysts say Trump has more leverage over Netanyahu than did Biden, whose position weakened as his fellow Democrats fought over Israels military approach in Gaza. Despite MAGA opposition, Trump isnt contending with a revolt from congressional Republicans that threatens to derail his Israel policy. The situation allows him more room to handle the ever-shifting relationship. Others say the reality of the relationship is far more complex. While the U.S. sells Israel advanced weapons and actively defends it against attacks, no American president would fully cut off the support to send Israel a message. Netanyahu knows this and operates knowing he cant really lose U.S. backing for whatever it does. Every president thinks they have some ability to constrain him and shape him, and they do," said Philip Gordon, who in the previous administration was national-security adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris. But in the end, Netanyahu is an experienced, wily actor, and knows he can get away with a lot." The gaps between the two sides are also the result of a tougher security posture by Israel, especially in defending its borders, since the surprise Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023. Israeli interventions in Lebanon, Syria and Iran all reflect the calculation that Israel cant afford to wait for threats to materialize but must take offensive action to thwart them as they grow. Netanyahu attributed the cease-fire ultimately reached in southern Syria to Israeli military action. This is a cease-fire that was reached through strength," he said. Not by making requests, not by beggingthrough strength. We are reaching peace through strength, quiet through strength, security through strengthon seven fronts." Israels post-Oct. 7 mindset isnt focused on diplomacy, said Ofer Guterman, a senior researcher at the Tel Aviv-based Institute for National Security Studies. Nobody in the aftermath of Oct. 7 is thinking about diplomacy and how peace agreements can be a very good tool of prevention," he said. The result is that Trump is finding it just as difficult as all of his predecessors to bring Israel completely in line with the U.S., said Steven Cook, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations think tank. The problem for American presidents is that the Israelis are determined to fix their security problem, not just manage it," Cook said. Write to Shayndi Raice at Shayndi.Raice@wsj.com and Alexander Ward at alex.ward@wsj.com For years, successive governments have had the Look East policy to work with the South East Asian nations and offer a counterbalance to Chinas influence in the region. In 2014, this Look East was converted to Act East with a focus on economic connections, defence co-operation, and most importantly, people-to-people connect. The people-to-people connect part has greatly benefited the airlines, with the winners being Indian carriers in some cases, while foreign carriers in others. The change has been drastic from pre-COVID times to today and has been fuelled by the need from ASEAN to replace or hedge Chinese tourists, who remained away for a longer period due to restrictions in place by the Chinese government on travel. This meant that tourism-heavy economies like Thailand started offering incentives like free visas for Indians to travel, leading to a spurt in tourist traffic. Overall, the India-ASEAN market has been a mix of new connections, increased services and a growth like no other. Also Read: Air India gains domestic market share in June despite Ahmedabad crash Data obtained from Cirium, an aviation analytics company, exclusively for this article, shows that there has been a giant leap in connectivity, with Indian carriers also benefiting from this. New connections In December 2019, the last full month of operations in the world before COVID started taking its toll, India did not have a connection with Brunei, Laos, the Philippines and Cambodia among the 10 ASEAN nations. Today, Royal Brunei operates a thrice-a-week service to Chennai; Air Cambodia flies twice a week to Delhi; Air India is starting flights to Manila in September while Laos remains the only blank spot right now. Vietnam & Indonesia the new stars Among all the countries and connectivity, the India-Vietnam connectivity has seen a new high. From just 21 flights a week in December 2019, the connectivity has now gone up to 82 weekly flights. However, only 21 out of these are operated by Indian carriers 14 by IndiGo and seven by Air India. The rest are being operated by the two Vietnamese carriers, Vietnam Airlines and VietJet. Their network in India has spanned to Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Delhi and Hyderabad to connect to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, after having tried a few other variations. Overall, the seats went up nearly four times, and frequencies have gone up three times. While the India-Vietnam sector has seen the foreign carriers rule over Indian ones, the story is exactly opposite to Indonesia. By December 2019, all the Indonesian carriers had pulled out of India where multiple variations like non-stop and one-stop flights via Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok had been tried to connect Jakarta and Bali to points in India. On the other side of COVID, IndiGo and Vistara (later Air India) have 21 weekly frequencies to Indonesia, with IndiGo operating a daily flight to Jakarta from Mumbai and to Bali from Bengaluru while Air India operates to Bali from Delhi. Singapore-Malaysia-Thailand, the troika continues to dominate The India-Malaysia market has remained more or less the same, with a slight drop. There are 42,124 weekly seats each way across 222 frequencies between India and Malaysia. While IndiGo reduced its presence at Kuala Lumpur, it added flights to Penang and Langkawi from Chennai and Bengaluru respectively, while Air India returned to Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysian carriers have shrunk 11 per cent even though they have tried multiple options having maxed out on seats to metros due to bilateral restrictions. The India-Singapore market comprises 57,611 weekly seats across 247 flights this August, a slump of 10 per cent compared to 2019. The Singaporean side has shrunk by 8 per cent since 2019, while the Indian side has remained constant. August also sees seasonal variations to Singapore and often sees drop in capacity by seats or frequencies. The biggest gainer for seats in the market between pre-COVID and today has been Thailand. This also is the biggest market among the three nations by seats on offer. There was an addition of 35 weekly frequencies and a growth of 10 per cent in connectivity between India and Thailand. The connectivity recalibrated with new points being connected, like Surat-Bangkok, Pune-Bangkok, Bhubaneshwar-Bangkok, Bengaluru-Krabi, Kolkata-Phuket, among others. The Indian carriers grew close to 25 per cent in the India-Thailand market, taking a fair share even after the fall of Go Air, while the Thai carriers shrank about 5 per cent. The total seats on offer each week between India and Thailand stands at 71,350. Bitcoin is in the midst of another historic rally. Can it continue? Your guess is as good as anyones. The bearish arguments, so far proved wrong by the market, havent changed. The bullish arguments remain as mercurialand contradictoryas ever. The original cryptocurrency is having another great year, with its price up more than 27%. On Friday, Bitcoin traded at $119,023, up 0.5% for the day, and only about 3% below its July 14 all-time high of $123,166. The price pegs Bitcoins total market cap at $2.3 trillion. If Bitcoin were a stock, that would rank it sixth in the S&P 500, behind Google parent Alphabet and in front of Meta, according to FactSet data. Given all the excitement, Wall Street analysts are scrambling to put a target price on the surging asset. On Thursday, Citigroup Global Markets offered investors a framework for understanding Bitcoins price, based on criteria like demand and macro-economic factors. But the result wasnt going to change many minds: Citi offered a bull case of $199,000, representing a gain of about 70% from todays price and a bear case of $64,000, suggesting a 50% decline. Its hard to blame Citibanks analysts for trying to cover their bases. So many of the arguments in favor of Bitcoin tend to fall back on themselvesand yet the price marches ever upwards. Take Bitcoins latest price driver: Action in Washington. Last week President Trump signed the Genius Act, a bill designed to regulate stable coins, a form of cryptocurrency backed by real assets. Lawmakers may soon advance the Clarity Act, which is designed to resolve the question of whether regulators should treat cryptocurrencies as commodities or securities. There is even talk of crypto in 401(k)s. Its true those developments could all further mainstream adoption. Yet for anyone who has followed the crypto industrys rhetoric over the past decade, its a little hard not to blanch at all the cheering over victories in Washington. The original aim of Bitcoinand its cri de coeurwas to be a store of value whose price was immune to government meddling. Bitcoins scarcity, amid the growing demand for digital assets, is another key explanation for the rally. But this argument is thorny too. Bitcoin boosters are fond of repeating that there will never be more than 21 million Bitcoins, while regular halvings" make Bitcoin less and less lucrative to mine. Meanwhile, demand for Bitcoin has skyrocketed in the past year thanks to the advent of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds, which make it far easier for mainstream investors to bet on the cryptocurrency. The largest of these, the iShares Bitcoin Trust, has grabbed nearly $38 billion in investor dollars in the past 12 months and nearly $6 billion in the last month alone. But can this potent mix of scarcity and demand continue? While the number of Bitcoins is fixed, there is no limit on the number of copy-cat coins. CoinMarketCap tracks more than 18 million coins, according to its website, with a total market value of $1.5 trillion. So far the SEC has cleared spot ETFs for only the two most valuable cryptos: Bitcoin and Ethereum. But boosters of offerings such as XRP, Litecoin and Solana are clamoring for their own spot ETFs. Washingtons new crypto-friendly attitude suggests they will soon get them. Of course, a flood of new crypto ETFs wont necessarily dampen investors appetite for Bitcoin. Bitcoins status and mystique as the original crypto has so far ensured it remains more valuable than its many imitators. But the potential flood does suggest that hype, more than limited supply, is what supports Bitcoins price. Arguments for why investors should own Bitcoin (other than price speculation) are also shaky. Unlike stocks and bonds, Bitcoin doesnt throw off any cash flows. No matter, supporters have long argued. Bitcoin still has a role in your portfolio as a store of value, a form of digital gold." Its a view that has led some large investing firms (including Bitcoin ETF sponsors BlackRock and Fidelity) to advocate investors should consider devoting at least a small share of their overall portfolio, say 1% to 2%, to Bitcoin, to boost diversification. The Bitcoin-as-diversifier notion mirrors the longstanding arguments made in favor of owning actual goldbut there are problems with this thesis too. Its true that returns for Bitcoin and gold have resembled one another over the past year. They are both in the midst of big rallies. But, then so are plenty of risk-on assets, notably U.S. growth stocks, led by big U.S. technology names. While gold isnt a perfect hedge against stock-market declines, its reputation as a haven during times of macroeconomic turmoil has been established by academic studies looking at decades of returns. Bitcoin, invented in 2008, boasts no such extensive record. In fact, one recent study (again by BlackRock) found that, although Bitcoins volatility had recently lessened, the coin remained about four times more volatile than gold. When the next bear market comes it seems likely investors will flee speculative assets like Bitcoin and tech stocks, not run to them for shelter. Where will Bitcoin go next? Prices may continue to march higher, just because they always have. But the arguments in favor of still-bigger gains still dont give much confidencemaking sense only if you close one eye and wish away all the contradictions. Write to Ian Salisbury at ian.salisbury@barrons.com Buy or sell stocks: The Indian stock market extended its selling for the second straight session on Friday. The Nifty 50 index broke below the 50-DEMA support and finished nearly 400 points lower from the weekly high at 24,837. This marks Nifty's fourth consecutive week of losses, with a weekly decline of 0.53%. Cipla, SBI Life, and Apollo Hospitals demonstrated strength in a broadly negative market, standing out as the Nifty's top performers on Friday. Conversely, it was a tough session for financial heavyweights, with Bajaj Finance, Shriram Finance, and IndusInd Bank ending as the major losers. Trading volumes on the NSE cash market were lower by 4% compared to yesterday. Baring, Nifty Pharma and Healthcare, and all other sectoral indices ended in red. Nifty Media, PSU Banks, Oil & Gas, and Metal fell sharply, registering the steepest declines and bearing the brunt of the selling pressure. The pain was even more acute in the broader market today, with the Nifty Midcap 100 and Smallcap 100 indices significantly underperforming the benchmark. The Nifty Midcap 100 Index plunged 1.61%, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 Index plummeted 2.10%. Market breadth remained weak for the seventh day, where declining shares surpassed advancers. The advance-decline ratio on the BSE stood at 0.40, the lowest since 19 June. Stock market next week Sumeet Bagadia, Executive Director at Choice Broking, believes the Indian stock market bias has weakened as the Nifty 50 index has decisively broken below the 50-DEMA support of 24,900. The Choice Broking expert said the key benchmark index may try to touch 24,700 to 24,650 levels in the subsequent few sessions. However, the crucial support for the 50-stock index is now placed at 24,500, whereas the index faces a hurdle of 25,050. He advised investors to maintain a stock-specific approach and look at those stocks that look strong on the technical chart. 1] Sun Pharma: Buy at 1699, Target 1850, Stop Loss 1620. Sun Pharma's share trades at 1,699 and maintains its overall uptrend, forming a consistent pattern of higher highs and lows. After recently reaching a record high, the stock has retraced toward its demand zone and is currently consolidating within a well-defined range. This consolidation phase appears constructive, supported by steady accumulation and consistent trading volumes, indicating growing buying interest at lower levels. The ongoing consolidation near key support zones sets the stage for a potential reversal. A sustained move above the 1,730 mark could act as a strong confirmation of this reversal and may open the door for a renewed upward trajectory. Such a breakout would end the current range-bound price action and reinforce the continuation of the broader uptrend. Given the encouraging chart setup, improving momentum, and volume-backed accumulation near demand zones, traders may consider buying Sun Pharma shares at 1,699, with a stop-loss at 1,620 to manage downside risk. A breakout and sustained move above 1,730 could pave the way for an upside toward 1,850 in the short to medium term, offering a favourable risk-reward opportunity for positional traders. 2] HDFC Life: Buy at 762.35, Target 825, Stop Loss 730. HDFC Life's share price is currently trading at 762.35 and remains in a broad uptrend, marked by a consistent formation of higher highs and higher lows on the higher timeframes over the past several months. After hitting a record high recently, the stock has undergone a healthy retracement, moving toward its demand zones, which has helped constructively reset the momentum. The stock shows signs of a potential reversal from these demand zones, supported by a stabilising price structure and renewed buying interest. A sustained move above the 775 mark could act as a breakout trigger and pave the way for the stock to resume its upward momentum, potentially revisiting its previous highs and extending beyond them in the near term. Considering the positive long-term structure, early signs of reversal, and momentum recovery, traders may look to buy HDFC Life shares at the current market price of 762.35, with a stop-loss placed at 730 to limit downside risk. A breakout and sustained move above 775 could unlock upside potential toward 825, offering an attractive setup for positional traders. 3] Jindal Steel And Power: Buy at 1000, Target 1090, Stop Loss 955. Jindal Steel's share price closed the day at 1,000.15, showcasing a strong technical breakout that signals the beginning of a potential uptrend. The stock recently completed the formation of a classic Inverted Head & Shoulders pattern, which is widely recognised as a bullish reversal structure, typically marking the end of a prior downtrend. The breakout above the neckline resistance at 980, backed by rising volumes, indicates a confirmed trend reversal with growing bullish momentum. The stock is now trading well above all its key exponential moving averages across short-term, medium-term, and long-term timeframes, reinforcing the strength of the ongoing upward trend. This alignment of moving averages adds credibility to the breakout and supports the case for continued bullish action. Momentum indicators are also in sync with the price structure. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is in the bullish zone, reflecting strong buying interest, while the MACD is likely showing a positive crossover, supporting the ongoing trend. Additionally, the price is riding the upper Bollinger Band, a classic signal of trend strength and a potential sign of sustained momentum. Given the breakout structure, rising volumes, and momentum confirmation, traders may consider buying JINDALSTEL at the current market price of 1,000.15, with a stop-loss at 955 to manage downside risk. A sustained move above 1,000 could lead to further upside toward 1,090 in the short to medium term, offering a favourable setup for traders and investors. Indias electric vehicle ecosystem is finally beginning to mature. In 2025, the focus is on building a robust supply chain, from lithium refining and battery materials to localised component manufacturing and power electronics. Recent moves by the government are accelerating this shift. It recently invited global carmakers to manufacture EVs locally in exchange for lower import duties. Meanwhile, early investments in lithium refining are starting to materialise as players such as Lohum and Vardhaan Lithium lay the groundwork for Indias battery material supply chain. This is opening up new opportunities, not just for automakers but also r chemical, electronics, and auto component companies enabling the transition. For investors willing to look beyond the obvious names, this segment offers a quiet yet potentially rewarding way to ride Indias EV push. Also Read | SRF pushes the pedal on capex amid potential demand revival #1 Minda Corporation Minda Corporation is a leading auto component supplier offering system solutions across vehicle access, clusters, wiring harnesses, sensors and EV electronics. It caters to two-wheelers, passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles, with a growing emphasis on electric mobility. FY25 was its best year yet. Revenue rose 9% to 5,100 crore and profit after tax (PAT) rose 12%. Margins improved as well, with Ebitda margin expanding to 11.4%. The company posted its highest-ever quarterly revenue of 1,321 crore in Q4. Net profit, however, declined sequentially owing to higher finance and depreciation costs resulting from the Flash Electronics acquisition. The company acquired a 49% stake in Flash in January 2025, adding scale in EV and powertrain electronics. Flash clocked 1540 crore of revenue in FY25 revenue, with a 14.5% Ebitda margin and 23% of its sales from EVs. Its global footprint offers export upside, and synergies in sourcing, R&D, and cross-selling are expected to accelerate profits by FY27. Minda's growth is backed by order wins. It secured over 8,000 crore in lifetime orders in FY25, with a quarter linked to EVs. The company is also expanding capacity through two greenfield plants. Capex will remain at 250-350 crore a year, with order execution set to ramp up in FY26. Net debt jumped to 1,200 crore, but promoter warrants worth 420 crore are expected to ease leverage. #2 Lumax Auto Technologies Lumax Auto Technologies is an auto parts maker with offerings across plastic modules, gear shifters, lighting, telematics and electronics. It operates independently and through joint ventures with global players such as Jopp, Ituran and Alps Alpine. In FY25, revenue rose 5% to 2000 crore, though PAT declined 21%. Margins came under pressure owing to mix shift and higher fixed costs linked to capacity expansion and R&D. The company commissioned two new plants, one in Pune for gear shifters and another in Chennai for telematics and electronics, both of which are now ramping up. The companys joint venture with Ituran clocked 200 crore in revenue with a 12.5% margin. Its electronic telematics business is already profitable and serves more than 1.1 million vehicles in India. Meanwhile, the Alps JV is expected to break even in FY26. Combined, the electronics business (including JVs) contributes over 25% of consolidated revenue. Order inflow in FY25 stood at 1000 crore, of which nearly half came from EV programmes. Capex of 400 crore capex is planned over FY26-27. Management is targeting 3000 crore in consolidated revenue over the next three years. #3 Hero MotoCorp Hero MotoCorp is Indias largest two-wheeler company by volume, with a strong market position. Its products spans motorcycles, scooters, and electric vehicles. Its recent focus has shifted toward premiumisation, global markets, and EV adoption. In FY25 revenue rose 7% to 37,000 crore, driven by 5.7% volume growth. PAT rose 28%. Operating margin expanded to 11.5% on better product mix and cost control. In Q4FY25 revenue was flat, but net profit rose 18% year-on-year. Sales of premium motorcycles (150 cc and above) crossed 100,000 units in a quarter for the first time in Q4, led by new launches like Mavrick 440. The company is also ramping up exports, with volumes growing 20% year-on-year in Q4, though they still account for less than 4% of total sales. In EVs, Hero is expanding its Vida brand and charging ecosystem. It also holds a 35% stake in Ather Energy. EV sales touched 10,000 units in Q4FY25 and new models are slated for launch in FY26. The upcoming EV plant in Andhra Pradesh will support the scale-up. The company ended FY25 with 5300 crore net cash and announced a 1,000 crore buyback. Capex guidance stands at 1,000 crore for FY26, focussed on premium bikes, EVs, and global growth. #4 Endurance Technologies Endurance Technologies is a diversified auto component supplier with presence across suspension, braking systems, aluminium die casting and EV parts. It serves Indian two-wheeler and three-wheeler original equipment manufacturers. Through its European arm, it supplies powertrain components to global passenger vehicle makers. In FY25 revenue rose 9% to 11,600 crore, with India contributing 78% and Europe 22%. PAT rose 12% to 800 crore. Margin was stable at 14.3%. Cost control and rising contribution from premium products helped offset softness in Europe. In Q4FY25, revenue rose 8% and Ebitda climbed 11% year-on-year. The companys growth is being driven by robust order wins and a rising share of EV programmes. In India, Endurance secured 1,200 crore worth of new orders in FY25, of which 49% were linked to EVs. Its Maxwell unit, which focuses on EV power electronics, contributed 70 crore in revenue during the year. In Europe, the company won 208 million worth of new business tied to EVs and hybrids, accounting for 84% of total new orders over the next five years. Endurance is guiding for a capex of 500-600 crore in FY26, aimed at expanding capacity for EV systems and aluminium castings. It is also enhancing Maxwells platform to support higher-voltage applications. #5 Himadri Speciality Chemical Himadri Speciality Chemical is a carbon-based chemical manufacturer with a growing portfolio in advanced materials for lithium-ion batteries, speciality black and performance chemicals. It supplies to end-markets such as aluminium, rubber, textiles and increasingly, energy storage, and EVs. In FY25 revenue declined 7% to 3,100 crore on the back of falling volumes and soft realisations. Gross margins improved, though, as raw material costs cooled, but the net profit dropped 23%. What's drawing investor interest, however, is the companys aggressive pivot toward the energy transition. Himadri has committed 4,800 crore in capex over five years for advanced carbon materials used in lithium-ion batteries. This includes an integrated anode plant with a capacity of 200,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) and a speciality carbon black plant with a capacity of 30,000 TPA. Construction for phase 1 has begun and trial production is expected to start by mid-FY26. The company has already signed offtake agreements with leading global players and 6070% of the project is expected to be export-linked. It holds net cash of over 1,000 crore, with an additional fundraise likely through debt and strategic investors. Management expects peak revenue potential of 8,000 crore from the battery material business by FY30. Conclusion The EV industrys huge opportunity is impossible to ignore. As the planet embraces cleaner mobility, an increasing number of companies are establishing their presence in battery materials. Some are adding capacity, while others are entering worldwide partnerships. Many are developing new chemistries that meet the requirements of lithium-ion batteries. Though the story is exciting, investors need to proceed with caution. Business potential is only one aspect of the equation. You also need to consider valuations, profit margins, debt, R&D expenditure and return ratios before making an investment decision. Happy investing! Also Read | Westlife Foodworlds burger ambitions need better seasoning Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a stock recommendation and should not be treated as such. This article is syndicated from Equitymaster.com ADDIS ABABA, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) on Saturday welcomed France's announcement to officially recognize the State of Palestine, describing it as a "significant step" that aligns with the AU's longstanding position. In a statement issued Saturday, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the announcement by French President Emmanuel Macron, expressing his intention to recognize the State of Palestine, "aligns with the longstanding position of the African Union." Youssouf said the bloc's position was recently reaffirmed during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU. He said the summit, which brought together African heads of state and government at the headquarters of the AU in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa in February this year, reiterated "Africa's collective commitment to the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and statehood." The chairperson of the 55-member continental bloc described France's announcement as "a significant step toward a just, lasting, and comprehensive solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, grounded in international law and relevant United Nations resolutions." Youssouf also reiterated the AU's "unwavering support" for the two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security. He further encouraged other countries to follow suit in supporting "the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people." On Thursday, Macron announced that France will officially recognize the State of Palestine during the upcoming 80th session of the UN General Assembly in September. Q1 Results today, on 26 July: At least 37 companies are scheduled to release their earnings report on Saturday, July 26. These include big names such as Kotak Mahindra Bank, IDFC First Bank, Whirlpool of India , ZEN Technologies and more. In total, over 100 listed companies are scheduled to announce their Q1FY26 results during the week starting from July 21. These include major names such as Infosys, Paytm, Nestle India, Eternal, Dixon Technologies, and IRFC, among others. Investors will pay attention to the corporate announcements, forward looking statements, revenue outlooks, and share prices of these companies so that they can make calculated investment decisions. Q1 results today: Saturday, July 26, 2025 Here is a list of companies declaring their Q1 results today, Saturday, 26 July: 3P Land Holdings Ltd, Adarsh Plant Protect Ltd, Affle 3I Ltd, Archidply Industries Ltd, AYM Syntex Ltd, Balkrishna Industries Ltd, Chembond Chemicals Ltd, Chambal Breweries & Distilleries Ltd, CIL Securities Ltd, Coral Newsprints Ltd, Creative Castings Ltd, Dolphin Medical Services Ltd, Gagan Gases Ltd, Howard Hotels Ltd, IDFC First Bank Ltd, Jagsonpal Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Jayant Agro Organics Ltd, Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd_DVR, Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd, Lodha Developers Ltd, Medinova Diagnostic Services Ltd, Moneyboxx Finance Ltd, Premier Energies Ltd, Rainbow Children's Medicare Ltd, Ras Resorts & Apart Hotels Ltd, Regency Fincorp Ltd, Relic Technologies Ltd, Rishab Special Yarns Ltd, SBFC Finance Ltd, SKP Securities Ltd, SMC Global Securities Ltd, Stratmont Industries Ltd, TCC Concept Ltd, Vandan Foods Ltd, Whirlpool of India Ltd, ZEN Technologies Ltd. Also Read | IDFC First Bank Q1 earnings preview: Asset quality to remain stable on deposits Sensex, Nifty down nearly 1% On Friday, July 25, domestic markets witnessed significant declines, with prominent indices closing notably lower and extending their losing streak for the third consecutive session. The Sensex fell by 721 points (0.87%) to close at 81,463, while the Nifty 50 decreased by 225 points (0.9%) to end at 24,837, decisively dropping below the key 25,000 level. Five sociopaths arrive at an underfunded black school. Which Philadelphia sitcom does that plotline belong to? Its right up the alley for Abbott Elementary , the school in question, but the sociopaths are ones we know (and occasionally love) from Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia . In a first-of-its-kind crossover, the Sunny gang arrives as court-mandated volunteers at Abbott Elementary , and we get two episodes out of the hijinks: Abbott Elementary , season 4, episode 7, and the 17th season premiere of Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia . The chaos is immediate. The Sunny gang instantly hijack the proceedings. Charlies criminal illiteracy, Franks ghoulish opportunism, Dees delusions of grandeur theyre all too strange, too outrageous, too far out for the optimistic and well-meaning Abbott Elementary ensemble. Charlie shines brightestas the dimmestby struggling to read basic words on the board, and he gets a full literacy arc. Under Barbaras determined tutelage, armed only with a picture book about Pennsylvania bird species, he begins to read out loud. Meanwhile the rest of the gang is characteristically up to more nefarious schemesfrom stealing boyfriends to stealing copper wirethough Dennis does exhibit significant coffee-making skill and attention to detail. The Abbott Elementary character who really shines is the principal, Ava. Oblivious and self-serving enough to fit in alongside the Always Sunny gang, Ava really holds her own in these crossover episodes. The real wow moment comes when the Abbott ensemble is trying to be optimistic about the future of Philadelphia. This is where Jacob casually starts saying, about the city, Its always sunny.." before fading to black. Delightful. There was a time when the television crossover was a regular thing. A night to be circled in red pen, when sitcom characters wandered into other sitcoms, and entire universes bent around the joy of colliding worlds. It was silly, it was contrived, and it was joyous. It began as a programming gimmick, evolved into network synergy, and eventually died out. It apparently started with I Love Lucys 1957 episode Lucy and Superman, where George Reeves appeared as Superman to crash Rickys birthday party, arguably the first fictional crossover between two TV characters or shows. Crossovers started regularly in the 1960s, when networks realised that viewers loved seeing their favourite characters in differentbut still favouritesurroundings. The Beverly Hillbillies, Green Acres and Petticoat Junction were rural comedies by creator Paul Henning that would trade guest appearances. This laid the groundwork for Norman Lears 1970 shows where All in the Family, The Jeffersons, Maude and Good Times together became a social-satire shared universe, so to speak. Crossovers became events in the 1990s. The Golden Girls, Empty Nest and Nurses were all struck by the same storm across three consecutive shows. NBC scripted a blackout across the storylines of New York shows Friends, Mad About You and Madman. These became a bonus for primetime viewers watching the episodes back to back. Back in India, we had Shah Rukh Khan showing up on TV superhit Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin. Then, audiences fractured. Appointment viewing gave way to binge-watching. Shared universes became the domain of corporate-owned superhero franchises, where crossovers felt less like surprise and more like brand obligations. With streaming services hoarding shows into silos, and creators guarding tonal consistency, the classic crossover became extinct. Today, most shows live on different platforms, with conflicting production teams, incompatible styles, and little incentive to play nice. Its hard to imagine Ted Lasso appearing in The Bearthough that might finally help the latter qualify as a comedy. In the linear TV era, scheduling crossovers across shows that aired on the same night made sense. But streaming changes that, with audiences watching one show at a timeon their own time. Without simultaneous airtime, crossovers feel orphaned, confusing, or simply unnecessary. The network synergy has vanished, with broadcasting rights divvied up across platforms. Therefore, the Abbott Elementary and Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia crossover makes no sense. Abbott is a workplace comedy with heart and hope. Sunny is a nihilistic satire featuring the most despicable people in Philadelphia. One is set in an underfunded school. The other in a perpetually empty Irish bar. Abbott Elementary is made mockumentary-style, with characters talking to an implausible documentary crew. The Always Sunny gang talks only to each other. It shouldnt work. And yet it does. The crossover revitalises both sitcoms. It makes characters we already know stand out even more when placed next to other characters we know. It is chaos and heart, irreverence and sincerity, two sitcoms running headlong into each other without smoothing the edges. In doing so, Abbott Elementary and Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia bring the crossover back from the deadnot as nostalgia, but as reinvention. A TV tradition, long thought obsolete, made vivid once more by the very absurdity of its return. There is one genuine gasp. The crossover features Abbott Elementarys wholesome heroine Janine saying something so foulmouthed it feels scandalous. This says a lot about how provocative the Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia gang remain, even in their 17th season. Crazy white people hit different," says Ava, justifiably freaked out. Thats not a bad reminder. Some of us longtime viewers are so used to the outrageous Sunny shenanigans that it helps to see them through a fresh pair of eyes. Even fictional ones. Raja Sen is a screenwriter and critic. He has co-written Chup, a film about killing critics, and is now creating an absurd comedy series. He posts @rajasen. On an early summer morning, Bratislava is still grey but not gloomy. Clusters of clouds are scattered across a pale sky. The sun is a hint behind them, throwing a halo around its immediate vicinity. A burst of overnight rain has washed everything squeaky clean and freshness hangs in the air. Gusts of chilly wind blow from all directions, rustling through leaves and occasionally whistling as it brushes against stone walls. From the low rampart wall of Bratislava Castle, located on a rocky hill overlooking the Danube, the city stretches out to the horizon with the river snaking through like a blue ribbon. Less than an hour east of Vienna, the Slovakian capital feels like the exact anti-thesis of the Austrian capital. The former revels in wearing its attributes on its sleeve, its cityscape peppered with lavish architecture and music filling the air; Bratislava is almost a shrinking violet, modest and quiet, and believes in revealing itself slowly. When the train from Vienna rolls into Bratislava in the morning, it is without any fanfare or frenzy. From there it is a short ride into the centre of the old town, Stare Mesto, and its maze of streets and alleys that are both welcoming and reticent. Unlike Vienna, it doesnt overwhelm but rather slowly reveals itself bit by bit. The best part: wandering around town without having to navigate through hordes of tourists. View Full Image The statue of Cumil. (Photograph by Anita Rao Kashi) A crisp sun drenches everything in warmth that stops just short of being uncomfortable. The pedestrian-only warren of lanes are stacked with historical buildings and red-roofed houses, hidden courtyards and little public squares, pretty cafes and boutique stores. It becomes quickly evident that Bratislava has a stillness about it that is soothing. It is not soundless: chiming church bells, the sound of feet on cobblestones, soft, lilting music from street musicians It all adds to the gentleness of the city. Surrounded by more flamboyant capitals and cities (think Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Krakow), Bratislavas history is layered and tumultuous. It was part of Moravia and the Kingdom of Hungary; more pertinently, owing to its location, it was always destined to be a city at the crossroads of not just geography but politics and culture as well. This is evident from the mish-mash of architectural styles (from rococo to art nouveau), languages and culture spanning predominantly Slavic but mixed with Hungarian, Austrian and Jewish influences. However, Bratislava (called Pressburg previously) is a city whose history doesnt scream but lets you stumble upon it, in nooks and corners, where you least expect it. Dominating the Stare Mesto is St Martins Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic structure that has played host to coronation ceremonies of Hungarian monarchs throughout history. Its most imposing attribute is the spire with a gilded replica of the Hungarian royal crown, an overt reminder of Bratislavas connection to royalty. Eleven kings and eight queens were crowned here and the weight of all that history washes over in waves inside the dimly lit church. A series of stout carved pillars supports a vaulted ceiling, while stained glass filters light and throws coloured shadows on the floor and walls. View Full Image The citys mish-mash of architectural styles. (Photograph by Anita Rao Kashi) On other sides of the cathedral in the Stare Mesto, magnificent buildings line the perimeter, each a vestige of its historic period, standing solemnly. But veer away from the main square into the labyrinth of lanes and it quickly becomes clear that Bratislava has a playful sense of humour, winking from the pavement. And it takes the concept of stumbling into unexpectedness quite literally: the statue of Cumil, the citys most favourite highlight, is on the ground. It is a life-size bronze statue of a sewage worker peering from a manhole, nonchalantly watching life above ground and shamelessly eavesdropping on everything. Also Read | Travel: Head to Lisse for tulips without the crowds There are other little whimsical gestures: Napoleon leaning against a bench, a paparazzi figure with a camera peeking out from behind a corner, and the epitome of whimsy, Hans Christian Andersen, captured in bronze. And then theres the feeling that the city has just run amok. Embedded in the ground tiles in the American Square is a set of eight smiles in bronzewhich actually seem more like grimacesof prominent American celebrities ranging from Ronald Reagan and Frank Sinatra to Sylvester Stallone and Jim Carrey. It is a bit creepy, and it is unappealing rather than amusing. I also stumble upon something quite surprising: a metallic plaque on a corner building with the names of Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. Turns out the father and daughter visited Bratislava in 1938, ostensibly to drum up support for the Indian independence movement and their visit has been, for reasons unknown, signposted for posterity. Bratislava evenings, it appears, are best done by the river. The promenade along the Danube is lively and peopled, but not crowded. The UFO Bridge is another of Bratislavas attempts at being quirky. It is a saucer-shaped lookout over a bridge on the Danube. The views from up there promise to be great but the promenade feels more comfortable. Besides, the bridge and its accoutrement is visible and makes for a lovely sight. A mild breeze blows across. Ferries ply up and down the river, joggers and cyclists zip past and outdoor cafes offer a great place to languidly watch everything. A lightness hangs in the air that is at once refreshing and relaxing. It is the next morning that I find myself at the castle. The weather has changed and a grey pallor hangs over the city. But even that cannot take away the castles magnificence. It is medieval in appearance but a local guide says the foundations go back to the Roman times. Four towers rise into the blue-grey sky and a rugged fortress with battlements surround it. At various times, the castle has been a royal residence and a military outpost, and has a long and complicated history. The Slovak National Museum inside the castle showcases this complex timeline but it is too convoluted to register. Instead, the views are the draw, and as the sun tentatively tries to come out from the clouds, the red rooftops, the blue river and the green woods beyond are filled with colour. It is breathtaking. As my train pulls out of Bratislava, the towers of the castle are a mere hint, present and yet not ostentatious. Much of the city feels that way: there are no grand gestures, only a series of incremental additions, a slow baring of the soul. Amidst flashy neighbours, Bratislava has found a quiet way to hold its own. Anita Rao Kashi is an independent journalist based in Bengaluru. Also Read | Where are Indians travelling in 2025? A few years ago, a couple of colleagues and I interviewed the 14th Dalai Lama for a special issue of Mint to mark Gandhis 150th birth anniversary. Its easily one of the highlights of my careerthe Dalai Lama (who turned 90 earlier this month) spending nearly two hours chatting and laughing with us about everything from science, philosophy and freedom to mobile phone use and dreams hed had. But a part of the interview we didnt have the chance to use related to his views on education, especially womens education and equality. For the Dalai Lama, who has been living in exile in India since 1959 when he was 23, painstakingly recreating institutions to keep Tibetan Buddhist culture and education alive and relevant to Gen Z and Alpha Tibetans who will only hear of Lhasa and the Potala Palace has been a mission. At first, when we came here, I had many questions, concerns, but then Nehru advised mework on education, then your culture will always be alive, the Dalai Lama had said then. That was good advice. A few weeks later, when I was in McLeod Ganj to do a follow-up story, Tenzin Thinley, a 29-year-old Tibetan refugee whod been studying Buddhist philosophy since 2014 at the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics, explained how his studies helped him find synonyms to happiness. Rebuilding institutions to create this kind of connection for a generation cut off from its land is quite a feat. And one of the Dalai Lamas quieter but more enduring legacies is the transformation of womens education over the last 60-odd yearsnow, for the first time, Buddhist nuns are heading their own educational institutions in India. This week, Swati Chawla writes about the nuns leading Tibetan Buddhism into a new era. Also read Bibek Bhattacharyas companion piece on the remarkable women gurus of tantric Buddhism, a tale about taking the path of truth to overturn patriarchy, break barriers and claim equality. And if you missed last weeks interview with Manuel Bauer, who has spent the last 35 years shadowing and photographing the Dalai Lama, you can find it here. Cover of the print issue of Mint Lounge dated 26 July 2025. Creators make a statement with mics Microphones have picked up as a strong segment among content creators, with ecommerce platforms like Flipkart seeing 1.3X growth in sales for creator-focused mics compared to last year. The growing use of professional mic equipmentespecially on platforms like Instagram, where polished audio was rare not too long agomarks the creator economys shift from quick content to quality (production) content, writes Shephali Bhatt. What was once a scrappy, phone-shot hustle is now evolving into a serious, production-first business and microphones have become key to this business and are more than just tools for capturing clean audio. Read more. The secrets of award-winning bars This year, India shone at the Asias 50 Best Bars ceremony, with nine barsa record number for Indiaon the list. These include New Delhis Lair, Bengalurus Soka, ZLB and Bar Spirit Forward, and Goas Boilermaker, and Indias representation outweighed traditional heavyweights like South Korea. Smitha Menon finds out what makes for an award-winning barbeyond just the cocktails. Read more. Sarzameen review: A strained family drama If youre wondering what to watch this weekend, we have quite a few suggestions, from the return of Marvels first family in The Fantastic Four: First Steps to Adam Sandler teeing off again in Happy Gilmore 2. Also in theatres is Sarzameen, Kayoze Irani's film about a fractured army family in Kashmir. Despite having Kajol and Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead, the film struggles to land its storytelling leaps or say anything meaningful about the conflict, writes Uday Bhatia. Sarzameen joins a growing list of films that see Kashmir only as a picturesque setting and a hook to hang their patriotism on. Read more. Sauna therapy for the monsoon This humid, rainy weather calls for more than just a hot cup of tea. It is also a good time to seek relief in sauna therapies where the heat purges toxins, relaxes muscles and calms the nerves. But in a country defined largely by tropical and subtropical climate, how much heat is healthy? Tanisha Saxena spoke to experts from retreats across the countryfrom the foothills of the Himalaya to the shores of the Arabian Seato find out how to sauna right in India. Read more. Why everyone is talking about Hyrox Over the last decade there have been so many occasions when anyone even with a mild interest in political narrative has thought: wouldnt it be funny if this is the thing that brings US President Donald Trump down. The strange thing about Trump is that its hard to gauge at any time if he is down or up. His ups have all the aesthetics of downs and his downs have all the convictions of ups. And in this anti-gravity, definitively anti-gravitas Trumpy trumpery-filled decade, you have wondered what would definitively puncture that balloon. Did anyone ever think it might beeven for the briefest timeJeffrey Epstein? A stream of anti-elitist lava brought Trump to power, the kind of lava that once promised to bring Swiss black money straight to our bank accounts. And as thoughtful commentators have pointed out that same anti-elitist, conspiracy theory loving wave found in the real-life figure of American financier and convicted sex offender Epstein the perfecvillain. And Epsteins last gift to every conspiracy theory loving American nut was a sudden death in prison. Almost his last gift, I should say because the real gift was the certainty that in his diaries would be the name of every last person that the quintessential Trump supporter hated. And now Trump is in the kind of situation that powered really excellent, old-fashioned dramasthe horns of a dilemma. He has to either risk releasing millions of pages of material in which he, Trump, a close friend of Villain #1 is sure to appear, however innocently. Or he continues to not release it, further fuelling the rage of his blood-thirsty fans. I watched a video of a Trump fan asking with seemingly the greatest sincerity, why is Trump not releasing the papers? What could be stopping him?" True love. This is what it looks like. Also Read | Banu Mushtaqs recipe for Gobi Manchurian Of course, there is a bitter irony in that a man who has been found liable of sexual abuse in court and has been credibly accused of much, much sexual misconduct finds his throne wobbly because of his supporters fixation on a completely different billionaire. When Trump in the last week or two called his voters stupid and said Epstein is boring, it is almost as if he is saying: what does that old creep have that I dont? He is almost singing that Mika line (from the song Grace Kelly): Why dont you like me, why dont you like me, without making me try? Almost but not quite. I am currently reading Naomi Kleins Doppelganger and that makes me think often about Trump and Epstein. Partly because of the idea of the destabilising twin that animates her book (short version: Naomi Klein, a serious political writer is confused all over the world with her contemporary writer Naomi Wolf, who was also once sincere but has since becomevery nutty. This has made Naomi Kleins life and work very difficult. Eventually, she wrote this incredibly complex, very entertaining book about pettiness and big ideas and conspiracy theories). That the evil twin will slowly consume and take over the life of the original seems to be a given in the mythology of the doppelganger. So here was Trump who was close friends with Epstein by all accounts and once recounted their similarities in a now infamous euphemismthat they liked beautiful women. Then his supporters who are aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) if nothing else, made up a whole epic in which Trump was going to cleanse the world of evil sex traffickers who drank the blood of children to stay young. Unfortunately, they picked his double. And Trump, who when he was not in power, only cautiously partook of the bloodlust for the Epstein papers still partook. And because he partook is now finding the guillotine sharpened by his devotees glinting in his peripheral vision. The double rising from the grave. Also Read | We are all stuck in a pyramid scheme fuelled by AI FOMO The remarkable thing about Naomi Kleins book is that she writes about the pure irritation of being confused with a conspiracy theory lover all the time as interestingly as she writes about seeing the victory of the evil twin version of ideas. Here is one example among many. When Klein (among others) argued that the whole world could have easily have had free covid vaccination if not for the greed of corporations, her doppelganger argued that governments and other evil cabals are vaccinating us to make us slaves. A similar kind of evil twin version prevails in the fixation on the crimes against children by a dead billionaire and his pals when several live American billionaires and their cabals are committing crimes against the children of the world everyday. And they make their pronouncements about children in poverty, queer children, Palestinian children, immigrant children, black children and girl children everyday. And this does not seem to animate the Epstein diary hunters in the least. And that is what happens when you confuse the messy, thin, barely satisfying feeling of justice in the real world with the rich, mouthfeel of a television climax. Seeing double makes your eyes blur. Nisha Susan is the author of The Women Who Forgot to Invent Facebook and Other Stories. In the cyclical world of fashion, certain accessories emerge from the style ether to claim their rightful place in the spotlight, and right now, it's the studded bag. No longer confined to a niche punk aesthetic, studded bags have undergone a boho chic transformation, and become a favourite of celebrities like Bella Hadid and Alexa Chung. Among the standout studded bags are the Gimaguas Brown Franca Bag and the Valentino Garavani Nellcote Bag. So, here's a list of some of the stunning studded bags to elevate your accessory game right now. The Centre is weighing higher fees to insure and re-register older cars, two officials aware of the discussions said, targeting so-called end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) that guzzle fuel and dirty the air. The ministries of road transport and finance are studying the proposal to discourage older vehicles by increasing their ownership costs, the people cited above said on the condition of anonymity. Officials met industry executives earlier this month to discuss the matter. There were consultations held with the industry in July, and the government was of the view that end-of-life vehicles should be disincentivized. There is a consideration that insurance costs for such vehicles can be increased. Also, higher re-registration costs may also help in this regard," one of the two officials said on the condition of anonymity. Queries emailed to the two ministries remained unanswered. Currently, diesel vehicles in the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) are considered end-of-life after 10 years, and petrol vehicles after 15 years. For the rest of India, the lifespan is 15 years for transport vehicles and 20 years for non-transport vehicles. Also Read | How scrap yard alchemy is turning dead cars to gold The finance ministry is expected to frame a model that will allow insurers to charge more for ELVs based on their age, condition and emissions, the people cited above said. Besides, fees to re-register vehicles could be set at or above the cost of registering a new vehicle, with these changes potentially incorporated into the Central Motor Vehicle Rules. Under the plan, while vehicle scrappage would be the preferred route for old, unfit and polluting vehicles, those looking to extend the life after getting their vehicles tested would also be discouraged, with higher insurance and registration costs," the second official added. Carbon dioxide from vehicle exhaust makes up about 12% of air pollution, according to the International Energy Agency. The share is significantly higher in large cities like New Delhi, where air quality frequently reaches "severe" levels. Auto exhaust also includes harmful chemicals such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, sulfur dioxide and particulate matter. The Delhi government recently attempted to enforce the rule by refusing fuel for ELVs, but the decision was deferred to November after a public outcry. Also Read | Scrapping your old car may fetch more soon Private sector insurers expressed support for higher premiums on older, polluting vehicles, citing both public health and mechanical failure risks. "Pollution from ELVs contributes to respiratory illnesses like asthma, bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)," said Arti Mulik, chief technical Officer at Universal Sompo General Insurance. "As insurers, we have a social responsibility to support the environment and public health." Mulik added that higher premiums could "reflect on their higher risk of mechanical failures, breakdowns and accidents" and encourage a shift towards cleaner alternatives like electric or compressed natural gas vehicles. The UK has agreed not to impose the carbon border tax on India even though the two countries' brand-new trade pact makes no mention of the contentious levy, two Indian government officials aware of the matter said. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) was not discussed as part of the trade talks since the UK is yet to roll out the policy, the people cited above said on the condition of anonymity. Instead, the matter was taken up separately through a parallel track with UK counterparts. They have agreed, in principle, not to implement CBAM on Indian goods. This understanding exists outside the FTA, but it reflects mutual recognition of each others concerns," one of the two officials said. Queries sent to the Union commerce ministry and the UK Embassy in New Delhi remained unanswered till press time. The CBAM acts as a carbon import tax on goods from countries with weaker climate rules. This could make products from India, especially things like steel and cement, more expensive and less competitive when sold to the UK. However, if the UK indeed imposes CBAM on Indian exports, New Delhi will adopt countermeasures to protect its domestic industry, the person cited above said. Also Read | India-UK FTA uncorks new promise for imported scotch and gin India communicated to UK officials that CBAM is a disguised trade barrier that penalizes developing countries for their stage of industrial growth, the second official added. The UK has not enforced CBAM so far, unlike the European Union which began a transitional phase last year. The UK's CBAM is set to be implemented on 1 January, 2027. India, on its part, is also pushing for recognition of its domestic climate mitigation efforts, including carbon markets and green technology adoption, as part of broader sustainability cooperation. Industry experts pointed to the need for a formal written assurance on CBAM. Pankaj Chadha, chairman of the Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC), said, Its a good diplomatic move if the matter has been resolved. But side deals like these need to be documented somewhere so that they can serve as a template while negotiating with the EU." On Thursday, India and the UK unveiled a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) that aims to boost bilateral trade to $112 billion by 2030 by lowering or eliminating tariff barriers on many items. India is expecting a surge in engineering goods exports to the UK, with industry projections pointing to a near-doubling over the next five years. The UK is currently Indias sixth-largest market for engineering exports, and with CETA bringing tariffs down to zero from a peak of 18% the removal of duty barriers is expected to drive a sharp rise in shipments of electric machinery, auto parts, industrial equipment, and construction machinery. Also Read | Twin wins for Indian auto sector in free-trade pact with UK Indias total engineering exports reached an all-time high of $116.67 billion in 202425, of which $4.28 billion was accounted for by exports to the UK, as per the commerce ministry data. With the UKs global imports in the sector valued at $193.52 billion, Indian exporters now see a clear runway to expand their market share. The government has estimated that India's engineering exports to the UK could cross $7.5 billion by 202930, riding on annual growth of 1220% in key segments. This agreement supports Indias broader target of achieving $300 billion in engineering exports by 2030. With the UKs advanced manufacturing sector opening up, Indian firmsespecially MSMEsnow have a real opportunity to integrate into global value chains," Chadha said. The zero-tariff regime is seen as a major win for Indias MSME base, particularly in the iron and steel sector. Immediate and full elimination of dutiespreviously as high as 10% for Chapters 72 and 73will boost price competitiveness for ferrous exports. India currently supplies just $887 million worth of iron and steel products to the UK, representing a mere 4.8% of the UKs $18.46 billion annual import demand in this category. Even a modest gain in market share could sharply lift India's exports toward the $7.5 billion target. With India's global exports in iron and steel already at $22.36 billion, the government estimates that redirecting just one-third of this volume to the UK could be sufficient to achieve the five-year projection. Also Read | Luxury cars not the biggest opportunity UK senses in India after FTA Two hours after a woman was allegedly gangraped in an ambulance, the Gaya Police on Thursday arrested two men in connection with the case. The incident reportedly took place when a female candidate, participating in the Home Guard recruitment race, fainted during the event and was being transported to the hospital via an ambulance stationed at the venue. The woman alleged that she was sexually assaulted by the ambulance driver and the technician on their way to the hospital. Gaya Police takes swift action Taking immediate cognisance of the incident, the Gaya Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), formed a special investigation team under the guidance of the City Superintendent of Police (SP) and led by the Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Bodh Gaya. A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team was also dispatched to the scene to collect evidence, news agency PTI reported. Moreover, crucial details were revealed when CCTV footage from the area was examined. The woman also underwent a medical examination, and her statement was recorded. Based on the CCTV footage, the woman's statement, and other evidence, the accused were identified as Vinay Kumar (ambulance driver) and Ajit Kumar (technician). An FIR was registered based on the woman's statement and both accused have been arrested, the PTI report said. Minor girl abducted, raped in moving car in Punjab A 16-year-old girl was allegedly abducted, raped in a moving car, and later abandoned near the spot of her abduction by two unidentified men on July 23, said the police on Friday. The incident occurred around 8 pm near Metro Mall on VIP Road, close to the Chandigarh-Ambala National Highway, at Zirakpur in Mohali, an ANI report said. According to the victim, she was waiting for an auto-rickshaw after finishing work at a salon when the two accused forcibly dragged her into a car. They allegedly beat her during the journey and took her to a secluded area near Tribune Chowk in Chandigarh. The assailants reportedly mentioned her brother's name while sexually assaulting her. After committing the crime, they dumped her back at the same location from where she was abducted. The victim's mother filed a complaint, following which the Zirakpur police registered a case. The police said that investigations are underway to identify and arrest the accused. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has topped the global charts as the most popular democratic leader, earning a 75% approval rating, according to the latest data from US-based business intelligence firm Morning Consult. The survey shows that 75% of respondents view PM Modi favorably, while 7% remained undecided and 18% disapproved. Modi is followed in popularity by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Argentine Javier Milei. In contrast, US President Donald Trump ranks eighth, with just 44% approval. Analysts suggest that certain policy decisions, such as trade tariffs and controversial domestic actions, may have contributed to the dip in his popularity. In a post on X, BJP IT department head Amit Malviya said, Loved by over a billion Indians and respected by millions across the globe, PM Narendra Modi tops the Morning Consult Global Leader Approval Tracker once again the highest-rated and most trusted leader worldwide. Strong leadership. Global respect. Bharat is in safe hands. However, Opposition parties have criticised PM Modi for consistently avoiding press conferences, claiming it weakens the foundations of Indias democracy. India, which ranked 140th out of 180 countries on the Global Press Freedom Index in 2014, has seen its position decline to 159th in 2024, a drop of 19 places. In an interview with AajTak in May 2024, Modi addressed the criticism, saying he refrains from holding press conferences or giving frequent interviews because todays media is not the same. He added that he focuses on doing his work and leaves it up to the media to decide whether or not to cover it. Earlier on Friday, PM Modi became the second-longest-serving Prime Minister of India in consecutive terms -- surpassing the record previously held by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Narendra Modi, 74, took oath as Prime Minister for the first time on May 26, 2014 and has served a total of 11 years and 60 days in office till date. The erstwhile Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had served for 11 years and 59 days in office in consecutive terms. She held the highest office as Prime Minister of India from January 24, 1966, to March 24, 1977. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, holds the record for the longest-serving Prime Minister in consecutive terms, spanning 16 years and 286 days, from August 15, 1947, to May 27, 1964. Also Read: Remembering the legacy of Indira Gandhi LOS ANGELES, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Two attendants were injured after a Southwest flight out of Southern California was forced to descend to avoid a potential midair collision on Friday. The crew of Southwest Flight 1496 responded to two onboard traffic alerts Friday afternoon while climbing out of Hollywood Burbank Airport, requiring them to climb and descend to comply with the alerts. The flight continued to Las Vegas, where it landed uneventfully, according to a Southwest Airlines statement. "Southwest is engaged with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to further understand the circumstances," said the airline in the statement, adding: "No injuries were immediately reported by customers, but two flight attendants are being treated for injuries." Passengers aboard the plane took to social media to share their terrifying experiences. "Pilot had to dive aggressively to avoid midair collision over Burbank airport. Myself & Plenty of people flew out of their seats & bumped heads on ceiling, a flight attendant needed medical attention," said Jimmy Dore, a comedian, in a post on X. "Pilot said his collision warning went off & he needed to avoid plane coming at us," he added. Another passenger, with X account name Steve U., said on X: "People were screaming as the plane dove. A flight attendant is being looked at right now with an ice pack on her head." The passenger called the incident another screwup that "almost cost the lives of the 150+ people on board." About six minutes after the flight took off from Hollywood Burbank Airport and headed to Las Vegas, it abruptly descended 475 feet (144.78 meters) from 14,100 feet (4,297.68 meters), reported local KABC television station, citing data from Flightradar24. The other plane, a Hawker Hunter, was at an altitude of approximately 14,653 feet (4,466.23 meters) when the Southwest flight began to descend, said the report. The FAA said it is investigating the incident. The incident came a week after a U.S. passenger jet was forced to make an "aggressive maneuver" to avoid a midair collision with a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber in North Dakota. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday called for a redefinition of multilateral institutions to provide effective oversight as countries explore the tokenization of currency, warning of rising complexity and the lack of global frameworks to govern this shift. Speaking at the release of a book, A World in Flux: India's Economic Priorities, in New Delhi, she said that multilateral institutions have never been left in limbo in the last 100 years. Also Read | Our approach to the regulation of cryptocurrency needs clarity The finance minister said this is true for financial as well as strategic institutions. Every multilateral institution that has successfully served earlier is now wondering where it is, what its immediate future will be, and how it will redefine itself. Her concerns about the tokenization of currencythe transformation of money into digital tokens on a blockchain or distributed ledgercome at a time when cryptocurrencies are increasingly making their way into the financial world. The Reserve Bank of India has cautioned multiple times that virtual currencies are risky. However, the US government under President Donald Trump is encouraging more innovation in this area. In January, Trump signed an executive order to ensure Washingtons leadership in digital financial technology. He then set up a working group to develop a federal regulatory framework governing digital assets, including stablecoins, and to evaluate the creation of a strategic national digital assets stockpile. Also Read | Act now: Crypto regulation cannot be left for another day Trump also revoked the Treasury Departments Framework for International Engagement on Digital Assets, which suppressed innovation and undermined US economic liberty and global leadership in digital finance. The US is also trying to become the crypto capital of the planet, according to the presidential order. Sitharaman said multilateral institutions have to be redefined. If you could go for a currency with no gold backing sometime in the 70s, now it is already moving towards tokenization and is that something on which we see the depth of? The minister also asked if there was any framework under which any country could unilaterally take that route. Who is going to have oversight on these sorts of things? The minister said the depth and the complexity of the situation were increasing. The book, A World in Flux: India's Economic Priorities, edited by Amita Batra, former chairperson at the Centre for South Asian Studies and A.K. Bhattacharya, editorial director at Business Standard is published by Rupa Publications India Pvt. Ltd. Sitharaman also said in response to a question about the normalization of economic ties with China that it was right to point out that there are calls for greater access and interaction with China, and possibly to open some windows. That is not just from our side, even the Chinese have been approaching through the ministry of external affairs, the minister said, referring to external affairs minister S. Jaishankars recent visit to China. There is some kind of beginning. As to how far it will go, it is something we will have to wait and see, the minister said, adding it might help the economy, and a sense of caution would have to be built in. To a question on investments in the economy, she said that companies' and banks' balance sheets have become healthier, and the corporate tax rate was cut to boost investments. Referring to what the minister was hearing from observers and her own interactions with business leaders, Sitharaman asked if businesses were sitting on passive, investible funds. That is, investible funds that are being engaged passively rather than investing and expanding capacity. That is an issue that I would obviously want the industry to speak about. Also Read | Mint Quick Edit: Time to rescue crypto from policy limbo On trade, she said bilateral trade has now taken priority over multilateral trade, though she could not comment on the merits of this trend. In a tragic incident, an Audi car driven by a woman plunged into a ditch in Belapur, Maharashtra while following Google Maps. The woman, who was going to Ulwe, was following the navigation of Google Maps when the incident occurred. She was saved. Assistant Police Inspector Belapur Narayan Palampalle said: At about 1:00 a.m. on Friday, we received information about an incident involving an Audi car that had fallen into the Belapur ditch. Our team, along with marine security guards and local police, went there and found that a woman was heading towards Ulwe, following Google Maps. Also Read | Pet clinic runs over sick dog for insurance money without owner's permission Assistant Police Inspector Narayan Palampalle said the car went below the bridge and fell into the ditch instead of crossing it, leading to the accident. Senior police officers were informed, and the woman was safely rescued with the help of a marine security teams boat. Because of this, instead of going over the bridge, her car went below and fell into the ditch, causing the accident. We provided information to senior police officers. With the assistance of the boat belonging to the marine security team, we safely rescued the woman. She was alone in that car when the incident happened." Andhra news: Two DSPs killed in road accident Two DSPs of Andhra Pradesh police were killed and two others, including a senior police official, suffered injuries when the car in which they were travelling met with an accident near Hyderabad on Saturday. Also Read | Caught on camera: Delhi woman captures her own accident during Rapido ride The police officials were travelling from Vijayawada to Hyderabad in a car on official work. The car hit the road divider while trying to avoid colliding with a vehicle going ahead of them when the latter's driver applied sudden brakes at Choutuppal near Hyderabad. After hitting the road divider, the ill-fated car fell on the other side of the road, and it was hit by an oncoming vehicle, police said. The two Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) who work with the Intelligence Security Wing of Andhra Pradesh police died in the accident, while an Additional Superintendent of Police and the vehicle driver sustained injuries. The injured were undergoing treatment at a hospital, and their condition was stated to be out of danger. A day after a portion of a school's roof collapsed, killing seven children in Rajasthan, the Ministry of Education on Saturday said that it has made conducting audit of safety, and students' facilities mandatory in schools across the country. Seven students were killed and 27 injured, some critically, after the roof of a government primary school collapsed in Rajasthan's Jhalawar on Friday morning. The part of the Piplodi Government School building housing Classes 6 and 7 gave way, burying about 35 children, police said. The last rites of the students who died in the roof collapse were performed on Saturday. Five officials suspended Angry over the tragedy, family members and residents of Piplodi village vandalised police vehicles during a protest against the administration, alleging negligence over the dilapidated condition of the school infrastructure, news agency PTI reported. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed deep sorrow over the death of students and assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the tragedy. Five officials of the Education Department have been suspended as the investigation into the roof collapse began on Saturday, an ANI report quoted a senior official as saying. Also Read | Rajasthan school roof collapse: 5 officials suspended after 7 students die A committee has been formed and action will be taken against the culprits, Jhalawar Collector Ajay Singh Rathore told ANI. The five officers who have been suspended are Meena Garg, Javed Ahmed, Ramvilas, Kanhaiya Lal Sugan, and Badrilal Lodha. Eyewitnesses students say they saw stones falling from roof Two students from the same school who were eyewitnesses to the tragedy on Friday said that they had noticed stones falling from the roof and informed their teacher, but their complaints were ignored. While we were sitting inside the classroom, stones started falling from the roof. Immediately, we informed our teacher, but what we said was ignored. Later, the roof collapsed, two students told ANI. Former Rajasthan minister Pramod Jain Bhaya alleged that despite repeated complaints about the dilapitated building, no action was taken. On the day of the incident, students were scolded and made to sit inside the school, even after reporting falling roof parts. Bhaya called for a comprehensive survey of all school buildings in Rajasthan, stating, To prevent such recurrence in the state, a survey of all school buildings should be conducted in Rajasthan. The Rajasthan government on Saturday decided to prioritise the repair of dilapidated school buildings, government institutions, and Anganwadi centres across the state. According to an ANI report, the decision was taken during a review meeting chaired by CM Bhajanlal Sharma. Amid heavy rains lashing Himachal Pradesh, a landslide in Kullu's Duridhar village in Sainj Valley has forced the administration to evacuate inhabitants of 11 houses, PTI quoted an official as saying. The report added that after the landslide on a hill behind Duridhar village, the administration has set up a transit camp to accommodate around 20 people. Also Read | Mumbai on orange alert! IMD warns of heavy rains across Maharashtra While speaking to reporters, Kullu Deputy Commissioner Tarul S Raveesh said, as quoted by PTI, "Our first priority was to save lives, which has been successfully done. They have been moved to a transit camp set up at the public works department's rest house. Technical assessment of the area will be done soon." The hilly state in the northern region of India has been experiencing heavy rainfall for the past couple of days. Not only rain, but incidents of thunderstorms and cloudbursts have been reported from various places in the past few weeks after the onset of monsoon. According to the authorities, a total of 222 roads, including one national highway, were closed for vehicular traffic on Friday, while 144 roads, including the Manali-Kotali road, were closed in Mandi district alone. The State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) further added that due to the extreme weather conditions, around 36 power distribution transformers and 152 water supply schemes have also been affected. Orange alert in 4 districts: In the meantime, the India Meteorological Department has predicted very heavy rainfall over isolated places in Himachal Pradesh on 29 July, while isolated heavy rainfall is likely over the state during 27-30 July. The Met department also predicted moderate rainfall at many places accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning likely over the Western Himalayan region and some places over the plains during the next seven days. Also Read | Massive traffic jam in parts of Delhi as heavy rains lash capital city Also, on 29 July, the local weather department issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rains in isolated areas in four districts: Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, and Kullu. Rainfall recorded: On Friday, light to moderate rains were received at several places of the hilly state. According to the officials, aton Barrage received 33.2 mm rainfall, Palampur 33 mm, Mandi 26.4 mm, Kangra 21.1 mm, Poanta Sahib 20.8 mm, Kothi 18.6 mm, Bilapsur 15.4 mm, Guler 14.4 mm, Narkanda 13.5 mm, Kufri 13 mm, Bajura 9.5 mm, Dhaula Kuan 8.5 mm and Shimla 8.4 mm. Four individuals were arrested on Friday, July 26, for allegedly raping an HIV-infected girl for more than two years at a children's shelter in Latur district of Maharashtra. They also compelled her to undergo an abortion after she became pregnant, news agency PTI reported, citing a police official. The girl filed a complaint at the Dhoki police station in her native Dharashiv district, stating that the incidents occurred between 13 July 2023 and 23 July 2025 at Sevalay, a home for HIV-infected children in Hasegaon. "As per her complaint, the child was at the institution for the past two years. She was allegedly raped by an employee of the children's home four times. He also threatened her to not disclose the ordeal to anyone. The institution's management did not help her and even tore up a letter she had marked for officials and had dropped into a complaint box," an official told PTI. When the victim fell sick, she was taken to a hospital where tests revealed that she was four months pregnant. Subsequently, the accused arranged for a doctor to perform an abortion without her consent, the official said. Six individuals were registered by Dhoki police, including the founder and superintendent of the institution, the employee who assaulted her, and the doctor who carried out the abortion, the official added. The case was transferred to the Ausa police station, the jurisdiction in which the alleged incidents took place. According to Latur Superintendent of Police Amol Tambe, four people were arrested. They were identified as Sevalay founder Ravi Bapatle, its superintendent Rachna Bapatle, employees Amit Mahamuni and Pooja Waghmare. Last month, a similar incident was reported from Latur district, where a 17-year-old girl was allegedly raped and impregnated, reported PTI. "As per the probe conducted so far, the minor victim had been staying with her sister, and her brother-in-law was employed as a farm worker by the accused," the report quoted an official. The accused allegedly kept a close watch on the girl and often visited the farm shed whenever she was there. During one such occasion, he allegedly raped the minor and threatened to kill her. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday attended the 60th Independence Day celebrations of Maldives, along with members of his delegation. The event was organised at the Republic Square in Male, where President Mohamed Muizzu and several ministers of the country welcomed PM Modi as the Guest of Honour. PM Modi expresses gratitude After attending the event, PM Modi expressed on X that he was deeply honoured to have witnessed the celebrations. The productive talks with President Muizzu will add significant energy to our bilateral relations, the post read. In another post, he also said that the relationship between the two countries continues to grow and that it is shaped by people-to-people ties and cooperation in various sectors. India remains committed to supporting the aspirations of the Maldivian people and to working together for the betterment of our planet, he added. Maldives' Independence Day event During the entire event, PM Modi was seen sitting next to Muizzu. The event featured a military parade and cultural performances by children and other artists. The top political and military brass of the Maldives were also present at the event. Members of PM Modi's delegation, including external affairs minister S Jaishankar and foreign secretary Vikram Misri, attended the event too, PTI reported. India's friendship package for Maldives Several key agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the two nations from India pledging a Line of Credit to Maldives to launching negotiations on a free trade agreement between the two countries. India on Friday singed a MoU to extend a 4,850 crore line of credit to the Maldives, continuing its long-standing tradition of supporting the developmental needs of the South Asian nation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, addressing a press briefing, said that this will be the first line of credit extended to the Maldives denominated in Indian rupees, replacing the earlier dollar-denominated credit. Maldivian President Muizzu also announced the beginning of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries during a joint press conference in Male with PM Modi. Reset in India-Maldives relations PM Modi's visit to the island nation marks a significant step towards improving the India-Maldives relations after a brief period of tension as Mohamed Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, came to power while running an India Out campaign. He adopted a policy aimed at strengthening relations with China and in a way reducing dependence on India, Mint reported earlier. However, in recent years, bilateral ties have been reset through what experts call a pragmatic approach. Muizzu visited India in October last year, and now PM Modi is on a two-day visit to Maldives. In a major crackdown against cross-border narco-smuggling, the Punjab Police said on Saturday it busted "a well-organised heroin trafficking cartel with direct links to Pakistan-based smugglers." Police said they recovered 6.106 Kg heroin and two motorcycles during the operation. They said key accused Sarbjit alias Joban, who was operating from a border-area village, is in direct contact with notorious smuggler Rana across the border. Sarbjit was arrested along with a juvenile, with 1 Kg heroin recovered from them, they added. "His interrogation leads to the arrest of two more smugglers Dharam Singh and Kulbir Singh from Ajnala, with over 5 Kg heroin seized," police said. They also informed that FIRs were registered at PS Airport and PS Chheharta under relevant sections of the NDPS Act. Earlier on July 24, the Punjab Police conducted raids at 400 locations, leading to the arrest of 85 drug smugglers after registration of 60 FIRs across the state, Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab said in an official statement. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached 23,237 in 145 days, it stated. The raids have resulted in the recovery of 1.6 kg of heroin, 1 kg of opium, 8353 intoxicant tablets, pills and injections and 8.09 lakh in drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers. The deadly clashes between Thailand and Cambodia entered its third day on Saturday, with residents of the bordering villages fled to safer locations to escape the fighting. India on Saturday issued an advisory, asking its citizens in Cambodia to avoid travelling to border areas. "In view of the ongoing clashes at the Cambodia-Thailand border, Indian nationals are advised to avoid travelling to the border areas," the Indian embassy in Cambodia said in an X post. Later on Saturday, the Ministry of External Affairs also issued a statement that it is closely monitoring the situation along the border between Cambodia and Thailand. India has close and friendly relations with both countries and hopes that both sides will take measures for a cessation of hostilities and prevention of further escalation, the MEA statement said. The ministry also advised Indian travellers in the region to contact the Indian Embassies in the two countries for any assistance. Below are the helpline numbers: Embassy of India in Bangkok, Thailand: +66 61 881 9218 (for WhatsApp calls as well) Embassy of India in Phnom Penh, Cambodia: +855 92 881 676 (for WhatsApp calls as well) Fighting continues between Thailand, Cambodia as death toll mounts Both countries traded fresh accusations on Saturday as deadly border clashes continued, leaving at least 33 dead and more than 1,68,000 displaced. Even as international pressure to reach a ceasefire mounted on both countries, artillery fire and gunshots were reported near several border villages. According to an AP report, Saturday's fresh attacks have expanded the area of the fighting that flared again on Thursday after a land mine explosion along the border wounded five Thai soldiers. Officials of both the countries have claimed to have acted in retaliation. Both countries have also recalled their ambassadors as Thailand closed its northeastern border crossings with Cambodia. Cambodian authorities reported on Saturday 12 new deaths, bringing its toll to 13, while Thai officials said a soldier was killed, raising the deaths to 20, mostly civilians, the AP report said. What is the Thailand-Cambodia conflict about? Thailand and Cambodia are locked in a bitter dispute over the Emerald Triangle, a border region where the two countries meet Laos. The area is home to several ancient temples, including the Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple, near which clashes broke out early Thursday. The ancient Preah Vihear temple in Cambodia has also been the site of some of the most prominent and violent past conflicts between the countries. Prasat Preah Vihear and Prasat Ta Muen Thom, both Khmer-era Hindu temples about 95 miles apart, are two of the key sites where tensions flared on Thursday. Prasat Ta Muen Thom is reportedly on the Thai side of the border, and Prasat Preah Vihear is on the Cambodian side of the border. Both countries claim ownership of these disputed sites. The first thing that strikes most visitors from Nepals overbearing southern neighbour is how clean and quiet most parts of Kathmandu are. Theres no escaping the chaos and the pollution, but people dont honk or litter. Longtime residents largely credit Kathmandus young mayor Balendra Shah for the citys spruced-up look. The rapper and structural engineer, who contested as an independent and leveraged his popularity on social media, was the unlikely winner of the last mayoral elections of 2022. The change is not only evident on the ground, literally, but also in the citys food and hospitality scene. Many young Nepalese are now returning home after graduating or working abroad. Tusa, co-founded by former Noma intern Parashuram Pathak, serves progressive Nepalese cuisine in the historic city of Bhaktapur, about 40 minutes from Kathmandu. Luxury hotel chains, especially from India, are readying new launches, including the resurrection of the iconic Hotel Annapurna; the city is now dotted with Instagram and TikTok-friendly cafes and roasteries; and some of its bars regularly feature on Asias 50 Best Bars list. The most recent entrant into Kathmandus vibrant night scene is Yangdup Lama, whose The Old House also marks the first international debut of an Indian bar operator. Reconnecting with his roots Lama is Indias most celebrated bartender and bar entrepreneur. He set up Indias first bartending school in the early aughts; is the first Indian to feature on global bartender lists; and Sidecar, which he co-runs in Delhi with his business partner Minakshi Singh, is frequently recognised as among the worlds best. The 54-year-old was born in Kurseong but is of Nepalese descent, and he began his journey as a fresh-faced hotel management graduate at Hotel Annapurna in Kathmandu in the early 1990s. Lama says he has emotional ties to Nepal and, from a cultural perspective, Kathmandu made sense for the duos first international bar. Kathmandu has always had its share of well-heeled, adventurous travellers. Beyond that, many of my contemporaries, some of them younger than I am, have returned from abroad and are doing innovative things. So, we reasoned that while it might be a small market, the signs were all positive, says Lama. Lama and Singhs bars besides Sidecar, they also helm Cocktails and Dreams Speakeasy and The Brook, in Gurgaon have followed a simple and successful template of being familiar neighbourhood spaces, Monday-Tuesday bars where you can land up after work, or have a quiet conversation. The Old House, located on the upscale, colonial-era avenue of Durbar Marg, doesnt stray too far from the concept. Checking into The Old House The Old House leans heavily on the architecture of the Newars, the traditional inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley. With a courtyard that welcomes guests, a generously proportioned skylight, intricate woodwork, and textured brick and stucco walls, one gets the feeling of entering the grand home of an especially welcoming Newari elite. The kitchen sends out generous helpings of meats, some of which are grilled sekuwa-style over charcoal and momos, and the bar menu showcases a breadth of ingredients from the subtropical lowlands of the Terai to the subalpine heights of the high Himalaya with measured flair. The easy-drinking Mustang Melody combines gin with seabuckthorn, honey and lime, while the Meaningful Marpha, a nod to Nepals apple capital, adeptly blends whisky, apple jam, and black pepper bitters The easy-drinking Mustang Melody combines gin with seabuckthorn, honey and lime, while the Meaningful Marpha, a nod to Nepals apple capital, adeptly blends whisky, apple jam, and black pepper bitters. Lama is most proud, though, of the Dhaka Topi, named after the patterned cap worn across Nepal, traditionally made from handwoven Dhaka fabric. To Lama, the cocktail whisky, bay leaf and lime speaks of Nepali pride. Id been trying to get it right for a while now. With bourbon, with scotch, but ultimately what worked is a smooth blended scotch and bay leaf puree, says Lama. The bar and floor staff are all local, trained in the Sidecar style but encouraged to make it their own. Two flight attendants aboard a Southwest Airlines flight from Southern California to Las Vegas were injured after the aircraft took a dramatic 475-foot plunge shortly after take-off, reportedly to avoid a potential mid-air collision. Southwest Flight 1496 had departed from Hollywood Burbank Airport just before midday on Friday and was en route to Las Vegas when the incident occurred. The Southwest commercial aircraft abruptly descended 475 feet in response to onboard alerts about another plane in its vicinity, the airline and passengers confirmed. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Southwest jet was responding to an onboard collision warning system that detected another aircraft nearby. The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident. A Flightradar video showing the movement of the flight has surfaced on social media. The crew responded to two air alerts that required the pilot to climb and then descend, Southwest said in a statement. According to Fox News, the dramatic fall caused passengers to fly up out of their seats and into the ceiling. Passengers took to social media to describe the harrowing moment. Stand-up comedian Jimmy Dore, who was on board the flight, posted on X (formerly Twitter): Myself & Plenty of people flew out of their seats & bumped heads on ceiling, a flight attendant needed medical attention. Pilot said his collision warning went off & he needed to avoid plane coming at us. Wow. Airport officials, however, stated that the plunge did not occur within Burbanks controlled airspace. Mike Christensen, spokesperson for Hollywood Burbank Airport, said neither the control tower nor operations team recorded any such sudden altitude change involving the flight. The FAA confirmed that the second aircraft involved was a Hawker Hunter, registered as N335AX, which was flying at approximately 14,653 feet when the Southwest flight began its descent. Despite the alarming mid-air manoeuvre, the aircraft continued its journey and landed safely in Las Vegas. The flight landed uneventfully, Southwest said, adding that it is cooperating with the FAA to further understand the circumstances. BEIJING, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The office of the food safety commission of the State Council has issued a notice urging local food safety offices to boost food safety measures during the summer vacation and flood season, according to the State Administration for Market Regulation. The notice urges the comprehensive assessment of risks in premises, facilities, equipment, the procurement of raw materials, processing, storage management and the health of personnel. It emphasizes that local authorities should strengthen their supervision over essential food items, including rice, flour, cooking oil, meat, eggs, dairy products and condiments. Particular focus should be placed on foods intended for vulnerable population groups such as infants or elderly people, as well as foods that are produced, donated to or sold in areas impacted by flooding. Any evidence of illegal or non-compliant practices should prompt immediate verification processes and legal action, the notice says, urging a stringent crackdown on the production and distribution of counterfeit, substandard, expired or contaminated foods in flood-hit areas and key regions, such as rural areas and rundown urban communities. Priya Sachdev, the wife of businessman Sunjay Kapur who passed away on June 12 due to a heart attack, is in the limelight and the centre of social media attention again. The 49-year-old is making headlines after Sunjay Kapur's mother Rani Kapur alleged that she had been coerced into signing documents behind locked doors amid controversy around 30,000-crore Sona Group empire. Implicitly pointing fingers at Priya Sachdev, she warned of gross illegalities within the group and claimed that she was denied access to her personal accounts. The company snubbed Annual General Meeting postponement request from Sunjay Kapur's mother and held its key meeting on Friday, July 25, PTI reported. Following the death of Sona Comstar Chairman, auto components major Sona BLW Precision Forgings decided to appoint Priya Sachdev as an Additional Non-Executive Director of Sona Comstar. Priya Sachdev's net worth, personal life and more all about Sunjay Kapur's third wife Before taking Sunjay as her spouse in 2017, Priya was married to American hotelier Vikram Chatwal and had a daughter Safira Chatwal, with him. At the time of Sunjay's death, Priya boasted a net worth of 10,300 crore, Bollywood Life reported. Priya secured a BSc graduate degree with a double major in Mathematics and Business Management from University College London. Also Read | 5 explosive charges Sunjay Kapur's mother made in letter to Sona Comstar Sona Comstar in a post on X stated, The Board of Directors of Sona Comstar has appointed Mrs. Priya Sachdev Kapur as an Additional Non-Executive Director on the Board. Describing the new office holder's past work experience, the post added, Mrs. Priya Sachdev Kapur is a multifaceted entrepreneur and investor whose journey has spanned continents, industries, and ideas. Currently serving as Director at Aureus Investment Private Limited, she plays an active role in shaping its investment strategy." She embarked on her professional career as an investment banker and luxury retail pioneer with Credit Suisse First Boston in London as an M&A analyst. Before returning to India, she led several business ventures in automotive retail, insurance and later in high fashion. She co-founded one of Indias early luxury e-commerce platforms Rock N Shop and is also the director at Aureus Investment. The language dispute escalated into a violence in which a 20-year-old student was allegedly thrashed and beaten with hockey stick after asking others on a college WhatsApp group to speak in Marathi and threatening with Raj Thackeray's name, NDTV reported. Some of the students were posting messages in Hindi, police sources said. A student then replied, Speak in Marathi, otherwise Raj Thackeray will come." Faizan Naik, along with other three students, reportedly assaulted the student, who made the Marathi call, following day at nearly 10:30 am. FIR registered According to Assistant Commissioner of Police (Vashi) Adinath Budhwant, a complaint has been filed. "A First Information Report has been registered at the Vashi police station in connection with a dispute that arose between two groups. The dispute was a result of an argument between two individuals over comments on the group," NDTV quoted Budhwant as saying. He added, The complainant was also reportedly beaten with a stick. An investigation is on and action will be taken against the accused. MNS Spokesperson Gajanan Kale and other MNS workers stepped in and met with police officials. They sought stringent action against Naik and group who attacked the student. Kale stated, We have met the student and his family as well. Raj Thackeray is the chairperson of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), who warned shutting down of schools if Hindi is imposed from class 1. His workers have repeatedly attacked numerous people for what they called "insults" to Marathi. The attacks consist of one on a shopkeeper based in Thane, and latest, on an attendant in a public toilet in Nanded. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had stated the decision to rescind its two GRs issued earlier on making Hindi as a third language. Thackeray was the first among others to bring the issue initially, followed by others in the state. Later, other political parties came together with him and even backed his non-political march on July 5 against Hindi impositions. Thailand-Cambodia Clashes: The Indian Embassy in Cambodia on Saturday issued an advisory for nationals living in the country amid an ongoing military clash with Thailand. The Embassy also shared a helpline number for assistance. Indian nationals have been advised to avoid travelling to border areas of Cambodia. In view of the ongoing clashes at the Cambodia-Thailand border, Indian nationals are advised to avoid traveling to the border areas, the Embassy said. Issuing the helpline number, it said, In case of any emergency, Indian nationals may approach the Embassy of India, Phnom Penh at +855 92881676 or email cons.phnompenh@mea.gov.in. Thailand-Cambodia clashes escalate The clashes between Thailand and Cambodia continued on Friday with Cambodia wanting an immediate ceasefire amid an escalating conflict. Tens of thousands of people sought refuge as border fighting between Thailand and Cambodia entered its third day on Saturday over fears of an extended period of conflict as the death toll rose to 32. Also Read | Cambodia calls for ceasefire with Thailand after deadly clashes: What we know Cambodia's UN Ambassador Chhea Keo told reporters that his country, which called for the emergency meeting, asked for immediate ceasefires, unconditionally, and we also call for the peaceful solution to the dispute. He responded to accusations that Cambodia attacked Thailand asking how a small country with no air force could attack a much larger country with an army three times its size, stressing, We do not do that. The Thai Health Ministry on Friday said more than 58,000 have fled from villages to temporary shelters in four affected border provinces, while Cambodian authorities said more than 23,000 people have evacuated from areas near the border. Both sides reported a clash around 5:00 am (2200 Friday GMT), with Cambodia accusing Thai forces of firing "five heavy artillery shells" into locations in Pursat province, which borders Thailand's Trat province. The latest flare-up in a long-running border dispute between the two countries has killed at least 19 people in Thailand mostly civilians while Cambodia said Saturday that 12 people more people have killed on its side, bringing its death toll to 13. Also Read | Travelling to Thailand? India issues travel advisory amid clashes with Cambodia Both sides blamed each other for firing first, while Thailand accused Cambodia of targeting civilian infrastructure, including a hospital hit by shells and a petrol station hit by at least one rocket. Happy Hariyali Teej 2025: The auspicious Hindu festival 'Hariyali Teej' is all set to be celebrated on 27 July this year. According to the Hindu calendar, the festival is celebrated on the third day of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Shravan (Sawan). The Hariyali Teej falls two days before Nag Panchami, and on this day, women offer prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and seek the divine couple's blessings. Here are some specially curated messages, wishes, status, images and more to share with your loved ones: Happy Hariyali Teej 2025: WhatApp messages for friends and family members 1. May the divine union of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati bless your life with harmony and devotion. Happy Hariyali Teej! 2. Wishing you a Hariyali Teej filled with blessings of love, prosperity, and marital bliss. 3. May Maa Parvatis unwavering devotion inspire us all. Happy Hariyali Teej! 4. May your fast and prayers be blessed by Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Have a divine Hariyali Teej! 5. On this sacred day, may Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati bless you with happiness and long-lasting relationships. 6. May Hariyali Teej bring greenery in your life, both around and within your soul. 7. Praying for love that lasts beyond lifetimes, just like Shiv-Parvati. Happy Hariyali Teej! 8. Lets celebrate the eternal bond of divine love. Wishing you a pious Hariyali Teej! 9. On this auspicious day, may your prayers reach the heavens and bring peace to your home. 10. May the beautiful festival of Hariyali Teej fill your life with devotion, purity, and joy. 11. Let the swing of faith and song of devotion echo in your life. Happy Teej! 12. Fasting with faith, praying with lovemay this Teej bring divine blessings from above. 13. As you offer your devotion, may Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati guide you always. 14. Hariyali Teej reminds us that true devotion is the key to divine union. Stay blessed! 15. May this sacred Teej fast be rewarded with happiness, health, and spiritual strength. 16. Celebrate this Teej with purity in heart and divinity in thoughts. 17. Let Maa Parvatis divine strength inspire your every step. Wishing you strength and grace. 18. May this Hariyali Teej bring joy in your soul and devotion in your heart. 19. On this holy day, may your soul bloom like the green earth after monsoon rains. 20. May your prayers be answered, and your heart filled with divine joy. 21. This Teej, may your home resonate with the divine songs of bhakti and love. 22. Offer your prayers and surrender your worries to the divine. Happy Teej! 23. May the beauty of Hariyali Teej bring calmness to your soul and smiles to your family. 24. May Lord Shiva fulfil all your sincere wishes as you fast and pray this Teej. 25. Lets celebrate the sacred bond of love, devotion, and eternal union. Happy Hariyali Teej! Happy Hariyali Teej 2025: Images and GIFs to share with friends and family Happy Hariyali Teej 2025 Happy Hariyali Teej 2025 Happy Hariyali Teej 2025 Happy Hariyali Teej 2025 Happy Hariyali Teej 2025 Happy Hariyali Teej 2025 Happy Hariyali Teej 2025 Happy Hariyali Teej 2025: Messages for married women 1. Wishing you a blessed Hariyali Teej 2025 filled with joy, love, and devotion. May Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati bless your life with happiness. 2. May this Teej bring prosperity, health, and marital bliss to your life. Happy Hariyali Teej 2025! 3. Lets welcome the monsoon with joy and devotion. Happy Hariyali Teej to you and your loved ones! 4. On this auspicious occasion of Teej, may your life be filled with peace, love, and harmony. 5. Hariyali Teej is a celebration of eternal love and devotion. Wishing you and your family a happy and colorful Teej! 6. May this Teej strengthen the bond of love between you and your partner. Wishing you a joyful and blessed Hariyali Teej 2025. 7. Celebrate the beauty of love and the strength of your marital bond. Happy Teej! 8. On this auspicious occasion, may Goddess Parvati shower her blessings upon your married life. Happy Hariyali Teej! 9. May your fasting bring eternal love, peace, and harmony into your home. Wishing you a graceful Teej! 10. May your Teej fast be as beautiful and graceful as your relationship. Happy Hariyali Teej 2025! 11. Swing into the joy of Hariyali Teej with vibrant colors and festive spirit! 12. Put on your green bangles, sing sweet songs, and enjoy the festive vibes. Happy Teej! 13. Let the swings and songs of Teej bring back the childlike joy in your heart. Happy Hariyali Teej! 14. Celebrate love, life, and the magic of monsoon! Wishing you a very Happy Teej! 15. Dance in the rain, enjoy delicious sweets, and celebrate with all your heart. Happy Teej! Happy Hariyali Teej 2025: Cheerful messages for friends and family members 1. Swing high, smile wide, and celebrate love with all your heart! Happy Hariyali Teej 2025! 2. Dress up in green, dance to folk tunes, and let the festive spirit take over. Happy Teej! 3. Let the melodies of Teej fill your heart with happiness and your soul with devotion. 4. Monsoon magic + festive vibes = perfect Teej celebration! Enjoy every moment! 5. Sing, swing, and savor the sweetsHariyali Teej is here to fill your life with joy! 6. Wishing you a vibrant and joyful Teej filled with music, love, and laughter! 7. May your Teej be as colorful as your bangles and as sweet as the ghewar! 8. Time to wear green, apply mehendi, and enjoy the rhythm of Teej! Happy celebrations! 9. Celebrate the spirit of togetherness, love, and tradition this Teej! 10. Let your heart swing with joy and your life bloom like the monsoon! Happy Teej 2025! 11. From vibrant sarees to swinging funmay your Teej be full of style and smiles! 12. Celebrate like never beforeHariyali Teej is here to add green sparkle to your life! 13. Lets twirl in green and twine in tradition! Wishing you a colorful and cheerful Teej! 14. Soak in the beauty of nature and the joy of festivityHappy Teej to you and your family! 15. A festival of devotion, love, and laughterHariyali Teej is pure happiness! 16. Wishing you all things bright, green, and happy this Hariyali Teej! 17. Celebrate the beauty of tradition and the power of joy. Happy Teej! 18. Green bangles, beautiful henna, joyful swingsTeej is a treat to the soul! 19. May your Teej be filled with moments of dancing, smiling, and celebrating life! 20. Heres to love, laughter, and monsoon magic! Happy Hariyali Teej 2025! An Indian student, identified as A on Reddit, seeks urgent help. His family abandoned him, and his brother abused him physically and mentally. The poster from Arkansas escaped but is now homeless in a shelter. At the same time, he claims to have lost his passport. Despite filing a police report and repeatedly contacting the Indian Consulate in Houston, he says he has received no response. I have no money, no documents, and no way to leave the country legally unless the Indian consulate helps me. Ive also contacted the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi, submitted a complaint on Madad, and even involved my universitys international officebut still no action, the user wrote. The Reddit user urgently requests guidance to return home with dignity safely. Also Read | Studying in Canada just got costlier: Ottawa tightens financial bar If anyone here knows how I can get help from: Indian consular officials Human rights groups Journalists Indian community organisations Immigration lawyers NGOs I would be grateful for any direction or support. I just want to get home safely and with my dignity, the Reddit user added. The interest in Indian student in US was extremely high on Google India during July 24-25: The interest in 'Indian student in US' was extremely high on Google India during July 24-25 Social media rushes to help Reddit users advised him while trying to guide him through the right routes. If you are a student or were a student, reach out to the international student services, they can help with a few immediate resources while you get the emergency certificate to fly back home I'm so sorry that you're in this situation. I hope things become better for you soon, one of them wrote. Also Read | Indian student shares hostel tour from China, internet impressed Im so sorry for your condition. Please start a GoFundMe. Attaching all your documents. Save any and all documents that you have in hand. Including your mark cards from India. See if theres a social worker based out of Houston that might be able to consider your plea in the embassy, wrote another user. Another user suggested, Contact your local mosque. They should have the resources to help you. They might even be able to put you in touch with a lawyer. Donald Trump has reignited his long-running feud with Barack Obama in typically provocative fashionthis time using a meme that parodies the infamous 1994 O.J. Simpson police chase. But while the meme was intended as a political jab at the former US President, it unexpectedly triggered a viral reaction for another reason: JD Vances surprise cameo. Originally posted by Donald Trump Jr. and later reshared by Trump himself, the doctored image features Obama riding in a white Ford Bronco, cast as a fugitive. Trump appears in pursuit, driving a police cruiser. Trailing them in a second squad car is Trumps vice-presidential pick JD Vancedepicted in his long-haired, college-era look, a recurring image that social media has taken a liking to. Though Vance wasnt the focus, his youthful appearance once again became meme fodder online. Trumps meme spree didnt stop there. Earlier, he posted an AI-generated deepfake video on Truth Social showing Obama being arrested in the Oval Office by FBI agents, while Trump watched with a grin. Also Read | Trump perfects the art of making powerful people squirm on camera The video quickly went viral and drew both ridicule and concern over the rising use of AI in political propaganda. Why Did The US President Suddenly Post These? These digital jabs come just as former Democratic presidential candidate and current Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard made explosive claims regarding the origins of the Trump-Russia collusion narrative. Originally prepared in 2020 but only declassified recently, the report claims the Obama administration directed an unusually rushed and biased process in producing the assessment. According to the committee, This report shows the ICA was not the product of a fair or thorough intelligence process, but of political pressure and selective sourcing. Gabbard alleges that over 100 documents point to top Obama-era officialspossibly with Obamas direct involvementfabricating the story in an attempt to undermine Trumps presidency. She says she plans to turn the evidence over to the Department of Justice and the FBI. The US Justice Department's deputy chief conducted a second day of interviews with Ghislaine Maxwell, the imprisoned girlfriend of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a case that has drawn President Donald Trump into political controversy. Todd Blanche, a former personal attorney to Trump, has not disclosed the topics discussed during these rare meetings between a high-ranking DOJ official and a convicted felon, AFP reported. Also Read: Florida judge denies DOJ request to unseal Jeffrey Epstein grand jury transcripts Maxwells attorney, David Markus, stated Friday afternoon that she was questioned on "everything" and that she "answered every single question" during the session, which took place at a courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida. According to a report by ABC NEWS citing sources, Maxwell was granted a limited form of immunity beforehand. "The immunity allowed Maxwell to freely answer Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche's questions without fear that her responses could later be used against her", the sources told ABC NEWS. What is limited immunity? The immunity granted to Ghislaine Maxwell enabled her to respond openly to questions from Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, with the assurance that her statements would not be used against her in the future, according to the report. This type of protection, known as 'proffer immunity' is commonly extended to individuals whom prosecutors are considering as potential cooperators in a criminal investigation. Maxwell has already been convicted and sentenced for sex trafficking underage girls. Ahead of the second round of questioning, AFP reported that Markus said Ghislaine has been treated unfairly for over five years now and described her as a scapegoat. "Everything she says can be corroborated, and she's telling the truth. She's got no reason to lie at this point, and she's going to keep telling the truth," he added. Trump says, he could pardon Maxwell but Trump acknowledged that he had the authority to pardon Ghislaine Maxwell, the longtime associate of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, in exchange for her cooperation with ongoing investigations, but said he hadnt given it serious thought. Im allowed to do it, but its something I have not thought about, Trump said on Friday at the White House before leaving for a trip to Scotland. Trump told reporters he didnt believe it was the right moment to address the matter, though he stopped short of ruling it out entirely, Bloomberg reported. A lot of people are asking me about pardons, he said. Obviously, this is no time to be talking about pardons. Trump is looking to move past the Epstein scandal, which has seen him on rare unsure footing over claims his administration mishandled a review of the notorious case. On Friday, Trump again sought to put distance between himself and Epstein, the disgraced financier who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. I have nothing to do with the guy, Trump, whose past friendship with Epstein has received much media attention this week, told reporters ahead of a visit to Scotland. Jeffrey Epstein's accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell's meeting with senior US Justice Department official, for the second time, ended with no asks and promises," said her lawyer. The two met for three hours on Friday, July 25 and Ghislaine Maxwell answered every question honestly, truthfully, to the best of her ability, said Maxwell's lawyer, David Markus, reported BBC's US partner CBS News. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump had boldly declared on Friday that he was allowed to pardon convicted sex offender Epstein's accomplice, but had not thought about it. Ghislaine Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for procuring and grooming young girls to be sexually abused by Epstein. Pressure has been growing on Trump officials recently to release files related to the late sexual offender, after the president pledged to do so, while campaigning last year. The 63-year-old's meeting with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche took place in Tallahassee, Florida, where she is serving her sentence. Ghislaine Maxwell's meeting with US official Key Highlights During the meeting, Maxwell answered every one of Blanche's questions. She never did say 'I'm not going to answer', never declined, the 63-year-old's lawyer said about his client, reported the BBC. Ghislaine Maxwell's lawyer said that the meetings were not a situation where they "were asking for anything in return for testimony or anything like that," given that everyone is aware that Maxwell will welcome any form of relief. US DoJ official Todd Blanche reportedly did not provide any insights about the meeting, and instead said he would reveal what he had learned at the appropriate time. Meanwhile, Donald Trump's critics attacked how Blanche, the POTUS's former personal lawyer was sent to interview Ghislaine ahead of her public testimony calling it a conflict of interest. Trump and Epstein were friends before, according to the president, they fell out in the early 2000s. On Friday, Donald Trump said that he has nothing to do with the convicted sex offender. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recently heaped praise on US President Donald Trump, saying that America has a unique advantage by having him as its leader. Speaking on Wednesday at an AI summit in Washington, Huang said that no other country has that advantage a compliment that Donald Trump seemed to like as he shared a video of the Nvidia CEO's talk on his Truth Social platform. Americas unique advantage that no other country can possibly have is President Trump, Huang said. What did Jensen Huang say about Donald Trump? In a chat at the AI Summit that was also attended by Trump, Huang said that the President realised the importance of AI and energy as soon as he took over his role at the White House. On the first day of his administration, he realised the importance of AI, and he realised the importance of energy. For the last I don't know how many years, energy production was vilified, if you guys remember, he said. Also Read | In China, repair demand for banned Nvidia AI chipsets booms Donald Trump, since returning as President for the second time, has rallied for various energy projects, signing executive orders one of which requires the automatic rescission of outdated regulations to unleash American innovation and energy production. Talking about Trump's initiatives, Jensen Huang said one needs energy to produce things like AI. We can't create new industries without energy. You can't reshore manufacturing without energy. You can't sustain a brand new industry like artificial intelligence without energy. If we decide, as a country, the only thing we want is IPto be an IP-only, a services-only countrythen we don't need much energy. But if we want to produce things, something as vital as artificial intelligence, then we need energy. Donald Trump praises Jensen Huang The AI summit at Washington also saw Donald Trump heaping praise on Huang. Americas unique advantage that no other country can possibly have is President Trump. What a job youve done, Trump said. Throughout his address, the president name-checked and complimented Huang for his investments in tech in the US. The United States' Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)has recently announced to have busted a massive meth trafficking operation from Angeles to Australia, reported Surrey Now-Leader, adding they have arrested a Surrey man Opinder Singh Sian for alleged links to the international drug trade. The report added that the DEA detained Opinder Singh who was allegedly involved in connection with trafficking attempt of 530 lbs. of methamphetamine from Los Angeles to Australia. The US agency claimed that Opinder Singh allegedly trafficked at least 50 grams of methamphetamine around the summer of 2023 in Los Angeles. The report further claimed, after citing the court papers, that Opinder Singh is an "alleged member of a criminal gang". Among other things, Singh also established links with the Irish organised crime Kinahan family and Italian and Canadian organised crime groups. Another report by Vancouver Sun claimed Opinder Singh was linked to the B.C.-based Brother Keepers gang. DEA inserts an undercover source: Providing more details, an agent in Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) said to the daily that in 2022, the agency's high-intensity drug trafficking area group received a tip from the DEA's Ankara regarding inserting a confidential source into an international drug trafficking organization. Surrey Now-Leader added that the organisation allegedly needed help from someone acting as the transportation coordinator for moving drugs from Los Angeles to Australia. When the DEA agent contacted the source via a telephonic call, they gave them Opinder Singh's contact details, including his phone number. At the time, Opinder Singh was living in Vancouver, but the Vancouver Sun article noted his connections to Surrey. Also Read | Delhi man killed by wife and lover, Instagram chat reveal murder plot Reports claimed that the source and Opinder Singh met in person and spoke over the phone several times. They even allegedly discussed coordinating "multiple deliveries of methamphetamine from co-conspirators" to the confidential source in Southern California for shipment to Australia, added the reports. " (Opinder Singh) Sian advised the source that he and his criminal associates would be delivering a total of an estimated 500-750 kilograms of methamphetamine that would be made in separate deliveries being coordinated by Sians criminal associates," the court documents read. The document added that Opinder Singh and his associates arranged for four drop-offs to the source, which would be shipped off to Australia. Opinder Singh also created several group chats with the source and his criminal associates to arrange the deliveries. In mid-October 2023, DEA and Australian law enforcement "packaged sham methamphetamine and placed a tracking device inside." A staff member of Beijing Customs checks suspicious mails on the screen of a monitor system in Beijing, capital of China, July 25, 2025. Problems of counterfeiting and intellectual property (IP) infringement have become increasingly prominent as Chinese cultural and creative products gain growing influence in the world market. The Beijing Customs hosted an open day event for media professionals on Friday to showcase some of the counterfeit goods it has seized recently. It has intercepted over 30,000 items in 13 batches of suspected counterfeit products of Pop Mart, a popular Chinese brand for trendy toys, since early this year. (Xinhua/Li He) Staff members of Beijing Customs inspect suspicious parcels in Beijing, capital of China, July 25, 2025. Problems of counterfeiting and intellectual property (IP) infringement have become increasingly prominent as Chinese cultural and creative products gain growing influence in the world market. The Beijing Customs hosted an open day event for media professionals on Friday to showcase some of the counterfeit goods it has seized recently. It has intercepted over 30,000 items in 13 batches of suspected counterfeit products of Pop Mart, a popular Chinese brand for trendy toys, since early this year. (Xinhua/Li He) A staff member of Beijing Customs presents an intercepted counterfeit LABUBU toy of Pop Mart in Beijing, capital of China, July 25, 2025. Problems of counterfeiting and intellectual property (IP) infringement have become increasingly prominent as Chinese cultural and creative products gain growing influence in the world market. The Beijing Customs hosted an open day event for media professionals on Friday to showcase some of the counterfeit goods it has seized recently. It has intercepted over 30,000 items in 13 batches of suspected counterfeit products of Pop Mart, a popular Chinese brand for trendy toys, since early this year. (Xinhua/Li He) Several Americans were left fuming at the US government's audacity in accepting gifts via Venmo and PayPal to reduce the countrys ballooning $36.7 trillion debt. The US Treasury Department on Friday said that it is now accepting these digital payment platforms on the Gifts to Reduce the Public Debt page on Pay.gov. The US public debt has increased by a whopping 87% from $19.59 trillion in 2010. However, taxpayers on social media platforms were unhappy to learn about this donation program, which has existed since 1996. Here's how netizens reacted: Americans were angry about this latest push from the US Treasury Department for public donations to help the massive national debt. They pointed out that each citizen is already paying the county 40% of their salary in tax. They literally steal 40% of your money and they have the audacity to want donations? an angry American said. Wow, so now they want more money on top of my TAXES they take from me, added another. A social media user wondered if the donation would amount to a tax write-off. The ironic part is that its probably not a tax write-off, he said. I hope the Treasury will report their own Venmo payments to the IRS, an American joked. However, a few irked users responded hilariously to this new initiative and claimed, This might be the silliest thing I've ever seen. A user said, They need to help me pay down my debt. Ummm. How about no, said one user. Are we poor? asked another. A user asked, What's next? A Go Fund Me? WTF was the point of DOGE? questioned a user. Tell Israel to donate all the money that was given to them, quipped a user. They even tagged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and said, Dont forget to help your best ally, the USA, pay the debt. A user wondered, Who would do this? According to US Treasury data, the public has contributed $67.3 million since 1996, a figure that remains negligible compared to the federal debt. Big, Beautiful Bill to add another $3.4 trillion to national debt The recently enacted Big, Beautiful Bill by US President Donald Trump is expected to add $3.4 trillion to the national debt over the next decade, according to estimates from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office. The legislation has sparked controversy, drawing sharp criticism from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who condemned the move for raising the debt ceiling by $5 trillion, fueling a public spat between him and Trump. By Humeyra Pamuk WASHINGTON, July 26 (Reuters) - The United States is pausing all routine visa services at U.S. embassy in Nigerien capital Niamey until further notice, according to a State Department spokesperson and an internal State Department cable seen by Reuters on Saturday. The July 25-dated cable did not provide a reason for the move but a State Department spokesperson said the pause, which would cover all immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories, was in place until Washington addressed "concerns with the Government of Niger." The spokesperson did not provide further details on the reason, but said that most diplomatic and official visas were excepted from the pause. "The Trump Administration is focused on protecting our nation and our citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process," the Department spokesperson said. The diplomatic cable also instructed consular officers in other visa processing posts to apply "heightened scrutiny" when assessing non-immigrant visa applications for Nigerien nationals, whose overstay rates it said were 8 percent for visitor visas and 27 percent for student and exchange visas. Consular managers should make an effort to reduce the number of overstays by nonimmigrant visa holders in the United States, the cable said and added: "In this regard, particular vigilance is needed in adjudicating Nigerien NIV applicants." The U.S. embassy in Niamey has informed all individuals impacted, the spokesperson added. As part of his hardline stance on immigration, President Donald Trump has ordered a nationwide campaign to arrest migrants who are in the country illegally and has vowed to deport millions of people, executing raids at work sites including farms that were largely exempted from enforcement during his first term. Trump administration officials have said student visa and green card holders are subject to deportation over their support for Palestinians and criticism of Israel's conduct in the war in Gaza, calling their actions a threat to U.S. foreign policy and accusing them of being pro-Hamas. Rubio in May said the number of visas he has revoked was probably in the thousands. The State Department under his leadership significantly tightened social media vetting for U.S. visa applicants. The U.S. military in September said it had completed its withdrawal from Niger, after the West African nation's ruling junta in April 2024 ordered Washington to withdraw its nearly 1,000 military personnel from the country. It was an embarrassing setback for Washington that followed a coup last year in the West African nation. Before the coup, Niger had been a key partner in the U.S. fight against insurgents in the Sahel region of Africa, who have killed thousands of people and displaced millions more. Pakistani TikTok content creator, Sumeera Rajput, was found dead under suspicious circumstances at her home in Sindh district. While no FIR has so far been registered, Sumeera Rajput's daughter has claimed that the Pakistani TikToker was poisoned. According to Geo News, Ghotki District Police Officer Anwar Shaikh said Sumeera Rajput's daughter claimed some individuals poisoned her mother for turning down a marriage proposal. She said they had been pressuring her into a forced marriage. The daughter alleged that her mother was given poisonous tablets, which led to her death. Who was Sumeera Rajput? Sumeera Rajput was a TikTok content creator. She had 58,000 TikTok followers and more than one million likes. The content creator has a 15-year-old daughter. According to the reports, she was found dead at her home in the Bago Wah area of Sindh's Ghotki district on Saturday, July 26. The deceased Pakistani TikToker's body was examined at a local hospital where no external signs of violence were found. Samples have also been sent for laboratory analysis, reported Gulf News. The police are yet to register a First Information Report (FIR). Sumeera Rajput's shocking death comes nearly a month after Pakistani TikToker was shot dead for rejecting offers of friendship Pakistani TikTokers killed: Previous cases In June, 17-year-old TikToker Sana Yousaf was shot dead at her home in Islamabad. The content creator's alleged killer 22-year-old Umar Hayat had reportedly been harassing her for some time before the incident. In the beginning of July, a teenage girl named Mehak Shahzadi was shot dead by her father in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, after she reportedly refused to delete her TikTok account. According to PTI, the officials described it as an honour killing. Also Read | Imsha Rehman viral video: Why Pakistani TikToker has deactivated her account Cambodia wants an "immediate ceasefire" with Thailand, the country's envoy to the United Nations said Friday. Bangkok also signaled an openness to talks. The statements came after the two neighbours engaged in deadly strikes for a second day. Tension at Thailand-Cambodia border escalated on Thursday. The countries exchanged heavy artillery fire for a second day on Friday as border fighting intensified and spread. Amid the violence, the Cambodian death toll in Thai clashes rose to 13, the defence ministry said. Also Read | Thailand declares martial law in 8 districts amid deadly clashes with Cambodia Here's what we know so far about the Thailand-Cambodia clashes: 1. Cambodia's leader said Thailand had agreed to a Malaysian ceasefire proposal but then backed down, Reuters reported. "Cambodia asked for an immediate ceasefire unconditionally and we also call for the peaceful solution of the dispute," Phnom Penh's UN ambassador Chhea Keo was quoted by news agency AFP as saying following a closed meeting of the UN Security Council attended by Cambodia and Thailand on Friday. 2. Thai Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nikorndej Balankura told AFP that Bangkok was open to talks, possibly aided by Malaysia, but claimed they have not recieved any proposal yet. Balankura said fighting had begun to ease off by Friday afternoon. "We are ready, if Cambodia would like to settle this matter via diplomatic channels, bilaterally, or even through Malaysia, we are ready to do that. But, so far, we have not had any response," Nikorndej told AFP, speaking before the UN meeting had been held. 3. At the UN, Cambodia's envoy responded to accusations that Cambodia attacked Thailand, asking how a small country with no air force could attack a much larger country with an army three times its size, stressing, We do not do that. "(The Security Council) called for both parties to (show) maximum restraint and resort to a diplomatic solution. That is what we are calling for as well," said Chhea Keo. 4. Malaysia called for an end to hostilities and offered to mediate. Malaysia currently holds the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) regional bloc, of which Thailand and Cambodia are both members. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Friday that Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to a ceasefire and to withdraw their troops from the border, but requested more time before implementing the action, according to a report by Malaysias Bernama national news agency. Anwar said he had spoken to both Cambodian leader Hun Manet and Thailands Phumtham and urged them to open space for peaceful dialogue and diplomatic resolution, while offering to have Malaysia facilitate talks. Also Read | Thailand warns of war with Cambodia if border clashes escalate 5. Earlier, acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai had warned that if the situation escalated, "it could develop into war." He told reporters in Bangkok, For now, it remains limited to clashes. 6. Fighting resumed in three areas around 4 am on Friday (2100 GMT Thursday), the Thai army said, with Cambodian forces firing heavy weapons, field artillery, and BM-21 rocket systems, and Thai troops responding "with appropriate supporting fire." 7. Tensions over a disputed border area erupted into fighting after a land mine explosion along the border wounded five Thai soldiers on Wednesday. Fighting, which began on Thursday, focused on six locations, according to the Thai army. These included around two ancient temples. The latest conflict marks a dramatic escalation in a long-running dispute between the neighbors both popular destinations for millions of foreign tourists over their shared 800-kilometer (500-mile) border. 8. Both sides blamed each other for firing first. Thailand also accused Cambodia of targeting civilian infrastructure, including a hospital hit by shells and a petrol station hit by at least one rocket. 9. The latest flare-up in a long-running border dispute between the two countries has killed at least 19 people in Thailand mostly civilians while Cambodia confirmed its first fatality on Friday. Italy Plane Crash: A small plane crashed nose-first on an Italian highway, killing two people, on Tuesday. The deadly Italian plane crash happened on a highway in Brescia, in the northern part of the country. Two people have also been injured, according to reports. On Tuesday, July 22, an ultralight airplane crashed onto a pavement of Corda Molle in a hamlet in Azzano Mella, Brescia, according to a report by People. As per the report, the plane was being piloted by 75-year-old Sergio Ravaglia, who died in the accident. The other victim of the plane crash in Italy has been identified as his partner, 60-year-old Ann Maria De Stefano. A video of the incident has been captured and is doing rounds on social media. The video shows the aircraft coming down with speed before crashing onto the pavement and catching fire. Watch the video of the plane crash in Italy: After hitting the ground, the aircraft caught fire. Both occupants were killed. The flames also engulfed two passing cars, injuring two people, local media outlet Viral Press reported. As the Freccia RG ultralight aircraft hit the road head first, a massive fire was seen along with a plume of thick, black smoke. Authorities said they believed that Ravaglia was trying to make an emergency landing on the freeway after losing control of the aircraft, but was unable to regain it, resulting in the crash. The two injured were two motorists on the highway, who luckily survived. The video further shows several vehicles near the plane crash spot, with drivers trying to avoid the massive flames. Also Read | Pilot Federation seeks apology from Reuters, WSJ over AI plane crash report Emergency services arrived shortly but it was too late as the plane had completely burned due to the fire by then. The crashed aircraft Freccia RG is made of carbon fibre and has a wingspan of about 30 feet. Director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services Joseph Edlow said this week that President Donald Trump's administration is considering changes to the test to become a US citizen. Earlier, it was reported that the administration was planning to change the visa system for skilled foreign workers by doing away with the H1-B visa lottery system. US citizenship test: What's expected? Joseph Edlow, the director of USCIS, told the New York Times on Thursday that the administration wanted to change the naturalisation test required by prospective US citizens. As of now, immigrants study 100 civics questions and then must respond correctly to six out of 10 questions to pass that portion of the test. During the first Trump administration, the agency increased the number of questions and required applicants to respond correctly to 12 out of 20 questions. Edlow said the agency plans to return to a version of that test soon, the NYT reported. But why does Edlow want to change the citizenship test? In an interview with The New York Times, Joseph Edlow said the test to become a US citizen was too easy and should change. The test as its laid out right now, its not very difficult, Edlow said on Thursday, adding. Its very easy to kind of memorise the answers. I dont think were really comporting with the spirit of the law. Edlows proposed changes would have to be approved through the federal governments rule-making process. H-1B visa program: What changes? The Donald Trump administration is reportedly planning to revamp the H1-B visa lottery system, aiming to replace it with a more weighted and wage-linked selection process. The proposed changes aim to give preference to certain applicants based on additional criteriapotentially including wagesthereby benefiting highly-skilled and higher-paid professionals. Currently, the system is quite simple. Applicants who are eligible for H1-B visa submit their applications, and a computer-run lottery randomly selects the recipients. Each year, about 85,000 H-1B visas are issued, including 20,000 reserved for individuals holding a Masters degree or higher from a US university. On January 8, 2021, the Department of Homeland Security published a final rule to modify its process for selecting H-1B petitions when registrations surpass the annual limit of 85,000. So, what changes does the administration propose? As per Forbes, in the final rule in 2021, DHS described the new selection process as: The USCIS will rank and select the petitions received on the basis of the highest Occupational Employment Statistics wage level that the proffered wage equals or exceeds for the relevant Standard Occupational Classification code in the area of intended employment, beginning with OES wage level IV and proceeding in descending order with OES wage levels III, II, and I. A study by the Institute for Progress earlier this year found, as reported by the Hindustan Times, that if higher salaries were given priority instead of using a random lottery, the average salary of an H-1B visa holder could rise from around $106,000 to $172,000. That would likely make things much harder for outsourcing firms who rely on hiring large numbers of lower-wage workers, but could be a big plus for researchers, PhD holders, and senior-level tech professionals, the report added. Criticism Doug Rand, a former Biden administration official, said changing the H1-B process to favour higher-wage earners was misguided. Like it or not, the H-1B program is the main way that US companies can hire the best and brightest international graduates of US universities, and Congress never allowed DHS to put its thumb on the scale based on salary, he said. Regarding the plan to change the H-1B visa program for foreign workers, it has been the subject of debate within the Republican Party. Edlow said it should favour companies that plan to pay foreign workers higher wages. the proposed changes to the system could alleviate criticism from those in the right wing of the Republican Party who say the program attracts workers willing to accept lower salaries than American workers. This week, US Vice President JD Vance had criticised companies that lay off their own employees and then hire foreign workers. But some of Trumps most prominent backers in the tech industry said they rely on the H-1B visa program because they cant find enough qualified American workers. Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the Israel Defence Forces on Saturday claimed to have killed a senior Hezbollah commander Ali Abd al-Qader Ismail in the Bint Jbeil sector, reported PTI. The IDF even claimed that Ali Abd al-Qader Ismail was one of the Hezbollah commanders who were involved in efforts to rehabilitate the terrorist organisation in southern Lebanon. Also Read | Gaza Truce Talks Falter as US and Israel Pull Negotiators In a post on X, the IDF said, ELIMINATED: Ali Abd al-Qader Ismail, a senior Hezbollah commander in the Bint Jbeil sector, involved in efforts to rehabilitate the terrorist organization in southern Lebanon. The IDF will continue to operate to remove any threat posed to the State of Israel. Earlier, Israel Defence Minister Israel Katz visited the home of Sheikh Muafak Tarif in Syria's Julis home of the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel. According to a statement by the Defense Ministry, Katz said the military would work to provide medical assistance to the Druze of southern Syria. In July, a Handala boat, carrying pro-Palestinian activists and humanitarian aid supplies approached the Gaza Strip, reported The Times of Israel, adding, they sailed from Sicily, following a month after Israel intercepted a different vessel that had made a high-profile attempt to break the maritime blockade on the Gaza Strip. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which operates Handala, also dispatched the earlier boat Madleen on a mission to challenge Israel's blockade on the Strip. US response: The Times of Israel had earlier quoted US Secretary of State Marco Rubio telling former hostages and hostage families on Friday that the Donald Trump administration needs to "rethink" its strategy regarding solving the war in Gaza. Rubio said for the United States, it was necessary to "come to the president with new options" on strategy regarding the war. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with captivity survivors and hostage families in Washington on Friday, as per The Times of Israel. Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has announced sweeping changes to its intelligence training, making Arabic language and Islamic Studies mandatory for all its officers in the wing. The changes come in response to an intelligence failure that occurred around October 7, 2023, the IDF confirmed to Jewish News Syndicate (JNS). Why the change The long-term goal is for future commanders to be fluent in Arabic and well-versed in Islamic culture, significantly strengthening their analytical capabilities instilling in them doubt and deep observation, as per officials. We cannot turn the soldiers and officers of the Intelligence Division into Arab children who grew up in the village, but through studying the language and culture, we can instill in them doubt and deep observation, a senior Israeli intelligence official said, reported JNS. Arabic and Islamic Studies training compulsory Key Highlights According to The Jerusalem Post, the Islamic intelligence research staff will now be expected to attain proficiency in Arabic as part of their basic training. This is the first time that soldiers in technical and cyber roles will undergo training in Arabic and Islamic Studies. By the end of next year, 100 per cent of AMAN (the Hebrew acronym for Israel's Military Intelligence Directorate) personnel will be trained in Islamic Studies and 50 per cent of them will undergo Arabic language training, reported The Jerusalem Post . . As per JNS, the Tel-M section, which promoted Arabic and Middle Eastern studies in Israeli schools and was closed six years ago, will be revived under Unit 8200 of the Israel military intelligence. Also Read | Israels red lines in Syria are drawing it deeper into conflict The change has been ordered by AMAN chief - Major General Shlomi Binder. The new courses will also focus on the Houthi and Iraqi Arabic dialects, addressing operational challenges in understanding regional communications. Teachers from relevant backgrounds have been recruited to ensure authentic instruction of the same, reported JNS. What was the situation before? Previously, training in Arabic language and Islamic Studies was not compulsory for intelligence units. Now, the training is mandatory for all intelligence personnel, including those in technological roles previously not connected to Arabic language or Islamic studies. In a new development, men may soon be able to equitably share the responsibility of avoiding pregnancy along with their partners as YCT-529, a birth control experimental pill has passed its initial human safety test, making another way for contraception. It will reportedly cease sperms temporarily without hinderance to hormones. What is YCT-529? Unlike conventional hormonal birth control pills, the innovative pill developed by YourChoice Therapeutics temporarily halts sperm production while leaving testosterone levels unchanged, New York Post reported. It functions by inhibiting a protein named retinoic acid receptor alpha, which is essential in the sperm creation process. Initial studies indicate that its effects are completely reversible. In tests involving male mice, YCT-529 significantly decreased sperm production, leading to reversible infertility after only four weeks of treatment. When these treated males bred with females, the drug demonstrated a 99% success rate in preventing pregnancy. Comparable outcomes were observed in male nonhuman primates, with sperm counts declining within two weeks of beginning the treatment. Importantly, fertility was fully restored in both species once the drug was discontinued. Mice recovered within six weeks, while primates regained fertility between 10 and 15 weeks. No side effects were noted in either group throughout the studies, the report added. The initial human trial of the medication included 16 healthy males aged 32 to 59, all of whom had previously had vasectomies, a surgical operation that severs and blocks the tubes transporting sperm from the testicles to prevent conception. This additional safety measure was required because no nonhormonal male contraceptive had ever been evaluated in humans before. Scientists wanted to eliminate any chance of permanently impacting fertility, in case participants wished to have children later, Nadja Mannowetz, co-founder and chief science officer of YourChoice Therapeutics, informed Scientific American. She clarified the objective was not to assess effectiveness but to determine if the drug was tolerated well and to observe how it accumulated in the body. Human safety of YCT-529 Researchers tested multiple doses and found no concerning side effects. There were no changes in heart rate, hormone levels, inflammation, sexual function, or mood. Gunmen killed five civilians during a "terrorist attack" on a judiciary building in southeast Iran on Saturday before being killed themselves, state media reported. "Unknown gunmen attacked the judiciary centre in Zahedan," the capital of southeastern Sistan-Baluchistan province, the judiciary's Mizan Online said. "Five people have been killed and 13 injured in this terrorist attack," the report said while adding that the counts are "preliminary" and the toll may rise. Separately, the official IRNA news agency reported that three of the attackers were killed during the assault, citing the regional headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to Alireza Daliri, deputy police commander of Sistan-Baluchistan province, the attackers attempted to enter the building disguised as visitors. The assailants threw a grenade into the building, Daliri said, killing several people inside, including a one-year-old baby and the child's mother. According to Iranian media, Jaish al-Adl (Arabic for "Army of Justice"), a Baloch jihadist group based in Pakistan but also active in Iran, claimed responsibility for the attack. Located about 1,200 kilometres (745 miles) southeast of the capital Tehran, the restive province shares a long border with Pakistan and Afghanistan. The area has been the scene of recurring clashes between Iranian security forces, including the IRGC, and rebels from the Baluch minority, radical Sunni groups, and drug traffickers. In one of the deadliest incidents in the region, ten police officers were killed in October in what authorities also described as a "terrorist" attack. BANGKOK, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese embassy in Thailand issued an advisory on Saturday urging Chinese citizens in Thailand to avoid traveling to areas affected by the ongoing border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. As clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border are still ongoing and the Thai authorities have imposed martial law in parts of Chanthaburi and Trat provinces, Chinese citizens, especially those near the conflict zones, are advised to closely monitor the evolving situation, pay attention to personal safety, and avoid the affected areas of the Thai-Cambodian border, said the embassy. Chinese citizens and institutions currently in those areas should follow security guidelines issued by local authorities and be prepared to take shelter or evacuate if necessary. In the event of an emergency, Chinese citizens are advised to contact the local police and seek assistance from the Chinese embassy or consulate in Thailand. Thailand and Cambodia's ongoing conflict escalated further with the two bordering nations pounding each other with heavy artillery fire for a third day on Saturday, causing the death toll to rise to 33, while leaving over 168,000 displaced from their homes spread across the frontier. Blasts tore through the skies on Saturday afternoon, as clashes broke out for the first time in the rival-locked nations' coastal regions, where they meet on the Gulf of Thailand. "It feels like I'm escaping a war zone," a 76-year-old farmer, Samlee Sornchai described the situation to AFP, while at a temple shelter for evacuees in the Thai town of Kanthararom, after abandoning his farm near the border. Residents flee; death toll rises | Top points As many as 33 people were killed, and over 150,000 people were displaced from their homes as Thailand and Cambodia exchanged fire for the third consecutive day, reported AP. Donald Trump said that he will will call the acting Prime Minister of Thailand and request for a ceasefire. He also said that he had already spoken to Cambodia PM. The Indian Embassy in Cambodia on Saturday issued an advisory for nationals living in the country, and also shared a helpline number for assistance. People who fled their homes near the border between Cambodia and Thailand, stay at a pagoda in Oddar Meanchey province on July 26, 2025. Thailand and Cambodia clashed for a third day, as the death toll from their bloodiest fighting in years rose to 33 and Phnom Penh called for an 'immediate ceasefire' (Photo by TANG CHHIN Sothy / AFP) 4. Cambodia's defence ministry said 13 people have been confirmed killed in the fighting since Thursday, including eight civilians and five soldiers, with 71 people wounded. 5. Thai authorities reported that 13 civilians and seven soldiers have been killed on their side, taking the toll across both nations higher than it was in the last major round of fighting between 2008 and 2011. 6. Residents fleeing from their homes called for peace, stating that relations between the people of the two nations used to be good, and that they were like siblings. "We are neighbours, we want to be friends," one 50-year-old told AFP at the temple shelter in Phumi Bak Thkav. But they are attacking us. We are fleeing homes because of them. A woman who fled her home near the border between Cambodia and Thailand, sits on a hammock at a pagoda in Oddar Meanchey province on July 26, 2025. Thailand and Cambodia clashed for a third day, as the death toll from their bloodiest fighting in years rose to 33 and Phnom Penh called for an 'immediate ceasefire' (Photo by TANG CHHIN Sothy / AFP) 7. Following a UN Security Council meeting in New York, Cambodia's UN ambassador Chhea Keo said his country wanted a ceasefire. Cambodia asked for an immediate ceasefire unconditionally and we also call for the peaceful solution of the dispute, he told reporters. 8. On Friday, Thailand had declared martial law in eight of its districts bordering Cambodia, after the two nations engaged in deadly clashes. 9. Prasat Preah Vihear and Prasat Ta Muen Thom, both Khmer-era Hindu temples about 95 miles apart, are two of the key sites where tensions flared on Thursday. Trump claimed that Thailand and Cambodia desire peace amid the ongoing border clashes and are eager to continue trade with the United States. In a post on his official Truth Social handle, Trump wrote, I just had a very good call with the Prime Minister of Cambodia, and informed him of my discussions with Thailand, and its Acting Prime Minister. Both Parties are looking for an immediate Ceasefire and Peace. They are also looking to get back to the Trading Table with the United States, which we think is inappropriate to do until such time as the fighting STOPS." He added, "They have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE! It was an honour to deal with both Countries. They have a long and storied History and Culture. They will hopefully get along for many years to come. When all is done, and Peace is at hand, I look forward to concluding our Trading Agreements with both! Thailand-Cambodia clashes Thailand and Cambodia's ongoing border dispute intensified as they exchanged heavy artillery fire for the third consecutive day on Saturday. The fighting resulted in 33 deaths and displaced over 168,000 people from their homes along the border, reported AP. Several artillery and small arms fire were reported near several border villages, expanding the conflict area that started on Thursday after a land mine explosion along the border injured five Thai soldiers. Cambodian and Thai officials accused each other of initiating the clashes. In response, both nations recalled their ambassadors, and Thailand shut its border with Cambodia. Also Read | Take a look at the front page that went viral as Trump arrived in Scotland According to the Cambodian authorities, 12 new deaths were reported on Saturday, the total death toll stood at 13, while The Thai military announced that a soldier was killed, increasing the death toll to 20, mostly civilians. Cambodias Information Minister Neth Pheaktra stated on Saturday that the clashes have led to the evacuation of 10,865 Cambodian families, totalling 37,635 individuals, from three border provinces to safer areas. Meanwhile, Thai authorities reported that over 131,000 people have left their border villages. The 800-kilometer (500-mile) border between Thailand and Cambodia has been contested for decades, though previous conflicts have been brief. The most recent tensions arose in May when a confrontation resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier, leading to a diplomatic dispute and stirring unrest within Thailands politics. Financial stress, caregiving duties and career demands are causing burnout among Singaporeans in their 30s. Experts warn that this sandwich generation faces rising suicide rates. In 2024, 75 people aged 30-39 died by suicide, up from 66 in 2023. This was the highest for any age group. Samaritans of Singapore say these adults encounter unique pressures. They have unstable jobs, family issues and mental health problems. Dr Sharon Lu thinks suicide usually results from a combination of factors, not just depression. It is often assumed that depression is the cause of all suicides, but suicide is often due to the interaction of a myriad of factors and life circumstances, the South China Morning Post quoted Lu as saying. Also Read | Anne Burrell died by suicide from multiple substance intoxication: NYC officials Depression may be one of the many stressors an individual is struggling with, but someone who is not depressed can still be suicidal, she added. People in their 30s may be vulnerable to severe emotional strain. They have to manage multiple responsibilities. They need to manage careers, children, ageing parents and financial commitments. According to Lu, juggling parenting, relationships and elderly care deeply impacts mental health in their 30s. The pressure of meeting societys expectations adds to isolation. Psychiatrist Dr David Teo believes disappointment from unmet life goals creates feelings of failure. He said comparing lives with others on social media increases stress and feelings of being left behind. Also Read | Mass suicide in Gujarat! 5 family members found dead in Ahmedabad Goals and dreams from their 20s that remain unfulfilled can lead to a sense of failure or hopelessness, SCMP quoted him as saying. Also, physical health problems and new mental health conditions often emerge in this difficult life stage, according to Teo. The concern is not only about people in Singapore. Recent data shows Indians aged between 30 and 44 face a rising suicide risk. In 2022, people aged 1830 accounted for 35% of suicides, followed closely by those aged 3045 at 32%. Together, these age groups made up 67% of all suicide deaths. Suicide in India Suicides in India increased from 1,64,033 in 2021 to 1,70,924 in 2022, according to NCRB data. Cities reported higher suicide rates compared to the national average. Family problems (31.7%), illness (18.4%) and marriage issues (4.8%) accounted for over half the suicides. Men made up 71.8% of victims. Tamil Nadu reported the highest mass suicide cases, followed by Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, reaching out to a suicide helpline can provide immediate, confidential and compassionate support. Here are some of those: KIRAN Helpline: 1800-599-0019 AASRA: +91-22-27546669 Ahead of the assembly elections in the state, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar made a major announcement for journalists. The pension amount being given to accredited journalists in Bihar will be increased from 6,000 to 15,000. In a post on X, Nitish Kumar said, I am pleased to inform that under the 'Bihar Patrakaar Samman Pension Scheme', instructions have been given to the department to provide a monthly pension of 15,000 instead of 6,000 to all eligible journalists. Additionally, in the event of the death of journalists receiving a pension under the 'Bihar Patrakaar Samman Pension Scheme', instructions have been given to provide their dependent spouse with a monthly pension of 10,000 instead of 3,000 for their lifetime, he added. Nitish noted, Journalists play a crucial role in democracy. They are the fourth pillar of democracy and have a significant role in social development. We have been taking care of journalists' facilities from the beginning so that they can perform their journalism impartially and live with dignity after retirement. This comes at a time when the Election Commission's ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls ahead of the Bihar assembly polls has erupted in a massive row in the country, with the opposition INDIA bloc alleging that it will delete a significant chunk of voters. As per the latest data released by the Election Commission of India on July 25, 99.8 per cent of Bihar electors have been covered so far in the Special Intensive Revision exercise. Forms of 7.23 crore electors have been received and digitised; the names of all these electors will be included in the Draft Electoral Roll. The digitisation of forms, along with BLO reports, of the remaining electors will also be completed by August 1, 2025, the poll body stated. The opposition parties have repeatedly called for a discussion in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha regarding the revision exercise, moving adjournment motions every day since the start of the monsoon session and alleging that manipulation of voter rolls is taking place under the guise of the SIR. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MP Mahua Maji, Deputy Opposition leader in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha, among multiple other leaders, attended the protest. Carrying a banner which read SIR-Attack on Democracy, the MPs stood at Makar Dwar, demanding that the voter list revision be halted. Journalists play a crucial role in democracy. They are the fourth pillar of democracy and have a significant role in social development. Bihar elections are expected to be held later this year, in October or November; however, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not announced an official date. Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, a veteran politician and former Union minister, officially assumed the office of Governor of Goa on Saturday, July 26, 2025. He succeeded PS Sreedharan Pillai in this role. The swearing-in ceremony took place in Raj Bhavan, attended by the states Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant and other dignitaries. Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, 74, said he would follow the Constitution of India while serving the people. "We all work as a team, and I am very delighted that I am associated with Goans," he said. Referring to his political career, Gajapathi Raju said he had a short tenure in Parliament. "I have been in and out as a minister in the government and also sat in the opposition. I have wide experience," the governor added. Gajapathi Rajus background, family and education Pasupati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, 74, belongs from the Pasupati royal family of the Vizianagaram princely state in Andhra Pradesh. He is the younger son of Maharaja Pasupati Vijayarama Gajapathi Raju, also a Parliamentarian. Pasupati Ashok Gajapathi Raju has served as former Union Minister of Civil Aviation from May 2014 to March 2018. He began his political career in 1978, winning the Vizianagaram Legislative assembly constituency as a Janata Party candidate. He was also a cabinet minister, Commercial Taxes, in the Government of Andhra Pradesh from 1983 - 1985. Raju contested the Vizianagaram Lok Sabha seat for the first time in 2014 and emerged victorious. Raju later joined the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), becoming a key figure in the party. He resigned from the party only recently to take up the Governors position. Philanthropy work of the politician Raju is known to have played a significant role in establishing various governmental and non-government educational institutions, particularly as Chairman of MANSAS trust. By Brenda Goh SHANGHAI (Reuters) -Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Saturday proposed establishing an organisation to foster global cooperation on artificial intelligence, calling on countries to coordinate on the development and security of the fast-evolving technology. Speaking at the opening of the annual World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, Li called AI a new engine for growth, but adding that governance is fragmented and emphasising the need for more coordination between countries to form a globally recognised framework for AI. The three-day event brings together industry leaders and policymakers at a time of escalating technological competition between China and the United States - the world's two largest economies - with AI emerging as a key battleground. "Currently, overall global AI governance is still fragmented. Countries have great differences particularly in terms of areas such as regulatory concepts, institutional rules," Li said. "We should strengthen coordination to form a global AI governance framework that has broad consensus as soon as possible," he said. Washington has imposed export restrictions on advanced technology to China, including the most high-end AI chips made by companies such as Nvidia and chipmaking equipment, citing concerns that the technology could enhance China's military capabilities. Despite these restrictions, China has continued making AI breakthroughs that have drawn close scrutiny from U.S. officials. Li did not name the United States in his speech, but he warned that AI could become an "exclusive game" for a few countries and companies, and said challenges included an insufficient supply of AI chips and restrictions on talent exchange. China wanted to share its development experience and products with other countries, especially those in the Global South, Li said. WAIC is an annual government-sponsored event in Shanghai that typically attracts major industry players, government officials, researchers and investors. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has in past years regularly appeared at the opening ceremony both in-person and via video, did not speak this year. Besides forums, the conference also features exhibitions where companies demonstrate their latest innovations. This year, more than 800 companies are participating, showcasing more than 3,000 high-tech products, 40 large language models, 50 AI-powered devices and 60 intelligent robots, according to organizers. The exhibition features predominantly Chinese companies, including tech giants Huawei and Alibaba and startups such as humanoid robot maker Unitree. Western participants include Tesla, Alphabet and Amazon. MOSCOW, July 26 (Xinhua) -- More than 130 specialists are working at the crash site of an An-24 plane near Russia's Far Eastern city of Tynda, the country's Emergencies Ministry said Saturday. "Ministry staff are working around the clock to assist investigative bodies with search and investigative operations," said the ministry on its Telegram channel. "In total, 133 specialists and 18 pieces of equipment are working at the scene." A field camp has been set up at the site, and a communications center as well, the ministry added. The Interstate Aviation Committee has begun decoding the black boxes after the flight recorders were recovered and transported to Moscow on Friday, TASS news agency reported. "The parametric data carrier (magnetic tape) was destroyed by fire, while the voice recorder data was preserved. The recording is currently being analyzed," the report said. The An-24 aircraft, operated by Angara Airlines, was en route from Khabarovsk to Tynda with a stopover in Blagoveshchensk. The aircraft was expected to contact air traffic controllers at a control checkpoint near Tynda Airport, but failed to check in. The wreckage was later found on a mountainside approximately 15 km from Tynda. The Russian Ministry of Transport earlier said that 42 passengers and six crew members were on the crashed plane, including five children. The Chinese Consulate General in Khabarovsk confirmed on Thursday that one Chinese citizen was aboard the passenger plane. A teenager, accused of sexual assault, shared a number of sections of his book of evidence in a video chat, including sensitive reports relating to the victim, which were then screenshotted and shared, a court has heard. The man, who cannot be named due to the nature of the charges, is accused of two counts of sexual assault on a female minor in April of last year, and appeared before Judge Kenneth Connolly at Longford Circuit Court. Shane Geraghty BL, for the state, explained the very serious nature of the contempt of court, stating that a number of photographs from within the book of evidence had been widely shared on Snapchat. READ NEXT: HIQA highlights concerns over fire risk and 'non compliant' premises at Longford facility The dissemination of those pictures is of deep concern insofar as the complainant enjoys complete anonymity, he said. BOOK OF EVIDENCE The book of evidence was given to the accused and lo and behold, pictures were disseminated on social media, he said, and it was implicit in his bail conditions that there would be no disseminating of the book of evidence on social media. Taking to the witness box, the mother of the injured party told the court that, on July 12, 2025 she made a statement to Gardai that she arrived home to find her daughter in distress over photos shared on social media. Before all this happened, they were all friends. A mutual friend sent screenshots of what he (the accused) has been saying and his laughing faces, she said. READ NEXT: Longford driver who was 'dishevelled' fined 500 for drug-driving She was distraught. He has no idea what hes done to her, she added, becoming upset. Kieran Collins BL, for the accused, stated that, while it is accepted his client should not have shared the images, I dont know if its bad behaviour in the context of bail revocation. It appears that what occurred was he was having a video call with another person and he showed the other person pages from the book, he said. But it wasnt him who shared the pictures, it was the person on the other end of the phone. He said that seeking to revoke bail would be a premature step Id ask the court not to take. Judge Connolly, however, said that this was not just a case of photographs from the book of evidence, but seemed to be targeted photographs, including the Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) report and details of a genital examination of the female. So youre saying he was on a video call and showed the book to another person and the other person captured screenshots, he said, addressing Mr Collins. Given the clarity of these photographs, its very difficult to accept that explanation. It seems very clear the accused has breached his bail conditions and very clear he has targeted elements of the book of evidence. NOT A LAUGHING MATTER Even if he didnt share the photos himself, he allowed them to be published. (The victims mother) also said something about laughing faces, so somebody was having a good laugh and it is not a laughing matter. Judge Connolly opted not to revoke the teenagers bail but changed the previous 200 own bond to 3,000, ordering him to lodge a sum of 2,000. He remanded the youth in custody until such time as the cash sum is lodged. He also ordered that the book of evidence be surrendered to the accuseds solicitor. I have to set a marker that this is a very, very serious matter, he concluded. Tanaiste Simon Harris has supported an idea for Ireland to hold a national day of solidarity in support of the people of Gaza. The Fine Gael leader said a proposal for a national day of solidarity was a sensible and a good idea, adding he will talk to colleagues on how to make it happen. He was responding to a letter written by Michael Cush, which appeared in the letters page of The Irish Times on Thursday. The letter said that the Irish Government has been brave and consistent in its condemnation of atrocities and Israels actions against Gaza, but that the people of Ireland are frustrated. He said that people feel helpless to prevent it. If the Government were to call a national day of protest, making clear that it was a condemnation of atrocities in Gaza, not of Israels right to self-determination or self-defence, the turnout would likely be enormous, the letter added. Other nations might follow suit. Some good might be achieved. At the very least, Ireland and the Irish people would have done the right thing and could not be accused of standing idly by. Posting a picture of the letter, Mr Harris said on his Instagram account that the people of Ireland stand with the people of Palestine. We stand for human rights, for international law, for a two state solution, for aid to flow, for hostages to be released. We stand for peace. We stand for an end to genocide, he added. The suggestion for a national day or moment of solidarity made by Michael Cush in the letter is sensible and a good idea. It could be powerful if many countries did it together. I will now talk to colleagues on how to make this happen. The United Nations and experts have said that Palestinians in Gaza are at risk of famine, with the World Food Programme (WFP) saying that almost a third of people in Gaza are not eating for days. The WFP said the crisis has reached new and astonishing levels of desperation. A Typhon launcher from the US Armys 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force fires an SM-6 missile to strike a maritime target during Exercise Talisman Sabre 25 on July 16, 2025. (US Army photo by Sergeant Perla Alfaro) Berlin is interested in buying the US-made Typhon missile launch system, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced earlier this month after meeting with his American counterpart in Washington, where they also discussed Ukraine aid and planned US missile deployments. Germany hopes the Typhon can fill a glaring gap in European long-range precision-strike capabilities until European-developed systems enter service. The German request Following the meeting, Pistorius told journalists that Berlin had submitted a formal Letter of Request to begin the Foreign Military Sales process for the Typhon. He said that US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had welcomed the request, which is now under review. If approved, Berlin will receive a Letter of Offer and Acceptance. Only then will we in Germany decide whether we will actually proceed with the procurement, Pistorius said. When that [letter] will come and what it will look like remains to be seen. Background on the Typhon The US Army developed the Typhon, also known as the Mid-Range Capability or Strategic Mid-Range Fires System, to fill the range gap between its new Precision Strike Missile and Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon, or Dark Eagle. Each of the US Armys five multi-domain task forces will field the system or has already done so. The Typhon is designed to fire the Navys Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles from ground-based launchers. The Tomahawk is a subsonic cruise missile currently manufactured in both land-attack and anti-ship variants, capable of striking targets more than 1,600 kilometers away. The SM-6 is a multi-mission missile primarily used for air and missile defense, but it also offers secondary capabilities against land and sea targets, essentially functioning as a short-range ballistic missile. A Typhon battery comprises a trailer-based battery operations center and four trailer-based launchers, each towed by HEMTT-family 88 tractors, plus reloading and support vehicles. Each launcher can hold up to four missiles fired by a modified version of the Navys MK 41 Vertical Launching System. Developing the Typhon based on existing systems allowed it to be fielded faster. The US Army initiated the program in 2020, following the dissolution of the INF Treaty, which had proscribed such missiles, and has since stood up two Typhon batteries. The 1st Multi-Domain Task Force deployed the Typhon for the first time in April 2024 for an exercise in the Philippines, where the system has remained. Earlier this month, the 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force conducted the first live-fire Typhon launch on foreign soil during an exercise in Australia, using an SM-6 to sink a mock enemy ship. Based on this experience, the US Army intends to shrink the size of the launcher. Planned US deployment in Europe The 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force, headquartered in Germany, is expected to field its Typhon battery in fiscal year 2026 as part of its soon-to-be-activated long-range fires battalion. The other two multi-domain task forces are scheduled to receive their Typhon batteries within the subsequent two years. In a July 2024 joint statement with Germany, the United States confirmed it would begin episodic deployments of 2nd MDTFs long-range fires capabilities [] in Germany in 2026, as part of planning for enduring stationing of these capabilities in the future. This effort will include the Typhon and, later, the Dark Eagle, the statement noted. Pistorius said he had discussed that commitment with Hegseth. The Pentagon is reviewing the matter and has yet to make a final decision, the German defense minister stated, though he said he is confident that Washington will follow through. Filling a gap NATO needs more long-range missiles, as Major General John Rafferty, the chief of staff of US European Command and former head of 56th Artillery Command, stressed earlier this month. The Russian military is bigger today than it was when they started the war in Ukraine, and Moscow will continue to invest in long-range rockets and missiles and sophisticated air defenses, he noted. So more alliance capability is really, really important. Europe, in particular, faces a major capability gap in long-range strikes compared to Russia. At present, NATO relies overwhelmingly on the United States for these capabilities, even as Washington shifts its focus to the Indo-Pacific. Typhons range [] is significantly greater than what we currently have in Europe, Pistorius noted during his press conference. Other than Turkey, no European ally possesses a conventional ground-launched missile with a range exceeding 300 kilometers. To fill this gap, Germany, France, Italy, and Poland last year kicked off a joint project called the European Long-range Strike Approach (ELSA), later joined by Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. As part of ELSA, Germany and the United Kingdom are co-leading the development of a Deep Precision Strike capability that will have a range of over 2,000 km. However, capabilities developed under ELSA will not arrive for about seven to ten years, depending on the specific system, Pistorius explained. He described Typhon as an interim solution a bridge between the temporary US missile deployments in Germany and the development of indigenous European systems. Tom Kuhnel is a Russia Program intern at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. John Hardie is the deputy director of FDDs Russia Program and a contributor to FDD's Long War Journal. In a brief statement released on Saturday, the United States militarys Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that its forces had conducted an operation against the ISIS-Somalia terrorist network in Somalia. Though AFRICOM did not provide any additional details, officials in Somalia have filled in the gaps. Through the official X account of Puntlands counter-terrorism operations, the Puntland Defense Forces (PDF), who are leading the charge against the Islamic States franchise in northern Somalia, announced that Abdiweli Mohamed Yusuf, the finance emir for the group, was the target of the raid. Yusuf was previously designated by the US Treasury Department in 2023, when US officials described him as also directing the delivery of foreign fighters, supplies, and ammunition on behalf of ISIS. Treasury also stated that Yusuf was partially responsible for managing the revenue generated by ISIS-Somalia and has facilitated transfers for ISIS. While the US described Yusuf as Islamic State-Somalias (ISS) finance chief, Puntland officials state that he also oversaw the finances for the Islamic States Al Karrar regional office, one of several middle-management and coordination hubs set up around the world to help manage the Islamic States global affairs. Al Karrar is co-located within ISS and is believed to be run by Abdul Qadir Mumin, the founder and first leader of ISS, who was replaced by Abdirahman Fahiye in that position. The Al Karrar office provides support to other Islamic State groups, including its Central Africa Province in the Congo and Uganda, its Mozambique Province, and various support structures in South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and elsewhere, with financial, technical, and logistical assistance. At times, Al Karrar has also helped Islamic State groups and networks in Yemen, Turkey, and Afghanistan. The regional office was previously led by Bilal al Sudani, a Sudanese veteran of the Somali jihad, who was killed in a previous US raid in January 2023. That operation was the last American ground raid in northern Somalia until yesterday. Puntland officials also announced that Yusuf was captured alongside two others, presumably his bodyguards, near the rural settlement of Laag in Puntlands Iskushuban District. The reported location of the raid is far outside of the main areas of operation for the PDF, which is mainly concentrated in the Cal Miskaad Mountains to the southeast of the coastal city of Bosaso. That a senior Islamic State-Somalia official was outside of where fierce battles are being fought with the PDF is unsurprising. Senior Islamic State officials are believed to have fled the area, seeking shelter elsewhere, including Mumin himself. Yusufs capture is so far the most significant blow to ISSs leadership, as many of the groups most senior leaders have so far survived the battles. Several lesser ISS commanders, however, have been reported killed by Puntland military officials earlier this month. The United States also killed an Omani ISS leader in a drone strike earlier this year. The United States, as well as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has supported the PDF in its offensive against ISS since the effort began earlier this year. In addition to providing logistical aid and intelligence assistance, the US has conducted at least 32 airstrikes against ISS so far this year, according to data gathered by FDDs Long War Journal. The UAE has launched at least an additional 19 airstrikes against the group, though this number could be higher, as the UAE does not publicly announce such operations. UAE strikes are only confirmed through Puntland officials officially commenting on them. Since coming back into office, President Donald Trump has drastically increased US military operations in Somalia. In addition to the strikes against ISS, at least an additional 22 strikes have also been conducted on Shabaab, Al Qaedas East African branch. Though the raid to nab Abdiweli Yusuf was the first such ground operation in northern Somalia under Trump, it may not be the last, given the outsized importance that ISS plays to global Islamic State operations. If it is true that Yusuf had a dual-hatted position as the finance chief for both ISS itself and the Al Karrar office, then his arrest, and the information gleaned from it, may have reverberations for the Islamic State across much of Africa and beyond. Caleb Weiss is an editor of FDD's Long War Journal and a senior analyst at the Bridgeway Foundation, where he focuses on the spread of the Islamic State in Central Africa. WASHINGTON, July 25 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday renewed his denial of any connection to the late American financier Jeffrey Epstein, accusing the Democrats of making up fake information. "They talk about me. I have nothing to do with the guy," Trump told reporters at the White House before departing for Scotland. "Larry Summers from Harvard, that Bill Clinton, who you know very well, and lots of other friends, really close friends, of Jeffrey Epstein, should be spoken about," Trump said. Summers served as U.S. treasury secretary under former President Bill Clinton and as director of the National Economic Council under former President Barack Obama. He is currently a professor and President Emeritus at Harvard University. "Now, somebody could have written a letter and used my name, but that's happened a lot," Trump said, in an apparent effort to dismiss The Wall Street Journal's recent report, which said that among the handwritten letters Epstein received for his 50th birthday in 2003 was one bearing Donald Trump's signature. The U.S. president then went on the offensive against the Democratic Party. "Everything's fake with the Democrats ... Everything is fake. They're a bunch of sick people." Epstein, who had extensive connections with U.S. political and business elites, was arrested on sex crime charges and died in prison in August 2019. His death was officially ruled by suicide. During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump pledged to release Epstein-related documents if re-elected. However, earlier this month, the U.S. Justice Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a joint memo stating no incriminating "client list" exists and that "no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted." The Trump administration's shifting stance on the matter has drawn widespread criticism, with some angry supporters even calling for Attorney General Pam Bondi's resignation after she denied the existence of an Epstein client list. Earlier this week, The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump was briefed by his attorney general in May that his name was mentioned multiple times in the Epstein files. In response, a White House spokesperson called it a continuation of "fake news." A former MIT Lincoln Laboratory worker with Department of Defense security clearance who used his information technology experience to dodge authorities for years while he tormented more than a dozen women he knew, has been sentenced to prison for cyberstalking, officials announced Friday night. James Florence Jr., 37, of Plymouth, was sentenced to nine years in prison and 10 years of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns on Wednesday, according to a joint statement by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, special agent in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. Florence had pleaded guilty to seven counts of cyberstalking and one count of possession of child pornography in April, after he was arrested and charged in September 2024, authorities said. This was not internet trolling. It was psychological torture sustained, targeted and deeply personal, Foley said. For 16 years, this defendant tormented more than a dozen women who considered him a friend, a loved one or an ally and, at the stroke of a key, inflicted lasting harm that changed the way many of these women move through the world. And he did it all while hiding, cowardly, behind a keyboard. Beginning as early as 2008, Florence targeted and tormented more than a dozen women, some he knew personally, others who were acquaintances and two who were minors when the stalking began, authorities said. Florence used over 60 accounts across nearly 30 platforms to relentlessly impersonate, intimidate and abuse the women, authorities said. He stole photos from the womens online accounts and digitally altered them to make them appear nude or engaged in sexual acts, according to court filings. Florence posted the edited images publicly with the victims names, home addresses and other identifying details, often inviting others to harass or proposition the women, authorities said. Many of the women still receive harassing and threatening messages. For many of the women, Florences cyberstalking campaigns included: Creating imposter social media accounts designed to appear as if they were operated by the victims themselves; Posting sexually explicit, AI-generated or photoshopped images of victims, often tagging the victims real accounts to maximize exposure; Publishing victims personal information, including drivers license photos, home addresses and professional affiliations, with messages urging others to humiliate and expose them; Using hacked and compromised personal accounts to surveil victims and gain access to additional private content; Attempting to sell doctored nude images of one victim online; and Setting up notifications to monitor any changes to victims online biographies. Florence was initially able to evade law enforcement by hiding his online identity via VPN services, anonymous overseas revenge porn websites and encrypted foreign email providers that do not respond to U.S. legal process or retain identifying records, authorities said, citing court filings that reveal Florence was an information technology professional who had worked for 10 years at MIT Lincoln Laboratory and had a DoD Secret clearance. James Florence Jr. is a serial cyber stalker who led a double life, weaponizing modern technology to debase, destroy and traumatize more than a dozen women, many of whom were family and close friends, for over a decade. What he did was sickening, demented, and cruel, and hell now pay for it with his freedom, said the FBIs Docks. Authorities said the following items were uncovered when Florences Plymouth home was searched last September: Dozens of pairs of womens underwear and socks stolen from his victims; A custom phone case featuring the image of one of the victims; At least 11 digital wallpapers of his victims stored on his phone; At least one photo of a victim taken when she was a minor; and 62 images and four videos of child sexual abuse material, depicting minor female victims between the ages of approximately 8 and 15 years old. Foley and Docks credited the Norfolk and Plymouth police departments and the Plymouth Fire Department for helping in the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm, Project Safe Childhood coordinator and a member of the Major Crimes Unit, for prosecuting the case. For information on what to do if you or someone you know if a victim of cyberstalking, visit this U.S. Department of Justice website. BOSTON A superstar-studded Dodgers lineup wont include Mookie Betts on Friday night at Fenway Park, but Betts will still get two chances to face his former team this weekend. Betts is in Nashville dealing with a personal matter, manager Dave Roberts told reporters Friday, but is expected to return to the team for Saturdays game. Boston and Los Angeles will play a nationally televised 7:15 p.m. game on FOX on Saturday and Betts is expected to arrive in Boston shortly before first pitch. Betts visited Fenway Park as an opposing player two seasons ago when the Dodgers came to town for a three-game series from August 25-27, 2023. He had a big series at the plate, going 7-for-15 (.467) with a homer, two doubles and four RBIs as the Dodgers took two of three. Betts was on the injured list when the Red Sox visited Dodger Stadium last season. Betts, who turns 33 in the fall, has had a down season for the Dodgers. Through 94 games, he has hit .238 with 11 homers, 14 doubles, 45 RBIs and a .679 OPS. For the first time since 2015 (not counting 2020, when there was no All-Star Game), Betts who has exclusively played shortstop this season was not an All-Star. Canadian wildfires make for a hazy morning in Massachusetts and across New England on Saturday, July 26. Liesel Nygard New England is bracing for hazy weather on Saturday, July 26, as smoke from Canadian wildfires drifts across the region, prompting health warnings. The National Weather Service said air quality alerts were issued in Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine for most of Saturday due to unhealthy air conditions. These conditions can be seen via the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map. AirNow tracks air quality through a partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Park Service, NASA, Centers for Disease Control, state and local air quality agencies, according to its website. The map show the Air Quality Index, measuring particle pollution. Reports in Boston, Weymouth and Brockton showed unhealthy numbers as of 11:15 a.m., recommending everyone reduce outdoor activity and to do inside if you have symptoms. The Air Quality Alert in Massachusetts is in effect until 11 p.m. on Saturday, according to the states Department of Environmental Protection. Most reports from throughout the rest of the state showed unhealthy for sensitive group readings, recommending only those with health problems to take precautions. Further north, the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources issued an air quality alert from the wildfire smoke, stating that the air quality index for Saturday is expected to approach or exceed the code orange, or unhealthy for sensitive groups category until 11 p.m. Sensitive groups may experience adverse respiratory symptoms and may also experience aggravation of heart or lung disease, the National Weather Service wrote. Sensitive groups include: people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teenagers. Similarly, the Maine Department of Environmental Protections Bureau of Air Quality and New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services also issued an alert for particle pollution across the state until 11 p.m. on Saturday. A plume of smoke moved into Maine overnight bringing much higher particle pollution values than previously expected, the National Weather Service wrote. As the day progresses, the plume of smoke is expected to keep moving and values should drop down but air quality will continue to be a health concern for much of the day for these regions. Although sensitive groups can be active outside, public health officials advise they take more breaks and do less intense activities, while watching for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. People with asthma should follow their action plans and keep quick relief medicine handy. Those with heart disease should contact a healthcare provider if they have any symptoms like palpitations, shortness of breath or unusual fatigue, as it could indicate a serious problem. Maine created a toll free air quality hotline so residents can stay informed on the matter. The number is 1-800-223-1196. In Rhode Island, the states department of environmental management issued an air quality action day for fine particulates until midnight. This means that fine particulate concentrations within the region may approach or exceed unhealthy standards. WESTFIELD Despite the blazing heat on Thursday, vendors at the Farmers Market were cheery, and several spoke about the successful season they were having with their products. The Westfield Farmers Market is held on the lawn of the Episcopal Church of the Atonement on 36 Court Street at the intersection of Pleasant Street every Thursday from 12 to 5 p.m. through Oct. 16. Pam Baron of Wham Bam Thank You Pam! Baked Goods and her husband David Baron said this is their first season at the Farmers Market, where they set up every other Thursday in their colorful pink-themed booth. KABUL, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan has exported 50 tons of fish feed from northern Balkh province to Tajikistan for the first time, a move that underscores the country's growing regional trade ambitions, the state-owned Bakhtar News Agency reported on Saturday. "The batch of fish feed was transported to the Tajik market following quality assurance and standardized processing," Bakhtar quoted Hafiz Amir Mohammad Muttaqi, provincial head of the Industry and Commerce Department, as saying. This is a significant step toward diversifying Afghanistan's export portfolio and expanding its presence in regional markets, said Muttaqi. Earlier this month, a large consignment of washing products was exported from Balkh Province to the United Kingdom. By facilitating private sector growth and enabling access to regional markets, the Afghan interim government has played a pivotal role in expanding exports, strengthening the national economy and enhancing the country's trade footprint across borders. Guselkumab, the first biologic to excel Ustekinumab in head-to-head comparative trials for disease remission and gut healing in Crohns. Trusted Source Efficacy and safety of intravenous induction and subcutaneous maintenance therapy with guselkumab for patients with Crohn's disease (GALAXI-2 and GALAXI-3): 48-week results from two phase 3, randomised, placebo and active comparator-controlled, double-blind, triple-dummy trials Go to source Trusted Source A big step forward has been made for people with Crohns! The new findings with #guselkumab proved to be impactful for the #Crohns_patients which contributes to less exacerbation & hospitalizations. #Monoclonal_antibody #Crohns_disease #guselkumab #InflammatoryBowelDisease #Digestive_health A New Hope for Crohns Management Crohn's disease Head-to-Head Success: A New Benchmark for Remission Guselkumab 200 mg intravenously (IV) at weeks 0/4/8, then guselkumab 100 mg subcutaneously (SC) every eight weeks beginning at week 16 Guselkumab IV at weeks 0/4/8, then guselkumab 200 mg every four weeks beginning at week 12 Ustekinumab ~6 mg/kg IV at week 0, then ustekinumab 90 mg SC every eight weeks beginning at week 8 Placebo Advertisement Advertisement Efficacy and safety of intravenous induction and subcutaneous maintenance therapy with guselkumab for patients with Crohns disease (GALAXI-2 and GALAXI-3): 48-week results from two phase 3, randomised, placebo and active comparator-controlled, double-blind, triple-dummy trials - (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)00681-6/abstract) A breakthrough study from Mount Sinai Health System demonstrated that,).The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of Guselkumab (brand name, Tremfya) for the treatment of Crohns disease is provided by the findings of two confirmatory therapeutic studies, GALAXI 2 and 3, published today in The Lancet.People in the United States (roughly 780,000) are being affected by the. Long-term planning and management are essential for the cure of such chronic illness. Even though many biotherapeutics are available for the disease, some people do not attain complete disease remission.Suboptimal disease control despite the availability of biologic therapies remains a prevalent problem among patients with Crohns disease, said Bruce E. Sands, MD, MS, the Dr. Burrill B. Crohn Professor of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and senior author on this paper. The GALAXI trials were especially impactful as they compared two dosing regimens of guselkumab to both placebo and ustekinumab over a 48-week period. Patients receiving guselkumab showed significantly higher rates of endoscopic healing and deep remission, critical indicators linked to fewer disease flares, hospitalizations, and long-term complications.Guselkumab is the first biologic shown in identically designed, 48-week, double-blind trials to outperform another leading biologicustekinumab, a monoclonal antibody that blocks both IL-12 and IL-23for key markers of disease remission and gut healing in Crohns disease. The design allowed for head-to-head comparisons to both placebo and ustekinumab.The studies enrolled 1,048 patients worldwide and randomly assigned participants to one of four groups:. Safety outcomes, based on adverse events and laboratory findings, were favorable and consistent with the known profile of guselkumab in approved indications.Beyond symptom control, the therapys corticosteroid-sparing effect further underscores its clinical value, especially for patients seeking alternatives to long-term steroid use.The GALAXI 2 and 3 trials were sponsored by Johnson & Johnson and enrolled patients with prior biologic treatment failures.Dr. Sands, the Chief of Mount Sinais Dr. Henry D. Janowitz Division of Gastroenterology, is a renowned expert in inflammatory bowel disease. He previously co-authored the pivotal UNITI trial, and was both the lead author and corresponding author on the UNIFI trials. Both of these trials helped establish ustekinumabs place in IBD care. His latest work builds on that legacy, demonstrating not only the effectiveness of IL-23 inhibition but its potential to redefine front-line treatment.Source-Eurekalert Nipah research highlights the need for a One Health approach, linking animal, human, and ecosystem health to prevent outbreaks. Trusted Source Nipah virus vaccines evaluated in pigs as a 'One Health' approach to protect public health Go to source Trusted Source Great news in the fight against #Nipah_Virus! All three tested vaccines successfully protected pigs from infection. This is a promising step forward in developing effective prevention strategies! #VaccineResearch #AnimalHealth Advertisement Nipah Virus: A Deadly Zoonotic Threat with Bats and Pigs at its Core Advertisement Three Promising Vaccine Candidates: Leveraging Existing Tech for Nipah Defense Advertisement Testing Nipah Vaccines in Bangladesh's 'Nipah Belt' Nipah virus vaccines evaluated in pigs as a One Health approach to protect public health - (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41541-025-01212-y) Researchers at The Pirbright Institute have taken a major step toward combating).Nipah virus, first identified in the late 1990s, is among the worlds most dangerous zoonotic pathogens, capable of jumping from animals to humans. Originating in Old World fruit bats, the virus can infect multiple species, with pigs serving as a primary intermediate host.This pathogen poses a grave health risk, causing severe respiratory and neurological symptoms in both animals and humans. In people, Nipah virus has a high fatality rate and no approved treatment, making proactive measures such as vaccination critical.To disrupt one of the viruss main transmission routes, an international research team from the UK, Australia, and Bangladesh, led by scientists at The Pirbright Institute, has tested experimental vaccines designed for pigs. Their work, published inmarks a key milestone in reducing the risk of future outbreaks.The study details theNotably, one candidate was created using the same viral vector platform as the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, underscoring the adaptability of existing vaccine technologies to emerging threats.If proven effective, these vaccines could break the chain of transmission between pigs and humans, offering a powerful tool to protect livestock, safeguard human health, and strengthen global preparedness against future epidemics.The virus was first identified during a major outbreak in 1998-99 in Malaysia which led to the culling of nearly half the country's pig population and resulted in significant economic losses.Since then, the virus has continued to cause outbreaks in South and Southeast Asia, particularly in Bangladesh and India, where human-to-human transmission and consumption of contaminated food, such as date palm sap, have led to high fatality rates.Infected people can develop encephalitis (swelling of the brain) as well as respiratory problems. The disease often begins with flu-like symptoms but can rapidly progress to coma and death. Currently, there are no licensed vaccines or treatment for use in pigs or humans, yet the disease poses a major threat to public and animal health.Nipah is designated a priority disease by the World Health Organization (WHO) and a priority pathogen by the UK Health Security Agency, meaning research and development is urgently needed.The team assessed the immunogenicity - the vaccines ability to trigger an immune response - in mice and pigs, as well as its potential to protect pigs against Nipah. They then carried out further trials in backyard pigs under field conditions in theDespite differences in the strength of the immune response, all candidates performed well, showing immunity in pigs vaccinated under field conditions in the Nipah-endemic regions.Professor Simon Graham, Group Leader of the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) Immunology group at The Pirbright Institute said protect economies, public health and food security. Our research moves us one major step closer to achieving this goal.The team is now working with partners in Germany to develop a cost-effective dual vaccine that could protect pigs against both Nipah and a common swine disease, combining pandemic preparedness with practical benefits for farmers.Source-Eurekalert Early smartphone exposure before age 13 is linked to serious mental health challenges later in life, especially among young girls. Highlights: Early phone access leads to long-term mental health decline, especially in girls Global policies urge age limits, mental health education, and tech accountability Youth brains are more vulnerable to digital overexposure, affecting sleep, emotions, and identity Trusted Source Protecting the Developing Mind in a Digital Age: A Global Policy Imperative Go to source Trusted Source Did You Know? Children with smartphones before age 13 face increased risks of suicidal thoughts and identity loss. #technologyaddiction #smartphones #childmentalhealth #healthyminds #mentalhealth #medindia Children with smartphones before age 13 face increased risks of suicidal thoughts and identity loss. #technologyaddiction #smartphones #childmentalhealth #healthyminds #mentalhealth #medindia Advertisement Digital Childhood May Be a Catalyst for Concern Advertisement Policy Prescription for A Safer Childhood 1. Delay Access until Age 13+ 2. Mandate Digital Literacy & MentalHealth Education 3. Develop Kids Phones with BuiltIn Safeguards 4. Enforce Robust Age Verification 5. Hold Tech Companies Accountable 6. Coordinate Globally, Not Just Locally UK: The Online Safety Act (from July 25, 2025) requires platforms to conduct risk checks, offer parental controls, audit algorithms, and face fines for violations. The Online Safety Act (from July 25, 2025) requires platforms to conduct risk checks, offer parental controls, audit algorithms, and face fines for violations. Greece: Introduced a national plan to fight youth internet addiction with age checks, parental dashboards, and safer app designs. Advertisement It Matters More As Developing Minds Are At Stakes Age groups between 10 to 19 years are more susceptible to addictive behavior, as this period is considered the most sensitive period for brain development (they get to learn more from the surroundings they are in) Overexposure can lead to academic and emotional decline, poor sleep, anxiety, body image concerns, cyberbullying, and self-harm. Delayed enforcement of laws against this may leave a permanent effect on their mental health. Technological addiction is nothing different from drug addiction, and neither of these should be treated lightly Protecting the Developing Mind in a Digital Age: A Global Policy Imperative - (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19452829.2025.2518313) In todays smartphone-obsessed world, growing concerns are emerging about their impact on mental health, particularly among youth. Recent research links early smartphone exposure to anxiety, depression , disrupted sleep patterns, and low self-esteem ().According to a survey conducted by the Global Mind Project, which sampled more than 100,000 young people, children13 years of age who own smartphonesin their early twenties, particularly among females.Such effects involve suicidal ideations, loss of touch with reality, inability to control emotions, and loss of a sense of self-worth. The variables that mediate these associations include access to social media at a young age, cyberbullying, sleep , and poor relationships with family. This tendency is witnessed all over the world, with the greatest occurrence being seen in the English-speaking countries.Smartphones and social media access should be limited for age groups below 13 years.Before they are exposed to the digital world, schools and community programs should teach youngsters how to navigate the online world positively, set behavioral boundaries when managing a digital profile, and recognize the warning signs of mental health decline due to excessive use.Encourage or require tech firms to create devices with child-safe access featuring simplified interfaces, strong privacy settings, and built-in protections against addictive elements.Stronger age-assurance systems are needednot just parental permissionto ensure compliance across platforms.Platforms must be subject to regulatory oversight similar to the public-health industries. This includes transparent reporting, algorithmic auditing, and liability for harmsimilar to the UK Online Safety Act's approach.Thiagarajan et al. stress that family efforts alone aren't enoughreal change needs global, society-wide policy action.The evidence is strong: young people's mental health and well-being are being seriously compromised by early exposure to AI-powered digital settings, which has significant consequences for both individual control and societal well-being.This research article recommends implementing a bold, multi-layered policy framework that includes government mandates, technological responsibility, educational reform, and parental empowerment to protect developing minds around the world.Source-Medindia Risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM) lowers breast cancer risk in high-risk women, offering a proactive approach to prevention Trusted Source Defining lifetime risk thresholds for breast cancer surgical prevention: cost-effectiveness analysis Go to source Trusted Source Thinking about #breast_cancer risk? For women aged 30-55 with a lifetime risk of 35%+ of breast cancer, Risk-Reducing #Mastectomy (RRM) is shown to be cost-effective. This offers a powerful, personalized prevention option for those at increased risk! #WomensHealth How Personalized Models Guide Breast Cancer Risk Management Advertisement Expanding Mastectomy Access Beyond Genetic Susceptibility Advertisement Defining lifetime risk thresholds for breast cancer surgical prevention: cost-effectiveness analysis - (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/fullarticle/2836854) Women at high risk of developing breast cancer should be given greater access to preventive mastectomy, according to a new analysis by researchers at Queen Mary University of London and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine ().The study found that this surgical approach is a cost-effective strategy for significantly lowering breast cancer risk, outperforming other preventive measures such as regular screening and medication.These findings suggest thatClinicians currently use personalized risk prediction models which combine genetic and other data to identify those women who are at a higher risk of developingSubsequent treatment options including mammograms MRI screening , surgery, and medication are then offered dependent on each womans level of risk.is recommended for women at high risk, but in practice this surgery is only clinically offered to those carrying faults (called pathogenic variants) in genes that are known to increase the likelihood they will develop the disease (BRCA1/ BRCA2/ PALB2 PV).Professor Ranjit Manchanda from Queen Mary University of London, Dr. Rosa Legood from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, along with colleagues from Manchester University and Peking University created a new economic evaluation model to accurately predict the level of risk that would make RRM a more cost-effective treatment.For their model, researchers used guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to determine whether a treatment is considered cost-effective. Their model showed thatOffering RRM to women in this cohort could potentially prevent 6,500 of the 58,500 cases of breast cancer that are diagnosed every year in the UK.Professor Manchanda, Professor of Gynaecological Oncology at Queen Mary and Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist, said: We for the first time define the risk at which we should offer RRM. Our results could have significant clinical implications to expand access to mastectomy beyond those patients with known genetic susceptibility in high penetrance genes- BRCA1/ BRCA2/ PALB2 - who are traditionally offered this. This could potentially prevent can potentially prevent ~6500 breast cancer cases annually in UK women. We recommend that more research is carried out to evaluate the acceptability, uptake, and long-term outcomes of RRM among this group.Dr. Legood, Associate Professor in health economics at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: Undergoing RRM is cost-effective for women 30-55years with a lifetime breast cancer risk of 35% or more. These results can support additional management options for personalized breast cancer risk prediction enabling more women at increased risk to access prevention.Dr. Vineeth Rajkumar, Head of Research at Rosetrees, said: "Rosetrees is delighted to fund this truly groundbreaking research that could have a positive impact on women worldwide.The researchers used data from women aged between 30 and 60 with varying lifetime breast cancer risks between 17% and 50%, and who were either undergoing RRM or receiving screening with medical prevention according to currently used predictive models.Source-Eurekalert A little girl, who fled with her family from the border in Oddar Meanchey province, sits on a hammock at a refuge in Siem Reap province, Cambodia, July 25, 2025. At least 13 Cambodian people died and 71 others were injured in border clashes with Thailand, a Cambodian defense spokesperson said Saturday. According to Thai media, the border clashes started for the third day on Saturday morning after the Cambodian side opened fire against Thai troops. (Photo by Sao Khuth/Xinhua) PHNOM PENH, July 26 (Xinhua) -- At least 13 Cambodian people died and 71 others were injured in border clashes with Thailand, as fighting entered a third day, a Cambodian defense spokesperson said Saturday. "Five Cambodian soldiers were killed and 21 others were wounded," Cambodian Defense Ministry's Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson Maly Socheata told a press briefing. "Also, eight civilians died and 50 others were injured in Oddar Meanchey province." Socheata added that Thailand's attacks have forced a total of 10,307 families with 35,829 Cambodian people to flee their homes for safer areas. Cambodian villagers from Oddar Meanchey province receive drinking water after fleeing their homes to seek refuge in Siem Reap province, Cambodia, July 25, 2025. At least 13 Cambodian people died and 71 others were injured in border clashes with Thailand, a Cambodian defense spokesperson said Saturday. According to Thai media, the border clashes started for the third day on Saturday morning after the Cambodian side opened fire against Thai troops. (Photo by Sao Khuth/Xinhua) Cambodian villagers living near the border in Oddar Meanchey province flee their homes to seek refuge in Siem Reap province, Cambodia, July 25, 2025. At least 13 Cambodian people died and 71 others were injured in border clashes with Thailand, a Cambodian defense spokesperson said Saturday. According to Thai media, the border clashes started for the third day on Saturday morning after the Cambodian side opened fire against Thai troops. (Photo by Sao Khuth/Xinhua) Cambodian villagers living near the border in Oddar Meanchey province flee their homes to seek refuge in Siem Reap province, Cambodia, July 25, 2025. At least 13 Cambodian people died and 71 others were injured in border clashes with Thailand, a Cambodian defense spokesperson said Saturday. According to Thai media, the border clashes started for the third day on Saturday morning after the Cambodian side opened fire against Thai troops. (Photo by Sao Khuth/Xinhua) Cambodian villagers living near the border in Oddar Meanchey province flee their homes to seek refuge in Siem Reap province, Cambodia, July 25, 2025. At least 13 Cambodian people died and 71 others were injured in border clashes with Thailand, a Cambodian defense spokesperson said Saturday. According to Thai media, the border clashes started for the third day on Saturday morning after the Cambodian side opened fire against Thai troops. (Photo by Sao Khuth/Xinhua) Patrick Mercer recalls a gruelling mountain assault by one of Americas most illustrious infantry units. My father fought throughout the Italian campaign and I can remember him saying to me, It is the side which is less frightened who wins. That is why I have chosen to base this article on Lloyd M Wellss book From Anzio to the Alps, a young officers account of the savage fighting in central Italy as experienced by the 6th Armored Infantry Regiment of the US Army. The book is remarkable on several counts. First, it deals in a very understated way with the thoughts, emotions, fears, and triumphs of a young civilian who has no idea what he is about to face as an infantry officer with a front-line unit. Never is his heroism spelt out: his record of wounds and decorations is allowed to speak for itself. Second, whilst Wells is rightly proud of the hard fighting 6th Infantry, he is never under any illusion about what actually happens in battle. There are accounts of the sort of problems he faced as a twenty-something platoon commander whose soldiers sometimes ran, sometimes straggled (a term the GIs used for disappearing unaccountably when the fighting raged, only to appear again later), often infuriated him, and yet finally thrashed Kesselrings men amongst the scrub, rocks, and freezing mountain rivers of Italy. The title of Wellss book refers to the regiments later exploits in the hellish confusion of the Anzio beachhead and then the bloody combat further north on the Gothic Line. But I want to concentrate on Wellss first few weeks with his battalion, which he joined further south, just before the Battle of Monte Cassino. Anyone with a passing knowledge of the Italian Campaign will know about the battles that raged around the Abbey of Monte Cassino and, probably, the disastrous attempt by the 36th Texas Division to cross the Rapido River on 22 January 1944. Much less well known, however, is the series of battles to take the rocky spines that led up to the rivers below Cassino proper. A FATAL PAUSE One such was the assault by the 6th Armored Infantry, part of the US 1st Armored Division, against Monte Porchia undertaken whilst the British 46th Midland Division attacked its much smaller neighbour, Monte Cedro, in early January 1944. It is fascinating to read that Wells thought his divisions efforts to seize this outcrop were just as bloody as the river crossing attempted by the Texans a few days later the only difference being that 1st Armoreds succeeded! First, though, it is important to explain the topography and sequence of events leading up to the battle for Monte Porchia. After the landings at Salerno and the bruising crossing of the Volturno by Mark Clarks Fifth Army in the middle of October 1943, the Germans bought time to complete the defences of the main Gustav Line by fighting on another, temporary line, adjacent to Mignano, known as the Winter Line. Anchored on Camino in the west and the village of San Pietro in the east, British and US troops finally broke through during the third week of December 1943. But the Germans knew their enemies too well and gambled that the Allies would not press their advantage. They were right. In perhaps Clarks greatest mistake as a general officer, he allowed his weary troops to pause after these battles, to regroup, to rest and celebrate Christmas. He should have been merciless with his men; he should have driven them remorselessly on to the rivers and mountains upon which the Gustav Line was still being prepared. Had he done so he might have disrupted the Germans operational tempo. He might even have bounced his way through what was to prove to be one of the costliest positions to capture in the entire war. But he dawdled, and his troops would pay the price in blood. A MINOR MOUNTAIN Below Monte Cairo, upon which the louring Abbey of Monte Cassino sits, are the confluences of several rivers: the Gari running north-east, the Liri running north-west, the Rapido running south-west and joining with the mighty Garigliano, which runs down to the sea near Minturno. These rivers needed to be overlooked and dominated by artillery observers before they could be crossed by armour and infantry, but all were guarded and screened by a series of stony, whaleback features that rose suddenly out of the ground. Having drawn breath over Christmas around Camino, Monte Lungo, and Monte Sammucro, the Fifth Army could see Monte Trocchio as the final vantage-point overlooking the rivers, with the main German defences beyond. Before Trocchio, however, lay another range of three hills: Monte Chiai, Monte Porchia, and Monte Cedro; of which, Monte Porchia was dominant. Initially, 1st Armored Division were to tackle Porchia alone, but once it was realised how vulnerable the Americans flank would be, the British 46th Division were committed to what should have been a simple operation against Monte Cedro. The two divisions were to leapfrog onto their objectives, providing mutual covering fire, but the British ran into trouble almost as soon as their advance began. Crossing the smaller River Pecchia proved both slow and costly, and once their leading battalions were across, the Brits were immediately counter-attacked. One battalion the 6th York and Lancasters clung to the far side of the river, fighting an epic minor battle all of its own. The others, though, had to be withdrawn, and this fouled the advance of 1st Armored. The Americans needed flanking fire to be suppressed by the British before they could attempt Monte Porchia, yet the British needed German fire from the same mountain to be suppressed before their bridgeheads over the Pecchia could develop. It was a brutal impasse. AN ARMOURED INFANTRY BATTALION Finally, artillery was massed, both divisions renewed their attacks at night, and eventually bitterly the Germans were crowbarred from some of their dugouts and trenches. It was into this maelstrom that the 6th Armored Infantry Regiment was launched from the northern end of Monte Lungo. An American armoured division had a three-battalion-strong infantry regiment mounted in M3 halftracks (what would now be called an armoured personnel carrier), a hybrid lorry with wheels at the front, two axles supporting a track behind, light armour, and a variety of support weapons mounted on top. Such vehicles sound ideal for swift infantry movement to keep up with tanks but Lloyd Wells remembers: The tracks were designed for a war of movement, but it was not their speed which appealed to us. Neither was it their firepower nor their protective armour. Indeed, according to the old Africa hands, they were worse than useless in combat because they attracted artillery fire and bombs without providing protection against either. But they did give some assurance we wouldnt have to hike our guts out, and they gave the outfit a certain cachet, a certain flair, dont you know. THE 6TH ARMORED INFANTRY GOES IN There were to be no rapid flanking moves around mountains and rivers at Cassino, just hard slog. General Juin, the deeply controversial commander of the French Expeditionary Corps, was appalled by the Allies over-dependence on armour and vehicles generally. When he first arrived in Italy in late 1943, he made no secret of his scorn for the Fifth Armys tactics and demonstrated just how he believed mountain warfare should be conducted with his lightly equipped colonial troops. But none of this helped 6th Armored, who fought on foot at Monte Porchia just like any other infantry. As Wells explains: The regiment did not, of course, go after Porchia without assistance. It simply provided the infantry component around which Task Force Allen was assembled. Other units of the task force included tank and tank-destroyer battalions, division artillery, an engineer combat group, and assorted other outfits, including a contingent of medical personnel whose services would be much in demand. It was to be a classic, night attack. Shortly after dark on 4 January 1944 or thereabouts, the regiment came down from the heights on Monte Lungo and formed up with 1st Battalion on the right, 2nd Battalion on the left, and 3rd Battalion in reserve, standard attack formation. Tanks and tank destroyers were in support of both the assault battalions, and engineers were assigned down to company level to clear paths through the minefields which lay ahead it was not easy going in the dark, but the infantry moved out across the field rather than risk daylight movement under direct observation. SMALL-ARMS AND SHU MINES No sooner had the leading elements come up to the low ground directly overlooked by Monte Porchia than they were struck by violent artillery fire, worse than anything the veterans in 6th Armoreds ranks had seen in North Africa. So bad were casualties amongst the 2nd Battalion that the 3rd had to be moved in to replace them, so committing the reserve before battle was even properly joined. Then, as the Americans clawed at the slopes throughout the next morning, the Germans launched a counter-attack. This was beaten back by concerted mortar fire. Slowly, the regiment crept forward; the main event was only just beginning. Close to the base of Porchia, the troops were met by heavy volumes of small arms fire coming from stone farmhouses which have been converted into defensive strong-points. Tank and bazooka action reduced these positions one by one. The infantry also encountered in some profusion the deadly Shu mine, which, because its destructive core was encased in wood or plastic, could escape the mine-detecting equipment carried by the engineers. Small wonder that movement was slow. By early afternoon, however, about two dozen men of the 2nd Battalion had struggled their way to the summit, fired-in by British artillery on their western flank, and, in turn, providing support for the 46th Division on Monte Cedro. But there were simply not enough of them to resist the inevitable counter attack, and they were soon pushed back. So General Allan used his sappers as infantry to plug the gap until 1st Battalion was able to carry out a pre-dawn assault on 7 January, which allowed the other two battered battalions to drive the Germans off the whole feature and break up a number of counter-attacks. Although it took four more days fully to clear the objective and exploit forward to the next target, 6th Armored had the satisfaction of watching the Krauts pack up and leave Monte Trocchio the last hill before Cassino and the Garigliano without a fight. THE COMBAT EXPERIENCE The 6th had won and there were plenty of instances of huge personal courage. It is recorded that a lieutenant-colonel battalion commander always in the forefront grabbed a rifle and led his forward squads until he was severely wounded. And there was Lieutenant Jarman, who had killed the sniper holding up his companys advance until wounds caused him to hand over command to the fun-loving Sergeant Owens, a company favourite, until he, too, was stopped. Bearing in mind that this is his own unit, whose elan he admired and of which he was properly proud, Wells continues, But there were other stories told more cautiously, more reluctantly and privately, of something less than heroism. Apparently, the actual fighting had been done by a few individuals. Most men, it would seem, simply went to ground, never fired their weapons, and moved forward only when they judged it safe. Also, straggling was a serious problem at Porchia. An undetermined number of people simply slipped off or took off for the rear. Wellss conclusion provides the essential coda to these observations, however: I realised that soldiers who bug out are not necessarily cowards or bad men, or even weak men, but in January of 1944 I was not able to view the matter with anything like Olympian detachment nothing had prepared me for this. This was the reality of war, seldom written about with such candour. Whatever the details of this battle, 6th Armored fought and won time and again in Italy, and if you want to get a feel for what modern combat is actually like, read Wellss wonderful book and admire the men who endured, fought, and died alongside him. Patrick Mercer is a former soldier, journalist, and MP. He is interested in any action of the British Army or Royal Navy, but has made special studies of the Peninsular War, the Crimean War, and the Italian Campaign. BIDDU, West Bank (AP) When Sayfollah Musallet of Tampa, Florida, was beaten to death by Israeli settlers in the West Bank two weeks ago, he became the fourth Palestinian-American killed in the occupied territory since the war in Gaza began. No one has been arrested or charged in Musallets slaying and if Israels track record on the other three deaths is any guide, it seems unlikely to happen. Yet Musallets father and a growing number of U.S. politicians want to flip the script. We demand justice, Kamel Musallet said at his 20-year-old sons funeral earlier this week. We demand the U.S. government do something about it. Still, Musallet and relatives of the other Palestinian-Americans say they doubt anyone will be held accountable, either by Israel or the U.S. They believe the first word in their hyphenated identity undercuts the power of the second. And they say Israel and its law enforcement have made them feel like culprits by imposing travel bans and, in some cases, detaining and interrogating them. Although the Trump administration has stopped short of promising investigations of its own, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has urged Israel to investigate the circumstances of each Americans death. Writing on X on July 15, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said he'd asked Israel to aggressively investigate the murder" of Musallet and that "there must be accountability for this criminal and terrorist act." Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and 28 other Democratic senators have also called for an investigation. In a letter this week to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Attorney General Pam Bondi, they pointed to the repeated lack of accountability" after the deaths of Musallet and other Americans killed in the West Bank. Israels military, police and Shin Bet domestic security agency did not respond to requests for comment about the Palestinian-Americans deaths. Families have demanded independent investigations American-born teenagers Tawfic Abdel Jabbar and Mohammad Khdour were killed in early 2024 by Israeli fire while driving in the West Bank. In April 2025, 14-year-old Amer Rabee, a New Jersey native, was shot in the head at least nine times by Israeli forces, according to his father, as he stood among a grove of green almond trees in his familys village. In the immediate aftermath of both cases, Israeli authorities said that forces had fired on rock throwers, allegations disputed by the families and by testimony obtained by the AP. Israel pledged to investigate the cases further, but has released no new findings. The teens' families told the AP they sought independent investigations by American authorities, expressing doubts that Israel would investigate in good faith. According to the Israeli watchdog group Yesh Din, killings of Palestinians in the West Bank rarely result in investigations and when they do, indictments are uncommon. The U.S. Justice Department has jurisdiction to investigate the deaths of its own citizens abroad, but does so after it gets permission from the host government and usually works with the host countrys law enforcement. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem declined to say whether the U.S. has launched independent probes into the killings. A spokesperson for the embassy said in a statement that investigations are underway in Israel over the deaths of the four Americans and that its staff is pressing the Israeli authorities to move quickly and transparently. Sen. Van Hollen said that when the U.S deals with Israel it either doesnt pursue these cases with the vigor necessary, or we dont get any serious cooperation. And then instead of demanding cooperation and accountability, we sort of stop and thats unacceptable. Its unacceptable to allow American citizens to be killed with impunity," the Maryland Democrat said. Israel says it holds soldiers and settlers accountable Israel says it holds soldiers and settlers to account under the bounds of the law, and that the lack of indictments does not mean a lack of effort. A prominent recent case was the death of Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian-American journalist for broadcaster Al Jazeera killed in the West Bank in 2022. An independent U.S. analysis of the circumstances of her death found that fire from an Israeli soldier was likely responsible for her killing but said it appeared to be an accident. Despite an Israeli military investigation with similar conclusions, no one was ever disciplined. Violence by Israeli forces and settlers has flared in the West Bank since the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023. More than 950 Palestinians have been killed since the beginning of the war in Gaza, according to the United Nations. Some have been militants killed in fighting with Israel, though the dead have also included stone-throwers and bystanders uninvolved in violence. Instead of justice, restrictions and detentions Rather than a path toward justice, the families of Khdour, Rabee, and Abdel Jabbar say theyve faced only challenges since the deaths. Khdour, born in Miami, Florida, was shot and killed in April 2024 while driving in Biddu, a West Bank town near Jerusalem where he lived since age 2. U.S. investigators visited his family after the killing, his family said. Abdel Jabbar was killed while driving down a dirt road close to Al Mazra as-Sharqiya, his village in the northern West Bank. Khdour's cousin, Malek Mansour, the sole witness, told the AP he was questioned by both Israeli and American investigators and repeated his testimony that shots came from a white pickup on Israeli territory. He believes the investigators did not push hard enough to figure out who killed his cousin. The matter ended like many of those who were martyred (killed), said Hanan Khdour, Khdour's mother. Two months after the death, Israeli forces raided the familys home and detained Mohammads brother, Omar Khdour, 23, also an American citizen. Videos taken by family and shared with the AP show Omar Khdour blindfolded and handcuffed as Israeli soldiers in riot gear lead him out of the building and into a military jeep. He said he was threatened during questioning, held from 4 a.m. to 3 p.m., and warned not to pursue the case. Here, being American means nothing Omar Khdour said Israeli soldiers at checkpoints have prevented him from leaving the West Bank to visit Israel or Jerusalem. Two other American fathers of Palestinian-Americans killed since Oct. 7, 2023 reported similar restrictions. Hafeth Abdel Jabbar, Tawfic Abdel Jabbar's father, said he and his wife were blocked from leaving the West Bank for seven months. His son, Amir Abdel Jabbar, 22, remains restricted. The father of Amer Rabee says he and his wife have also been stuck in the West Bank since their sons killing. He showed AP emails from the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem in which a consular official told him that Israel had imposed a travel ban on him, though it was unclear why. Israeli authorities did not respond to comment on the detentions or travel restrictions. Rabee said that in a land where violence against Palestinians goes unchecked, his family's American passports amounted to nothing more than a blue book. We are all American citizens, Rabee said. But here, for us, being American means nothing." PHNOM PENH, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia said on Saturday that a total of 536 schools in border provinces have been shut down due to an ongoing border conflict between Cambodian and Thai soldiers. "The closure has affected 130,000 students and teachers," the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport said in a post on its official Facebook page. Armed clashes between Cambodian and Thai soldiers over disputed border areas broke out on Thursday. The Tigers have signed Luke Jackson to a one-year, Major League contract, according to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. Jackson signed a one-year, $1.35MM deal with the Rangers last winter and Texas is still responsible for most of the remaining salary still owed to the right-hander, with Detroit covering just the prorated portion of the MLB minimum salary. Right-hander Geoff Hartlieb was designated for assignment in the corresponding moves on the 26-man and 40-man rosters. (The transactions were first noted earlier today by MLive.coms Evan Woodbery and other members of the Tigers beat, who noted that Jackson had a locker and Hartlieb didnt in the Detroit clubhouse.) The Rangers just released Jackson yesterday following a two-day DFA period, so the righty not only quickly landed a new contract, but Jackson will get the opportunity to carve a niche for himself on a Tigers team in sore need of bullpen help. Detroit has lost 11 of its last 12 games, and the relief corps 7.04 ERA over that stretch has been a lead cause in what has become a major slump. Relief pitching is a clear priority heading into the deadline, and Jackson may be one of several bullpen additions that could be coming to Motown before July 31. Jackson posted a 4.11 ERA and 53.8% grounder rate over 35 innings with Texas this season. That excellent grounder rate, some decent batted-ball luck (.272 BABIP), and an above-average 7.5% barrel rate helped Jackson limit the damage despite strikeout (15.8%) and walk (12.5%) rates that ranked near the bottom of the league. Control has long been an issue for Jackson, but the lack of whiffs is a surprise, as he had a 27.1 K% over 289 2/3 innings during the 2018-24 seasons. His overall effectiveness has tended to hinge on the success of his slider, and Jacksons primary offering has only a -1 in Statcasts Pitch Value metric this season. While Jackson hasnt looked very sharp, groundball specialists tend to have an even wider range of variance than most relievers. It was just in 2023 that Jackson had a 2.97 ERA in 33 1/3 innings for the Giants, and his 1.98 ERA over 63 2/3 innings for the 2021 Braves played a key role in Atlantas path to the World Series. At the cost of essentially nothing, theres little risk for the Tigers in taking a flier on Jackson to see if a change of scenery can help him get on track. Hartlieb signed a minor league deal with Detroit two weeks ago, and he had a 9.00 ERA over two appearances and two innings with the Tigers at the MLB level when his contract was selected two days ago. A frequent visitor to DFA limbo, Hartlieb has been designated three times just within the last month todays move off the Tigers roster, and two previous instances when pitching with the Yankees. Hartlieb declined outright assignments after clearing waivers in each of those two earlier DFAs and elected free agency, which is his right as a player who has been previously outrighted in his career. Chances are hell elect free agency again, and perhaps either re-sign with the Tigers on another minors deal or look elsewhere for another landing spot. Since Hartlieb is out of minor league options, he might well face more DFAs unless he can pitch consistently well enough to pitch in a big league bullpen. Hartlieb has an ungainly 21.60 ERA in 3 1/3 total innings with New York and Detroit this season, boosting his career ERA to 7.95 over 82 2/3 innings with six different Major League clubs. His 3.13 ERA over 37 1/3 Triple-A innings this year is much more palatable, and it could get Hartlieb another look from a team as at least minor league depth. DETROIT, MI FBI agents arrested a Michigan Customs and Border Protection agent for allegedly soliciting sex and obscene materials from an undercover officer posing as a 13-year-old girl. Harry Peless III, 51, was arrested Thursday, July 24, per a U.S. Attorneys Office release. He faces federal charges. He allegedly sent obscene material and multiple requests for the supposed 13-year-old to run away with (him) and have sex, per the release. Peless began communicating with the undercover officer in September 2024 using an online messaging app, per the release. They communicated on a nearly daily basis. Evidence shows Peless logged into the messaging account while at work, per the release. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eaton Brown. This case is under investigation by the FBI, U.S. Customs and Border Protections Office of Professional Responsibility and the Department of Homeland Securitys Office of Inspector General. CALHOUN COUNTY, MI - A suspect who police believe is responsible for a shooting last month in Pennfield Township was arraigned on Friday, July 25. Kyle McNutt, 36, pleaded not guilty to charges of open murder, felony firearm, carrying a concealed weapon and two counts of child abuse in the first degree, according to the 10th District Court in Battle Creek. The Calhoun County Sheriffs Office believes McNutt shot and killed 34-year-old Ofellia Baldwin on June 3. When deputies arrived on the scene in the 11000 block of Gorsline Road, they found Baldwin outside the residence with an apparent gunshot wound. Deputies immediately launched a search for the suspect. Following the shooting, McNutt fled to California, where he was apprehended by the Los Angeles Police Department and taken into custody on June 27. A judge denied bond on Friday, according to court records. McNutts next appearance in court is set for Aug. 4 for a pre-exam conference, followed by a preliminary examination on Aug. 11. MSP wants to make it clear that theyd never call individuals to request sensitive personal information or ask for financial payments to be made directly to MSP personnel. (MLive.com file photo) The Michigan State Police (MSP) is warning Michigan residents about a recent phone scam involving individuals posing as MSP personnel. Reports indicate that scammers are calling residents posing as MSP members and falsely claiming they have missed a court date or have committed a violation, according to the news release. The callers use this tactic to create a sense of urgency and panic, attempting to pressure individuals to provide personal information. MSP wants to make it clear that they will never call individuals to request sensitive personal information or ask for financial payments to be made directly to MSP personnel. When necessary, MSP will make in-person contact with individuals for official matters, including investigations or other law enforcement-related matters. Residents are urged not to share sensitive information over the phone with unknown callers, including addresses, family or friends information, Social Security numbers, or banking details. If you receive a suspicious call of this nature, hang up immediately and do not engage with the caller. To report an incident, reach out to your local MSP post. You can now send money directly to the federal government to help reduce the public debt. (Photo by Edward Pevos | MLive) Americans who want to do their part to pay down the growing national debt can now do so directly from their phone. The Treasury Department is now accepting gifts through the popular payment services PayPal and Venmo that will go directly to reducing the public debt. Financial gifts can also be made through a bank account or credit/debit card payment issued to the Treasury. The voluntary contributions are managed by the Bureau of the Fiscal Service, which is part of the Treasury. The donations can be made through the government website Pay.gov, which also processes other payments involving the government. Those wishing to contribute to reducing the national debt can search the phrase Gifts to Reduce the Public Debt. From there, users must enter their gift amount, name, address, phone number, and email address. Users then select which payment service they wish to use to make the donation, which now includes PayPal and Venmo options. Once the proper account is linked, users are able to make their donation. Despite these new payment options, voluntary contributions are unlikely to make a significant impact on the national debt. As of July 2025, the Treasury estimates the national debt to be $36.7 trillion. Data on the Treasury website shows that last year, contributions to reduce the debt were less than $2.8 million. Civil unrest and an ongoing armed conflict between the countries are factors in the advisory being issued. Garret Ellison Travelers are being advised of an ongoing conflict between Cambodia and Thailand that is cause for concern for Americans planning to visit soon. On Friday, the State Department issued a pair of Level 2 travel advisories for Americans planning to travel to either country. A Level 2 travel advisory has the second lowest risk factor in the agencys four-tier scale. A Level 2 advisory calls for travelers to exercise increased caution when visiting the country in question. While Americans are not being discouraged from visiting either country, the armed conflict was cited by U.S. officials in the advisories. Americans are advised not to visit any areas within 50 kilometers of the Cambodia-Thailand border for any reason. The U.S. government says it has limited abilities to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in those areas. The advisory for Cambodia also warned of travelers potentially encountering unexploded landmines in remote areas. Visitors are advised not to touch any unknown metal objects they encounter while in Cambodia. Reports of robberies are also a cause for concern, according to U.S. officials. The full advisory for Cambodia can be found here, while the Thailand advisory can be found here. YPSILANTI, MI The bell sounded, and the Ypsilanti Fire Department sprung into action. Only this time, the fleet was operating out of a building that hadnt been their home for 50 years the Michigan Firehouse Museum. The department returned to the building they used from 1898 to 1975 for three days, from 7 a.m. Wednesday, July 23, to 7 a.m. Saturday, July 25. The stay was split into three 24-hour shifts, each running from 7 a.m. to 7 a.m. They slept in the old cots, spent time in the kitchen and did their job: responding to emergency calls in the area. When the alarms rang out Thursday, the firefighters experienced a unique aspect of their temporary historic quarters: sliding down the firepole. Their current station is only one story, so the firefighters had to adjust. I dont think people realize that its like 20 feet down, firefighter Dean Doyle said. So its not like a 10 foot drop. When I was looking down, I was like, Oh, I still have a long way to go. But it is a cool experience, too, he said. Its something unique about old fire stations that new fire stations dont really have. Then, they squeezed their modern truck out of the old garage, built for horse-drawn carriages with large manual swing doors. Operating out of this historic firehouse is a different animal, Capt. Jeff Schulz said. At our modern station, one button opens the bay doors and were rolling. Here? Were manually unlocking heavy barn-style doors, turning on exhaust fans, and carefully backing trucks into tight quarters on a busy road, without a traffic light to hold cars. Its a slower process, but its also a window into how things used to be done and makes you appreciate the grind firefighters dealt with decades ago. Schulz and the department still enjoyed embracing the history of the fire department and inhabiting a building constructed in 1898. Its just awesome to kind of relive history and honor the firefighters that came before us, Schulz said. This old station really connects us to the roots of the fire service, and theres something humbling about working in the same space they did knowing the sacrifices they made and how much things have evolved. It was the second time the fire department had returned to the old station, which had been converted into a museum that displays many of their vehicles and gear from over the years. The departments last operated out of the station in 2023 for Ypsilantis bicentennial. Though, this time, visitors could pass through to meet the firefighters: whether they were eating lunch, responding to an emergency call, or, in the case of one visitor Thursday, bringing the firefighters donuts. Its always fun to interact with the public, especially in a museum setting like this, Doyle said. People get a glimpse of how firefighters live and realize that were just regular folks doing a really cool job, he said. Weve got many of the same amenities that they have at home: we cook, we sleep, we live. But when the tones go off, we get to do something extraordinary. Though their stint at the old firehouse wrapped up Saturday morning, firefighters hope they can inhabit the historical site again soon. The fire service being so based in history, its important to not forget that when we have opportunities to relive it and honor the people who came before us, its a cool experience that I think we should keep doing, Doyle said. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. Carnival midway rides at the Jackson County Fair on Monday, Aug. 5 2024. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com JACKSON COUNTY, MI Believe it or not, summer is almost over. With the festivities and fireworks of Independence Day passed and the start of school just around the corner, Labor Day, Sept. 1, is the only holiday between now and the official end of summer, Sept. 22. Here are five things and events worth checking out before summer ends. Raft-O-Rama Jackson Countys biggest party on the lake is ready to kick off once again on Sunday, Aug. 3 at Eagle Point Marina, 1155 Eagle Point Road. The yearly event features rafts decorated in colorful cardboard parading the lake front with awards being given for the most creative. This years theme is the holidays. The event is free to attend. For more information, visit The Jackson County Fair, Aug. 3-9 The week-long event is set to kick off Aug. 3 at the Jackson County Fair Grounds, 128 W. Ganson St. The fair hosts, as it does every year, a variety of fair food vendors and rides as well as 4H animals and art on display. This years special events at the fair include a rodeo, a demolition derby, tractor pulls, a show by Jimmy Buffet tribute band Gone 2 Paradise and micro wrestling. Ticket pricing and purchasing for the shows can be found on the county fair website. Cascade Falls Family & Character Nights Jacksons beloved Cascade Park, 1528 Kibby Road, has been hosting multiple family events at the park throughout the summer as part of its Family Nights Though many of the events have now passed, there are still a few more events scheduled for July 30 and Aug. 13. The July 30 night is Disney themed while the Aug. 13 night is Star Wars. For more information on the events, visit the Cascades Park Facebook page. Swim in Clark Lake If you havent had a chance to hit the water at Clark Lake, there is still time. Clark Lake is one of the largest public lakes in Jackson County at 580 acres. Through the years, the lake has been a popular place to take a swim, water ski and go tubing. The lake is known for its clean water and yearly events, such as Raft-O-Rama, an annual parade of cardboard floats. Once families are done swimming, they can also grab a bite to eat at The Beach Bar, 3505 Ocean Beach Road, and Eagles Nest, 1200 Eagle Point Road. Hike the Falling Waters Trail This 10.5-mile, 12-foot-wide paved rail-trail connects Jackson to the village of Concord, perfect for anyone seeking a long walk, run or bike trip. The trail was built on top of an abandoned section of the Michigan Central Railroad. At the western trailhead in Concord, the trail crosses over the Kalamazoo River where you can view a great expanse of wetlands filled with abundant wildlife. Falling Waters Trail runs between the City of Jackson and the Village of Concord, connecting to the Jacksons Inter-City Bike Trail at the intersection of Park Road and Weatherwax Drive near Ella Sharp Park. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page. The Caine Student Center at Adrian College in Adrian on Friday, May 31, 2024. Adrian is one of many colleges offering pathways for Siena Heights University students to transfer ahead of the latter's 2026 closure. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Over the last few weeks, colleges across Michigan and around the country have been sharing online advertisements and creating webpages, all with an eerily similar message. Welcome, Siena Heights University students. The Adrian-based Catholic institution announced June 30 that it will close at the conclusion of the 2025-26 school year. The news was met with a chorus of shock and sadness from its network of alumni, supporters and student families, disappointed to see the university end its century-long history. But it didnt take long for the pitches. Other colleges and universities quickly lined up to share transfer information, including a few not on Sienas official list of pathways, with a slate of commitments to same-day or automatic acceptance, targeted grants or scholarships, free application processes and specially designated transfer coordinators. Some share Siena Heights status as a small, private or faith-based institution, while others are state schools supported by public funding. Sienas neighbor Adrian College was among the first, as its president, Jeffrey Docking, issued a statement the same day as Siena Heights announcement, committing to work with the university to explore meaningful ways we might be able to support students, faculty and staff as they navigate the coming months. Ten days later, Central Michigan University shared a video on social media specifically catered to SHU students. Were sorry to hear that your university is closing, a voice reads over imagery of classrooms and its sprawling Mount Pleasant campus. We know how important your academic community is to you. Many of you might be feeling lost or are wondering what to do next, and we want to extend some support. @cmuniversity The CMU community extends our heartfelt support to the students, faculty and staff impacted by the Siena Heights closure announcement. original sound - Central Michigan University By the end of July, roughly two dozen likely more had joined the race to recruit Siena Heights 1,800 students. The pursuit of more students doesnt come as a surprise to higher education industry experts, whove witnessed colleges compete for a shrinking pool of prospective students. A falling birthrate means fewer high school graduates over time, exacerbating enrollment downturns in post-secondary institutions ahead of a forecasted cliff. Although full-time college enrollment increased nationally for the first time in 2024 after a 12-year decline, according to the State Higher Education Executive Offices Association, one consulting firm EAB predicted a 25% drop at more than 400 colleges nationwide by 2030. Read more: Michigan university closures, which private colleges earn the worst financial health grades? That means, as colleges like Siena Heights close, prospective students will be slowly, but increasingly, up for grabs. According to SHU, there are two options available for its students to continue their education before or after the closure: Teach-out agreements with other institutions and transfer pathways. Agreements are formal arrangements between other schools and Siena that guarantee credit transfer, financial aid, and timely degree completion. As the end of July, those were still under negotiation, and none were listed on SHUs resource website. The other school ensures that there is space in each of the programs for the SHU students, Siena spokesperson Sarah Stanley said via email. We are pleased to have 10 draft MOUs (memorandums of understanding) in progress, working on more and will post them ASAP upon being finalized. Meanwhile, pathways are between new schools of choice and the student. A month after the closure news, there were 26. The incoming class for Siena Heights University in Adrian in August 2024 was considered the largest in the school's 105-year history. Now, the college is slated to close. Photo provided by Siena Heights. Siena Heights University Some of the institutions making overtures out-of-state are: Olivet Nazarene University is the only one not on Sienas pathways list. With information from each institution and the National Center for Educational Statistics, the following are the colleges or universities that have either been placed on Sienas pathways list or have otherwise advertised their willingness to accept SHU transfers. Adrian College Founded: 1845 in Adrian Type: Private, Methodist Fall 2023 enrollment: 1,760 2023-24 tuition: $40,556 On SHUs pathways list: Yes What to know: Adrian is offering SHU students an expedited transfer process and dedicated scholarships of at least $26,000 per year with top applicants receiving more. Albion College Founded: 1835 in Albion Type: Private Fall 2023 enrollment: 1,354 2023-24 tuition: $55,746 On SHUs pathways list: Yes What to know: All SHU undergraduate students in good academic standing will be automatically accepted with a free application process. Alma College Founded: 1886 in Alma Type: Private, Presbyterian Fall 2023 enrollment: 1,273 2023-24 tuition: $47,430 On SHUs pathways list: Yes What to know: Guaranteed transfer credits accommodate all courses with a C or higher. Among the advertised commitments are merit scholarships starting at $30,000, a $2,000 visit scholarship and same-day acceptance. Aquinas College Founded: 1886 in Grand Rapids Type: Private, Catholic and Dominican Fall 2023 enrollment: 1,295 2023-24 tuition: $38,520 On SHUs pathways list: Yes What to know: Applications for SHU transfers are free, and like others, accepted on a rolling basis. Baker College Founded: 1911 in Flint (main campus Owosso) Type: Private Fall 2023 enrollment: 3,898 2023-24 tuition: $12,810 On SHUs pathways list: Yes What to know: Although not listed yet on SHUs site, initiatives for SHU students included tailored scholarship options up to $9,000 per year in tuition, additional scholarships for on-campus housing and credit transfer assistance. Calvin University Founded: 1876 in Grand Rapids Type: Private, Christian Fall 2023 enrollment: 3,364 2023-24 tuition: $38,670 On SHUs pathways list: Yes What to know: SHU are shown a list of next steps through a full transfer checklist, possible majors and programs and a list of admissions officials to help. Central Michigan University Founded: 1892 in Mount Pleasant Type: Public Fall 2023 enrollment: 14,399 2023-24 tuition: $14,190 On SHUs pathways list: No What to know: SHU students with a GPA of 3.0 and higher and in good academic standing are automatically accepted. Applicants under 3.0 will undergo a holistic review. Up to $33,000 in merit scholarships were available to incoming students and $13,500 for transfers. Cleary University Founded: 1883, now located in Howell Type: Private Fall 2023 enrollment: 1,040 2023-24 tuition: $24,842 On SHUs pathways list: No What to know: SHU undergraduates are guaranteed acceptance with staff to hel review financial aid, athletics and housing support opportunities. Cornerstone University Founded: 1941 in Grand Rapids Type: Private, evangelical Christian Fall 2023 enrollment: 1,735 2023-24 tuition: $29,100 On SHUs pathways list: Yes What to know: Every SHU student who transfers receives a $3,000 annual grant and a free application process. Up to 90 credit hours toward undergraduate programs can be accepted with 75% applied director toward their degree. Eastern Michigan University Founded: 1849 in Ypsilanti Type: Public Fall 2023 enrollment: 13,324 2023-24 tuition: $15,510 On SHUs pathways list: Yes What to know: A free application process with a SHU25 code and a one-time $2,000 supplemental grant that can be used in fall 2025 and in 2026 are available to SHU transfers. Ferris State University Founded: 1884 in Big Rapids Type: Public Fall 2023 enrollment: 9,918 2023-24 tuition: $13,630 On SHUs pathways list: Yes What to know: A dedicated SHU transfer specialist has been named to help review transcripts. Grand Valley State University Founded: 1960 in Grand Rapids Type: Public Fall 2023 enrollment: 22,269 2023-24 tuition: $14,628 On SHUs pathways list: Yes What to know: Admission guaranteed to all SHU students in good academic standing. An extended deadline for transfer merit scholarships is offered through Aug. 22 with targeted completion scholarships for those with 60 or more credits and other financial aid opportunities. Lansing Community College Founded: 1957 in Lansing, 2004 in Delta Township Type: Public Fall 2023 enrollment: 9,207 2023-24 tuition: $4,010 On SHUs pathways list: No What to know: A list of transfer equivalencies are provided. Spring Arbor University Founded: 1963 in Spring Arbor Type: Private, Free Methodist Fall 2023 enrollment: 2,390 2023-24 tuition: $32,580 On SHUs pathways list: Yes What to know: SHU students are offered an easy-transfer process with fall 2025 and 2026 applications open and no application fees. The average undergraduate financial aid package was reported to be over $30,000 a year. The University of Olivet Founded: 1844 in Olivet Type: Private, Christian Fall 2023 enrollment: 973 2023-24 tuition: $33,076 On SHUs pathways list: Yes What to know: The institution commits to providing financial aid to minimize students out-of-pocket costs in line with what they received at SHU. Walsh College VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI A body found near a creek in the village of Mattawan Friday afternoon may be that of a person recently reported missing. The Van Buren County Sheriffs Office announced Friday, July 25, that is investigating the discovery of a deceased individual found that same day in Mattawan. The discovery comes several weeks after the office took a missing persons report involving an individual from the area, Sheriff Daniel Abbott stated in a news release. While positive identification is still pending, we believe the individual located may be the same person reported missing, he said. The original report and circumstances at the time did not indicate any suspicious activity or foul play. Based on initial findings, the incident appears to be an isolated one and there is no ongoing threat to public safety, Abbott further stated. Detectives from the Van Buren County Sheriffs Office are being assisted in the investigation by the Michigan State Police and Mattawan Police Department. The investigation remains active and ongoing and the three departments are working together to collect all relevant information and determine the full circumstances surrounding the case. As additional details become available and can be confirmed, we will provide timely updates to the public, Abbott stated. We appreciate the communitys understanding and ask for continued patience and respect for the family during this difficult time. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark MLives local Kalamazoo news page. WASHINGTON, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Another federal judge on Friday halted the Trump administration's attempt to end birthright citizenship, marking the third nationwide court ruling against the administration's policy since a pivotal Supreme Court decision in June. Judge Leo Sorokin, from the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, joined a federal judge in New Hampshire and a three-judge panel for a federal appeals court in San Francisco in blocking the Trump administration's restrictions on birthright citizenship, ruling that a nationwide injunction on the executive order remains in place under an exception to the Supreme Court ruling. On June 27, in a 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court held that lower federal courts may not issue broad nationwide or universal injunctions blocking implementation of executive actions across the country. The country's highest court, however, did not rule on the constitutionality of the birthright citizenship order itself. On July 10, the United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire blocked President Donald Trump's executive order restricting birthright citizenship nationwide. On Wednesday, a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Trump's order seeking to end birthright citizenship is unconstitutional, affirming the New Hampshire federal court's decision that blocked its enforcement nationwide. In the latest ruling, Sorokin argued that a piecemeal enforcement of the birthright order wouldn't adequately protect the states, partly because many individuals frequently move from one state to another. Sorokin acknowledged that the case will eventually go back to the Supreme Court. "No doubt the Supreme Court will ultimately settle the question," Sorokin wrote. "But in the meantime, for purposes of this lawsuit at this juncture, the Executive Order is unconstitutional." After taking office on Jan. 20, Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to halt recognition of citizenship for children born after Feb. 19, if neither parent is a U.S. citizen nor a permanent resident. Over 20 states and civil rights groups immediately filed lawsuits challenging the order, calling it blatantly "unconstitutional." Pictured is Cousins Maine Lobster's best seller: the Maine Roll. It comes with fresh lobster shipped from Maine on New England roll with a lemon wedge. (Photo/Burzurk Brewing Co.) Burzurk Brewing Co. GRAND HAVEN, MI - The beers at Burzurk and its food offerings attract savory connoisseurs on the hunt for the next best bite and brew. Local couple Tyler and Karen Forbes opened Burzurk Brewing Company at 1442 Washington Ave. in 2021 to offer a retro Caribbean taproom to the Grand Haven area. Despite opening during the COVID-19 pandemic and facing occupancy restrictions, the brewery has established itself as a local fixture. A lot of the time when people decide to come, its because theyve either already been here and like our beer, or they also really like the food truck combination, Tyler Forbes said. Especially during the summer months, a lot of people will come out there and see whats advertised, and theyre like, Oh, I have got to check that out. Forbes, a former engineer, said hed always been intrigued by home brewing, and once he started, he knew this was his calling. He did automotive work for Shape Corp. for 16 years before he was sent to work in Mexico. Thats where he met his wife, Karen, who had nearly a decade of experience in the restaurant industry. They both moved to Grand Haven in 2012. I always say its like engineering cooking or engineering beer because its a little bit of both, he said. The equipment and the process are really important to make good beer; then theres some creativity to it with the recipes that you can create. Burzurk offers 12 taps featuring a variety of styles from Mexican/Czech lagers to IPAs, stouts, occasional sours, hard seltzers and ciders. Among customer favorites is the 5.2% Kickin the Donkey, a crisp take on a Mexican Lager with a subtle hint of lime and Motueka hops. The 5 oz is $2.50 and the 16 oz is $6. As for the food, Forbes told MLive that beer sales increase by approximately 25% on days when Michigan food trucks are present. Food trucks are typically available at Burzurk from 4 to 8 p.m. daily during spring, summer and fall. One of the favorite food truck options is nationally and locally owned, Cousins Maine Lobster. The eatery offers fresh lobster from Maine right to the lakeshore. A customer favorite is the Maine Roll, priced at $24, which features Maine lobster served chilled with a touch of mayo on a New England roll. We dont charge them anything to be here. They get a free space to park in, and we get free food options without worrying about what food to put out, Tyler Forbes said. It sort of helps both of us out since theyll have a line down the street the whole time theyre here. Karen touts that although Cousins Maine Lobster is a bit on the pricier side, its worth it knowing youre eating fresh seafood, not frozen. She said the impact of hosting a variety of cuisines is important. I like diversity a lot, so we try to bring in all cultures, she told MLive. One of them is an African fusion with Mexican, we have an Asian food truck and smoked barbecue meats. Just a little bit of everything. Hours of operation for Burzurk Brewing Company are from 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 2 to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Visit the brewerys Facebook page for updates on returning and new food trucks. Two of the standard bearers of the English Premier League get set to meet in the Meadowlands on Saturday, as Everton and Bournemouth meet in the English Premier League Summer Series. The Summer Series returns for the first time since the inaugural event in 2023. It pits four EPL clubs against one another in a friendly tournament playing across the United States, giving the clubs a chance to gear up for the upcoming season, which begins in just a few weeks. EPL STREAMING OPTIONS Streaming Options Price/month Free Trial? Length Deal FuboTV $84.99 Yes 7 days $20 off first month DirecTV Stream $69.99 Yes 5 days No Sling $35.00 No N/A $10 off first month Peacock $7.99 No N/A None This year, Everton, Bournemouth, Manchester United and West Ham United look to wow crowds on this side of the pond. Bournemouth was a surprising club last year in the EPL, but a second-half slide led to the team finishing ninth, not too far out of a UEFA Conference League spot. They lost a few big names this offseason, making a repeat of last years performance all the more tough. Everton will be gearing up to play in new digs this coming season, and hopefully will be able to inspire the home crowds after a series of seasons where the Toffees have managed to avoid relegation. ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE SUMMER SERIES Everton FC vs. AFC Bournemouth When: Saturday, July 26 Time: 4 p.m. ET Where: MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, N.J.) Channel: NBC, Universo From Rolls-Royce to Bentley and Aston Martin cars: Driving them in India, but where are they made? Varun Singh USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. 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I Accept M Snehanjali USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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Ronth to Kannappa: Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam releases to stream on OTT over the weekend M Snehanjali USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Archisha Yadav is a sub editor with 1.5 years of experience in writing news articles on topics like education, jobs, and politics. She specialises in crafting simple, clear, and engaging stories that are easy to understand and hold the readers interest, making complex topics accessible and relatable to a larger audience. 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I Accept This photo taken on July 25, 2025 shows a scene at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit held its plenary session in Zhengzhou on Friday. Themed "Upholding the Shanghai Spirit to Build a More Beautiful Home," the event gathered more than 400 representatives of nearly 200 media outlets, think tanks and government agencies from SCO member states, observer states and dialogue partners, as well as international and regional organizations. (Xinhua/Zhu Xiang) This photo taken on July 25, 2025 shows a scene at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit held its plenary session in Zhengzhou on Friday. Themed "Upholding the Shanghai Spirit to Build a More Beautiful Home," the event gathered more than 400 representatives of nearly 200 media outlets, think tanks and government agencies from SCO member states, observer states and dialogue partners, as well as international and regional organizations. (Xinhua/Hao Yuan) Participants communicate during a tea break at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, July 25, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit held its plenary session in Zhengzhou on Friday. Themed "Upholding the Shanghai Spirit to Build a More Beautiful Home," the event gathered more than 400 representatives of nearly 200 media outlets, think tanks and government agencies from SCO member states, observer states and dialogue partners, as well as international and regional organizations. (Xinhua/Li Jianan) A participant speaks during an interview at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, July 25, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit held its plenary session in Zhengzhou on Friday. Themed "Upholding the Shanghai Spirit to Build a More Beautiful Home," the event gathered more than 400 representatives of nearly 200 media outlets, think tanks and government agencies from SCO member states, observer states and dialogue partners, as well as international and regional organizations. (Xinhua/Li Jianan) Liu Ning, secretary of the Communist Party of China Henan Provincial Committee, delivers a speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, July 25, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit held its plenary session in Zhengzhou on Friday. Themed "Upholding the Shanghai Spirit to Build a More Beautiful Home," the event gathered more than 400 representatives of nearly 200 media outlets, think tanks and government agencies from SCO member states, observer states and dialogue partners, as well as international and regional organizations. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) A congratulatory letter from Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov is read out at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, July 25, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit held its plenary session in Zhengzhou on Friday. Themed "Upholding the Shanghai Spirit to Build a More Beautiful Home," the event gathered more than 400 representatives of nearly 200 media outlets, think tanks and government agencies from SCO member states, observer states and dialogue partners, as well as international and regional organizations. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) Andrey Kondrashov, director general of Russia's TASS news agency, delivers a speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, July 25, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit held its plenary session in Zhengzhou on Friday. Themed "Upholding the Shanghai Spirit to Build a More Beautiful Home," the event gathered more than 400 representatives of nearly 200 media outlets, think tanks and government agencies from SCO member states, observer states and dialogue partners, as well as international and regional organizations. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit Zhengzhou Consensus is released at the summit in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, July 25, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit held its plenary session in Zhengzhou on Friday. Themed "Upholding the Shanghai Spirit to Build a More Beautiful Home," the event gathered more than 400 representatives of nearly 200 media outlets, think tanks and government agencies from SCO member states, observer states and dialogue partners, as well as international and regional organizations. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) Mo Gaoyi, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the State Council Information Office, delivers a speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, July 25, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit held its plenary session in Zhengzhou on Friday. Themed "Upholding the Shanghai Spirit to Build a More Beautiful Home," the event gathered more than 400 representatives of nearly 200 media outlets, think tanks and government agencies from SCO member states, observer states and dialogue partners, as well as international and regional organizations. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) Peng Jinhui, vice president of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), delivers a speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, July 25, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit held its plenary session in Zhengzhou on Friday. Themed "Upholding the Shanghai Spirit to Build a More Beautiful Home," the event gathered more than 400 representatives of nearly 200 media outlets, think tanks and government agencies from SCO member states, observer states and dialogue partners, as well as international and regional organizations. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) Fu Hua, president of Xinhua News Agency, delivers a speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, July 25, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit held its plenary session in Zhengzhou on Friday. Themed "Upholding the Shanghai Spirit to Build a More Beautiful Home," the event gathered more than 400 representatives of nearly 200 media outlets, think tanks and government agencies from SCO member states, observer states and dialogue partners, as well as international and regional organizations. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) This photo taken on July 25, 2025 shows a scene at the plenary session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit held its plenary session in Zhengzhou on Friday. Themed "Upholding the Shanghai Spirit to Build a More Beautiful Home," the event gathered more than 400 representatives of nearly 200 media outlets, think tanks and government agencies from SCO member states, observer states and dialogue partners, as well as international and regional organizations. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) This photo taken on July 25, 2025 shows a scene at the plenary session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit held its plenary session in Zhengzhou on Friday. Themed "Upholding the Shanghai Spirit to Build a More Beautiful Home," the event gathered more than 400 representatives of nearly 200 media outlets, think tanks and government agencies from SCO member states, observer states and dialogue partners, as well as international and regional organizations. (Xinhua/Zhu Xiang) This photo taken on July 25, 2025 shows a scene at the plenary session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit held its plenary session in Zhengzhou on Friday. Themed "Upholding the Shanghai Spirit to Build a More Beautiful Home," the event gathered more than 400 representatives of nearly 200 media outlets, think tanks and government agencies from SCO member states, observer states and dialogue partners, as well as international and regional organizations. (Xinhua/Li Jianan) This photo taken on July 25, 2025 shows a scene at the plenary session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit held its plenary session in Zhengzhou on Friday. Themed "Upholding the Shanghai Spirit to Build a More Beautiful Home," the event gathered more than 400 representatives of nearly 200 media outlets, think tanks and government agencies from SCO member states, observer states and dialogue partners, as well as international and regional organizations. (Xinhua/Hao Yuan) Yeeshu Yadav USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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I Accept Speaking with Cambodia, Thailand about ceasefire, says Trump comparing it with India and Pakistan US President Donald Trump said he is negotiating with Thailand and Cambodia to stop one of the worst fighting between the two countries in more than a decade, and compared it to the brief conflict between India and Pakistan (Operation Sindoor) in May following Pahalgam attack. Just spoke to the Prime Minister of Cambodia relative to stopping the War with Thailand. I am calling the Acting Prime Minister of Thailand, right now, to likewise request a Ceasefire, and END to the War, which is currently raging. We happen to be, by coincidence, currently dealing on Trade with both Countries, but do not want to make any Deal, with either Country, if they are fighting And I have told them so!" he said on his Truth Social platform. The call with Cambodia has ended, but expect to call back regarding War stoppage and Ceasefire based on what Thailand has to say. I am trying to simplify a complex situation! Many people are being killed in this War, but it very much reminds me of the Conflict between Pakistan and India, which was brought to a successful halt," he further said. Congress leader says Rahul Gandhi could be second Ambedkar for OBCs; BJP retorts LoP can only become Smriti Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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I Accept Deblina Halder USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency (AFSA) continues to implement regulatory and oversight measures aimed at expanding the presence of local food products on international marketsparticularly in the European Unionand strengthening the countrys export potential, Azernews reports, citing the Agency. According to the information,AFSA has successfully carried out annual Monitoring Plans for aquaculture-derived caviar products. As a result, Azerbaijan has retained its authorization to export caviar obtained from farmed sturgeon species to the EU for the 20252026 period. In parallel, the agency has developed a Monitoring Plan for fish products, aimed at enabling access to EU markets. This plan was submitted to the European Commissions Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE). Following a technical assessment, the plan was approved as compliant with EU standards, allowing for future fish exports from Azerbaijan to EU member states. AFSA emphasized that in order for any country to export animal-based food products to the EU, its food safety systems, legislation, and control mechanisms must align with European regulations. Azerbaijan continues to meet these requirements consistently and maintains cooperative relations with international partners based on mutual trust. BEIRUT, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The Baalbeck International Festival was inaugurated late Friday night at the historic Baalbek Citadel in eastern Lebanon. Under the theme of "Voice of Resilience," the opening night features musical compositions inspired by Lebanese heritage and global classics, a light show, and a performance of the opera "Carmen" at the open-air stage transformed from the ruins of the ancient Roman temples in Baalbek. Deputy Mayor of Baalbek Abdel Rahim Shalha told Xinhua that the festival was cancelled last year due to the Israeli attacks on Lebanon. This year, it will continue until August 9, featuring performances by artists from France, Italy, Armenia, Lebanon, and Arab performers. The Baalbeck International Festival, launched in 1956, was "one of the most prestigious cultural events in the Middle East, evolving over decades into a platform for artistic and cultural dialogue between East and West," said Shalha. The festival introduces young people to the art of opera, brings together artists from different cultures, and revives the tourism and cultural industry once again, said Nayla De Freij, head of the Baalbeck International Festival Committee, in a speech at the event. She noted that the festival has become "a beacon of art and beauty in the face of darkness and anxiety" as Lebanon went through years of war and truce, as well as hope and fear. Baalbek-Hermel Governor Bashir Khodr said that "The city of Baalbek has overcome the impact of the Israeli war that targeted many of its tourist landmarks, including the historic Baalbek Citadel, which is once again welcoming visitors and tourists from Lebanon, the Arab world, and beyond." "It's truly a huge accomplishment -- Baalbek has overcome destruction and displacement and demonstrated an exceptional and civilized ability to organize such wonderful artistic events," said Jalal Haddad, who drove from Beirut with his fiancee to attend the festival. He noted that the festival created "an atmosphere of joy and celebration for people coming from all over Lebanon." India-UK FTA most comprehensive, win-win deal for both, says Piyush Goyal; hits out at UPA-era trade agreements Smriti Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Sonalee Borgohain USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Chinese Premier Li Qiang addresses the opening ceremony of the 2025 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai, east China, July 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) SHANGHAI, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Saturday said the international community should place greater emphasis on the joint governance of artificial intelligence (AI), calling for the early formation of a global framework and rules that have broad consensus to guide the development and use of AI. "China attaches great importance to global AI governance, and has been actively promoting multilateral and bilateral cooperation with a willingness to offer more Chinese solutions," Li said while addressing the opening ceremony of the 2025 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai. Li said that the Chinese government proposes the creation of a global AI cooperation organization. He said that rapid progress is being made in fields such as large language models, multimodal large models and embodied AI, propelling AI development toward greater efficiency and higher intelligence. Acknowledging that AI has begun to empower various industries and enter households, emerging as a new engine for economic growth, Li said the risks and challenges posed by AI have sparked widespread concern. There is an urgent need to foster further consensus on how to strike a balance between development and security, he noted. No matter how technology transforms, it must remain a tool to be harnessed and controlled by humans, Li said, adding that AI should become an international public good that benefits humanity. Li urged more efforts to ensure universal access to AI so that more countries and groups will benefit from it. "China is willing to share its AI development experience and technological products to help countries around the world -- especially those in the Global South -- to strengthen their capacity building." He suggested greater cooperation on innovation to achieve more groundbreaking results. He said that China stands ready to undertake joint technical research with other countries, and will be more open in sharing open-source technology and products. More than 1,000 officials and representatives of industries, universities and research institutes from China and abroad attended the opening ceremony. An action plan for global AI governance was issued at the conference. Chinese Premier Li Qiang, together with foreign guests and representatives from international organizations, tours the venue after the opening ceremony of the 2025 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai, east China, July 26, 2025. Li on Saturday attended and addressed the opening ceremony of the 2025 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) Ria Kapoor USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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I Accept Special strike forces ready to shock enemy, this is the new normal, says Army Chief Dwivedi 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Weekend Wild Card: What Harshvardhan Jain's Ghaziabad Fake Embassy tells us about ourselves Sonalee Borgohain USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept TAIPEI, July 26 (Xinhua) -- A recall campaign against 24 legislators of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) in Taiwan failed on Saturday, with none of the proposals receiving more votes in favor of the recall than against it, according to the local election affairs authority. Voting took place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday across the island. As ballots were counted after polls closed, the "no" votes consistently outnumbered the "yes" votes in all 24 recall cases, marking a sweeping victory for the KMT in the first round of the large-scale recall campaign. A recall vote targeting the suspended mayor of Hsinchu was held the same day and likewise failed to pass. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) currently holds 51 seats in the island's 113-seat legislature, making it a minority party. Observers believed that although the recall campaign appeared to be initiated by "civil groups," it was in fact orchestrated by the DPP authorities led by Lai Ching-te, in an attempt to reverse their disadvantage in the legislature through recalls and by-elections. "The landslide rejection in the voting is a reflection of public anger toward Lai and the DPP authorities," said Hsieh Chih-chuan, a current affairs commentator in Taiwan, adding that since taking office, the Lai authorities have persecuted dissenting voices through judicial and other means, while continuously stirring up tensions across the Taiwan Strait. The outcome of the votes reflects the latest public sentiment in Taiwan -- a clear rejection of the DPP's attempts to seek "Taiwan independence," Hsieh said, calling it a "total failure" for the party. The result indicates that peaceful cross-Strait relations represent the mainstream will of the people in Taiwan, said Wang Kun-Yih, president of the Taiwan International Strategic Study Society. If the DPP does not change its cross-Strait policy, it risks being abandoned by the public, he noted. The second round of recall votes targeting another seven KMT legislators is scheduled to be held on August 23. According to local election rules, a recall vote will pass if the number of valid votes in agreement exceeds the number of votes in disagreement. The number of votes in agreement must also equal at least a quarter of the total number of eligible voters in the electoral district. Shubhi Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Aabhas Sharma USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Shaurya Shubham USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept 'Won't do trade': Trump urges Cambodia, Thailand to 'end the war', says it 'reminds me of India-Pakistan' conflict Tamal Nandi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept How Chinas $5,900 Unitree robot could change the future of humanoid AI Chhabi Kala USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept ISLAMABAD, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has vowed to achieve sustainable economic growth, welcoming the upgrade of the country's sovereign credit rating by S&P Global to B- from CCC+. Sharif commended the country's economic team and institutions involved in navigating Pakistan through "a challenging period." India urges Cambodia, Thailand to prevent further escalation of hostilities after border clashes Rewati Karan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Pakistan says US trade deal days away, but Washington silent on timeline 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Trump warns Europe: 'Immigration is killing you, get your act together' Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept MOGADISHU, July 26 (Xinhua) -- African Union (AU) troops backed by Somali security forces on Friday thwarted an attack on military bases by a militant group in Sabiid-Anole town, located southwest of the capital Mogadishu. The AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) said al-Shabab fighters had launched a coordinated attack on military bases manned by AU troops and Somali National Armed Forces in the early hours of the day. "The joint forces successfully repelled the terrorists, forcing them to retreat swiftly," AUSSOM said in a statement. Eyewitnesses said the assault erupted with a series of explosions in the nearby villages before the two sides exchanged gunfire. During the engagement, several militants were killed while others escaped, severely injured, the AU mission said. "Various munitions were also seized from the fleeing militants," it said, noting that the allied forces maintain control of the targeted military bases, which were liberated from al-Shabab in June. AUSSOM said a major military operation is underway to locate and apprehend the remaining fighters and their allies. Meanwhile, the mission assured the safety and security of residents of Sabiid-Anole town and the surrounding areas. Sabiid-Anole town, in the Lower Shabelle region of Somalia, is one of the strategic objectives that is now under the control of the allied troops. The incident came as the joint forces have intensified operations recently to weaken al-Shabab in the southern region and put the remaining towns under their control. The extremist group frequently targets military bases and government facilities in Mogadishu and elsewhere across Somalia as part of efforts to topple the internationally backed government. What is Ammonite? - Rare object discovered beyond Neptune and the mystery of planet nine Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. 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I Accept Why the IDF is making Arabic and Islamic studies compulsory for intelligence personnel Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Why Trump is accusing Obama of treason over Russia: Inside the intelligence fight over 2016 election meddling Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Why Trump is hardening his stance on Hamas as Gaza starvation crisis grows Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept BEIJING, July 26 (Xinhua) -- China is taking concrete steps to introduce free preschool education, as part of broader efforts to ease rising child care costs for young families amid mounting demographic challenges facing the country. The move follows a commitment China made during its annual legislative session earlier this year to gradually implement free preschool education nationwide. In its latest directive, which was issued on Friday, the central government has urged local governments to draw detailed implementation plans swiftly, and to allocate necessary subsidies. It has also emphasized the need to expand preschool infrastructure, raise the salaries and welfare of kindergarten teachers, and improve support for children's physical and mental well-being. The prospect of free preschool has drawn praise from parents. Ms. Tan, a working mother in Beijing whose 3-year-old daughter is set to enter kindergarten this fall, described the policy as a timely "gift." If fully implemented, she said, it could save her family at least 9,000 yuan (1,260 U.S. dollars) a year. Kindergarten costs in China vary widely by region and type. In Beijing, public preschools typically charge less than 10,000 yuan a year, though competition for places can be fierce. Tuition at private kindergartens ranges from a few hundred to several thousand U.S. dollars per month. China currently provides nine years of compulsory education, covering primary and middle school. This system, which has been in place since 1986, ensures that all school-age children receive basic education. The ongoing push to make preschool education free is seen as a meaningful step to extend that guarantee to younger children. "The policy would reduce the financial burden of childrearing and education further, potentially encouraging more families to have children," said Song Jian, deputy director of the Population Development Studies Center at Renmin University of China. Beyond easing the financial burden on families, education experts said the policy could help bridge disparities in early childhood education between urban and rural areas, and among children from different socioeconomic backgrounds. "It gives every child a fairer start in life, laying a stronger foundation for future academic and personal development," said Gao Bingcheng, an associate researcher at the China National Academy of Educational Sciences. According to the latest data from China's Ministry of Education, there were 253,000 kindergartens nationwide in 2024, at which a total of 35.8 million children were enrolled. While kindergarten typically begins at the age of 3 in China, authorities are now also turning their attention to infants and toddlers, who have traditionally been cared for at home. As part of a broader effort to support families, the government is ramping up nursery care services for children under 3, aiming to relieve the pressures on working parents and improve early childhood development. According to guidelines released in early July which focus on expanding affordable child care, China plans to offer 4.5 child care places per 1,000 people by the end of 2025, adding 660,000 new subsidized places. For parents like Tan, the availability of affordable day care for children under 3 is a decisive factor in family planning. "It's a key consideration in whether or not I have a second child," she said. Thanks to increased government investment, more subsidized nursery spaces and programs are now available, offering families like Tan's greater access and affordability. A staff member operates at the digitized factory for traditional Chinese medicine decoction under a pharmaceutical company in Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, July 24, 2025. Riding on digital transformation as a driving force, Quanzhou City managed to enhance the quality and efficiency of its industrial economy in recent years. This has laid a sustainable ground for the upgrading of the traditional sectors, and accelerated the shift from simple manufacturing to smart creation. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan) A worker operates at an intelligent workshop of Lianxingfa Knitting Co., Ltd. in Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, July 24, 2025. Riding on digital transformation as a driving force, Quanzhou City managed to enhance the quality and efficiency of its industrial economy in recent years. This has laid a sustainable ground for the upgrading of the traditional sectors, and accelerated the shift from simple manufacturing to smart creation. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan) A staff member examines fabrics at a laboratory of Lianxingfa Knitting Co., Ltd. in Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, July 24, 2025. Riding on digital transformation as a driving force, Quanzhou City managed to enhance the quality and efficiency of its industrial economy in recent years. This has laid a sustainable ground for the upgrading of the traditional sectors, and accelerated the shift from simple manufacturing to smart creation. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan) A worker operates at a workshop of Macrochip Technology Co., Ltd. in Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, July 24, 2025. Riding on digital transformation as a driving force, Quanzhou City managed to enhance the quality and efficiency of its industrial economy in recent years. This has laid a sustainable ground for the upgrading of the traditional sectors, and accelerated the shift from simple manufacturing to smart creation. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan) Staff members debug humanoid robots at Fujian (Quanzhou) Institute of Advanced Manufacturing Technology in Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, July 24, 2025. Riding on digital transformation as a driving force, Quanzhou City managed to enhance the quality and efficiency of its industrial economy in recent years. This has laid a sustainable ground for the upgrading of the traditional sectors, and accelerated the shift from simple manufacturing to smart creation. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan) An aerial drone photo taken on July 24, 2025 shows a panoramic view of a digital economy park in Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. Riding on digital transformation as a driving force, Quanzhou City managed to enhance the quality and efficiency of its industrial economy in recent years. This has laid a sustainable ground for the upgrading of the traditional sectors, and accelerated the shift from simple manufacturing to smart creation. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan) A look at the status of US executions in 2025 A look at the status of US executions in 2025 View Photo Twenty-eight men have died by court-ordered execution so far this year in the U.S., and nine other people are scheduled to be put to death in seven states during the remainder of 2025. Tennessee executed Byron Black on Tuesday morning. Black, 69, said he was hurting badly shortly after the lethal injection began, according to several witnesses. Black had a defibrillator implanted in his heart and his attorneys said the device could shock him several times once the lethal chemicals took effect. He was convicted of the 1998 killings of his girlfriend and her two children. Florida put to death Edward Zakrzewski on July 31 for killing his wife and two children decades ago. That was the states ninth execution of 2025 and the most recent execution until Tuesday. Alabama, Indiana, Missouri, Tennessee, Texas and Utah also have scheduled executions for later this year. Executions have been carried out this year in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. The 28 executions this year exceeds the 25 executions carried out last year and is the most since 35 people were put to death in prisons around the U.S. in 2014. The uptick in executions can be traced to aggressive Republican governors and attorney generals pushing to get through lengthy appeals processes and get executions done, said John Blume, the director of the Cornell Death Penalty Project. A sweeping executive order signed by President Donald Trump on his first day back in office aimed at urging prosecutors to seek the death penalty and preserving capital punishment in the states also may have fueled the increase, Blume said. All but one execution this year has occurred in states run by Republican governors, with Arizona the exception. Heres a look at recent executions and those scheduled for the rest of the year, by state: Tennessee Black was convicted of three counts of first-degree murder for the 1988 shooting deaths of his girlfriend, Angela Clay, and her two daughters in Nashville. Judges refused to require the Tennessee Department of Correction to deactivate the implanted defibrillation device similar to a pacemaker prior to his execution Tuesday. Black died at 10:43 a.m., prison officials said. It was about 10 minutes after the execution started and Black had talked about being in pain as the injection got underway. Black looked around the room as the execution began and could be heard sighing and breathing heavily. All seven media witnesses to the execution agreed he appeared to be in discomfort. Blacks defense team will carefully review autopsy results, EKG data and information from the defibrillator to determine what exactly happened during the execution, his lawyer Kelley Henry said. Henry said she was especially concerned about his head movement and complaints of pain because the massive dose of pentobarbital used to kill inmates is supposed to rapidly leave them unconscious. The fact that he was able to raise his head several times and express pain tells you that the pentobarbital was not acting the way the states experts claim it acts, Henry said. Harold Nichols, 64, is also scheduled to die by lethal injection on Dec. 11. Nichols was convicted of rape and first-degree felony murder in the 1988 death of Karen Pulley in Hamilton County. Florida Florida has set its 10th and 11th executions of the year for later this month. Kayle Bates is scheduled to be executed Aug. 19. He abducted a woman from an insurance office and killed her 42 years ago. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a death warrant for Aug. 28 for Curtis Windom. Bates, 67, who is scheduled to be executed Aug. 19, was convicted of first-degree murder, kidnapping, armed robbery and attempted sexual battery in the June 14, 1982, Bay County killing of Janet White. Windom, 59, shot a man over a $2,000 debt, then killed the mother of his child and the womans mother in February 1992 in Orlando. He is scheduled to die Aug. 28. Alabama An Alabama judge has postponed the execution of David Lee Roberts, who had been scheduled to be put to death by nitrogen gas on Aug. 21. Roberts was convicted of killing Annetra Jones in 1992 while he was a houseguest at Jones boyfriends home in Marion County. Prosecutors said Roberts packed his belongings, stole money and shot Jones three times in the head while she slept on the couch. Roberts set fire to the home to hide evidence. A Marion County judge issued a stay so Roberts can have a psychiatric evaluation to determine whether he is too mentally ill to be put to death. The execution will be on hold at least until a report from the Alabama Department of Mental Health is finished. Geoffrey T. West, 49, is scheduled to die by nitrogen gas on Sept. 25 for the killing of convenience store clerk Margaret Parrish Berry during a 1997 robbery in Attalla. If carried out, it would be the nations sixth execution by nitrogen gas, a method Alabama began using last year as an alternative to lethal injection. The method involves supplying nitrogen gas via a respirator mask to an inmate, causing the person to lose consciousness and die from a lack of oxygen. Utah Ralph Leroy Menzies, 67, is scheduled to die by firing squad on Sept. 5. He would become only the sixth U.S. prisoner executed by firing squad since 1977. Menzies, who has dementia, has been on death row for 37 years for abducting and killing mother of three Maurine Hunsaker, 26, in 1986. Judge Matthew Bates signed the death warrant a month after he ruled Menzies consistently and rationally understands why he is facing execution despite recent cognitive decline. Attorneys for Menzies have petitioned the court for a reassessment. Texas Blaine Milam, 35, is scheduled to die by lethal injection on Sept. 25. Milam was convicted of killing his girlfriends 13-month-old daughter during what the couple had said was part of an exorcism in Rusk County in East Texas in 2008. Milams girlfriend, Jesseca Carson, was also convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Robert Roberson is scheduled to be executed on Oct. 16. Roberson, 58, could become the first person in the U.S. to be put to death for a murder conviction tied to shaken baby syndrome. He was convicted of the 2002 killing of his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis, in the East Texas city of Palestine. Prosecutors argued he violently shook his daughter back and forth, causing severe head trauma. His lawyers and some medical experts say his daughter died not from abuse but from complications related to pneumonia. Indiana Indiana set a tentative execution date of Oct. 10 for Roy Lee Ward, who was convicted of raping and killing a 15-year-old girl in 2001. But that date could change. Missouri Lance C. Shockley is scheduled to be executed on Oct. 14, according to the nonprofit Death Penalty Information Center. Shockley was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Dewayne Graham outside his home in Carter County in 2005. Testimony at the trial indicated Graham was killed because he was investigating Shockley for involuntary manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident. Ohio Earlier this year, Republican Gov. Mike DeWine postponed five executions scheduled for 2025. All five have been delayed until 2028. In postponing the executions, DeWine has cited the states inability to secure the drugs used in lethal injections due to pharmaceutical suppliers unwillingness. DeWine has said that he does not anticipate any further executions will happen during his term, which runs through 2026. ___ Associated Press writers Kim Chandler and Jeffrey Collins contributed. By ADRIAN SAINZ Associated Press JERASH, Jordan, July 26 (Xinhua) -- A traditional Chinese performance featuring dance, folk music, and ancient instruments took center stage on Friday at the 39th Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts. The performance, Colorful China, was staged by a 15-member troupe from North Minzu University in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The group presented a vibrant program of 13 pieces combining traditional music, ethnic dance, and instrumental art. Speaking to Xinhua, the troupe's leader, Bao Wenxing, expressed pride in bringing his troupe's performance to a Middle Eastern stage for the first time. He noted that China and Jordan share a long-standing history of economic and cultural cooperation, and such events are an extension of the relationship between the two countries. The performance drew a warm response from the audience. "The choreography, the music and the costumes, they were all so different and beautiful," said Lamar Khalil, a Jerash resident. Lina Ahmad, an art teacher from Zarqa, described the evening as "a lesson of elegance and tradition," adding that the performance provided her with a rare glimpse into another culture's artistic language. The Colorful China performance was part of the 39th edition of the Jerash Festival, which runs through Aug. 2 under the theme of "authenticity, continuity" and features more than 235 performances from 35 Arab and other foreign countries. Festival Executive Director Ayman Samawi said the strong international turnout reflects Jordan's openness and stability, calling the festival "a cultural ambassador for the country." Zhao Xiaoqiang, Cultural Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Jordan, said that cultural exchange plays a vital role in fostering mutual understanding, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa regions. The performance conveyed a message of goodwill from the Chinese people to the Jordanians, promoting peace, harmony, and friendship. Zhao hopes that such exchanges would inspire more Chinese travelers to explore Jordan's heritage and learn about Jordanians' hospitality. "I am confident that there will be more and more Chinese people coming here and building stronger ties between China and Jordan," Zhao said. Founded in 1981, the Jerash Festival has evolved into one of the region's premier cultural events, transforming the ancient city into a global stage for music, dance, and artistic dialogue every summer. Where are Vacation Homes Located in the US? Construction Physics Why risky coastal real estate continues to attract buyers Moving Day Ancient human highways revealed beneath the sea Earth.com Climate/Environment Pandemics Water China? Will China Attain Technological Supremacy? Global Policy Journal (Chuck L): Tesla isnt falling behind because of its tech. Its falling behind because America has no smart roads, no smart cities, and no national plan.https://t.co/3S07PV9NC6 William Huo (@wmhuo168) July 25, 2025 India-Pakistan Thailand- Cambodia Conflict Vietnams Growth Surges. But Is It Still a Bargain for Global Manufacturing? China Global South Africa Old Blighty Syraqistan People in Gaza are fighting for their lives. Never give up on them. Never! https://t.co/vPSz3DrVK0 Ali Abunimah (@AliAbunimah) July 26, 2025 Israel Bombs Gaza School With U.S.-Made Missile During Friday Prayers Drop Site NEW: Former U.S. Green Beret Anthony Aguilar says he routinely witnessed Israeli forces (IDF) firing artillery tank rounds and mortar rounds into crowds of unarmed, starving Palestinians at GHF aid sites in Gaza. I witnessed war crimes, the GHF security contractor told the pic.twitter.com/4C4ppk5fcW Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) July 26, 2025 This is entirely for show. Gaza needs 15,000 tonnes of aid a day. The maximum parachuted in one day into Gaza so far has been 85 tonnes. https://t.co/G6ZvpImS8l Craig Murray (@CraigMurrayOrg) July 25, 2025 When WWII ended and the Nazi camps were liberated, a substantial number of survivors died of refeeding syndrome. The current genocide does not seem to be nearing an end. https://t.co/gAel8EkURE pic.twitter.com/u4TNaASnbW Laura Miers (@LauraMiers) July 25, 2025 European Disunion A warning from history: Goethe and the folly of German militarism Adeyinka Makinde I feel like politically this is the wrong time for Germany to be rearming. https://t.co/uncPWaAMsh New Left EViews (@NewLeftEViews) July 25, 2025 New Not-So-Cold War BREAKING: Russian units broke into Pokrovsk, the Ukranian collapse has begun. Pokrovsk will likely be the most strategically important achievement for the Russia in 2025. Ukraine loses the biggest logistics hub in Donbass and the last big fortification before the Dnepr pic.twitter.com/caOwfQnmDw Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) July 25, 2025 Italian media revealed that soldiers from Libyan general Khalifa Haftars forces are being trained at military bases in Italy, including Pisa and Sardinia. Although Italy officially recognizes the Tripoli-based government, it reportedly organizes separate training programs for pic.twitter.com/sFntEuAVcN Clash Report (@clashreport) July 25, 2025 Laffaire Epstein Now that Trump is trying to deflect talk of the Epstein-Trump relationship by talking about the Epstein-Clinton relationship, the shift to the Epstein-Clinton relationship will almost certainly focus on Clintons ties to Epstein after Clinton left office (i.e. after the year https://t.co/QG5LsikYhB Whitney Webb (@_whitneywebb) July 26, 2025 South of the Border Mileis Argentina shows where South America might be heading Chatham House Trump 2.0 Immigration The Supremes Supreme Court conservatives hide behind their own masks as they upend the law Law Dork Police State Watch Imperial Collapse Watch AI Accelerationists 1/ Saw this tweet & decided to do a Shaun Maguire Info Dump: Elon Musks ally at Sequoia Capital (working under fellow S. African PayPal Mafioso Roleof Botha) purchased a home in Israel half a year ago & has spearheaded the firms investment in Israeli defense tech since 10/7 pic.twitter.com/ipXTgjYfz4 ParaPower Mapping (@KlonnyPin_Gosch) July 24, 2025 Grindr Wont Let Users Say No Zionists 404 Media Screening Room Obama Legacy Barack Obama Says Grown-Ups Shouldnt Be Eating Ketchup Block Club Chicago Our Famously Free Press .@WSJ has given Yaser Abu-Shabab, Israel-backed criminal gang head, a voice to write his opinion. I will lose my mind. This is an unprecedented dark time of media in history. Its the darkest. pic.twitter.com/8s31MwKFZY Abubaker Abed (@AbubakerAbedW) July 25, 2025 Propagandists who have spent years printing disinfo to justify Israels genocide are desperately trying to pivot, as their beloved Israeli colonial regime starves Palestinians to death. Bari Weiss published this propaganda in May. Media publishers were tried at Nuremberg, btw. https://t.co/TqxlJfTK6R pic.twitter.com/1YN0yVFcsu Ben Norton (@BenjaminNorton) July 25, 2025 The Friendly Skies Big Brother Is Watching You Watch Man awarded $12,500 after Google Street View camera captured him naked in his yard in Argentina CBS News The Bezzle Class Warfare Antidote du jour (via): See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. Biden Regime TRAFFICKED CHILDREN while pretending to be helping them with a Hotline where they IGNORED 65,000 CALLS We all know by now that most politicians are evil to the core, but the Biden Regime may have been the most insidious cabal of perverts and freaks the world has ever experienced, including over 300,000 missing migrant children. Was it all part of the open border policy plan, to traffic little kids into sex slavery? A recent House Committee on Homeland Security hearing has raised grave concerns about the safety and welfare of unaccompanied migrant children during the Biden Administration. Testimony presented by Ali Hopper, president of GUARD Against Trafficking, revealed that at least 65,000 calls made by migrant children to a federally established abuse hotline were allegedly ignored, casting doubt on the administrations claims of robust oversight. Ignored Hotline Calls Spark Outrage : A congressional hearing revealed that a hotline set up by the Biden administration to help unaccompanied migrant children reportedly ignored at least 65,000 calls, raising serious concerns about the federal governments failure to protect vulnerable minors from abuse and exploitation. : A congressional hearing revealed that a hotline set up by the Biden administration to help unaccompanied migrant children reportedly ignored at least 65,000 calls, raising serious concerns about the federal governments failure to protect vulnerable minors from abuse and exploitation. Allegations of Criminal Infiltration in NGOs : Ali Hopper, president of GUARD Against Trafficking, testified that NGOs and federal agencies involved in the immigration system have been infiltrated by cartels, turning humanitarian programs into trafficking networks that prioritize speed over child safety. : Ali Hopper, president of GUARD Against Trafficking, testified that NGOs and federal agencies involved in the immigration system have been infiltrated by cartels, turning humanitarian programs into trafficking networks that prioritize speed over child safety. Disturbing Exploitation Findings : ICE investigations discovered hundreds of undocumented immigrants and at least 14 migrant children used as forced labor on California marijuana farms. Federal audits further revealed that 70% of child sponsor applications were fraudulent, with some sponsors in possession of child sexual abuse material. : ICE investigations discovered hundreds of undocumented immigrants and at least 14 migrant children used as forced labor on California marijuana farms. Federal audits further revealed that 70% of child sponsor applications were fraudulent, with some sponsors in possession of child sexual abuse material. Political Accusations and Systemic Neglect: Critics argue that Democrats' mass immigration policies between 2021 and 2024 created conditions ripe for abuse and trafficking, with some alleging deeper corruption involving elite trafficking rings. The ignored hotline calls have intensified scrutiny over the administrations handling of unaccompanied minors. Biden hotline to help unaccompanied migrant children ignored 65,000 calls Hopper alleged that both federal agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been infiltrated and manipulated by criminal networks operating within the chaotic U.S. immigration system. This testimony comes amid reports that over 300,000 unaccompanied migrant minors have gone missing or remain unaccounted for since crossing into the U.S. illegally. During the Trump Administration, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiated a national child welfare initiative to identify and protect migrant children placed in the U.S. under suspicious or unsafe circumstances. In contrast, critics argue that the Biden Administration prioritized rapid case processing over child safety, leaving children vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking. The Biden Administration claimed that all children were given access to a hotline to report abuse or illegal activity by their sponsors. However, according to Hoppers testimony, tens of thousands of these calls went unanswered, potentially leaving countless children trapped in dangerous environments. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spokesperson Laszlo Baksay defended the agencys current efforts, blaming the previous administration for failing to implement long-term safeguards. Nevertheless, ICE operations have recently uncovered alarming abuses, including labor exploitation and possession of child sexual abuse material by sponsors. One striking example involved ICE raids on two marijuana farms in California, where 361 illegal immigrants were discovered including at least 14 minors being used as slave labor. These findings confirmed long-held suspicions that the lack of rigorous sponsor vetting has led to systemic abuse. Hopper further testified that she personally interviewed incarcerated traffickers and cartel operatives during her research. One cartel member in Mexico reportedly described the routine kidnapping of children and their funneling into the U.S. for profit. NGOs, initially formed for humanitarian purposes, were said to have been co-opted by cartels, transforming aid networks into trafficking corridors. An internal audit from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reportedly found that 70 percent of sponsor applications were fraudulent, making it nearly impossible to track or verify the post-placement welfare of children. Critics argue that the flood of unaccompanied minors into the U.S. was politically motivated, accusing Democrats of using mass immigration to influence census data and redistricting. Some even suggest that political elites are complicit in more sinister trafficking operations, citing the mishandling of abuse reports as evidence of indifference or corruption. At minimum, the failure to respond to tens of thousands of hotline calls represents a catastrophic oversight in child protection policy. At worst, it raises troubling questions about whether the system was knowingly allowed to fail, to the benefit of criminal enterprises and political agendas. Tune your truth news dial to preparedness.news for updates about the Democrat-led child trafficking operation still in effect and all their other lies and propaganda that comes at us every day now. Sources for this article include: NaturalNews.com ZeroHedge.com Homeland.House.gov [PDF] Zelensky dismantles independence of Ukraines anti-corruption agencies, sparking outrage and EU membership concerns Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bill subordinating Ukraine's independent anti-corruption agencies (NABU and SAPO) to the Prosecutor General's office, effectively placing them under executive control. This reverses a 2015 Western-backed reform designed to combat high-level corruption. The bill sparked protests across Ukrainian cities, with citizens and European leaders condemning it as a setback for democracy. The EU warned it jeopardizes Ukraine's path to membership, citing the need for independent anti-corruption institutions. Critics allege the bill aims to shield Zelensky's allies from ongoing corruption investigations, including cases involving his inner circle. NABU's chief called the move a "destruction of independence" that enables political interference. The move has drawn parallels to Viktor Yanukovych's corrupt regime, with journalists and historians labeling it a "coup" against democratic principles. The bill's erosion of institutional checks risks a return to autocratic practices. Kyiv's EU accession prospects are now in jeopardy, as anti-corruption reforms were a key requirement. Lawmakers warn the bill undermines democratic credibility, forcing the EU to reassess Ukraine's integration potential. In a move that has sent shockwaves across Ukraine and drawn sharp criticism from international allies, President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a controversial bill effectively dismantling the independence of the country's key anti-corruption agencies. Critics argue that the decision undermines years of democratic progress and jeopardizes Ukraine's European Union aspirations. The move has also sparked widespread protests and raised concerns about a return to authoritarianism. The Verkhovna Rada Ukraine's parliament, passed a bill Tuesday, July 22, that subordinates the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office (SAPO) to the authority of the Prosecutor-General of Ukraine. This legislative overhaul marks a significant shift from the agencies' previously independent status, which was established in 2015 as part of a Western-backed reform agenda aimed at combating endemic corruption. The bill grants the prosecutor-general, a political appointee of the president, the power to oversee and interfere in anti-corruption investigations. This includes the authority to reassign cases to more compliant investigators and even to close investigations altogether. Critics argue that this move will make it nearly impossible for the agencies to investigate high-level corruption without the approval of Zelensky's administration. The passage of the bill ignited protests in several Ukrainian cities including the capital Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro and Odesa. Demonstrators have expressed their outrage, with one protester holding a sign that read, "We chose Europe, not autocracy." Another lamented, "My father did not die for this." European leaders have also voiced their concerns. "The dismantling of key safeguards protecting NABU's independence is a serious step back," said Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement. "Independent bodies like NABU and SAPO are essential for Ukraine's EU path." European Commission spokesman Guillaume Mercier likewise criticized the change. "Ukraine's EU accession will require a strong capacity to combat corruption and to ensure institutional resilience," he emphasized. Meanwhile, ambassadors from member countries of the Group of Seven have expressed their desire to discuss the issue with Ukrainian leadership. NABU chief describes move as "destruction of the independence" Critics argue that the timing of the bill's passage is no coincidence, as it follows a series of high-profile corruption cases targeting Zelensky's inner circle. These include a bribery and abuse of power case against Deputy Chief of Staff Oleh Tatarov and an embezzlement case involving a relative of Timur Mindich, a film producer and co-owner of Zelensky's production company Kvartal 95. (Related: Zelensky and his cronies are trying to cover up a major corruption scandal in Ukraine what role is the US playing?) NABU Chief Semen Kryvonos described the legislation as a "destruction of the independence" of the anti-corruption agencies, warning that it would expose investigations to political influence and pressure. He urged Zelensky to veto the bill, a plea that fell on deaf ears. The move has drawn comparisons to the authoritarian rule of former President Viktor Yanukovych, who was ousted during the 2014 Euromaidan Revolution. Investigative journalist Yury Nikolov told the Kyiv Independent, "We've gone back to the times of Yanukovych, which I always considered the peak of corruption in Ukraine." Ukrainian historian Yaroslav Hrytsak described the bill as a "coup d'etat not in terms of a government change but in terms of the principles on which a government should operate." He added, "A sound state cherishes the independence of its institutions. This one curtails it." Inna Sovsun, a lawmaker from the Holos party, told the Kyiv Independent that the bill is "a fundamental shift that strikes at the heart of democracy." She added, "It's something the EU can't afford to ignore, and it will impact how Ukraine is perceived, including our prospects for integration." Visit Corruption.news for more similar stories. Watch this clip about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky laundering Western aid money into luxury real estate. This video is from the Bulgarianinsider channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Zelensky dismisses seven top defense officials in bid to "reboot" his corruption-ridden Defense Ministry. Retired Russian colonel: Trump has dirt on Zelensky, knows hes embezzling billions of dollars in aid. Trump slams Zelensky as "dictator without elections," questions U.S. funding for Ukraine war. Sources include: RT.com BBC.com KyivIndependent.com Brighteon.com France to recognize Palestinian State, Macron announces French President Emmanuel Macron announced on July 24 that France will officially recognize Palestine as an independent state, with formal recognition planned at the United Nations General Assembly in September. Initially supportive of Israel after the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, Macron cited the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and reiterated France's long-standing support for a two-state solution. The announcement sparked strong condemnation from Israel and the U.S., who argue that recognizing Palestine rewards terrorism and undermines peace efforts, particularly in the wake of the Hamas-led attacks. Palestinian Authority officials, including Hussein al-Sheikh, praised the move as a step toward self-determination, with support echoed by foreign ministers from Spain, Ireland, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. France is the most influential European country to recognize Palestine, highlighting growing international divisions over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will officially recognize Palestine as an independent state on Thursday, July 24. Macron, who initially backed Israel following the Hamas-led attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, has become increasingly vocal about the devastating toll of Israel's military campaign in Gaza. In line with this, he posted on his official Instagram account that he will formalize the decision at the United Nations General Assembly in September. "Given its historic commitment to a just and sustainable peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the state of Palestine,'' Macron posted on Thursday. "Peace is possible.'' His post included a letter addressed to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, affirming France's "historic commitment to a just and sustainable peace in the Middle East." "I welcome these courageous commitments and highlight in return France's own commitment to fostering the implementation of the solution of two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. This solution is the only path that can address the legitimate aspirations of both the Israelis and the Palestinians. It must now be brought about as quickly as possible," Macron wrote in the letter addressed to Abbas. (Related: Kremlin reaffirms recognition of State of Palestine as a sovereign nation.) France, which has both Europe's largest Jewish population and the largest Muslim population in Western Europe, is the largest European country to recognize Palestine as a state. Macron's recognition of a Palestinian State sparks global rift The Palestinians seek an independent state encompassing the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem, annexed by Israel after the 1967 war, and Gaza. Israel, however, has been opposing statehood efforts, arguing that they reward Hamas following the deadly Oct. 7 attack, which killed approximately 1,200 people and led to the kidnapping of over 200 others. In turn, Israel, along with the U.S., strongly condemned Macron for his decision. "We strongly condemn President Macron's decision," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. "Such a move rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became. A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel, not to live in peace beside it. Let's be clear: The Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel." Foreign Minister Gideon Saar echoed the criticism, asserting that "a Palestinian state will be a Hamas state." Defense Minister Israel Katz similarly declared that Israel would "not allow the establishment of a Palestinian entity that would harm our security." U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also weighed in, strongly rejecting Macron's plan to recognize a Palestinian state. "This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of Oct. 7," Rubio wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Meanwhile, Hussein al-Sheikh, deputy to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, welcomed the decision and expressed gratitude to Macron. "This position reflects France's commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people's rights to self-determination and the establishment of our independent state," al-Sheikh said. Foreign ministers from Spain, Ireland, Saudi Arabia and Jordan also expressed the same thought as al-Sheikh. Visit WWIII.news for more stories on the ongoing war between Israel and Palestine. Watch the video below that talks about the growing number of nations wanting to recognize Palestine as a sovereign state. This video is from the Maverick News channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: 3 More countries set to recognize State of Palestine on May 28, infuriating Israel. BRICS countries call on UN to recognize Palestine as a state. Unintended consequences of Israel's assault on Palestine. GOP demands weaponization of IRS to target Palestine freedom activists. Israels entire occupation of Palestine since 1948 ruled illegal by the UN. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com Instagram.com France24.com APNews.com LeMonde.fr Brighteon.com California jewelry store owner fends off mob of thieves with WARNING SHOT A jewelry store owner in Anaheim, California thwarted an armed robbery attempt by firing a warning shot at a mob of masked thieves, causing them to flee. The incident occurred just before closing time at Al-Amira Jewelry on July 17. Video showed over a dozen assailants exiting multiple vehicles, some armed with pickaxes and sledgehammers. One attacker swung a pickaxe at the bulletproof door before the owner fired deliberately at reinforced glass to scare the group away. The owner emphasized he had seconds to protect his store, employees and family inside. His intent was to frighten, not harm, the intruders. Anaheim police are pursuing leads but had made no arrests by July 22. Authorities suspect links to other high-profile thefts. Analysts cite Californias lenient theft policies (like Proposition 47) as emboldening criminals. The incident underscores armed civilians as a last line of defense amid rising organized retail crime and delayed law enforcement response. A jewelry store owner in Anaheim, California, successfully deterred an armed robbery attempt last week by firing a warning shot at a mob of would-be thieves, sending them fleeing in panic. The dramatic incident, captured on surveillance footage, unfolded just before closing time at Al-Amira Jewelry on July 17, underscoring the escalating boldness of organized theft rings across the state. Surveillance video shows more than a dozen masked individuals exiting at least five vehicles and converging on the store's entrance, some armed with pickaxes and sledgehammers. One assailant repeatedly swung a pickaxe at the bulletproof front door before the owner, who chose not to be publicly identified, discharged his firearm inside the store deliberately aiming at the reinforced glass. The shot sent the group scrambling back to their cars, leaving behind an abandoned robbery attempt. The owner later explained his split-second decision, noting that he had "15 seconds to protect myself and my store." He emphasized that his intent was not to harm, but to scare off the intruders. Several employees and family members were inside at the time, adding urgency to his actions. The new Wild West: Armed civilians step up as last defense against thieves Anaheim police confirmed they are pursuing leads, including at least one license plate from the suspects' vehicles though no arrests had been made by Tuesday, July 22. Authorities suspect the same group might be linked to recent high-profile thefts, including an earlier smash-and-grab at The RealReal luxury resale store in Santa Monica. About a month ago, robbers also targeted Besan Jewelry located just right across Al-Amira. Thieves drove a vehicle through the front of the store, taking an estimated loot of worth more than $3 million. It remains unknown if the same criminals behind the Besan robbery were responsible for the botched Al-Amira theft. Crime analysts point to California's lenient policies including reduced penalties for theft under Proposition 47 as a factor emboldening organized retail criminals. Yet this incident also highlights how armed civilians continue to act as the last line of defense when law enforcement response is delayed. (Related: California DA: SHOPLIFTING in the Golden State is out of control, soft-on-crime policies to blame.) Longtime local business owners expressed disbelief at the brazenness of the attack. "It was like a movie," said Mahmud Salem, owner of nearby restaurant Sahara Falafel. "It's so sad. People are hungry and looking for bigger stuff [to steal]." As retailers statewide reinforce security measures, this confrontation serves as a sobering reminder of the risks small businesses face and the decisive role of self-defense in an era of dwindling deterrence. Head over to SecondAmendment.news for more similar stories. Watch this footage of the January 2023 shooting at the El Ranchito Taqueria in Houston, where an armed citizen stopped a masked robber. This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: 2A WORKS: Woman shoots four would-be home invaders in Philly's Germantown. Florida sheriff comes to defense of homeowner who shot and killed masked burglar: Criminals breaking into homes "should expect to be shot." 2A WORKS! Gun Owners of America says horrific situation in Israel shows why Americans were afforded the right to "weapons of war" for SELF-DEFENSE. Sources include: InfoWars.com FoxLA.com ABC7.com Brighteon.com INSIDIOUS OBAMA tried to turn America into COMMUNIST HELL and now hes going to be tried for TREASON The most corrupt U.S. President ever is Barack Insane in the membrane Hussein Obama, who served 3 terms (third one with Biden as his puppet), and nearly brought down the whole nation. Only one man stood in his way. Trump. Now Insane Obama is under investigation for treason, and it looks like hes caught red-handed, pardon the communist pun. The Department of Justice (DOJ) under President Donald Trump announced the formation of a special Strike Force to investigate what it characterizes as an orchestrated effort by senior Obama-era officials to undermine the incoming Trump administration in 2016. The announcement comes in the wake of explosive disclosures by Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard, who recently declassified documents suggesting that former President Barack Obama played a direct role in promoting the now-debunked Trump-Russia collusion narrative. DOJ Strike Force Launched : The Department of Justice has formed a special Strike Force to investigate allegations that the Obama Administration orchestrated the Trump-Russia collusion narrative as part of an attempted coup detat in 2016. : The Department of Justice has formed a special Strike Force to investigate allegations that the Obama Administration orchestrated the Trump-Russia collusion narrative as part of an attempted coup detat in 2016. DNI Gabbards Explosive Disclosures : Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard declassified documents indicating that former President Obama was aware the Russia allegations were false and allegedly ordered their dissemination. : Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard declassified documents indicating that former President Obama was aware the Russia allegations were false and allegedly ordered their dissemination. Top Officials in the Crosshairs : The investigation will examine potential criminal conduct by senior Obama-era figures, including Obama, Biden, Hillary Clinton, James Comey, and James Clapper, based on evidence referred by Gabbard. : The investigation will examine potential criminal conduct by senior Obama-era figures, including Obama, Biden, Hillary Clinton, James Comey, and James Clapper, based on evidence referred by Gabbard. Trump and DOJ Vow Accountability: President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi both called for full accountability, with the DOJ promising to leave no stone unturned in pursuing justice over the intelligence communitys alleged weaponization. Trump DOJ forms strike force to probe Russia collusion hoax, targeting Obama-era officials According to a DOJ press release issued Wednesday, the Strike Force will specifically assess newly released intelligence records provided by Gabbard and explore all legal avenues based on the evidence. This Department takes alleged weaponization of the intelligence community with the utmost seriousness, the statement read. Attorney General Pam Bondi, addressing reporters alongside Gabbard, pledged full cooperation between the DOJ and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, vowing no stone will be left unturned in the pursuit of accountability. We will investigate these troubling disclosures fully and deliver justice for the American people, Bondi asserted. At the heart of the controversy is a declassified December 2016 presidential intelligence briefing. According to Gabbard, the document indicates Obama was fully aware that the allegations tying Trump to Russian collusion lacked credible intelligence backing, yet still approved efforts to distribute the narrative throughout intelligence and media channels. Gabbard said her office has already referred these materials to both the DOJ and FBI for criminal investigation. During a surprise appearance at the White House, Gabbard did not mince words. We believe these documents suggest serious misconduct and possibly criminal actions by senior officials from the previous administration, she stated. She emphasized that more declassifications may follow and that her office is committed to full transparency. President Trump also addressed the issue directly during a press conference on Tuesday, branding the alleged actions a coup attempt and calling out Obama by name. Barack Hussein Obama is the ringleader, Trump declared. Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, James Comey, John Brennan, James Clapper they were all involved in this disgusting betrayal of our democracy. While no indictments have been announced, the Strike Force's mandate includes investigating the legality of intelligence community operations during the 2016 transition period and identifying any criminal liability among former officials. Legal analysts suggest that the formation of this unit signals an aggressive move by the Trump administration to revisit and potentially prosecute figures associated with the origins of the Russia investigation. Gabbard, a former Democrat turned independent and now head of the nations intelligence apparatus, has faced both praise and backlash for her disclosures. However, she remains firm in her commitment to exposing what she describes as the abuse of intelligence tools for political purposes. As the newly formed Strike Force begins its inquiry, the political and legal fallout could be far-reaching potentially implicating some of the most powerful figures from the Obama administration in a historic scandal of alleged governmental subversion. Tune your apocalypse dial to preparedness.news for updates on real news about surviving the Democrat FAKE NEWS INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX that bombarded us with the fake Trump-Russia collusion hoax for years on end. Now the hunters have become the hunted. Let the HUNGER GAMES begin! Sources for this article include: NaturalNews.com YourNews.com Justice.gov Researchers who tried to bury the aluminum-autism link now face calls to RETRACT their fraudulent study For years, parents and independent researchers have warned that aluminum in vaccines could be fueling the autism epidemic. Now, a bombshell investigation reveals that a Danish study, widely touted by mainstream media as "proof" of aluminums safety, was built on fraudulent methodology and even its corrected data still hides the truth. The study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, initially claimed no link between aluminum adjuvants and autism. But when corrected data surfaced, it showed the opposite: children exposed to higher aluminum doses had a significantly increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. The studys authors, tied to vaccine-promoting institutions, manipulated data, excluded high-risk children, and refused to release raw findings raising serious questions about whos really protecting public health. Key points: The study compared children with nearly identical aluminum exposure levels, ensuring inconclusive results. Researchers excluded children with "implausibly high" vaccine doses those most likely to show aluminum-related harm. No unvaccinated control group was included, a fatal flaw that skewed the findings. Corrected data revealed a statistically significant autism link, contradicting the authors' original claims. Critics accuse the researchers of conflicts of interest, as their institution profits from vaccine distribution. A study rigged from the start The Danish research team, led by Anders Hviid of the Statens Serum Institut a government agency that procures vaccines claimed their analysis of 1.2 million children found "no evidence" linking aluminum to autism. But the studys design guaranteed this outcome. Instead of comparing vaccinated children to unvaccinated ones, they only compared kids who received slightly different aluminum doses. "Its like comparing smokers who smoke 19 cigarettes a day to those who smoke 20 and declaring cigarettes harmless," said Brian Hooker, Ph.D., chief scientific officer at Childrens Health Defense. "This isnt science its statistical trickery." Even worse, the researchers dismissed 34,000 children who received unusually high vaccine doses before age 2, labeling their cases as "documentation errors." By excluding these children who may have shown the clearest signs of aluminum toxicity the study erased critical red flags. The corrected data they dont want you to see Days after publication, the journal quietly updated the studys supplementary materials, admitting the original version contained "incorrect" data. The corrected figures revealed a shocking truth: children who received higher aluminum doses had a 9.7 per 10,000 increased risk of autism compared to moderately dosed children. Karl Jablonowski, senior research scientist at CHD, told The Defender: "The original version erased nearly 3,000 neurodevelopmental diagnoses. They made the sick kids disappear." Yet, despite the corrected data, the authors refused to revise their conclusions. Hviid, who previously told media outlets aluminum was safe, went on summer vacation, conveniently avoiding questions. Aluminums dark history and why theyre covering it up Aluminum is a known neurotoxin. Independent research shows it: Crosses the blood-brain barrier, accumulating in brain tissue. Triggers IL-6, an inflammatory protein linked to autism. Is associated with a 36% higher asthma risk in U.S. children. Chris Exley, Ph.D., a leading aluminum toxicologist, called the study a "nonscientific farce": "They didnt measure aluminum levels in the childrens blood or tissue. Why? Because real data wouldve exposed the truth." The studys authors work for an institute that profits from vaccines. Hviid also received funding from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, tied to pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk. Critics argue this isnt just bad science its a conflict of interest. The coming propaganda war With Robert F. Kennedy Jr. now leading HHS and pushing for vaccine safety reforms, the medical establishment is scrambling to discredit aluminum concerns. Expect a flood of similarly flawed studies in the coming months, amplified by Big Tech and corporate media. James Lyons-Weiler, Ph.D., founder of IPAK-EDU, warned: "Theyre priming algorithms to push junk science and drown out dissent. Parents deserve real answers, not statistical fraud." The fight for transparency is just beginning. Until independent researchers gain access to raw data and until unvaccinated children are included in studies the truth about aluminums role in autism will remain buried. Sources include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org NaturalNews.com Enoch, Brighteon.ai VIENTIANE, July 26 (Xinhua) -- A source from the Lao People's Army told Xinhua on Saturday that reports of an exchange of fire between Lao forces and Cambodian armed personnel were untrue. The Lao People's Army News, the official publication of the Lao military, confirmed that no official reports had been received regarding the incident. Earlier in the day, some media outlets reported that the Lao military had issued an emergency notice claiming a fierce exchange of fire between Lao forces and Cambodian armed personnel who had allegedly crossed the border illegally. According to these reports, 10 individuals were arrested and weapons were seized, with a screenshot of the purported statement attached. However, upon verification, the screenshot was found to be from a statement issued on Friday by the Military Special Operations Force of Champasak province of Laos. The statement detailed that during clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces from July 24 to July 25, 10 artillery shells had landed on Laotian territory. The statement also noted that it was unclear which side had fired the shells. Cambodia on Saturday rejected a report released on the Thai Second Army Area's social media page alleging that some shells that landed on the Laotian territory originated from Cambodia. "The Laotian authority has not accused or launched an investigation into this case yet, but the Thai side has accused Cambodia," Cambodian defense ministry's undersecretary of state and spokesperson Lieutenant General Maly Socheata said in a press briefing. The Cambodian army "has launched counterattacks by focusing only on Thai military bases," she added. Socheata also refuted Thai media reports that Cambodia has threatened to use long-distance PHL03 missiles to strike Thailand. Thailand's Second Army Region on Saturday said in a social media post that the shells that landed on Laos during Thai-Cambodian border clashes, as reported by some media outlets, came from the Cambodian forces. The Thai side expressed its deep regret for the damage to the houses and properties of Lao people, yet after verification and coordination with the Lao side, it was confirmed that the shells did not come from the Thai army but were fired by Cambodian forces, the Thai army said. Thailand's Channel 7 earlier reported that it was said during the clashes between Thailand and Cambodia on Saturday morning, 10 artillery shells landed in Laos, damaging civilian houses. Relevant parties are investigating and verifying the source of the cross-border shells. Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. Due to scheduled maintenance from Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 10 PM to Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 2 AM, there may be interruptions for our News Gazette Digital subscribers. During this time frame, please click on any News Gazette website content without logging into your News Gazette Digital subscription account. Thank you for your patience during this scheduled maintenance. PHNOM PENH, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) on Saturday prohibited all flights from flying across fighting zones with Thailand, a spokesperson said. Sinn Chanserey Vutha, who is also the SSCA's secretary of state, said all airlines had been informed to avoid flying over conflict zones and the scope of prohibition had been expanded to Poipet City, Pailin province and part of Siem Reap province. "All flights have been instructed to avoid flying over these airspaces, and the planes must not fly lower than 1,200 meters above sea level," he said in an audio message released to the media. Vutha said the measures were to ensure flight operations and the safety of the planes and passengers. He added that as of 10 a.m. local time on July 26, international flights from Phnom Penh to Bangkok and Siem Reap to Bangkok are operating as usual, as planes altered their routes to avoid prohibited airspaces. Armed clashes between Cambodian and Thai soldiers in border areas broke out on Thursday in Cambodian provinces of Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear, and spread to Pursat province on Saturday morning, Cambodian Defense Ministry's Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson, Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, said in a press briefing. According to Thai media, the border clashes started for the third day on Saturday morning after the Cambodian side opened fire against Thai troops. A potential target for experimental drugs that block PRMT5 - a naturally occurring enzyme some tumors rely more on for survival - has been identified by researchers with the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute's Cancer Research Center in Washington, D.C. In a study published this month in Cancer Research, Assistant Professor Kathleen Mulvaney of Virginia Tech's Fralin Biomedical Research Institute shared research that could help guide development of new therapies for some treatment-resistant lung, brain, and pancreatic cancers. Using genetic screening, we found a new drug combination that seemingly works." Kathleen Mulvaney, Assistant Professor, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech New therapies are needed. Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death globally. The five-year survival rate is less than 15 percent for pancreatic cancer patients, and even lower for glioblastoma. "With one drug alone, tumors can become resistant really quickly," said Mulvaney, who is a member of the research institute's Cancer Research Center in Washington, D.C. Treatment often fails. The findings suggest the PRMT5 inhibitor could be a powerful new approach for certain hard-to-treat cancers. "In all cases, the combination is better at killing than the single agents." Many of these solid tumors share a genetic trait: They lack CDKN2A and MTAP, two genes that suppress tumors and help regulate cell growth. Without them, the cancers become dependent on PRMT5 and potentially vulnerable to drugs that block the enzyme. Mulvaney and colleagues analyzed genetic data from thousands of cancer patients available through the cBioPortal. They applied CRISPR editing tools to look at biological pathways across a range of samples to determine which genes make cancer cells more vulnerable to PRMT5 inhibitors and which combinations could improve response and long-term outcomes. An estimated 5 percent of all cancer patients - about 80,000 to 100,000 per year in the U.S. - can benefit from the therapies identified, according to Mulvaney, who also holds an appointment in biomedical sciences and pathobiology in the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Using PRMT5 inhibitors with drugs that block a communication system that tells cancer cells when to grow, divide, or shut down - known as the MAP kinase pathway - scientists identified potential treatments for clinical trials. "We also discovered a number of genes that interact with PRMT5 signaling in cancer that were not previously known," Mulvaney said. In addition to lung, brain, and pancreatic cancers, the treatment shows promise for some types of melanoma and mesothelioma. In both animal models and cell cultures derived from patient tissue, lab members saw success after testing potential therapies. "In all cases, the combination is better at killing cancer cells than the single agents," Mulvaney said. "Only the combinations led to complete regressions." A look at status of US executions in 2025 Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 04:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Washington, Jul 26 (AP) Twenty-six men have died by court-ordered execution so far this year in the U.S., and 10 other people are scheduled to be put to death in seven states during the remainder of 2025. The next scheduled execution is in Florida, when a man who killed his wife and two children is set to be put to death July 31. Florida also was the last state to execute someone, when Michael Bernard Bell died by lethal injection on July 15. Recommended Stories Meanwhile, Florida recently set its 10th execution of the year when Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a death warrant for a man who abducted a woman from an insurance office and killed her 42 years ago. Kayle Bates is scheduled to be executed in August. Alabama, Indiana, Missouri, Tennessee, Texas and Utah also have scheduled executions for later this year. Executions have been carried out this year in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. The number of executions this year exceeds the 25 executions carried out last year and in 2018. It is the highest total since 2015, when 28 people were put to death. The uptick in executions can be traced to aggressive Republican governors and attorney generals pushing to get through lengthy appeals processes and get executions done, said John Blume, the director of the Cornell Death Penalty Project. A sweeping executive order signed by President Donald Trump on his first day back in office aimed at urging prosecutors to seek the death penalty and preserving capital punishment in the states also may have fueled the increase, Blume said. All but one execution this year has occurred in states run by Republican governors, with Arizona the exception. Heres a look at recent executions and those scheduled for the rest of the year, by state: Florida Edward J. Zakrzewski is scheduled to be put to death in Florida on July 31 for killing his wife and two young children in 1994 after she sought a divorce. He eventually turned himself into law enforcement after the case was profiled on the television show Unsolved Mysteries." Bates, 67, who is scheduled to be executed Aug. 19, was convicted of first-degree murder, kidnapping, armed robbery and attempted sexual battery in the June 14, 1982, Bay County killing of Janet White. Tennessee Byron Black, 69, is scheduled to die by lethal injection on Aug. 5. Black was convicted in 1989 of three counts of first-degree murder for the shooting deaths of his girlfriend, Angela Clay, and her two daughters in Nashville. Blacks lawyer asked a judge to require the Tennessee Department of Correction to deactivate an implanted defibrillation device similar to a pacemaker in the moments before his execution. A Tennessee judge ruled Tuesday that the state can deactivate the heart-regulating device at a hospital on the morning of his execution, rather than bringing a doctor or technician into the execution chamber. Blacks motion related to his heart device came within a general challenge he and other death row inmates filed against the states new execution protocol, which took effect this year. The trial isnt until 2026. Harold Nichols, 64, is also scheduled to die by lethal injection on Dec. 11. Nichols was convicted of rape and first-degree felony murder in the 1988 death of Karen Pulley in Hamilton County. Alabama An Alabama judge has postponed the execution of David Lee Roberts, who had been scheduled to be put to death by nitrogen gas Aug. 21. Roberts was convicted of killing Annetra Jones in 1992 while he was a houseguest at Jones boyfriends home in Marion County. Prosecutors said Roberts packed his belongings, stole money and shot Jones three times in the head while she slept on the couch. Roberts set fire to the home to hide evidence. A Marion County judge issued a stay so Roberts can have a psychiatric evaluation to determine whether he is too mentally ill to be put to death. The execution will be on hold at least until a report from the Alabama Department of Mental Health is finished. Geoffrey T. West, 49, is scheduled to die by nitrogen gas on Sept. 25 for the killing of convenience store clerk Margaret Parrish Berry during a 1997 robbery in Attalla. If carried out, it would be the nations sixth execution by nitrogen gas, a method Alabama began using last year as an alternative to lethal injection. The method involves supplying nitrogen gas via a respirator mask to an inmate, causing the person to lose consciousness and die from a lack of oxygen. Utah Ralph Leroy Menzies, 67, is scheduled to die by firing squad on Sept. 5. He would become only the sixth U.S. prisoner executed by firing squad since 1977. Menzies, who has dementia, has been on death row for 37 years for abducting and killing mother of three Maurine Hunsaker, 26, in 1986. Judge Matthew Bates signed the death warrant a month after he ruled Menzies consistently and rationally" understands why he is facing execution despite recent cognitive decline. Attorneys for Menzies have petitioned the court for a reassessment. Texas Blaine Milam, 35, is scheduled to die by lethal injection on Sept. 25. Milam was convicted of killing his girlfriends 13-month-old daughter during what the couple had said was part of an exorcism" in Rusk County in East Texas in 2008. Milams girlfriend, Jesseca Carson, was also convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Robert Roberson is scheduled to be executed on Oct. 16. Roberson, 58, could become the first person in the U.S. to be put to death for a murder conviction tied to shaken baby syndrome. He was convicted of the 2002 killing of his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis, in the East Texas city of Palestine. Prosecutors argued he violently shook his daughter back and forth, causing severe head trauma. His lawyers and some medical experts say his daughter died not from abuse but from complications related to pneumonia. Indiana Indiana set a tentative execution date of Oct. 10 for Roy Lee Ward, who was convicted of raping and killing a 15-year-old girl in 2001. But that date could change. Missouri Lance C. Shockley is scheduled to be executed on Oct. 14, according to the nonprofit Death Penalty Information Center. Shockley was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Dewayne Graham outside his home in Carter County in 2005. Testimony at the trial indicated Graham was killed because he was investigating Shockley for involuntary manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident. Ohio Earlier this year, Republican Gov. Mike DeWine postponed five executions scheduled for 2025. All five have been delayed until 2028. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In postponing the executions, DeWine has cited the states inability to secure the drugs used in lethal injections due to pharmaceutical suppliers unwillingness. DeWine has said that he does not anticipate any further executions will happen during his term, which runs through 2026. (AP) AS AS First Published: July 26, 2025, 04:15 IST News agency-feeds A look at status of US executions in 2025 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... India will not allow evergreening of patents: Goyal Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 21:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Jul 26 (PTI) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday said India will not allow evergreening" of patents. He said that India has a robust intellectual property rights (IPR) chapter in both the free trade agreements with the UK and the four-nation block EFTA. Recommended Stories We will not allow any ever greening", and despite that we still have a robust IPR chapter with two of the toughest countries of the world in IPR Switzerland and the UK", he told reporters here. Section 3(d) of the Indian Patents Act, 1970, restricts patents for already-known drugs unless the new claims are superior in terms of efficacy, while Section 3(b) bars patents for products that are against public interest and do not demonstrate enhanced efficacy over existing products. Certain multinational firms have asked India to amend these laws, which were strongly opposed. Ever-greening of patent rights is a strategy allegedly adopted by the innovators having patent rights over products to renew them by bringing in some minor changes, such as adding new mixtures or formulations. It is done when their patent is about to expire. A patent on the new form would have given the innovator company a 20-year monopoly on the drug. Pharma firms from countries, including Switzerland and the UK, are demanding evergreening of patents. The IPR chapter in these agreements is a big signal that India is emerging out of the shadows and sitting on a high table with developed countries", Goyal said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Talking about collaboration in the critical minerals sector with the UK, he said India and the UK both have concerns and common interests in this area after the ban imposed by (China) on rare earth permanent magnets. The whole world has woken up to the reality that concentration of certain geographies in their supply chains can be harmful, and can suffer consequences in case of any unilateral action. Therefore, India and the UK are now looking to work together both for collaborating on the processing and refining of minerals and making finished products together," he said. PTI RR BAL BAL First Published: July 26, 2025, 21:30 IST News agency-feeds India will not allow evergreening of patents: Goyal Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Israeli gunfire, strikes kill at least 53 in Gaza as many were seeking food aid Last Updated: July 27, 2025, 01:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Deir Al-Balah(Gaza Strip) Jul 26 (AP) Israeli airstrikes and gunshots killed at least 53 people in Gaza overnight and into Saturday, most of them shot dead while seeking aid, according to Palestinian health officials and the local ambulance service, as starvation deaths continued. Deadly Israeli gunfire was reported twice within hours close to the Zikim crossing with Israel in the north. In the first incident, at least a dozen people waiting for aid trucks were killed, said staff at Shifa hospital, where bodies were taken. Israels military said it fired warning shots to distance a crowd in response to an immediate threat" and it was not aware of any casualties. Recommended Stories A witness, Sherif Abu Aisha, said people started running when they saw a light that they thought was from aid trucks, but as they got close, they realised it was Israels tanks. Thats when the army started firing, he told The Associated Press. He said his uncle was among those killed. We went because there is no food and nothing was distributed," he said. On Saturday evening, Israeli forces killed at least 11 people and wounded 120 others when they fired toward crowds who tried to get food from an entering UN convoy, Dr Mohamed Abu Selmiyah, director of Shifa hospital, told the AP. We are expecting the numbers to surge in the next few hours," he said. There was no immediate Israeli military comment. Elsewhere, those killed in strikes included four people in an apartment building in Gaza City, hospital staff and the ambulance service said. Another Israeli strike killed at least eight, including four children, in the crowded tent camp of Muwasi in the southern city of Khan Younis, according to the Nasser hospital. Also in Khan Younis, Israeli forces opened fire and killed at least nine people trying to get aid entering Gaza through the Morag corridor, according to the hospitals morgue records. There was no immediate comment from Israels military. Saturdays Zikim shootings came days after at least 80 Palestinians were killed trying to reach aid entering through the crossing, one of the deadliest days for aid-seekers in 21 months of war. Israel faces growing international pressure. More than two dozen Western-aligned countries and over 100 charity and human rights groups have called for an end to the war, harshly criticizing Israels blockade and a new aid delivery model it has rolled out. More than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since May while trying to get food, mostly near the new aid sites run by an American contractor, the UN human rights office says. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The charities and rights groups said their own staff struggled to get enough food. Stand for Gaza, for silence is a crime, and indifference is a betrayal of humanity," said Father Issa Thaljieh, a Greek Orthodox priest at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, as religious figures and the mayor called for prayers to end the war. (AP) RD RD First Published: July 27, 2025, 01:00 IST News agency-feeds Israeli gunfire, strikes kill at least 53 in Gaza as many were seeking food aid Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Israels military says airdrops of aid will begin in Gaza as hunger grows Last Updated: July 27, 2025, 03:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Deir al-Balah (Gaza Strip), Jul 26 (AP) Israels military announced that airdrops of aid would begin Saturday night in Gaza, and humanitarian corridors will be established for United Nations convoys, after increasing accounts of starvation-related deaths. The statement late Saturday followed months of experts warnings of famine amid Israeli restrictions on aid. International criticism, including by close allies, has grown as several hundred Palestinians have been killed in recent weeks while trying to reach food distribution sites. Recommended Stories The military statement did not say where the airdrops or humanitarian corridors would be. It also said the military is prepared to implement humanitarian pauses in densely populated areas. Israels foreign ministry said late Saturday the humanitarian pauses would start Sunday in civilian centres" along with humanitarian corridors. The military emphasizes that combat operations have not ceased" in Gaza against Hamas, and it asserted there is no starvation" in the territory, where most of the population of over 2 million has been displaced into a shrinking area with little infrastructure. The majority of people rely on aid. Witness accounts from Gaza have been grim. Some health workers are so weakened by hunger that they put themselves on IV drips to keep treating the badly malnourished. Parents have shown their limp and emaciated children. Wounded men have described desperate dashes for aid under gunfire. The military statement said airdrops would be conducted in coordination with international aid organizations. It was not clear where they would be carried out. And it wasnt clear what role the recently created and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation meant as an alternate to the U.N. aid system might play. GHF chair Johnnie Moore in a statement said the group stood ready to assist. Israeli airstrikes and gunshots killed at least 53 people in Gaza overnight and into Saturday, most of them shot dead while seeking aid, according to Palestinian health officials and the local ambulance service. Deadly Israeli gunfire was reported twice close to the Zikim crossing with Israel in the north. In the first incident, at least a dozen people waiting for aid trucks were killed, said staff at Shifa hospital, where bodies were taken. Israels military said it fired warning shots to distance a crowd in response to an immediate threat." A witness, Sherif Abu Aisha, said people started running when they saw a light that they thought was from aid trucks, but as they got close, they realized it was Israels tanks. Thats when the army started firing, he told The Associated Press. He said his uncle was among those killed. We went because there is no food and nothing was distributed," he said. On Saturday evening, Israeli forces killed at least 11 people and wounded 120 others when they fired toward crowds who tried to get food from an entering U.N. convoy, Dr. Mohamed Abu Selmiyah, director of Shifa hospital, told the AP. We are expecting the numbers to surge in the next few hours," he said. There was no immediate military comment. AP video showed a group of weary Palestinian men carrying a body along with sacks of flour. They said he was hit by a truck but had no details. You die to fetch some food for your children," said one man, Fayez Abu Riyala, thin and sweating. In the southern city of Khan Younis, Israeli forces shot dead at least nine people trying to get aid entering through the Morag corridor, according to the hospitals morgue records. There was no immediate military comment. Elsewhere, those killed in strikes included four people in an apartment building in Gaza City and at least eight, including four children, in the crowded tent camp of Muwasi in Khan Younis, hospitals said. The airdrops were requested by neighboring Jordan, and a Jordanian official said they mainly will drop food and milk formula. The United Arab Emirates said airdrops would start immediately." Britain said it plans to work with partners to airdrop aid and evacuate children requiring medical assistance. But the head of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, Philippe Lazzarini, warned that airdrops are expensive, inefficient and can even kill starving civilians" and wont reverse the increasing starvation or prevent aid diversion. While Israels army has said it allows aid into the enclave with no limit on the trucks that can enter, the U.N. says it is hampered by military restrictions on its movements and criminal looting. The Hamas-run police had provided security for aid delivery, but it has been unable to operate after being targeted by airstrikes. Israel on Saturday said over 250 trucks carrying aid from the U.N. and other organizations entered Gaza this week. About 600 trucks entered per day during the latest ceasefire that Israel ended in March. Israel faces growing international pressure. More than two dozen Western-aligned countries and over 100 charity and human rights groups have called for an end to the war, harshly criticizing Israels blockade and a new aid delivery model it has rolled out. More than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since May while trying to get food, mostly near the new aid sites run by the GHF, an American contractor, the U.N. human rights office says. The charities and rights groups said their own staff struggled to get enough food. Inside Gaza, children with no preexisting conditions have begun to starve to death. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all We only want enough food to end our hunger," said Wael Shaaban at a charity kitchen in Gaza City as he tried to feed his family of six. Meanwhile, an activist boat trying to reach Gaza with aid, the Handala, livestreamed video showing Israeli forces boarding around midnight. There was no immediate Israeli comment. (AP) NSD NSD First Published: July 27, 2025, 03:15 IST News agency-feeds Israels military says airdrops of aid will begin in Gaza as hunger grows Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Teenager crashes fathers car, kills e-rickshaw driver in Delhis Dwarka Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 23:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Jul 26 (PTI) An e-rickshaw driver died after a car being driven by a 16-year-old boy rammed into his three-wheeler in southwest Delhis Dwarka, police said on Saturday. The incident took place around 11.15 am on Friday on the Dwarka Nala Road stretch, they said The teenage boy was accompanied by his younger sister, a senior police officer said, adding that after losing control, the car overturned and crashed into an oncoming e-rickshaw, critically injuring its 40-year-old driver, a resident of Najafgarh. Recommended Stories The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to severe head injuries. He was declared unfit to give a statement before he passed away," said a senior police officer. He added that initial findings suggest the car was being driven at a high speed and flipped before colliding with the rickshaw. The police said the vehicle, a private car owned by the boys father, was being driven without a valid licence. The minor reportedly took the car out without permission, the officer added. The impact of the crash left the car overturned on one side of the road, while the e-rickshaw came to a halt diagonally on the opposite side. A forensic crime team visited the scene, and both vehicles were seized for further examination," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A case has been registered under BNS sections 281 (rash driving or riding on a public way), 125 (act endangering life or personal safety of others), and 106 (causing death by negligence), the police said. The investigation is ongoing. Since the boy is a minor, legal action will be initiated against the father for allowing him to drive the car," the officer added. PTI SSJ NB NB First Published: July 26, 2025, 23:45 IST News agency-feeds Teenager crashes fathers car, kills e-rickshaw driver in Delhis Dwarka Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Telangana CM appears before court, examined Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 23:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Hyderabad, Jul 26 (PTI) Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Saturday appeared before a court here in connection with a case registered against him earlier. Reddy appeared before the special JFCM court for excise cases, which is dealing with the case. The chief minister was examined in the case. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recommended Stories The case was registered at Nalgonda under different sections, including for statements creating enmity between classes. Reddy had earlier denied the allegations levelled against him and opted for a trial in the case. The case has been posted for judgment on July 31. PTI SJR ARI First Published: July 26, 2025, 23:45 IST News agency-feeds Telangana CM appears before court, examined Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Thailand, Cambodia trade fresh attacks, accusations as allies call for ceasefire Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 22:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Surin(Thailand), Jul 26 (AP) Thailand and Cambodia traded accusations of fresh attacks Saturday as deadly border clashes entered a third day and international pressure mounted for a ceasefire. The fighting has killed at least 33 people and displaced more than 168,000. Artillery and small arms fire were reported near several border villages, expanding the area of the fighting that flared Thursday after a land mine explosion along the border wounded five Thai soldiers. Cambodian and Thai officials blamed each other for starting the clashes. Recommended Stories Both countries recalled their ambassadors and Thailand closed its border crossings with Cambodia. Cambodian authorities reported 12 new deaths on Saturday, bringing its toll to 13, while the Thai military said a soldier was killed, raising the number of dead to 20, mostly civilians. Cambodias Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said Saturday that the clashes have forced 10,865 Cambodian families, or 37,635 people, in three border provinces to evacuate to safe locations. Thai officials said more than 131,000 people have fled their border villages. The 800-kilometer frontier between Thailand and Cambodia has been disputed for decades, but past confrontations have been limited and brief. The latest tensions flared in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a confrontation that created a diplomatic rift and roiled Thailands domestic politics. International allies call for peace On Saturday, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that he has talked with the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia and suggested he would not conclude a trade agreement with either country if the cross-border hostilities continued. He later said both sides have agreed to meet to negotiate a ceasefire. Officials from the two countries did not immediately confirm any plan to meet. Trumps comments followed increasing pressure on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to defuse the tensions between its two members. During an emergency meeting on Friday, members of the UN Security Council called for a de-escalation and urged ASEAN to mediate a peaceful solution. The council didnt issue a resolution on the crisis, but Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said Saturday that the groups 15 members called for restraint, an end to hostilities and a peaceful resolution. The leader of Malaysia, ASEANs current chair, has said Thailand and Cambodia are open to a ceasefire proposal. Malaysian media said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has tasked the countrys foreign minister with mediating peace talks, but no concrete plans have been announced. Maris said earlier Saturday that his country has agreed in principle to ASEANs ceasefire proposal, but insisted Cambodia must first cease hostilities. He said Thailand continues to engage with Malaysia on the matter. Thailand reaffirms its commitment to resolving the conflict peacefully and in accordance with international law," he said, urging Cambodia to return to the negotiating table with sincerity and in good faith." Sides trade accusations and deny responsibility Cambodias Defence Ministry condemned what it called an expanded Thai offensive early Saturday after five heavy artillery shells were fired into Pursat province. It said the attack was an unprovoked and premeditated act of aggression." Ministry spokesperson Lt Gen Maly Socheata said tensions flared in the coastal province of Koh Kong and expressed concern about the possibility of confrontations at sea. Maly Socheata said seven Cambodian civilians and five soldiers have been killed in two days of fighting. Another man was reportedly killed when a pagoda he was hiding under was hit by Thai rockets. The Thai army has denied targeting Cambodian civilians and accuses Phnom Penh of using human shields" by positioning their weapons near residential areas. In a statement Saturday, Thailands navy accused Cambodian forces of initiating a new attack in the province of Trat, which shares a border with Koh Kong, saying Thai forces responded swiftly and successfully pushed back the Cambodian incursion at three key points." The navy warned that aggression will not be tolerated." Thai authorities also alleged several Cambodian artillery shells damaged homes and property in neighbouring Laos. Lao officials have not publicly responded to the claim. Call to protect civilians amid claim of cluster bomb use Human Rights Watch urged the UN Security Council and other nations to press Thailand and Cambodia to abide by international humanitarian law and take all steps to protect civilians. Children have been harmed and Thailand has closed at least 852 schools and seven hospitals for safety reasons, the rights group said in a statement Saturday. Both sides have fired rockets and artillery, and after initially denying Cambodian claims that internationally prohibited cluster munitions were being used, a Thai military spokesperson said Friday that such weapons can be utilized when necessary" to achieve military objectives. Human Rights Watch condemned the use of cluster munitions in populated areas. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Neither Thailand nor Cambodia is party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which bans the use of the weapon. Thai authorities used them during a border dispute with Cambodia in February 2011 that left 20 people dead. Neither Thailand nor Cambodia appears to be paying attention to international humanitarian law at great expense to civilians," John Sifton, Asia advocacy director at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement. Diplomatic efforts underway need to prioritize protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure." Thai officials acknowledged it has used F-16 jets and drones to launch airstrikes. (AP) RD RD First Published: July 26, 2025, 22:45 IST News agency-feeds Thailand, Cambodia trade fresh attacks, accusations as allies call for ceasefire Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Two cousins killed as bike crashes into truck near Delhis Pusa Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 21:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Jul 26 (PTI) Two cousins died after their motorcycle rammed into a truck near Pusa in central Delhi early Saturday morning, an official said. Ayush and his cousin Anubhav, both students, were travelling on a motorcycle when the incident took place around 6.20 am, they said. Recommended Stories A PCR call regarding the accident was received at the Prasad Nagar Police Station from Yadram, a DTC bus driver, who was near the scene at the time. The caller stated that the two riders crashed into a truck from behind. However, the registration number of the truck could not be noted down," a senior police officer said. A police crime team was called to the spot for inspection. Both injured persons were rushed to Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC), where they were declared dead, the police said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The bodies have been sent for post-mortem, they said. Efforts are underway to identify the truck involved in the crash. CCTV footage from the area is being retrieved and analysed," the officer said, adding that a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita is being registered. PTI SSJ NB NB First Published: July 26, 2025, 21:30 IST News agency-feeds Two cousins killed as bike crashes into truck near Delhis Pusa Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Aquarius Horoscope Today, July 26, 2025 Written By : GaneshaGrace Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 07:00 IST Aquarius Daily Horoscope, July 26, 2025: New income sources may arise. Stay focused, act wisely, and avoid overthinking. Balance emotion with logic for strong financial growth. Aquarius Horoscope Today: Astrological predictions by Chirag Daruwalla for kumbha rashi on July 26 2025. (AI generated image) Aquarius Daily Horoscope Today, 26 July 2025: Ganesha says you can do good financial planning. You may also get new sources of income. Today, you will have an average situation with money-related issues. You may get a chance to earn money in some investment today. You can help someone financially and find new options to take your business forward. You will maintain initiative and courage with better decision-making skills. Success from all sides will keep you motivated. You will show speed in work and business, and proactiveness will increase in matters. Colleagues will provide cooperation, and a sense of auspiciousness will prevail. Stay focused on work, control your emotions, and maintain clarity. You will advance in artistic skills and display your abilities. Competitive spirit will remain, and your health will be good. Recommended Stories Aquarius Horoscope Today, July 26, 2025 Positive: You will maintain a balance between good and bad with your calm nature, which will give you better results in your work. The advice of a close friend will be very useful for you. Negative: Youth should keep in mind that it is not right to get angry in any difficult situation. Maintain peace. Sometimes, due to thinking too much about something, a good opportunity may slip out of your hands. Business: Business work will be somewhat normal today. There may be some difficulty in completing your plans. This is the time to spend peacefully. Do not ignore the work of colleagues. Financial: This day is likely to be very good for Aquarius people from a business point of view. If you are planning to enter into a partnership with the wish of success in your business, then you will be happy to know that today is the time of launch for you. The financial situation will be good. New income sources will be available. Which will increase your income. Love: Taking care of family members is also your responsibility. Spending some time with family will give you a lot of happiness. Health: Do not be careless about health. It is important to protect yourself from the current environment. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Lucky Colour: Light Pink Lucky Number: 20 (The author Chirag Daruwalla is the son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla). About the Author Chirag Daruwalla Chirag Daruwalla, a renowned Indian astrologer with 18+ years of experience, provides expert guidance in career, health, finance, business, and more. He combines Vedic and Western astrology, I-Ching, Tarot, Num... Read More Chirag Daruwalla, a renowned Indian astrologer with 18+ years of experience, provides expert guidance in career, health, finance, business, and more. He combines Vedic and Western astrology, I-Ching, Tarot, Num... Read More First Published: July 26, 2025, 07:00 IST News astrology Aquarius Horoscope Today, July 26, 2025 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... On July 25, Azerbaijans Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov, held a phone conversation with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan. Azernews reports, according to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, the two ministers discussed key issues stemming from the strategic alliance between Azerbaijan and Turkiye, as well as cooperation within regional and international organizations. The ongoing normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia was also a central topic of discussion. The ministers reviewed regional and global security challenges and expressed satisfaction with the continued success of the AzerbaijanTurkiye partnership, which is based on deep-rooted brotherhood and strategic alliance. Minister Bayramov briefed Fidan in detail on the current state and prospects of the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process, including existing obstacles and efforts underway to overcome them. The conversation also included an exchange of views on other matters of mutual interest. Wetlands International Director for East Africa Julie Mulonga receives an interview with Xinhua on the sidelines of the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) in Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North Province, Zimbabwe, July 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Tafara Mugwara) VICTORIA FALLS, Zimbabwe, July 26 (Xinhua) -- African countries can benefit from China's experience in wetland conservation and restoration, an official from Wetlands International has said. In an interview with Xinhua on Friday on the sidelines of the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) underway in Zimbabwe's resort city of Victoria Falls, Wetlands International Director for East Africa Julie Mulonga spoke highly of China's achievement in preserving wetlands. Nine Chinese cities were accredited as international wetland cities on Thursday during the COP15, bringing the total number of such cities in China to 22, the highest in the world. "Having nine cities accredited is a positive thing. It shows that they are determined to lead the way in wetland conservation and restoration," said Mulonga. "Maybe we can learn from how they managed to get their cities accredited -- the process they followed and the challenges they faced. That information could also be useful to other countries working toward the same goal." Hailing the accreditation as a milestone, Mulonga said China and Africa could reach more cooperation in wetland preservation, adding that while many African countries have policies in place to protect wetlands, there is a lack of investment in implementation. "We have some of the policies in place in certain countries, but the problem is implementation. So perhaps we need to invest more in making sure those strategies and policies are carried out," added Mulonga. The official also commended China for enacting laws that protect and manage wetlands. "I think it's an example that we can all learn from," she said. In addition, China can share technology with Africa on wetland conservation and restoration measures, she said. "And in terms of information sharing, the lessons they have learned along the way could be something we can benefit from." While local communities play a crucial role in driving wetland conservation efforts, Mulonga said China's wetland management experience provides a valuable reference. She emphasized the importance of joint global efforts in protecting wetlands. "It is key for us to look at wetlands from a global perspective, because as shown in the Global Wetland Outlook, the scale of the problem is big. It is therefore important to bring different organizations together to collectively examine the issue and reach global-level agreements to address the situation," she added. The COP15, which officially opened on Thursday, brought together representatives of governments to strengthen international commitments for wetland conservation and to highlight the vital role of wetlands in sustaining ecological health, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Hyundai India Gets Rs 517.34 Cr Tax With Penalty Demand From GST Authority, Here's Why Curated By : PTI Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 08:17 IST The company said there is no impact on its financial, operational or other activities due to the order and is reviewing the order and will exercise the right to file an appeal. Representational image. (File photo) Hyundai Motor India Ltd on Tuesday said it has received a demand of Rs 517.34 crore from tax authorities, along with penalty, for alleged short payment of GST compensation cess on its certain SUV models. The company has received an order from Commissioner (Appeals), CGST Dept, Tamil Nadu, confirming GST compensation cess demand of Rs 258.67 crore, along with penalty of Rs 258.67 crore, on the allegation of short payment of GST compensation cess on certain SUV models for the period September 2017 March 2020, Hyundai Motor India Ltd said in a regulatory filing. Recommended Stories Reacting to the demand, a company spokesperson said, HMIL is of the view that the amendment and the clarifications given by the Central Board of Indirect Tax and Customs (CBIC) to resolve the issue faced by the industry on this matter are in favour of the company. We are in the process of reviewing the order and will exercise the right to seek a legal remedy through an appropriate forum." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The company asserted that there is no impact on its financial, operational or other activities due to the order and is reviewing the order and will exercise the right to file an appeal. . About the Author Shahrukh Shah Shahrukh Shah, Sub-Editor at News18, loves to write about everything that moves on wheels. With years of experience and the required skill sets, he is contributing to the auto section, where he let people know ... Read More Shahrukh Shah, Sub-Editor at News18, loves to write about everything that moves on wheels. With years of experience and the required skill sets, he is contributing to the auto section, where he let people know ... Read More Get the latest updates on car and bike launches in India including reviews, prices, specs, and performance. Stay informed with breaking auto industry news , EV policies, and more. You can also download the News18 App to stay updated. First Published: July 26, 2025, 08:17 IST News auto Hyundai India Gets Rs 517.34 Cr Tax With Penalty Demand From GST Authority, Here's Why Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 999 Vs 995 Gold: Whats The Difference And How To Check 24K Gold Purity Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 16:43 IST While 999 gold is the purest form of the yellow metal one can own, 995 gold is used as a standard for trading purposes. Considered a safe-haven asset, gold is a preferred investment option among Indians. (Representative Image) Buying gold on festive occasions and major life events has been an integral part of Indian culture. Apart from its cultural significance, gold is also one of the most popular investment options across the country. Gold is also often preferred as a safe-haven asset globally in case of geopolitical and economic uncertainties. In the last few months gold price has significantly surged in India amid global uncertainties and rising domestic demand. The price of 24K gold has surged from around Rs 7,800 per gram on January 1, 2025, to nearly Rs 10,000 per gram in July. Recommended Stories With increasing demand, it has also become unaffordable for many potential buyers. For this reason, people are opting for lightweight gold jewellery products made of the yellow metal of lower purity. With more options, investors also need to maintain higher caution to ensure that they are paying for the right product. Whether its 24-karat, also known as 999 gold, or other versions, there is a way to find out the difference. According to the World Gold Council, gold purity is measured in two main ways: karats and fineness. Karat measures how much gold is mixed with other metals. Fineness shows purity in parts per thousand. For example, 24-karat gold has a fineness of 1.000 (24 24) and its considered pure gold. On the other hand, 22-karat gold has a fineness of 0.916 (22 24). This means that it is 91.6% gold and 8.4% other metals. What is 999 versus 995 gold? In simpler terms, 999 gold is also understood as 99.9% pure gold. Also known as 24-karat gold, it is considered the standard for pure gold and is typically available as coins and gold bars. In 999 gold, the remaining 0.1% refers to trace impurities, which can be tiny amounts of other metals. On the other hand, 995 gold is also a variant of 24-karat gold with slightly more impurities. In this case, for 1,000 grams of purchase, one will get 995 grams of gold mixed with 5 grams of other metals. While 999 gold is the purest form of gold one can own, 995 gold is used as a standard for trading purposes. How To Check If a Product Is 999 Gold? The government-backed Bureau of Indian Standards introduced the hallmarking scheme in 2000 to protect consumers against the adulteration of gold. This scheme was further strengthened by the BIS in 2023. After March 2023, traders are not allowed to sell gold items without a sixdigit alphanumeric Hallmark Unique Identification Number (HUID). The BIS has also launched a BIS Care application, where consumers can share the details of the HUID embedded on any jewellery to check their authenticity. Based on HUID, the app will share the details of the item, its purity, manufacturer and other aspects. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all While HUID-based hallmarking is mandatory for jewellery, the same is not the case for bars and coins. It will still come with a BIS logo and mention of purity, such as 999 or 995 gold on its surface. You can also put the coin or bar through a vinegar test for any discolouration, which will imply impurity. Additionally, genuine gold is non-magnetic, so using a magnet can help detect the extent of mixed metals. About the Author Business Desk A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al... Read More A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al... Read More Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: July 26, 2025, 16:20 IST News business 999 Vs 995 Gold: Whats The Difference And How To Check 24K Gold Purity Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... India-UK FTA 'Game-Changing', Every Section To Benefit: Piyush Goyal Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 15:26 IST Goyal says 99% of India's exports to the UK would now be duty-free, significantly boosting India's trade footprint in one of the worlds largest economies. Union Minister Piyush Goyal. (File Photo: PTI) Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has described the recently signed India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a game-changing" deal that will benefit every section of Indian society, from farmers and youth to the MSME sector and large industries. Speaking at a press conference at the BJP headquarters on Saturday, Goyal announced that 99% of Indias exports to the UK would now be duty-free, significantly boosting Indias trade footprint in one of the worlds largest economies. Recommended Stories The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement as the FTA is officially known was signed on Thursday in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Keir Starmer. The agreement was formalised by Piyush Goyal and UK Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds. Calling it a landmark moment, Goyal said, It is a game-changing agreement." He added that it would bring immense opportunities to the farmers of India, Indian industry, the MSME sector, the workers, youth and fishermen". Goyal also emphasised that the agreement was negotiated confidently and on Indias terms, ensuring protection for sensitive sectors such as agriculture and ethanol. Taking a veiled swipe at the previous UPA governments, he stated, In several instances during the UPA rule, they opened the Indian markets in such a manner that they harmed the country." The Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership for the successful conclusion of the deal and expressed confidence in the positive long-term impact of the agreement. I believe that this FTA carries a very big message for the future economy of India. We will all see the benefits that India will get under it in the coming years," Goyal said. The agreement will come into force after it is ratified by the UK Parliament. Goyal also urged Indian businesses to explore new opportunities under the FTA in sectors like footwear, leather, toys, pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, food processing, and services. I appeal to the Indian Industry to study the agreement and start looking for markets," he added. The trade deal, the UKs biggest such agreement since Brexit and Indias first with a European economy, aims to expand the bilateral trade. The FTA is expected to boost bilateral trade between India and the UK by 25.5 billion pounds every year. India and the UK on Thursday inked a landmark free trade agreement (FTA) that will cut tariffs on British whisky, cars and an array of items, besides boosting bilateral trade by around USD 34 billion annually The deal was signed by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and his British counterpart Jonathan Reynold in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Keir Starmer. The FTA 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, according to Indian officials. The deal, the UKs biggest such agreement since Brexit and Indias first with a European economy, aims to expand the bilateral trade. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The India-UK FTA, 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, they said. The UK said Indian consumers will benefit from improved access to the best British products from soft drinks and cosmetics to cars and medical devices as average tariffs will drop from 15 per cent to 3 per cent after the FTA kicks in. About the Author Business Desk A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al... Read More A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al... Read More First Published: July 26, 2025, 15:26 IST News business economy India-UK FTA 'Game-Changing', Every Section To Benefit: Piyush Goyal Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Buying Property In UP? 1% Stamp Duty Relief Rolled Out For Woman Property Buyers; Details Here Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 13:25 IST The UP government's decision aligns with the Union Budget 2024, where the Centre also proposed reducing stamp duty on property deeds executed in favour of women. Until now, the stamp duty exemption was restricted to properties worth up to Rs 10 lakh, which has now been increased to Rs 1 crore to benefit more homebuyers. The Uttar Pradesh government has approved a major relief for women property buyers. In a significant move aimed at empowering women, the UP Cabinet has approved a 1% discount in stamp duty on properties valued up to Rs 1 crore, if purchased in the name of a woman. The decision was taken earlier this week during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at Lok Bhavan in Lucknow. Recommended Stories Until now, the stamp duty exemption was restricted to properties worth up to Rs 10 lakh, where a maximum discount of Rs 10,000 could be availed. With the latest decision, this exemption now applies to properties worth up to Rs 1 crore, significantly expanding its scope and impact. Sharing details of the move, UP Labour Minister Anil Rajbhar said, The government believes this decision will help middle-class women become property owners, which will not only increase their confidence but they will also become financially more capable and respected in the society." He added that this step will further strengthen the Mission Shakti programme, which is focused on making women self-reliant and empowered. The UP governments decision aligns with the Union Budget 2024, where the Centre also proposed reducing stamp duty on property deeds executed in favour of women. Officials said the states move is expected to lead to a sharp rise in property registrations in the names of women. What Real Estate Players Say Vikas Tomar, executive president and business head at Square Yards, welcomed the decision and said it would particularly benefit the mid-segment market: The Uttar Pradesh governments decision to reduce stamp duty by 1% for women on property purchases up to Rs 1 crore is a positive step and will likely boost sentiment among women aspiring to own a home With this added incentive, were likely to see greater interest in the mid-range category across cities like Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad, with more buyers moving forward with purchases under womens ownership." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Vikas Bhasin, MD of Saya Group, called the move beneficial but urged the government to go further: Stamp duty and other levies form a significant part of home-buying costs, and any reduction helps buyers save a substantial amount of money. However, we have consistently advocated for a broader reductionespecially since it is charged in addition to GST on under-construction properties. The government should consider reducing these charges for all homebuyers to make ownership more affordable." Yamini Agarwal, chief marketing officer of Nimbus Realty, said, Its a progressive step. At a time when interest from women buyers is steadily increasing, this rebate could tip the scale. From an industry perspective, it aligns well with the current demand wave were witnessing in suburban NCR, which is witnessing a rise in co-owned properties and purchases by women-led households. Further, it will not only bring down the upfront costs of home buying for women, but also encourage families to include women in asset ownership." About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris h... Read More Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris h... Read More First Published: July 26, 2025, 13:08 IST News business real-estate Buying Property In UP? 1% Stamp Duty Relief Rolled Out For Woman Property Buyers; Details Here Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... ITR Filing Last Date: New Deadline, July 23 Capital Gains Cut-Off, FY25 Slab Rates, All You Need To Know Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 28, 2025, 16:51 IST The due date for filing ITRs for salaried individuals and HUFs not subject to audit has been extended till September 15, 2025, from July 31, 2025 earlier. ITR Filing 2025 Last Date. ITR Filing Last Date: The ITR filing 2025 season is going on. This year, filing the income tax return is a bit complex for investors as capital gains needs to be bifurcated in accordance with the July 23, 2024, cut-off. Heres a detailed look at everything you need to know before filing your return, including deadlines, slab rates, capital gains rules, and other key tax amendments: What Is the Last Date to File ITR for FY2024-25? Recommended Stories The due date for filing ITRs for salaried individuals and HUFs not subject to audit has been extended till September 15, 2025, from July 31, 2025 earlier. For businesses or professionals requiring audit, the due date is October 31, 2025. Belated return: Can be filed till December 31, 2025, but with penalties and interest. Can be filed till December 31, 2025, but with penalties and interest. Revised return: Also allowed till December 31, 2025, if errors are discovered later. Why Is July 23, 2024, Important for Investors? July 23, 2024 marks a cut-off date for applying the new capital gains tax rules announced in Budget 2024. Any asset sold on or after July 23, 2024, will be taxed under the revised capital gains tax regime. Gains from assets sold before this date will be taxed under the old regime, with indexation and existing rates. This cut-off date is critical because taxpayers now must bifurcate capital gains in their ITRs based on this date. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has updated ITR forms to reflect this requirement. Capital Gains Tax: What Has Changed for FY2024-25? Budget 2024 introduced major structural changes in the taxation of both financial and non-financial assets. These changes are aimed at simplifying and harmonising the capital gains framework: New Rules Applicable from July 23, 2024: Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) will now be taxed at a flat 12.5% across all asset classes (including equity, real estate, gold), up from 10%. Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) on assets like equities will be taxed at 20%, up from 15%. The LTCG exemption limit on equity-related instruments has been raised from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.25 lakh. Listed financial assets held for more than 12 months will now be treated as long-term assets. For Real Estate: LTCG tax on property sales has been reduced from 20% to 12.5%. However, the indexation benefit for properties purchased after April 1, 2001, was removed. After widespread backlash, the government allowed sellers of assets bought before July 23, 2024, to choose between old or new tax computation methods, including indexation. The logic of the budgetary proposal on capital gains is that the structure has to be simplifiedand to treat all asset classes equally. [Now, after the amendment to the finance bill] tax on the sale of assets purchased before July 23, 2024, can be computed under the old scheme with indexation or the new scheme and (property sellers can) pay lower tax," Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said on August 7, explaining the rationale behind the original decision as well as the rollback. Income Tax Slabs and Rates for FY2024-25 (AY2025-26) Income Tax Slabs for FY 2024-25 (New Regime) Income Range () Tax Rate 0 3,00,000 Nil 3,00,001 7,00,000 5% 7,00,001 10,00,000 10% 10,00,001 12,00,000 15% 12,00,001 15,00,000 20% Above 15,00,000 30% Standard deduction increased to Rs 75,000 (up from Rs 50,000). Rebate under Section 87A available for income up to Rs 7 lakh no tax payable if total income is within this limit. Income Tax Slabs for FY 202425 (Old Regime) Income Range () Tax Rate 0 2,50,000 Nil 2,50,001 5,00,000 5% 5,00,001 10,00,000 20% Above 10,00,000 30% Allows popular deductions like 80C, 80D, HRA, home loan interest (Sec 24b). HRA continues to be a significant factor in deciding whether to opt for the old regime. Boost in NPS Deductions for Private Employees Budget 2024 raised the deduction limit for employer contribution to corporate NPS from 10% to 14% of basic salary under the new regime for private sector employees. This matches the existing 14% benefit enjoyed by central and state government employees. Note: The deduction remains capped at 10% for private employees under the old regime. Foreign Asset Reporting Made Simpler If you are an Indian employee working abroad or receiving foreign ESOPs or have foreign bank accounts, you are still required to report them in your ITR. But heres the relief: From FY2024-25, failure to report foreign financial assets worth up to Rs 20 lakh will not attract a penalty under the Black Money Act, which previously imposed fines up to Rs 10 lakh. 5 Key Tax Changes to Keep in Mind This Year 1. Revised new regime slabs: Lower tax outgo for many salaried taxpayers without exemptions. 2. Capital gains overhaul: LTCG @12.5%, STCG @20%, new exemption limits, and July 23 split. 3. Standard deduction up: Rs 75,000 under new regimeadded benefit for salaried taxpayers. 4. Higher NPS deduction: 14% employer contribution deductible in new regime for private sector employees. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 5. Foreign asset disclosures: Low-value foreign assets now exempt from harsh penalties. Taxpayers this year need to be extra vigilant while preparing and filing ITRs. With multiple changes in tax slabs, capital gains rules, and disclosure requirements, understanding the impact of the July 23 cut-off and the choice of tax regime is critical. About the Author Business Desk A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al... Read More A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al... Read More First Published: July 26, 2025, 12:17 IST News business tax ITR Filing Last Date: New Deadline, July 23 Capital Gains Cut-Off, FY25 Slab Rates, All You Need To Know Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Work From Home On Wednesdays': Bengaluru Traffic Polices Pitch To IT Firms To Beat Gridlocks Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 16:59 IST Bengalurus joint commissioner of traffic, Karthik Reddy, has proposed that tech companies consider WFH on Wednesdays, which data shows is the worst day of the week for traffic Reddy has taken charge at a time when Bengaluru has 1 lakh to 1.1 lakh new vehicles being registered every montha number he calls staggering. (Representational image) As Bengaluru continues to battle the ignominy of being labelled the most congested city in the world", the IT capitals traffic police are now turning to the tech industry for solutionsquite literally. In a direct outreach to the citys IT giants, Bengalurus joint commissioner of traffic, Karthik Reddy, has proposed that tech companies consider implementing work from home" on Wednesdays, which data shows is the worst day of the week for traffic snarls. Recommended Stories This Monday we had a meeting with ORRCA (Outer Ring Road Companies Association), and we made three suggestions," Reddy told News18. First was staggering office timings. All companies usually start between 9 and 10 amthats a major pressure point. We requested them to stagger start times between 7.30 am and 9.30 am to help spread out traffic." The second request was to promote public transport. BMTC has assured us that they will provide additional buses. We asked companies to encourage employees to use public transport," he said. But the key pitch was around working from home. Most companies already allow WFH once or twice a week. We told them that Wednesday is the most congested day. So we suggested, If youre offering work from home, please make it Wednesday," said Reddy. The companies were receptive. They said they would speak to their management." The AI playbook Reddy has taken charge at a time when Bengaluru has 1 lakh to 1.1 lakh new vehicles being registered every montha number he calls staggering. Thats just in Bengaluru RTOs, not counting vehicles from neighbouring districts. With that kind of growth, congestion has naturally risen over the years," he said. The department is now turning to technologyincluding AI-powered signals and surveillanceto manage traffic in the city. We currently have 501 signals, of which 169 are AI-based. By year-end, we plan to add another 110 AI-enabled signals," he said. These systems analyse traffic density on all lanes at a junction and dynamically adjust signal timings. Over time, they learn and improveand help us manage congestion better." Boots on the groundand cameras in the air While AI helps, Reddy maintains that basic policing remains critical. Theres no substitute for our people on the ground. From me to the last constable, all of us have to be visible during peak hours," he said. Bengaluru also has a growing network of ANPR and ITMS cameras, in addition to Safe City surveillance. Violations caught on these are immediately challaned. People think they can get awaybut the system tracks them. They might delay payment, but theyll have to pay eventually," Reddy said. Civic sense is key Yet, despite tech and boots on the ground, Reddy says real change can only happen if citizens step up. We cant have police on every corner. Basic civic sense is critical. These rules are for our safety. A single violation can endanger others," he said, adding that his department is planning a crackdown on app-based delivery riders who routinely flout traffic rules. Were calling for a meeting with aggregators like Zepto and Blinkit next week. We want them to sensitise their delivery staffno riding on footpaths, no wrong-way driving, no skipping helmets. Rules apply to them too. If violations continue, well have a crackdown." Undoing the tag top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all So, can Bengaluru ever shake off the most congested" tag? We are trying our best," Reddy said firmly. We are working on all frontsfrom AI to better enforcement, from collaborating with companies to pushing for behavioural change. We are determined to reduce congestion in this city." About the Author Rohini Swamy Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18s digital platform. She has previously worked with t... Read More Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18s digital platform. She has previously worked with t... Read More First Published: July 26, 2025, 16:58 IST News cities 'Work From Home On Wednesdays': Bengaluru Traffic Polices Pitch To IT Firms To Beat Gridlocks Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... DU Admissions: Over 7,700 Apply Under Armed Forces Quota, Document Submission By July 28 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 15:23 IST DU has specified that those required to submit their valid Educational Concession Certificate (ECC) and supporting documents must do so by 11:59 pm on Monday, July 28. Applicants are advised to regularly visit the official admission website, admission.uod.ac.in, for updates. (File Photo) A total of 7,790 applicants have sought undergraduate admission to Delhi University under the Children and Widows (CW) of Armed Forces supernumerary quota for the 2025-26 academic session. Delhi University has released a tentative list of candidates eligible under the CW category and urges all applicants to carefully verify their eligibility and priority status as indicated on the website. Recommended Stories The university has specified that those required to submit their valid Educational Concession Certificate (ECC) and supporting documents must do so by 11:59 pm on Monday, July 28. This will be the final chance to submit the necessary documents, with no further extensions granted. According to university policy, five per cent of seats in all undergraduate programmes across colleges are reserved for children and widows of armed forces and paramilitary forces personnel. Admissions under this quota follow a priority system notified by the Ministry of Defence. All candidates must present a valid ECC issued by a competent authority during admission, reported PTI. The priority system, as outlined in the official notification, comprises nine categories: Priority I includes widows or wards of defence personnel killed in action. Priority II covers wards of personnel disabled in action and boarded out due to service-related disability. Priority III includes widows or wards of those who died in service with death attributable to military service. Priority IV refers to wards of personnel disabled in service and boarded out due to disability attributable to military service. Priority V encompasses wards of ex-servicemen or serving personnel, including police personnel, who have received gallantry awards such as Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, Sena Medal (Gallantry), and others. Priority VI includes wards of ex-servicemen. Priority VII is for wives of defence personnel who were disabled in action or service, or ex-servicemen and serving personnel awarded gallantry medals. Priority VIII and Priority IX are for wards and wives of currently serving personnel, respectively. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The university has also announced that seat allocation for CW category candidates will commence from the third round of seat allocation under the Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS), the report added. Applicants are advised to regularly visit the official admission website, admission.uod.ac.in, for updates and further instructions regarding the admission process. About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More First Published: July 26, 2025, 15:09 IST News education-career DU Admissions: Over 7,700 Apply Under Armed Forces Quota, Document Submission By July 28 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Kerala Govt to Take Over Administration Of Aided School After Student's Electrocution Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 17:36 IST Mithun, a student of Thevalakkara Boys High School in Kollam district, died last week after coming into contact with a live electric wire on the school premises. State General Education Minister V Sivankutty remarked that the untimely death of the class 8 student had caused "widespread sorrow". (File Photo) General Education Minister V Sivankutty announced on Saturday that the Kerala government will take over the administration of an aided school where a 13-year-old student was recently electrocuted. The schools manager will also be dismissed from service due to the incident, reported PTI. Mithun, a student of Thevalakkara Boys High School in Kollam district, died last week after coming into contact with a live electric wire on the school premises. Recommended Stories Speaking to reporters, Sivankutty said the Director of Public Instruction (DPI) reported serious lapses" that led to the students accidental death. In this context, the DPI will issue an order dismissing the manager of Thevalakkara Boys High School and handing over the administration to the district education officer in Kollam," the minister said. Referring to the provisions of the Kerala Education Act, he noted that if any lapse is found on the part of the manager of an aided school, the government has the authority to take over the institution for a specific period in the public interest." Recently, the opposition Congress and BJP criticised the Left government, claiming the states education sector was collapsing, just like its healthcare system," alluding to the recent death of a woman after a building portion at the Government Medical College Hospital collapsed. Sivankutty remarked that the untimely death of the class 8 student had caused widespread sorrow," and the government was taking measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Despite the authorities convening several meetings to ensure school safety, this incident still occurred," he said. In response to growing concerns, the Department of General Education has started taking extra measures to ensure school safety. The minister mentioned that PTA members, teachers, students, and the public are encouraged to report safety concerns. A high-level review meeting on ongoing safety measures is scheduled for July 31. As part of the support for Mithuns family, the Scouts and Guides under the General Education Department will build a house for them. An amount of Rs 3 lakh will be provided from the DPIs account. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has already granted Rs 5 lakh as financial relief. The school management has also announced a Rs 10 lakh grant as assistance. Additionally, the Kerala School Teachers Association (KSTA) has pledged Rs 10 lakh for the family, according to the minister. About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More First Published: July 26, 2025, 17:26 IST News education-career Kerala Govt to Take Over Administration Of Aided School After Student's Electrocution Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Prof Uma Kanjilal Appointed As First Woman Vice Chancellor Of IGNOU Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 10:03 IST Uma Kanjilal was previously the acting Vice Chancellor at IGNOU and had served as Pro Vice Chancellor from March 2021 to July 2024. Uma Kanjilal is a professor of Library and Information Science since 2003. (Image: X//uma_kanjilal) Professor Uma Kanjilal has been appointed as the first female Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), four decades after its establishment, according to officials from the Ministry of Education. Previously, she served as the acting Vice Chancellor at IGNOU and was the Pro Vice Chancellor from March 2021 to July 2024. Prof. Kanjilal began her career as a research assistant at IIT Kanpur in 1984. She then worked as a cataloguer and professional assistant at Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA). At IGNOU, she progressed from lecturer to professor, holding various positions such as university librarian-in-charge, director of School of Social Sciences, and director of Centre for Online Education. Recommended Stories Since 2003, Prof. Kanjilal has been a professor of Library and Information Science, specializing in e-learning, ICT in libraries, digital libraries, and multimedia courseware development, reported PTI. She is currently the National Coordinator for SWAYAM and SWAYAM PRABHA, key digital education initiatives by the Ministry of Education. Kanjilal has held several leadership positions at the university, including Director of the Centre for Online Education (20192021), Director of the Inter-University Consortium for Technology Enabled Flexible Education (20162019), Director of the Advanced Centre for Informatics and Innovative Learning (20122013), Director of the School of Social Sciences (20072010), and University Librarian (20042006). With over 36 years of distinguished service in the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system, Kanjilal brings a wealth of academic leadership, digital innovation, and institutional knowledge to the helm of one of the worlds largest open universities," an official the news agency. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Her international contributions include a Fulbright Fellowship at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (19992000), consultancy work for the Commonwealth of Learning, and digital education projects for UNRWA in Jordan. She has received numerous awards, including the Manthan Award for e-Education, an Australia-India Council Grant, and a DANIDA Fellowship. Kanjilal has been instrumental in expanding IGNOUs digital infrastructure and online education offerings. Her leadership as the Principal Investigator of the National Virtual Library of India Project and her current role as Coordinator of IGNOUs Project Management Unit under NMEICT Phase-III reflect her deep commitment to digital empowerment in education," the university said in a statement. About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More First Published: July 26, 2025, 09:57 IST News education-career Prof Uma Kanjilal Appointed As First Woman Vice Chancellor Of IGNOU Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Received Complaints From Indian Students Regarding US Visa Appointments: Govt Tells Parliament Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 12:02 IST Under the new guidelines, the US will review the online presence of all student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M, and J non-immigrant classifications. Singh mentioned that the MEA had addressed the issue with both the US embassy in New Delhi and the US Department of State.(Representative Image) The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has received numerous complaints from Indian students and their families about difficulties in securing US student visa appointments following the announcement by US authorities of expanded screening and vetting for visa applicants, the government stated on Thursday. In a written reply to a query in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh mentioned that the MEA had addressed the issue with both the US embassy in New Delhi and the US Department of State, reported PTI. Recommended Stories The ministry was questioned regarding the governments awareness of the challenges faced by prospective Indian students in obtaining US student visas. On 18 June 2025, US Department of State (DOS) issued a press release titled Announcement of Expanded Screening and Vetting for Visa Applicants. In the said press release, DOS stated that it uses all available information in its visa screening and vetting to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, including those who pose a threat to US national security," the minister said. Under the new guidelines, the US will conduct comprehensive vetting, including reviewing the online presence of all student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M, and J non-immigrant classifications. To facilitate this process, all applicants for F, M, and J non-immigrant visas will be required to set their social media profiles to public," according to the guidelines. Following these developments, the Ministry of External Affairs has received several representations from Indian students and their families flagging difficulty in obtaining student visa appointments. The ministry took up the matter with US Embassy in New Delhi as well as the US Department of State," Singh said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Although issuing visas is a sovereign prerogative of the respective state, the MEA has consistently raised" with the US embassy in New Delhi and the US State Department in Washington DC the problems encountered by prospective Indian students in obtaining US visas, he further stated. The Government of India remains engaged with the US Government to promote mutually advantageous and secure mobility frameworks that allow for streamlining avenues for legal mobility of students and professionals, and facilitating short-term tourist and business travel," Singh added. About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More First Published: July 26, 2025, 11:57 IST News education-career Received Complaints From Indian Students Regarding US Visa Appointments: Govt Tells Parliament Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... TASHKENT, July 26 (Xinhua) -- As of July 1, 2025, the poverty level in Uzbekistan has fallen further to 6.8 percent, the presidential press service said in a statement Friday. By the end of 2024, the poverty rate in Uzbekistan had decreased to 8.9 percent, according to previous official data. Friday's statement also said President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on new approaches to the employment and vocational education system. Since the beginning of the year, models based on international experience have been introduced in this area. In particular, the banking system has begun to actively interact with local neighborhood communities known as mahallas, providing support in ensuring employment, it said. "In the first half of the year alone, more than 3 million people were involved in gainful employment," the statement said. "The system created to reduce poverty and the funds allocated for this purpose are already yielding results -- as of July 1 of this year, the poverty level in the country has fallen to 6.8 percent," the press service said. The presentation also showcased new initiatives and measures aimed at reducing poverty. According to the new approaches, employment authorities should transform from supervisory bodies into partnership structures serving employers. As Mirziyoyev said in September 2024, poverty reduction in Uzbekistan would become "a nationwide movement." TN SSLC Supplementary 2025 Results Soon: How To Check Class 10 Scorecards? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 15:47 IST TN SSLC Supplementary 2025 Result Date: Students who took the examination will be able to download the results at the official website, dge.tn.gov.in. To pass the TN SSLC supply exams, students must obtain at least 35%. (Representative image/File) The Tamil Nadu Directorate of Government Examinations (TNDGE) is expected to release the 2025 Tamil Nadu School Leaving Certificate Examination (TN SSLC) Supplementary results soon. It is likely to be declared by this month. Last year, the results were announced on July 30, 2024. The TNDGE administers TN SSLC Supplementary Examinations to students who did not pass the TN SSLC Class 10 annual board exams. Students who took the examination will be able to download the results at the official website, dge.tn.gov.in. To access the TN SSLC supply result, students will have to enter their roll number and an additional credential on the portal. Students are advised to keep their admit cards ready so that they can check the credentials and enter them on the portal. Recommended Stories TN SSLC Supplementary 2025 Results: Passing Marks To pass the Tamil Nadu Class 10 SSLC supply examinations, students must obtain at least 35 out of 100 in each theory subject, as well as a 35 per cent overall score. To be eligible for class 11, candidates must score 15 out of 25 in the practical assessment and 20 out of 75 in the theory examinations. TN SSLC Supplementary 2025 Results: How To Check Step 1: Go to the official website, dge.tn.gov.in. Step 2: Go to the Results tab on the webpage and click the link for the TN SSLC Supplementary Result 2025. Step 3: After that, a new page will ask for your login credentials. Step 4: Enter your information and then click the Submit button. Step 5: The TN SSLC Supplementary Result 2025 will appear on the screen. Step 6: Thoroughly review your scorecard. Step 7: Save and print the TN SSLC Supplementary 2025 Results for later reference. TN SSLC Supplementary 2025 Results: Top Things to Check On Scorecard After the results have been displayed on the screen, candidates must cross-check the following details on it and report to the board in case of any discrepancies. Candidates Name Registration Number Date of Birth School Name Subject-Wise marks Total Marks top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Grade or Grade points Qualifying Status (Pass or Fail) About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More First Published: July 26, 2025, 15:44 IST News education-career TN SSLC Supplementary 2025 Results Soon: How To Check Class 10 Scorecards? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Ghislaine Maxwell Given 'Limited Immunity' By DOJ: What It Means In Epstein Case Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Karishma Jain Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 10:37 IST Maxwell spent 9 hours in closed-door talks with the DOJ. What makes the meetings significant is that they were conducted under a form of legal protection known as limited immunity Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted associate of deceased financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, is once again at the centre of legal and political debate, (REUTERS/File Photo) Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted associate of deceased financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, is once again at the centre of legal and political debate, not for a new crime, but for what she might know about others. In an unexpected legal twist, Maxwell recently spent nine hours over two days in discussions with the US Department of Justice (DOJ), after reportedly initiating contact herself. What makes the meetings particularly significant is that they were conducted under a form of legal protection known as limited immunity. The meetings reportedly took place behind closed doors with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, prompting renewed interest in what Maxwell may have revealed, why she was granted immunity at all, and what it could mean for the ongoing fallout from the Epstein case. Recommended Stories What Is Limited Immunity? The form of protection granted to Ghislaine Maxwell is known as proffer immunity, which is a type of limited immunity. According to ABC News, this immunity allowed Maxwell to freely answer Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanches questions without fear that her responses could later be used against her." In lay terms, proffer immunity ensures that a persons statements made during such meetings, and any evidence directly derived from them, cannot be used to prosecute the individual later. However, this does not shield them from prosecution altogether, nor does it necessarily mean they are cooperating under a formal agreement. This is distinct from transactional immunity, which offers complete protection from prosecution in relation to the matters discussed. Limited immunity is far narrower in scope and is typically offered when prosecutors are trying to get individuals to provide valuable information, especially about others. Maxwell was reportedly granted this limited form of immunity, not to exonerate her from past crimes, but to encourage her cooperation regarding ongoing or related investigations. Why Was Maxwell Given Limited Immunity? Maxwell, currently serving a 20-year sentence at a federal prison in Tallahassee, Florida, is appealing her conviction for sex trafficking underage girls. Despite having already been tried and sentenced, she reached out to the DOJ to set up meetings, according to ABC News. The first meeting reportedly lasted six hours, followed by a three-hour session the next day. The Justice Department may be looking into other actors possibly involved in Epsteins crimes and believes Maxwell could help connect the dots. Blanche, who formerly served as Donald Trumps lead defence counsel, did not speak to reporters after either of the meetings but posted on social media that he would reveal what he learned from Maxwell at the appropriate time." What Did Maxwell Reveal? While the DOJ has kept the content of the meetings confidential, Maxwells lawyer David Markus told ABC News that she was asked about maybe 100 different people" and she didnt hold anything back." He emphasised that she answered every question", never invoked privilege, and never refused to respond during the nearly nine hours of questioning. In a statement to ABC News, Markus said, We dont want to get into the substance of the questions. There were a lot of questions and we went all day and she answered every one of them. She never said Im not going to answer, never declined." Markus also confirmed that there were no asks and no promises" made during or before the meetings, adding: We havent asked for anything. This is not a situation where we are asking for anything in return for testimony or anything like that. Of course, everybody knows Ms. Maxwell would welcome any relief." Is This Leading To A Deal? Despite intense speculation about whether Maxwell is trying to negotiate a sentence reduction or even a pardon, her lawyer was quick to tamp down such suggestions. In response to questions about whether she might be saying what prosecutors want to hear in hopes of leniency, Markus told ABC News, No. She wants to tell the truth." He also stated, We havent spoken to the president or anyone about a pardon just yet. And listen, the president this morning said he had the power to do so, we hope he exercises that power in the right and just way." The Politics Around The Epstein Files The closed-door meetings between Maxwell and the DOJ come at a time when pressure is mounting on the Justice Department to release more information about Epsteins network. Despite earlier commitments to disclose documents, the DOJ has recently said it will not be releasing any additional files, a move that has drawn bipartisan criticism. The DOJ and FBI issued a memo earlier this month stating that no so-called client list" exists. However, reports have emerged that hundreds of names appear in files related to Epsteins operations. The Wall Street Journal reported that Attorney General Pam Bondi had informed President Donald Trump in May that his name was mentioned several times in the Epstein files, along with other high-profile individuals. Trump has denied any connection, stating that the controversy is a SCAM" orchestrated by political opponents. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Jeffrey Epstein Case Jeffrey Epstein was a wealthy financier who was arrested in 2019 on federal charges of sex trafficking minors. He was accused of running a network to exploit underage girls, often with the help of associates. He died by suicide in jail while awaiting trial. Ghislaine Maxwell, a British socialite and longtime companion of Epstein, was later arrested and convicted for her role in recruiting and grooming underage girls for abuse. In 2021, she was found guilty of sex trafficking and related charges, and is currently serving a 20-year sentence in federal prison. 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 26, 2025, 10:35 IST News explainers Ghislaine Maxwell Given 'Limited Immunity' By DOJ: What It Means In Epstein Case Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Mumbai 26/7 Floods: 20 Years Since The Deluge That Brought The City To A Halt Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 08:38 IST Mumbai was paralysed on July 26, 2005, after 944 mm of rain fell in a day. Over 1,000 lives were lost due to floods, electrocution, and landslides. Here's what happened. Mumbai was hit by an unprecedented 944 mm (37.17 inches) of rainfall in just 24 hours on 26 July, 2005. (AFP file photo) On This Day In 2005: Every year as the monsoon clouds arrive over India, many cities face disruptions from heavy rains. Streets overflow, traffic slows down and daily life comes to a standstill. Mumbai in particular often finds itself battling extreme downpours. But no year left a deeper impact than 2005. On July 26, 2005, Mumbai was hit by an unprecedented 944 mm (37.17 inches) of rainfall in just 24 hours. That is nearly half the citys average annual rain which just fell down in one single day. Within just 12 hours, from 8 AM to 8 PM, 644 mm poured down. This was the eighth heaviest 24-hour rainfall ever recorded globally. Recommended Stories Mumbai Came To A Complete Halt The relentless rain flooded every corner of Mumbai. Roads vanished under water and millions were stranded. Mumbais local trains which are considered the backbone of its daily life, were brought to a standstill with 52 trains damaged and tracks completely submerged. PHOTOS: When Rain Brought Mumbai to a Standstill on July 26, 2005 Low-lying areas like Dharavi and the Bandra-Kurla Complex were deeply affected. Cars, buses and autos were stuck or swept away. The Scale Of Disruption The damage was massive as over 37,000 auto-rickshaws, 4,000 taxis, 900 BEST buses and 10,000 trucks and tempos were either damaged or immobilised. It wasnt just the roads, even the skies shut down. WATCH: When Rain Brought Mumbai To A Standstill For the first time ever, Mumbais airports closed for over 30 hours that halted operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and other airstrips like Sahar and Juhu. More than 700 flights were cancelled or delayed. The total economic loss the city faced was estimated at around Rs 5.5 billion (approx. $100 million). Lives Lost Over 1,000 lives were lost in Mumbai caused by drowning, electrocution and landslides in different parts of the city. More than 14,000 homes were destroyed and thousands were left without shelter, food or access to clean water. The floods also knocked out communication. Around 5 million mobile users and 2.3 million landline users lost connection for several hours. This slowed down the emergency response. What Went Wrong One of the biggest failures during the flood was the citys outdated drainage system which was designed in colonial times. It wasnt built to handle such heavy rainfall. Further, years of unchecked construction and the destruction of mangroves blocked natural waterways. Many people criticised the governments slow response. For hours, citizens helped each other with food, water and shelter. It was only later that the Army, Navy and Air Force stepped in to help evacuate stranded residents. Lessons Learned The 2005 floods made it clear that Mumbai needed stronger systems to deal with natural disasters. In the years that followed, the government took steps to improve how different agencies respond during emergencies. Special disaster management units were created to better coordinate rescue and relief operations. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all There were also efforts to fix the citys ageing drainage network. Authorities started projects aimed at reducing waterlogging during heavy rains. But even today, the progress has been slow and uneven as many parts of the city still face the same problems during every monsoon. The floods also opened peoples eyes to the need for better planning. Uncontrolled construction and shrinking green spaces were seen as major reasons for the damage. Since then, there has been more awareness about protecting natural areas like mangroves and preparing for extreme weather linked to climate change About the Author Nibandh Vinod Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with 26 years of experience, specializing in covering events, festivals, and driving SEO content for News18.com. A tech-savvy person, Nibandh works closely with a young te... Read More Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with 26 years of experience, specializing in covering events, festivals, and driving SEO content for News18.com. A tech-savvy person, Nibandh works closely with a young te... Read More First Published: July 26, 2025, 07:30 IST News india Mumbai 26/7 Floods: 20 Years Since The Deluge That Brought The City To A Halt Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Kargil Vijay Diwas Today: From 1999 To Op Sindoor, Indian Army Has Come A Long Way Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 06:00 IST While the 1999 battle was challenging, with the Army often relying on less sophisticated weapons, OP Sindoor launched recently showcased a transformed force Follow us on: An Army personnel stands guard near the place of Kargil battle on the eve of Kargil Vijay Diwas, at Drass, in Kargil. (PTI File) As dawn breaks over the rugged peaks of the Kargil sector, India pauses to remember and honour the bravehearts who reclaimed its sovereignty 26 years ago. On the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas, the legacy of valour and sacrifice is not only a tale of the past but vibrantly alive, reinforced by recent events such as Operation Sindoor. India has come a long way in the past 26 years. Recommended Stories The Battle of Kargil in 1999 was unlike any conflict India had fought before. Pakistani troops and militants, exploiting the treacherous terrain and frigid altitudes, infiltrated key positions in the Dras sector of Kargil. The Indian Army launched Operation Vijay, a daring campaign, in one of the worlds most unforgiving battlefields. Peaks like Tololing, Tiger Hill, Gun Hill, and Batra Top became household names. The Battle of Kargil The Battle of Kargil came at a steep human cost. More than 500 Indian soldiers were martyred, and over 1,300 were injured. The nation still reverberates with the stories of sacrifices made by officers and jawans, such as Captain Vikram Batra and Lieutenant Manoj Pandey. Pakistani casualties remain disputed, but estimates suggest they lost several hundred soldiers and did not officially accept many casualties. Despite limited technological support and under extreme conditions, Indian soldiers kept fighting the war that lasted over two months. It culminated in a decisive victory on July 26, 1999, now commemorated as Kargil Vijay Diwas. Significance This Year This year, the significance of Kargil Vijay Diwas deepens in light of Operation Sindoor. Launched in the wake of a devastating terror attack, Operation Sindoor saw the Indian Armed Forces unleash a precise, multi-domain offensive against terror infrastructure, not only in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir but also deep inside Pakistan itself. Pakistan attempted to strike military and civilian infrastructure along the northern and western borders but failed miserably and requested a ceasefire. In Dras, drones were sighted, prompting additional air defence deployments. In fact, short-range artillery guns engaged most of these drones. Then and now While the 1999 battle was challenging, with the Army often relying on less sophisticated weapons and lacking seamless integration across services, Operation Sindoor launched recently showcased a transformed force. During the Kargil War, the Indian Army leveraged the Bofors FH-77B howitzer to devastating effect, using its precision and range to dislodge adversaries from mountain outposts. Infantry units relied on the INSAS rifles, LMGs, SLRs, and support weapons such as the Carl Gustav rocket launcher. MiG-21s and Mirage 2000 fighter jets of the Indian Air Force provided vital aerial cover and precision bombing, especially during the recapture of strategic positions like Tiger Hill. Despite major logistical constraints and sometimes limited surveillance and night-vision capability, the tenacity and innovation of Indian soldiers overcame the odds. The Indian Army is technologically advanced today. From indigenous communication handsets to cutting-edge artillery and missile defense systems, the force is better equipped for modern warfare. The Armys arsenal reflects a leap in capability and modernisation. Indigenously developed platforms like the Dhanush and ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System) howitzers (to be inducted soon) have replaced legacy artillery, providing greater range and accuracy. Infantry is now equipped with modern assault rifles such as the SIG716, AK-203, and protected by advanced body armor and helmets. Surveillance has dramatically improved with long-range drone systems, while integrated battlefield management systems facilitate seamless communication. The air defense is bolstered with indigenous Akash and imported S-400 missile systems, drastically improving the ability to intercept aerial and drone threats. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Integration across the Army, Navy, and Air Force has enabled multi-domain operations. The armed forces now train for hybrid conflict, counter-drone operations, and information warfare, cementing their place among the worlds most professional militaries. About the Author Akash Sharma Akash Sharma, Defence Correspondent, CNN-News 18, covers the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways. In addition, he also follows developments in the national capital. With an extensive experience coverin... Read More Akash Sharma, Defence Correspondent, CNN-News 18, covers the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways. In addition, he also follows developments in the national capital. With an extensive experience coverin... Read More view comments Location : Ladakh, India, India First Published: July 26, 2025, 06:00 IST News india Kargil Vijay Diwas Today: From 1999 To Op Sindoor, Indian Army Has Come A Long Way Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Air India Provides Interim Compensation To Families Of 166 Victims Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 21:39 IST Air India said it has released the interim compensation of Rs 25 lakh to the families of 147 passengers and 19 on-ground victims of the June 12 Ahmedabad plane crash. The Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12. (File pic/PTI) Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Over a month after the deadly plane crash in Ahmedabad, Air India on Saturday said it has released the interim compensation of Rs 25 lakh to the families of 166 victims 147 passengers and 19 people on the ground so far, and the requisite documents of 52 others have been verified. Air India flight AI 171, operated with Boeing 787-8, en route to London Gatwick, crashed soon after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, killing 241 of the 242 passengers onboard and another 19 on the ground. All victims were identified, and their bodies were handed over to the families for the last rites. Recommended Stories In a statement, Air India said, Over a month ago, Air India started releasing interim payment of Rs 25 lakh to the affected families, to help them meet their immediate financial needs. The interim payment will be adjusted against any final compensation." Air India has, so far, released the interim compensation to the families of 147 of the 229 deceased passengers and also the 19 who lost their lives at the accident site. In addition, the requisite documents of 52 others have been verified, to whose families the interim compensation will be released progressively." ALSO READ: Working With UK: India Responds To Report Of Wrong Bodies Sent To Air India Victims Families Meanwhile, the Tata Group has also registered The AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust, dedicated to the victims of the tragic accident, which has pledged an ex-gratia payment of Rs 1 crore to the family of the deceased victims. It has also assured support for rebuilding the B.J. Medical College Hostel infrastructure, where the plane crashed into seconds after takeoff. The Trust will also provide aid and assistance for alleviation of any trauma or distress suffered by the first responders, medical and disaster relief professionals, social workers, and governmental staff who provided invaluable institutional support and service in the aftermath of the accident," said Air India in its statement. Last month, Air India said a centralised helpdesk had been activated to assist families in processing claims for the interim compensation of Rs 25 lakh to the families of the victims and the sole survivor, and to help address immediate financial needs. The interim compensation began being released from June 20, which will be in addition to Rs 1 crore to the Rs 1 crore payment announced by the Tata Group. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On Tuesday, Air India said it has completed the precautionary" inspection of the locking mechanism of the fuel control switch (FCS) on its Boeing 787 and 737 aircraft fleet, and no issues were found. This came after aviation safety regulator DGCA last week directed airlines to inspect the fuel switch locking system in their Boeing 787 and 737 planes by July 21 after the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) said in its preliminary report that fuel switches were cut off before the Air India plane crash last month. 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 26, 2025, 18:40 IST News india Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Air India Provides Interim Compensation To Families Of 166 Victims Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bihar Woman Faints During Home Guard Test, Alleges Gang Rape In Ambulance Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 15:11 IST The incident reportedly occurred on July 24 while she was being transported to a hospital after fainting during the physical test. Bihar Police arrested two accused | Representative Image A 26-year-old woman alleged that she was gang-raped in a moving ambulance after collapsing during a Home Guard recruitment physical test in Bihars Bodh Gaya. The incident reportedly occurred on July 24 while she was being transported to a hospital after fainting during the physical test. Recommended Stories According to police, the woman claimed she was assaulted by multiple individuals while unconscious in the vehicle. A case was filed at the Bodh Gaya police station. Hours after the FIR was registered, police arrested two suspects Vinay Kumar, the ambulance driver, and Ajit Kumar, a technician on board the vehicle. While both are currently in custody and under interrogation, the Gaya Police called the response swift and immediate." Officials confirmed that CCTV footage from the surrounding area has helped verify the ambulances route and timeline, lending key evidence to the ongoing probe. The forensic team is expected to submit a preliminary report soon. According to the police complaint, the woman said she fainted during the physical test and was only partially conscious while being transported. She later informed police and hospital staff that three to four men inside the ambulance had sexually assaulted her. City SSP Ramanand Kaushal said, On July 24, during a Home Guard recruitment race at BMP Bodhgaya, a female candidate fainted and was taken to the hospital She reported a rape incident involving two accusedan ambulance driver and a technicianboth of whom have been arrested and are undergoing medical examination." Gaya, Bihar: City SSP Ramanand Kaushal says, On July 24, during a Home Guard recruitment race at BMP Bodhgaya, a female candidate fainted and was taken to the hospital She reported a rape incident involving two accusedan ambulance driver and a technicianboth of whom have pic.twitter.com/RzBJbdx8bU IANS (@ians_india) July 26, 2025 As the incident reignited concerns about law and order in the state, Union minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ramvilas) chief Chirag Paswan said, The way crime is happening in Bihar, the administration has totally bowed down in front of criminals." Paswan added, This incident deserves condemnation but the real question is, why are such crimes repeatedly happening? Theres a series of crimes. If this continues, the situation will become frightening in fact, it already has." He acknowledged that some might view this as a conspiracy to defame the government ahead of elections, but noted that it is the administrations duty to uphold law and order. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all I request the government to take timely steps," he said. While police have made arrests, the investigation into the case is ongoing. Location : Bihar Sharif, India, India First Published: July 26, 2025, 14:53 IST News india Bihar Woman Faints During Home Guard Test, Alleges Gang Rape In Ambulance Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Calcutta HC Commutes Death Penalty For Childs Rapists, Cites Possibility Of Reform Reported By : LawBeat Last Updated: July 27, 2025, 01:28 IST The court imposed a non-remittable life sentence of 60 years, effectively ensuring the men remain in prison for the remainder of their lives Despite arguments from the defence about inconsistencies in witness statements and procedural lapses during evidence collection, the High Court found the chain of circumstances 'complete and convincing'. (File pic) The Calcutta High Court has spared two men the noose for the gang rape and murder of a 5-year-old girl, citing the potential for their reformation, but ruled that a regular life sentence would not suffice given the depravity" of the crime. Instead, the court ordered both convicts to remain behind bars for 60 years without the possibility of remission. A division bench of Justices Debangsu Basak and Md Shabbar Rashidi pronounced the judgment while deciding the death reference and appeals filed by the convicts, Fagun Mandi alias Pui and another, against their 2023 death sentence handed down by a Jhargram trial court. Recommended Stories The victim had gone missing on the morning of November 7, 2021. Witnesses testified that she was last seen with Mandi, who had purchased chocolate and tobacco before walking towards the fields with the child. Her body was discovered days later in a canal within a paddy field, the location revealed during custodial interrogation of the two accused. According to the post-mortem report, the minor had suffered brutal sexual violence, including internal injuries caused by the forced insertion of a bamboo stick, and had ultimately been strangled. Items like a chocolate wrapper, a burnt bidi stub, and a torn cloth were recovered based on the appellants own disclosures. A locket with the girls photograph was also found at the home of the second appellant. Despite arguments from the defence about inconsistencies in witness statements and procedural lapses during evidence collection, the High Court found the chain of circumstances complete and convincing". The court noted that neither appellant could explain their presence with the victim nor the recovery of incriminating items linked to them. However, while affirming the conviction under charges of gang rape, murder, kidnapping, and destruction of evidence, the High Court declined to uphold the death penalty. Referring to the Supreme Courts decision in Manoj & Others v State of Madhya Pradesh, the bench emphasised that capital punishment must be reserved for cases where the option of reformation is clearly foreclosed. In this case, the States report noted that both men hailed from impoverished and socially backward backgrounds, had no previous criminal history, and had shown signs of improvement in custody. One was undergoing psychiatric treatment; the other was described as a slow learner with a speech disability. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all We are not in a position to arrive at a conclusive finding that the possibility of reformation of both the appellants stands foreclosed," the bench observed. But it also added that a simple life sentence would not meet the ends of justice, calling the crime a demonstration of depravity which shocks the conscience". As a result, the court imposed a non-remittable life sentence of 60 years, effectively ensuring the men remain in prison for the remainder of their lives. It directed correctional authorities to reflect the modified sentence in official records and set off the time already served. About the Author Salil Tiwari Salil Tiwari, Senior Special Correspondent at Lawbeat, reports on the Allahabad High Court and courts in Uttar Pradesh, however, she also writes on important cases of national importance and public interests fr... Read More Salil Tiwari, Senior Special Correspondent at Lawbeat, reports on the Allahabad High Court and courts in Uttar Pradesh, however, she also writes on important cases of national importance and public interests fr... Read More First Published: July 27, 2025, 01:28 IST News india Calcutta HC Commutes Death Penalty For Childs Rapists, Cites Possibility Of Reform Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Cash-At-Home Row: SC To Hear Justice Yashwant Varma's Plea Against In-House Panel Report On Monday Curated By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 19:46 IST The hearing will be overseen by a bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and AG Masih Justice Varma's petition before the Supreme Court argues that the in-house procedure is 'extra-constitutional and ultra vires'. File image/PTI The Supreme Court of India is scheduled to hear a crucial petition on Monday filed by Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court. This petition contests an in-house committee report that implicated him following the contentious discovery of a substantial amount of unaccounted cash at his official residence in Delhi. The hearing will be overseen by a bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and AG Masih. The controversy began on March 14, when a fire broke out at Justice Varmas official residence in Lutyens Delhi, where he was serving as a judge of the Delhi High Court at the time. During the firefighting efforts at an outhouse, a large quantity of partially burnt currency notes, reportedly amounting to crores, was uncovered. Recommended Stories Although Justice Varma and his wife were not in Delhi, his daughter and elderly mother were present. A video showing bundles of burning cash soon circulated, sparking widespread allegations of corruption. Justice Varma strongly denied the allegations, asserting that the incident was a conspiracy to frame him. In response to the incident, the then Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, formed a three-member in-house inquiry committee on March 22 to investigate the matter. The committee included Chief Justices Sheel Nagu (Punjab & Haryana High Court), GS Sandhawalia (Himachal Pradesh High Court), and Justice Anu Sivaraman (Karnataka High Court). The committee submitted its report to CJI Khanna in May, which reportedly indicted Justice Varma, concluding that he had covert or active control" over the storeroom where the cash was found and failed to provide a plausible explanation for its presence. The panel examined 55 witnesses and reviewed electronic evidence, including videos and photographs from fire brigade members. Justice Varmas petition before the Supreme Court argues that the in-house procedure is extra-constitutional and ultra vires", challenging the judiciarys authority to recommend removal, which he argues bypasses the constitutional procedure for impeachment vested exclusively in Parliament under Articles 124 and 218. He has also accused the committee of procedural violations, including denying him access to evidence, examining witnesses in his absence, and making conclusions based on presumptions without concrete evidence. He claims his request for a personal hearing from the then CJI after the report was denied, which he asserts is a departure from established convention. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Earlier this month, the central government reportedly decided to initiate an impeachment motion in Parliament for Justice Varmas removal, adding another layer of complexity to the judicial crisis. Chief Justice of India BR Gavai had recused himself from hearing the plea earlier, stating he was involved in the administrative processes related to Justice Varmas transfer to the Allahabad High Court after the incident came to light. (With agency inputs) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More First Published: July 26, 2025, 19:46 IST News india Cash-At-Home Row: SC To Hear Justice Yashwant Varma's Plea Against In-House Panel Report On Monday Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Students Warned Of Cracks Minutes Before Rajasthan School Roof Collapse, But Teachers Ignored Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 08:22 IST A student said that when pebbles started falling inside, the children told the teachers, but they were asked to sit back. Rescue operations after the roof of a school collapsed in Rajasthan. (Photo: X) At least seven students were killed and several others were injured in a tragic incident that unfolded in Rajasthans Jhalawar, after the roof of Piplodi Primary School collapsed. Recommended Stories According to reports, the students alerted the teachers about pebbles falling; however, the warnings were ignored. Pebbles were falling. When the students told the teachers, they scolded them and kept having breakfast. If the children were taken out, the accident would not have happened," a student told India Today TV. The children were made to sit inside the class for prayer. The teachers were having breakfast. When pebbles started falling inside, the children told the teachers. The teachers scolded the children and asked them to sit back in class. After that, the wall gave way and the roof fell on the children. Many children ran here and there to escape, with many getting buried under the rubble. After that, the children were taken out with the help of the villagers," an eighth-standard student said. Meanwhile, five teachers were also suspended on Friday, hours after the accident. A high-level inquiry has been ordered into the incident by the state government. Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma also took stock of the situation and expressed condolences over the unfortunate deaths in a video message. I am saddened by the death of innocent children in this incident. The state government is with the family members of those who are affected by this The administration has been directed to provide better treatment for the injured," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The school building consisted of four classrooms, including the one that collapsed, and was constructed in 1994 by the gram panchayat. Location : Rajasthan, India, India First Published: July 26, 2025, 07:48 IST News india Students Warned Of Cracks Minutes Before Rajasthan School Roof Collapse, But Teachers Ignored Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'We've Always Been There For Maldives As First Responder': Indian High Commissioner | Interview Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 11:04 IST G Balasubramanian said PM Modi is the first head of state who is visiting Maldives under the presidency of Mohd Muizzu as a state guest Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. India has always been there for Maldives as a first responderour national interests coincide," Indian High Commissioner to Maldives, G Balasubramanian, has told CNN-News18 amidst Prime Minister Narendra Modis two-day visit to the island nation. Recommended Stories The ties are historical; we have been there for Maldives as a first responder. We have had wonderful relations despite the changes in the domestic politics. Our national interests coincide," the High Commissioner said, a day after the two sides held delegation-level meetings and signed a host of agreements, including a new Rs 4,850 crore credit line for Maldives by India. It is a pleasure to have PM Modi invited as Guest of Honour at the Independence Day celebrations here. This is the first head of state who is visiting Maldives under the presidency of Mohd Muizzu as a state guest. So, this is very important. This is a significant milestone that both countries have achieved on the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between them," Balasubramanian told CNN-News18. He explained how the relationship encompasses political, cultural, trade and economic relations. There is a huge connection between both the countries. This visit will I am sure give further fillip to these ties," he said. Asked if China is always the elephant in the room when it comes to India-Maldives relations, the High Commissioner said: History is proof that as a geographical neighbour of Maldives, and as the first responder of Maldives, our relationship has always stood the test of time." On Foreign Secretary Vikram Misris statement on Friday of putting behind some statements from Maldives in the past and looking at the future, Balasubramanian said: I would only further state what our foreign secretary said (about the past being past). We do have a very strong relationship and such visits and interactions between both countries add value to the relationship. It is a strong relationship." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He narrated how people had queued up in Maldives to see PM Modi. He is a very popular leader and people here from India and Maldivians too are enthused," the High Commissioner said. Balasubramanian said more than eight initiatives were undertaken during the meetings. We will start negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and we have already finalised the terms of reference for the FTA. We have also signed implementation agreement for UPI which is a big thing in India, and it is growing abroad to help movement of people and facilitate things," he said. About the Author Aman Sharma Aman Sharma, Executive Editor - National Affairs at CNN-News18, and Bureau Chief at News18 in Delhi, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Ministers Office.... Read More Aman Sharma, Executive Editor - National Affairs at CNN-News18, and Bureau Chief at News18 in Delhi, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Ministers Office.... Read More Location : Male, Maldives First Published: July 26, 2025, 10:51 IST News india 'We've Always Been There For Maldives As First Responder': Indian High Commissioner | Interview Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... A drone photo taken on July 26, 2025 shows tourists enjoying lotus flowers in a boat at a scenic area in Xinghua, east China's Jiangsu Province. With heat waves gripping many regions across the country, diverse "cooling tourism" events, such as water-related activities and night tours, have grown in popularity, invigorating the summer economy. (Photo by Zhou Shegen/Xinhua) Tourists take bamboo rafts at a scenic area in Xuan'en County, Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, central China's Hubei Province, July 24, 2025. With heat waves gripping many regions across the country, diverse "cooling tourism" events, such as water-related activities and night tours, have grown in popularity, invigorating the summer economy. (Photo by Song Wen/Xinhua) People take boats at Jialing River in Guang'an City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 25, 2025. With heat waves gripping many regions across the country, diverse "cooling tourism" events, such as water-related activities and night tours, have grown in popularity, invigorating the summer economy. (Photo by Xia Junlin/Xinhua) An aerial drone photo taken on July 25, 2025 shows tourists watching a nighttime performance in Xiangyang ancient town in Xiangyang City, central China's Hubei Province. With heat waves gripping many regions across the country, diverse "cooling tourism" events, such as water-related activities and night tours, have grown in popularity, invigorating the summer economy. (Photo by Yang Dong/Xinhua) A drone photo taken on July 26, 2025 shows tourists watching a performance at a scenic area in Xinghua, east China's Jiangsu Province. With heat waves gripping many regions across the country, diverse "cooling tourism" events, such as water-related activities and night tours, have grown in popularity, invigorating the summer economy. (Photo by Zhou Shegen/Xinhua) An aerial drone photo taken on July 25, 2025 shows tourists taking bamboo rafts in a creek in Taizhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. With heat waves gripping many regions across the country, diverse "cooling tourism" events, such as water-related activities and night tours, have grown in popularity, invigorating the summer economy. (Photo by Wang Huabin/Xinhua) An aerial drone photo taken on July 24, 2025 shows tourists having fun at a scenic spot in Rongcheng City, east China's Shandong Province. With heat waves gripping many regions across the country, diverse "cooling tourism" events, such as water-related activities and night tours, have grown in popularity, invigorating the summer economy. (Photo by Li Xinjun/Xinhua) Tourists watch a nighttime performance in Xiangyang ancient town in Xiangyang City, central China's Hubei Province, July 25, 2025. With heat waves gripping many regions across the country, diverse "cooling tourism" events, such as water-related activities and night tours, have grown in popularity, invigorating the summer economy. (Photo by Yang Dong/Xinhua) An aerial drone photo taken on July 24, 2025 shows tourists having fun at a scenic spot in Rongcheng City, east China's Shandong Province. With heat waves gripping many regions across the country, diverse "cooling tourism" events, such as water-related activities and night tours, have grown in popularity, invigorating the summer economy. (Photo by Li Xinjun/Xinhua) Tourists visit a scenic area in Xuan'en County, Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, central China's Hubei Province, July 24, 2025. With heat waves gripping many regions across the country, diverse "cooling tourism" events, such as water-related activities and night tours, have grown in popularity, invigorating the summer economy. (Photo by Song Wen/Xinhua) An aerial drone photo taken on July 24, 2025 shows poeple gathering at a fountain to cool off in Jiyuan, central China's Henan Province. With heat waves gripping many regions across the country, diverse "cooling tourism" events, such as water-related activities and night tours, have grown in popularity, invigorating the summer economy. (Photo by Miao Qiunao/Xinhua) Honeymoon Murder: Raja Raghuvanshi's Family Holds Pooja At Meghalaya Site Where He Was Killed Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 18:43 IST Raja Raghuvanshi's family held a puja at the Meghalaya site where he was murdered by his wife Sonam Raghuvanshi and her lover Raj Kushwaha during their honeymoon. Follow us on: The puja took place nearly two months after the incident. (File) Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder: The family of Raja Raghuvanshi, an Indore-based transport businessman who was murdered by his wife Sonam Raghuvanshi and her lover Raj Kushwaha during their honeymoon, held a special puja this week at the spot in Meghalayas Sohra where his mortal remains were found. The rituals were performed at the secluded parking lot near Weisawdong Falls, news agency PTI reported. Recommended Stories Rajas family members, including his elder brother Vipin Raghuvanshi, travelled to the northeastern state to offer prayers and seek spiritual closure following the gruesome murder that shocked the nation. We wanted to come to the place where our Raja breathed his last. No family should have to do this, but this was important for us," an emotional Vipin told the news agency after performing the rituals. Raja Raghuvanshi Murder Case Raja and Sonam, who got married on May 11 in Indore, went to Meghalaya on their honeymoon. He was found dead in a gorge near Weisawdong Falls in East Khasi Hills district on June 2, 10 days after the couple went missing, while a search continued for Sonam. She emerged in Uttar Pradeshs Ghazipur, around 1,200 km away from the crime spot, on June 9. The murder took a sensational turn when Raghuvanshis wife, Sonam, was held by Meghalaya Police along with her three alleged aides, Akash Rajput (19), Vishal Singh Chauhan (22), and Raj Singh Kushwaha (20). Investigations revealed that Sonam was in a relationship with Raj Kushwaha and had plotted the murder for months. The other three accused, Vishal Chauhan, Akash Rajput and Anand Kurmi, were initially suspected to be hired killers, but the police later found they were friends of Kushwaha. All five accused, including Sonam and Raj, are at present in judicial custody. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all We demand swift justice. Those who conspired and killed our Raja must not walk free," said his brother. (With inputs from PTI) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More view comments Location : Shillong, India, India First Published: July 26, 2025, 18:43 IST News india Honeymoon Murder: Raja Raghuvanshi's Family Holds Pooja At Meghalaya Site Where He Was Killed Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy India Planning To Ground Rafale Fighter Jets? PIB Fact-Checks Misleading Claim Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 22:10 IST The Press Information Bureau debunked claims by Pakistani YouTube channelthat India plans to ground Rafale jets. The IAF Rafale jets are fully operational. Contrary to the misleading narrative, the Indian Air Force's Rafale jets remain fully operational. (X) A Pakistani propaganda YouTube channel Global Times Pakistan falsely claimed that India is planning to ground rafale jets following Mays four-day conflict during Operation Sindoor, as per a fact-check issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB). The PIB Fact Check unit debunked the claim as fake and said that Indian Air Forces Rafale fighter jets are fully operational. Recommended Stories The PIB highlighted that a Pakistani propaganda YouTube channel in its banner over a video has claimed that India plans to ground rafale jets. Is India planning to ground Rafale fighter jets? A Pakistani propaganda YouTube channel Global Times Pakistan in its banner over a video has claimed that India plans to ground rafale jets. The claim made is Fake. Indian Air Force Rafale are operational," the PIB said in an X post. Is India planning to ground Rafale fighter jets?A Pakistani propaganda YouTube channel Global Times Pakistan in its banner over a video has claimed that India plans to ground rafale jets #PIBFactCheck The claim made is #Fake Indian Air Force Rafale are operational pic.twitter.com/7VaQgBdBXS PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) July 26, 2025 The PIB further cautioned the public to dont fall for misinformation. Always verify news from official sources before sharing it," it added. India is actively expanding its Rafale programme, not scaling it down. According to a recent update from PIB, the Indian government has finalised the procurement of 26 Rafale-M (Marine) aircraft for the Indian Navy in a deal estimated to be worth Rs 63,000 crore, in addition to the 36 Rafale jets already in service with the Indian Air Force. Four days of India-Pakistan clashes in May were the most serious confrontation in years between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, and included air combat that involved dozens of aircraft from both sides. Following Indias launch of retaliatory strikes in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Pakistan attempted to play down the offensive by alleging it had shot down three Indian Rafale jets, along with one Su-30 and one MiG-29. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to reports, Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif claimed that five Indian aircraft were brought down and that several Indian soldiers had been taken prisoner, though he did not specify a number. However, the false propaganda of the neighbouring country was debunked by New Delhi. 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 26, 2025, 22:10 IST News india India Planning To Ground Rafale Fighter Jets? PIB Fact-Checks Misleading Claim Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'India Will Get Due Credit': Piyush Goyal On Prada Using Kolhapuris As Inspiration Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 16:24 IST Piyush Goyal said the Commerce Ministry ensured India gets credit for the Prada Kolhapuri chappal design. Prada acknowledged the Indian inspiration after criticism. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. (File Photo) Union Minister of Trade and Industry, Piyush Goyal reacted to the ongoing Prada Kolhapuri chappal row. He told reporters that after the recently signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom, India will get due credit for its design. In June 2025, Italian luxury brand Prada unveiled its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collection featuring open-toe leather sandals. Furthermore, the Union minister also said Kolhapuris are Indias GI product and when its design was used by a global brand, the Commerce Ministry took immediate action. Recommended Stories When a global brand used the design of our Kolhapuri chappals, Commerce Ministry immediately took action on it. Going forward, when the Kolhapuri chappal is exported, India will get the due credit for its design. It is Indias GI product," Goyal said. He also added that several global brands are willing to collaborate with Indian markets and take our products to the global audience. Many global brands are expressing their desire to associate their names with Indias products and sell them in global markets. The Kolhapuri Chappal can have a business of Rs 8000-10000 crores in the international market," Goyal was quoted by ANI as saying. #WATCH | Delhi: On the India-UK FTA, Minister of Trade and Industry, Piyush Goyal says, When a global brand used the design of our Kolhapuri chappals, Commerce Ministry immediately took action on it. Going forward, when the Kolhapuri chappal is exported, India will get the pic.twitter.com/cBaxBmPSZs ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Prada had described the footwear as leather sandals," with no reference to an Indian connection. Upon criticism, Prada recognised and validated Kolhpauris Indian connection, saying the design is inspired" by the Indian handcrafted footwear. Artisans from Maharashtra criticised Pradas move and alleged violation of geographical identification (GI) rights. Following the outrage, Prada accepted the Indian inspiration, but also mentioned that the sandals featured in the mens 2026 fashion show are still at the design stage and none of the pieces worn by models on the ramp are confirmed to be commercialised," reported PTI. First Published: July 26, 2025, 16:24 IST News india 'India Will Get Due Credit': Piyush Goyal On Prada Using Kolhapuris As Inspiration Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Kargil Vijay Diwas: 26 Years On, Nation Salutes Fallen Heroes Of 1999 War; PM Modi Pays Homage Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 14:37 IST Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025: Observed annually on July 26, the day commemorates the courage and sacrifice of soldiers who lost their lives in the 1999 Kargil War Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025 Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025: The nation on Saturday came together to mark Kargil Vijay Diwas, paying tribute to the brave soldiers who displayed exceptional courage and valour during the 1999 Kargil War. Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed annually on July 26, commemorates the courage and sacrifice of Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the Kargil War, marking 26 years since the 1999 conflict. Recommended Stories The Kargil conflict broke out in May 1999 after Pakistani soldiers and militants crossed the Line of Control (LoC) and occupied key positions in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir. This incursion triggered a high-altitude military confrontation between India and Pakistan. Following several weeks of intense fighting, Indian forces successfully regained control of all infiltrated areas, formally ending the conflict on July 26, 1999. Tributes Pour In For Bravehearts President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led the nation in extending the wishes for the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas and remembering the fallen heroes who showed immense courage for their motherland. On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay my heartfelt tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the motherland. This day symbolises the extraordinary valour, courage, and steadfast determination of our jawans. Their dedication and supreme sacrifice for the nation will forever inspire its citizens," President Murmu wrote on X. PM Modi said, Heartfelt greetings to the countrymen on Kargil Vijay Diwas. This occasion reminds us of the unparalleled courage and valor of those brave sons of Mother India who dedicated their lives to protect the nations pride. Their passion to sacrifice everything for the motherland will continue to inspire every generation. Jai Hind!" , - Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2025 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, paying tribute on Kargil Vijay Diwas, said, I pay heartfelt tributes to our bravehearts who displayed extraordinary courage, grit and determination in defending our nations honour in the toughest of terrains." He added that their ultimate sacrifice stands as a lasting reminder of the armed forces unwavering commitment, and that the nation will always remain indebted to their service. Union Home Minister Amit Shah called Kargil Vijay Diwas an unforgettable day" of pride and victory for the countrys soldiers. In the year 1999, our soldiers, through Operation Vijay, brought the enemy to their knees, setting an indelible example of indomitable courage and valor. On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay tribute to all those brave heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for the defense of the motherland. The nation will forever remain indebted to your sacrifice and dedication," he wrote in an X post. Kargil War: The Fallen Heroes The 1999 Kargil conflict was a high-altitude military engagement in the Himalayas, where Indian troops fought to reclaim territory occupied by infiltrators across the Line of Control (LoC). The intrusion, discovered in areas like Batalik, Dras, and Kaksar, came soon after the Lahore Declaration and marked a serious breach of trust by Pakistan. India responded with strategic restraint and resolve, launching Operation Vijay to regain lost positions without crossing the LoC. The operation was marked by some of the fiercest battles in military history, including those at Tololing, Tiger Hill, and Point 4875, where Indian soldiers displayed exceptional courage under extreme weather and rugged terrain. Officers like Captain Vikram Batra, Captain Anuj Nayyar, Major Rajesh Adhikari, and others emerged as national heroes for their bravery. Despite facing significant odds, the Indian Army successfully reclaimed all infiltrated positions. The conflict, which claimed the lives of 545 Indian soldiers, became a turning point in Indias military and diplomatic history. The Kargil War Memorial in Dras now stands as a solemn tribute to the soldiers unmatched bravery and sacrifice. India honoured the gallantry of its forces through numerous military awards: Param Vir Chakra (Indias highest wartime gallantry award): Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey (Posthumous), 11 Gorkha Rifles Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav, 18 Grenadiers Captain Vikram Batra (Posthumous), 13 JAK Rifles Rifleman Sanjay Kumar, 13 JAK Rifles Maha Vir Chakra (Posthumous, unless stated): Captain Anuj Nayyar, 17 Jat Major Rajesh Adhikari, 18 Grenadiers Lieutenant Keishing Clifford Nongrum, 12 JAK LI Major Vivek Gupta, 2 Rajputana Rifles Vir Chakra (Posthumous): Captain Vijyant Thapar, 2 Rajputana Rifles In addition, the armed forces received a range of other gallantry honours, including: top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 1 Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal 6 Uttam Yudh Seva Medals 8 Yudh Seva Medals 83 Sena Medals 24 Vayu Sena Medals These recognitions reflect the exceptional spirit and resilience demonstrated by the Indian armed forces during the conflict, securing Kargil as a lasting symbol of courage, discipline, and national pride. First Published: July 26, 2025, 09:00 IST News india Kargil Vijay Diwas: 26 Years On, Nation Salutes Fallen Heroes Of 1999 War; PM Modi Pays Homage Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Monitoring Situation: India Urges Thailand And Cambodia To De-Escalate Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 19:49 IST India monitors Thailand-Cambodia border clashes, urging both nations to cease hostilities. Indian embassies advise nationals to avoid border areas and stay in touch for help. Smoke billows from petrol station in Thailand. (Image: X) Thailand-Cambodia Clashes: India on Saturday responded to the ongoing border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia We are closely monitoring the situation along the border between Cambodia and Thailand. India has close and friendly relations with both countries and hopes that both sides will take measures for a cessation of hostilities and prevention of further escalation," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a press statement. Recommended Stories The MEA further urged the Indian travellers in both the countries to saty in touch with their respective embassies for any assistance. Embassy of India in Bangkok, Thailand- Helpline: + 66 61 881 9218 (WhatsApp calls also). Embassy of India in Phnom Penh, Cambodia- Helpline: +855 92 881 676 (WhatsApp calls also)," the press release added. India Issues Advisory For Indians In Cambodia Earlier, the Indian Embassy in Cambodia had issued an advisory for Indian nationals travelling to the country amid ongoing clashes with Thailand, suggesting that they avoid going to border areas. In view of the ongoing clashes at the Cambodia-Thailand border, Indian nationals are advised to avoid traveling to the border areas," the Embassy said. In case of any emergency, Indian nationals may approach the Embassy of India, Phnom Penh at +855 92881676 or email cons.phnompenh@mea.gov.in," it added. Indian Embassy In Thailand Issues Advisory Earlier on Friday, Indian Embassy in Thailand advised its nationals to practice caution and avoid travelling to seven provinces in view of the situation arising out of the clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops over a disputed border. In view of the situation near the Thailand-Cambodia border, all Indian travellers to Thailand are advised to check updates from Thai official sources, including TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) Newsroom, the Indian embassy said in a social media post. Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes Thailand and Cambodia continued their fighting for the third straight day on Saturday, as the death toll in the deadly fighting rose to 33. Phnom Penh has said that it was ready for an immediate ceasefire, unconditionally". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A decades-long border dispute between the two countries erupted into an intense military confrontation involving jets, artillery, tanks and ground troops on Thursday, after which the United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting on Friday. AFP on Friday reported Cambodia called for a ceasefire with Thailand. The report cited Chhea Keo, the countrys ambassador to the United Nations. Quoting Keo in a social media post, AFP mentioned that Cambodia asked for an immediate unconditional ceasefire". Reportedly, Keo made the statement following a closed meeting of the Security Council attended by Cambodia and Thailand. 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 26, 2025, 19:49 IST News india Monitoring Situation: India Urges Thailand And Cambodia To De-Escalate Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... MP High Court Slams Caste-Like Structure In Judiciary: 'District Judges Treated As Shudras' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 12:52 IST The court also noted that fear and subordination are deeply embedded in the relationship between the two levels of the judiciary. Madhya Pradesh High Court | File Image The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday sharply criticised what it described as a caste-based and feudal mindset within the state judiciary, likening the structural relationship between high court and district judges to that of savarn" and shudras". The court also noted that fear and subordination are deeply embedded in the relationship between the two levels of the judiciary. Recommended Stories At a subliminal level, the penumbra of the caste system manifests in the judicial structure in this state where those in the High Court are the savarn and the shudras are the les miserables of the District Judiciary," the order stated. A division bench of Justices Atul Sreedharan and DK Paliwal noted that the judicial hierarchy reflects caste-like divisions, with high court judges perceived as privileged and district judges relegated to inferior status. The comments came while quashing the 2015 dismissal of special court judge Jagat Mohan Chaturvedi, who was removed from service for granting bail in a case. The bench found no material evidence of misconduct or corruption against him and directed the state to pay Rs 5 lakh as compensation for the damage to his reputation. The court observed that incidents of district judges being made to personally attend to high court judges at railway stations or being denied a seat in official meetings reflect a colonial hangover and a persistent culture of entitlement. The dismal relationship between the judges of the High Court and the judges of the District Judiciary is one between a feudal lord and serf," the bench said. It further stated that such power dynamics contribute to a backlog of bail applications and appeals, as district judges often function in fear of being penalised for their judicial decisions. The judgment underlined the psychological burden carried by the lower judiciary, stating: The subjugation and enslavement of the psyche of the judges of the district judiciary is complete and irreversible, so it seems." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The court also restored Chaturvedis pensionary benefits and ordered payment of back wages with 7 per cent interest from the date of dismissal to the date he would have superannuated. The order must be implemented within 90 days, failing which the petitioner may seek contempt action. Location : Madhya Pradesh, India, India First Published: July 26, 2025, 12:52 IST News india MP High Court Slams Caste-Like Structure In Judiciary: 'District Judges Treated As Shudras' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... NCERT To Add Module On Operation Sindoor, Shubhanshu Shuklas Space Mission In Curriculum Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 22:54 IST The NCERT is developing a special classroom module on Operation Sindoor to help students learn about Indias defence strategy and diplomatic response, according to sources. NCERT is creating a special classroom module on Operation Sindoor, Indias May 7 counter-strike after the Pahalgam terror attack. (File) The National Council for Education Research and Training (NCERT) is developing two special classroom modules on Operation Sindoor Indias strikes against terror infrastructure across Pakistan with an aim to make students of classes 3-12 learn about Indias defence strategy and diplomatic response, news agency PTI reported citing sources. As per sources, two modules are currently under works. The first module is designed for students of Classes 3 to 8, while the second is intended for Classes 9 to 12. Each of these modules are likely to be around 8 to 10 pages long. Recommended Stories This classroom module is aimed at helping students understand how nations respond to terror threats and how defence, diplomacy, and coordination between ministries play a role in national security. The aim is to make students understand how nations respond to terror threats and how defence, diplomacy, and coordination between ministries play a role in national security," education ministry sources said. Apart from Operation Sindoor, students will also be taught about Mission LiFE Indias lifestyle campaign for environment-conscious living, the horrors of the Partition, and the countrys emergence as a major space power, news agency ANI reported. Additionally, the NCERT is also planning to introduce the modules exploring Indias growing prominence in space, highlighting key missions like Chandrayaan and Aditya-L1, along with the recent achievement of Indian Air Force Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla reaching the International Space Station (ISS) on Axiom Mission 4. The modules aim to provide a comprehensive view of Indias progress across sectors-from defence to diplomacy, from sustainable development to space exploration," the source added. Operation Sindoor In one of the biggest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Lashkar-linked terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on April 22, killing at least 26 people, including foreign tourists, and injuring many others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, claimed responsibility for the attack. India responded with Operation Sindoor on May 7, bombing nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in pre-dawn strikes that killed at least 100 militants. The operation sparked four days of cross-border fighting involving fighter jets, missiles and artillery. Axiom-4 Mission IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla along with former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, Slawosz Uznanski from Poland (European Space Agency) and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, blasted off to International Space Station as part of Axiom-4 mission on June 25. The mission marked the first time an Indian entered the International Space Station and performed experiments in microgravity. The Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission was the fourth private astronaut expedition to the International Space Station. The crew returned safely to Earth onboard SpaceXs Dragon capsule, Grace, on July 15, after it made the splashdown into the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of San Diego in Southern California. He was flown to Houston, where he also met his family members, including his wife and child. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Shukla brought along with him the results of the seven experiments, which were developed by Indian research institutions under the Human Space Flight Centres coordination. (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 26, 2025, 22:54 IST News india NCERT To Add Module On Operation Sindoor, Shubhanshu Shuklas Space Mission In Curriculum Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'New All-Arms Brigades Being Formed': Army Chief Announces 'Rudra' On Kargil Vijay Diwas Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 12:09 IST Indian Army chief also sent across a message to Pakistan from the border on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas that those who harbour terrorism "will no longer escape". Kargil Vijay Diwas: Indian Army chief announces 'Rudra' birgade (PTI Image) Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi announced new all-arms brigades" named Rudra on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas on Saturday. Laying down the Indian Armys steps towards modernisation and transformation, he said that all-arms brigades and lethal special forces units were being formed to make the army a future-oriented force". Recommended Stories Todays Indian Army is not only successfully addressing current challenges but is also rapidly advancing as a transformative, modern, and future-oriented force. Under this, new all-arms brigades named Rudra are being formed, and I approved it yesterday. This will have fighting components like infantry, mechanised infantry, armored units, artillery, special forces, and unmanned aerial systems, supported by tailored logistics and combat support," he said while addressing the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations at Dras, Kargil. #WATCH | Dras, Kargil | Addressing the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations, Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi says, The forces that are conspiring to harm Indias sovereignty, integrity and people, will be given a befitting reply in the future too, this is the new normal pic.twitter.com/EeETvgBVAM ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2025 Similarly, agile and lethal special forces units, Bhairav Light Commando Battalions, have been established to shock the enemy on the border. Every infantry battalion now includes Drone Platoons, while artillery has enhanced its firepower manifold through Divyastra Batteries and Loiter Munition Batteries. Army Air Defence is being equipped with indigenous missile systems. This will increase our force multifold," General Dwivedi stressed. Sources told CNN-News18 that two infantry brigades have already been converted into Rudra Brigades. Till now, the Army used to have only arm-specific brigades, but Rudra will be a mix of arms. The Army chief evoked Operation Sindoor to send out a clear message to Pakistan on Kargil Vijay Diwas that those who harbour terrorism will no longer escape. He said that Indias May 7 strike was not just a response but a message to Pakistan, whose terrorists carried out the Pahalgam terror attack, killing 26 civilians. The cowardly terrorist attack in Pehalgam was a deep wound for the entire nation. But this time, India did not just mourn; it resolved to respond decisively. With the unwavering trust of the nation and the strategic autonomy granted by the government, the Indian Army delivered a well-planned, precise, and decisive response. On the night of May 6-7, the Indian Army targeted nine high-value terrorist locations in Pakistan and POJK without harming any innocent civilians. This was not just a response; it was a clear message: Those who harbor terrorism will no longer escape," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all General Dwivedi said that India responded to Pakistans military actions from May 7 to 9 with measured and precise retaliation". Our Army Air Defence stood as an impregnable wall, impenetrable by any drone or missile. This was achieved through a Whole-of-Nation Approach, where the Army, Air Force, Navy, and other government agencies stood united. Any forces planning to harm Indias sovereignty, integrity, or people have been given a befitting reply and will continue to receive one," the Army chief said. About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Location : Kargil, India, India First Published: July 26, 2025, 11:28 IST News india 'New All-Arms Brigades Being Formed': Army Chief Announces 'Rudra' On Kargil Vijay Diwas Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Will Build Viksit Tamil Nadu': PM Modi Inaugurates Rs 4,800 Crore Projects In Thoothukudi Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 21:26 IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated development projects worth Rs 4,800 crore in Thoothukudi and outlined his plan to create a Viksit Tamil Nadu. PM Modi in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi. (BJP/X) Immediately landing in India after concluding his two-day trip to the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated development projects worth Rs 4,800 crore in Tamil Nadus Thoothukudi on Saturday. It is my good fortune that after a four-day foreign tour, I got the opportunity to come directly to this sacred land of Bhagwan Rameswaram," PM Modi said in a public speech. It is a symbol of the growing trust of the world and the new self-confidence of India. With this very self-confidence, we will build a Viksit Bharat and a Viksit Tamil Nadu." Recommended Stories The landmark projects inaugurated by PM Modi include a new airport terminal building, railway infrastructure projects, highway projects and a major power transmission project. They are expected to significantly enhance regional connectivity, boost logistics efficiency, strengthen clean energy infrastructure, and improve the quality of life for citizens across Tamil Nadu, according to an official release. In September, I inaugurated the new Thoothukudi International Container Terminal. And today, once again, projects worth Rs 4,800 crore have been inaugurated and foundation stones laid here. These include projects related to airports, highways, ports, and railways, as well as important initiatives linked to the power sector," he said. Congratulations to my sisters and brothers of Thoothukudi for a new airport terminal building. This will boost the local economy and also encourage tourism. pic.twitter.com/BiXZ99HHeQ Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2025 The Prime Minister said his governments focus on infrastructure and energy is a key priority in the development of Tamil Nadu, and said Thoothukudi has itself become a model of development. India-UK FTA Will PM Modi also highlighted the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed between India and the UK, saying it accelerates the vision of Viksit Bharat and will add renewed strength to the Indian economy. After this FTA agreement, 99% of Indian products sold in Britain will be tax-free. When Indian goods become cheaper in Britain, their demand will increase there. And here in India, more opportunities will be created for the manufacturing of those good," he added. He asserted that the world sees its own growth in Indias growth, and the India-UK FTA will significantly benefit Tamil Nadus youth, small industries, MSMEs, and start-ups. Masters Of Terrorism PM Modi turned to Operation Sindoor, saying, Today, the Government of India is strongly emphasising Make in India and Mission Manufacturing. You all recently witnessed the power of Make in India during Operation Sindoor." The weapons made in India played a major role in reducing terrorist hideouts to rubble. Weapons made in India are still keeping the masters of terrorism awake at night," he added. Development Projects In Thoothukudi PM Modi hailed the Rs 450 crore New Terminal Building at Tuticorin Airport as a big step" in the states development, saying it will now be able to host more than 20 lakh passengers annually, as compared to 3 lakh earlier. He also dedicated two strategically significant highway projects, the 4-laning of the 50 km SethiyathopeCholapuram stretch of NH-36, developed at more than Rs 2,350 crore under the VikravandiThanjavur corridor, and the 6-laning of the 5.16 km NH-138 Tuticorin Port Road, built at around Rs 200 crore. He also inaugurated three key railway infrastructure projects in southern Tamil Nadu to boost sustainable and efficient connectivity. Our government considers the railways as the lifeline of industrial growth and a Atmanirbhar Bharat. That is why, in the past 11 years, the railway infrastructure in the country has witnessed a new era of modernisation," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Even today, the railway projects we have dedicated in Tamil Nadu will benefit millions of people in South Tamil Nadu. With the electrification of the Madurai to Bodinayakkanur line, the path is now open for running trains like Vande Bharat in this region." PM Modi also inaugurated the North Cargo BerthIII with a cargo handling capacity of 6.96 MMTPA at VO Chidambaranar Port, worth around Rs 285 crore. This will help in meeting the growing demand of handling dry bulk cargo requirements in the region, thereby improving overall port efficiency and optimising cargo handling logistics, as per the release. 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 : Thoothukkudi, India, India First Published: July 26, 2025, 20:41 IST News india 'Will Build Viksit Tamil Nadu': PM Modi Inaugurates Rs 4,800 Crore Projects In Thoothukudi Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Road Blocked, Protest Rally Held As Udaipur's Medical College Faces Outrage Over Student Suicide Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 09:08 IST The students of the college carried out massive protest on the campus and also blocked a road outside, demanding action against the faculty members mentioned on the suicide note. Udaipur medical student found dead in her hostel (AI-generated image) A medical student allegedly took her own life in her hostel room in a private medical college in Rajasthans Udaipur, officials said on Friday. The incident took place on Thursday night when a final-year BDS student from Jammu and Kashmir, Sweta Singh, was found hanging in her room. Her roommate allegedly discovered her hanging, after which she alerted the hostel authorities, and the police were called. Recommended Stories The cops found a suicide note at the spot where the student allegedly accused the faculty of mentally harassing students and not conducting examinations on time, the officials said. As the incident came to light, the students carried out a protest march at the college and blocked a road outside, as they demanded action against the teachers who were mentioned in Swetas note. The college director held talks with the students and assured them of taking strict action against those faculty members. The matter is being investigated by the police, and they will take appropriate action based on their findings. The college management is also addressing the situation and will terminate the staff members involved," the director told reporters, news agency PTI reported. SHO Sukher Police Station Ravindra Charan said that the students body was shifted to a mortuary, and a postmortem will be conducted after the arrival of her family members. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all (With PTI inputs) 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 Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Location : Udaipur, India, India First Published: July 26, 2025, 09:08 IST News india Road Blocked, Protest Rally Held As Udaipur's Medical College Faces Outrage Over Student Suicide Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... As U.S. President Donald Trump flexes his money and military might, Eurasia and much of the world are forging stronger ties, noted Robinder Sachdev, president of India's Imagindia Institute. "The world would be one that America was trying not to have," he told Xinhua at the ongoing SCO Media and Think Tank Summit in Zhengzhou. A Miao Xiaojuan Studio Film A Xinhua News Agency Production Two Medical Students, Out For Picnic With Friends, Drown In Odisha Waterfall Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 19:17 IST Two final-year MBBS students from VIMSAR, Monika Meena and Sandeep Puri, drowned at Deojharan waterfall in Odisha's Sambalpur district after slipping into deep water. Follow us on: The victims have been identified as Monika Meena from Rajasthan and Sandeep Puri from Delhi. (News18) In a tragic incident, two final-year MBBS students of the Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) drowned while bathing at the Deojharan waterfall in the Jujomura area of Odishas Sambalpur district. The incident took place when a group of six students from VIMSAR had gone to the popular waterfall site for an outing. As per the local media reports, despite an official notice prohibiting visits to waterfalls during holidays, the students ventured to the top of the falls. Recommended Stories The deceased, identified as Monika Meena from Rajasthan and Sandeep Puri from Delhi, accidentally slipped into deep water while bathing. As per the local media, neither of them knew how to swim. Monika sustained a serious head injury while both were swept away by the strong current. Local tourists and the remaining students immediately alerted the fire service personnel and police. Rescue teams arrived at the spot and recovered the bodies from the water. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Both were rushed to the Jujumura Group Health Centre, where doctors declared them dead. Local police have launched an investigation into the incident. About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More view comments Location : Sambalpur, India, India First Published: July 26, 2025, 19:17 IST News india Two Medical Students, Out For Picnic With Friends, Drown In Odisha Waterfall Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Wayanad Man Lost 11 Family Members In Landslide. Now, He Runs A Restaurant Named July 30 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 17:54 IST Kalathingal Noufal lost 11 family members in the Wayanad landslides on July 30, 2024. A year later, he rebuilt his life, opened a restaurant named 'July 30'. Last month, Noufal ushered in another new beginning by getting married to Safna. (X) The catastrophic landslides that struck Keralas Wayanad on July 30, 2024, wiped out 11 members of Kalathingal Noufals family including his wife and three children. The accident was life-changing for him. Now a year later, his story is one of grit, determination and massive support. Despite suffering such a huge loss, Naufal did not give up. He pulled himself together and decided to rebuild his life. Recommended Stories Today, the 43-year-old has found a new partner, started a restaurant named July 30 and got a new house, reported Indian Express. Naufal was living in Mundakkai, the village in Wayanad that was totally wiped out in the landslides that claimed 298 lives, washed away houses and buildings. On the day of tragedy, Naufal was working as a chef in Oman. When he got the news of the tragedy, he immediately returned to India and witnessed his life tattering into rubbles, reported Indian Express. I had to go through the trauma of seeing their bodies. Of the 11, I could only identify five. The rest were identified through DNA tests," he said to the news outlet. He then decided to move his life forward and fulfil the dream of his late wife, Sajna, to settle in Kerala by starting a restaurant. Initially, he was living in a temporary house. He also refused to meet counselors, as he felt that reliving the past every time would only increase his pain. He tried to heal his wounds on his own. During that time, Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen (KNM), a Muslim socio-religious organisation, gave him a financial aid of Rs 7 lakh. Deciding to carry forward the wifes dream, he started a restaurant-cum-bakery, which he named July 30 in memory of the day that upended his life. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all When I named the restaurant July 30, many people criticised me. But everyone who goes to the affected areas should recall that day, the tragedy and the loss. That will make people humble and bring them closer to God," he told the news outlet. Later, the Oman-based Kerala Muslim Cultural Center (KMCC) bought land for him and built a new house, the keys of which were handed over to him recently. After this, Naufal also married Safna, making a new beginning. 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 : Wayanad, India, India First Published: July 26, 2025, 17:54 IST News india Wayanad Man Lost 11 Family Members In Landslide. Now, He Runs A Restaurant Named July 30 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Were Ruined: Ajit Pawar Claims Pune's IT Park Is Moving Out Of Maharashtra Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 23:48 IST Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has caused a flutter by revealing that Hinjewadi IT Park in Pune is "moving out" to Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Ajit Pawar (PTI) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has stirred a debate by claiming that that the Hinjewadi IT Park in Pune is slowly moving out" of the state and is shifting to other IT cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad. The deputy CM made the remark during an early morning inspection of civic issues in Pimpri Chinchwad on Saturday. In a video shared by news agency PTI, Pawar is seen expressing his frustration while interacting with people. Recommended Stories We are ruined. The entire IT park of Hinjewadi is moving out. Its going out of my Pune, out of Maharashtra to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, dont you care at all?" fumed Pawar while confronting local Sarpanch Ganesh Jambhulkar during a public interaction. VIDEO | Pune, Maharashtra: Deputy CM Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) conducted a review of civic issues at Rajiv Gandhi IT Park area in Hinjewadi early morning today.#MaharashtraNews #PuneNews(Full video available on PTI Videos https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/C6jkiMILBy Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 26, 2025 Pawar reached Hinjewadi at 6 AM to take stock of local issues like waterlogging and others. He also visited several areas in Pimpri Chinchwad. The heated exchange unfolded as Jambhulkar raised complaints about local problems in the presence of the media. Pawar reportedly asked media personnel to switch off their cameras and said, Temples are displaced when dams are constructed. You can say whatever you want, Ill listen, but I will do what I want to." Why do I come here for inspections at 6 in the morning? I dont understand. Theres no alternative but to take strict action," he added as quoted by the news agency. Hinjewadi IT Park Hinjewadi is home to the Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, a major tech and business zone spread over 2,800 acres. It was developed by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and has offices of over 800 companies. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Many people believe this park helped put Pune on the map as a major IT hub. If companies start shifting out, it could be a big blow to Maharashtras economy and jobs. (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 26, 2025, 23:47 IST News india Were Ruined: Ajit Pawar Claims Pune's IT Park Is Moving Out Of Maharashtra Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Who Was Rajendra Chola I? PM Modi To Attend Chola Emperors Birth Anniversary Celebrations Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 20:50 IST PM Modi will attend an event marking 1000 years of Rajendra Chola I's maritime expedition and the construction of Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple. A file photo of PM Narendra Modi (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday will attend a programme to mark a thousand years of the maritime expedition of the great Rajendra Chola I to South East Asia and the commencement of the construction of the iconic Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple in Tamil Nadu. As part of the celebrations, a commemorative coin honouring the great Chola king will be released, coinciding with the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival, PM Modi wrote on X. Recommended Stories Tomorrow, 27th July, will witness a very special programme to mark a thousand years of the maritime expedition of the great Rajendra Chola I to South East Asia and the commencement of the construction of the iconic Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, a shining example of Chola architecture. It is our privilege that a commemorative coin honouring Rajendra Chola I is being released, also celebrating the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival," he said on X. The celebration also commemorates the birth anniversary of the great Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I. The grand finale of the festival on July 27 will be graced by PM Modi, who will attend the event as the Chief Guest. Who Was Rajendra Chola I? Rajendra Chola I (10141044 CE) was one of the most powerful and visionary rulers in Indian history. Under his leadership, the Chola Empire expanded its influence across South and Southeast Asia. He established Gangaikonda Cholapuram as the imperial capital after his victorious campaigns, and the temple he built there served as a beacon of Shaiva devotion, monumental architecture, and administrative prowess for over 250 years. Today, the temple stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its intricate sculptures, Chola bronzes, and ancient inscriptions. The Aadi Thiruvathirai festival also celebrates the rich Tamil Shaiva Bhakti tradition, fervently supported by the Cholas and immortalised by the 63 Nayanmarsthe saint-poets of Tamil Shaivism. Notably, Rajendra Cholas birth star, Thiruvathirai (Ardra), begins on July 23, making this years festival all the more significant. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all PM Modi will be joined by the Governor of Tamil Nadu, R.N. Ravi, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Minister of State in the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Dr. L. Murugan, along with other dignitaries. First Published: July 26, 2025, 20:15 IST News india Who Was Rajendra Chola I? PM Modi To Attend Chola Emperors Birth Anniversary Celebrations Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Wont Accept Any Govt Position: Heres What CJI Gavai Plans To Do After Retirement Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 12:42 IST The CJI, during a visit to his native village, also suggested decentralisation of the judiciary to deliver justice at the doorstep of litigants Chief Justice of India BR Gavai (Image: PTI file photo) Chief Justice of India BR Gavai has said he will not accept any government post after retirement and will instead spend more time in his village. Speaking after being felicitated at Darapur, his native village in Maharashtras Amravati district, CJI Gavai said: I have decided that I will not accept any government position after my retirementI will get more time after retirement, so I will try to spend more time in Darapur, Amravati and Nagpur." Recommended Stories Justice Gavai is set to retire in November this year. Earlier on Friday, a huge crowd of people welcomed the CJI as he arrived in the village. He paid floral tributes at the memorial of his father, former governor of Kerala and Bihar RS Gavai, and attended a programme to mark his death anniversary along with some family members. Gavai also laid the foundation stone for a grand gate to be constructed on the way to Darapur, named after RS Gavai. The CJI, during his visit, also suggested decentralisation of the judiciary to deliver justice at the doorstep of litigants. Speaking at a function after inaugurating a court building in Daryapur town, CJI Gavai said as head of the Judicial Infrastructure Committee, he had prepared a model of setting up new taluka and district-level courts. It (work on his proposal) is happening, but red tapism in courts and government is the same," he noted. The CJI maintained that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his predecessors Eknath Shinde (June 2022-November 2024) and Uddhav Thackeray (November 2019-June 2022), have been positive about judicial infrastructure works and adequate funds are being provided. He also told the gathering that he had come to Daryapur not as the Supreme Court chief justice, but as a resident of the district. CJI Gavai, who assumed the top office in May this year, noted he has always advocated decentralisation of the judiciary so that justice is delivered at the doorstep of litigants. He also advised junior lawyers to undergo apprenticeship before charting out their own career course. If one wants to argue in courts without any experience and own a Mercedes or BMW in six months, then one needs to understand their motive," he cautioned. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all CJI Gavai advised fresh law graduates not to allow status and prestige associated with lawyers to go to their heads. I have seen junior lawyers not offering seat to their seniors. Similarly, there was an instance where a junior lawyer fainted in court when he was fired by the judge. Both judges and lawyers are equal partners. The chair (representing legal authority) is to serve people and power associated with it should not be allowed to go into their heads," he advised. (With PTI inputs) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More Location : Amravati, India, India First Published: July 26, 2025, 12:42 IST News india Wont Accept Any Govt Position: Heres What CJI Gavai Plans To Do After Retirement Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... After Kolhapuri Row, Netizens Say Pradas Latest Heels Are Juttis In Disguise Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 15:16 IST Prada recentluy unveiled its latest leather pumps. Indians online believe that the heels strike a very close resemblance to Rajasthani leather juttis. Prada previously faced backlash for Kolhapuri-inspired sandals. After sparking outrage earlier this year with Kolhapuri-inspired sandals, Prada is once again under fire. This time, for its new Antiqued Leather Pumps, which many say mimic traditional Indian juttis. Netizens were quick to point out the striking similarity between the so-called original and unconventional design and handcrafted ethnic footwear long worn across India. Despite minor tweaks like the addition of stilettos, the shoes pointed-toe shape, visible stitching, and leather finish, netizens believe that the pumps appear to be heavily influenced by the classic jutti. Whats stirred even more criticism is the lack of any reference to the styles cultural roots. Recommended Stories Take a look at the pictures here. This isnt Pradas first run-in with accusations of cultural appropriation. The Italian luxury brand found itself at the centre of a cultural appropriation debate after unveiling T-strap leather sandals as part of its Spring/Summer 2026 collection at Milan Fashion Week. Social media users were quick to point out the uncanny resemblance to Indias traditional Kolhapuri chappals, despite Prada labelling them as toe-ring sandals." The lack of credit to Indian craftsmanship drew sharp criticism online. Kolhapuri chappals, handmade by skilled artisans from Maharashtras Kolhapur region, have a rich legacy that dates back to the 12th century. In 2019, they received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, an official recognition that protects their heritage and ensures rightful acknowledgement for the communities preserving these age-old techniques. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DietSabya (@dietsabya) top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all That incident eventually led the brand to send a delegation to Kolhapur to engage with local artisans and better understand the heritage they had seemingly overlooked. Given this recent repeat episode, many are questioning whether luxury labels like Prada are truly learning from past missteps or simply rebranding traditional designs for global markets without meaningful attribution. As conversations around cultural appropriation grow louder, the call for greater accountability, respect for origin, and fair recognition of indigenous artisanship is more urgent than ever. 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. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: July 26, 2025, 15:16 IST News lifestyle After Kolhapuri Row, Netizens Say Pradas Latest Heels Are Juttis In Disguise Pubic Hair Myths: Whats Hygienic And Whats Harmful? Doctors Answer Your Questions Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: July 28, 2025, 10:18 IST Is it necessary to clean pubic hair? Discover important facts about hygiene and hair removal, according to dermatologists, and how to do it safely Removing pubic hair can be part of a healthy grooming routine, but its important to prioritise hygiene and choose the right method to avoid injury. (News18) Maintaining personal hygiene is crucial, especially around the private area, which is more sensitive than other parts of the body. Theres a lot of confusion surrounding the removal of pubic hair. Some people believe it is necessary for hygiene, while others consider it a natural barrier. But is it really essential to remove pubic hair? Does neglecting it lead to diseases, or does removing it cause more harm? Lets explore the facts, guided by expert advice. Recommended Stories The Truth About Pubic Hair Removal Dr Yugal Rajput, a dermatologist at GSVM Medical College, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, advises that pubic hair should be cleaned regularly. While many people believe that pubic hair acts as a protective layer, this assumption can be misleading. In fact, during the warmer months, particularly in summer and the rainy season, pubic hair can trap sweat and moisture, creating an environment where bacterial and fungal infections can thrive. As such, periodic hair removal can help reduce these risks. However, neglecting pubic hair hygiene does not automatically lead to diseases if the area is cleaned regularly. Dr Rajput also notes that if the hair isnt excessively long, leaving it untrimmed is acceptable as long as proper hygiene is maintained. Be Cautious When Removing Pubic Hair While removal can be helpful, caution is needed when deciding how to do it. Incorrect techniques can cause skin irritation, cuts, and rashes. Shaving or waxing can sometimes result in small cuts, increasing the risk of infection. Its vital to be gentle and precise during the process, especially around the sensitive skin of the private area. Dr Rajput recommends trimming pubic hair first, then showering with lukewarm water. Using high-quality shaving cream or gel is essential, along with a razor thats designed to minimise the risk of nicks and cuts. Always shave in the direction of hair growth and follow up with a moisturising lotion to keep the skin hydrated and prevent irritation. Consult A Doctor If You Have Sensitive Skin top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all For individuals with more sensitive skin, it is advisable to consult a doctor before opting for pubic hair removal. This is especially important for those who may experience skin conditions or have concerns about irritation. A dermatologist can recommend the safest and most effective methods based on your skin type. Removing pubic hair can be part of a healthy grooming routine, but its important to prioritise hygiene and choose the right method to avoid injury. Regular cleaning and proper hair removal techniques can reduce the risk of infection and skin damage, so make sure to approach it with care. 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 26, 2025, 10:57 IST News lifestyle health-and-fitness Pubic Hair Myths: Whats Hygienic And Whats Harmful? Doctors Answer Your Questions Kargil Diwas 2025: A Powerful Watchlist Honouring Indias Armed Forces Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 07:37 IST A powerful watchlist on discovery+ honours Indias armed forces through untold stories of courage, conflict, and commitment. Kargil Vija diwas: This curated watchlist revisits historic battles, frontline experiences, and the human grit behind some of the militarys most defining moments all streaming now on discovery+ On the occasion of Kargil Diwas (July 26), discovery+ brings together a gripping slate of real stories that honour Indias armed forces from the icy heights of Siachen to the untold aerial heroics of Kargil. This curated watchlist revisits historic battles, frontline experiences, and the human grit behind some of the militarys most defining moments all streaming now on discovery+: Kargil 1999: The Untold Story of the Indian Air Force (2025, Released July 17) Recommended Stories Discover the innovation, resilience, and courage of IAF bravehearts as they revisit their triumph in one of the worlds highest aerial battles. Amid numerous accounts of the Kargil War, this story remains largely untold a tale of wit, valour, and victory during Operation Safed Sagar. As we mark 26 years since the Kargil War, IAF officials and experts recount a mission that helped shape Indias modern military legacy. Revealed: Siachen (2024) Experience life on the worlds highest battlefield the Siachen Glacier where Indian troops brave sub-zero temperatures and constant danger. This raw, on-location documentary captures the resilience, hardship, and survival instincts of those guarding Indias coldest frontier. Lakshya 1971 (2024) Host Harman Singha revisits defining moments of the 1971 Indo-Pak Liberation War, uncovering stories of bravery, military strategy, and sacrifice that shaped the birth of Bangladesh. Mission Frontline with Rohit Shetty (2024) Rohit Shetty swaps film sets for field ops as he trains with Jammu & Kashmirs Special Ops units. From tactical drills to real-time missions, he experiences the discipline and pressure that frontline soldiers live with every day. Kargil: Valour & Victory (2024) A vivid retelling of the 1999 Kargil conflict, brought to life through the voices of soldiers, commanders, and their families. Its a story of courage under fire and emotional resilience as India reclaimed its strategic peaks. Revealed: The Line of Control (2024) Take a closer look at the complex realities of the 740 km-long Line of Control. This documentary explores both the political tension and personal experiences of soldiers stationed at one of the worlds most volatile borders. Mission Frontline with Farhan Akhtar (2024) Farhan Akhtar dons combat boots and trains with Indias elite troops. Beyond the physical intensity, the show captures the emotional strength it takes to stay mission-ready in high-risk zones. Mission Frontline with Rana Daggubati (2024) Join Rana Daggubati as he patrols with the Border Security Force along the Indo-Pak border where vigilance is constant and the nations safety is a 24/7 commitment. Breaking Point (2024) top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Witness the grueling transformation of young cadets into future soldiers. Through punishing drills, mental endurance, and moments of breakdown and breakthrough this series offers a raw, inside look at the making of Indias armed forces. 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 26, 2025, 07:37 IST News lifestyle Kargil Diwas 2025: A Powerful Watchlist Honouring Indias Armed Forces Priyanka Chopra Embarks On A Vibrant Journey Through The Heart Of Indias Gem Culture Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 09:39 IST Priyanka Chopra joins Bvlgaris Jewelry Creative Director and Head of Gem Buying Lucia Silvestri as they travel across Jaipur to pick gemstones for the brand's new collection. Priyanka Chopra joins Bvlgari's gem selection in Jaipur. In Bvlgaris world, the creation of a High Jewelry piece begins not in a sketchbook, but with the electric allure of a gem: vibrant, powerful, and full of possibility. This season, that story unfolds in Jaipur, India, where Bvlgaris Jewelry Creative Director and Head of Gem Buying, Lucia Silvestri, embarked on her annual pilgrimage to hand-select the stones that would form the soul of Polychroma, the Maisons newest High Jewelry collection. Joining her on this deeply personal and artistic journey was Bvlgari Global Ambassador Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Known for its centuries-old gemstone trade and striking architecture, Jaipur the Pink City- is the beating heart of the colored gem world. With its rubellites, emeralds, tourmalines, and sapphires, the city offers more than material; it offers tradition, emotion, and energy. For Lucia, who has visited the city over 40 times, Jaipur is not just a destination; its a place of inspiration, where colour becomes culture and creativity begins. Recommended Stories For Priyanka, the journey was a homecoming of sorts: a return to her roots, layered with cultural memory and discovery. Immersed in the citys hues, history, and heritage, she joined Lucia in exploring the ancient art of gemstone cutting, witnessing firsthand the intuition and passion that guide each stones selection. It was a meeting point of legacy and innovation, as Indian craftsmanship met Bvlgaris Roman artistry. In Bvlgaris creative process, colour isnt just a design choice, its the brands lifeblood. Each gem is selected not just for its hue, but for its spirit. The moment I see the right stone, I already begin to dream," Lucia shares. That dream continues in Rome, where the handpicked gems arrive at her desk and the process of transformation begins from colour to concept, sketch to sculpture. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As Lucia and Priyanka walked Jaipurs vibrant lanes and connected with its master artisans, they illuminated a rare part of the jewellery-making journey; one where memory, emotion, and craft converge in every shimmering facet. This collaboration marks not only the birth of new designs but also a celebration of global artistry rooted in tradition and carried forward in brilliance. 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. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: July 26, 2025, 09:39 IST News lifestyle Priyanka Chopra Embarks On A Vibrant Journey Through The Heart Of Indias Gem Culture Experience The Magic Of The Midnight Sun In Finland Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 10:04 IST Find out why summer in the Nordic north offers an unforgettable escape for Indian travellers Finland: In Lapland, daylight blends into night, creating the perfect conditions for outdoor adventures at all hours (Credit: Julia Kivela, Visit Finland) When summer peaks in northern Finland, something extraordinary happens, the sun refuses to set. From late May to mid-July, Lapland is bathed in continuous daylight, with golden hues stretching across the sky well past midnight. Even in southern Finland, the nights never turn truly dark, giving way to long, dreamy twilights. For travellers seeking a surreal escape from the heat and bustle back home, this natural wonder offers a rare kind of serenity. Roam Wild Landscapes Under the Midnight Sun Recommended Stories In Lapland, daylight blends into night, creating the perfect conditions for outdoor adventures at all hours. From hiking through pine forests near Lake Inari in Ivalo to mountain biking across the scenic trails of Levi in Kittila, every outdoor activity is infused with the ethereal glow of the Midnight Sun. Nature lovers can explore Oulanka National Park in Kuusamo, where the twilight hours bring a deep stillness and increased chances of spotting wildlife. In Rovaniemi, on the banks of the Kemijoki River, travellers can canoe, take a river cruise, or enjoy a floating sauna well into the night, no flashlight needed. Celebrate Summer Like the Finns In Finland, the Midnight Sun isnt just admired, its celebrated. Midsummer (called Juhannus) is one of the biggest cultural events of the year, marked by bonfires, music, and gatherings by the water. Travellers can join locals in Rovaniemi for public festivities on the beach or head to Ruka for the Solstice Festival, a vibrant blend of music, art, and nature. Film buffs may enjoy the Midnight Sun Film Festival in Sodankyla, where screenings run day and night, echoing the endless light outside. Meanwhile, the Ijahis Idja Festival in Inari showcases Sami music, offering a unique insight into indigenous Nordic culture. Not Just the Arctic Circle In southern Finland, the sun dips just below the horizon, and in mid-summer, twilight lasts all night. In Helsinki, the citys waterfront terraces, parks, and islands truly come alive. Whether picnicking in Kaivopuisto park or catching sunset views from a rooftop bar, theres no rush to call it a night. For those seeking peace, Helsinkis lesser-known seaside spots like Lauttasaari or the quiet jetties of Taka-Toolo offer tranquil moments away from crowds. Or for a more immersive experience, consider staying overnight on nearby islands like Pihlajasaari. Let the Light Lead You top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Midnight Sun isnt just a phenomenon, its a feeling. A freedom from the clock, an invitation to wander, to wonder, and to see the world in a different light. Whether dancing at a lakeside festival or quietly observing the shifting skies from a hilltop, Finnish summer is the kind of experience that stays with you long after you return home Finlands white nights offer an almost dreamlike departure from the familiar. The endless light encourages a slower pace, perfect for long walks, midnight chats by a lake, or simply sitting in nature and soaking it all in. Its also an ideal escape from Indias intense summer heat, with cool, crisp air and wide-open landscapes. With direct flights operating between New Delhi and Helsinki via Finnair, this exceptional Nordic destination is now more accessible than ever for Indian travellers. About the Author Lifestyle Desk Our life needs a bit of style to get the perfect zing in the daily routine. News18 Lifestyle is one-stop destination for everything you need to know about the world of fashion, food, health, travel, relationshi... Read More Our life needs a bit of style to get the perfect zing in the daily routine. News18 Lifestyle is one-stop destination for everything you need to know about the world of fashion, food, health, travel, relationshi... Read More 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 26, 2025, 10:04 IST News lifestyle travel Experience The Magic Of The Midnight Sun In Finland UNITED NATIONS, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian and Thai envoys on Friday addressed the United Nations Security Council on ongoing border clashes, with Cambodia calling for unconditional ceasefire and Thailand urging the other side to "end hostilities and resume dialogue." Cambodia's UN ambassador Chhea Keo called for an immediate ceasefire with Thailand following border clashes between the two countries. "Cambodia asked for an immediate ceasefire -- unconditionally -- and we also call for the peaceful solution of the (border) dispute," the Cambodian ambassador told reporters after a closed-door meeting of the Security Council. The UN body held the emergency meeting on Friday afternoon at the request of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. Cherdchai Chaivaivid, ambassador and permanent representative of Thailand to the UN, told the Security Council on Friday that Thailand categorically rejects the use of force as a means to resolve international disputes, while remaining firmly committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes under the UN Charter, the Thai Foreign Ministry said. Thailand has actively engaged Cambodia over the past two months through multiple bilateral mechanisms, but Cambodia has deliberately avoided meaningful dialogue and instead sought to internationalize the issue to serve its own political objectives, he said. "Thailand urges Cambodia to immediately cease all hostilities and acts of aggression, and resume dialogue in good faith," said Cherdchai. Ziro Music Festival 2025 Guide: Tickets, Packing Essentials, And Places To Explore Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 11:07 IST The Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh will host the Ziro Festival of Music from September 25 to 28. Here's all you need to know to curate the perfect itinerary. Arunachal Pradesh offers the perfect opportunity for slow travel. The Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh is set to host the Ziro Festival of Music from September 25 to 28, 2025. Bobby Hano and Anup Kutty (guitarist of Menwhopause) established it in 2012. The festival aims to provide an authentic platform for independent artists amidst the scenic beauty of northeastern India. The Apatani community is a central aspect of the festival. They host guests in homestays, run craft stalls and serve delicious local cuisine. Recommended Stories Tickets and Permits Full Four-Day Pass: Rs 9,000 Rs 9,000 Single-Day Passes: Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 The passes can be bought on the official website. Entry Permits: All Indian citizens (except Arunachal natives) require an Inner Line Permit (ILP). Foreign nationals must secure a Protected Area Permit (PAP). Budget For a typical four-day visit, a trip to Arunachal Pradesh for the Ziro Festival of Music costs range from Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000, depending on your comfort preferences. Camping on-site with basic tents starts at around Rs 500Rs 800 per night. Homestays and guesthouses will cost Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 per night. Travel By Air: Nearest reliable airports are Guwahati and Itanagar. By Rail: Disembark at Naharlagun station, about three hours from Ziro. Overnight trains run from Guwahati. By Road: Taxis and shared vehicles connect Guwahati to Ziro. The journey takes about seven hours. Buses and cabs via Itanagar are also options. Connectivity And Packing Tips In terms of connectivity, expect a patchy mobile network. You can download essential offline resources before arrival. Some of the things you must pack include: top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Waterproof shoes and a warm jacket, as nights can be chilly Rain poncho or gumboot,s as monsoon rains are possible Biodegradable wipes, reusable water bottle, Headlamp/torch Cash, as ATMs are rare in this region Portable charger After the festival, you can also visit the Tarin fish farm to see traditional rice and fish cultivation methods, hike to Kile Pakho Ridge for panoramic sunrise and sunset views and explore Apatani villages like Hong, Hija, and Duta. 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. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: July 26, 2025, 11:07 IST News lifestyle travel Ziro Music Festival 2025 Guide: Tickets, Packing Essentials, And Places To Explore Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 18:40 IST Aly Goni and Jasmine Bhasin have been together for a few years now, having started dating after Bigg Boss season 14. Their fans adore their frequent displays of affection on social media. In a recent interview, Aly was asked whether he and Jasmine Bhasin plan to get married. He mentioned that there are no current plans, leaving it up to fate. Recommended Stories When probed about wedding plans, Aly Goni told Zoom that that there are no such plans at the moment. Aly also clarified that neither he nor Jasmine is postponing it, attributing the delay to Gods will and timing. There is no plan as of now. There is no delay; Bhagwan delay kar rahe hai. Kisi ki duaayein hain. Jab woh chahege tab woh hoga (God is delaying the plans. Its someones wishes. When God wants then only it will happen)," he said. He further added, Hum bilkul Allah pe rakhte hai har cheez. Koi plan nahi hai. Kuch nahi socha hai. Main har cheez mein bolta hu inshallah. (We completely leave everything to Allah. We have no plans. We have not thought of anything. I say Inshallah in everything)." Presently, Aly is currently seen in the cooking reality show Laughter Chefs season 2, which concludes this weekend, and there is a lot of excitement about who will emerge as the winner. Aly Goni and Jasmine Bhasin met each other in 2018 during their participation in Rohit Shettys reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi. Their time together in Argentina for the shows shoot led to a deep friendship, which blossomed into a love story after Aly entered the Bigg Boss house as a wildcard entry, where Jasmine was already locked as a contestant. During the stint, he secretly confessed his feelings to Jasmine and ever since, they have been together. Meanwhile, Jasmine Bhasin and Aly Goni recently moved in together. The actress opened up about why she believes that moving in with each other is the best decision for them. In an interview with CurlyTales, the actress shared, We dont want to end up saying, Lets get married and live together, only to start hating each other. Thats why I believe this is the best time to test our friendship by living together." She further added, Everyone around us says that couples break up because living together is very different from dating, so we decided to give it a try and see if we can maintain peace, harmony, and a healthy relationship." Jasmin Bhasin was recently seen in the reality show The Traitors, hosted by Karan Johar. Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 12:16 IST 1 / 8 San Francisco Airport: It is considered one of the worlds tech-loaded and busiest airports, a big thanks to its connectivity with American cities. It offers solid flying options to Asia, Europe, and Oceania as well. . (File photo) 2 / 8 Portland International Airport is located in Oregon state of America, and it is the main gateway to the city of Portland. The report says it has witnessed over 17 million passengers in 2024. (File photo) ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 8 Kansai International Airport is in Japan's Osaka, and offers seamless connectivity to several destinations around the world. It has been created on an artificial island and is three decades old now . (File photo) 4 / 8 Roland Garros Airport is a gateway to France. According to the details, it is covered in 13,000 square metres, and has a bioclimatic design. It is inspired by the objective of eliminating the need for air conditioning. (Photo: Facebook) ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 8 It is the newly built Marseille Airport Terminal 1, which was opened to the public last year. The latest building spans roughly 20,000 square metres. (File photo) 6 / 8 Yantai Penglai International Airport, Terminal 2. (Photo: Archello) ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 8 Kansai International Airport is located in the super smart city of Japan, Osaka. It offers seamless connections to multiple destinations around the world . (File photo) Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 12:10 IST Are you planning to travel abroad for the first time? You can begin by exploring these five Asian gems. 1 / 11 Budget travel can be a liberating experience that opens doors to new destinations and unforgettable experiences. By embracing thriftiness, you might stumble upon hidden gems that lie off the beaten path. (Image: Canva) 2 / 11 Thailand: Thailand remains a popular choice for Indian travellers, and its appeal extends beyond its affordability. The cities of Bangkok and Pattaya offer a unique blend of experiences. Bangkok is known for its vibrant street markets, traditional Thai massages, and historic temples. (Image: Canva) ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 11 Pattaya, on the other hand, provides a beachy getaway with opportunities for relaxation and leisure. Some popular activities in Thailand include visiting floating markets, taking day trips to coral islands, and enjoying evening cruises, which allow for a mix of sightseeing and downtime. (Image: Canva) 4 / 11 Bali, Indonesia: Bali has become a byword for laid-back luxury, making it an ideal destination for couples, honeymooners, and anyone seeking a tranquil getaway. The islands energy is both calming and adventurous, offering a range of experiences to suit different interests. (Image: Canva) ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 11 Ubud is a haven for art enthusiasts, yoga practitioners, and nature lovers, with its famous monkey forests. In contrast, Seminyak and Uluwatu offer a more laid-back vibe, with opportunities for surfing, watching stunning sunsets, and enjoying fresh seafood. (Image: Canva) 6 / 11 Dubai, UAE: Dubai is an ideal destination for short trips that pack a punch, making it perfect for family vacations or first-time international travellers. The city offers a unique blend of sightseeing and spectacle, with a wide range of experiences to suit different interests. (Image: Canva) ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 11 Visitors can explore iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, embark on a thrilling desert safari, and discover the contrasts between modern malls and traditional souks. Dubai seamlessly combines tradition and modernity, making it a fascinating destination to explore. (Image: Canva) 8 / 11 Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka is a charming destination that offers a wealth of experiences, despite its understated nature. Located just a short distance away, the country boasts an array of attractions, including stunning beaches, colonial towns, wildlife, and picturesque tea plantations. (Image: Canva) ADVERTISEMENT 9 / 11 Visitors can explore Colombo, then head to Galle to wander its cobblestone streets and enjoy seaside cafes. The hill stations of Nuwara Eliya and Kandy offer scenic train rides and tea tastings, providing a glimpse into the countrys rich cultural heritage. (Image: Canva) 10 / 11 Vietnam: Vietnam has become increasingly accessible for Indian travellers, thanks to e-visas and direct flights. Hanoi serves as a charming entry point for exploring the countrys rich heritage, including a cruise through Halong Bays stunning limestone cliffs and a visit to the historic Old Quarter. (Image: Canva) ADVERTISEMENT Beaten With Shoes, Threatened: Shivakumar Aide Slaps Charges Against Siddaramaiah Loyalist Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 13:45 IST A special officer to DK Shivakumar has accused special officer to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of assault in Karnataka Bhavan in the national capital. Shivakumar's aide accuses Siddaramaiah's man of assault (PTI File Image) A massive controversy erupted after a verbal altercation at the Karnataka Bhavan in Delhi escalated into serious allegations of assault, as H Anjaneya a special officer to Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar accused C Mohan Kumar assistant resident commissioner and special officer to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of attacking him with a shoe. Anjaneya filed a formal complaint with Resident Commissioner Imkongla Jamir, demanding criminal proceedings against Kumar. Recommended Stories I was beaten with a shoe, and it has hurt my honour and dignity. Conduct a criminal trial against him (Kumar) and give me justice," Anjanaya said in his complaint, news agency PTI reported. Jamir confirmed the receipt of the complaint dated July 22 and said that due process will be followed. In an elaborate complaint letter, Anjanaya alleged that Kumar has been systematically disrupting his work. He threatened to hit me with a shoe in the chamber of the office in front of everyone," he wrote. He also said he was worried about his safety while working as a special officer to the deputy chief minister. If any accident happens, Kumar will be responsible," Anjanaya warned in his letter. His complaint also referred to Kumars alleged past conduct, and claimed, If you look into the service books in the past, he has beaten M M Joshi and not given respect to senior officers and behaved with ego as special officer on duty for CM." Anjanaya said that he had earlier sought a transfer from the Karnataka Bhavan primarily to avoid such conflicts while being posted as special officer to the deputy chief minister. The matter was raked up by the BJP in Karnataka as the party described the incident as evidence of a deeper rift within the state government. The clash between their aides has once again sparked talk of a power struggle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Both leaders had worked together to lead the Congress to victory in the 2023 assembly elections, but rumours about tensions between them have continued ever since. (With PTI inputs) About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More First Published: July 26, 2025, 13:40 IST News politics Beaten With Shoes, Threatened: Shivakumar Aide Slaps Charges Against Siddaramaiah Loyalist Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... BRS MLA Kaushik Reddy Booked For Phone Tapping Of Actresses Charge Against CM Revanth Reddy Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 14:31 IST BRS MLA Kaushik Reddy levelled serious allegations against Telangana CM Revanth Reddy, claiming that he had orchestrated phone tapping of lawmakers and film personalities. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy (PTI Photo) Bharat Rashtra Samithi MLA Kaushik Reddy was booked for his controversial remarks on Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. During a media interaction on Friday, the BRS leader had accused the Chief Minister of orchestrating phone tapping of MLAs, MLCs, MPs, and film personalities, including actresses, with the help of private hackers, Siasat reported. Recommended Stories Reddy claimed that he had full knowledge of Revanth Reddys past. The Rajendranagar Police registered a case against the MLA. The BRS leaders remarks sparked outrage among Congress supporters, after which Rajendranagar Congress president Prabhakar Reddy lodged a police complaint, which led to the registration of an FIR under relevant sections. Anticipating possible protests by Congress workers, a large number of BRS supporters gathered at Kaushik Reddys residence. The police stepped up security in the area. What Were BRS Allegations? Addressing a press conference yesterday, BRS MLAs Padi Kaushik Reddy and Dr K Sanjay alleged that the phones of even those who had come to participate in the Miss World Pageant were tapped. They claimed that Revanth Reddy himself had told some journalists during an informal talk in New Delhi on Thursday that the police would carry out phone tapping. They also claimed that Reddy admitted to his Cabinet colleagues that phone tapping was happening because, as the head of the government, he needed to know what was going on. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The leaders demanded CBI and ED inquiries into alleged phone tapping incidents at the behest of Revanth Reddy and asked why the Chief Minister was engaging in accusing former CM KCR of phone tapping, who they said, never indulged in such acts. Kaushik Reddy alleged that he had filed a complaint with the police on December 5 last year that the phones of his wife and his were tapped; however, no case had been filed. About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More First Published: July 26, 2025, 14:31 IST News politics BRS MLA Kaushik Reddy Booked For Phone Tapping Of Actresses Charge Against CM Revanth Reddy Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Feel Sad To Support: Chirag Paswan Tears Into Nitish Kumar Over Surge In Crime, JDU Reacts Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 16:34 IST Union Minister Chirag Paswan criticised Bihar CM Nitish Kumar over rising crime, expressing shame in supporting the government, stirring the ruling alliance before elections. Union Minister and LJP leader Chirag Paswan with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. (PTI File Photo) Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan on Saturday lashed out his ally Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state saying that he feels sad and ashamed to support" the government under the current situation. With elections in Bihar looming later this year, Chirags blunt criticism has caused ripples within the ruling alliance. Recommended Stories While speaking to the reporters in Patna, the Union Minister expressed anguish and accused its ally government of failing to curtail the rising crime rate. I feel sad that I am supporting such a government here. It is imperative to control it, or else the consequences will be very bad," he said as quoted by news agency ANI. #WATCH | Patna, Bihar: On the law and order situation in the state, Union Minister Chirag Paswan says, I feel sad that I am supporting such a government hereThe way murders, kidnappings, looting, robbery, rapes have taken place one after the other in Bihar and now it seems as pic.twitter.com/TWSB11A2qt ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2025 Paswan further accused the Nitish Kumar administration of bowing before criminals. The way murders, kidnappings, looting, robbery, rapes have taken place one after the other in Bihar and now it seems that the administration has totally bowed down in front of the criminals," he added. With assembly elections approaching, Paswan acknowledged the possibility of crimes being orchestrated to defame the government. However, he emphasised that it is still the administrations responsibility to maintain law and order. I have heard claims that the recent spurt in violent crimes is linked to the upcoming assembly polls, and there are attempts to defame this government. Still, it is the responsibility of the administration to keep law and order under control," he added. He further attacked the government and said, Either the administration is in collusion with it or the administration has become completely useless and now it is beyond their power to keep Bihar and Biharis safe." Urging immediate action, Paswan appealed to the state government, I request the Bihar government to act before its too late." Jitan Ram Manjhi Steps In Following Paswans repeated attacks on Nitish Kumar over the law and order situation in the wake of a series of murders in the state, Union Minister and NDA ally Jitan Ram Manjhi We are in NDA. We have to help NDA. We wish him all the best. He should strengthen the NDA. If he does not adopt the 2020 policy, it will be a very good thing. Because today NDA has become necessary for the society and the country. Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar are doing all kinds of development. If someone opposes NDA, then I think he does not have good feelings towards the people of the state and the country and if work is being done to strengthen it, then we will appreciate it" he said as quoted by news agency ANI. #WATCH | Patna, Bihar: On Union Minister Chirag Paswan, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi says, We are in NDA. We have to help NDA. We wish him all the best. He should strengthen the NDA. If he does not adopt the 2020 policy, it will be a very good thing. Because today NDA has pic.twitter.com/zc2bysCumU ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2025 JDU Attacks The Nitish Kumar-led JDU responded to Paswans criticism and said that those questioning the Bihar law and order situation should first make sure that people of criminal nature do not get an entry in their party. Incidents have happened anywhere, even in Bihar. But undoubtedly, compared to other states, the law system in Bihar is better. We believe that the police in Bihar should be responsible for arresting the criminals, identifying the incidents, and how the people who are responsible should be punished severely. This is how the policy works," the JDU leader said. He further said that a total of 100 fast track courts are being set up in Bihar. He assured that the criminals in Bihar will not be spared. Crime Surge In Bihar Recently, heinous crime incidents like murders, rapes and gang rapes happened here in Bihar, especially in Patna. On Friday, a female candidate of the Home Guard was gang raped by two men in an ambulance in Gaya. In the last 30 days, a dreaded gangster, Chandan Mishra, was gunned down by five armed men inside the high-profile Paras Hospital in Patna. Famous industrialist Gopal Khemka was gunned down outside his residence in Patna, a sand trader Ramakant Yadav was murdered in Dulhin Bazar, Patna, a grocery trader Vikram Jha was killed in Patna and many other incidents. Paswans Equation With Nitish The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) is a junior NDA partner in the state. Paswan has also intensified his attacks on Nitish Kumar after declaring that his party will contest all 243 seats in Bihar. The 42-year-old Union Minister announced that he would also contest the upcoming assembly polls. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all I want to take Bihar to new heights. I visualise a future in which our boys and girls will not need to go outside in search of greener pastures; rather, people from other states will come here in search of better education and employment opportunities," said Paswan at a rally in Saran district on July 6. (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 26, 2025, 16:34 IST News politics Feel Sad To Support: Chirag Paswan Tears Into Nitish Kumar Over Surge In Crime, JDU Reacts Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Maharashtra Cabinet Reshuffle Buzz Grows As Fadnavis Meets BJP Top Brass In Delhi Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 14:43 IST According to Mahayuti insiders, Fadnavis has requested both deputy chief ministers, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, to take a call on the future of their respective party ministers The development comes after chief minister Devendra Fadnaviss recent visit to Delhi and his back-to-back meetings with top BJP leadership. (PTI) The political landscape in Maharashtra is abuzz with speculation about a significant cabinet reshuffle. The development comes after chief minister Devendra Fadnaviss recent visit to Delhi and his back-to-back meetings with top BJP leadership. While the Chief Ministers Office (CMO) maintains that the meetings focussed on developmental projects for the state, sources within the ruling Mahayuti alliance suggest that something more substantial is in the works. The timing of these meetings, particularly after a series of embarrassing controversies involving state ministers, has only intensified the speculation. Recommended Stories Two recent viral videos have put the Fadnavis government on the defensive. One video shared by NCP(SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on social media platform X shows agriculture minister and NCP leader Manikarao Kokate playing an online card game on his phone during an assembly session. Another, meanwhile, depicts Shiv Sena leader and minister Sanjay Shirsat sitting casually in his bedroom with a bag allegedly full of cash lying next to him. Both videos sparked criticism from the Opposition during the recently concluded monsoon session of the Maharashtra Assembly. They have not only embarrassed the government but also raised questions about ministerial conduct. According to Mahayuti insiders, Fadnavis has requested both deputy chief ministers, Eknath Shinde of Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar of NCP, to take a call on the future of their respective party ministers. If no action is taken soon, the BJP may consider a reshuffle, potentially involving changes in portfolios. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sources further reveal that the BJPs state leadership is eager to introduce younger and more experienced faces from Shiv Sena and NCP. The intention is to induct ministers who align better with the BJPs disciplined and performance-oriented approach and who wont tarnish the governments image. The recent Delhi trip was Fadnaviss first in nearly two months, during which detailed discussions were held with senior BJP leaders. Regardless of whether the cabinet reshuffle occurs immediately or after a delay, it is evident that pressure is building within the Mahayuti alliance to improve its image before the upcoming elections. About the Author Mayuresh Ganapatye Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa... Read More Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa... Read More First Published: July 26, 2025, 14:43 IST News politics Maharashtra Cabinet Reshuffle Buzz Grows As Fadnavis Meets BJP Top Brass In Delhi Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Siddaramaiah's Contributions To Mysuru Surpass King Krishnaraja Wodeyar's, Says Son; BJP Reacts Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 21:52 IST Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of CM Siddaramaiah, praised his father's contributions, comparing them to Mysuru ruler Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV. BJP leaders criticised the comparison. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reacts to GST notices to vendors (PTI) Yathindra Siddaramaiah, CM Siddaramaiahs son and a Congress MLC, has strongly backed his father, praising his contributions as potentially surpassing those of the progressive Mysuru ruler, Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, known for ushering in progressive reforms during the pre-Independence era. This endorsement comes amid ongoing speculation about leadership changes in Karnataka. Yathindra claimed that the development works undertaken by the Congress government in the Mysuru region during his father Siddaramaiahs tenure are comparable to, or possibly even surpass, those of Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar. Recommended Stories Apart from the funds allocated during Siddaramaiahs tenure as Chief Minister, Mysuru has not received any significant funding. Our government under Siddaramaiah has carried out as much, if not more, development than what was done during Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyars time. Therefore, the oppositions claim that we have done nothing and are holding the Sadhana Samavesha event here without reason is baseless and hollow," NDTV quoted Yathindra Siddaramaiah as saying to the reporters on Saturday. Yathindras comments were in response to criticism from Karnataka BJP leaders, including state president BY Vijayendra, who alleged that the event was politically motivated rather than a genuine showcase of achievements. The Sadhana Samavesha is not to commemorate the chief ministers achievements or to highlight development in the Mysuru region. It is being used as a tool to threaten the high command," Vijayendra claimed, hinting at internal power tussles within the Congress. He had also questioned the events venue, suggesting Mysuru didnt warrant such a high-profile gathering due to a perceived lack of progress in the region. At the event, the state government unveiled projects worth over Rs 2,500 crores for the Mysuru district. BJP leader R Ashoka criticised Yathindras remarks, who said that, by making the comparison with his father, the Congress leader had insulted King Wodiyars family. Contributions of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodiyar to Old Mysore are immense. He built the KRS (Krishna Raja Sagara) reservoir and provided life-giving water, enabling people to prosper. He also built soap factories, universities, and upheld social justice," Ashoka said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Comparing someone who pawned gold jewellery to build a reservoir with those who looted 14 sites in MUDA (a reference to the alleged Mysore Urban Development Authority scam) is unacceptable. Yathindra Siddaramaiah has insulted the Maharajas family and must apologise immediately," he said. Location : Karnataka, India, India First Published: July 26, 2025, 21:52 IST News politics Siddaramaiah's Contributions To Mysuru Surpass King Krishnaraja Wodeyar's, Says Son; BJP Reacts Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Tej Pratap, Lalu Yadavs Estranged Son, To Contest Bihar Polls From Mahua As Independent Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 20:02 IST The ousted RJD leader said that he will support parties which focus on youth, employment, education and health. Tej Pratap Yadav has announced that all his activities will be shared through his Facebook page. (Facebook/@teamtejpratapofficial) In a fresh twist to Bihars political landscape, Tej Pratap Yadav, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadavs son, who was expelled from the party, on Saturday announced to contest the upcoming Bihar legislative assembly election from Mahua seat as independent. While speaking to the mediapersons, Yadav said that his team is ready to reach the people. Recommended Stories Team Tej Pratap Yadav is a platform to reach the people This time, Uncle (Nitish Kumar) will not become the Chief Minister. We will contest the election from Mahua; there are many opponents, they have started to feel the itch" he said as quoted by news agency ANI. #WATCH | Patna, Bihar: Former state minister Tej Pratap Yadav says, Team Tej Pratap Yadav is a platform to reach the people This time, Uncle (Nitish Kumar) will not become the Chief Minister. Whoevers government is formed, if they talk about youth, employment, education, and pic.twitter.com/gpb8cJK2e9 ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2025 The ousted RJD leader further said that he will support parties which focus on youth, employment, education and health. Earlier, political commentators suggested that he is seeking to carve out a distinct political identity from his family. His recent activities, including launching a new Facebook page titled Team Tej Pratap and removing the RJDs flag from his car, have further fueled the speculation following his expulsion from the RJD. There were speculations that the former Bihar minister and MLA would contest the election from his previous constituency, Mahua, as independent due to his frequent visits. Earlier, reports had suggested Tej Pratap could float a new political party, especially with the RJD shutting its doors on him. Launches New Facebook Page, Drops Party Banner Earlier this month, the estranged son of the Yadav family launched a new Facebook page titled Team Tej Pratap, notably omitting his fathers party name and election symbol. The page features the slogan, Jiska Kaayam Hai Pratap, Wahi Hai Aapka Apna Tej Pratap," and Tej Pratap Yadav has announced that all his activities will be shared through this platform. Prior to this, he had removed the party flag from his car. The same was noticed after the former Bihar minister and MLA reached his former constituency Mahua for a roadshow. Surrounded by a sea of supporters, Tej Pratap and others at the scene were seen carrying a green-and-white flag with Team Tej Pratap Yadav written on it. Tej Prataps Controversy Tej Pratap faced controversy on May 26 when a photo of him with Anushka Yadav went viral on social media, along with claims of a 12-year-old relationship between them. Initially, he claimed his Facebook account was hacked, but he has recently admitted to posting the photo himself. Following this, Lalu Yadav expelled his eldest son from the party for six years and disowned from the family citing his irresponsible conduct" and deviation from the familys values. Announcing the move in a post on X, the RJD patron said that ignoring moral values in personal life weakens the partys collective struggle for social justice. He further said that conduct of Tej Pratap Yadav was not in line with family values or traditions. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all His brother Tejashwi Yadav, often seen as the face of the RJD, had publicly backed their fathers decision. Tej Prataps personal life has long attracted public and media attention. In 2018, he married Aishwarya Rai, granddaughter of former Bihar CM Daroga Prasad Rai. The marriage quickly turned sour, with Tej Pratap filing for divorce within months, leading to a very public family fallout. 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 26, 2025, 20:02 IST News politics Tej Pratap, Lalu Yadavs Estranged Son, To Contest Bihar Polls From Mahua As Independent Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Cesar Martins, executive vice president of Sao Paulo State University, speaks at the second China-Latin American and Caribbean States Roundtable on Human Rights in Sao Paulo, Brazil, July 25, 2025. Experts from China and countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) exchanged their views on human rights development cooperation and the China-Latin America contribution to global governance at a meeting held here Friday. The second China-Latin American and Caribbean States Roundtable on Human Rights, themed China-Latin American and Caribbean States Community with a Shared Future and the Development of Human Rights, brought together over 130 officials, experts, and representatives from social organizations, think tanks and media in the field of human rights. (Photo by Paulo Lopes/Xinhua) SAO PAULO, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Experts from China and countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) exchanged their views on human rights development cooperation and the China-Latin America contribution to global governance at a meeting held here Friday. The second China-Latin American and Caribbean States Roundtable on Human Rights, themed China-Latin American and Caribbean States Community with a Shared Future and the Development of Human Rights, brought together over 130 officials, experts, and representatives from social organizations, think tanks and media in the field of human rights. Wang Yanwen, deputy secretary-general of the China Society for Human Rights Studies, urged more China-LAC cooperation in human rights research, advocating ethical digital technology use, green development, and more equitable global human rights governance. Zhang Donggang, chairman of the University Council of Renmin University of China, called for China-LAC collaboration in human rights through cultural exchange, experience-sharing, and joint governance, contributing to global solutions. Cesar Martins, executive vice president of Sao Paulo State University, said that the event showcases how China and LAC nations, despite cultural differences, can cooperate for people's welfare while setting a global example through civilizational exchange. Chinese Consul General in Sao Paulo Yu Peng noted that China and LAC countries, as rising global forces, should build a shared future and enhance human rights cooperation to jointly tackle challenges and advance global human rights progress. Shaira Downs, member of the National Assembly of Nicaragua, pledged to collaborate with China and LAC partners to defend sovereignty, peace, and human dignity. Arley Gill, chairman of Grenada's National Reparations Committee, linked developing nations' progress to human rights protection, praised China's poverty alleviation and healthcare advances, and sought stronger bilateral cooperation on human rights safeguards. The roundtable was co-organized by the China Society for Human Rights Studies, Renmin University of China, and Sao Paulo State University, with the collaboration of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China and the Institute of Public Policy and International Relations at Sao Paulo State University. The forum published the Sao Paulo Consensus on China-Latin American and the Caribbean States Human Rights Communication and Cooperation, and launched the China-Latin American and Caribbean States Human Rights Research and Cooperation Network. Wang Yanwen, deputy secretary-general of the China Society for Human Rights Studies, speaks at the second China-Latin American and Caribbean States Roundtable on Human Rights in Sao Paulo, Brazil, July 25, 2025. (Photo by Paulo Lopes/Xinhua) The second China-Latin American and Caribbean States Roundtable on Human Rights is held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, July 25, 2025. (Photo by Paulo Lopes/Xinhua) Arunachal Boy Desperately Attempts To Save Pigeon, Breaks Down After Tragic End | Watch Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 18:06 IST A heartbreaking video has gone viral on social media, showing a young boy carrying an injured pigeon to a hospital in a desperate attempt to save its life. A young boy's desperate attempt to save a pigeon won hearts on social media. (Instagram) A heartbreaking video has gone viral on social media, showing a young boy carrying an injured pigeon to a hospital in a desperate attempt to save its life. Unfortunately, the bird could not be saved, causing the boy to break down in tears. The emotional clip has been shared across various social media platforms, highlighting the deep affection of children towards animals. The video showed the boy carrying a pigeon, whose wing was visibly fractured, into a district hospital in Longding. Recommended Stories View this post on Instagram A post shared by the upto date (@theupto_date) The boy was accompanied by some of his friends. A woman, likely a part of the hospital staff, was heard saying, Please drop the pigeon here, well do the dressing." The boy gently placed the pigeon on a stool and quietly wiped its tears. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Later, the boy asked, Did it die?", and the hospital staffer replied, Yes, it has died." The boy was seen breaking down, clearly devastated after hearing the news. The video deeply resonated with viewers across social media, with many praising the boy for his compassionate nature. Although the pigeon didnt survive, the childs tender act of kindness moved many users. Users shared comments like God bless the boy" and called him a pure soul" to praise the child. 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 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 : Arunachal Pradesh, India, India First Published: July 26, 2025, 18:06 IST News viral Arunachal Boy Desperately Attempts To Save Pigeon, Breaks Down After Tragic End | Watch Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Pakistani TikToker Found Dead, Daughter Claims She Was 'Poisoned' For Refusing Marriage Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 17:01 IST Pakistani TikTok creator Sumeera Rajput was found dead in Sindh's Ghotki district, allegedly poisoned by those pressuring her to marry, claims her 15-year-old daughter. Sumeera Rajput was found dead under suspicious circumstances at her home. (X) Popular Pakistani TikTok content creator Sumeera Rajput was found dead under suspicious circumstances at her home in the Bago Wah area of Sindhs Ghotki district. The deceaseds 15-year-old daughter has claimed that her mother Sumeera Rajput was poisoned by individuals who had been pressuring her to marry forcibly, as reported by Geo News. Recommended Stories She claimed that her mother was given poisonous tablets, which led to her death, Ghotki District Police Officer Anwar Shaikh said as reported by the news outlet. Two people have been taken into custody, but no FIR has been registered in the case so far. Police told Geo News that they are investigating whether foul play was involved. Rajput, a digital content creator, had 58,000 TikTok followers and over one million likes on her posts. Allegations of forced marriage and poisoning are now surfacing, creating outrage and highlighting the deep-rooted violence faced by women in the country. This incident is among a string of targeted killings involving female influencers in Pakistan. Last month, another TikToker named Sana Yousaf, 17, was shot dead inside her home in Islamabad. As per the report by The Express Tribune, Sana was shot at close range by an unidentified assailant. The gunman reportedly entered her home and opened fire before fleeing the scene. Sana, who hailed from Chitral in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, had gained popularity through her TikTok videos. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all She had more than five lakh followers on Instagram. Other local media reports suggested that the suspect in the case may have been a guest at Sanas residence. Her alleged killer, 22-year-old Umar Hayat, had reportedly been harassing her for some time before the incident. The case triggered widespread anger online, with #JusticeForSanaYousaf trending on platforms like Instagram and X. 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 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 : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: July 26, 2025, 17:01 IST News viral Pakistani TikToker Found Dead, Daughter Claims She Was 'Poisoned' For Refusing Marriage Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Sisters In Gujarat, Brothers In Pakistan: A Raksha Bandhan Like No Other Curated By : Local18 Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 11:31 IST Decades may have passed, but wounds of separation linger, especially during festivals meant to unite families. Many of these womens brothers remain across the border, in Pakistan. No Border Can Break This Bond: Raksha Bandhan Between India and Pakistan In most Indian homes, Raksha Bandhan is a day of laughter, rituals, and warm family gatherings. Sisters tie sacred threads on their brothers wrists, share sweets, and renew a promise of lifelong protection. But in Shivnagar, Tharad, a quiet corner of Banaskantha, Gujarat, this tradition takes on a more poignant form, one shaped by distance, history, and resilience. Recommended Stories 1971: When Borders Cut Through Families The families here are not originally from Tharad. They arrived in India as refugees from Pakistan during the 1971 war. Uprooted from Sindh, they left behind homes, belongings and in many cases, loved ones. Decades may have passed, but wounds of separation linger, especially during festivals meant to unite families. Even today, many of these womens brothers remain across the border, in Pakistan. Despite shared blood, they are strangers to each others daily lives bound by emotion but separated by geopolitics. When Mobile Phones Become Mandirs Come Raksha Bandhan, the women of Tharad dont let distance defeat tradition. Dressed in festive clothes, they sit with their phones, no ordinary device, but a sacred medium. Over video calls, they apply kumkum tilak to the screen, tie rakhis virtually, and offer sweets to a brothers pixelated face. A screen becomes a symbol of shared culture, a thread of continuity in an interrupted lineage. Technology Becomes Ritual What began as necessity has evolved into a heartfelt ritual. Social media, WhatsApp, and video calls are now bridges between Gujarat and Sindh, tools that allow affection to transcend checkpoints. These sisters perform every rite as faithfully as tradition dictates, but with a quiet ache that only separation knows. Faith Without Borders top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In an era of broken ties and bitter headlines, this Raksha Bandhan in Tharad tells a different story: one of unbroken bonds, cultural endurance, and the quiet power of ritual. Even when miles apart, these sisters uphold their festival with the grace of those who refuse to forget. Because when it comes to love, no border is big enough, no distance too long. 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 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 : Gujarat, India, India First Published: July 26, 2025, 11:30 IST News viral Sisters In Gujarat, Brothers In Pakistan: A Raksha Bandhan Like No Other Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... At Least 8 Killed In 'Terrorist' Attack On Judiciary Building In Iran: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 14:34 IST At least eight people, including five civilians and three attackers, were killed in a terrorist attack targeting a judiciary building in southeastern Iran Follow us on: Terrorist attack in Southeastern Iran | Representative Image At least eight people, including five civilians and three attackers, were killed in a terrorist attack" targeting a judiciary building in southeastern Iran, according to state media reports. Unknown gunmen stormed judges chambers at the judiciary centre in Zahedan, the capital of southeastern Sistan Baluchistan province, according to the judiciarys Mizan Online. Recommended Stories The attack left five people dead and 13 others injured, according to official sources. In a separate report, the state-run IRNA news agency confirmed that three assailants were also killed during the incident. According to reports, gunmen linked to the Sunni militant group Jaish al-Adl carried out the attack on the courthouse in Zahedan. The semi-official Fars news agency said that the assault may have involved a suicide bomber, with both gunfire and explosions reported near the courthouse. Jaish al-Adl reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement. The Mehr news agency noted that several people injured in the incident were taken to the hospital for treatment. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Citing eyewitnesses, the Baluch rights group HAALVSH stated that multiple judiciary officials and security personnel were killed or injured when the attackers stormed the judges chambers. view comments Location : Iran First Published: July 26, 2025, 14:08 IST News world At Least 8 Killed In 'Terrorist' Attack On Judiciary Building In Iran: Report Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Cambodia Calls For Immediate Ceasefire With Thailand, Total Death Toll In Clashes Crosses 30 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 09:27 IST An emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council was held on Friday over the deadly border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, that started on Thursday. A Cambodian BM-21 multiple rocket launcher returns from the Cambodia-Thai border as Cambodian and Thai troops exchanged fire in a new round of clashes in Preah Vihear province on July 24, 2025. (AFP) Cambodia has called for an immediate ceasefire, unconditionally" with Thailand, the countrys envoy to the United Nations said on Friday, as the two neighbours exchanged deadly blows on the second day. Bangkok has also signally its willingness to hold talks. Decades-long border dispute took the shape of severe military confrontation between the two sides, with jets, artillery, tanks and ground troops on Thursday, after which an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council was called on Friday. Recommended Stories Cambodia asked for an immediate ceasefire unconditionally and we also call for the peaceful solution of the dispute," said Phnom Penhs UN ambassador Chhea Keo after a closed meeting of the Council attended by Cambodia and Thailand, news agency AFP reported. Loud sounds of artillery fire were heard from Cambodias side of the border on Friday. In Oddar Meanchey province, a 70-year-old man was killed and five other people were injured. Thailands health ministry said that over 138,000 people have been moved away from border areas. So far, 15 people have died 14 civilians and one soldier and 46 others have been injured, including 15 soldiers. The Cambodian defence ministry said that the death toll in the clashes rose to 13. According to officials, the total death toll in the clashes rose to 32, while over 130 people have been injured so far. Spokeswoman Maly Socheata said the dead included five soldiers and eight civilians, with 35,000 people forced to flee their homes on the Cambodian side. The fighting resumed in three areas around 4 am on Friday, the Thai army said, as the Cambodian forces fired using heavy weapons, artillery, and BM-21 rocket systems. Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura told AFP that the fighting had begun to ease off by Friday afternoon, adding that Bangkok was open to talks, possibly aided by Malaysia. We are ready, if Cambodia would like to settle this matter via diplomatic channels, bilaterally, or even through Malaysia, we are ready to do that. But so far we have not had any response," Nikorndej was quoted as saying by AFP before the UN meeting. Malaysia is currently leading the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a group that includes both Thailand and Cambodia. Earlier, Thailands acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai warned that if the conflict grows worse, it could turn into a war." However, he added, for now, its still just limited to fighting," while speaking to reporters in Bangkok. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The fighting is a serious increase in tensions over a long-standing border dispute between the two countries, which are both popular tourist spots. They share an 800-kilometer border, with several areas where both sides claim the land. Between 2008 and 2011, similar clashes happened, killing at least 28 people and forcing tens of thousands to leave their homes. A United Nations court gave a ruling in 2013 that helped keep peace for over a decade. However, the current conflict began again in May, after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a fresh clash. About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Location : Cambodia First Published: July 26, 2025, 06:57 IST News world Cambodia Calls For Immediate Ceasefire With Thailand, Total Death Toll In Clashes Crosses 30 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Democrat-Inspired Scam': Trump Says $100 Million For LA Wildfire Victims Missing Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 16:14 IST The FireAid concert that raised $100 million for the devastating January wildfires in California has come under fire after some people complained they had not received benefits. US President Donald Trump (AP/File) US President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on California wildfire relief efforts, calling the star-studded FireAid concert that raised $100 million for the devastating January wildfires in California, Los Angeles, another Democrat-inspired scam". This came after FireAid came under fire for how the money was spent after civilians who lost their properties claimed that they did not receive a single penny from the concert, which billed itself as a benefit concert for wildfire victims". Recommended Stories Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump said, FIREAID" IS A TOTAL DISASTER. LOOKS LIKE ANOTHER DEMOCRAT INSPIRED SCAM. 100 MILLION DOLLARS IS MISSING. WAS SUPPOSED TO TO GO TO THE LOS ANGELES FIRE VICTIMS, FIRES THAT, WITH PROPER MANAGEMENT, WOULD NEVER HAVE EVEN HAPPENED." Lashing out at California Governor Gavin Newsom, the president added, GOVERNOR NEWSCUM REFUSED TO RELEASE BILLIONS OF GALLONS OF WATER FROM NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, AND THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST. WHAT A DIFFERENCE IT WOULD HAVE MADE! I HAVE SINCE OVERRULED HIM, AND IT IS NOW RELEASED. All FEDERAL HOUSING PERMITS HAVE ALSO BEEN APPROVED, THE CITY IS YEARS LATE. GET THE FIRE VICTIMS THEIR APPROVALS TO REBUILD, AND DO IT NOW!" Donald J. Trump Truth Social 07.25.25 07:43 PM ESTFIREAID" IS A TOTAL DISASTER. LOOKS LIKE ANOTHER DEMOCRAT INSPIRED SCAM. 100 MILLION DOLLARS IS MISSING. WAS SUPPOSED TO TO GO TO THE LOS ANGELES FIRE VICTIMS, FIRES THAT, WITH PROPER MANAGEMENT, WOULD NEVER HAVE EVEN HAPPENED. Fan Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) July 25, 2025 At least 30-31 people are believed to have been killed, and more than 18,000 houses were destroyed in California after the devastating series of wildfires fuelled by the powerful Santa Ana winds spread rapidly through urban and suburban areas. It is estimated to have cost at least $76-130 billion in damages. FireAid Controversy The FireAid event itself, hosted across the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome arenas in Inglewood, was a star-studded event, with performances from the likes of Lady Gaga, No Doubt, John Mayer, Olivia Rodrigo and other A-listers, to raise funds for the victims of the wildfires. Broadcast worldwide across a variety of platforms, from AMC Theatres to YouTube, the concert brought together music lovers from all corners of the globe, joining in solidarity for relief during the devastating LA wildfires. The funds were distributed primarily through grants to nearly 188 non-profit organisations providing emergency relief services such as housing, food, mental health support, and wildfire prevention efforts. However, some people claimed that they received no benefits from the concert. I have not seen any benefit from the FireAid money, and I am very involved here and neither have my neighbours," David Howard, who lost two homes in Pacific Palisades, told Fox News. The fire aid was for us. So, we figured where is the money? Where is it going?" said another victim, Mark Jones. Last week, the charity said that FireAid does not have the capability to make direct payments to individuals and that was never the plan" and that it was partnered with trusted local non-profits, sparking outrage. In response to these claims, Representative Kevin Kiley penned a letter urging the Department of Justice to investigate the matter. However, several recipient organisations said they received funds and publicly defended FireAid. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Michael Flood, CEO of the LA Regional Food Bank, told the Los Angeles Times that FireAid was very helpful when demand for food assistance surged by 30% due to the devastation caused by wildfires in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena. It was especially high in January through March as so many people were displaced and lost power and water," he added. Although aid groups have praised the efforts, the accusations have reignited political controversy surrounding the states management of wildfire relief, emergency response, and the transparency of charitable fund distribution. 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 26, 2025, 16:14 IST News world 'Democrat-Inspired Scam': Trump Says $100 Million For LA Wildfire Victims Missing Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Equipment For Sale': Gaza Journalist Offers To Sell Press Shield To Feed His Starving Family Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 23:08 IST Gaza-based photojournalist Mohammed Abo Oun offered his camera equipment and press shield to feed his family as the enclave faces an acute hunger crisis due to Israel's offensive. Gaza-based photojournalist Mohammed Abo Oun. (LinkedIn) As the talks for a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war reached another roadblock, a Gaza-based photojournalists plea to sell his equipment to buy food for his starving family has cast the spotlight on the growing humanitarian crisis and hunger in the besieged Palestinian enclave. Israel has come under mounting international outrage over severe shortages of food, clean water and medical supplies in wake of its devastating offensive in retaliation for the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. The humanitarian crisis is now affecting aid workers and journalists as well. Recommended Stories In a LinkedIn post, journalist Mohammed Abo Oun has offered his camera equipment and press shield to buy food for himself and his family. His post has ignited global attention, reflecting a growing desperation among Gazas population, who are staring at a devastating food scarcity. I am the photojournalist Mohammed Abu Aoun from Gaza, I want to offer my equipment and the press shield for sale so that I can buy food for me and my family," he said. Abo Aoun has contributed to major international media outlets, including The New York Times, Sky News, and ABC News. Gaza Facing Imminent Famine The United Nations and NGOs are warning of an imminent famine in the Gaza Strip a designation based on strict criteria and scientific evidence. A large proportion of the population of Gaza is starving", according to the World Health Organisations chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Malnutrition-related deaths have surged this month, with even humanitarian workers struggling to obtain basic food supplies. Israel imposed a total blockade on the entry of aid into Gaza on March 2 after talks to extend a ceasefire broke down. It began to allow a trickle of aid to enter again in late May, but many groups warned that these steps are not enough to prevent the acute scarcity Gaza faces. Humanitarian organisations have also accused the Israeli army of imposing excessive restrictions on the goods allowed into Gaza and on the routes made available to transport the aid to distribution points. Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Talks Furthermore, US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to abandon Gaza ceasefire negotiations with Hamas on Friday, both saying it had become clear that the Palestinian militants did not want a deal. Hamas really didnt want to make a deal. I think they want to die. And its very bad. And it got to be to a point where youre going to have to finish the job," Trump said, while Netanyahu said Israel was considering alternative" options to bring its hostages from Gaza. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Trumps remarks are particularly surprising, especially as they come at a time when progress had been made on some of the negotiation files," Hamas official Taher al-Nunu told AFP. (with inputs from agencies) 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 : Jerusalem, Israel First Published: July 26, 2025, 23:08 IST News world 'Equipment For Sale': Gaza Journalist Offers To Sell Press Shield To Feed His Starving Family Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Ghislaine Maxwell Reveals 100 Different People Linked To Epstein Under Immunity Deal: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 19:37 IST Ghislaine Maxwell answered questions about 100 people linked to Epstein during a two-day interrogation. Serving a 20-year sentence, she seeks clemency from President Trump. Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein (Image Credit: AFP) Ghislaine Maxwells attorney for the disgraced socialite claimed that she answered questions from Justice Department officials about around 100 different people" connected to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a two-day interrogation led by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, where she was granted limited immunity. According to David Oscar Markus, his client, currently serving a 20-year sentence after being convicted in Manhattan of federal sex trafficking and conspiracy charges in December 2021, was asked about every possible thing you could imagine everything." Recommended Stories This was the first opportunity shes ever been given to answer questions about what happened," Markus added. The truth will come out about what happened with Epstein, and shes the person whos answering those questions." Blanche had every single question" answered during the sitdown, Maxwells attorney also said, with the British-born convict declining to plead the Fifth Amendment, the New York Post reported. If she lies, they could charge her with lying," Markus noted. A reporter countered, But didnt they charge her with lying?" referencing the two perjury counts that were later dropped by the prosecution after her conviction. No one is above the law and no lead is off-limits," Blanche posted on X Tuesday in announcing he would speak with Maxwell, the NYP reported. Maxwell, 63, is currently appealing her conviction and sentence, leading some legal observers to speculate that her cooperation may be an attempt to secure clemency from President Trump. Her attorney described the commander in chief Friday as the ultimate dealmaker" and claimed his client had been treated unfairly for the past five years" and didnt get a fair trial." We hope he exercises that power in a right and just way," Markus added. Trump, after landing in Glasgow, Scotland, told reporters that I dont know anything about the conversation" between Blanche and Maxwell because I havent really been following it." This is no time to be talking about pardons," the president added after saying hours earlier while leaving the White House, that I havent thought" about the idea. According to ABC News, Maxwell reportedly initiated the sitdowns with the DOJ and answered questions for roughly nine hours. The limited immunity granted to Maxwell protected her from having her statements used against her in future criminal proceedings, sources told the outlet. Proffer immunity is typically granted to individuals prosecutors want cooperation from in a criminal case. The Department of Justice, in 2022, questioned Maxwells credibility, stating in court documents that she demonstrated a significant pattern of dishonest conduct" and refused to accept responsibility for her crimes. As per court documents, the prior year revealed that prosecutors never seriously entertained the prospect of offering the woman dubbed Epsteins madam" a plea agreement after the financier was found dead in his Manhattan jail cell while awaiting his federal trial on Aug. 10, 2019. Markus noted that Epsteins attorneys had been informed that no potential co-conspirators would be prosecuted" as part of his talks with government lawyers following his July 2019 arrest on sex trafficking charges. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all I dont think President Trump knows that the Justice Department took the position that that promise should not be upheld," he claimed. Former Attorney General Pam Bondi hinted in a February Fox News interview that federal investigation files on Epstein, including an alleged client list" of powerful associates, would be disclosed but the release never materialised. Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: July 26, 2025, 19:37 IST News world Ghislaine Maxwell Reveals 100 Different People Linked To Epstein Under Immunity Deal: Report Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'India Our Closest Partner, It Is Even Better Now': Maldives President Muizzu | Exclusive Interview Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 19:13 IST News18 spoke with Mohamed Muizzu at the Republic Square in Male, soon after PM Modi left following a two-day state visit The President said that the Maldives was looking forward to the completion of the free trade agreement (FTA) with India. File Image Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu told News18 in an exclusive conversation on Saturday that India is his countrys closest partner" and the new Rs 5,000 crore credit line announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit will greatly help the archipelagic country. News18 spoke with Muizzu at the Republic Square in Male, soon after PM Modi left following a two-day state visit. Recommended Stories India is our closest partner, of course. Im sure it is even better now," Muizzu said. The President said that the Maldives was looking forward to the completion of the free trade agreement (FTA) with India. Both countries announced during PM Modis visit that they will begin negotiations over the FTA. Once completed, the FTA will be very beneficial for traders of both countries. We are looking forward to it," Muizzu told News18. He also described the new Rs 5,000 crore credit line from India as a big help. Muizzu, in fact, told News18 how his government plans to utilise this aid. We have earmarked a lot of crucial projects to carry out with that. For example, hospitals, housing development, infrastructure, schools. So, it will definitely help," Muizzu said in the interview. The Maldives President also expressed his utmost thanks" to PM Modi for coming on this visit. We are very grateful to the PM," Muizzu told News18. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all These comments from Muizzu are a remarkable turnaround from 2023, when he came to power in the Maldives on an Out India" plank, and some of his ministers made uncharitable remarks on India in 2024. Muizzu also made state visits to Turkey and China before India, changing an old convention where a Maldives President always paid his first visit to India. But foreign minister S Jaishankars visit to the Maldives last year, followed by Muizzus state visit to India in October, brought bilateral relations back on track. About the Author Aman Sharma Aman Sharma, Executive Editor - National Affairs at CNN-News18, and Bureau Chief at News18 in Delhi, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Ministers Office.... Read More Aman Sharma, Executive Editor - National Affairs at CNN-News18, and Bureau Chief at News18 in Delhi, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Ministers Office.... Read More Location : Male, Maldives First Published: July 26, 2025, 19:13 IST News world 'India Our Closest Partner, It Is Even Better Now': Maldives President Muizzu | Exclusive Interview Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Indian Embassy In Cambodia Advises Nationals To Avoid Traveling To Border Areas Amid Clashes Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 10:34 IST The Indian Embassy in Cambodia advised nationals to avoid border areas amid Thailand-Cambodia clashes. The death toll has reached 32, with casualties on both sides. Cambodians drive behind a military vehicle (AP) Thailand-Cambodia Clashes: Amid the tensed situations between the two countries, Indian Embassy in Cambodia on Saturday issued an advisory for nationals living in the country. Accordingly, Indian nationals are advised to avoid travelling to the border areas. The Embassy has also shared a helpline number for assistance. Recommended Stories In view of the ongoing clashes at the Cambodia-Thailand border, Indian nationals are advised to avoid traveling to the border areas," the Embassy said. In case of any emergency, Indian nationals may approach the Embassy of India, Phnom Penh at +855 92881676 or email cons.phnompenh@mea.gov.in," it added. Thailand-Cambodia Clash: Death Toll Reaches 32 Cambodian authorities on Saturday reported 12 new deaths in its ongoing clash with Thailand. The death toll on both sides has reached to 32. Gen. Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, told reporters Saturday that seven more civilians and five soldiers have died from two days of fighting. Thailand has said that six of its soldiers and 13 civilians were killed, including children, while 29 soldiers and 30 civilians were injured. Indian Embassy In Thailand Issues Advisory Earlier on Friday, Indian Embassy in Thailand advised its nationals to practice caution and avoid travelling to seven provinces in view of the situation arising out of the clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops over a disputed border. In view of the situation near the Thailand-Cambodia border, all Indian travellers to Thailand are advised to check updates from Thai official sources, including TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) Newsroom, the Indian embassy said in a social media post. Cambodia Calls For Ceasefire top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all AFP on Friday reported Cambodia called for a ceasefire with Thailand. The report cited Chhea Keo, the countrys ambassador to the United Nations. Quoting Keo in a social media post, AFP mentioned that Cambodia asked for an immediate unconditional ceasefire". Reportedly, Keo made the statement following a closed meeting of the Security Council attended by Cambodia and Thailand. Thailand and Cambodia exchanged heavy artillery fire for a second day on Friday as border fighting intensified and spread, while Cambodias leader said Thailand had agreed to a Malaysian ceasefire proposal but then backed down. Location : Cambodia First Published: July 26, 2025, 10:34 IST News world Indian Embassy In Cambodia Advises Nationals To Avoid Traveling To Border Areas Amid Clashes Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... UNITED NATIONS, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Friday called for continued efforts to promote the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. Russia and Ukraine have recently continued to implement the consensuses reached in previous rounds of negotiations and promoted the exchange of prisoners of war and remains of fallen soldiers. They also held the third round of direct talks a few days ago in which a new consensus on the continuation of the exchange of prisoners of war and other humanitarian issues was reached, said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations. "China welcomes these positive developments and calls on the parties concerned to maintain the momentum of the peace talks, continue to build consensus and enhance mutual trust with a view to reaching a comprehensive, lasting and abiding peace agreement," he told the Security Council. However, Russia and Ukraine have, in the past few days, continued to carry out large-scale drone and missile strikes against each other, resulting in heavy casualties and infrastructure damage and destruction. China is deeply concerned and saddened by this, he said. China, once again, urges the parties to the conflict to show maximum restraint, comply effectively with international humanitarian law, and refrain from attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure in any circumstances. It is imperative that the two sides make joint efforts to de-escalate on the battlefield at an early date, he said. Russia and Ukraine have recently appealed to each other to restore peace in Europe and achieve a political solution to the crisis. Major actors in the international community have also repeatedly released positive signals on dialogue, negotiations and the cessation of hostilities, and have continued to engage in diplomatic efforts for peace talks, he noted. China welcomes all efforts toward peace and encourages both Russia and Ukraine to continue to show political will and flexibility. China encourages the international community to continue to call for peace, build a consensus of peace and carry out efforts for peace. All parties should jointly make practical efforts to promote the political settlement of the crisis, he said. China has always maintained an objective and impartial stance on the Ukraine issue and has been committed to promoting peace talks and a political solution. China has actively carried out diplomatic mediation and maintained effective communication with both Russia and Ukraine. China will, as always, play a constructive role in the political settlement of the crisis, said Geng. Ishaq Dar Highlights Trumps Pivotal Role In IndiaPak Ceasefire During Talks With Marco Rubio Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Karishma Jain Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 13:48 IST Ishaq Dar also brought up the Kashmir issue in his meeting with Rubio, calling it the core dispute between India and Pakistan and urging its resolution as per UN resolutions Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington. (Photo: X/ @SecRubio) Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington to discuss bilateral relations, trade cooperation, regional stability, counterterrorism, and global peace initiatives. According to details accessed by CNN-News18, the two leaders discussed the broad contours of Pakistan-US ties and stressed the importance of close cooperation between the two countries to ensure peace and stability in the region. Recommended Stories The US conveyed interest in expanding bilateral trade, with Rubio stating that Washington wants to enhance collaboration with Pakistan in the critical minerals sector. The Pakistani side highlighted the importance of strengthening economic ties, particularly through increased trade and investment linkages. Potential areas of cooperation identified by Pakistan included information technology, artificial intelligence, crypto, and minerals, at both the government and private-sector levels. Dar appreciated what he described as the pivotal role played by US President Donald Trump and Secretary Rubio in de-escalating tensions between Pakistan and India by facilitating a ceasefire and averting a broader conflict between the two nuclear-armed states. However, India has consistently maintained that the ceasefire understanding was a bilateral decision between the Indian and Pakistani military leaderships, with no third-party involvement. The Kashmir issue also featured in the discussion. Dar referred to Jammu and Kashmir as the core issue between India and Pakistan, and called for its resolution in accordance with UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. India has repeatedly rejected any attempt to internationalise the matter, asserting that it remains an internal issue. The meeting also included a briefing from the Pakistani side on its recent presidency of the United Nations Security Council. Dar highlighted several initiatives undertaken during the term, including the consensus adoption of Resolution 2788 on the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes." The move was positioned by Pakistan as part of its broader diplomatic engagement on global conflict resolution, even as India has consistently opposed any attempt to bring bilateral disputes, particularly Kashmir, to multilateral platforms like the UN. On the security front, Pakistan reiterated its role as a frontline state in the global war on terror, referring to its past contributions and sacrifices. The emphasis on counterterrorism cooperation comes amid continued international scrutiny of safe havens for extremist elements in the region, a concern India has repeatedly flagged. Pakistan stressed that deeper cooperation with the US on counterterror efforts would be mutually beneficial and support regional stability. The conversation also extended to broader international concerns, including peacebuilding efforts and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Pakistan expressed its willingness to contribute constructively to global peace initiatives, while both sides discussed the importance of coordinated international action in the Middle East. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Rubio acknowledged what he described as a positive trajectory in Pakistan-US relations and conveyed Washingtons interest in expanding collaboration, particularly in the domains of economic development, trade, investment, and counterterrorism. He also appreciated Pakistans commitment to maintaining the ceasefire understanding with India and its efforts to promote regional peace and stability, even though Pakistan broke the truce shortly after Trump publicly announced the ceasefire on social media. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a long-term partnership and agreed to continue working together on bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual concern. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: July 26, 2025, 13:48 IST News world Ishaq Dar Highlights Trumps Pivotal Role In IndiaPak Ceasefire During Talks With Marco Rubio Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... No Objection: Pakistani Foreign Minister Shifts Stance On TRF After US Terror Listing Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 09:57 IST Earlier, Dar told Pakistans Parliament that Islamabad had prevented the inclusion of TRF in a United Nations Security Council resolution that condemned the Pahalgam terror attacks Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar (IMAGE: REUTERS) Pakistans Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar backed the United States decision to label The Resistance Front (TRF) as a terrorist organisation", marking a significant shift from his previous stance. The Resistance Front, a front for the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. Recommended Stories Speaking at an event in Washington, Dar said that Pakistan has no objection" to the US designation; however, he said that linking TRF with Lashkar-e-Taiba is wrong." It is a sovereign decision of the United States to designate the TRF. We have no issue. And we welcome, if they have any evidence, that they are involved," said Dar. I questioned Pakistans Foreign Minister in WashingtonI asked about TRF the group responsible for the Pahalgam attacks which PAK defended at the UN PAK before: We dont consider TRF illegal. Show proof" PAK now: US has listed TRF as a terror group. We have no objection" pic.twitter.com/D3fdfX9qUU Shashank Mattoo (@MattooShashank) July 26, 2025 Earlier in April, Dar told Pakistans Parliament that Islamabad had prevented the inclusion of TRF in a UN Security Council resolution that condemned the Pahalgam terror attack. We opposed the mention of TRF in the UNSC statement. I got calls from global capitals, but Pakistan will not accept. TRF was deleted, and Pakistan prevailed," Dar had said. At the time, Dar also maintained that Pakistan would need more substantial evidence regarding the TRFs involvement in terror activities. Responding to a question from Hindustan Times at a public event on Friday, Foreign Minister Dar defended his claim, saying there was no conclusive proof then to warrant TRFs inclusion in the UN Security Council statement. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all India designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a terrorist outfit under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in January 2023. According to the South Asia Terrorism Portal, TRF surfaced in 2019 through online announcements and has since claimed several terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir including a grenade attack in Srinagar that injured seven civilians, and a series of targeted killings in 2021. Location : Pakistan First Published: July 26, 2025, 09:50 IST News world No Objection: Pakistani Foreign Minister Shifts Stance On TRF After US Terror Listing Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Not In Favour Of Italy's Meloni On France Move To Recognise State Of Palestine Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 16:49 IST Italian PM Giorgia Meloni opposes recognizing Palestine as a state before its establishment, contrasting with French President Macron's recent UN announcement. Italys Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni speaks during a press conference with Austrias Chancellor following their meeting at Palazzo Chigi in Rome. (AFP photo) Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Saturday resisted the growing momentum in Europe to recognise Palestine as a state, describing the move as counter-productive. I am very much in favour of the State of Palestine, but I am not in favour of recognising it before establishing it," Meloni told Italian daily La Repubblica. If something that doesnt exist is recognised on paper, the problem could appear to be solved when it isnt," she added. Recommended Stories Melonis remarks come just days after French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from both Israel and the United States. In addition to Italy, Germany also signalled that it wont recognise Palestine as a state anytime soon, adding that its priority now is to make long-overdue progress" towards a two-state solution. Macrons announcement represents a major shift in European diplomacy, sparking intense debate across EU capitals. True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the State of Palestine. I will make a formal announcement at the United Nations General Assembly in September," the French head of state wrote on X and Instagram. According to an AFP tally, Palestinian statehood is now recognised by 142 countries after the inclusion of France, though Israel and the United States strongly oppose recognition. A resolution of the UN General Assembly decided on the partition of Palestine in 1947, then under a British mandate, into two independent states one Jewish and the other Arab. The State of Israel was declared the following year. For decades, most UN member states have backed the two-state solution, envisioning Israelis and Palestinians living in peace and security, side by side. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all (With inputs from AFP) Location : Italy First Published: July 26, 2025, 16:49 IST News world Not In Favour Of Italy's Meloni On France Move To Recognise State Of Palestine Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... From Political Talks To I-Day Celebrations: Here's What PM Modi's Day 2 In Maldives Looked Like Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 20:31 IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a productive two-day visit to the Maldives after gracing the country's 60th Independence Day celebrations as guest of honour. PM Modi concluded his visit to the Maldives on Saturday. (Photo: X) PM Modi in Maldives: Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a productive two-day visit to the Maldives on Saturday, a day after holding talks with his Maldivian counterpart, Mohamed Muizzu, in what many see as a reset in ties between the two countries after Muizzus initial pro-China stance. One of the most prominent highlights in PM Modis final day in the Maldives was when he graced the Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives as the guest of honour. He was on a two-day trip to the Island nation at Muizzus invitation. Recommended Stories On behalf of all the Maldivians, I thank Prime Minister Modi for accepting my invitation to come to the Maldives on this very important historic occasion," said Muizzu during the event. Modis visit also came at the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives. Meetings With Political Parties PM Modi began the day by meeting the leaders of different political parties in the Maldives. The participation of leaders across the political spectrum underscores the bipartisan support for the strong and time-tested India-Maldives friendship. Our shared values continue to guide this important partnership," he said on X. Had a meaningful meeting with members of different political parties of the Maldives. The participation of leaders across the political spectrum underscores the bipartisan support for the strong and time-tested India-Maldives friendship. Our shared values continue to guide this pic.twitter.com/B3hTqgRuQj Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2025 He interacted with Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef and held talks on key pillars of the India-Maldives friendship. He also met Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Speaker of the Peoples Majlis in the Maldives, and held talks on diplomatic relations between the two countries. Had a very good meeting with Vice President Uz. Hussain Mohamed Latheef. Our discussion touched upon key pillars of the India-Maldives friendship. Our nations continue to work closely in sectors like infrastructure, technology, climate change, energy and more. This is greatly pic.twitter.com/QR60E7wLJ2 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2025 Met Mr. Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Speaker of the Peoples Majlis. Talked about the deep-rooted India-Maldives friendship, including the close relationship between our respective Parliaments. The formation of the India-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group in the 20th Majlis is a pic.twitter.com/PL70H0vEdx Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2025 PM Modi also met former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, who has always been a strong advocate of a deeper India-Maldives friendship". Met the former President of Maldives, Mr. Mohamed Nasheed. He has always been a strong advocate of deeper India-Maldives friendship.Spoke about how the Maldives will always be a valued pillar of our Neighbourhood First policy and Mahasagar vision. India will keep supporting pic.twitter.com/4N33p4qn9l Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2025 PM Modi Meets Indian Diaspora The Prime Minister interacted with the Indian community in the Maldives and noted that they were one of the strongest bridges between India and the world. It is commendable how they are contributing to the Maldives progress and at the same time remain connected to their roots in India," he said. Interacted with the Indian community in the Maldives. It is commendable how they are contributing to Maldives progress and at the same time remain connected to their roots in India. pic.twitter.com/sUnrp7eP5t Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2025 He also interacted with the beneficiaries of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, which focuses on capacity building. The group included police officials, government officials, paramedics and nurses. They truly embody the spirit of the India-Maldives friendship and the deep-rooted ties that unite our two nations." It was a delight to interact with beneficiaries of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme. This initiative focusses on capacity building. The group included police officials, government officials, paramedics and nurses. They truly embody the spirit of the pic.twitter.com/opHQxsfN6b Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2025 PM Modi At Maldives Independence Day Celebrations In a momentous occasion, PM Modi attended the 60th anniversary celebrations of the independence of the Maldives as the Guest of Honour. This is the first time that an Indian Prime Minister is attending the Independence Day celebrations in the Maldives, according to the External Affairs Ministry. On the occasion, the Prime Minister extended warm greetings to the people and government of the Maldives. The celebrations showcased a lively parade by the Maldivian National Defence Forces and other local units, along with a string of cultural performances that dwelt on the achievements of the Maldives as a modern nation. It was an honour to attend the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives. This momentous occasion showcased the rich cultural heritage and vibrant spirit of the Maldivian people. It also signified the countrys journey of transformation over the years gone by. From its pic.twitter.com/s46PXOewVt Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2025 He also thanked President Muizzu and the people of the Maldives for their invitation. This momentous occasion showcased the rich cultural heritage and vibrant spirit of the Maldivian people. It also signified the countrys journey of transformation over the years gone by," he said. PM Modi In Maldives This is PM Modis first visit to the archipelago nation in his third term, which coincided with 60 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives. His participation in the Independence Day marked a major milestone in India-Maldives ties. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On Friday, he held wide-ranging talks with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, focusing on consolidating cooperation in areas of trade, defence and infrastructure, marking a major turnaround in the ties after a spell of unease. After concluding the delegation-level talks, both leaders released a stamp to mark 60 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations. They also inaugurated the new building of the Ministry of Defence in Male. PM Modi noted that the ties between the two nations are getting stronger over time. 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 : Male, Maldives First Published: July 26, 2025, 20:31 IST News world From Political Talks To I-Day Celebrations: Here's What PM Modi's Day 2 In Maldives Looked Like Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 21:24 IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Maldives Today Updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday graced the Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives as the guest of honour. He was on a two-day trip to the Island nation at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu. The Prime Minister arrived in the Maldives immediately after his landmark visit to the United Kingdom, where India signed a Free Trade Agreement. After arriving in the island nation, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with Muizzu and discussed a range of topics, including trade and defence. His second day in the country had a jam-packed schedule, starting with a meeting with Maldivian dignitaries, interaction with the Indian community, and participation in Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives. Follow LIVE updates here: Red, Pursed-Lipped Donald Trumps Sculpture Emerges From Manhattan Manhole Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 20:58 IST French street artist James Colomina installed a bright red sculpture of Donald Trump in Manhattan, depicting him emerging from a manhole. Follow us on: A bright red sculpture of US President Donald Trump emerged from a manhole on East 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan. (Reuters) New Yorkers woke up to an unexpected sight this week on Wednesday when a bright red sculpture of US President Donald Trump appeared at a busy intersection in Manhattan, seemingly climbing out of a manhole. The life-size, red-coloured statue of the US President, titled Donald, was secretly installed by French street artist James Colomina at the corner of East 42nd Street and 2nd Avenue, roughly a mile from Trump Tower, USA Today reported. Recommended Stories Colomina, known for his provocative red sculptures placed unannounced in public spaces, told the news outlet that the location of placing the sculpture was intentional saying that it was the same place where Trump built his image. I installed the sculpture in New York because this is where he built his image, his empire, his legend. A city he tried to conquer with golden towers and brutal slogans. I wanted this image, a red body rising from the sewers, to disturb that landscape," he told USA Today. The bright red sculpture, made of resin, depicted Trump from the waist up, emerging from a manhole, also part of the sculpture. Wearing a suit and tie, the statue portrayed a serious-looking and pursed-lipped Trump looking upward at the skyscraper above him. Under the manhole cover lid, a small red rat peered outward. The installation of the statue faced the Chrysler Building, a placement Colomina said was deliberate. The sculpture is installed right across from the Chrysler Building, a symbol of power, elevation, and architectural pride. I liked the idea of creating a stark contrast between this vertical monument and the grotesque figure emerging from the sewers," he added. However, it was quickly removed by a maintenance worker. Colomina said the entire sculpture was made in France over three weeks. He then disassembled and transported it to New York, and later reassembled the sculpture on site. The French artist also posted a photo of the sculpture to his Instagram story on July 23, with the caption Make America Grime Again," a reference to Trumps popular motto, Make America Great Again." White House Reacts The Trump administration dismissed the installation. White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson told USA Today, Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. This artist will have to go back to the drawing board. Or perhaps art school." Who Is James Colomina? Colomina is a street artist, known for his bright red, life-size sculptures, which have been installed in Tokyo, Barcelona, Paris, and many other cities. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Colomina Red, the artists visual signature, embodies the anger, passion, and urgency of the issues he tackles," Colominas artist biography on the Galeries Bartoux website said. James Colomina favors a clandestine, spontaneous approach: He places his works directly in the street, without prior announcement, transforming everyday spaces into platforms for artistic reflection." About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More view comments Location : New York, United States of America (USA) First Published: July 26, 2025, 20:58 IST News world Red, Pursed-Lipped Donald Trumps Sculpture Emerges From Manhattan Manhole Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Senior Hezbollah Commander Ali Abd Al-Qader Ismail Killed In Israeli Operation Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 20:48 IST The Israel Defence Force killed Hezbollah commander Ali Abd al-Qader Ismail in Lebanon. The Israeli Air Force struck over 100 targets in Gaza. This picture taken from Israel's border with the Gaza Strip shows smoke billowing over destroyed buildings during an Israeli strike on the besieged Palestinian territory. (File/AFP) The Israel Defence Force killed Hezbollah terrorist Ali Abd al-Qader Ismail, a commander in the headquarters of the Bint Jbeil sector, the military said on Saturday. Ismail was involved in efforts to rehabilitate the terrorist organisation in Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon. Recommended Stories ELIMINATED: Ali Abd al-Qader Ismail, a senior Hezbollah commander in the Bint Jbeil sector, involved in efforts to rehabilitate the terrorist organisation in southern Lebanon," the IDF wrote on X. The IDF will continue to operate to remove any threat posed to the State of Israel," it added. ELIMINATED: Ali Abd al-Qader Ismail, a senior Hezbollah commander in the Bint Jbeil sector, involved in efforts to rehabilitate the terrorist organization in southern Lebanon.The IDF will continue to operate to remove any threat posed to the State of Israel. pic.twitter.com/CebgyejSRS Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) July 26, 2025 Earlier in the day, the Israeli Air Force on Saturday said that it struck over 100 terror targets" across the Gaza Strip in the last 24 hours, in support of ground forces, as the fighting continues in the war-torn territory with no ceasefire in sight. The Air Force said that among the targets attacked in the strikes, terrorist squads, combat tunnels, military buildings, anti-tank firing positions, and weapons storage facilities were struck. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, a day after withdrawing their delegations from talks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump appeared on Friday to abandon Gaza ceasefire negotiations with the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Netanyahu said Israel was now considering alternative" options to achieve its goals of bringing its hostages home from Gaza and ending the rule of Hamas in the territory. Trump said Hamas did not want to make a deal, and he believed the groups leaders would now be hunted down". Location : Israel First Published: July 26, 2025, 20:48 IST News world Senior Hezbollah Commander Ali Abd Al-Qader Ismail Killed In Israeli Operation Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Thailand-Cambodia Border Clash Breaks Death Toll Records, Airspace Closed Amid Fight Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 14:39 IST United Nations Security Council held a closed-door meeting with Thailand and Cambodia on Friday. Cambodia has expressed its willingness for a ceasefire. Thailand-Cambodia conflict: UNSC holds emergency meet as fighting continues (Reuters Image) Thailand and Cambodia continued their fighting for the third straight day on Saturday, as the death toll in the deadly fighting rose to 33. Phnom Penh has said that it was ready for an immediate ceasefire, unconditionally". A decades-long border dispute between the two countries erupted into an intense military confrontation involving jets, artillery, tanks and ground troops on Thursday, after which the United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting on Friday. Recommended Stories The airspace was closed near Thailand and Cambodia amid clashes, according to reports. Cambodias defence ministry said that 13 people have been killed in the clashes so far, which included 8 civilians and 5 soldiers. As many as 71 people sustained injuries in the fighting, news agency AFP reported. In Thailand, five soldiers were killed on Friday, bringing the death toll to 20, which included 14 civilians and six military personnel. With the death toll across the two countries crossing the 30 mark, it became higher than the 28 killed in the previous major round of fighting between 2008 and 2011. Both sides said a fight happened around 5:00 am. Cambodia claimed that Thai forces fired five large artillery shells into areas in Pursat province, which is next to Thailands Trat province a coastal area about 250 kilometers southwest of the main conflict zone. The ongoing conflict has forced over 138,000 people to be evicted from Thailands border areas, while over 35,000 people were relocated in Cambodia. As the fighting turned deadly, the Indian Embassy in Cambodia issued an advisory on Saturday for the Indian nationals living in the country. In view of the ongoing clashes at the Cambodia-Thailand border, Indian nationals are advised to avoid traveling to the border areas. In case of any emergency, Indian nationals may approach the Embassy of India, Phnom Penh at +855 92881676 or email cons.phnompenh@mea.gov.in," the Embassy said. After Fridays UNSC meeting in New York, Cambodias UN ambassador Chhea Keo said that his country was willing to have a ceasefire. Cambodia asked for an immediate ceasefire unconditionally and we also call for the peaceful solution of the dispute," he told reporters. Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said on Saturday that Cambodia needed to show genuine sincerity in ending the conflict" if it wants any ceasefire or talks to proceed. I urge Cambodia to stop violating Thai sovereignty and to return to resolving the issue through bilateral dialogue," Maris told reporters, AFP reported. Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura said on Friday ahead of the UNSC meet that Bangkok was open to talks, possibly aided by Malaysia. Both sides are blaming each other for starting the attack. Thailand says Cambodia targeted civilian places including a hospital that was hit by shells and a petrol station struck by at least one rocket. Meanwhile, Cambodia has accused Thai forces of using cluster bombs, which are banned in many countries because they are dangerous to civilians. The fighting is a major increase in a long-running border dispute between the two countries, which are both popular with millions of foreign tourists. They share an 800-kilometre border, and there are several areas where both sides claim the land. Between 2008 and 2011, clashes broke out, killing at least 28 people and forcing tens of thousands to leave their homes. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A UN court ruling in 2013 helped calm the situation for over 10 years, but tensions flared up again in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a new clash. (With AFP inputs) About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More First Published: July 26, 2025, 13:00 IST News world Thailand-Cambodia Border Clash Breaks Death Toll Records, Airspace Closed Amid Fight Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'They Made Me A Meme': Ex-Astronomer CEO Andy Byron To Sue Coldplay Over 'Emotional Distress' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 12:23 IST For a defamation claim to hold, Byron would have to prove 'that there wasn't an affair.' As of now, Coldplay hasnt reacted to that. Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot's infamous 'kiss cam' moment at a Coldplay concert. Former Astronomer CEO Andy Byron has been in headlines for quite some time now. A kiss cam moment at a Coldplay concert not only made him an internet sensation but also affected his personal and professional life on a major level. Now, Byron is reportedly considering suing Coldplay over his viral video. Several media reports claim that he is planning to file a lawsuit against Coldplay and the event organisers. The reasons cited is emotional distress" and invasion of privacy." Recommended Stories A source close to Byron told Page Six, He didnt consent to being filmed or publicly humiliated. He thinks Coldplay made him a meme." Attorney Camron Dowlatshahi from MSD Lawyers shared his perspective on the legal potential of the case. Dowlatshahi told Page Six, If we are getting creative, a possible claim would be for defamation, specifically as it relates to Chris Martin characterising the two as having an affair.'" ALSO READ | Can Former Astronomer CEO Andy Byron Sue Coldplay Over Kiss Cam Moment? Legal Experts Weigh In Dowlatshahi noted that for a defamation claim to hold, Byron would have to prove that there wasnt an affair." As of now, Coldplay hasnt released an official statement. However, according to Rob Shuters ShuterScoop, sources said Chris Martin laughed out loud" at the idea of being sued over a kiss cam moment. Legal experts call filing a lawsuit a long shot". At a public concert with cameras and 70,000 people, your expectation of privacy is near zero. It sounds like hes trying to shift blame," one attorney told Page Six. Whats The Case? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all During Coldplays July 16, 2025, concert at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, their kiss cam spotlighted Andy Byron, the CEO of tech firm Astronomer, alongside the companys Chief People Officer, Kristin Cabot. As they appeared uncomfortable and fled the frame, frontman Chris Martin quipped, Either theyre having an affair or theyre just very shy," sparking viral attention across social media platforms. The duo had to face massive backlash online, and Astronomer immediately placed both Byron and Cabot on leave and initiated an internal investigation into the incident. On July 19, Byron resigned from his role as CEO; Cabot resigned shortly afterwards, on July 24. First Published: July 26, 2025, 12:06 IST News world 'They Made Me A Meme': Ex-Astronomer CEO Andy Byron To Sue Coldplay Over 'Emotional Distress' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... TRF Echoes Pakistan Foreign Minister's Protest Of US Ban On Terror Outfit | Exclusive Details Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 22:31 IST This clearly exposes the synergy between Pakistans diplomatic machinery and its terror proxies, said sources Financial trails tracked via hawala and crypto channels link TRF operations to Pakistan-based facilitators, confirming that the group is part of a hybrid warfare doctrine combining terror and propaganda, sources added. File pic Hours after Pakistans foreign minister and deputy PM Ishaq Dar expressed disagreement with the United States ban on the TRF, the terror outfit issued a statement opposing the decision. The Resistance Front justifies its armed resistance in Jammu and Kashmir as a lawful and necessary response to what it describes as the unlawful Indian occupation". Recommended Stories The TRF claims that its designation as a terrorist organisation by the United States is unjust and influenced by Indian pressure on American institutions. The group maintains it is a legitimate, local freedom movement fighting against the so-called Indian occupation" of Jammu and Kashmir, rejecting the terrorist label. It asserts that the US and other powers label Kashmiri groups as terrorists out of frustration. TRFs statement rejects the US decision, framing its struggle as a rightful liberation from an oppressive Indian regime. Top intelligence sources reveal that the TRF is not an indigenous movement but a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba. It is strategically created by Pakistans ISI to give jihadi terrorism in Kashmir a local resistance facade and bypass international scrutiny post-2019 abrogation of Article 370. The timing of the TRF statement, issued just hours after Ishaq Dar criticised the US designation, clearly exposes the synergy between Pakistans diplomatic machinery and its terror proxies, confirming state-sponsored narrative warfare," said a source. The TRF has been involved in targeted killings of civilians, migrant workers, and minority communities in Kashmir. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This is evidenced by confessions, forensic recovery of weapons, and intercepted communications with handlers in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, said sources. Financial trails tracked via hawala and crypto channels link TRF operations to Pakistan-based facilitators, confirming that the group is part of a hybrid warfare doctrine combining terror and propaganda, they added. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: July 26, 2025, 22:31 IST News world TRF Echoes Pakistan Foreign Minister's Protest Of US Ban On Terror Outfit | Exclusive Details Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... "I think this museum can help show people that America and China actually can work together really well." A group of U.S. students and teachers explored the history of the Flying Tigers during a visit to China's Anhui. 'Reminds Me Of India-Pakistan': Trump Claims Hes Mediating Between Cambodia And Thailand Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 21:30 IST Trump's remarks came as Thailand and Cambodia continued their fighting for the third straight day, with the death toll rising to 33 on Saturday. US President Donald Trump at the Oval Office. (Reuters Image) US President Donald Trump announced that negotiating with Thailand and Cambodia to halt one of the worst fighting between the two countries in more than a decade, and compared it to the brief conflict between India and Pakistan in May. Just spoke to the Prime Minister of Cambodia relative to stopping the War with Thailand. I am calling the Acting Prime Minister of Thailand, right now, to likewise request a Ceasefire, and END to the War, which is currently raging. We happen to be, by coincidence, currently dealing on Trade with both Countries, but do not want to make any Deal, with either Country, if they are fighting And I have told them so!" he said on his Truth Social platform. Recommended Stories The call with Cambodia has ended, but expect to call back regarding War stoppage and Ceasefire based on what Thailand has to say. I am trying to simplify a complex situation! Many people are being killed in this War, but it very much reminds me of the Conflict between Pakistan and India, which was brought to a successful halt," he added. Trumps remarks came after Thailand and Cambodia pounded each other with heavy artillery fire for a third day, killing at least 33 people on both sides and forcing over 1.3 lakh people to flee from border areas. ALSO READ: Monitoring Situation: India Urges Thailand And Cambodia To De-Escalate Both blamed each other for starting a morning clash at a disputed area of the border on Thursday, which quickly escalated from small arms fire to heavy shelling in at least six locations. Notably, the dispute between Thailand and Cambodia flared in May after armed forces of both countries briefly fired at each other in a relatively small, contested border area that each country claims as its own. Cambodia has accused Thai forces of using cluster munitions, while Thailand accused Cambodia of targeting civilian infrastructure, including a hospital hit by shells and a petrol station struck by at least one rocket. Both sides say they are open to a truce but accused each other of undermining armistice efforts. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all ALSO READ: Why Preah Vihear Temple, Other Ancient Hindu Sites Are At Heart Of Thailand-Cambodia Conflict This is yet another time Trump has taken credit for stopping the conflict between India and Pakistan, which broke out after a dastardly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam. However, India has been consistently maintaining that the understanding on cessation of hostilities with Pakistan was reached following direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two militaries. 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 26, 2025, 21:15 IST News world 'Reminds Me Of India-Pakistan': Trump Claims Hes Mediating Between Cambodia And Thailand Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... US Plane Plunges 500 Feet In 'Freefall' To Dodge Mid-Air Collision: 'People Were Screaming Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 17:30 IST A commercial Southwest Airlines jet suddenly plummeted 475 feet in about 10 seconds to avoid a mid-air collision with an Hawker Hunter plane. A US plane made a drastic maneouvre to avoid a mid-air collision. (Representative Image) A commercial Southwest Airlines jet suddenly plummeted nearly 500 feet to avoid a possibly fatal mid-air collision, shortly after taking off from a Los Angeles airport on Friday, with a frightened passenger saying the aircraft was in a freefall". Southwest Flight 1496, a Boeing 737, dropped 475 feet from 14,100 feet to 13,625 feet just six minutes after taking off from Hollywood Burbank Airport, according to FlightRadar24 data. A passenger, identified as Steve Ulasewicz, told ABC News that the drastic step was carried out to avoid a mid-air collision. Recommended Stories Felt a significant drop. The plane was just in a freefall. People were screaming. It was pandemonium," he said, adding that passengers screamed as the plane dropped for about 10 seconds. Comedian Jimmy Dore was on the flight, relaying that he and several other flyers were tossed about the cabin during the startling descent. Pilot had to dive aggressively to avoid midair collision over Burbank airport. Myself & Plenty of people flew out of their seats & bumped heads on the ceiling, a flight attendant needed medical attention," he said on X. Pilot said his collision warning went off & he needed to avoid plane coming at us." Just now on SW Flight #1496 Burbank to Las Vegas.Pilot had to dive aggressively to avoid midair collision over Burbank airport. Myself & Plenty of people flew out of their seats & bumped heads on ceiling, a flight attendant needed medical attention. Pilot said his collision Jimmy Dore (@jimmy_dore) July 25, 2025 In a statement, Southwest said the flight continued to its destination of Las Vegas, where it landed uneventfully." The airline added that it is working with the Federal Aviation Administration to further understand the circumstances" of the event. The pilot told passengers in an onboard update after the scare that the plane used software to make the evasive move, according to Ulasewicz. Southwest Airlines Flight 1496 responded to an onboard alert that another aircraft was in the vicinity while in Los Angeles Air Route Traffic Control Center airspace," the FAA said. The FAA is investigating the event that occurred around 11 am local time on Friday, July 25." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Another aircraft, a Hawker Hunter plane, was near the Southwest plane at approximately 14,633 feet. Southwest reported that two flight attendants sustained injuries during the urgent, life-saving manoeuvre, while all passengers remained unharmed, according to the New York Post. The pilots of the Hawker Hunter said they sighted the Southwest plane, but were not properly instructed by air traffic control, sources told ABC News. The plane is owned by Hunter Aviation International, a UK Military Aviation Authority, according to FlightRadar data. 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 : Los Angeles, United States of America (USA) First Published: July 26, 2025, 17:30 IST News world US Plane Plunges 500 Feet In 'Freefall' To Dodge Mid-Air Collision: 'People Were Screaming Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Very Close To US Trade Deal: Pakistan Jumps The Gun As Washington Maintains Silence Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 26, 2025, 08:29 IST Pakistan's Ishaq Dar met Marco Rubio in the US and claimed that both countries were "very close" to finalising a trade deal. However, no such timeline was given by the US. Pakistan negotiates trade deal with US (Photo: X/ @SecRubio) Pakistans Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday said that his country and the United States were very close" to a trade deal, and it could be just days" before its finalised. However, Washington did not issue any timeline for the same and maintained dead silence on Dars claims. I think we are very close to finalizing a deal with the US. Our teams have been here in Washington, discussing, having virtual meetings, and a committee has been tasked by the prime minister to fine-tune now," Dar said in a discussion at the Atlantic Council think tank in Washington, news agency Reuters reported. Recommended Stories Its not going to be months, not even weeks, I would say (just) days," he said. US President Donald Trump has imposed hefty tariffs on several countries, prompting nations to carry out trade negotiations with the US. He has so far announced trade deals with the UK, Indonesia, and Japan. Separate statements from the US State Department and Pakistans foreign ministry after Marco Rubios meeting with Dar said that the two sides discussed expanding trade and ties in critical minerals and mining. However, neither the State Departments statement nor Rubios post on X mentioned any timeline for finalising or announcing a trade deal with Pakistan. Met with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister @MIshaqDar50 today to discuss expanding bilateral trade and enhancing collaboration in the critical minerals sector. I also thanked him for Pakistans partnership in countering terrorism and preserving regional stability," Rubio tweeted. The Pakistani foreign ministry also said that its leader appreciated the pivotal role" of Trump and Rubio in de-escalating tensions between Pakistan and India by facilitating a ceasefire." However, the US State Department statement had no mention of India. Trump has repeatedly taken credit for the stopping of military escalation between India and Pakistan in May this year, claiming that Washington held talks with both sides and threatened not to have any trade deal with either country if the fighting did not stop. However, India has categorically refuted Trumps claims, stating that the subject of trade was not discussed in any calls from the US to India during May 7 to 10 Operation Sindoor. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all India has remained firm on its long-standing position that New Delhi and Islamabad must resolve problems bilaterally without any outside involvement. The Indian armed forces had launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians on April 22. Pakistan reached out to India on May 10, urging for a ceasefire. The two sides reached an understanding" to halt the military strikes. India, however, warned that the Operation has only been paused and any future terror attack will be seen as an Act of War". About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: July 26, 2025, 08:16 IST News world Very Close To US Trade Deal: Pakistan Jumps The Gun As Washington Maintains Silence Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Colorado had faced a spike in bank robberies over the last few years, outpacing the rest of the country per capita from 2021 to 2024, according to FBI data. The typical heist involved a masked robber handing a note to a teller and leaving with a small sum, but the offenders often stood out for their quirksearning nicknames like the "Powder Puff Bandit," who used makeup to cover up his face tattoos, or the "Double Dipper Bandit," notorious for robbing the same bank more than once, per the New York Times . One suspect, meanwhile, was dubbed the "Penguin Bandit" for his distinctive waddle. Authorities say the state's bank robbery surge had roots during the peak of COVID, when masks became a common sight in public, and during Colorado's worsening opioid crisis, which drove some to increasingly bold crimes. Experts note that some robbers seemed motivated as much by adrenaline as by the meager payouts. "Crimes that have a factor to them like a thrill or rush can cause a person to want to do it over and over again," George Mason University's Mary Ellen O'Toole, an ex-FBI profiler, tells the Times. Faced with the uptick, Denver's FBI office shifted tactics, focusing on serial offenders and using memorable nicknames to drum up public tips. The suspects are "generally members of the community," Assistant US Attorney for Colorado Brian Dunn tells KDVR. "And while they often try to mask their identity, perhaps there's various characteristics that other members of the public recognize." The approach paid off. The Penguin Bandit, later identified as Samuel Ruthstrom, was arrested after the way he walked in parole office footage was matched with the gait of a suspect caught on bank surveillance video. story continues below There've been other high-profile arrests as well, including one perpetrator caught with cash and a fake gun after a teller slipped a tracker into the loot. Banks in Colorado have added new security measures, like buzz-in entry systems and armed guards, while prosecutors are moving more cases to federal court, where convictions can bring stiffer sentences. The strategy, which isn't a new one, appears to be working: By mid-2024, the wave had subsided, with only 16 cases reported so far this yeardown sharply from a 2021 peak of 191. Unknown attackers launched a gun and grenade attack on a court building in southeast Iran on Saturday, killing at least six people, including a child, and wounding at least 20, according to state TV. The report said security forces killed three of the gunmen in the armed clash in the country's restive southern province of Sistan and Baluchistan, per the AP . The report didn't identify any of the victims. State TV said the attack happened in the province's capital city of Zahedan. Police and security forces immediately took control of the site, about 700 miles southeast of Tehran. A report by the semiofficial Tasnim news agency, believed to be close to security forces, blamed the attack on the militant group Jaish al-Adl, which wants independence for Iran's eastern Sistan and Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan provinces. The province, bordering Afghanistan and Pakistan, has been the site of occasional deadly clashes involving militant groups, armed drug smugglers, and Iranian security forces. In October, an attack on an Iranian police convoy in the province killed at least 10 officers. Sistan and Baluchistan province is one of the least developed parts of Iran, where relations between the predominantly Sunni Muslim residents of the region and Iran's Shiite theocracy have long been strained. Two funeral homes allegedly gave grieving parents their deceased son's brain in a box, which began to smell, leaked into their car, and got on the father's hands, per an updated lawsuit filed this week. Dad Lawrence Butler said Thursday at a presser that the discovery was overwhelming, leaving a horrific memory that mars the other memories of his son, Timothy Garlington. "It was, and it is still, in my heart that I got in my car and I smelled death," an emotional Butler said, per the AP . Garlington's mother, Abbey Butler, stood nearby, wiping away tears. After Garlington's death in 2023, the Butlers had his remains shipped from Southern Cremations & Funerals in Georgia to Nix & Nix Funeral Homes in Pennsylvania, where they picked up his belongings, including a white cardboard box that contained an unlabeled red box. Abbey Butler couldn't open the red box, said the Butlers' attorney, L. Chris Stewart. Several days later, the red box, which was in the Butlers' car, began to smell and leak fluid, Stewart said. When Lawrence Butler picked it up, the fluid, "which was brain matter," covered his hands, Stewart said. When the parents called the funeral home in Georgia, they were told it was Garlington's brain and that a mistake had been made, Stewart said, adding that the Butlers returned the box to Nix & Nix. Stewart said he'd consulted other funeral homes, and that at no point in the process is the brain "separated from [the] body in that fashion and shipped in that fashion." If it ever is, he said, then it's in a sealed bag and labeled "biohazardous." Nix & Nix manager Julian Nix says "it was definitely not our fault," as Southern Cremations had sent them the unlabeled box. Nix said they reported it to authorities once they learned what was inside. story continues below The lawsuit claims both funeral homes negligently mishandled human remains and intentionally, wantonly, or recklessly inflicted emotional distress. The Butlers are seeking compensation and more answers. Garlington, a Marine veteran, has since been buried in Washington Crossing National Cemetery. Stewart, who didn't say how Garlington died at age 56, said the Butlers still don't know whether Garlington's brain was buried with the rest of him. "They fear, which is totally understandable: Is he resting in peace?" Stewart said. Lawrence Butler adds: "I had to get rid of that car." An early morning Alaska Airlines flight this week didn't have a great landing at its final destination of Kodiak. The Anchorage Daily News reports that Flight 231 out of Anchorage touched down around 8am local time on Thursday at Kodiak Benny Benson State Airport and immediately smacked into two deer on the runway as it was taxiing to a stop. No passengers or crew members aboard the 737 were hurt, though inspectors say the plane's main landing gear took a bit of beating. "There is deer on the runway," the pilot can be heard telling air traffic control soon after he received the OK to land, per CNN. Alaska's News Source has video of the landing, where the plane can be seen speeding down the runway as multiple tiny specks appear to try to run out of its path. The plane was able to still make its way to its parking spot, and all flights going in and out of the airport for the rest of Thursday were shut down, with passengers rebooked on new flights. "I was supposed to travel to the [Mat-Su] Valley and then ... to Kasilof ... for the weekend," one forlorn passenger tells the Daily News. "My mom and I were going to get an Airbnb. ... Now ... we're just going to have to cancel the entire trip." The deer, meanwhile, didn't make it, the airline said in a statement. story continues below CNN notes that deer were struck by airplanes in the US more than two dozen times in 2024. Other animals that were hit by US aircraft last year, in Kodiak and beyond, per the FAA's Wildlife Strike Database: alligators, a mongoose, a badger, bats, coyotes, skunks, opossums, and various birds, including bald eaglestwo of which were hit at the Kodiak airport last year. A top State Department official who was fired in President Trump's first term for appearing at a conference attended by white supremacists, and who has a history of incendiary statements about race, has been picked to run the US Institute of Peace. Darren Beattie will keep his current job while serving as acting president of the independent nonprofit, which Congress funds, the department said. The Trump administration tried earlier this year to dismantle the organization, which assists global efforts for diplomatic solutions to conflicts, the New York Times reports. The announcement of Beattie's new assignment said, "We look forward to seeing him advance President Trump's America First agenda in this new role." PHNOM PENH/BANGKOK, July 26 (Xinhua) -- At least 13 Cambodian people died and 71 others were injured in border clashes with Thailand, a Cambodian defense spokesperson said Saturday. According to Thai media, the border clashes started for the third day on Saturday morning after the Cambodian side opened fire against Thai troops. "Five Cambodian soldiers were killed and 21 others were wounded," Cambodian Defense Ministry's Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson Maly Socheata told a press briefing. "Also, eight civilians died and 50 others were injured in Oddar Meanchey province." In the latest development, the Cambodian Ministry of National Defense said the Thai army on Saturday expanded its military attacks to another Cambodian province, Pursat. Thai Public Broadcasting Service reported that the border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia started for the third day on Saturday, after the Cambodian side opened fire in the early morning against Thai troops in Thailand's Trat province and the Thai side responded. The Thai Navy has launched "Trat Strike 1" operation in response to Cambodia's new attack, and has successfully pushed back the Cambodian incursion at three key points, Thai Ministry of Defence spokesperson's office said on Saturday. The Thai Navy has dispatched a task force of four vessels to support the operation in Trat province, ready to provide fire support to ground forces, the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand reported on Saturday. Tensions have remained high along the Thai-Cambodian border in recent weeks. Both militaries started fighting on Thursday, causing casualties on each side. Canadian-built simulator brings jobs and opportunities to the local community MONTREAL, July 25, 2025 /CNW/ - Porter and Embraer CAE Training Services (ECTS) today announced the expansion of the airline's pilot training operations with the deployment of a state-of-the-art Embraer E195-E2 full-flight simulator (FFS) at CAE's Montreal training centre. Training began in May 2025 supported by ECTS, a joint venture between Embraer and CAE. The latest generation 7000XR Series FFS, equipped with the advanced CAE Prodigy visual system, was developed and manufactured by CAE in Montreal. This strategic deployment will enable more Porter pilots to train closer to home, supporting the airline's rapid growth and contributing to the development of skilled aviation jobs in Canada. Comprehensive initial and recurrent training for E2 pilots will be delivered in Montreal. The simulator will enhance Porter's E2 pilot training program by increasing capacity to meet the demand for its expanding fleet - 46 aircraft have already been delivered, with up to 100 expected. "This partnership with ECTS brings together three leading aviation organizations," said Kent Woodside, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Porter Airlines. "CAE's expertise in training and simulation technology ensures our pilots receive the highest quality and safety standards for our pilots operating Embraer's latest E195-E2 model." The new E2 FFS is equipped with the CAE Prodigy Image Generator (IG) which leverages Epic Games' Unreal Engine for more realistic and effective training. CAE Prodigy elevates sessions in the simulator with advanced technology, providing photorealistic renderings and enhanced moving models that result in a more immersive pilot training environment. "We are thrilled to welcome Porter, a new airline partner, to CAE's training centre in Montreal, and we look forward to supporting their training on the E2 aircraft," said Michel Azar-Hmouda, CAE's Division President, Commercial Aviation. "Our joint venture with Embraer enables us to elevate aviation safety and training standards by delivering world-class solutions to support the growth of the E195-E2 fleet around the world." In addition to the new simulator in Montreal, ECTS operates E2 FFS in Singapore and Madrid, Spain. ECTS also provides training on the Phenom family of business jets using FFS at CAE training centres in Dallas, Texas; Las Vegas, Nevada; Burgess Hill, United Kingdom; Sao Paulo, Brazil; and Vienna, Austria, where training begins this summer. About Porter Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter's fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves a North American network from Eastern Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline in the World Airline Star Rating. Visit www.flyporter.com or follow @porterairlines on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Media contact: Porter Airlines [email protected] About Embraer A global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil, Embraer has businesses in Commercial and Executive aviation, Defense and Security, and Agricultural Aviation. The company designs, develops, manufactures, and markets aircraft and systems, providing Services and Support to customers after-sales. Since it was founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 9,000 aircraft. On average, about every 10 seconds an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off somewhere in the world, transporting over 150 million passengers a year. Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets with up to 150 seats and the main exporter of high- value-added goods in Brazil. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service, and parts distribution centers, among other activities, across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. About CAE At CAE, we exist to make the world safer. We deliver cutting-edge training, simulation, and critical operations solutions to prepare aviation professionals and defence forces for the moments that matter. Every day, we empower pilots, cabin crew, maintenance technicians, airlines, business aviation operators, and defence and security personnel to perform at their best and when the stakes are the highest. Around the globe, we're everywhere customers need us to be with approximately 13,000 employees at around 240 sites and training locations in over 40 countries. For nearly 80 years, CAE has been at the forefront of innovation, consistently seeking to set the standard by delivering excellence in high-fidelity flight simulators and training solutions, while embedding sustainability at the heart of everything we do. By harnessing technology and enhancing human performance, we strive to be the trusted partner in advancing safety and mission readinesstoday and tomorrow. Read our FY25 Global Annual Activity and Sustainability Report. Follow us on X/Twitter: @CAE_Inc Facebook: www.facebook.com/cae.inc LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cae Hashtags: #CAE; #CAEpilot CAE Contacts: General Media: Samantha Golinski, Vice President, Public Affairs & Global Communications +1-438-805-5856, [email protected] Trade Media: Jessica Shergill, Director, Integrated Marketing +1-514-264-9672, [email protected] Investor Relations: Andrew Arnovitz, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Enterprise Risk Management +1-514-734-5760, [email protected] SOURCE CAE Inc. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code Benjamin Mbonimpa (2nd R), M23's representative in several rounds of talks with Kinshasa in Doha, attends a press conference in Goma, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), July 25, 2025. The March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group announced on Friday that the release of over 700 people detained in connection with the conflict is a prerequisite for any further dialogue with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government. Mbonimpa noted that the M23 does not plan to withdraw from the areas it currently controls. (Photo by Zanem Nety Zaidi/Xinhua) GOMA, DR Congo, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group announced on Friday that the release of over 700 people detained in connection with the conflict is a prerequisite for any further dialogue with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government. Benjamin Mbonimpa, M23's representative in several rounds of talks with Kinshasa in Doha, made the remarks at a press conference in Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province, which has been under M23 control since late January. On July 19, the DRC government and the M23 signed a declaration of principles in Doha, under the mediation of Qatar, which laid out a negotiation timeline for the goal of reaching a peace deal by Aug. 18. "It was in Doha that the guidelines were established in the declaration of principles. Implementation of that declaration was to come before negotiations," Mbonimpa said. "If nothing happens within the set timeframe and if Kinshasa does not release our prisoners by July 27, we have no reason to return to Doha." Mbonimpa also noted that the M23 does not plan to withdraw from the areas it currently controls. According to him, the upcoming negotiations in Doha would not be resolved in a matter of days, and the timeline published in the declaration of principles in Doha was "largely symbolic." On Monday, the DRC government said the peace process had entered its most "delicate" phase. "There is no war that doesn't come to an end. Today, we are in the most delicate phase ... which is leading us toward a soft landing -- toward peace," Patrick Muyaya, government spokesperson, told reporters. 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. Benjamin Mbonimpa (2nd R), M23's representative in several rounds of talks with Kinshasa in Doha, attends a press conference in Goma, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), July 25, 2025. The March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group announced on Friday that the release of over 700 people detained in connection with the conflict is a prerequisite for any further dialogue with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government. Mbonimpa noted that the M23 does not plan to withdraw from the areas it currently controls. (Photo by Zanem Nety Zaidi/Xinhua) Northern China issues alerts for rainstorms, flooding Xinhua) 09:45, July 26, 2025 BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Northern regions of China, including Heilongjiang and Inner Mongolia, have issued red alerts for rainstorms as intense rains persist, causing rivers to swell and posing threats of farmland waterlogging and mountain torrents. Heavy rainfall is expected from Thursday to Saturday in parts of the Songhua River and Liaohe River basins, including their tributaries, likely causing significant water level rises in multiple rivers across the affected regions, according to the Songhua-Liaohe water resources commission under the Ministry of Water Resources. Authorities overseeing the flood-control work for the two rivers have activated Level-IV emergency responses for flood prevention and control, urging particular attention paid to the safety of small reservoirs as well as the prevention of mountain torrents. According to the Heilongjiang Meteorological Observatory, some townships of the Mongolian Autonomous County of Dorbod could receive accumulated precipitation of up to 100 millimeters within three hours. Inner Mongolia has also issued red alert for mountain torrents. At 8:20 p.m. Friday, regional meteorological authorities forecasted that most parts of the region would experience rainfall of over 100 millimeters within the following three hours, and that conditions could persist in areas that had already seen such rainfall. The possibility of mountain torrents will be very high from 8 p.m. Friday to 8 p.m. Saturday in certain areas, including several districts and counties of the regional capital, Hohhot, and the border city of Ulanqab. Early on Friday morning, the water resources department and meteorological administration in northeast China's Jilin Province jointly issued an orange alert, indicating a high likelihood of flood disasters, including river flooding and farmland waterlogging, over the next 24 hours in the southwestern region of Changchun, capital of Jilin, and in the central-western areas of Siping City. A yellow alert for flood disaster risks was issued later, covering central Changchun and northern part of Jilin City. Local authorities have been urged to strengthen preventive measures, promptly activate emergency response plans, and ensure public safety. China has a four-tier weather warning system -- with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. Local weather authorities in these regions have advised all relevant departments to implement emergency flood prevention and disaster response measures including the timely evacuation of personnel from high-risk areas. (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Wu Chaolan) Baku is open to hosting peace talks between Ukraine and Russia if both Kyiv and Moscow express readiness, said Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, in an interview with Germany's Berliner Zeitung, Azernews reports. If our friends and partners wish to meet in Baku, we would be pleased to welcome them... We invite everyone, but we cannot force anyone. The initiative must come from them, Hajiyev stated. He emphasized that Baku has already become a diplomatic hub for the Caspian region. Talks between Turkiye and Israel have been held here. Syria and Israel have also engaged in dialogue in Baku. In the past, strategic discussions between Russia and the U.S. on missile defense, as well as negotiations between Russia and NATO, took place here. More recently, several other confidential diplomatic meetings have also been hosted in Baku, he added. FUZHOU, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Kwok Wei Yan, an influencer whose ancestor immigrated to Malaysia five generations ago, recently visited Quanzhou in east China's Fujian Province, for the first time. "I've always had a special affection for the city since I was a child. This place is rich in history, and I hope more people will come to know about it," said Kwok during her visit to the Quanzhou Maritime Museum during a sideline event of the 2025 World Internet Conference (WIC) Digital Silk Road Development Forum held earlier this week. After viewing relics of ships and inscription stones displayed in the museum, Kwok said it made her reflect on the journeys taken by ancient Chinese people across vast oceans. Quanzhou was one of the world's largest ports along the historic Maritime Silk Road, particularly in ancient times during the Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties. The museum serves as the main exhibition hall for "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" on the UNESCO World Heritage list, which contains 22 significant locations, such as administrative buildings and structures, religious buildings and statues. "The museum offers foreign visitors a cultural window into shared history, where relics speak of trade, peace and cross-civilizational exchange," said Zhang Enqiang, deputy director of Quanzhou Maritime Museum. From digital exhibitions to multilingual guided tours, the museum has been adopting modern technological innovations, in a drive to share its stories with a wider global audience. Through the Maritime Silk Road, ancient Chinese traded silk and porcelain with exotic spices and rare treasures from foreign merchants. Nowadays, exchanges are still vibrant. The just-concluded WIC Digital Silk Road Development Forum attracted over 600 guests from 49 countries and regions, as well as 13 international organizations. "We are hosting the forum in Quanzhou to honor its profound heritage and send a message to the world amid global uncertainties: China is dedicated to extending the Maritime Silk Road through digital civilization," said Ren Xianliang, secretary-general of the WIC. The forum, themed "Embracing the Digital and Intelligent Maritime Silk Road -- Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace," focused on digital trade cooperation, leveraging artificial intelligence to empower the private sector, and digital transformation and sustainable development of international logistics. In fact, the forum's vision is already taking shape in Quanzhou, which is making strides in digital transformation. In the city's industrial park of Donghai Cross-border E-commerce Ecosphere, Milton International Logistics uses digital platforms to help clients sell products to multiple regions, such as Europe and North America. "We tap into a one-stop digital platform to access information on overseas warehouse usage status, customs declaration methods and shipping routes. It enables us to deliver goods more efficiently and accurately," said Zhong Ling, general manager of Milton International Logistics. The industrial park has also established an AI digital empowerment center to facilitate the matching of global orders, providing settled enterprises with advertising engines and product analysis tools. "By leveraging AI models, we hope to help small- and medium-sized enterprises find their accurate client targets and speed up their decision-making process," said Zhuang Zhimin, head of the cross-border industry of the park. In the first half of this year, Quanzhou's total import and export value reached 126.34 billion yuan (about 17.7 billion U.S. dollars), with major exports including textiles and garments, footwear, and electromechanical products. This robust trade performance is underpinned by a deeper digital shift. According to the data administration bureau of Quanzhou, in 2024, the city's digital economy exceeded 700 billion yuan, contributing over 56 percent of its GDP and serving as a key driver of high-quality development. "The digital economy is the future. Quanzhou's manufacturing sector is very important for its international links. New technologies will help local companies to connect with the outside world," said Gilbert Van Kerckhove with the Union of Western and Eastern Education, an NGO focusing on global cultural exchange. Enditem (Li Leyao and Yang Ning also contributed to the story.) A Monmouth County man is accused of stealing over $141,000 worth of iPhones from the company he worked for, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Friday. Norberto O. Matias, 35, of Union Beach, was charged with second-degree theft by unlawful taking, officials said. Matias worked as a business sales account manager for a telecommunications company and is accused of ordering iPhone 15s under multiple company accounts and having them shipped directly to his home, officials said. Shipping records and interviews with five of Matiass clients revealed that the phones the companies had been charged for were never delivered to them, officials said. The 123 phones that Matias is accused of stealing remain unrecovered and were valued at over $141,000, officials said. Matias was charged by summons and released with an initial court appearance scheduled for Aug. 26. Matiass attorney, Keith Oliver said he is still gathering the facts of the case and that his client is presumed innocent. We look forward to addressing the matter through the appropriate legal channels. We have no further comment at this time, Oliver said. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. LANZHOU, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Northwest China's Gansu Province issued red alerts for meteorological risks of flash floods and geological disasters on Saturday as heavy rainfall continued to batter parts of the region. A red alert for flash floods was jointly issued by the provincial department of water resources and the provincial meteorological bureau at 6:10 a.m., citing the heightened risk from short-duration heavy rainfall in parts of Pingliang and Qingyang. Later the same day, the provincial department of natural resources and the provincial meteorological bureau issued a red alert for weather-induced geological disasters in the same areas, warning of a high risk of hazards such as landslides, soil collapses and mudslides. Rainfall totals over the next 12 hours are forecast to reach between 80 and 120 millimeters, with the most intense hourly precipitation expected to range from 35 to 55 millimeters, according to the provincial meteorological bureau. The risk areas are highly vulnerable to heavy rainfall, which could trigger both flash floods and geological disasters. Authorities have urged the strengthening of real-time monitoring, early warning systems, and the evacuation of residents from high-risk zones. China has a four-tier weather warning system -- with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. A Michigan border patrol agent is facing multiple charges after he had sexually explicit online conversations with an undercover agent posing as a 13-year-old girl from New Jersey, Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll and Chief of Detectives Robert McNally announced Friday. Harry Peless, 51, of Newport, Michigan, while engaging in the conversations, sent explicit videos of himself along with an item of child pornography, police said. He is an agent with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Peless was charged in New Jersey with attempted sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child, both second degree; endangering the welfare of a child and obscenity, both third degree; and, fourth-degree attempted criminal sexual conduct, authorities said. The investigation began in September 2024 and was launched by the Morris County Prosecutors Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Members of the Morris County Prosecutors Office Child Endangerment Unit conducted the investigation with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, according to a news release. Peless has also been charged by the U.S. Attorney Generals Office for the Eastern District of Michigan with attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. Victoria Gladstone may be reached at vgladstone@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @TorigNJAM. Find NJ.com on Facebook. A coalition of gun rights advocates and individual firearm owners has filed a lawsuit against New Jersey, claiming the states ban on firearm suppressors violates the Second and Fourteenth Amendments. The federal lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of a state law that criminalizes the possession of suppressors also known as silencers even when owned lawfully under federal law. Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost. If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below. A participant of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit shops for traditional Chinese attires at the venue of the summit in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, July 25, 2025. Participants of the summit are treated to a showcase of items listed as intangible cultural heritage, along with folk culture performances with local characteristics, at the venue of the summit, which is held here from July 23 to 27. (Xinhua/Li Jianan) A participant (2nd R) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit tries on traditional Chinese attire at the venue of the summit in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, July 24, 2025. Participants of the summit are treated to a showcase of items listed as intangible cultural heritage, along with folk culture performances with local characteristics, at the venue of the summit, which is held here from July 23 to 27. (Xinhua/Fu Tian) Participants of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit pose for a group photo with staff members dressed in traditional Chinese attires at the venue of the summit in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, July 25, 2025. Participants of the summit are treated to a showcase of items listed as intangible cultural heritage, along with folk culture performances with local characteristics, at the venue of the summit, which is held here from July 23 to 27. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi) Participants of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit visit the booth of Anyang City of Henan at the venue of the summit in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, July 24, 2025. Participants of the summit are treated to a showcase of items listed as intangible cultural heritage, along with folk culture performances with local characteristics, at the venue of the summit, which is held here from July 23 to 27. (Xinhua/Fu Tian) Participants of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit learn about potteries of the Yangshao Culture at the venue of the summit in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, July 25, 2025. Participants of the summit are treated to a showcase of items listed as intangible cultural heritage, along with folk culture performances with local characteristics, at the venue of the summit, which is held here from July 23 to 27. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi) A participant of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit poses for photos with staff members presenting fish-shaped lanterns from Shangqiu of Henan at the venue of the summit in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, July 25, 2025. Participants of the summit are treated to a showcase of items listed as intangible cultural heritage, along with folk culture performances with local characteristics, at the venue of the summit, which is held here from July 23 to 27. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi) A participant (R) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit views a rubbing artwork at the venue of the summit in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, July 25, 2025. Participants of the summit are treated to a showcase of items listed as intangible cultural heritage, along with folk culture performances with local characteristics, at the venue of the summit, which is held here from July 23 to 27. (Xinhua/Hao Yuan) A participant (R) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit experiences traditional Chinese medicine therapy at the venue of the summit in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, July 24, 2025. Participants of the summit are treated to a showcase of items listed as intangible cultural heritage, along with folk culture performances with local characteristics, at the venue of the summit, which is held here from July 23 to 27. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi) Participants of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit experience the pulse diagnosis of traditional Chinese medicine at the venue of the summit in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, July 25, 2025. Participants of the summit are treated to a showcase of items listed as intangible cultural heritage, along with folk culture performances with local characteristics, at the venue of the summit, which is held here from July 23 to 27. (Xinhua/Li Jianan) A participant (C) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit tries a traditional Chinese tea-making technique at the venue of the summit in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, July 25, 2025. Participants of the summit are treated to a showcase of items listed as intangible cultural heritage, along with folk culture performances with local characteristics, at the venue of the summit, which is held here from July 23 to 27. (Xinhua/Hao Yuan) A participant (R) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit tries traditional Chinese attire at the venue of the summit in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, July 25, 2025. Participants of the summit are treated to a showcase of items listed as intangible cultural heritage, along with folk culture performances with local characteristics, at the venue of the summit, which is held here from July 23 to 27. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi) The Fern Centre at North Devon District Hospital opened its doors on July 28, 2020 following a 1.5 million fundraising appeal by Royal Devon Hospitals Charity (then known as Over and Above). During the last five years, it has provided thousands of local cancer patients and their families with a whole range of free counselling, complementary therapies, information and wellbeing support. Centre manager Tara Jones said the Fern Centre had helped to meet a rising demand in North Devon for support for people living with and beyond cancer. People need financial, emotional and practical support, as well as medical treatment, but before the centre opened, the nearest support available was in Exeter, which is just too far for many unwell patients and their families to travel, she said. Were proud to be able to offer them that support on their doorstep and have only been able to do this thanks to such incredible backing from the local community. The Fern Centre was built by people in North Devon, for people in North Devon and the centre continues to be funded entirely by Royal Devon Hospitals Charity, and supported by our brilliant team of volunteers. Since opening its doors, the Fern Centre has offered wellbeing support to anyone in North Devon affected by cancer, including relatives and carers of cancer patients. There have been more than 14,000 contacts to the centre in the last five years, including 73-year-old surfer Eric Davies, from Braunton, who had surgery to remove his prostate gland in 2023 and said the centre had helped him to get back on his beloved surfboard after treatment. Initially I thought like a lot of blokes, I wont need to go there, but it was the best post-cancer operation thing I did, he said. The yoga classes at the Fern Centre have helped me immensely both physically and mentally to get back to surfing again. And I have met a whole array of folk who each had a different cancer experience, many of whom were still under treatment and observation. The centre offers a safe space away from the bustle of the main hospital. Patients and their loved ones can visit without an appointment and will always be welcomed by a friendly volunteer and a cup of tea. Tracy O-Mara from Bideford said she had found it hard to move forward following surgery and radiotherapy in 2023, but her recovery has been helped by counselling and reiki sessions at the centre. She said: I started going to the Fern Centre before my appointments at the hospital so I could relax with a cup of tea and a biscuit and chat with the lovely volunteers there, as well as people who had been through the same experience. There is a peace there which Id been craving and it somehow it gives me an inner strength. Everyone there just gets it. Its been hard to move forward and without the Fern Centre and all it offers, I know I wouldve just been stuck. As well as providing access to free counselling, complementary therapy, financial and nutritional advice, hair-loss and bra-fitting support, and music, art and craft sessions, the centre also hosts a number of support groups that offer practical guidance for patients with a range of cancers. Tim Cresswell, from Ilfracombe, had life-changing surgery after being diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer but said he had been helped by meeting other men with similar experiences at the centres Mens Support Group. No one should have to struggle through something as frightening as cancer feeling alone and the Fern Centre can offer that flicker of light in a sometimes dark and worrying world, said Tim. Being able to meet other men who are living with or after cancer, and who have experienced many similar feelings, has been very uplifting. It really is good to talk, share and support one another. The Fern Centre also offers three en-suite emergency accommodation rooms for relatives and carers of patients staying in hospital overnight, not just those of cancer patients. There have been nearly 500 room bookings since the centre opened in 2020, giving families the chance to be near their loved ones. Royal Devon Hospitals Charity community fundraiser Julie Whitton helped launch the fundraising appeal for the Fern Centre in 2017, exactly three years to the day the centre opened in 2020. She said: The appeal received a huge amount of public support and came just two years after we completed a 2.2m appeal for the Seamoor Chemotherapy Unit, which opened at the hospital in 2015. The generosity of people in North Devon is incredible and its fabulous to be able to look back at the last five years and celebrate the impact that the Fern Centre has had on the lives of so many people in the local area. Every pound raised has helped make a difference, and by continuing to help us fund the centres 200,000 a year running costs, the local community is helping to ensure that anyone in North Devon affected by cancer has access to wraparound wellbeing support should they need it. This kind of support goes beyond what the NHS is able to fund so we cant thank people in North Devon enough for their continued support of the Fern Centre. A special garden party is being organised at the Fern Centre to celebrate the fifth anniversary on Monday, July 28. Cream teas and cakes will be available from 10am and there will also be entertainment by Michael Buble tribute Mark Daniels aka Ultimate Buble and clog dancing by the Ilfracombe Red Petticoats. For more information about the Fern Centre, you can visit the website www.royaldevoncharity.org.uk/ fern-centre SHANGHAI, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai's latest action plan to build a leading zone for high-level autonomous driving was released on Saturday, during the ongoing World Artificial Intelligence Conference in the city. The plan aims to see Level 4 autonomous vehicles make over 6 million passenger trips by 2027, open more than 5,000 kilometers of roads for autonomous driving, and ensure that over 90 percent of the city's new vehicles are equipped with Level 2 and Level 3 autonomous driving functions. Autonomous driving is categorized from Level 0 to Level 5. The higher the level, the more advanced and intelligent the technology. Vehicles with Level 4 autonomy can drive themselves in most conditions without a human backup driver. Shanghai will accelerate its construction of a globally leading zone for high-level autonomous driving through multi-dimensional collaboration involving data platforms, training bases, key technologies and policy frameworks, according to Han Dadong, director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization's automotive industry division. The plan also proposes the expansion of open areas for autonomous driving, the realization of full coverage for autonomous driving in the Pudong New Area, and the progressive opening-up of other districts such as Fengxian and Minhang. Shanghai will establish third-party platforms, including a key laboratory for intelligent connected vehicle traffic safety, to improve its validation process for autonomous driving systems and operational services, according to the plan. To facilitate the construction of its leading zone for high-level autonomous driving, Shanghai plans to deploy 500 data-collection ride-hailing vehicles and establish an evaluation system for large-scale autonomous driving models, achieving mass production applications for end-to-end intelligent driving models. CAIRO, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi on Saturday discussed mediation efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip during a phone call with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, the Egyptian presidency said in a statement. The two leaders stressed the importance of ensuring the delivery of adequate and appropriate humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. They also emphasized the necessity of reaching a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions. Sisi welcomed Macron's recent announcement of France's intention to officially recognize the State of Palestine during the upcoming 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September, saying that the decision is part of France's ongoing efforts "to implement the two-state solution." Sisi also reaffirmed Egypt's support for a French-Saudi initiative aimed at organizing a high-level international conference on the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue, scheduled to be held in New York later this month. Macron, for his part, expressed his country's full support for Egypt's mediation efforts, according to the statement. The Israeli military campaign in Gaza since October 2023 have left more than 59,000 Palestinians killed and over 143,000 injured, according to Gaza's health authorities. WHITING Rain is nothing to a seasoned pierogi. At least, no spirits seemed dampened by the early afternoon downpour along 119th Street in Whiting at the onset of this year's Pierogi Fest. In fact, there may have been some fringe benefits. "If it's like a light drizzle or some mist, it's just like in the grocery store," noted the Halupki Guy, a halupki-human hybrid who joins Mr. Pierogi and Miss Paczki as guests of honor at the festival. Even if it starts pouring, the Halupki Guy said, "We'll take shelter at whatever bar is closest and we'll have a good time there." (Nobody wants a soggy pierogi or paczki, Mr. Pierogi added.) Pierogi Fest has grown into one of the largest annual festivals in the Region quite possibly the most pierogis you'll see in any one place anywhere. It's also a rare opportunity to hear a polka rendition of "Yesterday" by The Beatles. And one local, Daniel Rodriguez, said that he felt there were a lot of similarities between Polish and Mexican music (possibly rhythmically), and so there's a "feeling of being at home" across cultural backgrounds. For Whiting residents, it's a major source of local pride and also a great excuse for extended family to reunite. "Regardless of where you moved to, (Whiting natives) come back for this," Rodriguez said, comparing it to the "Catalina Wine Mixer" event in the film "Stepbrothers," which means nothing to me, but I'm assuming it indicates Pierogi Fest is kind of a big deal. Rodriguez was one of several attendees who said they'd been coming since they were kids every year (and are now adults). "You see so many old friends," he said. "We just know we're going to be here. And that we're all going to end up at the Knights of Columbus by the end of the night." Another longtime Whiting resident, Tim Dixon, said he lived just a block away and was planning on eating each and every meal at Pierogi Fest for the next three days. "I think it's very much a part of Whiting's identity," Dixon said. Those from further afield expressed enthusiasm for the outpouring of cultural cuisine and music at the festival. "I think it's amazing," said Easton Plourde, visiting from South Dakota to see his girlfriend, a Whiting resident. "I love the culture, I love the unity. The pierogi 'situation' is pretty nonexistent in South Dakota." Closer to home, at least one visitor from Indianapolis said there was nothing close to Pierogi Fest in Central Indiana, and even one visitor from nearby Chicago, Gabby Pintor, said city food festivals "are highly disappointing" and "don't compare" to the annual Whiting celebration. As the festival has grown larger over the years, so have the potential varieties of pierogi. Traditional potato and cheese is a must-have, of course, but you can now get pierogis filled with blueberry or chicken chorizo. At the vendor Gosia's, I opted for jalapeno and potato-and-feta; the latter I thought was a nicely subtle variation that stays true to the "spirit" of pierogi without veering too far into becoming, say, an empanada. The latter can also be found at the festival; I took home a mustachioed pastry made from felt (and love) and put it on my car dashboard. You can take the pierogi out of the festival, but you can't... well, you can't eat just one; I'll leave the profundity to the Pierogi veterans. "It brings so many families together," Whiting resident Camryn Klodnicki said. "I always look forward to this. The community gets together. I get to see my family altogether in one place. It's a party." Pierogi Fest takes place in downtown Whiting July 25-27, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, readers can check out pierogifest.net. Adams Lander Blake Mamdani Myrie Stringer Adams Cuomo Most popular first choice for mayor Second choice Third choice Fourth choice Fifth choice Adams Lander Mamdani Adams Cuomo Most popular first choice for mayor Second choice Third choice Blake Myrie Stringer Fourth choice Fifth choice Lander Adams Mamdani Cuomo Adams Most popular first choice for mayor Second choice Third choice Blake Myrie Stringer Fourth choice Fifth choice Mapping How Mamdanis Ranked-Choice Strategy Beat Cuomo The results certified this week from New York Citys mayoral primary election provide the clearest picture yet down to each voters ranked-choice ballot of how Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani pulled off a major upset over former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo. Heres what the ballots show. A majority of voters didnt rank Cuomo Share of ballots that did not rank Cuomo, by neighborhood 25% 50 Queens Brooklyn Bronx Manhattan Staten Island The New York Times Opponents of Mr. Cuomo, who had resigned as governor in scandal, ran an unusual campaign urging voters to leave him off their ballots altogether. They called it DREAM, or Dont Rank Evil Andrew for Mayor. It appears to have had success. Although Mr. Cuomo placed second overall in the race, 54 percent of voters did not put him on their ballots at all. These voters were concentrated in Manhattan and the parts of Brooklyn and Queens closest to it, like Williamsburg, Astoria and Brooklyn Heights. Share of ballots that ranked each candidate, regardless of position The dont rank campaign was so successful that Brad Lander and Adrienne Adams, two candidates who received far fewer first-choice votes than Mr. Cuomo, were ranked on more ballots overall than the former governor. Brad Lander was the most popular second choice Share of second-choice votes Lander Adams Myrie Tilson 25% 50 Queens Brooklyn Bronx Manhattan Staten Island Lander Adams Myrie Share of first-choice votes Mamdani Cuomo 25% 50 Queens Brooklyn Bronx Manhattan Staten Island The New York Times Under the citys ranked-choice voting system, voters were allowed to list up to five candidates in order of preference. Mr. Lander, the city comptroller, was the most common second choice on ballots throughout the city after he and Mr. Mamdani cross-endorsed each other. The maps above suggest this strategy worked. Mr. Lander was an overwhelmingly popular second choice throughout the city, but he was an especially strong No. 2 in gentrifying neighborhoods where Mr. Mamdani won in Brooklyn and Queens, like Williamsburg, Bedford-Stuyvesant and Astoria. Supporters of Mr. Cuomo most commonly ranked nobody as their second choice, followed by Ms. Adams, the City Council speaker. Voters were especially likely to rank Ms. Adams second in southeast Queens, her political home. Cuomo-only ballots were popular, but far from enough Share of ballots that only ranked Cuomo, by neighborhood 15% 30 Queens Brooklyn Bronx Manhattan Staten Island The New York Times The single most common ranked-choice ballot cast in the mayoral primary was for Mr. Cuomo alone. More than 176,000 Democrats, or 16 percent of voters, cast ballots that listed only Mr. Cuomo, about four times the number of people who cast ballots that listed only Mr. Mamdani. Some of these voters ranked Mr. Cuomo several times on their ballots. Cuomo-only ballots were especially popular in the South Bronx, southern Brooklyn and southeastern Queens. Most common ballots cast by voters The most popular rankings by primary voters either selected only Cuomo or excluded him entirely. Ballots 162,833 Ballots 75,274 Ballots 38,495 Ballots 18,663 Ballots 18,077 The general election will not use ranked-choice ballots, so the candidate with the most votes wins. A farm in Offaly described as having 'panoramic views' and with a derelict house is going up for public auction. Described as a superb parcel of land of 129.5 acres, it is located at Barnaboy, Daingean and offers 'top-quality farmland' in a peaceful rural setting. Presented in two lots and the entire, it is described as a rare opportunity to acquire substantial acreage for the establishment or expansion of an existing agricultural enterprise. The area is noted for strong agricultural rental values, giving an opportunity for investors also. Set amid gently rolling countryside and benefited by good access, this prime farmland is suitable for tillage, grazing, or mixed-use farming. The land is also noted for containing gravel deposits. GVM Auctioneers will host the auction on Wednesday, September 10 at 4pm in the Tullamore Court Hotel. The auction will also be available online on www.lslauctions.com The lots for the auction are as follows LOT 1: C.87.8 Acres of prime tillage and grazing land, laid out in several manageable divisions. This lot includes a derelict two-storey farmhouse on an elevated site, boasting panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. This house has huge potential for renovation and may benefit from the vacant home's refurbishment grant (subject to approval) LOT 2 C.41.7 Acres: A large, single-field block of elevated land with natural gently sloping contours. Currently in grass but formerly under tillage, reflecting excellent soil quality and fertility. LOT 3 C.129.5 Acres comprises Lot 1 & 2 combined. Located just a short drive from the town of Daingean, this property is ideally situated for farmers, investors, and business buyers alike. 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Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Israel attacked the defense ministry building twice, and near the presidential palace in Damascus on July 16. As the afternoon traffic drove by in the heart of the city, huge plumes of smoke billowed from the landmark building. This was the third day of Israeli airstrikes on Syria. Syrians have become used to Israel airstrikes. During the Assad regime, Israel carried out deadly attacks on an almost daily basis, eliminating Hezbollah and Iranian weapons supplies. After the fall of the regime on December 8, Israel carried out daily airstrikes across the country eliminating military assets, leaving Syria defenseless, and without an army. According to the Israeli military, the strike on Damascus was a message to the Syrian president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in response to the violence in Sweida. On Monday, Israel entered into the fray with airstrikes on tanks in Sweida, and drone strikes that killed some Syrian security forces. The Druze are a religious minority in Syria, but are the majority of the population of Sweida. They had stayed neutral during the 14-year civil war that led to the ouster of Assad. They were hoping to achieve some form of autonomy. They have yet to reach an agreement with the Sharaa administration that defines their relationship with the new Syrian state. The violence began on July 13, after armed clashes erupted between the Druze residents in Sweida and Bedouin tribes. Threats, shootings, kidnappings and looting were reported, which prompted the security forces to arrive. The Druze reported the security forces assisted the Bedouins in their attacks on residents, instead of protecting them. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took advantage of the chaos in Sweida by inflaming emotions on the Druze side, and attempting to look like their hero. There are Druze in Israel, and while some are aligned with Netanyahu and the Zionists, others consider themselves Palestinians and have been discriminated against. On July 17, the Syrian security forces began withdrawing tanks and soldiers from Sweida following a truce and agreement between all parties. The BBC characterized the clashes in Sweida as sectarian in nature. Sharaa and his government are Islamists, and much has been written about his past affiliation with known terrorist groups, and the 10-million-dollar bounty on his head, which was rescinded by the U.S. government following his rise to the presidency. According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) more than 300 people have been killed in south Syria since Sunday. The withdrawal On July 17, it was announced in Damascus that local leaders would take responsibility for security in Sweida. Speech and violations investigations. At 4:00 am July 17, President Sharaa gave a televised speech confirming "responsibility" for security in Sweida would be handed to religious elders and some local factions "based on the supreme national interest". "We are keen on holding accountable those who transgressed and abused our Druze people, as they are under the protection and responsibility of the state," he said. Addressing the Druze, Sharaa said the community was "a fundamental part of the fabric of this nation... protecting your rights and freedom is one of our priorities". Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). A year and three-quarters since the escalated genocidal assault on Gaza was launched, a year and a half since the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to halt its genocidal actions, eight months since the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for the sitting prime minister of Israel, and following -- throughout that time -- repeated vetoes by the U.S. government in the United Nations Security Council and refusals by the UN General Assembly to circumvent that body despite constant public outcry for it to do so, 12 nations that manufacture virtually no weapons have jointly announced that they will not arm Israel. Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Indonesia, Iraq, Libya, Malaysia, Namibia, Nicaragua, Oman, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and South Africa have committed to: Prevent the provision or transfer of arms, munitions, military fuel, related military equipment, and dual-use items to Israel. Prevent the transit, docking, and servicing of vessels at any port... in all cases where there is a clear risk of the vessel being used to carry arms, munitions, military fuel, related military equipment, and dual-use items to Israel. Prevent the carriage of arms, munitions, military fuel, related military equipment, and dual-use items to Israel on vessels bearing our flag... and ensure full accountability, including de-flagging, for non-compliance with this prohibition. Commence an urgent review of all public contracts, to prevent public institutions and funds from supporting Israel's illegal occupation of the Palestinian Territory and entrenching its unlawful presence. Comply with 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, to ensure justice for all victims and the prevention of future crimes. Support universal jurisdiction mandates, as and where applicable in national legal frameworks and judiciaries, to ensure justice for victims of international crimes committed in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The proposal to use universal jurisdiction to prosecute Israelis is odd, given the actions already long since taken by the world courts based in the city for which this Hague Group of nations is named. As a BDS platform, the above seems to be missing the S. There are no targeted sanctions against Israeli officials, even as the U.S. government is sanctioning judges of the International Criminal Court. There is also no proposal here to expel Israel from the United Nations. There is also no proposal for boycotting, divesting from, and sanctioning other nations (such as the ones that, you know, manufacture weapons) that continue to arm Israel. And, while there is thankfully no disastrously misguided proposal for armed forces, there is also no proposal for unarmed peacekeeping. Presumably, all of those things are lacking because these nations are not trying to act through the United Nations at all, but separately. There is no mention of upholding the Arms Trade Treaty or any other law on the Hague Group's webpage announcing this commitment. But the PDF of the complete statement, linked from the bottom of that page, makes numerous introductory references to the United Nations, the International Court of Justice (though not the International Criminal Court), and international law. Not just 12 states have just met in Bogota' but approximately 30 (not counting those, such as the United States, there in opposition to any steps toward justice), and the statement is held open for others to sign onto it by September 20th. There has to be a certain relief that, prior to the death of every last person in Gaza, some 6% of the world's governments have made themselves willing enough to represent public outcry, and independent enough to defy the United States, to take steps that they were -- at least for the most part -- already taking. Something is better than nothing. The meeting in Colombia has produced useful statements, albeit mostly for those media outlets whose audiences have already known about the genocide in Gaza for close to two years. This ought to be built on, but it ought to be built on in the direction of universalization, of reforming and democratizing the United Nations (chiefly through the elimination of the veto, or the development of courage and integrity in the General Assembly) or replacing it with an institution that applies the rule of law equally and swiftly to all. Questions are answered by experts at the Oregon Health Authority, other state agencies or community partners. Questions and answers are republished by permission. Q: Hello -- Im trying to find someone to go through our apartment because we have been living with awful bugs and 42-year-old carpet, and when we told the landlord about our bugs and black mold, they told us we would have to pay to get rid of these bugs, so we did. We got a couple of bug bombs, and when we came home (when it said it was safe to do so), I walked in, took a couple of breaths and couldnt breathe. My husband called 911, I went to the hospital and now have damage to my lungs. Can you tell me where I can get help? Glenda, Stayton A: Glenda, were sorry to hear about your troubles with bugs and mold. That sounds horrible! OHA does not have regulatory authority over mold, and staff are not able to conduct site visits. However, some city or county governments have rental inspection programs (Stayton is not one of them, unfortunately), which can send an inspector out to inspect the residence. If the inspector discovers that mold is present, they can require the landlord to address the mold issue using building code regulations. Also, renters who believe their landlords are not taking appropriate action for their safety can call the Community Alliance of Tenants Renters Rights Hotline (503-288-0130) for guidance. Illnesses due to pesticide exposure are reportable in Oregon, and OHAs Environment Public Health Section will reach out to you for more information. We use the data to develop policy or regulatory action to help prevent future exposures. Regarding your health, please consult with your health care provider with any concerns. Many people call Oregon Poison Center (OPC) at 800-222-1222 when they believe theyve been exposed to pesticides. When that happens, OPC sends the information to OHA, and we will reach out to get more details for official reporting purposes. People can also call OHAs Pesticide Exposure, Safety and Tracking (PEST) Program directly to report pesticide-related illnesses at 971-673-0400, or via email at pesticides.health@odhsoha.oregon.gov. People can also report a pesticide related illness to the Pesticide Analytical Response Center (PARC) with Oregon Department of Agriculture. They take complaints and may launch an investigation, but they want to do so within 30 days of someone noticing the problem, so its important to report incidents to PARC as quickly as possible. Call 503-986-4635 or toll-free at 844-688-7272. Lastly, when using retail bug bombs (aka foggers) or other retail pest control products, its important to follow all safety instructions that are printed on or come with the product. This usually includes instructions for safe application, handling, storage, and disposal, cautionary hazards for humans and pets (with first aid tips in case of exposure), as well as a manufacturers website and/or toll-free phone number for consumers who want to do more research or ask questions. If you have questions about health topics for the Oregon Health Authority, submit your question here. Although the agency is unable to answer every question, it will try to address those of interest to a broad audience. Please understand that OHA is unable to provide specific medical advice for personal medical conditions. An Aloha man accused of sexually abusing a woman he lured into his home in the wee hours Monday has been indicted on eight felony counts, including sodomy and kidnapping. In court papers, Washington County prosecutors say Dru Hendrix has a 15-year history of stalking and sending inappropriate messages to young women, who he often encountered through his now defunct auto repair shop, Hendrix Motor Company, in Northwest Portland. The facts of the case before this court are the culmination of a man who has spent his years tormenting anyone he encounters especially young women, prosecutor Chris Lewman wrote in a no-bail memo Wednesday. In the current case, prosecutors say a 20-year-old woman was lost on Southwest Applegate Drive without her phone and asked Hendrix for directions to a gas station. He invited her inside, then blocked any escape with his body and attacked her, according to the memo. The memo says Hendrix smoked methamphetamine and tried to force her to inhale the drug as well, and forced her to grope Hendrixs sleeping 83-year-old roommate. Hendrix, 58, is also charged with compelling prostitution for allegedly posting photos of the woman online during the drug-fueled frenzy. At the time of the attack, he was on supervised release in a Columbia County case involving check fraud and an attempt to escape. A Washington County judge has ordered him to be held without bail. Dru Hendrix, 58. WCSO Lewman, the prosecutor, said online reviews indicate Hendrix would send unwanted nude photos of himself to women who patronized his repair shop, leading to multiple restraining orders and a stalking conviction. (The convictions) show a pattern of the defendant making threats to neighbors and being sexually inappropriate, Lewman wrote. Hendrixs defense attorney didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Zane Sparling covers breaking news and courts for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-319-7083, zsparling@oregonian.com or @pdxzane. GAZA, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Hospitals in Gaza recorded five new deaths due to starvation and malnutrition in the past 24 hours, bringing the over death toll of that kind since October 2023 to 127, including 85 children, Gaza-based health authorities said Saturday in a brief statement. Meanwhile, Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East Philippe Lazzarini said on social media platform X that, "A manmade hunger can only be addressed by political will." "Lift the siege, open the gates, guarantee safe movements and dignified access to people in need," Lazzarini said, adding the agency now has the equivalent of 6,000 trucks in Jordan and Egypt waiting for the green light to get into Gaza. The Palestinian official news agency WAFA reported that at least 47 Palestinians, including 17 aid seekers, were killed by Israeli attacks across Gaza on Saturday. The Israel Defense Forces said Saturday in a statement that its air force struck over 100 militant targets throughout Gaza over the past day, including "terrorist cells, combat tunnels, military infrastructure, anti-tank missile posts, and weapons storage facilities." Since Israel resumed its military operations in the enclave on March 18, at least 8,581 Palestinians had been killed and 32,436 others injured, bringing the total death toll since October 2023 to 59,733, and injuries to 144,477, Gaza-based health authorities said Saturday. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Courtesy of the Forest Grove Fire Department A 2-alarm house fire in Forest Grove on Friday put a firefighter in the hospital and killed a resident, fire officials say. The blaze started around 5:15 p.m. in the 1900 Block of A Street, the Forest Grove Fire department said in a statement. Fire crews saw a column of smoke rising from the burning home as they approached the scene, and upgraded the blaze to a 2-alarm fire to bring in more fire crews from the Cornelius, Hillsboro, Tualatin Valley, Banks and Gaston fire departments, fire officials said. The side of the home that was partitioned into several apartments was burning when fire crews arrived, officials said. Two citizens, an off-duty firefighter and a retired deputy fire marshal from Hillsboro Fire & Rescue were using a ladder to rescue the people in the second floor of the home before Forest Grove firefighters got to the scene, officials said. When fire crews searched the house, they found one resident dead inside the burning building, officials said. Fire officials have not publicly identified the person who died. The fire quickly spread to the attic and compromised the roof of the house, prompting firefighters to retreat and fight the blaze from the outside, officials said. After an hour, firefighters managed to extinguish the fire, but it took an additional two hours to fully extinguish smoldering hot spots in the walls and attic, officials said. The cause of the fire is under investigation. 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. Parents of a deceased man filed a lawsuit after they claimed that a funeral home sent them an unlabeled box that had their child's brain. The brain allegedly started to smell and leaked fluids into the couple's car and got on the father's hand when he tried to move it. Lawrence Butler said that the gruesome discovery was overwhelming, noting that it left a horrific memory that taints what other memories they had of the "good young man." Parents Receive Unlabeled Box With Deceased Son's Brain As the father spoke at a news conference on Thursday, his wife, Abbey Butler, stood nearby, wiping away her tears. The incident involves the remains of the couple's son, Timothy Garlington, who died in 2023. After his death, the Butlers had their son's remains shipped from one funeral home in Georgia to another that was located in Pennsylvania. The latter is where the parents picked up their deceased son's belongings, including a white cardboard box that had an unlabeled red box, according to ABC News. The attorney for the Butlers, L. Chris Stewart, said at the news conference that Abbey was unable to open the red box at Nix & Nix Funeral Homes. A few days later, the red box, which was inside the couple's car, started to smell and leak fluid. Read more: Parents of California Man Seek Justice After Son Was Fatally Stabbed While Trying To Defend a Woman But when Lawrence picked it up, the fluid covered his hands, and was later found to be "brain matter." When the parents called the funeral home in Georgia, Southern Cremations & Funerals at Cheatham Hill, they were told that it was their son's brain, noting that there was a mistake. The company that owns the Georgia funeral homes, ASV Partners, declined to comment on the matter. Stewart said that the parents' last memory was holding their son's brain. Lawrence noted that he had to get rid of their car as he could not stand the idea that his child's remains were in it. Filing a Lawsuit Against the Funeral Homes The recently filed lawsuit notes that the two funeral homes negligently mishandled human remains and intentionally, wantonly, or recklessly inflicted emotional distress on the deceased man's parents, WECT reported. Stewart also said that he had already consulted with other funeral homes, saying that at no point in the process is the brain of a deceased person "separated from body in that fashion and shipped in that fashion." The attorney added that whether or not Nix & Nix knew that the man's brain was inside the box, the funeral homes should not have handed the package over to the Butlers because it was not included in the list of belongings that was sent from Southern Cremations, as per the South China Morning Post. An 18-year-old United States citizen captured the violent arrest of him and other people he was with, which showed immigration agents saying, "You've got no rights here. You're a migo, brother." The teenager, identified as Kenny Laynez-Ambrosio, was driving to his landscaping job in North Palm Beach on May 2 with his mother and two male friends. However, they were then pulled over by the Florida Highway Patrol. Video Shows Violent Arrest Made by Immigration Officers A highway patrol officer asked all of the people in the teenager's car to identify themselves before calling for backup, which prompted the arrival of officers with U.S. Border Patrol. A video recording showed a group of officers wearing tactical gear violently detaining the three men, two of whom are undocumented. The officers appeared to use a stun gun on one of the men while putting another in a chokehold. After detaining the men, the officers could be heard bragging about the incident, saying the use of the stun gun was "funny" and "You can smell that ... $ 30,000 bonus," according to The Guardian. The recording has drawn fresh criticism about the brutal tactics enforced by U.S. law enforcement officials in trying to achieve the Trump administration's ambitious targets of detaining thousands of immigrants every day. An attorney who is advocating on behalf of the teenager, Jack Scarola, said the federal government imposed quotas for the arrest of immigrants. Scarola, who works with the non-profit organization Guatemalan-Maya Center, added that whenever law enforcement is compelled to work towards a quota, it "poses a significant risk to other rights." The footage also showed the initial interaction between the 18-year-old and the agents at the scene. When one officer tried to open their car door, Laynez-Ambrosio said, "Wait, hold up. You guys have no rights to do that," the New Republic reported. The Trump Administration's Immigration Crackdown After the detention of the people in the vehicle, the officers could be heard claiming that more individuals started to resist their arrests. This prompted the agents to anticipate more extreme uses of force in the future. One agent said that they could end up shooting someone, referencing Laynez-Ambrosio's attempts to assert his rights. The officer continued to say, "This kid goes like ... 'No, you can't do that'; I'm not doing shit. We told you already to get out, you either get out or I'm going to pull you out." After the incident, Laynez-Ambrosion was held in a cell at a Customs and Border Protection station for six hours before being charged with obstruction without violence. He was also sentenced to 10 hours of community service and a four-hour anger management course. The teen claims that the men he was with did not try to resist the officers, but only spoke in Spanish and were not able to understand the agents' request. He added that his friends have been released on bail and are now waiting for their court hearings, as per Mediaite. United States President Donald Trump's administration is set to release more than $5 billion in frozen school funds after several districts filed a lawsuit to gain access to the money. The development comes after the Republican leader's government told states in late June that it was withholding the funding pending further review. That particular announcement came a day before the July 1 deadline for when the money would typically have been distributed to districts. The Release of Over $5 Billion in Withheld School Funds The result was that many school districts were left scrambling in the lead up to the school year to pool enough funds for various programs and necessities. However, the current administration announced earlier this month that it would be releasing grant funding for before- and after-school programs. The deputy assistant secretary for communications at the Education Department, Madi Biedermann, said that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has directed the Department of Education to release all formula funds. He added that the process will start next week, according to NPR. Bipartisan lawmakers lobbied to release the school funds, citing the financial strain that states and local communities faced. Many states also filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to try to force the release of the money. The funds that the government withheld were supposed to help pay for various education programs, such as migrant education, services for English language learners, and adult education. Despite the announcement that the funding will be released soon, further details on the review and what it found were not shared by the government. A senior administration official said that guardrails would be implemented for the amount of money being released to districts, Reuters reported. Relief for School Districts The Trump administration has also threatened schools and colleges that it would withhold federal funding over various issues, such as climate initiatives, transgender policies, pro-Palestinian protests against Israel's war in Gaza, and diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. However, Republican lawmakers praised the decision to release the withheld funding, while Democratic officials said that there was no need to disrupt funding in the first place. In a separate statement, Education Secretary Linda McMahon said she was satisfied with what the administration found in the review. Following the announcement of the funding being released, Unalaska City School District Superintendent Kimberly Hanisch said that they are relieved to hear the news. She noted that there was much relief for their students and staff, knowing that they would get opportunities provided by the funding, as per the Alaska Republic. By COLLIN BINKLEY and ANNIE MA, AP education writers WASHINGTON (AP) The Trump administration is releasing billions of dollars in withheld grants for schools, the Education Department said Friday, ending weeks of uncertainty for educators around the country who rely on the money for English language instruction, adult literacy and other programs. President Donald Trumps administration had suspended more than $6 billion in funding on July 1, as part of a review to ensure spending aligned with the White Houses priorities. The funding freeze had been challenged by several lawsuits, including from Pennsylvanias governor, as educators, Congress members from both parties and others called for the administration to release the money. Congress had appropriated the money in a bill signed this year by Trump. Last week, the Education Department said it would release $1.3 billion of the money for after-school and summer programming. Without the money, school districts and nonprofits such as the YMCA and Boys and Girls Club of America had said they would have to close or scale back educational offerings this fall. The Office of Management and Budget had completed its review of the programs and will begin sending the money to states next week, the Education Department said. Republican senators pressed the administration A group of 10 Republican senators on July 16 sent a letter imploring the administration to allow the frozen education money to be sent to states, saying the withheld money supported programs and services that are critical to local communities. The programs are ones that enjoy longstanding, bipartisan support, U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., said Friday. She pointed to after-school and summer programs that allow parents to work while their children learn and classes that help adults gain new skills contributing to local economies. In withholding the funds, the Office of Management and Budget had said some of the programs supported a radical leftwing agenda. We share your concern, the GOP senators had written. However, we do not believe that is happening with these funds. School superintendents had warned they would have to eliminate academic services without the money. On Friday, AASA, an association of superintendents, thanked members of Congress for pressing to release the money. The uncertainty around the funding was an unnecessary distraction for schools, said U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wa. Instead of spending the last many weeks figuring out how to improve after-school options and get our kids reading and math scores up, because of President Trump, communities across the country have been forced to spend their time cutting back on tutoring options and sorting out how many teachers they will have to lay off, Murray said. The grants that were under review included $2 billion for teachers professional development and efforts to reduce class size; $1 billion for academic enrichment grants, often used for science and math education and accelerated learning; $890 million for students who are learning English; $376 million to educate the children of migrant workers; and $715 million to teach adults how to read. The country music world has been praying for Emmy Russell and her husband Tyler Ward since they shared that their young daughter had to be rushed to the hospital last weekend and was undergoing tests. The couple shared this week that they believe the prayers paid off for Taylor Raydiant, who was born earlier this year. She has infantile spasms, Ward announced in a video on Instagram. Which, after doing research, its 0.02% of conditions. So, very, very rare. Often, treated early, results can be positive, he added. Its about a 50/50 chance, which is crazy. We feel like yalls prayers and support have actually made a huge difference. All of that still sounds pretty scary, but they explained a big positive was that MRIs showed that her brain looked good. The whole team of like six came in and said they didnt see anything but the radiologist had to look at the charts again, Ward said. Three hours later the radiologist came in and said everything looks normal. There is one concern, and we will go into details of that at some point. But for the most part, we got to take Taylor home. She has two weeks of medication and then the follow-up. So, in two weeks well know for sure, but as of now, its a miracle. With infantile spasms it can be severe. Infantile spasms is a form of epilepsy that occurs in 1 in every 2,000 children. Ward showed a video clip of Taylor Raydiant having the spasms. Emmy, who is the granddaughter of country music legend Loretta Lynn and a former American Idol star, began to cry and said she was thinking of the thousands and thousands of prayers that were sent their way. The couple first took to Instagram over the weekend to ask for prayers. These last few days have been interesting for us, Ward said. Weve noticed that little Taylor has had some seizures and we took her to the hospital today and we know that in these moments, we really do believe in the power of prayer. And so were just asking you to come alongside us in this moment. Russell then shared some of what was going on. Shes doing her EE whats it called? EEG, she said. So just pray for like normal brain waves. Shes been having these spasms, kind of like shes falling almost they were just really concerned about it and wanted to do some checking how our brain is and everything. So pray for answers, because I really do want answers. Taylor has been fussy & crying for the last few days and we assumed it was teething, the couple wrote in the caption. But this morning Tyler noticed small spasms. We filmed it and rushed to the doctor. They confirmed it could be small seizures and asked us to stay overnight for testing. Its a different kind of hard right now. Were asking for your prayers, we truly believe they could make all the difference. ISTANBUL, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Two major wildfires in northwestern and northern Turkiye triggered mass evacuations on Saturday, with strong winds pushing flames toward residential areas and trapping vehicles on engulfed roads, local authorities said. In Bursa province, an uncontrolled blaze between Kestel and Gursu districts spread rapidly toward villages, forcing evacuations. Online videos showed residents fleeing on foot as fire engulfed a main roadway, briefly stranding vehicles including civilian aid cars. Meanwhile, a blaze that began on Thursday in Karabuk province remained uncontained, prompting precautionary evacuation of nearly 20 villages. Authorities closed the Ankara-Karabuk highway as residents attempted to relocate livestock from danger zones. Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumakli confirmed on Saturday 76 active fires nationwide -- 28 forested and 48 rural, citing extreme heat and "very high risk" conditions. He said firefighting teams will continue night operations. Temperatures reached 38 degrees Celsius in Bursa and 37 degrees Celsius in Karabuk on Saturday, with forecasts predicting even higher temperatures over the next two days. Darius Rucker, left, and Zac Brown of the Zac Brown Band perform during CMA Fest 2022 on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP) Amy Harris/Invision/AP Country music star Zac Brown made headlines last year for an ugly split, this week he is making them because he is now off the market. Brown announced that he and jewelry designer Kendra Scott are now engaged. He made the revelation during an appearance on Today on Friday. Im blessed, he said. I feel great. Its incredible, were so happy we found each other, he added. Were blessed and it just adds so much energy to everything else, more to give to music, more to give to our families, so were blessed. Brown was married to Kelly Yazdi for four months in 2023 before they split. The Zac Brown Band has actually been making some big-time headlines of late. The band recently announced it will play a shows at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Dates are Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13, and that is slated to coincide with the release of the bands seventh studio album, Love & Fear. Bringing our new album Love & Fear to Sphere in Las Vegas is a dream come true, Zac Brown said. Its my masterpiece so far. This show is the story of my life that I have never shared, a journey through my imagination, music and stories that have defined who I am. All of this brought to life in the incredible immersive environment of the Sphere, he continued. It will be a unique experience where you can really feel every note, every word, right there with us. We cant wait to share it with the fans. While Kenny Chesney recently became the first country music star to play the Sphere, Zac Brown Band will become the first country group to play the venue. The news comes after the band first raised eyebrows by wiping its social media and posting a single highlight video last week. There was a message written out there, too, that initially had fans thinking it was all a good bye. Theres no way to sum up what the last chapter has meant to us the post read. Weve played thousands of shows, crossed countless state lines, and seen every kind of weather and welcome you could imagine. Whether you saw us when we were playing covers in Georgia dive bars or you just found us on your drive home last month youve been a part of this journey. Youve sung the words, screamed the choruses, cried with us, danced with us, and let this music into your life. That kind of connection is not lost on us. It never will be. One can see why fans might have been freaking out at that point, but there was more. From every hand we shook, every sign we saw in the crowd, every voice lifted back to us from the front to the lawn, we felt your love, the statement continued. And we gave it right back, night after night. This isnt goodbye. Its a thank you. A reflection. The next chapter? it continued. Its the biggest one yet. Well see you there. Should we consider getting another vaccine due to the rise in Covid cases currently? (AP Photo/Juan Karita, File) AP As COVID cases are ramping up once again this summer, its natural to start thinking of the risks and wonder if its time to get another vaccine. As of July 15, COVID cases were growing or likely growing in 27 states, including Texas, Illinois, Kentucky, Virginia and Ohio, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rates of positive COVID tests have also been increasing in recent weeks, per the CDC, more so in the southern region of the country. N.B.1.8.1 is the current dominant variant in the U.S., which accounts for 43% of all new COVID cases, according to the CDC. The current variant is an offshoot of the XVD.1.5.1 strain, a descendant of the omicron variant. N.B.1.8.1 was responsible for a surge in hospitalizations in China earlier this year. Additionally, its been nicknamed razor blade throat, as there have been anecdotal reports of some people getting painful sore throats, per Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, said to NBC. However, per Schaffner, sore throats have been a common symptom of COVID since it first began spreading. I doubt the clinical spectrum of COVID has changed substantially, he said to the news outlet. Thinking about receiving a COVID booster and wondering when the new vaccines will be available? Thats understandable, given the uptick in cases comes at a time when most Americans have likely gone a year or longer without a shot. Back in May, the Food and Drug Administration asked drugmakers to update their COVID vaccines with a focus on the LP.8.1 strain, a descendent of JN.1, which started to spread widely in 2023 and is another offshoot of omicron. Right now, LP.8.1 accounts for 31% of all new cases, per the CDC. The new shots wont be available until the fall and are expected to be approved only for adults 65 and up, as well as kids and adults with at least one medical condition that puts them at risk of severe illness. Healthy kids and adults who want a shot might have to find an older version or pay out of pocket. Keep in mind, however, that a single dose can cost as much as $140. But experts are saying that population immunity whether from vaccination, prior infection, or both might shield much of the public for now. While we dont have a lot of high level of immunity in the population right now, because its been so long, we may have enough low level immunity to just make it a little bit harder for that virus to transmit easily from person to person, Andy Pekosz, an infectious disease researcher at Johns Hopkins University, said to NBC News. Meanwhile, hospitalization rates have remained low, suggesting that the new variant might not be leading to severe illness. Pekosz told NBC that cases usually rise during the summer, when people tend to stay indoors to avoid the heat. But he thinks that any surge will be small. The variants have been around for a while and havent caused any major surges up until date, he said. But those who are considered high risk should still consider getting a COVID shot, if they can find one. That high-risk group includes older adults, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and those with underlying conditions. Dale Hull (left) and Dean Hull (right) died Wednesday, July 16, while boating on Oneida Lake. The brothers were visiting their family cottage on Wellesley Island in the early 1990s. Lisa Hull Syracuse, N.Y. Dean and Dale Hull felt most at home on the water as kids and as adults. Growing up, they spent summers swimming, fishing and boating on the St. Lawrence River. As they got older, the brothers worked on boats of their own and often restored older ones. They were frequently together on the water somewhere. The brothers Dale, 64, and Dean, 65, died Wednesday, July 16, while boating on Oneida Lake. An off-duty deputy found the brothers in water in Three Mile Bay in the town of West Monroe shortly before 2 p.m. that day, according to Andrew Bucher, a spokesperson for the Oswego County Sheriffs Office. Their boat was not far away. Family members said they dont know how the brothers drowned. They werent wearing life jackets, but they were strong swimmers with a lifetime of experience on the water and around boats. Deputies told the family the boat was found floating in the bay before Dean and Dale were discovered together in shallow water, said Kathy Saumier, Dales girlfriend of 18 years. The boat wasnt damaged or capsized. Family members said they may never know what happened. The men, who both retired at about 62 years old, boated so often that sometimes going onto the water would just be a spur of the moment thing, like it was Wednesday. Family members sat down recently with syracuse.com | The Post-Standard to talk about their brothers and their love of family and being on the water. Theyve been attached at the hip since they were kids, said Lisa Hull, Deans wife. They were two peas in a pod. Dean and Dale Hull grew up in Nedrow but the familys cottage, called Harbor Lights, was in the Thousand Island Parks on Wellesley Island. It was a second home, where days were filled with sunshine and time together on the water. That continued for decades. Dean always seemed to get boats that were on their last leg and he would fix it up so they could use it for a year or two, and then wed have to get rid of it and get a new one, Lisa said. Dale owned a 1988 Sea Ray sleeper, which he and Saumier took out on the water nearly every summer weekend. Theyd dock the boat on the St. Lawrence River in Clayton, and drive up each Friday, spending the night in the cabin, Saumier said. Along with fishing and swimming, the brothers had an interest in minerals and rocks. Lisa Hull said Dean often collected and studied them in his spare time. Lisa said Dean loved science and science fiction, and had a passion for collecting rocks, minerals and even meteorites. One of Deans favorite pastimes was watching Star Wars. It was a passion he shared with his son, Ian. Dale fell in love with nature photography, often capturing sunsets, lakes and lighthouses, Saumier said. Several of his photos were selected for publication in the Thousand Islands Sun, a weekly newspaper in Alexandria Bay. Saumier said the two brothers were sentimental. They enjoyed antique pieces and often had a hard time letting older items go. Lisa Hull said she and Dean saw Jurassic Park last week, and as she sifted through his dresser after he died, she found hed kept the ticket stubs. Sarah Hull, Deans daughter, said her father was always affectionate. They kissed each other hello and goodbye and he always told his kids how loved they were and how proud he was of them, she said. Dean was a father of two, a son and a daughter, and Dale was a girl dad he had three daughters. Dale was a grandfather of four who spent his retirement with his grandchildren, Saumier said. He was especially excited to take the little ones out on the water in a boat for the first time. Dean had been a line cook at multiple restaurants throughout his life. Hed met his wife, Lisa, at The Poseidon a Greek restaurant he worked in on James Street in Syracuse. Dale worked a machinist for multiple companies in the DeWitt and Liverpool area, according to Saumier. Dean Hull (left) and Dale Hull (right) died Wednesday, July 16, while boating on Oneida Lake. Debbie Hull (bottom) is pictured with her brothers on Easter at Loretta Nursing Home. Lisa Hull In retirement, the two often were out on the water. Saumier said she didnt know they were going out last week. On Wednesday afternoon, Oswego County Sheriffs Office deputies came to Saumier and Dales Syracuse home after Dales boat was found drifting. The boat, a 1988 Searay Weekender, was registered to their address. Saumier told deputies through her Ring camera that she would call him and ask him why the boat was drifting and to retrieve it, but he didnt answer. She was busy at work and didnt think much of it at the time. When she got off work around 4 p.m., she expected to find Dale waiting for her; he always dropped her off and picked her up from work, but he wasnt there. My nephew was working downstairs, and he said I talked to him at 9:30 a.m. he was on the boat, and I just got sick to my stomach because I knew something was wrong," Saumier said. Thats when deputies called her again. When she got home from work, they told Saumier that Dean and Dale had died. Lisa Hull said she tried to call Dean when he hadnt made it home yet. She said they would usually be back around 3 p.m. after a day of boating. I called him to see, you know, whats going on; how come youre late? Lisa said. It went straight to voicemail, and then an hour later, deputies were at my door. Lisa joked that she asked the deputies at her door, OK, what did they do? I thought in my heart they got arrested. Instead, thats when she learned they were dead. Lisa said the Onondaga County Medical Examiners Office told their family that the brothers cause of death was an accidental drowning. She said the family was in shock and disbelief. Still, the family said they find comfort in knowing Dean and Dale were together in their final moments. Lisa said each brother would have been devastated if one had survived without the other. Kathy said Dale often joked about wanting a Viking funeral laid to rest in a boat set ablaze on the river. She laughed, saying she loved him, but she wasnt about to go to jail to make it happen. But, she said she will uphold his wishes and spread his ashes on the water. Lisa said the family is still planning the funeral, but it will be a joint service. Calling hours for both brothers were Friday at the Butler-Badman Funeral Home. They were great guys who lived a great life, Lisa said. COLUMBIA, South Carolina Twelve-year-old Jaysen Carr died last week after contracting a rare but deadly organism known as Naegleria fowleri while swimming July 18 in Lake Murray in Columbia, South Carolina, People Magazine reported, marking the states first reported case since 2016. In a statement issued Thursday, the Carr family revealed they have reached out to local attorney Tyler Bailey to conduct an independent investigation into the Hand Middle School students untimely death, according to WYFF 4in Greenville, South Carolina. Jaysens family is grieving this unthinkable loss, but they are also grateful at the outpouring of love and support they have received from the community, Bailey said in a statement to WYFF. The family has many questions about how and why Jaysen died and wants to do everything in their power to ensure this doesnt happen to another family. Carrs celebration of life will be held Saturday afternoon, ABC 4 News reported. Naegleria fowleri lives in soil and warm freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds and hot springs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. In the rarest of cases, it has also been found in poorly maintained swimming pools and splash pads. The amoeba enters the body through the nasal passages, often during swimming or diving. Once in the brain, it causes primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a disease characterized by symptoms including fever, headache, nausea, stiff neck, seizures and hallucinations. It also rapidly progresses to a coma and death within days, People reported. There is no known cure. Anyone experiencing these symptoms after swimming in warm freshwater or using non-sterile water in nasal rinsing should seek medical care immediately, as early diagnosis might be critical, though survival remains extremely rare, the CDC reported. Preventive measures include wearing nose clips, holding your nose, keeping your head above water and avoiding sediment stirring, the CDC said. The CDC clarifies several misconceptions about how the amoeba can be contracted. According to health officials, you cant or are unlikely to get infected by: Drinking contaminated water (wrong) Showering or bathing (unless water is forcibly inhaled up your nose. Low risk) Swimming in the ocean or chlorinated pools (unlikely) Being around someone who is infected (impossible) Eating fish or food from lakes (incorrect) Pets transmitting the amoeba (no evidence) Washing hands, brushing teeth and showering with tap water are not risky unless water goes deep into the nose under pressure. This story was written with assistance from AI. A Rutgers University ROTC cadet died Thursday while attending a summer training program at the Fort Knox Army base in Kentucky, authorities said. Neil Edara, 22, of Ridgewood, New Jersey, became unresponsive while conducting Land Navigation Training, according to the U.S. Army ROTC Cadet Command. Edara received medical attention at the scene and was taken by helicopter to the University of Louisville, where he was pronounced dead. The cause of death is under investigation, army officials said. According to his LinkedIn profile, Edara was enrolled at Rutgers in New Brunswick, where he was majoring in biology and set to graduate next year. He was also a part-time emergency medical technician, according to his LinkedIn. Edara joined the ROTC at Rutgers in September 2021. He was attending the summer training program as a part of the 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp. Cadet Edara was one of the most dedicated and promising young leaders Ive had the privilege to know, Lt. Col. Timothy Sorensen, professor of military science at Rutgers, said in a statement. His calm, collected demeanor and unwavering commitment to excellence left a lasting impact on everyone around him. Sorenson said the loss is deeply felt across the ROTC and Rutgers University communities. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time, Sorenson said. Victoria Gladstone may be reached at vgladstone@njadvancemedia.com. WASHINGTON (AP) The Supreme Court on Thursday blocked a lower-court ruling in a redistricting dispute in North Dakota that would gut a landmark federal civil rights law for millions of people. The justices indicated in an unsigned order that they are likely to take up a federal appeals court ruling that would eliminate the most common path people and civil rights groups use to sue under a key provision of the 60-year-old Voting Rights Act. The case could be argued as early as 2026 and decided by next summer. Three conservative justices, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Clarence Thomas, would have rejected the appeal. The court also has a separate redistricting case over a second majority Black congressional district in Louisiana. The justices heard arguments in March, but took the rare step of calling for a new round of arguments in their term that begins in October. They have yet to spell out what issues they want discussed. In the North Dakota case, the Spirit Lake Tribe and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, with reservations 60 miles apart, argued that the states 2021 legislative map violated the act by diluting their voting strength and ability to elect their own candidates. The case went to trial in 2023, and a federal judge later ordered the use of a map of the area, including the reservations that led to the election last year of three Native Americans, all Democrats, to the Republican-supermajority Legislature. But in a 2-1 ruling issued in May, a three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that only the Justice Department can bring such lawsuits under the laws Section 2. The 8th Circuit also had ruled in an Arkansas case in 2023 that private individuals cant sue under the same provision. More than 90 percent of Section 2 cases have been brought through private enforcement, UCLA law professor Richard Hasen wrote on the Election Law blog. The 8th Circuit rulings conflict with decades of decisions by appellate courts that have affirmed the rights of private individuals to sue under Section 2. The Supreme Court often will step in when appeals courts around the country come to different decisions on the same legal issue. In a statement, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians Chairman Jamie Azure said, We are relieved that Native voters in North Dakota retain the ability to protect ourselves from discrimination at the polls. Our fight for the rights of our citizens continues. The map enacted by the North Dakota legislature unlawfully dilutes the votes of Native voters, and it cannot be allowed to stand. North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe, a Republican, who is named in the lawsuit, said his office will continue to follow election laws set by the North Dakota legislature or as directed by any final decisions by the courts. The 8th Circuit covers seven states: Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. In the wake of the Arkansas decision, Minnesota and other states moved to shore up voting rights with state-level protections. A file photo of a Striped skunk. Hummelstown officials said a skunk showing signs of rabies was seen in a neighborhood Friday. Tom Koerner/USFWS. USFWS A rabid skunk was spotted in a Dauphin County community Friday, according to city officials. Hummelstown officials posted on Facebook Friday morning that a skunk showing signs of rabies was seen in the area of Runyon Road and West High Street. Signs of rabies in skunks include roaming during the day (skunks are typically nocturnal), aggressive behavior, excessive salivation and fearlessness around humans, according to the Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Center. If you see a skunk showing signs of rabies, do not approach it or attempt to handle it, officials advise. Officials ask residents to keep their pets indoors or supervised at all times and to report unusual animal behavior to the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 1-833-742-9453. If your pet came into contact with a skunk in the area, officials recommend seeking veterinary care. Pa. firefighters, not pictured here, battled a blaze and 20,000 rounds of ammo in a house fire on Friday. (Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com) Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com Firefighters in western Pennsylvania had to not only deal with a house on fire but the 20,000 rounds of ammunition inside that started igniting around them. A home in Vandergrift, Westmoreland County, caught fire at around 8 a.m. Friday when a neighbor saw smoke pouring from the roof, reported KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh. That neighbor tried to warn the homeowner but she was not there and showed up a little while later. Arriving firefighter crews were quickly pulled out of the home when ammunition began going off. It was constant pops, a neighbor told the station. It was very scary because nobody knew where (the shots) were going. Vandergrift Fire Chief Randy Dunmire told KDKA that he pulled his crews as soon as shots rang out. Its just kind of flying around some, he said. It doesnt have a lot of velocity to it because its not coming out of a barrel, but it still has enough from the powder. Firefighters stayed outside battling the fire for about 30 minutes after the shots stopped. We decided if we didnt hear any for 10 minutes, then it was OK to go in, the fire chief said. Some shell casings were found a half a block away, KDKA reported. Dunmire said crews retrieved rifles and handguns from the home but several more were destroyed. He said the state fire marshal is investigating, but he thought the blaze was accidental. Kyla Sanderson made the rounds from kiosk to kiosk at Pride Festival of Central Pennsylvania on Saturday accompanied by a small entourage: In tow were her two moms, three sisters and brother. Her decision to attend Pride hit close to home. I like to show support for my family, said the 16-year-old Camp Hill resident. I like that the community has a specific day and month when people can be celebrated for whom they are and love. They dont always get support from certain people. That sentiment resonated among scores of other people young, old and in between who seized what has become a community wide expression of solidarity, advocacy and joy to celebrate and display their LGBTQ pride, support and alliance. It feels more threatened now than it has in the past 10 years, said Ed Stum of Carlisle, who came out with his wife to show support for his son Ian. Ians grandmother also joined the family. I am very vocal on social media and in conversation, Stum said. I generally dont hold back. My message is usually love and peace but sometimes I get angry. That was a recurring point of contention voiced by many of the people as they strolled under the tree-line canopy of Soldiers Grove across the Capitol to seize a day of fun and celebration but also a moment to contemplate the reality of a hostile national onslaught on the rights of the LGBTQ community. Weve come a long way in the last three to four decades, said Eric Selvey, president of Pride Festival of Central Pennsylvania. People no longer just tolerate us. There is a lot more understanding. People are accepting of us. We used to be tolerated in the 80s and 90s. We are now being accepted. The ACLU is tracking 598 anti-LGBTQ bills in the U.S. The onslaught of discriminatory ordinances and legislative attacks span across a slew of sectors, including healthcare, employment, education and public spaces. State legislatures, including the Pennsylvania General Assembly, have particularly focused on restricting the rights of transgender people, especially youth. Since taking office for a second term, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order banning transgender females from participating in womens and girls sports. He also has issued an executive order barring federal funding for gender-affirming care, including hormone therapy, for transgender patients under age 19. But Selvey stressed that the advancements that the LGBTQ community has made over the decades have paved and secured such landmark rights as same-sex marriage and anti-discrimination laws. On other hand its as if we have taken two steps forward, one step back, he said. This fear everyone is feeling now with the current political climate doesnt matter what advancements weve made, they are trying to turn back the clock and put us back in the closet. But we are not going to go back into the closet. We are productive citizens of this Commonwealth. We are productive citizens of the United States. We are Americans. Ian Stum said he has feels that pushback especially because he attends college in Florida. Its not the safest, he said. He hasnt lost confidence, though. I trust in the system, Ian Stum said. I would like everyone to be accepted as they are. A day of celebration, Pride offered a little bit everyone: a myriad of food from food trucks, ice cream and popsicles, hundreds of corporate and non-profit kiosks offering merch and giveaways; music, a parade, a drag show, and even, a same-sex wedding officiated by Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams. Amber Barnes, the executive director of the LGBT Center of Central Pennsylvania, noted on the importance of the day and her organization. Pride feels more necessary this year, she said. Its important to showcase this queer collective and to show people that we are a community. As leader of one of the largest LGBTQ organization in the region, Barnes said it was important on the celebration of Pride not to lose sight of the importance of the larger mission for the community. Pride is the cake with the cherry on top, Barnes said. The center is the meat and potatoes. We sustain people. We feed people. We house them and provide them with a safe space. And that space is so important. People are losing that safe space in the world. Its important that people know that we are under an existential crisis. We need to build ourselves up as a community. At 13, Elizabeth Glover of Gettysburg had a compelling message to share. The message on her T-shirt: Ask me about my pronouns. He, they, Elizabeth said. Dont be afraid to ask for help. Sometimes people are scared. Its good to ask for help if you need it. It will make things easier. It might also help other people too. KHARTOUM, July 26 (Xinhua) -- A political coalition led by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced on Saturday the formation of a parallel government in Sudan, raising concerns about further division of a country already torn by more than two years of civil conflict. "The leadership body of the Sudan Founding Alliance has agreed to appoint Mohamed Hassan Al-Taishi as Prime Minister of the Peace Government," Alaa El Din Nugud, the alliance's spokesperson, said in a televised statement broadcast via Telegram. According to the statement, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo was selected as President of the Presidential Council, the highest sovereign authority in the new government, while leader of Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) Abdelaziz Adam Al-Hilu was appointed as Vice President of the Presidential Council. An anonymous source within the alliance told Xinhua that the RSF secured 42 percent of the positions in the parallel government, while the SPLM-N received 33 percent. The remaining 25 percent was shared among the other groups in the alliance. Political analyst Abdul-Khaliq Mahjoub said the announcement of a parallel government would further complicate Sudan's political crisis. "There are serious concerns that Sudan may face the specter of division, given the existence of two governments. This reality worsens the political situation in the country," Mahjoub said. "Having two governments entrenches geographic division ... This could eventually lead to permanent partition, as seen in certain other countries," he added. The RSF signed a founding charter with various political and armed groups in February, setting the groundwork for the parallel government. The RSF currently controls most of the Darfur region in western Sudan and parts of the Kordofan region. Sudan remains gripped by a conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces 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. KAMPALA, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Uganda hosted a reception on Friday to mark the 98th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China, with a call for intensified international peace efforts. The event brought together Chinese Ambassador to Uganda Zhang Lizhong, Chinese Military Attache Senior Colonel Zhang Hao, senior Ugandan government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, defense attaches accredited to Uganda, and representatives from the Chinese business community. A photo exhibition highlighting the PLA's contributions to international peacekeeping was also featured at the reception. Speakers praised the PLA's legacy and its enduring friendship with Africa. Jacob Marksons Oboth, Uganda's minister of defence and veteran affairs, lauded the PLA not only for safeguarding China's sovereignty, but also for its commitment to global peace and development. "As we all know, China, through the PLA, has been at the forefront of contributing to UN peacekeeping operations, which has gone a long way in making the world a better place for many," Oboth said. Ambassador Zhang said the PLA has consistently demonstrated its role as a force for national liberation, international stability, and peace. "It is an army for global stability and world peace, playing an increasingly important role in international peacekeeping, disaster relief, and global security cooperation." He underscored the long-standing friendship between the PLA and the Ugandan military, rooted in mutual support for national independence and development. "I believe we will further enhance high-level exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation between our two militaries to deepen the strategic partnership between our countries," the Chinese ambassador added. Senior Colonel Zhang highlighted China's commitment to peaceful development amid rising geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts, and global instability. "I have seen how, in Somalia, the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo), and elsewhere, the UPDF (Uganda Peoples' Defense Forces) has embraced its mission of safeguarding national security and defending African peace," he said. He stressed the importance of China-Uganda military cooperation in promoting multilateralism, fairness, and opposition to foreign interference. "Our military-to-military cooperation not only supports bilateral relations but also contributes to regional peacebuilding and the development of indigenous capacity in Africa," he added. Founded on Aug. 1, 1927, the PLA has served as China's principal military force, safeguarding the nation's sovereignty and contributing to international peace. Since 1990, China has taken part in 29 United Nations peacekeeping operations and deployed over 50,000 personnel, the largest among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. Grace Beahm Alford is the Assistant Visuals Editor for The Post and Courier, where she has been since 2001. Her photojournalism has sent her to every corner of South Carolina, and was part of the newspaper's team recognized as a Pulitzer Prize Finalist in Feature Photography for coverage of the mass shooting at Emanuel AME Church. Quick Response Reporter Komlavi Adissem is a breaking news and public safety reporter based in Charleston, S.C. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri, where he covered city, county, and state government for the Columbia Missourian. Find him on Twitter (X) and Bluesky @KAdissem! by Xinhua writer Nie Xiaoyang MANILA, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The rain outside the window fell steadily, not fierce, not hurried, but relentless. It was 8 a.m. when my phone rang. A colleague called to say he wouldn't make it to the office. "Sorry, the water's up to my knees again," he said, his voice calm but tinged with resignation. Flooding is not new here. After a year of living and working in Manila, I've lost count of how many times I've heard the phrase "bahang-baha", the Filipino term for severe flooding. On July 25, Metro Manila and various provinces across Luzon Island suspended work and classes for the fifth consecutive day, as a tropical cyclone intensified the southwest monsoon rains. Streets turned into rivers, transport collapsed, dozens of rivers overflowed, and over 3.3 million people were affected. As of Thursday evening, 19 deaths had been confirmed, with several more still missing. The flooding was no surprise. In fact, it happens every rainy season. The familiar terms in local news reports -- "widespread flooding," "paralyzed city," "emergency evacuation," "cleanup efforts" -- have become seasonal refrains in Manila, repeated year after year. On July 24, I waded through one of the city's main avenues. The road had all but disappeared under brown floodwaters littered with plastic bags, foam containers, and broken branches. In deeper parts, the water reached above my thighs. Children splashed and played, chasing after waves made by passing buses. For them, the rainy season has become a time of games. But in the low-lying informal settlements, families packed up what little they had, scrambling to find temporary shelters. For wealthier residents, floods may mean a late commute or wet shoes. For the poor, they often spell sickness, hunger, thirst, even the loss of home and life. In this metro area of more than 20 million people, large sections still rely on century-old drainage systems built during the colonial era. Many canals are clogged with silt and trash. Informal housing built along waterways worsens the problem. A single day of rain can throw the whole city into disarray. The Commission on Audit reported in 2021 that the Metro Manila Development Authority had low utilization of its flood control budget. Pump stations were left in disrepair, and key infrastructure projects lagged behind schedule. Meanwhile, local media editorials regularly criticize the lack of effective urban planning, calling it "all talk and no action." "Every year it floods, and every year they promise a fix," is a common refrain among residents. Manila is not alone. Infrastructure gaps and fragile urban systems are shared challenges across the developing world. Governments must grapple with tight budgets, booming populations, and intensifying climate threats, all while trying to ensure resilience and equity. Back when I was posted in Geneva, Switzerland, the phrase "development is the greatest human right" was often met with skepticism in international forums. Some in the West dismissed it as an empty slogan. In the floodwaters of Manila, I see its weight with startling clarity. Human rights are not abstract ideals or high-sounding principles debated in distant halls. They are deeply concrete, a solid roof that doesn't leak, a passable road, a family not left hungry by a storm, a child who can still go to school, a worker who won't lose their job because public transport failed. Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos is expected to deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address on July 28. According to his office, "climate crisis" will be among the main themes. That is, undoubtedly, a welcome signal. But for most people here, the question remains -- Will inspiring rhetoric be matched by real and lasting change? Let us hope that next year, Manila's streets will not become open-air swimming pools again. Children will go to school as usual. Mothers won't have to carry sick infants through rising waters. Colleagues won't call in absence because of yet another flood. That day, when dignity is shielded by resilient infrastructure and responsive governance, may be the clearest proof that development is, indeed, the most fundamental human right. To nurture the next generation of creative talent, the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board (LSFVCB) has partnered with storytelling tech platform Plotweaver to launch the Lagos Statewide Youth Storytelling Challenge 2025. The initiative targets over 200,000 students across six educational districts, providing them with the tools, training, and exposure needed to develop and showcase their storytelling skills. At its core, the challenge aims to position Lagos as Africas hub for youth storytelling while preserving cultural heritage and fostering a new generation of ethical, AI-literate creatives. The partnership will promote ethical AI storytelling and provide a platform for young creatives to develop their artistic voices and share their unique narratives. More than an educational drive According to Adebukola Agbanimoja, executive secretary of LSFVCB, the project is more than an educational drive. Storytelling is not just an art, but a powerful medium for self-expression and cultural reflection. In an age dominated by technology, we must harness these tools to guide adolescents in developing their artistic voices. The challenge is expected to pave the way for a new narrative landscape in Lagos State, encouraging fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling methods. The initiative, which focuses on cultural authenticity, creative innovation, and educational value, will provide a platform for young creatives to showcase their talents and connect with industry professionals. The winning story will be developed from story to screen, allowing young creatives to see their ideas come to life. Cultural transformation The Chief Partnerships Officer of Plotweaver, Ojo Olumuyiwa, described the collaboration as transformative. He said, Together, we can create a platform that preserves our cultural heritage and builds the creative leaders who will take Nigerian stories from Eko to the world. Mr Olumuyiwa said the expected outcomes of the initiative will include enhanced creative tech skills for students and teachers, a youth-driven digital archive of Nigerian storytelling, increased job opportunities in the creative sector, and positioning Lagos youths as global cultural ambassadors. With mentorship, digital resources, and ethical AI tools integrated into the programme, the Lagos Statewide Youth Storytelling Challenge is set to be a landmark initiative shaping Nigerias creative future. Cast: William Benson, Bucci Franklin, Stella Damasus, Bimbo Akintola, Ireti Doyle, Chidi Mokeme, Lilian Afegbai, Teniola Aladese Director: Kemi Adetiba Two significant things happened within days of each other in the Nigerian cyberspace recently. Famous TikTokker, Peller, advertised for a personal photographer with a Masters degree and was flooded with requests. Pellers embarrassing post about the event caused many to question the essence of education, despite his being uneducated. Days later, Afrobeats artiste, Adekunle Gold, chose to honour those who can prove that they graduated from the university with a first-class. While seemingly isolated, both instances drummed up discourse on academic excellence and its relevance in todays Nigeria. They also contribute to the timeliness of the eight-part series, To Kill a Monkey. Plot Efemini, or simply Efe (William Benson), is down on his luck and is operating at the lowest rung of society, if there is anything like that. Despite graduating with good grades, his condition is so pitiful that he is the butt of office jokes. His boss once told him, God no like you. Amid all the hardship and the embarrassment it comes with, he meets a long-time school acquaintance, Oboz (Bucci Franklin). Known as The Bozz, Oboz is the direct opposite of what Efe is. His success can be smelled from a mile away, with all the drip it comes with; fancy clothes, a convoy of exotic cars and, of course, his goons. Unlike Efe, Oboz is a university dropout who has found success in cybercrime. After a series of back-and-forths, Efe uses his tech skills to upgrade Obozs operations, which gives birth to what became known as the Monkey Case. Along came Teacher (Chidi Mokeme), an old taker who believes he is entitled to a share of Efe and Obozs new operation. And then there is Inspector Mo Ogunlesi (Bimbo Akintola), who has to navigate the trauma of losing her husband and kids in a car crash and convince her superiors that she has a lead in the case. What started as a drive-by progressed into explosions, and the body count began to rise as Inspector Mo closed in on the gang. Review To Kill a Monkey is a series with many sub-themes. From romance to betrayal and family over money, viewers are in for a rollercoaster of emotions. While this makes it an enjoyable watch, the subplots may also be a distraction as viewers struggle to keep up with the different facets of the series. In the movie, Oboz is attacked under heavy gunfire. That was a few hours after Efes child was locked in a freezer. As the gritty series progresses, viewers will see the underdealings pointing to one fact: everybody is guilty. While To Kill a Monkey intensely portrays the activities of fraudsters in Nigeria, nothing prepares viewers for the emotional cross-carpeting that will take place in the film. While all the actors can be said to have brought their A-game, the ladies killed their roles. Particularly, Stella Damasus, who plays Nosa, Efes wife, Lilian Afegbai (Idia) and Bimbo Akintola (Inspector Mo) However, despite its acclaim, To Kill a Monkey doesnt stand out from other movies in its genre. While we can never have enough movies that expose the activities of fraudsters, in Nigeria, which has had global economic and diplomatic repercussions, the movie, maybe not deliberately, latches onto the continued stereotyping of the people of Edo and Delta states as fraudsters. Also, the series embodies Kemi Adetibas signature overdramatisation, which gave us King of Boys (2hrs 49 mins) and its sequel, which was initially planned as a movie but was made into a television series. For instance, a premise has yet to be established and has been discussed in three episodes. Rating: 7/10 Adetayo Adegbemle is the executive director and convener of PowerUp Nigeria, an electricity consumer rights and power sector policy advocacy organisation. In this interview with PREMIUM TIMES Business, Energy and Economy Editor, Oladeinde Olawoyin, he spoke on the recent decision by the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) to reduce electricity tariffs, the decentralisation of the electricity industry, the metering gap in the sector, and how to address the power crisis. PT: First off, whats your take on the recent resolve of the Enugu Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) to reduce electricity tariffs for Band A customers in Enugu state? Mr Adegbemle: I think it is beyond EERC to set the tariff without proper consultation both with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the market operators. They made a lot of assumptions that are uncalled for and of course we can all see the response from the federal government. Dont assume that the federal government will pay a subsidy that they are already running away from. That was the whole idea behind removing subsidy on Band A and of course the plan was that, subsequently, all other bands will also be removed. So, it is not right for Enugu State to do that without proper consultation. PT: It appears the states are standing in solidarity with EERC, and by extension, Enugu. Given the reported stance of the power ministry that states would have to bear the cost of deficits, what does this mean in the broader sense of ongoing efforts to decentralise activities across the electricity value chain? Mr Adegbemle: I expect the states to be in solidarity with Enugu State because its only natural that if Enugu State can get away with it, other states will also be able to. But, you know, this is the consequence of decentralisation, of regulation. We expect all this kind of upheaval here and there. But then, its clear from the beginning that even any state that wants to buy, will have to buy at wholesale price. So, unfortunately, we have a ministry of power that is not active or that is not proactive because at the very first instance, what we should be having is every state that has signed up on their regulatory autonomy, that a tariff order for such state should be given. So, any energy going to such states should be at wholesale price. We expect that by now, the federal government would have removed subsidies totally and that the consequences of such removal will include that any state buying, for example, Enugu State, would be buying at wholesale price. That is what is going to happen at the end of the day. We also have an example of this in places like South Africa where ESKOM sells to municipalities at wholesale prices and municipalities determine their prices. So, to go back to Enugu State, I think, again, they didnt think it through. You adopted the federal governments banding system or the NERC banding system, but yet, you decided to remove subsidy on a band that federal government has already removed subsidy on. It doesnt work like that. They will have to come up with their own tariff system totally and set their own tariff based on the wholesale price from the federal government. When Enugu state eventually starts to generate electricity from their own licenses, maybe they can set whatever tariff they want. But as it stands, they have to also go by the wholesale prices. PT: Many people believe that the privatisation exercise of 2013 remains a foundational flaw that continues to plague the industry. With the benefit of hindsight and your vast experience in the sector, what exactly do you think is wrong? Mr Adegbemle: Well, I am not one of those that subscribes to the conclusion that the 2013 privatisation was fundamentally wrong. We must take into consideration the fact that this experience is unique to Nigeria. Different markets have their unique experiences and you dont expect to get the same results. We have different players, we have different actors, we have different markets, so you dont expect to have the same results. Lets take examples of countries like India. India started their power sector reform since 1953 and they are still on it to date. So, what we are passing through is a power sector reform. We have experimented with regional franchises and we have seen that the result is not as perfect as we wanted. Now, weve seen the electricity act giving powers, devolving also powers of regulatory authority to states. Were still going to experiment with this and see where it gets us. So, its a reform. The only thing I do not agree with is the rate of response to the reform. The ministry has been given the responsibility of coming up with policies that have not been proactive enough. Unfortunately, apart from Professor Barth Nnaji, weve not had any minister of power that has significantly impacted the power sector. It was only Fashola that did try a little, but of course, there are other considerations that affected the result that we got from him. So, I am one of those that subscribe to that assumption or conclusion that the power sector reform has not been a success. Its a natural order of things. Well continue to have ups and downs. Its our response to it that matters. Thats what I expected from the regulators from the government to be able to also work on. Dont forget that weve also had changes in governments, changes in policies, reversals of some decisions here and there that impacted significantly on the results that were also getting. PT: With the liquidity challenge in the sector, cost-reflective tariff remains a knotty, sensitive issue. What are the dynamics, and how do you think the government, investors, and stakeholders can navigate it within the bigger context of Nigerias economic reality? Mr Adegbemle: Liquidity challenge: interestingly, this is a particular topic that Ive made a lot of contributions over the years on in the power sector. I think one of the biggest problems, challenges, we have in the power sector has to do with the Naira and Kobo problem. Its an economic problem. Many people have probably thought, yeah, engineering will solve the problem, but no. If we are not able to rightly price what we are selling, well continue to make losses and the problem will continue to stay with us. Now, this is where the problem lies again. One would have expected that many of the issues that were having, a policy approach would have been able to resolve them, but the policies are not coming fast enough or early enough to significantly, you know, resolve the issues. Cost-reflective tariff remains a topical issue. There is formula, there is standard, there is a framework to achieve this, but there are a number of other considerations that are also at play. For instance, the government is considering the welfare of the people. I mean, we have welfarism as an active participant in decision making. PT: The metering rate in areas covered by some Discos is as low as below 30 per cent with attendant impact on efficient collection rate. Some have suggested more radical approaches to enforcing the metering process. What do you think are the issues, and whats the way out? Mr Adegbemle: On metering, I granted an interview recently where I publicly spoke about meter franchising. One of the reasons why we remain in this situation is because government intervention has never, never and is never going to be the solution to the problem. I mean weve been talking about the privatised power sector. So on what ground is the government intervening? Ive said it. Weve had a Meter Asset Provider (MAP), weve had a National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP), weve had Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation (CAPMI). We also have a recent one called the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), which you know till today, like I keep saying, there is no document that you can hold governments against. To even know whether this is a successful project or not. There is no policy document that speaks to what PMI is, what are their targets. All the targets the public come out to see have failed. So I will continue to insist that government intervention is not the way to go with metering. What we should do right now is what I call meter-franchising. I mean, if you have a Feeder A and it is on Band A for instance, give it to a Tayo and Tayo and Co. Right? But guarantee my payback or my cashback from the tariff. I mean if you say youve metered ten thousand customers but for every kilowatt hour that theyre recharging, you will be getting N5, N30, youll be getting N50. I can easily draft up a chart and see how my funds will come back in. But unfortunately, we dont have serious businessmen and the people that are supposed to do the policy are people that are already gaining from the issues and challenges we have in the system. Thats why its not easy for them to take it up and just run with it. Well yes, we need a radical approach. The metering gap keeps increasing every year and it will continue to increase because unfortunately we dont even know the total number of customers we have connected to our national grid. So, we need to have a radical approach. We need to change our method. Stop the government intervention. Throwing money at it will never ever solve the problem. Make it investor-friendly. Lets go with the policy that is investor-friendly. Yes, I mean if the government is ready, we can let them work on it. If they are truly ready to make that thing work. Its going to be tied to the tariff and everybody takes their money from source. Its not a big deal. Then you now see a radical change. People that have funds can now bring in and guarantee that their funds will come back. The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced plans to clamp down on Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) that fail to comply with its operational guidelines. The Agency Zonal Director South-South Zone, Ologbo Obaro, disclosed this during a stakeholder meeting organised by the agency in Port Harcourt on Friday. HMO is a network or organisation that provides health insurance coverage for a monthly or annual fee. An HMO typically limits member coverage to medical care provided by doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers within its network, except for emergencies and out-of-area urgent care. Mr Obaro said the aim of the meeting is to review the current system, get feedback, and identify areas for improvement. According to him, HMOs must pay claims on time and issue referral codes promptly, warning that failure to do so would attract penalties. He added that the agency is working to ensure all Nigerians are covered under its Universal Health Insurance programme, to ease the financial burden of healthcare. He said the agencys mandate is to ensure that every Nigerian is covered, leaving no one behind. Nobody should suffer health issues in one corner or die from malaria because you dont have money to pay your medical bills, he said. We are committed to ensuring that HMOs adhere to the regulations to provide quality healthcare services to Nigerians. The director highlighted some benefits of the scheme, including free medical treatment for all citizens, and reduced financial burden for individuals with health challenges. Other benefits include coverage for pregnant women, children under five, the elderly, civil servants, and other vulnerable groups. He urged the public to walk into any National Health Insurance Scheme(NHIS) office in the 36 states and FCT to register, or register online using the NHIS launched digital platform with their national identification number for registration. NHIS has improved more on a robust ICT system for online registration and payment; citizens can register from home using their phones, he said. We have various innovations/programmes to support vulnerable persons, such as the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, fistula free programme (FFP) NHIA- Roche cancer initiative, NHIA-HIV& TB programme, Gifship-n, among others. We appeal that you spread the information about these programmes to your communities and neighbours. We want to give back equality world-class health insurance agency and ecosystem to Nigerians, he emphasised. He explained that the agency has increased capitation and is expecting improved quality care and delivery service. According to him, the agency is addressing complaints and providing follow-up support to ensure that Nigerians receive quality attention in hospitals. In her remark, the Executive Secretary of the Rivers Contributory Health Protection Programme, Vetty Agala, commended NHIA for its efforts in fostering collaboration and building synergy among stakeholders. Ms Agala, who was represented by Ireju Ajie, the Head, Health Services Rivers Contributory Protection Programme commended the NHIA leadership in strengthening health insurance implementation across Nigeria, saying it underscored a shared vision for universal health coverage. Your leadership in strengthening health insurance implementation across Nigeria is commendable, she said. READ ALSO: NHIA to produce branded drugs for better healthcare She reaffirmed the states commitment to strengthening partnerships with the NHIA and other stakeholders. According to her, such synergy will promote efficient service delivery and expand coverage, particularly for the most vulnerable. Ms Agala also called for actionable strategies that aligned with national goals, improve accountability, and enhance health outcomes across the country. (NAN) It all started with a swollen neck and difficulty breathing, the first signs that something was seriously wrong. For Bashir Abubakar-Magaji, it was the beginning of a desperate attempt to save Aisha Bashir, his 11-year-old daughter. Due to the severity of Aishas symptoms, Mr Abubakar-Magaji rushed her to Mustapha Bawa Clinic, where he works, in the Kwarbai area of Zaria in Kaduna State. She was later taken to the Shehu Iyal Primary Health Care Centre, where test results confirmed diphtheria. She was immediately referred to the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria, but Aisha died there on 2 July while receiving treatment. After Aishas death, other children in the neighbourhood, including Mr Abubakar-Magajis six-year-old son, began showing similar symptoms. Concerned that the infection was spreading, he alerted the local health authorities, and a vaccination team was sent in response. He said at least 75 children were vaccinated during the first visit, and the team returned days later to reach nearly 300 more. Yet, Mr Abubakar-Magaji believes the effort was not enough. Three of my neighbours children have also died in Kwarbai, and two others in Unguwan Juma, he said, adding that a 17-year-old girl was infected and about five children were receiving treatment at the Kakaki Primary Healthcare Centre (Kakaki PHC). He noted that while Kakaki PHC treats patients, it cannot admit patients, meaning cases are usually treated and discharged the same day. He also mentioned that local officials promised to supply chlorine for water purification and soap to support hygiene in the community. Diphtheria outbreak in Kaduna Diphtheria is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It primarily affects the nose and throat but can also affect the skin. Some strains of the bacteria produce a toxin that can cause severe illness and complications. Diphtheria symptoms include sore throat, fever, and swollen glands in the neck, as was the case with Aisha. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is contagious and can be fatal, but it is preventable through vaccination. It is most common in unvaccinated children. PREMIUM TIMES findings show that the absence of vaccination and inadequate vaccination are the primary reasons for the spread of the disease in Zaria. Health officials in the area told this newspaper that many parents refused to let their children be vaccinated. When PREMIUM TIMES asked Mr Abubakar-Magaji if Aisha and his other children were vaccinated before the recent incidents, he refused to answer the question. Vaccine hesitancy is not peculiar to Zaria. This newspaper has reported extensively on vaccine hesitancy in many parts of Nigeria, especially in the northern part of the country. This is mainly due to cultural and religious beliefs and false information on vaccine impacts. However, governments have continued to use community engagements and discussions with religious and community leaders to break the barrier. On 8 July, it was reported that three children had died, and six others were infected in a suspected diphtheria outbreak in Zaria. PREMIUM TIMES visited Kwarbai to speak with Mr Abubakar-Magaji, who was first quoted in the report. In the earlier report, Mr Abubakar-Magaji had said the disease was spreading fast across the city and that he alerted the local council health department after more children showed symptoms. He also noted that four children had been admitted at the Kakaki PHC, with only one discharged, and raised concern that vaccines were unavailable across Kaduna. The Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Board, Bello Jamoh, confirmed that the outbreak had persisted in the state since October 2024. Mr Jamoh said the state Ministry of Health was coordinating the response with support from relevant partners and that a team of experts would be deployed to strengthen efforts on the ground. According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Kaduna is one of the seven states worst affected by the outbreak. As of May 2025, the state had recorded at least 840 suspected cases and 62 confirmed infections. Across Nigeria, 43,743 suspected cases and over 26,000 confirmed cases had been reported since the outbreak began in 2022. NCDC noted that over 63 per cent of the cases were confirmed among children aged one to 14. Mr Jamoh said the outbreak had lasted about 10 months, starting in October 2024. He added that a team of experts has been deployed to strengthen the outbreak response and provide medical support. Health centre denies diphtheria cases However, despite parents and local health workers reporting cases in Kwarbai and surrounding communities, Ibrahim Ahmed-Kakaki, the medical officer at Kakaki Primary Health Centre, denied claims that diphtheria patients were treated at the facility. Mr Ahmed-Kakaki said they had only treated children with upper respiratory tract infections in the past two weeks, none of which were confirmed as diphtheria. He added that suspected diphtheria cases must be reported to the Department of Disease Control in Zaria under their guidelines. I was actually surprised when Mr Abubakar-Magaji said that we admitted and treated diphtheria patients here. That is not true, he said. What we had were patients with respiratory tract infections, which we treated, after which we discharged them. However, Mr Ahmed-Kakaki acknowledged that routine immunisation was challenging, citing poor vaccine uptake, incomplete doses, vaccine shortages, and limited storage facilities. He called on the government to support PHCs with more vaccines, modern lab equipment and public awareness campaigns. He also urged parents to take preventive measures to protect their children, particularly those under five. Tracking the outbreak Abubakar Shehu, the Cold Chain Officer for Vaccines in Zaria LGA, said the diphtheria outbreak began in Unguwan Kasar, Gidan Sarki in Tukur-Tukur. This prompted a quick response involving contact tracing of individuals who might have been exposed and immunisation of the affected community. Mr Shehu said more cases later emerged in Unguwan Jumma, Unguwan Fatika, Kwarbai, Gyallesu and Kaura, with each affected community receiving targeted vaccination. This is the second time this year we are seeing infections in Kwarbai, he said. He said over 3,300 children have been immunised across the local government area since January. He noted that while the original target was 138,932 children, the number could rise to 200,000 and 300,000, depending on the outbreaks severity. Mr Shehu noted that 189 children were vaccinated in Kwarbai alone on a single day. He said the vaccines are provided by the Kaduna State Government, with support from development partners and the local council. Vaccine hesitancy, misinformation According to Malama Asamau Aliyu, head of the Immunisation Department at Zaria Local Government, low vaccine uptake is a major factor contributing to the spread of the disease. Ms Aliyu noted that many parents were yet to accept immunisation, and among those who do, some cannot ensure their children complete the full recommended dosage schedule. Mr Shehu, the cold chain officer for Vaccines, also stated that religious leaders were discouraging parents from immunising their children. He explained that this issue arises often during government-led outreach programmes, where children are offered vaccinations in the comfort of their homes. Despite the convenience, many parents still refuse to allow their children to be immunised. Confirmed cases in the affected community The Surveillance Notification Officer of Zaria LGA, Abdullahi Alhazawa, reported that 36 or 37 individuals have been infected with diphtheria between January and now. Mr Alhazawa said two deaths occurred in Tukur-Tukur in January, while two more were recorded in Kwarbai. He noted that four individuals were receiving treatment at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, adding that the patients were initially managed at the Shehu Iyal Primary Health Centre before being referred. From January to date, four people have died from diphtheria, and another four are currently on admission at Shika, he told PREMIUM TIMES. 32 infected patients have been discharged. Some were treated at our health centre, while others, with parental consent, received treatment at Shika. Mr Alhazawa emphasised the importance of isolation and urged parents to separate any infected child from others to help reduce transmission. PHC at the forefront The Shehu Iyal Primary Health Centre is the only facility offering testing and care for diphtheria patients in Kwarbai. The Surveillance Officer for Kwarbai Ward, Aminu Adamu, said the centre provides regular health services and has an isolation unit during outbreaks. Mr Adamu said about eight people were infected during the outbreak, but the facility does not admit patients due to restrictions. Instead, those infected are observed and treated before being discharged or referred. He said they usually have referrals and he uses the centres ambulance to transport such patients to the Shika hospital. He said he took about two to three patients to ABU Shika in the centres ambulance during the outbreak. Mr Adamu noted that many patients are reluctant to be admitted to Shika, but health workers try to encourage them by covering part of the cost. Diphtheria treatment at Shehu Iyal is free, but at Shika, they may ask patients to pay for a hospital card, which we offer to cover if the patient cannot afford it, he said. We support their treatment because it helps prevent further spread and ensures the patient receives care. Government action The Assistant Surveillance Notification Officer, Yakubu Goma, said the government has implemented several measures to curb the spread of diphtheria. Mr Goma explained that awareness campaigns are being carried out to educate the public on prevention, symptoms, and treatment. He said immunisation outreach programmes were ongoing, and efforts were being made to involve religious and traditional leaders to improve acceptance and trust within communities. READ ALSO: Suspected diphtheria outbreak kills three children in Zaria He also noted that reported cases have declined compared to the previous year. At least 48 people were infected in 2024, but we have recorded around 37 cases this year, he said. He urged mothers to begin immunising their children immediately after birth, stressing that early vaccination protects against infectious diseases. The government has provided funds so that mothers receive N1,000 as transport support each time they bring a child for immunisation, Mr Goma said. He also called on men to support and allow their wives and sisters to vaccinate their children at health facilities. Our religious and traditional leaders can play a vital role in educating communities about immunisation as a key tool to protect children from disease, he added. Radio Nigerias Prime 101.5FM in Jimgbe, Kogi State, has been forced off air by a robbery incident in the early hours of Saturday. The robbers reportedly stole broadcasting equipment worth millions of naira, crippling the stations ability to transmit. Witnesses account said the more than 10 armed men operated for over three hours before making off with vital components. Momoh-Jimoh Adeiza, the general manager of the station, said the incident was a major attack. He told journalists that staff members discovered the extensive damage and theft on Saturday morning. We are currently off air because our equipment has been stolen by armed criminals, Mr. Adeiza stated. He explained that the robbers tied up the only on-duty security guard. Where do we go from here now? he lamented. Mr. Adeiza appealed to security agencies to step up their efforts to apprehend the robbers. He also appealed for urgent assistance to help the station resume broadcasting. Daniel Haruna, the security guard on duty, said the criminals, wielding guns and cutlasses, arrived at the station around 1 a.m. When they pointed a torchlight on me, they immediately gripped me and tied me to a tree and blindfolded my eyes, Mr Haruna said. I could not scream because I was helpless. They operated for more than three hours before they left our station. I have never experienced this kind of thing in my life before. Among the critical items stolen were copper parts of feeder lines, 22 pieces of modules, armoured cables, and generator batteries essential components for radio transmission. The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, condemned the vandalism of Radio Nigerias equipment. READ ALSO: Many killed as speeding truck rams into residents in Anambra In a statement released Saturday, Mr. Fanwo said the state government would collaborate with the security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice. We will work with the management of the station to ascertain the degree of vandalism and also get clues on what led to the unfortunate incident, he said. Mr. Fanwo reiterated the state governments commitment to protecting all federal agencies within Kogi and pledged efforts to prevent such incidents from becoming a new normal. Consequently, he said the state was ready to offer any possible support to the station during this trying period, urging federal agencies to remain security conscious and inform the state government if they require assistance. Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, addressed speculation about possible U.S. involvement in the Zangezur Corridor project during an interview with Germanys Berliner Zeitung, Azernews reports. When asked about the alleged participation of the United States in the project, Hajiyev responded that such questions should be directed to the Armenian side. We dont know what they are negotiating. If they are cooperating with American companies, thats their business, he stated. He emphasized that Azerbaijan is focused on strengthening its own regional transportation links: We are doing our part. Were expanding transport and transit connections with all our neighbors Georgia, Iran, and Russia. These ties benefit the entire region. If Armenia is ready to engage, we are open to jointly developing the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. Hajiyev also commented on the role of USAID, the U.S. Agency for International Development, accusing it of covert influence rather than humanitarian support in the South Caucasus. USAID has never truly engaged in humanitarian activities in the region, Hajiyev said. Instead, they have funded certain media outlets with the intent to portray Azerbaijan negatively. Thats why, in the past, there were more critical articles about Azerbaijan in European outlets including in the German press. He claimed that such coverage has declined recently: Now there are fewer negative reports, because figures like Samantha Power USAIDs former head are no longer involved, he added. BANGKOK, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Thai media reported on Saturday that the Thai army had sent letters to 26 countries through its military attaches abroad, briefing them on the situation along the Thailand-Cambodia border. The Thai army stated in the letter that the Cambodian army opened fire first and attacked Thai non-military targets, including civilians, communities, and hospitals, which violated Thailand's sovereignty and international humanitarian principles, according to a report by Thailand's military-run Channel 5. The Thai army also accused the Cambodian army of laying anti-personnel landmines in Thai territory, which constitutes a serious violation of the Ottawa Convention. The Thai army held a meeting with the Military Attache Corps in Thailand on Friday and briefed them on the Thailand-Cambodia border situation. Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn on Friday conducted a briefing for members of the diplomatic corps and defense attaches in the kingdom to apprise them of developments regarding the Cambodian-Thai border situation. Clashes in the border areas between Cambodia and Thailand began on Thursday, with both sides accusing each other of violating international law. Former presidential media aide, Garba Shehu , has revealed how late former President Muhammadu Buhari turned down luxury gifts, including a private aircraft from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during his presidency. Mr Shehu, who was Mr Buharis spokesperson throughout his eight years at the Aso Rock Villa, spoke on the Inside Sources programme of Laolu Akande on Channels Television on Friday. He said the late president politely turned down the offer, saying he would not be able to maintain a private jet after leaving office. Mr Shehu said the private jet gift was offered by the Emir of Abu Dhabi during Mr Buharis official visit to Abu Dhabi in 2016. When we went to the United Arab Emirates in 2016, and in Abu Dhabi, which is the capital, the Emir of Abu Dhabi actually asked the president which aircraft did he want? He offered him an aircraft. The president said, if it is for my country I will accept. But the emir said, No, its for you personally, so that you can use after you leave office. I dont need an aircraft when I leave office. In any case, I cant maintain it. And that ended the story, Mr Shehu stated. Mr Shehu described the moments as evidence of late Mr Buharis steadfast integrity. Also, he recalled how a Nigerian fashion designer offered him a customised diamond wristwatch bearing the presidents image. However, he said Mr Buhari also rejected the gift while encouraging the designer. He said the diamond-studded wristwatch gift was from a Nigerian designer based in the UAE. The guy, fascinated by President Muhammadu Buhari, crafted this wristwatch studded with diamonds. customised, with the picture of the president embossed on it. And he brought it. However, Buhari flatly rejected the gift. The president looked at it, and he said, Diamond wristwatch? I cant wear this. Please tell this young Nigerian that hes doing well for himself. Hes also a good ambassador of the country. Well continue to encourage him, let him please continue to promote the image, the name of this country in his trade. But the wristwatch, take it back to him. I cant use it, Mr Shehu disclosed on the TV programme. Mr Buhari died on 13 July at 82 in a London hospital. His remains were laid to rest in his residence in Daura, Katsina State two days later. The stage is set in Rabat as Nigerias Super Falcons take on host nation Morocco in the final of the 2024 CAF Womens Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Its a battle between the most successful team in the tournaments history and a rising powerhouse eager to make history on home soil. The Super Falcons, chasing a record-extending 10th continental title, have been unbeaten all tournament, showing grit and determination in tough matches through the group stage, against Zambia and then South Africa. Morocco, on the other hand, are aiming to join the elite list of countries to win the WAFCON which only has Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa. Backed by a passionate home crowd, the Atlas Lionesses reached the final after a dramatic semi-final penalty win over Ghana. This match is a rematch of the gripping 2022 semi-final that saw Morocco edge Nigeria on penalties in Rabat. But the Super Falcons, now better prepared and more experienced, are determined to reclaim the crown they last won in 2018. Kickoff is at 9pm at the packed Olympic Stadium, Rabat. Stay with PREMIUM TIMES for LIVE UPDATES and key moments from this epic final. Super Falcons XI vs Morocco: One Change for WAFCON 2024 Final Nigerias Super Falcons have named their starting XI for tonights WAFCON 2024 final clash against Morocco, with just one change from the semi-final line-up. Deborah Abiodun comes in to replace Jennifer Echegini in midfield. Chiamaka Nnadozie starts in goal, with a solid backline of Ohale, Plumptre, Demehin, and Alozie. The midfield features Ayinde, Ajibade (captain), and Abiodun, while Okoronkwo, Ihezuo, and Ijamilusi lead the attack. Its all set for a thrilling final in Casablanca as Nigeria chase a 10th continental title. The countdown is almost over The WAFCON trophy has been brought to the pitch Guinness world record holder Tunde Onakoya is among the impressive Nigerian crowd at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat Both teams on the pitch and we start with the Nigeria national anthem The formalities done with and we are set for the 26th and final game of WAFCON 2024 Both Nigeria and Morocco have made just one change each to their semi final line up This is officially Nigerias 10th WAFCON final They have won every final they played in, can they do that tonight We are officially underway at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat as hosts Morocco get the kickoff Six players in the Morocco team featured in the last final which they lost to South Africa, they will be seeking redemption against Nigeria tonight Nigeria with their first real attack in this game win a corner kick Ijamilusi with the cross but no hassles for Morocco as Alozie fires her shot wide Free kick for Morocco as Alozie commits a foul Badri hits the ball from just outside the box but its way off target as Nigeria gets a goal kick This is the sixth game in three weeks for both sides. This is the ultimate game and both teams are surely ready for action Great move by Plumptre but her cross into the box was intercepted Ijamilusi set to take another corner kick but the Morocco makes a quick safe 12 minutes gone Morocco scores! Chebak with a well taken goal gives Morocco the lead Okoronkwo with a corner kick for Nigeria Deborah Abiodun with a shot from distance sails off the target Morocco has conceded in every match played so far at WAFCON 2024, the Super Falcons will be positive they can get back into this game The Super Falcons have higher ball possession so far with 54.5% but Morocco are in front with that well taken goal by Chebak The goal by Chebbak is the first to be conceded in open play by Nigeria at this tournament Tame effort my Ijamilusi sails straight into the hands of the Morocco goalkeeper Goal!! Morocco doubles the lead Mssoudy with the goal for the Atlas Lionesses The last time Nigeria faced Morocco, two players got a red card, hopefully the Super Falcons will be composed enough to see this through The only time Nigeria conceded in a WAFCON final was in 2010 That game ended Nigeria 4-2 Equatorial Guinea Can the Super Falcons do that again 15 years after 30 minutes gone Great cross by Ajibade but the desired connection was missing from her Super Falcons teammates The last time a host won the WAFCON tournament was in 2012 when Equatorial Guinea hammered South Africa 4-0 Three minutes added time for the first half almost up Half Time: Morocco 2-0 Nigeria Not many would have predicted this scoreline WAFCON Final HT: Morocco lead Nigeria 2-0 despite lower possession Morocco hold a surprising 2-0 lead over Nigeria at half-time in the 2024 Womens Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final, despite the Super Falcons dominating possession and passes. The Atlas Lionesses had just 43.1% possession compared to Nigerias 56.9%, but they were more clinical in front of goal. Morocco registered six total shots with two on target, while Nigeria managed five shots and only one on target. The Super Falcons completed 169 passes with 74.6% accuracy, edging Moroccos 133 passes at 72.2%. Nigeria also earned four corners and committed just three fouls, compared to Moroccos seven. Despite controlling much of the play, Nigeria trail by two goals and will need a big second-half comeback to secure their 10th WAFCON title. Second half underway The most popular scoreline in WAFCON finals is 2-0 Are we having another tonight? The Super Falcons gradually trying to get past the Moroccans but the North Africans have defended well so far Alozie breaks a counter attacking move by Morocco Echegini and Babajide Rinsola have been brought in for Chiwendu Ihezuo and Halimat Ayinde Lifeline for Nigeria as referee goes for a VAR CHECK for potential hand ball against Morocco Penalty Okoronkwo to take the penalty for Nigeria Esther Okoronkwo takes it and SCORES!!! Morocco 2-1 Nigeria The Super Falcons have now scored their 12th goal in this tournament.. Morocco have 13 goals to their name Morocco with a chance to restore their two-goal lead but the tame shot is saved by Chiamaka Nnadozie 70 Minutes gone GOAL IJAMILUSI scores the equalizer Great move my Okoronkwo and superb touch by Ijamilusi makes it 2-2 Ajibade down on the turf after taking a shot to her stomach Oshoala has been brought into the game Namibia referee points to the spot .. penalty for Morocco Can Nnadozie stop this . Var check again. NO PENALTY!! Big relief for Nigeria Free kick for Nigeria.. Okoronkwo floats in a cross Plumptre goes for a header and crashes into the Morocco goalkeeper Play back on .. Goal!! Echegini scores for Nigeria From two goals down Super Falcons are now one goal ahead Moroccan fans already leaving the stadium Six minutes added time Chebbak with a foul and Nigeria gets a free kick Substitution: Oladipo and Isah in for Alozie and Okoronkwo Full Time: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria Super Falcons are champions of Africa for the 10th time Mission X accomplished! The Akwa Ibom State Government has cautioned against renewed incitement, inflammatory media campaigns over the states ownership of the 76 oil wells. In 2012, the Supreme Court ruled that some 76 offshore oil wells belong to Akwa Ibom State and not Cross River, ending a long-running controversy over their ownership. Cross River filed the suit against Akwa Ibom and the federal government. Recently, there have been remarks credited to Cross River officials that the 76 oil wells belong to the state, prompting the Akwa Ibom State Government to counter the claim. In its first reaction, through a statement issued about three days ago by the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, the Akwa Ibom State Government dismissed the renewed controversy surrounding its ownership of the 76 offshore oil wells, maintaining that the Supreme Court decision on the issue is final. On Saturday, 25 July, the Akwa Ibom State Government issued another statement cautioning against renewed incitement, inflammatory media campaigns regarding the states ownership of the oil wells. We align fully with the counsel of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that both states should pursue constructive dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation, the state government said. The latest statement was issued by Uko Udom, SAN, the states attorney general and commissioner for justice. See the full statement from the Akwa Ibom State Government below: 76 Oil Wells: Restatement of Facts 1. In light of the renewed petitions, misinformation, and incitement directed at the peace-loving people and Government of Akwa Ibom State by the Government of Cross River State, particularly regarding the ownership of the 76 offshore oil wells validly belonging to Akwa Ibom State, as repeatedly affirmed by all relevant arms of government, it has become necessary to restate the facts and reset the records for the benefit of the general public, especially those unfamiliar with the matter. 2. Contrary to the narrative currently being propagated, the Government of Akwa Ibom State did not initiate any legal action against the Government of Cross River State regarding the disputed oil wells. Rather, it was the Cross River State Government that instituted and serially lost two suits against Akwa Ibom State. 3. In its first case, *Suit No. 124/1999*, the Cross River State Government sued Akwa Ibom State over the northern non-estuarine boundary (involving 24 villages of Oku/Itu/Ayadehe Ward in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State), as well as the southern estuarine boundary where the 76 oil wells are located. On 24th June 2005, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of Cross River State only on the matter of the 24 villages in the north. It, however, dismissed their claim over the estuarine southern territory, where the oil wells are situated. 4. In its landmark ruling, the Supreme Court declared: In considering the merit of the plaintiffs case, it is important to bear in mind that the effect of the judgment of ICJ dated 10/10/2002 on the land and maritime boundary case between Nigeria and Cameroon is that it has wiped off what used to be the estuarine sector of Cross River State Cross River no longer has a seaward boundary. 5. Before the second case, Suit No. SC. 27/2010, the Government of Akwa Ibom State made several conciliatory efforts to resolve the issue amicably. These included a proposed 250 million ex gratia monthly payment to Cross River State from Akwa Iboms derivation revenue, a gesture misunderstood and ultimately rejected. This rejection was formalized in a letter dated 27th March 2006. 6. Elder statesmen and other stakeholders were also engaged by the Akwa Ibom State Government to discourage litigation, emphasising the bond of kinship and the potential for long-term damage to inter-state harmony. Unfortunately, these peace overtures were rebuffed. 7. Despite Akwa Iboms posture of restraint and goodwill, the Cross River State Government initiated fresh legal action seeking judicial clarification on ownership and revenue entitlements over the 76 oil wells, which are situated within the 200-meter isobath and contiguous to Akwa Ibom State. 8. After nearly three years of litigation, the Supreme Court on 10th July 2012 again ruled decisively in favour of Akwa Ibom State. The Court stated, per Adekeye, JSC: The facts before the court do not support the claim of the plaintiff to being a littoral state. A non-littoral state cannot claim oil wells offshore, as it has no maritime boundary. 9. And per Rhodes-Vivour, JSC (as he then was): The plaintiffs case crumbles due to the wrong assumption that it is a littoral State That reasoning is strange and unfortunate. It is wrong. 10. This reaffirmed the principle of derivation as provided under Section 162(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 1(1) of the Allocation of Revenue (Abolition of Dichotomy in the Application of the Principle of Derivation) Act, 2004. 11. A critical legal and geographical fact underpinning this matter is the 2002 International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgment ceding the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon. This effectively stripped Cross River State of littoral status and rendered it ineligible to claim offshore oil assetsa fact confirmed by the Supreme Court. 12. In a recent meeting convened by His Excellency, the Vice President, both Governors were encouraged to meet and amicably recommend a political solution. As Chairman of the South-South Progressive Governors Forum, the Governor of Cross River State was expected to initiate this engagement by inviting the Governor of Akwa Ibom State to settlement talks. 13. Unfortunately, instead of embracing dialogue, the Cross River Government chose to prosecute this process through media platforms, public statements that are capable of infuriating the process. 14. Even more concerning, several officials of the Cross River State Government have made incendiary and patently false claims that have agitated the people of Akwa Ibom State and introduced an unwarranted sense of apprehension. It is for this reason that we are compelled, once again, to set the records straight. 15. We reiterate that Akwa Ibom State remains open to a political solution, provided such does not seek to deny our people their lawful and judicially-affirmed rights. However, political solution cannot be limited to the matter of the 76 oil wells. It must also address the Akwa Ibom communities added to Cross River State.*These were the two issues considered by the supreme court in determining the land and maritime boundaries between Cross River State and Akwa Ibom State*. 16. The Federal Government has several policy and fiscal options for assisting Cross River State to mitigate the economic consequences of the ICJ judgment. For instance, ecological funds, environmental remediation programmes, and interventions under the South-South Development Commission could be directed to address and support genuine needs without dispossessing Akwa Ibom of its legitimate entitlements. 17. It should also be noted that while Akwa Ibom lost 86 oil wells to Rivers State in *Suit No: SC.27/2010* (Rivers State v. Akwa Ibom State) decided on 18th March 2011, we accepted the Supreme Courts verdict in good faith and have remained committed to due process and peaceful coexistence. 18. Therefore, we strongly caution against renewed incitement, inflammatory media campaigns, or misrepresentation of settled legal matters. We align fully with the counsel of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, that both States should pursue constructive dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation. 19. The Government of Akwa Ibom State will continue to uphold the sanctity of judicial pronouncements, promote peace, and defend what rightly belongs to our people. Uko Udom, SAN Hon. Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops deployed across various theatres of operation have killed scores of terrorists, rescued more than 170 kidnapped victims, and foiled oil theft valued at N241.2 million. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Markus Kangye, a major general, made this known in a summary of military operations between 10 July and 22 July, on Friday in Abuja. In the North-east, Mr Kangye said the troops of Operation HADIN KAI conducted several offensive operations at Goniri, Madaganari, Amuda, Chenene, Tokumbere, and Lambawa-Kalari in Borno and Adamawa States. He said that 13 terrorists were apprehended and three kidnapped victims rescued, while nine suspected collaborators were also apprehended during intelligence-led operations. According to him, a large number of terrorists, along with their families, surrendered to troops as pressure mounted across the theatre. In the North-west, Mr Kangye said the troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted clearance operations in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, and Niger States. He said that the operations led to the rescue of 106 kidnapped victims in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara states. According to him, an additional 32 victims, including 27 women and five children, were released to a team from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) as part of non-kinetic engagements. Six terrorists were arrested during the operations with cache of weapons and ammunition also recovered. Security agencies also apprehended a notorious terrorist identified as Muhammadu Hamisu (alias Mamiyo) and five others during joint operations with the Department of State Services (DSS) in Zamfara and Sokoto States. Recovered items included arms, illicit drugs, motorcycles, and the sum of N192,300, he said. In the North-central, Mr Kangye revealed that troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralised several extremists and arrested six suspects in Plateau and Kaduna States. He said the troops also rescued 17 kidnapped victims and recovered arms, motorcycles, and vehicles. Mr Kangye added that a gunrunner was nabbed in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State with 350 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, as well as six additional suspects. In Benue and Taraba States, as well as parts of Kogi, Nasarawa, and the FCT, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE eliminated several extremists and arrested key suspects involved in criminal activities. Among those arrested was a suspected extremist linked to attacks near the Federal University Wukari in Taraba, while an alleged informant to a kidnap kingpin was also apprehended in Kogi. A total of 11 suspects were arrested in operations across Kogi, Nasarawa, and the FCT. Arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and other logistics were recovered during the raids. Investigations are ongoing, he added. In the South-south, Mr Kangye said the troops of Operation DELTA SAFE discovered and dismantled 14 illegal refining sites and intercepted stolen crude oil and other petroleum products. He said items recovered included 230,400 litres of stolen crude oil, 13,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 2,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Mr Kangye said that troops also destroyed 30 crude oil cooking ovens, 28 dugout pits, 14 drums, seven storage tanks, two boats, eight vehicles and apprehended a total of 237 suspects during the operation. According to him, these successes reaffirm the Armed Forces resolve to safeguard national security and restore stability across troubled regions. The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to safeguarding the sovereignty and security of our nation. The ongoing military operations have yielded significant progress in neutralising threats and restoring peace in affected regions. We appreciate the resilience and cooperation of the Nigerian people, as well as the support from our partners and stakeholders. Moving forward, the Armed Forces will continue to enhance their strategies and capabilities to ensure a secure and stable Nigeria for all citizens, he said. (NAN) The Lagos State Government has warned individuals parading themselves as Oba-elect to the throne of the Olu of Epe Kingdom, following the recent passing of His Royal Majesty, Shefiu Adewale. Mr Adewale, the 19th Olu of Epe, died on 31 May, at the age of 86, and was buried the same day according to Islamic rites. In a statement posted on the official Lagos State Government Facebook page on Friday, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Bolaji Robert, said no individual has been officially approved as the new Olu of Epe. The state government called the attention of the general public, especially residents of Epe and environs, to the fact that no official approval has been granted to any individual to be recognised as the Olu of Epe, hence it is illegal to accord anyone such respect, the statement read. The commissioner stressed that the selection and installation of traditional rulers in Lagos State follow established legal and administrative procedures, which have not yet commenced in this case. He urged the public to disregard claims by individuals presenting themselves as monarchs and warned against offering them any form of traditional or official recognition. Mr Robert further disclosed that security agencies have been directed to maintain peace and order in Epe and investigate impersonators, with a view to prosecuting offenders in line with the Lagos State Law of Obas and Chiefs. The Lagos State Government under the leadership of Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu remains committed to upholding due process and ensuring peace and order in the State, he added. Two rival claimants, rising tensions The succession crisis began shortly after Mr Adewales death, when two high-ranking chiefsAdeniyi Odedeogboro and Iskilu Ikuforijiemerged as rival claimants to the royal stool. In response to the mounting tension, the Chairperson of Epe Local Government Area, Surah Animashaun, ordered the immediate suspension of all activities related to the contested installation. She also cancelled all Eid-al-Adha (Ileya) and Jumat prayer gatherings at the Epe Central Mosque and Eid ground, citing security risks. In a formal letter addressed to the Grand Chief Imam of the Epe Central Mosque, Animashaun wrote: Sequel to the dual installation of the new Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom on the 2nd of June, 2025which is legally null and void following the recent passing of the immediate Olu-Epeboth High Chief Adeniyi Kadri Odedeogboro and High Chief Iskilu Olajide Ikuforiji, who are parading themselves as the newly installed Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom, are hereby suspended pending further directives from relevant authorities. She warned that the parallel claims posed a serious threat to public order and could spark unrest among supporters. As part of additional measures to preserve peace, the Eid-l-Adha and Jumat services at the First Epe Central Mosque and Eid Ground at Eid Street, Oke Balogun, Epe, are hereby suspended until further notice, she said. Mourning the late monarch Mr Adewale, the Bamgbopa Eshinlokun I, was a respected traditional ruler who rose through the chieftaincy ranks as Otun-Balogun and later Balogun before being crowned king. He was also a retired Director of Administration in the Lagos State Ministry of Education and served as Executive Secretary at the Ministry of Lands. Mrs Animashaun, mourned his passing, describing him as an exemplary leader and father figure dedicated to the development of Epe. In a statement by her spokesperson, Temitope Yusuf, Mrs Animashaun said, Kabiyesis exit is painful. His wealth of experience, wisdom, and commitment to the progress of Epe are unmatched. He gave his all to ensure Epe took its pride of place among Lagos major cities. She extended her condolences to the late monarchs family, the Epe-in-Council, the Lagos State Council of Obas, and all Epe indigenes at home and abroad. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is intensifying efforts to reposition itself ahead of the 2027 general elections, with party elders confirming ongoing talks with Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), and other aggrieved former members. Speaking on Friday on Focus Nigeria, a political programme aired on African Independent Television (AIT), former Minister of Information and founding member of the PDP, Jerry Gana, said the PDP was actively reaching out to former members and influential politicians in the South as it prepares for a potential zoning of its 2027 presidential ticket. Yes, why not? Mr Gana responded when asked if Mr Obi was being courted. He was our member. In fact, if I were the former Vice President, I would have in 2023 said, No, Peter, you were my vice-presidential candidate in 2019. Now, Ill support you. It would have been a strong statement. Although Mr Gana, who said he leads the delegation set up by the PDP to lobby its former members to return, confirmed that formal negotiations with Mr Obi had yet to take place, he noted that talks were ongoing with individuals close to the former Anambra State governor. I have met him. Ive also met people he trusts, and weve spoken for hours. We are moving step by step, he said. Obi is our product PDP deputy spokesperson The PDPs interest in Mr Obi gained traction last week when the partys Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, described the former LP candidate as a very, very great capital for any political party, adding, Peter Obi is our product. We want to get him back. Mr Obi resigned from the PDP in May 2022, just days before its presidential primary, citing internal developments that he said no longer supported constructive contributions. He later joined the Labour Party, where he emerged as the presidential candidate and placed third in the 2023 election. Mr Gana emphasised that Mr Obi was not the only figure being courted, noting that the PDP was exploring multiple options across the South. Were not just looking at one personone, two, three, even more. The South is full of talent, he said. PDPs overtures to Mr Obi and others come as the party zones its presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections to the South. Rebuilding PDP amid defections, economic crisis Mr Gana, a professor, described the PDP as now being a solid platform and said the partys internal crises had been largely resolved. I can now go back to these people and say, The platform you were complaining about is now set, proper, and ready to move. I know many of them will respond, he said. He criticised the state of the nation under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the economy as chaotic, with soaring prices and widespread hardship. But not all PDP leaders share Mr Ganas optimism. Former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, painted a grim picture of the PDPs future, warning that the party may not even finish among the top three in the next general election. Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television on Friday, Mr Fayose said, Associating with the PDP today is shameful enough. With more prayers, the PDP will come fourth in the coming election. The APC will come first, Obi second, ADC third, and PDP fourthgo and write it down. He blamed the partys declining fortunes on leadership failure, internal wrangling, and mass defections. The soul of PDP is gone, the spirit is gone; it is only the body that is remaining, Mr Fayose said. In a dramatic twist, former Vice President Mr Abubakar resigned from the PDP, the party he co-founded in 1998, citing a departure from its founding principles. In a letter dated July 14 and addressed to the PDP chairman in Jada 1 Ward, Adamawa State, Mr Atiku said his resignation took effect immediately. A leadership crisis may be brewing in the Social Democratic Party (SDP) following conflicting statements from its Kaduna State chapter and the North-west Zonal Secretariat over the membership status of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. The partys North-West Zonal Secretary, Inuwa Idris, on Friday at a press conference in Kaduna, had disowned Mr El-Rufai. He insisted the former governor was neither a registered member of the SDP nor authorised to speak for the party. It has come to our attention that Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has taken it upon himself to appear in various fora, including policy dialogues, stakeholder engagements, and even private strategy meetings, purporting to speak on behalf of the Social Democratic Party, Mr Idris stated. Let this be made unequivocally clear to all: Mallam El-Rufai is not authorised, mandated, or recognised by the SDP in any capacity to represent its interests, articulate its positions, or speak on its behalf. Mr Idris further claimed that Mr El-Rufais name was not on any official membership register of the party, and that he has never participated in SDP meetings or activities. But in a swift rebuttal, the Kaduna State chapter of the party issued a press release on Friday affirming Mr El-Rufais membership. It described Mr Idris statement on the former governor as baseless and a propaganda attempt to discredit the former governor. According to the statement signed by the state chairman, Nasiru Maikano, Mr El-Rufai is not only a bonafide member but also a major stakeholder in the party and is officially listed as member number 001 in the SDP membership register of Unguwar Sarki Ward, Kaduna North Local Government Area. The statement also accused unnamed politicians of sponsoring misinformation aimed at destabilising the party in Kaduna State. These disingenuous elements must be reminded that SDP is a flowing river that cannot be stopped. It is a journey open to all individuals, irrespective of religious, ethnic, or tribal differences. The Kaduna SDP leadership dismissed Mr Idris claim to party leadership, calling it a charade and reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy, due process, and transparency. Read the full statement below. PRESS RELEASE: MALAM NASIR EL-RUFAI, OFR, IS A GENUINE MEMBER OF SDP Issued by the Kaduna State Chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) 25 July, 2025 The Kaduna State Chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) wishes to address and dispute the recent press release issued by one faceless Adamu Idris, who falsely claims to be the State Chairman of the SDP in Kaduna State, that the former Governor of Kaduna State, His Excellency, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, OFR, is not a bonafide member of the SDP. Contrary to the misleading and baseless claims made in the press release, we wish to unequivocally affirm that Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai is not only a bonafide member but also a major stakeholder of the SDP. He, alongside other distinguished and eminent politicians in Kaduna State, have officially joined the SDP in pursuit of a more progressive and inclusive political platform that aligns with their values. The allegation of a lack of membership records in Unguwar Sarki Ward, Kaduna North Local Government, is baseless and unfounded. For the record, Mallam Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai is number one (001) in the membership register in Unguwar Sarki and the State Working Committee has full records. More so, the National Working Committee of our party is very much aware of Mallam Nasir Ahmed El-Rufais involvement in the activities of the coalition. Therefore, it is a mere propaganda attempt to discredit him. It must be stated here that the leadership of SDP in Kaduna State is aware of the moves by some desperate and disgruntled elements sponsored by certain politicians in the state who aim to destabilize the rising prominence of SDP in Kaduna State. These disingenuous elements must be reminded that SDP is a flowing river that cannot be stopped. It is a journey open to all individuals, irrespective of religious, ethnic, or tribal differences. Also, the purported leadership of the SDP State Working Committee under Adamu Idris is nothing more than a charade. The leadership of SDP in Kaduna State is united and will support all its members against any political vendetta from any quarters. We strongly encourage all members and supporters of the SDP to remain steadfast in their commitment to the principles of internal democracy, due process, and transparency. Rt. Honourable Nasiru A. Maikano Chairman SDP, Kaduna State 25th July, 2025 Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has ordered an investigation into the alleged involvement of a cabinet member, Ibrahim Namadi, in the illegal release of a suspected drug kingpin, Sulaiman Danwawu. The governors spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday. Mr Bature said the governors directive followed accusation against Mr Danwawu of compromising his official position in facilitating the suspects release. The statement said Governor Yusuf has set up a special investigative committee chaired by Aminu Hussain, the governors aide on Justice and Constitutional Matters. Mr Bature said the seven-member committee was tasked to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and recommend appropriate actions. Background Mr Namadi, who is the states commissioner of Transport, stood as surety to Mr Danwawu despite stringent bail conditions by the judge, MS Shuaibu. He allegedly facilitated the release of the suspected notorious drug dealer from prison custody. Mr Danwawu had been arrested and arraigned by the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). According to Daily Nigerian Newspaper, the judge ordered the accused to produce a member of the state executive council as surety as well as a deposit of N5 milion. Subsequently, in a letter dated 18 July addressed to the deputy chief registrar of the Federal High Court, Kano, Mr Namadi sought to stand as a surety to the suspect who was awaiting trial at a correctional facility. I humbly wish to apply to stand as surety for the Defendant in the above suit (SULAIMAN AMINU) who was granted bail by this Honourable Court in the sum of Three Million Naira only (N3,000,000.00) and one surety in the like sum also the Defendant shall deposit N5,000,000.00 (Five Million Naira) only which shall be placed in an interest yielding Account. I undertake to abide by the bail conditions imposed on the Defendant and promise to produce him before the Court on all adjourned dates until the final determination of the case. I hope my application will be considered, the Newspaper quoted Mr Namadis bail request letter. The NDLEA had on 21 May filed an eight-count charge of drug trafficking against Mr Danwawu. After his arraignment on May 28, the case was adjourned to 16 June for hearing of the bail application. The accused was subsequently remanded in prison custody. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has called on organisations engaging corps members to fully commit to their obligations under the scheme, stressing the need for a more effective partnership to enhance national development. Speaking at the 2025 Corps Employers Workshop in Lagos, the Director-General of NYSC, Olakunle Nafiu, said employers must assign corps members duties aligned with their academic qualifications and ensure they are properly utilised and mentored. Mr Nafiu said the workshop was aimed at reviewing existing practices and exploring ways to strengthen long-standing partnerships between the NYSC and corps employers. He added that employees should assign corps members duties commensurate with their qualifications for effective utilisation of their skills. He emphasised that insights from past workshops have contributed to refining the NYSCs operations, particularly around improving the work experience and career development of corps members. From addressing gray areas to enhancing healthy relationships among our various organisations, the workshop always produces ideas and recommendations that are factored into the operations of the scheme, he added. Themed Strengthening NYSC/Corps Employers Partnership for Improved Mutual Benefits, the annual workshop brought together employers from both public and private sectors, alongside other key stakeholders to review practices and explore ways to strengthen long standing partnerships with the scheme. Lagos reaffirms commitment to corps members Speaking at the event, Mobolaji Ogunlende, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, assured the employers of the state governments commitment to maintaining a symbiotic relationship grounded in trust, respect and shared vision. Mr Ogunlende said that support of employers and mentorship plays a vital role in shaping corps members, who he described as the next generation of leaders and change makers. Together, let us foster an environment of cooperation, innovation and mutual growth. Strengthening our partnership will lead to improved outcomes for communities, corps members and organisations, he said. By doing so, you will not only contribute meaningfully to the goals of agencies but also build valuable relationships that can pave the way for future opportunities. He also advised corps members to actively engage with their host organisations and demonstrate dedication, professionalism and spirit of collaboration. Also at the event, the Lagos State NYSC Coordinator Christina Salmwang called on employers to treat corps members as part of their workforce and to report any misconduct to the scheme. Ms Salmwang urged employers to make good use of corps members, give them roles, treat them as staff members, mentor them and ensure that they would be on the right track. Report any corps member who falls below expectations, she said. She appealed to employers to improve on monthly stipends to corps members in their organisations to motivate them to put in their best. Roles of NYSC and employers In a keynote lecture, Maryam Quadri, Head of Political Science department at the University of Lagos, identified key gaps in the current system, including skill-role mismatches, weak mentoring structures, and poor digital tools. Ms Quadris lecture was focused on Optimising Corps Members Placement for Productivity: A Joint Responsibility of NYSC and Employers, noting that corps members must also take responsibility for their growth. According to her, optimal utilisation of corps members for national development is a shared responsibility between the NYSC and employers. She said, While the scheme must enhance its deployment strategies and ensure alignment with national development goals, employers must view corps members as a valuable human resource rather than temporary stopgaps. She noted that corps members must embrace their roles with discipline, commitment and willingness to learn. She also identified non-compliance by employers, mismatch between corps members academic backgrounds, and their assigned roles, limited digital tools and limited mentoring as key challenges. She recommended that corps members should be re-oriented on professionalism, networking and long-term career planning during their orientation course. One key takeaway from our discussion was the call for a new kind of leadership in Africa, which the students described as entrepreneurial leadership. This echoed Professor Mariana Mazzucatos notion of the entrepreneurial state: a government that doesnt just regulate but actively shapes and creates markets. For Africapitalism and OKOBI to succeed, Africa needs political entrepreneurs and leaders who understand how to mobilise markets for social good. Ive always had a soft spot for the University of Oxford. As the oldest university in the English-speaking world, dating back to 1096, its a place that seems to breathe history. But more than that, it has an uncanny ability to reinvent itself, century after century, thereby remaining relevant and world class. Its hard not to admire a place that has mastered the art of sustainability in the truest sense. My journey with Oxford began toward the end of my PhD studies at the University of Warwick in 2007. I had the privilege of spending time as a visiting scholar at the Said Business School, working on my doctoral thesis on political economy and international business. Specifically, I was exploring how different varieties of capitalism influence responsible business practices. I was fortunate to be supervised by Professor Colin Crouch, one of the foremost authorities on comparative capitalism. He had previously been a professor at Oxford before his tenure at the European University Institute in Florence, Italy. Today, I am a Professor of Sustainable Finance at the same European University Institute. Life, it seems, has its sense of symmetry. That period at Oxford was undoubtedly one of the highlights of my PhD journey. Warwick is a stellar university, but Oxford felt like stepping into a living archive of ideas. Walking those storied paths, surrounded by timeless architecture and intellectual energy, was deeply inspiring. It was also a chance to reconnect with my good friend, Ese Owie, who was then completing his doctoral studies in International Trade Law and Maritime Policy at Linacre College. Our running joke was the unusual DPhil (Oxon) tag, and our youthful idealism made those moments all the more memorable. But that wasnt the end of the story. Between 2016 and 2021, I served as an External Examiner for one of Said Business Schools postgraduate programmes. External examiners help uphold academic standards in academia by reviewing course content and assessment outcomes. I never met the students directly I only reviewed their results and ensured rigour. Still, it was a great experience. Oxford, as expected, attracts an outstanding cohort of students. Yet, nothing prepared me for the moment on 19 July, when I returned to Said Business School not as a scholar-in-residence or an examiner, but as a guest lecturer. I stood before a class of executive degree students to speak on Africapitalism and the OKOBI Model: Catalysing African Innovation Across Borders. It was a full-circle moment that brought together years of academic exploration, policy engagement, and practical experimentation. The students, drawn from different countries and industries, responded with curiosity, critical insight, and palpable excitement. They appreciated hearing a perspective that challenged the narrative of the dominant Global North. They were particularly intrigued by how OKOBI and Africapitalism intersected with themes like innovation, policy, entrepreneurship, and governance. Africapitalism, a concept popularised by Nigerian banker, Tony Elumelu, emphasises the role of the private sector in driving national economic development. Over the years, Ive worked with academic colleagues to shape and refine this intellectual framework. But for a long time, Africapitalism remained more of a vision than a practice. Thats where the One Kindred One Business Initiative (OKOBI) comes in. OKOBI is a bold, community-based economic development programme launched by the Government of Imo State under Senator Hope Uzodimmas leadership. At its core, OKOBI promotes group entrepreneurship among rural and urban communities, providing a pathway to collective wealth and economic inclusion. It is a grassroots embodiment of Africapitalism in action, a homegrown solution rooted in African realities but relevant to global challenges like unemployment, poverty, and state fragility. Delivering that lecture at Oxford was special for two reasons. First, it was the first time I met students from the programme I had spent years assessing behind the scenes. Second, and more profoundly, I wasnt speaking about Africa as an object of study. I was speaking from Africa, presenting a living, breathing solution developed by Africans, for Africans, with global resonance. The students, drawn from different countries and industries, responded with curiosity, critical insight, and palpable excitement. They appreciated hearing a perspective that challenged the narrative of the dominant Global North. They were particularly intrigued by how OKOBI and Africapitalism intersected with themes like innovation, policy, entrepreneurship, and governance. One key takeaway from our discussion was the call for a new kind of leadership in Africa, which the students described as entrepreneurial leadership. This echoed Professor Mariana Mazzucatos notion of the entrepreneurial state: a government that doesnt just regulate but actively shapes and creates markets. For Africapitalism and OKOBI to succeed, Africa needs political entrepreneurs and leaders who understand how to mobilise markets for social good. For me, the real achievement that day wasnt just academic. It was seeing an indigenous African idea, OKOBI, enter the curriculum of one of the worlds most prestigious universities. To have students in Oxford engage seriously with a concept developed in Imo State was a moment of profound significance. It affirmed the idea that knowledge doesnt only flow from North to South. Sometimes, it flows the other way, too. That insight struck a chord. It reframed the OKOBI model not just as an economic policy but as part of a broader governance transformation. It could become a cornerstone for a new development paradigm that values community agency and institutional innovation, if scaled strategically. For me, the real achievement that day wasnt just academic. It was seeing an indigenous African idea, OKOBI, enter the curriculum of one of the worlds most prestigious universities. To have students in Oxford engage seriously with a concept developed in Imo State was a moment of profound significance. It affirmed the idea that knowledge doesnt only flow from North to South. Sometimes, it flows the other way, too. This moment was more than just personal validation. It was a glimpse into a future in which African ideas take their rightful place in shaping global conversations. From Imo to Oxford, the journey of Africapitalism and OKOBI is just beginning. And if this experience taught me anything, its that local innovation can, and must, travel across borders. The memories and lessons from that day will remain fresh for a long time to come. Kenneth Amaeshi is a professor of sustainable finance at the European University Institute, Florence, Italy, and a professor of business and sustainable development at the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom. He is also the chief economic adviser to the Imo State Government. A woman poses for photos with the Peljesac Bridge in Komarna, Croatia on July 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xuejun) KOMARNA, Croatia, July 26 (Xinhua) -- On the third anniversary of the official opening of the Peljesac Bridge on the southern Adriatic coast of Croatia, Croatians from all walks of life have given their thumbs up to the Chinese builders and the Chinese-built bridge. The 2.4-km-long Peljesac Bridge was constructed by a Chinese consortium led by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and was mainly funded by the European Union (EU). Ever since its inauguration on July 26, 2022, the bridge has significantly improved people's lives, facilitated traffic and transportation, cut travel time to the Adriatic coast and increased economic opportunities for the region. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, who had visited the construction site of the bridge six times before its opening, has hailed it as an example of bilateral cooperation between Croatia and China. According to Goran Legac, project director at the Croatian Roads, the state-run road operator, more than 7 million vehicles have passed through the bridge amid the third anniversary of its inauguration. The bridge has brought numerous benefits, including faster and easier traffic, improved flow of goods, services and people, Legac told Xinhua, hailing the cooperation with the Chinese side. "I would like to give my thumbs up to the Chinese workers, who did an excellent job. They were exceptionally hardworking, and they are truly worthy of respect," Ivana Dragobratovic, a local resident who lives near the bridge and rents out apartments to tourists, told Xinhua. Dragobratovic said that before the bridge was built, she could only do business during the summer season as there were few residents or tourists in the region during winter. However, the bridge has changed all this as it brings tourists even in winter months, and now she can do business all year round. "I want to thank the Chinese workers for building the bridge, for bringing more visitors to my apartments," she said. Dragobratovic was echoed by Antonio Mikulic, a local hotel operator near the Peljesac Bridge. "Before the bridge was built, it used to be basically empty here during winter: there were few people around, almost everything was closed," Mikulic told Xinhua, adding that in comparison, hotels and restaurants are now open all year long. Mikulic said that a majority of the visitors came to visit the region thanks to the bridge. "They tell me that without the bridge, probably 70 percent of them would not have come. They say the bridge is beautiful, it looks stunning," he said. As to Andro Crvik, owner of a winery from Konavle near Dubrovnik, he credited the Peljesac Bridge for the benefits to his winery as well as the local people. "Faster communication always means easier and better business," he said, adding that the sales of his winery have increased markedly as the bridge has enabled wines to be transported much more quickly and timely to other parts of Croatia, resulting in more wine sales. Before the bridge was built, the wine of his winery, located in Dubrovnik, had to be shipped to other parts of Croatia via the Neum Corridor in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and go through the cumbersome exit and entry procedures which often took two to three hours. In sharp contrast, after the bridge was built, it now takes only two to three minutes, Crvik noted. The bridge, which reaches across the Mali Ston Bay and connects the Croatian mainland with the Peljesac Peninsula for the first time in the Croatian history, also means that the tourists and logistics drivers from the Croatian mainland no longer have to detour through the Neum Corridor in BiH to go to Dubrovnik, Korcula, and other cities in southern Croatia. Vedran Antunica, mayor of Ston Municipality in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County administrating the Peljesac Bridge, told Xinhua that since the bridge was built, life in the region has improved "drastically." The bridge has attracted more and more visitors, leading to booming business of restaurants and hotels, Antunica said, adding that as a notable economic effect of the bridge, a big market center was recently opened in Ston. "The bridge has brought significant benefits to the Ston city and the region," Antunica said. In the eyes of Ana Vulic, who used to be an employee at the Peljesac Bridge project from 2018-2022, the Chinese colleagues have proved themselves to be hardworking, highly professional and capable, as the project was successfully completed in time despite the COVID-19 pandemic. "Now if there is a tender for a new infrastructure project in Croatia, people will always say, let the CRBC do it, let the Chinese do it," she told Xinhua. For Branko Losic, an architect from Dubrovnik, he could not agree more with Vulic. "I believe the excellent cooperation on the Peljesac Bridge should be an example and the cooperation between Croatia and China should continue. I hope the Chinese builders can get more such large projects in Croatia," Losic told Xinhua. Vehicles run on the Peljesac Bridge in Komarna, Croatia on July 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xuejun) Vehicles run on the Peljesac Bridge in Komarna, Croatia on July 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xuejun) Visitors pose for photos with the Peljesac Bridge in Komarna, Croatia on July 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xuejun) I believe that if that judgment had been accepted with a bit of contrition and humility, and there had not been the rush to foist a different interpretation on it, as is obvious to some of us who have read it, thereby reading into the decision of the court what was not there, we might not be where we are today. I believe a more diplomatic approach might have served as a lifeline for a rapprochement between the senator and the Senate. Much has been made of Justice Binta Nyakos judgement in the case of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan v The Clerk of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and others. Many have argued that it is the ambiguity, non-definitive, and non-declaratory nature of the judgment that has led to the confusion that has since then ensued, culminating in the embarrassing public spectacle we witnessed a few days ago. Having now taken time to review the full judgment, not just the extracts that first came out, I have come to a different conclusion on the matter. Rather, I am of the opinion that what we are dealing with is a case of contrived ambiguity and manufactured confusion. A dispassionate reading can only lead one willing to learn to clarity. There is nothing ambiguous or confusing in that judgment. All that is needed is to situate the judgment in the proper context of the circumstances that led to the cause of action, pay attention to the reliefs sought by the plaintiff, bearing in mind that the Court is no Father Christmas, before reading the decisions of the court. That done, it becomes obvious that, but for a deliberate attempt at mischief, there is nothing that should have triggered the confusion that we have witnessed in the matter. Dial back to the very beginning. The senator had raised hell on the floor of the Senate about the reassignment of seats, insisting on speaking from a seat not assigned to her, while holding on to Order 10 of the Senate rules. Every effort, within and outside the chambers, to make her understand that while Order 10 offers her the privilege to speak at anytime, that privilege is itself contingent upon speaking from her assigned seat, in accordance with the rules. She not only refused to abide by the rules on the day, but she also followed up with a radio interview. A motion was subsequently moved by another senator, stating that his privilege had been breached, leading to the matter being referred to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges, which then invited her to appear before it. Rather than do so, she opted to approach the Court. She sought the court to protect her right to a fair hearing and privileges under Orders 9, 10, and 11, arguing that a combined reading of these orders ought to have served as cover for her actions on the floor of the Senate and protected her from being referred to the Ethics and Privileges Committee. In other words, her suit was virtually a carryover of her argument on the floor of the Senate, and subsequently in public fora, that by virtue of Order 10, she had a right to speak from wherever she chose. It is on the basis of, and around this, that she filed an action seeking six reliefs. It is instructive that the Court didnt find merit in any of the reliefs she sought, thereby comprehensively ruling in favour of the Senate, asserting its rights to set its rules, discipline its members, and pointing out that the Senate President is vested with the right to assign and reassign seats. It also affirmed that members can only speak from assigned seats, and that it is within the rights and purview of the Senate to refer the senator to the Ethics and Privileges Committee. In the words of the court (CAPS mine for emphasis): In the circumstances of this case, as rightly contended by the Defendants, an invitation to appear before an Ethics Committee of the Senate is a CLEAR MANIFESTATION OF PROCEDURAL FAIRNESS, NOT A BREACH OF IT. From a careful reading of the Originating Summons, there exists no allegation whatsoever to the effect that the Defendants contravenedstatutory or constitutional provisions as the crux of this action is hinged solely on protection of parliamentary privilege on the floor of Senate. It cannot be the intendment of Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution that this Court has powers to entertain complaint against any and every discussions/written communication arising from plenary sessions of the 2nd defendant. If it were the case, then this Honourable Court would know no rest. It is safe to say that the Court resolved all the issues raised in favour of the Senate (even partly affirming the argument raised by the parliament in its preliminary objection on the lack of jurisdiction). Even on the matter of contempt filed by the Senate President on 5th May, seeking five reliefs, the Court, in protest of the 27th April satirical apology of the senator, found her guilty of contempt, fined and ordered her to issue a public apology. There is therefore no confusion, from the judgment as seen, that all the direct reliefs sought by the senator were denied and orders to that effect expressly made. Justice Binta Nyako might have simply wrapped it up, but it is my opinion that, having reviewed the rules of the Senate and out of consideration for the constituents in Kogi State, she then ventured further to offer an opinion on the extensive powers of the Senate, which allows it to suspend a member ad infinitum. Bear in mind that there was no relief directly sought in this regard. The Court only decided to widen the scope of consideration, and in that light, the Justice argued that to make a LAW THAT HAS NO END IS EXCESSIVE and cannot be the intendment of the law, thus imploring the Senate to EXERCISE ITS POWER to review the rules and recall the senator. These are the words of Justice Binta Nyako in that regard. (CAPS mine for emphasis): On the issue of denial of the Plaintiff to the representation of her Senatorial District without inspiring the function of the NASS, I will give and say due to the gravity of the issue, I have read in its entirety, the Senate Rules under which the Plaintiff was suspended, thus denying the representation of her Senatorial District. I believe that the constitution, Legislative House (Powers & Privileges) Act, nor the Senate Rules will not intend for that to happen. I have read with interest, Chapter ix (8) of the Senate Rules and Section 14(2) of the Legislative House (Powers & privileges) Act ix (8) allows the Senate to suspend a senator until a time determined by the Senate ad infinitum while S.14(2) allows for suspension of a member (Senator) in similar terms, even without pay. I do not think the constitution envisages this. A Senator is expected to represent his people in either Legislative house for a specific number of days per session. If any suspension is UNWARRANTED, then I OPINE that the Act and the Senate Rules should also be specific and not live it at large. A suspension cannot exceed the requisite number of days the member should sit. The constitution says a legislative year is 181 days and the house should sit for this number of days. This makes it at least 36.2 weeks in a year, which is a session. To suspend a member for 6 months means suspension for 180 days and this is half the number of days the member is expected to sit in the House representing his people. I do not think this is the intention of the framer of the law. To make a LAW THAT HAS NO END IS EXCESSIVE and cannot be the intendment of the law. I AM OF THE OPINION that the Senate has the POWER TO REVIEW this provision of the Senate Rules and even amend Section 14(2) of the Legislative Houses (Powers & Privileges) Act, both for being over-reaching. The Senate has the power to and I believe should recall the plaintiff and allow her to same time, represent the people who sent her there to represent them. I believe that what the Court did was to, out of compassion, offer a lifeline to the senator, in realisation that this was a difficult situation. The court has clearly established the powers of the Senate and that it has not contravened its rules and the law in this instance. I believe that offering that opinion was the Courts way of asking the Senate to temper justice with mercy. I believe that if that judgment had been accepted with a bit of contrition and humility, and there had not been the rush to foist a different interpretation on it, as is obvious to some of us who have read it, thereby reading into the decision of the court what was not there, we might not be where we are today. I believe a more diplomatic approach might have served as a lifeline for a rapprochement between the senator and the Senate. An apology to the Court, as ordered, and an apology to the Senate, as had been requested by the Senate, could have followed suit, and that would have offered an opportunity for a dignified closure to this phase of an embarrassingly mismanaged fight. I do not see how enlisting the services of social media influencers and full-time activists can help turn a recommendation into an order. There is a time for everything. No matter how far one might have gone in a particular direction, there is always an opportunity to retreat, rethink, and re-strategise. Simbo Olorunfemi works for Hoofbeatdotcom, a Nigerian communications consultancy and publisher of Africa Enterprise. Email: [email protected] his accomplishments and personal attributes of integrity didnt materialise into achievements for the generality of the Nigerian people. Whereas, accomplishments are personal attainments in life, achievements are a collective of the positive impact your accomplishments bring to bear on the generality of the Nigerian people. Accomplishments without achievements mean Nigeria has done so much for you, while, in turn, you have done little or nothing for the country. It is with utmost reluctance that I write this posthumous epistle about former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed on in a London hospital on Sunday, 13 July, after what was described as a prolonged illness. My initial reluctance was within of the popular saying that you do not speak ill about the dead. True, you do not only speak ill of the dead but also of the living. But upon realising that it is a duty to country and God, the imperative of speaking the truth of the living and especially of the dead, no matter how unpalatable, uncomfortable or bitter, I overcame my reluctance. And speaking the truth about our political leaders (living or dead) is a sacred duty that is incumbent upon every patriot who seeks the common good of the Nigerian people, because in these truths the dead teaches the living an immortal lesson that should remind them of their own mortality. I have observed, without surprise, as many Nigerians have become divided over how to properly situate the legacy of late President Muhammadu Buhari in contemporary Nigeria. While some Nigerians have denounced him as the worst leader in the history of the Fourth Republic outright, his supporters have maintained that he was good man and well intentioned leader, who was incorruptible. But that is as far as even his most ardent supporters are willing to go, as none of them, including his appointees and spin doctors, can say with a mouth not shaking that late President Buhari achieved much as the leader of Nigeria. I have said it before and I will reiterate it again that as a fierce critic of President Buhari throughout his eight year rule in office, I was his greatest friend and lover, and not his hater, because I knew that a day such as this will come when men will judge his actions as their leader, before his case gets to the supreme court of God Almighty for final adjudication. Born on 17 December 1942 in Daura town, Katsina State, North West Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, was an accomplished public servant, military officer, public administrator and politician, who was privileged to lead Nigeria twice; as a military head of state and a democratically elected president. Equally, Buhari was a military governor, federal minister in charge of petroleum resources and later, chairman of the Petroleum Development Trust Fund under the General Sani Abacha military regime. According to his contemporaries, Buhari was a disciplined and incorruptible man who wanted the best for Nigeria. But sadly, his accomplishments and personal attributes of integrity didnt materialise into achievements for the generality of the Nigerian people. Whereas, accomplishments are personal attainments in life, achievements are a collective of the positive impact your accomplishments bring to bear on the generality of the Nigerian people. Accomplishments without achievements mean Nigeria has done so much for you, while, in turn, you have done little or nothing for the country. My position on President Buharis life and time in power is well documented and needs no further regurgitation here. The fact that there was a spontaneous breakout of celebrations in some parts of the Hausa speaking Muslim north; a region where he was deified as a living god over the news of his death, the passionate appeal from some of his supporters against speaking ill of the dead and his wifes revelation that the late President Buhari asked for the forgiveness of Nigerians before his demise, says the truth and nothing but the whole truth about his legacy. That President Buhari died in a London Hospital two years after he presided over the affairs of Nigeria for eight years, between 2015 and 2023, manifests the truth that while Nigeria did so much for him, he did little or nothing for the country in return. If only those in power today are paying the much needed attention to Nigerias recent history with the late President Muhammadu Buhari, but sadly while history is the best teacher, its students are the worst learners. However, it is important to point out that President Buharis elevation of ethno-geographic and religious sectionalism to a near state policy, in his administration, was his greatest undoing. The fundamental social condition precedent for national development and the security of a sovereign entity must be the unity and social cohesion of its constituent peoples. And to achieve this, the political leadership of such an entity must rise above the pettiness of race, ethnicity and creed to administer it as one nation that belongs to all. The fact that contrary to his vow to belong to nobody and to everybody, President Buhari ended up belonging to his Muslim, Hausa speaking Fulani northern half of Nigeria, which not only undermined the unity, social cohesion and collective development of Nigeria but also hampered his role and as commander in chief of Nigerias armed forces. So, despite his much talked about personal qualities of integrity, honesty and moral uprightness, the late President Muhammadu Buhari left Nigeria worse than he met it, as one of the worlds most impoverished, pauperised, terrorised and traumatised countries on the brink of state failure. This is so because, according to Uthman Dan Fodio, the founder of the Sokoto Fulani Empire, a nation can endure in disbelief but none can survive injustice. May the soul of President Muhammadu Buhari find peace with his creator and may his family find the strength to bear the loss. And may Nigerians forgive the late president for his shortcomings. We will always remember him because President Muhammadu Buhari did not ask us to forget his time in power. Majeed Dahiru, a public affairs analyst, writes from Abuja and can be reached through [email protected]. Dogs, no matter how we view them, are animals. To force human beings to eat like dogs, and under conditions worse than how a dog feeds, is intolerable. But that is what is going on in Gods own country the United States, US. It has been plucking alleged illegal immigrants, or those with supposed criminal records, off the streets. Some are fished out of farms, offices or homes and treated like dangerous terrorists. But wherever you stand on this issue, the image of such persons in US protective custody being made to kneel with their hands chained behind their backs while eating from disposable plates placed on chairs in front of them, cannot be excused. Even when dogs eat, their limbs are not chained. When prisoners of war, POWs, eat, international law forbids their being tortured or deprived of their fundamental human rights. So, to treat immigrant detainees as sub human beings, hold them in buses, overcrowded detention centres and under appalling sanitary conditions, are crimes against humanity. To haul such people and dump them in third countries they may never have been to or, heard about, are Second World War-type forced deportations. All those who keep silent in the face of such atrocities, including the European Union, EU, which is never tired talking about human rights, are complicit in these abuses. A second image that haunts me is that of a Palestinian girl in Gaza who in the vast ruin of the city with death and devastation around her, was studying for examinations she should have taken two years ago. Given the fact that her school has been wiped out, her home pulverised, city turned into a desert, starvation stares her in the face and death is a present danger, I wondered what gave her the audacity to study for an examination that may never hold. What gave hope to a child to study for a future when the present serves her mainly the possibilities of going down under sniper fire, being sent off by a bomb, hunger or disease? Given the daily massacres, including 1,026 Palestinians murdered in the last three months at humanitarian food centres, and 111, including 80 children, dying of starvation, I have often wondered what Palestinian families tell themselves when they turn in for the night. Certainly, it cannot be good night because the possibility of being alive the next day is slim. It may be something like: If we see tomorrow, we will embrace; if we dont, well meet in Heaven. But, must life be so brutish? What kind of union does Europe have when it yells at a Russian drone striking an empty barn in Ukraine, but keeps criminally silent as its ally, Israel, carries out the genocide of Palestinians, especially children, the aged and women? The sing-song of the 27 European countries in their union is: Israel has the right to self-defence. As if the Palestinians do not have a right to life. The United Nations General Assembly had in 2022, requested the International Court of Justice, ICJ to clarify the legal consequences of Israels occupation and war in the Palestinian territories. The ICJ had on July 19, 2024 ruled that Israels occupation of Palestinian lands, settlements on them, territory annexation, denial of Palestinians right to self-determination, and its racial discrimination against Palestinians are illegal. It therefore ruled that Israel must vacate all Palestinian territories, including Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Additionally, the ICJ ordered Israel to make reparations for damages caused to Palestinians, and countries in the world to neither recognise the illegal occupation nor provide any assistance to Israel in maintaining its occupation. The US rejected the IJC ruling and a month later approved $17 billion additional aid. The EU was more cunning, it did not voice opposition, but continued to support Israels occupation and war in the Palestine. As late as June 2025, the EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, crowed again that Israel is entitled to self-defence. This is a green light for Israel to continue its occupation and genocide. The EU is deadlier than the US establishment. But this is not immediately visible because the US regimes are rather crude, while the EU employs camouflage. For instance, the EU has been silent on the forced deportation of immigrants in the US because it identifies with Trumps aspirations to Whiten America by drastically reducing the number of coloured peoples. The EU has indirectly embarked on a similar journey. It does so partly by paying war lords like General Mohammed Hamdan Hemedti Dagola of the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces, RSF, and General Khalifa Haftar of the rogue Libyan National Army to use force in preventing African migration to Europe. It also pays governments like the Turkish not just to stop migration to Europe but also take custody of those forced back by EU forces, especially those in Greece. Eventually, if its indirect methods do not yield the expected fruits, Europe is likely to adopt the Trumpian model of forced deportations. Secondly, the EU is aware that Israel is building a new Europe in the Middle East which is why it has seized Palestinian, Lebanese and Syrian lands like the Golan Heights which is being expanded. Another haunting image in my head is that of over 700 Sudanese who had escaped into Libya in the wake of on-going massacres by crazy Sudanese generals, being forced back into boiling Sudan. Yet another image: that of some of the worst criminals in the US being deported to Africa. The latest are criminals which the US Homeland Security admits are some of its most uniquely barbaric being sent to Eswaini, former Swaziland. The new deportees are from Vietnam, Cuba, Yemen, Jamaica and Laos. So, why would African countries accept these men and what are they supposed to do with them? If some have no criminal records, can they be kept in prison? If they do, is it for them to serve out their terms? If this category were to finish serving their terms, would they be freed in Eswaini, returned to USA, repatriated to their original countries or simply set free to roam the universe? It is confirmed that a number of the deportees are convicted criminals. But they are not the only ones. The US establishment out-sourcing them and, the governments of the receiving countries like South Sudan, are also guilty. After the Second World War in 1945, the world said it was setting out to build global peace, security, human rights and upholding international law. Now, 80 years later, it has succeeded in building a universe of criminalities where might is right. Not just a dog eat dog world, but one in which dogs have more rights than humans. Owei Lakemfa, a former secretary general of African workers, is a human rights activist, journalist and author. The Ogun State Government and the Arise Integrated Industrial Platform (IIP), an India-based multinational company, have put together a project implementation team for the takeoff of what is planned to be the biggest garment production company in Nigeria and a veritable continental textile hub. The team is expected to identify what needs to be done and when, as well as to jointly establish a timeline for each task in preparation for the groundbreaking ceremony of the project in September this year. Speaking when he received a delegation from the Arise Integrated Industrial Platform, led by its President, Mr Gagan Gupta, and the representative of AFRIXEM Bank in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, noted with delight the enormous contribution the project would have on the economy of the state and the nation at large. According to Prince Abiodun, with the capacity to produce 100 tons per hour, 1,000 tons per day, 40,000 tons per month, and about 350,000 tons per year, the factory would turn out about 4.4 million garments every day and employ between 120,000 to 150,000 direct and indirect laborers. He said: What we are here for today is to put together a project implementation team to identify what needs to be done and when, to jointly establish timelines for each of the tasks so that we can prepare for the groundbreaking of the project in September. What I find most exciting is how this project will resuscitate cotton farming and cotton growing in Nigeria and the ripple effects on the economy. Ogun State fortunately grows the highest quality cotton in Nigeria. We dedicated 10 hectares of land in the first instance for cotton growing. We have a very active grower association in our state. I am hoping that you find the right cotton inputs that you will make available to these farmers, and they will become the outgrowers. That way, you will take over the ownership of the entire process, and off take agreements would have been signed with them so that they know what is expected at harvest. He lamented that Nigeria, which was a leading garment-producing nation in the past, has lost its position to its neighbours, maintaining that with the project, the nation would regain its pride of place as a top producer of textiles on the continent. The $2 billion investment, Prince Abiodun noted, would be sited at the Special Agro Processing Zone at the airport city and would turn the state into a garment hub not only in the country but Africa as a whole. I must also, in particular, appreciate our President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for providing the enabling environment for the likes of Gagan Gupta to consider coming to invest in this sector and be so bullish as to have decided to commit this amount of funding alongside the bankers to this sector. We are looking at about $2 billion worth of investment, he said. Speaking, the President of the Group, Mr Gagan Gupta, said his company, with many years of experience in textile manufacturing, is set to establish a world-class textile industry that would produce for Nigeria and the rest of the world. He said Nigeria has the potential to be Africas textile hub, noting that though there is a decline in local production of cotton, the establishment of the industry would encourage cotton farmers, thereby boosting its position in the world. The Chief Executive Officer of ATMS, Raja Rajaburu, said their visit to the state was to plan how the company would invest close to $2.25 billion in the production of garments in the state, which would employ close to 120,000 direct laborers, but indirect labor will be 2.5 times more than direct labour. Because of the infrastructure and the facilitation created by the Governors Office, we are really enthusiastic about putting the project in Ogun State, he said. Arvind Mathor, the Chief Executive Officer of Textiles at the Arise Integrated Industrial Platform, in his remarks said: We are here to discuss the setting up of our industrial park. Basically, we think there is a huge potential for domestic consumption as well as future exporting in the region and ECOWAS. The environment is excellent; the support weve received, the promises made, and our experience from the recent past are all very positive, so we are very happy about it. Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has expressed sorrow over the passing of the Emir of Gusau, Ibrahim Bello, who passed away at the age of 71 after a long illness. In his condolence message, Governor Radda described the late Emir as a calm and thoughtful leader whose reign brought dignity and stability to the people of Gusau and Zamfara State at large. He noted that since ascending the throne in 2015, the Emir served with the same commitment and wisdom that marked his years in public service rising to the position of Permanent Secretary in both the old Sokoto and later Zamfara State. He was a different kind of royal father. He carried the concerns of his people with quiet strength and offered guidance grounded in experience and deep understanding. His voice was one of reason and peace not just in Zamfara, but across Northern Nigeria, Governor Radda said. The governor added that the passing of the Emir is a big loss, especially at a time when the country needs the wisdom and stabilizing influence of traditional leaders more than ever. Governor Radda, on behalf of the Government and people of Katsina State, extended his condolences to the Government and people of Zamfara State, the Gusau Emirate Council, the late Emirs family, and all who benefitted from his leadership. He prayed Almighty Allah to forgive the late Emirs shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus. He asked for strength for his family and subjects to bear the loss. Governor Inuwa Yahaya has backed the police to maintain a 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. restriction of commercial motorcycle movements after an artisan was killed in the state capital by suspected thugs. The restriction of movement had been in force since 11 June, aimed at checking killings and phone theft by Yan Kalare hoodlums in the state. The governors stance comes despite concerns expressed by some residents that the six-week-old restriction was hindering businesses. The government had provided public buses to cushion the effects of the ban of commercial motorcycles from the roads, but residents said they are not enough. How popular artisan was killed For over a decade, Gombe State has been battling the menace of hoodlums known as Kalare, formerly members of a political group founded under the administration of former Governor Danjuma Goje. The hoodlums have been accused of killings, theft, and burglary, among other criminal activities. The Gombe State Government and the police had adopted different measures to address their menace. The motorcycle restriction was announced following the killing of Amadi Kasiran, a popular welder. Sources told PREMIUM TIMES that Mr Kasiran was killed due to quarrels he had with a member of the group over a woman. The artisan, well-known to politicians in the state, had impacted several lives by mentoring over 100 artisans. We heard that he was attacked by thugs trying to steal his phone around Hammadu Kafi. But another story that I think is more convincing was that he shared a girlfriend with a member of the Kalare group. He ignored several warnings to stay away from her, so that day when he visited the woman, the thugs trapped and killed him. Eyewitnesses said his phone and motorcycle were found at the scene, Abdulaziz Mala, a resident of Gombe, said. However, the police are yet to confirm either story. Several other residents, including religious leaders, have also suffered molestations by the hoodlums. My brother was beaten without him doing anything to them, Jibrilla Isa, another resident, added. It was against that backdrop that the police, claiming the hoodlums were using motorcycles to perpetrate their crimes, restricted motorcycle movement. However, residents want the restriction lifted, complaining that it hinders their businesses. I used to build at least three beds daily in my workshop, but I can hardly achieve one and a half now. Before my apprentices arrive from their homes and settle for work, time is gone, Abubakar Nuhu, a carpenter in Gombe, lamented. My business normally gets a boost during the night. During the day, I get meat and prepare it. Because of the motorcycle curfew, my customers have reduced drastically, Isa Usman, a suya joint owner in Gombe, said. Other residents used Facebook to ventilate their anger with the restriction and call on the government and the police to rescind it. Meanwhile, many motorcycle operators have accused the police of exploiting the curfew to extort them, an allegation which the police have denied. Buhari Abdullahi, the police public relations officer in the Gombe, said they hadnt received any complaints of such nature from their checkpoints. On the call for the review of the restriction, the police spokesperson said it had contributed to a decline in criminal activities and was helping ongoing investigations. READ ALSO: Bill to establish federal varsity of science in Gombe scales second reading at Senate Governor supports police on restriction Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, in June when the restriction was announced, said his administration had provided public buses to cushion the effect of the restriction on the residents. He expressed concern over the increasing cases of adolescent boys carrying weapons like machetes to attack innocent residents, citing a recent incident involving a prominent Islamic cleric, Albani Kuri. He said over 1,000 motorcycles had been confiscated since the restriction took effect, with more than 90 percent of them found to be unregistered or lacking license plates. He ordered the police to arrest anyone attempting to bail a thug arrested by security agents. The governor held a media chat with the Gombe Media Corporation last week where he maintained his position of non-interference with the police order. Flooding after hours of torrential downpour, on Wednesday night, has displaced many residents and caused extensive damage to farmlands and local businesses in many communities in the Tureta Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The flood submerged homes, market stalls, and vast agricultural land, leaving a trail of destruction and despair. Kabiru Tureta, the special adviser to the chairperson of the LGA, said preliminary assessments indicate that over 50 houses were submerged. Several market stalls and vast stretches of farmland were also inundated, he stated. PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the extensive loss of property, food crops, and trading infrastructure has left many residents in shock, with fears mounting over potential food insecurity and prolonged displacement. The situation is deeply troubling. Our people have lost their homes, their crops, and their livelihoods. The extent of the damage is staggering, Mr Kabiru lamented. He said the local government will conduct a comprehensive damage assessment to guide its emergency response and recovery strategy. Affected residents have appealed to the state government and relevant disaster management agencies for support. READ ALSO: Abandoned road project contributes to flooding in Ibadan community We are in dire need of shelter, food, and medical support, a displaced resident pleaded. Many of us have nowhere to go, and our children are sleeping in the open. The floods have also brought to light the state of drainage systems and the preparedness of local governments for extreme weather events, which are becoming increasingly frequent due to climate change. Environmental experts have long warned that areas like Tureta, with poor drainage and low-lying topography, are vulnerable to flooding during the rainy season. Former Minister of Aviation and prominent public policy advocate, and Vice Chairman Anambra State Educational Council, Osita Chidoka, has formally endorsed the re-election bid of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, calling him Odiuko na Mba, the rare one, not easily found. In a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday, Mr Chidokas Special Assistant on Media, Ikechukwu Okafor, said the former minister spoke at the Anambra Central Senatorial Zone endorsement event on Saturday, praising Governor Soludos transformational leadership, prudent financial management, and vision for the future of Anambra State. In 2025, the question is no longer Is it broken? Mr Chidoka said. The real question is: why drop the spoon when the soup is tasty? Ndi Anambra, the pot is still on the fire. The aroma of progress is in the air. He praised Mr Soludos achievements in urban renewal, digital governance, education reform, and infrastructure, calling for continuity to sustain the gains of the past three years. Soludo is the only son of Anambra who has kept money for the whole of Nigeria and today, he is keeping Anambras money with care, vision, and discipline. Quoting an Igbo proverb Ula toba uto, ekwobeya ekwobe, Mr Chidoka likened Mr Soludos governance to sweet sleep: When sleep is sweet, you dont wake up, you roll over and enjoy it again. Lets not break the rhythm. Let the Solution continue. Let Odiuko finish the course. Mr Soludo, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, was sworn in as governor of Anambra in March 2022 on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance. (APGA). He is now running for a second term in office. Mr Chidoka Corps was the corps marshal and chief executive of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) between June 2007 and June 2014. In July 2014, then President Goodluck Jonathan appointed him minister of aviation, a role he held until May 2015. A founding member and strategist of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he served as special adviser to the PDP National Chairman in 2018. In the 2017 Anambra governorship election, he ran under the United Progressive Party (UPP) but was defeated by APGAs candidate Willie Obiano.. In November 2024, he formally resigned from the PDP to focus on nonpartisan civic engagement through the Athena Centre, advocating for governance reforms and evidencebased policy in Nigeria . The Yoruba socio-politcal group, Afenifere, has rebuked former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, for accusing President Bola Tinubu of marginalising the North and concentrating national resources in the South. Afenifere described Mr Kwakwasos comments as not only grossly misleading but also deliberately incendiary. The 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) made the allegations while speaking at a stakeholders dialogue on the review of the 1999 Constitution held in Kano. Mr Kwankwaso said the President Tinubu had concentrated the countrys resources on developing the southern part of the country. He alleged that the lack of care for the North was breeding insecurity and poverty in the region. Let me advise the federal government on the distribution of federal resources, Mr Kwankwaso said. From the information available to us, its like most of the national budget is now tilting in one direction in this country. The former governor of Kano State spoke a day after he met with the president Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The Presidency has since replied him, dismissing his claims. The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, said the politician was not in touch with the administrations development initiatives. Mr Dare also listed some developmental projects and programmes that Mr Tinubu has embarked on or executed in northern Nigeria in the last two years. Sectional bias For his part, Afenifere accused Mr Kwankwaso of sectional bias as his claims had no facts. It must be stated unequivocally that no region in Nigeria has benefited more from concentrated federal presence in the past decade than the North, Afeniferes statement on Friday by Kole Omololu, its national organising secretary, said. During the Buhari administrationa northern presidency, which Senator Kwankwaso conveniently omitscritical national resources were disproportionately channelled to the North. The World Bank Managing Director publicly disclosed that President Buhari specifically directed the institution to focus its interventions in northern Nigeria. Where was Kwankwasos voice for equity and fairness then? Road and rail infrastructure were overwhelmingly skewed. The Kano-Maradi railway, constructed deep into Niger Republic with no economic significance to Nigeria, was completed under Buhari. Was this done for national integration or to aid cross-border movement of Fulani kinsmen? Meanwhile, under the same regime, the hell on which the senator travelled was not made heaven, the Lagos Ibadan Expressway, started by President Jonathan and designed to reach Iwo Junction, remained uncompleted. The Second Niger Bridge was still pending upon Buharis exit after eight years in office. Less than two years into President Tinubus administration, Kwankwaso is crying foul. Perhaps he is unaware that critical road projects have been initiated and awarded across the North, including the dualisation of the Kano-Maiduguri Road, Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega Road, and the Abuja-Keffi-Lafia corridor. The Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline, neglected by past regimes, is being fast tracked. Just weeks ago, President Tinubu approved billions for critical infrastructure in Katsina, Borno, and Niger states. Kwankwasos alarmist rhetoric is not only unfair but also deeply dangerous. Afenifere also asserted that Mr Kwakwasos comments stokes regional tension and paints a false picture of deliberate southern favouritism. The group also urged all sections of the country to rise above ethnic saboteurs and sectional agitators masquerading as patriots. Let statesmen, not ethnic lords, shape the conversation, it added. ATHENS, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Multiple wildfires erupted across Greece on Saturday, placing enormous strain on firefighting resources as the country endures one of the most intense heatwaves in recent years. According to the Greek daily Kathimerini, blazes were reported simultaneously in Evia, Messinia in the Peloponnese, Kythera Island, and the Thessaloniki region in northern Greece. Firefighters are battling the flames on multiple fronts under extreme and dangerous conditions. The most critical fire is burning out of control in Pissonas, a village located at the foothills of the Dirfi mountain range, northeast of Halkida, the capital of Evia. Authorities issued a 112 emergency alert, urging residents to evacuate toward the village of Afrati. Thick smoke and erratic winds have trapped several fire engines -- some of which have already been engulfed in flames -- while aerial firefighting efforts are hampered by poor visibility. Livestock facilities in the area have sustained significant damage. In Messinia, a forest fire in the area of Polithea prompted three emergency alerts, including evacuation orders for the villages of Kryoneri and Sellas. Two storage buildings were reported damaged. On Kythera Island, the villages of Aroniadika, Pitsinades, and Araioi were evacuated due to a fast-spreading blaze in a rural and forested area. Meanwhile, in Arethousa, a mountainous zone in Thessaloniki's Volvi municipality, another wildfire broke out in an agroforestry area. The widespread fires come as Greece grapples with an extreme heatwave, with temperatures soaring beyond 42 degrees Celsius in many areas and peaking at 45.8 degrees Celsius in Skala, Messinia -- one of the fire-affected regions -- according to the National Observatory of Athens. The intense heat has elevated wildfire risk across the country, stretching firefighting capabilities and placing critical infrastructure under severe pressure. BOGOTA, Colombia, July 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL; NYSE: EC) ("Ecopetrol" and together with its subsidiaries, the "Ecopetrol Group") announces that in its session on July 25, 2025, the board of directors approved the following appointments: Sergio Andres Moreno Acevedo has been appointed Corporate Vice President of Science, Technology and Innovation, effective July 28, 2025 . Sergio has been serving in this role in an acting capacity since January 27, 2025 , replacing Luis Felipe Rivera . He is a Systems Engineer and holds a specialization in Technology Management from the Universidad Industrial de Santander. He brings over 21 years of professional experience in the technology sector, having held strategic and leadership roles. Sergio joined Ecopetrol in 2023 as Manager of Innovation and ST+I Portfolio, and also served as Vice President of Digital at CENIT, a subsidiary of Ecopetrol, from July 2024 to January 2025 . We extend our gratitude to Luis Felipe Rivera , who will continue to take on new strategic and high-impact challenges within the Ecopetrol Group. has been appointed Corporate Vice President of Science, Technology and Innovation, effective . Sergio has been serving in this role in an acting capacity since , replacing . He is a Systems Engineer and holds a specialization in Technology Management from the Universidad Industrial de Santander. He brings over 21 years of professional experience in the technology sector, having held strategic and leadership roles. Sergio joined Ecopetrol in 2023 as Manager of Innovation and ST+I Portfolio, and also served as Vice President of Digital at CENIT, a subsidiary of Ecopetrol, from to . We extend our gratitude to , who will continue to take on new strategic and high-impact challenges within the Ecopetrol Group. Bayron Triana Arias has been appointed Executive Vice President of Energy for the Transition, effective August 1, 2025 . He has been serving in this role in an acting capacity since May 10, 2025 , replacing David Riano. Bayron Triana Arias is an Industrial Engineer from the National University of Colombia , with a Master's degree in Management from the same institution. He has over 18 years of experience in the energy sector, both in the public and private spheres, holding managerial roles focused on public policy development, strategic projects, and renewable energy initiatives. He joined Ecopetrol in 2023 as Manager of Energy Strategy for the Transition. We extend our appreciation to David Alfredo Riano, who will continue contributing to the Ecopetrol Group by leading new challenges that will strengthen the 2040 strategy and the consolidation of the corporate group. Ecopetrol is the largest company in Colombia and one of the main integrated energy companies in the American continent, with more than 19,000 employees. In Colombia, it is responsible for more than 60% of the hydrocarbon production of most transportation, logistics, and hydrocarbon refining systems, and it holds leading positions in the petrochemicals and gas distribution segments. With the acquisition of 51.4% of ISA's shares, the company participates in energy transmission, the management of real-time systems (XM), and the Barranquilla - Cartagena coastal highway concession. At the international level, Ecopetrol has a stake in strategic basins in the American continent, with Drilling and Exploration operations in the United States (Permian basin and the Gulf of Mexico), Brazil, and Mexico, and, through ISA and its subsidiaries, Ecopetrol holds leading positions in the power transmission business in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, road concessions in Chile, and the telecommunications sector. This release contains statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements, whether made in this release or in future filings or press releases, or orally, address matters that involve risks and uncertainties, including in respect of the Company's prospects for growth and its ongoing access to capital to fund the Company's business plan, among others. Consequently, changes in the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements: market prices of oil & gas, our exploration, and production activities, market conditions, applicable regulations, the exchange rate, the Company's competitiveness and the performance of Colombia's economy and industry, to mention a few. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. For more information, please contact: Head of Capital Markets Carolina Tovar Aragon Email: [email protected] Head of Corporate Communications (Colombia) Marcela Ulloa Email: [email protected] SOURCE Ecopetrol S.A. LOS ANGELES, July 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sling Pilot Academy, one of the nation's fastest-growing flight schools,is now offering qualified aspiring pilots access to financing options through Sallie Mae, a leader in private student lending and education financing. Through this offering, prospective pilots attending Sling Pilot Academy can apply for the Sallie Mae Airline Career Loan, designed specifically for pilot training programs. This collaboration aims to make pilot training more accessible by helping students manage the cost of tuition and accelerate their path to the flight deck. Sling Pilot Academy, located in Southern California with 4 locations, offers an accelerated airline pilot training program that prepares students to become professional pilots in as little as nine to 12 months. The academy is known for its innovative approach to flight instruction, including advanced aircraft, immersive curriculum, supportive community, and strong airline career pathways. "At Sling Pilot Academy, we are committed to lowering the barriers to entry for aspiring pilots," said Matt Liknaitzky, co-CEO at Sling Pilot Academy. "With this offering, we're not just expanding financial accessibilitywe're investing in the future of aviation and empowering the next generation of flight professionals." For more information about Sallie Mae's financing options and Sling Pilot Academy's programs, visit: Media Contacts: Jay Price Director of Marketing & Enrollments [email protected] D: 424.203.4795 SOURCE Sling Pilot Academy DALLAS, July 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- VineBrook Homes Trust, Inc. (the "Company") announced today that the Company has determined to cancel its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting"). The Annual Meeting was originally scheduled for, and convened on, June 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Central Time, but was adjourned without any business being conducted because a quorum of the holders of the Company's common stock was not present in person or by proxy. As of today, the Company has still not received proxies that would constitute a quorum and has decided to cancel the Annual Meeting and to withdraw from consideration by the Company's stockholders the proposals set forth in the definitive proxy statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on April 25, 2025. The Company made a strong effort to engage with stockholders; however, with nearly 7,000 stockholders, achieving quorum proved challenging despite those outreach efforts. Prior to the withdrawal of the proposals, the Company received overwhelming "Votes For" both the election of directors and the ratification of the Company's auditor for 2025. For a full discussion of preliminary results prior to the withdrawal of the proposals, see the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, which can be found here. About VineBrook Homes Trust, Inc. VineBrook Homes Trust, Inc. is an externally advised real estate investment trust. The Company is focused on acquiring, developing, renovating, leasing and operating single-family rental properties primarily located in the midwestern, heartland and southern United States markets. For more information, please visit www.investors.VineBrookHomes.com. CONTACTS Investor Relations Kristen Griffith [email protected] Media Relations [email protected] SOURCE VineBrook Homes Trust, Inc. If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Key Points BigBear.ai is dependent on a handful of clients. Revenue growth isn't as quick as you'd expect for an AI company. The stock may appear cheap, but there's a reason for that. 10 stocks we like better than BigBear.ai BigBear.ai (NYSE: BBAI) has become a popular AI stock pick for investors. The stock has been incredibly volatile in 2025, but is up over 80% this year. That's a strong performance, and with BigBear.ai's small size, is there more room for the stock to run? I believe there are three key points that potential BigBear.ai investors should know about before purchasing shares. If you're aware of these three things, you can then make your own analysis to determine if the stock is a smart buy today or not. Image source: Getty Images. 1. Customer concentration BigBear.ai is focused on providing tailored AI solutions primarily to the U.S. government in the national security and defense sector. This can be a solid customer to build a business with, and many successful companies have started off doing business solely with the U.S. government before expanding into broader markets (just look at Palantir). However, one key factor to note is that BigBear.ai doesn't have a wide customer footprint within the U.S. government. In 2024, four clients accounted for 52% of its revenue. If one of those important customers decides to leave, it could spell disaster for BigBear.ai. This is exactly what happened recently, as a customer who made up 19% of revenue in 2022 is no longer a client. Fortunately, BigBear.ai secured another customer that's now contributing 11% of total revenue. BigBear.ai must continue to capture new business, which it has done by expanding its partnership with the United Arab Emirates. BigBear.ai's customer concentration isn't necessarily a red flag; it's simply something investors should be aware of, as it could lead to the business's downfall if it loses a contract with a critical customer. 2. Low revenue growth We're in the prime expansion time for businesses selling AI products. Everywhere you look, AI products are being advertised, and nearly all businesses selling AI products seem to be posting exceptional growth rates, except for BigBear.ai. In Q1, revenue rose a mere 5% year over year. We'll receive another growth update on Aug. 11, but Wall Street analysts aren't overly bullish on BigBear.ai's prospects. For Q2, the average analyst projects a mere 3.5% revenue growth. That doesn't cut it for growth rate, and it's not hard to find another AI company that's growing faster. "Denial by erasure" But that work came to a halt this spring when the Trump administration abruptly dismissed all 400 experts working on the next edition. Then, on June 30, all of the past reports vanished too, along with the federal website they lived on. A lot of information about the changing climate has disappeared under Donald Trumps second term, but the erasure of the National Climate Assessments is by far the biggest loss weve seen, said Gretchen Gehrke, who monitors federal websites with the Environmental Data and Governance Initiative. The National Climate Assessments were one of the most approachable resources that broke down how climate change will affect the places people care about, she said. The reports were also used by a wide swath of stakeholders policymakers, farmers, businesses to guide their decisions about the future. While the reports have been archived elsewhere, theyre no longer as easy to access. And its unclear what, if anything, will happen to the report that was planned for 2027 or 2028, which already existed in draft form. So why did the reports survive Trumps first term, but not his second? You could view their disappearance in a few different ways, experts said as a flex of executive power, an escalation in the culture war over climate change, or a strategic attempt to erase the scientific foundation for climate policy. If you suppress information and data, then you dont have the evidence you need to be able to create regulations, strengthen regulations, and even to combat the repeal of regulations, Gehrke said. This isnt climate denial in the traditional sense. The days of loudly debating the science have mostly given way to something quieter and more insidious: a campaign to withhold the raw information itself. I dont know if were living in climate denial anymore, said Leah Aronowsky, a science historian at Columbia Climate School. We have this new front of denial by erasure. By cutting funding for research and withholding crucial data, the Trump administration is making it harder to know exactly how the planet is changing. In April, the administration pulled nearly $4 million in funding from a Princeton program to improve computer models predicting changes in the oceans and atmosphere, claiming the work created climate anxiety among young people. That same month, the Environmental Protection Agency failed to submit its annual report to the United Nations detailing the countrys greenhouse gas emissions. In May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ended its 45-year tradition of tracking billion-dollar weather disasters. Trump also hopes to shut down the Mauna Loa laboratory in Hawaii, which has measured the steady rise in atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide since the 1950s the first data to definitively show humans were changing the climate. This kind of wholesale suppression of an entire field of federally sponsored research, to my knowledge, is historically unprecedented, Aronowsky said. In a response to a request for comment, a NASA spokesperson said that it has no legal obligations to host globalchange.gov s data, referring to the site that hosted the National Climate Assessments, adding that the U.S. Global Change Research Program had already met its statutory requirements by presenting its reports to Congress. The EPA directed Grist to a webpage containing past greenhouse gas emissions reports, as well as a version of what was supposed to be this years report obtained by the Environmental Defense Fund. However, the agency confirmed that the latest data has not been officially released. The White House declined to comment, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration did not respond. Last year, a leaked training video from Project 2025 the policy roadmap organized by The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank showed a former Trump official declaring that political appointees would have to eradicate climate change references from absolutely everywhere. The strategy appears to be designed to boost the fossil fuel industry at a time when clean energy has become competitive and the reality of climate change harder to dismiss, as floods, fires, and heat waves have become perceptibly worse. We will drill, baby, drill, Trump said in his inauguration speech in January. The administration hasnt exactly been subtle about its endgame. Lee Zeldin, the head of the EPA, doesnt deny the reality of climate change (he calls himself a climate realist), but hes zealously dismantled environmental programs and has recommended that the White House strike down the endangerment finding, the bedrock of U.S. climate policy. It comes from a 2007 Supreme Court ruling on the Clean Air Act that required the EPA to regulate greenhouse gases as pollutants since they endanger public health. If the administration can convince the courts that climate change isnt a health consideration, it could end that regulatory obligation. If youre removing information about climate change, its reality, and its impact on people, then I think its a lot easier to make the case that its not an environmental health issue, Gehrke said. Theres a word for the idea that ignorance can serve political ends: agnotology (from the Greek agnosis, or not knowing), the study of how knowledge is deliberately obscured. What Trump is doing to information about climate change fits squarely in that tradition, according to Aronowsky: If you remove it, then in a certain sense, it no longer exists, and therefore, theres nothing to even debate, right? Climate denial first took off in the 1990s, when the oil and gas companies and industry-friendly think tanks started sowing doubt about climate science. Over the decades, as the evidence became rock-solid, those who opposed reducing the use of fossil fuels gradually shifted from outright denying the facts to attacking solutions like wind and solar power. What the Trump administration is doing now marks a radical break from this long-term trend, said John Cook, a climate misinformation researcher at The University of Melbourne in Australia. This is a 180, not just a turn, but diving into something weve never even seen before, he said. On the other hand, Cook said, the administration is taking a classic climate denial tactic painting scientists as alarmists or conspirators who cant be trusted and turning it into government policy. Half a year in, the second Trump administrations treatment of climate information hasnt yet reached the eradication levels that Project 2025 aspired to, at least on government websites. The EPAs climate change website, for instance, is still up and running, even though all references to the phenomenon were erased on the agencys home page. Most of the website deletions so far have served to isolate climate change as an issue, erasing its relationship to topics such as health and infrastructure, Gehrke said. Up until the National Climate Assessments disappeared, she would have said that climate erasure was an inappropriate characterization of whats happening. But now, Im really not so sure, she said. Rachel Cleetus, the senior policy director with the Union of Concerned Scientists, thinks that the administrations actions actually go beyond erasure. Theyre literally trying to change the basis on which a lot of policymaking is advanced the science basis, the legal basis, and the economic basis, she said. Her biggest concern isnt just what facts have been removed, but what political propaganda might replace them. Thats more dangerous, because it really leaves people in this twilight zone, where whats real, and whats important, and what is going to affect their daily lives is just being obfuscated. This story was updated on 7/14/25 to include a response from NASA received after the time of publication. This article originally appeared in Grist at https://grist.org/language/trump-administration-climate-data-disappear-national-climate-assessment/. Sign up for Grist's weekly newsletter here. Grist is a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future. Learn more at Grist.org New Delhi, July 26 : The Indian medical team, currently visiting Bangladesh, held the second round of consultations with doctors at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka. The medical team continued their mission to provide medical support to Bangladesh authorities for treatment of critically injured patients in the aftermath of the plane crash of July 21 at Milestone School and College in Dhaka, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka said in a post on social media platform X. They visited some of the patients and observed their prognosis, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka said. The team further deliberated management protocols with the doctors at the Institute and provided critical inputs for treatment methodology. The Indian medical team, now in Dhaka to help provide treatment to Milestone crash victims, held detailed medical consultations with senior officials of the Bangladesh Ministry of Health and doctors at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka. They reviewed each of the critical cases, exchanged views on the treatment methodologies, and conveyed their assessment on future course of treatment. The visit of the Indian doctors and nursing officials follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assurance to extend all possible assistance and support to Bangladesh in the wake of the tragic incident of plane crash in Dhaka on July 21. Earlier on July 24, the visiting Indian medical team held detailed consultations with senior officials of the Bangladesh Ministry of Health and doctors at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka, reviewing critical cases from Monday's horrific plane crash. The Indian experts also exchanged views on the treatment methodologies and conveyed their assessment on future course of treatment for the admitted patients. "The Indian medical team visiting Bangladesh began their visit by holding detailed medical consultations with senior officials of the Bangladesh Ministry of Health & doctors at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka. They reviewed each of the critical cases, exchanged views on the treatment methodologies and conveyed their assessment on future course of treatment. The visit of the Indian doctors & nursing officials follows PM Narendra Modias assurance to extend all possible assistance and support to Bangladesh in the wake of the tragic incident of plane crash in Dhaka on 21 July 2025," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X. The crash occurred when a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training aircraft slammed into the Milestone School and College campus in Dhaka's Uttara on Monday, which has claimed 32 lives so far and injured over 162 people. As investigations continue into the cause of the crash, Indiaas medical outreach is expected to play a vital role in the recovery of survivors and the broader healing process. A specialised team of doctors from India had arrived in Bangladesh late Wednesday evening to treat the burn victims of the fighter jet crash. The team includes doctors and nurses from Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Safdarjung Hospital -- two of India's leading centres for burn treatment and plastic surgery. Earlier, PM Modi had expressed condolences over the tragedy and assured Bangladesh of India's full support. In a statement shared on Monday on X, PM Modi wrote, "Deeply shocked and saddened at the loss of lives, many of them young students, in a tragic air crash in Dhaka. Our hearts go out to the bereaved families. We pray for the swift recovery of those injured. India stands in solidarity with Bangladesh and is ready to extend all possible support and assistance." In a follow-up to his message, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka formally reached out to the Bangladeshi government, offering critical medical assistance for the injured. India's swift response underscores the humanitarian dimension of its regional diplomacy and reflects the strong bilateral ties between the two nations. Cape Town : , July 26 (IANS) Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, held a meeting with Alexander Pankin, the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, and discussed bilateral cooperation as well as contemporary issues, including in the G20. Cape Town (South Africa), July 26 (IANS) Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, held a meeting with Alexander Pankin, the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, and discussed bilateral cooperation as well as contemporary issues, including in the G20. Taking to social media platform X, MoS Margherita on Friday evening said: "Had a productive meeting with Alexander Pankin, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia. As strategic partners, discussed progress in bilateral cooperation and contemporary issues, including in the G20." He also took part in the first session of the G20 Development Minister's meeting on combating illicit financial flows and social protection on Thursday. MoS Margherita in another post on X said: "Participated in the first session of the #G20 Development Ministers' Meeting on Combating Illicit Financial Flows & Social Protection today. Highlighted India's key achievements in ensuring inclusive Social Protection for all and emphasized the need to bridge the SDG financing gap." Earlier on Thursday, the MoS met with South African Minister of the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa and invited the nation to join the International Solar Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. In another X post, he wrote: "Glad to meet @MaropeneRamo, Minister of DPME, South Africa. Expressed India's support for the priorities of the South African presidency and emphasized the importance of critical minerals and debt sustainability for Africa. Also invited South Africa to join the @isolaralliance and @cdri_world." MoS Margherita, met with Thani MohamedSoilihi, France's Minister of International Partnerships, on the sidelines of the G20 Development Ministers' Meeting (DMM) in Johannesburg, South Africa. Both leaders discussed the 4Ps (Planet, People, Peace and Prosperity), pursuing the shared interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) restructuring of the global financial architecture and enhancing disaster resilience. "It was a pleasure to meet Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, Minister of International Partnerships of France on the margins of G20 Development Minister's Meeting. Discussions were held on 4P and continuing our common interest in AI, reform of international financial architecture, and disaster resilience," MoS Margherita posted on X. The MoS arrived at Kruger National Park in South Africa's Mpumalanga on Thursday to attend the G20 DMM after concluding his successful visit to Lesotho and Eswatini. He said that that he is looking forward to "meaningful engagements" with stakeholders from G20 members and invited nations to discuss key development issues faced by the world. The G20 Development Working Group Ministerial Meeting is being held at Kruger National Park. South Africa holds the G20 Presidency from December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025. The theme for South Africa's G20 Presidency is 'Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.' Upon his arrival in South Africa, MoS Margherita posted on X, "Arrived at Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, South Africa, to attend G20 Development Ministers' Meeting under the South African G20 Presidency. Looking forward to meaningful engagements with stakeholders from G20 members and invited countries to discuss key development issues facing the world." Jerusalem, July 26 : The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has said that it had killed a Hamas counter-intelligence commander in a strike in the northern Gaza Strip. Amjad Muhammad Hassan Shaer, head of the counter-intelligence directorate in Hamas' General Security Apparatus, was killed on Wednesday, the IDF said on Friday in a statement. According to the Israeli army, the directorate is responsible for thwarting espionage and securing senior Hamas officials, Xinhua news agency reported. The statement added that over Thursday, in cooperation with ground forces, the Israeli Air Force struck dozens of military targets in the Gaza Strip. Palestine's official news agency WAFA reported that Israeli warplanes struck a school sheltering displaced civilians in the Gaza City on Friday, killing at least five Palestinians and wounding dozens of others. The strikes come as five divisions continue ground operations across the Strip. The Israeli military said that the 98th Division has expanded its operations in Gaza City. Separately, Israeli troops struck an anti-tank missile post in Gaza City over Thursday after shots were fired at soldiers operating in the area. No injuries were reported. Soldiers are continuing operational activity across the northern Gaza Strip, particularly in the areas of Beit Hanoun, Jabalia and Gaza City's Daraj Tuffah. Troops are continuing to locate and dismantle tunnel shafts and other terrorist infrastructure. In coordination with ground forces, the Israeli Air Force attacked dozens of Hamas targets over the past 24 hours, including terrorist cells, tunnel networks, anti-tank missile launch sites and weapons storage facilities. On Thursday, the IDF killed Hamas terrorist Muhammad al-'Amour near Khan Yunis in southern Gaza. Al-'Amour reportedly managed the goods terminal at the Rafah Crossing between Gaza and Sinai, where he facilitated the smuggling of hundreds of weapons and other military equipment -- a key contribution to Hamas's terrorist buildup. IDF Chief of Staff Lietenant General Eyal Zamir visited the Ground Forces headquarters at Camp Bar-Lev near Kiryat Malakhi on Wednesday, emphasising the critical juncture the military faces in the ongoing multi-front campaign. Zamir noted the unprecedented nature of the current conflict, with IDF operations spanning several fronts. "There has never been a war like this in the history of the IDFa"we are operating in Tehran, Sanaa, Beirut, Syria, Jenin and the main center of gravity, the Gaza Strip," he said. Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning to Hamas leaders on Wednesday, saying, "The Sinwar brothers have destroyed Gaza. Izz al-Din al-Haddad is turning it into ruins. Hamas leaders abroad are celebrating in palaces and luxury hotels, refusing to release the hostages. If they are not released soon, the gates of hell will open." (The IDF killed Hamas leaders brothers Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Sinwar in October 2024 and May 2025, respectively. Izz al-Din al-Haddad (nom de guerre Abu Suhaib) has headed Hamas's Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades since May 2025.) The US will examine "alternative options" to bring home the 50 captives held by Hamas as the terrorist group "does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith," US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff said on Thursday. "It is a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way," he added, emphasising that Washington remains "resolute" in achieving peace. The announcement came shortly after the Israeli Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said that "in light of the response delivered by Hamas this morning," Jerusalem had decided to recall its negotiators for consultations. The Jewish state appreciates "efforts by the mediators, Qatar and Egypt, and the efforts of envoy Witkoff, to achieve a breakthrough in the negotiations," the PMO statement added. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "Special Envoy to the Middle East SteveaWitkoff got it right. Hamas is the obstacle to a hostage release deal. Together with our US allies, we are now considering alternative options to bring our hostages home, end Hamas's terror rule and secure lasting peace for Israel and our region." Speaking at a state memorial ceremony for Revisionist Zionist leader Ze'ev Jabotinsky on Thursday night, Netanyahu said he remained "determined to achieve all war aims," including the return of all hostages and Hamas's complete defeat. "If Hamas understands our readiness to reach a deal as weakness, as an opportunity to dictate terms of surrender to us that will endanger Israel, it is greatly mistaken," the Prime Minister declared in his remarks. Aden : , July 26 (IANS) Yemen's pro-government forces have said they had repelled a large-scale attack launched by Houthi militia targeting military positions in the northern province of Saada. In a statement posted on Friday on social media platform X, the forces said they "thwarted a large-scale attack" by Houthis on the Aleb military front, north of Saada province, Xinhua news agency reported. The statement said that 10 government soldiers were killed in the confrontation, while "dozens of enemy fighters" were killed or wounded. It added that bodies of Houthi militants were found scattered across valleys in the area, and three Houthi military vehicles were destroyed. No immediate response was available from the Houthi group regarding the reported confrontation. Yemen has remained in a fragile state of calm since the collapse of a UN-brokered truce at the end of 2022, with both sides failing to agree on its renewal or expansion. The conflict, which began in late 2014, has killed hundreds of thousands and pushed millions to the brink of famine, according to UN estimates. In a statement shared by the military media center on X, Brigadier General Yasser Mujalli, commander of the Alab Axis and the 63rd Infantry Brigade, said that Houthi forces launched a wide-scale attack at dawn targeting army positions along the Alab front in northern Saada. "Our forces detected enemy movements and thwarted the attack," Mujalli said, adding that a counteroffensive inflicted heavy losses on the Houthis and forced them to retreat. "Dozens of enemy fighters were killed or wounded, and their bodies remain scattered in the valleys and rugged terrain," he said, noting that three Houthi military vehicles were also destroyed. Mujalli confirmed that 10 soldiers were killed "while fulfilling their national duty with honour and bravery". There was no immediate comment from the Houthi group on the incident. The clashes are said to be the fiercest clashes between the two sides since August 2022, when a similar battle in Taiz province left 10 government soldiers and 23 Houthi fighters dead. While a UN-brokered truce declared in April 2022 led to a relative reduction in hostilities, intermittent fighting has continued to threaten the fragile calm. The Houthi group continues to control several provinces in northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, which it seized on September 21, 2014. In December 2023, UN envoy Hans Grundberg announced that both the Yemeni government and the Houthis had agreed to a roadmap including a nationwide ceasefire and measures to improve humanitarian conditions. However, the plan has yet to be implemented amid mutual accusations of non-compliance. Cairo, July 26 : Egypt and Qatar have pledged to continue mediation efforts to end the war in Gaza. In a statement on Friday, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said that Egypt and Qatar are continuing their intensive mediation to reach an agreement that would put an end to the war, stop the humanitarian suffering in the enclave, and ensure the protection of civilians and the exchange of detainees and prisoners, Xinhua news agency reported. The two countries said that some progress had been made in the latest round of intensive negotiations that started on July 6, noting that suspending negotiations for consultations before resuming the dialogue is a normal occurrence in the context of these complex talks. Israel on Thursday recalled its negotiating team from Doha for consultations after receiving Hamas's response to the latest ceasefire proposal. A senior Hamas official said the group had been informed by the mediators that the Israeli delegation would return next week to continue the talks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement on Friday that Israel is considering new ways to release the Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The Israeli military campaign in Gaza, ongoing since October 2023, has resulted in more than 59,210 Palestinian deaths and over 143,040 injuries, according to Gaza's health authorities. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate as Israel limited the entry of goods and supplies into the enclave, leading to widespread starvation. "We have decided to bring our team home from Doha for consultations after the latest response from Hamas, which clearly shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza," said US envoy Steve Witkoff. "We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said that "Hamas is the obstacle to a hostage release deal". The Palestinian group has rejected the accusations. Tel Aviv estimates that of the around 250 Israeli hostages taken by Hamas, 50 still remain in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive. Meanwhile, more than 10,000 Palestinians are detained in Israeli prisons, enduring torture, starvation, and medical neglect that has led to the death of many, according to Palestinian and Israeli reports. Israel has killed more than 59,700 Palestinians, most of them women and children, in the Gaza Strip since October 2023. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, collapsed the health system, and led to mass hunger and starvation. Srinagar, July 26 : The annual Amarnath Yatra 2025 is proceeding peacefully and smoothly since it started on July 3 as more than 3.6 lakh devotees had 'Darshan' during the last 22 days, officials said on Saturday. Officials added that the ongoing Amarnath Yatra is proceeding peacefully and smoothly as more than 3.6 lakh had 'Darshan' inside the holy cave shrine during the last 22 days. "A fresh batch of 2,324 Yatris left for the Valley in two escorted convoys on Saturday from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas." "Of these the first escorted convoy of 34 vehicles carrying 741 Yatris left at 3:25 a.m. for Baltal base camp and the second escorted convoy of 58 vehicles carrying 1,583 Yatris left at 3.45 a.m. for Pahalgam base camp," officials said. The 'Chhari Mubarak' (Lord Shiva's holy mace) was taken for the traditional Puja to Sharika-Bhawani temple atop the Hari Parvat hillock in Srinagar on Friday. The Chhari Mubarak will be taken from its seat at the Amareshwar Temple in Dashnami Akhara building in Srinagar to the holy cave shrine on August 4 by its sole custodian, Mahant Swami Deependra Giri. The procession of the Chhari Mubarak will include Sadhus and devotees who will perform customary Puja en route at Pampore, Bijbehara, Mattan and Pahalgam before the holy mace arrives at the cave shrine on August 9. 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. Additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces have been brought in to augment the existing strength of the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB and the local police. The Army has deployed more than 8,000 special Commandos to secure the passage of the pilgrims 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 3,888 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. The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe that the ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva. Jammu, July 26 : The Jammu and Kashmir Police have suspended two policemen in Jammu district till the magisterial probe into the death of a youth in police firing two days ago in Satwari area of the city is completed, police said on Saturday. Jammu District Magistrate Sachin Kumar Vaishya has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident that occurred on July 24, 2025, at Satwari area of Jammu city. "Taking serious note of the incident, as reported by Jammu Senior Superintendent of Police Joginder Singh, the District Magistrate has initiated a magisterial inquiry to ensure a fair and impartial examination of the facts and circumstances leading to the incident," said an order issued by the District Magistrate. The inquiry will be conducted by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Jammu South. The inquiry officer has been directed to complete the investigation within two weeks from the date of the order and submit a detailed report to the District Magistrate for further necessary action. In addition to this, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a Deputy Superintendent Police rank officer has also been constituted to probe the allegations of the family members of the deceased youth. The deceased, identified as Parvez Ahmad was killed on Thursday evening. The police claimed Parvez was a suspected drug peddler and was killed in crossfire during a chase with another individual escaping. However, the family of the deceased disputed the police's version saying that he was killed in a staged encounter. Leaders from political parties have called for an impartial and time-bound probe into the incident. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on X, "The killing of Mohd Parvez of Niki Tawi in Jammu is highly unfortunate and deeply regrettable. Use of force by the police has to be calibrated and cannot be indiscriminate. Jammu and Kashmir has paid a heavy price in the past because of incidents such as these." "This incident should be investigated in a transparent & time-bound manner. I send my condolences to the family of Mohd Parvez. May Allah grant him Jannat." Senior Gujjar leader and National Conference MP, Mian Altaf Ahmad, has condemned the youth's killing and requested that the guilty involved in this 'murder' be brought to justice quickly. Leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party, People's Democratic Party, People's Conference and Apni Party have also demanded a transparent investigation into the killing. The suspension of a head constable and a selection grade constable follows the registration of an FIR under Sections 109(1), 3(5) Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and 3/27 of the Arms Act on July 24, 2025. Key Points Walgreens is an iconic brand in the pharmacy space, but it has fallen on hard times. The retailer has agreed to be taken private as it looks to turn its business around. There's a potential post-takeover boost for shareholders, but the outcome is far from certain. 10 stocks we like better than Walgreens Boots Alliance Walgreens Boots Alliance's (NASDAQ: WBA) stores dot the U.S. landscape, given that it is one of the largest pharmacy retailers in the country. But as an investment, well, it hasn't performed very well for a little while. And now it is heading into private hands. Here are three things you need to know before you buy Walgreens stock today. 1. Walgreens has been struggling The most important thing to keep in mind when you look at Walgreens today is -- unfortunately-- its weak business performance. It really isn't unique to Walgreens; the entire pharmacy retail space has been kind of tough. However, Walgreens compounded the problem by making big investments that didn't pan out as well as hoped. Image source: Getty Images. For example, it got into the pharmacy benefit management business only to realize that it wasn't going to be the growth engine management had hoped. It exited the space and pivoted into the emerging medical clinic niche. That, too, hasn't gone according to plan. Add in a bloated retail store base and the company is in need of a major overhaul. It has been working toward that goal, but big revamps can be hard to do for public companies. For example, the decision to cut Walgreens' dividend to preserve cash was not well received by investors even though it will be helpful to the turnaround. Which brings the story to point number 2. 2. Walgreens is being taken private Sometimes it helps for a company to be in private hands during a turnaround effort. That allows management to make bigger and bolder moves because it doesn't have to worry about appeasing Wall Street. To that end, Walgreens has agreed to be bought by Sycamore Partners. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2025, with Walgreens shareholders getting $11.45 per share in cash. That's all that investors here can expect to receive if they buy Walgreens. That's the guaranteed upside limit. Right now the stock is trading at a few cents above the takeout figure (more on this in a second). There's two big takeaways. First, Walgreens is not a long term investment because it is exiting the public market. Second, the guaranteed return here is basically zero (or worse) at this point. Sure, Walgreens is an iconic business, but it probably isn't the best investment choice for most. Istanbul, July 26 : Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that he may speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump this week to explore the possibility of holding a summit in Istanbul. "In the coming period -- possibly even within this week -- we will seek to hold further talks with Putin and also with Trump," he told reporters in Istanbul on Friday. "We will see if we can bring these leaders together in Istanbul. That is our effort." Erdogan said that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held separate meetings with the Russian and Ukrainian delegations before the start of the third round of talks over the Ukraine crisis held in Istanbul on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported. He added that, prior to their arrival in Istanbul, the Ukrainian delegation also met with him in Ankara. During the peace talks, the two sides agreed on another prisoner exchange but clashed over ceasefire terms and the prospect of a presidential summit. The Ukrainian side proposed holding a meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "by the end of August," saying the participation of Trump and Erdogan would be "especially valuable". The Russian delegation said that such a meeting is not under consideration until certain processes are completed. Ukraine closed out its third round of direct talks with Russia on Wednesday with a proposal to hold a "leaders' summit" by the end of August with Zelensky, Putin, Erdogan and President Trump. The proposed summit would be held between Zelensky and Putin, and it would include the "participation" of the US and Turkish Presidents, according to a statement from Andriy Yermak, the head of Zelensky's office. Zelensky on Tuesday had again renewed his offer to meet with Putin to negotiate an end to the war, but Putin has rejected previous offers. Ukraine made the proposal in Turkey during the latest round of talks, which yielded few results and left delegations from both countries feeling far away from a deal on a ceasefire or end to the war. "It is clear that Russia is still not ready to end the war but there is still time to reconsider and put an end to this madness," Yermak said in the statement. He said that progress was made on humanitarian issues, including on prisoner exchanges and retrieving Ukrainian children who were kidnapped during the war. Rustem Umerov, head of the Ukrainian delegation, told reporters after the talks that "we have not made progress yet" on a ceasefire, according to multiple media outlets. Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation, made similar remarks after the meeting. "The positions are quite apart from each other," he said, news outlets reported. The nations have held two rounds of peace talks in Istanbul so far -- on May 16 and June 2 -- and the discussions have led to the exchange of thousands of prisoners, but the two have made little to no progress on a potential ceasefire agreement. Since the previous round of talks, which took place nearly two months ago, Russia issued a memo outlining conditions for reaching a ceasefire, including having Ukraine's military disarm and agree to Russia's annexation of four regions in Ukraine that were overtaken since Moscow launched its invasion in 2022, which the Russian military has struggled to maintain. Yermak said in his statement Wednesday that Ukraine, in the latest talks, "clearly outlined its priorities: a ceasefire, real silence along the entire frontline, and a complete halt to strikes on civilian infrastructure. This is where the path to a genuine peace must begin." Trump has pressed for forging peace in the region and has in recent weeks been increasingly critical of Putin, saying in a recent interview with the BBC that he is "disappointed" with the Kremlin's leader but not "done with him". Trump announced last week that the US brokered a deal to send more weapons to Ukraine, arms that would be paid for by NATO allies in Europe who agreed earlier this year to increase their investment in defence spending. Trump also warned Putin he would slap new sanctions on Russia and other countries that purchase Moscow's exports if a ceasefire is not reached within 50 days. Russia has not wavered from its demands and has continued to shell Ukraine, firing off drones and missile attacks that have targeted dozens of cities. Mumbai, July 25 : Actor Suniel Shetty has opened up about his conscious effort to bring extra depth to his character in 'Hunter 2'. Returning as Santha in the second season, the actor shared that he approached the role with a fresh perspective, making deliberate changes to his body language, emotions, and overall portrayal. When asked if there's a conscious effort to bring something extra or different in a second season of the same series, Suniel told IANS that as an actor, he approached 'Hunter 2' with a fresh mindset. He said that everything about his characterbody language, appearance, and emotionshas evolved. This time, the story is driven by a father's desperate mission to find his daughter, bringing a deeper emotional core to the role. The 'Dhadkan' actor shared, "I am very different in this season. The body language is different. The look is different. The emotions are different. Carefree and careless, Santha was in the first. Here it is more about family. And that is his only objective. There is no disturbance, but no other distraction in his life. He wants his daughter back and at any cost. He will go to any lengths to get that happening. So, I think that itself is a beautiful moment. Like any father, my obsession is Tia Nahan, and I don't think beyond. And that is the kind of father he is in this. And if I have done justice from that point of view of being able to bring out the emotion of a real father in it. I think I would have done justice to my role." Directed by Prince Dhiman and Alok Batra, "Hunter Season 2" also stars Jackie Shroff, Anusha Dandekar, and Barkha Bisht in crucial roles. The series premiered for free on 24th July on Amazon MX Player. Chennai, July 26 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to arrive in Tamil Nadu on Saturday to inaugurate, lay the foundation stone, and dedicate to the nation a slew of development projects across key sectors, collectively valued at over Rs 4,800 crore. PM Modias visit comes immediately after returning from official trips to the UK and the Maldives. He will first arrive in Tuticorin, where he will unveil a series of infrastructure and connectivity initiatives aimed at boosting the stateas economic and industrial growth. In a significant step toward enhancing regional air infrastructure, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the new terminal building at Tuticorin Airport, built at a cost of around Rs 450 crore. Spread over 17,340 square metres, the terminal is designed to handle 1,350 passengers during peak hours and up to 20 lakh annually, with future expansion planned for 1,800 peak-hour passengers and 25 lakh per year. The terminal incorporates sustainable features such as 100 per cent LED lighting, energy-efficient systems, and treated water reuse through an on-site Sewage Treatment Plant, qualifying it for a GRIHA-4 sustainability rating. The Prime Minister will also dedicate two major national highway projects to the nation. The first is the four-laning of the 50 km Sethiyathopea"Cholapuram stretch of NH-36, developed under the Vikravandia"Thanjavur corridor at a cost of over Rs 2,350 crore. This includes bypasses, a 1-km bridge over the Kollidam River, flyovers, and underpasses, and is expected to cut travel time by 45 minutes in the region. The second project involves the six-laning of the 5.16 km NH-138 Tuticorin Port Road, constructed at a cost of Rs 200 crore. It includes multiple underpasses and bridges, aimed at facilitating smoother cargo movement, reducing logistics costs, and promoting port-led growth near the V.O. Chidambaranar Port. PM Modi will also inaugurate North Cargo Bertha"III at the V.O. Chidambaranar Port, developed at a cost of approximately Rs 285 crore. The berth has a handling capacity of 6.96 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) and will boost dry bulk cargo operations in southern Tamil Nadu. On the railway front, the Prime Minister will dedicate three crucial projects to the nation. These include the electrification of the 90 km Maduraia"Bodinayakkanur line, the doubling of the 21 km Nagercoil Towna"Kanniyakumari section (part of the Thiruvananthapurama"Kanniyakumari corridor), and the doubling of Aralvaymozhia"Nagercoil Junction (12.87 km) and Tirunelvelia"Melappalayam (3.6 km) routes. These projects, with a combined investment of over Rs 650 crore, will improve connectivity, enhance eco-friendly travel, and support economic growth in the southern districts. To further strengthen the stateas energy infrastructure, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for an Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) project to evacuate power from the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Units 3 and 4 (2x1000 MW). The Prime Minister will attend the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival at Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple in Tiruchirappalli, celebrating the birth anniversary of the great Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I. --IANS aal/dan -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Mumbai, July 26 : On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas on Saturday, Sidharth Malhotra wished the "countless brave hearts who stood tall" and "saluted their sacrifice". Mumbai, July 26 (IANS) On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas on Saturday, Sidharth Malhotra wished the "countless brave hearts who stood tall" and "saluted their sacrifice". The Bollywood actor also shared a picture of Captain Vikram Batra, who was killed while fighting Pakistani troops in the Kargil district of erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir. Sharing a picture of the army officer, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, Sidharth, who played Captain Vikram Batra in the 2021 film "Shershaah", wrote: "To the countless brave hearts who stood tall so we could sleep safe & sound, your spirit lives on in every heartbeat of a proud and graceful nation." "Saluting your sacrifice, today and always. #KargilVijayDiwas" Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on July 26, to observe India's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War for ousting Pakistani Forces from their occupied positions on the mountain tops of Northern Kargil District in Ladakh in 1999. Talking about "Shershaah", a biographical war drama film directed by Vishnuvardhan, the film stars Sidharth Malhotra in a dual role as Indian Army Captain Vikram Batra and his twin brother Vishal, alongside Kiara Advani as Dimple Cheema. The narrative follows Batra's journey from a young cadet to a decorated officer in the Kargil War, culminating in his martyrdom during Operation Vijay in 1999. The film emerged as a major digital success and became the most-watched Indian film on Amazon Prime Video in India at the time of its release. In other news, Sidharth on July 16 officially announced the arrival of his first bundle of joy, a baby girl with wife Kaira Advani and said that their "world" has "forever changed." Sidharth took to Instagram, where he shared an announcement post in pink from his and Kiara's behalf. The post read: "Our hearts are full and our world forever changed. We are blessed with a Baby Girl. KIARA & SIDHARTH" For the caption, Sidharth dropped a heart, namaste and evil eye emoji. It was on July 15, when the news about the arrival of their baby girl started doing the rounds. The couple announced their pregnancy in February this year, and the actress was due in August. However, a few days ago, the couple were spotted at a maternity medical facility raising concerns about the mother and the child. The actress was taken to H. N. Reliance Hospital in the Girgaon area of Mumbai for her delivery. The couple tied the knot in a dreamy ceremony in February 2023 after dating for several years. While the two prefer to keep their personal lives lowkey, they make sure to surprise their fans with their occasional PDA on social media. Patna, July 26 : In a significant move just months ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday announced a major hike in the pension amount provided to retired journalists under the Bihar Patrakar Samman Pension Yojana. The announcement was made via social media early in the morning. The monthly pension has now been increased from Rs 6,000 to Rs 15,000, an over two-fold hike. In addition, the family pension for the dependent spouse of a deceased pension-recipient journalist has been increased from Rs 3,000 to Rs 10,000 per month. Sharing details of the decision, CM Nitish posted, "I am happy to inform that under the Bihar Patrakar Samman Pension Scheme, now all eligible retired journalists will receive a monthly pension of Rs 15,000. The dependent spouse of a deceased journalist will now receive Rs 10,000 per month." He said the government had long been deliberating on a respectable support system for retired media professionals and termed the press as the "fourth pillar of democracy". The Chief Minister emphasised that journalists play an essential role in socio-political development and should have the freedom and financial security to perform their duties "impartially and fearlessly". Notably, CM Nitish has rolled out welfare announcements across different sectors in recent weeks. Earlier, the Nitish Kumar government had increased social security pension from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100 to benefit widows, disabled persons, and senior citizens under different government schemes. Chief Minister Nitish had also announced 125 units of free electricity per month for every household in the state starting August 1. This will benefit 1.67 crore families in Bihar. Soon after Chief Minister Nitish announced the scheme, JD(U) MLC Neeraj Kumar appreciated the move of the Bihar government. "Journalists are the fourth pillar of democracy, and CM Nitish always thinks about them. I sincerely thank the Chief Minister for it," the JD(U) MLC said. Washington, July 26 : US President Donald Trump has said that his administration will have most of its trade deals with countries finished by August 1, as South Korea and other trading partners are striving to reach agreements to lower its "reciprocal" tariff rates by the negotiation deadline. During a press availability at the White House, Trump also said his administration might send close to 200 countries a letter on their tariff rate, which he said means, "They have a deal. It's done." South Korea has been cranking up its efforts to reach a deal with the United States to avoid or reduce the threatened 25 percent reciprocal tariffs, as well as sector-specific duties on automobiles and steel, as those levies would weigh heavily on the country's export-driven economy, said Yonhap news agency. "Aug. 1 is going to come, and we will have most of our deals finished, if not all," Trump told reporters before embarking on a trip to Scotland. "When those letters go out ... the page and a half ... That means they have a deal. It's done," he said. "They pay that tariff and that is the contract essentially." US President Donald Trump's administration continues to have "productive" negotiations with South Korea to reduce "unfair" trade barriers and enhance market access for U.S. businesses, a White House official said. South Korea has been making concerted efforts to reach a trade deal with Washington to reduce the threatened 25 percent "reciprocal" tariffs and sector-specific tariffs on steel and automobiles before August 1, when the reciprocal tariffs are set to take effect. "We continue to have productive negotiations with South Korea to reduce unfair trade barriers and improve market access for American firms," the official told Yonhap News Agency via email. The official's characterisation of the negotiations as "productive" raised cautious hope for headway in the trade talks, as Seoul has made proposals for bilateral cooperation in key strategic industry sectors, including shipbuilding, semiconductors and batteries. On Thursday, South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan and Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo met jointly with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington as part of their efforts to reach a trade deal with the Trump administration. Seoul's Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol and Yeo had planned to have a "two-plus-two" meeting with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in the U.S. capital on Friday, but the meeting was postponed due to a scheduling conflict on Bessent's part. Earlier in the day, Trump said that his administration will have most of its trade deals with countries finished by Aug. 1. The president also said his administration might send close to 200 countries a letter on their tariff rate, which he said means, "They have a deal. It's done." Mumbai, July 26 : Shiv Sena (UBT) on Saturday showered praise on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat for his recent interaction with more than 70 clerics and Muslim intellectuals of the country, saying that it was important amid attempts by "neo Hindutva" activists to create division in society under the garb of Hindutva. Mumbai, July 26 (IANS) Shiv Sena (UBT) on Saturday showered praise on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat for his recent interaction with more than 70 clerics and Muslim intellectuals of the country, saying that it was important amid attempts by "neo Hindutva" activists to create division in society under the garb of Hindutva. "At a time when some people want to ignite political fire by distorting Hindutva, the RSS chief's initiative is praiseworthy as the DNA of Hindus and Muslims of Hindustan is the same. Therefore, both communities need to work together. We are all in the same boat. If the boat sinks, everyone will sink. The role of the Sarsanghchalak is to build the nation. For this, RSS chief needs to be praised," said the Thackeray camp in the mouthpiece Saamana editorial. Thackeray camp said that RSS chief understood the pain and role of Muslim intellectuals, especially when the atmosphere of religious tension is being created by some groups of BJP in the country by targeting the Muslim community, and it was discussed at length. "But, will this attempt of RSS to get closer to the Muslim community be liked by the new contractors of Hindutva in the BJP? Especially, the neo-Hindutva activists of the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra and Delhi, who have recently created a ruckus in the name of Hindutva, will oppose it. The new cleric in the Maharashtra cabinet, Nitesh Rane, must have been shocked by this attitude of Bhagwat, and due to this, Minister Rane may resign. Because given the venom that this gentleman has spewed against Muslims in the last few days, the current stance of the Sarsanghchalak will not be acceptable to such groups," said the editorial. According to the Thackeray camp, these people were at the forefront of creating Hindu-Muslim divisions by 'targeting' Muslims for political gains, provoking Hindu society to create 'differences' and giving slogans like 'Batenge to Katenge', 'Ek Hain to Safe Hain' during the assembly elections. All of them should keep one thing in mind that in the last three months in Maharashtra, Santosh Deshmukh, Mahadev Munde, Harshal Patil, among others, have been killed, while 700 farmers lost their lives. Referring Pahalgam attack, Thackeray camp further alleged that the murder was committed by Pakistanis, but the pro-Hindutva Home Minister Amit Shah has not been able to arrest the killers yet. "Prime Minister Modi is in a state of Samadhi (a state of deep concentration) and has maintained silence on all this. Those who are spewing venom are the same who are amending the Waqf Board Act. Muslim leaders are also unhappy with this. BJP wants to sell the valuable lands of the Waqf Board to cronies. If this happens, then another mask of the BJP's conspiracy will be removed. Some fake Hindutvaites of Maharashtra (without directly naming Eknath Shinde and his followers after the rebellion in June 2022) went to a temple in Guwahati and slaughtered buffaloes. There may be thousands of flaws in Hinduism, but the thinkers and reformers who attacked those flaws have emerged from this society. Their continuous attacks were successful in breaking the framework of the evils prevalent in Hinduism," said the editorial. Thackeray camp claimed that casteism, superstitions and rituals are still followed today. Social Reformers like Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare and Prof Kalburgi, who opposed this, were murdered by ritualistic people. Therefore, it is in the national interest to eradicate the fanaticism prevalent in all religions and societies. The editorial took a swipe, saying that people have started considering "Narendra Modi as an incarnation of God, Vishnu." This is also a form of ritualism. "And then, these incarnations of Vishnu wake up every day and tell lies, and the devotees clap for those lies. This kind of Hindutva is dangerous and anti-national. By deciding that only we will live in India and people of other religions do not even have the right to 'vote', the names of Muslims, Christians and Dalits are being removed first from Maharashtra and now from Bihar. This should be the real subject of contemplation among Sarsanghchalak Bhagwat and Muslim intellectuals," it added. Thackeray camp hailed the participation of the Muslim community in India's freedom struggle, saying that it was quite crucial in nation-building. It further pointed out that when Muslims participated in the revolution and became martyrs, today's BJP was not even born. "Muslim soldiers sacrificed in every war with Pakistan. About 16 Indian citizens of Poonch and Rajouri were killed in the attack carried out by Pakistan during 'Operation Sindoor'. They were also Muslims. If the names of Hamid Dalwai and Yusuf Meher Ali have not reached the ears of the new Hindutva contractors of Maharashtra, then they should clean their ears. Shahir Amar Sheikh's challenge in the Samyukta Maharashtra struggle is still echoing in every corner of Maharashtra, but some people want to ignite political fire by distorting Hindutva. However, the Neo Hindutva activists and the Hindutva contractors are seriously disturbed, but they should realise that both Hindu and Muslim communities are important and they should together contribute to nation building," remarked the Thackeray camp. Kolkata, July 26 : Two crucial forensic reports in connection with the Law College rape case in Kolkata have confirmed the involvement of the three prime accused in the case, one being the perpetrator and the other two being the facilitators. City Police sources said that the first forensic report is on the analysis of the mobile phone of one of the three prime accused persons, Monojit Mishra, the perpetrator of the crime of rape of the law college student. "The forensic analysis of the mobile phone of Mishra has provided us with definite clues about not only the rape of the law college student last month, but also regarding charges of similar sexual exploitation committed by him in the past," the City Police officer said. However, he refused to divulge any further details on this matter. The second forensic report concerns the blood samples collected from the scene of the crime, specifically the guard room within the law college. "This report has given us substantial clues about the involvement of Mishra and two other accused, namely Jaib Ahmed and Pramit Mukhopadhyay, in the crime. In simple terms, the contents of these two forensic reports have enough materials to make the case watertight against the prime accused," the City Police official said. While Mishra has been identified as the perpetrator of the crime of rape, Ahmed and Mukhopadhyay have been identified as the facilitators in the crime. Already, the investigating team member has recorded statements of 60 witnesses in the matter. Their statements, as well as footage from CCTV cameras within the law college premises, have provided additional clues to the investigation, helping to establish a watertight case against the accused. This week, the investigating officers conducted gait pattern analysis of the three accused, which is a scientific way of matching the body language of the accused with that recorded in the CCTV camera footage. In the CCTV camera's footage, the accused persons were seen dragging the victim to the guard room, where they allegedly raped her. Mumbai, July 26 : Shiv Sena (UBT) on Saturday showered praise on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat for his recent interaction with more than 70 clerics and Muslim intellectuals of the country, saying that it was important amid attempts by "neo Hindutva" activists to create division in society under the garb of Hindutva. Mumbai, July 26 (IANS) Shiv Sena (UBT) on Saturday showered praise on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat for his recent interaction with more than 70 clerics and Muslim intellectuals of the country, saying that it was important amid attempts by "neo Hindutva" activists to create division in society under the garb of Hindutva. "At a time when some people want to ignite political fire by distorting Hindutva, the RSS chief's initiative is praiseworthy as the DNA of Hindus and Muslims of Hindustan is the same. Therefore, both communities need to work together. We are all in the same boat. If the boat sinks, everyone will sink. The role of the Sarsanghchalak is to build the nation. For this, RSS chief needs to be praised," said the Thackeray camp in the mouthpiece Saamana editorial. Thackeray camp said that RSS chief understood the pain and role of Muslim intellectuals, especially when the atmosphere of religious tension is being created by some groups of BJP in the country by targeting the Muslim community, and it was discussed at length. "But, will this attempt of RSS to get closer to the Muslim community be liked by the new contractors of Hindutva in the BJP? Especially, the neo-Hindutva activists of the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra and Delhi, who have recently created a ruckus in the name of Hindutva, will oppose it. The new cleric in the Maharashtra cabinet, Nitesh Rane, must have been shocked by this attitude of Bhagwat, and due to this, Minister Rane may resign. Because given the venom that this gentleman has spewed against Muslims in the last few days, the current stance of the Sarsanghchalak will not be acceptable to such groups," said the editorial. According to the Thackeray camp, these people were at the forefront of creating Hindu-Muslim divisions by 'targeting' Muslims for political gains, provoking Hindu society to create 'differences' and giving slogans like 'Batenge to Katenge', 'Ek Hain to Safe Hain' during the assembly elections. All of them should keep one thing in mind that in the last three months in Maharashtra, Santosh Deshmukh, Mahadev Munde, Harshal Patil, among others, have been killed, while 700 farmers lost their lives. Referring to the Pahalgam attack, Thackeray camp further alleged that the murder was committed by Pakistanis, but the pro-Hindutva Home Minister Amit Shah has not been able to arrest the killers yet. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in a state of Samadhi (a state of deep concentration) and has maintained silence on all this. Those who are spewing venom are the same who are amending the Waqf Board Act. Muslim leaders are also unhappy with this. BJP wants to sell the valuable lands of the Waqf Board to cronies. If this happens, then another mask of the BJP's conspiracy will be removed. Some fake Hindutvaites of Maharashtra (without directly naming Eknath Shinde and his followers after the rebellion in June 2022) went to a temple in Guwahati and slaughtered buffaloes. There may be thousands of flaws in Hinduism, but the thinkers and reformers who attacked those flaws have emerged from this society. Their continuous attacks were successful in breaking the framework of the evils prevalent in Hinduism," said the editorial. Thackeray camp claimed that casteism, superstitions and rituals are still followed today. Social Reformers like Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare and Prof Kalburgi, who opposed this, were murdered by ritualistic people. Therefore, it is in the national interest to eradicate the fanaticism prevalent in all religions and societies. The editorial took a swipe at PM Modi, saying that people have started considering "Narendra Modi as an incarnation of God, Vishnu." This is also a form of ritualism. "And then, these incarnations of Vishnu wake up every day and tell lies, and the devotees clap for those lies. This kind of Hindutva is dangerous and anti-national. By deciding that only we will live in India and people of other religions do not even have the right to 'vote', the names of Muslims, Christians and Dalits are being removed first from Maharashtra and now from Bihar. This should be the real subject of contemplation among Sarsanghchalak Bhagwat and Muslim intellectuals," it added. Thackeray camp hailed the participation of the Muslim community in India's freedom struggle, saying that it was quite crucial in nation-building. It further pointed out that when Muslims participated in the revolution and became martyrs, today's BJP was not even born. "Muslim soldiers sacrificed in every war with Pakistan. About 16 Indian citizens of Poonch and Rajouri were killed in the attack carried out by Pakistan during 'Operation Sindoor'. They were also Muslims. If the names of Hamid Dalwai and Yusuf Meher Ali have not reached the ears of the new Hindutva contractors of Maharashtra, then they should clean their ears. Shahir Amar Sheikh's challenge in the Samyukta Maharashtra struggle is still echoing in every corner of Maharashtra, but some people want to ignite political fire by distorting Hindutva. However, the Neo Hindutva activists and the Hindutva contractors are seriously disturbed, but they should realise that both Hindu and Muslim communities are important and they should together contribute to nation building," remarked the Thackeray camp. New Delhi, July 26 : To prevent the rising burden of cervical cancer and related deaths in India, more than 10.18 crore women aged 30 years and above have been screened for the condition across the country at the Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs), the government informed the Parliament during the ongoing Monsoon session. India accounts for 25 per cent of global cervical cancer deaths -- largely due to delayed diagnosis. "Till July 20, data from the National NCD Portal indicates that 10.18 crore women out of an eligible population of 25.42 crore females aged 30 years and above have been screened for cervical cancer," Jadhav said. "This reflects the government's strong commitment to comprehensive and preventive healthcare delivery through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs," he added. The achievement is part of the population-based initiative for screening, prevention, and management of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), being implemented under the National Health Mission (NHM). "The initiative targets women aged 30 to 65 years, with screening primarily done using Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) at Sub-Health Centres and Primary Health Centres under AAM by trained health workers. VIA-positive cases are referred to higher centres for further diagnostic evaluation," Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav stated in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. Further, to prevent cervical cases at the grassroots level, the government has roped in Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) who play a critical role by using Community Based Assessment Checklist (CBAC) forms to identify individuals at risk. They facilitate the women's participation in regular health check-ups and screenings at AAMs. ASHAs also help generate awareness about the importance of early detection and adopting a healthy lifestyle. The Ministry had also launched a time-bound NCD Screening Campaign from February 20 to March 31, to accelerate screening efforts for individuals aged 30 years and above. The success of this campaign has contributed to the current achievement, Jadhav said. Jozsef Varadi, Wizz Airs chief executive, said there was an anti-executive pay sentiment in the UK - Hollie Adams/Bloomberg Britain is opposed to rewarding chief executives with the generous pay deals needed to retain top talent, the boss of Wizz Air has said. Jozsef Varadi, who received a pay package totalling 3.8m (3.3m) last year, spoke out after 28pc of the airlines shareholders voted against its remuneration report on Wednesday. He said: There is a kind of an anti-executive pay sentiment in the UK, whether we like it or not. Some people take a different view on social paradigms. But we cannot ignore the fact that executive pay is a matter of retention, and you have to retain your talents in the company. As far as Im concerned we have a very fair and equitable system for addressing performance and realities, and the need to retain top talents. Wizz Air, which is based in Hungary but listed in London, has suffered a shareholder backlash over executive pay in recent years. Its share price has slumped 45pc over the past year after demand for flights in its core market of Eastern Europe was hurt by the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East led to the disruption of services to Israel. Unexpected wear and tear to the Pratt & Whitney engines on Wizz Airs jets caused by the use of contaminated powdered metal during manufacturing has also forced it to ground about a fifth of the fleet for repairs at any one time. The impact of the setbacks was revealed last month, when Wizz said operating profit in the year through March had dropped to barely a third of the previous total, triggering a stock rout that saw 480m wiped off its market value. Mr Varadis pay for the year through March included 2.3m in shares awarded as the prospect of securing a 100m long-term bonus faded. The latter payout requires shares in Wizz Air to hit 120, a distant prospect with it trading at just 11 on Thursday. Mr Varadi said Wizz Airs executive pay is benchmarked to airline industry norms. He added: We have never been down-voted on anything. Which British government has even been elected with 70pc of the vote? What it tells me is that the majority of investors support the direction we are taking, but there is a minority not a negligible minority that is not overly happy. Mr Varadis remarks add to an ongoing debate over executive salaries after Julia Hoggett, the chief executive of the London Stock Exchange, said Britain was being held back by a campaign against high pay and that a constructive discussion was required. Julia Hoggett, chief executive of London Stock Exchange, believes Britain is being held back by a campaign against high pay - Hollie Adams/Bloomberg Burberry came under fire in May after it was revealed that Joshua Schulman, its new chief executive, was paid almost 2.6m in his first nine months in the job, and stands to make 5.6m this year if he meets bonus targets even as the luxury fashion brand cuts up to 1,700 jobs. Michael OLeary, the chief executive of Ryanair, qualified for a bonus of more than 100m earlier this year after the Irish carriers shares traded above a specified level for a 28th straight day, despite it reporting a 16pc drop in annual profit. Mumbai, July 26 : Actress Divyanka Tripathi and her actor husband Vivek Dahiya visited the Combat Army Aviation Training School in Nashik, where they had heartfelt conversations with Colonel Jaskar Choudhary. Divyanka took to Instagram on Kargil Vijay Diwas, where she shared a few pictures from her visit and said that soldiers remind what true service looks like. For the caption, she wrote: "Our visit to the Combat Army Aviation Training School in Nashik hit differently, a place where valour is taught, not told. During heartfelt conversations with our friend, an acting officer- Col Jaskar Choudhary, we were filled with awe at the grit it takes to serve." "From running on sheer passion to sacrificing comfort for country, these soldiers remind us what true service looks like." Divyanka shared that she dreamt of wearing the uniform. "I once dreamt of wearing the uniform perhaps one day I'll live it on screen. But today, I lived it through their stories. A nostalgia for something I never had, and a pride I'll always carry." She concluded the post: "'Let's strive to be citizens worthy of their sacrifices.' To the ones who gave it all- we remember, we salute. Jai Hind. #KargilVijayDiwas" Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on July 26, to observe India's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War for ousting Pakistani Forces from their occupied positions on the mountain tops of Northern Kargil District in Ladakh in 1999. Talking about Divyanka, she is known for playing the double roles of Vidya Pratapsingh and Divya Shukla in Banoo Main Teri Dulhann and Dr. Ishita Bhalla in Yeh Hai Mohabbatein. In 2017, participated in the dance reality show Nach Baliye 8 and emerged as the winner. In 2021, she participated at Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 11 as a contestant where she emerged as the runner-up. Divyanka and Vivek met on the sets of their show "Yeh Hai Mohabbatein" and fell in love. They got engaged in January 2016. Few months later in the same year the couple got married in Bhopal. Georgetown, July 26 : The Indian High Commission in Guyana held a roundtable discussion titled 'India-CARICOM Cooperation in Resource Mapping, Climate Change and Agricultural Research & Development', reaffirming India's commitment to enhancing cooperation with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states in science and technology. The event was organised by the Indian High Commission in collaboration with the CARICOM Secretariat at the Pegasus Corporate Centre in Georgetown. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) delegation, which is in Guyana, also attended the discussion. During the discussion, Indian Ambassador to CARICOM, Amit Telang, delivered the opening remarks, highlighting India's willingness to further expand and deepen cooperation with the Caribbean partners in science and technology. "He also underscored the importance of cooperation, collaboration and coexistence as shared principles between India and CARICOM for the welfare of our people and the larger Global South," the Indian High Commission in Guyana posted on X. The roundtable was presided over by Wendell Samuel, Assistant Secretary General for Economic Integration, Innovation and Development at the CARICOM Secretariat. Other attendees included representatives from various member states and leading government organisations from Guyana. During the programme, Srinivasa Rao Goru, a scientist from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), made a detailed presentation on the application of space technology and remote sensing in multiple fields, including agriculture, fisheries, disaster management, etc. Senior representatives from the Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) provided an overview of informative presentations on their network of laboratories and their expertise in numerous areas such as climate adaptation, aviation and other sustainable technologies. They offered assistance in collaboration and capacity building to partner countries in CARICOM. According to the Indian High Commission, the event was organised as a further step towards the implementation of various outcomes from the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit held in Georgetown, Guyana, in November 2024, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered assistance to the partner countries in CARICOM in multiple fields, including innovation, technology and trade. During his visit to Guyana in November 2024, PM Modi addressed the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit and envisioned a multifaceted partnership with innovation as an important pillar of India's partnership with CARICOM underlining cooperation and collaboration in the field of science and technology, particularly application of Indian space technology in resource mapping, climate change and agriculture, the High Commission mentioned. Earlier, from July 23-25, the ISRO delegation attended the Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit, which was aimed at strengthening international commitment to biodiversity conservation. Washington, July 26 : A thrilling day of action at the Mubadala Citi DC Open saw four players book their spots in the semifinals across both the ATP and WTA draws, with comeback stories and marquee performances unfolding in the sweltering Washington heat. Washington, July 26 (IANS) A thrilling day of action at the Mubadala Citi DC Open saw four players book their spots in the semifinals across both the ATP and WTA draws, with comeback stories and marquee performances unfolding in the sweltering Washington heat. Emma Raducanu continued her impressive return to form, reaching her first WTA hardcourt semifinal in three years. The Brit held off Maria Sakkari in a taxing two-hour, 10 minute battle, winning 6-4, 7-5 despite falling behind early. The result marked her best performance in the U.S. capital, and extended her flawless record against Sakkari to 4-0. Raducanu will now face Russiaas Anna Kalinskaya, who upset Clara Tauson to reach the last four. On the menas side, Ben Shelton delivered a high-octane performance to end Frances Tiafoeas run. In front of an energized home crowd, Sheltonas aggressive forehands and fearless serving powered him to a 7-6(2), 6-4 win. The 22-year-old lefty matched his 2023 semifinal showing in Washington and continues to rise, already securing a new career-high ranking of No. 7. He awaits the winner of Taylor Fritz and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the semifinals. Another surprise came in the form of Frenchman Corentin Moutet, who stunned World No. 14 Daniil Medvedev in a dramatic 1-6, 6-4, 6-4 win. After a mid-match weather suspension, Moutet returned from a lightning delay to break Medvedevas serve and close out the match. It marked the 26-year-oldas first ATP semifinal above 250-level and his fourth career win over a Top 20 opponent on hard courts. On the WTA side, Canadaas Leylah Fernandez continued her strong run, defeating Taylor Townsend 6-4, 7-6(4). Fernandez overcame a second-set deficit and saved a set point to reach her biggest hard-court semifinal since finishing runner-up at the 2021 US Open. She now faces third seed Elena Rybakina, who eased past Magdalena Frech in straight sets. With big names falling and breakthrough performances emerging, the stage is set for a thrilling semifinal in Washington. New Delhi, July 26 : There are more than 31.45 lakh handloom cottage units functioning in the country, and the government has allocated funds worth Rs 1,516 crore and disbursed Rs 1,480.71 crore to promote the industry during the last five years. Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh said in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha that according to 4th All India Handloom Census 2019-20, there are 31.45 lakh households across the country consisting of 35.22 lakh handloom weavers and allied workers. "Accordingly, it is considered that 31.45 lakhs handloom cottage units are functioning in the country," the minister informed. Handloom sector is unorganised, in which the government does not provide direct employment to the weavers/workers. Handloom weavers/workers involve in traditional skilled activities, which provide self-employment to them. However, Ministry of Textiles is implementing National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) and Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS) to promote handlooms and for welfare of handloom weavers across the country. Under these schemes, financial assistance is provided to eligible handloom agencies/weavers for raw materials, procurement of upgraded looms and accessories, solar lighting units, construction of workshed, skilling, product and design development, technical and common infrastructure, marketing, concessional loans under weavers' MUDRA scheme, social security, payment to awardee weavers in indigent circumstances etc. "Under the schemes of NHDP and RMSS, funds of Rs 1,516 crore were allocated and Rs 1,480.71 crore were disbursed during the last five years i.e. 2020-21 to 2024-25," the minister informed. Before the schemes are continued/new schemes are formulated, the impact study of the existing schemes are evaluated. NHDP and RMSS were formulated for implementation during 2021-22 to 2025-26 after third party impact evaluation of the previous schemes in existence, said Singh in the Rajya Sabha. According to fourth All India Handloom Census 2019-20 report, there are 35,22,512 handloom workers across the country. Out of which 9,75,733 are male, 25,46,285 are female and 494 are transgender. IANS na/ New Delhi, July 26 : The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR), slated for launch next week, is a result of global teamwork and technology, said the Indian space agency. NISAR is the first joint satellite mission of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and NASA. NISAR will be launched by ISRO's GSLV-F16 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC SHAR) in Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota at 5.40 pm. It will be the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle's (GSLV) first launch into a Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO). The NISAR launch is the result of strong technical cooperation between ISRO and NASA/JPL technical teams for more than a decade. "Built across continents in phases, NISAR is a result of global teamwork and tech. NISAR came together through years of integration and testing," said ISRO, in a post on social media platform X. ISRO noted that NISAR has created a milestone of firsts. NISAR is the "first dual-band radar satellite, it is the first GSLV to SSO, and the first ISRO-NASA Earth observing mission". The GSLV-F16 will inject the NISAR satellite into a 743 km Sun-synchronous orbit with an inclination of 98.4 degrees. "Two space agencies. One big win for Earth. NISAR is the first time @NASA and @ISRO have built Earth science hardware together. This powerful satellite will track changes on land and ice, from areas at risk for landslides and earthquakes to shifting glaciers and ice sheets," NASA Earth shared in a post on X. Weighing 2,392 kg, NISAR is a unique Earth observation satellite and the first satellite to observe the Earth with a dual-frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar (NASA's L-band and ISRO's S-band), both using NASA's 12m unfurlable mesh reflector antenna, integrated to ISRO's modified I3K satellite bus. NISAR will observe Earth with a swath of 242 km and high spatial resolution, using SweepSAR technology for the first time. "The satellite will scan the entire globe and provide all-weather, day and night data at a 12-day interval, enabling a wide range of applications. NISAR can detect even small changes in the Earth's surface, such as ground deformation, ice sheet movement, and vegetation dynamics," according to ISRO. The mission will support many critical applications, including sea ice monitoring, ship detection, storm tracking, soil moisture changes, surface water mapping, and disaster response. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Male, July 26 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with Maldives' former President Mohamed Nasheed on Saturday and assured him of New Delhi's support for Male through capacity building and developmental cooperation. PM Modi stated that Nasheed has always been a strong advocate of "deeper friendship" between India and the Maldives. In a post shared on X, PM Modi stated, "Met the former President of Maldives, Mr. Mohamed Nasheed. He has always been a strong advocate of a deeper India-Maldives friendship. Spoke about how the Maldives will always be a valued pillar of our aNeighbourhood Firsta policy and Mahasagar vision. India will keep supporting the Maldives through capacity building and developmental cooperation." Earlier, PM Modi met People's Majlis Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla and expressed India's commitment to supporting capacity building in the Maldives. PM Modi termed the formation of the India-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group in the 20th Majlis a "welcome step" for bilateral ties. "Met Mr. Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Speaker of the Peopleas Majlis. Talked about the deep-rooted India-Maldives friendship, including the close relationship between our respective Parliaments. The formation of the India-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group in the 20th Majlis is a welcome step for bilateral ties. India remains committed to supporting capacity building in the Maldives," PM Modi posted on X. PM Modi also held a meeting with the Maldives Vice President, Mohamed Latheef on Saturday. During the meeting, the two leaders spoke about key pillars of the India-Maldives friendship. Following the meeting, PM Modi in a post on X wrote, "Our discussion touched upon key pillars of the India-Maldives friendship. Our nations continue to work closely in sectors like infrastructure, technology, climate change, energy and more. This is greatly beneficial to our people. We look forward to deepening this partnership in the years to come." PM Modi arrived in the Maldives on Friday for a two-day state visit after concluding his visit to the UK. This is Prime Minister Modi's third visit to the Maldives - he had visited the Maldives in 2018 and 2019, earlier - and the first by a Head of State or Government to the Maldives during the Presidency of Mohamed Muizzu, which began in November 2023. During PM Modi's visit to Male on the invitation of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, several agreements across diverse sectors were signed on Friday, which reaffirmed the bilateral partnership between India and Maldives, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. PM Modi and President Muizzu also jointly released commemorative stamps to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and the Maldives. Strengthening the bilateral ties between India and Maldives was reaffirmed by PM Modi and President Muizzu by handing over 3,300 social housing units in Hulhumale, Maldives, under India's Buyers' Credit facilities; inauguration of roads and drainage system project in Addu city in Maldives; inauguration of 6 High Impact Community Development Projects in Maldives; handing over of 72 vehicles and other equipment; handing over of two BHISHM Health Cube sets; and inauguration of the Ministry of Defence Building in Male. New Delhi, July 26 : The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between India and the Maldives to enhance bilateral collaboration in the fields of fisheries and aquaculture aims to promote sustainable tuna and deep-sea fisheries, strengthen aquaculture and sustainable resource management, foster fisheries-based eco-tourism, and support innovation and scientific research across both the countries, the government said on Saturday. The Department of Fisheries and the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources of the Maldives have signed an MoU to enhance bilateral collaboration in the fields of fisheries and aquaculture. The MoU is part of six MOUs exchanged between India and Maldives during Prime Minister Narendra Modias state visit to the island nation, according to Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. Key areas of collaboration outlined in the MoU include value chain development, mariculture advancement, trade facilitation, and capacity building within the fisheries sector. As part of this initiative, the Maldives will scale up its fish processing capabilities by investing in cold storage infrastructure and strengthening the aquaculture sector through hatchery development, improved production efficiency, and the diversification of cultured species. The collaboration also will facilitate training and knowledge exchange programs, with a focus on capacity building in aquatic animal health, biosecurity screening, aquaculture farm management, and specialised technical fields such as refrigeration, mechanical engineering, and marine engineering to support long-term skills development within the sector. According to the ministry, the cooperation reflects the shared vision of India and Maldives to build a more resilient, innovative, and sustainable future for the fisheries industry. Several agreements across diverse sectors were signed which reaffirmed the bilateral partnership between India and Maldives. These include agreement for a Line of Credit (LoC) of Rs 4,850 crore to the Maldives; amendatory agreement on reducing annual debt repayment obligations of the Maldives on Indian government-funded LoCs; to launch the India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (FTA)-Terms of Reference; MoU on cooperation in the field of Fisheries and Aquaculture; MoU between the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Maldives Meteorological Services (MMS), Ministry of Tourism and Environment; and an MoU on cooperation in the field of sharing successful digital solutions implemented at population scale for digital transformation, among others. a"IANS na/ Chennai, July 26 : A 25-year-old pregnant woman from Solagar Dhoddi in the Thalavadi Hills, who had gone missing for 10 days after refusing hospital admission earlier this month, safely delivered a healthy baby boy at the District Government Hospital in Chamarajanagar, Karnataka, in the early hours of Saturday. The woman, identified as Shevanthi, developed labour pains around 10 p.m. on Friday. She was initially taken to the Government Upgraded Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Thalavadi. However, given the babyas estimated weight of around 3 kg and the potential for complications, she was referred to the Chamarajanagar Government Hospital. Accompanied by three health department staff members, Shevanthi was transported to the hospital, where she delivered the baby through normal delivery at 12:05 a.m. A health department staff member confirmed that both mother and child are in good health. Shevanthi is expected to be discharged within three days, depending on their recovery. Shevanthias case had attracted attention after she disappeared from her home in early July, refusing hospital admission despite being due for delivery on July 7. It was later discovered that she had gone to a relativeas house in Karnataka. She underwent a scan at Chamarajanagar, where doctors revised her expected delivery date to July 27. During this time, her family lost contact with her, prompting them to file a missing person complaint with the local police. Following repeated counselling efforts, particularly by S. Kannaiyan, president of the Thalavadi Farmersa Foundation, Shevanthi returned home. On July 18, she was taken to the Thalavadi hospital for a routine check-up. Despite doctors recommending immediate admission, she insisted on returning only when labour began. Chamarajanagar, located 23 km (a 30-minute drive) from Thalavadi, is the preferred referral hospital for expectant mothers in the region due to its accessibility and facilities. In comparison, the Sathyamangalam Government Hospital, 58 km away, involves a challenging journey through the Dhimbam Ghat Road with 27 hairpin bends inside the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, making emergency access difficult. Authorities and health officials have reiterated the importance of timely antenatal care and cooperation to ensure safe maternal and child health outcomes. --IANS aal/dan Rewa, July 26 : Congress MLA Abhay Mishra, representing the Semaria Assembly constituency in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district, has been booked for allegedly assaulting one of his office employees. The incident, which took place on July 24 between 12 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. at the MLA's local office, has sparked political tension and led to counter-allegations. The complainant, Abhishek Tiwari, who was responsible for managing visitors at Mishra's office, alleged that he was abused and physically assaulted by the MLA when he requested his pending salary. An FIR was registered against Mishra and four of his staff members following a protest led by former BJP MLA K.P. Tripathi and his supporters at the local police station late Friday night. In a dramatic turn, another employee, Ashok Tiwari, filed a counter FIR against Abhishek, accusing him of severing one of his fingers during a scuffle. Ashok arrived at the police station with the severed portion of his finger and a medical report, claiming that Abhishek was intoxicated and initiated the altercation over attendance records. Additional Superintendent of Police Arti Singh confirmed that complaints have been filed by both parties and that an investigation is underway. "Relevant charges have been registered against MLA Abhay Mishra," Singh said. Responding to the allegations, Mishra denied involvement and accused BJP leader K.P. Tripathi of orchestrating a smear campaign. "I was not present at the office during the incident. Tripathi pressured the police to name me in the FIR," Mishra told reporters. Ravi Pandey, a representative of Mishra, stated that the MLA had returned from a 15-day foreign tour in Singapore on the evening of July 24. "The fight broke out earlier in the day between Abhishek and Ashok over attendance. Abhishek, who was reportedly drunk, became agitated after seeing his name marked absent," Pandey told IANS. He added that the two men, who hail from the same village, engaged in a heated exchange that escalated into violence. "During the scuffle, Abhishek allegedly severed Ashok's finger. The MLA arrived at the office only around 8 p.m., hours after the incident," Pandey said. Phnom Penh, July 26 : Cambodia's State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) on Saturday prohibited all flights from flying across fighting zones with Thailand, a spokesperson said. Sinn Chanserey Vutha, who is also the SSCA's secretary of state, said all airlines had been informed to avoid flying over conflict zones and the scope of prohibition had been expanded to Poipet City, Pailin province and part of Siem Reap province. "All flights have been instructed to avoid flying over these airspaces, and the planes must not fly lower than 1,200 meters above sea level," he said in an audio message released to the media. Vutha said the measures were to ensure flight operations and the safety of the planes and passengers. He added that as of 10 a.m. local time on July 26, international flights from Phnom Penh to Bangkok and Siem Reap to Bangkok are operating as usual, as planes altered their routes to avoid prohibited airspaces. Clashes continued at several areas along the Thailand-Cambodia border, with Cambodian forces conducting sustained bombardment utilising heavy weapons, field artillery, and BM-21 rocket systems, said reports. Thai forces responded with appropriate supporting fire in accordance with the tactical situation and issued advisories to local civilians to avoid entering areas of clashes. Early on Friday, the sound of artillery fire was heard again near the border area, the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand reported, citing a local official in Surin province. According to the deputy spokesperson of the Thai Ministry of Public Health, 14 Thai people were killed and 46 others injured in military clashes near the Thailand-Cambodia border as of 9:00 p.m. local time on Thursday. Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey deputy governor, Met Meas Pheakdey, told Xinhua over the telephone that one villager was killed and five others were wounded on Thursday when the Thai side fired artillery shells into Cambodian territory. Due to strong hedge fund interest, Alcoa Corporation (NYSE:AA) is among the 11 Best Mineral Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. Alcoa Corporation (AA) Reports for Q2 2025; Earnings Beat Estimates A construction crew working on a solar energy system, revealing the company's drive for success. On July 16, 2025, Alcoa Corporation (NYSE:AA) reported results for Q2 2025, which turned out to be a stronger-than-expected quarter. The company reported an adjusted EPS of $0.39 per share, surpassing estimates of $0.29. Meanwhile, sequential revenue went down by 10% to $3 billion. Lower alumina and aluminum prices, along with a $95 million tariff (including the 50% U.S. Section 232 tariff on Canadian aluminum), had a heavy impact, also dragging adjusted EBITDA down by $542 million to $313 million. To mitigate the tariff impact, the company is planning to reroute 100,000 or more metric tons to non-U.S. purchasers. On the strategic side, Alcoa Corporation (NYSE:AA) closed its $1.35 billion Maaden JV exit on July 1, 2025, selling its 25.1% stake in the venture to Saudi Arabian Mining Company. Meanwhile, the company continued with its commitment to sustainable actions with initiatives like EcoLum sales and supply extensions with Prysmian. Looking ahead, improved alumina performance and tariff-offsetting Midwest premiums are expected in Q3. However, the company expresses caution due to power-related delays at San Ciprian. Alcoa has faced a challenging environment due to the high cost of energy at the site for an extended period. After the earnings release, on July 18, 2025, Morgan Stanley cut its price target for AA from $40 to $38, while maintaining an Overweight rating, citing the companys short-term market condition and strategic outlook. With its operations in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Iceland, Norway, Spain, the United States, and internationally, Alcoa Corporation (NYSE:AA) is engaged in the bauxite mining, alumina refining, aluminum production, and energy generation business. It is included in our list of the Best Material Stocks. While we acknowledge the potential of AA 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. Disclosure. None. Taipei, July 26 : Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) has said that 17 Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels were detected operating around Taiwan until 6 am (local time) on Saturday. According to the ministry, eight out of 17 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). In response to Chinese military action, Taiwan's armed forces monitored the situation and deployed aircraft, naval vessels and coastal-based systems. In a statement shared on X, Taiwan's MND stated, "17 sorties of PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 8 out of 17 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwanas southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." This latest incursion follows similar activity the previous day when Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence reported that 26 Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels and one official ship were tracked near its territory by 6 am (local time) on Friday. Taiwan's armed forces monitored the situation and responded to Chinese military activity. "26 sorties of PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 24 out of 26 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwanas northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded," Taiwan's MND stated in a post on Friday on X. Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), governed independently since 1949, continues to face threats from China, which claims the self-ruled island as part of its territory under the "One China" principle and insists on its reunification with Beijing. Taiwanese armed forces have remained on high alert, tracking the incursions and responding to them as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard the island's sovereignty and maintain regional stability. Bengaluru, July 26 : The shortage of urea and other fertilisers in Karnataka has led traders to sell it at double the price, pushing the farming community in the state into distress. Farmers, who were hopeful of a good harvest following favourable rainfall and the early onset of the monsoon this year, are now distraught and staging protests. The situation has further escalated tensions between the Congress-led Karnataka government and the Centre. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written to Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilisers, J.P. Nadda, urging him to expedite the supply of 1.65 lakh metric tonnes of urea fertiliser as per the state's allocation, in the interest of the farmers. Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, strongly criticised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accusing him of misleading the people of Karnataka with false statements regarding fertiliser supply. The Department of Fertilisers (DoF) also issued a clarification, stating that it has ensured the timely and adequate availability of 8.73 lakh metric tonnes of urea to Karnataka against a pro-rata requirement of 6.30 lakh metric tonnes during the ongoing Kharif 2025 season. The state has recorded sales of 7.08 lakh metric tonnes during the same period - well above the pro-rata requirement. The DoF stated that it continues to closely monitor the situation and is coordinating with the state government to ensure Karnataka's farmers have timely access to urea throughout the Kharif season, the DoF stated. Despite this, thousands of farmers are lining up outside shops to procure urea fertiliser for sowing. Urea is a crucial agricultural input as it is the primary source of nitrogen, an essential nutrient for plant growth. It significantly boosts crop yields and improves produce quality by enhancing foliage, chlorophyll synthesis, and overall productivity. Urea is typically applied during sowing and as a top dressing during the crop's vegetative growth phase. Since sowing has already begun following good rainfall, farmers urgently need to apply urea to their fields. Without it, crops may suffer from stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and significantly reduced yields. Long queues of farmers have been observed at fertiliser shops in hobli, taluk, and district headquarters across Karnataka, especially in the northern part of the state. Due to the shortage, shop owners are rationing the supply, limiting sales to just two 50-kilogram bags per farmer. While urea and other essential fertilisers are also sold at fair price shops, many of these outlets have already run out of stock. There are widespread allegations that private traders are exploiting the crisis by hoarding urea and selling it at inflated prices. Farmers have alleged that even as shopkeepers display "no stock" boards, they are willing to supply unlimited quantities of urea if buyers are ready to pay Rs 500 per bag, while the actual price ranges between Rs 250 and Rs 300. In the Koppal district, farmers blocked roads in protest against the shortage, while in the Haveri district, they confronted officials over the two-bag limit. In some locations, angry farmers have prevented trucks from offloading urea into shops, demanding direct sales from the vehicles. There are also allegations that traders are hoarding fertiliser stocks to create artificial scarcity and drive up prices. Small and marginal farmers have been the worst affected. They cannot afford the exorbitant rates demanded by black marketeers, but at the same time, they cannot risk losing their crops. The current crisis has also revived memories of a tragic incident in 2008, when a 33-year-old man was killed in police firing during a protest over fertiliser shortages in Haveri district. The firing, meant to disperse the agitated mob, occurred shortly after former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa took office. The incident shook the state government, especially as Yediyurappa had taken his oath in the name of farmers after leading the BJP to power for the first time in South India. Yediyurappa had then blamed the UPA government at the Centre for the fertiliser shortage. Thiruvananthapuram, July 26 : Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty on Saturday said the management of the government-aided school in Kollam district, where a 13-year-old boy was electrocuted, has been dismissed. Class 8th student Mithun, while trying to retrieve footwear from the top of a shed, came in contact with an electric line and died. The incident took place at the Thevelakkara Boys School on July 17, just before the classes began. "Our first action was to suspend the headmistress. After going through the details, we have decided to suspend the management of the school with immediate effect. A senior education officer from the district will now manage the affairs of the school," said Sivankutty. " A lot of things have to be put in place at the school. The funds for it have to be borne by the management. We lost one of our sons, Mithun, and the management is responsible for what happened. This action is a pointer to all other schools that they will face tough actions if things are not well," added Sivankutty. School Manager Tulasidharan Pillai said he and the management accept the decision of the Kerala government. "Mithun's family suffered irreparable loss. Losing the post is insignificant. We accept the decision," Pillai said. "However, he said that the same power line was there before, too," said Pillai. "The previous headmaster of the school was a top Congress leader. What action did he take about this power line? The protesters, the Congress and UDF, are trying to politicise the issue as crucial local body and Assembly elections are round the corner," added Pillai. Mithun's father is a mason, and his mother works as a domestic help in Kuwait. The state government had handed over a cheque of Rs 5 lakh to Mithun's family. New Delhi, July 26 : The Union government has informed that Parliament has approved 297 new day care cancer centres across the country for FY26. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav stated the measures undertaken by the government in tackling cancer incidences in the country. In the Union Budget announced in February, the government had proposed that "all district hospitals will have day care cancer centres. About 200-day care cancer centres will be established in 2025-26". The day-care centres are aimed at providing chemotherapy -- an important part of cancer treatment -- to cancer patients. "Following the announcement in the Union Budget 2025-26, so far, 297 new day care cancer centres have been approved for the financial year 2025-26. These centres aim to provide follow-up chemotherapy for patients referred by tertiary care centres," Jadhav said. "Unit cost for establishment of day care cancer centres may be up to Rs 1.49 crores as per the requirement and gaps at that facility," he added. Currently, there are 364 such centres across the country. Further, the Minister noted that the government has set up "19 State Cancer Institutes (SCI) and 20 Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCC) in different parts of the country" under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD). The Centre also provides financial assistance to these centres for the procurement of radiotherapy equipment, diagnostic equipment, surgical equipment, and enhancement of indoor civil work and patient facilities for cancer and such other purposes relevant to diagnosis, treatment, and care of cancer. "The maximum permissible assistance for SCI is Rs. 120 crores and for TCCC is Rs 45 crores," Jadhav said. The National Cancer Institute at Jhajjar (Haryana) and the second campus of Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, have been set up to provide advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities. Cancer treatment facilities have also been approved in all 22 new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). In addition, a population-based initiative for screening, management, and prevention of common NCDs, including cancer, has been rolled out as a part of Comprehensive Primary Health Care in the country under National Health Mission (NHM) through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. In a bid to boost cancer care in the country, the government has also enhanced cancer education. Jadhav stated that the National Medical Commission has taken steps for ease of starting Postgraduate (PG) courses, including for Oncology. "One can start a PG course with two seats, even with two faculties, without having a senior resident. In many specialties, bed requirements for unit formation have been reduced," the MoS said. "Medical colleges/ institutes can apply for starting PG course one year after medical college has been permitted to start an undergraduate course; and government medical colleges can start PG course simultaneously with UG course," the Minister added. Lanzhou, July 26 : Northwest China's Gansu Province issued red alerts for meteorological risks of flash floods and geological disasters on Saturday as heavy rainfall continued to batter parts of the region. A red alert for flash floods was jointly issued by the provincial department of water resources and the provincial meteorological bureau at 6:10 a.m., citing the heightened risk from short-duration heavy rainfall in parts of Pingliang and Qingyang. Later the same day, the provincial department of natural resources and the provincial meteorological bureau issued a red alert for weather-induced geological disasters in the same areas, warning of a high risk of hazards such as landslides, soil collapses and mudslides. Rainfall totals over the next 12 hours are forecast to reach between 80 and 120 millimetres, with the most intense hourly precipitation expected to range from 35 to 55 millimetres, according to the provincial meteorological bureau. The risk areas are highly vulnerable to heavy rainfall, which could trigger both flash floods and geological disasters. Authorities have urged the strengthening of real-time monitoring, early warning systems, and the evacuation of residents from high-risk zones. On July 25, Northeastern Chinese provinces of Heilongjiang and Jilin issued alerts for flood and farmland waterlogging as rainstorms have swollen multiple rivers in the region, as well. Authorities overseeing the flood-control work for the two rivers have activated Level IV emergency responses for flood prevention and control, urging particular attention be paid to the safety of small reservoirs as well as the prevention of mountain torrents, Xinhua news agency reported. Early on Friday, the Water Resources Department and the meteorological administration in Jilin Province jointly issued an orange alert, indicating a high likelihood of flood disasters, including river flooding and farmland waterlogging, over the next 24 hours in the southwestern region of Changchun, capital of Jilin, and in the central-western areas of Siping City. A yellow alert for flood disaster risks was issued later, covering central Changchun and the northern part of Jilin City. Local authorities have been urged to strengthen preventive measures, promptly activate emergency response plans, and ensure public safety. China has a four-tier weather warning system -- with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow, and blue. Balrampur, July 26 : The Balrampur district administration in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday demolished an illegal structure belonging to Sabroz, nephew of Chhangur alias Jalaluddin, who is accused of running a large-scale religious conversion racket. Officials said the house, located in Rehra Mafi village under Gaindas Bujurg police station limits, was built by encroaching on the village community land. Despite prior notices, the encroachment was not removed, prompting the demolition drive. A heavy police force was deployed during the action. CO Raghavendra Pratap said, "The construction was found illegal, and under police supervision, bulldozer action was carried out by the administration." Chhangur's gang is accused of anti-national activities and operating a nationwide religious conversion network. Investigations suggest links to foreign countries, including Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. Police said Chhangur played a key role in converting people from weaker sections of the Hindu community to Islam through financial inducements, marriage offers, and pressure tactics. The gang's operations were exposed during the probe into the mysterious disappearance of two sisters from Agra, leading to the unearthing of a network spread across six states. The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has taken Jalaluddin and his associate Neetu alias Nasreen into custody for questioning. The ATS is also probing their alleged connections with banned outfits and tracing benami properties acquired through illegal funding. Jalaluddin and Nasreen were arrested in Madhpur village on July 5. Earlier, two other accused -- Naveen alias Jalaluddin and Mehboob (Chhangur's son) -- were arrested in April and are currently in Lucknow jail. Authorities had announced a reward of Rs 50,000 on Jalaluddin and issued a non-bailable warrant against him prior to his arrest. A case under POCSO, SC/ST Act, and the anti-conversion law has also been registered against another accused, Rauf, whose property is slated for similar action. The demolition drive is part of the Yogi Adityanath government's policy to target properties acquired through illegal means. Officials said Chhangur's residence stood on nearly one acre of land that had been encroached upon. "These actions aim to financially and psychologically weaken those involved in such crimes," an official said. Guwahati/Kohima, July 26 : Several state governments in the Northeast have sounded a high alert along inter-state borders with Assam, apprehending that displaced people may attempt to cross into their states following the Assam government's eviction drive in several districts, officials said on Saturday. Assam shares 2616.1 km inter-state borders with six northeastern states Nagaland (512.1 Km), Arunachal Pradesh (804.1 Km), Manipur (204.1 Km), Mizoram (164.6 Km), Tripura (46.3 Km) and Meghalaya (884.9 Km) besides 127 Km with West Bengal. This interstate border runs through multiple districts on both sides. The Assam government has recently intensified its eviction operations in some districts, including Dhubri, Goalpara, Lakhimpur, Kampur (Metro) and announced to undertake the eviction drive in Golaghat and southern Assam districts, targeting people allegedly encroaching on government and forest lands. Thousands of people were evicted in the eviction drive. Nagaland, Manipur, and Meghalaya governments separately issued urgent directives to the District Magistrates/Deputy Commissioners and Superintendent of Police to take all-out measures to prevent attempts by the displaced people to cross into these states after the Assam government's eviction drive. In Tripura, Tipra Motha Party (TMP) supremo Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma has asked the Chief Executive Member of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) to urgently constitute a monitoring committee across all party lines to detect illegal immigrants who are illegally entering the council areas. "We should take this matter seriously, as many illegal people from Assam are being evicted and may enter neighbouring states. This committee should work not as political entities but as the protector of our rights," Debbarma said in a post on X. The TMP has been governing the politically important TTAADC, which has jurisdiction over two-thirds of Tripura's 10,491 sq km area, and is home to over 12,16,000 people, of which around 84 per cent are tribals. A senior official in Kohima said that Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, while reviewing the situation along the Nagaland-Assam inter-state border on Thursday, directed Chief Secretary J. Alam and Director General of Police (DGP) Rupin Sharma to enhance round-the-clock surveillance and initiate all preventive and proactive measures to detect and deport any potential influx of illegal immigrants. He asked the officials to strengthen vigilance mechanisms along the Assam-Nagaland inter-state border. Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister for Home and Border Affairs, Y. Patton, earlier this week visited vulnerable locations in the Ralan area under Wokha and Niuland districts to assess the situation following the eviction operations in Assam. During his visit and in several coordination meetings in the border areas, the Deputy Chief Minister expressed appreciation for the tireless efforts of the district administration, police, village chiefs, students, youth organisations, and volunteers in maintaining a vigilant watch along the borders. Deputy Commissioner of Niuland reported that over 200 vehicles carrying evicted illegal immigrants from Assam attempted to enter the district. These attempts were successfully thwarted, and the individuals were deported by the District Administration, Police, and CRPF at various checkpoints. On July 17, during the eviction drive in the Paikan Reserve Forest under the Krishnai Range in Assam's Goalpara district turned violent, leaving one person dead and another seriously injured. Earlier, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma asserted that the administration is determined to free encroached and forest lands in the state. --IANS sc/dan Dhaka, July 26 : Bangladesh's Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin said on Saturday that elections in the country will be held under the existing system until the constitution is amended. He said that conducting a fair poll has several challenges and termed public trust the "biggest challenge". While speaking to reporters in Dhaka on Saturday, he mentioned that the challenge faced by election commission is to bring the voters back to the polling centres. He said, "We are facing new and evolving challenges. The biggest challenge is public trust. It is essential to restore people's confidence in the Election Commission and the electoral process," Bangladesh's leading daily, Dhaka Tribune quoted Nasir Uddin as saying. Bangladesh's CEC further stated, "The second challenge is bringing voters back to the polling centres. Many have lost interest due to not being able to vote in the past, so encouraging voter turnout is a major challenge." He stated that schedule of elections will be announced two months prior to the polls, at which time details regarding the date and nomination procedures will be made public. He said, "Until the constitution is amended, elections will be held in the same manner as in previous years." He mentioned that the election schedule will be announced two months before the election, at which time details such as the date and nomination procedures will be made public. Nasir Uddin said that reforms will be made as much as possible before the election and also mentioned that the misuse of technology has now emerged as a new challenge. According to him, unchecked spread of misinformation on social media is a key issue. He also called the use of Artificial Intelligence a major challenge, saying that speeches are being copied exactly and presented as someone else's. He emphasised that local and international expert teams are working on this issue. "In the modern era, this is more dangerous than a weapon and a serious problem for holding fair elections." Expressing commitment to holding fair polls, he said, "We are committed to holding fair elections. If the elections are not credible, the country's future will be in darkness." He mentioned that election faces several challenges and said that they are working to restore public confidence in the Election Commission. His remarks come amid repeated calls for elections by political parties of Bangladesh. On Wednesday, leaders of 13 political parties and alliances urged Bangladesh's Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus to immediately announce the date for the national election. New Delhi, July 26 : Congress MP Abhishek Singhvi on Saturday said Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav's warning of a possible Mahagathbandhan boycott of the upcoming Assembly elections reflects the latter's anguish. "We need to look at the underlying pain in his statement. Which political party would not want to contest an election, after so much hard work in Bihar?" he said, while talking to reporters in Delhi The Congress leader said Tejashwi Yadav's statement also reflects anger and pain implying that the Opposition is being asked to contest an election which has already been tilted in favour of the rivals. The Congress MP hinted that a threat of disenfranchisement hangs over the heads of crores of people in Bihar, so all options would remain open to people over the issue. "Just in case a collective initiative is taken against the exercise, then it would be a slap on the face of people who are expected to safeguard the institutions of democracy. If this happens, what kind of credibility will the EC be left with," he said. Earlier on Thursday, Tejashwi Yadav said, "We are openly considering what is happening with the voter list and have kept the option of boycotting the elections open." The elections have "no meaning if they are compromised," he said. Tejashwi alleged large-scale fraud in the voter revision process, claiming, "Lakhs of forms are being filled at one place with forged signatures. The Election Commission's process, backed by the government, is a fraud to artificially inflate voter numbers. If foreigners are illegally voting, how did they enter the list despite the NDA ruling Bihar for 20 years and the Centre for 11 years?" He expressed disappointment that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar did not answer queries in the House on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar electoral rolls, stating that the silence indicates the government's endorsement of ECI's alleged fraudulent process. Tejashwi pointed out that the ECI's affidavit in the Supreme Court does not mention foreign voters. He said that if any foreigners have names in the voters' list, identifying illegal foreigners is the job of the Union Home Ministry, not the Election Commission. Tejashwi also accused Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary of lying, noting the Labour Ministry has admitted in Lok Sabha that three crore people migrate from Bihar for work, contradicting the government's narrative. New Delhi, July 26 : Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday hailed the India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) as a 'game-changing' deal that provides immense opportunities and benefits to farmers, businessmen, MSME sectors, young professionals and fishermen. "India's Cabinet has already approved the India-UK FTA and now after UK's parliament ratification process is completed, the agreement will be operational," he said at a press briefing here. According to the Commerce Minister, of all the FTAs India has signed, the one with the UK is the "biggest, most comprehensive, and most important." "India-UK signed a win-win FTA in favour of both nations involved after almost 22-23 years of talks," he said. The agreement, called Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), secures unprecedented duty-free access for 99 per cent of India's exports to the UK, covering nearly the entire trade basket. Agriculture is a big winner under the deal, with nearly 95 per cent of Indian farm products gaining duty-free access to the UK. Meanwhile, India also protected domestic farmers' interests by excluding dairy products, edible oils and apples in the FTA. The landmark pact also brings major relief to Indian professionals working in the UK, who will now be exempt from paying up to three years of social security taxresulting in estimated annual savings of Rs 4,000 crore. Goyal also discussed the other FTAs in the pipeline and said each will have a different template. "India does not have a trade war with any country. All our FTAs are progressing with the right speed, with the right intent and in the right direction," he said. The minister further stated that India is in active discussions with different countries the EU, the US, Peru, Chile and Oman. "All are going on at the right speed and in the right direction," he said. India and the EU are aiming to reach an agreement on a free trade deal by the end of 2025 Further, Goyal criticised the UPA government, saying that trade agreements made during that UPA era jeopardised India's manufacturing capabilities, citing the deal with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as an example. "FTAs signed by PM Narendra Modi are with Mauritius, Australia, EFTA countries, the UAE, and now the UK. Talks are going on with other developed countries. India now signs FTAs with countries which do not compete with us, but complement us," he noted. AI Monetization : As expected, questions related to the monetization of AI investments did pop up during the Q2 earnings call. Responding to the question, Pichai pointed to the strong operating margins despite the rise in AI capex, while reassuring, We'll be able to have a healthy ROI on our investments. Cloud Growth Gets a Boost from AI : Googles cloud revenues rose 32% YoY to $13.62 billion, well ahead of the $13.11 billion that analysts were expecting. AI is driving the growth of that business. Microsoft-backed (MSFT) OpenAI has also partnered with Googles cloud infrastructure, a partnership CEO Sundar Pichai said the company is very excited about. Gemini User Count Swells : Alphabet said that Geminis monthly active user is now more than 450 million, and it saw a 50% increase in daily requests in Q2, as compared to Q1. YouTubes Performance Improved : During the earnings call, Alphabet said that it now earns as much revenue per watch hour in the U.S. on YouTube shorts as traditional in-stream. In some regions, the balance is actually in favor of shorts over the long-form videos. During the quarter, YouTube ad revenues increased 13% YoY to $9.8 billion, which comfortably beat the consensus estimate of $9.56 billion. As I have noted previously, YouTube remains an unappreciated asset in Alphabets arsenal even though it is the market leader in U.S. streaming for the last several years, per Nielsen data. Google Search Reported Double-Digit Increase in Revenues : With all the talk of Google losing its dominance in search, the companys Search revenues rose 11.7% in Q2, and if anything, the growth rate accelerated from the previous quarter. Here are some of the other key takeaways from the report. While its customary for company management to say that they are proud of their performance, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai began his commentary by classifying Q2 a standout quarter for us with robust growth across the company. He added, As you saw at IO, we are leading at the frontier of AI and shipping at an incredible pace. AI is positively impacting every part of the business, driving strong momentum. Alphabets Q2 revenues rose 14% year-over-year to $96.4 billion, which easily surpassed the $94 billion that analysts were expecting. The companys per-share earnings came in at $2.31, which was also ahead of the $2.15 that analysts were modeling. Alphabet (GOOG) stock rose by just over 1% on July 24, despite the company beating Q2 estimates on nearly all metrics. In this article, well look at the key takeaways from Alphabets Q2 earnings and examine whether it is a good buy. Story Continues Alphabets post-earnings price action might look at odds with its otherwise stellar earnings. However, the disconnect can be attributed to four main reasons. Firstly, the stock rallied heading into the Q2 confessional and is up 13.4% over the last month, which is the second highest among its Magnificent 7 peers, trailing only Nvidia (NVDA). www.barchart.com Second, the increase in 2025 capex guidance by a whopping $10 billion to $85 billion did not sit well with the markets. Third, some market participants are still worried about the existential threat to Google as the likes of OpenAI, Anthropic, and Perplexity challenge the status quo in search. Finally, there is the regulatory overhang as the U.S. Justice Department plans to break up Alphabet and force the company to divest its Chrome browser and Android operating system. It also wants the company to its end exclusive agreements with phone makers like Apple (AAPL) and Samsung. GOOG Stock Forecast After Q2 Earnings Sell-side analysts reacted positively to GOOGs Q2 earnings, and Oppenheimer, Pivotal Research, JPMorgan, and Raymond James were among the brokerages that raised the stocks target price following the report. Alphabets Street-high target price of $250 implies potential upside of 29.4% over the next year. I believe GOOG stock has room to run higher given its tepid valuations. The stock trades at a forward price-earnings (P/E) multiple of just 20x, which is not only the lowest among its Big Tech peers, but also makes GOOG the only Magnificent 7 constituent that trades at a discount to the S&P 500 Index ($SPX). The depressed valuations are primarily due to the regulatory uncertainty, as well as concerns that the company might lose market share to AI chatbots like ChatGPT. However, Alphabets Q2 earnings show that the company is yet to feel any meaningful impact from a flurry of competing products, and while these are still early days, so far Alphabet has handled the competition well. Alphabet also has services like Waymo, which will add long-term value, even as that business, which is part of its Other Bets segment, is currently a drag on its profits, reporting an operating loss of $1.2 billion in Q2. Overall, despite the run-up over the last month, I find GOOGs risk-reward still attractive and believe that concerns over it losing out to AI rivals are a bit overblown. www.barchart.com On the date of publication, Mohit Oberoi had a position in: GOOG, TSLA, NVDA, MSFT, AAPL. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com New Delhi, July 26 : The Indian Army marked the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas with solemn ceremonies and nationwide tributes to honour the valour of soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1999 Kargil War. The central event was held at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, attended by Union Ministers Mansukh Mandaviya and Sanjay Seth, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta, and Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi. Families of martyrs, gallantry awardees, and senior military officials also paid tribute to the 545 bravehearts. The commemorations began on July 25 with a Battle Remembrance ceremony at Lamochen Viewpoint, where veterans and serving personnel shared first-hand accounts of the conflict. The 'Shaurya Sandhya' programme featured the lighting of 545 lamps, a soul-stirring musical tribute by the Army band, and multi-faith prayers, symbolising unity in remembrance. On July 26, a solemn Wreath Laying Ceremony was held at the War Memorial. In his keynote address, General Dwivedi lauded the soldiersa courage and reiterated the Armyas commitment to peace and national security. He highlighted recent precision operations under Operation Sindoor and outlined the Armyas transformation with formations like aRudraa all-arms brigades, aBhairava light commando battalions, aShaktibaana artillery regiments and aDivyastraa batteries, drone-equipped infantry battalions, and indigenous air defence systems. The Army also inaugurated legacy projects, including the Indus Viewpoint, which is located in the Batalik sector, the e-Shradhanjali portal, and a QR-based Audio Gateway. A Capability Display showcased cutting-edge indigenous tech in surveillance, firepower, and drone warfare. A special outreach drive saw Army teams visiting the families of all 545 martyrs across India and Nepal. Cultural programmes, youth engagement, and digital campaigns recreated the Kargil battles to instil patriotic pride. As the sun set behind the rugged peaks of Dras, the Kargil War Memorial glowed in the hues of the Tricolour, standing tall as a symbol of national pride and sacrifice. Chennai, July 26 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who has been under medical care at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai since July 21, is expected to be discharged on July 27, according to sources close to the hospital. The Chief Minister was admitted after he experienced a sudden spell of giddiness during his routine morning walk. Doctors conducted a series of diagnostic tests, including an angiogram, to determine the cause of the symptoms. A medical bulletin issued by the hospital confirmed that the angiogram results were normal and that the Chief Minister is in stable condition. The statement further noted that Stalin underwent a "therapeutic procedure" on July 24 based on the recommendation of a committee of medical experts led by renowned interventional cardiologist Dr. G. Sengottuvelu. Despite being hospitalised, the 71-year-old Chief Minister has continued to oversee government affairs and discharge his duties from his hospital bed. Sources at the hospital indicate that barring any last-minute medical observations, the Chief Minister will be discharged on Sunday. Post-discharge, he is likely to continue rest at home for a few days while gradually resuming full official responsibilities. Meanwhile, senior cabinet ministers are coordinating closely with him to ensure the smooth functioning of the government. In a video released earlier this week from Apollo Hospitals, Stalin was seen wearing a lungi and engaging in discussions with Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam and senior officials, including his cabinet colleagues. The visuals underscored his determination to remain at the helm of state affairs even during his recovery. On Friday, the Chief Minister posted on the social media platform X, stating that he had formally sent a petition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, who will hand it over during the PM's visit to Tamil Nadu. The petition includes demands for the timely release of education funds, the devolution of the state's share of taxes, and other pressing issues concerning the state. Stalin's active involvement in governance during his hospital stay has drawn praise from DMK supporters and political observers, who say it reflects his commitment to the state's administration. --IANS aal/dan Mumbai, July 26 : Malayalam superstar Prithviraj Sukumaran, who is receiving a lot of positive response to his recently released streaming movie 'Sarzameen', harbours deep respect and love for the armed forces of India, and the uniform. The actor recently spoke with IANS during the promotions of the film, and shared that he always wanted to be an army officer but destiny had other plans for him. He told IANS, "I grew up wanting to be an army officer, my friends back home know this. I studied in Sainik school and like most cadets in Sainik school, at one point during your journey in that institution, you really want to be in the armed forces. So did I. But then, my dad passed away suddenly at one point in life and life threw us off track". The actor further mentioned that his elder brother had just finished his SSB interview at the time but things sort of went out of control because their father's demise was really unexpected for them. He shared, "Things sort of went out of control and then life took me somewhere else. So I think maybe in a lot of ways, when I wear an army uniform in front of the camera, maybe I'm sort of living that small dream inside of me and there is still deep down inside of me a lot of hero worship for the armed forces because I, in the school that I studied in, we grew up listening to all these tales and stories and we had these motivational classes where we were told about the greatest stories that the armed forces had. I have friends in the army, navy and air force". "I have lost friends in operations at the border. So it's something that is very close to me. Does it change anything in me as a human? I don't know. I really don't", he added. 'Sarzameen' is available to stream on JioHotstar. Guwahati/Imphal, July 26 : All the eight northeastern states joined the nation to commemorate the 'Kargil Vijay Diwas' on Saturday to mark the anniversary of India's historic victory in the Kargil War of 1999. Guwahati/Imphal, July 26 (IANS) All the eight northeastern states joined the nation to commemorate the aKargil Vijay Diwasa on Saturday to mark the anniversary of Indiaas historic victory in the Kargil War of 1999. The day honours the success of Operation Vijay, through which the Indian Armed Forces recaptured strategic high-altitude outposts that had been illegally occupied by Pakistani intruders. The war officially concluded on 26 July 1999, and India was victorious in evicting the infiltrators and restoring the sanctity of the Line of Control. A Defence spokesman said that to honour the unwavering courage and supreme sacrifice of the bravehearts of the Kargil War, a solemn wreath laying and commemorative ceremony was organised by the Directorate of Sainik Welfare, Assam at the state war memorial in Guwahatias Dighalipukhuri. Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya was the Chief Guest while wreaths were laid on behalf of Assam Chief Minister by Brig. Polash Choudhury (Retd), Director, Sainik Welfare, Assam, who is also a Kargil War veteran. Representatives of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force also paid floral tributes. A special felicitation ceremony was held to honour the Veer Naris and Veer Matas, recognizing their unmatched strength and resilience. Lt Gen R.P. Kalita (Retd) and Lt Gen P.K. Bharali (Retd) delivered stirring addresses, recalling the exceptional bravery, sacrifices, and unflinching determination of the Indian Armed Forces during the conflict. In Manipur, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla highlighted the profound significance of the day, marking 26 years since India's victory in the 1999 Kargil War. The Governor underscored that Kargil Vijay Diwas is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our armed forces in the face of external aggression. Bhalla, former Union Home Secretary, also highlighted the importance of preserving and passing on the legacy of Kargil to future generations, ensuring that the stories of heroism and sacrifice continue to inspire the nation. Governor also honoured the seven brave soldiers from Manipur who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Kargil War, recognising their contribution as a source of pride for the state and the nation. Manipur Director General of Police, Rajiv Singh, presided over the observance as President of the event. In another event, in connection with the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Assam Rifles honoured the unparalleled bravery and supreme sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces during the 1999 Kargil War with a series of events in Manipuras Chandel District. The observance featured a flag march led by students, resonating with the spirit of unity and national pride. Assam Rifles also organised the screening of a compelling documentary on the Kargil conflict, which vividly depicted the courage and determination of the soldiers who fought valiantly. In Tripura, as part of the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations, Assam Rifles organised a special screening of a documentary on Kargil war at a government High School in Sepahijala district. The screening aimed to educate the younger generation about the Kargil War and the unparalleled valour and sacrifice of Indian soldiers and to instill a deep sense of patriotism, pride and respect for the armed forces. This initiative by Assam Rifles is part of a larger outreach to connect with local communities and inspire the youth through the stories of courage, dedication, and resilience of the Indian Armed Forces. The Chief Ministers of the northeastern states have expressed their best wishes to the members of the Armed forces for the heroic victory of the Kargil War of 1999. --IANS sc/pgh Vijaywada/Raipur, July 26 : In a significant development in India's on-going counter-insurgency efforts, a senior Maoist couple active in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region surrendered before Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta in Vijayawada on Saturday. Vijaywada/Raipur, July 26 (IANS) In a significant development in Indiaas on-going counter-insurgency efforts, a senior Maoist couple active in Chhattisgarhas Bastar region surrendered before Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta in Vijayawada on Saturday. The surrender marks a major symbolic and operational gain for security forces battling Left-Wing Extremism across the Red Corridor. The surrendered cadres have been identified as Jorige Nagaraju a.k.a. Kamlesh and his wife Medaka Jyotiswari alias Aruna. Nagaraju, a native of Poranki village in Krishna district, had served in the banned CPI (Maoist) for over 34 years. He held the post of Special Zonal Committee Member (SZCM) in the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee and was in charge of the East Bastar Divisional Committee. His wife Aruna, originally from Kappaladoddi village, had been active in the movement for three decades and served as a Divisional Committee Member (DVCM). Authorities had declared a reward of Rs 25 lakh on Nagaraju in Chhattisgarh and a20 lakh in Andhra Pradesh, while Aruna carried a bounty of Rs 5 lakh. The couple cited ideological disillusionment, lack of public support, and internal discontent within the Maoist ranks as reasons for their decision to surrender. They were provided Rs 20,000 each as immediate relief under the state's rehabilitation policy. While addressing the media, DGP Gupta said that the surrender was part of a broader trend of Maoist cadres abandoning armed struggle in favor of reintegration. He emphasised the importance of such surrenders in weakening the insurgencyas leadership structure. Meanwhile, in a parallel operation, Andhra Pradesh police unearthed three Maoist arms dumps in the forests of Alluri Sitaramaraju (ASR) district between July 23 and 25. Acting on specific intelligence, teams recovered a cache of 18 weapons, including one AK-47, two BGLs, five SLRs, two INSAS rifles, and five .303 rifles. The haul also included 606 live rounds, 16 BGL shells, 37 kg of Cardex wire, detonators, walkie-talkies, and other tactical equipment. Senior officials from the law and order, intelligence, and operations wings participated in the press briefing, underscoring the coordinated nature of the anti-Maoist campaign. The twin developments signal a tightening security grip across Maoist-affected zones in central and eastern India. July 26 : Director: Gopi Puthran and Manan Rawat Cast: Vaani Kapoor, Vaibhav Raj Gupta, Surveen Chawla. Shriya Pilgaonkar Episode 8 Platform Netflix Rating 3 Mandala Murders begins like any other whodunit: a train ride, a mysterious man with a camera, and a body turning up without a torso. But the moment you settle in expecting a conventional investigative thriller, the show throws you deep into a dense labyrinth of political intrigue, spiritual fanaticism, and secret societies. Think Sacred Games meets Asur with a splash of True Detective if that sounds overwhelming, thats because it often is. Based on Mahendra Jakhars book The Butcher of Benares, this Netflix original plunges headfirst into the eerie and secretive world of Charandaspur a town that feels both familiar and cursed. The story centers on CIB officer Rea Thomas (Vaani Kapoor), whos investigating a series of grotesque murders beginning with a man found butchered and floating in a river. The deeper Rea digs, the more sinister the puzzle becomes, uncovering ties to a cult known as the Ayastians, local gangsters, political puppeteers, and unresolved traumas of her own. Vaani Kapoor shoulders the show with surprising grit. While not pitch-perfect in every frame, she commands the screen during key sequences particularly a gripping bridge fight and a high-stakes rescue involving a kidnapped child. Vaibhav Raj Gupta, as Vikram, brings an everyman quality that grounds the chaos, though he occasionally wobbles emotionally. Surveen Chawla stands out with a performance that simmers with quiet intensity, while Shriya Pilgaonkar lights up her limited screen time in a cameo that leaves an impact. Directors Gopi Puthran and Manan Rawat orchestrate Mandala Murders with impressive ambition. The show is gorgeously mounted Shaz Mohammeds cinematography crafts an atmospheric Charandaspur full of smoky alleys and cold-blooded secrets. The world-building is immersive, the score by Sanchit and Ankit Balhara is haunting, and the action, while sparing, is efficiently executed. The show leans heavily into mood and tone, and that works at least for a while. But while the ambition is laudable, the narrative often gets tangled in its own threads. Characters are introduced at breakneck speed, some with cryptic motivations and others with names youll struggle to remember two scenes later. If you dont binge-watch it, good luck remembering who Birju is, or how Vyankat Pandey connects to the cult storyline. With so many players and subplots, the show starts to feel less like a mystery and more like homework requiring spreadsheets and string maps to keep up. Then there are the logic gaps that occasionally break the spell. A series of murders brutal, symbolic, and utterly grotesque somehow dont make national headlines or provoke a real-world police frenzy. The killer, often dressed like a Walking Dead extra, slips in and out of town unnoticed. The fact that CCTV footage becomes a revelation only in the final episode is just baffling. And dont even get started on the conveniently sidelined characters who reappear just in time for dramatic payoffs. Still, for all its clutter, Mandala Murders remains a compelling binge. The cult subplot involving the Ayastians is genuinely creepy their ideology, rituals, and ultimate motive make for one of the most disturbing plotlines Indian streaming has dared to touch. Its a twisted reflection of modern fanaticism wrapped in spiritual dread. The finale (thankfully) ties many loose threads together, offering a mix of closure and ominous possibility for a second season. Patna, July 26 : LJP (Ram Vilas) chief and Union Minister Chirag Paswan has stirred a political storm within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) camp in Bihar by openly expressing regret over supporting the Nitish Kumar-led government, citing its failure to control rising crime. His remarks have triggered sharp reactions from alliance partners, while the BJP has chosen to remain silent. Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader and Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi responded swiftly, branding Chirag Paswan as "politically immature". "Chirag's politics is still in its infancy. His father, Ram Vilas Paswan, had a towering political stature. Chirag lacks experience and is speaking without full knowledge," Manjhi said. He further countered Chirag Paswan's claims on law and order, asserting that the current situation is far better than pre-2005 Bihar. "At that time, criminals could walk into the CM's residence with impunity. Negotiations over kidnapping were taking place from the CM residence before 2005. Today, there is accountability. No one can enter 1 Anne Marg, the residence of the Chief Minister now," Manjhi added. Recalling the 2020 Assembly elections, Jitan Ram Manjhi reminded that Chirag Paswan had then tried to damage the NDA from within. "If he has grievances, he should raise them in NDA meetings, not in front of the media," Manjhi said. Earlier in the day, Chirag Paswan, while speaking to the media in Patna, said: "I feel sad that I am supporting such a government in Bihar which is failing to curb crime." This direct criticism of the state administration, especially Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has led to deep unease within the ruling coalition, just months ahead of the crucial Assembly elections. Janata Dal-United (JD-U), the party leading the state government, has expressed serious displeasure over Chirag's statements, though indirectly. JD-U's chief spokesperson and MLC Neeraj Kumar said: "If someone's soul is suffering and restless, they are free to go wherever they find peace. But crossing the line will not be tolerated." He criticised Chirag Paswan for questioning the Bihar Police while still availing of its protection. "You take security from the Bihar Police and then raise questions on its credibility? That won't work," he said, adding: "Is Chirag speaking the language of Tejashwi Yadav now? Is he challenging the Home Ministry and the NCRB?" Interestingly, the BJP, the largest NDA partner in Bihar, has not commented on the controversy so far. This isn't the first time Chirag Paswan has taken aim at Nitish Kumar. His 2020 strategy of "Bihar First, Bihari First" and running candidates against JD-U had strained ties with the alliance, though he later rejoined the NDA. New Delhi, July 26 : Calling Bima Sakhi Yojana a powerful example of social security and women empowerment, Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday said it is expected to create 2 crore Lakhpati Didis in India. The 'Bima Sakhi Yojana' of Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) was launched in December 2024 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in line with the government's commitment to empower women and boost their financial inclusion. "The 'Bima Sakhi Yojana' is a strong platform for women's entrepreneurship and financial independence. It reflects our commitment to realising the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' set forth by Prime Minister Modi," Chouhan said. He emphasised that the scheme aims to economically empower rural women. By becoming 'Bima Sakhis', women are gaining new opportunities for entrepreneurship and income, thus supporting the goals of SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and the Lakhpati Didi Mission. "By August 15, the number of Lakhpati Didis in the country would reach 2 crore (20 million) across India," Chouhan said. 'Lakhpati Didi' refers to a woman member of a Self-Help Group (SHG) who earns an income of Rs 1 lakh or more per year. Chouhan also said that the Ministry of Rural Development has entered into an important partnership with LIC to realise the government's 'Insurance for All by 2047' mission. Under the financial inclusion initiative of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission, trained women from SHGs across the country will be appointed as 'Bima Sakhis' at the Gram Panchayat level. "We have accomplished the historic launch of the 'Bima Sakhi Yojana' under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This scheme is not only a major step towards women's empowerment but also towards providing economic security to rural and semi-urban India. The central government is committed to making every woman in the country self-reliant and economically strong." Within this inclusive insurance ecosystem, Bima Sakhis are not only expanding access to insurance schemes but are also delivering trust-based services to the last mile. The Minister further mentioned that this initiative aligns with key government priorities and reinforces schemes such as Jan-Dhan Se Jan Suraksha, Digital India, and women's skill development. Contributing to disaster protection as well, this scheme will act as a financial shield for rural families in disaster-affected areas. "Bima Sakhis are not just insurance agents but pioneers of social change. They are carrying the torch of financial security to every village, as a result of which villages are becoming economically stronger and women more self-reliant," Chouhan stated. He urged all states and partner organisations to join this people's movement and help take the 'Bima Sakhi Yojana' to every village and every household. Bengaluru, July 26 : In a first-of-its-kind international transfer, four elephants from Bannerghatta Biological Park have been successfully relocated to Japan, where they have begun a new chapter of their lives. Bannerghatta Biological Park authorities also shared videos showing the elephants being moved in trucks, resting, and eating at their new enclosures in Japan. Four pachyderms - Suresh (8), Gauri (9), Shruti (7), and Tulsi (5) - were airlifted from Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru to Kansai International Airport in Osaka on July 24, aboard a Qatar Airways B777-200F cargo aircraft. After a journey lasting over eight hours, they arrived safely in Japan on Friday. From there, they were transported in specially designed cages by road to Himeji Central Park, their new home. A team from Bannerghatta Biological Park accompanied the elephants throughout the journey to ensure their comfort and safety. Now settled in Japan, the elephants have started exploring their new surroundings freely in the spacious natural enclosures of Himeji Central Park, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. In preparation for the relocation, the elephants underwent three months of specialised training. A dedicated team, comprising two veterinary officers, four mahouts, a supervisor, and a biologist, accompanied them and will remain in Japan for 15 days to help the elephants adapt to their new environment. The park is expected to soon welcome rare species such as cheetahs, jaguars, pumas, chimpanzees, and capuchin monkeys, in exchange for elephants from Japan, offering wildlife enthusiasts the opportunity to witness exotic animals in enriched habitats. This exchange, in the planning stages since 2023, was made possible through collaboration between the Central Zoo Authority, the Embassies of Japan and India, and various other departments. Bannerghatta Biological Park is a designated section carved out of Bannerghatta National Park (BNP) in 2002. Located near Bengaluru city, within the hills of the Anekal range in Karnataka, Bannerghatta National Park spans across two districts: Bengaluru Urban and Bengaluru South. It was declared a National Park in 1974. The park is part of an important wildlife corridor for elephants, connecting the BR Hills and the Sathyamangalam forests. It is contiguous with the Talli Reserve Forest in the southeast and the Bilikal Forest in the south. Bannerghatta Biological Park is also notable for being the first biological park in India to establish a fenced, forested elephant sanctuary. In 2006, it became home to Indiaas first butterfly enclosure. New Delhi, July 26 : Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday announced that an elevated corridor would soon be built over north Delhi's Munak Canal to reduce traffic congestion in the area, along with the development of a riverfront along the water channel. New Delhi, July 26 (IANS) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday announced that an elevated corridor would soon be built over north Delhias Munak Canal to reduce traffic congestion in the area, along with the development of a riverfront along the water channel. After inaugurating a series of public utilities in her Shalimar Bagh Assembly Constituency, CM Gupta said the upcoming elevated road over the Munak Canal will connect Inderlok Metro Station to the Delhi border and improve connectivity between the Outer and Inner Ring Roads. She said the project would include roads on both sides of the canal and an elevated corridor above, turning the area into one of Delhias most attractive localities. The Chief Minister earlier inaugurated new sewer lines in the TP, VP, LP and HD blocks of Pitampura, built at a cost of Rs 60 lakh. She also opened a newly constructed road between SP-1 and SP-65, developed with a budget of Rs 11 lakh. CM Gupta informed that tenders worth Rs 91 lakh for connecting other lanes in the SP and TP blocks are already in process. She emphasised that these works are being carried out in a planned way to ensure long-term benefits for residents. She also launched the Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) pipeline project worth Rs 54 lakh in VP and FP blocks, as well as new RMC roads in JP and KP blocks costing Rs 35 lakh. A specially designed play zone for children in JP Block, developed for Rs 6 lakh, was also opened. In addition, RMC roads worth Rs 1.35 crore are being built in JP, KP, MP and LP blocks, while a high-mast light has been installed in JD Block at a cost of Rs 2 lakh. CM Rekha Gupta also announced the opening of 15 new aArogya Mandirsa to provide better primary healthcare in the constituency. She added that the long-abandoned building near Max Hospital will soon be converted into a modern super-speciality hospital. New water and sewer pipelines are also being laid in all blocks to address basic infrastructure needs before road construction begins. During the visit, the Chief Minister also inspected the road-widening project from Prembari Bridge to Singalpur village and directed officials to complete it quickly. She also laid the foundation stone for a new U-turn at NSP-Madhuban Chowk on Lala Jagat Narayan Marg, which will be built at a cost of Rs 40 lakh. After a dozen years of a steady climb, there has been a sharp drop in peoples ability to make ends meet and save for emergencies. The decrease is substantial, according to the FINRA Investor Education Foundations new National Financial Capability Study. We're seeing a 10 percentage point decrease in the proportion of adults saying that they find it easy to cover their expenses, to pay their bills, from our last survey data published three years ago, Olivia Valdes, FINRAs senior researcher, told Yahoo Finance. More Americans report spending more than their income, and only a quarter report being satisfied with their current personal financial condition, down from about a third previously. A growing number of folks are also feeling anxious about their finances, Valdes said. Its similar when we talk about spending versus saving. More than ever, adults in our data are outspending their income, she said. According to the data, 26 million more people are struggling to make ends meet than three years ago, and that's across all income bands. Not surprisingly, only 46% of adults have set aside enough money to cover three months worth of living expenses in case of an emergency, down from 53%. Rise in credit card debt is a factor The number of people who always pay their credit cards in full each month (53%) has slipped by six percentage points, ending the steady increase seen over the previous 15 years. Credit card debt has jumped to nearly 4 in 10 users, from 33% three years ago. Troubling, too, is that nearly half of credit card holders engage in at least one behavior likely to generate hefty interest or fees, such as paying the minimum due, paying late fees, paying over-the-limit fees, or using the card for cash advances. The drivers rising food and housing costs. Read more: The best ways to pay off credit card debt Brimming with confidence Equally eye-opening from the study is the share of Americans who are bright-eyed about their future finances. Seven in 10 Americans said, "I'm confident that I can meet my financial goals." Delusional? It looks that way when you dig deeper. Nearly 6 in 10 adults have never calculated how much money they need to save for retirement, according to the data. Many Americans may not be planning for retirement for several reasons younger adults might view retirement as too distant to focus on immediately, Valdes said. Only 30% of people ages 18-34 have calculated their retirement needs, compared to 48% of those 55 and older. There are also sharp differences by household income. Only a fraction 17% of those with incomes under $25,000 have tried to plan for retirement, compared to nearly 6 in 10 of those earning $75,000 or more. Tehran, July 26 : As many as five people were killed and 13 others injured after armed terrorists stormed a courthouse in Iran's Zahedan on Saturday. Several armed assailants from the terrorist group Jaish al-Zolm stormed the Sistan and Balouchestan provincial courthouse on Azadi Street in Zahedan early Saturday, Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported. The attackers opened fire inside the courthouse. According to unofficial reports, five people were killed while 13 others were injured in the attack. The terrorist group Jaish al-Zolm claimed responsibility for the attack. People were injured and properties were damaged as the gunmen also fired indiscriminately at civilians in the area, as per the local sources. Medical teams from Emergency Unit 115 and Khatam al-Anbiya Hospital treated the injured people. The three attackers were killed by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) during an operation to confront terrorists and restore security and control in the area. Zahedan University of Medical Sciences head Mohammad Hassan Mohammadi said emergency services took the wounded people for immediate treatment. Specialist teams are also carrying out diagnostic and surgical procedures. Some visitors and staff were evacuated with the assistance of law enforcement while security and police personnel were present around the courthouse. Official figures regarding the number of casualties will be announced later as authorities continue to carry out probe into the attack. At the same time, officials have asked people to avoid the area, refrain from filming or sharing unverified information, and rely only on credible sources for updates. Earlier in April, Iranian security forces killed a senior Jaish al-Zolm commander involved in last yearas terrorist attacks in Sistan and Balouchestan province. The operation took place in the Korin district of Zahedan, Sistan and Balouchestan province on April 18. The fighters from the Quds Headquarters with support from the General Directorate of Intelligence, the Law Enforcement Command (FARAJA), local residents, and regional elders carried out the operation. Several local outlaws were detained during the raid. Vali Mohammad Shahbakhsh, a senior field commander of Jaish al-Zolm who played a key role in terrorist attacks last year was killed. Several weapons and ammunition were seized by forces during the operation. One Basij volunteer fighter, Esahaq Mokhtari, a member of the Quds Headquartersa security unit, was killed during the operation. Dhaka, July 26 : Three more people have died due to dengue in Bangladesh in the past 24 hours, taking the death toll from the mosquito-borne disease in 2025 to 73, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) detailed on Saturday. The latest fatalities from dengue were reported in areas under the Chattogram Division (outside City Corporation) and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). During the 24-hour period, 331 new dengue patients were hospitalized in Bangladesh, raising the total number of cases in 2025 to 19,120, Bangladesh-based United News of Bangladesh (UNB) reported. A total of 132 cases have been recorded in Barishal Division (outside City Corporation), 73 in Dhaka Division (outside City Corporation), 47 in Dhaka South City Corporation, 30 in Chattogram Division (outside City Corporation), 28 in Dhaka North City Corporation, 18 in Khulna Division (outside City Corporation), 3 in Mymensingh (outside City Corporation). In 2025, dengue claimed the lives of 575 people in Bangladesh. The total number of dengue cases reached 101,214 while 100,040 patients recovered, according to DGHS data. Earlier on July 9, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Abu Jafor said the nature of dengue has changed, making it more challenging to conduct treatment of patients. While addressing a meeting at the DGHS conference room in Mohakhali, he said, "The current strain of dengue is no longer manageable the way it used to be. Many patients are quickly becoming critically ill." Jafor stated, "aMore patients are now coming with severe symptoms that require close monitoring and intensive care. In this context, portable ultrasound and bedside hematocrit machines are crucial for quick diagnosis and effective treatment decisions." He noted that these tools help to carry out clinical procedures faster and reduce complications by enabling faster diagnosis. He advised people to remain vigilant and seek medical attention without delay in the case of fever. During the event, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Bangladesh office provided essential medical equipment to support dengue management efforts in Bangladesh. WHO Bangladesh handed over 1,600 units of dengue management-related medical supplies, 21 bedside hematocrit machines and eight portable ultrasound machines to the DGHS. WHO representatives reiterated their commitment to supporting Bangladesh in its fight against dengue. Imphal, July 26 : In a significant development, the security forces in joint operation have recovered 90 arms and around 728 different types of ammunition in restive Manipur, an official said on Saturday. The recovery of arms on Saturday is another major breakthrough of the security forces within one and a half months. A senior police official said that in the early hours of Saturday, on the basis of specific Intelligence reports regarding the presence of a large cache of arms and ammunition stashed in different areas of five Imphal valley districts, simultaneous search operations were launched at different locations. He said that joint teams of Manipur Police, Army, Assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) recovered a large cache of arms and a huge number of ammunition and war-like stores from the five Imphal Valley districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching. Of the 90 arms recovered, five are INSAS rifles, four are Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs), followed by three AK series rifles, seven 303 rifles, 20 pistols, four carbines, eight rifles, 20 SBBL and Bore Action rifles, three anti-riot guns, and remaining different types of weapons. The recovered ammunition includes 21 grenades, explosives, mortar shells, tube launching, and Improvised Explosive Devices. Forty-one assorted magazines and six wireless handsets were also recovered during the operations. According to the police official, 21 assorted magazines and 24 wireless handsets were also recovered along with the arms and ammunition. A police statement said that these continued intelligence-led operations represent a major accomplishment for the Manipur Police and the security forces in their continued mission to restore peace, uphold public order, and safeguard the lives and property of citizens. "The Manipur Police reaffirms its commitment to fostering a peaceful and secure Manipur. The public is urged to cooperate with the Police and Security Forces and to promptly report any suspicious activity or information related to illegal arms to the nearest police station or the Central Control Room," it said. According to the statement, senior police officials remain in close coordination with all security stakeholders to ensure that such operations continue in a sustained and focused manner, aimed at restoring normalcy, maintaining public order, and safeguarding the lives and property of all citizens. Saturday's arms recovery is the fourth major success of the security forces within one and a half months. On July 15, the security forces in joint operation recovered 86 arms and around 974 different types of ammunition from Manipur's five Imphal valley districts -- Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching. On July 4, the security forces in joint operations recovered 203 arms, mostly sophisticated and around 160 different types of ammunition from four hill districts -- Tengnoupal, Kangpokpi, Chandel, and Churachandpur. Earlier on June 14, security forces in joint operations recovered 328 arms and around 9,300 different types of ammunition from five Imphal Valley districts -- Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching. New Delhi, July 26 : Vaccines prevented more than 2.5 million deaths from SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind Covid-19 infections, worldwide, according to a study. The study, led by researchers from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Italy, showed that one Covid death was avoided for every 5,400 doses of vaccine administered. Some 82 per cent of the lives saved by vaccines involved people vaccinated before encountering the virus, 57 per cent during the Omicron period, and 90 per cent involved people aged 60 years and older. In all, vaccines have saved 14.8 million years of life (one year of life saved for 900 doses of vaccine administered), revealed the findings, published in the journal Jama Health Forum. "Before ours, several studies tried to estimate lives saved by vaccines with different models and in different periods or parts of the world, but this one is the most comprehensive because it is based on worldwide data, it also covers the omicron period, it also calculates the number of years of life that was saved, and it is based on fewer assumptions about the pandemic trend," said the researcher Dr. Angelo Maria Pezzullo, and Dr. Antonio Cristiano from the varsity. For the study, the experts studied worldwide population data, applying a series of statistical methods to figure out who among the people who became ill with Covid did so either before or after getting vaccinated, before or after the Omicron period, and how many of them died (and at what age). "We compared this data with the estimated data modeled in the absence of Covid vaccination and were then able to calculate the numbers of people who were saved by Covid vaccines and the years of life gained as a result of them," Dr. Pezzullo explained. It also turned out that most of the saved years of life (76 per cent) involved people over 60 years of age, but residents in long-term care facilities contributed only 2 per cent of the total number. Children and adolescents (0.01 per cent of lives saved and 0.1 per cent of life years saved) and young adults aged 20a"29 (0.07 per cent of lives saved and 0.3 per cent of life years saved) contributed very little to the total benefit, the researchers said. Kolkata, July 26 : Trinamool Congress' student wing, Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), on Saturday criticised the University of Calcutta's decision to hold under-graduate exams on July 28, the day the students celebrate its foundation day. Kolkata, July 26 (IANS) Trinamool Congressa student wing, Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), on Saturday criticised the University of Calcutta's decision to hold under-graduate exams on July 28, the day the students celebrate its foundation day. However, the Trinamool Congress leadership had blamed the Union government over the development despite the fact that the University of Calcutta is a state-run varsity with the Union government having no role to play in its daily administrative affairs. In a social media post, TMCP state president Trinankur Bhattacharjee alleged that a conspiracy was hatched to stop the students' outside to hold its foundation day programme at the behest of the central government. West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee will address her party's student leaders on that day from the foundation day programme at Mayo Road. "A deep conspiracy has been hatched to stop today's student and youth society who are inspired by the ideals of Mamata Banerjee and believe in the leadership of Abhishek Banerjee," Bhattacharya wrote. "On August 28, the foundation day of the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad, Calcutta University, has suddenly announced the exam schedule for B.Com Semester 4 and B.A.LLB Semester 4 and the time has been given exactly from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. a" this is not an ordinary academic decision. This makes it clear that it is a political ploy to obstruct the democratic rights of students and act at the behest of Delhi," he said. The students' body of the stateas ruling party also wrote a letter to Calcutta University's interim vice-chancellor expressing a strong objection to the university's decision to hold the exam. "We seek a fair and immediate intervention from your end to ensure that the examination date is rescheduled so that students are not forced to compromise on either front. Hoping for a prompt and just response," read the letter. The TMCP state president further said that this decision was putting not only the students who support the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad, but also all ordinary students in extreme difficulty, as they would find it difficult to commute that day due to large gatherings. He claimed that Calcutta University's interim vice chancellor had taken this to serve her political interests and hence the development was extremely unfortunate, anti-democratic, and condemnable." Interim vice-chancellor of the University of Calcutta, Shanta Dutta, however, dismissed the TMCP's allegation and said examination dates were announced in advance. "The university does not hold exams only on public holidays. It is not possible to hold exams keeping in mind the dates of every political event. Therefore, this allegation is completely baseless," the vice-chancellor said. Students' Federation of India (SFI), the studentsa wing of CPI-M, meanwhile, slammed the TMCP for maintaining double standard when it came to organise political programmes. "Trinamool Congress held its Martyrs' Day rally on a Monday. Several schools had to cancel exams and declare a holiday. Did TMCP raise its voice against its party's decision? They are behaving as if colleges and universities are their personal property and their leaders will decide when to conduct exams. This high-handedness of TMCP must stop. This is nothing but their double standard," said SFI's state president in West Bengal, Debanjan Dey. Bengaluru, July 26 : The decision by Pakistan and Bangladesh to allow visa-free entry for those holding diplomatic and official passports is a worrying sign for India. This decision by the two countries is a result of the immense push that the ISI made to see this deal through. A visa-free entry for officials with diplomatic and official passports would mean free entry without any major scrutiny. There would be less oversight, and this perfectly works for the ISI since it can send in its officials to Bangladesh without any scrutiny. Since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, the ISI has made Bangladesh its playground. Pakistan has been sending in Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Tayiba cadres to train terror operatives in Bangladesh. The ISIas long-term plan is to bleed India on two fronts. While India faces terror from Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC), the ISI wants to create a similar issue along the Indo-Bangladesh border. After Muhammad Yunus took over as the interim chief of the caretaker government, there has been a massive policy shift. The country has given a free pass to the ISI and Pakistan Army, while also leaning more towards China and Turkey. Since Yunus took over, he has not only eased visa norms for the Pakistanis, but also opened up the sea route. This changed scenario is beneficial for Pakistan as it can move its operatives with very little or no scrutiny. Intelligence agencies and officials say that these decisions were taken following the insistence of the ISI and the Pakistan Army. Both are known to have used their serving officers to train terrorists in various camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Take the example of Sajid Mir. When the Mumbai 26/11 attacks, Sajid Mir, then a serving ISI officer, was the handler. Pakistan had also used its officials in the navy and army to train the ten terrorists who struck at Mumbai. While these activities took place in Pakistan, where these officials did not need documentation to travel, the case relating to Bangladesh is different. The latest decision to allow visa-free travel for those holding diplomatic and official passports gives the ISI and army easy access to Bangladesh. For these officials, travel to Bangladesh would be similar to travelling within their own country. The new decision was made during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Bangladeshi counterpart, Lieutenant General (retired) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, in Dhaka. However, in the run-up to this decision, the ISI and DGFI had worked up a plan, which led to the signing of this deal. Before this decision, the ISI had sent four top members to Dhaka. The ISI team that visited Dhaka was headed by Director General of Analysis Major General Shahid Amir Afsar. He, along with his officials, pushed the Bangladesh administration to ease visa norms, so that their officials could visit the country without much scrutiny. Yunus, on the other hand, was not left with much choice, since all the decisions in Dhaka are made by the Jamaat-e-Islami, which is a puppet of Pakistan. Yunus is in power courtesy of studentsa protests against Hasina, in which the Islamic Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of the Jamaat, took the lead. Hence, he has no option but to listen to the Jamaat, which is a banned terror organisation in India. During their January visit, the ISI delegation travelled across Bangladesh and even held a meeting with the three service chiefs. The issue relating to easing of visa norms was also taken up in April at a meeting of the DGFI and an ISI official that was held in Spain. Both the DGFI and ISI have been in cahoots since the 1971 war. It was after that war that the two agencies decided to undertake a massive illegal immigration infiltration drive to change the demographics in India and also create communal trouble. However, this relationship had been muted for long owing to the various democratically elected leaders who ruled Bangladesh. Many leaders had decided to keep Pakistan at an armas length, and it was most successful under Sheikh Hasina. However, with her ouster, all those dynamics have changed, and Pakistan wants to create a pre-1971 Bangladesh. India is watching closely as these decisions directly affect security along the eastern and northeastern border, which have for long been targets of terror groups from Bangladesh. Male, July 26 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Independence Day celebrations of Maldives as the 'Guest of Honour' at Republic Square in Male on Saturday. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed also present. Male, July 26 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Independence Day celebrations of Maldives as the aGuest of Honoura at Republic Square in Male on Saturday. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed also present. A ceremonial gun salute and the playing of the national anthem marked the Maldives Independence Day celebrations. Children performed dance at the Independence Day celebrations in Male. Earlier in the day, PM Modi held a meeting with members of several political parties of the Maldives. He noted that the participation of leaders across the political spectrum emphasises the bipartisan support for the "strong and time-tested friendship" between the two nations. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and other officials were also present during the meeting. "Had a meaningful meeting with members of different political parties of the Maldives. The participation of leaders across the political spectrum underscores the bipartisan support for the strong and time-tested India-Maldives friendship. Our shared values continue to guide this important partnership," PM Modi posted on X. PM Modi held a meeting with Maldives' former President Mohamed Nasheed and assured him of New Delhi's support for Male through capacity building and developmental cooperation. He stated that Nasheed has always been a strong advocate of "deeper friendship" between India and the Maldives. In a post shared on X, PM Modi stated, "Met the former President of Maldives, Mr. Mohamed Nasheed. He has always been a strong advocate of a deeper India-Maldives friendship. Spoke about how the Maldives will always be a valued pillar of our aNeighbourhood Firsta policy and Mahasagar vision. India will keep supporting the Maldives through capacity building and developmental cooperation." PM Modi also met People's Majlis Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla and expressed India's commitment to supporting capacity building in the Maldives. PM Modi termed the formation of the India-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group in the 20th Majlis a "welcome step" for bilateral ties. "Met Mr. Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Speaker of the Peopleas Majlis. Talked about the deep-rooted India-Maldives friendship, including the close relationship between our respective Parliaments. The formation of the India-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group in the 20th Majlis is a welcome step for bilateral ties. India remains committed to supporting capacity building in the Maldives," PM Modi posted on X. PM Modi held a meeting with the Maldives Vice President, Mohamed Latheef, on Saturday. During the meeting, the two leaders spoke about key pillars of the India-Maldives friendship. Following the meeting, PM Modi, in a post on X, wrote, "Our discussion touched upon key pillars of the India-Maldives friendship. Our nations continue to work closely in sectors like infrastructure, technology, climate change, energy and more. This is greatly beneficial to our people. We look forward to deepening this partnership in the years to come." PM Modi arrived in the Maldives on Friday for a two-day state visit after concluding his visit to the UK. This is Prime Minister Modi's third visit to the Maldives - he had visited the Maldives in 2018 and 2019, earlier - and the first by a Head of State or Government to the Maldives during the Presidency of Mohamed Muizzu, which began in November 2023. During PM Modi's visit to Male at the invitation of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, several agreements across diverse sectors were signed on Friday. PM Modi and President Muizzu also jointly released commemorative stamps to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and the Maldives. The two leaders also virtually inaugurated a roads and drainage system project in Addu city and six High Impact Community Development Projects in other cities. Prime Minister Modi handed over 3,300 social housing units and 72 vehicles to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and Immigration authorities. During the banquet hosted in his honour by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in Male, PM Modi expressed his gratitude and reflected upon the celebration of six decades of deep friendship between India and Maldives. The Prime Minister said, "Last year, the President (Mohamed Muizzu) visited India on a State Visit. Now, I have received the opportunity to be the first State Guest of his tenure." Marking the significance of the occasion, he added, "Arriving here as the Guest of Honour on the 60th Independence Day of the Maldives is an honour for me. For this invitation, I express my gratitude to the President. On behalf of all the people of India, I extend heartfelt greetings to the people of the Maldives." Bangkok, July 26 : Thailand media reported on Saturday that the Thai army had sent letters to 26 countries through its military attaches abroad, briefing them on the situation along the Thailand-Cambodia border. The Thai army stated in the letter that the Cambodian army opened fire first and attacked Thai non-military targets, including civilians, communities, and hospitals, which violated Thailand's sovereignty and international humanitarian principles, according to a report by Thailand's military-run Channel 5. The Thai army also accused the Cambodian army of laying anti-personnel landmines in Thai territory, which constitutes a serious violation of the Ottawa Convention. The Thai army held a meeting with the Military Attache Corps in Thailand on Friday and briefed them on the Thailand-Cambodia border situation, Xinhua news agency reported. Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn on Friday conducted a briefing for members of the diplomatic corps and defense attaches in the kingdom to apprise them of developments regarding the Cambodian-Thai border situation. Clashes in the border areas between Cambodia and Thailand began on Thursday, with both sides accusing each other of violating international law. Clashes continued at several areas along the Thailand-Cambodia border, with Cambodian forces conducting sustained bombardment utilising heavy weapons, field artillery, and BM-21 rocket systems, said reports. Thai forces responded with appropriate supporting fire in accordance with the tactical situation and issued advisories to local civilians to avoid entering areas of clashes. Early on Friday, the sound of artillery fire was heard again near the border area, the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand reported, citing a local official in Surin province. According to the Deputy Spokesperson of the Thai Ministry of Public Health, 14 Thai people were killed and 46 others injured in military clashes near the Thailand-Cambodia border as of 9:00 p.m. local time on Thursday. Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey deputy governor, Met Meas Pheakdey, told Xinhua over the telephone that one villager was killed and five others were wounded on Thursday when the Thai side fired artillery shells into Cambodian territory. New Delhi, July 26 : In a breakthrough, the Inter-State Cell of the Delhi Police Crime Branch has arrested a 70-year-old parole jumper, Hamidullah Bundu Khan, convicted of poisoning his three minor daughters in a chilling double murder case dating back to 1999. Hamidullah, who had been sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for the murder of his two younger daughters and an attempt to murder the eldest, was apprehended on July 25 after evading arrest for four years. He had absconded after being granted parole, never returning to prison. The arrest was made under the close supervision of ACP Ramesh Chandra Lamba and the leadership of Inspector Satender Poonia. The operation was executed by a team including Inspector Sohan Lal Bijarniya, Sub Inspector Mukesh, ASI Vinay, and Constable Amit, following weeks of technical surveillance, manual tracking, and secret informant inputs. The horrifying crime occurred on the night of July 29, 1999, in Delhias Old Mustafabad area. After the death of his wife, Hamidullah was living alone with his three daughters, while two older daughters were married. That night, he gave each of the girls capsules, claiming it was for stomach pain. The eldest daughter grew suspicious and faked swallowing the pill. Minutes later, her younger sisters began frothing and gasping for air. She ran for help, but both girls were declared dead at the hospital. Hamidullah had fled the scene but was arrested the next day. Convicted under Sections 302, 307, and 328 of the IPC, Hamidullah was serving his sentence when he vanished during parole. He had since been hiding in Loni, Ghaziabad, frequently changing locations to evade arrest. The Crime Branchas persistence finally led to his capture, ensuring justice catches up, no matter how long it takes. Male, July 26 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday emplaned for India after concluding a two-day State Visit to Maldives, his third to the Indian Ocean country and the first by a Head of State or Government to the Maldives during the Presidency of Mohamed Muizzu, which began in November 2023. On Saturday, PM Modi attended the Independence Day celebrations of Maldives as a 'Guest of Honour' at the Republic Square in Male. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed were also present. "It was an honour to attend the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives. This momentous occasion showcased the rich cultural heritage and vibrant spirit of the Maldivian people. It also signified the countryas journey of transformation over the years gone by. From its ancient maritime traditions to global leadership in critical areas like climate change, the Maldives has carved a unique place for itself on the world stage. My best wishes to the great Maldivian people," PM Modi posted on X. During PM Modi's visit to Male at the invitation of President Muizzu, several agreements across diverse sectors were signed on Friday, which reaffirmed the bilateral partnership between India and Maldives, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. PM Modi and President Muizzu also jointly released commemorative stamps to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and the Maldives. PM Modi held wide ranging talks with Maldives President Muizzu at the Presidentas Office in Male as both leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of India-Maldives relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties. "They discussed cooperation in the fields of development partnership, capacity building, health, infrastructure, digital economy, aquaculture, climate change and renewable energy. The two leaders called for closer collaboration to enhance peace, progress and prosperity of the Indian Ocean region," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X after the bilateral discussions. PM Modi also attended the banquet hosted by President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed on Saturday. On Saturday, PM Modi interacted with beneficiaries of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme in Maldives and stated that the ITEC initiative focusses on capacity building. PM Modi also interacted with the Indian community in the Maldives. He expressed appreciation for their contribution to progress of Maldives while remaining connected to their roots in India. "Interacted with the Indian community in the Maldives. It is commendable how they are contributing to Maldivesa progress and at the same time remain connected to their roots in India," PM Modi posted on X. While sharing glimpses of his interaction with members of Indian community on X, PM Modi wrote, "The Indian diaspora continues to be one of the strongest bridges between India and the world. We are very proud of our diaspora." Earlier in the day, PM Modi held a meeting with members of several political parties of the Maldives. He noted that the participation of leaders across the political spectrum emphasises the bipartisan support for the "strong and time-tested friendship" between the two nations. "Had a meaningful meeting with members of different political parties of the Maldives. The participation of leaders across the political spectrum underscores the bipartisan support for the strong and time-tested India-Maldives friendship. Our shared values continue to guide this important partnership," PM Modi posted on X. int/akl/as Daniel Slim / AFP via Getty Images American Airlines won't use AI to set prices. American Airlines wants you to know they aren't using AI in ways they say amount to "tricking" customers who are searching for tickets. CEO Robert Isom on a conference call Thursday said American Airlines Group (AAL) will use artificial intelligence to operate more efficiently and showcase amenities to customers. But "some of the things I've heard are just not good," he said in response to a question about using AI to help determine ticket pricing. Consumers need to know that they can trust American, okay? This is not about bait and switch. This is not about tricking, Isom said, according to a transcript made available by AlphaSense. Others that talk about using AI in that wayI don't think it's appropriate. Neither Isom nor the reporter who raised the question named Delta Air Lines (DAL), but the comparison seemed inescapable. Delta has said it would increasingly use AI to identify the highest prices it can charge without losing sales, according to President Glen Hauenstein, citing "amazingly favorable" results. The carrier plans to deploy technology offered by Israeli company Fetcherr on 20% of domestic flights by the end of the year, Hauenstein said this month. "There is no fare product Delta has ever used, is testing, or plans to use that targets customers with individualized offers based on personal information or otherwise.," Delta spokesman Andrew Post told Investopedia. "A variety of market forces drive the dynamic pricing model thats been used in the global industry for decades, with new tech simply streamlining this process." AI aside, the airlines are adopting similar strategies. American, like Delta, is prioritizing the higher income customers who tend to buy premium tickets amid sluggish main cabin sales. American plans to increase its premium capacity by 50% over the next five years and expand its international service, Isom said. Meanwhile, the carrier is reducing domestic capacity. American shares were recently down 8%, and have lost about one-third of their value so far this year. Read the original article on Investopedia New Delhi, July 26 : On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday led the city in remembering the courage, dedication, and supreme sacrifice of the nation's brave soldiers and paid tributes at the National War Memorial. New Delhi, July 26 (IANS) On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday led the city in remembering the courage, dedication, and supreme sacrifice of the nationas brave soldiers and paid tributes at the National War Memorial. The ruling BJP in Delhi also organised 140 events across all 14 organisational districts to commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas. These events included Tricolour processions, victory marches, lectures in educational institutions focusing on the Kargil victory, tribute ceremonies at martyr memorials, and felicitations for the families of martyrs. Earlier, CM Gupta remarked that Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26 stands as a proud testament to the Indian Armyas valour, strategic acumen, and unwavering spirit. Addressing a ceremony organised by the Senior Citizensa Welfare Committee, the Chief Minister said that the heroism displayed by the Kargil warriors in reclaiming the treacherous mountain peaks will remain forever engraved in the hearts of all Indians. The event witnessed a significant gathering of senior citizens, local residents, social organisations, and youth. CM Rekha Gupta paid grateful homage to the soldiers who, in 1999, demonstrated unparalleled bravery and patriotism by sacrificing their lives in defence of the motherland. She stated that their supreme sacrifice will forever remain etched in the nationas collective memory and continue to serve as an enduring source of inspiration. The Chief Minister also paid tribute through her official social media handle, stating that Kargil Vijay Diwas stands as a symbol of the Indian Armyas unparalleled bravery, discipline, and unwavering devotion to the nation. She emphasised that the battle was not merely about defending a stretch of land, but about safeguarding Indiaas honour, sovereignty, and collective resolve. Calling the Kargil victory a triumph of courage, restraint, dignity, and profound love for the motherland, she said the sacrifice of the martyrs continues to inspire the spirit of aNation Firsta. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva also paid homage to the valiant soldiers on Saturday at the National War Memorial located near India Gate. Also present were State Organisation General Secretary Pawan Rana; State General Secretary and Member of Parliament Yogendra Chandolia, along with MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat; State General Secretary Vishnu Mittal; and BJP Media Relations Head Vikram Mittal. Sachdeva said the Vijay Diwas is a day of valour, pride, and triumph for our armed forces a" a moment of pride for every Indian. He recalled that the Kargil war, fought under then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, saw the Indian Army decisively defeat Pakistan-supported terrorism. Sachdeva stated that the day is not just an event to commemorate but a moment for all Indians to feel pride and unity. He added that whether it is Operation Sindoor or surgical strikes carried out under Prime Minister Narendra Modias leadership, the nation remains resolute in its determination to eradicate terrorism. Doda, July 26 : Residents of the Bhaderwah block in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, are expressing immense gratitude towards the central government for the successful implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). The scheme, aimed at providing housing for the underprivileged, has transformed the lives of many families who previously lived without proper shelter. Locals from Bhaderwah shared their heartfelt appreciation, stating that the scheme has enabled many poor families to finally build their own homes. They also acknowledged the financial assistance provided under PMAY as a lifeline for those struggling to afford decent housing. Renu Devi, a PMAY-G beneficiary, shared her experience. "Earlier, we lived in a single room, and it was very difficult with the whole family. After receiving financial aid through this scheme, we could build a proper house. I received Rs 50,000 in the first instalment, Rs 70,000 in the second, and Rs 20,000 later. This support is very helpful for poor families. I want to thank the government and request that the support be increased to Rs 5-6 lakh. We want to give our children a better life. This scheme must continue." Another beneficiary, Ponam Devi, also expressed gratitude: "I want to thank the government for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. We received around Rs 1.5 lakh, with which we built two rooms. Today, we live a peaceful life. I am especially thankful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for launching such a beneficial scheme for the poor." The Ministry of Rural Development is implementing the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G) to fulfil the vision of 'Housing for All' in rural India. The scheme, effective from April 1, 2016, aims to assist 4.95 crore eligible rural households with basic housing and amenities by March 2029. As of February 2, 2025, a cumulative target of 3.79 crore houses has been allotted to various States and Union Territories. Out of these, 3.34 crore houses have been sanctioned, and 2.69 crore have been completed. In a major boost, the Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to extend PMAY-G from FY 2024-25 to 2028-29, with plans to construct an additional 2 crore houses. For FY 2024-25, a target of 84,37,139 houses has been allocated across 18 states, including Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Out of this, 46,56,765 houses have already been allocated in December 2024 and January 2025 to nine states. As of February 2, 39,82,764 houses have been sanctioned under the new phase. PMAY-G has played a crucial role in improving living conditions, reducing poverty, and enhancing social and economic development in rural India. In regions like Bhaderwah, the scheme has not only provided shelter but also restored dignity and stability to countless families, ensuring a brighter future for their children. Agartala, July 26 : The BJP government in Tripura has undertaken several ambitious projects and schemes for the all-round development of the tribals, who constitute one third of the state's four million population, Chief Minister Manik Saha said on Saturday. Felicitating the meritorious students, the Chief Minister refuted the accusation of a financial crunch in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) and informed that the state government has undertaken an Rs 1,400 crore World Bank aided project dedicated exclusively to the development of tribal areas. With the help of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the state government got the Rs 1,400 crore project from the World Bank in a very short period, he said. Saha urged the all concerned not to raise "unnecessary" concerns regarding fund shortages in the TTAADC, which has jurisdiction over two-thirds of Tripura's 10,491 sq km area, and is home to over 12,16,000 people, of which around 84 per cent are tribals. "Some people are unnecessarily raising the fund crisis (in TTAADC areas) both in the Assembly and outside. I have clarified this before," Saha said, indirectly countering repeated claims from Tipra Motha Party (TMP), an ally of the ruling BJP. The TMP has been governing the TTAADC since April 2021. The Chief Minister said that in India there are 700 tribal communities and in Tripura there are 20 tribal communities. "The state government has taken many schemes and projects for the all round development and welfare of the tribals. Every year the state government is increasing the financial assistance to Tripura," he said. "With all kinds of help and all kinds of support from the Central government under the leadership of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government has been working sincerely for the welfare of people belonging to Scheduled Tribes," Saha said. In addition to Central-sponsored programmes, the Chief Minister pointed to various state-led initiatives aiming to improve education, healthcare, road connectivity, and drinking water supply in tribal inhabited areas. He also reaffirmed the government's focus on preserving indigenous culture and identity, calling it a top priority alongside infrastructural development. The Central government so far has given Padma Shri awards to seven tribal personalities for their tremendous contribution in various sectors and a tribal leader from Tripura (Jishnu Dev Varma) was appointed as Governor of Telangana. Tribal Welfare Minister Bikas Debbarma and other leaders addressed the function. New Delhi, July 26 : In a major development in the high-profile LUCC (Loni Urban Multi-State Credit & Thrift Cooperative Society) fraud case, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has recommended a CBI probe, calling the scam a betrayal of public trust. The CM stated that several families, especially from rural and economically weaker backgrounds, were defrauded of their lifetime savings. He emphasised the need for a central-level investigation to ensure justice for the victims. Speaking to reporters from Dehradun on July 26, CM Dhami said, "The case has been under scrutiny for a long time. Victims had earlier met me, and we had assured them of a thorough state-level inquiry. Based on reports from officials and the Home Department, we've now forwarded the matter to the CBI. If needed, agencies like Interpol will also be involved." Backing the CM's move, MPs from Uttarakhand have also demanded the strictest punishment for LUCC promoters and urged the Centre to bring the absconding accused to India using Interpol mechanisms. "This is not just a financial crime, but a violation of the public's trust," the MPs said in a joint statement. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured that "strictest action" will be taken. "The culprits will not go unpunished," he said. The LUCC scam is considered one of the largest chit fund frauds in India, involving hundreds of crores of rupees and affecting thousands of investors especially women across at least eight states, including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar. The first FIR in the case was filed in Kotdwar on June 1, 2024. So far, 13 FIRs have been lodged in districts like Pauri, Tehri, Dehradun, Rudraprayag, and Uttarkashi. Eight accused have been arrested, while lookout circulars have been issued for four others. Victims who have been protesting for over a year are now hopeful of justice. Kolkata, July 26 : A Trinamool Congress worker has succumbed to his injuries in Murshidabad district's Rejinagar area on Saturday, four days after he was severely beaten up by some miscreants. On July 21, Trinamool worker Pratik Pal (43) was attacked by some miscreants while he was on his way home in Rejinagar. He had sustained serious injuries on his head, both hands and legs after he was attacked with iron rods and hammer. He was rescued by locals and admitted to Murshidabad Medical College Hospital, where he was undergoing treatment. On Friday night, he succumbed to his injuries. On Saturday, the family of the deceased lodged a complainant against six persons at Rejinagar police station. The police officers have started an investigation into the incident and looking for the miscreants responsible for the murder. Murshidabad SP Sunny Raj said that the police were trying to find out the motive behind the murder. "We are exploring every angle." The deceased's brother Paritosh Pal said that during the last panchayat elections in 2023, BJP worker Sagar Biswas and others had attacked his brother, father and mother. "We had lodged a complaint against them. As Sagar Ghosh could not grab a government job due to police verification, he and BJP workers had threatened to kill my brother and pressurised him to withdraw the complaint. Now they have killed my brother to exact revenge," he added. South Murshidabad district BJP general secretary Laltu Das said that those against whom the murder charges have been filed were BJP members earlier. "Now they have joined the Trinamool Congress. BJP has nothing to do with it as it is fallout of factional infighting between two Trinamool Congress groups," he added. Trinamool leader and former district party president Ashok Das said that before assemble polls next year, BJP had started the politics of terror again. "We will not allow BJP to indulge in the politics of murder. We will ask the police to arrest the perpetrators at the earliest," he added. It may be noted that few days ago a Trinamool Congress worker was killed by miscreants in Bharatpur of Murshidabad district. Los Angeles, July 26 : Actress-comedian Rebel Wilson has been challenged in a lawsuit. The actress is being sued by the production company behind her directorial debut. UK-based AI Film has filed the lawsuit in Australia, accusing the 44-year-old actress of deliberately sabotaging the film's release in order to devalue the movie and pressure AI Film and Australian company Dunburn Debutantes Commissioning Company, named as the second plaintiff in the lawsuit, into selling their stake to her company Camp Sugar, reports 'Female First UK'. AI Film said in a statement, accessed by 'The Guardian', "These proceedings are regrettable but essential to ensure The Deb's timely release. It's a joyous, fun film, and we are sure that audiences are going to love it". Lead actress Charlotte MacInnes said, "I love this film and I can't wait for it to be released, it would be wonderful if these proceedings can help make that happen". As per 'Female First UK', Wilson responded to the lawsuit with a message on Instagram Stories saying, "Apparently I'm being sued in Australia. It makes no sense. As the director, producer and co-star who nurtured a project called THE DEB for 5 years from a 3 page idea into a gorgeous feature film - I want nothing more than to have this film released and have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to get this to happen. To say otherwise is complete nonsense. I'm so proud of the film". "In my opinion this is continued bullying and harassment from UK financiers of the project Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron and Vince Holden after I exposed their dodgy behaviour. They tried to prevent the film from premiering there (they lost) and now they've tried to stop the film being released because of a baseless US lawsuit and now a further Australian one. I've moved on, now directing my 2nd movie and loving it. But regarding THE DEB all I can literally say is 'F*** my life" with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart. Everyone who worked on the movie and who knows me KNOWS I put my blood, sweat and tears into this. Everyone knows I'm a 'truth teller' when it comes to vile people in the industry. I just want this movie to come out and for all the amazingly talented contributors to be recognized for their sensational work (sic)", she added. Last year, Rebel was hit with a defamation lawsuit after accusing the producers of The Deb of stopping it from premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. Rebel made an Instagram video in which she hit out at producers Amanda Ghost and Gregor Cameron, and executive producer Vince Holden, accusing them of "bad behaviour" on set. Chennai, July 26 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend a series of high-profile programmes in Tamil Nadu on Sunday, July 27, including the millennium celebrations of Rajendra Chola I's maritime expedition and the commencement of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple's construction. In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister wrote: "Tomorrow, 27th July will witness a very special programme to mark a thousand years of the maritime expedition of the great Rajendra Chola I to South East Asia and the commencement of the construction of the iconic Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, a shining example of Chola architecture. It is our privilege that a commemorative coin honouring Rajendra Chola I is being released, also celebrating the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival." Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, currently recovering at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai, has deputed Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu to submit a memorandum to the visiting Prime Minister. The memorandum outlines key demands related to the state's financial and developmental concerns. In his post on X, Stalin said: "Due to my hospitalisation, I have sent a petition containing the requests to be presented to the Honorable Prime Minister visiting Tamil Nadu through the Chief Secretary. Minister Thangam Thennarasu will present it to the Honourable Prime Minister." Security has been significantly tightened in Tiruchirappalli and Ariyalur districts ahead of the Prime Minister's visit to Gangaikonda Cholapuram. A five-tier security arrangement has been in place since Thursday, with deployment of the Special Protection Group (SPG), Tamil Nadu police, and central security agencies. The Prime Minister is expected to arrive at Tiruchy airport around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, after inaugurating the expanded terminal at Thoothukudi airport. PM Modi's visit comes immediately after returning from official trips to the UK and the Maldives. He will first arrive in Tuticorin, where he will unveil a series of infrastructure and connectivity initiatives aimed at boosting the state's economic and industrial growth. In a significant step toward enhancing regional air infrastructure, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the new terminal building at Tuticorin Airport, built at a cost of around Rs 450 crore. He will stay overnight at the tourist bungalow in Tiruchy, which has also come under intense security cover. On Sunday morning, PM Modi will travel by helicopter to Ariyalur to participate in the Rajendra Chola I millennium celebrations at Gangaikonda Cholapuram. SPG teams have conducted security sweeps at all critical points, including Tiruchy airport, the tourist bungalow, and the event venue. Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) teams have scanned the entire route, and residents near key locations have been asked to adhere strictly to police instructions. Local authorities have also enforced a ban on flying drones and unmanned aerial vehicles from July 24 to July 27. District administrations have been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance throughout the Prime Minister's visit, which concludes on Sunday evening. The event is being held to honour the maritime prowess and architectural legacy of the Chola empire. Motihari : , July 26 (IANS) Bihar's economic landscape is undergoing a transformation, with its youth no longer compelled to migrate in search of employment. Thanks to the Prime Minister's Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, many young individuals are not just becoming self-reliant, but are also generating employment opportunities for others. In East Champaran's Motihari district in Bihar, young entrepreneurs are setting up small-scale food processing units by leveraging the PMFME scheme. These enterprises are helping them become financially independent while also uplifting their communities by providing much-needed jobs. One such inspiring story is that of Arun Kushwaha, a resident of Motihari. Once a struggling farmer, Arun's life took a turn when he learned about the PMFME scheme. With the help of the State Bank of India (SBI), he secured a loan under the scheme and established a dairy farm unit in his village. Today, Arun's unit processes and packages milk, curd, cheese, and lassi, which are then exported to nearby markets. His monthly income ranges between Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh, and more importantly, he has created employment for nearly 30 local people involved in packaging, logistics, and marketing. "Earlier, I was preparing to migrate in search of work, as farming was not yielding enough to sustain my family. But PMFME came as a game changer. Now, I'm not seeking a job I'm providing jobs," Arun told IANS. His success has inspired others in the village, especially those who once worked outside Bihar. Many have returned home to find meaningful employment in Arun's unit. Families are now able to live together again, enjoying a stable livelihood in their own village. Arun's story exemplifies the growing impact of the PMFME scheme, launched on June 29, 2020, by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries. The centrally sponsored scheme aims to enhance the competitiveness of existing micro-enterprises in the unorganised food processing sector and to formalise the industry through financial support and technical assistance. The scheme also seeks to empower Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), and Producer Cooperatives across their value chains. Under the scheme, 2 lakh micro food processing units are set to receive direct assistance via credit-linked subsidies, along with support for common infrastructure and institutional development. The F-7BGI fighter jet of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) that crashed earlier this week into the Milestone School and College campus killing dozens, mostly children, is a single-engine, lightweight fighter aircraft designed and manufactured by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) of China. It is considered a modernized version of Chengdu F-7, also known as J-7 whose lineage can be traced back to the Soviet Mig-21. The People's Liberation Army Airforce (PLAAF) and other countries have continued to upgrade F-7 to F-7BGI for training and limited combat roles. China officially terminated production of the F-7 series in 2013 and Bangladesh bought the final match of these aircraft that same year. PLAAF decommissioned the entire J-7 fleet by the end of 2023. Since 1992, the BAF has recorded 27 fighter aircraft, including trainer crashes. Further, from 2005 till date, BAF lost 11 aircraft in crashes, of these seven were Chinese aircraft, three Russian and one a Czech aircraft. Most of the crashes involved Chinese-origin aircraft. Over the years, the BAF has lost Wing Commanders, Squadron Leaders, Flight Lieutenants, Flying Officers, Warrant Officers and Cadet pilots. Surprisingly, despite the outdated equipment, BAF still continues to seal new defence deals with the Chinese. Bangladesh imports about 85 per cent of defence equipment from China. This includes Tanks (MBT-2000, Type 59, Type 69), artillery systems, and small arms for the army; Frigates, missile boats, and submarines (Ming-class) for the Navy and fighter jets (F-7 BGI, K-8W training jets) for its Air Force. Pakistan too is dependent on China for more than 85 per cent of its military requirement. Despite Pakistan's financial constraints and reliance on foreign loans, Pakistan has spent a lot of money over the last five years to buy Chinese defence equipment to modernise its own military. Pakistan has a significant inventory of Chinese-origin weapons and systems, including air defence systems, J-10 and JF-17 fighters, submarines, and warships. Between 2020-24, China had supplied 81 per cent of Pakistan's total arms imports, making Beijing Islamabad's largest arms supplier. This included fighter jets JF-17 Thunder (co-developed), J-10C Firebird; submarines like Hangor-class (Type 039B/041); Type 054A/P Frigates (Tughril-class); Air Defence Systems (ADS) HQ-9 Long-Range Air Defence, LY-80 (HQ-16 export version); Tanks: VT-4 Main Battle Tanks (Haider); Artillery: SH-15 155mm howitzers and Drones: Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) like CH-4 'Rainbow'. Wing Loong II and Azmat-class Fast Attack Crafts vessels, equipped with C-802A anti-ship missiles, have also been built with the Chinese assistance. At the same time, Pakistan continues to lean towards Chinese platforms. India's 'Operation Sindoor' post-spine-chilling attack on tourists in Pahalgam on April 22 by Pakistan-based terror group The Resistance Front (TRF), practically neutralised Pakistani ADS at a number of locations across the border. Chinese weapons and China's grand experiment to turn Pakistan into a testing ground for its military hardware backfired spectacularly, with Indian systems outperforming the Chinese ones. HQ-9 Chinese ADS failed to intercept Indian missiles. India struck Pakistanas Nur Khan Airbase Chaklala Cantonment in Rawalpindi, considered to be critical in Pakistanas military infrastructure. Importantly, China had helped Pakistan in adjusting its satellite coverage over India during 'Operation Sindoor', which Pakistan acknowledged. In a major ELINT win, India was able to capture unique signal emissions and system behaviour linked to the Pakistan Air Forceas J-10C and JF-17 multirole fighter jets, as well as PL 15 beyond-visual-range air-to-air and HQ-7 and HQ-9 surface-to-air missile systems, which were frontline Chinese-origin weapon systems. Nigerian Air Force too had serious problems with the F-7Ni aircraft which was involved in accidents, including mid-air collision in 2018 during air display rehearsal. Seven aircraft were marked for high-tech maintenance in China including two aircraft slated for a life extension programme with the Chinese support within Nigeria. Similarly, several African countries including Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Jordan have had difficulties with the sub-standard Chinese Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Jordan's Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) was dissatisfied with the performance of the Chinese CH-4B drones in 2016 and subsequently put them up for sale in 2019. China is happy selling its defence equipment to developing countries or to the least developed countries. Chinese defence firms sell the equipment indiscriminately. However, to maintain its dominance in the military sphere at the global level, China never allows export of advanced variants of defence equipment. Moreover, China has deftly sold defence equipment to governments and regimes without any regard for human rights violations or degree of stability or intentions and little accountability. The developing countries continue to operate these faulty Chinese defence equipment causing fatal accidents. China's Military-Industrial Complex (MIC) plays a crucial role in forming the defence and security landscape of other buyer nations. China is adept in using espionage to acquire defence technology. Recently, the US Department of Defence (DoD) had accused Beijing in this regard. China is the fourth largest arms exporter globally. It holds 5.8 per cent share of the global arms bazaar. In 2010, China was the world's second largest arms importer. Chinaas sudden leap in every domain - fighter jets, warships, missile systems, space technology and drones - has deeply upset several countries. China's defence equipment exports are primarily concentrated in Asia. A substantial portion of China's arms exports is to Pakistan. China's defence exports touched a 10-year high in 2022 with USD $3.24 billion. However, China continues to face challenges in meeting its sophisticated quality defence exports equipment spearheaded by President Xi Jinping, aimed at especially supporting China's rise as a global military power. China offers weapons at a favourable low price, including credits and soft loans compared to the Western countries. The rise of China's in-house defence industry has resulted in lesser quality control. Furthermore, developing countries have few alternatives and affordability is the key issue. Inferior technology weapons, inconsistent performance, defective components, and insufficient after-sales service have become synonymous with China's military hardware. These issues have damaged and will continue to destroy China's reputation as an arms exporter. (The writer is an expert on South Asia and Eurasia. He was formerly with Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. Views expressed are personal) New Delhi, July 26 : Anti-terror experts from the NIA and heads of state police forces discussed strategies to strengthen the internal security architecture using data analytics and other new techniques on the concluding day of a security conference, a Union Home Ministry official said on Saturday. Civil aviation and port security, counter-terrorism, left-wing extremism and counter-measures for narcotics trafficking remained in focus deliberations during the day at National Security Strategies Conference-2025. Advocating a tough strategy against fugitives involved in terror and smuggling, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had kicked off deliberations at the two-day conference on Friday. He also stressed on uncovering terror funding channels by analysing financial irregularities and countering foreign based forces inimical to the interests of the country and disrupting their domestic network. The two-day conference served as a platform to brainstorm different aspects related to national security, like the latest methods to thwart narcotics trafficking, new technologies used by terror groups, and choking the terror-criminal nexus. The security experts also discussed measures to tackle the challenge posed by the use of encrypted communication apps by terror finance networks. In his earlier interaction with the security brass, HM Shah emphasised the need for increased cooperation and coordination between National Investigation Agency (NIA) and State Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATSs) to strengthen the counter-terrorism architecture. The Union Home Minister expressed satisfaction on success in anti-Maoist efforts while cautioning the States which had recently achieved success in freeing areas of armed formations to maintain vigilance. HM Shah appealed to state DGPs to work towards achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modias vision of a prosperous, strong and developed India by year 2047. In this context, the Union Home Minister underscored that substantial progress has been achieved in solving national security concerns in areas such as Jammu and Kashmir, and Northeast, and in also tackling the LWE. It was now incumbent to identify emerging national security challenges, including narcotics, rogue drones and online fraud, and tackle them before they become major challenges. Thailand has extended its military operations beyond the original conflict zone, launching attacks in several regions of Cambodia, according to a statement by Lieutenant General Mali Socheat, spokesperson for Cambodias Ministry of National Defense, Azernews reports. Socheat stated that since July 24, the Thai military has targeted not only Cambodian military positions but also civilian infrastructure, including schools, fuel stations, and residential areas. The attacks have reportedly involved heavy weaponry, military vehicles, F-16 fighter jets, and the use of cluster munitions. In addition, Thailand has declared a state of military alert in areas of its Trat and Chanthaburi provinces that border Cambodias Koh Kong and Pursat provinces. The Thai military has also deployed additional troops and weaponry along the border with Cambodias Banteay Meanchey province. Cambodia has condemned the escalation and warned that continued aggression could significantly destabilize the region. Analysts turn heads with new Alphabet stock price target after earnings originally appeared on TheStreet. Alphabets solid earnings have investors feeling more confident in Google again. The company posted earnings of $2.31 per share on revenue of $96.43 billion, both ahead of Wall Street analysts' forecast. Search brought in $54.19 billion, while total ad revenue climbed to $71.34 billion, up 10% from last year. YouTube ads came in at $9.8 billion, slightly above expectations. Cloud was a standout, with revenue jumping 32% to $13.62 billion. Alphabet recently struck a deal with OpenAI to power ChatGPT using Google Cloud. Alphabet also raised its 2025 capital spending forecast to $85 billion, up from $75 billion in February, citing strong and growing demand for our Cloud products and services. CFO Anat Ashkenazi said spending will likely increase again in 2026. The upbeat report helped push Alphabet stock (GOOGL) closer to its all-time high. Shares closed at $194.08 on July 25, up more than 13% over the past month. That mirrors a broader bounce in tech stocks as optimism grows around AI and cloud. So far this year, however, Alphabet shares are still trailing the market, up just 1.91% compared to the S&P 500s 8.62% gain. Despite Alphabets strong earnings, concerns around regulatory and competitive threats remain.Image source: Boris Streubel/Getty Images Analysts raise Alphabet's stock price targets Alphabets latest earnings beat has prompted a wave of price target hikes from Wall Street analysts, though opinions split on how much upside is left. Bank of America analyst Justin Post raised his price target on Alphabet to $217 from $210 while maintaining a buy rating, following the companys better-than-expected second-quarter results. Related: Analysts unveil bold Amazon stock price target before earnings The analyst highlighted that both Cloud and Search outperformed expectations, calling them a bright spot in what he described as another strong quarter that suggests AI use is growing the market. "Another stable qtr for Search results increases our confidence in the AI transition and should ease concerns on a potential revenue reset," the analyst wrote. "We acknowledge growing users of OpenAI but think Street could be underappreciating potential AI driven upside for Search (more use, better ads) and Cloud," he added. JPMorgan raised its price target on Alphabet to $232 from $200 and reiterated an overweight rating, according to thefly.com. The firm believes Alphabet's AI-driven demand and accelerating backlog make Google Cloud a "bigger driver of the bull case going forward." Other firms also lifted their targets following the earnings beat, though with a more cautious tone. New Delhi, July 26 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again secured the top spot as the most popular democratic leader in the world, according to the latest Democratic Leader Approval Ratings. The BJP on Saturday celebrated the achievement, calling it a result of Modi's consistent efforts in governance, welfare, and empowerment. Meanwhile, the Congress dismissed the ratings as misleading and out of touch with the ground reality in India. Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Keshav Prasad Maurya, hailed the rating and said: "PM Modi is the world's number one leader. We are very proud of this. This achievement has not been achieved as a gift. It has been given to him for his service, poor welfare, development, women empowerment -- everything he has done as CM and PM. It's all because of the people of the country." However, Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant mocked the figures, calling the 75 per cent approval rating "ridiculous". He questioned the credibility of the institution behind the survey and whether it is affiliated with the BJP-RSS camp. Sawant told IANS: "If such a rating is conducted in India, then PM Modi's popularity is at its lowest level today. Those who claimed to cross 400 have been reduced to 240 seats. If elections are held today, BJP will not be able to win even half the seats. All this is false propaganda and an attempt to spread confusion." The ratings were released by Morning Consult, a US-based intelligence firm, which conducts regular global political surveys. According to its latest data -- collected between July 4 and July 10, 2025 -- Prime Minister Modi secured a 75 per cent approval rating, placing him firmly at the top of the global leaderboard for democratic leaders. In second place was South Korea's newly elected President Lee Jae Myung, who received a 59 per cent approval score. In contrast, US President Donald Trump, who returned to office last year, was placed eighth with a 44 per cent approval rating. Morning Consult gathers its data through a rolling seven-day average, polling thousands of adults in major democratic countries to capture real-time public sentiment on leadership. The July survey indicates that three out of four respondents worldwide have a favorable view of PM Modi. Only 18 per cent disapproved, while 7 per cent were neutral or unsure. Since beginning his third consecutive term in May 2024, PM Modi has continued to maintain both domestic and international popularity. Analysts credit this to India's economic performance, strategic diplomatic relations, and flagship welfare programmes aimed at the poor, women, and rural communities. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, although new to office, has quickly gained significant approval at home. Despite 29 per cent of respondents disapproving of his leadership, a strong base of support has already formed, according to the survey. This is not the first time Prime Minister Modi has topped the global approval list. Since September 2021, he has consistently led the Morning Consult rankings, maintaining ratings between 70 per cent and 76 per cent, and outperforming all other democratic leaders. Quetta, July 26 : Dozens of Baloch families on Saturday slammed Pakistan for its "systematic repression" as their sit-in protest entered the 11th day in Islamabad. The ongoing protest calls for the release of several leaders from Balochistan and bringing an end to enforced disappearances and killings which have become the new norm in the troubled Pakistani province. "Roads leading to the Press Club remain sealed off with buses, blockades and barbed wire. No camp has been allowed, even in this unbearable heat, where elderly women and children are fainting daily due to exposure. Despite this, the families stand firm," read a statement issued by leading Baloch human rights organisation, Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC). "Now, the harassment has intensified. Men affiliated with intelligence agencies, accompanied and facilitated by Islamabad police, are profiling participants, especially young male protestors. They record videos without consent, hover around the protest site, and stalk families to their residences, attempting to pressure them into vacating," the BYC added. Meanwhile, several human rights groups on Saturday highlighted the ongoing wave of enforced disappearances across Balochistan. Human rights group Baloch Voice for Justice (BVJ) mentioned that Muslim Dad Baloch, a student of philosophy at the Karachi University, was forcibly disappeared by Pakistan's security forces on the evening of July 25. "The targetting of Baloch students for their identity is a grave violation of human rights and academic freedom," the BVJ stated. On the other hand, Paank, the Baloch National Movement's Human Rights Department, strongly condemned the enforced disappearances of Abdul Rehman from Barkan and Imran Baloch from Kech district in Balochistan. It stated that both Abdul and Imran were illegally detained and forcibly disappeared by the Pakistan Army on July 15 and June 27, respectively. Revealing another incident of violence against Baloch civilians, the BYC mentioned that Mazar Baloch, a resident of Awaran district, was extrajudicially killed by Pakistan-backed death squads on July 21. The BYC stated that Mazar had previously been forcibly disappeared by Pakistani forces in 2015. During his five years of illegal detention, he endured inhumane torture at the hands of the Pakistani forces. It stated that he was released in 2020, but like many former detainees, he remained under constant surveillance and harassment. According to the human rights body, after his release, Mazar was frequently summoned to the central cantonment in Mashkai by the Pakistani army and intelligence agencies. On July 21, he was again asked to report to Pakistan's Frontier Corps headquarters. "Following the visit, he was abducted and later found shot dead in Khandri, Mashkai, by state-backed death squads operating under the patronage of the Pakistani forces," the BYC stated. Various human rights organisations of Balochistan have time and again highlighted the repression by Pakistani forces in the province, which includes violent raids on the homes of Baloch leaders and civilians, unlawful arrests, enforced disappearances, the 'kill and dump' policy, detention under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, and the filing of fabricated police cases. Jaipur, July 26 : Acting promptly on the instructions of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, the Rajasthan government has constituted permanent committees for the safety review and timely repair of government schools, hostels, colleges, medical buildings, other public structures, roads, and culverts. These committees will ensure that all repair works of unsafe infrastructure are completed before 15 June every year to avoid mishaps during the monsoon season. Chief Secretary Sudhansh Pant issued formal orders for the formation of these committees. The move comes in direct response to the tragic incident at Piplodi in Jhalawar district. Chief Minister Sharma had immediately convened a high-level meeting on Friday following the roof collapse incident. In line with the decisions taken during that meeting, a state-level permanent committee has been constituted for the safety assessment and repair of government buildings. This committee will be chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Public Works Department. Members will include Additional Chief Secretaries or Joint Secretary-level representatives from Higher and Technical Education, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Principal Secretaries from Energy, Medical and Health, Urban Development and Housing, Education, Autonomous Governance, Agriculture, and a representative from the Finance Department. The state-level committee has been tasked with overseeing timely safety audits of government schools, colleges, hostels, offices, roads, and bridges. It will guide the identification and demolition of unsafe or dilapidated structures, estimate repair requirements, and ensure the availability of financial and technical resources. The committee will also review progress monthly and ensure that all essential repairs are completed before the start of the monsoon each year, thereby minimising risk to life and property. In addition to the state-level committee, district-level permanent committees have also been formed, with the District Collector serving as Chairperson. Other members include the Chief Executive Officer of the District Council, Superintending Engineers from the Public Works Department and Electricity Distribution Corporation, the Chief Medical and Health Officer, the District Education Officer, and other officers nominated by the Collector. These district-level committees will coordinate with various departments to conduct safety audits of buildings, roads, bridges, and culverts, particularly during the monsoon. They will take proactive steps to address threats such as electrical hazards, waterlogging, damaged infrastructure, and unsafe structures. Furthermore, they are authorised to declare buildings unsafe, ensure their demolition, and issue timely directives to prevent accidents. Through this multi-tiered system, the Rajasthan government aims to establish a robust and responsive safety mechanism across the state, ensuring the protection of students, staff, and citizens by addressing structural vulnerabilities before disasters strike. Rewa, July 26 : A former BJP legislator, K. P. Tripathi allegedly misbehaved with a senior woman police officer, scolded and shouted at her in full public view, calling her an "insensitive woman". A video showing the former MLA's unruly behaviour with the senior woman police officer inside a police station in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district surfaced on social media, inviting criticism from the opposition Congress. As viral video showed, more shocking was when the woman police officer resisted Tripathi's misconduct, the former MLA and his supporters are seen furiously shouting at her and pointing fingers. The woman police officer is the Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Ritu Upadhyay. However, when Tripathi and his supporters attempted to 'assault' her, the Chorahta police station SHO intervened, stopped them and took his senior colleague (CSP Ritu Upadhyay) away from there. Video showed that the policeman kept requesting Tripathi to calm down. He even folded his hands and bowed before Tripathi to control the situation. However, the ex-MLA and his supporters kept shouting at CSP Ritu Upadhyay. It was learnt that Tripathi along with his supporters had gone to Chorahta police station to lodge an FIR against his political opponent and sitting Congress MLA Abhay Mishra, who has been accused of assaulting one of his employees. Notably, an employee of Congress MLA Abhay Mishra was allegedly beaten up at his office. When the victim (Abhishek Tiwari) went to police station to file a complaint, it was not registered. Then he approached former BJP legislator K.P. Tripathi. However, an FIR was registered against Mishra and four of his staff members following a protest led by former BJP MLA K.P. Tripathi and his supporters late Friday night. In a dramatic turn, another employee, Ashok Tiwari, filed a counter FIR against Abhishek, accusing him of severing one of his fingers during a scuffle. Ashok arrived at the police station with the severed portion of his finger and a medical report, claiming that Abhishek was intoxicated and initiated the altercation over attendance records. Notably, K. P. Tripathi, who was elected MLA from Semaria in 2018, lost to Congress' Abhay Mishra in 2023 Assembly election. Criticising the former BJP legislator for his unruly behaviour against CSP Ritu Upadhyay, Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari has demanded an immediate action against him. "The BJP leader tried to assault woman cop and called her insensitive. Will the Home Minister (CM Mohan Yadav) will take an action? Will an FIR be registered against Tripathi?" Jitu Patwari questioned. Kolkata, July 26 : West Bengal Governor, C.V. Ananda Bose on Saturday brought an end to the confusion over contradictory information regarding sending back of Aparajita Women and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill -- meant for harshest of punishment for accused in cases of rape and rape and murder -- to the state government for reconsideration. Earlier, an information regarding this was passed on to the media on Friday by a section of the insiders in Raj Bhavan. It was claimed that the Governor has sent the Bill back to the state government for reconsideration following serious objections raised by the Union Government. However, confusion started surfacing over the development, since none in the state or within the ruling Trinamool Congress were agreeing to accept that the said Bill has been referred back to the state government for reconsideration. On Saturday evening, while interacting with the media persons at Raj Bhavan in Kolkata, the Governor brought an end to the confusion, saying that he had to send back the Bill back to the state government for reconsideration following serious objections raised by the Union Government. "There are three options for the government when a Bill is sent from the Assembly secretariat for the Governor's assent. The first is that the Governor could give assent to that Bill, which I have done in several cases. The second option is that the Governor can send the Bill back to the assembly authorities, raising queries and suggesting changes. But in that case, if the assembly resends the bill to the Governor without making any change, the Governor has no other option but to give assent to the Bill," Bose said. He added that the third option for the Governor was to send the Bill for consideration of the Office of the Indian President, which he did in case of the Aparajita Bill. "Now, the Union government has some queries about certain provisions in the Aparajita Bill, and so it has been sent back to the state government for reconsideration," the Governor added. The Bill was passed on the floor of the West Bengal assembly last year amid the ghastly tape and murder of a lady junior doctor at the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata within the hospital premises. Subsequently, the office of the West Bengal Governor forwarded the Bill to the office of President Droupadi Murmu for the latter's consideration. Now, with information surfacing about the Bill being sent back to the state government for reconsideration, uncertainties have started surfacing over the fate of the Bill. The said Bill has provisions for completion of investigation in such cases in 21 days and filing of chargesheets within 30 days. In the Bill, there are provisions for quick completion of the trial process in the matter, as well as some proposed additions in the provisions under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act. Patna, July 26 : A new poster outside the Janata Dal (United) state office in Patna stirred the political atmosphere in Bihar on Saturday, as several party workers publicly demanded that Nishant Kumar, son of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, enter active politics and contest elections. The poster, prominently displayed on Veer Chand Patel Path, reads: 'Workers demand, Nishant should contest elections'. It features Nishant Kumar's photograph and has been attributed to four local JDU workersSushil Kumar, Abhay Patel, Varun Kumar, and Chandan Patel. Speaking to the media, the workers said that Bihar and the party need "new energy" and that Nishant Kumar embodies the leadership qualities of his father. "Engineer Nishant should lead JDU and take Bihar forward just like Nitish Kumar has done. We want him to contest elections, enter the Assembly and lead the youth," said Abhay Patel. Sushil Kumar echoed similar sentiments, stating, "Nishant Bhaiya should come into active politics and become an inspiration for the future generation." While the party leadership has yet to issue a formal response, JDU spokesperson Arvind Kumar said, "Workers are putting up posters demanding Nishant Kumar's entry into politics. Whether he contests or not is a decision for Nitish Kumar and Nishant to make." The move has attracted reactions across party lines. BJP spokesperson Arvind Kumar Singh commented, "In a democracy, anyone has the right to contest elections. The demand from JDU workers is welcome, but the final decision rests with Nishant and Nitish Kumar." RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari took a political swipe, saying, "JDU wants Nishant to enter politics. Even Tejashwi Yadav has welcomed this earlier. But the reality is, there are elements in both the BJP and JDU who do not want to see Nishant step into politics." Until now, Nishant Kumar has maintained a low public profile and stayed away from active politics, despite being the son of one of Bihar's longest-serving chief ministers. However, he has recently made several public appearances, sparking speculation about a potential political entry. Mumbai, July 26 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday directed the establishment of a committee comprising the textiles and energy departments to explore the use of solar power in the textiles sector to solve the power supply-related problems. Further, he instructed that a uniform criterion should be set for providing financial assistance to new cooperative spinning mills under the Social Justice, Tribal Development and Other Backward Classes Welfare Departments, saying that each department should make additional provision for the spinning mills under their jurisdiction. He chaired the review meeting of the textiles department, which was attended by Textiles Minister Sanjay Savkare, Legislative Council member Amrish Patel and senior officers from various departments. CM Fadnavis said that while extending the interest subsidy scheme on loans to cooperative spinning mills, they should be modernised and graded. A report should be prepared on the reopening of closed mills under the National Textile Corporation in the state. On that basis, action should be taken to submit a proposal to the Central Government for the reopening of closed mills. "Necessary amendments should be made in the Integrated and Sustainable Textile Policy 2023-28. Along with this, a policy should be prepared regarding the recovery of government dues from cooperative spinning mills and cooperative power loom institutions. Further, the process of registering all power looms in the state should be completed. The process of obtaining a no-objection certificate from the Maharashtra State Khadi Village Industries Board for the repair of the building used by the Silk Directorate in Pune and the creation of other facilities should be completed immediately," instructed CM Fadnavis. He also reviewed various issues relating to the creation of a new Maharashtra State Textiles Development Corporation, merger of Textiles Commissionerate and Silk Directorate to form Textiles and Silk Commissionerate, plan to allow sale of additional land from cooperative spinning mills, preparation of a new scheme for providing rehabilitation loans to spinning mills and a scheme for leasing spinning mills, action to revise the project report value of cooperative spinning mills from Rs 80.90 crore to Rs 118 crore and permanent acquisition of leased land from the Red Cross Society at Wai in Satara district for the District Silk Office. Chennai, July 26 : Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu on Saturday said that he feels extremely fortunate to serve under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him an inspiration not only for young ministers like himself but also for crores of youth across the country. Speaking at a public function held at the Tuticorin Airport in the presence of the Prime Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu praised PM Modi's unwavering commitment and tireless efforts for the nation's welfare amid a tight and hectic schedule. "It is a great privilege to have Narendra Modiji as our Prime Minister. Being a minister in his cabinet, I have had the opportunity to closely observe his dedication and hard work for the country," Minister Naidu said. Highlighting the Prime Minister's relentless schedule, he added: "This morning he was in the Maldives, and now he is here in Tamil Nadu. Tomorrow, he will be in another part of the country, meeting new people. Every moment of his time is devoted to the betterment of India." Ram Mohan Naidu said that working under Prime Minister Modi was a tremendous opportunity and his leadership served as a source of daily motivation. "I draw inspiration from him every single day," he said, adding: "Crores of youth in India look up to him for guidance and strength." The Civil Aviation Minister also thanked the Prime Minister for his leadership in bringing progress to Tamil Nadu and for steering the nation towards the goal of Viksit Bharat -- a developed India. The event at Tuticorin Airport was part of the Prime Minister's two-day visit to Tamil Nadu, where he will inaugurate key infrastructure projects and participate in celebrations marking the millennium of Emperor Rajendra Chola's historic maritime expedition. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend a series of high-profile programmes in Tamil Nadu on Sunday, July 27, including the millennium celebrations of Rajendra Chola I's maritime expedition and the commencement of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple's construction. In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister wrote: "Tomorrow, 27th July will witness a very special programme to mark a thousand years of the maritime expedition of the great Rajendra Chola I to South East Asia and the commencement of the construction of the iconic Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, a shining example of Chola architecture. It is our privilege that a commemorative coin honouring Rajendra Chola I is being released, also celebrating the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival." Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, currently recovering at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai, has deputed Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu to submit a memorandum to the visiting Prime Minister. The memorandum outlines key demands related to the state's financial and developmental concerns. PM Modi's visit comes immediately after returning from official trips to the UK and the Maldives. He will first arrive in Tuticorin, where he will unveil a series of infrastructure and connectivity initiatives aimed at boosting the state's economic and industrial growth. He will stay overnight at the tourist bungalow in Tiruchy, which has also come under intense security cover. On Sunday morning, PM Modi will travel by helicopter to Ariyalur to participate in the Rajendra Chola I millennium celebrations at Gangaikonda Cholapuram. SPG teams have conducted security sweeps at all critical points, including Tiruchy airport, the tourist bungalow, and the event venue. Chennai, July 26 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tamil Nadu on Saturday evening for a two-day visit, marking a significant push for infrastructure and development initiatives across the state. After concluding his visit to the Maldives, Prime Minister Modi landed at the Tuticorin Airport at 7:50 p.m. in a special aircraft. He was received at the airport by Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, Governor R.N. Ravi, and Union Ministers L. Murugan and Ram Mohan Naidu, among others. Soon after his arrival, the Prime Minister inaugurated the newly developed terminal building of Tuticorin Airport, constructed at a cost of Rs 452 crore. Later, he laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects across Tamil Nadu, with a cumulative value of Rs 4,900 crore. These projects span key sectors including energy, transport, and logistics. Among the major initiatives unveiled were, infrastructure projects worth Rs 550 crore in Tuticorin, power transmission works related to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, electrification of the Maduraia"Bodinayakkanur railway line, power distribution systems for Kudankulam Units 3 and 4, doubling of the railway line between Aralvaimozhi and Nagercoil, doubling of the Nellai-Melapalayam railway section, estimated at Rs 283 crore, a four-lane road development project on the Sethiyathoppu-Cholapuram section, inauguration of the third northern cargo logistics terminal at V.O. Chidambaranar Port in Tuticorin, costing Rs 285 crore, doubling of the Nagercoil City-Junction-Kanyakumari railway line and railway projects worth Rs 1,030 crore. The visit highlights the Centreas focus on boosting connectivity, energy infrastructure, and economic development in southern Tamil Nadu. The Prime Minister is scheduled to participate in further events on Sunday, including the millennium celebration of the maritime expedition of the Chola emperor, Rajendra Chola I, at Gangaikonda Cholapuram. London, July 26 : Ashish Kumar Chauhan, MD and CEO of National Stock Exchange (NSE), said on Saturday that it was an honour to witness the signing of Free Trade agreement between India and the UK, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart Keir Starmer. "Honoured and privileged to be a witness to the signing of Free Trade agreement between India and UK on July 24,2025 with Hon'ble PM India and Hon'ble PM Uk at the country residence of UK PM Chequers outside London, UK," Chauhan said in a post on X social media platform. The landmark India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is an indication of several such trade pacts in the near future under the leadership of PM Modi, he had said earlier on Friday. Speaking to IANS here, Chauhan said that the talks on the India-UK FTA were ongoing for three-four years. "When talks first began 45 years ago, the UK was under a Conservative government. Since then, there have been regime changes but the way both the Conservative and the Labour parties supported finalising the FTA is commendable," he emphasised. According to Chauhan, the India-UK FTA will pave the way for several such trade pacts with other nations, like the US, the EU and Japan etc, in the near future. India and the EU are aiming to reach an agreement on a free trade deal by the end of 2025. The coming months will be crucial for India's global trade relations, as the government intensifies negotiations with major partners such as the EU and the ASEAN bloc. Meanwhile, talks with the US are also gaining pace. "The world has seen the tremendous progress India has achieved in the last 11 years under PM Modi, and the FTA will bring a better future for several industries," said the NSE CEO. Analysts unveil bold Amazon stock price target before earnings originally appeared on TheStreet. Amazon (AMZN) is doubling down on generative artificial intelligence. The retail and tech giant plans to acquire Bee AI, a start-up that makes AI-powered wearable devices. The move signals Amazons entry into the world of personal AI hardware, competing with players like Meta (META) and Apple (AAPL) . Bee makes a $50 bracelet that records and transcribes a users daily conversations. It then uses AI to generate to-do lists, reminders, and other helpful tasks. Amazon confirmed that a deal has been signed, though it's not yet closed. The company did not reveal the purchase price. Shares of Amazon are up 4% so far this year, trailing the S&P 500s 8.1% gain. As the second-quarter earnings season heats up, and with Alphabet already posting strong results, Amazons upcoming report could be another key factor, as a strong beat or a disappointing miss may spark sharp moves in the stock. Amazon is scheduled to report its second-quarter earnings on July 31 next week. Image source: Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images What to watch in Amazon's upcoming earnings report Retail remains Amazons largest revenue driver and an important source of profit. While the companys guidance earlier this year reflected caution around tariffs, Deutsche Bank analyst Lee Horowitz sees reasons for optimism. Horowitz wrote in a research note that tariff concerns were a key focus when Amazon gave its Q2 guidance, but with strong consumer demand and tariff-related cost hikes being delayed, theres room for Amazon to beat Q2 and Q3 estimates. Related: Jim Cramer drops blunt 6-word message on Nvidia stock "What has become abundantly clear is that in the absence of Temu and Shein, Amazon share gains have accelerated," he added. Amazons Prime Day, held in July, falls outside the second-quarter period but could influence the companys third-quarter guidance. Meanwhile, Amazon Web Services continues to draw attention. The cloud business is Amazons most profitable segment and a key driver of long-term valuation. Although AWS remains the global leader in cloud market share, rivals Microsoft and Google are growing faster. In the first quarter of 2025, AWS held 29% of the market, followed by Microsoft at 22% and Google at 12%, according to data from Synergy Research Group. Compared to the previous quarter, AWS lost one percentage point while Microsoft gained one. Analysts raise Amazon stock price target before earnings Bank of America has raised Amazon's stock price target to $265 from $248 and reiterated a buy rating before the Q2 earnings. Chennai, July 26 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a public gathering in Tuticorin on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, paid rich tributes to Indian soldiers and outlined a strong vision for Tamil Nadu's growth. "I salute our brave soldiers on this Kargil Vijay Diwas. Their sacrifice and valour will always be remembered," the Prime Minister said. Reflecting on his recently concluded foreign visits, PM Modi noted that India had signed historic agreements during these tours. "The world's confidence in India is growing. It gives me immense happiness to step onto the sacred soil of Rameswaram after completing my international engagements," he added. The Prime Minister said that with the blessings of Lord Ram and Lord Murugan, a new chapter has been scripted in the development of Tuticorin. "The journey to transform Tamil Nadu began in 2014. We are moving forward with the dream of building a developed India. Today, we have launched developmental projects worth Rs 4,900 crore in Tamil Nadu across sectors like railways, energy, roads, and airports," he said. The PM recalled Tamil Nadu's historic contributions to India's freedom struggle and cultural heritage. "This land gave birth to Mahakavi Bharathiyar, who also loved Kashi as much as he loved Tuticorin. V.O. Chidambaram's visionary leadership and courage in challenging the British are commendable. Kattabomman (Veerapandiya Kattabomman) and Alagumuthu (Alagumuthu Kone) fought valiantly for freedom. The pearls of Pandya are symbols of economic strength," he noted. PM Modi emphasised that India is steadily becoming the third-largest economy in the world and highlighted the recently signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the UK as a major step forward. "This FTA will be a big boost for Tamil Nadu. Indian goods sold in the UK will now be exempt from many taxes. Small and medium enterprises in India will greatly benefit from this development," he explained. He asserted that infrastructure and energy are the backbones of a state's progress. "The Central Government is committed to upgrading Tamil Nadu's infrastructure. Tuticorin has a vital role to play in building a strong India," the Prime Minister said, adding that the world is witnessing India's rise with admiration. Chennai, July 26 : In awe of the Prime Minister's leadership skills and dedication to the betterment of the country, Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu said on Saturday that PM Narendra Modi works for the country 24 hours without a break, adding he feels extremely fortunate to serve under him. Minister Naidu described PM Modi as an inspiration not only for young ministers like himself but also for crores of youth across the country. Speaking at a public function held at the Tuticorin Airport in the presence of the Prime Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu praised PM Modi's unwavering commitment and tireless efforts for the nation's welfare amid a tight and hectic schedule. "It is a great privilege to have Narendra Modiji as our Prime Minister. Being a minister in his cabinet, I have had the opportunity to closely observe his dedication and hard work for the country," Minister Naidu said. Highlighting the Prime Minister's relentless schedule, he added: "This morning he was in the Maldives, and now he is here in Tamil Nadu. Tomorrow, he will be in another part of the country, meeting new people. Every moment of his time is devoted to the betterment of India." Ram Mohan Naidu said that working under Prime Minister Modi was a tremendous opportunity and his leadership served as a source of daily motivation. "I draw inspiration from him every single day," he said, adding: "Crores of youth in India look up to him for guidance and strength." The Civil Aviation Minister also thanked the Prime Minister for his leadership in bringing progress to Tamil Nadu and for steering the nation towards the goal of Viksit Bharat -- a developed India. The event at Tuticorin Airport was part of the Prime Minister's two-day visit to Tamil Nadu, where he will inaugurate key infrastructure projects and participate in celebrations marking the millennium of Emperor Rajendra Chola's historic maritime expedition. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend a series of high-profile programmes in Tamil Nadu on Sunday, July 27, including the millennium celebrations of Rajendra Chola I's maritime expedition and the commencement of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple's construction. In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister wrote: "Tomorrow, 27th July will witness a very special programme to mark a thousand years of the maritime expedition of the great Rajendra Chola I to South East Asia and the commencement of the construction of the iconic Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, a shining example of Chola architecture. It is our privilege that a commemorative coin honouring Rajendra Chola I is being released, also celebrating the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival." Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, currently recovering at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai, has deputed Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu to submit a memorandum to the visiting Prime Minister. The memorandum outlines key demands related to the state's financial and developmental concerns. PM Modi's visit comes immediately after returning from official trips to the UK and the Maldives. He will first arrive in Tuticorin, where he will unveil a series of infrastructure and connectivity initiatives aimed at boosting the state's economic and industrial growth. He will stay overnight at the tourist bungalow in Tiruchy, which has also come under intense security cover. On Sunday morning, PM Modi will travel by helicopter to Ariyalur to participate in the Rajendra Chola I millennium celebrations at Gangaikonda Cholapuram. SPG teams have conducted security sweeps at all critical points, including Tiruchy airport, the tourist bungalow, and the event venue. Mumbai, July 26 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on the premises and people linked with Anil Ambani's Reliance Group (RAAGA Companies) intensified on Saturday, as investigators likely seized voluminous documents, hard drives, and other digital records from several locations across Mumbai and Delhi Mumbai, July 26 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on the premises and people linked with Anil Ambanias Reliance Group (RAAGA Companies) intensified on Saturday, as investigators likely seized voluminous documents, hard drives, and other digital records from several locations across Mumbai and Delhi The raids first began on Thursday in connection with a money laundering probe related to the Yes Bank loan fraud case. The enforcement watchdog and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted a large-scale money laundering probe into the matter involving over Rs 24,000 crore, according to reports. The operation is part of a broader investigation into alleged financial irregularities, including possible diversion of funds, loan fraud, and money laundering. The EDas probe is focused on whether funds from banks were routed through shell entities and misused by group firms. Meanwhile, the CBI has reportedly begun its own inquiry into other companies within Anil Ambanias Reliance Group. Subsequent to FIRs registered by the CBI, the ED started probing the offence of money laundering by RAAGA Companies under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Other agencies and institutions also shared information with ED, such as the National Housing Bank, SEBI, National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA), and Bank of Baroda, according to reliable sources. Preliminary investigation by ED has revealed a well-planned and thought-out scheme to divert/siphon off public money by cheating banks, shareholders, investors and other public institutions. The offence of bribing bank officials, including the Promoter of Yes Bank Limited, is also under the scanner. Preliminary probe revealed illegal loan diversion of around Rs 3,000 crore from Yes Bank (from 2017 to 2019). ED has found that just before the loan was granted, the Yes Bank promoters received money in their accounts. The agency is also investigating this nexus of bribery and the loan. The regulator has found gross violations in Yes Bank loan approvals to RAAGA companies, such as Credit Approval Memorandums (CAMs) were back-dated, investments were proposed without any due diligence/credit analysis in violation of the Bank's Credit Policy, inter alia. In violation of the loan terms, these loans were further diverted to many group companies and shell companies. SEBI is also learnt to have shared its findings with ED in the case of RHFL. A dramatic increase in corporate loans by RHFL, from Rs 3,742.60 crore in FY 2017-18 to Rs 8,670.80 crore in FY 2018-19, is also under ED lens. Kolkata, July 26 : BJP's Information Technology cell chief and the party's central observer for West Bengal, Amit Malviya, on Saturday, accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of inviting foreign intervention in India's internal matters. Malviya's allegations on this count, which he spelt out through two social media statements, came amid two development earlier in the day first a statement issued by Mamata Banerjee referring to the findings by New York-based multi-country NGO, Human Rights Watch (HRW) authenticating her point on alleged harassment of Bengali-speaking people in the BJP-ruled states and the second being Indian NGO, Association for Democratic Rights (ADR) moving the Supreme Court expressing doubts over the proposed special intensive review (SIR) by the Election Commission of India (ECI). In his first statement that he posted on the wall of his official X handle, Malviya claimed that Mamata Banerjee was echoing the exact narrative pushed by organisations like HRW, a body heavily funded by George Soros, notorious for its anti-India bias. In that statement, Malviya also claimed that the opposition to SIR by ECI by opposition parties like Trinamool Congress was also echoing narratives by certain foreign bodies. "The Special Intensive Revision (S.I.R.) is a constitutional exercise aimed at ensuring a clean, transparent, and accurate voter list. No foreign-funded NGO or politically motivated lobby will dictate how India protects its democracy. Once again, Mamata Banerjee appears to be stoking unrest, just as she did during the CAA protests, all for narrow political gains. India belongs to Indians, not to the puppets of foreign lobbies," Malviya's first statement read. In his second statement, the development of ADR, moving the Supreme Court expressing doubts over the SIR, had a common thread with Mamata Banerjee's reference to the HRW report authenticating her point on alleged harassment of Bengali-speaking people in the BJP-ruled states. "What's the common thread? ADR has received massive funding from the Omidyar Network and Ford Foundation, both known for financing political influence operations across developing democracies. Omidyar has co-funded several institutions alongside Soros's Open Society Foundation. Make no mistake this is not dissent, this is subversion," Malviya's second statement read. Claiming that India is under siege, Malviya further claimed that foreign-funded fronts were being weaponized by the opposition to erode public trust in democratic institutions and sabotage the will of the people. "This is not just politics. This is a well-orchestrated foreign interference campaign to destabilise Bharat from within," Malviya added. Patna, July 26 : In a sharp political attack, Union Minister Chirag Paswan on Saturday dared Bihar Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav to go ahead with his threat of boycotting the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Addressing the media in Patna, Chirag Paswan accused the RJD-Congress alliance of lacking the courage to contest elections alone and called their boycott talk a gimmick born out of fear of defeat. Referring to Tejashwi Yadavas earlier statement hinting at a possible poll boycott over alleged irregularities in the voter list revision, Chirag Paswan said: "If you have the courage, then boycott once and show it. The RJD has ruled Bihar for 15 years, yet it doesn't dare to contest alone." He further said that both RJD -- the oldest party in Bihar -- and Congress, the oldest party in the country, have become dependent on alliances because they fear standing on their own political footing. "These are the same parties that canat even contest elections alone, and now they are talking about boycotting elections? Who are they trying to scare?" he asked. Paswan also highlighted his own political journey, recalling the 2020 Assembly elections, where he contested alone under difficult personal circumstances. "I had the courage to fight alone, even when my leader, my father, passed away during the nomination phase in the 2020 Bihar Assembly election. Let them try the same if they are truly confident," he said. Paswan accused the opposition of habitually resorting to fear-mongering and spreading false narratives. "They (Mahagathbandhan) claimed that if Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government returns after the Lok Sabha election 2024, reservation will end, democracy will be killed, and the Constitution will be torn apart. It's been a year now a" whose reservation has been snatched? Where has the Constitution been dismantled?" Paswan asked. He also linked the current controversy over Special Intensive Revision (SIR) with previous misinformation campaigns around the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), saying: "They spread fear over CAA too, claiming it was meant to take away citizenship. But the public didn't fall for it then, and wonat now." Chirag Paswan concluded by saying that the opposition has accepted its defeat in advance and is now using boycott rhetoric as a cover for their lack of political ground. Bengaluru, July 26 : Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday asserted that "due to the implementation of the five guarantee schemes by our government, Karnataka has become number one in the country in terms of per capita income". He also claimed that BJP leaders do not understand economics. He was speaking at the inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony of various development works and a beneficiariesa meeting held in the Arasikere Assembly constituency. "Karnataka is now ranked number one in the country in terms of per capita income. The main reason for this is the increased purchasing power of the people. And the increase in purchasing power is a direct result of our guarantee schemes. BJP leaders donat understand economics. Thatas why theyare spreading false propaganda claiming that the state government has no money for development. Even if they try to mislead the people with politically motivated lies, the people of Karnataka will not be fooled, CM Siddaramaiah asserted. He said that in the governmentas performance review meetings, lakhs of beneficiaries have come forward to express their gratitude, which proves that the Congress government has delivered on its promises. He further explained that while Rs 1.20 lakh crore has been allocated for development projects, Rs 56,000 crore is being spent on guarantee schemes to deliver development directly to peopleas doorsteps. Speaking about the national-level conference of backward communities held in Delhi, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi had clearly expressed his understanding of the issues faced by backward communities. He stated that the Congress government has formulated programs for the upliftment of backward classes, women, Dalits, the oppressed, and the poor from all castes. CM Siddaramaiah stated that Congress is the only party that designs and implements programmes aimed at achieving social justice, uplifting the poor, and upholding the values of the Constitution. He challenged the BJP to look at history and see that only the Congress has consistently worked to implement social justice, both in the state and at the national level. He praised local Arasikere MLA Shivalingegowda, saying he is focused on both carrying out people-centric development works in the constituency and presenting the party and governmentas pro-people initiatives effectively in the Legislative Assembly. Expressing confidence, he said that Shivalingegowda, who has already been elected four times, will definitely win again in the next election. He highlighted that Shivalingegowda had taken up the noble task of rejuvenating 10 lakes and providing drinking water at a cost of Rs 148 crore. Shivalingegowda has a strong political future and possesses all the qualities required to become a minister. He also has the solid support and blessings of the people of his constituency. Thatas why he has won four times and will win again. However, the Chief Minister added that some political matters cannot be discussed publicly. Responding to a reporteras question in Hassan regarding a recent statement by his son, MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah a" who claimed that Siddaramaiah has contributed for Mysuruas development more than the reign of erstwhile Mysuru king Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar a" the Chief Minister said that he meant that only Siddaramaiah has brought such a scale of development to Mysuru. Reacting to reports that the Under Secretary of the Finance Department has written a letter stating that no grants or new recruitments can be made for the Hassan City Municipal Corporation for the next three years, the Chief Minister said the matter would be reviewed. --IANS mka/pgh Jaipur, July 26 : Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on Saturday met the families of seven students who were killed when the roof of a government school collapsed in Piplodi village of Jhalawar. Raje, who arrived with her son and Jhalawar MP Dushyant Singh, expressed condolences to the bereaved families and handed over an offer letter of contractual employment to one family. Seven children had died in this tragic accident and about 27 children were injured. Raje also met the injured children admitted in the Community Health Center (CHC) of Manoharthana and inquired about their health from the doctors. Talking to the media, she said that this accident could have been avoided if the dilapidated building was declared unsafe first and the children were shifted to a safe place. She demanded the Education Department to survey all school buildings and immediately send the children studying in dilapidated buildings to safe schools. Vasundhara Raje expressed concern over the increasing danger from dilapidated buildings during monsoon. She said that it is necessary to immediately demolish the dilapidated school buildings and construct new and modern buildings during the rainy season, so that the lives of children are not put at risk. Referring to the announcements made by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, she said that work will be done on issues like education and ration. Also, a review meeting will be held soon to improve the condition of the village. The state government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the family of each child killed in the accident and a contract job to one family member. Apart from this, the school building will be rebuilt and new classrooms will be named in the memory of the deceased children. Vasundhara Raje handed over the offer letter of contract job to the family that lost two children in this accident. She said that offer letters will be handed over to other families soon. However, the victim families are not satisfied with the compensation amount. They say that Rs 10 lakh is very less compared to the value of children's lives. Also, they are angry due to lack of clarity regarding the salary and duration of the contract job. The families have demanded strict action against the school management and officials responsible for the accident, so that such incidents do not happen in the future. Rewa, July 26 : In a move to position Madhya Pradesh as a premier destination for tourism and medical infrastructure, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav announced a series of high-value investment incentives during the inaugural session of the MP Tourism Conclave held in Rewa. The conclave, organised by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, drew participation from hospitality leaders, healthcare investors, and policy experts from across the country. Addressing the gathering at the Krishna Raj Kapoor Auditorium, Dr Yadav declared that the state government will offer a capital subsidy of Rs 30 crore to any hotelier who invests Rs 100 crore or more in tourism infrastructure. Similarly, investors establishing hospitals under the medical tourism category will be eligible for a Rs 40 crore subsidy on a minimum investment of Rs 100 crore. These incentives are part of the newly launched Madhya Pradesh Tourism Policy 2025 and the Health Sector Investment Promotion Policy 2025, both aimed at attracting large-scale private investment and creating employment in underserved regions. The Chief Minister emphasised that the state is committed to inclusive industrial growth. As part of the Industrial Promotion Policy 2025, Madhya Pradesh will provide monthly wage support of Rs 5,000 for male workers and Rs 6,000 for female workers employed in new industrial units. This employment-linked incentive is designed to encourage labour-intensive industries and enhance women's participation in the workforce. Dr Yadav said, "The conclave has attracted investment proposals of Rs 3000 crore in the tourism industry with commitment of new hotels in even religious places like Chitrakoot." With these announcements, Madhya Pradesh aims to become a national leader in tourism and healthcare investment, while simultaneously addressing regional disparities and employment generation, he said. The conclave also witnessed the launch of the PM Shri Tourism Air Service Booking Portal, a digital platform integrated with IRCTC to facilitate air connectivity to heritage and spiritual destinations. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with MakeMyTrip to enhance digital branding and outreach for Madhya Pradesh's tourism offerings. Tourism Secretary Shiv Shekhar Shukla highlighted that the state has already received investment proposals exceeding Rs 12,000 crore in hospitality, wellness, and eco-tourism sectors. The government is also planning to establish handicraft and art centres in tribal districts to integrate local artisans into the tourism value chain. The conclave will continue through July 27, featuring investor dialogues, cultural showcases, and familiarisation tours of Rewa's tourism assets. Jaipur, July 26 : In a massive green initiative under Mission Hariyalo Rajasthan, the Rajasthan government will plant 2.5 crore saplings across the state in a single day on the occasion of Hariyali Teej (July 27). Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma will launch the campaign during the 76th State-Level Van Mahotsav in Jaipur, aiming to boost environmental conservation and public participation in tree plantation. CM Sharma will inaugurate the 76th State-Level Van Mahotsav on the occasion of Hariyali Teej on July 27 (Sunday) at the Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Rajasthan Sanskrit University campus in Madau village, Jaipur. The event marks a significant step in the stateas ongoing green mission a" Mission Hariyalo Rajasthan. Taking inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modias aEk Ped Maa Ke Naama campaign, the Rajasthan government has set an ambitious target of planting 50 crore saplings over five years. As part of this mission, 2.5 crore saplings will be planted in a single day across the state during this yearas forest festival. During the event, Chief Minister Sharma will participate in tree plantation and establish a 'Matribhoomi Vann' on campus. Drone-assisted seed plantation will also be carried out as part of the initiative. CM Sharma will visit a special exhibition by the Forest Department and present the Amrita Devi Award to individuals and organizations for outstanding contributions to forest and wildlife conservation. The event will see participation from public representatives, senior government officials, environmentalists, NCC and Scout cadets, students, NGOs, private institutions, and citizens. Following the Jaipur event, the Chief Minister will also attend a similar forest festival and plantation programme in Mandawara village (Dhod block) of Sikar district. In a statewide drive, district-level forest festivals will be held simultaneously in all districts, aiming to green Rajasthan through massive public participation. Last year, under the same mission, 2 crore saplings were planted in a single day and 7 crore in total. This year, the state has doubled the target to 10 crore saplings, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability. New Delhi, June 26 : The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear two crucial petitions on Monday related to the sensational cash-discovery episode involving Justice Yashwant Varma. The hearings come just days after a rare show of political unity, with 145 Members of Parliament from both the ruling and Opposition parties submitting an impeachment notice to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking the removal of Justice Varma. One of the petitions has been filed by Justice Varma himself, challenging the findings of the three-member in-house inquiry committee constituted by the Supreme Court, which recommended his removal under Article 124(4) of the Constitution. The second petition, filed by advocate Mathews J. Nedumpara, along with other co-petitioners, seeks a direction to the Delhi Police to register an FIR in relation to the incident of alleged discovery of the burnt cash in an outhouse of Justice Varma's official residence while serving in the Delhi High Court. As per the computerised case status, reflected on the website of the apex court, both these petitions will be taken up for hearing by a Bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and AG Masih on July 28. The writ petition filed by Justice Varma sought to quash the communication forwarded by former CJI Sanjiv Khanna to the President and then Prime Minister, recommending action based on the in-house committee's findings. As per Justice Varma, the in-house panel acted in a "pre-determined manner" and denied him a fair opportunity to present his defence. On the other hand, advocate Nedumpara, for the third time in a row, reiterated that the Union governmentbeing in charge of the Delhi Policewas duty-bound to ensure registration of an FIR. Earlier, the Supreme Court had declined to entertain similar pleas by Nedumparafirst in March, seeking an FIR and investigation into the cash-discovery allegations, and again in May, seeking Justice Varma's criminal prosecution. Justice Varma came under scrutiny following the March 14 discovery of burnt cash in an outhouse of his official residence in New Delhi after the fire brigade had gone there to douse a blaze. Following the cash discovery, which sent shockwaves through judicial circles, Justice Varma was repatriated to the Allahabad High Court, and an in-house inquiry was initiated into the allegations. The in-house inquiry committee found both direct and electronic evidence indicating that the storeroom was under the covert or active control of Justice Varma and his family. It concluded, based on strong inferential evidence, that the burnt cash was removed from the storeroom in the early hours of March 15. The three-member inquiry committee comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, CJ G.S. Sandhawalia of the Himachal Pradesh HC and Karnataka HC's Justice Anu Sivaraman -- found the allegations serious enough to merit impeachment proceedings against Justice Varma. The committee held that Justice Varma's misconduct was proven and grave, meriting his removal under Article 124(4) of the Constitution. When COVID-19 brought Derrick Morgan Jr.s legal career to a standstill, he looked for a way to make money from home and found one that changed his life. Today, Morgan works full-time as a trademark attorney offering services directly to clients through online platforms. He lives primarily in Mexico City, pays himself $350,000 a year and has traveled to more than 60 countries, all while setting himself up for early retirement. My goal isnt necessarily to just be rich, Morgan told CNBC Make It. My goal is just to have options. Don't miss Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) You dont have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 heres how Turning trademarks into a thriving business In 2020, Morgan was working on a contingency basis at an Indianapolis law firm. But when the courts shut down during the pandemic, so did his income. Thats when a cousin asked for help registering a trademark. Though Morgan had studied intellectual property in law school, he hadnt practiced it in his day job. Still, the work came naturally and sparked an idea. He began offering trademark services on Fiverr, a freelance marketplace. His straightforward communication and customer-friendly style helped him stand out. Within a few months, his side hustle became a full-fledged business. Today, Morgan offers everything from trademark searches and filings to brand enforcement, charging between $600 and $800 per client. With the help of a paralegal and an AI assistant, hes scaled down from 90-hour workweeks to about 45 to 50 hours. Since trademark law is federal law, Morgan says he can work from anywhere as long as he has a U.S. license with a state bar. This allows him to pursue his passion for travel. Hes visited more than 60 countries so far, and splits his non-travel time between Dallas and Mexico City, where he lives for nine months each year. The other three months? Wherever the wind takes me, he told CNBC Make It. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan works every single time to kill debt, get rich in America and that anyone can do it How he manages and invests his money Morgan expects to earn about $500,000 this year and pays pay himself $350,000. He supplements that with $440 in monthly rental income from a Chicago condo. Gaya, July 26 : A day after a woman was allegedly gang-raped on a moving ambulance -- while being shifted to hospital after losing consciousness during a physical examination included in the recruitment process for the post of Home Guard -- the district police presented the two arrested accused in the district court on Saturday. The court has sent both to 14-day judicial custody, an official said. Gaya City SP Ramanand Kumar Kaushal said the victim has identified both accused -- Vinay Kumar, the driver of the ambulance who is resident of Uttaran Koch (Gaya district), and Ajit Kumar, a technician from Chandpur in Nalanda district. The gang rape took place on Friday afternoon when the victim, participating in the Home Guard recruitment process at the BMP-3 campus, collapsed during a physical examination. She was being transported to Magadh Medical College Hospital when she was allegedly sexually assaulted in the vehicle by the accused. During the journey, she was allegedly sexually assaulted while unconscious by individuals present in the ambulance, including the driver and a technician. "We have conducted the medical examination of the victim, which confirmed the gang rape," said City SP Kaushal. Kaushal further stated that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the case, and a recommendation has been made for a speedy trial. The victim, a resident of the Imamganj police station area, after gathering consciousness, stated that three to four people were in the vehicle at the time of the incident. So far, two accusedthe driver and technicianhave been arrested. Following the registration of an FIR, Gaya SIT, led by the SDPO rank officer, is probing this case. The police have gathered crucial evidence from CCTV footage and are conducting raids to nab the remaining suspects. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and renewed focus on women's safety in Bihar, especially during official recruitment drives. Further arrests are expected as more individuals are suspected to be involved, based on the victim's statement and ongoing investigation. Itanagar, July 26 : Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung said on Saturday that the state government has been making sincere efforts to strengthen the grassroots policing in the state and ensure faster response to public needs and complaints. Inaugurating the newly constructed police station at Old Ziro in Lower Subansiri district, the Home Minister urged the people to collectively fight against crime and drugs and make the region drug-free. Local people submitted a memorandum to Natung highlighting their problems and issues. The Home Minister assured the people that prompt action would be taken at the earliest about the demands and issues raised in the memorandum. The government has decided and already sanctioned funds for the establishment of a fire and emergency service station in the area, he said. Natung requested local MLA Mutchu Mithi and Lower Subansiri district Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme to choose suitable land at the earliest to set up a full-fledged fire station in the valley region. "Strengthening law and order-related infrastructure is a key priority of our government under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu. This new police station would serve as a pillar of safety, security, and public service for the people of the Lower Subansiri district," the Home Minister said. He added that the government reaffirmed its commitment to ensure peace, effective policing, and people-centric governance in the region. Addressing the programme, Superintendent of Police Keni Bagra said there is an urgent need for an integrated check post at Dilopolyang and Maniipolyang, and police barracks. Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme said the police station would greatly boost public confidence in the area. Inspector General of Police (Western Range), Take Ringu, expressed his serious concern over the rise in the drug menace and abuse of drugs among the young people of the region. The IGP highlighted coordinated efforts from all, including village elders, to combat the growing threat of drugs. Jaipur, July 26 : Seven innocent children were killed after being crushed under crumbling school building in Rajasthan's Jhalawar while 27 others sustained injuries. Many still are lying unconscious in hospital beds while their wounds continue to speak the story of trauma and pain. However, what seems missing in this entire episode is the accountability. Two difficult questions arise - who should be held responsible for turning a classroom into crematorium? who should be asked to pay for the death of innocent children? All these questions remain unanswered under the cacophony of politicians' statements which are pouring soon after the news of these seven innocent has spread like wild fire. The tragedy that unfolded on July 25 in a government school in Piplodi village, Jhalawar district, is not just an accident it's a damning indictment of a crumbling system. Yet, no one is willing to accept responsibility. In the name of accountability, only five teachers have been suspended. Teachers' job is to teach, not to inspect crumbling roofs or sanction structural repairs. Where are the leaders? The engineers? The officials? Should no one higher up in the chain be held answerable? Many questions are being asked. But there are no answers. A place meant to shape futures has instead buried dreams. And what does the system promise in response? A "high-level inquiry". Even before the investigation began, a bulldozer was sent in to demolish the remaining school building, the very structure that could have held evidence of negligence. According to Jhalawar's top official, District Collector Ajay Singh, no one is to be blamed. He claimed the school administration never informed authorities of the building's dilapidated condition. The Education Department officials echo the same line. But the voices on the ground tell a very different story. Babulal, father of an injured child, Vikram, said the school building had been in poor shape for two years. A local drive was underway to collect Rs 200 per household for its repair a desperate move when the state had failed to act. "We wish we had managed to collect the donations," he lamented. Another student, Varsha Raj Kranti, recounted how pebbles began falling from the roof just before the collapse. The children informed their teachers, but their warnings were ignored. Minutes later, the roof came crashing down. Tina, a class 8 student, gave a chilling account: "Children from all classes were made to sit in a single room. Some kids noticed pebbles falling and told Teacher Javed. He told us to sit quietly. Soon after, a portion of the roof collapsed. I ran out after hearing the sound. Only a few of us managed to escape before the entire roof fell." The signs were there. Everyone knew. But no one acted. Village Development Officer Daulat Gurjar confirmed that a letter had come four years ago recommending school repairs. The village panchayat carried out some work. Villager Khushang Sharma shared that earlier repairs were funded through donations collected on national days like August 15 and January 26. It's appalling that government schools meant to uplift the most marginalised rely on donations for survival. Every year, budgets worth trillions are passed with thunderous applause in assemblies. Yet schools remain broken, unmaintained, and invisible to those in power. RLP MP Hanuman Beniwal raised a powerful point in Parliament: "Leaders and officers should send their children to government schools." Because that's the real problem. The system ignores government schools because the children of those in power don't study there. These institutions are left to the poor who matter only on election day. When it comes to government education, we hear lofty promises: "We will build English-medium schools. Nutrition will be improved. CCTVs will be installed. Books will be free." But why not maintain what already exists? Why not ensure the buildings where poor children dream are safe? Ask yourself: has the house of any politician, bureaucrat, or minister ever collapsed like this? Of course not because no one dares compromise the construction of their homes. There are no kickbacks, no ghost contracts, no hollow walls built for show. But when it comes to the schools of the poor, even rooms are allowed to rot until they fall. On July 1, Rajasthan Education Minister Madan Dilawar wrote on social media: "Summer vacations are over. From today, definitely send your little children to school. Let's go to school!" Perhaps he forgot to add: "...but at your own risk." The families took that risk. And the result was the horror that unfolded on July 25 and now the question is 'Where's the Accountability'? This tragedy wasn't an act of God. It was man-made negligence -- foreseeable and preventable. The truth is in plain sight. The culprits aren't hiding they're just not being named. We can only hope our governments begin to see this truth before another roof collapses on another classroom full of dreams, said a local in grief who saw cremation of six children on same day on Saturday in Jhalawar. New Delhi, July 26 : A Delhi court has acquitted six men in a case linked to the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots, rebuking the prosecution for its failure to prove their identity and role in the alleged offences. The six men Rajendar Jha, Tejveer Chaudhary, Rajesh Jha, Govind Singh Manral, Peetamber Jha, and Devender Kumar alias Monu Pandit had been charged with a range of offences including rioting, robbery, unlawful assembly, and arson, based on a chargesheet filed by Khajuri Khas police station. Pointing to "serious discrepancies" emerging during the prosecution evidence, Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Parveen Singh, in an order passed on July 23, said that the prosecution completely failed to explain them. "The prosecution has completely failed to prove its case against any of the accused persons for any of the charges that were framed against them. All the accused are accordingly acquitted of all the charges framed against them," ASJ Singh said. The court added that the prosecution failed to conclusively establish the identity of the accused as part of the riotous mob. It said it was unclear how head constable Vipin Tomar (Prosecution Witness 5) who accompanied the investigating officer (IO) was able to identify the accused individuals. The credibility of the police witness was further compromised, the court observed, when it was revealed that he had taken photographs of the accused in his phone on the day of his testimony, but later deleted them. The deleted photographs were recovered from his phone's trash folder. "An adverse inference has to be drawn that he had done so to ascertain their identity," ASJ Singh said, adding that head constable Tomar's testimony was inconsistent with the site plan prepared during the course of investigation. The court said that it will be "dangerous to rely upon the testimony of PW5" that the accused were part of the mob responsible for looting, arson, and vandalism targeting the homes and shops of residents including Gulzar, Altaf, Irshad, Alka Gupta, Vikas Sharma, and Satish Chand Sharma. The acquittal of all six accused marks yet another setback for the Delhi Police, adding to a growing list of riot-related cases where courts have censured investigative lapses. New Delhi, July 26 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a supplementary chargesheet against two individuals in connection with the November 2023 Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast that targeted a polling team in Chhattisgarh's Gariyaband district. New Delhi, July 26 (IANS) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a supplementary chargesheet against two individuals in connection with the November 2023 Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast that targeted a polling team in Chhattisgarhas Gariyaband district. The attack, designed and conspired by the banned CPI (Maoist) outfit, claimed the life of an Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) head constable and marked a violent attempt to disrupt the democratic process. With the addition of Dhanesh Ram Dhruv, a government school headmaster, and Ramswrup Markam, the serving Sarpanch of Chhotegobra Panchayat, the total number of accused chargesheeted in the case now stands at 12. The NIA had earlier filed its initial chargesheet in December 2024, naming ten individuals under case RC-05/2024/NIA/RPR. According to the agencyas findings, the blast was carried out in response to a poll boycott call issued by CPI (Maoist) and was executed by cadres of the outfitas Gobra Dalam unit. The attack occurred as a polling team, accompanied by security personnel, was returning from Badegobra village after completing polling duties during the state assembly elections. The newly chargesheeted accused are alleged to have played key roles in facilitating the attack. Dhruv reportedly assisted Maoist cadres in preparing propaganda materials, including posters and banners calling for an election boycott. Markam, meanwhile, is accused of procuring and supplying incriminating items such as wires, switches, and firecrackers used in assembling the IED. NIA investigations have revealed that the plot was masterminded by senior CPI (Maoist) leadersa"Central Committee members Ganesh Uikey and Manoj, along with Special Zonal Committee Member Satyam Gawade. The execution relied heavily on logistical and financial support from overground workers (OGWs) in Badegobra and Chhotegobra villages. The agency took over the probe in February 2024 and continues to investigate the broader network behind the attack. Officials have indicated that further arrests and disclosures may follow as the inquiry progresses. The case underscores the persistent threat posed by Maoist insurgency in poll-sensitive regions and the critical role of community-level collaborators in enabling such acts of violence. Chennai, July 26 : AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Tiruchi Airport late Saturday night, in what was their first formal meeting since the AIADMK and BJP renewed their alliance ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The meeting comes against the backdrop of visible tensions between the allies over the question of post-election power-sharing. Prime Minister Modi, returning from an official visit to the Maldives, landed in Tuticorin earlier in the evening. He inaugurated the newly developed terminal at Tuticorin Airport, built at a cost of Rs 350 crore, aimed at boosting air connectivity in southern Tamil Nadu. The PM also dedicated and laid the foundation for multiple infrastructure projects in the region, collectively valued at over Rs 4,800 crore. After completing his engagements in Tuticorin, the Prime Minister travelled to Trichy, where EPS received him at the airport and held brief discussions. While the optics suggested a coordinated alliance, the reality behind the scenes tells a more complicated story. The AIADMK and BJP have recently clashed over statements made by former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai. He publicly asserted that the NDA would form a coalition government in Tamil Nadu after the 2026 polls and said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had already confirmed this. Annamalai even urged the AIADMK to directly consult Amit Shah if there were any doubts. EPS has strongly pushed back against this narrative. He has repeatedly said that the AIADMK will win a clear majority on its own and has no intention of sharing power. In public meetings and media interactions, including in Tiruthuraipoondi, EPS made it clear that the party would not entertain a coalition government, stressing, "We are not fools to share power." He maintained that if the BJP chooses to support the AIADMK, it must do so from outside the government, without demanding cabinet positions. Attempting to manage the growing rift, state BJP president Nainar Nagendran stated that he had spoken with EPS and emphasised that unity within the NDA would prevail. He said both parties were committed to winning the elections together. However, the divergence in public messaging has not gone unnoticed and continues to raise concerns about the long-term cohesion of the alliance. Saturday's meeting between EPS and PM Modi, while intending to reinforce political ties, unfolded amid these underlying tensions. The alliance, though intact on paper, is being tested by questions of leadership and control in a potential future government. Whether the two parties can resolve their differences or continue to manage them under growing public scrutiny will likely shape the direction of their campaign in the months ahead. New Delhi, July 27 : The Central government, as part of its crucial 'Act East Policy', has sent humanitarian assistance of five metric tonnes of Black-eyed Cowpea Seeds to Fiji to assist the country in boosting its agricultural production. Taking to X on Saturday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote: "Standing in solidarity with our partners in the Indo-Pacific. As part of its aAct East Policya, India sends humanitarian assistance of 5 MT Black-eyed Cowpea Seeds to our Pacific partner Fiji to support agricultural production. The 1st tranche of seeds departed from Delhi today for Fiji." Experts define the Pacific as one of the most vulnerable regions in the world to natural disasters, rapidly posing threats to sustainable growth and stability in the region. An official statement mentions that India-Fiji relations are based on mutual respect, cooperation and strong cultural and people to people ties. The bilateral relationship received a major boost after the visit of Hon'ble Prime Minister of India to Fiji in November 2014, when the First Meeting of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Co-operation (FIPIC) was also held. Over the years, as a major development partner of Fiji, India has been privileged to support Fiji in its nation-building efforts across key sectors and also in the area of capacity building. The visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Fiji in November 2014 was a watershed moment not only for India-Fiji relations but also for Indiaas relations with all the Pacific Island Countries. During the visit, three MoUs were signed with Fiji -- (1) MoU for Extending a Line of Credit for Establishing a Co-Generation Plant in Fiji, (2) MoU on Cooperation in the field of training of diplomats, and (3) MoU on the Earmarking of Land for their Diplomatic Missions in the respective Capitals. Notably, Black-eyed Cowpea Seeds are popular for their versatile nature with usage that ranges from consumption by humans to livestock feed. They can also be utilised as 'Cover Crop' to improve the health of the soil by replenishing nitrogen levels and suppressing weeds. These seeds can be also used as forage for livestock, providing a nutritious feed source and also be added to the soil as green manure to boost its fertility. Patna, July 27 : At least four police personnel, including a sub-inspector, were seriously injured during a violent attack by villagers in Lakdakol village under the Pirpainti police station area of Bhagalpur district on Friday night. The police team was attacked while acting on information related to a kidnapping case. The incident unfolded when Sub-Inspector Devguru of Kahalgaon police station, accompanied by four constables in civil dress, reached the village in a private car for a raid. According to police, they were tracking the location of a mobile phone number linked to the alleged kidnapping of Vijay Bhagat, a resident of Sanhaula. As soon as the team arrived, villagers mistook the plainclothes police officers for criminals and attacked them. SI Devguru suffered a severe head injury while trying to escape and was later admitted in critical condition to Jeevan Jyoti Hospital, Kahalgaon NTPC. On receiving information about the attack, another team led by SI Shatrughan Kumar, NTPC SHO Sushil Kumar, and SDPO Kalyan Anand rushed to the scene. However, they too faced stone pelting and mob violence, forcing them to flee the area, leaving behind their shoes and damaged vehicles. SHO Sushil Kumar sustained a hand injury, while two other policemen were also hurt. The entire police operation was connected to the kidnapping of Vijay Bhagat, who had been abducted on Friday morning from Sabour market while en route to Bhagalpur. His family had lodged a kidnapping complaint at Sanhaula police station, and later received a threat call demanding ransom to the tune of Rs 40 lakh for his release. The police team traced the mobile location at Lakdakol village. A joint team from Kahalgaon, NTPC, and Sanhaula police stations was formed under the leadership of SDPO Kalyan Anand. The initial team, led by SI Devguru, which included the victim's family, was attacked by villagers, followed by violence against the second reinforcement team. Police confirmed that the kidnapped youth, Vijay Bhagat, was rescued safely, though the main accused, Rajesh Yadav, managed to flee during the chaos. SDPO Kalyan Anand stated, "We have so far identified 10-12 individuals, and are working to identify another 40-50 villagers involved in the attack." "Further investigation and legal action are underway," he added. In Water Mirror Echo, the journalist tells the story of actor and martial artist Bruce Lees rise to fame alongside the cultural history of Asian America. You write that Lee is perhaps the most famous person in the world about whom so little is known. What do you mean by that? People knew Bruce and they knew his screen presence, but they didnt really know who he was off-screen. Bruce Lee is the picture that people have of Asian Americans, but people dont have that picture filled in. Lee moved between the U.S. and China throughout his life. How was he perceived in each country? When Bruce first returns to Hong Kong after starring as Kato in the The Green Hornet, Hong Kongers receive him like a superhero, because hes been on American TV. Hes the Asian who broke through the bamboo ceiling and kicked ass on screen. But Bruce is embarrassed about The Green Hornet because he realizes that hes another version of the stereotypical Asian male in Hollywood. Hes basically the servant for the white hero. Southeast Asians cant understand how internally oppressed he feels from racism in the U.S., and then on the other side, white folks see him as an Oriental, mystical, guru-type character. The book paints a portrait of both Lee and the development of Asian American culture. How do these histories overlap? Bruce, after coming to Seattle as an 18-year-old and living in a segregated neighborhood, begins to understand what it means to be minoritized in America. Theres a direct line from that to who he becomes, which is a global hero of the underdog. Bruce is this transcendent hero who seems above history, but that reduces him in some ways. He becomes an archetype, and Asian Americans think of him as a stereotype that they have to live into. The reality is that his story is like so many other Asian American and Pacific Islander stories. That was what I wanted to recapture by putting Bruce back in his context. Can you discuss the books title? It came from a Taoist text that for Bruces whole life was a huge riddle to him. The complete line is, Moving, be like water. Still, be like a mirror. Respond like an echo. What my editor got me to see was that in Bruces response to racism, he was trying to become adaptable like water. And then as he reaches the last years of his life, he becomes a mirror for all these fans, reflecting their hurts and traumas but also their desires and ambitions. And then for me, as part of the second generation after Bruce, everything that hes done and said continues to echo. For the past 20 years, Kiran Desai has led a semi-hermetic existence focused on writing The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, a 688-page multigenerational love story set in India and the U.S. The problem with writing a fat book, she says over Zoom from the village of Donnini in Tuscany, is that you pretty much do nothing but work on it. Desai is at the Santa Maddalena Foundation writers retreat, where she has come to read over her novelwhich will be published by Hogarth in Septemberone last time. Im a crazy person, frankly, when it comes to writing, she says. Ive labored over every sentence in this book for hoursmore than hours, months. And while rural Tuscany may be idyllic, Desai says she prefers to work in her boring apartment in the Jackson Heights neighborhood of Queens, where she has plastic bins filled with drafts of the novel and piles of notes and literary detritus related to its production. There was a time, for a long stretch of years, she adds, when my life and writing were absolutely the same thing. Desai, 53, writes about multiculturalism, race and class, immigration, postcolonialism, and family dynamics across generations and landscapes, from India to the U.S. Shes the author of two previous novels: Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard, her 1998 debut, and The Inheritance of Loss, which won the 2006 Booker Prize and a National Book Critics Circle Award. The books have sold approximately 850,000 copies in North America, according to their publisher, Atlantic Monthly Press, and have been translated into more than 40 languages. After The Inheritance of Loss, I felt free to think of myself as a writer, Desai says. But when it takes you so long to write the next book, youre back to square oneto the place of doubt. A sweeping page-turner, The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny is a kind of Romeo and Juliet story for a modern, globalized age: a layered, at times mystical romance, set primarily between 1996 and 2002, about two lonely, aspiring Indian writers in their 20s whose families have a rocky historyand may be trying to keep the couple from getting together. I think I must have always wanted to write a novel thats an old-fashioned love story, but I was embarrassed to write a love story, Desai says. Its a big challenge, especially if you consider yourself a literary author. Zambian American writer and Harvard professor Namwali Serpell, whos known Desai for a decade, praises the authors ability to tell an epic tale. People sometimes think that long novels are the result of an undisciplined approach to writing, but I saw Kiran carving this book out of over 1,000 pages, Serpell says. Theres great precision and purposiveness to the way she created it. Its a labor of love. Born in Chandigarh, India, and raised primarily in Delhi, Desai was a quiet kid who looked up to her mother, novelist Anita Desai, 88, whos been shortlisted for the Booker three times, and who balanced a career with raising four kids. I always had a sense of a writerly life and the discipline you need, Desai recalls. I didnt need to fight hard to create it. I grew up with it. In 1986, after Desais mother and father, a businessman, separated, Desai moved with her mother to England, then to the U.S. a year later. In 1993, she graduated with a degree in literature from Bennington College, followed by an MA in English from Hollins College and an MFA from Columbia University in 1999by which time shed already published Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard. Since then, she has lived by the pen. I chose to write every day, she says, My work is a result of those choices. Desai calls her mother a major force in her creative development, always there to offer a guiding hand. My mother is a remarkable woman. Years of my life have been spent with her working in one room and me in another room. She reads my drafts and gives encouragement when it comes to the risks Im taking. Desais books are never about one thing, and her latest is no exception. More than a romance or a family saga, its a novel that explores Indian and American culture, dating and arranged marriage, patriarchy, the challenge of being an artist, and the acute loneliness of living in a world that never quite feels like home. I wouldnt have thought Id return to India so strongly in my work over the years, but Im still seeing the value of working between countries, Desai says. Its a wonderful place to work from the diaspora. When the novel opens, budding fiction writer Sonia is in college in snowy Vermont, where she has a toxic relationship with an older painter wholl cast a shadow over her life, and Sunny is in Brooklyn, living with an American girlfriend and trying to become a journalist. Both return to India, meet, and fall for each other, but their relationship is tenuoustheyre struggling in their careers and have traditionally minded parents who have expectations about whom their kids should become. In its starred review, PW called the book an elegant bildungsroman, adding, Desais artful prose is subtle even when pitched on a grand scale.... This ambitious yet intimate saga is well worth the wait. David Ebershoff, Desais editor, describes The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny as a sprawling story handled with a light touch, and notes that its length is part of the experience. Its a real pleasure to read, Ebershoff says. Kirans eye can roam over anything in a scene. Whatever her eye lands on is interesting because of the way she reveals a detail. The book has so much to offer readers. I think a lot of people are going to fall in love with it. Desai notes that being an immigrant and an outsider have helped her grow as a storyteller. As an immigrant, you always have an element of being lonely, she reflects. I think to be lonely as an artist is a gift. And theres no better place to be lonely than New York City. When I get off the plane in New York I let my guard down. The taxi driver is shouting at me; Im shouting at the taxi driver. Hes insulting me. It feels like home. Desai relishes being at her desk in Jackson Heights. In many ways I live my life within art, within my work completely, she says. Im glad I didnt succumb and become a banker. She smiles. Im proud I didnt go that way. Shes ready to write another book and hopes it wont take 20 years to complete. Its hard to be able to live as a writer, but its the one magical door that has somehow remained open for me. I dont look at it too carefully for fear that it will shut. A 73-year-old man in Australia has launched a legal war against one of the countrys biggest banks and he may be the first scam victim to ever take things this far. Don't miss Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) You dont have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 heres how According to a recent report from ABC News Australia, pensioner Ian Williams is suing National Australia Bank (NAB) for $379 million after it said he was responsible for $1,338 in transactions he said he didnt recognize. After CCTV footage collected by the police proved it wasnt him who made those transactions, the bank said it would return the money in full under two conditions. Williams refused. "It's the principle of the thing. I just won't wear being called a liar," he said. Im a stubborn old turd, and I will not give up. Heres what happened. Fraudulent $1,338 charge on account It all began in October 2022. Williams says he discovered two suspicious charges on his account $515 and $823 at a Coles supermarket in Bundoora, a suburb 150 kilometers away from his home. When he contacted NABs digital subsidiary, uBank, he says a representative told him the transactions were made using his Google Pay account. "They said that I was guilty, I was responsible, I was personally at Coles to do the transactions with my phone and my thumbprint," he said. His maps app and sleep-tracking app both supported his claim he was in Bendigo around that time. He had call and text logs which showed his friend was coming over that morning. He also made a statement at the police station and sent it to the bank, but it was not enough. Eventually, CCTV footage confirmed that the shopper wasnt him police said it showed two young males using what appeared to be cloned card credentials on phones. Thats when the bank offered to reimburse him the $1,338 on the condition that he sign a non-disclosure agreement and agree that the payment did not mean the bank was taking responsibility for the missing funds. Five months after Williams declined, a second offer of $1,500 came with strings attached: no legal action allowed. He turned that down too. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan works every single time to kill debt, get rich in America and that anyone can do it The court battle What followed was a year-long journey of legal research and late nights. He said no civil lawyer he met was willing to take on his case without fees. The first six months of Donald Trumps second term have been defined by moves many of the presidents critics describe as dystopian: draconian cuts to federal agencies, the rollback of rights to reproductive and gender-affirming care, crackdowns on free speech and immigration, and more. While sales of such seemingly prescient novels as 1984 by George Orwell (1949) and Parable of the Sower by Olivia Butler (1993) surged following the November 2024 election, backlist nonfiction titles that explore and explain authoritarianism and fascism are also drawing readers to their local independent bookstores, despite a general downturn in nonfiction book sales this year. Foremost among those titles is Timothy Snyders On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century. Numerous indie stores across the country are reporting that the spike in sales of the slim volume in the first six months of this year shows little signs of abating. Some say its their stores current top seller, though other backlist titles about the political climate are spiking as well. Crown released On Tyranny as a trade paperback original in February 2017, one month after Trumps first inauguration, and put out a hardcover edition this spring in response to consumer demand, according to a Crown spokeswoman. The title, she adds, has been a consistent bestseller since its release, and has had many notable sales spikes over the years connected to domestic and global events. More than 1.4 million copies of On Tyranny have sold in all formats since 2017, per Crown parent company Penguin Random House, 250,000 of which sold in the first half of this year. The book is on its 47th printing following four new print runs since the 2024 election. Weve had multiple customers buy On Tyranny in bulk, with the intention of handing it out to friends or at protests, notes Praveen Madan, CEO of Keplers Bookstore in Menlo Park, Calif., adding that his store sold a lot of copies just before the recent No Kings Daythe series of nationwide protests decrying Trump and his policies held on June 14. Our customers are trying to understand whats going on in our country since the election. Keplers sold close to 200 copies of On Tyranny in the first six months of the year, Madan says. Other topical backlist nonfiction titles that have sold well at the store this year include Anne Applebaums Autocracy, Inc. (2024); He/She/They: How We Talk About Gender and Why It Matters by Schuyler Bailar (2024); and Why Were Polarized by Ezra Klein (2021). At Broadway Books in Portland, Ore., sales of On Tyranny jumped to 378 copies in the first six months of 2025, compared to 49 in the same period in 2024. Like Keplers, Broadway has seen a number of its customers buy multiple copies, owner Kim Bissell says, with one longtime customer buying 100 copies to pass out at protests. Other hot backlist political titles at the store in the first half of the year include How Fascism Works by Jason Stanley (2018) and various editions of the U.S. Constitution. Our customers are trying to understand whats going on in our country since the election. Praveen Madan, CEO of Keplers Bookstore Last spring, Bissell notes, Broadways history and current events sections biggest backlist titles included such history-focused evergreens as David Granns Killers of The Flower Moon and Erik Larsons The Demon of Unrest. This year, customers have pivoted toward such titles as The Future is History: How Totalitarianism Reclaimed Russia (2017) and Surviving Autocracy (2020), both by journalist Masha Gessen. The stores top 10 sellers in its history section, Bissell says, are almost all politically motivated. Broadway isnt the only Oregon indie reporting a sales surge for Snyder. Across the Willamette River, Powells Books, reportedly the largest indie bookstore in the world, has sold more than 2,000 copies of On Tyranny in 2025 so farnearly quadruple the 561 copies it sold during all of 2024 and almost half the number of copies it sold the year the book was released. To date, Powells says it has pushed more than 13,000 copies of the title. In Seattle, Robert Sindelar of Third Place Books reports that On Tyranny began selling like crazy again in January: weve sold about 100 copies a month since the beginning of the year. Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (and the Next) by Dean Spade (2020) is also selling well at the store, helped along, Sindelar says, by active promoting from staff. Anton Bogomazov, a book buyer at Politics & Prose in Washington, D.C., says his store has sold 450 copies of On Tyranny in 2025 to date, suggesting that might be due to its price point as well as its relevance. Other backlist nonfiction titles selling well at the store include Gessens Surviving Autocracy and How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt (2019), as well as an older title that we hadnt sold in quite a while before this year, Bogomazov says: The Anatomy of Fascism by Robert Paxton (2005). How Fascism Works and two other titles by Stanley have also been popular: How Propaganda Works (2015) and Erasing History (2024). Cathy Fiebach, owner of Main Point Books in Wayne, Pa., says sales of books trying to make sense of the election have surged at her store as well, although maybe not to the extent that we saw in 2016. As at other stores, On Tyranny is Main Points top seller in the current events category, with 150 copies sold since the election, and 50 in the past three months. The Truth About Immigration by Zeke Hernandez (2024) is also a bestseller, with 54 copies sold in 2025 to date, following an event held with Hernandez at the store in March. Fiebach says turnout was phenomenal, with several hundred people showing up, which wouldnt have happened last year. At Charis Books & More in Decatur, Ga., owner Sara Luce Look says nonfiction always does well, but notes that the 81 copies of On Tyranny the store has sold since the election qualifies, to her mind, as a Trump bump. That bump, she adds, has not really extended to other political nonfiction, with one minor exception in the childrens category: When a Bully Is President: Truth and Creativity for Oppressive Times by Maya Gonzalez (Jan. 2025) has sold 25 copies at the store to date. According to Mike Wysock, the manager of the Book Stall at Chestnut Court in Winnetka, Ill., while sales of On Tyranny peaked at the store in 2017, 83 copies have sold in 2025 to date, compared to 25 total in 2024and that does not include sales of the graphic novel version or the recent hardcover edition. The store is now shelving On Tyranny near the register, which may account for more salesbut this decision was made in reaction to customer demand. Its also a very front-counter-friendly size and design. Wysock also notes an uptick in sales over the past six months of various editions of the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, especially the 2020 editions published by Smithsonian Books, each of which is priced at $9.95. Bozbay Books in Bloomington, Ill., has also seen a spike in sales of On Tyranny, with owner Elizabeth Aspbury noting that the store has sold approximately 50 new copies since the beginning of the year. We dont track our used book sales, just the new books, she adds. I know weve had a lot of used copies flow through too. I have a bit more energy to continue when things are dark if these types of titles are selling. I am glad folks are staying engaged in the worldit makes my despair slightly less. Premium online access is only available tosubscribers. If you have an active subscription and need to set up or change your password, please click here New to PW? To set up immediate access, click here. NOTE: If you had a previous PW subscription, click here to reactivate your immediate access. PW site license members have access to PWs subscriber-only website content. If working at an office location and you are not "logged in", simply close and relaunch your preferred browser. For off-site access, click here. To find out more about PWs site license subscription options, please email Mike Popalardo at: mike@nextstepsmarketing.com. In a complete rebuke of Biden-era appeasement, President Trump slammed the brakes on Americas thaw with Cuba, signing a presidential memorandum to isolate the islands communist regime once again. The memo focuses on Cubas treatment of dissidents and restricting financial transactions that disproportionately benefit the Cuban government including its military, intelligence, or security agencies at the expense of the Cuban people. It also reimplements the tourism ban and restores much of the bipartisan sanctions that had held for decades until Obama lifted them. These are excellent moves that recognize both U.S. security concerns and Cubas notorious human rights abuses. But Trumps work in Latin America is far from over, as Venezuela now presents a far more complex challengeone that the Trump administration has only begun to tackle. To finally topple this narco-regime and end Venezuelas role as a staging ground for international crime, Trump must build an international coalition to completely isolate Caracas while simultaneously targeting the financial networks that keep Maduros enterprise afloat. Whatever you say about Havana, you can say ten times over about Caracas. Nicolas Maduros regime operates clandestine networks with the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, helping the organization launder money and conduct global terrorism operations. According to the Atlantic Council, these networks have direct connections to the Maduro regime. Among the more than 2,000 individuals and entities designated by the U.S. government as foreign narcotics kingpins worldwide, almost 200 are affiliated with Hezbollah, many with deep connections to Latin America, using Venezuela as their operational base. Moscow has delivered over $10 billion worth of weapons to Venezuela since 2009. Tehran has established drone manufacturing facilities on Venezuelan air bases where their technicians train local personnel to operate the equipment. China has become a top military supplier for Caracas, sending $615 million in weapons over the past decade, including riot-control equipment used against anti-regime protests. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has held nothing back on this issue, and he is right for doing so. Venezuela is governed by a narco-trafficking organization that has empowered itself as a nation-state, he testified before Congress. The Department of Justice has charged Maduro himself, along with 14 other current and former Venezuelan officials, with narco-terrorism, alleging they partnered with FARC rebels in Colombia to flood the United States with drugs. In addition to narco-trafficking, Venezuela has become a breeding ground for Tren de Aragua, the now-infamous transnational gang that got started in the country. From murders and sex trafficking in New York City to extortion rings across Latin America, the gang operates as an extension of Maduro's repressive apparatus. Their operatives have been linked to the 2024 assassination of Ronald Ojeda, a Venezuelan dissident living in exile in Chileallegedly carried out on order from Maduros Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. If Maduros regime will order political assassinations abroad, its not a stretch to believe theyre coordinating the gangs drug trafficking and criminal operations flooding American cities. Trumps initial moves after taking office were solid first steps in reversing the disastrous appeasement policies of the Biden years. In February, he terminated Chevrons oil license, cutting off the regimes largest revenue sourcesomething that Biden never should have permitted to happen. In March, he imposed 25% tariffs on any country importing Venezuelan oila not-so-thinly veiled shot at China, which purchased an estimated 270,000 barrels per day from Caracas last year. Still, this is not enough. The Maduro regime has never been as weak as it is nowhis fraudulent claim of victory in the 2024 election has left him more isolated internationally than ever, with even historic allies questioning his legitimacy. Domestically, the opposition is pulling no punches after the increasingly heavy-handed crackdown on protesters. The White House shouldnt, either. Yet just as Maduro appears the most vulnerable, Trump is already facing pressure from corporate interests advocating that America needs to allow companies access to Venezuelan oil. Dont get me wrong we need to expand our energy production, especially given the rise of power-hungry AI systems. The way to do this is not by propping up foreign dictators who are actively supporting the cartels flooding our streets with drugs and crime. Instead, we should continue expanding domestic energy extraction through increased fracking as well as encouraging and boosting American energy production through expanding both natural gas and nuclear power. Some states, namely Louisiana, have already stepped up to the plate on exactly this. All of this the Iran/Hezbollah networks, the Russian arms deals, the Chinese military support, the narco-trafficking empire, the transnational gangs makes it clear that Venezuela is a significantly greater threat than Cuba. Trump should immediately reimpose maximum pressure on this illicit network masquerading as a government. Kyle Moran is an analyst specializing in international affairs and national security. His research has been published in the American Enterprise Institutes Critical Threats Project, and his commentary has been featured widely in outlets including RealClearPolitics and the Washington Examiner. (Reuters) -Austria's Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) on Thursday said it "derecognizes" 1.2 billion euros ($1.41 billion) in expected proceeds from enforcing claims against Rasperia Trading Limited's Austrian assets for the second quarter of 2025. In June, a Russian court had rejected RBI's bid to lift an injunction banning the sale of its local subsidiary. The ban is tied to a lawsuit brought by Russian investment firm Rasperia after a collapsed deal in which RBI was ordered last year to pay 2 billion euros in damages. RBI's board "concluded that the strict criteria under International Financial Reporting Standards for recognition of the expected proceeds from enforcement of legal recourse against Rasperia are no longer met," the Vienna-based bank said. Raiffeisen plans to recoup much of the damages imposed in Russia through legal action in Austria aimed at recovering Rasperia assets there. The bank told Reuters that writing off 1.2 billion euros will impact the group's first-half 2025 results, including its Russian operations. However, excluding Russia, the bank said it expects no impact. RBI is set to release its semi-annual results by the end of July. The bank's dispute with Rasperia followed the failure of a deal that RBI hoped would have allowed it to unlock some of its frozen assets in Russia. RBI had sought to buy a stake in Vienna-based construction company Strabag, but pulled out under pressure from Washington. "Despite the changed accounting treatment, the legal assessment remains unchanged, and RBI's Management Board maintains a high degree of confidence in its legal claim against Rasperia and the enforceability thereof against Rasperia's assets in Austria," RBI said. ($1 = 0.8494 euros) (Reporting by Disha Mishra and Mrinmay Dey in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Francois Murphy and Olaf Brenner; Editing by Leslie Adler) Infrastructure bonds, which were relied upon the most in 2024-25 (FY25) by commercial banks to raise funds through the domestic debt capital market amid lagging deposit growth, seem to have lost their sheen in FY26. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff So far in FY26, no bank has tapped the domestic debt capital market to raise funds via infra bonds, and the expectation is that the amount raised through this route will be significantly lower than that last year, unless credit demand picks up. Only Bank of India has taken board approval to raise funds via infra bonds. According to data from rating agency Icra, banks state-owned and private sector lenders raised Rs 94,490 crore through infrastructure bonds in FY25. In FY24, through this route, they raised Rs 71,080 crore; in FY23 Rs 29,620 crore, and in FY22 Rs 27,200 crore. The need for long-term infra funding appears to have softened, said an official with a private sector bank. Infra bonds are debt securities issued by banks to finance infrastructure projects as well as housing loans. These long-term instruments enjoy exemptions from statutory liquidity ratio (SLR), and cash reserve ratio (CRR) requirements. In FY25, state-owned banks tapped the debt market to raise funds through this route because deposit mobilisation was a challenge across the industry. Credit growth has moderated from its earlier highs while deposits are growing at a faster pace in FY26. "As a result, there is little incentive for banks to raise infrastructure bonds at this stage. "However, we anticipate that banks may return to the market with such issuances in the third quarter (Q3), once credit growth gains momentum. "That said, both volume and value of issuances are expected to be significantly lower than last year, said Anil Gupta, senior vice president & co-head financial sector ratings, Icra. Data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) shows that the pace of bank credit growth slowed to 9.5 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) during the fortnight ended June 27 while deposits grew at 10.1 per cent Y-o-Y during this period. This marks a sharp decline from the over 17 per cent credit growth recorded during the corresponding period last year. According to Venkatakrishnan Srinivasan, founder and managing partner of Rockfort Fincap LLP, many public sector banks (PSBs) had front-loaded their infra bond issuances last year, building ample funding buffers that are yet to be fully deployed into infrastructure lending. With credit growth in this segment remaining steady but not spectacular, the urgency to return to the market is limited. "Further, institutions like India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) and National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (Nabfid) have also stepped up their direct lending to infrastructure projects, partially crowding out the need for banks to raise additional long-term funds, he said, adding that a key dampener for banks to go for infra bonds is the abundant systemic liquidity. Another important factor is that infra bonds, unlike Tier-2 or AT1 instruments, do not qualify as regulatory capital. With several PSBs looking to shore up their Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratios and overall capital adequacy under Basel III norms, the preference has shifted this year towards capital-eligible instruments such as Tier-2 bonds and Qualified Institutional Placements (QIPs), Srinivasan added. CET1 ratio is a crucial measure of a bank's financial health, representing its ability to absorb losses. The speculation about the likely cabinet reshuffle in Maharashtra strengthened on Saturday, with senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule stressing that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' discretion is supreme among allies. IMAGE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah meets Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in New Delhi. Photograph: @HMOIndia X/ANI Photo The speculation about the potential swapping of portfolios of some controversial ministers or sacking them gained momentum in light of Fadnavis' recent meeting with Union ministers in Delhi. Queried about the reshuffle buzz, Bawankule said, "Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar and Shiv Sena head Eknath Shinde can decide for their parties, which is their right." "Respective parties will make their decisions. However, the final decision rests with Fadnavis as he is the chief minister of the state," he added. He demanded an apology from the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, after the latter admitted that he could not protect the interests of Other Backward Classes (OBC) in the past as much as he should have done. Gandhi had also acknowledged his 'mistake' of not getting a caste census conducted earlier. "Rahul Gandhi should apologise to the nation and the OBC community, as it is obvious that the Congress used OBCs as a vote bank. The Congress had done injustice to OBCs," Bawankule said. He said the caste enumeration decision taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pave the way for a huge revolution in the country. The former Maharashtra BJP president took a dig at Saamana amid reports that senior leader Sudhir Mungantiwar will replace Rahul Narwekar as the speaker of the Maharashtra assembly. "In order to boost the declining readership of (Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray mouthpiece) Saamana and give more publicity to its owner (Uddhav Thackeray), they are writing misleading news reports," he said. Meanwhile, Bawankule said if some ineligible men had fraudulently availed of the financial benefits under the Mukhyamantri Mazi Ladki Bahin Yojana, the money should be recovered from them and cases registered. He was answering a query on around 14,000 men availing of the monthly financial aid under the scheme reserved exclusively for women from the low-income groups who meet the eligibility criteria. "The chief minister and the government have already clarified. The government will not recover money received by some sisters fraudulently. But if men are involved, I feel the money should be recovered from them and cases registered," the minister added. Political circles are abuzz with speculation concerning the future of some ministers, mainly of the Shiv Sena headed by Eknath Shinde, amid controversies. Amid a growing chorus for the resignation of NCP leader and state agriculture minister Manikrao Kokate, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar has assured an appropriate decision after discussing with his colleague. Kokate is in the eye of a political storm after videos purportedly showing him playing a card game on his mobile phone in the state legislature went viral. The minister had denied allegations against him and threatened to sue the leaders responsible for 'defaming' him. Kokate had triggered controversies in the past with his statements regarding the farming community. ***** Amid speculation of Munde's return as minister, Jarange slams Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Saturday slammed Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar over speculation that Nationalist Congress Party leader Dhananjay Munde might make a comeback to the state cabinet. Speaking to reporters in Pune on Friday, Pawar had said Munde will be given an 'opportunity' if he is absolved in the 'inquiry' against him. While Pawar did not elaborate, speculation is rife the inquiry he was speaking about was a reference to the Beed sarpanch murder case following which the NCP MLA had to quit the Fadnavis government. Santosh Deshmukh, sarpanch of Massajog in Beed, was abducted, tortured and murdered on December 9 last year for opposing an extortion bid on a firm helming a windmill project there. The case triggered national outrage. The arrest of Walmik Karad, a close aide of Dhananjay Munde, in the case led to strident demands from the opposition and even some leaders of the ruling Mahayuti that the Parli MLA be dropped from the state cabinet. Munde quit on March 4 this year. The state leadership is glorifying violence and rewarding such individuals with ministerial positions, Jarange told reporters in Antarwali Sarthi village in Jalna. Jarange also referred to the murder of Mahadev Munde while speaking on the issue. Mahadev Munde, a resident of Parli, was abducted on October 19, 2023 and his body was found three days later. His wife consumed poison at the office of the Beed superintendent of police last week to protest the delay in arresting the culprits. "Instead of consoling the family of Mahadev Munde, the government is rewarding Dhananjay Munde. There will be no law and order left in Maharashtra if the state government functions in this manner," Jarange said. Cracks appeared in the ruling National Democratic Alliance in Bihar on Saturday as Union minister Chirag Paswan expressed 'regret' over having to support the Nitish Kumar government, which he alleged has 'surrendered' before criminals. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets Union Ministers Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Chirag Paswan, state CM Nitish Kumar and others as he arrives for a public meeting, in Motihari on July 18, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo The remarks predictably drew a sharp reaction from Kumar's Janata Dal-United, which asked the Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas president to 'first ensure that his own party does not induct those with criminal antecedents'. The Hajipur MP, who had caused the JD-U's tally to crash in the 2020 assembly polls by fielding candidates of Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), in all seats contested by the CM's party, set the pigeon among the cats when journalists approached him with queries about a gang-rape in Gayaji, the south Bihar town where he was to address a rally. Paswan said, "The incident is deplorable. The accused may have been caught, but the fact remains that the administration is unable to prevent such crimes from occurring. It appears that the police have surrendered (natmastak) before criminals." "I regret (afsos hota hai) having to support a government which is unable to prevent such crimes. We should think of the trauma the victims of such incidents have to undergo. The situation has, indeed, become scary," said the young leader, pulling no punches. Paswan, whose party has, incidentally, no representative in the state's bicameral legislature, continued with his tirade at the rally, where he said 'crime was unacceptable in the 1990s, when the state was under Rashtriya Janata Dal's rule, and it should be unacceptable even now'. "I promise you that crime will be struck at the very roots and criminals will be behind bars after the assembly polls, with a new government in place which will work on my motto of Bihar first, Bihari first," he said. "I promise to give you a new Bihar. But I cannot do anything on my own. All my supporters must fan out across the state and work with an intensity that should give the impression that it is Chirag Paswan himself who is contesting elections everywhere," he added. In his speech, Paswan took care not to be as explicit in attacking the government in the state, as he was in lambasting the RJD, which he accused of harbouring criminals and pursuing a 'divisive politics'. "The RJD takes pride in its MY (Muslim Yadav) support base. We, too, have our own MY combine, which denotes 'mahila' (women), who comprise half of the total population, and 'yuva' (the youth) to whom the future belongs," he said. He also spoke of his rift with estranged uncle Pashupati Kumar Paras, whom he did not mention by name, but recalled the split in the LJP and the aftermath that had left him in political wilderness for years. He also repeated the allegation he made a week ago, claiming that there was a 'conspiracy to blow me up with a bomb'. JD-U national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad, whose party remains sore over the drubbing it had received because of Paswan's brinkmanship, came out with a strongly worded statement on the diatribe about law and order in the state. Prasad said, "Those too concerned about law and order in the state would do well to first ensure that they do not induct people with criminal antecedents in their party." The allusion was to the LJP, founded by Paswan's late father Ram Vilas Paswan, which was often criticised for having a high number of history-sheeters in its ranks. The JD-U spokesman also asserted that the government was committed to the rule of law. A Bharatiya Janata Party loyalist who has, nonetheless, been ambivalent about the JD-U and its supremo, Paswan has caused a flutter by asserting that he would contest the upcoming assembly polls himself, but made it clear that he did not have his eyes on the chief minister's chair. Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai on Saturday said he will do consultation and arbitration after his retirement, and will not accept any government post. IMAGE: Chief Justice of India Justice B R Gavai speaks during Van Mahotsav organised under 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, in New Delhi on Saturday. Photograph: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo He was speaking at the inauguration of Late T R Gilda Memorial E-Library in Amravati District and Sessions Court in Maharashtra. "I have declared this on several occasions in the past that I will not accept any government position after November 24. I will do consultation and arbitration," CJI Gavai said. The CJI is due to retire on November 23. Justice Gavai on Friday paid tributes at the memorial of his father and former governor of Kerala and Bihar, R S Gavai, in his native village Darapur in Amravati. The CJI, along with his family members, attended the death anniversary programme of his father in their village. On Friday, he also laid the foundation stone for a grand gate to be constructed on the way to Darapur village. The entrance has been named after R S Gavai, who was fondly called Dadasaheb Gavai. Glimpses from around the world that will make you smile and cry. Paws At The Pyramid IMAGE: A tourist's cat walks along the edge of a fountain in front of the glass pyramid at the Louvre museum in Paris. Photograph: Abdul Saboor/Reuters Incredible Pant! IMAGE: Rishabh Pant, who fractured his foot on day one of the fourth Test against England, returns to bat on day two against all odds, surmounting terrible pain. All of Old Trafford stood up to applaud his singular act of courage. Photograph: Lee Smith/Reuters Photograph: Lee Smith/Reuters Athens Turns Into A Furnace IMAGE: People walk in front of the Erechtheion temple atop the Acropolis hill during a heatwave with temperatures expected to overpass 40 degrees Celsius in Athens, Greece. Photograph: Louiza Vradi/Reuters Walking Through Craters IMAGE: A woman walks at the site of a Russian air strike in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Photograph: Sofiia Gatilova/Reuters Traded to Return IMAGE: A freed Ukrainian prisoner of war kisses the hand of his daughter after a PoW swap in an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Photograph: Reuters Netted Against Drones IMAGE: A Ukrainian soldier walks on a street protected with anti-drone nets in the frontline town of Orikhiv in the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine. Photograph: Reuters Starved by Siege IMAGE: Palestinians wait to receive food from a charity kitchen amid the hunger crisis in Gaza City. Photograph: Khamis Al-Rifi/Reuters IMAGE: A Palestinian child holds a bowl with food received from a charity kitchen. Photograph: Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters IMAGE: Palestinians gather to receive food from a charity kitchen. Photograph: Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters Hunger. Motherhood. Despair. IMAGE: Displaced Palestinian mother Samah Matar holds her malnourished son Ameer, who suffers from cerebral palsy, as her other son Youssef, also malnourished and suffering from cerebral palsy, lies on a mattress at a school where they shelter amid the hunger crisis in Gaza City. Photograph: Mahmoud Issa/Reuters Protest for Peace IMAGE: A demonstrator wearing a fake nose and a mask of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds a baby doll and a torn Israeli flag while taking part in a protest in Tel Aviv, Israel, demanding an end to the war in Gaza and the release of all hostages. Photograph: Shir Torem/Reuters Stranded, Seeking Aid IMAGE: Migrants standing on a fiberglass boat wave at the NGO Open Arms rescue boat Astral as they assist them in international waters south of Lampedusa, Italy, in the Mediterranean Sea. Photograph: Ana Beltran/Reuters Fans Remember Hogan IMAGE: Angie Soupley, Christina Miller, and Tina Harrell of Indiana take a selfie at the Hogan's Beach store in Clearwater Beach, Florida, while paying tribute to Hulk Hogan following his death. Photograph: Octavio Jones/Reuters Brewing Strong Ties IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have chai during a business event following the signing of the historic India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement in London. Photograph: DPR PMO/ANI Photo Honoring Departed Souls IMAGE: Devotees perform rituals for the souls of their ancestors on the occasion of Aadi Amavasya at the Marina beach in Chennai. Photograph: ANI Photo March For His Holiness IMAGE: Young monks take part in a peace march in Tawang urging the Government of India to confer the Bharat Ratna -- India's highest civilian honuor -- on His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Photograph: ATDSU/ANI Photo Democracy In Action IMAGE: Voters queue to cast their vote in the first phase of the Uttarakhand panchayat elections at a polling station in Rudraprayag. Photograph: ANI Photo Monsoon Greetings IMAGE: Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh and nominated Rajya Sabha MP Ujjwal Nikam greet each other in the Rajya Sabha. Photograph: Sansad TV/ANI Video Grab Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff A Gujarat resident was shocked when an insurance company rejected his mediclaim on the grounds that his Google Timeline did not match the location of the hospital that had treated him. The man from Silvassa had to knock on the door of the Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum in Valsad district, which ruled in his favour and directed the company to settle the claim with interest. In its order of July 14, made available recently, the president of the consumer forum, B G Dave, directed the firm to pay Rs 48,251 (mediclaim amount) with 8 per cent interest within 30 days of the order. Vallabh Matka, who had a mediclaim policy from Go Digit General Insurance Limited, was admitted to a private hospital in Silvassa in September 2024 for four days after he contracted viral pneumonia. After his discharge, Matka submitted medical bills to the insurance company for reimbursement. However, it rejected the claim, saying there were discrepancies over his Google Timeline. Google Timeline, earlier called Location History, creates a map of the places a person has been and the routes the individual has taken on each of their devices. Left with no option, Matka approached the consumer forum, a quasi-judicial body with the power to make decisions and resolve certain disputes like a court. After being issued a notice, the company told the forum that there were many inconsistencies concerning Matka's claim. "Upon internal verification of the claim, we noted that there are multiple discrepancies in submitted bills, indoor case papers and we have also noted discrepancies from insured statement to his verified Google Timeline," the company told the forum. As per the customer's statement, his phone was with him during hospitalisation, but as per Google Timeline, 'the hospital location was not found in the patient's Google Map', it said. The forum, however, relied on the hospital's statement and other records. 'In the report by the insurance company, it has said that the patient was admitted to the hospital and received treatment but it seems that they wanted to reject the claim and are giving false reason that the Google map timeline is not matching,' the forum said, ordering the firm to settle the claim and pay 8 per cent interest. Meena Nayyar, the mother of Kargil war hero Captain Anuj Nayyar, was all tears and said she felt like she was meeting her son for the first time in more than 26 years when she saw her son's bust at the War Memorial in Drass. IMAGE: Meena Nayyar. Photograph: Courtesy @MeenaNayyar4/X Captain Nayyar, who was awarded Mahavir Chakra for his valiant efforts and supreme sacrifice in the process, has not been as well known as other war heroes like Captain Vikram Batra and Captain Saurabh Kalia. Meena Nayyar set out to write a book about her son to immortalise his life story. "The army gives tremendous respect to its soldiers. We saw that yesterday. When I saw Anuj's statue, I thought I was meeting him for the first time. I had not allowed anyone to see the body. The way he had left happily, I wanted the same memory to remain. The honour I witnessed here, I feel the Army never forgets its martyrs," Meena told PTI. The busts eight Kargil Wasr heroes were installed along the Vijaypath in 2022. Meena Nayyar was among those next of kin who had not been to the Kargil Vijay Diwas for several years. The army started an outreach to ensure that such family members of the war heroes attend the function this year. On the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas commemoration function, Meena Nayyar, who reached Drass from Delhi, presented the copy of her book to Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday. The book -- 'Tiger of Drass' -- encapsulates the biography of Captain Nayyar. Meena Nayyar admitted that the idea of the book on her son would have been difficult to be execute if not for the help from Himmat Singh Shekhawat, who later on went to become the co-author of the effort. "When Anuj was martyred, he was given the title of 'Tiger of Drass' and I always wanted to write a book with the same title," the mother said. She said Shekhawat's Rashtriya Riders, a group who visit families of Kargil Martyrs to pay tributes to them, in one such visit to her residence felt Captain Nayyar's sacrifice had not been given the recognition it deserves. "There is a Rashtriya Riders group who came to our home, about 12-14 people. They saw everything about Anuj and told me whether a book can be written on Anuj as he has perhaps got less fame than he deserved," she said. She said this was the beginning of the book on the life of Captain Nayyar. "We wrote the book very well, but the chapter on war was a huge challenge for us because we had not witnessed which top he fought on and how. So, a five member team including Karan and Himmat came here for four days and lived in 17 JAT. They tried to reach 222 point and they tried to find out the conditions of Anuj's war, the way he had three platoons under his command," she said. Recalling the events prior to Captain Nayyar's martyrdom, the mother said her son was given command of three platoons by General Bawa after Major Ritesh retired hurt due to injuries. "Gen Bawa gave the command of three platoons to Anuj saying now you have to take care of all this. Anuj told him 'Sir I will do it'. It boosted his morale," she said. Meena Nayyar said in the third week of June, her son was made the captain and the stars of the rank pinned inside a tent in Drass. "Gen Bawa told him Anuj every star means a responsibility. Perhaps there was thought inside him that since he has become a Captain, it was his responsibility to do the war even if anything happens," she added. "We did not bathe or shave for three months and on several occasions quenched our thirst by eating ice," recalled braveheart Naik Praveen on the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas Saturday. IMAGE: Soldiers make their way down from a mountain peak at Ghumri in Kargil on June 21, 1999. Photograph: Reuters Praveen, from the 10 JAK Rifles, said that on the evening of May 4, 1999, there were sudden orders to move to the Drass sector with only rifles as the climb was steep. "After travelling all night, when we reached our destination the next morning, the village in Drass sector was empty and suddenly the Pakistani army started heavy bombing. Two soldiers from our group were martyred while two were injured," said Praveen, a resident of Sanjauli in Shimla, at a district-level function organised on the occasion. "Food used to arrive at night," he added. Pakistan had captured several hill tops including the Tiger Hill which is a prominent peak in Drass sector in Kargil, known for its strategic military importance as the peak offers a commanding view of the Srinagar-Leh highway. Retired Subedar Major Diwakar Dutt Sharma (19 JAK Rifles) said the temperatures ranged from minus 30 to 40 degrees and the hills occupied by the enemy were very steep. It was not possible to climb in one day and we had to stop at intervals, he said. Then we attacked the enemy from behind when they had no clue, he added. "We lost many of our soldiers in this war. But the Indian Army hoisted the flag of victory as everyone decided to take revenge for the martyrdom of our comrades and defeated the enemy during the Kargil war," said Subedar Major Ram Lal Sharma who was posted at the G unit along with his cousin Diwakar Dutt Sharma. The Indian Army on July 26, 1999, announced the successful culmination of Operation Vijay, declaring victory over Pakistan after a nearly three-month-long war on the icy heights of Kargil in Ladakh. The day is observed as Kargil Vijay Diwas. Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap said that the ex-servicemen who were part of the Kargil war will share their experiences in schools so that the feeling of patriotism can be awakened in students. He said that about 20 per cent of the soldiers killed in the Kargil war were from Himachal Pradesh. Seven ex-servicemen from Shimla district were also honoured on the occasion. Just days ago, the cheerful laughter of two siblings echoed through the courtyard of a modest house in Rajasthan's Jhalawar. Today, a deafening silence prevails as the children were among the seven who died in Friday's school building collapse in the district. IMAGE: Parents mourn the death of their children after the roof of the Piplodi Primary School building collapsed, claiming the lives of seven students and injuring several others, in Jhalawar on Saturday. Photograph: ANI Video Grab Weeping inconsolably, the mother of 12-year-old girl Meena and six-year-old boy Kanha, wished God had taken her instead and spared her children. "I've lost everything... I had only two children and both are gone. My home is empty... There's no one left to play in the courtyard. I wish God had taken me instead and spared my children," she said. Among the many stories of sorrow, perhaps hers stands out as especially heart-rending, even as the tragedy has plunged several families into mourning. The seven children were cremated on Saturday morning -- five together on a single funeral pyre while the other two were consigned to flames separately. Earlier, wails of grieving mothers pierced the air outside the mortuary of the SRG Hospital in Jhalawar as the bodies of the seven children were handed over to their families. Some of them clung tightly to the wrapped bodies of their children, refusing to let go, while others sat in stunned silence, struggling to come to terms with the sudden and shattering loss. Another woman, who lost her child in the incident, raised questions on the role of the teachers present in the school at the time of the incident. "The teachers went outside, leaving the children behind. What were they doing outside?" she said. The tragic collapse has raised serious questions about the condition of rural school infrastructure in Rajasthan and the systemic neglect that turned a place of learning into a site of mourning. Apart from Meena and Kanha, who was the youngest victim, those killed were identified as Payal, Priyanka, Kundan, all aged 12, eight-year-old Harish, and Kartik. Five of the school staffers were suspended, and a high-level inquiry into the matter was ordered. The School Education Minister has announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh to those families who lost their children. Jhalawar District Collector Ajay Singh met the grieving families on Saturday to console them. Later, talking to reporters, he said appropriate action will be taken against those guilty. "Five school staffers have been suspended, and a probe committee has been constituted. If needed, an FIR will be registered. If suspension has to turn to expulsion, that will be done," Singh told reporters. He said all possible help and support is being given to the aggrieved families, and the school education minister has announced that a new building will be constructed in the village. He said maximum financial assistance will be given to each family in the next 10 days. Reacting to a video of road patch work being done outside a hospital in Jhalawar ahead of the school education minister's visit to meet the injured, the district collector said, "I am unaware of it... I will take an update." On the repair work of the school building, Singh said, "There are clear-cut directions for it. The district administration is making efforts to ensure that the incident does not occur again. District education officials have been directed to not let students enter schools if the condition of the building is not good." He said it was unfortunate that no input was received from the school staff regarding the condition of the building. "If we had received any complaint, we would have got the building repaired and the incident could have been averted," he said. On Friday morning, the children, all students of Classes 6 and 7 at Piplod Government School, had barely assembled for the morning prayer when a portion of the building collapsed, burying over 35 children under debris. 28 were injured. Slabs of concrete, bricks and stones were piled up high, and scores of people, including frantic parents and teachers, helped in the rescue effort, searching through the mounds of debris to pull out the children. After the incident, anger and sorrow spilt onto the streets as locals blocked roads at Guradi Circle and outside SRG Hospital, demanding accountability. The protest, joined briefly by Congress leader Naresh Meena, led to his detention by police. Protesters at Guradi Circle turned aggressive when police reached the spot to clear the roadblock and started pelting stones at the police, injuring a policeman. The police used mild force to disperse the agitators. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Monday Allahabad high court judge Yashwant Varma's plea seeking invalidation of a report by an in-house inquiry panel which found him guilty of misconduct in the cash discovery row. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and AG Masih is likely to hear the plea. Justice Varma has also sought quashing of the May 8 recommendation by then Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, urging Parliament to initiate impeachment proceedings against him. In his petition, Justice Varma submitted that the inquiry 'reversed the burden of proof', requiring him to investigate and disprove the charges levelled against him. Alleging that the panel's findings were based on a preconceived narrative, Justice Varma said the inquiry timelines were driven solely by the urge to conclude proceedings swiftly, even at the expense of 'procedural fairness'. The petition contended that the inquiry panel drew adverse findings without affording him a full and fair hearing. A report of the inquiry panel probing the incident had said that Justice Varma and his family members had covert or active control over the store room where a huge cache of half-burnt cash was found following a fire incident, proving his misconduct which is serious enough to seek his removal. The three-judge panel headed by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu of the Punjab and Haryana high court conducted the inquiry for 10 days, examined 55 witnesses and visited the scene of the accidental fire that started at around 11.35 pm on March 14 at the official residence of Justice Varma, then a sitting judge of the Delhi High Court and now in the Allahabad high court. Acting on the report, then CJI Khanna wrote to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi recommending the judge's impeachment. We recently published 9 Stocks Jim Cramer Discussed As He Commented On Big Tech. The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer recently discussed. The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK) is one of the largest custodial banks in America. Its shares have gained 28.6% year-to-date and have recovered all losses since President Trumps Liberation Day tariff announcement. The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK) created quite a bit of a splash earlier this month when it became one of the first big banks to dip its toes in the hot stablecoin market. The bank announced that it would have custody of Ripples US Dollar-pegged stablecoin to create a foothold for itself in the digital asset market. Cramer commented on The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK)s partnership with Goldman Sachs to offer tokenized money market funds: And by the way thats Robin Vince, thats one of the most technologically proficient bankers. And he used to work at Goldman. At BNY. And theyre doing a fantastic job. I like him very much. The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BK)'s CEO Is Very Tech Proficient, Says Jim Cramer Pixabay/Public domain Earlier, the CNBC TV host had commented on The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK)s earnings: This morning, everybody was focused on the numbers from the big banks, JPMorgan, Wells Fargo, and Citigroup, but they were also watching the report from BNY, and thats the old Bank of New York Mellon. This is one of the top custodial banks in America. And this morning, BNY reported another strong quarter with easy top and bottom line beats, not to mention a stunning nearly 28% return on something called tangible common equity. Thats one of the best results Ive ever seen from a bank. BNY even raised its full-year net interest income forecast with the quarter. Very few did that. While we acknowledge the potential of BK as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has caused a flutter by revealing that Hinjewadi IT Park in Pune is 'moving out' to Bengaluru and Hyderabad. IMAGE: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Photograph: @CMOMaharashtra X/ANI Photo A video of Pawar's angry outburst while inspecting civic works in Pimpri Chinchwad has gone viral. "We are ruined. The entire IT park of Hinjewadi is moving out. It's going out of my Pune, out of Maharashtra to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, don't you care at all?" the Pune district guardian minister said while interacting with a local Sarpanch, Ganesh Jambhulkar. Pawar reached Hinjewadi at 6 am to take stock of local issues like waterlogging and others. He visited several areas in Pimpri Chinchwad. While Pawar was inspecting the area, Jambhulkar confronted him and complained about local issues in the presence of the media. "Temples are displaced when dams are constructed. You can say whatever you want, I'll listen, but I will do what I want to. "We have been ruined. The entire IT Park of Hinjewadi is moving out. It's going out of my Pune and Maharashtra to Bengaluru and Hyderabad, don't you care at all? Why do I come here for inspections at 6 in the morning? I don't understand. There's no alternative but to take strict action," Pawar said while asking media persons to switch off their cameras. Hinjewadi houses the Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, a large tech and business park spread over 2,800 acres, built by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation. The business park has offices of over 800 companies. The report, titled 'A Reference for Water Consumption During Indigo Dyeing,' aims to address the lack of clarity and accountability regarding sustainability claims within the denim sector. The study is a result of collaboration over several months involving dye experts, mill technicians, machinery manufacturers, and chemical suppliers. It creates baseline and best-in-class water use metrics for rope and slasher dyeing systems. These metrics were derived from data gathered from seven mills located in Pakistan, Turkiye, Italy, and China. The research reveals substantial variations in water usage between rope and slasher dyeing methods, yet indicates potential for considerable reduction with proper practices. It underscores the necessity for precise monitoring, consistent process control, and intelligent water management to enhance dye efficiency and lessen environmental impact. Members of the Indigo Council include industry leaders such as Candiani Denim, Crescent Bahuman, Diamond Denim, Naveena Denim, Soorty, Orta, and Advance Denim. Morrison Textile Machinery and Karl Mayer provided machinery support while bluesign and DyStar contributed technical oversight. Transformers Foundation founder Andrew Olah said: "One of the most encouraging findings in this report is the willingness of mills to work together and share data transparently, a testament to Transformers' culture of collaboration. Its a powerful reflection of the strength and integrity of our supply chain. Prior to this report, claims like 80% less water have frequently gone unchallenged. Without transparency and specificity, such figures become marketing jargon: just enough to sound responsible, never enough to be meaningful. Real sustainability requires real data, and this report provides exactly that." The report comes amid heightened scrutiny over environmental claims in the denim industry due to regulations like the EU Green Claims Directive, the UK Green Claims Code, and legal actions in the US against deceptive green claims. This paper is designed to offer a verifiable framework for brands, mills, and innovators to measure water usage against a common standard and evaluate new dye technologies or chemical systems based on solid evidence. The initiative does not advocate for one dyeing technology over another but promotes a transparent framework conducive to industry-wide sustainable progress. The Indigo Council and Transformers Foundation expects other stakeholders, particularly mills and suppliers, to unite in sharing data and developing open-source tools that bolster sustainability efforts from within the supply chain. In Ukraine's Russian-occupied Luhansk, where shelling still echoes across devastated streets and reconstruction promises remain largely unmet, a new headline is making waves: Chinese activists reportedly plan to open a private school for Chinese citizens. The story, first published by Russian state outlets and quickly picked up by pro-Kremlin Telegram channels, claims the school will serve 300 Chinese students, teaching them Russian and preparing them for eventual enrollment in Russian universities. It's presented as a showcase of international cooperation and a step toward "economic normalization" in Ukraine's war-torn eastern regions that Russia has claimed. However, Ukrainian experts and regional analysts see a very different picture. From September 1, Russia is effectively banning Ukrainian-language education in the occupied regions, a move that the Kremlin can use to claim the territories are part of Russia on a linguistic basis. Moscow has officially justified its moves on language education as reflecting changes in the geopolitical situation in the world. Many dismiss the narrative as a Kremlin propaganda ploy designed to project legitimacy over occupied territories. Others warn of potentially deeper motives, including quiet Chinese economic activity, covert intelligence operations, and attempts by Moscow to weave Beijing into its occupation strategy. "Consider this: Would Chinese families really risk sending their teenage children into an active war zone for education?" says Kostyantyn Batozskiy, a Ukrainian political analyst and director of the Azov Development Agency. "This is not about education. It's about optics, influence, and control," he says, adding that it was a "classic" Kremlin news story on the occupied region's supposedly bright future. "Like their endless talk of rebuilding the ruined Donetsk airport or restoring the town of Shyrokyne -- none of it materializes. It's about keeping occupied populations distracted with grandiose promises." Such a strategy isn't new. Russian occupation authorities in Luhansk and Donetsk, known commonly as the Donbas, have repeatedly presented projects considered by many as improbable -- including multistory hospitals, sprawling industrial parks, and even luxury resorts -- as evidence of "normalization." Few have ever progressed beyond press releases. But there's another layer to the Chinese school story that experts say is more alarming: Even if the school itself never opens, the fact that such claims are being promoted reflects Moscow's growing effort to draw China closer into its occupation enterprise. 'Tacit Approval Of The Occupation' Artur Kharytonov, president of the Liberal Democratic League of Ukraine and an expert on East and Southeast Asia, calls the announcement "cheap propaganda." But he cautions against dismissing it as entirely baseless. "In China's totalitarian system, nothing of this scale happens without top-level approval," he says. He adds that commitments Chinese President Xi Jinping has made to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, -- such as recognizing Russian elections and expressing respect for Russia's constitution -- "all point to tacit approval of the occupation." Kharytonov points to Crimea as a cautionary precedent. Since Russia's illegal annexation of the peninsula in 2014, Ukrainian officials have repeatedly warned that Chinese companies have engaged in trade and investment activities there, despite Beijing's official recognition of Ukraine's territorial integrity. "Crimean wine makes its debut at Chinese trade fairs. Stolen Ukrainian grain and metals from occupied Donetsk appear on Chinese platforms, such as AliExpress, China's online retailer," Kharytonov says. "This is reality, not speculation." Yuriy Poita, head of the Asia-Pacific Section at the New Geopolitics Research Network, says he believes the putative school may not target teenagers at all. "It's more plausible that this is a facility to train Chinese engineers, technicians, or workers involved in joint Russian-Chinese projects in occupied territories," he says. As Russian-controlled infrastructure in Ukraine's Donbas crumbles under years of neglect and war, Chinese firms have reportedly supplied construction materials and machinery for rebuilding efforts. "Complex equipment requires skilled personnel" Poita says. "You can't deploy these systems without on-site Chinese experts. Language training for local workers -- and vice versa -- could easily be packaged as 'education.'" Political Purpose For Russia, having Chinese citizens visibly active in Luhansk serves a political purpose. "They desperately want to show the world that Ukraine's occupied region is a de facto part of Russia, attracting foreign citizens for work and study," Batozskiy says. But on the ground, there's little evidence of a significant Chinese presence. Instead, most foreign laborers are Central Asian migrants, hired for construction projects in the region. This has sparked resentment among locals, who see jobs slipping away as Russian authorities favor imported workers over them. "Russia doesn't trust the local population," Batozskiy explains. "They prefer outsiders to rebuild and secure these regions. But Central Asian migrants don't legitimize annexation internationally. Chinese nationals might -- at least symbolically." Kharytonov raises a more concerning possibility: that Chinese involvement in occupied territories could extend to covert military or intelligence activities. "Chinese specialists brought into Luhansk might be linked to the People's Liberation Army or Chinese intelligence services," he warns. "Proximity to the frontlines gives them unparalleled access to battlefield data and Ukrainian infrastructure." He draws parallels with earlier reports of North Korean officers entering Ukraine's Russian-occupied Donetsk region disguised as students -- a ruse uncovered when Ukrainian forces killed several of them and captured some of them in combat. And recent Ukrainian counterintelligence operations have heightened concerns. In June, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) detained two Chinese nationals for allegedly attempting to steal blueprints for the Neptune missile system. This Ukrainian design has proven effective in the Black Sea. "China doesn't necessarily want the missile itself," Kharytonov says. "It wants the blueprints of a battle-tested system to enhance its own capabilities." Russia's pursuit of deeper ties with Beijing goes beyond practical cooperation -- it also reflects an ideological alignment. "Moscow now refers to itself as a 'civilization-state,' echoing Chinese political rhetoric," Batozskiy notes. "They've borrowed Chinese surveillance methods, censorship tools, and propaganda models. Promoting a Chinese school in Luhansk reinforces this narrative of shared destiny." Illusion Of Economic Revival Such moves also help Moscow sell the illusion of economic revival in occupied territories. Repeated rumors of Chinese investment in Soviet-era industrial giants, such as the Azovstal steel works, have circulated in Kremlin-friendly media. "No sane investor would rebuild those behemoths," Batozskiy says. "But these myths serve to pacify locals and present a veneer of international legitimacy." Even if Beijing denies official involvement, Chinese companies have reportedly helped establish new plants in occupied Donetsk, supplying critical equipment and technical expertise. "It's a gray-zone operation," Poita says. "China avoids open political alignment but allows its firms to profit from Russia's land grabs." Kharytonov sees a clear pattern. "China ideologically supports Russia's war," he says. "It will buy anything from these territories -- grain, metals, whatever -- because it's cheap and politically useful." The proposed Chinese school in Luhansk may never open its doors, but the narrative around it offers a revealing glimpse into Moscow's hybrid strategy -- using international partners, real or imagined, to solidify its grip on occupied Ukraine. "Nothing in China happens by accident," Kharytonov says. "Even a modest presence-- engineers, trainers, or 'students'-- could serve multiple purposes: economic, political, and military." As Russia and China deepen their "friendship without limits," even a simple school becomes a potential front in their shared authoritarian project, he adds. Civilian deaths mounted as Russia continued to press its offensive in eastern Ukraine, claiming to have captured two more villages, as Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed to retaliate with further attacks inside Russia. Ukraine did not immediately comment directly on claims by the Russian Defense Ministry that its forces had on July 26 captured Zeleniy Hai in the Donetsk region and the village of Malyivka in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Zelenskyy did acknowledge heavy fighting along the frontlines in Ukraine's eastern regions, but he also spoke of successful actions by our units in the embattled Sumy region and said his forces were eliminating the occupiers in the border areas. Reports from both sides could not immediately be verified. Zelenskyy also said the focal point of Russian assaults remained near the important logistics hub of Pokrovsk, a city with a prewar population of more than 60,000 but which now is mostly in ruins from Russian air strikes. In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian military commander Oleksandr Syrskiy identified Pokrovsk as an area requiring "special attention" amid constant Russian attacks. Military spokesman Viktor Trehubov told Ukrainian TV that Russian forces were attacking Pokrovsk in "a small torrent...that simply does not stop" The violence comes three days after Ukrainian and Russian officials held a third direct meeting in Istanbul amid efforts to end the conflict, which ignited into a full-blown war following Russia's invasion of February 2022. Those talks made progress on further swaps of prisoners and the remains of fallen soldiers, but no breakthroughs were apparent on efforts to reach a cease-fire. US President Donald Trump, showing frustration at Russian leader Vladimir Putin's refusal to agree to a cease-fire, in mid-July threatened to impose new sanctions on Moscow if it doesnt reach a deal with Kyiv by early September. In an interview with Fox News broadcast on July 26, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Trump is becoming "increasingly frustrated" that despite having good interactions with Putin during phone calls, "it never leads anywhere." Trump is "losing his patience. He's losing his willingness to continue to wait for the Russian side to do something here, to bring an end to this war," Rubio said, adding that there was "no way that Putin could have sustained this war without Chinese support, particularly buying his oil." Zelenskyy has said Russia's latest attacks were a "response" to Kyiv's proposal of an immediate cease-fire during the peace talks. Zelenskyy vowed to retaliate with further attacks on military sites inside Russia after civilian deaths mounted on July 26 in multiple Ukrainian regions under the fire of Russian artillery and drone strikes. Today, unfortunately, there were numerous Russian strikes on our cities and our communities: Sumy including Ukrainian energy infrastructure, as well as Dnipro, Kharkiv, Kherson region, and Donetsk region, Zelenskyy said in his July 26 video address. "Such strikes certainly cannot be left without response, and Ukrainian long-range drones ensure one," he posted separately on X. "Russian military enterprises, Russian logistics, and Russian airfields must see that Russia's own war is now hitting them back with real consequences, Zelenskyy posted. Zelenskyy said he instructed officials to be more active in attracting external funding for drones. "I also instructed government officials and the defense minister to more actively review all our agreements we have with our partners -- the ones we must implement fully, but which, unfortunately, are currently still only partially being carried out," he added without being specific. Zelenskyy has announced that his country had secured funding for three US-made Patriot missile defense systems and is negotiating for seven more of the air-defense systems, part of a new agreement that enables European allies to buy US weaponry for Kyiv. Following Zelenskyy's latest remarks, Russian authorities reported attacks inside the country. Aleksandr Khinshtein, governor of Russia's Kursk region, on July 26 claimed that a Ukranian drone had killed one person in the village of Obesta, about 5 kilometers from the border. And authorities in the Volgograd region said falling debris from destroyed Ukrainian drones disrupted railway power supply near the border area. Traffic at the city's airport was also disrupted, officials said. Civilian Casualties Mount Following Russias large-scale overnight attacks on Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv regions -- which left multiple people dead and injured -- the head of the regional military administration, Serhiy Lysak, said the Russian military attacked the Nikopol and Synelnykove districts of the Dnipropetrovsk region. Lysak said a 66-year-old man died in the Nikopol region, while three people were injured in the Synelnykove district. Serhiy Gorbunov, military administrator of the strategic frontline city of Kostyantynivka, wrote on social media that a civilian was killed as the result of a drone attack and urged residents to evacuate away from oncoming Russian forces. We urge all residents to take care of themselves and their loved ones! Do not ignore the threat evacuate to safer regions in a timely manner, he wrote. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said five people -- including three emergency workers -- were injured while responding to an earlier strike. Sumy military Governor Oleh Hryhorov said three people were hurt in air attacks in the northeast Ukrainian region. Russia denies targeting civilian areas despite widespread evidence of such attacks. With reporting by Reuters and dpa The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Several people died overnight on July 25-26 in Russia's latest large-scale air attack on Ukraine, this time focused on the Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv regions. Missile, drone, and guided-bomb strikes on Dnipro and surrounding areas caused fires and widespread damage. Serhiy Lysak, head of the regional military administration, called the attack massive," hitting residential and industrial areas. Russian forces launched a large-scale nighttime attack on Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv regions, leaving multiple people dead and injured, and causing extensive damage. In the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, the assault struck the city of Dnipro and surrounding areas with missiles, drones, and guided bombs. According to Serhiy Lysak, head of the regional military administration, the massive attack killed a man and injured a woman in Dnipro city. Residential high-rises, industrial enterprises, and parking lots suffered direct hits, igniting major fires. In the Dnipro district, fires broke out at a shopping center, various enterprises, and areas of dry grass, resulting in one additional fatality and four more people injured. Russian forces also bombed the Pokrovske community with guided aerial munitions, sparking further blazes. Ukraines military said air defenses intercepted seven missiles and 26 drones during the assault. Kharkiv also came under prolonged bombardment lasting nearly three hours, involving over 20 strikes, including four guided bombs, two ballistic missiles, and 15 Shahed kamikaze drones, according to Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov. Seven major fires ignited in the citys Kyiv district. Emergency services reported five people injured, including three rescuers wounded by a second strike while responding to the aftermath of the first. Fire crews managed to save six people, including two children, before three of their firefighting vehicles were destroyed. Across the border, the acting governor of Russias Rostov region Yury Slyusar said two people died after a drone strike started a car fire. Meanwhile, in the early hours of July 26, a drone strike hit the Russian city of Stavropol. Local residents reported hearing a series of loud explosions. The apparent target was the Signal defense plant, a facility involved in producing electronic warfare systems for aircraft and ground forces. The attacks came a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that his country had secured funding for three Patriot missile defense systems and is negotiating for seven more, following a new agreement that enables European allies to buy US weaponry for Kyiv. The announcement came two weeks after US President Donald Trump gave Russia a 50-day deadline to reach a settlement on the war or face steep tariffs, and signaled intent to supply Ukraine with additional defensive weapons through European partners. According to Zelenskyy, Germany and Norway have each pledged Patriot systems, and talks with the Netherlands are ongoing. In addition, Kyiv and Washington have agreed to a deal -- estimated at between $10 billion and $30 billion -- for Ukraine to export drones to the United States. Since taking office six months ago, Trump has tried to broker an end to the conflict, but Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected US calls for a cease-fire. In response to this impasse, Trump has authorized the release of weapons to Ukraine that were previously withheld in efforts not to antagonize Russia. Key Points Banks provide what amounts to a necessity service in today's connected world. The Great Recession proved that some banks are more resilient than others. If you are looking to maximize your dividend income, this ultra-high-yield bank should be on your short list. 10 stocks we like better than Bank Of Nova Scotia Banks aren't supposed to be exciting. They are supposed to provide basic services that help the world function on the financial front. Boring is good, but it often doesn't lead to a stock that has an ultra-high dividend yield. That said, Bank of Nova Scotia (NYSE: BNS) is boring enough to buy but "exciting" enough to have a lofty dividend yield. Here's why you might want to jump on this ultra-high-yield bank if you have $10,000 to invest right now. What does Bank of Nova Scotia do? Bank of Nova Scotia, which generally goes by the nickname Scotiabank, isn't particularly different from most other large banks. It provides customers with the basics, like bank accounts, checking accounts, and mortgages. It deals with business customers, too. But on top of that it also adds things like wealth management and investment banking. In this way it not only competes with local banks, but also with giants like Bank of America or Citigroup. Image source: Getty Images. That said, there's a key difference here that is important to keep in mind. Scotiabank hails from Canada. Canadian banking regulations are very stringent, leading the largest of the country's banks, of which Scotiabank is one, to have entrenched industry positions. The heavy regulation has also resulted in Canadian banks having a conservative ethos that permeates all aspects of their businesses. All in, Scotiabank has a very solid business foundation. The best display of this comes from Scotiabank's dividend. It has paid a dividend continuously since it started paying a dividend in 1833. That said, the dividend hasn't increased every single year (more on this below), but it also didn't get cut during the 2007 to 2009 financial crises. The Great Recession, as that deep recessionary period is known, led both Citigroup and Bank of America to cut their dividends. So it stands out on the dividend front for its consistency. But it also stands out because of the huge 5.7% dividend yield. For reference, the S&P 500 index (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) is yielding just 1.2% and the average bank has a yield of 2.5%. Why such a high yield from Scotiabank? Scotiabank's yield would suggest that it is a risky bank. And yet its core Canadian operations would suggest the exact opposite. What's going on? As it turns out, like other Canadian banks, Scotiabank has looked to foreign markets for growth. Most of its peers chose to focus on the U.S. market, but Scotiabank sought to differentiate itself by focusing on Central and South America. That didn't work out quite as well as hoped. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) has launched new community-based services in Roscommon Town and Castlerea. These new monthly services a social club, a support group, and a memory cafe are designed to offer safe, welcoming spaces for people with dementia, their carers, and loved ones to connect, share experiences, and access information in their own community. An estimated 1,108 people live with dementia in the county, with over 64,000 affected nationwide. Were thrilled to launch these much-needed services in Roscommon, said Carol Molloy, regional operations manager for the Northwest. Living with dementia can feel isolating, but with the right support close to home, people can continue to live well and feel connected. These services which are free of charge are open to anyone affected by dementia, whether recently diagnosed, a family carer, or someone seeking information and support. People appreciate having somewhere local to visit, thats friendly and informal - a support outlet. It can make a huge difference just to have a chat with someone who understands, said Michelle Shiel, Castlerea day manager. These new services are in addition to the ASIs existing offerings in the county, including day care, day care at home, and dementia adviser support. The Roscommon Social Club meets on the second Monday of each month from 10. 30 a.m. 12 noon at The Cube, Lanesboro Road, Roscommon Town, contact Mary (087 068 0714). The Castlerea Support Group meets on the fourth Thursday of each month from 11 a.m. 12 noon at the Castlerea Day Centre, contact Michelle (087 938 7533). The Roscommon Memory Cafe starts Monday, July 28th and will then meet the fourth Monday of each month from 10.30 a.m. 12 noon at The Cube, Lanesboro Road, Roscommon Town, contact Mary (087 068 0714). Hostile' alien spacecraft attacking Earth this November? Read The Shocking Claim A group of scientists has claimed that a mysterious intergalactic object is likely to pose a threat to the planet Earth. Hostile Alien Spacecraft attack on Earth latest news today: A 'hostile' alien spacecraft is likely to attack the planet Earth in November, claims a new study, which turns out to be a little horrific. A group of scientists has claimed that a mysterious intergalactic object is likely to pose a threat to the planet Earth. If the hypothesis turns out to be true, the consequences of the alleged Hostile Alien Spacecraft attack on Earth could be devastating for humanity. This is what the paper published by Cornell University stated. Advertisement What is the hostile alien spacecraft? The group of scientists is talking about 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar entity that was discovered on July 1, which is being referred to as the object moving towards the sun at 130,000 mph, Live Science reported. In less than 24 hours, it was confirmed as an interstellar object. Initially, it seemed it could be a comet, measuring up to 15 meters in diameter, larger than Manhattan. However, the scientists dismissed the findings of this inflammatory paper. The trio suggested that this object might be a piece of alien spy technology. The Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb, known for linking extraterrestrial objects to alien life, had earlier argued in 2017 that interstellar object EOumuamua might be an artificial alien reconnaissance probe, based on its shape and acceleration. (Hostile Alien Spacecraft attack on Earth latest news today) For the 2025 study, Avi collaborated with Adam Hibberd and Adam Crowl of the Initiative for Interstellar Studies in London. He argued that 3I/ATLASs trajectory suggests an alien origin. The trio believes the object's speed -- significantly faster than that of 'Oumuamua and other objects' along with the fact that it entered our solar system from a different angle, comes up with "various benefits to an extraterrestrial intelligence. Advertisement Loeb further suggested that 3I/ATLAS will approach closer to Mars, Jupiter, and Venus, and allow aliens to sneakily plant spy 'gadgets' there, and later on, when this undercover UFO reaches its closest to the Sun (perihelion) in late November, it will be hidden from Earth's vision. "This could be intentional to avoid detailed observations from Earth-based telescopes when the object is brightest or when gadgets are sent to Earth from that hidden vantage point," Loeb said. Loeb has also warned that, most likely, there will be an attack and would 'possibly require defensive measures to be undertaken.' Advertisement It is pertinent to mention that the paper is yet to be peer reviewed. It has been panned by some scientists, wherein Loeb himself admitted in the blog that the alien spy probe theory is a bit far-fetched. "By far, the most likely outcome will be that 3I/ATLAS is a completely natural interstellar object, probably a comet," he noted. (For more news apart from Hostile Alien Spacecraft attack on Earth latest news today, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) July 26, 2026 UPDATE The latest news from RRI Newsflash Newsroom, 26.07.2025, 20:06 Measures As of August 1, the first package of fiscal and budgetary measures to reduce the countrys excessive deficit will come into force in Romania. President Nicusor Dan promulgated, on Friday, the law for which the coalition government in Bucharest has assumed responsibility in Parliament. The measures include the increase in the VAT and excise rates, in the health contributions for pensions higher than 3,000 lei (about 600 Euros), the freezing of pensions and salaries in the public sector or the limitation of bonuses and state employment. Immediately after the announcement of the austerity measures, employees from numerous fields of activity protested, with unions warning that they could trigger an all-out strike in September if the solutions proposed as an alternative to some of the reforms under consideration are not taken into account. The government is expected to develop a second package of measures to reduce the deficit next month. Visit The Ro manian President Nicusor Dan met on Saturday, during a two-day official visit to Austria, with Chancellor Christian Stocker, whom he told that the two countries must have a strong economic relationship, the Danube Strategy being a good opportunity in this regard. The Danube Strategy is a macro-regional initiative of the European Union aimed at promoting economic, social and environmental development in the Danube region. During the morning, the head of state participated in the opening ceremony of a traditional festival in Salzburg. On Friday, President Nicusor Dan and the President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, discussed the development of bilateral relations, support for Ukraine in the war against Russia, the expansion of the European Union to the Western Balkans, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, and also about the Romanian community in Austria. Environment The Environment Minister Diana Buzoianu presented, on Saturday, to her German counterpart, Carsten Schneider, the Vacaresti Natural Park, a unique example of ecological regeneration in an urban setting. The park is located in the heart of Bucharest and represents an oasis of biodiversity for over 150 species of birds, protected species of amphibians, reptiles and mammals, as well as a wetland ecosystem of inestimable value for ecological education, climate resilience and the quality of urban life. The discussions held on site by Ministers Diana Buzoianu and Carsten Schneider focused on the importance of urban natural areas for public health, biodiversity conservation and environmental education. Both stressed the need to more firmly include these green spaces in the climate and urban strategies of the European Union. The German Environment Minister paid a visit to Romania between 24-26 July. Roaming The European Union will eliminate roaming charges for the Republic of Moldova starting from 1 January next year. The measure aims to support the gradual integration of the Romanian-speaking republic into the Unions internal market, one of the objectives of the association agreement concluded in 2016. A decision to abolish roaming charges has been recently taken for Ukraine as well. Citizens of the two countries will be able to make calls, send text messages and use mobile data in the European Union without additional charges. Both Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova have the status of candidate countries for accession. Weather Romania faced, also on Saturday, intense and persistent heat, reported in most of the southern half, including Bucharest, where a Code Red Alert were in force. Maximum temperatures reached up to 43 degrees Celsius, and thermal discomfort is particularly high. In Bucharest, at noon, temperatures rose to 35 degrees C. For the rest of Romania, meteorologists have issued Code Orange and Yellow Alerts for heat. Starting in the afternoon, Sunday and throughout next week, the exchange of a very hot air mass with a colder air mass will lead to torrential rains, possible storms and, on isolated areas, hail. For now, due to the heat wave, traffic restrictions have also been imposed. Vehicles with a maximum authorized total mass of over 7.5 tons couldnt circulate on Saturday between noon and 8 p.m. local time, on motorways, expressways and national roads in the areas covered by the Red Code. (LS) Costfoto / NurPhoto via Getty Images Intel reported its latest quarterly financial results Thursday, More layoffs are coming at Intel, the latest Big Tech company to make big cuts in its staff. The American chip giant on Thursday afternoon said in a letter from CEO Lip-Bu Tan, published online in concert with the company's latest financial results, that it plans to end the year with a workforce of around 75,000 after "workforce reductions and attrition, cutting jobs by about 15%. That would mark a substantial year-over-year reduction from the nearly 109,000 employees Intel (INTC) reported at the end of 2024. Several large U.S. tech firms have taken similar steps in recent months as they've sought to cut costs, sustain profits and restructure operations: Microsoft (MSFT) in early July confirmed plans for thousands of layoffs, while Alphabet (GOOGL) was making buyout offers last month. "We are making hard but necessary decisions to streamline the organization, drive greater efficiency and increase accountability at every level of the company," Tan wrote Thursday. The company as it has sought to turn around its business and revitalize interest in its stock has taken on staffing as well as strategic questions. Earlier this year it said it expected hybrid employees to be on site at least four days a week by Sept. 1, a move Tan said today was "on track." And job cuts that happened in Q2, Tan wrote, reduced "the number of management layers by about 50%." "All of this is designed to drive organizational effectiveness and transform our culture," Tan wrote. Shares of Intel were edging lower in after-hours trading. Read Investopedia's full coverage of today's trading here. Read the original article on Investopedia Gold prices fell modestly on Friday as investors see a glimpse of positivity with news of more countries signing deals with the US coming in and other major US trading partners brainstorming with their US counterparts to secure a deal before August 1. Front Month Comex Gold for July delivery, lost by $37.00 or 1.10 percent to $3334.00 per troy ounce. Gold lost $19.00 or 0.57 percent for the week. Front Month Comex Silver for July delivery, lost by 85.40 cents or 2.19 percent to $38.167 per troy ounce. Silver lost 05.60 cents or 0.15 percent for the week. US President Donald Trump's extension of the deadline for "reciprocal tariffs" suspension period from July 9 to August 1 is expiring by next week. With only a few days left, many trading partners of the US are getting into an agreement with the U.S. to avoid high tariff imposition on their exports to the US from August 1. UK, China, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, and recently Japan, have joined the list of major U.S. exporters getting into an amicable agreement with the U.S. High-level delegates from EU, Canada, South Korea, and India have expedited their negotiations with their US counterparts to get a fair deal without a deadlock. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis Tata Motors is prepping for a major product onslaught and the grand plan involves multiple new nameplate launches by the end of calendar year 2030. The first step in this nameplate revival exercise is the Sierra, which was showcased at the 2025 Auto Expo. Sierra was showcased once again at a recent dealer meet event too. Lets check out finer details. Tata Sierra Showcased Project Sierra from the house of Tata Motors is among Indias most anticipated launches. Sierra nameplate has an unshakable effect within the Indian automotive fraternity. Tata Motors has showcased Sierra at 2025 Auto Expo and testing for the same have commenced, signalling a potential launch by 2025 end. Sierra SUV has been showcased again by Tata Motors. This time, not at a public stage, but on a private one. Recipients of this showcase were prominent dealers of the country at a strategic meeting event held by Tata Motors. This is the meeting where Tata announced launch of seven new nameplates by 2030 end. One of these nameplates is Tata Sierra, which will also be the first nameplate to launch among these seven. The Tata Sierra showcased at this dealer meet event could be identical to the one we saw showcased at 2025 Auto Expo. It bore a bright Yellow shade, which might make it to production, considering the original Sierra was quite colourful too. Any New Details? Interior of this Sierra unit showcased to dealers was partially disguised, just like the one showcased at 2025 Auto Expo. With what was left undisguised, one can make out that production-spec Sierra will carry a triple screen setup all positioned in one massive housing that almost stretches across its width. Previous test mule spy shots have also confirmed presence of a triple screen setup. This will be a first for any Tata Motors passenger vehicle to date. Other elements which could be peeked at include a 5-seater layout and a similar 4-spoke steering as Harrier EV with illuminated Tata logo. On the outside, we can see a dominating presence, large and stylish alloy wheels, flush door handles, a floating effect for rear window area like original Sierra, rear roof spoiler, connected LED tail lights, LED headlights with connected LED light bar and a lot of attitude. Powertrain options for Sierra may include a 1.5L Turbo Petrol and a Diesel engine along with an Electric version. Source Since kicking off its share-repurchase program in 2013, Apple has bought back around $775 billion worth of its own stock and reduced its outstanding share count by more than 43%. This has had a positive impact on earnings per share (EPS) and has made Apple stock more fundamentally attractive to value-seeking investors. For more than half a decade, Apple has been Berkshire Hathaway's top holding. Buffett has come to appreciate the exceptional loyalty Apple's customers show to the brand, CEO Tim Cook's leadership in building up its higher-margin subscription services segment, and Apple's world-leading capital-return program. Over a four-quarter period (April 1, 2024 March 31, 2025), Fundsmith's 13Fs show Terry Smith completely dumped Berkshire Hathaway's No. 1 holding, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), and more than 11X'd his fund's stake in a company whose addressable market is expected to grow by a compound annual rate of 10.5% through 2032. The aptly dubbed "Warren Buffett of Britain," billionaire Terry Smith of Fundsmith, is another asset manager investors closely follow. Smith is an ardent value investor who, like Buffett, has an exceptional track record of spotting phenomenal deals hiding in plain sight. As you might have guessed, Berkshire Hathaway 's billionaire CEO Warren Buffett tends to be the most-followed of all money managers -- but he's not the only billionaire fund manager known for their investing prowess. For example, May 15 marked the deadline for institutional investors with at least $100 million in assets under management to file Form 13F with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This is a required filing no later than 45 calendar days following the end to a quarter that provides investors with an up-close look at which stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and select options Wall Street's smartest asset managers have been buying and selling. The flow of information is constant and sometimes overwhelming on Wall Street. Trying to interpret an onslaught of earnings reports and monthly economic data releases each quarter can easily allow something of importance to go unnoticed. A market leader in an industry where consumer expenditures consistently increase is the new apple of Terry Smith's eye. Though profit-taking may explain why billionaire Terry Smith exited his fund's position in Apple, there may also be more nefarious factors at work. Quarterly Form 13Fs offer an up-close look at which stocks Wall Street's smartest asset managers have been buying and selling. Story continues Despite these positives, the Warren Buffett of the U.K. exited his fund's entire stake in Apple over the last year, with 1,597,544 shares being sold. One possible reason behind this selling activity is simple profit-taking. Between the third quarter of 2022, which is when Fundsmith first opened a position in Apple, and sometime in the third quarter of 2024, which is when Terry Smith sent these shares to the chopping block, shares of the company rallied from roughly the $150s to the $220s. This is a really nice gain for a megacap company in just two years, and may have enticed Fundsmith's billionaire chief to take his chips off the table. But there may be more to this selling activity than meets the eye. For instance, Apple isn't the value stock it once was. Between 2015 and 2019, investors could buy shares of the iPhone-maker for anywhere between 10 and 20 times trailing-12-month (TTM) EPS. But as of this writing following the close of trading on July 21, Apple is trading at a lofty 33 times TTM EPS. Not only is the stock market at one of its priciest valuations spanning more than 150 years, but it's been a long time since Apple stock was consistently this pricey. What makes Apple's multiple expansion all the more egregious, and may signal why Terry Smith kicked the stock to the curb, is the company's complete lack of growth. Between the end of fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2024 (Apple's fiscal year ends in late September), its net income actually fell from $94.7 billion to $93.7 billion. But because of Apple's aggressive share buyback program, its EPS rose from $5.67 to $6.11. If investors dig beneath the headline numbers, they'll discover that Apple's physical devices have been a drag for more than three years. Though it's possible Apple's investments in artificial intelligence (AI) will reignite its growth engine, a historically pricey stock sporting no growth in net income is an unfavorable combination. Image source: Getty Images. Billionaire Terry Smith believes this stock has legs Like Berkshire's Warren Buffett, Fundsmith's billionaire investor has been highly selective about his buying activity. Since the end of March 2024, Terry Smith has added to seven existing holdings and purchased stakes in four new stocks. Among these 11 buys, the one that really stands out is animal health medicines and diagnostics company Zoetis (NYSE: ZTS). For more than three years, Smith's fund had been holding in the neighborhood of 220,000 to 265,000 shares of Zoetis each quarter. But during the first quarter, 2,319,158 shares of Zoetis stock were purchased, which increased Fundsmith's position by 1,020% in just three months. One logical reason to believe Zoetis has legs is the virtually unstoppable growth in the global animal health market. Between medicines needed for livestock and the ever-expanding companion animal market (e.g., dogs and cats), Polaris Market Research projects the global animal health market will grow from $67 billion in 2024 to $149 billion by 2032. Additionally, sales data from the American Pet Products Association shows that U.S. pet industry expenditures don't decline on a year-over-year basis, regardless of the challenges thrown pet owners' way. Pets are often viewed as members of the family, and owners have demonstrated a willingness to spend freely to ensure the health and happiness of their "family" member. Beyond macro catalysts, billionaire Terry Smith is likely impressed by Zoetis being in the pole position among animal health companies. Zoetis has the largest share of the global animal health market, with north of 300 products spanning eight animal species, and 17 therapies generating at least $100 million in annual sales. Even though brand-name therapies have a finite period of sales exclusivity, the growth, pricing power, and superior margins associated with introducing novel drugs is well worth it. Furthermore, Zoetis has demonstrated a willingness to grow inorganically in order to expand its ecosystem of products and services. Since this decade began, it acquired Performance Livestock Analytics and Fish Vet Group to improve its diagnostic capabilities, and purchased Basepaws, which is a pet-care genetics company that ties into its diagnostic and novel-drug development programs. The steady expansion of Zoetis' ecosystem ensures that the loss of sales exclusivity on a single drug won't rock the boat. Lastly, billionaire Terry Smith may be attracted to Zoetis' reasonable valuation. Based on Wall Street's consensus EPS for 2026, Zoetis stock is trading at less than 22 times forecast EPS. This represents a 34% discount to its average forward-year earnings multiple over the trailing half-decade. Should you invest $1,000 in Zoetis right now? Before you buy stock in Zoetis, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Zoetis wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $634,627!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,046,799!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 1,037% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 182% for the S&P 500. Dont miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of July 21, 2025 Sean Williams has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, and Zoetis. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Billionaire Terry Smith Sold Fundsmith's Entire Stake in Apple and 11X'd His Position in a Company Whose Addressable Market Can Hit $149 Billion by 2032 was originally published by The Motley Fool Central African Republic: Vote on a Draft Resolution Extending the 2745 Sanctions Regime* On Tuesday morning (29 July), the Security Council is expected to vote on a draft resolution extending the sanctions measures imposed on armed groups operating in the Central African Republic (CAR) until 31 July 2026, and the mandate of the Panel of Experts monitoring the implementation of these measures until 31 August 2026. Background Last year, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2745 of 30 July 2024, which lifted the arms embargo on the CAR. The resolution also extended all other targeted sanctions measures against armed groups and associated individuals until 31 July 2025, while further strengthening these measures. (For background and more information, see our 29 July 2024 Whats in Blue story.) The 2745 Sanctions Committee met on 11 June to consider the midterm and final reports of its Panel of Experts, submitted on 26 December 2024 and 6 May, respectively. The midterm report details the dynamics among armed groups, with a particular focus on internal divisions within the Coalition des patriotes pour le changement (CPC), the main rebel alliance in the CAR. It also outlines how the expansion of state authority in the western part of the country has weakened the influence of armed groups, notably by reducing their control over key gold and diamond mining sites. Furthermore, the report highlights the impact of the ongoing conflict in Sudan, noting that armed groups in eastern CAR are leasing their fighters as mercenaries, including to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), to generate revenue and support. The final report also elaborates on the regional spillover, which it says has undermined stability in various parts of the CAR and affected the domestic political scene. In this regard, it refers to continued violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law committed by the Azande Ani Kpi Gbe (AAKG) militia, which has partially integrated into the CAR Armed Forces (FACA), including extrajudicial killings and targeted violence against civilians. It also mentions the attacks perpetrated by armed groups against UN peacekeepers. As the CAR prepares to hold local, legislative, and presidential elections by the end of this year amid persistent security challenges, the report notes the governments efforts to reach out to armed groups to secure a ceasefire and create conditions conducive for the holding of peaceful elections. (For more information, see our 25 June Whats In Blue story.) Additionally, the final report addresses the issue of trafficking in natural resources. Although the Kimberley Processa multilateral trade regime established in 2003 to prevent the flow of conflict diamondslifted its suspension of diamond exports from the CAR on 15 November 2024, the report expresses concern over poor traceability and the continued risk of conflict minerals entering the legitimate supply chain. During the 11 June sanctions committee meeting at which the two reports were discussed, Council members apparently acknowledged the progress achieved in the CAR, including the extension of state authority over the country, while also recognising the need for continued vigilance. In this context, they expressed support for maintaining the sanctions measures, particularly given the still fragile security situation, and emphasised the importance of assisting the CAR authorities in combating armed groups and strengthening control over border areas. Draft Resolution It seems that France, the penholder on the 2745 sanctions regime, consulted with the CAR to propose a straightforward one-year renewal of the sanctions regime and the mandate of the Panel of Experts. This was made possible by the significant changes introduced last year, notably the lifting of the arms embargo on the CAR government, through the adoption of resolution 2745the first unanimous vote on the file in four years. Apparently, the CAR, which welcomed the Councils decision at the time, fully supported Frances proposal this year. On 15 July, France circulated a short draft resolution extending the sanctions measures established under resolution 2745 until 31 July 2026 and renewing the mandate of the Panel of Experts until 31 August 2026. The penholder held bilateral consultations with Council members and convened a brief negotiation session on 17 July, which apparently proceeded smoothly. The draft text received broad support, with members noting that the CAR had already expressed its agreement with the penholders approach. The text was subsequently placed under silence until 21 July, which it passed. It was then put in blue for a scheduled vote on Tuesday morning. ________________________________________________________________ **Post-script: On 29 July, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2789, extending the sanctions measures imposed on armed groups operating in the Central African Republic (CAR) until 31 July 2026, and the mandate of the Panel of Experts monitoring the implementation of these measures until 31 August 2026. The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution on artificial intelligence (AI) spearheaded by Tajikistan, focusing on the development of safe and reliable technologies with special emphasis on education, startups, and international cooperation. Azernews reports, according to Tajikistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the resolution includes the establishment of a Regional Artificial Intelligence Center in Dushanbe. The center will serve as a hub for coordinating AI initiatives across Central Asia. The statement highlights that joint projects involving universities, data centers, and technology parks are planned. In addition, frameworks for AI regulation and self-governance mechanisms are being developed, with the aim of positioning the region as a model for other countries worldwide. Chapter 11 bankruptcy firm to pay $1.9 billion to creditors originally appeared on TheStreet. FTX, the crypto exchange that went bankrupt in November 2022, announced on July 23 that the record date for claim holders is Aug. 15 and it will begin the next round of creditor claim distribution on Sep. 30. The exchange also said that the bankruptcy court has lowered the disputed claims reserve from $6.5 billion to $4.3 billion a reduction of $1.9 billion. It means these funds, not considered disputed claims anymore, can be distributed among claim holders in the upcoming batch. FTX is required to distribute $14.7 billion to $16.5 billion among the claimants out of which it has already paid $6.2 billion in two previous batches: $1.2 billion in February and $5 billion in May. The third batch of distribution is expected to be overseen by BitGo, Kraken, and Payoneer. Notably, the FTX Recovery Trust requested the court in early July to dispute claims from 49 restricted jurisdictions, including China, Russia, North Korea, and Saudi Arabia, on the ground that crypto trading is allegedly illegal in these countries. The move drew intense criticism from former FTX users residing in these jurisdictions. Founded in 2019, FTX was the third-largest cryptocurrency exchange by volume at its peak in July 2021. However, as depositors got a whiff of potential fraud at the exchange, they began withdrawing their funds. The exchange filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2022. The court found the firm's founder Sam Bankman-Fried guilty of seven counts of fraud and sentenced him to 25 years in prison and penalized him $11 billion in forfeiture. Chapter 11 bankruptcy firm to pay $1.9 billion to creditors first appeared on TheStreet on Jul 24, 2025 This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared. Nearly 3,870 NASA employees have opted for voluntary resignation as part of a federal workforce reduction initiative under the Trump administration. NASAs civil servant headcount will drop to around 14,000, raising concerns about the loss of specialized talent crucial to space missions. Former and current employees warned leadership that the resignations could jeopardize mission safety and operational efficiency. NASA announced it will lose approximately 3,870 employees through a voluntary resignation program launched as part of the Trump administrations broader initiative to shrink the federal workforce. The reduction represents a significant step toward streamlining the U.S. space agency, but has raised serious concerns about operational safety and talent retention. The resignations stem from the governments Deferred Resignation Program, which NASA offered to its employees in two rounds. The first round, launched shortly after the beginning of President Trumps tenure, saw about 870 employees or 4.8% of the workforce opt for early resignation. A second round, initiated by NASA in June 2025, resulted in roughly 3,000 additional employees 16.4% of the workforce choosing to leave. The deadline to opt in was July 25. Once the resignations are processed, NASAs civil servant workforce is expected to stand at around 14,000 people, factoring in both resignation rounds and the regular attrition of about 500 employees. The agency said the final tally may change, depending on whether applications are approved or if individuals withdraw. Safety remains a top priority for our agency as we balance the need to become a more streamlined and more efficient organization, NASA said in a statement. We are committed to ensuring we remain fully capable of pursuing a Golden Era of exploration and innovation, including missions to the Moon and Mars. NASA administrator Janet Petro previously emphasized during a June 25 agency town hall that the program was designed to prevent forced layoffs. The reason we are doing this is to minimize any involuntary workforce reductions in the future, she stated. That is our whole goal, minimizing that. Former actingJanet Petro previously emphasized during a June 25 agency town hall that the program was designed to prevent forced layoffs. The reason we are doing this is to minimize any involuntary workforce reductions in the future, she stated. That is our whole goal, minimizing that. The initiative is part of a federal downsizing campaign led by the Trump administrations Department of Government Efficiency, helmed by Elon Musk. NASA had even requested a blanket waiver in February in a bid to protect probationary employees from termination. Also Read: NASA Closer To Finding Life Beyond Earth However, the large-scale departure of experienced personnel has triggered alarm among NASA veterans and industry experts. In a letter titled The Voyager Declaration, addressed to interim NASA administrator Sean Duffy who also heads the Transportation Department hundreds of current and former NASA employees warned that the brain drain could impact mission safety and innovation. Thousands of NASA civil servant employees have already been terminated, resigned or retired early, taking with them highly specialized, irreplaceable knowledge crucial to carrying out NASAs mission, the letter said. As the space agency braces for a new chapter, questions linger about whether it can maintain its ambitious exploration goals while undergoing such a massive internal shift. Rs 4,850 crore Line of Credit extended for Maldives infrastructure projects for Maldives infrastructure projects UPI to be introduced in Maldives under new digital payments agreement under new digital payments agreement Free Trade Agreement talks launched to boost bilateral economic ties In a notable diplomatic achievement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a state visit to the Maldives as a guest of President Mohamed Muizzu. The visit on the 60th anniversary of Maldivian independence led to a string of high-impact agreements and projects to further strengthen India-Maldives relations in various sectors, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. Speaking to social media platform X, PM Modi said, "This is a testament to the depth, the strength, and the all-encompassing nature of the friendship of India and the Maldives." Also Read- Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend World Climate Action Summit in Dubai A broad range of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the visit, solidifying the robust bilateral relationship. The major highlights include: A Line of Credit of Rs 4,850 crore from India to the Maldives An amendatory agreement to lighten the annual debt repayment burdens of Maldives on Indian LoCs Initiate preparations for India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (FTA) MoUs on cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture, meteorological cooperation, digital public infrastructure, and standards in pharmaceuticals MoU between NPCI International and Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) to facilitate Unified Payments Interface (UPI) service in the Maldives MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also confirmed that commemorative stamps were released jointly by the two leaders to celebrate the 60th year of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Apart from the agreements, some key developmental projects were announced, such as the formal transfer of 3,300 social housing units in Hulhumale under India's Buyers' Credit programme. Furthermore, such infrastructure projects as the Addu city roads and drainage system, six community development projects, and the opening of the Maldivian Ministry of Defence building were inaugurated. India also transferred 72 vehicles, different equipment, and two BHISHM Health Cube medical units. In a joint press release, PM Modi congratulated President Muizzu and the people of Maldives on the occasion of their independence day and thanked them for inviting him as Guest of Honour. He mused over the cultural and historical richness of the two countries' relationship: "Our relations transcend diplomatic chronology older than history and as profound as the Indian Ocean. The commemorative stamp picturing our traditional boats signifies that we are not merely neighbours but partners in a journey." Emphasizing India's unwavering support to the Maldives, PM Modi stated: "Whether during times of natural disaster, pandemic, or economic requirement, India has been the Maldives' First Responder providing vital goods, supporting post-Covid recovery, and more." He pointed out that the vision of strong economic and maritime security partnership discussed during President Muizzu's visit to India in October 2024 is now turning into reality through tangible outcomes. Speaking about India-funded housing and infrastructure developments, he stated, "The four thousand housing units will provide homes to families in the Maldives. Initiatives like Greater Male Connectivity Project, Hanimaadhoo Airport redevelopment, and Addu road development will transform the area into a key hub for transit and economic activity. Modi also stressed future connectivity improvements: "The upcoming ferry system will transform island travel, contracting distances in terms of travel time, not geography." In order to further enhance developmental cooperation, India offered an extended Line of Credit of $565 million (approx. Rs 5,000 crore) to finance infrastructure projects in areas of priority for the Maldives. On the economic side, the two countries decided to expedite progress towards a Bilateral Investment Treaty and move ahead with talks on a Free Trade Agreement. "We are now planning to move from paperwork to prosperity," Modi declared. With the local currency settlement system, trade will now be conducted in Indian Rupees and Maldivian Rufiyaa, making transactions easier. The inclusion of India's UPI in Maldives is likely to highly benefit the retail and tourism industries. Defence cooperation was also in focus, with the opening of the Ministry of Defence building in Male being greeted by Modi as a "symbol of mutual trust." He reiterated that India would continue to assist in bolstering the defence capabilities of Maldives in the quest for peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region. Scientific cooperation also received a boost with fresh pacts in meteorology and climate science. "Whether the weather is good or bad, the friendship between our countries will always be clear and bright," Modi said. Sharing the common threat of climate change, the two leaders agreed to deepen renewable energy cooperation with India providing its know-how to enable Maldives to become sustainable. In his final remarks, Prime Minister Modi extended greetings to President Muizzu and the Maldivian people once again, assuring India's unshakeable backing on their journey towards development and prosperity. The NYPD has ramped up its enforcement of cyclists, issuing nearly 6,000 criminal summonses during the second quarter of 2025, according to a new Gothamist report. (Staten Island Advance) Staff-Shot STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The NYPD is cracking down citywide on cyclists who dont wear helmets, ride through red lights, travel in the wrong direction on streets and disobey other rules of the road. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced in April that the NYPD was stepping up enforcement against these flagrant violations, and as a result, criminal summonses increased tenfold for such infractions in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the first three months of the year, according to a recent Gothamist report. In the past, unruly cyclists typically received traffic tickets, but now those same cyclists will have to appear in court. The latest NYPD data indicates that criminal summonses for cyclists soared from 561 before the directive to nearly 6,000 in the second quarter of 2025, according to Gothamist. Only 20 of the 5,932 summonses issued across New York City from April through June occurred on Staten Island, with all of them issued in the 120th Precinct that covers the North Shore, the data shows. The internet is full of videos purportedly showing cyclists doing stunts such as wheelies on the congested streets of Staten Island. Motorists often are captured on video swerving and stopping short in order to avoid colliding with the bicycles. Recently, Advance/SILive.com columnist Tom Wrobleski pondered who is to blame after a dash cam video obtained by the Advance/SILive.com showed a near collision between a bicycle and a Jeep at an intersection on a borough street. The Jeep goes through the stop sign just as the cyclist, who appears to be a young boy and who has been riding on the sidewalk, approaches the intersection. The Jeep narrowly misses the kid on the bike. This June 11, 2014 photo shows the main sign for the Rikers Island jail complex in the Queens borough of New York. (Associated Press/Bebeto Matthews) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A first-of-its-kind drug smuggling case on Staten Island came to a close Wednesday with the sentencing of a Stapleton man prosecutors called the mastermind of the plot. Adam Kamagate, 38, pleaded guilty last month to second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance in connection with a plot that entailed printing liquified narcotics onto court-related documents and smuggling them through the Staten Island Courthouse to Rikers Island. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will carry out mosquito sprayings over various parts of Staten Island next week. CDC/ James D. Gathany STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. New York city officials announced Friday that they plan to conduct a series of sprayings on Staten Island next week to address the mosquito population. Trucks will conduct adulticide spraying Wednesday, July 30, into Thursday, July 31, from 8:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the northwest portion of the Island in neighborhoods like Bulls Head, Mariners Harbor and Castleton Corners. In case of bad weather, the spraying will be moved to Thursday, July 31, into Friday, Aug. 1, at the same times. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will use very low concentrations of Anvil, Duet or MERUS 3 that pose a generally low risk to humans and pets. Some people who are sensitive to spray ingredients may experience short-term eye or throat irritation, or a rash. People with respiratory conditions may also be affected. To avoid risk, the Health Department recommends staying indoors during spraying. New York City will conduct mosquito spraying in the above neighborhoods Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (Courtesy: DOHMH) On Wednesday, July 30; Thursday, July 31; and Friday, August 1, the city will conduct aerial larviciding of the Islands marsh and wetland areas from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. In case of bad weather, the Health Department will delay the application until Monday, August 4; Tuesday, August 5; and Wednesday, August 6, during the same hours. This is the third such aerial procedure the city will be conducting this mosquito season. For the aerial application in marshes and wetland areas, the Health Department will use larvicide VectoBac GS to kill young mosquitoes before they grow into adults. The products contain naturally occurring bacteria approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. The city will conduct aerial larviciding for mosquitoes over the Island's marsh and wetland areas. (Courtesy: DOHMH) According to city health officials, the most effective way to control mosquitoes is to eliminate any standing water. New Yorkers are encouraged to mosquito-proof their homes and take precautions when spending time outdoors. They also offer the following recommendations to reduce exposure: Rep. Elise Stefanik, center, receives the Lincoln Legacy Award from Rep. Nicole Malliotakis and Michael Tannousis, chairman of the Staten Island Republican Party, at the 2025 Lincoln Day Dinner. (Courtesy of Jeff Smith) (Courtesy of Jeff Smith) An electric energy filled the Vanderbilt at South Beach last month, at the Staten Island Republican Partys Lincoln Day Dinner. There was a real sense of hope and a yearning for a new direction. Headlined by Rep. Elise Stefanik, the event was the most well-attended Lincoln Day Dinner our Staten Island GOP has held since President Trump attended, 10 years ago. The jam-packed venue was a testament to the powerful current of change running through New York. This wasnt just a local gathering; guests traveled from each of the five boroughs and beyond, all drawn by a common purpose. They came because they know New York needs a restart, a leader with a strong message and the guts to take on the establishment. New Yorkers have had a front row seat as Rep. Stefanik has put her courage and tenacity on display time and again. Her incisive questioning of university presidents, exposing the rot of antisemitism and moral cowardice in the halls of our most prestigious institutions, was a masterclass in holding the establishment accountable. Its this willingness to confront entrenched power, to speak truth without apology, that resonates so deeply with New Yorkers who are tired of the status quo. The enthusiasm for Rep. Stefaniks visit is more than just a fleeting moment; its a reflection of a significant political shift underway. The ground is fertile for a Republican conversion in the Empire State. The numbers dont lie. In New York City over the past 18 months, Republican enrollment has surged by an impressive 52,000, while the Democratic party has seen its rolls shrink by 21,000 voters. Here on Staten Island, the trend is even more pronounced. Over the last year, the GOP has welcomed 5,400 new voters, while the Democrats have shrunk further. Voters are increasingly turning to the Republican brand because it offers a stark and welcome contrast to the failed policies that have hampered our states potential. Rep. Stefanik brought a crisp and clear message to Staten Island: The time for change is now. New York is at a crossroads, and we are presented with a choice between continued decline and a vibrant rebirth. To be a Republican today means believing in the foundational principles of economic prosperity, individual liberty, and safe communities. It means advocating for policies that unburden our small businesses from crushing regulations and crippling taxes, allowing them to thrive and create jobs. It means empowering parents to have a say in their childrens education, ensuring that our schools are focused on academic excellence, not ideological indoctrination. And it means restoring law and order to our streets, so that every New Yorker can feel secure in their neighborhood. This is the Republican message that New York so desperately needs. It is a message of hope, of opportunity, and of a profound belief in the potential of our state and its people. The enthusiastic reception for Congresswoman Elise Stefanik on Staten Island was a clear signal that New Yorkers are ready for this change. They are ready for a rebirth, and they are looking to bold Republican leadership to make it happen. (Michael Tannousis is the chairman of the Staten Island Republican Party.) No, she didnt. President Donald Trump on Friday denied that Attorney General Pam Bondi had told him that his name appears in the so-called Epstein files connected to accused child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Trump stunningly made the claim even though multiple reports say that Bondi briefed Trump in May that his name was found in Epstein documents multiple times. No, I was never briefed, Trump told reporters upon landing in Scotland for a four-day visit, per the Daily Mail. No. The news of Bondis briefing of Trump was originally reported by the Wall Street Journal. Trump was made aware of the findings in the Epstein files as part of a routine briefing, the Justice Department told the Journal. Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche reportedly said that nothing was found in the files that would mandate an additional investigation or prosecution. As part of our routine briefing, we made the president aware of the findings, they told the Journal. White House communications director Steven Cheung has slammed the Journal report as fake news in a statement to the Daily Mail. The fact is that the president kicked [Epstein] out of his club for being a creep. This is nothing more than a continuation of the fake news stories concocted by the Democrats and the liberal media, just like the Obama Russiagate scandal, which President Trump was right about, Cheung said earlier this week. Epstein, accused of sex trafficking underage girls, committed suicide in his New York City jail cell in 2019. The most recent questions came as Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving time in prison connected to Epsteins sex-trafficking ring, finished a second day of meetings with the Justice Department. Maxwell, 63, appears to be angling for a pardon from Trump after she didnt hold back during secret questioning session. Support the Peninsulas only locally-owned newspaper. Subscribe! Subscribing annually brings you big savings. We also offer monthly and weekly subscriptions. Premium Subscription As low as $8.25 per week Premium Includes: -- Access to the Daily Journals e-Edition: a digital replica of our daily newspaper including crossword puzzles, games, comics, classifieds and ads. You can download a digital replica of the Daily Journal for offline reading. You can also clip & download articles or images from the e-edition to share with others The most recent 90 issues are available at any given time. -- Unlimited access to our award-winning online content -- Commenting access on all stories as a valued member of the DJ community -- NEW! Access to our online-only digital crossword puzzle. A new puzzle every day, seven days a week! (Reuters) -Charter Communications reported a higher-than-expected broadband subscriber loss in the second quarter on Friday, as the cable giant grappled with competition from wireless carriers that are bundling high-speed internet services with 5G mobile plans. Shares of the company fell more than 12% in early trading. Charter's internet customers decreased by 117,000 in the April-June period, compared with a 60,000 loss in the prior quarter. Analysts had expected it to shed 73,240 customers, according to Visible Alpha. Traditional telecom carriers such as AT&T and Verizon are rapidly building out their fiber networks to package internet with wireless plans at a discount, which is appealing to high-value customers in urban and suburban markets. AT&T has been aggressively expanding its fiber build and aims to reach more than 60 million fiber locations by the end of 2030, powered by the acquisition of Lumen's mass markets fiber business. Charter added 500,000 mobile lines, compared with expectations for a rise of 538,450 customers. Rival Comcast is expected to report a quarterly decrease of 255,000 broadband customers, when it discloses the results on Thursday, according to FactSet data. In May, Charter had agreed to acquire privately held rival Cox Communications for $21.9 billion. The deal would position Charter as the largest cable TV and broadband provider in the U.S., with around 38 million subscribers, surpassing the current market leader, Comcast. Earlier this week, Charter and Comcast announced a multi-year agreement to establish a mobile virtual network operator that will use T-Mobile's 5G network to serve wireless business customers, with a commercial launch set for 2026. Charter's second-quarter revenue came in at $13.77 billion, in line with analysts' average estimate of $13.76 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. (Reporting by Harshita Mary Varghese in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar) 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 The new visa pathway for Tuvaluans indicates a significant and welcome shift in government policy in that it recognises for the first time that climate change can force people to leave their homes (Four in five Tuvaluans apply to move to Australia. Frayzel is among them, July 20). But while it offers a way out, it does not address the cause of their displacement. When Pacific nations ask Australia to cut emissions to help slow sea-level rise, the government is unwilling to act. Offering resettlement while enabling massive fossil fuel expansion ignores both our climate obligations and the human rights of those already bearing the consequences. Wouldnt the right approach be to match humanitarian support with a meaningful effort to reduce emissions driving the rising sea levels and climate warming? Anne Ammann, Dargan Frayzel Uale is one of more than 8000 Tuvaluans who have entered a ballot for one of 280 permanent residency visas. Credit: Penny Stephens Parenting priorities I dont often agree with Parnell Palme McGuinness, but I do on this one (Womens revolution will benefit all, July 20). Fifth-wave feminism, which will make it possible for parents to prioritise looking after their child themselves, particularly in the early years, has been highlighted by the current childcare scandals. Economic changes to make that possible make long-term sense for society and the economy, even if there is a short-term hit to government coffers. It was crazy to think that someone called an educator was a reasonable substitute for parents, particularly in the first two years of a childs life. Gary Barnes, Mosman Parnell is correct to spell out the obvious that babies need parents and parents need babies. This is an evolved genetic imperative we ignore to our peril with dire consequences for individuals and society. Business will also be a winner with happy, fulfilled and productive employees. Win-win all round. Mother and freelance writer Virginia Tapscott must be applauded for her enlightened manifesto, which we desperately need. The elephant weve been ignoring is the fundamental flaw of allowing the care of our young and their parents to be at the mercy of a profit-driven industry. Richard Hambly, Potts Point Investing in the future Many years ago, in the late 1970s, the old Marrickville Council decided to invest in multiple child care centres (More must be done to attract quality childcare staff, July 20). It was the best decision those long-departed councillors ever made. My children (and later grandchildren) have all benefited from a system where the staff has professional development and support, while parents have a ready avenue to express concerns. There is no good reason why child care cannot be provided by local government in the same way as libraries and other community services. Joanna Mendelssohn, Dulwich Hill Plans to more than triple the size of a marina on Sydney Harbour for dozens of luxury vessels are facing vociferous opposition from lower north shore residents worried the multimillion-dollar redevelopment will block views of heritage-listed sites and privatise the public waterway. At stake, local opponents say, is the effective alienation of the harbour, the safety of sailors who frequent the water, and prized vistas to and from heritage-listed Kellys Bush and Cockatoo Island. Save Our Shores spokeswoman Beverley Bennett, far left, is among residents fighting the proposal. Credit: Sitthixay Ditthavong Save Our Shores spokeswoman Beverley Bennett said more than 700 people had signed a petition condemning the plan to expand Woolwich Marina from 45 to 79 berths for private vessels up to 25 metres long a more than three-fold increase in its footprint she said would create a wall of boats. We want to preserve this area for the Sydney community and beyond, Bennett said. They didnt stop there, Anand tells this masthead from his hospital bed, days after enduring several surgeries to reattach his severed left hand. The injuries to one of Anands hands. My instinctive reaction was to bring my arm up to protect my face and wrist. While I was trying to protect myself the machete just went through my wrist. The second attack, the machete went through my hand ... the third went through my bone. Anand alleges he was then slashed and stabbed with the machete in his shoulder and back. I was just trying to survive, he says. All I remember is the pain and my hand was hanging by a thread. There were bone ruptures on my arm as well. I was just tumbling around, half-concussed, half-conscious. Anand is one of the latest victims of a surge in knife violence across Melbourne. A 17-year-old boy was stabbed about 30 kilometres away at Broadmeadows Central Shopping Centre in the citys north about 6.30pm the following evening. Anand was rushed to hospital after he cried out for help to strangers passing by. They found him bloodied outside the shopping centre and called triple zero. I saw someone and I just yelled out, Ive been attacked. Please help me, the sales representative says. The teenagers fled with his phone. Loading Anand says doctors initially thought they would have to amputate his left hand, but surgeons were able to reattach it following hours of gruelling emergency surgery, which included inserting screws into his wrist and hand. He also suffered head injuries, broken bones in his left arm and a fracture in his spine. The doctors say my injuries are so severe that they are unsure on how this is going to go, he says. They are not sure my arm would ever recover 100 per cent or regain full functionality. I cannot move my hand ... All I feel in it is pain. Several teenagers were arrested over Anands attack. A 14-year-old appeared at a Childrens Court this week, charged with a spate of offences including intentionally causing serious injury, recklessly causing injury, robbery and unlawful assault. He was remanded in custody until August 15. Two 15-year-olds were also charged with intentionally causing serious injury, robbery and unlawful assault. Police said the two were bailed and will face the Childrens Court on August 11. Anand says he was distressed after learning the two 15-year-olds were still out in the community after the attack. Loading He says he is too afraid to return home and his partner is so traumatised she has been sleeping at the hospital by his bedside. Im seeking justice, Anand says. I dont want anyone else in the community to be going through the same trauma I have. I want this to be a catalyst [for] change for society where people can understand the consequences of doing this to another human. A full ban on possessing a machete will come into effect on September 1. Loading The latest crime statistics from police show officers are making a record 208 arrests a day, and seizing an unprecedented number of edged weapons. When asked last week if the stabbing incidents would prompt the government to expedite the comprehensive ban on machetes, Allan defended the wait. It took the United Kingdom 18 months to bring about a ban on the machetes in their nation. Were doing it in less than six, and it comes into place on the 1st of September, she said. A shoe retailer in Industry, Calif., has called it quits. Amiga Shoes Factory Inc. at 17766 Rowland St. in the Rowland Heights neighborhood filed a Chapter 7 liquidation petition in a California bankruptcy court in Los Angeles on Wednesday. More from WWD Not much is known about Amiga Shoes, although a MapQuest listing that was based on a now-defunct company website said Amiga offered a wide range of childrens footwear for infants, kids and teens. The listing said the collection had included flats, school shoes, dress footwear, sandals and boots. The petition listed one unsecured creditor, a service center connected to a small business administration loan in the amount of $150,000. The petition, which listed Woon Hung Leung as the owner, indicates that the SBA loan was its only debt. Total assets were $8,635, comprised of $7,438 in a checking account and $1,197 in a savings account. The debtor owes its legal counsel $4,500 for the bankruptcy oversight, and said that after any administrative expenses are paid, there wont be anything left over for its unsecured creditor. The petition also said the company didnt own any real estate nor did it have any lease interests. It wasnt immediately clear when the business shut down, but at the time of the Chapter 7 filing, Amiga Shoes also said it no longer had any inventory in its possession. There wasnt much detail about the business in the filing. But it did state that the business had gross revenue before deductions and exclusions of $1.4 million for the year ended Feb. 29, 2024. For the year ended Feb. 28, 2025, gross revenue was listed at $454,781. And for the five months from March 1, 2025 to the July 23, 2025 Chapter 7 filing date, the petition said the operation generated zero revenue. Amiga is not the only shoe operation that has seen financial distress. In March, sneaker reseller Soleply filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy court protection. The company said high-interest, short-term debt to fund store expansions had resulted in a cycle of inventory shortages and cash flow instability. And overseas, Swedish footwear brand Eytys thats known for its chunky shoes filed for bankruptcy at the start of 2025 in a Stockholm District Court. Theres concern across retail and apparel that U.S. President Donald Trumps global reciprocal tariffs will add new pressures to the sector, particularly for retailers and brands that sell primarily to lower-income consumers. A controversial new fast-food outlet less than 100 metres from a Mornington Peninsula beach has won approval after almost six years of resistance from hundreds of residents and the local council. A BP service station on the foreshore at Safety Beach, along the Nepean Highway, will be redeveloped to include a 24-hour convenience food store and drive-through after a successful appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Residents have fought plans for a new McDonalds on the Mornington Peninsula site for almost six years. Credit: Justin McManus Mornington Peninsula Shire Council twice rejected applications by the site owners, AA Holdings, for a larger service station and new takeaway outlet after both bids drew a total of about 1500 objections from the community. VCAT also previously blocked the proposal until ultimately approving it this month. The applicants first sought council permission for their plan in 2019. Monash University says its high-tech research and employment precinct risks being cannibalised by apartment buildings and office space under plans put forward by the state governments Suburban Rail Loop project. The CSIRO also fears the eastern suburbs underground rail line will interfere with its sensitive research equipment at the Monash Technology Precinct when it opens in 2035, according to concerns it outlines in one of more than 600 public submissions published on Friday night. An artists impression of the SRL station at Monash University. The Suburban Rail Loop Authority released draft plans in March outlining how suburbs along the $34.5 billion rail line would be drastically reshaped with high-rise housing and new office space. The Allan government says SRL East will enable 70,000 extra homes to be built around stations at Box Hill, Clayton, Monash, Glen Waverley, Burwood and Cheltenham, and shift employment away from Melbournes CBD. When Teddy Forsters little heart stopped working, his parents initially thought it would only be a matter of time before he received a new one. After all, they were receiving world-class care at the Royal Childrens Hospital, and assumed a suitable match would eventually be found. We went into this situation a little bit naive, Teddys mother, Sinead, says. The team were really honest with us about how long our journey could be. But you never think your child will pass away. Sinead and Teddy Forster during Teddys stay at hospital. Teddy died at the Royal Childrens Hospital in February last year. His condition deteriorated before he could receive a compatible heart. The saga of the so-called Epstein files is extraordinary for many reasons, not least because it has turned rational, fact-adherent news consumers into conspiracy theorists. Or it has at least made us conspiracy-theory-curious. There are so many unanswered questions about the case, and Jeffrey Epsteins activities when he was alive and trafficking girls, that you dont have to be paranoid to wonder if there hasnt been some high-level cover-up of some of the most damning parts of the case. Donald Trump and his future wife, Melania, with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell in 2000. Credit: Getty Images The conspiracy theories swirling around Epstein were initially useful to US President Donald Trump. Stoking them helped him woo the substantial chunk of the MAGA base who believe that Washington elites were involved in powerful paedophile rings that trafficked young girls. Gross antisemitism is rife among these far-right conspiracy theorists, and Epsteins Jewishness dovetails neatly with their belief that nefarious Jews are running the world, working against the interests of the rest of the population. All the tips and tricks to help you do your best in this years exams. See all 11 stories . Kirk Pengilly on stage with INXS in Ontario in 2011. Pengilly did his HSC in 1975, the year the first HSC Study Guide was released. Credit: Getty Images 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 Kirk Pengilly, guitarist and saxophonist for INXS, doesnt remember much about his HSC. He does know he didnt do music. Loading He also knows that if he had forced himself into studying HSC subjects he didnt like to chase an ATAR he didnt particularly want, his rock-star dream may have never become a reality. I studied to the best of my ability, but I lived in a place of distraction. I could go fishing, I could go swimming, I could take off on a motorboat. I spent a lot of time looking out the window, he said, recalling his HSC class of 1975 at The Forest High School on the northern beaches. This was also the same year the Heralds first HSC Study Guide was produced. The 50th anniversary edition of the guide, in partnership with the NSW Education Standards Authority, is launched on Monday and is designed to support the 80,000 plus students sitting the HSC exams later this year. Meanwhile Pengilly said by the time he was in year 12 he knew his life plan: a career in music. Poker machines at Bankstown Sports Club. Credit: Janie Barrett Fitz: OK, so let me ask this, gently. I know this is gauche, but so we can understand. When you were losing, day after day, week after week, year after year, ruining your business, your life, and getting to the edge of suicide, why did you go on doing it? KS: Addiction is a world unto itself and I had been fully, absolutely mentally hijacked by a machine that had been built to do exactly that to me and others. Fitz: How did you escape? KS: It took my husband, and a village. And it took me switching from self-hatred to being curious about what had impacted me. How had this happened to me, and to hundreds and thousands of others? Fitz: What is the core of the problem, as to why successive governments cant seem to be able to get on top of it? Loading KS: The core of the problem is that the people who are in charge, whether its Liberal or Labor, are beholden to an industry that has ruled the roost since 1956. Thats when Len Ainsworth brought poker machines into New South Wales. He went from making dental chairs to making poker machines in Sydney, and then he unleashed an absolutely horrific machine into our social spaces. He and people like him have spent a lifetime since refining the tech to make it more addictive, more mind-bogglingly dangerous. Hed gone to America where, in the early 1900s, poker machines in their most primitive, ugly, ridiculous form were gathered up, beaten with sledgehammers and thrown in the Hudson because of the power that they wielded over people thats why they put them in the Vegas desert. Here, we just turned a blind eye to it, and not only allowed them into every space, but let them proliferate. Poker machines are the most powerful they have ever been and they exploit human behaviour and neuroscience with precision, to manipulate and groom the human brain to become addicted. Len Ainsworth himself boasted that he built a better mousetrap. Fitz: But the control over politicians by the gambling industry comes via donations? Loading KS: Absolutely. Theyve been the biggest donor to both major parties since forever, and Clubs NSW is the most powerful lobby group in Australia. Its akin to and trained with the gun lobby in America. Theyve controlled the legislation, the regulatory space and the politicians. Any time reforms are put up to politicians, they just say, Yep, you know, well tinker around the edges; well change this, well dot this i, we will cross that t. But essentially they do nothing to stop harm at the source. Fitz: And NSW is the worst because, as the Herald has pointed out, weve got half of the machines in all of Australia? KS: Yes. In NSW, people lose a million dollars an hour, $24 million a day, to pokies. Of that $8 billion annually, some goes to taxes, but mostly it just goes to the pokie barons and clubs. Fitz: Which brings me to the next thing I dont understand. Those figures are beyond outrageous. Most people with even half a brain can see the problem. We know action has to be taken but successive governments completely fail at it. Even this Minns government which by and large is well regarded and is against an all-but-invisible opposition, so has plenty of political capital to spend seems completely hamstrung. Why? KS: Its absolutely maddening. There has never been more evidence of the harm done. The NSW auditor-general just came out with a damning report and said that the state is doing nothing effective to support harm minimisation outcomes. Caroline Lamb, the chair of the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority, recently said that clubs and pubs have no social licence to rape and pillage the community. Now, these are backed with so much evidence that it is unfathomable that there isnt immediate meaningful action. This is a public health crisis that is being wilfully ignored by the NSW government. We know what to do. Its about stopping the harm at the source. We need to have a carded system that is linked to identity, that limits how much you can lose. The Tasmanian model would work: with very sound limits of $100 a day, $500 a month, $5000 a year. Fitz: Is that what theyve got in Tassie? KS: Thats what they proposed. But what the industry likes to do is flex its muscle, and at the moment its stalled. Fitz: Colour me shocked. Defenders will say, however, if people choose to spend their money on this for entertainment, its none of your or the governments damn business. KS: Its not just entertainment. That is a lie. When we believe that, we are vulnerable by default and the industry maintains the status quo. The clubs are in the business of generating profits using poker machines to exploit their customers. Everything else they provide is window dressing for their core business, and that is what they work so hard to protect it, via political influence. In any other country if a venue derives 70 per cent to 80 per cent of its revenue from gambling it is called a casino. Here we call them clubs and pubs. Instead of looking after the people as servants of the public, the politicians are servants to predatory industries, while people are dying, going homeless, turning to crime, committing domestic violence and living in intergenerational poverty. And this has been going on for decades in NSW since the 50s and nobody has had the political strength to stand up to this predatory industry. Its such a broken system. The clubs themselves are imposing a toxic product in what should be our safe social spaces. My heart breaks for the millions of people across NSW who have been abandoned by those in power who should have stood up to this industry decades ago and instead stood by and allowed all the human collateral damage to pile up, for the sake of huge profits and a tax revenue stream. I work every day to remove shame from people harmed by gambling the shame actually belongs to the perpetrators of harm, this industry and to those in power who are doing nothing to stop it. Fitz: And yet the government itself keeps rabbiting on about the need for the clubs to self-regulate. KS: The industry never has, and never will. The clubs themselves are harming their own members, intentionally. Theyre financially exploiting the people that they care about. And they dont give a shit. And the worst part is they have weaponised shame, so in not only taking zero ownership in the harm that they cause people, they then put this label on them and call them a problem gambler, as if the problem is not the industry itself, just these people. The first thing I do when I speak to people whove been addicted is, I say to them, there is absolutely nothing wrong with you. You used that product exactly how it was designed to addict you. And that just absolutely lifts this barrier of shame off people that think that they are profoundly broken when theyre not; they have fallen into a trap Len Ainsworths better mousetrap that was laid out intentionally for them, with no consumer protections in place. Fitz: Thank you. Enough. I understand this much better than I did. With the nitty-gritty in NSW, who beyond the premier is the politician who needs to act now? KS: David Harris, the NSW gaming minister. Fitz: OK. He and his people will read this on Sunday and Ill ask for an interview in this space for next week, and lets see what can be done. Thank you for your time. The home of engineering boss Raymond Cavanagh and his wife Kerry has sold for between $17 million and $18 million, smashing Connells Points record. It has more than doubled the suburbs high, which was set at $8.3 million in 2023. Not only that, but the waterfront estate has also topped the Georges River record that was last set in Sylvania at $16.3 million in 2022. The Georges River waterfront has smashed the Connells Point record. Credit: Located on a 2168-square-metre block, the trophy home is one of the largest and most prestigious waterfront landholdings in the St George region. The Cavanaghs purchased the level block in 1992 for $1.4 million and have turned it into the commanding four-bedroom, four-bathroom plantation-style estate it is today. Greg Inglis has become more comfortable speaking about his struggles than his triumphs. Everyone knows Inglis footballing story; the tries, the premierships, the successes at NRL, State of Origin and Test level. Now GI is showing a different type of strength by opening up about his battles off the field. Its part of an initiative run out of his Goanna Academy, the Stick With It campaign that will result in some of the games biggest names getting behind the suicide prevention campaign in round 22. The specially branded sports strapping tape is a prompt to start a conversation or seek help for their mental health. When I go out and share my story, its open, its honest, its real, its raw, Inglis said. Thailand and Cambodia have faced off since the killing of a Cambodian soldier late in May during a brief skirmish. Troops on both sides of the border were reinforced amid a full-blown diplomatic crisis that brought Thailands fragile coalition government to the brink of collapse. Donald Trump speaks to reporters in Scotland on Friday. Credit: Getty Images The tensions erupted on Thursday at as many as eight locations along the border, where sovereignty has been ambiguous for more than a century. Small arms fire escalated to heavy shelling of military targets on both sides, and Thailand said Cambodian rockets had also hit civilian areas, including a hospital. Phnom Penh said a Thai F-16 jet had bombed a road near the famous Preah Vihear Temple. At least 19 people mostly civilians have been killed so far in Thailand, while Cambodia said on Saturday that 12 more people had died on its side, bringing its toll to 13. Dozens of others have also been reported injured in the fighting. Both sides have now sought diplomatic support to end the conflict, saying they had acted in self-defence and calling on the other to cease fighting and start negotiations. Displaced Cambodians receive water at the Battkhao Resettlement Camp in Oddar Meanchey Province on Saturday as a border clash entered its third day. Credit: AP Thailands ambassador to the UN told an emergency meeting of the Security Council called by Cambodia and held behind closed doors late on Friday in New York that soldiers had been injured by landmines in Thai territory on two occasions since mid-July and that Cambodia had then launched attacks on Thursday morning. Cambodia has stated the landmines were leftovers from previous conflicts. Thailand urges Cambodia to immediately cease all hostilities and acts of aggression, and resume dialogue in good faith, Cherdchai Chaivaivid told the council in remarks released to media. Cambodia has strongly denied the claims. Its defence ministry said Thailand had launched the deliberate, unprovoked, and unlawful military attack on Thursday, and was now mobilising troops and military equipment on the border. Loading These deliberate military preparations reveal Thailands intent to expand its aggression and further violate Cambodias sovereignty, the ministry said in a statement on Saturday. Cambodias UN ambassador Chhea Keo told reporters after the security council meeting that his country had asked for immediate ceasefires, unconditionally, and we also call for the peaceful solution to the dispute. He responded to accusations that Cambodia attacked Thailand, asking how a small country with no air force could attack a much larger country with an army three times its size, stressing: We do not do that. Bangkok has reiterated it wanted to resolve the dispute bilaterally, telling the Security Council it was deeply regrettable that Cambodia has deliberately avoided meaningful dialogue and instead sought to internationalise the issue to serve its own political objectives. Cambodia has also expressed outrage at Thailands use of cluster munitions, calling it a violation of international law. Thailands military, however, said the country was not a party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, but that it followed the principle of proportionality, to enhance explosive destruction capabilities against military targets only. The Security Council did not issue a statement, but a diplomat said all 15 members called on the parties to de-escalate, show restraint and resolve the dispute peacefully. The council also urged the regional bloc, the Association of South-East Asian Nations known as ASEAN to help resolve the border fighting, the diplomat said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the meeting was private. Malaysia, which chairs the 10-nation regional bloc that includes both countries, called for an end to hostilities and offered to mediate. Loading Australia and Britain have issued travel advisories to avoid certain areas of Cambodia and Thailand, including the border regions of Buriram, Si Sa Ket, Surin, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces. As the fighting intensified, villagers on both sides have been caught in the crossfire, leading many to flee. About 600 people took shelter at a gymnasium in a university in Surin, Thailand, some 80 kilometres from the border. Evacuees sat in groups, on mats and blankets, and queued for food and drinks. Seamstress Pornpan Sooksai was accompanied by four cats in two fabric carriers. She said she was doing laundry at her home near Ta Muen Thom temple when shelling began on Thursday. I just heard, boom, boom. We already prepared the cages, clothes and everything, so we ran and carried our things to the car. I was frightened, scared, she recalled. Rattana Meeying, another evacuee, said she had also lived through the 2011 clashes between the two countries but described this flare-up as worse. Children, old people, were hit out of the blue, she said. I never imagined it would be this violent. In the Kantharalak district of Thailands Sisaket province, on the border near some of the clashes, hotel worker Chianuwat Thalalai said the town had emptied. Nearly everybodys gone, its almost a deserted city, the 31-year-old told Reuters. My hotel is still open for some of those nearer to the border area that need a place to stay. Across the border in Cambodia, villages on the outskirts of Oddar Meanchey province were largely deserted. Homes stood locked, while chickens and dogs roamed outside. Loading Some villagers earlier dug holes to create makeshift underground bunkers, covering them with wood, tarpaulin and zinc sheets to shield themselves from shelling. Families with children were seen packing their belongings on homemade tractors to evacuate, though a few men refused to leave. A remote Buddhist temple surrounded by rice fields accommodated several hundred evacuated villagers. Women rested in hammocks, some cradling babies, while children ran about. Makeshift plastic tents were being set up under the trees. Veng Chin, 74, pleaded with both governments to negotiate a settlement so that I can return to my home and work on the farm. Three of the four people charged over the killing of Perth brothers Callum and Jake Robinson and their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad in a robbery that turned deadly are seeking to strike a deal with Mexican prosecutors and avoid trial. A second court hearing into the mens deaths was held in Ensenada, in Baja California, on Friday afternoon (Saturday morning AEST). Callum and Jake Robinson were killed while on a surf trip to the Baja California peninsula last year. The Robinson brothers, from Perths northern suburbs, were killed while on a surf trip to the Baja California peninsula in April last year. They were travelling with Rhoad, from San Diego, in a Chevrolet Colorado pick-up to their Punta San Jose campsite on the regions coastline. Chipotle CEO Scott Boatwright said the burrito chain needs to work on selling itself as a bargain brand for jittery, budget-strapped consumers. The company reported on Wednesday a 4% same-store quarterly sales decline and cut its guidance for the rest of the year, citing poor consumer sentiment and economic uncertainty. As more Americans grow anxious about the economy and start pulling back on eating out, CEO Scott Boatwright wants consumers to give Chipotle some more credit for its low prices. The Newport Beach, California-based burrito-bowl chain reported sagging earnings Wednesday, including a 4% same-store sales decline and 4.9% dip in quarterly traffic. While Chipotle saw a 3% total revenue increase to $3.1 billion, the company cut its guidance, now expecting flat same-store sales growth for the year compared to its previous prediction of a low single-digit increase. Chipotle CEO Scott Boatwright attributed the rough quarterChipotles second consecutive sales declinein part to rocky economic conditions leading consumers to pull back. Chipotles same-store sales improved in June, and thats likely to be the case for July as well, according to the company, but lackluster sales in April and May correlated with consumer sentiment bottoming around that time. Boatwright added consumers have seemingly forgotten that Chipotle, compared to its fast-casual rivals, is a bargain. I dont think were getting credit with the consumer today, Boatwright told investors on Wednesday. So what I talked to the team about internally is, How do we better communicate our value proposition and center around the core equities of the brand? I think weve got to figure out a way we can communicate value for the consumer and showcase the value we are to [quick-service restaurants] and fast-casual, he added. Boatwright claimed in the earnings presentation Chipotle is 20% to 30% cheaper than comparable fast-casual restaurants. He told Fortune in April the chain wouldnt increase prices due to tariffs because its unfair to the consumer to pass those costs offbecause pricing is permanent. Changing perceptions of value The CEO was firm in attributing Chipotles sales slump to external macroeconomic factors, telling investors, Theres no smoking gun here that says weve had a misstep. However, he said low-income consumers in particular are looking for value when choosing where to dine. Look no further than whats going on with our competitors with snack occasions or five-dollar meals, and thats where the consumer is drifting towardsbecause of low consumer sentiment. Washington: US President Donald Trump noted he had the power to pardon convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell but said he hadnt given it any thought, as Department of Justice officials completed a second day of interviews with the former socialite and Jeffrey Epstein accomplice. Maxwells lawyer, David Oscar Markus, said his client did not receive any form of clemency offer during about 10 hours of questioning by Deputy Attorney-General Todd Blanche at the federal courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida, over two days. David Oscar Markus, Ghislaine Maxwells attorney, spoke with the media after her two-day interview with the Justice Department. Credit: AP They asked about every possible thing you could imagine, he told reporters following the second meeting on Friday (Saturday AEST). Were not going to comment on what were hoping for ... No offers have been made. Later, Markus said: We havent spoken to the president or anybody about a pardon just yet. PHILIPSBURG:--- St. Maarten residents are at their wits end, and the KPSM (Korps Politie Sint Maarten) has had enough. A peaceful neighborhood in Fort Willem turned into a nightmare in the early hours of Saturday when a group of unruly young men blatantly disregarded the communitys right to peace and quiet, blasting deafening music from their vehicles. These individuals, identified as young Guyanese men, ignored repeated warnings from the police, pushing the situation to the breaking point. It all began just after midnight, with the residents of Fort Willem bombarded by music so loud it rattled windows and disrupted sleep. Despite being called to the scene and issuing a warning to the perpetrators, the group refused to comply. Instead of ceasing their disruptive behavior, these individuals decided to relocate their noise-making operation to the Carrefour parking lot in the cul-de-sac. The result? More noise, more disturbances, and more frustration for every law-abiding citizen within earshot. Defiance Meets Consequences The arrogance and defiance of these young men reached unfathomable levels. After moving to Carrefour and ignoring yet another warning from the KPSM, they took things a step further by circling back to the same parking lot after being told to stop. If this wasnt already a slap in the face to law enforcement and the community, the situation escalated when members of the group actively resisted officers. Physical altercations ensued, and as a result, two individuals were arrested, and at least two vehicles were seized. This incident wasnt just a simple case of youthful mischief. Their behavior demonstrated a complete disregard for authority, the law, and the well-being of the community. The audacity to provoke and challenge police officers while shattering the peace of St. Maarten's residents is utterly unacceptable. Imagine being a Fort Willem resident. Imagine countless sleepless nights courtesy of people who think blaring music at absurd decibel levels is acceptable behavior. The frustration, exhaustion, and feeling of helplessness are palpable across the community. This isnt just about annoying noise; this is about quality of life and the right to enjoy a peaceful home environment. Noise pollution doesnt just disturb the very fabric of a neighborhood. People have the right to voice their outrage because the disruptions extend beyond sleep deprivation. Noise at this scale can increase stress levels, lead to health complications, and create a hostile living environment. Thats why KPSMs swift actionand their strong messageare overdue yet very much welcome. Zero Tolerance Moving Forward With arrests made and cars seized, KPSM has drawn a line in the sand. Enough is enough. KPSM Spokesman Joe Josepha made it crystal clear that this kind of behavior wont be tolerated on the island. To anyone who thinks noise pollution is a minor offense, think again. KPSM has pledged to roll out rigorous controls and ensure that those who disturb the peace pay the price. This zero-tolerance policy isnt just about punishment; its about restoring order, upholding the law, and protecting St. Maartens communities. With enhanced vigilance, targeted patrols, and unwavering determination, KPSM is sending a clear message to noise polluters across the islandyour days of recklessness are over. A Warning to the Reckless To those who believe they can challenge the law by disrupting lives and ignoring police, the writing is on the wall. KPSM will not hesitate to arrest, confiscate, and enforce the law. The residents of St. Maarten have had enough of the chaos and so have the authorities. Ignorance and arrogance wont shield anyone from the consequences. This incident is a wake-up call to anyone engaging in or considering similar disrespectful behavior. KPSM has drawn its battle lines, and noise polluters must take this warning seriously. Its time to choose between compliance and the swift hand of justice. St. Maarten deserves better. Its residents deserve peace, and its communities deserve respect. This crackdown is not just a response to one night of chaosits a decisive step toward reclaiming the tranquility that every household is entitled to. KPSM is ready, and the island is watching. The message is clearenough is enough. China says balance between AI development, security 'urgently requires consensus' Shanghai, July 26 (AFP) Jul 26, 2025 China's Premier Li Qiang warned Saturday that artificial intelligence development must be weighed against the security risks, saying global consensus was urgently needed even as the tech race between Beijing and Washington shows no sign of abating. This week US President Donald Trump unveiled an aggressive low-regulation strategy aimed at cementing US dominance in the fast-moving field, promising to "remove red tape and onerous regulation" that could hinder private sector AI development. Opening the World AI Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai on Saturday, Li emphasised the need for governance and open-source development, announcing the establishment of a Chinese-led body for international AI cooperation. "The risks and challenges brought by artificial intelligence have drawn widespread attention... How to find a balance between development and security urgently requires further consensus from the entire society," the premier said. At a time when AI is being integrated across virtually all industries, its uses have raised major ethical questions, from the spread of misinformation to its impact on employment, or the potential loss of technological control. In a video message played at the WAIC opening ceremony, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said AI governance would be "a defining test of international cooperation". India's Modi renews ties with Maldives Male, Maldives, July 26 (AFP) Jul 26, 2025 Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up a visit to the Maldives on Saturday, renewing ties by offering infrastructure projects and vital financial assistance to the cash-strapped Indian Ocean nation. Regional powerhouse India had been concerned that its small, yet strategically located neighbour was drifting towards the orbit of its rival China following the 2023 election of President Mohamed Muizzu on an anti-India platform. Since coming to office, Muizzu has secured the withdrawal of a small contingent of Indian military personnel who operated search-and-rescue aircraft in the archipelago. But he has since toned down his anti-India rhetoric, and on Friday he touted the two nations' collaboration on security and trade. "India has long stood as the Maldives' closest and most trusted partner," Muizzu said in a banquet speech alongside Modi, whom he met with twice last year. "We deeply value the friendship of India and are grateful for the timely assistance your country has extended to us in moments of need," Muizzu added. Shortly after his arrival on Friday, Modi unveiled a $565 million credit line for the Maldives, which is facing a severe foreign exchange shortage despite its thriving tourism industry. India also reduced annual repayments of an earlier credit line from $51 million to $29 million, and the two sides discussed a potential free-trade agreement. Muizzu said the new credit line would bolster the Maldives' security forces, and improve healthcare, housing and education. During his two-day trip, Modi also inaugurated a new defence ministry headquarters and several India-funded infrastructure projects, including roads and a 4,000-unit housing scheme. Modi's visit had set "a clear path for the future of Maldives-India relations", Muizzu wrote on X on Saturday as the Indian leader left the capital Male after 60th Independence Day celebrations. "Our relationship continues to grow, shaped by people-to-people ties and cooperation in various sectors," Modi wrote in his own post on X. "India remains committed to supporting the aspirations of the Maldivian people." Known for its luxury tourism and pristine beaches, the Maldives is also a geopolitical hotspot, with key global shipping lanes passing through its 1,192 islands, stretching across 800 kilometres (500 miles) of the equator. China and India are the Maldives' two largest bilateral lenders. Thailand says open to 'dialogue' with Cambodia to end conflict Turnberry, United Kingdom, July 26 (AFP) Jul 26, 2025 Thailand said late Saturday it agrees in principle to entering a ceasefire with Cambodia and beginning a "bilateral dialogue" to end days of fierce fighting that has left at least 33 people dead. The statement from Thailand's ministry of foreign affairs came after US President Donald Trump said he had spoken with the leaders of both Southeast Asian nations and that the two sides have agreed to meet and "quickly work out" a ceasefire. The Thai ministry confirmed a phone call between Trump and acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, and said in a statement posted on X that "Thailand agrees in principle to have a ceasefire in place." "However, Thailand would like to see sincere intention from the Cambodian side," it added. The ministry said Phumtham requested Trump to "convey to the Cambodian side that Thailand wants to convene a bilateral dialogue as soon as possible to bring forth measures and procedures for the ceasefire and the eventual peaceful resolution of the conflict." Earlier Saturday, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform during his visit to Scotland that he spoke to the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand and that the two sides "have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE!" Thai and Cambodian military forces have clashed for three straight days along their shared border, in fighting that has also displaced more than 150,000 people. Sudan's RSF names rival PM to army-aligned govt Port Sudan, Sudan, July 26 (AFP) Jul 26, 2025 Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) appointed on Saturday a former member of the country's defunct sovereign council as prime minister, nearly five months after declaring plans to form a rival government in areas under its control. The announcement, which comes more than two years into the country's brutal war, marks the latest move by the RSF to establish parallel governance, in defiance of the army-led administration. Sudan is split, with the army controlling the north, east, and centre, having recently retaken the capital Khartoum, while the RSF holds most of Darfur and parts of Kordofan, where recent attacks have killed hundreds, according to local rights groups. The internationally-recognised army-aligned government, formed in May and headed by former UN official Kamil Idris, remains incomplete, with three cabinet positions still unfilled. Analysts have warned the RSF's formation of a parallel government could deepen Sudan's fragmentation and complicate diplomatic efforts to end the conflict that began in April 2023. On Saturday, RSF spokesperson Alaa El-Din Naqqad announced that Mohamed Hassan al-Ta'ayshi -- who served on the transitional Sovereign Council from 2019 until the 2021 military coup -- had been appointed head of what the RSF calls the "government of peace and unity". The RSF-led coalition also unveiled a 15-member presidential council, with RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo as president and rebel leader Abdelaziz al-Hilu -- who controls parts of southern Sudan -- as vice president. The council also includes political figures, ex-officials and newly appointed regional governors. Among the appointees is El-Hadi Idris, named governor of Darfur -- a region that now has two rival governors, one appointed by the RSF and the other, Minni Arko Minawi, aligned with the army. The appointment of a prime minister follows a political charter signed in February between the RSF and its allied armed and civilian groups during talks in Nairobi. There was no immediate response from the army on the RSF's new prime minister appointment. The war began after a power struggle between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Dagalo -- once allies who ousted Omar al-Bashir in 2019, then staged a joint coup in 2021. The United Nations repeatedly said that Sudan now faces one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. In addition to the tens of thousands killed, millions have fled their homes and basic services -- from healthcare to water -- have collapsed across much of the country. Sudan's paramilitary RSF names rival PM Port Sudan, Sudan, July 26 (AFP) Jul 26, 2025 A coalition led by Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) named on Saturday a former member of the country's defunct sovereign council as prime minister, nearly five months after declaring plans to form a rival government in areas under its control. The announcement, which comes more than two years into the country's brutal war, marks the latest move by the RSF to establish parallel governance, in defiance of the army-led administration. Sudan is split, with the army controlling the north, east and centre, having recently retaken the capital Khartoum, while the RSF holds most of Darfur and parts of Kordofan, where recent attacks have killed hundreds, according to local rights groups. The internationally-recognised army-aligned government, formed in May and headed by former UN official Kamil Idris, remains incomplete, with three cabinet positions still unfilled. Analysts have warned the RSF's formation of a parallel government could deepen Sudan's fragmentation and complicate diplomatic efforts to end the conflict that began in April 2023. On Saturday, coalition spokesperson Alaa El-Din Naqqad announced that Mohamed Hassan al-Ta'ayshi -- who served on the transitional Sovereign Council from 2019 until the 2021 military coup -- had been appointed head of what the RSF calls the "government of peace and unity". An RSF member told AFP on condition of anonymity that al-Ta'ayshi will form the new cabinet. The RSF-led coalition also unveiled a 15-member presidential council, with RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo as president and rebel leader Abdelaziz al-Hilu -- who controls parts of southern Sudan -- as vice president. The council also includes political figures, ex-officials and newly appointed regional governors. Among the appointees is El-Hadi Idris, named governor of Darfur -- a region that now has two rival governors, one appointed by the RSF and the other, Minni Arko Minawi, aligned with the army. The appointment of a prime minister follows a political charter signed in February between the RSF and its allied armed and civilian groups during talks in Nairobi. There was no immediate response from the army on the RSF's new prime minister appointment. The war began after a power struggle between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Dagalo -- once allies who ousted Omar al-Bashir in 2019, then staged a joint coup in 2021. The United Nations repeatedly said that Sudan now faces one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. In addition to the tens of thousands killed, millions have fled their homes and basic services -- from healthcare to water -- have collapsed across much of the country. Her creed is based on being a mother, an Italian, a European and a Catholic. She is against abortion and single-sex marriage, reveres Popes John-Paul II and Benedict XVI and prizes respect above mere tolerance. Most intriguing are her thoughts about Italys population decline and immigration, and how these may, or may not, connect. She believes in going really hard on illegal migrant control and licensing legal migration for the mutual benefit of source and destination communities. Barrick Mining Corporation (NYSE:B) has attracted significant hedge fund interest, making it one of the 11 Best Mineral Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. CIBC Raises PT on Barrick Mining Corporation (B) Due to Strong Momentum A closeup view of a large gold mine, illustrating the company's gold properties. Barrick Mining Corporation (NYSE:B) has shown a strong momentum in the past year, with its share price soaring to a 52-week high of $21.60 on July 7, 2025. The companys share price is up 37.84% and 15.88% on a YTD basis and 1-year basis. This comes amid the strong momentum in gold equities, which have risen over 46% on a YTD basis, compared to the 14.54% broader market gain. As such, CIBC, on July 15, 2025, raised its price target on Barrick Mining Corporation (NYSE:B) from $24 to $28, maintaining a Neutral rating. Meanwhile, Barrick Mining Corporation (NYSE:B) is making significant progress in the copper market with its $2 billion Lumwana Super Pit Expansion, which will double production to 240,000 tons annually. The expansion includes a new processing plant and infrastructure upgrades to the mine, which has already contributed over $4 billion to Zambia since 2019. Based in Toronto, Canada, Barrick Mining Corporation (NYSE:B) explores for gold, copper, silver, and energy materials. It is included in our list of the Best Material Stocks. While we acknowledge the potential of B 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: 10 Best Cheap Stocks to Buy According to Billionaire Ray Dalio and 11 Best Mineral Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. Disclosure: None. Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE:KGC) has attracted significant hedge fund interest, making it one of the 11 Best Mineral Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. CIBC Raises PT on Kinross Gold Corporation (KGC) from $16 to $21 Amid Strong Cash Flow Growth A golden nugget illuminated under direct lighting, hinting at the value of precious metals. On July 15, 2025, CIBC increased its price target on Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE:KGC) from $16 to $21, maintaining an Outperform rating. This follows a bullish rating issued earlier by Jefferies. The companys strong financial health is cited, with expectations of healthy free cash flow in the current year and the upcoming year, having reduced its net debt significantly to $540 million. Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE:KGC) expects a stable gold production, with plans to reach 2 million ounces, generating increased value for it. This optimism flows into analysts revised estimates that project 11% and 16.5% increased growth in the companys earnings for FY25 and FY26, respectively. Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE:KGC) is a gold miner, dealing in assets located in the United States, Brazil, Chile, Canada, and Mauritania. It is included in our list of the Best Material Stocks. While we acknowledge the potential of KGC 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: 10 Best Cheap Stocks to Buy According to Billionaire Ray Dalio and 11 Best Mineral Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. Disclosure: None. Deputy Prime Minister Dragos Anastasiu claims that he did not sign or file a complaint in the corruption case against some ANAF officials and requests a copy of the "alleged complaint" from the DNA, Agerpres reports. "In order to clarify in the public space my quality as a witness in the file regarding the corruption acts of some ANAF officials, I sent a written request to the DNA today requesting a copy of the alleged denunciation that I allegedly made. I reiterate that I did not sign and file a denunciation, but I gave statements regarding the facts that took place," Anastasiu wrote on Facebook on Saturday. Anastasiu said on Friday that in the corruption case involving ANAF officials he had "no legal advantage", but was only a witness, emphasizing that he accepted the position he currently holds because he does not want "other Romanian entrepreneurs to be subject to such abuse of power by state employees". The Minister of Environment, Waters and Forests, Diana Buzoianu, presented, on Saturday, to the Federal Minister for the Environment, Climate Protection and Nuclear Safety, Carsten Schneider, who was on a visit to Romania, the Vacaresti Natural Park, a symbol of urban reconnection with nature, according to a post on a social network of the relevant ministry, Agerpres reports. "I chose to present the Vacaresti Natural Park to Minister Schneider because it is a living symbol of how nature can be reborn even in the middle of cities. It is proof that investment in natural capital must go hand in hand with urban development. Vacaresti shows us that nature-based solutions are not only possible, but also essential in adapting to climate change," declared the Romanian Minister of Environment, Waters and Forests. Located in the heart of the Capital, the Vacaresti Natural Park represents an oasis of urban biodiversity, with over 150 species of birds, protected species of amphibians, reptiles and mammals, as well as a wetland ecosystem of inestimable value for ecological education, climate resilience and the quality of urban life.The visit reconfirms both countries' commitment to green, sustainable and people-centered solutions. The future of Romanian agriculture is farmers' associations and young people who invest in new technologies, with passion and vision, declared on Saturday the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Florin Barbu, who is on a visit to Arad County, Agerpres reports. According to a post on a social network by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR), the minister is present in the locality of Nadlac, where he is talking with farmers from the Arad area. According to him, the aforementioned agricultural cooperative manages 3,500 hectares, has 27 members and has attracted over 12 million euros in European funds."This is the future of Romanian agriculture - associations of farmers and young people who invest in new technologies, with passion and vision!", concluded Minister Barbu. President Nicusor Dan referred, on Saturday, to the situation in which Deputy Prime Minister Dragos Anastasiu finds himself, pointing out that this is "a big problem", Agerpres reports. "It's a big problem, it's a big problem. That's it," he commented. Reports appeared in the press that Dragos Anastasiu, as a businessman, was a witness in the corruption case of former ANAF inspector Angela Burlacu, and allegedly admitted that he signed a fictitious contract through which bribe payments to the ANAF official were masked. We recently published 9 Stocks Jim Cramer Discussed As He Commented On Big Tech. Circle Internet Group (NYSE:CRCL) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer recently discussed. Circle Internet Group (NYSE:CRCL) is one of the hottest stocks of 2025. The shares have gained a whopping 129% since their IPO. Circle Internet Group (NYSE:CRCL) has benefited primarily from the enthusiasm surrounding the stablecoin market. Digital assets have soared in popularity, particularly among younger investors, as they grow worried about the strength of the US Dollar and US debt. However, while Circle Internet Group (NYSE:CRCL) is a key player in the stablecoin market, Cramer wondered whether the firm has a lasting competitive advantage in the hot sector: But I question, whether Circle is going to be proprietary? Because anyone can set up a stablecoin. Circle Internet Group (CRCL) Might Not Have Anything Proprietary, Says Jim Cramer Cramer isnt a fan of Circle Internet Group (NYSE:CRCL) as he recently commented: It can be any part of the PARCs Circle Internet Group, the red-hot recent IPO that Im not particularly fond of because its a stable coin play, and pretty soon, because of that GENIUS Act, I think itll be flooded with stable coins. While we acknowledge the potential of CRCL as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. The signing of contracts for the measures in the RePowerEU component of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) regarding vouchers for citizens who own photovoltaic panels and vouchers for the energy-vulnerable population has been unblocked, said on Saturday the Minister of Investments and European Projects, Dragos Pislaru, Agerpres reports. The minister stated that he worked, in the first part of Friday, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Finance, together with Minister Alexandru Nazare and the technical teams from the institutions he coordinates, and together they managed to unblock a series of essential measures, "which bring real benefits to Romanians". According to him, RePowerEU is an important program, which he negotiated at the European level and which must be prioritized and accelerated to reduce the energy bill of over 100,000 households in Romania. AGERPRES special correspondent Oana Ghita reports: President Nicusor Dan met on Saturday in Salzburg with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker. At the beginning of the meeting, the Romanian president thanked the head of the Austrian government for the invitation, stating that "following the Schengen-related situation", the two countries should work together and forge a strong economic bond, remarking that the Danube Strategy is a good opportunity for this. President Dan is on an official visit to Austria, accompanied by his family. On the first day of his visit, on Friday, he told a joint press conference delivered with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen that "after a relatively tense period", a new chapter is opening in the relationship between the two countries. He also said that among other things, their discussion also focused on bilateral economic relations and the Danube Strategy, which represents an excellent economic opportunity for the countries along the Danube. The Austrian visit of the Romanian head of state will end on Saturday evening when he will attend the premiere of Handel's opera Julius Caesar in Egypt at the Haus fur Mozart in Salzburg. The National Meteorological Administration (ANM) has issued a Code Red warning of persistent and intense heat wave, heat wave, particularly pronounced thermal discomfort, tropical night in the counties of Teleorman, Giurgiu, Dambovita, Calarasi, Ilfov and the municipality of Bucharest, valid from Sunday, 10:00, until Monday, 10:00, Agerpres reports. The heat wave will be intense in the counties of Teleorman, Giurgiu, Dambovita, Calarasi, Ilfov and the municipality of Bucharest, where it will be scorching hot and maximum temperatures of 39...41 degrees will be recorded. Thermal discomfort will be particularly pronounced, and the temperature-humidity index (ITU) will exceed the critical threshold of 80 units. Meteorologists have also issued a Code Orange warning of persistent heat wave, heatwave and severe thermal discomfort, tropical night in Muntenia, eastern Oltenia, southern and central Moldova, southern continental Dobrogea, valid from Sunday, 10:00 a.m., until Monday, 10:00 a.m.The heat wave will persist in eastern and southern Transylvania, northern Moldova, southern Oltenia and northern Dobrogea. There will be heatwaves and high thermal discomfort, and the temperature-humidity index (ITU) will slightly exceed the critical threshold of 80 units. The maximums will be between 33 and 36 degrees, and the minimums between 17 and 20 degrees. Its no secret that companies are collecting data while consumers browse their sites. But some companies are doing more with the info than trying to improve products or marketing efforts: They are adjusting prices for individual customers based on their personal data. Most Read from Fast Company This practice, known as surveillance pricing, has become more common in recent years, with a growing number of companies embracing artificial intelligence as a tool to make real-time price changes for individual customers. However, a new bill aims to stop these companies in their tracks. On July 23, Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX) introduced the Stop AI Price Gouging and Wage Fixing Act of 2025. While some statessuch as California, Colorado, Georgia, and Illinoishave proposed similar bans, Casars bill is the first at the federal level. Giant corporations should not be allowed to jack up your prices or lower your wages using data they got spying on you, Casar said in a statement. Whether you know it or not, you may already be getting ripped off by corporations using your personal data to charge you more. This problem is only going to get worse, and Congress should act before this becomes a full-blown crisis. How surveillance pricing works Companies engaging in surveillance pricing use customer data taken from the cookiestext files containing dataor tracking pixels that continue to follow you after leaving their websites, which provide information on your online activity, preferences, location, and device. This data can then be analyzed by AI programs to help companies determine a personalized price for their products or services. The ban would impact the pricing systems of numerous retailers that reportedly engage in the practicefrom businesses that increase prices for pickup orders when you are close to a store to ride-booking apps that charge more when your phone battery is low. Similarly, Delta Airlines recently came under fire for plans to expand its use of AI-driven pricing. Weve seen things like peoples browsing history, device type, battery, location, and more, inform pricing that focuses on how much that individual might be willing to pay for somethingpreying on desperation rather than using fair market pricing, Ben Winters, director of AI and data privacy at the Consumer Federation of America, tells Fast Company. (The CFA is one of several consumer-interest organizations and advocacy groups that have endorsed the proposed bill, according to a statement by Casars office.) Maj. Gen. Jason R. Armagost, Eighth Air Force commander and Joint-Global Strike Operations Center commander, left, Col. Derek Oakley, outgoing 28th Bomb Wing commander, center, and Col. Erick Lord, the wings incoming commander, exchange the wings guidon during a change of command ceremony at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., on Friday, July 25, 2025. (Brittany Kenney/U.S. Air Force) (Tribune News Service) Ellsworth Air Force Base bid farewell to a familiar face Friday as Col. Derek Oakley prepares to retire from military service, concluding his impactful tenure as commander of the 28th Bomb Wing, a role hes held since June 2023. Col. Erick D. Lord is poised to take the reins, ushering in a new era for the crucial strategic airpower hub. In a scene blending tradition with heartfelt goodbyes, nearly a hundred airmen and their families, alongside local and state leadership, gathered Friday morning within the B-1 hangar at Ellsworth for a Change of Command ceremony. The atmosphere was thick with a mix of emotional remembrance for Oakleys contributions and a palpable anticipation for the new leadership Lord is set to bring. The airmen of Ellsworth Air Force Base have been doing long-range strikes, great power competitions and strategic deterrence for decades, Lord said. That is Americas asymmetric edge. And its lived here and it will endure. So to the airmen of the 28th Bomb Wing, Im honored to stand with you and Ill give you everything I have. Lord is a seasoned B-1B weapon systems officer and brings extensive bomber experience to Ellsworth. His career is deeply rooted in the B-1 community, including a previous assignment at Ellsworth as a flight commander and evaluator weapon systems officer with the 37th Bomb Squadron and commanding the 9th Bomb Squadron at Dyess AFB, Texas, where he led B-1 combat operations. His recent assignment was serving as deputy commander of the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, helping to ensure the readiness of 28 B-52H Stratofortress bombers and the well-being of more than 9,200 personnel. Lord received his commission from the U.S. Air Force Officer Training School in 2002. He is a master navigator who has accumulated more than 2,600 flight hours, including combat missions supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Freedoms Sentinel and Inherent Resolve. Among the crowd was U.S. Sen. John Thune, who expressed hes very confident in Lords capabilities to lead Ellsworth and prepare airmen to operate the new B-21 bomber coming to the base. Hes incredibly well-trained, prepared and equipped for this important job, Thune said. With everything thats going on with the world today, the challenges that we face and the threats that we face out there, strategic deterrence is more important than ever. U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson echoed the same sentiment, adding that Lord had big shoes to fill especially with the introduction of the new bomber. In South Dakota we understand that Ellsworth is important, but I dont think we realize how important, Johnson said. The B-1 keeps our country safe. That deterrent keeps our enemies at bay, the B-21 is going to do an even better job at that. As the ceremony came to a close, Lord said he looks forward to continuing Ellsworths heritage and to further push the legacies Oakley had left behind. Col. Oakley has already gotten that train moving, Lord said when addressing the future of Ellsworth and its role in public safety and its future. But the wing will see a change here, because we are going to continue the heritage and the trust and the respect the 28th Bomb Wing has. And were going to focus on the attention of detail needed to bring the nuclear mission back to Ellsworth Air Force Base. 2025 Rapid City Journal, S.D. Visit www.rapidcityjournal.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform over Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida, on May 3, 2025. (Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun Sentinel/TNS) (Tribune News Service) The U.S. Navy Blue Angels are being sued for violating constitutional free speech rights after their performances allegedly terrorized a womans pet to death. On Monday, Lauren Ann Lombardi of Seattle filed a lawsuit against the governmental agency, according to WEAR-TV, the ABC affiliate in Pensacola, Fla., where the group is based. Lombardi said Blue Angels demonstrations in August of 2023 and 2024 terrorized her cat and led to its death. She said she called them out on social media to end their demonstrations and claimed the team blocked her in response. Lombardi asserts that being blocked was a violation of her First Amendment right. The lawsuit begins with Lombardi, the plaintiff, describing how the U.S. Navy terrorized her daughter, silenced a citizens free speech and brought disgrace upon the uniform. The daughter in question is her pet cat named Layla, who was suffering from a heart condition. Lombardi described the training exercises as auditory carpet bombing and state-sanctioned acoustic torture. During the summer of 2024, she cited the noises overruled (Laylas) primitive limbic system, causing the animal to flee in panic beneath furniture. Such activity would raise the cats breathing to clinically dangerous levels, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit goes on to say the cat spent its final days marred by sadistic suffering, cowering in terror beneath furniture while her ailing heart struggled against the Blue Angels relentless noise pollution. She sent several messages to the @usnavyblueangels Instagram account. She expressed general displeasure by telling them, Nobody gives a (expletive) about your stupid little planes. She left multiple comments on their posts and directed users to sign a Change.org petition titled, We All Want to Feel Safe: No More Blue Angels Over Seattle. The alleged block occurred on Aug. 5, 2023. In response, Lombardi messaged them, calling them cowards. She is asking the court to declare the social media block unconstitutional, to enter an injunction preventing them from blocking her or anyone else and to order defendants to take remedial training on the fundamental importance of the First Amendment, which the brave men and women of the U.S. Navy are sworn to protect. 2025 Orlando Sentinel. Visit orlandosentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Corn price action is weaker to start Friday, with losses of 2 to 3 cents. Futures rounded out the Thursday session with contracts up 3 to 4 cents at the close. Preliminary open interest was up 13,077 contracts on Thursday. The CmdtyView national average new crop Cash Corn price was up 3 cents at $3.78. USDA reported a private export sale of 135,000 MT of corn sold to South Korea (corrected from China as USDA originally posted) on Thursday morning for new crop shipment. Another 284,196 MT was reported for unknown destinations, with 83,956 MT for 2024/25 and 200,240 MT for 2025/26. More News from Barchart Export Sales data showed a total of 643,060 MT of 2024/25 corn sold in the week ending on July 17. That was well above the week prior and nearly double the same week last year. Mexico was the top buyer of 346,200 MT, with 72,400 MT sold to Japan. New crop sales were tallied at 733,939 MT, back up from last weeks 3-week low. Unknown destinations was the top buyer of 349,700 MT, with 171,800 MT to Japan. Another round of tenders by South Korean importers saw estimated purchases of at least 268,000 MT. Part of that was likely from the US as noted above. Sep 25 Corn closed at $4.01 3/4, up 3 1/4 cents, currently down 2 cents Nearby Cash was $3.87 3/4, up 2 1/4 cents, Dec 25 Corn closed at $4.20 3/4, up 3 1/4 cents, currently down 2 1/2 cents Mar 26 Corn closed at $4.38 1/4, up 3 1/2 cents, currently down 2 1/4 cents New Crop Cash was $3.78, up 3 cents, On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com Thomas Fox admitted assault causing harm and criminal damage A man who punched a casino bouncer in the face twice, kicked him in the groin and smashed his radio has been jailed for eight months. Thomas Fox (22) attacked the security guard after he was refused entry to the toilets, leaving him in pain and with dental injuries. Judge John Hughes sentenced Fox after hearing he had anger-management issues. Fox, a father of one with an address at North Circular Road, admitted assault causing harm and criminal damage in an incident on May 11, 2023. Dublin District Court heard gardai took a report of an assault at Ned Kellys Casino on Upper OConnell Street. The victim said he had been struck by the accused, who also smashed his radio on the floor, causing 200 worth of damage. The accused had wanted to use the bathroom and the victim asked to see his ID, which resulted in the attack. The security guard suffered an injury to his lip, and had pain and discomfort to his face, teeth and gums. The accused said it was self-defence and he wanted a straightener Fox was identified on CCTV footage and admitted punching the victim a couple of times, a garda sergeant said. The accused said it was self-defence and he wanted a straightener. The security guard had to get dental work done after the assault and submitted a victim-impact statement to the court. Reading from this, the judge said the man stated that he was assaulted twice and after the initial attack, he called gardai. He said in the interval, the same person and others returned and attacked him again. This is not the fault of the police, the victim said in his statement. They got to me as soon as they could. It shows how stretched they are. Fox insisted at his end, it was one assault, defence barrister Paul Larkin Coyle said. Casino. Stock Image News in 90 Seconds - July 26th The accused had a difficulty with ADHD and in his teens got into a peer group that was using cannabis and this escalated to cocaine. Early cannabis use would have had a detrimental effect on his development, Mr Larkin Coyle said. Fox became a father at a young age and he was now at a crossroads. He was in a better place now and no longer taking drugs. If you hit somebody twice in the face, damaging their teeth, and follow it up with a kick to the groin, you are going to go to jail, the judge said. The court heard Aaron Dempsey had been a member of staff when there was a dispute with the alleged victim, A man has been sent for trial accused of brandishing a hammer while working at a supermarket and threatening a customer. Aaron Dempsey (30) is alleged to have produced the hammer during a dispute at an Aldi in north Dublin. He had a book of evidence served on him when he appeared in Dublin District Court. Judge Michele Finan sent him forward to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Mr Dempsey, of Elm Mount Road, Beaumont, is charged with producing an implement capable of causing serious injury in a manner likely to intimidate. The incident is alleged to have happened at Aldi, Santry Avenue, on June 26 last year. A prosecuting solicitor said the DPP was consenting to the accused being returned for trial to the current sittings of the circuit court. He was remanded on continuing bail Judge Finan gave Mr Dempsey the formal notice that he had 14 days to provide any alibi details to the prosecution. She also ordered the State to furnish the defence with the accuseds garda interview video. He was remanded on continuing bail to appear in the circuit court later this month. Previously, the court heard Mr Dempsey had been a member of staff when there was a dispute with the alleged victim, during which the accused produced a hammer and threatened the customer. The DPP had consented to the case being heard in the district court, but Judge Finan refused jurisdiction after hearing the outline of the prosecutions case. The charge is under section 11 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act. Aaron Dempsey. Photo: Paddy Cummins News in 90 Seconds - July 26th The Belfast man was charged with sexual assault and common assault. Belfast Magistrates Court also heard that when the alleged victims partner got off to remonstrate with Callum Fulton, the 25-year-old assaulted him. Appearing in the dock, handcuffed and wearing a police-issue grey tracksuit Fulton, of no fixed abode, was charged with sexual assault and common assault on 25 July this year. Giving evidence that he believed he could connect Fulton to the charges, a police officer told the court Fulton had just been freed on police bail in relation to another matter when the incident happened. Stock image. Photo: Getty News in 90 Seconds - July 26th The motorcycle had stopped in heavy traffic when Fulton allegedly grabbed the female passengers backside. The driver got off and challenged him about his behaviour and the defendant has punched him, thrown him to the ground and was trying to pull his helmet off the rider, claimed the officer. As Fulton left the scene, the alleged victim followed him until police arrived and arrested the defendant. While the woman has been left feeling violated and dirty from the incident, her partner sustained busted top and bottom lips. The officer revealed that a short time before the incident, Fulton had been given police bail to reside with his grandmother with a condition from the woman that he behaves himself. Given the latest allegations however, she had withdrawn her home as a bail address so effectively, Fulton is no fixed abode. Fultons defence counsel said that according to the defendant, he was walking to his girlfriends house on Sandy Row when he says he was assaulted by this injured party. The barrister argued that with no history of sexual offending, that Fulton could be granted bail subject to an approved address. District Judge Amanda Henderson agreed and freeing Fulton on bail, she adjourned the case to 22 August. The Ugandan man was deported from Ireland on Tuesday after his asylum application was rejected. The man had his conviction overturned in the Supreme Court. A man who had a criminal conviction overturned for intentionally or recklessly infecting two women with HIV has been deported. The Ugandan man was deported from Ireland on Tuesday on a commercial flight, it is understood. He was deported because his asylum application was rejected and he was no longer legally permitted to remain in Ireland, sources told the Sunday World. In December 2023, his conviction for causing serious harm to two partners by intentionally or recklessly infecting them with HIV was quashed by the Supreme Court. The man had his conviction overturned in the Supreme Court. News in 90 Seconds - July 26th The 2018 case was the first prosecution of its kind in this State. The man was sentenced to 10 years in jail. His appeal against his conviction was dismissed by the Court of Appeal in 2022. But the Supreme Court later found there were flaws with how the trial judge guided the jury on the scientific analysis of samples of the virus taken from the three individuals, as well as the personal witness evidence. He denied the charges against him. His 2018 circuit court trial was told he commenced a relationship with both women in 2009 and was reluctant to use contraception and had unprotected sex. A later analysis of the mans medical records revealed that he was diagnosed with HIV in 2008 and had received treatment, advice and medication. The court heard he was advised not to have unprotected sex and was prescribed anti-retroviral medication, which should have eliminated his symptoms and rendered him non-infectious. However, a 2010 screening showed he had a positive viral load, suggesting he was not taking his medication, the court was told. He had pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the women on dates between November 2009 and June 2010. It follows a probe by the anti-corruption unit, and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had also directed trial on indictment. MMA fighter Charlie Ward has been returned for trial accused of corruption offences involving "confidential" Garda information and helping to pervert the course of justice. The mixed martial artist, 44, of Acragar, Mountmellick and co-accused Noel Carroll, 57, of Ballyfinn Road, Portlaoise, both Co Laois, appeared at Dublin District Court yesterday when the gardai served them with books of evidence. It follows a probe by the anti-corruption unit, and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had also directed trial on indictment. Charlie Ward News in 90 Seconds - July 26th Judge Gerard Jones granted an order, sending them forward for trial to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, which has wider sentencing powers and where the case will be listed for mention on October 16. The defendants, who have yet to enter a plea, did not address the court and were warned by the judge to notify the prosecution within 14 days if they intend to use an alibi. Gardai must also furnish the defence with copies of interview videos. Legal aid was granted. Earlier, Detective Sergeant Paul Dowling and Kieran Kilcoyne said the two men "made no reply" when charged. The pair face charges contrary to section 5 of the 2018 Criminal Justice (Corruption Offences) Act about requests for information concerning three men. According to the court documents, on March 2, 2022, at an unknown location in the state, both men corruptly requested a gift, consideration or advantage on account of a named garda requesting that confidential information relating to another person be obtained and disclosed. Mr Ward is accused of the same type of offence on February 28, 2022, about Garda information on a second male. Another charge states that on the previous day, Mr Ward corruptly offered the same officer an inducement for doing an act in relation to his employment as a member of An Garda Siochana. Mr Ward is also accused of an offence under section 7 of the Criminal Law Act 1997. That alleges that between October 15 -17, 2019, when another person committed an arrestable offence, namely, perverting the course of justice, that he "did aid, abet, counsel or procure the commission of this offence". It is alleged that on January 26, 2022, at an unknown location, Mr Carroll corruptly requested a gift consideration or advantage on account of the garda seeking confidential information about a search operation at the home of a third named man. He was given a six-month suspended sentence at Dublin District Court for sexually assaulting the victim. AN elderly man who grossly abused a massage therapist by groping her following a session at a Dublin clinic has been spared jail. Dermot McElduff (80) licked the woman's face and touched her bottom and breast, leaving her traumatised" after she refused to rub his groin. He was given a six-month suspended sentence at Dublin District Court for sexually assaulting the victim. A judge suspended the sentence for two years after he paid 5,000 in compensation. McElduff (80), a father-of-three from Gracepark Heights, Drumcondra, Dublin pleaded guilty to the offence. At a previous hearing, Detective Garda Sarah McArdle told the court the accused made an appointment to have a massage in May, 2023. When he arrived at the clinic, he was brought into a room by the victim. In the course of the massage, he put his hand under the towel and while the injured party could not see what he was doing, she was aware of what he was doing, Det Gda McArdle said. He made comments asking the massage therapist to rub him on his groin and that and she explained she could not. She left the room while he got his clothes back on and when she returned, he touched her on the bum, leaned in to kiss her and licked the side of her face. McElduff also touched the victims left breast and all the contact was outside her clothes. The accused had no previous convictions. His guilty plea was quite valuable to the prosecution, defence solicitor Peter Connolly had said. McElduff had a lot on his plate with family commitments, the court heard. He had worked for many years in the retail sector for one of the big multiples and had been quite successful before going into business on his own, Mr Connolly said. He had not worked for 10 years now. Judge Finan had read a victim impact statement that was handed in and said it was measured and speaks volumes to the court. This woman is traumatised, she was trying to provide therapeutic intervention for your client who grossly abused her, she told Mr Connolly. She told the accused to offer compensation as a "token of his remorse" to the victim The court is horrified that this happened to her, the judge added. The school were shown screenshots of messages sent between the two teachers. A teacher at an all-girls grammar school in south-west England has been banned from teaching for having sex with a colleague on multiple occasions in an art classroom. Liyarna Beamish (39) had taught at Ribston Hall High School in Gloucestershire since 2016 and had engaged in an affair with a fellow teacher for two years before it was uncovered last summer. The school was contacted by a third party on June 26, 2024, who informed school authorities that Ms Beamish had been engaging in sexual intercourse during school hours. They were also shown screenshots of messages sent between the two teachers. The messages were sexual in nature and had been sent during the working day. During an investigatory meeting, Ms Beamish admitted having sex on school premises, and confirmed messages on WhatsApp showed the two organising their liaisons. Couple of years multiple occasions When asked on how many occasions had this happened, she replied: Couple of years multiple occasions. Ms Beamish also responded that the couple had engaged in sexual intercourse in the art room, and two art cupboards, both doors locked, downstairs door locked as well. She was referred to the UKs Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA). The TRA panel examining the case concluded that Ms Beamishs behaviour had been sexually motivated and had fallen very far short of the standard of behaviour required in the teaching profession. Stock image: Getty News in 90 Seconds - July 26th It was also found that she had shown limited evidence of insight and/or remorse. The report concluded: For these reasons, the panel was satisfied that the conduct of Ms Beamish amounted to misconduct of a serious nature which fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession. Accordingly, the panel was satisfied that Ms Beamish was guilty of unacceptable professional conduct. She has now been banned from teaching indefinitely in any educational institution, but can apply for the prohibition order to be removed in two years. Tragic trio were due to holiday with Vanessas mum next weekend Vanessa Whyte with her daughter Sara and son James who died following a shooting in Co Fermanagh (PSNI/PA) A mum and two children murdered in their Fermanagh home were to spend the August holiday weekend with her family in her native Barefield, Co. Clare parish priest Fr Tom Fitzpatrick revealed. Instead, devastated Mary Whyte, the mother of murdered Vanessa Whyte and grandmother of slain James (14) and Sara (13) will be joined by family in arranging for the tragic trios funerals in Co. Clare. Fr Fitzpatrick, who had been consoling and counselling the devastated Whyte family, also confirmed that Vanessas brother, who lives in Australia, had flown into Dublin airport this morning to be with their devastated mum. Fr Kilpatrick confirmed the family are arranging for funerals to be held in Barefield but said currently the timeframe for holding the ceremonies is unknown. Vanessa Whyte with her daughter Sara and son James who died following a shooting in Co Fermanagh (PSNI/PA) News in 90 Seconds - July 26th We dont know how long it takes for the remains to be released in the North, it takes quite a long time in the UK but it will probably happen much quicker than that in the North, he said. I was talking to a member of the family this morning and they hope to have some idea of how things will move on Monday but the funeral mass will be held in Barefield Church. There will be a ceremony of some kind in Maguiresbridge before they come here and Im not sure yet how the details of that will work out but certainly the community up there are anxious to have something too. The family would like all of this to happen as quickly as possible but its hard to put a finger on when this might all happen. My guess is it could be at the end of the week but it could be earlier. Ms Whyte, 45, a veterinarian, was killed alongside her son James Rutledge, 14, and daughter Sara Rutledge, 13, in a gun attack at their home in Maguiresbridge, Co. Fermanagh. They were found with gunshot wounds at their home in rural Drummeer Road at around 8pm after the PSNI received a 999 call from someone inside the house. The mum and one of the kids were pronounced dead at the scene, while the other child lost their fight for life in hospital a few hours later. A man was found with serious gunshot wounds in what the PSNI believe was an attempted murder-suicide. Fr. FitzPatrick said Vanessas mum Mary had only come back from a personal pilgrimage in Knock that day when she was informed of the horrific news. The Whyte family are a very respected and much loved family in the local community, he said. Her mother Mary is very involved in the church. She is a beautiful person, shes incredibly spiritual and despite the fact she is a very gentle person, she is incredibly strong. She spent all of Wednesday, the day the news broke, in Knock on her own personal pilgrimage and came home that evening to the news. And that was awful for her. Vanessa was meant to be down here with the children for the August Bank Holiday weekend but tragically that wont be now. She planned to come down with the children for the week to be with her mother. So theres a huge sense of sorrow and loss here. But she (Mary) is a very strong person and the family are rallying around. Theres one boy who is living in Australia but he flew back and arrived in Dublin airport this morning and is on his way down now. Fr. FitzPatrick said the community of Barefield is attempting to support the family in every way they can in the wake of the horrific murders. The only way I can describe it is there is a dark cloud hanging over the community of Barefield over the last number of days. In a community like Barefield, and its a tightly knit community, what affects one family affects the whole community. The whole community are coming together and trying to make sense of what has occurred and trying to reach out to the family in the only way they know how. And, thats less with words and more with the love and the hugs that come with their presence and from their hearts. Fr. FitzPatrick said the community has planned a prayer service in Barefield Church on Sunday evening and a big crowd is expected. The man has been taken to Beaumont Hospital to be treated for serious injuries. A man in his 40s has been taken to hospital following an assault in Dublins north inner city late on Friday evening. Gardai are investigating the incident which took place on Sean McDermott Street, Dublin 1 at approximately 10pm last night. A Garda spokesperson confirmed the man was taken to Beaumont Hospital to be treated for serious injuries. No arrests have been yet been made in the matter and enquiries are ongoing. The spokesperson added: Anyone who witnessed this incident or has information relating to the incident is asked to contact Mountjoy Garda Station on 01 666 8000 or the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666 111. Key Points Joby Aviation's business model differs significantly from that of its peers. There's reason to believe its vertically integrated strategy will win out. The upside potential is significant; provided the certification process goes smoothly, Joby has a big future. 10 stocks we like better than Joby Aviation The electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) market is crowded, but that doesn't mean it's a winner-takes-all scenario. Different companies have different business models with varying risks and rewards, and Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY) is arguably the one with the most reward and also one that's reducing its risk the most in 2025. Is it enough to make it a stock that could set investors up for life? Here's the lowdown. What makes Joby Aviation different It's always interesting to compare competitors across a growth industry, and doing so with Joby's peer Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) makes for a fascinating comparison. The first conclusion is that they have significantly different models. The second is that the nature of their models allows for more than enough room for both in the market, and the third is that Joby Aviation is making real progress in de-risking the elements of its business that are subject to greater market uncertainty. In a nutshell, you can think of Joby Aviation as a "go it alone" player in the industry, backed by a heavyweight manufacturing partner in Toyota, as well as other investors such as Uber and Delta Air Lines. Its business model is different from Archer's and the rest of the industry in two key ways: Joby Aviation doesn't plan to sell its aircraft and prefers to develop much of its technology in-house, having its own powertrain and electronics manufacturing facility in California. As quoted from its Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, Joby plans to "own and operate our aircraft ourselves, building a vertically integrated transportation company that will deliver transportation services to customers." Both points are crucial to understanding the investment case. Joby's in-house development Archer, along with other eVTOL companies such as Germany's Lilium and the U.K.'s Vertical Aerospace, makes no secret of the fact that it has leading aerospace and automotive companies as partners in providing solutions. The advantage of heavy integration with established partners in developing technology is a simplified and less risky process, which, theoretically, leads to earlier certification. Image source: Getty Images. For example, Archer partners with Honeywell for actuators and climate systems, Hexcel for advanced composite materials, Safran for avionics, and Stellantis (also a key investor). Honeywell is a key strategic technology partner of Vertical Aerospace and partners with European aerospace companies GKN and Leonardo. It may point to a child trafficking operation where mothers who had been banished to the homes to have their babies were told their children died TUAM, IRELAND - JULY 7: Tuam campaigner Anna Corrigan who suspects that her two lost brothers may be buried at the former Bon Secours Mother and Baby home site wipes away tears as she attends a media day at the dig site on July 7, 2025 in Tuam, Ireland. From 1925 to 1961, hundreds of children died at the St Mary's Mother and Baby home, a maternity home for unmarried mothers and their children, in Tuam, County Galway. It was run by the Bon Secours order of Catholic nuns, and this type of home was common across Ireland for many decades. Test excavations at the site took place in 2016 and 2017, and a mass burial site was found in a former sewage tank containing the remains of 796 babies and toddlers, ranging in age from 35 foetal weeks to two to three years. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Tuam historian Catherine Corless whose painstaking research work brought news of the children's mass grave in Tuam to the world's attention (Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Baby shoes are pictured at a shrine in Tuam, County Galway in January 13, 2021, erected in memory of up to 800 children who were allegedly buried at the site of the former home for unmarried mothers run by nuns. - Irish prime minister Micheal Martin on Wednesday formally apologised for the treatment of unmarried women and their babies in state and church-run homes, where thousands of children died over decades. Some 9,000 children died in Ireland's "mother and baby homes", where unmarried mothers were routinely separated from their infant offspring, according to an official report published Tuesday. (Photo by Paul Faith / AFP) (Photo by PAUL FAITH/AFP via Getty Images) Forensic archaeologist and anthropologist Toni Maguire says the excavation at a mass babies grave at Tuam could uncover evidence of potential child trafficking by the Catholic Church. The expert says witness evidence states childrens remains were wrapped in cloth and left on shelves in the underground tunnel in County Galway. Some of the tiny remains are now on the floor of whats believed to be an old septic tank at the former mother and baby home which could be a result of years of rat activity. Decades after the first discovery of tiny bones on the site, work has finally begun this week to remove and identify the children. Tuam historian Catherine Corless whose painstaking research work brought news of the children's mass grave in Tuam to the world's attention (Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Toni, who has been at the centre of locating remains in Milltown Cemetery of children from mother and baby homes in Northern Ireland, met with Galway historian Catherine Corless, whose discovery of 796 death certificates uncovered the Tuam scandal. There were no burial records for the dead children, but an incident in the 1970s, when local woman Mary Moriarty fell into the tunnel following the discovery of infant bones by two young boys, confirmed there were remains underground. Its absolutely macabre, says Toni. When Mary Moriarty fell into the tunnel she said it was like a scene from Indiana Jones. There were bones everywhere. On the shelves there were bundles of what looked like dirty rags. They were using this place like a crypt. What you potentially have are individual babies wrapped in cloth and they just stacked them. The bones on the floor were indicators of uncoffined burials and rodent activity. The expert says the painstaking work could uncover more remains. A sample of bones taken from the former site of the St Marys mother and baby home run by the Bon Secours sisters was of a seven-and-a-half-month-old fetus which would not have had a birth certificate, and therefore no corresponding death certificate to find and include with the 796. But it could also uncover fewer remains, pointing to a child trafficking operation where unmarried mothers who had been banished to the homes to have their babies were told their children had died. The Tuam home operated from 1925 until 1961. Campaigner Toni Maguire. News in 90 Seconds - July 26th There is the potential for that, says Toni. If they say 1,000 babies died, and Im only finding 750, where are the other 250? If you were a young mum who came back looking for your baby and youre told it had died you stop looking. One inspectors report for Mother and Baby Homes in the south said babies had a better chance in a hedgerow than in a mother and baby home, but is that the case or was the high death rate a potential cover for babies being adopted elsewhere? Toni, who has given evidence to a Stormont committee as part of the upcoming inquiry into Northern Irelands mother and baby homes scandal, which involved more than 10,000 women and girls, says there was widespread movement of pregnant women from south to north to have their babies. Babies born in the north were British citizens entitled to birth certificates and passports. In the south illegitimate babies were not entitled to all their documentation. Moving people across different legal jurisdictions makes it easier to lose track of them for the purpose of anyone looking for them later. They can say there is no record of your birth, because there wouldnt be. That baby was born in a different country. She got copies of the baptism register for the Marianvale home in Newry which showed mothers were from Bessborough mother and baby home in Cork, from Derry and from England. One entry in the book said this baby is going to be recorded in the Diocese of Cincinnati. It wasnt going to be recorded as a British citizen. It was going to be moved to America and recorded there. It was potentially people trafficking. The expert says remains recovered from the Tuam site could reveal the cause of death among the hundreds of infants. Children in mother and baby homes, north and south, had a much higher death rate than in the general population. If you look at a lot of the death certificates there are a disproportionate number which record marasmus, which is malnutrition. Inspectors who visited these home said the children were emaciated. The evidence from the bones themselves will depend on the state of preservation. After the scandal of the Tuam babies broke, the Bon Secours sisters acknowledged the order had failed to protect the inherent dignity of the women and children in the home, and in 2021 Taoiseach Micheal Martin apologised on behalf of the state. Toni, who helped secure historian Catherines first meeting with Galway County Council, says it also bears responsibility for Tuam. I stated at that first meeting with Galway Council this is Catherines research and Im not here to step on her toes, however I did mention to them that private cemetery status doesnt apply to Tuam because the Bon Secours sisters didnt own Tuam, they only leased it. Theoretically Galway County Councils duty was to ensure any burials complied with regulations at that time. Following her work at Milltown Cemetery, Toni is backing an Alliance bill at Stormont to bring all of Northern Irelands private cemeteries including those attached to institutions under the same regulations as public graveyards by removing private cemetery status. June Bowers endured a near five-month battle over a fine imposed after an alleged infraction. Private car parking firms are intimidating unwitting car owners to part with illegal fines, it has been claimed. GB-based firms are operating contracts in Northern Ireland to redeem fines for traffic offences at places such as the George Best Belfast City Airport and other public amenities. Aggressive tactics include threats of legal action, court appearances and rising fines if the original demand is not met. It has now emerged in most cases they are not entitled to demand penalty payments which can escalate to hundreds of pounds. The firms, appointed by the likes of the City Airport, are applying laws that are enforceable only in England and Wales and do not apply to Northern Ireland. The disparity emerged after car owner June Bowers from Monkstown emerged victorious in a near five-month battle over a 100 fine imposed after an alleged infraction at the City Airport. ticket She was hit with a 100 fine and, having had two appeals rejected by Sheffield-based Vehicle Control Services, was then threatened with an additional 70 levy and possible legal action. Mrs Bowers, who is 81 and in poor health, was not behind the wheel on the evening of February 8 this year. The driver was at the airport to collect people travelling to Belfast to attend a funeral. Mrs Bowers husband, veteran trade unionist Joe Bowers, said it was an outrage that his wife has been subjected to such intimidating behaviour. He said they were determined to resist increasingly aggressive demands. I think its outrageous how these companies intimidate people into paying these fines, we have discovered that, certainly in our case there was no legal requirement to pay. He said the Sheffield-based company sent them repeated demands for 170, threatening court action. It became clear in repeated correspondence that Vehicle Control Services were basing their demands on laws that dont apply here. The Bowers made repeated appeals, all of which were rejected with increasingly aggressive and threatening behaviour from the company. It a further twist the debt was sold to a debt recovering agency called Debt Recovery Plus. June Bowers pictured in her home. Photo: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press News in 90 Seconds - July 26th They have created an industry of their own, said Joe, they are generating huge amounts of money the debt recovery agency is on record as making millions. My issue is that people are being intimidated into paying fines that they should not be getting. We could have let this go for a quiet life, but it got under my skin that people are being put under this type of pressure. Earlier this month the private company relented but warned Mrs Bowers that any future transgression would result in firm action. The ticket was as a result of the driver of Mrs Bowers car finding themselves in the wrong car park at the City. The driver found themselves in the wrong car park when they should have been in the short stay, so had to pay to get out, then repeated the mistake and had to pay again, that was their mistake we have no issue with that, said Joe. But the new layout at Belfast City is confusing and there are lots of signs, which you cant read unless you slow down. I just think its outrageous that this company can behave like this. These private companies seem to be completely unaccountable they are very aggressive in their approach, its a form of intimidation. The law in England and Wales requires those issued with a ticket to reveal the identity of the driver, that is not a requirement in Northern Ireland and unless the ticket company know the identity of the driver, a fixed penalty is not viable. But VCS were not interested in any mitigating circumstances and insisted they would try and enforce the fine. Joe Bowers said he suspects people finding themselves in a similar situation have been bullied into paying. He said: How can you understand what youre supposed to do if you dont pause to read the rules? This week Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan called for greater regulation around the issue of private firms issuing fines. The SDLP MLA claimed that, after dealing with countless cases of people contacted by private parking firms, the supposed violations are often based on faulty camera evidence or registration systems. He was speaking after writing to the Infrastructure Minister to ask if new legislation could be introduced to regulate private parking firms in Northern Ireland. The minister, Liz Kimmins, said in a written response that there was currently no legislation which specifically applies to privately owned car parks and no plans from her department to introduce any. Ms Kimmins said: Whilst my department is responsible for on-street parking enforcement across the North, it has no responsibility for the operation and management of private car parks nor the enforcement companies that operate within them. There is no legislation which specifically applies to privately-owned car parks and my department currently has no plans to introduce legislation in this area. She added: However, any organisation that operates parking on private land and requests keeper details from the DVLA must be approved by an Accredited Trade Association such as the Approved Operator Scheme managed by the British Parking Association. Members of this scheme must adhere to the BPA AOS Code of Practice for the control and enforcement of parking on private land and unregulated public car parks. Belfast City Airport has been contacted. The Ballymena man also revealed he had chemistry from very early on with co-star Pamela Anderson LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 22: Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson attend "The Naked Gun" UK Premiere at Cineworld Leicester Square on July 22, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images) Liam Neeson has revealed he asked for his skirt he wears in the new Naked Gun film to be shorter during an interview with life-long friend and co-star Pamela Anderson. The stars of the upcoming police comedy spoof reboot interviewed one another for People magazine in the lead up to the films release on the silver screen on August 1. In the film Naked Gun 33: The Final Insult, Neeson plays the son of Leslie Nielsens character Frank Drebin in the movie that also stars Baywatch actor Anderson as the female lead Beth. Credit: YouTube Pamela Andrew and Liam Neeson The film was directed by Akiva Schaffer, who is also a member of the comedy music group, The Lonely Island. In an interview with People magazine, the pair quizzed each other on everything from first impressions they had of each other, to advice they gave their children who have also entered the acting industry. I thought, oh my God, she is so easy on the eyes, admitted the Ballymena man of his first impressions of his co-star Anderson. I was really taken with your there-ness, you were absolutely there. There was no hi I knew we had a chemistry from very early on. Yeah, we definitely had a chemistry, right away, I was just curious as to where it was going to take us in the film, agreed Anderson. So, it was really a nice start. But I always feel like I have to get better at just my confidence and getting into a room and thinking, Oh no, I can be here. I can be here. But he [Neeson] really put me at ease. Then we were off to the races. The promotional trailer for the film shows Neeson in a school-girl uniform which when questioned by his co-star, the 73-year-old revealed; yes, I asked for my skirt to be shorter. Liam Neeson in The Naked Gun Thats very sensitive, Pamela, joked Neeson. Our first week we were in this bank, a real bank that we had access to. Yes, I was dressed in a school uniform. Just another day. We rehearsed the fight scenes, a silly fight scene. Yes, I asked for my skirt to be shorter. Which surprised me because my legs, I hate showing them. When I was a boxer as a kid, Id go out, ding ding ding. I thought, they are looking at my legs. Seriously I hated them. A follow-up question from Neeson asked what the most important piece of advice she gave her sons, Brandon Thomas Lee and Dylan Jagger Lee, when they entered the film industry. I just tell them to think their own original thoughts and not somebody elses thoughts, she said. That there is no perfect way or formula and to do it their way. Actors Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson. Photo: Jens Kalaene/picture alliance via Getty Images) Liam Neeson as school girl assassin in Naked Gun remake Neeson also shared some advice he gave his own actor son, Daniel Neeson. I have one son in the business. Hes an actor, its welcome to the club, he said. Its a very tough profession. If you are lucky to have a physical one-on-one meeting with a potential director, a casting director for a part, and you dont get it, its not because youre a lesser actor. Nor is it because your education at a certain school didnt fit their approval. You occupy space, you breathe air that isnt right for them. So, its rejection, rejection, rejection, to get another audition, two auditions for different jobs. You have to get that mojo back again. During the film the pair both have singing parts something that Neeson said had the crew glued as they watched. Asking his co-star if she had nerves scatting with the jazz band in the film, Anderson went into some detail about her past in Broadway. I love jazz I play saxophone. I have scatted a few times in the past, so when I read the script, I just thought it was meant to be, said the 58-year-old. Who else can do this? I was in eighth grade [when she scatted for the first time] I was the only one brave enough to do it. But I really had fun with it, I loved the scat, it was scripted it wasnt just improv, she said. I remember the reaction on set, everybody was just glued, it was terrific. I was very touched by the song, replied Neeson, who also sang in the song. More than 100 pen warriors tutored, learned and observed at a recent writing workshop at Paengaroa School. The school holiday event was a great success, with overwhelmingly positive feedback received via email, social media and phone calls, said spokesperson Angie Belcher. We are grateful for the support of Creative Western Bay of Plenty, Paengaroa School and Te Puke Library, whose combined contributions helped make the day memorable and enriching for our community. Tutors delivered high-quality, engaging workshops that catered well to the children attending. Workshops catered for students and adults with pricing at a level to make the workshops accessible. Many parents stayed on site throughout the event, which was positive for the younger children. It was an incredibly positive event, with everyone being totally engaged. Many caregivers were grandparents, and their involvement was warmly welcomed. Paengaroa School provided the spaces four classrooms, the multi-purpose room and the staffroom and Te Puke Library offered exceptional support, contributing two staff members, help with photocopying and promotions and social media coverage. The event has demonstrated strong community interest and support. There were 111 participants including parents, helpers tutors and participants. The line up of tutors, from left, Kiri-Michelle Mohi, Angie Belcher, Rachel Weston, Lee Murray, Debbie Tipuna, Sharon Mansson, Debbie McCauley. Photo / Supplied The tutors were Kiri-Michelle Mohi, Angie Belcher, Rachel Weston, Lee Murray, Debbie Tipuna, Sharon Mansson, Debbie McCauley and workshops included Fact Finding Fun, Playing with Words, Poetry Perfection, Te Tiriti and Make Your Story Zing. Some authors generously donated free books for their students to take home. Rachel Westons book Why do Bumble Bees Have Smelly Feet? was particularly popular with the students who attended her Fact Finding Fun Workshop. Councils in the Western Bay of Plenty district are calling on people to get their nominations in for the upcoming local body elections and early. Nominations to stand for the council and the community boards of the Western Bay of Plenty District and council seats on Bay of Plenty Regional Council close at midday, next Friday, August 1. Voters will elect one Western BOP District Mayor (at large), and nine councillors, which comprise two for the Katikati-Waihi Beach ward, three for Kaimai ward, three for the Maketu-Te Puke ward and one in the new Waka Kai Uru Maori Ward to be elected by those on the Maori Electoral Roll. Community board members across five boards, with new subdivisions introduced in some areas to ensure more localised representation, would also be elected. For the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, a total of 14 regional councillor seats are up for grabs, to represent Tauranga, Western BOP, Rotorua, Whakatane, Kawerau, Opotiki and a small part of Taupo. Western Bay of Plenty District Council (WBOPDC) had called on locals with passion, purpose and community pride to put their name forward. WBOPDC governance manager Robyn Garrett said if residents care about their community, want to see change happen and are ready to step up, nows their chance to get involved. You dont have to be a seasoned politician to stand just someone who cares about their community, said Garrett. Our elected members are just everyday people who want to make a difference. Theyre parents, growers, volunteers, business owners and kaimahi [workers] who care deeply about where they live. Were encouraging anyone whos passionate about their place to consider standing. Standing for council is one of the most direct and powerful ways to represent your community and help shape its future. The simple truth is that local government runs best when everyday people get involved. She said councillors and community board members set the direction for their towns and rohe, influence how rates are spent and services are delivered, and help make decisions on issues like transport, infrastructure, environment and community wellbeing. You dont need to be a political expert or have a background in governance. You just need to care about your community, be willing to listen and learn, and want to make a positive difference in the place you call home, Garrett said. BOPRC wanted anyone thinking of getting their nomination in for this years local body elections to do so early. The regional councils governance manager Steve Groom asked people to get their forms in early and allow time for them to be checked and processed a vital part of the process that allows any errors to be corrected or questions to be clarified before nominations close at midday on August 1. While theres the temptation to just hold back and get your nomination in closer to the deadline, we dont recommend people do this, Groom said. Weve had experiences in the past where nominations have been submitted close to the midday last-day cut-off and, unfortunately, have had errors in them that could not be corrected in the remaining time. Were here to help and screen the nominations for any issues that prevent them being processed, but we cant do that if time is against us. If youre going to stand, go and see the council or give them a call earlier in the week, said Groom. If theres something holding you back from putting your hand up whether that be a part of the process or a question about the role and what it involves, come and have a chat. Groom said standing for council is a great thing to do: It takes courage to put yourself out there, but the difference you can make for your communities, and for the people who live in the Bay of Plenty now, and into the future makes it very worthwhile. To find out more, see: www.boprc.govt.nz/elections or: www.westernbay.govt.nz/council/elections For both councils, voting opens September 9 and closes October 11. * With Tauranga City Council having been elected on July 20, 2024, the councils next election is scheduled for 2028. What do you get when you mix a glass of wine or a good coffee with a big heart for helping others? You get Sallys Angels, a group of Tauranga women who have turned friendship into one of the regions most inspiring forces for good. This year, Sallys Angels are celebrating more than 10 years of giving back to the Western Bay of Plenty through the Acorn Foundation. In that time, this small-but-mighty group has donated more than $100,000 to local charities and community organisations simply by pooling a little each month and fundraising for causes that need a lift. Were all like-minded women who want to do something positive for our community, said founder Sally Morrison. The beauty of this group is its simplicity we each contribute a modest amount and when you put that together over time, the impact is just incredible. And yes, they make it fun to be an Angel often catching up at a local cafe or over a glass of wine at home. Several times a year, the Angels meet to learn about local organisations making a difference. They also work with Acorn to tap into insights from Vital Update: Tauranga, a wellbeing survey developed with TECT, BayTrust, and Tauranga City Council. This helps them identify the most pressing needs and direct their giving where it will have the most impact. This year, Sallys Angels supported BOP Youth Development Trust and UOKBRO, continuing their tradition of backing causes that make life better across the Western Bay. Over the years, their giving has reached a range of initiatives, from food banks and community kitchens to organisations helping vulnerable whanau, youth development and mental wellbeing. Matty Nicholson, Acorn Foundations corporate and community giving specialist, says Sallys Angels show that small actions create big change. Most people think $50 a month wont matter, but when you pool it together, it changes everything. Thats what these Angels have done theyve made a huge impact on our community. Giving circles such as Sallys Angels are part of a growing movement, with more than 2500 worldwide. Simple and flexible, theyre often friends who want to do good in their backyard. Through community foundations such as Acorn, this model is gaining momentum in New Zealand and showing that giving together goes further. After 10 years of generosity, these Angels arent hanging up their halos just yet. Their next chapter is about finding new ways to make life better in the Western Bay and if the past decade is anything to go by, the skys the limit. Theres never a shortage of new and exciting products at Trader Joes. And although this product isnt edible, its design might make you hungry and perhaps a little nostalgic. On Wednesday, one Trader Joes fan shared photos of a new reusable shopping bag that had hit their local store on took to Reddits r/traderjoes subreddit. New reusable bag! Comfort Food $0.99, they titled their post, including five photos of the bag showcasing all of its tasteful illustrations of popular comfort foods. The bag itself was a canvas of delicious designs, with each side featuring a unique comfort food theme accompanied by charming illustrations. These themes included PB & Jam, Mac & Cheese, Milk & Cookies, Ketchup & Fries, and Bacon & Eggs. In the comment section, the bag received praise from users. Oh thats cute as heck, commented one user. Another wrote: I saw it today and bought it for my son who loves their PB and J. Theres a Trader Joes near his dorm and now he has a bag for his TJ runs! A third chimed in: Some collect purses, I collect tote bags. Gimme gimme gimme. A fourth person wrote: Adorable! Ill be snagging a few of them next week. In the past few years, Trader Joes reusable bags particularly their mini tote bags have been a collectors item and in turn caused a frenzy. In April, the chain released a trio of pastel colored mini totes for $2.99. Across the country, customers lined up outside Trader Joes locations hours before opening to assure theyd get the first pick, per the New York Times. While this new comfort food-themed reusable bag doesnt seem to have attracted the same collector frenzy as the mini totes, Reddit users have certainly appreciated its design. NHRA continues its west coast trip in California this weekend with the Denso Sonoma Nationals. The drag racing is set to begin Saturday at 6 p.m. ET at Sonoma Raceway. The Denso Sonoma Nationals will air on FOX, and streams live on DirecTV (free trial). What: Denso Sonoma Nationals, an NHRA Drag Race When: Saturday, July 26, 2025 Where: Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma, California Time: 6 p.m. ET TV: FOX Live stream: DirecTV (free trial), fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV Streaming service Free trial? Promo Price DirecTV Yes $30 off first month $84.99 fuboTV No $30 off first month $84.99 Hulu + Live TV Yes No $82.99 BET: New DraftKings Promo Code: Extended $150 deal into July Heres a recent motorsports story via The Associated Press: CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) NASCAR will hold a street race on Naval Base Coronado in Southern California next June as a replacement for its downtown Chicago event that ran the last three years. The move to the San Diego area does not eliminate a return to Chicago, where NASCAR will still maintain an office and effort an eventual return, perhaps as early as 2027. But the shift next year will allow NASCAR to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy by hosting all three of its national series over a three-day weekend on June 19-21. As part of our nations 250th anniversary, we are honored for NASCAR to join the celebration as we host our first street race at a military base, Naval Base Coronado, Ben Kennedy, executive vice president and chief venue and racing innovations officer, said Wednesday. NASCAR San Diego Weekend will honor the Navys history and the men and women who serve as we take the best motorsports in the world to the streets of Naval Base Coronado. It will be NASCARs second street race in the sports history, following the three-year run in Chicago, and first on an active military base. The course layout is not complete but is expected to be around 3 miles. NASCAR has seen Auto Club Speedway close after the 2023 race. It built a temporary short track inside Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum from 2002 through 2024 but moved that event to North Carolina. Kennedy, who has been bullish on new endeavors for his family business, was the brains of the races at the Coliseum, Chicago, this years visit to Mexico City and now next year in San Diego, a venture the Navy is excited about. NASCAR embodies the very best of the American spirit through speed, precision and an unyielding pursuit of excellence, Navy Secretary John C. Phelan said. Hosting a race aboard Naval Air Station North Island, the birthplace of naval aviation, its not just a historic first, its a powerful tribute to the values we share: grit, teamwork and love of country. From the flight deck to the finish line, this collaboration reflects the operational intensity and unity of purpose that define both the United States Navy and NASCAR. The base is known as the West Coast Quarterdeck and is a consortium of nine Navy installations that stretch from San Clemente Island 50 miles off the coast of Long Beach to the Mountain Warfare Training Facility 50 miles east of San Diego. NASCAR named Amy Lupo, who has been with the series since 2021 and helped launch the Coliseum, as president of the race. She spent more than 20 years at ESPN expanding the X Games when she lived in San Diego early in her career. She still lives in Southern California. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 The share price of Denison Mines Corp. (NYSE:DNN) surged by 15.51% between July 15 and July 22, 2025, putting it among the Energy Stocks that Gained the Most This Week. Denison Mines Corp. (DNN): Among the Energy Stocks that Gained This Week An open pit mine with a large yellow excavator machine with tailings visible in the background, illustrating the uranium extraction process. Denison Mines Corp. (NYSE:DNN) is a uranium exploration and development company with interests focused in the Athabasca Basin region of northern Saskatchewan, Canada. Denison Mines Corp. (NYSE:DNN) shot up this week after the company announced that it had commenced uranium mining operations at the McClean North deposit using the patented SABRE mining method, together with Orano Canada as its joint venture partner. Denison owns a 22.5% interest in the JV, while Orano Canada owns 77.5%. David Cates, President and CEO of Denison Mines Corp. (NYSE:DNN), stated: The successful commencement of SABRE mining at McClean North marks a significant milestone in the history of the MLJV, as the joint venture returns to active mining operations for the first time since 2008. Orano Canada is a world-class operator that has consistently demonstrated excellence in operation and innovation in Saskatchewan. We congratulate Orano on its leadership, long-term vision, and dedication to the development of the MLJVs SABRE mining method and ultimately the commercialization of the technology through the deployment at McClean North. While we acknowledge the potential of DNN 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: 10 Best Nuclear Energy Stocks to Buy Right Now and The 5 Energy Stocks Billionaires are Quietly Piling Into. Disclosure: None. With a market cap of $64.4 billion, Workday, Inc. (WDAY) is a leading enterprise software company based in Pleasanton, California. It offers cloud-native solutions for human capital management (HCM), financial management, planning, analytics, and ERP across industries such as technology, healthcare, education, government, and finance. WDAY is set to report its Q2 earnings on Thursday, Aug. 28. Ahead of the event, analysts expect WDAY to report an EPS of $0.80 per share, up 116.2% from a profit of $0.37 per share reported in the year-ago quarter. It has exceeded or met analysts' earnings estimates in two of the past four quarters, while missing on two other occasions. More News from Barchart For fiscal 2025, analysts expect WDAY to report an EPS of $3.51, up 107.7% from $1.69 in fiscal 2024. Moreover, in fiscal 2026, its EPS is expected to grow 36.2% year over year to $4.78. www.barchart.com Over the past year, WDAY shares climbed 8%, underperforming the S&P 500 Indexs ($SPX) 17.3% gains and the Technology Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLK) 21.1% returns over the same time frame. www.barchart.com On July 10, shares of Workday fell more than 4% after Piper Sandler Companies (PIPR) downgraded the stock from Neutral to Underweight, citing valuation concerns and potential near-term growth headwinds. The firm also lowered its price target to $235, suggesting downside from current price levels. Moreover, analysts remain highly bullish about WDAY stocks future prospects, with a "Strong Buy" rating overall. Among 37 analysts covering the stock, 24 recommend a Strong Buy, three suggest a Moderate Buy, nine advise a Hold, and the remaining analyst gives a Strong Sell. WDAYs mean price of $296.59 implies a premium of 25% 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 French fire forces evacuation of tourists near southern beaches Toulouse, France, July 26 (AFP) Jul 26, 2025 A fire in the south of France was spreading towards a beach resort late Saturday, forcing the evacuation of two campgrounds and some local housing. Driven by strong winds, the fire in the Aude department on the Mediterranean coast, near the Spanish border, had already burned through 600 hectares (1,500 acres) after breaking out earlier in the afternoon, local officials said. Some 630 firefighters backed by about a dozen planes were battling the fire, according to the department's deputy prefect Remi Recio. Smoke from the fire was causing backups on the A9 coastal highway, AFP reporters said, though the key route to Spain remained open. Flames destroyed two houses and local officials converted a local gymnasium into a shelter, although the residents of about 10 evacuated houses were later allowed to return home. As a precautionary measure, the prefecture later ordered the evacuation of two campsites and a housing estate in the commune of Port-la-Nouvelle on the coast. Three fire fighters were treated for smoke inhalation. The national weather service had placed the Aude department on orange alert for a "high risk" of fire on Saturday. The fire comes less than a month after the Aude department was hit by a major blaze that swept through 2,100 hectares near Narbonne, mobilising 1,000 firefighters. We recently published 10 Shares Explode as Earnings Impress. Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE:GNW) is one of the best-performing stocks on Friday. Genworth Financial saw its share prices rally by 8.99 percent on Friday to end at $8 apiece as investors cheered a UK courts favorable ruling to insurance giant AXA that could help the former recoup $750 million in cash payments. The case stemmed from the mis-selling of payment protection insurance (PPI) before 2005 by GE Capital Bank, which was acquired by Santander in 2009, that resulted in AXAs losses related to more than 650,000 individual customer complaints about PPI policies. AXA, which inherited the liabilities for its acquisition of two subsidiaries of Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE:GNW), paid almost 5700 million pounds worth of redress to consumers and compensated complaints. The UK judge eventually ruled that AXA has a valid claim for an indemnity against Santander in relation to the redress payments and ombudsman fees. For its part, Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE:GNW) is entitled to receive $750 million as part of its agreement with AXA as soon as the latter recovers losses. Genworth (GNW) Surges 9% as Firm Expects $750-Million Additional Cash Genworth plans to deploy any recoveries in line with our stated capital allocation priorities: investing in growth through CareScout, returning cash to shareholders through our buyback program, and opportunistically paying down debt, the company said. While we acknowledge the potential of GNW as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Winona Ryder has recalled being threatened by a director she worked with on a film and not realising until years later that it was a terrifying incident. In a new interview with Elle UK, the Beetlejuice star said that she was working on a movie as a younger woman and had complained to the films producers about the behaviour of the director of the film. A day later, the director cornered her privately and threatened her career. Ryder said that the director approached her on the day of filming a big scene under the pretense of offering her general advice. He came up to me, and he was like, OK, so, um, if we just try it like you f***ing c***, Im gonna destroy your f***ing life OK? So lets just do it like that? Ryder continued: And I had to f***ing act. And whats so crazy is my brother was working as a PA on the movie, and I didnt even tell him, and I didnt complain. The 53-year-old, whose credits also include Heathers, Edward Scissorhands and the Netflix sensation Stranger Things, repeated the story on the set of last years comedy sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and only then did she realise the gravity of the directors words, partly because one of the people she told the story to was her 22-year-old co-star Jenna Ortega. I was almost telling it like it was this funny story, Ryder added. Then Im looking at Jennas face and imagining it happening to her. It wasnt until that moment that I was like, Oh my God, this is bad. Winona Ryder in 2024 ( Getty Images ) Elsewhere in the interview, Ryder recalled completely falling in love with Al Pacino after he took her on a tour of New Yorks coffee shops when she was 22. Last year, the actor explained why she is bothered by so many young child stars today and why she grew so fond of Ortega, who leads the Netflix hit Wednesday. Ryder will next be seen in the last ever season of Stranger Things, which is finally arriving on Netflix later this year, following a lengthy hiatus. Get the inside track from Roisin O'Connor with our free weekly music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Krishnan Guru-Murthy has criticised the total chaos he experienced as a standing ticketholder at Wembley Stadium for Oasiss first comeback night in London. The Channel 4 news presenter, 55, explained in a post shared on X/Twitter that he had resisted the stupid prices of tickets until he was offered to buy a last-minute ticket on Friday (25 July). However, when he arrived at Wembley, standing ticketholders were asked to queue for wristbands, which the staff had run out of, forcing them to miss the beginning of the show. Total chaos at Wembley as they insist standing ticket holders whove passed the turnstiles also queue for wristbands but have run out, he said at 8.20pm, five minutes after the band had arrived onstage. Oasis have just come on and we cant get in to see them. More farce. Had resisted the stupid prices and then was offered a ticket today so thought, why not. So stupid. Once he made it inside, he posted a picture of the stage at 8.30pm, commenting that the sound was epic. When one follower berated him for complaining about what they had assumed to be a free ticket, Guru-Murthy replied, You assume wrong. Another follower added: Did exactly the same at the O2 for Pulp. Queues for queues. open image in gallery Krishnan Guru-Murthy said standing ticketholders had to queue for wristbands, causing him to miss the beginning of the show ( X/Twitter via @krishgm ) When tickets for the Oasis reunion shows went on sale last summer, many were left outraged after some standard tickets in the UK and Ireland jumped from 148 to 355 due to dynamic pricing. The controversy prompted the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) watchdog to pledge to look at the use of the practice. Friday marked the first time the brothers had appeared together onstage at Wembley since July 12, 2009, when they performed during their Dig Out Your Soul tour. As with previous gigs, Liam and Noel walked onstage hand in hand, opened with Hello and proceeded to belt out many of their classics, including Some Might Say and Morning Glory. open image in gallery Krishnan Guru-Murthy said the sound was epic ( X/Twitter via @krishgm ) Fridays show the eighth of the tour followed a five-night run of homecoming gigs in Manchesters Heaton Park and the two opening shows in Cardiff earlier this month. The band have consistently finished their gigs with an encore of The Masterplan, Dont Look Back in Anger, Wonderwall and Champagne Supernova. Gates at Wembley Stadium open at 5pm, with rock band Cast on as the first support act at 6pm, then the Verve frontman and solo artist Richard Ashcroft on at 7pm. Oasis are typically due on stage at 8.15pm and are scheduled to finish at 10.15pm. Following the first part of their Wembley stint, the band will head up north to Edinburghs Murrayfield Stadium followed by Dublins Croke Park. The group will head to Japan, South Korea, South America, Australia and North America later in the year. Oasis announced their reunion tour in August of last year, 16 years after their dramatic split in 2009, which saw Noel quit following a backstage brawl at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Adult Swim have announced a new spin-off show based on the adventures of the Rick and Morty character President Andre Curtis. The new adult animated comedy, named President Curtis, will see Keith David reprise his role as the title character. Co-created by Rick and Morty executive producers Dan Harmon and James Siciliano, and along with David, the series will also star Brooklyn Nine-Nines Stephanie Beatriz and Jim Rash, who famously worked with Harmon on the much-loved sitcom Community. The show has been described as following the Commander-in-Chief and his eccentric staff as they tackle the kind of crises that Rick Sanchez could never be bothered with - from interdimensional diplomacy to paranormal investigations and unexplained phenomena. In a statement, David said: President Curtis has always been a blast to play. Getting to explore his world more deeply in this new series is a dream. I cant wait for fans to see what kind of chaos he stirs up when Rick isnt around to steal the spotlight. Keith David will lead the cast of the new 'Rick and Morty' spin-off 'President Curtis' ( Adult Swim ) Harmon and Siciliano added: President Curtis has always been one of our favorite characters to write hes the only person in the multiverse who can go toe-to-toe with Rick and still hold office. Now we finally get to go on sci-fi missions from Curtis point of view. And with Keith David leading the charge, its going to be a wild ride. Adult Swim president Michael Ouweleen said: This is a series we would have greenlit even if it didnt have anything at all to do with Rick and Morty. President Andre Curtis is just that good of a character. The rest of the world the team has fleshed out is super fun and totally stands on its own. We cant wait for you to see it. A release date for President Curtis has not yet been announced. Rick and Morty is currently airing its eighth season. The show survived upheaval in 2023 when co-creator Justin Roiland left the production after being charged with domestic violence. Roilands charges were dismissed on the grounds of insufficient evidence, but he was later repeatedly accused of further sexual misconduct. A lawyer representing Roiland said the allegations were false and defamatory. Roilands role voicing both Rick and Morty was recast. Ian Cardoni now voices Rick Sanchez, while Harry Belden voices Morty Smith. Speaking about the multiple allegations facing Roiland, Harmon said he was ashamed and heartbroken by his co-creators alleged actions. 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 Jamie Lee Curtis has condemned the plastic surgery industrys disfiguration of women, likening its impact to genocide. For a new interview with The Guardian, the 66-year-old Everything Everywhere All at Once star brought a set of enlarged, red plastic lips as a prop to the photoshoot, telling journalist Emma Brockes it was her statement against plastic surgery. Curtis posed in the article wearing the lips over her own. She said of the statement: Ive been very vocal about the genocide of a generation of women by the cosmeceutical industrial complex, whove disfigured themselves. The wax lips really sends it home. When questioned whether genocide was the appropriate word to use in the context of plastic surgery, Curtis said she thinks its accurate. Ive used that word for a long time and I use it specifically because its a strong word, she said. I believe that we have wiped out a generation or two of natural human [appearance]. The concept that you can alter the way you look through chemicals, surgical procedures, fillers theres a disfigurement of generations of predominantly women who are altering their appearances. Curtis added that the popularisation of plastic surgery in recent years has been aided and abetted by AI, with the accessibility of interactive facial filters. The minute I lay a filter on and you see the before and after, its hard not to go: Oh, well that looks better. But whats better? Better is fake. And there are too many examples I will not name them but very recently we have had a big onslaught through media, many of those people. Curtis, the child of late Hollywood actors Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, said that she watched her parents careers decline after their youthful looks began to wane. ( Getty Images ) As a result, Curtis said she has been self-retiring for 30 years so she can leave the party before Im no longer invited. I witnessed my parents lose the very thing that gave them their fame and their life and their livelihood, when the industry rejected them at a certain age, she said. I watched them reach incredible success and then have it slowly erode to where it was gone. And thats very painful. Curtis has long been vocal about the pressures for young women in Hollywood to receive plastic surgery to stay employed, having undergone a procedure herself, aged 25, as a result of a cinematographers comments about her baggy eyes. She spoke about her regret after the procedure, telling CBSs 60 Minutes: Thats just not what you want to do when youre 25 or 26. And I regretted it immediately and have kind of sort of regretted it since. Ive become a really public advocate to say to women youre gorgeous and youre perfect the way you are. So yeah, it was not a good thing for me to do. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The lead prosecutor in the Idaho college killings case has said it is not always possible to have the luxury of understanding the motives of a murderer, after Bryan Kohberger declined to reveal his. It would always be nice to have an answer to everything, but the reality is that we don't always have that luxury, prosecutor Bill Thompson told NBCs USA Today. Kohberger, 30, declined to speak during his sentencing hearing Wednesday, inside the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho, leaving four devastated families without an answer as to why their children were killed. With no known link between the four victims, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin, and their killer, Kohbergers motive is likely to remain a mystery. open image in gallery Kohbergers lead prosecutor Bill Thompson said it was not always possible to have the luxury of understanding the motives of a murderer, after Bryan Kohberger declined to reveal his ( Getty Images ) Even Judge Steven Hippler, who handed Kohberger his four consecutive life sentences, acknowledged frustration in his remarks. As we sit here today, this case is ending, and we are now certain who committed these unspeakable acts of evil, he said. But we dont know, and what we may never know, is why. At the sentencing, the court heard harrowing victim impact statements from family and friends of the victims, as well as Bethany Funke and Dylan Mortensen, the two roommates who were home at the time of the attack and survived. When asked why the pair had been overlooked by Kohberger, Thompson told NBC: I'm sure there are theories. Dylan had an angel watching over her. open image in gallery With no known link between the four victims, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin, and their killer, his motive is likely to remain a mystery ( AP/Instagram ) Kohberger will now spend the rest of his life behind bars, after switching his plea to guilty on July 2, and avoiding the death penalty. This too has sparked outrage from some, with some claiming prosecutors should have demanded a full confession including a motive as a condition of the deal. Rarely does somebody in his situation give an accurate, true statement of what occurred, Thompson said Thursday. We would all like to know the details of what happened, but Mr. Kohberger is not going to be the source of getting the truth." Asked about the deal struck with Kohberger, he told NBC, We made a proposal on our terms, not his, Thompson said. I don't know what was going through his head [about] what he wanted, but one way or another, he's going to be in prison till he dies. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A registered sex offender in California was arrested again on Tuesday after allegedly sniffing a womans rear end at a Nordstrom Rack in Burbank. Calese Carron Crowder, 38, of Glendale, was detained after a report of a suspicious man loitering in the womens department of a Nordstrom Rack at the Empire Center on North Victory Place. Security footage showed Crowder following a female shopper before crouching behind her and appearing to sniff her buttocks, authorities said. Police found Crowder on Tuesday at a Walmart in the same shopping center as Nordstrom Rack , where he was also allegedly seen sniffing women. Crowder is on active parole and is a registered sex offender with a history of similar lewd conduct in Glendale and Burbank dating back to 2021, police said. open image in gallery This is not the first time Crowder has been arrested for alleged butt-sniffing incidents. ( Burbank Police Department ) He is charged with loitering with intent to commit a crime and is being held in custody on $100,000 bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 1. Crowder first gained media attention in August 2023, when content creator Michaela Witter posted a viral TikTok showing him allegedly sniffing her behind at a Barnes & Noble in Burbank. He claimed he was bent down to tie his shoe when confronted by Witter. The woman said she also observred him sniff another woman in the bookstore. Witter said other women contacted her about Crowder after her video, claiming they had also been targeted by him at stores like Urban Outfitters and Marshalls. open image in gallery Crowder is allegedly also the man sniffing a womans butt in a viral TikTok at a Barnes & Noble in August 2023. ( TikTok/@michaela.witter ) Crowder was arrested in 2023 for peeping and prowling at a Glendale home with children present. Crowder had previously served prison time for burglary and robbery and was sentenced in February 2023 to a year in jail for indecent exposure in Santa Clarita, but was released early, according to law enforcement. He was arrested again that August for peeping and prowling at a Glendale home with children present. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice For more than five years, the world has watched as a bizarre saga unfolded starting with a frantic search for Lori Vallow Daybells children, the tragic discovery of their bodies buried in her new husbands backyard, and ultimately, her conviction. The so-called doomsday cult mom, 52, is serving life sentences in Idaho for killing two of her children in 2019. She was sentenced again on Friday to two life sentences with the possibility of parole on separate conspiracy to commit murder charges in Arizona. In April, Vallow Daybell was convicted of conspiring with her brother, Alexander Cox, to kill her fourth husband, Charles Vallow. Prosecutors say Cox fatally shot him in July 2019. My father, Charles Vallow, cared for his family, Colby Ryan, the only surviving son of Vallow Daybell and Charles Vallow, said in court Friday. He took care of our family, and he made sure we had a good life. He was a very generous man. She was convicted again in June for conspiring with Cox to kill her nieces ex-husband, Brandon Boudreaux. Prosecutors said Cox attempted to kill Boudreaux in an October 2019 drive-by shooting. open image in gallery Brandon Boudreaux speaks at Lori Vallow Daybell's sentencing hearing. Vallow Daybell was convicted of conspiring to kill Boudreaux ( East Idaho News ) The betrayal by someone connected to my family has left me battling overwhelming emotions over the years, Boudreaux said in court. Cox died in December 2019. Charles Vallows death was the first step in a wider plot by Vallow Daybell and her current husband, alleged cult leader Chad Daybell, to rid their lives of obstacles as they termed their spouses and her children, according to text message evidence presented at her 2023 trial for the murders of young J.J. Vallow and 16-year-old Tylee Ryan. In May 2023, Vallow Daybell was found guilty of the childrens murders and of conspiring to kill her husbands former wife, Tammy Daybell. She was sentenced to three life terms. Heres what to know about Vallow Daybells convictions: Charles Vallow: Lori Vallow Daybells fourth husband killed two months before children vanished Vallow Daybell, now 51, was once a beautician by trade, a mother of three, and a wife five times over. Two of them are dead and her current husband, Chad Daybell, is on death row in Idaho after being handed the death penalty when he was convicted of murder in 2024. Her first marriage, to a high school sweetheart when she was just 19, ended quickly. She married again in her early 20s, and had a son named Colby before divorcing. In 2001, Vallow Daybell married again, this time to a man named Joseph Ryan. The couple had a baby girl named Tylee in 2002 but divorced just a few years later. Ryan later died in his home of a suspected heart attack. Charles Vallow, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, entered the picture several months later. Vallow Daybell joined the LDS church and the pair married in 2006. They later adopted J.J. open image in gallery Charles Vallow was Lori Vallow Daybells fourth husband ( Leland Vallow Obituary ) But by 2019, that marriage had also soured. Charles Vallow filed for divorce, contending in court papers that Vallow Daybell also believed herself to be a deity tasked with helping to usher in the Biblical apocalypse. That year was the last time Vallow Daybell was in Arizona until November when she was extradited there to face charges in Charles Vallows murder. In 2019, Vallow Daybell lived in the Phoenix suburb of Chandler with Tylee and J.J. She was married to her fourth husband Charles Vallow, but he had filed for a divorce in February of that year based on claims that her religious beliefs were devolving into something far more sinister. In one filing, he wrote that Vallow Daybell had claimed to be a goddess sent to usher in the Biblical apocalypse. He had also allegedly expressed concerns that Vallow Daybell was cheating on him with Chad Daybell, who shared her extreme beliefs. Prior to Vallow Daybells trial, police had released body-camera footage showing a concerned Charles Vallow reporting to detectives that his wifes fanatical religious views had escalated, that she had become unhinged and was worried she might try to hurt him or the children. He had called Gilbert Police in January 2019 after he was unable to speak to his two kids for a few days. He told the responding officer about the alarming beliefs his wife was sharing. Shes not here, Charles Vallow said in the video. She lost her reality. Charles Vallow then explained to the officers that Vallow Daybell considered herself a translated being and a God who spoke with an ancient prophet and Jesus Christ daily. The religious views had been growing over the years, but had become more extreme and dangerous, he said. He said Vallow Daybell told him a man named Nick Schneider had taken over his body and she would have to kill him. I can murder you now with my powers, she had told him, according to Charles Vallow, which prompted him to call the police for fear of his own safety and the safety of Tylee and J.J. I love her to death. This is killing me, officer, Charles Vallow said. Despite the imminent end to their marriage, Charles Vallow and Vallow Daybell were tied together by J.J. Months before Charles Vallow was killed, Vallow Daybell had called him and told him to take the kids. He was on a business trip in Houston at the time. When he returned, his truck was not at the airport and Vallow Daybell had thrown out all of his clothes and drained their bank account. More bodycam footage shows officers with him at the house, kicking in the door. They had an order to pick Vallow Daybell up for a mental health exam and to check on the children. The only reason why were here is some of the statements that you made towards our dispatcher that you provided to them he (an officer) made the discussion to conduct the welfare check to make sure your children are safe, an officer said. No crime had been committed, so the police left. On July 11, Charles Vallow went to Vallow Daybells home for a custody exchange that turned deadly when he was shot by her brother, Alex Cox, at a home in Chandler, Arizona. Cox told police he acted in self-defense, and he was never charged. He died suddenly aged 51 on December 11, 2019 hours after Tammys body was exhumed. open image in gallery Tammy and Chad Daybell were married in 1990 ( Facebook ) His death was also ruled natural causes, with indications of a blood clot wedged in the arteries of his lungs. However, the overdose drug Narcan was also found in his system. Meanwhile, Vallow Daybell and her kids had moved to Idaho shortly after Charles Vallow died. At her murder trial, prosecutors said she made the move to be closer to her then-boyfriend Daybell so they could continue their plot to remove any obstacle to their happiness. Weeks after J.J. and Tylee vanished without being reported missing by their mother, another member of the family faced an attack back in Arizona. Brandon Boudreaux: Ex-husband of Lori Vallow Daybells niece was targeted in drive-by shooting On October 2, 2019, Brandon Boudreaux, the ex-husband of Vallow Daybells niece, Melani Pawlowski, was targeted in a drive-by shooting outside his home in Gilbert. The bullet missed his head by mere inches. open image in gallery Brandon Boudreaux is seen in a court sketch ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Pawlowski (she remarried in November 2019 to Ian Pawlowski, who testified at Vallow Daybells trial), was very close to Vallow Daybell and believed in many of the same bizarre doomsday prophecies espoused by her and Chad Daybell. This ultimately ended her marriage to Boudreaux with whom she shared custody of their five children. From evidence heard at Vallow Daybells trial, it is apparent that he too was considered an obstacle and in their beliefs a dark spirit had possessed him. Google location data showed Alex Cox traveling to and from Gilbert, Arizona, from Idaho in early October 2019. On October 2, Boudreaux was shot at after returning home from the gym. He had earlier taken his older children to school and dropped the youngest off at Pawlowskis home. The shots were fired from the back window of a grey Jeep Wrangler that had had its back spare tire removed. Video footage from a storage facility in Idaho showed Cox and Vallow Daybell placing the spare tire in a storage facility the day before he drove south to Maricopa County and then taking it back out a few days later. open image in gallery Joshua "JJ" Vallow and Tylee Ryan, the missing children whose mother Lori Vallow Daybell has been found on Hawaii living with her new husband Chad Daybell ( AP ) When police were finally made aware of J.J. and Tylees disappearance in November 2019 - weeks after the death of Chad Daybells first wife and his new marriage to Vallow Daybell - Charles Vallows death and the alleged attempt on Boudreauxs life became key points in the investigation. But it wasnt until June 2020 - shortly after the childrens bodies were found on Chad Daybells Idaho property - that Vallow Daybell was charged with conspiring to kill Charles Vallow. Her indictment for conspiring to kill Boudreaux came days after her murder conviction in May 2023. Boudreaux gave heartbreaking testimony at Vallow Daybells trial about the end of his marriage to Pawlowski and broke down as he recalled having to be the person who identified J.J. Vallows remains. Questions linger over Pawlowskis involvement in the attempt on her former husbands life. She was present in court in Boise for Vallow Daybells trial as her husband testified, but did not take the stand herself much to the surprise of those closely watching the case. Two women Zulena Pastenes and Melanie Gibb who were close to Vallow Daybell and were involved in the strange rituals she conducted as part of their shared beliefs about the second coming did testify at her trial. Lori Vallow Daybells new husband gets the death penalty After a seven-week trial, Chad Daybell was found guilty in May 2024 of murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the deaths of Tylee, J.J. and his former wife Tammy Daybell. Two weeks after Tammy Daybells death, Chad Daybell and Vallow Daybell married on a beach in Hawaii. Only after the children were reported missing did authorities began delving into the couples bizarre cult beliefs. Questions were asked about Tammy Daybells death and her body was exhumed for an autopsy. Authorities determined she had died of asphyxia and Chad Daybell was charged with her murder, as well as the murders of Vallows children, who were found buried in his Idaho backyard nine months after they went missing. open image in gallery After a seven-week trial, Chad Daybell is found guilty of murder and conspiracy to commit murder ( AP ) Prosecutors say Chad Daybell and Vallow Daybell justified the three killings by creating an apocalyptic belief system, which was part of an elaborate scheme to eliminate any obstacles from their lives. But Chad Daybells attorney claims he was manipulated by Vallow Daybell, who was convicted of the murders in 2023 and received three life sentences. Like Vallow Daybell, Chad Daybell did not testify in his defense. On June 1, 2024, he was handed the death sentence. He was then moved to an Idaho Department of Correction maximum security facility to await his execution. Doomsday Mom maintains her innocence Jurors in Ada County Court in Boise, Idaho, took almost seven hours to find Vallow Daybell guilty after hearing harrowing details about the doomsday moms path of deadly destruction and were shown graphic images of the murdered childrens remains. J.J., who had autism, had been smothered with a plastic bag taped over his face, his little body still dressed in a pair of red pajamas. Tylees cause of death has been impossible to establish as the teenagers dismembered, charred bones and body parts were found scattered in the ground on Chad Daybells pet cemetery. The state called over 60 witnesses to lay out its case that Vallow Daybell was motivated by both her doomsday cult beliefs but also lust for Daybell and financial greed when she conspired with him and her brother Cox to kill the three victims. During closing arguments, prosecutors argued that Vallow Daybell had been driven by money, power and sex to kill the three victims. open image in gallery Lori Vallow Daybell continues to maintain her innocence nearly two years later and in her first interview from prison, she told Dateline correspondent Keith Morrison that she believes she will be set free ( Dateline ) Vallow Daybell continues to maintain her innocence nearly two years later and in her first interview from prison, she told Dateline correspondent Keith Morrison that she believes she will be set free. I will be exonerated. We will both be exonerated in the future, she says in the episode, referring to her husband Chad Daybell. I have seen things in the future that Jesus showed me when I was in heaven, she adds when pressed by Morrison. And we were not in jail and we were not in prison. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice When word got out at the Mic Mac Cove Campground that a paddleboarders death had been ruled as murder, 17-year-old Deven Young seemed eager to help track down her killer. Young, of Frankfort, had been staying with his parents at the camp in Union, Maine, earlier this month when police found Sunshine Sunny Stewart strangled and bludgeoned to death on Crawford Pond. The boy was described as polite but awkward and liked to go out on the 600-acre pond in his little boat, Mic Mac owner Katherine Lunt told ABC News this week. He helped other campers with their yards and pets, and made wooden crafts for his neighbors, she said. Young volunteered to help authorities with their investigation and implored that he had something to show them, Lunt added. According to the campground owner, the teen took police in the opposite direction to where Stewart was found and led them on a wild goose chase. open image in gallery Stewart's body was found at Crawford Pond in Union, Maine, in the early hours of July 3 ( AP ) After speaking with Young for several hours on July 16, investigators left the camp, only to return that evening to arrest the teen and eventually charge him with murder in connection with Stewarts death. Young, who was arraigned last week, has been held at a youth detention facility in the Portland area to prevent the juvenile from inflicting bodily harm on others, Judge Eric Walker ruled Friday. He is due in Rockland District Court on August 22, weeks before his 18th birthday. Main prosecutors confirmed on Monday that they have filed a motion to try the defendant as an adult. open image in gallery Sunshine Stewart (right) never returned from her evening paddleboard session on July 2 ( AP ) Maine State Police said Stewart, 48, was discovered under unusual circumstances by state game wardens at about 1 a.m. on July 3 near 100 Acre Island on Crawford Pond. Officials stated that the area can only be accessed by boat. Stewart, an avid outdoorswoman and experienced paddleboarder from Tenants Harbor, 25 miles south of where her body was found, left the Mic Mac campground for the pond by herself between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. the evening before, authorities said. That evening, Lunt said she spotted Stewarts friend searching the waterfront by flashlight, prompting the campground owner to check the area out. Neither Stewart nor her blue paddleboard was in sight. open image in gallery Stewart has been remember by friends and family as a lover of the outdoors ( Sunshine Stewart/Facebook ) Maybe she had been hit by a boat, Lunt speculated. We had no idea why she hadnt returned. Six hours after the woman headed out to the water, Lunt said she phoned the police which sparked a multi-agency search. In the early hours of July 3, two local residents found a paddleboard, which led responders to Stewarts body. Given the circumstances of the discovery, wardens called in the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit, stating they did not believe Stewart had drowned or died by suicide. An autopsy performed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Maine on the day Stewarts body was found determined she was a homicide victim. Police combed through evidence for almost two weeks at the campground. Lunt said she became obsessed with finding the murder suspect and scoured through hours of surveillance tapes and rallied campers to offer up footage and provide their DNA. As police arrested Young on July 16, Lunt again studied security footage from the time of Stewarts disappearance and she made a discovery: the boy appeared to have been on the lake at the time. open image in gallery Mic Mac Cove Family Campground owner Katherine Lunt was desperate to help track down a suspect in Sunshine Sterwarts murder ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Before darkness had fallen, Young returned to land, she said. Just two days after the murder, Young posted a photograph to Facebook where he replied to a friends comment that he was doing well, according to CBS News affiliate WGME. It's haunting, Lunt continued. He was not on anybody's radar. It is unknown what led to Youngs arrest. He denied the charges in his brief first court appearance. Stewarts loved ones are now left grieving a woman they describe as a fiercely independent adventurer who was deeply dedicated to her loved ones. Speaking to ABC News affiliate WMTW-TV earlier this month, Stewarts sister Kim Ware remembered her sibling as a truly amazing aunt, the world's best bartender, sternman, lobersterman, and boat captain. Ware set up a GoFundMe and raised more than $34,000 to help cover funeral costs, and said a celebration of Stewart's life has been scheduled for August 10 in Tenants Harbor. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Royal Caribbean crew member jumped overboard to his death after stabbing his female coworker, according to police. A 35-year-old South African man was working on the Royal Caribbeans Icon of the Seas cruise ship when he stabbed a 28-year-old South African female crew member multiple times just before 7.30 a.m. Thursday, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said. The man then fled the scene and jumped off the ship, authorities said. He was later pronounced dead by onboard medical staff. The female victim suffered stab wounds to her upper body. She was treated and is now in stable condition, police said. Its not immediately clear what prompted the violence. A motive behind the stabbing has not been identified and crew members have not been publicly named. A crew member on Royal Caribbeans Icon of the Seas stabbed a fellow crew member before jumping overboard to his death, police say ( Getty Images ) An investigation into the matter is ongoing. An autopsy has been scheduled, police said. A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean described the incident to NBC News as "a personal dispute. No additional details were mentioned. "Our crew immediately initiated a search and rescue operation, but unfortunately the crew member passed away," the company in a statement to CBS News. "We extend our condolences to the crew member's family and loved ones. To respect their privacy, we have no additional details to share." Passengers recalled crew members rushing after the intercom blasted Oscar, Oscar, Oscar" the Royal Caribbeans code for man overboard, the outlet reported. The ship then slowed before turning around. The Independent has reached out to the Royal Caribbean for more information. The Icon of the Seas was making its way back from the Bahamas to Miami when the incident transpired, CruiseMapper shows. The cruise ship departed Miami on July 19 and then made stops in St. Marteen, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Bahamas, before returning to Florida. The Icon of the Seas, the worlds largest cruise ship, made its maiden voyage in January 2024. The 1,200-feet-long vessel boasts seven pools, the worlds largest waterpark at sea, six waterslides and nine whirlpools. It holds up to 5,610 passengers and 2,350 crew members across its 19 floors. Google parent Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL) is finally starting to cash in on the billions of dollars its spending on its rapid AI buildout. The company reported better-than-anticipated earnings after the bell on Wednesday, with CEO Sundar Pichai pointing to AI as a key growth catalyst for its various products. Google cloud revenue climbed 32% and backlog, or purchase commitments from customers not yet realized, rose 38%. Search also performed better than expected during the quarter, with sales increasing 12% year over year. Wall Street previously raised concerns that chatbots and search offerings from AI upstarts like OpenAI (OPAI.PVT), Perplexity (PEAI.PVT), and Anthropic (ANTH.PVT) would steal users from Googles own Search product. But according to Pichai, Search revenue grew by double digits, and its AI Overviews feature, the small box at the top of the traditional search page that summarizes information, now has 2 billion monthly users. But Google also announced its pouring even more money into its AI development, saying in its earnings release that it will spend an additional $10 billion on the technology this year, bringing its total capital expenditures from $75 billion to $85 billion. Despite that, analysts are riding high on Googles stock. In a note to investors on Wednesday, Jefferies analyst Brent Thill said Googles results back up its increased spending. After hiccups in early '23, [Googles] AI efforts picked up urgency and have now delivered benchmark-leading Gemini 2.5 Pro models, Thill wrote. This is starting to show up in [key performance indicators], with Cloud [revenue accelerating] to 32% [year over year] from 28%, tokens processed 2x to 980 [trillion] tokens since April, and search ad [revenue accelerating] to 12% from 10%. This confidence supports '25 [capital expenditures] raise to $85B. Morgan Stanleys Brian Nowak offered a similar outlook for Google, raising the firms price target on the tech giant from $205 to $210. Wedbushs Scott Devitt also raised his price target on the company to $225. Malik Ahmed Khan at Morningstar pointed out that while AI Overview searches are monetizing at the same rate as standard Google searches, AI Overviews are helping increase search volumes within Google Search, with the feature driving over 10% more queries, leading to additional sales within the Search segment. Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai speaks at a Google I/O event in Mountain View, Calif., Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) ASSOCIATED PRESS But behind all of that are the potentially devastating consequences from a judge's decision that held it liable for antitrust violations in search. Judge Amit Mehta of the US District Court for the District of Columbia is expected to issue a ruling on "remedies" that follows the Justice Department's victory against the company sometime next month. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An 18-year-old faces a first-degree murder charge after a shooting at the University of New Mexico that left one teen dead and another injured. Police arrested John Fuentes, 18, in Valencia County at 2.30 p.m. Friday, more than 12 hours after a 14-year-old boy was shot dead in Mesa Vista Hall at the University of New Mexico Campus in Albuquerque, state police said. The initial investigation determined that the incident involved four individuals who were hanging out in a room inside the Casas Del Rio dorm, according to state police. The group was playing video games when the suspect opened fire, fatally shooting a 14-year-old. Fuentes and the other two people in the room then fled the scene. A 19-year-old was also wounded in the shooting, suffering non-life-threatening injuries. The motive behind the shooting is not immediately clear. Authorities continue to investigate the incident. open image in gallery John Fuentes, 18, was arrested on a first-degree murder charge in connection with the killing of a 14-year-old on University of New Mexico's Albuquerque campus ( New Mexico State Police ) Fuentes faces charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault and tampering with evidence. Hes currently being held Bernalillo Countys Metropolitan Detention Center. Campus police responded to an alarm call at 1.36 a.m. at Mesa Vista Hall. They came across broken windows and what appeared to be blood, police said. Minutes later, the university said campus police were conducting a staged, tactical evacuation while they processed the crime scene on its Albuquerque central campus. The school imposed a shelter-in-place order out of an abundance of caution, University of New Mexico President Garnett S. Stokes said. The order was lifted as of 4 p.m., but central campus remained closed due to the active crime scene. open image in gallery New student orientation was happening at the university at the time of the shooting ( Getty/iStock ) I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and horrified by this act of violence in our campus community. Our thoughts and prayers go to the loved ones and friends of those lost and injured, Stokes said. The identities of the victims have not yet been made public. New student orientation was happening at the university at the time of the shooting, according to the universitys website. In response to a X users concern for those attending the orientation, the university said: We're looking to ensure the safety of those on campus. NSO students have been directly communicated with, and operations like food services are currently being modified to accommodate them. We will continue to share updates here when they become available. The university is offering students and community members mental health services following the shooting. The school urges anyone with information to contact the campus police. New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a statement in the wake of the tragedy. Today's deadly shooting at UNM is heartbreaking and I extend my deepest sympathies to the family of the individual who lost their life in this tragedy. Im grateful for the swift response by UNM police, New Mexico State Police, and other first responders on the scene of this tragedy, the governor said. Let me be clear: New Mexico law prohibits firearms on campus unless carried by peace officers. New Mexico must do better at reducing gun violence, especially involving our young people. We will not accept this as normal. Grant Thornton has appointed Matthew Lane as a corporate tax partner at its Brisbane office in Australia. Lane brings more than 20 years of experience in corporate tax advisory, having worked in-house, as an external consultant, and at two Big Four professional services firms. Lane's specialist experience in the financial services industry includes leadership roles in the tax and finance teams of a large Australian superannuation fund, the professional services provider said. His expertise spans superannuation, insurance, funds management, and banking. Additionally, Lane has knowledge of tax matters related to financing arrangements, thin capitalisation, capital management, global tax compliance, and tax governance reviews. Lane's proficiency extends to providing transactional tax support, including tax due diligence, restructuring, and both domestic and international tax structuring advice. He also offers other M&A advisory services, catering to a clientele, including corporate groups, investment funds, and high-net-worth family offices. Grant Thornton head of tax in Brisbane Tim Hands said: Matts business acumen, alongside his broad tax and financial services industry expertise and ability to navigate complex tax landscapes is a welcome addition to our team and will complement our already extensive client service offering. Grant Thornton partner of corporate tax Matthew Lane said: I am excited to be joining Grant Thorntons Brisbane tax team and bring my specialist experience to add value to clients. I am particularly passionate about financial services and the future of fintech so its pleasing to be able to apply my experience in a corporate tax setting. There's so much potential for change and growth in the Brisbane Fintech market and I am eager to have the opportunity to see the industry change and grow. Last week, Grant Thornton UK collaborated with Teesside University to launch a skills development initiative. The AI and Digital Skills for Business Impact programme aims to enhance key competencies within businesses. It focuses on digital technologies, change management, business process modelling, data essentials, and AI for operational improvements. The programme, co-developed by professionals from Grant Thornton and Teesside University, supports employees across different levels of experience and career progression. "Grant Thornton expands Brisbane tax with new appointment " was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand. 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 Little is known about the life of Nardia Spice. More is known about the 40-year-olds bleak, violent death in a dog park on Perths far south-eastern fringe and there is a wealth of data about the factors that led to it. One of the few things known about her life is that she mothered six children, and was described as a fundamentally sweet person. On the steps of Western Australias Supreme Court where the last of those responsible for her death in the foothills suburb of Byford was sentenced on Thursday her father had described her as kind. She went through a lot, he said. We tried to be there for her. Another friend described her as a very nice person a mum to a lot of us. Advertisement Even the person eventually convicted over helping cover up her murder called her kind and generous. So how did she end up attacking a woman whod taken her in from the streets, pushing her over, tying her hands, spitting at her, humiliating her, threatening her then stealing her car? Nardia Spice was allegedly murdered on September 23. Spice was one of the one in five Western Australians to use illicit drugs: the methylamphetamine deemed very easy to buy in Perth in multiple forms, as well as large quantities of cannabis. Her friends were also among these users, and just before her death, she and housemate Jesse Desmond Jones got kicked out of the house they were staying in. Jones lawyer Chris Townsend said theyd only known each other a month when they found themselves two of the 4000 frequent drug users in WA experiencing homelessness. Jesse Jones being a trans person placed her at even higher risk. But someone took them in Eve Marsh, another drug user, whose childhood was marred with trauma and disconnection. Advertisement Shed turned to her latest partner Zachariah Brough for comfort, but she soon realised he too had a history of domestic violence. Regardless, Spice and Jones moved into Marshs home in Brookdale with her and her now ex-boyfriend until they found somewhere else to live. In this south-eastern suburb, the average household income in 2021 was about $1300 - about $400 less than Perths average. About a third of the population is unemployed. Despite the lifeline, despite being this person thought of as kind, nice and motherly, Spices desperation and addiction took over. She became one of the 70 per cent of drug users appearing before the WA courts who have become violent. She and Jesse Jones wanted to head to the eastern states, but lacked money and transport. Spice turned on Eve Marsh, who had taken them in, and attacked her in the manner described above. All the while, Marsh alleged, her former partner Zachariah Brough watched on and laughed. Advertisement Spice and Jones then stole Marshs Ford Territory and drove away to their planned new future away from Perth. But another fate was being decided for Spice. A living-room revenge plot Marsh phoned Brough and told him about the theft. Eve Marsh and her boyfriend Zachariah Brough. Credit: Facebook Marsh and Brough phoned a friend of a friend, Ziggy Vanags, who sat with them in the Brookdale living room and discussed what to do about her betrayal. What made Brough madder than the attack on his ex was that Spice had stolen his tools along with the car, it was revealed in court. Advertisement Together you formed a common intention to find Ms Spice and recover those items, during which it was agreed that Ms Spice would be seriously assaulted, Justice Amanda Forrester said in her sentencing remarks. On September 22, 2022, Brough set the trap. You phoned Ms Spice and left a voicemail saying that you had been able to get some drugs and were heading to see her, court documents said. Marsh later conceded she knew Nardia Spice had feelings for Brough, setting up Spice to become one of the at least 31 per cent of West Australians who were in 2022 willing to engage in risky behaviour such as exchanging sex for money or drugs. Nardia Spice and Jesse Jones met Brough and drove to park in the dirt beside a Byford dog park. Vanags and Marsh tailed them. Advertisement The Israeli military emphasises that combat operations have not ceased in Gaza against Hamas, and it asserted there is no starvation in the territory, where most of the population of over 2 million has been displaced into a shrinking area with little infrastructure. The majority of people rely on aid. Israel says it has let enough food into Gaza and accuses the United Nations of failing to distribute it. The United Nations says it is operating as effectively as possible under Israeli restrictions. Palestinians carry sacks of flour unloaded from a humanitarian aid convoy that reached Gaza City from the northern Gaza Strip on Saturday. Credit: AP Israel has also accused Hamas of stealing aid, however The New York Times reported on Sunday (AEST) that the Israeli military had never found any proof of it systemically doing so. The Times quoted two senior Israeli military officials and two other Israelis involved in the matter. Witness accounts from Gaza have been grim. Some health workers are so weakened by hunger that they put themselves on IV drips to keep treating the badly malnourished. Parents have shown their limp and emaciated children. Wounded men have described desperate dashes for aid under gunfire. It wasnt clear what role the recently created and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation meant as an alternate to the United Nations aid system might play. GHF chair Johnnie Moore in a statement said the group stood ready to assist. Some aid leaders say the air drops will not be enough, however, to meet the needs of Gazas population and could prove dangerous. The head of UN Palestinian refugee agency Unrwa, Philippe Lazzarini, said air drops were expensive, inefficient, and can even kill starving civilians if they do not go to plan. Australians on seized vessel Meanwhile, an activist vessel on which two Australians were on board was also seized by Israeli forces off the coast of Gaza on Sunday morning (AEST). The Handala set off from Italy last week for Gaza with food and other humanitarian aid supplies but was violently intercepted by the Israeli military in international waters about forty nautical miles from Gaza, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition said a statement. At 11.43 Palestine time, the Occupation cut the cameras on board Handala and we have lost all communication with our ship, it said in a statement. The unarmed boat was carrying life-saving supplies when it was boarded by Israeli forces, its passengers abducted, and its cargo seized. The interception occurred in international waters outside Palestinian territorial waters off Gaza, in violation of international maritime law. Israeli military personnel take control of the Handala. Credit: Freedom Flotilla Coalition Livestreamed footage from the boat showed Israeli military personnel on board and crew members sitting down with their hands up. Australians Robert Martin and Tania Tan Safi are among the 21 human rights activists from 12 countries on the boat. Its seizure was confirmed by Israels foreign ministry, which said it had been intercepted to prevent it illegally entering the maritime zone of the coast of Gaza. The vessel is safely making its way to the shores of Israel, the foreign ministry said. All passengers are safe. Safi posted on social media earlier on Sunday. Just in case this is my last post for a while, know that Im OK. Know that Palestinian children in Gaza are not, she said. Loading In a later video message, she said: Ive been abducted and taken against my will by the Israeli military. I appeal to everyone to put pressure on the Australian government to sanction Israel, to stop their participation in Israels war crimes, and to demand my release as well as the release of everyone aboard the Handala as soon as possible. Another ship on which Swedish activist Greta Thunberg was on board was stopped near Gaza last month and Thunberg was deported by Israel. The Handala was carrying aid including baby formula, diapers, food, and medicine. At least 53 killed Israeli airstrikes and gunshots killed at least 53 people in Gaza overnight and into Saturday, most of them shot dead while seeking aid, according to Palestinian health officials and the local ambulance service. Deadly Israeli gunfire was reported twice close to the Zikim crossing with Israel in the north. In the first incident, at least a dozen people waiting for aid trucks were killed, said staff at Shifa hospital, where bodies were taken. Israels military said it fired warning shots to distance a crowd in response to an immediate threat. Palestinians mourn during the funeral of people who were killed while trying to reach aid trucks entering northern Gaza through the Zikim crossing with Israel. Credit: AP A witness, Sherif Abu Aisha, said people started running when they saw a light that they thought was from aid trucks, but as they got close, they realised it was Israels tanks. Thats when the army started firing, he told The Associated Press. He said his uncle was among those killed. We went because there is no food ... and nothing was distributed, he said. On Saturday evening, Israeli forces killed at least 11 people and wounded 120 others when they fired towards crowds who tried to get food from an entering UN convoy, Dr Mohamed Abu Selmiyah, director of Shifa hospital, told the AP. We are expecting the numbers to surge in the next few hours, he said. There was no immediate military comment. AP video showed a group of weary Palestinian men carrying a body along with sacks of flour. They said he was hit by a truck but had no details. You die to fetch some food for your children, said one man, Fayez Abu Riyala, thin and sweating. In the southern city of Khan Younis, Israeli forces shot dead at least nine people trying to get aid entering through the Morag corridor, according to the hospitals morgue records. There was no immediate military comment. Loading Elsewhere, those killed in strikes included four people in an apartment building in Gaza City and at least eight, including four children, in the crowded tent camp of Muwasi in Khan Younis, hospitals said. Turning to airdrops The airdrops were requested by neighbouring Jordan, and a Jordanian official said they mainly will drop food and milk formula. The United Arab Emirates said airdrops would start immediately. Britain said it plans to work with partners to airdrop aid and evacuate children requiring medical assistance. While Israels army has said it allows aid into the enclave with no limit on the trucks that can enter, the UN says it is hampered by military restrictions on its movements and criminal looting. The Hamas-run police had provided security for aid delivery, but it has been unable to operate after being targeted by airstrikes. Israel on Saturday said more than 250 trucks carrying aid from the UN and other organisations entered Gaza this week. About 600 trucks entered per day during the latest ceasefire that Israel ended in March. Israel faces growing international pressure. More than two dozen Western-aligned countries and over 100 charity and human rights groups have called for an end to the war, harshly criticising Israels blockade and a new aid delivery model it has rolled out. More than 1000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since May while trying to get food, mostly near the new aid sites run by the GHF, an American contractor, the UN human rights office says. The charities and rights groups said their own staff struggled to get enough food. Inside Gaza, children with no preexisting conditions have begun to starve to death. We only want enough food to end our hunger, said Wael Shaaban at a charity kitchen in Gaza City as he tried to feed his family of six. Stalled ceasefire talks Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas were at a standstill after the US and Israel recalled negotiating teams on Thursday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday his government was considering alternative options to talks. A Hamas official, however, said negotiations were expected to resume next week and called the delegations recall a pressure tactic. Egypt and Qatar, which mediate alongside the United States, said talks would resume but did not say when. By Siddhi Mahatole and Christy Santhosh (Reuters) -HCA Healthcare lifted its 2025 profit forecast but said it cannot determine how looming changes to insurance plans under Medicaid and Obamacare will impact 2026 earnings, sending the hospital operator's shares down 2% on Friday. Some COVID-era subsidies under Obamacare are set to lapse in 2026. That would impact patient coverage, lead to a spike in insurance premiums and cause a drop in enrollment numbers, leaving hospital operators such as HCA to foot a heftier bill for compensated care. "We continue to advocate strongly for their extension, but at this point we do not know what the outcome will be," CEO Samuel Hazen said during a call with analysts. Hazen said the company is working on a cost efficiency initiative to offset any impact from the subsidy expiry and other government actions such as Medicaid policy changes and tariffs. Still, the hospital chain operator raised its 2025 profit forecast to between $25.50 and $27 per share, from a range of $24.05 to $25.85 earlier. The latest forecast includes the expected impact from the Trump administration's current and future policies, including potential tariffs on imports. It also posted upbeat second-quarter results. Quarterly revenue rose 6.4% to $18.61 billion, compared with analysts' estimates of $18.50 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. Adjusted profit came in at $6.84 per share, beating estimates of $6.25. However, HCA's same-facility inpatient and outpatient surgeries decreased by 0.3% and 0.6%, respectively, in the quarter ended June 30. Investors appeared concerned about upcoming regulatory changes that could lead to lower medical membership on the Obamacare and Medicaid plans, said Morningstar analyst Julie Utterback. "Share reaction may reflect that profit growth could slow materially for caregivers like HCA in the next couple of years." Utterback said. (Reporting by Siddhi Mahatole and Christy Santhosh in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo and Devika Syamnath) Govt expands irrigation coverage from 7 to 55 lakh hectares in State: CM Senior Special Correspondent : Enhancing irrigation facility in the State, the Dr Mohan Yadav-led BJP Government set a target to bring 10 million hectare of land under irrigation over the next five years. Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has made this announcement while addressing a public gathering in Chachoura on Friday. The programme was organised to express gratitude towards the Union Government for their initiatives and support to accelerate process and overcome hurdles in the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal River-Linking Project. CM Yadav claimed that the State Government has expanded irrigation coverage from just 7 lakh hectares to 55 lakh hectares over the past two decades. He hailed the new project as a transformative leap in rural infrastructure and water security, underscoring the states commitment to agrarian revival and equitable resource access. The announcement came with a striking comparison as he criticised the previous Congress government he said, Congress could provide irrigation to only 7 lakh hectares in 55 years. Weve expanded it to 55 lakh hectares. Speaking on the occasion, he said that working women in private companies will get Rs 14,000 per month as the State Government will chip in Rs 6,000 and the factory owner will contribute Rs 8,000 per month. Also, he further announced that his Government would ensure Rs 1,500 per month to eligible women under Ladli Bahna Yojana from Bhai Dooj festival which would be increased to Rs 3,000 by the year 2028. He stated, highlighting what the government calls a watershed moment for the States agrarian landscape. The project will irrigate 6.14 lakh hectares of land and will benefit 40 lakh people of 13 districts. The project also carries symbolic weight. Recalling the era when dacoit violence plagued the Chambal belt, the Chief Minister said farmers once had to defend their harvest from plunder, while commerce was stifled by fear. Now, traders and farmers can thrive without fear, he asserted, linking irrigation development to broader law-and-order gains. Central to the initiative is the Kumbhraj Major Irrigation Project, planned across the Parvati River in Chachaura block of Guna district. The site lies between Ghatakhedi and Chachoura villages, and is accessible via NH-3, roughly 80 km from Rajgarh, 45 km from Guna, and 190 km from Bhopal. The Parvati River, stretching 470 km before meeting the Yamuna in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, is a critical water source in the Chambal-Betwa basin. In Rajgarh and Guna districts, irrigation currently touches only 8.1% of the net cropped area. The terrain remains rain-fed, yields are low, and poverty is persistent. With suitable physiographic conditions and untapped flows, the project promises year-round water access for domestic and agricultural use. It aims to transform a drought-prone region into a thriving agrarian zone, bringing stability to farmers long dependent on erratic monsoons. Man caught with pistol, bullets at airport Staff Reporter : A man carrying a country-made pistol (Desi Katta) and two live bullets was caught at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport on Friday night, which created a tense situation. The accused, Anil Shrikrishna Porad (36), is a resident of Yavatmal and holds the post of president of the Tribal Cell of a political party. He had come to the airport to board a flight to Delhi around 9 pm. As per Sonegaon Police, the accused placed his luggage on the security scanner. During the check, airport security staff noticed a suspicious object in his bag. They stopped the scanner and opened the bag in front of him. To their shock, they found a pistol and two live cartridges inside. Airport authorities immediately informed the Sonegaon Police Station. Night duty officer PSI Chandu Gharpure and Parlt adjourned over SIR protest New Delhi : Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha proceedings were disrupted again on Friday amid Opposition uproar demanding discussion on various issues, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. It was for the fifth straight day in Lok Sabha that no significant legislative business transacted. Jagdambika Pal, who was in the chair after the Lower House met at 2 PM, rebuked the Opposition MPs for repeated disruptions despite Governments assurance that it was willing to answer on all issues. Nobody is benefiting from this ruckus. People have sent you to raise their issues you are disrupting the House. Getting the House adjourned is not an achievement, it is a matter of concern and the whole country is harmed by it, Pal told protesting Opposition MPs who rushed to the Well of the House raising slogans against Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar and demanding a discussion on the issue. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said, The Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024 is a very important bill concerning Scheduled Tribes (STs) that should be taken up for discussion. It is a very important bill. Are they (Opposition) against the STs? Meghwal said. Pal said it was a day when private member bills of MPs were to be discussed and it was not right to disrupt the House. The Upper House, which has been witnessing protests by Opposition MPs over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, saw the first adjournment shortly after meeting at 11 am, when it was adjourned till noon. When it met at noon for the Question Hour, BJP MP K Laxman wanted to know the details of Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan from Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. While Chouhan rose to speak, the Opposition MPs continued their protest and raised slogans demanding that the SIR exercise be stopped. Chouhan said that he wanted to answer the question as it was important and related to the welfare of farmers and women, but the opposition did not relent. The Agriculture Minister said that it was PM Narendra Modis vision to ensure that the benefits of scientific research reach the farmers in real time and that is why the Government started Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan. Opposition MPs continued raising slogans such as vote chori band karo to demand withdrawal of SIR exercise. Wont accept any Govt post after retirement: CJI Gavai Amravati Bureau : I AM proud to belong to Darapur and just as my father frequently visited the village, I too make it a point to come here and will continue to do so. Though my current responsibilities limit my visits, after retirement, I will come here more often. I will not take up any official posts after retirement, declared Chief Justice of India Bhushan Gavai while replying replying to his felicitation organised by the villagers from Darapur on Friday. Chief Justice Gavai was in Darapur along with his family members to pay homage to his late father R S alias Dadasaheb Gavai on his death anniversary. Late R S Gavai, a respected political figure, was also the former Governor of Bihar. It was Chief Justice Gavais first visit to Darapur after taking charge of office and on the occasion, villagers organised a felicitation ceremony for the Chief Justice of India. Reflecting emotionally on the venue, Justice Gavai recalled, In 2006, my father was felicitated right here in this very hall when he was appointed as the Governor of Bihar. Coincidentally, I had just been appointed as a judge of the High Court around the same time. And now, after nearly 19 years, I am being felicitated in the same place. It brings me immense joy. I do not offer formal thanks for this honor because we are all family. The love, affection, and warmth shown by all of you over the years is something I truly cherish and will always hold dear. I am confident that this bond will only grow stronger, he said. Stating that he has always been on his toes to fulfill his responsibilities for his own people, he said he will spend more time in Darapur, Amravati and at Nagpur after his retirement. After my appointment as Chief Justice of India, the first felicitation I accepted was in Amravati, the place of my birth. Since then, I have been felicitated at several places across the country. However, todays event in Darapur will be the last felicitation I accept. Though I wasnt born in Darapur, I take immense pride in calling it my village. Chief Justice spoke of the opportunities he got to present thoughts of Dr B R Ambedkar at Oxford University and other international forums. It makes him proud to say that he belongs to Darapur. A special event was also organised by the Dr Dadasaheb Gavai Charitable Trust to commemorate the occasion. Justice Gavai laid floral tributes at the memorial of Dadasaheb Gavai. Balwant Wankhade, MP, Dr Kamal Gavai, mother of Justice Bhushan Gavai, Kirti Gavai Arjun, President of Dadasaheb Gavai Charitable Trust, Tejaswini Gavai, Dr Rajendra Gavai, brother of Justice Bhushan Gavai, Dr D T Ingole, Principal of Takshashila Engineering College, Darapur and Dharam Gavai and others were prominently present on the occasion. The tribute ceremony took place at the indoor stadium of Takshashila Engineering College, with a collective Buddha Vandana held in honor of Dadasaheb Gavai. The programme was conducted by Dr Kamalakar Payas, Secretary of the trust and a vote of thanks was delivered by Sachin Pandit, Superintendent. Despite having no political background, financial resources, or backing from a major political party, R S alias Dadasaheb Gavai dedicated over 30 years of his life as an MLA, served 13 months in the Lok Sabha, and later held positions in the Rajya Sabha and as Governor of two Indian states. Known for his simplicity and grounded nature, Dadasaheb Gavai remains a respected figure in Maharashtras socio-political landscape. By Sriparna Roy and Sneha S K (Reuters) - Centene expects to deliver improved profitability in its three government-backed healthcare insurance businesses in 2026, it said on Friday, sending its shares up 5% and reversing previous premarket losses. The comments followed the health insurer's surprise quarterly loss and a forecast for annual profit below Wall Street estimates. Shares of the company initially plummeted 16% before the bell. They have fallen 55% so far this year. The insurance sector has been under strain for the past two years due to rising medical costs. Centene said the loss was due to revising down expected revenue from risk adjustment payments in 2025 related to individual healthcare plans created under the Affordable Care Act, which are subsidized by the government based on income. The program includes a risk adjustment pool that reimburses insurers who cover a disproportionate share of sicker members. The company said it was working on repricing the ACA plans with an improved command of the trends and dynamics regarding the demand for medical care. Centene is "making excellent progress against our goal to reprice 100% of the marketplace book," CEO Sarah London said on a conference call. The insurance sector has been under strain for the past two years due to rising medical costs. Insurers are not only grappling with increased utilization of behavioral health services, home care and high-cost drugs, but also the expiration of pandemic-era subsidies and Medicaid protections which has shifted enrollment toward sicker members, squeezing their margins. Centene, which also manages Medicaid plans for low-income earners and Medicare Advantage plans for people aged 65 and older or with disabilities, posted a medical cost ratio of 93% for the quarter, well above Wall Street's expectation of 89.3% and a clear sign of pressure across all business lines. The ratio measures the percentage of insurance premium revenue that it spends on medical services. Insurers typically target about 80%. "We know where to focus, in terms of where to significantly move the needle," said London, referring to the Medicaid business. Challenges ahead for Centene include an unanticipated shift in customer mix in 2025 related to tighter controls on enrollment outside of the annual sign-up period, the gap between contracted Medicaid payment rates with states and the actual cost of medical care and regulatory changes that will occur in 2026 and after, said CFO Drew Asher. Centene said the lower payments, which reflect the relative health of the insurers' members compared to the overall patient population, combined with rising Medicaid expenditure drove Centene to a second-quarter adjusted loss of $0.16 per share, versus an expected profit of $0.86, according to data compiled by LSEG. Advisor OS LLC acquired a new position in General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD Free Report) during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 927 shares of the aerospace companys stock, valued at approximately $253,000. A number of other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of GD. Principal Securities Inc. raised its position in shares of General Dynamics by 0.5% in the first quarter. Principal Securities Inc. now owns 8,203 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $2,161,000 after purchasing an additional 37 shares during the period. Sharpepoint LLC raised its holdings in General Dynamics by 4.2% during the 1st quarter. Sharpepoint LLC now owns 917 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $249,000 after acquiring an additional 37 shares during the period. 1858 Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in General Dynamics by 1.2% during the 1st quarter. 1858 Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,224 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $879,000 after acquiring an additional 38 shares during the period. Keystone Financial Services raised its holdings in General Dynamics by 1.6% during the 1st quarter. Keystone Financial Services now owns 2,421 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $660,000 after acquiring an additional 38 shares during the period. Finally, Pure Financial Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of General Dynamics by 0.7% during the 1st quarter. Pure Financial Advisors LLC now owns 6,025 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $1,642,000 after purchasing an additional 39 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 86.14% of the companys stock. Get General Dynamics alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms recently issued reports on GD. Sanford C. Bernstein set a $314.00 price objective on General Dynamics and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Monday, July 14th. Citigroup upped their price target on General Dynamics from $348.00 to $368.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday. Jefferies Financial Group set a $325.00 target price on shares of General Dynamics and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, July 9th. TD Securities increased their target price on shares of General Dynamics from $275.00 to $290.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, April 24th. Finally, UBS Group increased their target price on shares of General Dynamics from $309.00 to $333.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have assigned a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $312.17. Insider Transactions at General Dynamics In other news, CEO Phebe N. Novakovic sold 178,821 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $283.13, for a total value of $50,629,589.73. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 769,607 shares in the company, valued at approximately $217,898,829.91. This trade represents a 18.85% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 1.50% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. General Dynamics Stock Down 0.1% Shares of NYSE GD opened at $313.92 on Friday. General Dynamics Corporation has a one year low of $239.20 and a one year high of $322.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a current ratio of 1.36 and a quick ratio of 0.82. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $287.67 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $272.15. The stock has a market capitalization of $84.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.07, a PEG ratio of 2.06 and a beta of 0.46. General Dynamics (NYSE:GD Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, July 23rd. The aerospace company reported $3.74 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.47 by $0.27. General Dynamics had a net margin of 8.13% and a return on equity of 17.99%. The company had revenue of $13.04 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $12.13 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $3.26 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 8.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts expect that General Dynamics Corporation will post 14.83 EPS for the current fiscal year. General Dynamics Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 8th. Investors of record on Thursday, July 3rd will be given a dividend of $1.50 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 3rd. This represents a $6.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.91%. General Dynamicss payout ratio is 40.27%. General Dynamics Profile (Free Report) General Dynamics Corporation operates as an aerospace and defense company worldwide. It operates through four segments: Aerospace, Marine Systems, Combat Systems, and Technologies. The Aerospace segment produces and sells business jets; and offers aircraft maintenance and repair, management, aircraft-on-ground support and completion, charter, staffing, and fixed-base operator services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for General Dynamics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General Dynamics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Machina Capital S.A.S. grew its holdings in Amcor PLC (NYSE:AMCR Free Report) by 63.1% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 20,359 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 7,875 shares during the quarter. Machina Capital S.A.S.s holdings in Amcor were worth $197,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the business. Financial & Tax Architects LLC boosted its holdings in Amcor by 12.4% in the first quarter. Financial & Tax Architects LLC now owns 63,610 shares of the companys stock valued at $617,000 after purchasing an additional 7,031 shares in the last quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Amcor by 8.3% during the 1st quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 229,291 shares of the companys stock worth $2,224,000 after buying an additional 17,479 shares during the last quarter. Convergence Investment Partners LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Amcor by 41.7% in the 1st quarter. Convergence Investment Partners LLC now owns 132,297 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,283,000 after buying an additional 38,928 shares in the last quarter. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS grew its position in shares of Amcor by 1.8% in the 1st quarter. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS now owns 530,392 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,145,000 after buying an additional 9,400 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Hartford Funds Management Co LLC grew its position in shares of Amcor by 2.9% in the 1st quarter. Hartford Funds Management Co LLC now owns 66,387 shares of the companys stock valued at $644,000 after buying an additional 1,867 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 45.14% of the companys stock. Get Amcor alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages recently weighed in on AMCR. Jefferies Financial Group assumed coverage on shares of Amcor in a research report on Wednesday, July 2nd. They issued a buy rating and a $12.00 price target for the company. Raymond James Financial assumed coverage on Amcor in a research report on Tuesday, April 22nd. They set a market perform rating on the stock. UBS Group raised Amcor from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, June 26th. Truist Financial set a $11.00 price target on Amcor and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, July 11th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on Amcor from $10.00 to $11.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, July 18th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $11.51. Amcor Stock Performance NYSE AMCR opened at $9.75 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $14.08 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.40, a P/E/G ratio of 1.25 and a beta of 0.73. Amcor PLC has a 52-week low of $8.37 and a 52-week high of $11.48. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $9.32 and its 200 day moving average price is $9.54. The company has a quick ratio of 1.16, a current ratio of 1.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.24. Amcor (NYSE:AMCR Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, April 30th. The company reported $0.18 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.18. Amcor had a return on equity of 26.49% and a net margin of 5.99%. The company had revenue of $3.33 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.51 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.13 EPS. The companys revenue was down 2.3% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts expect that Amcor PLC will post 0.74 earnings per share for the current year. Amcor Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, May 22nd were given a dividend of $0.1275 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, May 22nd. This represents a $0.51 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.23%. Amcors payout ratio is currently 91.07%. Amcor Profile (Free Report) Amcor plc develops, produces, and sells packaging products in Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, and the Asia Pacific regions. The company operates through two segments, Flexibles and Rigid Packaging. The Flexibles segment provides flexible and film packaging products in the food and beverage, medical and pharmaceutical, fresh produce, snack food, personal care, and other industries. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Amcor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Amcor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ameren Corporation (NYSE:AEE Get Free Report) has been given an average recommendation of Moderate Buy by the thirteen ratings firms that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating on the company. The average 1 year price target among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $101.36. A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on the stock. Guggenheim reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Ameren in a research note on Tuesday, April 22nd. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on shares of Ameren from $102.00 to $100.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, June 18th. KeyCorp set a $104.00 target price on shares of Ameren and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 16th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of Ameren from $108.00 to $112.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 14th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets boosted their target price on shares of Ameren from $106.00 to $108.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, May 5th. Get Ameren alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on AEE Institutional Investors Weigh In On Ameren Ameren Stock Performance Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. MJT & Associates Financial Advisory Group Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Ameren in the 1st quarter worth $25,000. Quarry LP purchased a new stake in Ameren in the 4th quarter worth $31,000. Fortitude Family Office LLC increased its stake in Ameren by 600.0% in the 2nd quarter. Fortitude Family Office LLC now owns 343 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 294 shares in the last quarter. SouthState Corp purchased a new stake in Ameren in the 1st quarter worth $34,000. Finally, Ameritas Advisory Services LLC purchased a new stake in Ameren in the 2nd quarter worth $34,000. 79.09% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. AEE stock opened at $100.15 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $27.07 billion, a PE ratio of 22.21, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.58 and a beta of 0.48. Ameren has a 12-month low of $77.08 and a 12-month high of $104.10. The company has a current ratio of 0.86, a quick ratio of 0.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.49. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $96.43 and its 200 day simple moving average is $96.90. Ameren (NYSE:AEE Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 1st. The utilities provider reported $1.07 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.08 by ($0.01). The business had revenue of $2.10 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.92 billion. Ameren had a net margin of 15.31% and a return on equity of 10.40%. The businesss revenue was up 15.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.98 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts forecast that Ameren will post 4.93 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Ameren Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 30th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, June 10th were paid a $0.71 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, June 10th. This represents a $2.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.84%. Amerens dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 62.97%. About Ameren (Get Free Report Ameren Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a public utility holding company in the United States. The company operates through four segments: Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution, Ameren Illinois Natural Gas, and Ameren Transmission. It engages in the rate-regulated electric generation, transmission, and distribution activities; and rate-regulated natural gas distribution business. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Ameren Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ameren and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (OTCMKTS:MHVYF Get Free Report) is one of 69 public companies in the MACH GENL INDL industry, but how does it contrast to its competitors? We will compare Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to similar companies based on the strength of its valuation, risk, institutional ownership, dividends, earnings, profitability and analyst recommendations. Volatility & Risk Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has a beta of 0.55, suggesting that its share price is 45% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries competitors have a beta of 11.39, suggesting that their average share price is 1,039% more volatile than the S&P 500. Get Mitsubishi Heavy Industries alerts: Earnings & Valuation This table compares Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and its competitors gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Mitsubishi Heavy Industries $33.01 billion $1.62 billion 52.08 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Competitors $4.72 billion $501.44 million 18.70 Institutional and Insider Ownership Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has higher revenue and earnings than its competitors. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry. 73.4% of shares of all MACH GENL INDL companies are held by institutional investors. 6.1% of shares of all MACH GENL INDL companies are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent ratings for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and its competitors, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Mitsubishi Heavy Industries 0 1 0 1 3.00 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Competitors 340 2471 3128 125 2.50 As a group, MACH GENL INDL companies have a potential upside of 8.34%. Given Mitsubishi Heavy Industries competitors higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors. Profitability This table compares Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Mitsubishi Heavy Industries 4.87% 10.01% 3.68% Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Competitors 8.60% 12.66% 7.06% Summary Mitsubishi Heavy Industries competitors beat Mitsubishi Heavy Industries on 8 of the 13 factors compared. About Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Get Free Report) Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. manufactures and sells heavy machinery worldwide. It operates through Energy Systems; Plants & Infrastructure Systems; Logistics, Thermal & Drive Systems; and Aircraft, Defense & Space segments. The company offers thermal, renewable energy, nuclear power generation, and engine power plants; oil and gas production plants; lithium-ion battery products and fuel cells; civil aircrafts and engines, aviation equipment, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul of aircrafts; and launch vehicles and services, rocket engines, reaction control systems, space stations, rocket launchers, rocket engine combustion test facilities, and electronic parts. It also provides passenger and commercial ships, LNG and LPG carriers, special purpose vessels, and IT services and systems; marine machineries, boilers, turbines, engines, and structures; and intelligent transport systems products and solutions, such as electronic toll collection system, road user charging system, highway traffic management system, EV management system, and development system. In addition, the company offers organic solvent exhaust gas treatment system, waste-to-energy system, sludge treatment system, air quality control system, and bio-treatment system; turbochargers, car air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, rubber and tire machinery, and testing equipment; forklift trucks; and printing, paper converting, and metals, and food & packaging machinery, pumps, compressors & mechanical turbines, hydraulic components. Further, it provides gas holders, vibration control systems, water pipes, tunnel excavation machinery, and cybersecurity solutions for industrial control systems; special vehicles, naval ship and maritime systems, defense aircrafts, helicopters, defense aeroengines, and guided weapon systems; CO2 capture plants; and after-sales services. The company was founded in 1884 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Receive News & Ratings for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Baron Silver Stevens Financial Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (NYSEARCA:DFAU Free Report) by 31.9% during the first quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 86,252 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 20,877 shares during the quarter. Baron Silver Stevens Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF were worth $3,316,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of DFAU. HB Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF by 14.5% during the first quarter. HB Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,700,889 shares of the companys stock worth $65,382,000 after purchasing an additional 214,903 shares during the period. Keystone Financial Group Inc. boosted its stake in Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF by 7.2% during the 1st quarter. Keystone Financial Group Inc. now owns 639,454 shares of the companys stock valued at $24,497,000 after purchasing an additional 42,872 shares during the last quarter. Grand Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF during the 1st quarter valued at $105,000. Morling Financial Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF by 2.0% during the 1st quarter. Morling Financial Advisors LLC now owns 512,961 shares of the companys stock valued at $19,718,000 after purchasing an additional 10,297 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Maryland Capital Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF by 18.9% during the 1st quarter. Maryland Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 257,710 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,906,000 after purchasing an additional 41,044 shares during the last quarter. Get Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF alerts: Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF Trading Up 0.5% Shares of DFAU opened at $43.74 on Friday. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $41.71 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $40.21. Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF has a 12 month low of $33.06 and a 12 month high of $43.77. The company has a market cap of $8.85 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.25 and a beta of 0.98. About Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF The Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Russell 3000 index. The fund actively selects US equities of all sizes with a tilt toward small-cap companies, seeking to provide long-term capital appreciation. DFAU was launched on Nov 17, 2020 and is managed by Dimensional. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DFAU? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (NYSEARCA:DFAU Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Brookwood Investment Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (NYSEARCA:AAAU Free Report) in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor acquired 11,971 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $370,000. Other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Farther Finance Advisors LLC bought a new position in Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF in the first quarter worth approximately $28,000. Private Trust Co. NA increased its stake in shares of Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF by 240.3% in the 1st quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 1,082 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 764 shares in the last quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF in the 4th quarter worth $40,000. Ameriflex Group Inc. bought a new position in Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF in the 4th quarter worth $57,000. Finally, Fourth Dimension Wealth LLC purchased a new position in Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF during the first quarter valued at $64,000. Get Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF alerts: Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF Stock Performance Shares of AAAU opened at $32.96 on Friday. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $33.01 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $30.88. Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF has a 52 week low of $23.44 and a 52 week high of $34.05. About Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF The Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the LBMA Gold Price index. The fund tracks the gold spot price, less expenses and liabilities, using gold bars held in vaults located in the UK. AAAU was launched on Jul 26, 2018 and is issued by Goldman Sachs. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AAAU? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (NYSEARCA:AAAU Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Caliber Wealth Management LLC KS bought a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 707 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $584,000. Several other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.7% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 17,382,846 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,389,651,000 after acquiring an additional 291,875 shares during the period. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 103,831.6% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 14,866,380 shares of the companys stock worth $12,278,292,000 after purchasing an additional 14,852,076 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 19.0% during the 4th quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 12,625,925 shares of the companys stock worth $9,747,214,000 after purchasing an additional 2,012,129 shares during the period. Capital Research Global Investors grew its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 16.1% during the 4th quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 10,757,511 shares of the companys stock worth $8,304,811,000 after purchasing an additional 1,493,673 shares during the period. Finally, Northern Trust Corp grew its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 14.6% during the 4th quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 9,448,219 shares of the companys stock worth $7,294,025,000 after purchasing an additional 1,204,337 shares during the period. 82.53% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes LLY has been the topic of several analyst reports. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $1,135.00 price target (up from $1,133.00) on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Thursday, July 10th. Wells Fargo & Company reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Thursday, May 1st. Erste Group Bank downgraded Eli Lilly and Company from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, June 5th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday. Finally, Guggenheim lifted their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $936.00 to $942.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, July 11th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and seventeen have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $1,012.56. Eli Lilly and Company Trading Up 0.8% LLY opened at $811.73 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.18, a current ratio of 1.37 and a quick ratio of 1.06. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $771.95 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $800.41. Eli Lilly and Company has a 1-year low of $677.09 and a 1-year high of $972.53. The firm has a market capitalization of $769.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 66.05, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.16 and a beta of 0.40. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last released 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). Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 85.51% and a net margin of 22.67%. The business had revenue of $12.73 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.77 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $2.58 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 45.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 EPS for the current fiscal year. Eli Lilly and Company Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 15th will be paid a $1.50 dividend. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.74%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 15th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) 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. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Carnegie Investment Counsel grew its position in iShares Global Tech ETF (NYSEARCA:IXN Free Report) by 1.9% during the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 22,743 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 427 shares during the quarter. Carnegie Investment Counsels holdings in iShares Global Tech ETF were worth $1,723,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in IXN. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd bought a new stake in shares of iShares Global Tech ETF in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $361,000. PFG Advisors lifted its stake in iShares Global Tech ETF by 3.5% in the first quarter. PFG Advisors now owns 5,425 shares of the companys stock valued at $411,000 after acquiring an additional 184 shares during the last quarter. Lunt Capital Management Inc. grew its position in iShares Global Tech ETF by 8.7% in the first quarter. Lunt Capital Management Inc. now owns 8,276 shares of the companys stock worth $627,000 after acquiring an additional 659 shares in the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC increased its stake in shares of iShares Global Tech ETF by 1.8% during the 1st quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 66,837 shares of the companys stock worth $5,062,000 after purchasing an additional 1,200 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sigma Planning Corp raised its holdings in shares of iShares Global Tech ETF by 2.7% during the 1st quarter. Sigma Planning Corp now owns 8,815 shares of the companys stock valued at $668,000 after purchasing an additional 229 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares Global Tech ETF alerts: iShares Global Tech ETF Trading Up 0.2% IXN stock opened at $95.51 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $5.69 billion, a PE ratio of 34.73 and a beta of 1.15. iShares Global Tech ETF has a 1 year low of $63.58 and a 1 year high of $95.92. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $89.43 and a 200 day simple moving average of $83.26. iShares Global Tech ETF Company Profile iShares Global Tech ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P Global Technology Sector Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P Global 1200 Information Technology Sector Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of companies that Standard & Poors Financial Services LLC, a subsidiary of The McGraw-Hill Companies (S&P) deems to be part of the information technology sector of the economy. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IXN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Global Tech ETF (NYSEARCA:IXN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Global Tech ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Global Tech ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Carnegie Investment Counsel purchased a new stake in shares of Dover Corporation (NYSE:DOV Free Report) in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 6,668 shares of the industrial products companys stock, valued at approximately $1,147,000. Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Machina Capital S.A.S. boosted its position in Dover by 84.9% during the first quarter. Machina Capital S.A.S. now owns 6,327 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,112,000 after buying an additional 2,905 shares during the period. Abel Hall LLC purchased a new stake in Dover during the first quarter valued at about $200,000. J. W. Coons Advisors LLC boosted its position in Dover by 5.9% during the first quarter. J. W. Coons Advisors LLC now owns 1,805 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $317,000 after buying an additional 100 shares during the period. Auto Owners Insurance Co boosted its position in Dover by 4,768.6% during the first quarter. Auto Owners Insurance Co now owns 189,877 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $33,358,000 after buying an additional 185,977 shares during the period. Finally, Oak Thistle LLC boosted its position in Dover by 220.6% during the first quarter. Oak Thistle LLC now owns 8,413 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,478,000 after buying an additional 5,789 shares during the period. 84.46% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Dover alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms have recently weighed in on DOV. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on shares of Dover from $190.00 to $211.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, May 16th. Royal Bank Of Canada increased their target price on shares of Dover from $203.00 to $206.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Friday. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on shares of Dover from $190.00 to $195.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday. Morgan Stanley began coverage on shares of Dover in a report on Monday, April 14th. They set an equal weight rating and a $185.00 target price for the company. Finally, Mizuho increased their target price on shares of Dover from $215.00 to $225.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, June 13th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $213.42. Dover Price Performance Shares of NYSE DOV opened at $186.55 on Friday. Dover Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $143.04 and a fifty-two week high of $222.31. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $182.63 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $183.19. The company has a market capitalization of $25.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.25, a P/E/G ratio of 1.57 and a beta of 1.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, a quick ratio of 1.56 and a current ratio of 2.13. Dover (NYSE:DOV Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, July 24th. The industrial products company reported $2.44 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.39 by $0.05. Dover had a net margin of 29.29% and a return on equity of 18.77%. The business had revenue of $2.05 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.03 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $2.36 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 5.2% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts expect that Dover Corporation will post 9.45 EPS for the current fiscal year. Dover Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 16th. Shareholders of record on Friday, May 30th were paid a dividend of $0.515 per share. This represents a $2.06 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.10%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 30th. Dovers dividend payout ratio is 12.41%. Dover Profile (Free Report) Dover Corporation provides equipment and components, consumable supplies, aftermarket parts, software and digital solutions, and support services worldwide. The company's Engineered Products segment provides various equipment, component, software, solution, and services that are used in vehicle aftermarket, waste handling, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, industrial winch and hoist, and fluid dispensing end-market. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DOV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Dover Corporation (NYSE:DOV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Dover Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dover and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Navellier & Associates Inc. decreased its stake in Consolidated Edison Inc (NYSE:ED Free Report) by 11.4% during the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 3,608 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 462 shares during the period. Navellier & Associates Inc.s holdings in Consolidated Edison were worth $395,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC increased its position in Consolidated Edison by 13.4% in the 4th quarter. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC now owns 3,721 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $332,000 after acquiring an additional 441 shares during the period. Sei Investments Co. increased its position in Consolidated Edison by 21.2% in the 4th quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 97,892 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $8,736,000 after acquiring an additional 17,147 shares during the period. Modern Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in Consolidated Edison in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $271,000. Korea Investment CORP increased its position in Consolidated Edison by 50.1% in the 4th quarter. Korea Investment CORP now owns 237,034 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $21,151,000 after acquiring an additional 79,154 shares during the period. Finally, Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. increased its position in Consolidated Edison by 8.4% in the 4th quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 609,563 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $54,397,000 after acquiring an additional 47,181 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 66.29% of the companys stock. Get Consolidated Edison alerts: Consolidated Edison Stock Up 0.2% Shares of ED stock opened at $102.25 on Friday. Consolidated Edison Inc has a 1 year low of $87.28 and a 1 year high of $114.87. The stock has a market cap of $36.84 billion, a PE ratio of 18.90, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.26 and a beta of 0.26. The businesss fifty day moving average is $101.74 and its 200-day moving average is $102.19. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.04, a quick ratio of 1.19 and a current ratio of 1.28. Consolidated Edison Dividend Announcement Consolidated Edison ( NYSE:ED Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The utilities provider reported $2.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.30 by ($0.05). The company had revenue of $4.80 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.21 billion. Consolidated Edison had a return on equity of 8.61% and a net margin of 11.98%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $2.15 earnings per share. Equities analysts expect that Consolidated Edison Inc will post 5.62 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, August 13th will be issued a $0.85 dividend. This represents a $3.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.33%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, August 13th. Consolidated Edisons payout ratio is 62.85%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts recently commented on ED shares. KeyCorp restated an overweight rating on shares of Consolidated Edison in a research report on Wednesday, July 16th. Mizuho upgraded Consolidated Edison from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and raised their target price for the company from $105.00 to $107.00 in a research report on Monday, June 30th. Barclays raised their target price on Consolidated Edison from $100.00 to $101.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Monday, May 5th. Guggenheim raised their target price on Consolidated Edison from $96.00 to $103.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, May 2nd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on Consolidated Edison from $103.00 to $114.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, May 2nd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Consolidated Edison presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $105.09. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on ED About Consolidated Edison (Free Report) Consolidated Edison, Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the regulated electric, gas, and steam delivery businesses in the United States. It offers electric services to approximately 3.7 million customers in New York City and Westchester County; gas to approximately 1.1 million customers in Manhattan, the Bronx, parts of Queens, and Westchester County; and steam to approximately 1,530 customers in parts of Manhattan. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ED? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Consolidated Edison Inc (NYSE:ED Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Consolidated Edison Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Consolidated Edison and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A Krispy Kreme doughnut shop is seen in Penn Station in New York City on 1 April 2024. Photograph: Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images Shares in struggling retailers and ageing consumer brands surged, as amateur traders cast aside Wall Streets skepticism and mobilized online. Its like 2021 all over again. But the latest meme-stock rally could be even bigger than its predecessor four years ago, when investors piled into recognizable but unloved stocks, such as the video games retailer GameStop and the movie theatre chain AMC, according to the founder of the Reddit forum that helped whip up the frenzy. Retailer Kohls, camera firm GoPro, fast-food chain Wendys and doughnut chain Krispy Kreme each staged rapid rallies this week, driven by abrupt surges in trading volume reminiscent of the the meme-stock craze of 2021, when social media memes boosted a collection of struggling stocks, triggering extraordinary and volatile leaps in value. Actress Sydney Sweeney helped bring clothing retailer American Eagle Outfitters into the mania after it was announced the Euphoria and White Lotus star would front the brands latest marketing campaign. The companys shares surged about 10% in trading on Thursday. Meme stocks are about to leap-frog in size and scope and scale, so that retail traders are going to redefine what matters, according to Jaime Rogozinski, founder of the wallstreetbets Reddit forum behind many of the volatile rallies. The world of finance is clearly changing, with blockchain technologies encroaching, and AI agents that trade on their own, he said. And the collective of retail traders is adapting along with it. Rogozinski founded wallstreetbets in 2012, but said Reddit ousted him as a moderator in 2020. His bid to sue the social media company for trademark infringement was dismissed by the US court of appeals for the ninth circuit last month. The forums users home in on stocks and share their own research. Its a decentralization of power of who can be financial analyst, said Noor Al, a moderator on wallstreetbets. Great ideas can now come from anyone, anywhere. Were seeing the power of retail push stocks, sometimes to the tune of billions of dollars, through the power of ideas, the power of community and the power of the people, he added. The meme-stock craze of 2021, which produced stars such as Roaring Kitty, was a product of the Covid era, when many amateur traders were stuck at home and flush with pandemic stimulus cash. Whether this latest frenzy produces similar winners is not yet clear. Kohls finished the week up 32%, GoPro was up 66% and Krispy Kreme was up 41%. The rallies show some investors are willing to take on more risk, as stocks scale record highs and the market, dominated by big tech, becomes harder to beat. Currys plc (LON:CURY Get Free Report) insider Bruce Marsh sold 56,171 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 116 ($1.56), for a total value of 65,158.36 ($87,566.67). Currys Trading Down 0.9% Shares of LON CURY opened at GBX 115 ($1.55) on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 45.83. Currys plc has a 12 month low of GBX 71.60 ($0.96) and a 12 month high of GBX 130.18 ($1.75). The company has a market cap of 1.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.31 and a beta of 1.31. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of GBX 121.37 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 105.39. Get Currys alerts: Currys (LON:CURY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 3rd. The company reported GBX 10 ($0.13) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Currys had a return on equity of 9.53% and a net margin of 2.38%. Sell-side analysts predict that Currys plc will post 9.5199569 EPS for the current year. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts have commented on CURY shares. Berenberg Bank reissued a buy rating and issued a GBX 175 ($2.35) price target on shares of Currys in a report on Thursday, July 3rd. Citigroup boosted their target price on shares of Currys from GBX 121 ($1.63) to GBX 150 ($2.02) and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, July 15th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating and set a GBX 130 ($1.75) target price on shares of Currys in a report on Friday, July 4th. Finally, Shore Capital restated a no recommendation rating on shares of Currys in a research report on Thursday, July 3rd. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on CURY About Currys (Get Free Report) Currys plc is a leading omnichannel retailer of technology products and services, operating online and through over 800 stores in 8 countries. We Help Everyone Enjoy Amazing Technology, however they choose to shop with us. In the UK & Ireland we trade as Currys; in the Nordics under the Elkjp brand and as Kotsovolos in Greece. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Currys Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Currys and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NTT (OTCMKTS:NTTYY Get Free Report) and TELUS (NYSE:TU Get Free Report) are both utilities companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, dividends, profitability, earnings, valuation and risk. Insider & Institutional Ownership 0.1% of NTT shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 49.4% of TELUS shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.1% of TELUS shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Get NTT alerts: Risk & Volatility NTT has a beta of 0.18, meaning that its stock price is 82% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, TELUS has a beta of 0.73, meaning that its stock price is 27% less volatile than the S&P 500. Dividends Analyst Recommendations NTT pays an annual dividend of $0.77 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.0%. TELUS pays an annual dividend of $1.21 per share and has a dividend yield of 7.3%. NTT pays out 39.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. TELUS pays out 212.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. TELUS has raised its dividend for 5 consecutive years. TELUS is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. This is a summary of recent recommendations for NTT and TELUS, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score NTT 0 1 0 0 2.00 TELUS 0 7 1 0 2.13 TELUS has a consensus price target of $21.50, suggesting a potential upside of 30.53%. Given TELUSs stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe TELUS is more favorable than NTT. Valuation and Earnings This table compares NTT and TELUSs gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio NTT $90.00 billion N/A $6.60 billion $1.96 13.15 TELUS $20.29 billion 1.24 $724.69 million $0.57 28.90 NTT has higher revenue and earnings than TELUS. NTT is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than TELUS, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Profitability This table compares NTT and TELUSs net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets NTT 7.30% 8.93% 3.34% TELUS 5.78% 9.11% 2.67% Summary TELUS beats NTT on 10 of the 16 factors compared between the two stocks. About NTT (Get Free Report) Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation operates as a telecommunications company in Japan and internationally. It operates through Integrated ICT Business, Regional Communications Business, Global Solutions Business, and Others segments. The Integrated ICT Business segment offers mobile phone, domestic inter-prefectural communications, international communications, solutions, and system development and related services. The Regional Communications Business segment provides intra-prefectural communications and related ancillary services. The Global Solutions Business segment offers consulting, system and software development, network system, cloud, global data center, and related services. The Others segment engages in the real estate, energy, and other businesses. The company was founded in 1952 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. About TELUS (Get Free Report) TELUS Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides a range of telecommunications and information technology products and services in Canada. It operates through Technology Solutions and Digitally-Led Customer Experiences segments. The Technology Solutions segment offers a range of telecommunications products and services; network services; healthcare services; mobile technologies equipment; data services, such as internet protocol; television; hosting, managed information technology, and cloud-based services; software, data management, and data analytics-driven smart food-chain and consumer goods technologies; home and business security; healthcare software and technology solutions; and voice and other telecommunications services, as well as mobile and fixed voice and data telecommunications services and products. The Digitally-Led Customer Experiences segment provides digital customer experience and digital-enablement transformation solutions, including artificial intelligence and content management solutions. The company was formerly known as TELUS Communications Inc. and changed its name to TELUS Corporation in February 2005. TELUS Corporation was incorporated in 1998 and is based in Vancouver, Canada. Receive News & Ratings for NTT Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NTT and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First Heartland Consultants Inc. trimmed its holdings in shares of The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA Free Report) by 1.8% during the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 5,236 shares of the aircraft producers stock after selling 96 shares during the period. First Heartland Consultants Inc.s holdings in Boeing were worth $893,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of Boeing in the 4th quarter worth $201,000. Bank Pictet & Cie Europe AG bought a new position in shares of Boeing in the 4th quarter worth $7,837,000. Murphy & Mullick Capital Management Corp bought a new position in shares of Boeing in the 4th quarter worth $38,000. WINTON GROUP Ltd bought a new position in shares of Boeing in the 4th quarter worth $2,622,000. Finally, UniSuper Management Pty Ltd lifted its holdings in shares of Boeing by 53.9% in the 4th quarter. UniSuper Management Pty Ltd now owns 46,312 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $8,197,000 after purchasing an additional 16,220 shares in the last quarter. 64.82% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Boeing alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, SVP Brendan J. Nelson sold 640 shares of Boeing stock in a transaction dated Thursday, May 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $206.28, for a total value of $132,019.20. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president owned 13,258 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,734,860.24. This trade represents a 4.60% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, EVP David Christopher Raymond sold 3,899 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $187.01, for a total value of $729,151.99. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 42,513 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,950,356.13. This represents a 8.40% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 7,744 shares of company stock valued at $1,511,370. 0.09% of the stock is owned by insiders. Boeing Stock Performance Shares of BA opened at $233.02 on Friday. The business has a 50-day moving average of $213.01 and a 200 day moving average of $186.75. The Boeing Company has a fifty-two week low of $128.88 and a fifty-two week high of $235.27. The firm has a market cap of $175.70 billion, a P/E ratio of -13.00 and a beta of 1.41. Boeing (NYSE:BA Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 23rd. The aircraft producer reported ($0.49) earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($1.39) by $0.90. The firm had revenue of $19.50 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $19.57 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted ($1.13) EPS. The companys revenue was up 17.7% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts predict that The Boeing Company will post -2.58 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on BA shares. Cowen reiterated a buy rating on shares of Boeing in a report on Wednesday, May 7th. UBS Group increased their target price on Boeing from $207.00 to $226.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, May 9th. Sanford C. Bernstein restated an outperform rating on shares of Boeing in a research note on Monday, July 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on Boeing from $200.00 to $230.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 16th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company restated an underweight rating on shares of Boeing in a research note on Thursday, May 22nd. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating, seventeen have assigned a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $221.55. View Our Latest Analysis on Boeing Boeing Company Profile (Free Report) The Boeing Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, sells, services, and supports commercial jetliners, military aircraft, satellites, missile defense, human space flight and launch systems, and services worldwide. The company operates through Commercial Airplanes; Defense, Space & Security; and Global Services segments. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Boeing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boeing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GLOBALT Investments LLC GA lowered its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG Free Report) by 7.9% during the first quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 49,038 shares of the restaurant operators stock after selling 4,188 shares during the quarter. GLOBALT Investments LLC GAs holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill were worth $2,462,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in CMG. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC raised its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 4.7% in the 4th quarter. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC now owns 4,804 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $290,000 after acquiring an additional 214 shares during the period. Bank Pictet & Cie Europe AG raised its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 22.5% in the 4th quarter. Bank Pictet & Cie Europe AG now owns 1,518,593 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $91,571,000 after acquiring an additional 279,267 shares during the period. Murphy & Mullick Capital Management Corp bought a new stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill in the 4th quarter valued at $38,000. Korea Investment CORP raised its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 6.6% in the 4th quarter. Korea Investment CORP now owns 1,142,615 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $68,900,000 after acquiring an additional 70,252 shares during the period. Finally, Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. raised its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 7.3% in the 4th quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 2,149,863 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $128,347,000 after acquiring an additional 147,047 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 91.31% of the companys stock. Get Chipotle Mexican Grill alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. Truist Financial dropped their price target on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $64.00 to $60.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday. Raymond James Financial restated an outperform rating and issued a $60.00 price target (down previously from $62.00) on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research note on Thursday. TD Securities restated a buy rating and issued a $57.00 price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research note on Wednesday, June 18th. Barclays dropped their price target on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $55.00 to $53.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday. Finally, Piper Sandler upped their price objective on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $52.00 to $53.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nineteen have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $60.71. Chipotle Mexican Grill Stock Up 2.2% Chipotle Mexican Grill stock opened at $46.75 on Friday. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a 12-month low of $44.46 and a 12-month high of $66.74. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $52.75 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $52.62. The stock has a market cap of $62.98 billion, a PE ratio of 41.74, a P/E/G ratio of 2.30 and a beta of 1.08. Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, July 23rd. The restaurant operator reported $0.33 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.32 by $0.01. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a return on equity of 43.50% and a net margin of 13.32%. The firm had revenue of $3.06 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.11 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.34 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 3.0% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts expect that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 1.29 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling at Chipotle Mexican Grill In other news, insider Roger E. Theodoredis sold 113,875 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $49.70, for a total transaction of $5,659,587.50. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 109,815 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,457,805.50. The trade was a 50.91% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.81% of the companys stock. Chipotle Mexican Grill Company Profile (Free Report) Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants. It sells food and beverages through offering burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads. The company also provides delivery and related services its app and website. It has operations in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CMG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE:HPE Get Free Report) was upgraded by equities researchers at Citigroup to a strong-buy rating in a note issued to investors on Thursday,Zacks.com reports. Other research analysts also recently issued reports about the stock. Loop Capital upped their target price on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $16.00 to $18.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Monday, June 9th. The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise in a research note on Thursday. They set a neutral rating and a $22.00 price target for the company. Evercore ISI raised their price objective on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $22.00 to $25.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, July 11th. Raymond James Financial upped their target price on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $23.00 to $26.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, June 4th. Finally, Bank of America increased their price target on Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $23.00 to $24.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, July 11th. Eleven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $22.67. Get Hewlett Packard Enterprise alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on HPE Hewlett Packard Enterprise Price Performance HPE opened at $20.71 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a current ratio of 1.29 and a quick ratio of 0.96. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $19.04 and its 200-day simple moving average is $18.52. Hewlett Packard Enterprise has a one year low of $11.97 and a one year high of $24.66. The stock has a market capitalization of $27.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.91, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.25 and a beta of 1.35. Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE:HPE Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, June 3rd. The technology company reported $0.38 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.33 by $0.05. Hewlett Packard Enterprise had a return on equity of 9.59% and a net margin of 4.60%. The company had revenue of $7.63 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.51 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.42 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 5.9% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Hewlett Packard Enterprise will post 1.85 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity at Hewlett Packard Enterprise In other Hewlett Packard Enterprise news, EVP Phil Mottram sold 30,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $20.54, for a total transaction of $616,200.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 42,427 shares in the company, valued at approximately $871,450.58. This trade represents a 41.42% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, SVP Jeremy Cox sold 68,590 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $18.44, for a total transaction of $1,264,799.60. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 128,590 shares of company stock valued at $2,436,000 over the last quarter. 0.36% of the stock is owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Hewlett Packard Enterprise A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in HPE. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 1.7% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 167,199,996 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $2,579,896,000 after purchasing an additional 2,779,446 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its position in Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 2.2% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 32,173,982 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $686,011,000 after buying an additional 681,242 shares during the last quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC lifted its stake in Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 15.6% in the 1st quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 17,584,742 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $271,333,000 after acquiring an additional 2,373,850 shares in the last quarter. Northern Trust Corp boosted its position in Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 3.4% during the 1st quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 16,730,015 shares of the technology companys stock worth $258,144,000 after acquiring an additional 545,775 shares during the last quarter. Finally, National Bank of Canada FI grew its stake in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 1,369.1% during the 1st quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 16,279,442 shares of the technology companys stock worth $251,192,000 after acquiring an additional 15,171,314 shares in the last quarter. 80.78% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company Profile (Get Free Report) Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company provides solutions that allow customers to capture, analyze, and act upon data seamlessly in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Japan. It operates in six segments: Compute, HPC & AI, Storage, Intelligent Edge, Financial Services, and Corporate Investments and Other. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Hewlett Packard Enterprise Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hewlett Packard Enterprise and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Assetmark Inc. lowered its stake in iShares China Large-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:FXI Free Report) by 19.8% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 1,380,402 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 340,972 shares during the quarter. Assetmark Inc. owned about 0.81% of iShares China Large-Cap ETF worth $49,474,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Cetera Investment Advisers grew its stake in iShares China Large-Cap ETF by 114.1% during the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 70,724 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $2,535,000 after purchasing an additional 37,690 shares in the last quarter. Glaxis Capital Management LLC grew its stake in iShares China Large-Cap ETF by 64.7% during the 1st quarter. Glaxis Capital Management LLC now owns 49,400 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,770,000 after purchasing an additional 19,400 shares in the last quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in iShares China Large-Cap ETF by 1,259.6% during the 1st quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 8,987 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $322,000 after purchasing an additional 8,326 shares in the last quarter. Wedbush Securities Inc. acquired a new stake in iShares China Large-Cap ETF during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $278,000. Finally, Highlander Partners L.P. acquired a new stake in iShares China Large-Cap ETF during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $215,000. Get iShares China Large-Cap ETF alerts: iShares China Large-Cap ETF Stock Down 0.6% Shares of NYSEARCA FXI opened at $38.65 on Friday. iShares China Large-Cap ETF has a fifty-two week low of $24.59 and a fifty-two week high of $39.14. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $36.68 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $34.84. The firm has a market cap of $6.53 billion, a PE ratio of 10.78 and a beta of 0.44. iShares China Large-Cap ETF Company Profile iShares China Large-Cap ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the FTSE China 25 Index (the Underlying Index). The Funds portfolio of sectors include Financials, Telecommunication, Oil & gas, Technology and Consumer goods. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FXI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares China Large-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:FXI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares China Large-Cap ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares China Large-Cap ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lennox International, Inc. (NYSE:LII Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday after the company announced better than expected quarterly earnings. The company traded as high as $689.44 and last traded at $661.48, with a volume of 1168258 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $619.97. The construction company reported $7.82 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $6.90 by $0.92. The business had revenue of $1.50 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.48 billion. Lennox International had a net margin of 15.41% and a return on equity of 99.81%. The companys revenue was up 3.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $6.83 earnings per share. Get Lennox International alerts: Lennox International Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Investors of record on Friday, May 30th were given a dividend of $1.30 per share. This is an increase from Lennox Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $1.15. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.79%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, June 30th. Lennox Internationals dividend payout ratio is currently 22.23%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Lennox International declared that its board has approved a share repurchase program on Thursday, May 22nd that authorizes the company to repurchase $1.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the construction company to reacquire up to 5% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are usually a sign that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued. A number of research firms recently issued reports on LII. UBS Group lowered their price objective on shares of Lennox International from $625.00 to $570.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, April 24th. Oppenheimer increased their price target on Lennox International from $650.00 to $730.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on Lennox International from $455.00 to $549.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Friday, May 16th. Robert W. Baird increased their target price on Lennox International from $600.00 to $668.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, July 17th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on Lennox International from $619.00 to $691.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, July 8th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $626.50. Get Our Latest Research Report on LII Insider Transactions at Lennox International In other news, EVP Daniel M. Sessa sold 2,782 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $670.04, for a total transaction of $1,864,051.28. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 31,574 shares of the companys stock, valued at $21,155,842.96. This trade represents a 8.10% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, CAO Chris Kosel sold 509 shares of Lennox International stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $568.05, for a total transaction of $289,137.45. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer owned 1,582 shares of the companys stock, valued at $898,655.10. This represents a 24.34% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 9.73% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Lennox International Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Farther Finance Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Lennox International by 8.9% during the first quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 576 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $325,000 after buying an additional 47 shares during the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its holdings in Lennox International by 24.0% during the first quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 636 shares of the construction companys stock worth $357,000 after buying an additional 123 shares in the last quarter. Allstate Corp purchased a new stake in Lennox International in the 4th quarter valued at $572,000. BNP Paribas Financial Markets grew its stake in shares of Lennox International by 227.4% in the 4th quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 76,149 shares of the construction companys stock worth $46,398,000 after acquiring an additional 52,888 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Achmea Investment Management B.V. raised its holdings in shares of Lennox International by 22.4% in the first quarter. Achmea Investment Management B.V. now owns 91,338 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $51,225,000 after purchasing an additional 16,711 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 67.07% of the companys stock. Lennox International Trading Down 0.5% The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.93, a current ratio of 1.41 and a quick ratio of 0.74. The firms fifty day moving average is $581.98 and its two-hundred day moving average is $585.38. The firm has a market capitalization of $23.21 billion, a PE ratio of 28.26, a PEG ratio of 2.19 and a beta of 1.13. Lennox International Company Profile (Get Free Report) Lennox International Inc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and markets a range of products for the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration markets in the United States, Canada, and internationally. The Home Comfort Solutions segment provides furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, packaged heating and cooling systems, indoor air quality equipment, comfort control products, and replacement parts and supplies; residential heating, ventilation, cooling equipment, and air conditioning; and evaporator coils and unit heaters under Lennox, Dave Lennox Signature Collection, Armstrong Air, Ducane, AirEase, Concord, MagicPak, Advanced Distributor Products, Allied, Elite Series, Merit Series, Comfort Sync, Healthy Climate, iComfort, ComfortSense, and Lennox Stores name. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Lennox International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lennox International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tempus Wealth Planning LLC increased its holdings in shares of Molina Healthcare, Inc (NYSE:MOH Free Report) by 51.9% during the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 1,252 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 428 shares during the period. Tempus Wealth Planning LLCs holdings in Molina Healthcare were worth $412,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Journey Strategic Wealth LLC acquired a new position in Molina Healthcare during the first quarter worth $211,000. Hendershot Investments Inc. boosted its position in Molina Healthcare by 4.8% during the first quarter. Hendershot Investments Inc. now owns 27,145 shares of the companys stock worth $8,941,000 after purchasing an additional 1,241 shares in the last quarter. Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbH boosted its position in Molina Healthcare by 29.4% during the first quarter. Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbH now owns 71,552 shares of the companys stock worth $23,569,000 after purchasing an additional 16,256 shares in the last quarter. South Dakota Investment Council boosted its position in Molina Healthcare by 9.1% during the first quarter. South Dakota Investment Council now owns 7,202 shares of the companys stock worth $2,372,000 after purchasing an additional 600 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Allegiance Financial Group Advisory Services LLC purchased a new stake in Molina Healthcare during the first quarter worth $335,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 98.50% of the companys stock. Get Molina Healthcare alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In MOH has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Morgan Stanley downgraded Molina Healthcare from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and decreased their target price for the stock from $364.00 to $266.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 10th. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated a neutral rating and set a $210.00 target price (down from $312.00) on shares of Molina Healthcare in a research report on Friday. Robert W. Baird decreased their target price on Molina Healthcare from $373.00 to $179.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday. Barclays decreased their target price on Molina Healthcare from $270.00 to $186.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein initiated coverage on Molina Healthcare in a research report on Tuesday, April 22nd. They issued an outperform rating and a $414.00 price objective on the stock. Twelve analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $267.42. Molina Healthcare Stock Performance Molina Healthcare stock opened at $164.97 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $8.94 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.13, a PEG ratio of 1.13 and a beta of 0.55. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $267.38 and a 200 day moving average price of $296.19. Molina Healthcare, Inc has a 52 week low of $156.36 and a 52 week high of $365.23. The company has a current ratio of 1.66, a quick ratio of 1.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.77. Molina Healthcare (NYSE:MOH Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, July 23rd. The company reported $5.48 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $5.50 by ($0.02). The business had revenue of $11.43 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.94 billion. Molina Healthcare had a net margin of 2.60% and a return on equity of 27.72%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 15.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $5.86 earnings per share. Equities research analysts anticipate that Molina Healthcare, Inc will post 24.4 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling at Molina Healthcare In related news, CEO Joseph M. Zubretsky sold 87,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, April 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $320.06, for a total value of $28,005,250.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 257,715 shares in the company, valued at approximately $82,484,262.90. This represents a 25.35% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Richard M. Schapiro sold 669 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, April 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $320.50, for a total value of $214,414.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 11,244 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,603,702. The trade was a 5.62% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock. About Molina Healthcare (Free Report) Molina Healthcare, Inc provides managed healthcare services to low-income families and individuals under the Medicaid and Medicare programs and through the state insurance marketplaces. It operates in four segments: Medicaid, Medicare, Marketplace, and Other. The company served in across 19 states. The company was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Long Beach, California. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MOH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Molina Healthcare, Inc (NYSE:MOH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Molina Healthcare Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Molina Healthcare and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Motco cut its position in The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report) by 0.6% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 20,896 shares of the investment management companys stock after selling 135 shares during the quarter. The Goldman Sachs Group accounts for about 1.2% of Motcos holdings, making the stock its 27th biggest holding. Motcos holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $11,415,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in GS. Wynn Capital LLC increased its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group by 0.3% in the first quarter. Wynn Capital LLC now owns 5,877 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $3,211,000 after purchasing an additional 20 shares in the last quarter. 1900 Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 2.6% during the first quarter. 1900 Wealth Management LLC now owns 777 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $425,000 after buying an additional 20 shares during the last quarter. World Equity Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 0.9% during the first quarter. World Equity Group Inc. now owns 2,330 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $1,273,000 after buying an additional 20 shares during the last quarter. Register Financial Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group by 2.5% during the first quarter. Register Financial Advisors LLC now owns 805 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $440,000 after acquiring an additional 20 shares during the period. Finally, Continuum Advisory LLC raised its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 6.7% in the first quarter. Continuum Advisory LLC now owns 318 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $174,000 after buying an additional 20 shares during the period. 71.21% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts: The Goldman Sachs Group Stock Up 1.3% Shares of NYSE:GS opened at $728.63 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 firm has a market capitalization of $223.57 billion, a PE ratio of 16.06, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.53 and a beta of 1.35. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $657.60 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $605.58. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 1 year low of $437.37 and a 1 year high of $729.89. The Goldman Sachs Group Increases Dividend The Goldman Sachs Group ( NYSE:GS Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 16th. The investment management company reported $10.91 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates 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 the consensus estimate of $13.53 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $8.62 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 14.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts predict that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 47.12 EPS for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 29th will be paid a dividend of $4.00 per share. This is a positive change from The Goldman Sachs Groups previous quarterly dividend of $3.00. This represents a $16.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.20%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 29th. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 35.26%. Insider Transactions at The Goldman Sachs Group In other news, CEO David M. Solomon sold 6,608 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $712.31, for a total transaction of $4,706,944.48. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 126,176 shares of the companys stock, valued at $89,876,426.56. This represents a 4.98% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, EVP John F.W. Rogers sold 6,008 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $717.39, for a total transaction of $4,310,079.12. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 65,761 shares in the company, valued at $47,176,283.79. This represents a 8.37% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 20,079 shares of company stock valued at $14,423,221 in the last ninety days. 0.55% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several brokerages have issued reports on GS. Citigroup boosted their target price on The Goldman Sachs Group from $550.00 to $700.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, July 21st. Evercore ISI set a $715.00 target price on The Goldman Sachs Group and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, July 10th. JMP Securities restated a market perform rating and set a $600.00 target price on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a research report on Monday, July 14th. Daiwa Capital Markets cut The Goldman Sachs Group from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $560.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Friday, April 4th. Finally, Hsbc Global Res cut The Goldman Sachs Group from a hold rating to a moderate sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 8th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have given a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $660.00. Get Our Latest Analysis on GS The Goldman Sachs Group Company 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. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Motco lowered its holdings in shares of SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust (NYSEARCA:MDY Free Report) by 2.9% in the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 9,091 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 267 shares during the quarter. Motcos holdings in SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust were worth $4,850,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. Caliber Wealth Management LLC KS bought a new position in SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust during the first quarter valued at $2,458,000. Kelman Lazarov Inc. increased its position in SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust by 8.5% during the first quarter. Kelman Lazarov Inc. now owns 3,100 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,654,000 after acquiring an additional 242 shares during the last quarter. Pinnacle Associates Ltd. increased its position in SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust by 2.3% during the first quarter. Pinnacle Associates Ltd. now owns 62,751 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $33,476,000 after acquiring an additional 1,433 shares during the last quarter. Financial & Tax Architects LLC bought a new position in SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust during the first quarter valued at $9,880,000. Finally, City National Bank of Florida MSD increased its position in SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust by 9.7% during the first quarter. City National Bank of Florida MSD now owns 1,386 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $739,000 after acquiring an additional 122 shares during the last quarter. Get SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust alerts: SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust Stock Up 0.9% MDY stock opened at $587.77 on Friday. SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust has a twelve month low of $458.82 and a twelve month high of $624.13. The stock has a market capitalization of $23.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.98 and a beta of 1.12. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $564.70 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $554.45. SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust Company Profile SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF is an exchange traded fund. SPDR MidCap 400 Trust focuses to correspond to the price and yield performance of the S&P MidCap 400 Index. The S&P MidCap 400 covers over 7% of the United States equities market, and is part of a series of S&P the United States indices. The index also includes companies, which should have four consecutive quarters of positive as-reported earnings, excluding discontinued operations and extraordinary items. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MDY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust (NYSEARCA:MDY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Companies with a long history of paying dividends and consistently hiking them remain appealing to income-focused investors. CMS Energy, Altria, and Evergy have rewarded shareholders for years and recently announced dividend increases. These companies currently offer dividend yields of up to nearly 7%. CMS Energy CMS Energy Corp. (NYSE:CMS) is an energy company focused principally on utility operations in Michigan. Don't Miss: The company has increased its dividends every year for the last 18 years. In its most recent dividend hike announcement on Feb. 6, the company raised the quarterly payout from $0.515 to $0.5425 per share, equal to an annual figure of $2.17. More recently, in its dividend announcement on July 21, the company maintained the payout at the same level. Currently, the dividend yield is 3%. CMS Energys annual revenue as of March 31 stood at $7.79 billion. The company on April 24 posted Q1 2025 revenues of $2.45 billion, above the consensus estimate of $2.23 billion, while EPS of $1.02 missed the consensus of $1.03. How is the market feeling about CMS Energy? Check out this article by Benzinga to learn more. Trending: This AI-Powered Trading Platform Has 5,000+ Users, 27 Pending Patents, and a $43.97M Valuation You Can Become an Investor for Just $500.25 Altria Altria Group Inc. (NYSE:MO) manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the U.S. Altria Group has raised its dividends 59 times in the past 55 years. In its most recent dividend hike announcement on Aug. 22, the board raised the quarterly payout by 4.1% to $1.02 per share, equaling an annual figure of $4.08 per share. More recently, in its dividend announcement on May 15, the company maintained the payout at the same level. The current dividend yield on the stock is 6.92%. Altria Group's annual revenue as of March 31 stood at $20.25 billion. The company on April 29 posted Q1 2025 revenues of $5.26 billion and EPS of $1.23, both beating the consensus estimates. See Also: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die." Heres how you can earn passive income with just $10, starting today. Evergy Evergy Inc. (NASDAQ:EVRG) generates, distributes, and sells electricity in the U.S. Navellier & Associates Inc. lessened its holdings in shares of Eldorado Gold Corporation (NYSE:EGO Free Report) (TSE:ELD) by 1.8% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 59,821 shares of the basic materials companys stock after selling 1,068 shares during the period. Navellier & Associates Inc.s holdings in Eldorado Gold were worth $1,006,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Raymond James Financial Inc. acquired a new position in Eldorado Gold in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $1,249,000. HighTower Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Eldorado Gold in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $461,000. Sei Investments Co. acquired a new position in Eldorado Gold in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $1,088,000. Fox Run Management L.L.C. acquired a new position in Eldorado Gold in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $254,000. Finally, LPL Financial LLC raised its holdings in Eldorado Gold by 100.6% in the 4th quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 22,506 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $335,000 after acquiring an additional 11,285 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 69.58% of the companys stock. Get Eldorado Gold alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth EGO has been the subject of several recent research reports. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price target on Eldorado Gold from $20.00 to $21.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, April 4th. Wall Street Zen raised Eldorado Gold from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, June 6th. National Bankshares reissued an outperform rating on shares of Eldorado Gold in a report on Wednesday, July 16th. CIBC reissued an outperform rating on shares of Eldorado Gold in a report on Tuesday, July 15th. Finally, Canaccord Genuity Group dropped their target price on Eldorado Gold from $29.00 to $27.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Monday, May 5th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Eldorado Gold has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $23.60. Eldorado Gold Stock Up 1.2% NYSE EGO opened at $20.72 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $4.22 billion, a PE ratio of 13.03, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.34 and a beta of 0.46. Eldorado Gold Corporation has a one year low of $13.29 and a one year high of $21.79. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $20.48 and its 200 day simple moving average is $17.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23, a current ratio of 3.12 and a quick ratio of 2.53. Eldorado Gold (NYSE:EGO Get Free Report) (TSE:ELD) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The basic materials company reported $0.28 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.32 by ($0.04). The business had revenue of $341.59 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $319.83 million. Eldorado Gold had a return on equity of 8.41% and a net margin of 23.10%. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Eldorado Gold Corporation will post 1.5 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Eldorado Gold Profile (Free Report) Eldorado Gold Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the mining, exploration, development, and sale of mineral products primarily in Turkey, Canada, Greece, and Romania. The company primarily produces gold, as well as silver, lead, and zinc. It holds a 100% interest in the Kisladag and Efemcukuru mines located in Turkey; Lamaque complex located in Canada; and Olympias, Stratoni, Skouries, Perama Hill, and Sapes gold mines located in Greece, as well as the 80.5% interest in Certej development projects located in Romania. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EGO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eldorado Gold Corporation (NYSE:EGO Free Report) (TSE:ELD). Receive News & Ratings for Eldorado Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eldorado Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Navellier & Associates Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Excelerate Energy, Inc. (NYSE:EE Free Report) in the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 15,162 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $435,000. A number of other large investors have also made changes to their positions in EE. Wellington Management Group LLP bought a new position in shares of Excelerate Energy during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $5,921,000. Raymond James Financial Inc. bought a new position in shares of Excelerate Energy during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $5,510,000. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of Excelerate Energy by 94.3% during the 4th quarter. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. now owns 350,128 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,591,000 after acquiring an additional 169,924 shares during the period. Susquehanna Fundamental Investments LLC bought a new position in shares of Excelerate Energy during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $2,872,000. Finally, Tudor Investment Corp ET AL grew its stake in shares of Excelerate Energy by 105.3% during the 4th quarter. Tudor Investment Corp ET AL now owns 171,618 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,191,000 after acquiring an additional 88,042 shares during the period. 21.79% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Excelerate Energy alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts recently issued reports on the company. Wall Street Zen downgraded Excelerate Energy from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, July 18th. Wells Fargo & Company restated an underweight rating on shares of Excelerate Energy in a research note on Friday, March 28th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group initiated coverage on Excelerate Energy in a research note on Thursday, June 5th. They issued a buy rating and a $39.00 price target for the company. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Excelerate Energy has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $32.29. Excelerate Energy Trading Down 3.5% EE stock opened at $23.85 on Friday. Excelerate Energy, Inc. has a 1-year low of $17.54 and a 1-year high of $32.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a current ratio of 3.34 and a quick ratio of 3.34. The company has a market capitalization of $2.72 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.22, a PEG ratio of 0.86 and a beta of 1.40. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $28.57 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $28.58. Excelerate Energy (NYSE:EE Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 7th. The company reported $0.49 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.39 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $315.09 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $207.87 million. Excelerate Energy had a return on equity of 2.20% and a net margin of 3.93%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 14.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts anticipate that Excelerate Energy, Inc. will post 1.16 EPS for the current fiscal year. Excelerate Energy Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 5th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, May 21st were issued a dividend of $0.06 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, May 21st. This represents a $0.24 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.01%. Excelerate Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 16.33%. Excelerate Energy Company Profile (Free Report) Excelerate Energy, Inc provides flexible liquefied natural gas (LNG) solutions worldwide. The company offers regasification services, including floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs), infrastructure development, and LNG and natural gas supply, procurement, and distribution services; LNG terminal services; and natural gas supply to-power projects. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Excelerate Energy, Inc. (NYSE:EE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Excelerate Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Excelerate Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Neo Ivy Capital Management acquired a new stake in Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ORA Free Report) during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 8,596 shares of the energy companys stock, valued at approximately $608,000. A number of other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of ORA. Stuart Chaussee & Associates Inc. purchased a new position in Ormat Technologies during the 4th quarter worth $34,000. UMB Bank n.a. raised its position in Ormat Technologies by 42.6% during the 1st quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 880 shares of the energy companys stock worth $62,000 after buying an additional 263 shares during the last quarter. CWM LLC raised its position in Ormat Technologies by 294.2% during the 1st quarter. CWM LLC now owns 887 shares of the energy companys stock worth $63,000 after buying an additional 662 shares during the last quarter. Signaturefd LLC raised its position in Ormat Technologies by 60.6% during the 1st quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 890 shares of the energy companys stock worth $63,000 after buying an additional 336 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Headlands Technologies LLC purchased a new position in Ormat Technologies during the 4th quarter worth $66,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 95.49% of the companys stock. Get Ormat Technologies alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have commented on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on shares of Ormat Technologies from $75.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday. UBS Group upped their price target on shares of Ormat Technologies from $100.00 to $105.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday. Barclays upped their price target on shares of Ormat Technologies from $86.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 10th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised shares of Ormat Technologies from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, April 7th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $88.50. Ormat Technologies Price Performance Shares of NYSE ORA opened at $89.44 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $5.42 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 43.42, a PEG ratio of 4.29 and a beta of 0.64. Ormat Technologies, Inc. has a 52 week low of $61.58 and a 52 week high of $91.81. The companys 50-day moving average price is $81.93 and its 200 day moving average price is $73.50. The company has a current ratio of 0.97, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.77. Ormat Technologies (NYSE:ORA Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 7th. The energy company reported $0.68 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.58 by $0.10. The firm had revenue of $229.76 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $228.33 million. Ormat Technologies had a net margin of 14.18% and a return on equity of 5.35%. The firms revenue was up 2.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.64 EPS. As a group, research analysts forecast that Ormat Technologies, Inc. will post 1.94 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Ormat Technologies Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, June 4th. Investors of record on Wednesday, May 21st were paid a $0.12 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, May 21st. This represents a $0.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.54%. Ormat Technologiess payout ratio is 23.30%. Insider Transactions at Ormat Technologies In related news, Director Byron G. Wong sold 460 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $84.04, for a total value of $38,658.40. Following the sale, the director directly owned 8,659 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $727,702.36. This represents a 5.04% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director Dafna Sharir sold 1,601 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $85.63, for a total transaction of $137,093.63. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 3,238 shares in the company, valued at approximately $277,269.94. The trade was a 33.09% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 5,329 shares of company stock worth $423,443 in the last 90 days. Insiders own 0.56% of the companys stock. Ormat Technologies Profile (Free Report) Ormat Technologies, Inc engages in the geothermal and recovered energy power business in the United States, Indonesia, Kenya, Turkey, Chile, Guatemala, Guadeloupe, New Zealand, Honduras, and internationally. It operates in three segments: Electricity, Product, and Energy Storage. The Electricity segment develops, builds, owns, and operates geothermal, solar photovoltaic, and recovered energy-based power plants; and sells electricity. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Ormat Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ormat Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nikko Asset Management Americas Inc. lowered its position in shares of Prime Medicine, Inc. (NYSE:PRME Free Report) by 5.3% in the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 2,926,023 shares of the companys stock after selling 164,157 shares during the quarter. Nikko Asset Management Americas Inc.s holdings in Prime Medicine were worth $5,823,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of PRME. American Century Companies Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Prime Medicine during the 4th quarter worth about $33,000. CWM LLC lifted its position in Prime Medicine by 741.5% during the 1st quarter. CWM LLC now owns 20,466 shares of the companys stock worth $41,000 after acquiring an additional 18,034 shares in the last quarter. XTX Topco Ltd acquired a new position in Prime Medicine during the 4th quarter worth approximately $42,000. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. acquired a new position in Prime Medicine during the 4th quarter worth approximately $48,000. Finally, BNP Paribas Financial Markets acquired a new position in Prime Medicine during the 4th quarter worth approximately $59,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 70.37% of the companys stock. Get Prime Medicine alerts: Prime Medicine Stock Down 3.2% Shares of PRME opened at $4.21 on Friday. The businesss 50 day moving average is $2.55 and its two-hundred day moving average is $2.27. Prime Medicine, Inc. has a 52-week low of $1.11 and a 52-week high of $5.95. The firm has a market cap of $566.23 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -2.05 and a beta of 2.33. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In PRME has been the topic of several recent research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reissued a neutral rating on shares of Prime Medicine in a research report on Tuesday, May 20th. HC Wainwright lowered Prime Medicine from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 20th. Wedbush reissued an outperform rating and set a $8.00 price target on shares of Prime Medicine in a research report on Wednesday, July 16th. Chardan Capital reduced their price target on Prime Medicine from $16.00 to $12.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, May 19th. Finally, JMP Securities reduced their price target on Prime Medicine from $10.00 to $6.00 and set a market outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, May 20th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating, four have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $9.25. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on PRME Insider Activity In other news, major shareholder David R. Liu purchased 21,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 23rd. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $2.16 per share, with a total value of $45,360.00. Following the transaction, the insider owned 20,219,945 shares in the company, valued at approximately $43,675,081.20. The trade was a 0.10% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Over the last quarter, insiders purchased 63,000 shares of company stock valued at $110,250. Corporate insiders own 22.93% of the companys stock. Prime Medicine Profile (Free Report) Prime Medicine, Inc, a biotechnology company, delivers genetic therapies to address the spectrum of diseases by deploying gene editing technology. The company offers Prime Editors with a Prime Editor protein, comprising a fusion between a Cas protein and a reverse transcriptase enzyme; and a pegRNA, which targets the Prime Editor to a specific genomic location and provides a template for making the desired edit to the target DNA sequence. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PRME? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Prime Medicine, Inc. (NYSE:PRME Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Prime Medicine Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Prime Medicine and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Phoenix Financial Ltd. trimmed its holdings in iShares MSCI India ETF (BATS:INDA Free Report) by 19.0% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 51,184 shares of the companys stock after selling 12,010 shares during the period. Phoenix Financial Ltd.s holdings in iShares MSCI India ETF were worth $2,635,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in INDA. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI India ETF by 166.7% during the 1st quarter. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. now owns 480 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares during the last quarter. 10Elms LLP bought a new position in iShares MSCI India ETF during the 4th quarter worth $32,000. Redwood Park Advisors LLC bought a new position in iShares MSCI India ETF during the 1st quarter worth $38,000. MCF Advisors LLC increased its stake in iShares MSCI India ETF by 460.7% during the 1st quarter. MCF Advisors LLC now owns 914 shares of the companys stock worth $47,000 after acquiring an additional 751 shares during the period. Finally, Westside Investment Management Inc. increased its stake in iShares MSCI India ETF by 198.8% during the 1st quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,195 shares of the companys stock worth $61,000 after acquiring an additional 795 shares during the period. Get iShares MSCI India ETF alerts: iShares MSCI India ETF Price Performance iShares MSCI India ETF stock opened at $53.82 on Friday. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $54.74 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $52.32. iShares MSCI India ETF has a one year low of $47.60 and a one year high of $59.49. The firm has a market cap of $9.34 billion, a PE ratio of 25.20 and a beta of 0.48. iShares MSCI India ETF Profile The iShares MSCI India ETF (INDA) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI India index, a market-cap-weighted index of the top 85% of firms in the Indian securities market. INDA was launched on Feb 2, 2012 and is managed by BlackRock. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding INDA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI India ETF (BATS:INDA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI India ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI India ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Loader Please wait while your request is being verified... Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ boosted its holdings in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE:TEVA Free Report) by 20.3% during the first quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 1,723,201 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 290,827 shares during the period. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publs holdings in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries were worth $26,486,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in TEVA. Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services Ltd. increased its stake in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 197,885.2% during the first quarter. Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services Ltd. now owns 22,055,547 shares of the companys stock worth $338,989,000 after purchasing an additional 22,044,407 shares during the period. FMR LLC increased its position in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 30.7% during the 4th quarter. FMR LLC now owns 81,983,231 shares of the companys stock worth $1,806,910,000 after buying an additional 19,242,468 shares during the period. Duquesne Family Office LLC increased its position in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 530.1% during the 4th quarter. Duquesne Family Office LLC now owns 8,997,400 shares of the companys stock worth $198,303,000 after buying an additional 7,569,450 shares during the period. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC increased its position in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 472.8% during the 1st quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 6,283,688 shares of the companys stock worth $96,078,000 after buying an additional 5,186,592 shares during the period. Finally, Assenagon Asset Management S.A. increased its position in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 416.0% during the 1st quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 5,983,928 shares of the companys stock worth $91,973,000 after buying an additional 4,824,247 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 54.05% of the companys stock. Get Teva Pharmaceutical Industries alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have weighed in on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $21.00 to $23.00 in a research report on Monday, May 12th. The Goldman Sachs Group assumed coverage on Teva Pharmaceutical Industries in a research report on Friday, June 6th. They set a buy rating and a $24.00 price objective on the stock. UBS Group lowered their price objective on Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from $24.00 to $23.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, June 26th. Wall Street Zen raised Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday. Finally, Bank of America increased their target price on Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from $20.00 to $22.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, May 8th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $24.71. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Trading Up 1.2% Shares of TEVA opened at $16.53 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $16.93 and its 200-day moving average is $16.80. The firm has a market cap of $18.96 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -14.38, a PEG ratio of 0.96 and a beta of 0.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.59, a quick ratio of 0.74 and a current ratio of 1.03. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. has a 52-week low of $12.47 and a 52-week high of $22.80. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (NYSE:TEVA Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 7th. The company reported $0.52 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.47 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $3.89 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.99 billion. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries had a positive return on equity of 45.44% and a negative net margin of 7.74%. Teva Pharmaceutical Industriess revenue was up 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.48 earnings per share. Equities analysts anticipate that Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. will post 2.5 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, EVP Matthew Shields sold 6,206 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $17.02, for a total value of $105,626.12. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 9,989 shares of the companys stock, valued at $170,012.78. This trade represents a 38.32% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. 0.49% of the stock is owned by company insiders. About Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (Free Report) Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited develops, manufactures, markets, and distributes generic medicines, specialty medicines, and biopharmaceutical products in North America, Europe, Israel, and internationally. It offers generic medicines in various dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, injectables, inhalants, liquids, transdermal patches, ointments, and creams; sterile products, hormones, high-potency drugs, and cytotoxic substances in parenteral and solid dosage forms; and generic products with medical devices and combination products. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TEVA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE:TEVA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Teva Pharmaceutical Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Stevens Capital Management LP acquired a new stake in Toronto Dominion Bank (The) (NYSE:TD Free Report) (TSE:TD) during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 8,114 shares of the banks stock, valued at approximately $486,000. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of TD. FIL Ltd lifted its position in Toronto Dominion Bank by 17.3% during the 4th quarter. FIL Ltd now owns 38,989,749 shares of the banks stock worth $2,075,819,000 after acquiring an additional 5,756,584 shares in the last quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp lifted its position in Toronto Dominion Bank by 5.6% during the 4th quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 27,990,674 shares of the banks stock worth $1,488,233,000 after acquiring an additional 1,491,472 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Toronto Dominion Bank during the 4th quarter worth approximately $992,204,000. Beutel Goodman & Co Ltd. lifted its position in Toronto Dominion Bank by 3.8% during the 4th quarter. Beutel Goodman & Co Ltd. now owns 16,803,807 shares of the banks stock worth $894,169,000 after acquiring an additional 622,736 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA lifted its position in Toronto Dominion Bank by 1.5% during the 1st quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 12,396,341 shares of the banks stock worth $743,037,000 after acquiring an additional 181,781 shares in the last quarter. 52.37% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Toronto Dominion Bank alerts: Toronto Dominion Bank Stock Performance Shares of TD opened at $74.88 on Friday. The businesss 50 day moving average is $71.46 and its two-hundred day moving average is $63.58. Toronto Dominion Bank has a 52-week low of $51.25 and a 52-week high of $75.58. The firm has a market cap of $128.83 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.98, a PEG ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 0.83. The company has a quick ratio of 1.03, a current ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09. Toronto Dominion Bank Increases Dividend Toronto Dominion Bank ( NYSE:TD Get Free Report ) (TSE:TD) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, May 22nd. The bank reported $1.39 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.25 by $0.14. Toronto Dominion Bank had a return on equity of 13.11% and a net margin of 13.53%. The company had revenue of $10.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.36 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.04 EPS. Analysts forecast that Toronto Dominion Bank will post 5.48 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, July 31st. Investors of record on Thursday, July 10th will be given a dividend of $0.7568 per share. This is a positive change from Toronto Dominion Banks previous quarterly dividend of $0.73. This represents a $3.03 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.04%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 10th. Toronto Dominion Banks dividend payout ratio is currently 45.31%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts recently commented on the company. Wall Street Zen raised Toronto Dominion Bank from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, May 24th. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their price target on Toronto Dominion Bank from $87.00 to $93.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, May 23rd. Finally, Scotiabank initiated coverage on Toronto Dominion Bank in a research report on Thursday, May 15th. They issued a sector perform rating on the stock. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $93.00. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on TD Toronto Dominion Bank Profile (Free Report) The Toronto-Dominion Bank, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial products and services in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, U.S. Retail, Wealth Management and Insurance, and Wholesale Banking. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Toronto Dominion Bank (The) (NYSE:TD Free Report) (TSE:TD). Receive News & Ratings for Toronto Dominion Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Toronto Dominion Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Taylor Morrison Home (NYSE:TMHC Get Free Report) and Taylor Wimpey (OTCMKTS:TWODY Get Free Report) are both mid-cap construction companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, analyst recommendations, risk, dividends, institutional ownership, earnings and profitability. Institutional and Insider Ownership 95.2% of Taylor Morrison Home shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.4% of Taylor Morrison Home shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Get Taylor Morrison Home alerts: Volatility and Risk Taylor Morrison Home has a beta of 1.57, suggesting that its stock price is 57% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Taylor Wimpey has a beta of 1.56, suggesting that its stock price is 56% more volatile than the S&P 500. Analyst Ratings Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Taylor Morrison Home 0 0 9 1 3.10 Taylor Wimpey 0 2 0 0 2.00 This is a summary of current ratings and price targets for Taylor Morrison Home and Taylor Wimpey, as provided by MarketBeat. Taylor Morrison Home currently has a consensus price target of $76.88, indicating a potential upside of 26.40%. Given Taylor Morrison Homes stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Taylor Morrison Home is more favorable than Taylor Wimpey. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Taylor Morrison Home and Taylor Wimpeys revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Taylor Morrison Home $8.17 billion 0.75 $883.31 million $8.66 7.02 Taylor Wimpey $4.37 billion 1.21 $433.99 million N/A N/A Taylor Morrison Home has higher revenue and earnings than Taylor Wimpey. Profitability This table compares Taylor Morrison Home and Taylor Wimpeys net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Taylor Morrison Home 10.72% 16.22% 10.23% Taylor Wimpey N/A N/A N/A Summary Taylor Morrison Home beats Taylor Wimpey on 12 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks. About Taylor Morrison Home (Get Free Report) Taylor Morrison Home Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a public homebuilder in the United States. The company designs, builds, and sells single and multi-family detached and attached homes; and develops lifestyle and master-planned communities. It develops and constructs multi-use properties consisting of commercial space, retail, and multi-family properties under the Urban Form brand name. In addition, the company offers financial services, title insurance, and closing settlement services. It operates under the Taylor Morrison, Darling Homes Collection by Taylor Morrison, and Esplanade brand names in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, North and South Carolina, Oregon, Texas, and Washington. Taylor Morrison Home Corporation was founded in 1936 and is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. About Taylor Wimpey (Get Free Report) Taylor Wimpey plc operates as a homebuilder in the United Kingdom and Spain. It builds and delivers various homes and communities. Taylor Wimpey plc was incorporated in 1935 and is based in High Wycombe, the United Kingdom. Receive News & Ratings for Taylor Morrison Home Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taylor Morrison Home and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The UKs advertising regulator has banned a Marks & Spencer advert that appeared on the retailers app and website, after ruling it irresponsible for portraying a model in a way that suggested unhealthy thinness. This decision offers insight into how retail advertising standards address body image concerns in marketing campaigns. Why the ASA acted: breach of social responsibility in retail advertising According to the ASA, one specific image violated CAP Code rule 1.3 by presenting a model whose pose, outfit and camera angle emphasised slenderness. The models prominent collarbones, the downward tilt of her head, and pointed shoes were all cited as contributing factors that made her appear unhealthily thin. M&S confirmed it had removed the image and pledged to prepare future adverts responsibly. Retailers response and wider industry context M&S told the ASA that all its models are in good health, and that the pose and styling choices were intended to convey confidence, not to exaggerate slimness. The retailer also emphasised its inclusive sizing range, from UK size 8 to 24, and stated that other flagged images had been reviewed but not banned. This ruling follows similar ASA actions earlier in 2025, including bans on adverts by Next and Warehouse for comparable issues, signalling renewed scrutiny on body image in fashion retail adverts. Implications for retail advertising standards and future campaigns The ASAs decision underlines the growing enforcement of retail advertising standards relating to social responsibility and body image. Marketing teams across the UKs fashion industry are now under closer observation, especially regarding visual compositionincluding camera angles, styling and model selection. Industry experts say this is part of a broader pushback against unrealistic body ideals, which have been fuelled by social media trends and weight-loss drug culture. Retailers will need to ensure their advertisements comply with ASA guidance to avoid social irresponsibility rulings. This includes careful review of imagery for any indicators of unhealthy thinness, and may require stricter internal checks before launching campaigns. "M&S ad banned over unhealthily thin model" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. DE Burlo Group Inc. lowered its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report) by 9.9% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 40,800 shares of the investment management companys stock after selling 4,500 shares during the period. The Goldman Sachs Group makes up approximately 3.3% of DE Burlo Group Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 11th biggest holding. DE Burlo Group Inc.s holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $22,289,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 135.8% in the first quarter. Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors LLC now owns 24,508 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $13,388,000 after acquiring an additional 14,114 shares in the last quarter. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ lifted its position in The Goldman Sachs Group by 20.4% in the first quarter. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ now owns 76,532 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $41,809,000 after purchasing an additional 12,959 shares during the period. Stevens Capital Management LP acquired a new stake in The Goldman Sachs Group in the first quarter valued at about $4,551,000. AM Investment Strategies LLC lifted its position in The Goldman Sachs Group by 1.8% in the first quarter. AM Investment Strategies LLC now owns 15,580 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $8,511,000 after purchasing an additional 276 shares during the period. Finally, Equitable Trust Co. increased its position in The Goldman Sachs Group by 2.7% during the 1st quarter. Equitable Trust Co. now owns 13,214 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $7,219,000 after purchasing an additional 345 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 71.21% of the companys stock. Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts: Insider Activity at The Goldman Sachs Group In related news, EVP John F.W. Rogers sold 6,008 shares of The Goldman Sachs Group stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $717.39, for a total transaction of $4,310,079.12. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 65,761 shares in the company, valued at approximately $47,176,283.79. This trade represents a 8.37% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Denis P. Coleman sold 7,463 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $724.40, for a total transaction of $5,406,197.20. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 18,594 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,469,493.60. This trade represents a 28.64% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 20,079 shares of company stock valued at $14,423,221 over the last quarter. Insiders own 0.55% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades GS has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company set a $785.00 target price on The Goldman Sachs Group and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 8th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $771.00 to $790.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Thursday, July 17th. Daiwa Capital Markets lowered shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $560.00 target price on the stock. in a research report on Friday, April 4th. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed a sector perform rating on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a research note on Thursday, July 10th. Finally, HSBC reiterated a reduce rating and issued a $627.00 price objective (up previously from $558.00) on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a research note on Tuesday, July 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have issued a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $660.00. Read Our Latest Report on GS The Goldman Sachs Group Stock Up 1.3% Shares of NYSE GS opened at $728.63 on Friday. The firms 50-day moving average is $657.60 and its two-hundred day moving average is $605.58. The company has a market capitalization of $223.57 billion, a PE ratio of 16.06, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.53 and a beta of 1.35. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 12-month low of $437.37 and a 12-month high of $729.89. 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 (NYSE:GS Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data 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 firm had revenue of $14.58 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate 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 quarterly revenue was up 14.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $8.62 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 47.12 EPS for the current fiscal year. The Goldman Sachs Group Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 29th will be given a $4.00 dividend. This is an increase from The Goldman Sachs Groups previous quarterly dividend of $3.00. This represents a $16.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.20%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 29th. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 35.26%. 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. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Assetmark Inc. grew its position in Vanguard Information Technology ETF (NYSEARCA:VGT Free Report) by 172.2% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 59,047 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 37,357 shares during the period. Assetmark Inc.s holdings in Vanguard Information Technology ETF were worth $32,026,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of VGT. Russell Investments Group Ltd. lifted its stake in shares of Vanguard Information Technology ETF by 201,628.9% in the 4th quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 229,971 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $142,996,000 after purchasing an additional 229,857 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its position in Vanguard Information Technology ETF by 54,138.1% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 216,410 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $117,376,000 after acquiring an additional 216,011 shares in the last quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN lifted its position in Vanguard Information Technology ETF by 10.5% during the 4th quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 1,514,592 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $941,773,000 after acquiring an additional 144,217 shares in the last quarter. SRB Corp lifted its position in Vanguard Information Technology ETF by 104.1% during the 4th quarter. SRB Corp now owns 272,826 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $169,643,000 after acquiring an additional 139,176 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Two Sigma Investments LP lifted its position in Vanguard Information Technology ETF by 84.1% during the 4th quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 137,500 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $85,498,000 after acquiring an additional 62,800 shares in the last quarter. Get Vanguard Information Technology ETF alerts: Vanguard Information Technology ETF Stock Performance Vanguard Information Technology ETF stock opened at $688.69 on Friday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $644.40 and its 200 day moving average price is $601.28. The firm has a market capitalization of $98.10 billion, a PE ratio of 34.55 and a beta of 1.16. Vanguard Information Technology ETF has a one year low of $451.00 and a one year high of $691.64. About Vanguard Information Technology ETF Vanguard Information Technology ETF seeks to track the investment performance of the MSCI US Investable Market Information Technology 25/50 Index, a benchmark of large-, mid-, and small-cap United States stocks in the information technology sector, as classified under the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS). Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VGT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Vanguard Information Technology ETF (NYSEARCA:VGT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard Information Technology ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard Information Technology ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. West Fraser Timber (NYSE:WFG Get Free Report) and Weyerhaeuser (NYSE:WY Get Free Report) are both construction companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, earnings, dividends, institutional ownership, valuation, risk and profitability. Earnings and Valuation This table compares West Fraser Timber and Weyerhaeusers gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get West Fraser Timber alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio West Fraser Timber $5.83 billion 0.95 -$5.00 million ($1.75) -41.21 Weyerhaeuser $7.04 billion 2.73 $396.00 million $0.38 69.75 Risk and Volatility Weyerhaeuser has higher revenue and earnings than West Fraser Timber. West Fraser Timber is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Weyerhaeuser, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. West Fraser Timber has a beta of 1.15, suggesting that its share price is 15% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Weyerhaeuser has a beta of 1.14, suggesting that its share price is 14% more volatile than the S&P 500. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent recommendations and price targets for West Fraser Timber and Weyerhaeuser, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score West Fraser Timber 0 1 4 0 2.80 Weyerhaeuser 1 2 6 1 2.70 West Fraser Timber currently has a consensus target price of $100.00, indicating a potential upside of 38.65%. Weyerhaeuser has a consensus target price of $33.00, indicating a potential upside of 24.51%. Given West Fraser Timbers stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities analysts clearly believe West Fraser Timber is more favorable than Weyerhaeuser. Dividends West Fraser Timber pays an annual dividend of $1.28 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.8%. Weyerhaeuser pays an annual dividend of $0.84 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.2%. West Fraser Timber pays out -73.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Weyerhaeuser pays out 221.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. West Fraser Timber has raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years and Weyerhaeuser has raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years. Institutional & Insider Ownership 40.2% of West Fraser Timber shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 83.0% of Weyerhaeuser shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.8% of West Fraser Timber shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 0.3% of Weyerhaeuser shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Profitability This table compares West Fraser Timber and Weyerhaeusers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets West Fraser Timber -2.18% -0.85% -0.66% Weyerhaeuser 3.97% 2.93% 1.73% Summary Weyerhaeuser beats West Fraser Timber on 12 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About West Fraser Timber (Get Free Report) West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd., a diversified wood products company, engages in manufacturing, selling, marketing, and distributing lumber, engineered wood products, pulp, newsprint, wood chips, and other residuals and renewable energy. It offers spruce-pine-fir, douglas fir-larch, hem-fir, and southern yellow pine lumber, treated wood products, medium density fiberboard panels and plywood, oriented strand board, and laminated veneer lumber wood products, as well as particleboards. The company also provides northern bleached softwood Kraft pulp and bleached chemical thermo-mechanical pulp used to produce various paper products, including printing and writing papers, paperboard products, tissue and towel products, and a variety of other paper grades. Further, it offers bioproducts, including bioenergy and biomaterial. Its products are used in home construction, repair and remodeling, papers, tissue, and box materials, and industrial applications. The company sells its products to major retail chains, contractor supply yards, and wholesalers, as well as industrial customers for further processing or as components for other products in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and internationally. West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. was founded in 1955 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. About Weyerhaeuser (Get Free Report) Weyerhaeuser Company, one of the world's largest private owners of timberlands, began operations in 1900. We own or control approximately 11 million acres of timberlands in the U.S. and manage additional timberlands under long-term licenses in Canada. We manage these timberlands on a sustainable basis in compliance with internationally recognized forestry standards. We are also one of the largest manufacturers of wood products in North America. Our company is a real estate investment trust. In 2022, we generated $10.2 billion in net sales and employed approximately 9,200 people who serve customers worldwide. Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WY. Receive News & Ratings for West Fraser Timber Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for West Fraser Timber and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Worsley Investors (LON:WINV Get Free Report) insider William Scott acquired 50,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 22nd. The shares were acquired at an average price of GBX 25 ($0.34) per share, with a total value of 12,500 ($16,798.82). Worsley Investors Price Performance Worsley Investors stock opened at GBX 25.50 ($0.34) on Friday. The stock has a market cap of 10.59 million, a PE ratio of 286.87 and a beta of 0.26. Worsley Investors has a 12-month low of GBX 23 ($0.31) and a 12-month high of GBX 32 ($0.43). The businesss 50-day moving average price is GBX 24.58 and its two-hundred day moving average price is GBX 25.99. Get Worsley Investors alerts: Worsley Investors Company Profile (Get Free Report) Worsley Investors Limited (the Company) is a limited liability, closed-ended, self-managed, Guernsey authorised investment company. Worsley Associates LLP was appointed on 31 May 2019 as Investment Advisor to the Company. The Companys investment objective is to provide shareholders with an attractive level of absolute long-term return, principally through the capital appreciation and exit of undervalued securities. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Worsley Investors Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Worsley Investors and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. We came across a bullish thesis on MarketAxess Holdings Inc. on Stock Analysis Compilations Substack. In this article, we will summarize the bulls thesis on MKTX. MarketAxess Holdings Inc.'s share was trading at $210.67 as of July 22nd. MKTXs trailing and forward P/E were 36.57 and 27.70, respectively according to Yahoo Finance. MarketAxess Holdings Inc. is the category-defining leader in the electronic trading of fixed-income securities, operating the premier global platform for corporate bonds and transforming an opaque, inefficient market into one marked by transparency, liquidity, and data-driven execution. The company functions as critical market infrastructure, benefiting from one of the most powerful competitive moats in financial services: a self-reinforcing network effect. By connecting thousands of institutional investors and broker-dealers, MarketAxess hosts the deepest all-to-all liquidity pool for corporate bonds, where increasing participation drives more liquidity, further attracting new participants in a virtuous cycle that is highly defensible. This network is strengthened by proprietary technology and data, particularly its Open Trading protocol, which dramatically improves price discovery by enabling direct counterparty transactions. The platforms vast trading data underpins high-value analytics, including the industry-standard Composite+ pricing engine, deeply embedded in client workflows and creating substantial switching costs. MarketAxess also enjoys a long growth runway as fixed-income trading continues to migrate from manual, voice-based methods to efficient electronic execution, with large portions of the market still untapped, especially in less liquid securities. Management has consistently innovated, broadening asset-class coverage to municipal bonds and emerging market debt and expanding its international footprint. Combining its unmatched network, indispensable data products, and disciplined strategic expansion, MarketAxess is positioned to compound value by accelerating the ongoing electronification of credit markets, reinforcing its status as the dominant platform in institutional bond trading with a durable competitive edge and significant opportunities for continued growth. Previously, we covered a bearish thesis on MarketAxess Holdings Inc. (MKTX) by Dan in November 2024, which highlighted valuation concerns, competitive pressures in U.S. high-grade markets, and operational inefficiencies limiting upside potential. The companys stock price has depreciated by approximately 21% since our coverage, as these issues persisted. The thesis still stands, given unresolved structural pressures. Stock Analysis Compilation shares a contrarian view but emphasizes durable network effects and growth runway. By Mike Dolan LONDON (Reuters) - What matters in U.S. and global markets today By Mike Dolan, Editor-At-Large, Finance and Markets A buoyant week for world markets driven by emerging U.S. trade deals with major economies has gone a bit flat into Friday, with the corporate earnings season throwing up a series of high profile disappointments. The interest rate backdrop also turned a shade darker, with the European Central Bank holding its 2% rate steady as expected but with some officials signalling that the bar was high for further easing. Federal Reserve rate cut expectations also continued to tick lower despite relentless political pressure, with futures markets now pricing in just 42 basis points of additional easing this year. * The S&P 500 and Nasdaq eked out marginal gains to new records on Thursday, with Alphabet leading the way after its earnings beat. But Tesla's troubles continued, as it dropped more than 8%. Meanwhile, IBM clocked an 8% earnings day drop, American Airlines fell 10% and Honeywell was off 6%. UnitedHealth lost 5% after a probe into its Medicare practises, and Intel lost 5% overnight on its update. Wall Street futures were flat ahead of Friday's bell. * The European earnings season was also pockmarked with some negative reactions to corporate updates, with shares in German sportswear maker Puma sliding 15% on Friday and French car parts maker Valeo down 9% as both cut full-year outlooks. European stock indexes were down about 0.5%. A rebound in British retail sales last month came in below forecasts too. * A packed diary next week includes the August 1 U.S. tariff deadline, Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan meetings, key U.S. labor market updates, megacap earnings and a heavy Treasury debt auction schedule. Treasury yields were steady to a bit higher on Friday and the dollar nudged up too. Market Minute * Investors cashed out of highly valued global stocks on Friday and the dollar headed for its biggest weekly drop in a month ahead of a crucial week for markets that includes Donald Trump's tariff deadline and key central bank meetings. * U.S. President Donald Trump's trade deal with Tokyo opens scope for the Bank of Japan to raise interest rates again this year, sources say, a prospect the central bank may start to telegraph by offering a less gloomy view on the economic outlook. * South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan met U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Thursday and reaffirmed a commitment to reach a deal on tariffs by the August 1 deadline, South Korea's industry ministry said on Friday. Set for extended Presidents Rule Wanted : Roadmap to normalcy | By all account Presidents Rule seems set to have a longer innings than previously envisaged by many. The script says so, a script drawn up by the BJP led Government at Delhi. Back on July 15 extending Presidents Rule in Manipur was among the eight Bills, which the Modi Government had mulled ahead of the Monsoon session of Parliament which kicked off on July 21. It was in line with this proposal that the Union Home Ministry had put forward a statutory resolution seeking to extend Presidents Rule in Manipur for another period of six months from August 13. This is where certain things need to be put in its correct perspective. While everything indicates that PR is set to be extended after it finishes six months on August 12, Parliament is yet to pass such a Bill in the House. This is where a reading may be made and that is the statutory resolution has been put forward and admitted in the Rajya Sabha to extend PR in Manipur so as to avoid a Constitutional deadlock. This much can be read into the latest development. Perhaps this is where one may need to look back at the days gone by since February 13, the day Manipur was brought under Presidents Rule and the Assembly was put under suspended animation. The question is, have things improved since then ? Not a question that can be answered with a snap of the finger, for while direct confrontation and gun shots have been neu- tralised to a considerable extent, this cannot be taken to mean that normalcy has returned. Even after more than nearly 180 days of Raj Bhavan calling the shot, no Meitei will dare take National Highway-2 for passing through this route would mean passing through areas which are Kuki dominated places, such as Motbung, Keithel- manbi, Kangpokpi etc. Likewise no Kuki would dare return to the place they once called home at Imphal or any of the other valley districts. No Kuki would feel safe or secure to come to Imphal to catch a flight out of BT Airport. This is the situation in brief, but yet at the same time Raj Bhavan did take up some meaningful steps to de-weaponise society on either side of the clash divide, though it still stands that nothing much have been heard of about the arms with cadres of the SoO outfits. In the early days that followed May 3, 2023, Manipur did hear about the Security Advisor coming out with status reports on some SoO camps, but for reasons best known to the Government that has stopped, for reasons which must have only gone on to reinforce the widely held belief that the SoO cadres are being treated with kids gloves. It also stands that Delhi has been reaching out to CSOs on either side of the divide and holding talks with them, though separately, a welcome step that could and should have been initiated way back in 2023. With the Centre now looking set to extend PR in Manipur for another spell, the question however stands whether the return of a popular Government would be able to take Manipur anywhere nearer to the understanding of normalcy. This is the question which Manipur should be raising when- ever any talk centres around the extension of PR or the return of a popular Government. And this is where it becomes impor- tant for everyone to remember that Manipur was literally in flames for nearly two years while a popular Government was in place. Have the political leaders of the day been able to chalk out a roadmap which they propose to put into action if and when a popular Government returns ? Not the first time that this question is being raised, but this is important to the people of Manipur. And if Presidents Rule continues for the next six months, that is till February next year, would this ensure that normalcy would have returned to Manipur ? Not an open and shut case and no one expects a clear cut answer, but these are nonetheless questions which should be raised by the thinking citizens of the land. Manipur is among the States in India where PR has been imposed the most frequently and old timers may do well to look back and study whether such instances did anything good for the situation back then or not. For the moment, Manipur looks set to experience another spell of extended PR but it is important not to forget that many issues are still today not resolved. What are the steps that have been taken up to weed out illegal immigrants ? Border fencing at best will keep out new entrants, but how about those who have already sneaked in and have today merged with the local folks ? Kargil Vijay Divas : Reminiscing the day | Lt Gen Dr Konsam Himalay Singh, Retd Kargi Vijay Divas is celebrated on 26th July every year to commemorate our victory over Pakistan during the Kargil war 1999. It was 26 years ago that Indian Armed Forces defeated and forced the Pakistani intruders to withdraw to their side of the LOC in Leh/Ladakh inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. OP VIJAY was declared on 06 May 1999 and officially came to an end on 26 July. The war aims of Pakistan to internationalise the Kashmir issue, force India to a favourable bargain after the war by choking our troops in Leh and Siachen boomeranged on them and the international community largely condemned Pakistan for the Indo-Pakistan conflict 1999. The Pakistan army which virtually rules Pakistan considers Kashmir as their jugular vein. The wars of 1948, 1965 were launched by Pakistan to snatch Kashmir from India. The continuing proxy wars against India since the late 1980s havent succeeded in their objective to occupy Kashmir either. Inspite of the numerous defeats in each case, Gen Musharaf, as the Army Chief once again ordered intrusion in the areas North of Zojila upto the Siachen glaciers taking advantage of nuclear tests of 1998. They wrongly believed that the Indian response would be constrained by the threat of nuclear overhang. The Pakistani Army operated in civil dress in large numbers to fool the international community by declaring that these intruders were so-called Kashmiri freedom fighters and not their Army. This false narrative was easily exposed when our forces captured or killed many Pakistani troops along with their identity cards. The intrusion of the enemy soldiers took place across the entire LOC North of Zojila pass to Siachen Glacier region stretching more than 150 Kms front by occupying unheld heights in the Himalayas. Our Prime Minister Sri Atal Bihari Vajpayee was determined to throw out the Pakistani soldiers from our side of the LOC and was committed to prevent escalatory situation to the point of nuclear conflict. The Pakistani Army troops were already inside our territory even during the famous Lahore Bus Yatra meeting between Sri Vajpayee and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who met on 20th February 1999. Nawaz Sharif later stated that he was not kept in the picture about the planned intrusion of Pakistani Army in Kargil and other areas of Ladakh. The Pakistani army had initially gained considerable advantages by occupying strategic heights in the area and have reinforced their positions long before we learnt about the intrusion. There were too many unprocessed information disseminated to us about a possible operation by the Pakistanis, but our establishment remained unclear about the timing and modalities of their operations. To that extent Pakistan achieved a strategic surprise over our forces. We were ordered to throw out the intruders from the area, but were asked to remain on our side of the LOC including the air force planes. Though the war was bitterly fought mostly in the icy heights of Ladakh, the war efforts by the Army, Navy and the Air Force were synchronised and prepared in a manner that India could decisively defeat the Pakistani Armed Forces should the need arise. While the IAF launched OP Safed Sagar, the Navy was dominating the Arabian sea at the same time and ready for any eventualities. The rugged and harsh terrain of the Ladakh Himalayas, glaciated, avalanche prone areas, and snow storms and have rarified atmosphere pose extremely difficult for soldiers to operate in these altitudes above 13,000 foot to 19,000 feet. At these heights oxygen falls below 40% of availability at the sea level heights. But our soldiers braved the extremely vulnerable situation against all odds of disadvantageous positions, the climatic and temperatures below 40 degree Celsius in some places. Luckily for us Zojila pass which normally remained closed till May each year, remained opened due to scanty snowfall that period and our lifeline remained active. The peaks like Tiger Hill, Tololing became household names during the period. It was the first TV telecasted war where the reporters could see the fighting in these peaks from the highway near Drass. Many more unseen and unsung battles were fought outside the glare of media attention in the interiors near the LOC and AGPL (Actual Ground Position Lines). Battles fought near Drass , such as Tiger Hill and Tololing were easily visible to the media from Srinagar-Leh highway. However, the battles in many areas across the Khardung La pass, such as in Turtok/Chalunka, sectors were almost unknown to the public. My unit was operating in the remotest areas adjoining the Siachen Glaciers in Turtok sector where intrusions had taken place. My role during the war as a Commanding Officer of a Rajput battalion was to capture Point 5770, a massive 19,000 feet high feature held by a sub-unit of Pakistani Northern Light Infantry. The objective was captured in a daring silent (Without artillery support) daylight assault on 27th June 1999 by my battalion. As per a study by Naval War College of US Navy, the capture of Point 5770 alongwith victory in Tiger Hill and Tololing were the turning points of the war in Indias favour. This massive feature dominated the Shyok River valley which leads to Skardu in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Skardu is an important Pakistani Army and air force base for them. The feature also dominated the Southern glacier and its capture by the enemy would have threatened both the southern part of Siachen glacier and the Shyok valley itself. The task before me was a very challenging one indeed. A night operation would have been virtually impossible due to the gradient of 80 degrees, ice gullies, avalanches and a rockface of more than 3000 feet. Therefore, a silent surprise day light assault by using ropes was considered the only way to make a worthwhile attempt. The authorities left the decision entirely to my tactical judgment since it was not possible for my senior bosses to make a physical assessment of the situation. They were at least 100 Kms away from my position. Any responsibilities for failure and casualties was totally mine and mine alone. Such a daring and unconventional battle plan is perhaps very rare in the annals of our military history. The daylight attack on 27th June 1999 went clockwork precision as planned. I was able to observe each one of the assaulting troops from my position. The leading troops were in constant communication with me through the telephone line which was being laid as the attack progressed. The enemy troops could be seen doing their routine activities. I saw a sentry who was observing towards the direction of attacking troops. But the gradient was so steep that the enemy troops could not observe our troops climbing up with stealth. At times, I had to telephonically guide the troops on the handset step by step to negotiate the boulders and hanging ice cornice above them. Complete radio silence was observed and no indication of the attack operations were detected by the enemy till they were physically assaulted and were caught by complete surprise in the initial hand to hand fighting on the objective. A few Pakistani troops were seen abandoning the post and running away but 10 enemy soldiers including an officer (Captain Taimur Malik) were killed. Within minutes the Pakistani artillery opened up with the ferocity I had never seen before. We counted more than 400 rounds of field and medium guns falling in the vicinity where my party was. One round fell a hundred metres from me. An earth-shaking and near death experience indeed ! I ordered own heavy guns including Bofors to silence the enemy guns. Artillery duel continued for most of the day. Airburst shells were fired on our location through the next few days and nights. One of the enemy air burst shells severely injured my radio operator who was just a few metres away while resting under a rock. We were not able to identify the type of missile till this day. Their efforts to a half hearted counter attack failed with more casualties on their side. We suffered two casualties during this period of consolidation. In the words of Maj Gen AK Verma who authored the book Blood on Snow, capture of Point 5770 by 27 RAJPUT under my command was perhaps the most incredible action of Kargil war. (page 125, Blood on The Snow : Manohar 2002). Gen VP Malik, the wartime Army Chief much later in 2016 told me that he regretted not having adequately recognized the valour of our troops and the brilliance of the battle won by my unit and tweeted as such a few times. No matter the odds, Indian Armed Forces have delivered and will deliver victory when the time comes to defend the Republic and honour of our Nation. The future wars will be far more technogically challenging and more demanding in every facet of the conflict. Multi domain and whole of a Nation approach to face the challenges are imperative. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to begin a sweeping revision of its electoral rolls in Bengal, part of a planned nationwide exercise that has already triggered a political storm over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in Bihar. In Bengal, the Special Intensive Revision of the electoral roll ~ the first of its kind in the state since 2002 ~ will roll out in August or September. It will involve door-to-door verification by booth-level officers (BLOs), who will assist citizens with the submission of forms and documentation to prove voter eligibility. Advertisement Manoj Kumar Agarwal, chief electoral officer (CEO) of West Bengal, confirmed this. The move, which officials say is part of a routine administrative update to clean the rolls of ineligible voters, has sparked outrage from the ruling Trinamul Congress (TMC) in Bengal. Advertisement Trinamul MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the ECI of attempting to manipulate the electorate ahead of future elections. This is a politically motivated exercise designed to disenfranchise genuine voters, particularly in Bengal, she said. The BJP has pushed back, arguing that the revision is crucial to eliminate fake entries and detect illegal immigrants. In an order dated 24 June, the Election Commission of India stated that the step is being taken as part of its constitutional responsibility to maintain the integrity of the electoral roll. The voter list is riddled with irregularities. This is a necessary step to protect the integrity of our democracy, BJP MP Jyotirmoy Singh Mahato said. Under the new guidelines, voters will be required to present any one of 11 approved documents ~ such as a birth certificate, passport, school certificate, or government-issued ID ~ but not Aadhaar, PAN, or drivers licenses as standalone proof. The ECI has clarified that individuals enrolled during the 2002 revision in West Bengal will not need to resubmit documents. Those added to the rolls after 2002 must provide one valid proof of eligibility. Voters born before 1 July 1987, may submit documents in their own name. Those born between 1987 and 2002 must submit a parents document or proof of inclusion in the 2002 voter list. Citizens born after 2002 may be required to submit documents of both parents, unless already listed in the previous revision. Amid public confusion, officials reiterated that a birth certificate is not mandatory, and that multiple document options are available to establish eligibility. The Election Commission has stressed that the revision is not aimed at targeting any community. Refugees and infiltrators must not be conflated, a senior ECI official said, urging citizens not to fall for misinformation. The process will be carried out through both online and offline modes, ensuring participation from citizens even if they live outside their home states. However, officials warned that failure to complete the required documentation could result in names being struck off the electoral rolls. The last Special Intensive Revision in West Bengal was conducted more than two decades ago under the then-Left Front government. This latest effort, the Commission says, is a continuation of nationwide revisions carried out since the 1950s to maintain an accurate and updated voter database. As the process gears up, political tensions are expected to intensify in Bengal, a state infamous for its high-stakes electoral battles and deep party rivalries. Protests over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists continue to rage in Bihar, with the issue echoing in Parliament as well. According to the Election Commission, 56 lakh names have been marked for deletion from Bihars voter rolls, including 20 lakh dead voters, 28 lakh voters who have permanently moved to another state, 7 lakh individuals registered in more than one location, and one lakh uncontactedable voters. NewPrinces is acquiring Carrefour's operations in Italy in a move the food and drinks group described as "vertical integration between production and distribution". The Italy-headquartered food and drinks giant said Carrefour's store network in the country stretches across more than 1,000 sites in regions such as Piedmont, Lombardy and Liguria. Subject to regulatory approval, NewPrinces added the deal is expected to close by the end of the current third quarter. Carrefour is the latest acquisition target by NewPrinces, which was trading as Newlat Food before it acquired UK-based Princes Group last year. More recently, the company has entered an agreement to buy a clutch of baby-food brands in Italy from US heavyweight Kraft Heinz. In a statement, NewPrinces said the deal is based on an enterprise value of 1bn ($1.18bn). As part of the transaction, Carrefour will reinvest 237.5m as a one-off contribution to the Italian unit changing hands "to support its industrial relaunch and operational continuity", NewPrinces said. The food-and-drinks manufacturers said it is committed to investing 200m "in development initiatives, logistics innovation and brand renewal". NewPrinces added: "Considering IFRS 16 and other extraordinary adjustments of the same nature, as well as the one-off cash contribution that Carrefour will reinvest by the time of closing, the resulting equity value of the transaction is 1." "The acquisition of Carrefour Italia represents a significant milestone in our group's growth trajectory," Angelo Mastrolia, the chairman of NewPrinces, said in a statement. "With this transaction, we are taking a decisive step towards vertical integration between production and distribution, strengthening our ability to create value along the entire supply chain." Mastrolia added: "We have made the bold decision to invest in a strategic asset for Italy, with the aim of relaunching a widespread retail network and maximising synergies between industry and distribution. "Our ambition is clear: to build a sustainable, solid and long-term model that can offer concrete benefits to customers, employees, suppliers and shareholders alike." Carrefour acknowledged the agreement with the Italian group alongside the publication of its second-quarter results yesterday (24 July). The retailer said its stores in Italy had gone through a "recovery" period from 2020 to 2022 but sales then declined last year. The same year, Carrefour Italia booked a 67m loss in recurring operating income and had negative free cash flow of 180m. A migrant labourer from West Bengal was murdered in Maharashtra, while separate incidents of alleged police harassment and mob attacks targeting Bengali-speaking workers have been reported from Haryana and Tamil Nadu, sparking sharp political and social reactions. The body of Abu Bakkar Mondal, 33, a mason from Narayanpur village in North 24-Parganas, was found dismembered and stuffed in a sack in a water body near Vasai in Maharashtra. Advertisement Mondal had been missing since the evening of 20 July. His mobile phone was unreachable, and his family filed a missing persons report with Vasai police the next day. Police recovered his mutilated body from a swampy area on Wednesday, and following post-mortem procedures, transported the coffin to his hometown on Thursday night. Advertisement Grief-stricken relatives and neighbours gathered at his home, demanding justice and exemplary punishment for the perpetrators. We want the culprits to be hanged, said Shahanoor Gazi, the victims brother-in-law. According to Maharashtra police sources, Mondals wife and a young man have been arrested in connection with the murder. Investigators suspect an extramarital relationship between the two and believe the murder was premeditated. Meanwhile, in Haryana, two migrant workers alleged they were detained and mistreated by police who suspected them of being illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. The workers one from Chirang district in Assam and another from Uttar Dinajpur in West Bengal said they were picked up from a slum in Jharsa on the night of 18 July and taken to Sector 10A police station. They forced us to strip for verification. Despite repeatedly showing our ID cards, they kept calling us Bangladeshis, one of the detained workers said. The two were later held for four days at a detention centre in Badshahpur before being released on 22 July. Police have denied the allegations, stating that identification checks were conducted lawfully and no one was forced to undress. In a third incident, four Bengali-speaking construction workers from Murshidabad were allegedly assaulted in Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, after being suspected of being illegal migrants. The victims Sujan Sheikh and his brothers Milan, Sahil, and Babu had arrived in Chennai three weeks ago for work. On 15 July, they were reportedly attacked with iron rods and sticks after speaking in Bengali. They have since returned to West Bengal and filed a police complaint. A spate of incidents has drawn political attention. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee recently voiced concern over the treatment of Bengali migrant workers in other states. She revealed that the Haryana government had sent her a list of 52 workers suspected to be Bangladeshi nationals, prompting a stern response. With tensions simmering over identity-based targeting, migrant workers and human rights groups have called for immediate intervention to ensure safety and dignity for internal migrants across India. A severe drinking water crisis has gripped parts of Asansol and Raniganj after a structural bridge carrying a 40-year-old Public Health Engineering (PHE) pipeline collapsed in Kalajharia over the river Damodar two days ago. Areas affected include Mohishila Colony in Asansol South, as well as Searsole and Benali in the Raniganj region, all falling under the Asansol South Assembly constituency. The PHE department has been supplying water to these localities via tankers as restoration work is underway. Advertisement Agnimitra Paul, MLA of Asansol South, has attributed the collapse to rampant illegal sand mining using heavy machinery near the Kalajharia drinking water pump storage project in Hirapur. Advertisement The incident occurred around 2 p.m. on Wednesday, when the iron bridge holding the PHE pipeline across the Damodar gave way. Officials warn that the disruption will affect water supply in parts of Asansol, Raniganj and Jamuria in the coming days. Senior officials from the PHE department, the district administration, and Asansol Municipal Corporation have inspected the site. Restoration is reportedly being taken up on a war footing. Local residents have criticised the area councillor for remaining silent on the issue. Sources indicate the collapse was likely caused by unscientific sand extraction in the riverbed near the Kalajharia water project and increased water discharge from the Damodar Valley Corporations Maithon and Panchet dams in recent weeks. The district magistrate of West Burdwan, S Ponnambalam, has directed Asansol Sadar sub-divisional magistrate Biswajeet Bhattacharya to oversee the situation. Acting on his orders, disaster management teams visited the area by rubber boats and have begun initial restoration efforts. One person, who was reportedly trapped during the collapse, was later rescued. The collapsed pipeline was originally constructed in 1985 by the reputed firm Braithwaite Burn and Jessop Construction (BBJ). RJD principal general secretary Abdul Bari Siddiqui, a close associate of party supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, is the most prominent Muslim face of the Opposition-led INDIA bloc in Bihar. A veteran of the JP movement, he won the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections for the first time in 1977. Since then, he has served seven terms as a member of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, and twice been a member of the Bihar Legislative Council. He has held key positions in the Bihar government, including as the parliamentary affairs and finance ministers, and as the Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly. In an exclusive interview with Imran Mojib of The Statesman, Siddiqui discusses the current sociopolitical scenario in Bihar and the possible impact of the upcoming assembly elections. Advertisement Q: How do you assess the political landscape as Bihar prepares for the crucial assembly elections? Advertisement A: I have spent about five decades in politics, but I have never witnessed an atmosphere like the one we are currently experiencing in the country. The ruling parties, especially the biggest political party in India, have created a divisive environment that is detrimental to the society and the country at large. Unity in diversity was the hallmark of this country. We used to sing Mazhab nahi sikhata aapas mein bair rakhna (Religion does not teach us to bear hatred against each other). But the BJP is dismantling this legacy. They have been returning to power by polarizing voters on religious lines. While the party may be gaining politically, the country is losing its foundational values. What is more concerning is their disregard for the Constitution of India despite taking a pledge to uphold its sanctity. The four pillars Sovereign, Democratic, Secular and Socialist are the defining characteristics of the Indian Republic as described in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. But the BJP does not honour secularism that promises equal rights to followers of every faith. Q: Do you think that the upcoming elections will change this situation? A: People must realize that this division is not going to help them. They must realize the value of unity in diversity. Ultimately the country and countrymen have to return to the basic values. I can only say sooner is better. It is not possible to achieve overnight, we must continue our efforts to achieve it. Q: Will it become a major issue in this election? A: Yes. The NDA government has laid the groundwork for polarization by enacting the Waqf Act. It has deeply hurt Muslims across India. The BJP and those who ally with it are equally responsible for this. It is against the guarantee provided by the Constitution of India. With about 18 per cent of the population, Muslims in Bihar constitute an important segment of the electorate. They are decisive in a large number of constituencies. Muslims going against the ruling alliance will help the BJP push its Hindutva agenda even more aggressively. Q: What other major issues will influence the polls? A: Caste census, unemployment, rising crime and rampant corruption are other major issues that the NDA candidates will have to face when they go to the electorate. During the 17- month tenure of the Mahagathbandhan government, we had made an attempt to resolve these issues. We were on the track conducted a caste survey and formulated policies based on the collected data. We also made significant achievements in employment generation. We focused on women and youth empowerment, the upliftment of the poor, and overall development of Bihar. But the NDA government failed to carry those efforts forward. The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists has posed significant challenges to the residents of Bihar. People are afraid it could lead to mass disenfranchisement. If that happens, it will overshadow all other issues. Q: How do you see the RJD making an impact? A: In the 2020 assembly elections, we failed to secure a majority, but we emerged as the biggest party. We are still the biggest party. Now, we have formed a coalition with other political establishments that share similar views. We are confident to form the government this time. Q: What gives you that confidence? A: The coming together of parties that believe in secularism and social justice and our commitment to uplift the downtrodden section of the society. Our united effort will defeat the BJP, which has grabbed power again and again only because the opposition was not united. We have learnt from the past mistakes and are ready to remove them from power this time. Q: But there are reports about the Congress being upset. A: The Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) are the oldest allies. Before every major election, the NDA leaders start such talks. It is nothing but their wishful thinking. We share a relationship that is much deeper than the oppositions expectations. It is time they realize that our ties go beyond electoral arithmetic. Q: Do you think Jan Suraaj will play spoilsport for the INDIA Alliance? A: The by-elections held in Bihar for four seats in November 2024 showed the Jan Suraaj its actual position. The party failed to win any of the four seats it had contested. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured victory in all the four Bihar assembly constituencies. Now people know that voting for Jan Suraaj will ultimately help the BJP. Q: Do you see the AIMIM joining the INDIA Alliance? A: We welcome like-minded parties for the states development. But the kind of politics the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) practices does not align with our political and policy values. Q: Will AIMIMs presence affect the INDIA alliances prospects? A: I do not think so. Muslims in Bihar are politically aware. They vote carefully. They are very careful about their rights, cultural identity and religious freedom. They always support parties that would help them protect the same. They are aware of the RJDs decades-long struggle under Lalu Yadavs leadership to protect the rights of Muslims and other marginalized communities. We will continue to do so. A fresh controversy has erupted in the Karnataka Congress after aides of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar reportedly clashed at Delhis Karnataka Bhavan. The incident came to light on Saturday after a copy of a complaint filed by H. Anjaneya, Special Officer to Deputy CM Shivakumar, went viral on social media. As per the complaint dated July 22, Anjaneya, who is posted as Deputy Coordinator with the Resident Commissioner of Karnataka Bhavan in Delhi, accused C. Mohan Kumar, Assistant Resident Commissioner and special officer to CM Siddaramaiah of threatening him in front of staff members. He also alleged that Kumar tried to assault him in the presence of other staff members. Advertisement Mohan Kumar has been obstructing me from performing my duties ever since I joined service. He told me that he would remove his boots and thrash me in his chamber. He even attempted to attack me outside his chamber in the presence of staff member Pramila and others. I am a Group B officer and currently serving as the Special Officer to the Dy CM. If anything happens to me if I meet with an accident or face any harm Mohan Kumar should be held responsible, news agency IANS quoted Anjaneya as saying in his complaint. Advertisement The Shivakumar aide further accused the special officer to Siddaramaiah of having assaulted one MM Joshi previously. With the arrogance of being the Special Officer to the CM, he wants the administration to function according to his whims. Though I am a senior in service, during his tenure, he prevented me from working even as an in-charge accountant, he said in the complaint. Anjaneya has demanded a departmental inquiry against Kumar over attempted assault, use of abusive language, obstruction of duty, and alleged denial of promotions. The incident has given the Opposition BJP in Karnataka fresh ammo to target the Congress government, with Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka claiming that the central leadership has completely lost control over the party state unit. The public slugfest between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar has crossed every limit, from backroom politics to open threats in Karnataka Bhavan, Delhi, he said. The BJP leader further stated, If this is the state of governance, how can anyone trust the Congress-led government in Karnataka to run the state? This power struggle isnt just embarrassing, its dangerous. The Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar camps are tearing into each other, settling scores round after round, while the so-called high command sits helpless in Delhi, leaving Karnataka leaderless and adrift, Ashoka said, adding, Karnataka deserves better than this circus and anarchy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a meeting with members of several political parties of the Maldives on the second day of his visit to the island nation and said the participation of leaders across the political spectrum underscores the bipartisan support for the strong and time-tested friendship between the two countries. The Prime Minister arrived in the Maldives on Friday for a two-day state visit after concluding his visit to the UK. Advertisement In a post on X after meeting members of several political parties of the Maldives on Saturday, the Prime Minister said, Had a meaningful meeting with members of different political parties of the Maldives. The participation of leaders across the political spectrum underscores the bipartisan support for the strong and time-tested India-Maldives friendship. Our shared values continue to guide this important partnership. Advertisement Earlier in the day, PM Modi held a meeting with Maldives former President Mohamed Nasheed on Saturday and assured him of New Delhis support for Male through capacity building and developmental cooperation. PM Modi said Nasheed has always been a strong advocate of deeper friendship between the nations. In a post on X, PM Modi said, Met the former President of Maldives, Mr. Mohamed Nasheed. He has always been a strong advocate of a deeper India-Maldives friendship. Spoke about how the Maldives will always be a valued pillar of our Neighbourhood First policy and Mahasagar vision. India will keep supporting the Maldives through capacity building and developmental cooperation. The Prime Minister also met Peoples Majlis Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla and expressed Indias commitment to supporting capacity building in the Maldives. PM Modi termed the formation of the India-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group in the 20th Majlis a welcome step for bilateral ties. Met Mr. Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Speaker of the Peoples Majlis. Talked about the deep-rooted India-Maldives friendship, including the close relationship between our respective Parliaments. The formation of the India-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group in the 20th Majlis is a welcome step for bilateral ties. India remains committed to supporting capacity building in the Maldives, PM Modi said in a post on X. PM Modi also held a meeting with the Maldives Vice President, Mohamed Latheef. During the meeting, the two leaders spoke about key pillars of the India-Maldives friendship. After the meeting, PM Modi, in a post on X, said, Had a very good meeting with Vice President Uz. Hussain Mohamed Latheef. Our discussion touched upon key pillars of the India-Maldives friendship. Our nations continue to work closely in sectors like infrastructure, technology, climate change, energy and more. This is greatly beneficial to our people. We look forward to deepening this partnership in the years to come. PM Modi is in the Maldives at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu. He is the guest of honour for the 60th Independence Day celebrations in the country. On Friday, while speaking at the banquet hosted in his honour, PM Modi emphasised the depth of the bilateral relationship. He said, India-Maldives relations are centuries old. We are neighbours, partners and true friends who stand together in times of need. Maldives holds a special place in Indias Neighbourhood First policy This is not just diplomacy but a relation of deep affinity. President Mohamed Muizzu praised PM Modis leadership and reaffirmed the strong ties between India and the Maldives. India has long stood as the Maldivess closest and most trusted partner. Our collaboration spans a wide range of areas, from security and trade to healthcare, education and beyond, touching the everyday lives of our citizens, Muizzu said. While a CBI probe into illegal tree felling and unauthorised construction inside the Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) is still underway, the Uttarakhand Forest Department finds itself entangled in yet another multi-crore scamthis time in Pithoragarh. The scandal involves large-scale unauthorised construction and deforestation, as revealed in a probe report prepared by renowned anti-corruption crusader, Ramon Magsaysay Awardee and Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer, Sanjeev Chaturvedi. Advertisement An investigation report submitted by Chaturvedi in December 2024 and January 2025 has brought to light gross financial irregularities and unauthorised construction activities allegedly carried out by former Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Vinay Kumar Bhargava in 2019. Advertisement Acting on the findings, the Pushkar Singh Dhami-led government has issued a show-cause notice to Bhargava, who currently holds the position of Forest Conservator. Officials in the state Secretariat confirmed that Chaturvedis report uncovered massive corrupt practices during Bhargavas tenure as DFO of Pithoragarh. Reacting to the revelations, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated on Saturday: The guilty, no matter who they are, will not be spared. The government has already initiated action, and the concerned official has been served a notice. We have a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. According to the report, the alleged irregularitiesamounting to several croresrelate to the construction of multiple concrete structures in the protected Munsyari Range of the Pithoragarh Forest Division in 2019. These constructions were carried out without obtaining the mandatory approvals from competent authorities. Moreover, payments were made to a private firm for the supply of construction materials without adhering to the mandatory tendering process. Chaturvedis report further claims that all the construction took place within a reserved forest area, in clear violation of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and without any prior permission from central government authorities. The illegal structures reportedly include a hostel building, a sales centre for forest cottage industry products, 10 VIP eco-huts, and a growth centre. In his detailed investigationspanning over 500 pagessubmitted in December 2024 and January 2025, Chaturvedi recommended that a criminal case be registered against Bhargava and the matter be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) for further investigation into possible money laundering. Notably, the Uttarakhand Forest Department is already under scrutiny in connection with a CBI probe into another multi-crore scam involving illegal construction and tree felling in the Corbett Tiger Reserve. That case is also pending before the Supreme Court of India. The Indian Embassy in Cambodia has issued an advisory, urging Indian nationals to avoid traveling to the border areas amid the ongoing clashes between Cambodia and Thailand. The Embassy has also provided a helpline number and an email address for Indian nationals in the event of an emergency. Advertisement In view of the ongoing clashes at the Cambodia-Thailand border, Indian nationals are advised to avoid traveling to the border areas. In case of any emergency, Indian nationals may approach the Embassy of India, Phnom Penh at +855 92881676 or email cons.phnompenh@mea.gov.in, stated the advisory shared on the embassys official X handle. Advertisement Earlier on Friday, the Indian Embassy in Thailand had also issued a similar advisory asking Indian travelers to avoid visiting several areas in Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Sisaket, Buriram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi and Trat provinces. In view of the situation near the Thailand-Cambodia border, all Indian travelers to Thailand are advised to check updates from Thai official sources, including TAT Newsroom. As per the Tourism Authority of Thailand, places mentioned in the following link are not recommended for traveling, the Embassy said in a post on X. The advisories were issued amid the ongoing military clashes near the Thailand-Cambodia border. According to the Thai Ministry of Public Health, 14 people were killed and 46 others injured in the clashes in disputed border areas so far. The Cambodian side has not released the number of casualties on its side, but the country is also believed to have suffered significant losses. The violence followed a landmine blast on Wednesday that wounded five Thai soldiers an incident that triggered the expulsion of ambassadors by both sides and a sharp diplomatic fallout. Thai officials accused Cambodia of laying new Russian-made mines, while Cambodia dismissed the claims as baseless accusations, blaming leftover ordnance from past conflicts. Earlier on Thursday, clashes flared in at least six areas along the border, including near the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple. Thai F-16 fighter jets conducted airstrikes in response to what the government said were Cambodian truck-mounted rockets. It was an act of self-defence, Thai Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura said. The situation escalated following skirmishes that began Thursday morning, with each side blaming the other for violating international law. After signing a far-reaching Free Trade agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom, India is now exploring the possibility of such accords with many other countries. As part of the initiative, New Delhi concluded the second round of negotiations for an India-New Zealand FTA in New Delhi on Saturday, further advancing the shared objective of the two countries for strengthening bilateral trade and economic partnerships. Advertisement This development catalyses the shared commitment to deepen economic ties and guidance given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the visit of his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon, in March 2025. Advertisement The FTA process was launched during the meeting between Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and New Zealand Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay on March 16. Continuing the momentum generated during the first round held in May in New Delhi, the second round of negotiations was held from 14-25 July. This round accomplished significant advancement in multiple areas, including Trade in Goods and Services, Investment, Rules of Origin, Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation, Technical Barriers to Trade, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, and Economic Cooperation. Discussions were marked by mutual interest in achieving early convergence on several texts. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to concluding a balanced, comprehensive, and forward-looking agreement, an official press note said. The third round of negotiations is scheduled to be held in New Zealand in September. The intersessional virtual meetings will maintain the forward trajectory set in the second round. Indias bilateral merchandise trade with New Zealand reached $1.3 billion in 2024-25, recording a growth of 48.6% over the previous financial year, signaling the growing potential of the economic partnership. The FTA is expected to enhance trade flows, support investment linkages, promote supply chain resilience, and establish a predictable and enabling environment for businesses in both countries. Recalling the Pulwama attack, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that 22 innocent lives were lost to Pakistan-backed terrorism. In a befitting reply, the Indian Army took less than 22 minutes to destroy their terror camps, showcasing Indias unwavering resolve. The CM was speaking during the Kargil Vijay Shaheed Diwas25 program held at the Kargil Shaheed Smriti Vatika here on Saturday. Advertisement He said, PM Modi had also said that those who dared to commit the Pulwama attack would pay the price. Seeing the courage and valor of the Indian Army, Pakistan ran to seek Americas support. India was fighting on multiple fronts with several countries, yet Pakistan stood no chance against the Indian Army. In the end, Pakistan was forced to surrender. Advertisement He emphasized that the country needs to move forward unitedly to build a strong and empowered nation, making Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat a reality. The Chief Minister said that this is also the message of Kargil Vijay Diwas. The sacrifice of the brave soldiers inspires us to realize the vision of a powerful and capable India through the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. Today is a day to remember the great brave sons of India. On this day, India completed Operation Vijay, defeated Pakistan, and surprised the world. We bow to the brave soldiers of India. This day is also a symbol of the valor of the Indian Army, he stated. He said that the Kargil war was forced on India by Pakistan, and Indias brave soldiers gave a befitting reply. The army informed the government after receiving reports of intrusions on the hills. To clear any misunderstanding after the attack, then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee took decisive action. It was on this very day that Vajpayee announced Indias victory in Kargil. During that time, Pakistans president went to the US, but Vajpayee did not bow to any pressure. Whether its America or any global power, India will never kneel before anyone. In the end, Pakistan was forced to surrender, and the infiltrators fled, he added. The CM highlighted that Kargil is a challenging region with temperatures dropping to minus 50 degrees. Even in such extreme conditions, the Indian armed forces displayed unmatched courage and crushed Pakistans cowards. He said, Our soldiers did not retreat, which is why we won Kargil. Those who flee never succeed, and those who spread hatred in society never achieve victory. CM Yogi further mentioned that whenever a soldier is martyred in a war or while guarding the border, the state government provides Rs 50 lakh in assistance to his family. Along with this, one family member is also given a government job. During the program, the Chief Minister and the Mayor honored the families of the martyrs on stage. The families of Captain Manoj Pandey, Lance Naik Kewlanand Dwivedi, Rifleman Sunil Jung, and Major Ritesh Sharma were present. BRS working president KT Rama Raos accusation that Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy was colluding with the BJP has resulted in an ugly spat with BJP MP CM Ramesh, who has counter-accused that Rao had approached him with the proposal to merge BRS with the BJP when his sister Kavitha was incarcerated. He said KT Rama Rao was unhappy now because the proposal to merge the parties was not accepted by the BJP. Rao had accused Ramesh, who hails from Andhra Pradesh, of landing a contract worth Rs 1600 crore for a road project in the Future City in Telangana under the Congress government, citing it as an instance of collusion between the BJP and Congress. Advertisement Addressing a student convention marking the merger of Telangana Rashtra Vidyarthi Sainik Parishad into the students wing of BRS, Rao said, The Congress chief minister is handing out massive contracts to BJP MPs. Why is Rahul Gandhi silent on this dangerous alliance? Advertisement KTR had earlier alleged that BJP MP from Andhra Pradesh, CM Ramesh, had helped the Congress government to secure the mortgage of Kancha Gachibowli land and had been rewarded with a road contract in the Future City. He alleged that Andhra contractors were looting Telangana in Revanth Reddys regime. Lashing out at Rao, the BJP MP reminded him of the occasion when KTR had visited his house in Delhi, urging him to facilitate the merger with the BJP. He said the visit was recorded on the CCTV cameras installed at his residence. According to Ramesh, KTR had demanded that there should be no probe against anyone, including Kavitha. He allegedly urged the BJP MP to approach the Union home minister, saying if investigations were stopped, they would merge the BRS with the BJP. Speaking about the contract landed by his company, Ramesh said, KTR is speaking without any knowledge about the facts. Several big companies like L&T, MEIL and Rithwik Projects competed for the Greenfield Road. According to the rules, the tender was awarded to Rithwik Projects. He reminded such large contracts are not done by nomination process. A miffed Ramesh even threatened to complain to the ED against KT Rama Rao, alleging shady trips to Maldives, Mauritius and America. Significantly, Ramesh, Revanth Reddy and K Chandrasekhar Rao were all in the TDP in the past. While Rao formed BRS, Ramesh joined BJP after TDP lost the elections in 2019 and Revanth Reddy chose to join the Congress after the yellow party lost ground in Telangana. Valued at a market cap of $4.2 trillion, NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) is a leading computing infrastructure company headquartered in Santa Clara, California. Initially known for inventing the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), NVIDIA has evolved into a leader in accelerated computing, driving innovation across various industries, including gaming, data centers, AI, autonomous vehicles, robotics, and healthcare. It is expected to announce its fiscal Q2 earnings for 2026 after the market closes on Wednesday, Aug. 27. Ahead of this event, analysts expect this semiconductor giant to report a profit of $0.94 per share, up 44.6% from $0.65 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company has topped Wall Streets earnings estimates in three of the last four quarters, while missing on another occasion. In Q1, NVDAs EPS of $0.81 fell short of the forecasted figure by 4.7%. More News from Barchart For fiscal 2026, analysts expect NVDA to report a profit of $4.02 per share, up 37.2% from $2.93 per share in fiscal 2025. Furthermore, its EPS is expected to grow 32.8% year-over-year to $5.34 in fiscal 2027. www.barchart.com NVIDIA has rallied 52.1% over the past 52 weeks, considerably outperforming both the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 17.3% return and the Technology Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLK) 21.1% uptick over the same time frame. www.barchart.com On May 28, NVIDIA released mixed Q1 results, and its shares surged 3.3% in the following trading session. The companys revenue improved by an impressive 69.2% year-over-year to $44.1 billion, surpassing consensus estimates by 2.7%. However, while its adjusted EPS of $0.81 advanced 32.8% from the same period last year, it missed the analyst expectations by 4.7%. On Apr. 9, NVIDIA was informed by the U.S. government that a license is required for the export of its H20 products to the Chinese market. As a result of these new requirements, NVIDIA incurred a $4.5 billion charge in Q1, which impacted its profitability, leading to the bottom-line miss. Wall Street analysts are highly optimistic about NVDAs stock, with an overall "Strong Buy" rating. Among 45 analysts covering the stock, 39 recommend "Strong Buy," two indicate "Moderate Buy," three advise Hold, and one suggests a "Strong Sell rating. The mean price target for NVDA is $182.60, implying a 5.1% premium from the current levels. On the date of publication, Neharika Jain did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, on Saturday conducted an on-site inspection of the Eastern Portal of the Zoji-La Tunnel during his visit to Drass. Accompanied by project engineers, the Lt Governor entered the tunnel to assess the progress of the ongoing construction work. During the visit, the project team briefed the Lt Governor on the current status of the tunnel. They informed him that only 1.7 kilometers of excavation remains and that the project is on track for completion by 2028. Advertisement Lt Governor Gupta took the opportunity to interact with the workers, commending their dedication, resilience, and hard work under challenging conditions. He acknowledged their vital contribution to what he described as a transformative infrastructure initiative for the region. Advertisement Later, while speaking with site engineers, the Lt Governor praised their technical expertise and commitment, urging them to maintain their momentum and continue working with the same zeal. Describing the Zoji-La Tunnel as a dream project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Lt Governor emphasized its significance in enhancing regional connectivity. He noted that the tunnel, once completed, will serve as a crucial all-weather link between Ladakh and the rest of the country, greatly boosting tourism and facilitating the economic and socio-cultural integration of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The completion of the Zoji-La Tunnel will mark a new chapter of development for this region, he said, bringing strategic, economic, and social benefits while unlocking the vast tourism potential of Ladakh. Malayalam film producer Sandra Thomas, who is embroiled in a long-standing dispute with the top leadership of the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA), arrived at the Associations office in Kochi on Saturday dressed in a burqa to file her nomination for the upcoming executive committee elections scheduled for August 14. Sandra is contesting for the post of president amid ongoing tensions with the current office-bearers. She has been vocal about the challenges faced by women producers and has alleged harassment by members of the association. Advertisement Following the release of the Hema Committee report last year, she filed a sexual harassment case against several KFPA members. Her criticism intensified after what she described as a delayed and inadequate response from the association to the report. Advertisement Speaking to the media after filing her nomination, Sandra said that wearing the burqa was a symbolic protest against the continued presence of those accused in the association. I felt this was the most appropriate attire to wear here after everything Ive experienced. This place has been monopolised for years by a group of 10 to 15 men, she said. The burqa I woreoften associated with Islamhas nothing to do with religion. I am a practising Christian; the burqa is also worn by Sarah in the Bible. I chose this garment because, given my past experiences, it felt like the most fitting thing to wear before these office-bearers. Her rift with the association deepened after she wrote to the executive committee, criticising the leaderships silence on the Hema Committee report, which highlighted systemic issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. She also accused senior members of misconduct. In response, the association sought an explanation from Sandra. However, finding her reply unsatisfactory, they issued a show-cause notice, which eventually led to her removal from the association. In her complaints, Sandra alleged that senior officials used derogatory language during a meeting on film distribution, prompting her to file a police case. Sandra has consistently called for a change in the KFPA leadership, accusing it of being controlled by a select group with vested interests. Rebutting the ruling DMKs allegation that Tamil Nadu is being discriminated against in central funding, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the state had received a massive development boost under his government, with projects worth 3 lakh crore in the last decade of NDA rulethree times more than the allocation during the Congress-led UPA regime. In the last ten years, Tamil Nadu has received projects worth 3 lakh crore, which is three times higher than what was allocated during the UPA government. The state has also received 11 new medical colleges in the past 11 years. Committed to the dream of a developed Tamil Nadu, we prioritise its growth, Modi said while addressing a gathering after inaugurating the new terminal at Thoothukudi Airport and dedicating completed development and infrastructure projects worth 4,900 crore to the nation. Advertisement He further added, Viksit Tamil Nadu and Viksit Bharat is our motto. Tamil Nadu is at the forefront of the Atma Nirbhar initiative. In the past 11 years, 77 railway stations have been redeveloped, enhancing passenger experience. The state also boasts the Pamban Bridge, an engineering marvel connecting Rameswaram with the mainland. New road projects worth 2,500 crore will improve connectivity between the Cauvery Delta districts and Chennai, while also transforming the Thoothukudi port into a major hub. Advertisement Modi pointed out that the newly inaugurated terminal at Thoothukudi Airport will boost annual passenger capacity from the current 3 lakh to 20 lakh. Highlighting the benefits of the recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom, the Prime Minister said it would open up employment opportunities for Tamil Nadus youth and accelerate industrial growth. It benefits India, as Indian goods will become cheaper in the UK, thereby boosting domestic manufacturing. As the third-largest economy in the world, India will see growth across sectorsfrom industries and fisheries to startups led by the youth, he said, adding that the agreement will create more job opportunities. Touching upon Operation Sindoor, Modi lauded the Make in India initiative for enabling the development of indigenous weapon systems used to counter Pakistan and inflict significant damage. He said these systems played a pivotal role in Indias success. Earlier, beginning his address with the traditional Tamil greeting Vanakkam, the Prime Minister paid rich tributes to freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaram, who launched the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company to challenge British dominance at sea, and to warriors Veerapandiya Kattabomman and Veeran Azhagu Muthu Kone, who resisted British rule and were martyred. He also honoured national poet Subramania Bharathi. Recalling an earlier moment, Modi said he had once gifted Thoothukudi pearls to philanthropist Bill Gates as a memento, stating that the pearls of the ancient Pandya kingdom symbolised Indias historical economic strength. Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, has topped the latest Democratic Leader Approval Ratings with a 75 per cent approval score, showcasing the continued public support he enjoys in his third straight term. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung was the distant second at 59 per cent approval score in the latest global approval ratings released by the US-based business intelligence firm Morning Consult. Advertisement In third place is Javier Milei, the President of Argentina, with 57 per cent approval. Mark Carney from Canada holds the fourth position with 56 per cent, while Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister of Australia, ranks fifth with 54 per cent. Advertisement Interestingly, US President Donald Trump was not in the list of top five global leaders. Trump, with 44 per cent approval score was at the eighth position. His disapproval score was 50 per cent as six per cent respondents were of no opinion. He was behind Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, who was at sixth spot with a 53 per cent approval rating and Karin Keller-Sutter of Switzerland at seventh position with 48 per cent score. Donald Tusk, Prime Minister of Poland, held ninth position with 41 per cent score, followed by Italys Giorgia Meloni, at 10th place in the list with an approval score of 40 per cent. Meanwhile, reacting to the approval ratings of PM Modi, BJP leader Amit Malviya said that the country is in the safe hands. Loved by over a billion Indians and respected by millions across the globe, PM Narendra Modi tops the Morning Consult Global Leader Approval Tracker once again the highest-rated and most trusted leader worldwide. Strong leadership. Global respect. Bharat is in safe hands, Amit Malviya wrote on X. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also celebrated the approval ratings of Modi, stating that the Prime Ministers strong, decisive leadership ensures Bharats rise and the worlds respect. Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has said that peace and normalcy are gradually returning to the strife-torn state, over a year after it was plunged into ethnic violence that has claimed more than 260 lives and displaced thousands. Speaking at an event in Imphal to mark the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Governor lauded the collective efforts of the government, armed forces, and civil society organisations in stabilising the situation. Advertisement Many have lost their lives and thousands have been rendered homeless due to the ethnic violence in Manipur. The government has taken several steps to resolve the crisis and rebuild public trust. Joint operations involving the state police and armed forces have successfully recovered a large cache of firearms and ammunition over the past few months, Bhalla said. Advertisement The Governor noted that several insurgents involved in extortion and cyber-facilitated financial schemesallegedly used to fund militant groupshave been arrested in recent crackdowns. An anti-extortion cell and a confidential helpline have been launched by Manipur Police, in coordination with Central Forces, Assam Rifles, and the Army, to tackle unlawful demands and protect citizens. To ensure the uninterrupted supply of essential commodities such as food and medicines, multiple checkpoints have been set up across the hill and valley districts and along national highways. These efforts, combined with community outreach, are aimed at dismantling armed networks and restoring civil order, Bhalla said. The Governor also highlighted steps being taken to address the humanitarian fallout of the conflict. Several initiatives are underway to help displaced persons regain a sense of hope and rebuild their lives. The government has initiated dialogue with civil society organisations from Meitei, Kuki-Zo, and Naga communities to facilitate voluntary resettlement of internally displaced people under inclusive and secure conditions, he said. Manipur has been under Presidents Rule since February 13, 2025, after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned amid mounting pressure over his handling of the ethnic strife. The state assembly was placed under suspended animation as part of the constitutional intervention. The violence, which erupted in May 2023, has pitted the Imphal Valley-based Meitei community against the hill-dwelling Kuki-Zo groups. Clashes, arson, and retaliatory attacks have left deep ethnic scars and disrupted everyday life, even as efforts to bring the warring communities to the negotiation table continue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday interacted with the Indian community in the Maldives during his visit to the island nation. In a post on X following his interaction, PM Modi said, Interacted with the Indian community in the Maldives. It is commendable how they are contributing to the Maldives progress while remaining connected to their roots in India. Advertisement The Indian diaspora continues to be one of the strongest bridges between India and the world. We are very proud of our diaspora, the Prime Minister said in another post. Advertisement Modi also met with beneficiaries of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme. In another post on X, PM Modi wrote, It was a delight to interact with beneficiaries of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme. This initiative focuses on capacity building. The group included police officials, government officers, paramedics, and nurses. They truly embody the spirit of India-Maldives friendship and the deep-rooted ties that unite our two nations. Later, Modi emplaned for India after concluding his two-day visit to the Maldives, where he participated in the island nations 60th Independence Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour. In a post after wrapping up his visit, the Prime Minister stated, As I conclude this productive visit to the Maldives, I extend my heartfelt thanks to President Muizzu, the government, and the people of the Maldives for their warmth. I am deeply honoured to have witnessed the 60th Independence Day celebrations. The productive talks with President Muizzu will add significant energy to our bilateral relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid heartfelt tributes to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the nations pride during the Kargil War. On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, PM Modi said: This occasion reminds us of the unparalleled courage and valor of those brave sons of Mother India who dedicated their lives to protect the nations pride. Their passion to sacrifice everything for the motherland will continue to inspire every generation. Advertisement The Prime Ministers message comes as the nation remembers the sacrifices of the armed forces personnel who fought bravely during the Kargil War in 1999. The war was fought between India and Pakistan in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir, and it showcased the valor and determination of the Indian armed forces. Advertisement Rahul Gandhi, who is also the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, also offered tribute on the day. On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I offer my heartfelt tributes and countless salutations to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives while protecting the nation. India will forever remain indebted to them and their families, he said. On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said, On #KargilVijayDiwas, we extend our heartfelt greetings to the brave soldiers of our Armed Forces, ex-servicemen, their families and all fellow Indians. We bow in reverence and salute the supreme sacrifice of our martyrs who valiantly defended our motherland in the Kargil War. Their unflinching courage and valour will forever inspire generations. The Kargil War was a significant milestone in Indias military history, and it marked a turning point in the countrys relations with Pakistan. The war was sparked by the infiltration of Pakistani troops and militants into Kargil. The Indian armed forces launched a massive operation, known as Operation Vijay, to flush out the intruders and reclaim the territory. The operation was successful, and Indian forces recaptured key positions, including Point 4590 and Tiger Hill. The war ended on July 26, 1999, with the withdrawal of Pakistani troops and the restoration of the LoC. Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday took a jibe at Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, over his recent admission that he erred in not pushing for a caste census earlier and fell short in protecting the interests of the Other Backward Castes (OBCs). Chouhan stated that the Congress leader tends to realise things far too late. Advertisement Rahul ji understands very late. First, he apologised for the Emergency. Then he apologised for the Sikh riots. Then he apologised to OBC. What did Congress do for OBC? Congress did the work of crushing every possible step for the welfare of the OBC. He also apologised in the Rafale case, and for what Rahul Gandhi is doing now, he will apologise again after ten years. He never does the right thing and apologises after ten years, Chouhan told reporters in Delhi. Advertisement His remarks came a day after the Congress leader admitted his failure in understanding the OBC plight and not holding the caste census when his party was in power. He stressed that it was not the Congress party but he who erred in not pushing for the caste census earlier. Speaking at the Bhagidari Nyay Sammelan organised for the OBC community at Talkatora Stadium in Delhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said, I regret that if I had known more about your history and issues, I would have got the caste census conducted. That is my mistake and not that of the Congress. I am going to correct that mistake now. He, however, hailed his partys achievements and commended it for bringing the land acquisition bill, MGNREGA, the food bill, and the rights of tribal communities. The Gandhi scion also asserted that the recently held caste census in Telangana would trigger a massive political earthquake. Urging the OBC youths to recognize their strength and unite for their rights, the Congress leader said that the RSS was their biggest enemy. He also accused the right-wing organization of attempting to erase OBC history. The Ministry of Rural Development has entered into a significant partnership with the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) to realize the Government of Indias vision of Insurance for All by 2047, Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, announced on Saturday. We have accomplished the historic launch of the Bima Sakhi Yojana under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This scheme is not only a major step toward womens empowerment but also toward providing economic security to rural and semi-urban India. The central government is committed to making every woman in the country self-reliant and economically empowered, he stated in an official release. Advertisement The Minister described the Bima Sakhi Yojana as a robust platform for womens entrepreneurship and financial independence, underscoring the governments commitment to the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat set forth by Prime Minister Modi. Advertisement As part of the financial inclusion initiative under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), trained women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across the country will be appointed as Bima Sakhis at the Gram Panchayat level. Chouhan emphasized that the Bima Sakhi scheme is creating new employment opportunities in both urban and rural areas, particularly at the grassroots level, while enhancing womens participation in the workforce. Within this inclusive insurance ecosystem, Bima Sakhis will not only expand access to insurance schemes but also provide trust-based services to the last mile. He further noted that the initiative aligns with key government priorities and complements flagship schemes such as Jan-Dhan Se Jan Suraksha, Digital India, and Women Skill Development. By contributing to disaster resilience as well, the scheme aims to act as a financial shield for rural families affected by natural calamities. Bima Sakhis are not just insurance agents, but pioneers of social change. They are carrying the torch of financial security to every village, thereby strengthening rural economies and empowering women, Chouhan added. The Union Minister also urged all states and partner organizations to support this peoples movement and help extend the Bima Sakhi Yojana to every village and household across the country. The Bima Sakhi Yojana is a transformational initiative. Through this program, we aim to contribute significantly to building a resilient, inclusive, and insured India. It will provide a fresh impetus to the economic security and holistic development of our rural mothers and sisters, he concluded. Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president and Union Minister Chirag Paswan on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government in Bihar, saying that the law and order situation in the state has collapsed completely. In an apparent dig at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who also holds the crucial Home Department, Chirag said: I feel sad to be supporting a government where crime continues unchecked. Advertisement Talking to journalists in Patna on Saturday, the NDA leader said that incidents such as rape, murder, kidnapping, and dacoity are regularly happening in Bihar. One after another, a series of criminal incidents is occurring in the state. It seems that the administration has completely bowed down to the criminals. Advertisement He condemned the gang rape of a 26-year-old woman in a moving ambulance after collapsing during a Home Guard recruitment drive in Gaya. He said: Agreed, action has been taken in this case and the accused have been arrested as well. But my question is, how did they dare to do this? If this continues, the situation will be frightening; in fact, it already is. Reacting to the conspiracy theory linking rising crime to the upcoming elections in Bihar, he said: It is said that it is happening because of the election. It might be a conspiracy to defame the government. Even if I agree to this theory, it is the responsibility of the administration to control it. How can someone commit a crime if the administration is committed to stopping it? Either there is a collusion with the administration, or the administration is working to cover it up. Or the administration has become completely incompetent. And now it is not in their control to keep Bihar and the people of Bihar safe, he added. Chirags constant attack on Nitish Kumar for the deteriorating law and order situation in the state has created fissures in the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Bihar. Reacting to the LJP (R) leaders statement, JD(U) chief spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have faith in Nitish Kumar. He added that the people of Bihar, too, remain confident in Nitish Kumars leadership. He said: If someones mind is disturbed, its not a big issue. But when the heart is in one place and the soul in another, there is no end to that pain. Another NDA leader, Jitan Ram Manjhi, said that Chirag Paswans political career is very short. He has criticised the state government because he has not seen the situation Bihar has experienced in the past. In a post on X, Manjhi stated: I am proud to support a government in Bihar that does not compromise with crime and criminals. It not only uncovers every criminal incident but also sends the criminals involved in those incidents behind bars. We are proud that there is a government of good governance in Bihar under the NDAs leadership. Five months after its launch, NYSE Texas is debuting its first exchange-traded funds. On Thursday, the NYSE named the 13 funds that will be listed on the Dallas-headquartered exchange and dual-listed by Strive Asset Management. The funds will also continue to trade on the NYSE. We are delighted to welcome Strive as the first ETF issuer to dual-list on NYSE Texas, Timothy Reilly, head of exchange-traded solutions at the NYSE Group, said via a press release. ETF listings on NYSE Texas will further support the capital market community emanating from the state of Texas. The 13 Dual-Listed Funds The funds that are coming to NYSE Texas are: The Growing ETF Market in Texas In February, the NYSE announced its plans to relocate its Chicago operations to Dallas as the Lone Star State emerged as the state with the largest number of NYSE listings (more than $3.7 trillion in market value, according to the exchanges announcement at the time). Separately, the Texas stock exchange is planning to launch in early 2026 as more financial firms establish new operations on so-called Yall Street. The moves south mean that investors are getting more ways to invest in the booming financial hub, including BlackRocks iShares Texas Equity ETF (TEXN) which launched in June and has $12.32 million assets under management (AUM). At Strive, we believe capital markets thrive when they prioritize innovation, meritocracy, and maximizing shareholder value, Matt Cole, CEO at Strive said via Thursdays news release. Thats whats happening with NYSE Texas, and were proud to be the first ETF issuer listed on the exchange. Strive didnt immediately respond to etf.coms request for comment, and the NYSE pointed the news outlet back to Reillys comment from the press release. Permalink | Copyright 2025 etf.com. All rights reserved In the aftermath of the tragic deaths of seven children in a ceiling collapse at a government primary school in Piplodi village, Jhalawar district, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has directed officials to renovate dilapidated school buildings across the state. Based on feedback regarding the condition of school buildings and the need for repairs or renovation, the CM held a review meeting via video conferencing with all district collectors on Friday, and announced on Saturday that additional funds would be allocated for the repair and renovation of school buildings. Advertisement The state government has decided to repair or renovate school buildings as per requirements on a priority basis, an official spokesman said here. He added that, accordingly, the Chief Minister has ordered an increase in the quantum of grants and has also liberalised the norms for sanctioning funds to schools for this purpose. Advertisement Sharma announced an enhancement in the grant limit for repairs of government buildings, schools, and Anganwadi centres under the Daang, Magra, and Mewat Regional Development Schemes from 15% to 20%, the spokesman said. Besides, all MLAs in the state have been authorised to sanction funds from the MLALAD scheme for the repair of government buildings, schools, and Anganwadi centres constructed under any scheme. Moreover, they may now allocate up to 20% of their annual government-provided allocation for this purpose. Going beyond party lines, Chief Minister Sharma has appealed to all Rajasthan MLAs to give priority to recommending the repair of school and Anganwadi buildings, the spokesman added. Meanwhile, a pall of gloom hung over the PiplodiManohar Thana block of Jhalawar as the cremation of the seven children who died in the school ceiling collapse was carried out by grieving families and villagers with heavy hearts. Former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, whose son Dushyant Singh represents the Jhalawar parliamentary constituency in the Lok Sabha, visited Piplodi and Manohar Thana on Friday evening to offer her condolences over the deaths of the schoolchildren. She visited the accident site and hospitals to meet the injured children. A two-time former CM and former MP from the Jhalawar parliamentary constituency, she also met the bereaved families to offer her condolences. Saddened by the tragic incident, Raje appealed to everyone, particularly the Opposition parties, to exercise restraint and refrain from giving a political twist to the tragedy. This is a tragic situation. No one should indulge in politics over the deaths of children; we will get many other opportunities for politics, she said. The opposition Congress state president, Govind Singh Dotasra, also expressed similar sentiments. This comes against the backdrop of criticism from political activists who sought to hold the government responsible for the alleged apathy of school staff, which they claimed contributed to the mishap. Many Congress leaders, including Dotasra, along with the Rajasthan chapter of the PUCL, even demanded the resignation of Education Minister Madan Dilawar. Three members of the banned Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad (JJMP) were killed in an exchange of fire with security forces in the forested area near Lava Dag under Ghaghra police station limits in Gumla district on Saturday morning. According to the police, Superintendent of Police Haris Bin Zama had received intelligence on 25 July regarding the presence of JJMP cadres in the region. The group was reportedly moving through the hilly terrain, allegedly with the intention of executing an attack. Advertisement Following the input, a joint operation team comprising personnel from the Gumla district police and Jharkhand Jaguar was formed under the leadership of the Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Gumla. Advertisement In the early hours of 26 July, the team came under fire during a search operation. The police returned fire in what they described as an act of self-defence. Three JJMP operatives were killed in the encounter. One of the deceased has been identified as Dilip Lohra, who, according to police, held the rank of sub-zonal commander within the outfit. The identities of the other two are yet to be confirmed. The security forces recovered one AK-47 rifle and two INSAS rifles from the site. An SLR and a quantity of ammunition were also seized. A search operation is underway in the surrounding areas. The police said the operation involved personnel from Ghaghra, Bishunpur and Gumla police stations along with Jharkhand Jaguar. The district police said further verification and follow-up action are in progress. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said that PM Narendra Modis popularity, being at the highest level, is a matter of pride for every citizen. Pathak wrote on his social media account, The popularity of our countrys successful Prime Minister Narendra Modi being at the highest level is not only a matter of pride for the countrymen, but it has also become a solid identity of Indias power and capability at the global level. Advertisement Pathak said that the credit for this unique popularity of the Prime Minister on the global stage goes to his strong and excellent leadership, which is reflected in his policies and ideas along with his vision. Advertisement He said that this popularity of the PM proves that his leadership is not only taking India forward, but is also establishing India as an important partner at the international level. The impact of the decisions and policies of the Prime Minister can be clearly seen on the international stage, he added. It is noteworthy that, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again emerged as the most popular leader in the world. In the latest list released by business intelligence company Morning Consult, PM Modi remains at the top with an approval rating of 75 percent of people. BJP leader Amit Malviya gave this information while sharing a post and said that Prime Minister Modi is not only loved by more than a billion people in India, but crores of people all over the world respect him. It was the usual school dispersal, and all the children were walking with their guardians who had come to pick them up, chattering away about their days happenings. I overheard one very short conversation between a mother and her daughter, who, I later learnt, was in class 3. The mother said, So what happened in school today? and the daughter started excitedly, You know in art at which the mother stopped her and asked with a tinge of irritation, No I meant what happened in subjects? The girl innocently looked at her mother and asked, Is art not a subject? Is it? Well, probably not in the sense in which English, Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Geography, History and Computers are. And that is the fundamental flaw in our inherently burdensome education system which leaves absolutely no space for nurturing of creativity. Instead of letting our children grow into artistic creativity, it more often than not, stifles any spark of originality and creativity that children intrinsically possess. Albert Einstein had said, The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is the faithful servant. Advertisement We have created a society that honours the servant and has forgotten the gift. Indeed, how did we create such a society? Sir Ken Robinson, British author, speaker and international advisor on education, whose TED Talk Do sch ools kill creativity? was the most watched TED talk of all time, with 66.3 million views and was translated into 62 languages, argued as follows: Our education system is predicated on the idea of academic ability. And theres a reason. Around the world, there were no public systems of education, really, before the 19th century. They all came into being to meet the needs of industrialism. Advertisement So the hierarchy is rooted on two ideas. Number one, that the most useful subjects for work are at the top. So you were probably steered benignly away from things at school when you were a kid, things you liked, on the grounds that you would never get a job doing that. Dont do music, youre not going to be a musician; dont do art, you wont be an artist. And the second is academic ability, which has really come to dominate our view of intelligence, because the universities designed the system in their image. If you think of it, the whole system of public education around the world is a protracted process of university entrance. And the consequence is that many highly-talented, brilliant, creative people think theyre not, because the thing they were good at in school wasnt valued, or was actually stigmatized. And I think we cant afford to go on that way. In terms of what Einstein rued and Sir Ken Robinson explained, human history has ended up creating a system that honours and churns out excellent exam takers, excellent clerks, excellent data collectors, excellent bookkeepers, but theres literally no recognition and appreciation for creative talents and skills like art, music and dance. We, in India, are encumbered in an education system thats mired in an outdated colonial legacy wholly geared towards churning out excellent clerks (who would presumably help the British run revenue collection and administrative duties smoothly). In a typical ICSE board school, with higher classes and increasing academic pressure, most creative classes are dispensed with ~ (in my own experience at one of the schools) art period was discontinued from class 6, music class from class 7, and even the music room in the school has now been converted into an AI lab. We indeed are stuck in a very wrong kind of society where people who are the least creative earn the most and have all the limelight, whereas writers and poets and artists languish away in poverty and deprivation. And basically the message we learn right from school is that if you do AI you have a bright future, but if you draw The principal, of course, says she is helpless ~ they have to accommodate 11 subjects, with fixed number of periods for English, Maths, Bengali etc. And as Robinson says, no school in the world teaches dance every day of the week the way they teach maths. He asks, why not? Because children actually dance around quite a bit. He goes on to give the example of Gillian Lynne who was an English ballerina, dancer, choreographer, actress, and theatre-television director, noted for her theatre choreography associated with two of the longest-running shows in Broadway history, Cats and The Phantom of the Opera. When Gillian was at school in the 1930s she really underperformed, and the school wrote to her parents, We think Gillian has a learning disorder. She couldnt concentrate; she was fidgeting. So her mother took her to a doctor. In the end, the doctor went and sat next to Gillian, and said, Ive listened to all these things your mothers told me, I need to speak to her privately. Wait here. Well be back; we wont be very long, and they went and left her. But as they went out of the room, he turned on the radio that was sitting on his desk. And when they got out, he said to her mother, Just stand and watch her. And the minute they left the room, she was on her feet, moving to the music. And they watched for a few minutes and he turned to her mother and said, Mrs. Lynne, Gillian isnt sick; shes a dancer. Take her to a dance school. She was eventually auditioned for the Royal Ballet School; she became a soloist; she had a wonderful career at the Royal Ballet. She eventually graduated from the Royal Ballet School, founded the Gillian Lynne Dance Company. Shes been responsible for some of the most successful musical theatre productions in history, shes given pleasure to millions, and shes a multi-millionaire. Somebody else might have put her on medication and told her to calm down. (Do Schools Kill Creativity? Ken Robinson) How many dancers, especially in our country, would be as fortunate as Gillian? Let us think of our very own Tagore, for example. He was home schooled, and his account of his childhood days (chhelebyala) is strewn with references to his hatred for school (in the few years he attended it). He in fact compares his hours in school to being imprisoned in cellular jail in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Instead, he spent all his time travelling to various places, meeting all kinds of people, reading and writing of course. Imagine what Tagore would have grown up into had he been in one of todays schools. (The writer is Associate Professor, Economic Research Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata) Efforts to end the relentless siege of Gaza have been set back by the abrupt end to peace talks in Qatar. Both the United States and Israel have withdrawn their negotiating teams, accusing Hamas of a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire. US President Donald Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff says it would appear Hamas never wanted a deal: While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith. We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people in Gaza. The disappointing development coincides with mounting fears of a widespread famine in Gaza and a historic decision by France to formally recognise a Palestinian state. French President Emmanuel Macron says there is no alternative for the sake of security of the Middle East: True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the State of Palestine. What will these developments mean for the conflict in Gaza and the broader security of the Middle East? The failure to reach a truce means there is no end in sight to the Israeli siege of Gaza which has devastated the territory for more than 21 months. Amid mounting fears of mass starvation, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Gaza is in the grip of a humanitarian catastrophe. Advertisement He is urging Israel to comply immediately with its obligations under international law: Israels denial of aid and the killing of civilians, including children, seeking access to water and food cannot be defended or ignored. According to the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, more than 100 people most of them children have died of hunger. One in five children in Gaza City is malnourished, with the number of cases rising every day. Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini says with little food aid entering Gaza, people are neither dead nor alive, they are walking corpses [] most children our teams are seeing are emaciated, weak and at high risk of dying if they dont get the treatment they urgently need. Advertisement The UN and more than 100 aid groups blame Israels blockade of almost all aid into the territory for the lack of food. Lazzarini says UNRWA has 6,000 trucks of emergency supplies waiting in Jordan and Egypt. He is urging Israel which continues to blame Hamas for cases of malnutrition to allow the humanitarian assistance into Gaza. The latest ceasefire proposal was reportedly close to being agreed by both parties. It included a 60-day truce, during which time Hamas would release ten living Israeli hostages and the remains of 18 others. In exchange, Israel would release a number of Palestinian prisoners, and humanitarian aid to Gaza would be significantly increased. During the ceasefire, both sides would engage in negotiations toward a lasting truce. While specific details of the current sticking points remain unclear, previous statements from both parties suggest the disagreement centres on what would follow any temporary ceasefire. Israel is reportedly seeking to maintain a permanent military presence in Gaza to allow for a rapid resumption of operations if needed. In contrast, Hamas is demanding a pathway toward a complete end to hostilities. A lack of mutual trust has dramatically clouded the negotiations. From Israels perspective, any ceasefire must not result in Hamas regaining control of Gaza, as this would allow the group to rebuild its power and potentially launch another cross-border attack. However, Hamas has repeatedly said it is willing to hand over power to any other Palestinian group in pursuit of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders. This could include the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), which governs the West Bank and has long recognised Israel. Israeli leaders have occasionally paid lip service to a Palestinian state. But they have described such an entity as less than a state or a stateminus a formulation that falls short of both Palestinian aspirations and international legal standards. In response to the worsening humanitarian situation, some Western countries have moved to fully recognise a Palestinian state, viewing it as a step toward a permanent resolution of one of the longest-running conflicts in the Middle East. Macrons announcement France will officially recognise a full Palestinian state in September is a major development. France is now the most prominent Western power to take this position. It follows more than 140 countries including more than a dozen in Europe that have already recognised statehood. While largely symbolic, the move adds diplomatic pressure on Israel amid the ongoing war and aid crisis in Gaza. However, the announcement was immediately condemned by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who claimed recognition rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became. A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel not to live in peace beside it. A Palestinian state is unacceptable to Israel. Further evidence was recently presented in a revealing TV interview by former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak who stated Netanyahu had deliberately empowered Hamas in order to block a twostate solution. Instead there is mounting evidence Israel is seeking to annex the entirety of Palestinian land and relocate Palestinians to neighbouring countries. Given the current uncertainty, it appears unlikely a new ceasefire will be reached in the near future, especially as it remains unclear whether the US withdrawal from the negotiations was a genuine policy shift or merely a strategic negotiating tactic. (The writer is Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University. This article was published on www.theconversation.com) The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) asserted that its members killed at least seven Pakistani soldiers during a military engagement lasting three days in the mountainous region of Noshki, with four BLA fighters losing their lives in the process. The group also reported the death of another fighter who had been severely injured in a previous assault in Surab, according to the report by The Balochistan Post (TBP). A statement from BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch stated that the Pakistani military initiated a substantial offensive on July 19 in the Noshki area, utilising helicopters and drones for support. In retaliation, BLA fighters conducted combat operations in various locations to impede the militarys progress, TBP reported. The spokesperson noted that the fiercest clashes occurred at a site known as Sheshari, where both sides engaged in close-quarters combat that lasted for two days. The BLA alleges that seven special commandos were killed and numerous others were injured. The group admitted that four of its fighters died during this conflict. The BLA pledged to pursue its armed struggle with increased vigour and expressed its dedication to the cause of national liberation, TBP report revealed. Advertisement The BLAs attack on Pakistani forces is part of a prolonged insurgency in Balochistan, where separatist groups have been fighting for greater autonomy and the acknowledgement of Baloch rights. The conflict has escalated in recent years, with assaults targeting military, paramilitary personnel, and government facilities. These factions contend that the Baloch people are being marginalised and exploited by the federal government, particularly because of the regions rich natural resources. In response, Pakistans military has carried out counterinsurgency operations aimed at quelling the rebellion. Nevertheless, human rights organisations have raised alarms over claims of forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the excessive use of force during these operations. Advertisement Reports have brought to light the significant issue of forced disappearances, with activists and civilians allegedly detained without proper legal procedures. Additionally, the militarys heavy-handed methods are also facing scrutiny. Human rights advocates have stated that these actions create a climate of fear and instability, further widening the rift between the Pakistani government and the Baloch populace. The Indian medical team, currently visiting Bangladesh, held the second round of consultations with doctors at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka. The medical team continued their mission to provide medical support to Bangladesh authorities for treatment of critically injured patients in the aftermath of the plane crash of July 21 at Milestone School and College in Dhaka, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka said in a post on social media platform X. Advertisement They visited some of the patients and observed their prognosis, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka said. Advertisement The team further deliberated management protocols with the doctors at the Institute and provided critical inputs for treatment methodology. The Indian medical team, now in Dhaka to help provide treatment to Milestone crash victims, held detailed medical consultations with senior officials of the Bangladesh Ministry of Health and doctors at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka. They reviewed each of the critical cases, exchanged views on the treatment methodologies, and conveyed their assessment on future course of treatment. The visit of the Indian doctors and nursing officials follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis assurance to extend all possible assistance and support to Bangladesh in the wake of the tragic incident of plane crash in Dhaka on July 21. Earlier on July 24, the visiting Indian medical team held detailed consultations with senior officials of the Bangladesh Ministry of Health and doctors at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka, reviewing critical cases from Mondays horrific plane crash. The Indian experts also exchanged views on the treatment methodologies and conveyed their assessment on future course of treatment for the admitted patients. The Indian medical team visiting Bangladesh began their visit by holding detailed medical consultations with senior officials of the Bangladesh Ministry of Health & doctors at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka. They reviewed each of the critical cases, exchanged views on the treatment methodologies and conveyed their assessment on future course of treatment. The visit of the Indian doctors & nursing officials follows PM Narendra Modis assurance to extend all possible assistance and support to Bangladesh in the wake of the tragic incident of plane crash in Dhaka on 21 July 2025, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X. The crash occurred when a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training aircraft slammed into the Milestone School and College campus in Dhakas Uttara on Monday, which has claimed 32 lives so far and injured over 162 people. As investigations continue into the cause of the crash, Indias medical outreach is expected to play a vital role in the recovery of survivors and the broader healing process. A specialised team of doctors from India had arrived in Bangladesh late Wednesday evening to treat the burn victims of the fighter jet crash. The team includes doctors and nurses from Delhis Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Safdarjung Hospital two of Indias leading centres for burn treatment and plastic surgery. Earlier, PM Modi had expressed condolences over the tragedy and assured Bangladesh of Indias full support. In a statement shared on Monday on X, PM Modi wrote, Deeply shocked and saddened at the loss of lives, many of them young students, in a tragic air crash in Dhaka. Our hearts go out to the bereaved families. We pray for the swift recovery of those injured. India stands in solidarity with Bangladesh and is ready to extend all possible support and assistance. In a follow-up to his message, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka formally reached out to the Bangladeshi government, offering critical medical assistance for the injured. Indias swift response underscores the humanitarian dimension of its regional diplomacy and reflects the strong bilateral ties between the two nations. Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has supported the United States move to designate The Resistance Front (TRF) as a terrorist organization. The TRF, which India believes is a front and proxy for the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, had claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Advertisement Speaking at an event in Washington, Dar said, It is obviously a sovereign decision of the United States to designate the TRF. We have no issue. And we welcome, if they have any evidence, that they are involved, Dar said. Advertisement His remarks were in stark contrast with the earlier stance of Pakistan. In April, Dar had stated that Pakistan blocked the mention of TRF in the UNSCs condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack. The minister, however, said it was not right to link TRF to the Lashkar-e-Taiba, claiming the outfit was dismantled by Pakistan years ago. Linking the TRF to the Lashkar-e-Taiba is wrong. That outfit was dismantled years ago by Pakistan. The actors were prosecuted, arrested and jailed, and the entire outfit was destroyed, he added. Earlier this month, the United States designated TRF as foreign terrorist organization (FTO) and specially designated global terrorist (SDGT). In a statement issued by US Secretary Marco Rubio it was stated that the Department of State is adding The Resistance Front (TRF) as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). TRF and other associated aliases have been added to LeTs designation as a FTO and SDGT pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, respectively. According to sources, the TRF was founded in October 2019 post post-abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. With its origin rooted in Kashmir (Pakistan-supported), it is part of its Lashkar-e-Taiba. At the behest of LeT, TRF is involved in undertaking activities pertaining to executing terror attacks, recruitment for the outfit and spreading propaganda against India. Apart from targeting civilians, minorities, tourists, and security forces, TRF was raised by Pakistan and particularly LeT to avoid Financial Action Task Force (FATF) scrutiny and global bans along with gaining local sympathy, and masking foreign sponsorship as local resistance, as per the source. Pakistan continues with its spree of crimes against Baloch youth, leading Baloch body Paank shared the details on Thursday of forcible disappearances where civilians have been targeted by state forces and affiliated death squads. Paank, Baloch National Movements Human Rights Department, reported a rise in the cases of enforced disappearances across Balochistan. It shared the names of people were forcibly disappeared by Pakistani forces in different regions of Balochistan. Between July 20 and July 23, 2025, three Baloch individuals were forcibly disappeared by Pakistani forces in different regions of Balochistan- Shoaib Baloch, son of Master Sharif, was abducted on July 20 in Panjgur District. He is a resident of Zeelag, Jahoo Tehsil, Awaran District. Dil Jaan, son of Khuda Bakhsh, was abducted on July 22 from Minaz Tehsil Buleda, district Kech, by a state-backed death squad. Qamber Noor, son of Noor Bakhsh, was forcibly disappeared on July 23 from his shop in the Jusak area of Turbat. He is a resident of Zeerdan, Buleda. Paank strongly condemned the continued acts of enforced disappearances in Balochistan. Calling the abductions violation of international law and human rights, it said, The targeting of civilians, particularly youth, by state forces and affiliated death squads is a grave violation of human rights and international law. Paank calls on international human rights organizations and the United Nations to intervene and hold Pakistan accountable for its systematic campaign of enforced disappearances and repression in Balochistan. https://x.com/paank_bnm/status/1948419466456367519 Families of Baloch missing persons have been staging a sit-in protest in Islamabad for eight consecutive days, pressing for the recovery of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders and an end to enforced disappearances in Balochistan, the Balochistan Post reported on Thursday. This sit-in is part of a broader series of demonstrations aimed at raising awareness about enforced disappearances in Balochistan, a long-standing and sensitive human rights concern. Despite repeated promises from authorities, there has been minimal progress in addressing the issues raised by affected families, many of whom have been searching for years to find out what happened to their loved ones, as highlighted by the TBP report. Balochistan has been the focus of persistent human rights concerns for decades. Advertisement The region has faced cycles of violence involving separatist movements, heavy military presence, enforced disappearances, and economic marginalisation. These issues have drawn attention from human rights organisations, journalists, and international observers. Human rights groups have long accused Pakistani authorities of abducting civilians in Balochistan without due process, using enforced disappearances to suppress dissent and intimidate communities in restive areas. Pakistani authorities routinely deny these allegations, but civil society continues to condemn the security forces role in systematic abductions targeting students, political workers, and residents. Advertisement During Prime Minister Narendra Modis state visit to Male on the invitation of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, several agreements across diverse sectors were signed on Friday which reaffirmed the bilateral partnership between India and Maldives, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi said: This is indication of how strong, deep-rooted and extensive the India-Maldives friendship is. Advertisement Several memorandum of understanding were signed between PM Modi and President Muizzu which includes: agreement for a Line of Credit (LoC) of Rs 4,850 crore to Maldives; amendatory agreement on reducing annual debt repayment obligations of Maldives on Indian government-funded LoCs; to launch the India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (FTA)-Terms of Reference finalised; MoU on cooperation in the field of Fisheries and Aquaculture; MoU between the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Maldives Meteorological Services (MMS), Ministry of Tourism and Environment; MoU on cooperation in the field of sharing successful digital solutions implemented at population scale for digital transformation between Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of India and the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology of Maldives; MoU on recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) by Maldives; network-to-network agreement between Indias NPCI International Payment Limited (NIPL) and Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) on Unified Payments Interface in Maldives, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement. Advertisement PM Modi and President Muizzu also jointly released commemorative stamps on 60th anniversary of establishment of India-Maldives diplomatic relations, MEA Spokesperson Jaiswal added. Strengthening the bilateral ties between India and Maldives was reaffirmed by PM Modi and President Muizzu such as handing over of 3,300 social housing units in Hulhumale, Maldives, under Indias Buyers Credit facilities; inauguration of roads and drainage system project in Addu city in Maldives; inauguration of 6 High Impact Community Development Projects in Maldives; handing over of 72 vehicles and other equipment; handing over of two BHISHM Health Cube sets; and inauguration of the Ministry of Defence Building in Male. On behalf of people of India, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu and the people of Maldives on the historic occasion of the 60th anniversary of their Independence, PM Modi said in a joint press statement with President Muizzu. On the historic occasion, PM Modi also thanked President Muizzu for inviting him as the Guest of Honour on the 60th anniversary of independence of Maldives. This year also marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives. However, the roots of our relationship are older than history itself and is as deep as the ocean. The commemorative stamp released today, featuring the traditional boats of both our countries is a reflection of the fact that we are not just neighbours, but also fellow voyagers on a shared journey, the Prime Minister said, the MEA quoted in a press statement. India is the closest neighbour of the Maldives. The Maldives holds a key place in both Indias Neighbourhood First policy and our MAHASAGAR vision. India also takes pride in being the Maldivess most trusted friend. Be it natural disasters or pandemics, India has always stood by the Maldives as the First Responder. Whether it was ensuring the supply of essential commodities or supporting economic recovery post-Covid, India has always worked hand-in-hand with the Maldives, PM Modi added. During President Muizzus visit to India in October 2024, both India and Maldives shared a vision for a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership, which is now becoming a reality with our bilateral ties reaching new heights, and several important projects also been inaugurated as well, he said. The four thousand social housing units built with Indias support will now mark a new beginning for many families in the Maldives a place they can truly call home. Projects like the Greater Male Connectivity Project, the Addu Road Development Project, and the redevelopment of Hanimaadhoo International Airport will transform this entire region into a vital hub for transit and economic activity, PM Modi noted. Very soon, with the launch of the ferry system, connectivity between the various islands will become even easier. After that, distances between islands will not be measured by GPS, but simply by ferry time! he said. To give a new momentum to our development partnership, we have decided to extend a Line of Credit of $565 million nearly five thousand crore rupees to the Maldives. This will be used for infrastructure development projects aligned with the priorities of the Maldivian people, PM Modi added. We have taken several steps to accelerate our economic partnership. To boost mutual investment, we will soon work towards finalising a Bilateral Investment Treaty. Discussions on a Free Trade Agreement have also begun. Our goal now is From paperwork to prosperity! the Prime Minister said. Wth the local currency settlement system, trade can now take place directly in Rupees and Rufiyaa. The rapid adoption of UPI in the Maldives will further strengthen both tourism and the retail sectors, he added. Cooperation in the field of defence and security is a reflection of mutual trust. The Ministry of Defence building, being inaugurated today, is a concrete symbol of that trust an embodiment of our strong partnership, PM Modi said. Our collaboration will now also extend to weather science. No matter what the weather, our friendship will always remain bright and clear! he added. India will continue to support the development of Maldives defence capabilities. Peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region is our shared objective. Together, through the Colombo Security Conclave, we will strengthen regional maritime security, he said. Climate change is a major challenge for both our nations. We have agreed to promote renewable energy, and in this area, India will share its experience with the Maldives, he added. Once again, on this historic occasion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and the people of Maldives. I also thank you all for the warm welcome. Ireaffirm that India will stand with Maldives at every step on its path to development and prosperity, PM Modi concluded his speech, thanking President Muizzu. The share price of Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE:BTU) surged by 16.53% between July 15 and July 22, 2025, putting it among the Energy Stocks that Gained the Most This Week. Peabody Energy (BTU) Surged by Over 16% This Week. Here is Why. A coal miner in a thick protective suit and helmet drilling for coal under bright lights. Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE:BTU) is a leading coal producer, providing essential products for the production of affordable, reliable energy and steel. Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE:BTU) was among the coal stocks that gained this week after the Chinese government warned that it may shutter coal mines guilty of producing above permitted levels, as part of a crackdown on overmining. According to a report by Bloomberg, Chinas National Energy Administration is carrying out monthlong inspections in eight provinces and regions, including the biggest coal hubs, as part of a crackdown on overmining that it says has distorted the market. The American coal sector also received a boost last month following the passage of President Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill, which mandates at least 4 million additional acres of federal land be made available for mining. Moreover, the legislation allows producers of metallurgical coal, like Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE:BTU), to claim an advanced manufacturing production tax credit available for critical minerals. While we acknowledge the potential of BTU 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: 10 Best Nuclear Energy Stocks to Buy Right Now and The 5 Energy Stocks Billionaires are Quietly Piling Into. Disclosure: None. In a moment infused with diplomatic grace and historical resonance, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Friday extended heartfelt congratulations to the visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, lauding his achievement as Indias second-longest-serving PM in consecutive terms. Addressing a formal banquet in honour of Prime Minister Modi at Male, President Muizzu hailed the milestone of 4,078 consecutive days in office as emblematic of his unwavering commitment to public service and dedication to the progress and prosperity of the Indian people. Advertisement The ceremony reflected a warm reciprocation of bilateral goodwill. Advertisement Tonight we are delighted to reciprocate that friendship and goodwill in the spirit of the closed ties between the two nations. First of all let me convey my heartiest congratulation to your excellency on becoming second longest serving prime minister of India today. This remarkable milestone 4,078 consecutive days in the office is a testament to your unwavering commitment public service and dedication to the progress and prosperity of the Indian people, President Muizzu said. Prime Minister Modi arrived earlier in the day at Velana International Airport following his landmark visit to the UK. In a notable gesture, President Muizzu personally received him at the airport, accompanied by senior members of his Cabinet including the Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, Finance Minister and Minister of Homeland Security. PM Modis visit is at the gracious invitation of President Muizzu, in the context of Maldives 60th Independence Day celebrations, where he is participating as the Guest of Honour. The occasion is not only symbolic of the enduring ties between the two nations, but also a reminder of Indias early recognition of Maldivian independence in 1965. The diplomatic encounter is seen as an opportunity to reframe bilateral relations and reaffirm mutual interests in the Indian Ocean region. The presence of Prime Minister Modi during such a landmark celebration signals Indias continued support for regional stability, maritime cooperation, and cultural dialogue. Meanwhile, with the completion of 4,078 uninterrupted days in office, Prime Minister Modi surpasses the tenure of late former PM Indira Gandhis unbroken stretch of 4,077 days between 1966 and 1977. This historic threshold consolidates PM Modis place in Indias political chronology and deepens the narrative of sustained leadership under his stewardship. Sometimes the truth hides before us in plain sight, but we let ourselves get distracted. Our Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar submits his resignation citing health issues, but everyone thinks its an excuse. The real reasonsay political pundits, politicians and paparazziis that Mr Dhankhar has crossed a red line. Which line? When did he cross it? About that, they are not sure. They try and read between the lines, even though the VPs resignation letter is little more than a single line. ALSO READ | Jagdeep Dhankhar: An 'illegal' appointment 3 months earlier may have led to VP's resignation, claims report Which brings us back to the heart of the matter: VP Dhankhars health. Here then, is his latest medical bulletin, and you can see for yourself what a sorry shape he is in. To all appearances, the vice president was doing all he could to ingratiate himself to the people who needed ingratiating: bending, bowing, and scrapingbut it was felt that he was not bending deep enough or scraping hard enough. Medical science experts say this is an early warning signal of the patient developing a backbonea dangerous, potentially painful condition for a leader in his position. Its also possible that the chairman of the Rajya Sabha suffers from a stiff neck. Indeed, it may have been observed that he has not been nodding vigorously and quickly enough to all the suggestions that came from the direction of the government. These are tell-tale symptoms of selective spondylitis. A clear case of being unfit to hold high office! ALSO READ | From Ram Nath Thakur to Harivansh Singh: Meet probable front-runners for vice president post As if all this was not bad enough, Jagdeep Dhankhar also betrayed signs of finding his own voiceagain an occupational hazard. He had begun expressing his views on Justice Varma and key judicial matters. We all know that such talk is an alarming sign of the patient losing it. Normal, healthy adults only echo views already expressed and widely circulated by the Press Information Bureau (PIB). Okay, you can change a word here and there, but you certainly cannot say something that is not part of the script. This does not mean that you cant have your own viewsof course you can, but like bathroom singing, its not for public airing. To compound matters, there also appears to be a problem with the Mr Dhankhar's vision. He often did not see eye-to-eye with authority. Whether it was his keenness to meet his American counterpart or go on foreign trips like his predecessors had done, Mr Dhankhar appeared to see things differently. Clearly, there was an urgent need for corrective surgery. ALSO READ | Vice President election: Key appointments made following Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation Ill as he was, however, theres one area in which the patient defied the doctors prescription. They had expected that he would pocket all the slights he was subjected to without a murmur of protest. What the doctors didnt realise was that the old war horse still had the stomach for a confrontation. So, he did what no vice president in the country has done before in similar conditions: he resigned, and all hell broke loose. As it turns out, the old man does have the balls for a fight. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood alongside Britains new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, to witness the signing of the long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in London, the symbolism mattered as much as the economics. For India, it was the closure of a chapter that had dragged on for two decades; Britain, still adjusting to life outside the European Union, was a rare chance to reclaim some of the global market access Brexit had cost. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday termed the FTA as a game-changing pact that was made possible due to the trust and leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The FTA, which comprises 30 chapters, is expected to be placed before Parliament for approval. It is a win-win agreementcomprehensive, inclusive and balancedthat will benefit our farmers, fishermen, workers, youth, MSMEs and labour-intensive industries, Goyal said. The FTA was signed during PM Modis visit to the UK, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer was also present. The agreement was signed by Goyal and the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds. S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs and Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, were also present. Goyal said the FTA is win-win as Indian dairy and agriculture have been protected. On the sensitive dairy sector, Goyal clarified, No opening has been allowed in dairy. Prime Minister Modi was clear that our farmers and dairy sector must be protected. Duties on dairy will remain in place, Goyal insisted, a remark that underscores the domestic balancing act behind the deal. But 95 pr cent of Indias agricultural and processed food products will now get duty-free access to the UK market. Our spices and 99 per cent of our fisheries products have secured zero-duty entry. Textiles, footwear, gems and jewellery, and pharmaceuticals will also enjoy zero duty. This will enable our MSMEs to go global, he said. The minister also noted that the iconic Kolhapuri chappal has received geographical indication (GI) recognition and will now gain global exposure. Kolhapuri chappals represent a 8,000-10,000 crore industry. It is a beautiful product, and I spent my childhood wearing them, he said. Because of PM Modis trust and global standing, we have been able to close a deal that had been hanging fire for two decades, Goyal said, addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters. He described the agreement as the largest, most important and comprehensive trade pact India has signed with the UK, a developed economy and the worlds sixth-largest. The agreement also addresses social security contributions under the Double Contribution Convention. Over one lakh Indians are currently engaged in short-term services in the UK, but 25 per cent of their salaries used to get deducted for social security. Unless they stayed for over 10 years, they couldnt get it back, Goyal said. Now, under the new arrangement, professionalswhether in IT, hospitality, as chefs, or yoga instructorscan work for up to three years and contribute to EPFO in India. They will earn tax-free interest and accumulate funds for their pension, he added. Goyal called the FTA a common prosperity scheme that reflects Modis vision of mutual growth and collaboration. Our products will get preferential treatment and duty-free access, while we have successfully safeguarded sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy. It sends a big message for Indias economic trajectory in the coming years, he said. For Britain, starved of major trade deals since leaving the EU, India is both a market and a strategic partner. The deal also signals the growing convergence of political interests between New Delhi and London. With the latest Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the United Kingdom, India adds one more free trade agreement (FTA) ahead of the nation deep in negotiations with the European Union and, famously, Donald Trumps United States. Back in May, Indias chief negotiator, L. Satya Srinivas, followed up after Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal visited Europe, where he met his counterpart, Maros Sefcovic, the European Commissioner for Trade. Then, in June, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, while speaking at the German Marshall Fund (GMF) Forum in Brussels, expressed confidence in the year-end timeline set for the completion of the India-EU FTA. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Vision 2035 during the latest India-UK FTA announcement, and all of this would get a huge lift if India manages to close the massive free trade deal with the US this year. But it doesnt stop thereIndia is not shying away from more free trade deals. In fact, it now looks to the island nation of New Zealand, in a bid to enhance trade flows, support investment linkages, promote supply chain resilience, and establish a predictable and enabling environment for businesses in both countries. The Ministry of Commerce confirmed that the second round of proposed FTA negotiations with New Zealand was concluded on July 25. The trade deal talks, which began in March, will now enter the third round in September. Indias bilateral merchandise trade with New Zealand was up 48 per cent year-on-year to $1.3 billion in FY2024-2025. The Third Round of negotiations is scheduled to be held in New Zealand in September 2025, read the ministry statement, The inter-sessional virtual meetings will maintain the forward trajectory set in the second round. In the second round of talks, the ministry stated that it saw a significant advancement in multiple areas, including Trade in Goods and Services, Investment, Rules of Origin, Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation, Technical Barriers to Trade, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, and Economic Cooperation. This story was originally published on Food Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Food Dive newsletter. PepsiCo is closing part of its operations at a Detroit facility as the snack and beverage giant aims to bring production in line with sagging consumer demand. The company said in a Michigan WARN notice it will discontinue its production, maintenance and transport operations at the beverage facility on Sept. 27. PepsiCo said its warehouse, fleet, delivery, sales and field-service technician teams will continue to operate at the location. Approximately 83 people will be laid off as part of the move, according to the WARN notice. We are committed to supporting those impacted through this transition, and we are offering pay and benefits to impacted employees," PepsiCo said in a statement. The partial closure marks the latest move by the New York-based company to consolidate operations. Last year, it announced it would shutter bottling plants in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Georgia. PepsiCo also has closed snack facilities in New York and California. PepsiCos beverage business has struggled as consumers continue to shift away from sugar-laden offerings. In the companys most recent quarter, volumes in its North American beverage operations fell 2% despite strength in Pepsi Zero Sugar. Still, the performance marked a slight improvement from the 3% drop the unit posted in 2024. Earlier this week, PepsiCo announced it will launch prebiotic versions of its namesake soda this fall to attract health-conscious consumers back to its Pepsi brand. Recommended Reading A dramatic family succession battle has erupted within Sona Comstar, an auto empire worth about 30,000 crore, after its chairman Sunjay Kapur passed away last month during a polo match in the UK. His mother, Rani Kapur, levelled allegations that she was left out of making key decisions after being excluded from Friday's Annual General Meeting. She claimed that the decision to appoint her daughter-in-law, Priya Sachdev Kapur, as a non-executive director and representative of the family was made without her consent. She also said that such decisions were an attempt to usurp the family legacy. The company refuted the claim and said that board decisions followed all the due process and shareholder approval. Who was Sunjay Kapur? Industrialist Sunjay Kapur, 53, collapsed during a polo match at the Guards Polo Club, UK, on June 12. Reports say that he died due to a fatal heart attack caused by bee ingestion. He is survived by two children, Samaira and Kiaan, from his previous marriage to Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor. He married Priya Sachdev, the daughter of car dealer Ashok Sachdev, in 2017. Priya was a model in Delhi and also the co-founder of Rock N Shop, one of Indias early commercial platforms. The couple have a son, Azarias. Kapur succeeded his father in 2015, after which he transformed Sona Comstar into a global player. According to Forbes, he had a net worth of 1.6 billion at the time of his death. Succession feud at Sona Comstar The company's board had unanimously appointed Jeffery Mark Overly as chairman after Kapur's demise. Later on, Priya was inducted as the additional non-executive director on Sona Comstars board in June. Kapurs mother, Rani, the former chairperson of the Sona Group and the widow of the group founder Dr Surdinder Kapur, claimed in a letter to the board of Sona BLW Precision Forgings that she was coerced and excluded from key decisions while she was mourning the death of her son. She is the primary owner of the Sona Group, which she inherited through her late husband's will. She had written to SEBI and other company shareholders alleging that she was pressured into signing documents without being able to fully review them. Rani identified herself as a majority shareholder in Sona Group and the company, as per the will of her husband. She described the AGM as "insensitive" and asked for the meeting to be postponed. Rani also added that some people have chosen this as an opportune time to wrest control and usurp the family legacy. She also declared that she had not given her consent for officially appointing any person to come on the companys board and represent her within the Sona Group or the company. "Ive been informed that certain people are representing themselves as being the largest shareholders of the Company since they claim to represent the interests of the family in the Company," she said. In the letter, she also claimed that her sons death was sudden and suspicious. "Despite being under immense mental and emotional distress, I was coerced into signing such documents behind locked doors, and though Ive repeatedly requested, the contents of such documents have never been revealed to me." Sona Comstar, however, went ahead with their AGM on Friday and then issued a statement that said that Rani has not been a shareholder of the company since 2019. They said that her request for the delay had no legal standing. The company also clarified that the appointment of Priya was based on the Aureus Investment Nomination and the Remuneration Committee. Admiral Kuznetsov is Russia's only aircraft carrier and now the state shipbuilding corporation has announced that the vessel could soon be scrapped or sold. Why is Russia scrapping its only aircraft carrier? Commissioned in 1985, Admiral Kuznetsov from the twilight years of the erstwhile Soviet Union has been out of service since 2017. Hence, it did not see any action in the Ukraine war. Andrey Leonidovich Kostin, the chairman of the United Shipbuilding Corporation's Board of Directors, said a final decision had not been reached. However, he said there is no point in repairing the aircraft carrier anymore. "It is over 40-years old, and it is extremely expensive ... I think the issue will be resolved in such a way that it will either be sold or disposed of," Kostin was quoted as saying by Kommersant newspaper. Russia's sole aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, set itself on fire while off the coast of Turkey a few years ago. The cause was later determined to be an electrical fault as a result of poor maintenance standards. pic.twitter.com/IVPUsjVVHh UK Defence Journal (@UKDefJournal) January 6, 2019 Though Admiral Kuznetsov had been undergoing modernisation in the Murmansk area close to Russia's Northern Fleet, it has been facing continuous accidents and setbacks. A recent report in the Izvestia newspaper revealed that the vessel is no longer receiving refit and maintenance work. It last saw major military action during Russia's campaign in Syria to support then-President Bashar al-Assad. The war planes from the carrier were used to carry out airstrikes on rebel forces and the Islamic State. In 2017, then British Secretary of Defence Micharl Fallon labelled Admiral Kuznetsov as "the ship of shame" after the vessel sailed near the English coastline. Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas on Saturday, announced three projects to pay tribute to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the battle with Pakistan These include an 'e-shradhanjali' app for martyrs, a QR code-based audio gateway detailing Kargil war stories, and the 'Indus Viewpoint' allowing visitors access to the Batalik sector near the LoC to experience soldiers' living conditions "The citizens can now pay e-shradhanjali to the heroes who made the supreme sacrifice for the country without visiting the memorial," PTI quoted an Indian Army officer as saying, about the app launched. ALSO READ: What is Indian Army's 'Rudra' brigade, announced by General Upendra Dwivedi on Kargil Vijay Diwas The project is aimed at sensitising people about the sacrifices made by the country's armed forces and the hardships they faced while discharging their duties, he said. Audio gateway The second project that General Dwivedi announced is a QR code-based audio gateway, on which people can listen to stories about the various battles that were waged to fight off Pakistani intruders in 1999. "The concept is similar to museums, where the visitors can listen to the details of the exhibits using earphones. Here, people will get to listen to the saga of courage, valour, bravery and sacrifice by the soldiers," PTI quoted the officer as saying. Indus Viewpoint The third project, named Indus Viewpoint, will allow people to go up to the LoC in the Batalik sector. "This will give an idea to the visitors about the conditions in which soldiers serve, the difficulties and constant dangers they face on a day-to-day basis to ensure that the nation remains safe," the officer added. Located at an altitude of over 10,000 feet in the Indus River valley, Batalik, a small village, was the focal point of the Kargil war due to its strategic location between Kargil, Leh, and Baltistan. The village has now become a major tourist destination. People from all walks of life, including civilian and military leadership, paid homage to the 545 bravehearts who laid down their lives while pushing back Pakistani intruders during the Kargil War of 1999. Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025 YUDH SANSMARAN : LAMOCHEN VIEW PT In a heartfelt tribute to the valiant soldiers of Kargil War, Indian Army commenced 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas - Commemoration at the picturesque Lamochen View Point, in Dras Sector overlooking the historic Kargil pic.twitter.com/N2FDq8ACFC @firefurycorps_IA (@firefurycorps) July 25, 2025 Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on July 26 to mark India's victory over Pakistan in the 1999 war. India had launched 'Operation Vijay' to evict Pakistani forces who had managed to stealthily occupy strategic positions in the mountains in Kargil, aiming to sever the transport link between Kashmir and Ladakh. On July 26 in 1999, the Indian Army announced the successful culmination of Operation Vijay, declaring victory after a nearly three-month battle in Kargil. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lieutenant General N.S. Raja Subramani laid a wreath and paid homage to the bravehearts at the National War Memorial, New Delhi. PM, President pay tributes Greeting the people, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said this occasion reminds the country of the unparalleled courage and valour of India's soldiers who sacrificed their lives while defending the country's pride. Their spirit to sacrifice themselves for the motherland will inspire every generation, he added. "On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay my heartfelt tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the motherland. This day symbolises the extraordinary valour, courage, and steadfast determination of our jawans. Their dedication and supreme sacrifice for the nation will forever inspire its citizens. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!" President Droupadi Murmu said in a social media post. #WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka: CM Siddaramaiah unveils 75-ft-high Veeragallu (hero stone) at the National Military Memorial as part of the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. pic.twitter.com/xQIcScJwXs ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2025 Paying tribute to the fallen soldiers, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, "On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay heartfelt tributes to our bravehearts who displayed extraordinary courage, grit and determination in defending our nation's honour in the toughest of terrains. Their supreme sacrifice during Kargil war is a timeless reminder of the unwavering resolve of our Armed Forces. India shall remain forever indebted to their service." "On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay my heartfelt tributes and salute the martyrs who sacrificed their lives while protecting the country. "India will always be indebted to them and their families. Jai Hind!" Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said in a tweet. Tributes pour in at Drass #WATCH | Dras, Kargil | Families search and get photographed with nameplates of the brave soldiers who laid down their lives in the line of duty during the 1999 Kargil War on the occasion of 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas Visuals from Kargil War Memorial pic.twitter.com/VxOSMoQsea ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2025 Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth laid wreaths at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass of Kashmir. #WATCH | Kargil Vijay Diwas | Dras: Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi lays wreath at the Kargil War Memorial to pay tribute to those who laid down their lives in the line of duty during the Kargil War in 1999. Today marks the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas. pic.twitter.com/qKpHPJnncb ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2025 Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta also paid floral tributes as Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi led other top officers of the armed forces in paying homage to the fallen heroes. The next of kin of the martyrs and local residents were among the first to lay wreaths at the war memorial as they began arriving as early as 6 am. Later, helicopters flew over the memorial and showered flower petals as a mark of respect. The Last Post ceremony was held as a mark of respect for the martyrs, serving as a mark of the culmination of the wreath-laying ceremony. Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma felicitated the next of kin of several officers and soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the war. Initiatives, announcements #WATCH | Dras, Kargil | Addressing the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations, Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi says, "The forces that are conspiring to harm India's sovereignty, integrity and people, will be given a befitting reply in the future too, this is the new normal pic.twitter.com/EeETvgBVAM ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2025 General Dwivedi unveiled three initiatives to honour brave soldiers and raise public awareness of their sacrifices. These were: an 'e-shradhanjali' app for martyrs, a QR code-based audio gateway detailing Kargil war stories, and the 'Indus Viewpoint' allowing visitors access to the Batalik sector near the Line of Control. General Dwivedi also announced the formation of 'Rudra' brigade, comprising of infantry, mechanised infantry, armoured units, artillery, special forces and unmanned aerial units at one place, and a special strike force 'Bhairav Light Commando Unit', which, he said, is "always ready to surprise the enemy at the border." With PTI inputs Indian army chief General Upendra Dwivedi announced the formation of a new brigade on Saturday. Speaking at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass of Kashmir on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Gen Dwivedi said, "Rudra, all of brigade, is being established for which I gave an approval yesterday. Under this, we will have infantry, mechanised infantry, armoured units, artillery, special forces and unmanned aerial units at one place to provide logistics and combat support." According to media reports, two infantry brigades have already been converted into Rudra brigades. The army has formed a special strike force, 'Bhairav Light Commando Unit', which, according to him, is "always ready to surprise the enemy at the border." Gen Dwivedi said, "Every infantry battalion now has a drone platoon. In the artillery, the Shaktiban regiment has been set up, which will be equipped with a drone, counter-drone, and loiter munition. Every regiment will have a composite battery equipped with these things." The army chief said our capability will increase manifold in the coming days as the force is being equipped with air defence systems with indigenous missiles. On Operation Sindoor He observed that the surgical strikes carried out as part of Operation Sindoor were a clear message to Pakistan that supporters of terrorism will not be tolerated and added that this swift response is the new normal. "Operation Sindoor was a message to Pakistan as well as a response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which was a deep wound for the entire nation. This time India did not only mourn but showed that the response will be decisive," Gen Dwivedi said at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass of Kashmir on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas. He asserted that while India gave peace a chance, Pakistan resorted to cowardice. ALSO READ: Has Operation Sindoor ended yet? Here's what CDS Anil Chauhan says "The faith shown by the countrymen and the free hand given by the government, the Indian Army gave a befitting surgical response. Any power that tries to challenge the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of India or harm the people will be given a befitting reply. This is the new normal of India," news agency PTI quoted him as saying. Gen Dwivedi said India secured a decisive victory by effectively targeting terror outfits in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor and foiling the other nefarious designs of Pakistan. "The Pakistani action on May 8 and 9 was responded to effectively. Our army air defence stood like an impregnable wall which could not be breached by any missile or drones," he said. Hailing the Indian Army, he said it is on its way to becoming a force to be reckoned with in the world. Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir is in China to hold talks with the Chinese leadership, including military leaders. This is Munir's first visit to China after his elevation as the Field Marshal. The visit also comes barely a few months after the brief, but tense India-Pakistan military standoff during which China is reported to have offered substantial real-time and strategic support to Pakistan. The Pakistan Army chief held separate meetings with China's Vice President Han Zheng, top military official General Zhang Youxia and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan military, the "Chinese leadership lauded the Pakistan Armed Forces as a cornerstone of resilience and a vital contributor to peace in South Asia". ALSO READ: 'Less than 50 weapons brought Pakistan to talking table': Air Marshal Tiwari hails Operation Sindoor as masterclass in strategic air power In his talks with Han and Wang, the Pakistan Army chief focused on the evolving regional and global political landscape, connectivity initiatives under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the need for coordinated responses to shared geopolitical challenges. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the depth of bilateral engagement and reiterated their shared commitment to sovereign equality, multilateral cooperation, and long-term regional stability. All-weather allies According to Xinhua news agency, Han, during the meeting with Munir, said China and Pakistan are iron-clad friends and all-weather strategic cooperative partners, with bilateral relations marked by high-level mutual trust, solidarity through challenges, and a shared future. Han said China is willing to work with Pakistan to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, deepen all-weather friendship, expand all-round cooperation, and accelerate the building of a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era. Munir told Han that the Pakistani military is ready to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and continuously deepen the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between the two sides. Meeting the military leadership Munir met Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission General Zhang Youxia, and other top leaders of the People's Liberation Army and discussed defence modernisationChina is the primary supplier of defence equipment to Islamabad, accounting for more than 80 per cent of Pakistan's military imports, joint military exercises and training, and increased institutional cooperation. While there was no specific mention of India in the ISPR statement, it said Pakistan and China also discussed improving interoperability between the forces of the two sides to tackle hybrid and transnational threats. Munir thanked China for their unwavering support and asserted that his country is committed to deepening defence cooperation across all domains. Gen. Zhang is reported to have said that military-to-military relations between China and Pakistan are an important pillar of the bilateral relationship. For over 25 years, South Park has served as a harsh reality check on modern culture. Trey Parker and Matt Stones unhinged and unfiltered animated series has used satire to skewer religion, politics, celebrity worship, and virtually every sensitive topic that exists. But as debates over free speech, political correctness, and platform responsibility have intensified, the shows explosive commentary shows no signs of slowing down. Recent episodes over the last couple of years have reignited questions about the role of provocative comedy in a post-social media age. In 2023, the show sparked a fresh firestorm with the episode The Worldwide Privacy Tour, which parodied Prince Harry and Meghan Markles media tour. This had provoked many headlines across the United Kingdom and calls for boycotts. The next year, its sharp takes on gender identity and corporate activism led to renewed criticism from both conservative and progressive commentators, proving that South Park continues to offend, regardless of the viewpoint. In comparison, Donald Trumps outbursts about his representation in the latest seasons premiere feel comparatively trivial to the cast and creators. South Parks history is a graveyard of banned episodes, lawsuits, death threats, and public apologies. These episodes werent just edgy; they caused actual ripples across media, politics, and global institutions. 201 (Season 14, Episode 6) Subject: Depiction of the Prophet Muhammad Arguably, the most controversial South Park episode ever made. 201 addressed censorship, religious extremism, and the fear of retaliation from radical groups. It was the second instalment of a two-part arc. The episode depicted the Prophet Muhammad in a bear suit, an intentionally absurd move mocking the taboo surrounding any visual depiction of the Prophet. It stirred a very chilling reaction: a radical Islamic group called Revolution Muslim issued a threat implying that Stone and Parker would probably suffer the same fate as Theo van Gogh, a Dutch filmmaker murdered in broad daylight for criticising Islam. The Comedy Central channel responded by censoring nearly all mentions of the Prophet and bleeping out major plot points. The full episode has never aired again and is even absent from official platforms. 201 was not only controversial, but it also became a symbol of self-censorship in Western media, raising difficult questions about free expression, artistic risk, and religious sensitivities. Trapped in the Closet (Season 9, Episode 12) Subject: Scientology and Tom Cruise This episode pulls no punches in mocking Scientology, one of Hollywoods most powerful and intriguing mysteries. The show portrayed it as a religion based on the sci-fi beliefs of Xenu and Thetans, two central beings in actual Scientology. The satire is razor-sharp and uncomfortably specific, directly naming celebrities and known Scientologists like Tom Cruise and John Travolta. The most infamous moment involved Cruise trapping himself in a closet and refusing to come out; a metaphor many took as commentary on persistent rumours about his sexuality. The backlash was swift and layered. Cruise allegedly used his influence at Paramount (which shares ownership with Comedy Central under Viacom) to pressure the network to pull reruns of the episode. Reports claim that he threatened to walk out of Mission: Impossible 3s promo campaigns if this problem was not dealt with. Founding cast member Isaac Hayes, himself a Scientologist and the voice of the recurring character Chef, quit the show, claiming the episode ridiculed his faith. Both Stone and Parker have ridiculed the claims. Bloody Mary (Season 9, Episode 14) Subject: Catholicism and religious icons Another controversy-stirrer from Season 9. In the episode, a statue of the Virgin Mary is shown to be bleeding from her an*s, and local townspeople interpret it as a miracle until the Pope declares otherwise. The episode is another in the long list of South Parks biting satires on religious hysteria, false miracles, and blind faith. But the reaction this time was fiery. Catholic groups like the Catholic League condemned the episode as blasphemous. Several broadcasting channels across the US refused to air it, with League president Bill Donohue calling for the resignation of network executives. Comedy Central quietly pulled the episode from regular rotation and reruns. While no lawsuits emerged, it cemented South Parks reputation for being equal-opportunity blasphemers. The China Problem (Season 12, Episode 8) Subject: China, Hollywood, and censorship One of South Parks most impactful episodes. In The China Problem, the boys believe China is planning to invade America and are on a misguided campaign against everything Chinese. Meanwhile, Stans father, Randy, relives traumatic memories of watching Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, which he believes was screwed over by George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, showcasing disturbingly literal visuals. The episode mocks not only the Chinese government but also Hollywoods willingness to alter films to satisfy Chinese censors. The consequences for The China Problem would arise a decade later. After another episode, Band in China (2019), revisited these themes, the Chinese government banned all of South Park. Every clip, episode, and mention was entirely scrubbed from Chinas tightly controlled internet. The icing on the cake would be the creators response. They issued a fake apology oozing with sarcasm, making comparisons of leader Xi Jinping with Winnie the Pooh and criticising the level of freedom in China. This was South Park at its peak, doubling down rather than backing down. With Apologies to Jesse Jackson (Season 11, Episode 1) Subject: Race, the n-word, and social sensitivity In this episode, Randy Marsh accidentally uses the racial slur on national TV. The incident ignites a town-wide debate about race, forgiveness, and the limits of apology. While civil rights activist Jesse Jackson himself makes an appearance (and insists Randy kiss his bu**ocks), the real strength of the episode lies in how it satirised both white liberal guilt and Black cultural trauma. Reactions were intense. The show received criticism from the NAACP, and some media said the humour went too far, while others praised the episodes message about the lasting pain of racial slurs. It spurred a fresh discussion about whether satirical intent lessens harm and how comedy should address race. The F Word (Season 13, Episode 12) Subject: Homophobia and Linguistic Evolution This episode sees the boys attempt to change the meaning of the infamous F slur to describe loud, obnoxious Harley riders. The episode portrays the term as unrelated to its anti-gay roots, but LGBTQ+ advocacy organisations vehemently disagreed. GLAAD condemned the show and disregarded the intention; the repeated use of the slur reinforced its hurtful impact. The episode raised countless philosophical and linguistic debates: can society reclaim and repurpose offensive language? Although South Park argued yes, critics argued no. The episode is at the centre of developing discussions about cultural ownership, language, and identity. All About Mormons (Season 7, Episode 12) Subject: Mormonism and religious belief As it explores the origins of the Mormon faith, this humorous episode casts doubt on its historical veracity and paints Joseph Smith, its prophet, as a fraud. The refrain dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb is repeated several times throughout the story. Even though the episode doesnt use overt animosity, many Latter-day Saints found its tone to be arrogant and contemptuous. Despite the lack of significant demonstrations or prohibitions, religious experts and Mormon communities voiced their opinions, and some viewers charged that the programme was singling out a simple, misunderstood group. Ironically, the episode served as the inspiration for the popular Broadway musical The Book of Mormon, which won nine Tony Awards and adopted the same irreverent tone. A Scause for Applause (Season 16, Episode 13) Subject: Consumer activism and religious relics When it is discovered that a fragment of Jesuss DNA discovered on a relic is fraudulent, people stop being Christians and start joining scausesfalse causes that are advertised on wristbands. The episode savages the performative nature of modern activism, comparing it to consumer fads. While some organisations criticised the show for making fun of religious artefacts and belief systems, others saw it as a scathing critique of hashtag activism and flimsy virtue propaganda. Even though the episode wasnt as intense as others, it generated enough criticism to restore South Parks standing as a provocateur of cultural war. Douche and T*rd (Season 8, Episode 8) Subject: Electoral cynicism Faced with choosing a new school mascot, the students must vote between a giant douche and a t*rd sandwich. Many picked up the razor-sharp allegory for the 2004 US election race between George W. Bush and John Kerry. The show criticised voter indifference and made the case that political decisions are frequently phoney and demoralising. Although the satire resonated with many disenchanted voters, political commentators and educators criticised the episode for promoting civic disengagement, especially among younger audiences. It was frequently cited in debates over whether satire motivates or paralyses political action. Royal Pudding (Season 15, Episode 3) Subject: British royalty This episode is remembered by many as one of the best satires on the British royal family. Timed perfectly with Prince William and Kate Middletons wedding, Royal Pudding features the princess being kidnapped by a cult and subjected to bizarre rituals. UK tabloids like The Daily Mail slammed the episode as grotesque and an American insult to our monarchy. While the British monarchy has often been a source of satire, South Parks portrayal went too far for some, prompting discussions about respect for cultural institutions and the American tendency to mock foreign traditions. One person was killed and 18 others were injured on Saturday after a major collision at the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, a police official said. The official explained that a speeding truck had rammed into "at least 20 vehicles"many of which were said to be luxury carsafter its driver lost control of the vehicle's brakes on the expressway's descent, near the Adoshi tunnel at the Raigad district. as per a PTI report. Major accident on Mumbai - Pune expressway this afternoon! Almost 15-20 vehicles crashed Travel safely in the ghats!! https://t.co/MUHjgUUg4k pic.twitter.com/gYp6lcFkxS Mumbai Rains (@rushikesh_agre_) July 26, 2025 19 injured civilians were admitted to a private hospital in Navi Mumbai, out of which one woman succumbed to her injuries and died. "The driver was taken into custody by Khopoli police," the official added, explaining that he had not been under the influence of alcohol at the time he lost control of the truck. The expresswaysaid to be one of India's busiest with a daily volume upwards of 1.5 lakh vehicles, especially on weekendswas jammed as a result, with videos showing long lines of stranded vehicles near the Datta Food Mall, shortly after the descent from the Lonavala-Khandala ghat section. Videos doing the rounds on social media show police and emergency teams quickly reaching the spot to help the injured and clear the wreckage. They also diverted traffic to alternate routes to ease the congestion. The videos also show that a number of cars were badly damaged in the collision, and at least three completely crushed. Visuals of the devastating wreckage once again highlight the urgent need for stricter monitoring and enhanced safety measures on expresswaysespecially those in accident-prone ghat sections. Maharashtra police are investigating the complaint of a 16-year-old HIV positive girl who accused the staff at a residential facility at Latur of raping her repeatedly over the course of two years. They also forced her to go through an abortion after she was found pregnant, according to Latur police. The girl stayed at Sevalay, a shelter and care home for HIV positive children at Hasegaon, which houses around 23 boys and seven girls. She filed a complaint at the Dhoki police station in Dharashiv district, stating that the assaults took place between July 13 2023, and July 23 this year, PTI reported, citing a police official. The four arrested are Ravi Bapatle, the founder of Sevalay, Rachna Bapatle, and employees Amit Mahamuni and Pooja Waghmare. A doctor from Mamta Hospital in Latur also has a case registered against them and was arrested on Saturday, according to Maharashtra news. The employees at Sevalay work for free, according to their website The official said, As per her complaint, the child had been residing at the institution for the past two years. She was allegedly raped four times by an employee of the childrens home. He also threatened her not to disclose the ordeal to anyone. It was after that that the girl wrote a letter to the officials and dropped it in the complaint box. The Sevalay management, however, did not help her and Pooja Waghmare tore up the letter. When the girl had fallen ill, she was taken to Mamta Hospital. A medical test revealed that she was four months pregnant. The accused then arranged for a doctor to perform an abortion procedure on her without consent, after which she was threatened, according to the official. Police have taken action under the POCSO Act. According to Republic Bharat, the victim is undergoing treatment at the hospital. Some reports allege that the other girls at the shelter have also been abused. The case has been transferred from the Dhoki police to the Ausa police. A woman candidate, who needed medical attention while appearing for a government recruitment event, was gang-raped inside an ambulance in Bihar's Gaya district. The shocking incident happened on Thursday, July 24, and the accused include the ambulance driver and a technician on board, who were entrusted with taking the 26-year-old applicant safely to the hospital. On Thursday, Gaya hosted a Home Guard recruitment drive and the survivor was among the applicants. A physical endurance test was part of the event, and the woman reportedly fainted at the Bihar Military Police grounds in Bodh Gaya. As per rules, an ambulance was stationed at the site of the physical test. The organisers in charge quickly evacuated the unconscious woman from the open and took her to the ambulance. #WATCH | Gaya, Bihar | City SP Ramanand Kumar Kaushal says, "On July 24th, a female candidate fainted during a Home Guard recruitment drive at BMP Bodh Gaya and was rushed to hospital in an ambulance... Later on she alleged that she was raped by the ambulance driver and a pic.twitter.com/MHL6lujbeM ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2025 While the vehicle was en route to the hospital, she was raped by multiple men, including the ambulance driver Ajit Kumar and technician Vinay Kumar, NDTV said in a report. The woman understood she was sexually assaulted while she was partly conscious. She informed the hospital authorities of her peril, who then alerted the Gaya Police. The survivor told the police there were three to four men inside the ambulance, the news report said. It remains unknown if they were asked to board the vehicle to take part in the crime by the driver. After she gave a statement to the police, an FIR was registered and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to apprehend the accused at the earliest. They managed to locate the ambulance on CCTV footage, which helped to confirm the vehicle's route and timeline. "When the woman fainted, on July 24, she was rushed to the Anugrah Narain Medical College and Hospital at Gayaji in an ambulance. After she gained consciousness, she alleged that she was raped inside the vehicle," SP (Town) Ramanand Kumar Kaushal told news agency PTI. "We thereafter detained the driver and a technician who were in the ambulance. The woman also identified them. Their reply was not satisfactory, so they were arrested and booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita," he added. Kaushal said the medical examination of the complainant has been conducted, and based on the findings of the reports, further action will be taken. Chirag Paswan hits out at Bihar govt Union minister Chirag Paswan on Saturday said he felt "sorry to support" the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar, charging it with failure to control the law and order situation in the state. Paswan, who heads the LJP (Ram Vilas) -- a constituent of the BJP-led NDA, was talking to reporters in Patna before leaving for Gayaji, where he is scheduled to address a rally. "I have heard claims that the recent spurt in violent crimes is linked to the upcoming assembly polls, and there are attempts to defame this government. Still, it is the responsibility of the administration to keep the law and order situation under control. I feel sorry to support a government which is failing on this count," said the Hajipur MP. "The situation in the state has become scary. The administrative failure is being blamed on both rank incompetence and connivance with criminals," he added. By Prakhar Srivastava and Akash Sriram (Reuters) -Pinnacle Financial Partners and Synovus Financial have agreed to merge in an $8.6 billion all-stock deal, forming one of the largest regional banks in the southeastern United States with over $115 billion in combined assets. The agreed exchange ratio values Synovus shares at $61.18 apiece, the companies said on Thursday. That represents a premium of about 10% to the company's closing stock price of $55.53 on Monday, before media reports of the deal. Shares of Synovus dropped 8.3% to $52 in extended trading, while Pinnacle fell 6%. Synovus had risen 7.3% on Tuesday after Bloomberg News reported the lender was exploring strategic options, including a potential merger. Interest in bank mergers has grown as regulators under the Trump administration take a more favorable stance to dealmaking. "This could this be the first domino in a new round of 'rack 'em and stack 'em'. A friendlier regulatory environment may help mint several new trilliondollar megabanks over the next decade, figuratively making Wall Street even more competitive," said Michael Ashley Schulman, partner at Running Point Capital Advisors. In May, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) issued an interim final rule restoring faster review and simpler applications for bank mergers. Dealmakers expect bank M&A activity to climb in the second half of the year. Activity has been broadly flat this year and was concentrated mostly among smaller lenders, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. DEAL TERMS Shareholders of both companies will receive stock in a newly formed parent entity, with Pinnacle shareholders owning about 51.5% and Synovus shareholders holding about 48.5% of the combined company. Kevin Blair, currently CEO of Synovus, will lead the new company as CEO and president, while Pinnacle CEO Terry Turner will serve as chairman. The combined entity will operate under the Pinnacle Financial Partners and Pinnacle Bank name and brand, the companies said. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals. (Reporting by Prakhar Srivastava and Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Mohammed Safi Shamsi and Devika Syamnath) Union minister Chirag Paswan on Saturday took a broadside at the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar over the rising number of crimes in the state. The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) MPs remarks came in the wake of an alleged gang-rape of a 26-year-old woman inside a moving ambulance in Bodh Gaya. LJP (Ram Vilas) is a constituent of the National Democratic Alliance, which Nitishs JD(U) is also a part of. "I have heard claims that the recent spurt in violent crimes is linked to the upcoming assembly polls, and there are attempts to defame this government. Still, it is the responsibility of the administration to keep the law and order situation under control. I feel sorry to support a government which is failing on this count," said Chirag, who represents the Hajipur constituency. #WATCH | Patna, Bihar: On the law and order situation in the state, Union Minister Chirag Paswan says, "I feel sad that I am supporting such a government here...The way murders, kidnappings, looting, robbery, rapes have taken place one after the other in Bihar and now it seems as pic.twitter.com/TWSB11A2qt ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2025 Terming the situation in the state as scary, Chirag said the administrative failure is being blamed on both rank incompetence and connivance with criminals. "Authorities concerned have miserably failed to check the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Law and order have collapsed. The situation is almost out of control. It needs to be checked immediately," he said, and claimed that almost every day, incidents of murder, kidnapping, dacoity and rape are being reported from the state. Chirags scathing remarks on the Nitish government assume significance as there are reports that the Union minister is keen on playing a bigger role in the state politics after the upcoming assembly elections. Chirag has already made it clear that he would contest the state polls. The LJP (Ram Vilas) leader of late has been taking potshots at the Bihar police and the law and order situation, which are viewed as aimed at the chief minister, who also holds the home portfolio. His attacks on the government were in the wake of a spate of murder incidents in Patna, Saran and Mazaffarpur, which have put the state government on the back foot ahead of polls. In the latest shocker, a 26-year-old woman, who fainted during a home guard recruitment drive, was allegedly gang-raped inside a moving ambulance in Bodh Gaya district of Bihar. The woman, a resident of Imamganj area, alleged that she was raped by three to four men inside the vehicle while she was unconscious. Two persons have already been arrested in connection with the incident. Three Naxalites were killed in an encounter with security forces at the Ghaghra forest in Jharkhands Gumla district on Saturday. The gunfight took place during a joint anti-naxal operation launched by the Jharkhand Jaguar and Gumla Police based on intelligence inputs that members of Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad (JJMP), a splinter group of CPI(Maoist), had gathered in the area, and were planning an attack on security forces. According to police, several rounds of bullets were fired from both sides. An AK-47 and two INSAS rifles were recovered from the spot. IG (Operations) of Jharkhand Police Michael S. Raj said the operation was still underway. The breakthrough comes amidst the ongoing anti-insurgency efforts in the state, including explosive recoveries and other encounters. Early this week, 14 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) of 2 kg each, along with local hand grenades, ammonium nitrate powder, and other explosive materials were recovered from the jungles of Chaibasa. #WATCH | West Singhbhum, Jharkhand | In a joint search operation of Jharkhand Police against naxal activities, Jharkhand Special Task Force and CRPF 60 battalion recovered 14 IEDs of 2 kg each along with local hand grenades, ammonium nitrate powder and other explosive material in pic.twitter.com/cnMx11r50l ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2025 The explosives were seized during a joint operation by the Jharkhand Special Task Force and the CRPF 60 Battalion on July 20. Last week, two naxals were killed in an encounter with security forces in the Kashitand forest of Lugu hills in Bokaro district. A jawan of the Cobra battalion was martyred in the incident. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday condemned the alleged detention of Bengali-speaking Muslim citizens across the country. The Hyderabad MP said those people were being targeted as they were not in a position to challenge the police atrocities. Those being labelled as illegal immigrants are the poorest of the poor", mostly slum-dwellers, and work as domestic workers and rag-pickers, he said, and alleged that several Indian citizens are reportedly being pushed into Bangladesh at gunpoint. "Police in different parts of India have been illegally detaining Bengali-speaking Muslim citizens and accusing them of being Bangladeshi. There have been disturbing reports of Indian citizens being pushed into Bangladesh at gunpoint, the AIMIM leader said in a post on X. The government acts strong with the weak, and weak with the strong, he alleged. Police in different parts of India have been illegally detaining Bengali-speaking Muslim citizens and accusing them of being Bangladeshi. There have been disturbing reports of Indian citizens being pushed into Bangladesh at gunpoint. This government acts strong with the weak, and https://t.co/wtQEKiDAaL pic.twitter.com/9BRSWsf31k Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) July 26, 2025 Terming the alleged detention of Bengali-speaking Muslims as illegal, Owaisi said police do not have the power to detain people just because they speak a particular language. In his post, Owaisi also shared an order of the Office of District Magistrate in Gurugram, where it has been mentioned that the state government have made a standard operating procedure (SOP) to deport Bangladeshi citizens and Rohingyas. Last week, eight Bangladeshi nationals were detained in Gurugram as part of an ongoing drive to identify illegal immigrants. They were later released. Its alleged that these people were taken to different detention or holding centres and asked to produce documents such as Aadhar Card, voter ID card, ration cards, and PAN cards, etc to prove their citizenship. CPI-ML general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya led a delegation of civil society activists to meet these people in Gurugram on Saturday. The team visited Jai Hind Camp in south Delhi's Vasant Kunj before proceeding to Gurugram. Bhattacharya said he found the residents of the camp had been living without electricity for over two weeks, after their connection was cut amid allegations of arriving in the country illegally from Bangladesh. Even though the detainees were released from Gurugram camps, police gave vague and unsatisfactory answers about the methods used for identifying these "foreigners," he said. Backing Lok Sabha Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi's comments on electoral roll revision in Bihar and "vote theft" in Karnataka, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar charged that the electoral roll in the state was manipulated and bogus voters were created during the Parliament elections. Shivakumar told reporters that the state Congress unit conducted a survey in several booths in the state and found discrepancies. "We conducted research in many booths of Karnataka, especially in the urban sectors, where we found that votes were shifted there from various places without any proper documents. All bogus votes were created," the Karnataka Congress president charged. Shivakumar added that their findings will be produced before the Election Commission. "We will present this evidence to the Election Commission. Whether they agree or not, that's a different issue. We will present it in front of the people too," he said. Shivakumar's comments come a day after Rahul Gandhi levelled charges of electoral roll discrepancies in Karnataka and "vote theft" during the Lok Sabha polls in the state. Gandhi claimed Congress has "100 per cent proof" that EC allowed cheating in a constituency in Karnataka during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and warned the Election Commission that it will not get away with this, "because we are going to come for you". Gandhi levelled the charges against EC amid protests against special intensive electoral roll revision in Karnataka. However, the Election Commission called Gandhi's comments "unfortunate" and misleading. In a statement, the chief electoral officer of Karnataka said the draft electoral rolls were shared with all recognised parties, including Congress, and they didn't receive any petition from Congress leaders then on discrepancies in the electoral rolls. Fresh details of the tragic collapse of a government primary school building in Rajasthan suggest school authorities could have averted the deaths if they had acted promptly when students alerted. Seven students died and over a dozen suffered injuries when the roof of Peeplodi Government School in Manoharthana, Jhalawar collapsed on Friday. According to reports, the school students had alerted teachers about cracks in the roof minutes before the crash. However, the teachers took the students lightly and they were asked to return to classes. According to Hindustan Times, students alerted teachers, who were having breakfast, about pebbles falling from the roof and visible cracks. However, the teachers did not take them seriously and chased the students back to classes, only to succumb in the tragic crash. A girl student who had a narrow escape said, "We were sitting near the door of a classroom. Some pieces of gravel started falling from above. Moments later, the adjoining classroom collapsed. Since we were sitting near the gate, we immediately rushed out." As many as seven children died and over 20 suffered serious injuries in the fatal crash on Friday. According to reports, the teachers were having breakfast quite away from the dipliated building when the incident happened. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Rajasthan of negligence. Condoling the incident, Gandhi charged, "Most of these children were from the Bahujan communitydoes their lives hold no value for the BJP government? A fair investigation of this incident must be conducted, and the guilty should be given the strictest punishment." Five school teachers have been suspended, and the Rajasthan government has ordered a high-level probe into the matter. The suicide of a female student alleging mental harassment by teachers at a private dental college in Rajasthans Udaipur has sparked off a wave of protests on the campus. The students carried out a protest march and also blocked a road outside, demanding action against the teachers mentioned in her suicide note. The college authorities held talks with the students and assured them of strict action against the faculty members. "The matter is being investigated by the police, and they will take appropriate action based on their findings. The college management is also addressing the situation and will terminate the staff members involved," the director told the media, reported PTI. Sweta Singh, a final-year BDS student from Jammu and Kashmir, allegedly hanged herself in her hostel room on Thursday night. According to reports, Swetas roommate discovered her hanging around 11 pm and alerted to the authorities. She was rushed to a hospital where doctors declared her brought dead. J&K student Shweta Singh (BDS 2020) tragically died by suicide due to alleged academic harassment at Pacific Dental College, Udaipur. A suicide note names faculty. We demand urgent inquiry, suspension of those named,and justice.@OmarAbdullah @BhajanlalBjp @DrDhruvchauhan @nsui pic.twitter.com/gSRMYFvR2Z Dr Mohammad Momin Khan (@DrMomin05) July 25, 2025 A suicide note recovered from Swetas room accused teachers of mentally harassing students and not conducting examinations on time. Ravindra Charan. SHO, Sukher Police Station, said the student's body was transferred to a mortuary, and a postmortem would be conducted after her family members arrived. One may find many jute bags and vessels in the living room of C.C. Mukundhan's house during the rainy season. The vessels are used to collect the water that pours through his house's leaky roof when it rains. The jute bags help to absorb it once the vessels are full. He took a loan for his daughter's wedding, and impending arrears mean the said property is prone to foreclosure by a bank. Making things worse for the household, a recent accident has confined Mukundhan to his bed for a fortnight. This scenario is nothing unheard of in India, but what makes the story stand out is the fact that C.C. Mukundhan is an incumbent MLA! The Communist Party of India's (CPI) Mukundhan defeated his nearest rival, Sunil Laloor of Congress, by an imposing majority of 28,431 votes from Thrissur district's Nattika constituency in 2021. Four years down the line, Mukundhan's status as the local MLA is the only factor preventing a local bank from evicting his family from their leaky house over loan arrears. He has received several letters from the bank informing him about this situation. Mukundhan's dilapidated house is just a kilometre away from the Anthikad intersection in Thrissur. He had reportedly taken a loan of 6 lakh from Karamukku Cooperative Bank when his daughter got married a decade ago. The loan was renewed once before he stood for the Assembly elections. Now, he owes the bank a hefty sum of 18.75 lakh. But what about his MLA's remuneration and allowances? According to Malayalam media reports, Mukundhan has another pending bank loan amounting to 3 lakhs. He also accepted a car loan of 10 lakhs offered by the Kerala government to its legislators, unaware of the financial challenges that lay ahead. This loan now requires him to make monthly repayments of 28,000. As a result, the MLA is left to manage the household with a paltry pension he receives from his former profession before becoming a full-time political worker. His two daughters work temporary jobs, Mathrubhumi said. The MLA suffered a serious injury to his right leg on Wednesday after slipping on rainwater inside his house. He fell when he returned home around midnight after paying his last respects to the late Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, a Mathrubhumi report said. He will need complete rest for 15 days. Due to the poor condition of the house, the family was sleeping in the hall; he also slipped and fell while entering the hall that was used as a bedroom. The image of the MLA resting in a hall with a cushion under his leg has since gone viral on the internet. According to Kerala-based media reports, the obvious assistance didn't reach the MLA's family as he ensured that his perils never reached the Assembly. The threat from the bank and his financing constraints were largely unknown to his party or the government. However, the word did get out after doctors prescribed him bed rest. Many of the well-wishers who reached his doorstep were shocked to learn the reality, and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reportedly spoke to him over the phone. The CPI district leadership has started action to help their comrade out of the tricky situation, reports added. Amid the ongoing clashes between Cambodia and Thailand, the Indian Embassy in Phnom Penh on Saturday advised its citizens to avoid travelling to the border areas between the two countries. In view of the ongoing clashes at the Cambodia-Thailand border, Indian nationals are advised to avoid travelling to the border areas, the Embassy said in a statement. In case of any emergency. Indian nationals may approach the Embassy of India, Phnom Penh at +855 92881676 or email cons.phnompenh@mea.gov.in, it further said. On Friday, the Indian Embassy in Thailand issued a similar advisory, asking its citizens to exercise caution and avoid travelling to seven provinces along the border. In view of the situation near the Thailand-Cambodia border, all Indian travelers to Thailand are advised to check updates from Thai official sources, including TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) Newsroom, it said in a social media post. It also shared a post by the TAT Newsroom that urged travellers not to visit certain places in seven provinces. In view of the situation near Thailand-Cambodia border, all Indian travelers to Thailand are advised to check updates from Thai official sources, including TAT Newsroom. As per Tourism Authority of Thailand places mentioned in the following link are not recommended for https://t.co/ToeHLSQUYi India in Thailand (@IndiainThailand) July 25, 2025 Thailand is a popular destination for Indian tourists, with more than 15 Indian cities offering direct air connectivity to the Southeast Asian nation. Thai and Cambodian troops have been engaged in an intense clash over a disputed border, killing at least 16 people so far. Thousands of people have been evacuated to safer places on both sides of the border. Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday and "appreciated the pivotal role" the latter and US President Donald Trump played in de-escalating the India-Pakistan conflict. Dar's approval of the US role in the ceasefire talks aftermath of Operation Sindoor comes amidst India's strong denial of Trump's claims. In a statement released by Pakistan's foreign office, Dar met with Rubio in Washington on Friday and held wide-ranging talks about furthering US-Pakistan ties. "The DPM/FM appreciated the pivotal role played by President Trump and Secretary Rubio in de-escalating tensions between Pakistan and India by facilitating a ceasefire and averting a broader conflict between the two nuclear-armed states," it said. During talks with Rubio, Dar has raised Jammu and Kashmir dispute and has said it was the core issue between the neighbouring nations. "The DPM/FM stressed the need to resolve this issue in accordance with the UN resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people," it said. India-Pakistan relations worsened in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. Terrorists with alleged Pakistani links killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, a tourist site. The deceased include 24 tourists, a Nepali citizen, and a local horse owner. India announced a series of diplomatic actions against Pakistan and suspended the Indus Water Treaty. India, on May 7, launched Operation Sindoor and struck terror bases at nine locations along the Line of Control. India thwarted retaliatory strikes launched by Pakistan. After days of heightened military action, India and Pakistan agreed to stop firing on May 10. While US President Trump has been claiming credit for "stopping the war" which would have turned nuclear, India has denied his claims. India has maintained that the ceasefire talks were bilateral, and it was achieved through DGMO-level talks. India has also maintained that it would indulge in talks with the neighbouring country only over the issue of return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The Military Intelligence Directorate (Aman) of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) wants Israeli middle and high schools to restart offering courses in Arabic and Middle Eastern studies, as it wishes its future recruits to be well-versed in the language and cultural aspects of the region. In another major reform, all intelligence operatives will learn Islamic tradition as well as Arabic. ALSO READ | West Bank: How Israel intelligence units, IDF eliminated Hamas terrorists tasked with second October 7 attack According to Israeli media, the decision to incorporate Islam into the training manual of IDF intelligence units is the brainchild of Major General Aluf Shlomi Binder, who is the Head of the IDF Intelligence Directorate. This initiative will not be limited to just Aman's field agents; Shlomi Binder wants all intelligence personnel including those in technological roles to learn Islam and Arabic. The decision to train Israel's intelligence research staff in Arabic by the time they complete basic training is a consequence of the October 7th attacks, the Jerusalem Post said in a report. The intelligence failure that caused the massacre of civilians by Hamas fighters could have been avoided if the IDF's intelligence community was better versed in Arabic, the higher-ups believe. As a result, future Aman recruits will have to attain proficiency in the language of their enemies before they are fully incorporated into service. ALSO READ | 'Indian software helped Israel gather sensitive data': Bizarre claim by Iranian hardline newspaper Kayhan In the long run, the IDF hopes to ensure its future commanders are fluent in Arabic and well-versed in Islamic culture so that their analytical capabilities improve significantly, the Jerusalem Post stated. By the end of 2026, every Aman personnel member will have received training in Islamic studies, and half of them will get Arabic language training, the report added. A new department will be formed by the IDF with the sole purpose of teaching Arabic and Islam to recruits. It has also been decided that the programme should include specialised training in the Houthi and Iraqi dialects the new focus areas for Israel's intelligence operatives in the post-Hezbollah and "Twelve-Day War" with Tehran. ALSO READ | Four ways Israels Mossad lured Iranian generals to their deaths during the 12-day war Meanwhile, Israel's parliament voted on Wednesday in favour of a non-binding declaration urging the government to apply Israeli law to the West Bank, widely seen as a de facto annexation of the territory. That added to the urgency in Paris. "If there is a moment in history to recognise a Palestinian state, even if it's just symbolic, then I would say that moment has probably come," said a senior French official. This story was originally published on Banking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Banking Dive newsletter. Nashville, Tennessee-based Pinnacle Bank and Columbus, Georgia-based Synovus will combine in an all-stock, $8.6 billion deal thats expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, the companies announced Thursday. The transaction marks, by far, the largest bank combination announced since the second Trump administration has taken office and the highest-profile example of a bank primed to cross the $100 billion-asset threshold amid expected regulatory easing. The combined entity will operate under the Pinnacle name once the transaction closes, and the Pinnacle holding company will move its headquarters to Atlanta, the banks said Thursday. Synovus CEO Kevin Blair will serve as president and CEO of the combined company, while Pinnacle CEO Terry Turner will be chair of the board of directors. That board will comprise 15 directors eight from Pinnacle and seven from Synovus. Among other anticipated C-suite moves, Pinnacle Chair Rob McCabe will become vice chair and chief banking officer of the combined company. Meanwhile, Synovus CFO Jamie Gregory will serve as CFO of the combined company. Under the deal, Pinnacle will add Synovus roughly $61 billion in assets to its current $54.8 billion total, and embrace the Georgia banks 244-branch presence that spans five states. This is a strategic expansion, not a market consolidation, Blair said on a call discussing the transaction. The merger creates a complementary footprint that fits together like puzzle pieces. Market reaction, however, could be dismissed as underwhelming, as shares for Pinnacle and Synovus fell after the announcement. Jeff Davis, managing director of financial advisory firm Mercer Capital, credited the fact that none of the U.S.s super-regionals were involved as an acquirer. Wall Street loves acquisitions that entail a premium for a seller, and Wall Street will have a much more nuanced view to mergers of equals, Davis told Bloomberg. As it stands, Pinnacle and Synovus shares will be converted into shares of a new Pinnacle parent company at a ratio of 0.5237 Synovus shares per Pinnacle share, representing a value of $61.18 for Synovus shares, or roughly a 10% premium. The deal, though, validates speculation that circulated this week indicating Synovus had drawn interest as a takeover target a complication Turner noted Thursday. Ties between Turkey and Israel, once marked by strategic cooperation, have reached a new low amid growing military competition and sharply divergent interests in war-ravaged Syria. Israel is unhappy about the unqualified support Turkey is offering Syrias new interim government led by Ahmad al-Sharaa. Ankara has stepped up its presence in Syria after the outbreak of sectarian violence between Bedouin Arab tribes and Druze militias in Sweida province. Upon Syrian request, it is working on a defence pact that could involve the establishment of Turkish military bases on Syrian soil. Turkish officials said the assistance, which includes training, advisory services and technical support, is aimed at boosting Syrias defence against terrorist groups like the Islamic State. Ankara also backs the integration of Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the national army, although the deals implementation remains in limbo. But Israel, alarmed by Ankaras growing influence in southern Syria, launched airstrikes in Sweida and on Damascuss Ministry of Defence last week. Israeli officials claimed the attacks were intended to protect Druze communities in Syria, in solidarity with Israels own Druze minority. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan lashed out at Israel for what he described as a cynical justification. Israel, using the Druze as an excuse, has been expanding its banditry into neighbouring Syria, he said during a televised address, branding the country a terror state. The breakdown in trust is not new. Although Turkey was the first Muslim-majority nation to recognise Israel in 1949, and developed close defence and intelligence cooperation by the late 1990s, under Erdogans rule, Ankara has adopted a more Islamist and anti-Western foreign policy. Tensions began escalating in the mid-2000s, particularly after Erdogan hosted leaders of Hamas in 2006, and worsened dramatically after the 2010 flotilla incident, when Israeli commandos killed nine people aboard a Turkish vessel heading for Gaza. Over the past year, relations have deteriorated further. Israels military dominance in the region, particularly its recent operations against Hamas, Hezbollah and Iranian forces, has unsettled Turkey. Conversely, Israel views Turkeys increasing support for Syrian rebel groups, some of which are tied to designated terrorist organisations, as an existential threat. Jerusalem is particularly concerned about Ankaras military build-up. Turkey recently signed a deal with Germany to acquire 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets, marking a significant upgrade of its air force. An Israeli defence official told a local newspaper that while the Typhoons are not superior to Israels F-35s, they represented a worrying trend. Its a clear and worrying signal that Turkey is accelerating its arms buildup in a way that could eventually challenge Israels military edge in the region, the official said. Turkey is also pursuing US-made F-16s and has revived its interest in rejoining the F-35 programme. These efforts, coupled with Ankaras expanding naval and drone capabilities, have sparked alarm in Israeli policy circles. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid criticised the Netanyahu government for its inaction. If Israel had a functioning Foreign Ministry or a normal government, it would have already intervened diplomatically to prevent this arms deal from advancing, he said. Germany and the UK are now equipping Turkey with powerful jets that could eventually alter the balance of power in the region. This week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy passed an anti-corruption bill that would restore the independence of the country's anti-corruption agencies. The move marks a complete turnaround from earlier in the week when Zelensky had approved a law that weakened the autonomy of the anti-corruption bodies, sparking a public outcry and widespread protests, which were the first since the war began in February 2022. Russian media agency TASS reported that nearly 9000 people protested in Kyiv against the bill that was passed, and that by July 24, there were rallies held in at least 12 Ukrainian cities. Zelenskyys approval of the bill was also condemned by European allies. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski warned that Ukrainians hopes of making it into the EU would be slim if it did not have an independent anti-corruption system. EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos had expressed concern over the law approved earlier this week and called it a serious step back. Zelenskyy had claimed that he initially wanted to remove the independence of the bodies to speed up the investigation and remove Russian meddling. On July 24, Zelenskyy submitted a new draft bill to the legislature that would strengthen the anti-corruption agencies. Ukraine's two main anti-graft agencies, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office (SAPO), had welcomed the new bill, saying that it guarantees their independence. The agencies also said that they helped draft the new bill and urged lawmakers to adopt it as soon as possible, according to AP. He made a U-turn and said that the new bill will reverse the changes and also introduce additional measures to combat Russian influence like mandatory polygraph tests for law enforcement officers. The new draft also says that the prosecutor general and his deputies cannot interfere or give orders to the anti-graft agencies. The bill has not yet been voted on in the parliament, and protests are likely to continue until it is; however, the crowds have grown smaller since Thursday. The Ukrainian parliament is expected to convene on July 30 to review the new draft. Ukrainian media speculated that Zelensky might have approved the old bill due to the two anti-graft agencies closing in on his inner circle, who were actively helping with the war. Experts who spoke to the Kyiv Independent did not call Zelenskyy corrupt, but instead named his action a political miscalculation. Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia Dmitry Polyanskiy spoke at the UN this week and made a number of accusations against the Ukrainian government and Zelenskyy, including forced conscription of citizens and arrests of political opposition. Russia said that the anti-corruption structures independent from the president have prepared compromising material and criminal cases against Zelenskyy and his inner circle. He also said that the Ukrainian president's accomplices are destroying documents exposing corruption in the highest echelons of power in Kyiv, and he and his team have spent billions of dollars in budget funds and western aid. A Southwest passenger plane nosedived 300ft in just 36 seconds shortly after take-off to avoid a mid-air collision on Friday in California. Southwest flight 1496 from Burbank, California to Las Vegas, Nevada was reportedly in the vicinity of a Hawker Hunter Mk. 58, a British fighter jet. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident. After the pilot of the Boeing 737 was forced to descend, at least two cabin crew members were hurt, while a passenger who did not have her seatbelt buckled was thrown out of her seat, US media reports said. Adults and minor alike screamed and one of the crew was in a state of daze after his head was hit. One of his colleagues screamed that he was quittung, reports quoted passengers are remembering. Just now on SW Flight #1496 Burbank to Las Vegas. Pilot had to dive aggressively to avoid midair collision over Burbank airport. Myself & Plenty of people flew out of their seats & bumped heads on ceiling, a flight attendant needed medical attention. Pilot said his collision Jimmy Dore (@jimmy_dore) July 25, 2025 "Pilot had to dive aggressively to avoid mid-air collision over Burbank airport. Myself & plenty of people flew out of their seats & bumped heads on ceiling, a flight attendant needed medical attention," comedian Jimmy Dore, who was among the passengers of Southwest flight 1496, said on X. It was the pilot himself who told the passengers what had happened following the dramatic loss of altitude for a few seconds. He used the intercom to reveal that they had lost the air traffic control signal and he had to bring the aircraft to a lower elevation as they almost collided with another plane. The flight later landed in California without further incident, reports said. "Southwest is engaged with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to further understand the circumstances...We appreciate the professionalism of our Flight Crew and Flight Attendants in responding to this event. Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of our Customers and Employees," an official statement by the airline read. What are Hawker Hunter jets? Mk-58 Hawker Hunters are British jet-powered fighter aircraft that was developed by Hawker Aircraft for the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the late 1940s and retired from active service in the early 1990s. However, the RAF and NATO countries still use these iconic jets for a variety of reasons: A British Hawker Hunter fighter jet | HHA website US President Donald Trump on Saturday claimed that he had successfully intervened in the Thailand-Cambodia conflict, and that it reminded him of the 88-hour India-Pakistan conflict in May. Cross-border shelling between Thailand and Cambodia have escalated as the conflict drags on for a third day, with more than 30 people killed and more than 10,000 displaced. Both sides claim to be acting in self-defence, with neither side backing down from the conflict. "They have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE!" Trump claimed, in a Truth Social post following calls to the prime ministers of both nations. ALSO READ | Who are Thailand and Cambodia's allies in arms: Heavy artillery, F-16 fighter jets and cluster munitions Cambodia on Friday accepted a ceasefire proposal backed by Malaysiawhich is the current chair of the ASEAN (which includes both Thailand and Cambodia). However, Bangkok rejected it in favour of bilateral ceasefire talks, according to Thai foreign ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura, as per a Reuters report. "I don't think we need any mediation from a third country yet," he stated. ALSO READ | Did Thai soldiers seize Preah Vihear Temple? Thailand-Cambodia conflict could be moving towards war Despite that, Washington's attempts at bringing about a ceasefire between the two South-east Asian nations utilises a similar tool he claimed to have used to resolve the India-Pakistan conflict: trade deals. "Both Parties are looking for an immediate Ceasefire and Peace. They are also looking to get back to the 'Trading Table' with the United States, which we think is inappropriate to do until such time as the fighting STOPS ... I look forward to concluding our Trading Agreements with both!" Trump said about the Thai-Cambodia conflict. Thailand and Cambodia have been fighting over ownership of an 11th-century Shiva temple: the Prasat Preah Vihear. Over the years, such ownership disputes have led to multiple armed clashes, resulting in civilian and military casualties on both sides. Is Trump's stance on the India-Pakistan conflict wavering? Trump has repeatedly stated in the past that the India-Pakistan hostilities following Operation Sindoor were brought to a halt after his mediation using trade deals with the two nations as leverage. Although Pakistani foreign minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday declared that he "appreciated the pivotal role" of the US in mediating the hostilities, India has continued to maintain that the resolution was entirely bilateral. Owing to India's insistence on the resolution being bilateral, the US State Department's response to Dar's statement did not mention India. More recently, in Trump's comparison of the Thai-Cambodian conflict to that of New Delhi and Islamabad, he simply mentions that it was "brought to a successful halt", without reiterating his claim of US intervention. Mk-58 Hawker Hunters: They are British jet-powered fighter aircraft that was developed by Hawker Aircraft for the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the late 1940s and retired from active service in the early 1990s Following an intensive two-day manhunt, Israeli security forces captured the terrorist who injured eight soldiers in a ramming attack near Kfar Yona on Thursday, Israel Police announced on Motzei Shabbos. Arkan Khaled, 27, an Arab-Israeli from the town of Taybeh, was found hiding on top of a crane at a construction site in the Beit Lid junction area, not far from where the vehicle he used to carry out the attack was found. Khaled abandoned the car following the attack and fled on foot. Your browser does not support the video tag. The Kfar Yona Municipality issued a statement to residents saying, The terrorist who carried out the car ramming attack has been captured. Mayor Albert Tayeb extends his thanks to the Israel Police, the Shin Bet, the local alert squad, and all our volunteers who took part in the intensive search since the morning of the attack. (YWNs Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis haShabbos in Israel) An Israeli tourist was hospitalized after he was injured in an antisemitic attack by a group of Syrian migrants at a beach near Athens, Israels Foreign Ministry said on Motzei Shabbos. The tourist, Stav Ben-Shushan, told Channel 12 News from his hospital bed that he was with his wife and another Israeli couple when a Syrian man started videoing them and screaming, Free Palestine and I am Hamas, along with expletives about Israel. The man then threw sand at him, prompting Ben Shushan to push him away. Security guards at the beach intervened and forcibly removed the Syrian from the area. Ben Shushan added that about an hour later, he was walking back from the bathroom when he saw the Syrian man approach his wife and try to assault her. When he rushed to intervene, the Syrian bit his ear and tore part of it off. The police arrested the Syrian and also briefly detained Shushan after the Syrian accused him of making racist statements. The Foreign Ministry said that according to initial information, a group of migrants identified the Israeli tourists and began harassing them. One of the individuals later attacked the Israeli man while he was in the water, biting his ear and causing a serious injury, a ministry spokesperson said. The attacker is under arrest, and we are in contact with the victim and Greek authorities. The incident follows two recent antisemitic incidents in Greece, including an attack on an Israeli group of teens by a group of Turks in Rhodes and a pro-Hamas protest on the island of Syros, which prevented 1,600 Israelis from disembarking from a cruise ship. (YWNs Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis haShabbos in Israel) A reservist seriously wounded by a roadside bomb in southern Gaza a week ago died of his wounds on Shabbos, the IDF announced on Motzei Shabbos. He was identified as Sgt. Maj. (res.) Betzalel Yehoshua Mosbacher, Hyd, 32, of Avnei Eitan, a religious moshav in Ramat HaGolan. The Golan Regional Council issued a statement saying, Betzalel, Hyd, 32, married to Maayan and father to a young daughter, was an Israel Electric Corporation employee and a reserve combat engineering soldier in the 749th Engineering Battalion in the Bislach Brigade. He was seriously injured in battle last week and has been fighting for his life ever since. Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated on Shabbos, and he died from his injuries. In this difficult hour, the Golan community embraces his wife, Maayan, and his daughter, his parents, Yaakov and Chana, his brothers, his sisters, and his entire family. The council and the entire Golan salute the IDF soldiers who continue to risk their lives in the war. With hope and tefilla for good news for all of Am Yisrael. Hashem Yikam Damo. (YWNs Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis haShabbos in Israel) France held secret meetings with Hamas leaders, with the approval of French President Emmanuel Macron, three years before the October 7 attack, Channel 12 News reported on Motzei Shabbos. Documents found in Gaza during the war revealed that the first meeting took place between a French delegation headed by a high-ranking intelligence official and Hamas leaders Mousa Abu Marzouk and Khaled Mashal on October 16, 2020, in Doha, Qatar. France initiated the meeting According to the report, the senior French official told the Hamas leaders, We dont want to talk only with the Palestinian Authority, but also with you. France has a historical connection to the Palestinian struggle. Mashal and Abu Marzouk responded, Even if the international community supports the Zionist entity, we will defeat them. This land is ours. The resistance has continued for over a hundred years, and we will continue until victory. The French representatives did not express any objection to Hamass stated goal of destroying Israel. In response to the report, a senior diplomat at the French Embassy said, These baseless accusations are apparently intended to undermine the legitimacy of our efforts to promote a two-state solution. (YWNs Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis haShabbos in Israel) A Royal Caribbean crew member has jumped to his death after he allegedly 'stabbed' a female coworker while the ship was cruising through the Bahamas, say police. The unidentified South African male, 35, 'assaulted' his 28-year-old colleague multiple times during a dispute on Thursday, according to the cruise line and the Royal Bahamas Police Force. The cruise line said in a statement: 'One of the crew members was injured, [she] was attended to by the onboard medical team, and she is now in stable condition. Unfortunately, the other crew member is deceased after he went overboard.' SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Stabbing: An unidentified South African male crew member who stabbed his coworker multiple times during a personal dispute jumped overboard to his death on Thursday night The injured employee, who's also South African, was treated for stab wounds and was 'in a stable condition', according to Royal Bahamas Police Superintendent Stephen Rolle. After stabbing her, the male worker plunged overboard off the ship at around 7pm. An Oscar alert to notify the ship's passengers that someone's gone into the water was immediately enacted. Rescue crews retrieved the man's body shortly after he went in the water but he was found unresponsive. Crews performed CPR but he was declared deceased. Royal Bahamian Police Force said in a statement that the 'matter is presently being investigated'. A spokesperson said: 'The cruise ship just arrived on the island this morning.' Rescue efforts were deployed immediately and the boat was near San Salvador when it was turned back toward the overboard man. Earlier, the cruise line offered condolences to the man's family. In a statement to Cruise Hive, which first reported on the story, a statement said: 'Unfortunately, the crew member passed away,' the cruise line confirmed. We extend our condolences to the crew members family and loved ones. To respect their privacy, we have no additional details to share.' The ship's on course to return to Miami on Saturday. Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) has attracted significant hedge fund interest, making it one of the 11 Best Mineral Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. Raymond James Raises PT on Newmont Corporation (NEM) from $66 to $67; Maintains Outperform Rating A closeup view of a large gold mine, illustrating the company's gold properties. On July 3, 2025, Raymond James increased its price target on Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) from $66 to $67, maintaining an Outperform rating. This revision is attributed to the inclusion of second-quarter commodity prices and recent asset sales. The Q2 results of Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) will reflect limited production from divested assets such as Akyem and Porcupine. These assets were sold earlier in April 2025, as part of the companys sweeping divestiture plan, generating after-tax proceeds of $850 million. Additionally, on July 15, 2025, Newmont secured $470 million in cash, selling equity stakes in Greatland Resources and Discovery Silver. These divestitures align with the companys goal to generate $3 billion in after-tax proceeds in 2025, supporting its capital allocation strategy and strengthening its focus on core assets. Meanwhile, Raymond James predicts higher sustaining capital and reclamation costs, which may constrain cash flows. The companys share price is up over 60% on a YTD basis. Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM), primarily a U.S.-based gold mining company, explores for copper, silver, zinc, lead, and other metals. It is included in our list of the Best Material Stocks. While we acknowledge the potential of NEM 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: 14 Cheap Transportation Stocks to Buy According to Analysts and Top 10 AI Infrastructure Stocks to Buy Now. Disclosure: None. JPMorgan Japanese (LON:JFJ Get Free Report) insider Anna Dingley acquired 937 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 22nd. The stock was purchased at an average price of GBX 621 ($8.35) per share, for a total transaction of 5,818.77 ($7,819.88). JPMorgan Japanese Trading Down 0.6% JPMorgan Japanese stock opened at GBX 652 ($8.76) on Friday. The firm has a market cap of 1.07 billion, a P/E ratio of 5.51 and a beta of 0.71. JPMorgan Japanese has a 1-year low of GBX 474.57 ($6.38) and a 1-year high of GBX 661 ($8.88). The firm has a 50-day moving average of GBX 626.45 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 593.98. Get JPMorgan Japanese alerts: JPMorgan Japanese (LON:JFJ Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 29th. The company reported GBX 5.32 ($0.07) EPS for the quarter. JPMorgan Japanese had a return on equity of 19.70% and a net margin of 98.31%. About JPMorgan Japanese Be at the heart of Japans new growth Tap into Japans economic transformation and potential for long-term capital growth as a dynamic new generation of companies emerges Why invest in this Trust? Expertise One of the largest and oldest closed-end funds to focus on Japanese equities. Managed by a Tokyo-based team of 25 Japan investment professionals, providing the vital local insights needed to uncover value in an under-researched market. Portfolio: Invests in innovative Japanese companies from across the market cap spectrum that are leading the world in high-growth industries, including robotics, e-commerce, fintech and computer gaming. Seeks out high quality companies with strong franchises, balance sheets and cash-flow generation, while fully integrating environmental, social and governance factors into stock selection. Results- Provides access to a portfolio that is focused only on those high quality Japanese companies that we believe offer the most attractive opportunities for sustainable long-term capital growth. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan Japanese Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan Japanese and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Unum Group (NYSE:UNM Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the thirteen research firms that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12 month price target among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $91.77. A number of research analysts have issued reports on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on Unum Group from $87.00 to $96.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 8th. Piper Sandler upped their price objective on Unum Group from $88.00 to $92.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 3rd. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on Unum Group from $83.00 to $85.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, July 14th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reduced their price objective on Unum Group from $103.00 to $102.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, April 9th. Finally, Barclays set a $96.00 price objective on Unum Group and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, July 7th. Get Unum Group alerts: Get Our Latest Report on UNM Insider Buying and Selling Institutional Inflows and Outflows In other Unum Group news, EVP Elizabeth Claire Ahmed sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $80.00, for a total value of $800,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 51,170 shares in the company, valued at $4,093,600. This trade represents a 16.35% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink . 0.92% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Stratos Wealth Partners LTD. boosted its stake in Unum Group by 28.3% in the 1st quarter. Stratos Wealth Partners LTD. now owns 3,802 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $310,000 after purchasing an additional 838 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP bought a new position in Unum Group in the 4th quarter worth about $240,000. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. boosted its stake in Unum Group by 88.4% in the 1st quarter. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. now owns 17,302 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,409,000 after purchasing an additional 8,120 shares during the period. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC boosted its stake in Unum Group by 202.1% in the 1st quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 945,271 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $77,512,000 after purchasing an additional 632,358 shares during the period. Finally, Zurich Insurance Group Ltd FI bought a new position in Unum Group in the 4th quarter worth about $105,199,000. Institutional investors own 86.57% of the companys stock. Unum Group Trading Up 0.9% NYSE UNM opened at $80.74 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $14.08 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.51, a PEG ratio of 1.26 and a beta of 0.41. The company has a current ratio of 0.30, a quick ratio of 0.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $80.31 and a 200 day simple moving average of $78.40. Unum Group has a 12 month low of $51.80 and a 12 month high of $84.48. Unum Group (NYSE:UNM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, April 29th. The financial services provider reported $2.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.19 by ($0.15). The business had revenue of $3.09 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.34 billion. Unum Group had a net margin of 12.31% and a return on equity of 14.17%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 3.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $2.12 EPS. On average, analysts predict that Unum Group will post 9.14 EPS for the current fiscal year. Unum Group Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 25th will be paid a $0.46 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, July 25th. This represents a $1.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.28%. This is an increase from Unum Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.42. Unum Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 19.79%. About Unum Group (Get Free Report Unum Group, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial protection benefit solutions primarily in the United States, the United Kingdom, Poland, and internationally. It operates through Unum US, Unum International, Colonial Life, and Closed Block segment. The company offers group long-term and short-term disability, group life, and accidental death and dismemberment products; supplemental and voluntary products, such as individual disability, voluntary benefits, and dental and vision products; and accident, sickness, disability, life, and cancer and critical illness products. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Unum Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Unum Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Essent Group Ltd. (NYSE:ESNT Get Free Report) has been assigned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the seven research firms that are covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 12 month target price among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $63.71. Several research analysts have weighed in on the company. Compass Point set a $69.00 target price on Essent Group and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, May 23rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised Essent Group from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and set a $60.00 price objective on the stock in a report on Tuesday, April 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a neutral rating on shares of Essent Group in a report on Friday, May 9th. BTIG Research reissued a buy rating on shares of Essent Group in a report on Friday, May 9th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered Essent Group from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and increased their price objective for the company from $65.00 to $67.00 in a report on Monday, July 7th. Get Essent Group alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Essent Group Insider Buying and Selling at Essent Group Institutional Trading of Essent Group In other Essent Group news, CFO David B. Weinstock sold 2,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $58.79, for a total value of $146,975.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer owned 27,365 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,608,788.35. This trade represents a 8.37% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link . Also, Director Douglas J. Pauls sold 3,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $59.80, for a total value of $179,400.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 27,165 shares in the company, valued at $1,624,467. This trade represents a 9.95% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders have sold 9,740 shares of company stock valued at $581,386 in the last 90 days. 2.90% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Essent Group in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $575,000. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC lifted its position in shares of Essent Group by 83.6% in the 2nd quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 405,199 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $24,895,000 after acquiring an additional 184,478 shares during the period. CWM LLC lifted its position in shares of Essent Group by 163.7% in the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 20,075 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,219,000 after acquiring an additional 12,462 shares during the period. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Essent Group by 3.5% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 23,748 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,442,000 after acquiring an additional 814 shares during the period. Finally, Inspire Investing LLC lifted its position in shares of Essent Group by 7.9% in the 2nd quarter. Inspire Investing LLC now owns 6,427 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $390,000 after acquiring an additional 472 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.00% of the companys stock. Essent Group Price Performance Shares of ESNT stock opened at $56.70 on Friday. Essent Group has a fifty-two week low of $51.61 and a fifty-two week high of $65.33. The stocks 50-day moving average is $58.40 and its two-hundred day moving average is $57.29. The firm has a market cap of $5.75 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.30, a PEG ratio of 8.24 and a beta of 0.81. Essent Group (NYSE:ESNT Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, May 9th. The financial services provider reported $1.69 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.66 by $0.03. Essent Group had a return on equity of 12.98% and a net margin of 57.29%. The company had revenue of $317.56 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $311.18 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.70 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 6.4% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts expect that Essent Group will post 6.88 EPS for the current year. Essent Group Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, May 30th were issued a $0.31 dividend. This represents a $1.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.19%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, May 30th. Essent Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 18.16%. Essent Group Company Profile (Get Free Report Essent Group Ltd., through its subsidiaries, provides private mortgage insurance and reinsurance for mortgages secured by residential properties located in the United States. Its mortgage insurance products include primary, pool, and master policy. The company also provides information technology maintenance and development services; customer support-related services; underwriting consulting; and contract underwriting services, as well as risk management products and title insurance and settlement services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Essent Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Essent Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackRock (NYSE:BLK Get Free Report) Director Fabrizio Freda sold 4,434 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,122.81, for a total transaction of $4,978,539.54. Following the transaction, the director owned 3,506 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,936,571.86. This trade represents a 55.84% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. BlackRock Trading Up 0.5% Shares of BlackRock stock opened at $1,123.48 on Friday. BlackRock has a 1 year low of $773.74 and a 1 year high of $1,130.66. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $1,027.64 and its 200-day simple moving average is $976.79. The company has a market cap of $174.06 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.16, a PEG ratio of 2.26 and a beta of 1.41. The company has a current ratio of 4.34, a quick ratio of 4.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38. Get BlackRock alerts: BlackRock (NYSE:BLK Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 15th. The asset manager reported $12.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $10.41 by $1.64. BlackRock had a net margin of 29.68% and a return on equity of 15.83%. The company had revenue of $5.42 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.40 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $10.36 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 12.9% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that BlackRock will post 47.41 EPS for the current year. BlackRock Dividend Announcement Wall Street Analyst Weigh In The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 23rd. Investors of record on Friday, September 5th will be given a dividend of $5.21 per share. This represents a $20.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.85%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 5th. BlackRocks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 50.39%. Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on BLK shares. TD Cowen reduced their price objective on shares of BlackRock from $1,251.00 to $1,032.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, April 9th. Citigroup reduced their price target on BlackRock from $1,200.00 to $1,100.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, April 14th. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price objective on BlackRock from $959.00 to $1,210.00 in a report on Thursday, July 10th. Argus reissued a buy rating on shares of BlackRock in a research note on Tuesday, July 8th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $1,115.00 target price on shares of BlackRock in a research report on Tuesday, July 8th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, BlackRock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $1,151.21. View Our Latest Research Report on BLK Hedge Funds Weigh In On BlackRock Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in BLK. Welch Group LLC raised its stake in shares of BlackRock by 1.2% in the 2nd quarter. Welch Group LLC now owns 760 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $797,000 after buying an additional 9 shares in the last quarter. McLean Asset Management Corp boosted its position in shares of BlackRock by 3.9% during the 2nd quarter. McLean Asset Management Corp now owns 266 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $285,000 after acquiring an additional 10 shares in the last quarter. Trust Co. of Oklahoma increased its stake in BlackRock by 0.5% in the second quarter. Trust Co. of Oklahoma now owns 2,023 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $2,123,000 after acquiring an additional 10 shares during the period. TOWER TRUST & INVESTMENT Co raised its position in BlackRock by 1.3% in the second quarter. TOWER TRUST & INVESTMENT Co now owns 799 shares of the asset managers stock worth $838,000 after purchasing an additional 10 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ashton Thomas Securities LLC raised its position in BlackRock by 4.7% in the second quarter. Ashton Thomas Securities LLC now owns 223 shares of the asset managers stock worth $234,000 after purchasing an additional 10 shares in the last quarter. 80.69% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. BlackRock Company Profile (Get Free Report) BlackRock, Inc is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks. Read More Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sonic Automotive (NYSE:SAH Get Free Report) had its price target boosted by Needham & Company LLC from $74.00 to $95.00 in a report released on Friday, Marketbeat.com reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the stock. Needham & Company LLCs price target would suggest a potential upside of 31.44% from the stocks current price. A number of other research firms have also recently issued reports on SAH. Bank of America increased their target price on Sonic Automotive from $80.00 to $94.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, June 16th. Benchmark initiated coverage on shares of Sonic Automotive in a research report on Wednesday, May 28th. They issued a buy rating and a $76.00 target price on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reissued an underweight rating and set a $72.00 target price (up from $65.00) on shares of Sonic Automotive in a report on Thursday, July 17th. Wall Street Zen downgraded Sonic Automotive from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, June 21st. Finally, Citigroup initiated coverage on Sonic Automotive in a research report on Wednesday, April 23rd. They set a neutral rating and a $64.00 target price on the stock. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating, four have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $77.86. Get Sonic Automotive alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Sonic Automotive Sonic Automotive Stock Performance Shares of SAH traded up $0.08 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $72.28. 8,786 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 228,218. The stocks fifty day moving average is $77.81 and its 200 day moving average is $69.66. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.78, a quick ratio of 0.24 and a current ratio of 1.03. The stock has a market cap of $2.45 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.06 and a beta of 1.04. Sonic Automotive has a 1-year low of $52.00 and a 1-year high of $89.62. Sonic Automotive (NYSE:SAH Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 24th. The company reported $2.19 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.63 by $0.56. Sonic Automotive had a net margin of 1.07% and a return on equity of 21.40%. The firm had revenue of $3.66 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.66 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.47 EPS. The companys revenue was up 5.9% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts anticipate that Sonic Automotive will post 6.14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling In other Sonic Automotive news, President Jeff Dyke sold 31,152 shares of Sonic Automotive stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $70.05, for a total transaction of $2,182,197.60. Following the completion of the sale, the president owned 605,969 shares of the companys stock, valued at $42,448,128.45. The trade was a 4.89% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 50,000 shares of company stock valued at $3,502,062. 42.65% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Voya Investment Management LLC increased its position in Sonic Automotive by 1.9% during the 1st quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC now owns 7,451 shares of the companys stock valued at $424,000 after buying an additional 136 shares in the last quarter. Oliver Luxxe Assets LLC raised its stake in shares of Sonic Automotive by 0.9% in the second quarter. Oliver Luxxe Assets LLC now owns 23,141 shares of the companys stock worth $1,850,000 after buying an additional 205 shares during the period. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. boosted its holdings in Sonic Automotive by 4.8% in the 4th quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 8,370 shares of the companys stock worth $530,000 after buying an additional 380 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its stake in Sonic Automotive by 1.9% in the 4th quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 20,596 shares of the companys stock worth $1,305,000 after purchasing an additional 390 shares during the period. Finally, Russell Investments Group Ltd. lifted its stake in Sonic Automotive by 2.0% in the 1st quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 22,581 shares of the companys stock worth $1,286,000 after purchasing an additional 442 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 46.92% of the companys stock. About Sonic Automotive (Get Free Report) Sonic Automotive, Inc operates as an automotive retailer in the United States. It operates in three segments, Franchised Dealerships, EchoPark, and Powersports. The Franchised Dealerships segment is involved in the sale of new and used cars and light trucks, and replacement parts; provision of vehicle maintenance, manufacturer warranty repair, and paint and collision repair services; and arrangement of extended warranties, service contracts, financing, insurance, and other aftermarket products for its guests. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Sonic Automotive Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sonic Automotive and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO Get Free Report) VP Richard Craig Smith sold 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $3,875.90, for a total value of $11,627,700.00. Following the transaction, the vice president directly owned 2,925 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,337,007.50. The trade was a 50.63% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. AutoZone Trading Down 0.6% AutoZone stock opened at $3,819.20 on Friday. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $3,711.34 and a 200 day moving average price of $3,595.67. AutoZone, Inc. has a 12-month low of $2,898.57 and a 12-month high of $3,916.81. The stock has a market cap of $64.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.85, a PEG ratio of 2.29 and a beta of 0.39. Get AutoZone alerts: AutoZone (NYSE:AZO Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 27th. The company reported $35.36 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $37.07 by ($1.71). AutoZone had a negative return on equity of 56.07% and a net margin of 13.56%. The firm had revenue of $4.46 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.41 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $36.69 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 5.4% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts forecast that AutoZone, Inc. will post 152.94 EPS for the current year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On AutoZone Analyst Ratings Changes A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in AZO. Blue Trust Inc. raised its holdings in AutoZone by 3.5% in the 1st quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 89 shares of the companys stock valued at $339,000 after buying an additional 3 shares during the period. Colonial Trust Co SC raised its stake in shares of AutoZone by 24.5% in the 4th quarter. Colonial Trust Co SC now owns 61 shares of the companys stock valued at $197,000 after acquiring an additional 12 shares during the period. Comerica Bank raised its stake in shares of AutoZone by 5.4% in the 4th quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 4,262 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,647,000 after acquiring an additional 217 shares during the period. Barclays PLC lifted its holdings in shares of AutoZone by 82.6% in the 4th quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 170,216 shares of the companys stock worth $545,033,000 after acquiring an additional 77,015 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of AutoZone by 13.0% during the 4th quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 66,016 shares of the companys stock worth $211,383,000 after purchasing an additional 7,586 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.74% of the companys stock. Several equities research analysts recently commented on AZO shares. Wells Fargo & Company set a $4,200.00 price target on shares of AutoZone and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, May 19th. Mizuho boosted their target price on shares of AutoZone from $3,740.00 to $4,050.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, July 3rd. Evercore ISI set a $3,950.00 price target on shares of AutoZone in a research report on Monday, May 19th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $4,000.00 price objective (up from $3,750.00) on shares of AutoZone in a report on Wednesday, May 28th. Finally, Oppenheimer raised AutoZone from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $4,600.00 target price for the company in a report on Friday, May 2nd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nineteen have assigned a buy rating and three have issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, AutoZone presently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $4,087.00. View Our Latest Research Report on AutoZone About AutoZone (Get Free Report) AutoZone, Inc retails and distributes automotive replacement parts and accessories in the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. The company provides various products for cars, sport utility vehicles, vans, and light trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products. See Also Receive News & Ratings for AutoZone Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AutoZone and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Brown & Brown (NYSE:BRO Get Free Report) and Detwiler Fenton Group (OTCMKTS:DMCD Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, valuation, earnings, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, risk and profitability. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Brown & Brown and Detwiler Fenton Groups gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get Brown & Brown alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Brown & Brown $4.81 billion 6.17 $993.00 million $3.59 28.80 Detwiler Fenton Group N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Profitability Brown & Brown has higher revenue and earnings than Detwiler Fenton Group. This table compares Brown & Brown and Detwiler Fenton Groups net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Brown & Brown 20.84% 17.77% 6.76% Detwiler Fenton Group N/A N/A N/A Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent recommendations for Brown & Brown and Detwiler Fenton Group, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Brown & Brown 1 6 6 0 2.38 Detwiler Fenton Group 0 0 0 0 0.00 Brown & Brown currently has a consensus price target of $118.92, indicating a potential upside of 15.03%. Given Brown & Browns stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, research analysts plainly believe Brown & Brown is more favorable than Detwiler Fenton Group. Insider and Institutional Ownership 71.0% of Brown & Brown shares are owned by institutional investors. 17.0% of Brown & Brown shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 40.5% of Detwiler Fenton Group shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Summary Brown & Brown beats Detwiler Fenton Group on 8 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks. About Brown & Brown (Get Free Report) Brown & Brown, Inc. is an insurance agency, wholesale brokerage, insurance program and service organization. It engages in the provision of insurance brokerage services and casualty insurance underwriting services. It operates through the following segments: Retail, National Programs, Wholesale Brokerage, and Services. The Retail Segment receives fees in lieu of commissions. The National Programs segment acts as a managing general agent and provides professional liability and related package products for certain professionals, a range of insurance products for individuals, flood coverage, and targeted products and services designated for specific industries, trade groups, governmental entities and market niches. The Wholesale Brokerage segment markets and sells excess and surplus commercial and personal lines insurance, primarily through independent agents and brokers, as well as the companys retail agents. The Services segment provides insurance-related services, including third-party claims administration and comprehensive medical utilization management services in both the workers compensation and all-lines liability arenas, as well as Medicare Set-aside services, social security disability and Medicare benefits advocacy services and claims adjusting services. The company was founded by J. Adrian Brown and Charles Covington Owen in 1939 and is headquartered in Daytona Beach, FL. About Detwiler Fenton Group (Get Free Report) Detwiler Fenton Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides financial services to institutional and individual investors primarily in the United States. The company offers institutional channel research and wealth management/investment brokerage services to high net worth and other individuals. It also markets annuities and life insurance, health insurance, and long term care products, as well as mutual funds. The company, formerly known as Detwiler, Mitchell & Co., was founded in 1983 and is based in Boston, Massachusetts. Receive News & Ratings for Brown & Brown Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brown & Brown and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Security Financial Services INC. grew its position in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 6.5% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 2,283 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 139 shares during the quarter. Security Financial Services INC.s holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $362,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Perigon Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 0.4% during the first quarter. Perigon Wealth Management LLC now owns 14,087 shares of the companys stock worth $2,236,000 after buying an additional 60 shares during the period. TBH Global Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 0.9% during the first quarter. TBH Global Asset Management LLC now owns 6,932 shares of the companys stock worth $1,100,000 after buying an additional 61 shares during the period. Capital Advisors Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 2.1% during the first quarter. Capital Advisors Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,005 shares of the companys stock worth $477,000 after buying an additional 63 shares during the period. Lloyd Advisory Services LLC. boosted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 3.3% during the first quarter. Lloyd Advisory Services LLC. now owns 2,032 shares of the companys stock worth $323,000 after buying an additional 64 shares during the period. Finally, Western Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 1.5% during the first quarter. Western Wealth Management LLC now owns 4,446 shares of the companys stock worth $706,000 after buying an additional 64 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.63% of the companys stock. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Philip Morris International Trading Down 0.1% PM stock opened at $160.92 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $178.86 and a 200-day moving average of $160.14. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 12-month low of $112.43 and a 12-month high of $186.69. The company has a market cap of $250.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.59, a PEG ratio of 2.30 and a beta of 0.51. Philip Morris International Announces Dividend Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 22nd. The company reported $1.91 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.86 by $0.05. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 10.57% and a negative return on equity of 120.86%. The company had revenue of $10.14 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.33 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.59 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 7.1% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts forecast that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 27th were given a dividend of $1.35 per share. This represents a $5.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.36%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, June 27th. Philip Morris Internationals payout ratio is 102.66%. Analysts Set New Price Targets PM has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Philip Morris International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Sunday, July 20th. UBS Group raised their price objective on shares of Philip Morris International from $170.00 to $181.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, July 14th. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating and issued a $182.00 price objective (up previously from $156.00) on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday, April 24th. Citigroup restated an overweight rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, Barclays restated an overweight rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Tuesday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $186.73. View Our Latest Research Report on PM Philip Morris International Company Profile (Free Report) Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Integrated Investment Consultants LLC lifted its stake in shares of iShares S&P 500 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IVE Free Report) by 12.9% in the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 6,010 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 687 shares during the period. Integrated Investment Consultants LLCs holdings in iShares S&P 500 Value ETF were worth $1,145,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Telos Capital Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of iShares S&P 500 Value ETF by 5.9% during the first quarter. Telos Capital Management Inc. now owns 16,987 shares of the companys stock worth $3,237,000 after purchasing an additional 940 shares in the last quarter. Verdence Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in iShares S&P 500 Value ETF during the 1st quarter valued at about $206,000. Ancora Advisors LLC grew its stake in iShares S&P 500 Value ETF by 6.8% during the 4th quarter. Ancora Advisors LLC now owns 5,607 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,070,000 after acquiring an additional 357 shares in the last quarter. Confluence Wealth Services Inc. grew its stake in iShares S&P 500 Value ETF by 2.5% during the 1st quarter. Confluence Wealth Services Inc. now owns 2,555 shares of the companys stock valued at $459,000 after acquiring an additional 62 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ritholtz Wealth Management grew its stake in iShares S&P 500 Value ETF by 16.5% during the 1st quarter. Ritholtz Wealth Management now owns 3,438 shares of the companys stock valued at $655,000 after acquiring an additional 487 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares S&P 500 Value ETF alerts: iShares S&P 500 Value ETF Trading Up 0.3% Shares of NYSEARCA IVE opened at $200.57 on Friday. iShares S&P 500 Value ETF has a 12-month low of $165.45 and a 12-month high of $206.63. The stock has a market cap of $40.08 billion, a PE ratio of 20.70 and a beta of 0.94. The company has a 50-day moving average of $193.49 and a 200 day moving average of $190.64. iShares S&P 500 Value ETF Company Profile iShares S&P 500 Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P 500 Value Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P 500 Value Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization value sector of the United States equity market and consists of those stocks in the S&P 500 exhibiting the strongest value characteristics. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IVE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares S&P 500 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IVE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares S&P 500 Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares S&P 500 Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Burney Co. boosted its holdings in shares of Arbor Realty Trust (NYSE:ABR Free Report) by 19.9% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 29,904 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after acquiring an additional 4,961 shares during the quarter. Burney Co.s holdings in Arbor Realty Trust were worth $351,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Natixis Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Arbor Realty Trust by 5.0% during the 4th quarter. Natixis Advisors LLC now owns 16,728 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $232,000 after acquiring an additional 797 shares during the period. Xponance Inc. boosted its holdings in Arbor Realty Trust by 10.0% during the 4th quarter. Xponance Inc. now owns 13,288 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $184,000 after acquiring an additional 1,209 shares during the period. Summit Investment Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in Arbor Realty Trust by 6.8% during the 4th quarter. Summit Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 19,266 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $267,000 after acquiring an additional 1,223 shares during the period. Monetary Management Group Inc. boosted its holdings in Arbor Realty Trust by 25.0% during the 4th quarter. Monetary Management Group Inc. now owns 6,250 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $87,000 after acquiring an additional 1,250 shares during the period. Finally, Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC boosted its holdings in Arbor Realty Trust by 12.1% during the 4th quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC now owns 11,810 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $164,000 after acquiring an additional 1,272 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 57.25% of the companys stock. Get Arbor Realty Trust alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on ABR shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on Arbor Realty Trust from $10.50 to $10.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, May 5th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered their target price on Arbor Realty Trust from $11.75 to $11.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, May 6th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $13.20. Arbor Realty Trust Price Performance Shares of ABR stock opened at $12.06 on Friday. Arbor Realty Trust has a twelve month low of $8.43 and a twelve month high of $15.94. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.32 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.60 and a beta of 1.37. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $10.53 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $11.60. The company has a current ratio of 36.48, a quick ratio of 36.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.92. Arbor Realty Trust Cuts Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, May 16th were issued a $0.30 dividend. This represents a $1.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 9.95%. Arbor Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio is 115.38%. Insider Buying and Selling at Arbor Realty Trust In other news, CEO Ivan Kaufman bought 60,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 22nd. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $8.70 per share, for a total transaction of $522,000.00. Following the acquisition, the chief executive officer owned 1,989,816 shares of the companys stock, valued at $17,311,399.20. This represents a 3.11% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In the last three months, insiders acquired 210,000 shares of company stock valued at $1,942,000. 3.80% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. About Arbor Realty Trust (Free Report) Arbor Realty Trust, Inc invests in a diversified portfolio of structured finance assets in the multifamily, single-family rental, and commercial real estate markets in the United States. The company operates through Structured Business and Agency Business segments. It primarily invests in bridge and mezzanine loans, including junior participating interests in first mortgages, and preferred and direct equity, as well as real estate-related joint ventures, real estate-related notes, and various mortgage-related securities. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Arbor Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Arbor Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Securities and Exchange Commission placed a stay on the Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund conversion to an exchange-traded fund despite approving the fund Tuesday, preventing the crypto product from launching until further notice. The stay creates uncertainty around when the second diversified crypto ETF will reach U.S. markets, with the delay mirroring actions the SEC took against Grayscale Investment Trust's Digital Large Cap Fund earlier this month. Read More: SEC Delays Grayscale Crypto ETF Launch Despite Approval The Bitwise fund tracks the Bitwise 10 Large Cap Crypto Index and holds Bitcoin at a 78.7% weighting, followed by Ethereum at 11.1%, according to Bitwise. The fund manages $1.4 billion in assets across 10 crypto holdings with a 2.5% expense ratio. Regulatory Framework Questions The SEC granted accelerated approval for the Bitwise fund to convert to an ETF trading on NYSE Arca, according to the filing. However, Assistant Secretary Sherry Haywood notified the exchange in a separate letter that the Commission will review the delegated action, automatically triggering a stay under Rule 431 of the Commission's Rules of Practice. The fund currently trades over-the-counter under the ticker BITW and has operated as a trust since November 2017, according to Bitwise. Public quotation began in December 2020 through the OTCQX market. Beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum, the fund holds smaller positions in XRP at 5%, Solana at 3% and Cardano at 0.8%, according to the fact sheet. Additional holdings include SUI at 0.4%, Chainlink at 0.3%, Avalanche at 0.3%, Litecoin at 0.2% and Polkadot at 0.2%. The approval order shows the fund must maintain at least 85% of its holdings in commodities that underlie Commission-approved exchange-traded products, with no more than 15% in other assets, according to the SEC filing. This structure mirrors requirements imposed on other crypto ETF approvals. The stay prevents trading until the SEC orders otherwise, according to the letter from Haywood. The Office of the Secretary will notify the exchange of any action taken by the agency. The delay follows a similar pattern to Grayscale's Digital Large Cap Fund, which received approval and an immediate stay earlier this month. That fund tracks the CoinDesk 5 Index and holds $774.8 million in assets under management. Permalink | Copyright 2025 etf.com. All rights reserved Valuation and Earnings This table compares Farmhouse and its competitors gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Farmhouse N/A -$460,000.00 -0.37 Farmhouse Competitors $36.31 billion $1.80 billion 14.38 Farmhouses competitors have higher revenue and earnings than Farmhouse. Farmhouse 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. Get Farmhouse alerts: Profitability This table compares Farmhouse and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Farmhouse N/A N/A N/A Farmhouse Competitors 9.51% 14.24% 4.44% Risk & Volatility Institutional & Insider Ownership Farmhouse has a beta of 26.72, meaning that its share price is 2,572% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Farmhouses competitors have a beta of 2.11, meaning that their average share price is 111% more volatile than the S&P 500. 9.7% of shares of all Wireless Non US companies are owned by institutional investors. 72.4% of Farmhouse shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 4.5% of shares of all Wireless Non US companies are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Summary Farmhouse competitors beat Farmhouse on 7 of the 9 factors compared. Farmhouse Company Profile (Get Free Report) Farmhouse, Inc. operates a platform for the legal cannabis industry. It provides @420, a Twitter handle public platform that engages with cannabis enthusiasts; WeeClub, a cannabis social network platform that enables industry professionals to connect, discover products and services, and scale their businesses; and Web3 division, which facilitates licensing opportunities between established cannabis brands and influential digital collectible holders to launch digital collectible branded products and accessories. The companys platform serves cannabis producers, retailers, consultants, and supply chain professionals. It markets its products through media, networking, live events, partnerships, search engine optimization, and direct sales calls to existing members. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in San Francisco, California. Receive News & Ratings for Farmhouse Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Farmhouse and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pacer Advisors Inc. lessened its holdings in Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ Free Report) (TSE:CNQ) by 36.6% during the first quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 1,171,300 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after selling 675,217 shares during the quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc.s holdings in Canadian Natural Resources were worth $36,076,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the business. American Century Companies Inc. grew its position in Canadian Natural Resources by 5.8% in the 4th quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 762,031 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $23,527,000 after purchasing an additional 41,823 shares in the last quarter. Sei Investments Co. grew its position in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 7.2% during the 4th quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 34,746 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $1,073,000 after acquiring an additional 2,341 shares during the period. Prudential Financial Inc. grew its position in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 19.9% during the 4th quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 42,358 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $1,307,000 after acquiring an additional 7,016 shares during the period. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp bought a new position in shares of Canadian Natural Resources during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $643,000. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its position in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 4.5% during the 4th quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 13,893,962 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $428,907,000 after acquiring an additional 603,314 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.03% of the companys stock. Get Canadian Natural Resources alerts: Canadian Natural Resources Stock Performance NYSE CNQ opened at $31.37 on Friday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $31.70 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $30.41. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40, a current ratio of 0.84 and a quick ratio of 0.53. Canadian Natural Resources Limited has a 1 year low of $24.65 and a 1 year high of $37.91. The stock has a market capitalization of $65.58 billion, a PE ratio of 12.30 and a beta of 1.03. Canadian Natural Resources Increases Dividend Canadian Natural Resources ( NYSE:CNQ Get Free Report ) (TSE:CNQ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 8th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.81 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.73 by $0.08. Canadian Natural Resources had a net margin of 16.92% and a return on equity of 20.90%. The firm had revenue of $6.96 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.14 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.37 EPS. Analysts predict that Canadian Natural Resources Limited will post 2.45 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, July 3rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 13th were issued a $0.4227 dividend. This represents a $1.69 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.39%. This is an increase from Canadian Natural Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.41. The ex-dividend date was Friday, June 13th. Canadian Natural Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 67.06%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts recently commented on the stock. National Bankshares reaffirmed a sector perform rating on shares of Canadian Natural Resources in a report on Thursday, July 17th. Scotiabank reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Canadian Natural Resources in a report on Friday, July 11th. Finally, Raymond James Financial raised shares of Canadian Natural Resources from a market perform rating to an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, April 9th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Canadian Natural Resources has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $63.00. Read Our Latest Report on Canadian Natural Resources About Canadian Natural Resources (Free Report) Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores for, develops, produces, markets, and sells crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company offers light and medium crude oil, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), and synthetic crude oil (SCO). See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CNQ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ Free Report) (TSE:CNQ). Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Natural Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Natural Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First Heartland Consultants Inc. reduced its position in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV Free Report) by 47.0% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 18,394 shares of the companys stock after selling 16,328 shares during the quarter. First Heartland Consultants Inc.s holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF were worth $1,084,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of EFV. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. grew its position in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 7.5% in the 4th quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 58,027,852 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,044,721,000 after acquiring an additional 4,032,718 shares in the last quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. grew its position in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 122.3% in the 4th quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 5,781,455 shares of the companys stock valued at $303,353,000 after acquiring an additional 3,180,255 shares in the last quarter. FMR LLC grew its position in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 8.0% in the 4th quarter. FMR LLC now owns 20,745,609 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,088,522,000 after acquiring an additional 1,536,021 shares in the last quarter. Sagespring Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new position in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF in the 4th quarter valued at about $63,029,000. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE grew its position in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 13.8% in the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 9,448,653 shares of the companys stock valued at $495,771,000 after acquiring an additional 1,142,638 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Price Performance BATS EFV opened at $65.29 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $26.77 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.17 and a beta of 0.73. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $63.53 and a two-hundred day moving average of $59.53. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF has a 1-year low of $51.05 and a 1-year high of $66.83. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Profile iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Value Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI EAFE Value Index. The Index is a subset of the MSCI EAFE Index and constituents of the Index include securities from Europe, Australasia (Australia and Asia), and the Far East. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EFV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Assetmark Inc. increased its holdings in Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) by 11.0% during the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 1,056,068 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 104,768 shares during the quarter. Assetmark Inc.s holdings in Bank of America were worth $44,070,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of BAC. Brighton Jones LLC increased its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 30.0% in the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 108,872 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $4,785,000 after acquiring an additional 25,143 shares during the period. Bank Pictet & Cie Europe AG increased its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 35.7% in the 4th quarter. Bank Pictet & Cie Europe AG now owns 860,005 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $37,797,000 after acquiring an additional 226,246 shares during the period. Virtu Financial LLC acquired a new position in shares of Bank of America in the 4th quarter valued at $243,000. Fox Run Management L.L.C. acquired a new position in shares of Bank of America in the 4th quarter valued at $219,000. Finally, Artisan Partners Limited Partnership increased its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 4.4% in the 4th quarter. Artisan Partners Limited Partnership now owns 2,477,372 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $108,880,000 after acquiring an additional 104,353 shares during the period. 70.71% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Bank of America alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Baird R W lowered shares of Bank of America from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, June 27th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $47.00 to $49.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, June 23rd. Piper Sandler lowered their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $45.00 to $42.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, April 16th. TD Cowen assumed coverage on shares of Bank of America in a research report on Thursday, May 15th. They issued a buy rating and a $53.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Cowen assumed coverage on shares of Bank of America in a research report on Wednesday, May 14th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating, seventeen have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $50.03. Bank of America Price Performance Bank of America stock opened at $48.47 on Friday. Bank of America Corporation has a 52 week low of $33.06 and a 52 week high of $49.31. The company has a quick ratio of 0.79, a current ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.14. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $45.91 and its 200 day simple moving average is $43.75. The firm has a market capitalization of $365.09 billion, a PE ratio of 14.17, a P/E/G ratio of 1.88 and a beta of 1.30. Bank of America (NYSE:BAC Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 16th. The financial services provider reported $0.89 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate 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 business had revenue of ($22,273.00) million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $26.79 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.83 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 4.3% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts predict that Bank of America Corporation will post 3.7 EPS for the current fiscal year. Bank of America declared that its Board of Directors has authorized a stock repurchase plan on Wednesday, July 23rd that permits the company to repurchase $40.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization permits the financial services provider to buy up to 11.1% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are often a sign that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued. Bank of America Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 26th. Investors of record on Friday, September 5th will be paid a $0.28 dividend. This is an increase from Bank of Americas previous quarterly dividend of $0.26. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 5th. This represents a $1.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.31%. Bank of Americas payout ratio is presently 30.41%. About Bank of America (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. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BAC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bank of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Phoenix Financial Ltd. increased its holdings in shares of Accenture PLC (NYSE:ACN Free Report) by 2.4% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 13,681 shares of the information technology services providers stock after acquiring an additional 320 shares during the quarter. Phoenix Financial Ltd.s holdings in Accenture were worth $4,282,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of ACN. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its position in Accenture by 30,256.8% in the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 3,421,519 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $1,067,651,000 after purchasing an additional 3,410,248 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its position in Accenture by 22.8% in the 4th quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 12,175,518 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $4,283,225,000 after purchasing an additional 2,260,740 shares during the last quarter. Capital Research Global Investors grew its position in Accenture by 16.8% in the 4th quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 12,295,748 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $4,325,526,000 after purchasing an additional 1,770,024 shares during the last quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. grew its position in Accenture by 2,782.1% in the 1st quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 1,445,281 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $450,985,000 after purchasing an additional 1,395,135 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Northern Trust Corp grew its position in Accenture by 10.7% in the 4th quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 7,582,344 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $2,667,393,000 after purchasing an additional 732,769 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 75.14% of the companys stock. Get Accenture alerts: Insider Activity at Accenture In other news, insider Angela Beatty sold 203 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, July 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $282.34, for a total transaction of $57,315.02. Following the transaction, the insider owned 5,249 shares in the company, valued at $1,482,002.66. This represents a 3.72% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Julie Spellman Sweet sold 2,251 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, July 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $282.45, for a total transaction of $635,794.95. Following the transaction, 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 disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 5,454 shares of company stock worth $1,646,780 in the last quarter. 0.02% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. UBS Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a $395.00 price objective (up from $390.00) on shares of Accenture in a report on Thursday, May 22nd. Evercore ISI assumed coverage on shares of Accenture in a report on Thursday, July 17th. They issued an outperform rating and a $330.00 price objective for the company. Piper Sandler decreased their price objective on shares of Accenture from $364.00 to $355.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, April 16th. Guggenheim decreased their price objective on shares of Accenture from $360.00 to $335.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, June 23rd. Finally, Barclays decreased their price objective on shares of Accenture from $390.00 to $360.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, June 23rd. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fifteen have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned 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 target price of $365.43. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on ACN Accenture Stock Up 0.5% Shares of NYSE:ACN opened at $283.10 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16, a quick ratio of 1.46 and a current ratio of 1.46. The company has a market cap of $177.31 billion, a PE ratio of 22.54, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.67 and a beta of 1.29. Accenture PLC has a 52 week low of $273.19 and a 52 week high of $398.35. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $302.60 and a 200 day simple moving average of $322.37. Accenture (NYSE:ACN Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, June 20th. The information technology services provider reported $3.49 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.32 by $0.17. Accenture had a net margin of 11.61% and a return on equity of 26.55%. The company had revenue of $17.73 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $17.26 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $3.13 EPS. The companys revenue was up 7.7% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts expect that Accenture PLC will post 12.73 earnings per share for the current year. Accenture Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 10th will be given a $1.48 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 10th. This represents a $5.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.09%. Accentures payout ratio is 47.13%. Accenture Profile (Free Report) Accenture plc, a professional services company, provides strategy and consulting, industry X, song, and technology and operation services worldwide. The company offers application services, including agile transformation, DevOps, application modernization, enterprise architecture, software and quality engineering, data management; intelligent automation comprising robotic process automation, natural language processing, and virtual agents; and application management services, as well as software engineering services; strategy and consulting services; data and analytics strategy, data discovery and augmentation, data management and beyond, data democratization, and industrialized solutions comprising turnkey analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions; metaverse; and sustainability services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Accenture Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Accenture and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cetera Investment Advisers increased its stake in shares of Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report) by 10.2% in the first quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 1,173,882 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 108,685 shares during the period. Cetera Investment Advisers holdings in Altria Group were worth $70,456,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of MO. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. boosted its stake in Altria Group by 5.0% during the first quarter. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. now owns 276,294 shares of the companys stock valued at $16,583,000 after buying an additional 13,053 shares during the last quarter. Tufton Capital Management increased its stake in Altria Group by 17.1% in the 1st quarter. Tufton Capital Management now owns 11,363 shares of the companys stock worth $682,000 after acquiring an additional 1,658 shares during the last quarter. Principle Wealth Partners LLC increased its stake in Altria Group by 4.1% in the 1st quarter. Principle Wealth Partners LLC now owns 13,990 shares of the companys stock worth $840,000 after acquiring an additional 553 shares during the last quarter. Sunbeam Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in Altria Group in the 1st quarter worth approximately $209,000. Finally, Lifeworks Advisors LLC increased its stake in Altria Group by 7.9% in the 1st quarter. Lifeworks Advisors LLC now owns 9,478 shares of the companys stock worth $569,000 after acquiring an additional 695 shares during the last quarter. 57.41% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Altria Group alerts: Altria Group Stock Performance NYSE MO opened at $59.82 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $100.77 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.02, a P/E/G ratio of 3.43 and a beta of 0.59. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $59.28 and its 200-day moving average price is $57.06. Altria Group, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $47.57 and a fifty-two week high of $61.26. Altria Group Announces Dividend Altria Group ( NYSE:MO Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, April 29th. The company reported $1.23 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.19 by $0.04. Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 295.44% and a net margin of 43.09%. The firm had revenue of $4.52 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.64 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.15 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 4.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts predict that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.32 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, July 10th. Investors of record on Monday, June 16th were issued a dividend of $1.02 per share. This represents a $4.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.82%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, June 16th. Altria Groups payout ratio is currently 68.34%. Analyst Ratings Changes MO has been the topic of a number of research reports. Barclays lifted their price objective on Altria Group from $46.00 to $49.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Friday, May 2nd. Wall Street Zen downgraded Altria Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, May 1st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft set a $60.00 price objective on Altria Group in a research note on Tuesday, April 1st. Needham & Company LLC raised Altria Group to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, May 22nd. Finally, Citigroup lifted their price objective on Altria Group from $52.00 to $55.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, April 25th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $56.75. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on MO Altria Group Profile (Free Report) Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company offers cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; large cigars and pipe tobacco under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; oral nicotine pouches under the on! brand; and e-vapor products under the NJOY ACE brand. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Altria Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altria Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. At the end of 2022, Palantir had 367 total customers. As of the end of the first quarter this year, Palantir boasted 769 total customers. Perhaps even more impressive is that the company's commercial customers (non-government) have risen by more than twofold over the last couple of years. As the graph above illustrates, Palantir was a relatively slow-growth, cash-burning enterprise prior to the release of AIP. But since AIP's launch a little more than two years ago, Palantir's revenue has accelerated considerably. On top of that, the company has been able to command improving unit economics underscored by a sweeping transition to positive net income and generating billions in free cash flow. But in the background, Palantir was building. In April 2023, the company launched its fourth major software suite -- the Palantir Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP). When AI first started to emerge as the next megatrend during late 2022 and early 2023, investors were consistently bombarded with news around big tech's splashy investments in the space. Microsoft plowed $10 billion into OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT. Both Amazon and Alphabet invested hefty sums into a competing platform, called Anthropic. Tesla was touting its advancements in self-driving cars and humanoid robots. You get the drift -- the AI narrative largely hinged on the moves big tech was making. Let's explore the catalysts behind Palantir's generational run, and assess some recent trading activity to help discern whether Palantir stock could be headed even higher. While it can be tempting to follow the momentum in hopes of more outsize gains, smart investors understand that hope is not a real strategy. Over the last three years, shares of Palantir have gained more than 1,300%. Just this year alone, Palantir stock has rocketed by 97%. To put that into perspective, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite indexes haven't even posted gains of 10% in 2025. Outside of Nvidia , I'd argue that no other company has benefited from the tailwinds of the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution as much as data mining specialist Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ: PLTR). Palantir is trading for a historically high valuation, and broader buying and selling themes from institutional money managers could suggest a sell-off is on the horizon. Several respected investors on Wall Street have been applying different approaches when it comes to investing in Palantir, making it hard to discern how "smart money" feels about the company. Palantir has witnessed a meteoric rise in its share price thanks to the company's successful foray into the artificial intelligence (AI) arena. Story Continues To me, AIP is serving as a gateway for Palantir to expand its reach beyond federal contracts with the U.S. military, which is what Palantir is best known for. AIP represents a transformational shift as a defense contractor to a more ubiquitous software platform capable of penetrating the private sector, despite relentless competition from larger companies such as Salesforce or SAP. As a Palantir bull myself, I've been blown away by management's ability to outmaneuver big tech and deliver on lofty growth targets time and again. But as an investor, I can't help but wonder if the company's share price trajectory is sustainable. Image source: Getty Images. Is Wall Street trying to tell investors something? In addition to analyzing financial trends and operating metrics, investors can augment their due diligence process by listening to how Wall Street analysts talk about a company or even dig into the trading activity of notable investors. Thanks to a nifty tool called a form 13F, investors can access an itemized breakdown of all of the buys and sells from hedge funds during a given quarter. During the first quarter, famed billionaire investor Stanley Druckenmiller sold out of his fund's Palantir position. In addition, Cathie Wood has been trimming exposure to Palantir in Ark's portfolio as well. On the flip side, billionaire investors Ken Griffin and Israel Englander both added to their funds' respective Palantir positions during the first quarter. Given these dynamics, it might be hard to discern how Wall Street really feels about Palantir. I think there are some nuances to point out given the details above. First, both Druckenmiller and Wood have been in and out of Palantir stock in the past -- this is not the first time each investor reduced their exposure to the data analytics darling. On top of that, I think Griffin's and Englander's activity should be taken with a grain of salt. Both investors run highly sophisticated, multistrategy hedge funds. From time to time, some of this activity may include being a market maker. Although it may appear bullish that Palantir stock is held in Griffin's Citadel and Englander's Millennium Management portfolios, I wouldn't quite buy that narrative. Neither fund is necessarily known for holding positions for the long term. Moreover, as a multistrategy fund with a number of different teams and objectives, I think that it's highly likely that Citadel and Millennium have a layered and complex hedge strategy when it comes to owning a volatile growth stock such as Palantir. Where will Palantir stock be at the end of 2025? The chart below illustrates institutional buying and selling of Palantir stock over the last few years. Given that buying (the purple line) remains elevated over selling (the orange line), this could suggest that Palantir remains a favorite among institutional portfolios. However, as I expressed above, not all hedge funds and money managers have the same strategy. In other words, some of this elevated buying could be part of a broader, more complex trading strategy and less so an endorsement of long-term accumulation. Over the last few months, Palantir stock has become increasingly more expensive. In fact, the company is trading well beyond levels seen during peak days of the dot-com or COVID-19 bubbles. While it's impossible to know for certain where Palantir stock will be trading by the end of the year, smart investors know that nothing goes up in a straight line forever. A good indicator for how investors feel about Palantir's prospects should come after the company reports second-quarter earnings in a couple of weeks. As a reminder, shares fell off a cliff for a brief moment following the company's first-quarter blowout report. Expectations are rising with each passing report, and I would not be surprised to see Palantir stock sell off again -- even if its Q2 results are stellar. Given the convergence between institutional buying and selling, combined with Palantir's increasingly expensive valuation, I can't help but be cautious at this point. I do think a valuation correction could be in store sooner or later and would not be surprised if shares are trading for a considerably lower price by the end of the year. Should you invest $1,000 in Palantir Technologies right now? Before you buy stock in Palantir Technologies, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Palantir Technologies wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $636,628!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,063,471!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 1,041% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 183% for the S&P 500. Dont miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of July 21, 2025 Adam Spatacco has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, Nvidia, Palantir Technologies, and Tesla. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, Nvidia, Palantir Technologies, Salesforce, and Tesla. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. After Soaring Nearly 100% So Far This Year, Where Will Palantir Stock Be at the End of 2025? was originally published by The Motley Fool In this life, people rarely get what they want by asking politely for it . . . In the end, people usually end up taking the things that will REALLY advance their cause. Accordingly . . . INSIDERS HINT AT REDISTRICTING OPPORTUNITY FOR MAYOR Q DESPITE HOPE TO DOWNPLAY REDRAWN MAPS THAT WILL LIKELY HURT CONGRESSMAN CLEAVER!!! Per ushe this year . . . The potential chaos that threatens to upset the balance of power was inspired by Prez Trump. It's unlikely that the POTENTIAL map redraw will put a Republican in office . . . However . . . Even a little tweak could have dramatic results . . . At 80-something . . . Congressman Cleaver could retire without many questions or controversy. OR . . . The map tumult might be the last opening for Mayor Q to advance beyond 12th & Oak and FINALLY move to the Beltway where most of his friends reside. Make no mistake . . . A primary challenge will be so ugly that Mayor Q will NEVER recover if he loses. And, in fairness, we notice Congressman Cleaver is just as feisty as ever and even more eager to clap back against the MAGA White House. Meanwhile . . . Many critics contend that it's past time for a map redraw of this district that was custom-made for Congressman Cleaver and NOBODY else . . . Check-it: As Texas embarks on a special legislative session that includes revising that states congressional districts to help Republicans, President Donald Trump is reportedly asking for Missouri to do the same. The reaction among legislative leaders, however, is decidedly negative. Asked by text about a report from Punchbowl News on a new redistricting effort, state Senate President Pro Tem Cindy OLaughlin responded with a horror emoji. I know this is a topic being talked about in Washington, she added, but no one has asked us to do anything about redistricting. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . White House prods Missouri Republicans to redistrict President Trump's political team is urging Republicans to redraw Missouri's congressional map to net a seat by targeting Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver. Trump urges Missouri Republicans to redistrict Rep. Emanuel Cleaver out of his seat If Missouri Republicans revamp their map to oust Kansas City Democrat Emanuel Cleaver, it could backfire at the ballot box - and in court. President Trump is publicly urging Republican-led states to pursue mid-decade redistricting to win more U.S. House seats. 'We've already done that': Missouri lawmakers show little enthusiasm for new congressional maps As Texas embarks on a special legislative session that includes revising that state's congressional districts to help Republicans, President Donald Trump is reportedly asking for Missouri to do the same. The reaction among legislative leaders, however, is decidedly negative. Asked by text about a report from Punchbowl News on a new redistricting effort, state Senate [...] Developing . . . Executive orders from MAGA and court decisions have inspired many companies and institutions to move away from promotion of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion policy. However . . . A recent award ceremony features Kansas City biz leaders awarding prizes and platforming speeches expressing strident support of DEI. Agree or disagree . . . It's important to take notice of the local power move . . . Check-it: "The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce awarded reStart its 2025 Champion of Diversity award Friday during the annual POWER of Diversity Luncheon. The event drew more than 750 people to the Sheraton Kansas City at Crown Center, bringing together the regions diverse business community to celebrate leaders in diversity, equity and inclusion. "The Champion of Diversity Award is given to a nonprofit organization that exemplifies inclusive leadership through its workforce practices, internal culture, and community impact, according to the Chamber." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 26. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev sent a congratulatory letter to Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Republic of Maldives, Trend reports. ''Dear Mr. President, On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I sincerely congratulate you and all your people on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Maldives - Independence Day. We are pleased to see the relations between Azerbaijan and the Maldives developing steadily and gaining new substance. Your visit to Azerbaijan last year to participate in COP29 marked a new chapter in the history of our bilateral relations. I am confident that we will continue our joint efforts to strengthen our friendly relations and expand our cooperation in areas of mutual interest. On this festive occasion, I extend my best wishes to you and wish the friendly people of the Maldives everlasting peace and prosperity,'' the letter reads. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 26. Kyiv and Moscow are welcome to meet in Baku, said Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan - Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmet Hajiyev in an interview with Berliner Zeitung, Trend reports. "If our friends and partners want to meet in Baku, they are very welcome. <...> Everyone is welcome, but we cannot force anyone. They need to approach us," he said. Hajiyev pointed out that Baku is already the diplomatic capital of the entire Caspian region. "Negotiations between Turkiye and Israel took place here. Syria and Israel also held talks in Baku. In the past, strategic discussions between Russia and the U.S. on missile defense systems were held here, as well as NATO-Russia talks. Many other quiet diplomatic activities have recently taken place in Baku," the assistant to the President added. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 26. In a recent interview with Berliner Zeitung, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan - Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmet Hajiyev commented on the rumors about the involvement of the U.S. in the Zangezur Corridor project, Trend reports. He pointed out that this is a question for the Armenian side. "Whatever is being discussed there, we do not know. If they cooperate with U.S. companies, that is their business", Hajiyev noted. "We are doing our homework. We are expanding our transport connections and reaching out to all our neighbors - Georgia, Iran, and Russia. In general, such connections would benefit the entire region. If Armenia is ready for it, we would be happy to jointly develop a trans-Caucasian transport corridor," the Presidential aide added. Soybeans are continuing this weeks weaker path with contracts kicking off Friday with losses of 7 cents in the front months. Futures saw mixed trade at Thursdays close with August down 1 cents and other contracts fractionally to 2 cents higher. Preliminary open interest was down 10,498 contracts on Thursday. The cmdtyView national average new crop Cash Bean price was up 1 1/4 cents at $9.73 1/4. Soymeal futures are back down $1.00 to $2.50/ton. Soy Oil was 37 to 53 points higher. USDAs weekly Export Sales report tallied old crop soybean bookings at 160,872 MT in the week ending on 7/17. That was back down 60.8% from last week but up 81.5% from the same week last year. The Netherlands was the top buyer of 116,800 MT, with 67,900 MT sold to Mexico. The new crop total was 238,816 MT, a 4-week low. Unknown destination was the top buyer of 120,000 MT. More News from Barchart Soybean meal was tallied at 182,610 MT for the current MY, with sales for next marketing year at 91,907 MT and the total of 274,517 MT on the low side of the expected 250,000 and 550,000 MT. Bean oil sales were 599 MT in net reductions for 2024/25, with 1,953 MT for 2025/26, on the low side of the 0 to 20,000 MT seen for bean oil. Aug 25 Soybeans closed at $10.04 1/4, down 1 1/2 cents, currently down 7 cents Nearby Cash was $9.70 3/4, up 1/2 cent, Sep 25 Soybeans closed at $10.05 3/4, up 3/4 cent, currently down 7 cents Nov 25 Soybeans closed at $10.24 1/4, up 1 1/2 cents, currently down 7 cents New Crop Cash was $9.73 1/4, up 1 1/4 cents, On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 26. USAID has never been involved in humanitarian activities in the South Caucasus, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan - Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmet Hajiyev said in an interview with Berliner Zeitung, Trend reports. According to him, a number of major European media outlets, including the German press, are conducting targeted propaganda against Azerbaijan. The Trump Administration has revealed that USAID, together with the previous administration, carried out a number of covert operations, the official noted. "They financed a number of media outlets in the region and instructed them to cover the events in Azerbaijan in a negative light. Now, on the contrary, fewer negative articles are published about Azerbaijan. Because there are no more people like Samantha Power, the former head of USAID," Hajiyev concluded. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 26. Under President Ilham Aliyevs leadership, Azerbaijan has emerged as a key driver of green transformation on both regional and global scales. The country is pursuing a comprehensive, strategic approach to developing green energy, spanning everything from the rollout of renewables in the liberated territories to large-scale international partnerships with top global companies. Azerbaijan is working with partners such as Masdar (UAE), ACWA Power (Saudi Arabia), and several major Chinese energy firms to ensure sustainable growth in its energy sector. As President Ilham Aliyev noted during the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, held in Khankendi on July 19 under the theme Digital Pathways: Strengthening Information and Media Resilience in the Age of AI, Azerbaijans green agenda is very ambitious. By 2030, based on already signed investment contracts, we will have a minimum of six gigawatts of green energy, including solar, wind, and hydro. Hydro is primarily produced here in this area in Karabakh and East Zangezur. We have already inaugurated more than 30 small hydropower stations with a total capacity of 280 megawatts. So, really, our green agenda is very ambitious, the head of state said. President Ilham Aliyevs green agenda extends well beyond Azerbaijans borders. Under his leadership, the country has become a key player in developing regional green energy corridors that link Central Asia with Europe. These include the Trans-Caspian Green Corridor connecting Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, as well as a major project to lay an undersea power cable across the Black Sea, linking Azerbaijan with Georgia, Romania, and Hungary - an initiative that is also gaining growing interest from other European nations. As President Ilham Aliyev has emphasized, Azerbaijan will become a hub for green energy transmission, production, and distribution. With respect to the regional agenda, I would also mention green energy projects. Today, not only in Azerbaijan but also in the countries of Central Asia, there are huge investments in solar and wind energy power stations. During COP29 last November in Baku, the Presidents of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan signed an agreement to build a subsea green energy cable under the Caspian Sea to connect the future green energy of Central Asia with Azerbaijans infrastructure. Prior to that, a couple of years earlier, Azerbaijan, together with Georgia, Romania, and Hungary, also signed a document on the construction of a green energy cable under the Black Sea. So you can see that this connectivity today goes beyond the region of the Caucasus, Central Asia, and Europe - it unites them. And the meeting point, I would say, is Azerbaijan - because you cannot change geography, whether you like it or not. But geography alone does not guarantee security, safety, or progress. You have to use your geography for good purposes. We can already foresee - based on what has been signed between us and the European countries, and the countries of Central Asia - that Azerbaijan will become a kind of hub for green energy transmission, production, and distribution, with very big potential to grow and become even more global than it is today, said President Ilham Aliyev. Azerbaijans efforts align closely with the global climate agenda, as the country continues to play an active role in tackling climate change. A major milestone in this effort is Azerbaijans presidency of the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29). Under the steady leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the Baku summit became a turning point, delivering tangible outcomes and advancing meaningful progress on global climate goals. One of the top priorities of Azerbaijans COP29 presidency has been highlighting the vulnerability of small island developing states, which are among the hardest hit by climate change. Azerbaijan has acted as a voice of solidarity, pushing for stronger international dialogue on support mechanisms and advocating for fair, inclusive climate financing. As President Ilham Aliyev noted, Azerbaijan sees itself as a bridge between the Global South and the Global North. "I think we managed to achieve that. One of the important achievements of COP29 was that we managed to create a constructive atmosphere and, with our personal contribution, achieved agreement on Article 6 regarding the functioning of carbon markets an issue that had been under discussion for at least the last 10 years. That is a very important and tangible result of COP29. Another important result, in our view, is that we managed to agree on increasing the funding to tackle climate change from 100 billion US dollars, which was the figure prior to COP29, to 300 billion US dollars. We know that some countries are not satisfied with that, but we must be fair: we managed to triple the funding," President Ilham Aliyev said. Thus, Azerbaijans green strategy under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev is a multi-level model - from sustainable domestic development to regional unification and global influence, based on the principles of responsibility, inclusiveness and sustainability. Azerbaijan is not only implementing a large-scale program to transition to green energy, but also forming a new architecture of regional and global energy cooperation. Successful integration of domestic reforms, strategic partnerships and climate diplomacy has allowed the country to take a leading position in the international environmental arena. The results of COP29, achieved thanks to the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev, confirmed that Azerbaijan is not only a reliable partner, but also an inspiring example for other developing countries. In the context of the global climate crisis, the green agenda of Azerbaijan has become an integral part of the solution, and its geopolitical and energy significance - a support for the sustainable future of the entire region and beyond. Irans cross-border imports from Georgia plunge in early 2025 Irans imports from Georgia have sharply declined in the first three months of the year, dropping by nearly 60% in value and over 65% in volume compared to last year. Key imports include agricultural products, wood, and equipment, while overall trade between the two countries also saw a significant decrease. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Turkmenistans transport influence grows with surging EU and Iran trade Photo: Uzbekistan's Ministry of Transport The new report reveals a surge in Turkmenistans freight exchanges with the EU and Iran in 2023, reflecting the country's growing role in regional logistics, especially in trade with Europe, Iran, and South Asia. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, July 26. Turkmen entrepreneurs have intensified their trade activity with new contracts on both domestic and international markets. Data obtained by Trend from the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan shows that two major deals were concluded, totaling $11.06 million and $325,445.60, respectively. On the foreign market, Turkmen businessmen reached an agreement with partners from Kyrgyzstan for the supply of cotton yarn. Meanwhile, within the domestic market, a contract was signed with the Ministry of Industry and Construction Production of Turkmenistan for the delivery of float glass. The volume and scale of transactions indicate a steady increase in the participation of the Turkmen private sector in trade transactions both domestically and abroad. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, July 26. Turkmenistan is actively preparing to host a series of high-level events under its 2025 chairmanship of the United Nations Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA), Trend reports via the country's the Parliament. During a government meeting on July 25, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Hojamyrat Geldimyradov briefed President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the ongoing preparations. The planned activities include an Economic Forum, the 20th meeting of the SPECA Governing Council, and multiple working group sessions, all scheduled to take place in Ashgabat. The Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, in collaboration with the countrys Permanent Mission to the UN Office in Geneva and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), is organizing a broader initiative titled SPECA Days. These events are expected to bring together senior officials from member states, representatives of international organizations, and economic experts. Following the report, President Berdimuhamedov underscored the significance of strengthening international partnerships and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure the events are carried out at the highest organizational level. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, July 26. A delegation from Kazakhstan paid an official visit to Turkmenistan to deepen economic and trade cooperation between the countries, Trend reports via the Turkmen Parliament. In the course of the visit, Kazakh officials held meetings with representatives from Turkmen government agencies, private businesses, and key sectors including energy, transport, healthcare, and industry. A central focus of the discussions was energy collaboration, particularly the joint development of the Galkynysh gas fieldone of the largest in the worldand expanding cooperation between QazaqGaz and the Turkmen state concern Turkmengaz. The agenda also included prospective projects in petrochemicals and the modernization of railway infrastructure. Kazakhstan expressed strong interest in taking part in the construction of the Turgundi-Herat railway line, a key segment of the North-South transport corridor that aims to enhance regional connectivity. Following the visit, the sides signed 20 agreements and 7 memorandums covering investment, logistics, agriculture, digitalization, and tourism. In addition, both countries adopted a strategic partnership program for the period 20252027. The delegations program also included cultural engagements, including a visit to the National Museum of Turkmen Carpet. The sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral ties and strengthening strategic cooperation across multiple domains. Tashkent, Uzbekistan, July 26. The national payment system HUMO has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Sunmi, a global leader in innovative payment technologies, Trend reports. Under the terms of the agreement, HUMO has been appointed the exclusive distributor of Sunmi payment terminals in Uzbekistan. This exclusive status authorizes HUMO to supply Sunmi terminals to banks and retail businesses across the country, ensuring their security, reliability, and smooth operation. The collaboration aims to accelerate the digital transformation of Uzbekistans payment systems and expand access to modern financial technologies. As part of the partnership, both parties will focus on three key priorities: Introducing advanced technologies into the payment ecosystem; Expanding financial accessibility, particularly in underserved regions; Enhancing the user experience for cashless transactions. HUMO emphasized that the decision to partner with Sunmi was based on comprehensive market research and reflects its ongoing commitment to providing high-tech, reliable, and user-friendly solutions to the business community. With exclusive distribution rights, HUMO will be able to offer state-of-the-art Sunmi terminals to merchants on preferential terms, helping to drive the development of Uzbekistans digital economy. Moreover, HUMO announced plans to invest $20 million in a large-scale upgrade of its acquiring network. This investment is expected to significantly strengthen the countrys payment infrastructure, laying the foundation for further innovation and financial inclusion. The HUMO payment system, operated by the National Interbank Processing Center, provides its clients with innovative payment solutions that leverage contactless technology. All HUMO cards and terminals are equipped with contactless payment capabilities, ensuring both convenience and enhanced security for every transaction. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, July 26. Representatives of IT Park Uzbekistan, led by CEO Abdulahad Kuchkarov, held talks with Ghanshyam Ahuja, CEO of Singapore-based VSaaS Global and co-founder of the investment platform Thinkuvate Venture, Trend reports. In the course of the meeting, the sides discussed the potential for opening a VSaaS Global office in Uzbekistan and recruiting a local team of developers to drive the companys projects. Ghanshyam Ahuja also expressed interest in partnering with IT Park Ventures on venture financing initiatives. Specifically, the parties explored the creation of a joint fund to support startups from both Uzbekistan and Singapore. Uzbekistan continues to attract international investors and technology firms. IT Park remains dedicated to offering comprehensive support to foreign partners looking to establish and scale their businesses in the country, foster job creation, and nurture local innovation. VSaaS Global, founded in 2010 and headquartered in Singapore, specializes in digital transformation, business process automation, and SaaS development. The company operates offices in the USA, the UK, and India, employing approximately 100 professionals. Thinkuvate Venture, also established in Singapore in 2010, manages a $20 million investment fund focused on early-stage startups in Southeast Asia. The Thinkuvate team consists of around 100 experts. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, July 26. Sherzod Shermatov, Minister of Digital Technologies, and Makhliyo Muksinova, Director of Services Export Development, recently met with Kosei Sakamoto, CEO of MSOL Digital, to discuss the prospects of launching operations in Uzbekistan and expanding further into the CIS market through the country, Trend reports. In the course of the meeting, the parties explored potential areas of cooperation focused on IT talent acquisition. Representatives from MSOL Digital expressed strong interest in recruiting Uzbek specialists, particularly in fields such as artificial intelligence, Microsoft-based solutions, and game development. Makhliyo Muksinova highlighted Uzbekistans rapidly growing pool of skilled IT professionals, emphasizing their robust technical expertise and multilingual capabilities, including fluency in Japanese and English. She also underscored IT Park Uzbekistans role in fostering a supportive ecosystem for international technology companies aiming to penetrate the CIS region. The collaboration with MSOL Digital underscores Uzbekistans appeal as a strategic hub for launching digital initiatives in artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, and software development. IT Park stands ready to offer comprehensive support to facilitate the global expansion of innovative companies. MSOL Digital, a subsidiary of the Japanese consulting group Management Solutions (MSOL), was established in Tokyo in 2022. The company specializes in digital transformation, artificial intelligence solutionsincluding generative AIand Microsoft cloud technologies such as Azure, Power Platform, and Copilot Studio. As the technology arm of MSOL Group, which employs approximately 2,000 specialists and reports annual revenue of USD 203 million, MSOL Digital complements the groups consulting expertise in project management (PMO), business analytics, and digital strategy. Shares of Alphabet Inc. (GOOG, GOOGL) climbed Thursday after the company reported stronger-than-expected second-quarter results. In turn, major tech-heavy exchange-traded funds like the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) rose as well. Alphabet was last trading up about 2% midday Thursday, nearing its all-time high of just over $206 reached in January. At its session high of nearly $198, the stock was only 4% off that record. The rally helped boost QQQ, even though Alphabet itself has underperformed in 2025. The stock is up 2.4% year to date, trailing both QQQ, which is up 10.9%, and the Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC), which has gained 13.6%. While Alphabet is often thought of as a tech company, its classified in the communication-services sector under the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS). Google Beats Estimates The Google parent reported earnings per share of $2.31 for Q2, topping analyst estimates of $2.18. Revenue came in at $81.7 billion, beating expectations of $79.6 billion and marking a 14% year-over-year increase. Investors were particularly encouraged by a nearly 12% rise in search revenue, a signal that concerns over AI-powered chatbots disrupting Googles core business may have been overstated. Google has been aggressively evolving its search platform in the AI era, incorporating features like AI Overviews and a chatbot-style search mode. It also continues to promote its Gemini chatbot, which competes directly with OpenAIs ChatGPT. On the earnings call, CEO Sundar Pichai noted that Gemini now has more than 450 million monthly active users. That still lags ChatGPT, which is estimated to have between 800 million and 1 billion users, but it shows Google is holding its own in the race. Cloud Business Sees the Light Meanwhile, Google Cloud continued to impress, with revenue growing 32% year over year, another sign of robust demand for AI infrastructure. That demand is fueling a surge in capital expenditures. Alphabet raised its capex estimate for 2025 to $85 billion, up from a previous estimate of $75 billion. The jump initially spooked investors, but the stock rebounded as it became clear that the increase was a result of massive demand for Google's cloud services. That rise in AI-related spending also lifted shares of semiconductor stocks like Nvidia Corp. (NVDA) and Broadcom Inc. (AVGO), which supply key components for AI servers and data centers. Both were trading near record highs on Thursday. Pichai emphasized that Alphabets heavy investment in AI is bearing fruit: We are leading at the frontier of AI and shipping at an incredible pace. AI is positively impacting every part of the business, driving strong momentum. EBRD approves loan to strengthen Uzbekistans cable manufacturing sector The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is investing up to $17.5 million in Uzbekistans JV Techno Cable Group LLC to modernize production and develop workforce skills. This funding will help the company expand its cable manufacturing capacity and enhance operational efficiency through advanced technology and training initiatives. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 26. The Supervisory Board of the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) held its latest meeting on July 25, Trend reports via SOCAR. Chaired by Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov, who also heads the Supervisory Board, the meeting began with a discussion of SOCARs audited financial and operational results for 2024. Updates were also provided on various issues previously reviewed at the boards most recent in-person meeting. The company noted that SOCARs fully consolidated and revised budget for 2025 was reviewed and formally approved during the session. In addition, the board evaluated the companys performance over the first half of the year. The meeting also included presentations on several upcoming projects planned by SOCAR for implementation in the future. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ICD spotlights strategic role of Islamic finance in Kazakhstans market Photo: The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) In 2024, the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) provided financing to support private sector development in Kazakhstan, with a strong emphasis on SMEs. The operation, based on Islamic financial principles, reflects ICDs broader strategy to enhance financial inclusion and expand Islamic finance across its member countries. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Tajikistan sees decline in natural gas imports from Uzbekistan Photo: ICGB Tajikistan experienced a decline in natural gas imports from Uzbekistan and domestic gas production in the first half of 2025. At the same time, overall fuel imports increased slightly, and oil production continued to grow. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, July 26. Diplomatic relations between Tajikistan and Mongolia, established on April 24, 1992, had developed at a moderate pace over the past three decades. However, a notable revival of bilateral dialogue is now underway. A significant milestone was the first-ever state visit of the President of Mongolia to Tajikistan, which took place from July 24 to 26, 2025. Talks between Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Dushanbe demonstrated the determination of both sides to deepen and expand their partnership. Against the backdrop of a still modest trade turnover, there is evident political will to enhance cooperation in areas with substantial, yet untapped, economic potential. While mutual trade amounted to only $50,000 in 2024, it reached $203,400 in the first half of 2025 - an increase of more than 14 times year-on-year. Despite the small absolute numbers, such growth reflects mutual interest in strengthening economic ties. Currently, trade remains largely one-sided: Tajikistan imports wool, cashmere, leather, meat, and related products from Mongolia, while its exports, primarily fruits, vegetables, cotton, and textiles, remain limited. A key event of the visit was the first Tajik-Mongolian business forum, which brought together around 150 business representatives. The forum resulted in the decision to establish a Business Council to serve as a bridge between entrepreneurs of both countries, facilitating new formats of cooperation and investment. It is evident that transitioning from political declarations to real economic engagement requires systematic preparation. With this in mind, President Emomali Rahmon proposed the development of a joint roadmap for enhancing trade and economic cooperation. This document should include specific projects and mechanisms for supporting the private sector, ensuring a move toward practical cooperation within a clear and long-term strategy. Agriculture was identified as one of the priority areas for cooperation, particularly in livestock farming. Mongolia expressed its readiness to supply high-quality halal meat products to Tajikistan and proposed collaboration on veterinary and sanitary control. Tajikistan, in turn, proposed increasing imports of Mongolian wool, leather, and cashmere products, as well as expanding the export of fruits, vegetables, and canned goods. Joint projects for processing wool, cotton, and cashmere are under discussion, aligning with Tajikistans textile industry development program and Mongolias White Gold initiative. A Memorandum of Understanding signed during the visit covers a wide range of agricultural areas - from crop and livestock production to mechanization, seed production, pest and disease control, land reclamation, and professional training and exchange of specialists. In the energy sector, discussions focused on the green agenda and sustainable development goals. The two countries plan to deepen their exchange of experience in designing and building hydropower plants, as well as in human resource development. The corresponding MoU includes cooperation in hydropower, expert exchange, training programs, and implementation of joint initiatives. Mongolia has expressed special interest in Tajikistans experience, as the country meets more than 98 percent of its electricity needs through hydropower. As the Mongolian president noted: We highly value Tajikistans policy and experience in strengthening its position in renewable energy and attach great importance to further cooperation. This partnership can serve as a model for green development and the rational use of resources by landlocked countries. Logistics challenges were also addressed. During the talks, the sides agreed to jointly tackle transport barriers, develop new routes, and integrate into regional infrastructure networks. There is a shared understanding of the need to develop the shortest road routes between our countries, establish direct air links, and create new transport corridors, which will contribute to regional trade and economic integration, said the President of Mongolia. Overcoming geographic limitations through joint infrastructure projects is seen as key to boosting mutual trade. Other promising areas of cooperation include mining, mineral processing, and the development of light and food industries based on local raw materials. Tajikistan proposed exploring the creation of joint ventures in these sectors. The sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation within international organizations such as the UN and the SCO and expressed solidarity in addressing global challenges, including climate change. More talks were held on working together on natural disaster management, including risk reduction, early warning systems, using modern tech, and joint emergency response drills. In conclusion, Tajikistan and Mongolia are undergoing a qualitative transformation in their relations. Despite a modest history of interaction, both countries are demonstrating a focused intention to expand political and economic cooperation. They share a clear understanding of the importance of implementing concrete projects, building sustainable institutional mechanisms, and aligning national strategies. Together, these efforts form a solid foundation for comprehensive and long-term bilateral relations. Tajikistans coal sector gains momentum with rising production Tajikistan saw an increase in hard coal production in the first half of 2025, while brown coal output experienced a slight decline. The latest data reflects shifting dynamics in the country's coal mining sector compared to the same period last year. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, July 26. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the credentials of the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China, Ji Shumin, at an official ceremony in Ashgabat, Trend reports via Turkmenistan's MFA. In the course of the meeting, President Berdimuhamedov emphasized the strategic nature of TurkmenistanChina relations, particularly in the context of ongoing and future economic cooperation. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening mutually beneficial partnerships, with a focus on major infrastructure and energy initiatives. One of the key topics of discussion was the TurkmenistanUzbekistanKazakhstanChina gas pipeline, which both sides described as a successful example of long-term cooperation in the fuel and energy sector. President Berdimuhamedov noted that this corridor serves as the cornerstone of bilateral economic cooperation and has significant potential for further expansion. The President also expressed support for the continued alignment of Turkmenistan's "Revival of the Great Silk Road" strategy with Chinas "One Belt, One Road" initiative. Coordination between these two frameworks, he noted, offers additional opportunities for regional connectivity, investment, and joint infrastructure development. Beyond energy and logistics, the meeting underscored joint efforts in sectors such as science, education, healthcare, and culture, with both sides agreeing on the importance of strengthening humanitarian ties. Ambassador Ji Shumin conveyed personal greetings and best wishes from Chinese President Xi Jinping and reaffirmed Chinas interest in expanding strategic dialogue with Turkmenistan. He assured the Turkmen leader that he would actively work to support further progress on bilateral projects and broader regional cooperation. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 26. Unknown persons opened fire on the courthouse in the Iranian city of Zahedan, located near the Pakistani border, Trend reports via the Tasnim news agency. Five people were killed and 13 were injured as a result of the incident. Three of the attackers were neutralized. The group "Jaish al-Adl" ("Army of Justice") claimed responsibility for the attack. This group is recognized as a terrorist organization in Iran. After the attack in the Sistan and Baluchestan province, the authorities called on the local population to stay away from the scene. American Eagle (AEO) shares soared as much as 20% on Thursday after the clothing retailer said actress Sydney Sweeney will be the face of its fall campaign. Retail investors latched onto the Sweeney news, partly because short interest in the NYSE-listed firm stood at a whopping 13.5% heading into today, making it a prime candidate for short squeeze. More News from Barchart While American Eagle stock has relinquished some of its intraday gains in recent hours, at market open, it was up nearly 30% versus its year-to-date low set in mid-June. www.barchart.com Caution Warranted in Buying American Eagle Stock Disciplined investors should approach todays rally in AEO shares with caution as it was driven mostly driven by celebrity buzz and meme stock phenomenon instead of fundamentals. American Eagle did not issue a financial or operational update to justify such a sharp surge in its stock price, neither did it receive bullish coverage from a Wall Street analyst on Thursday. Therefore, once the hype fades, American Eagle stock could retrace just as quickly, particularly since its struggling with an earnings contraction. In its current financial quarter, the Pittsburgh-headquartered firm is expected to earn just $0.20 on a per-share basis, down significantly from $0.39 a share in the same quarter last year. www.barchart.com Jefferies Analyst Remains Bearish on AEO Shares Chasing the meme-driven momentum in American Eagle shares may be a gamble also because ongoing headwinds facing the consumer could impact the companys top-line growth and margin performance over the next 6-12 months, according to Jefferies analyst Corey Tarlowe. In his latest research note, he cited execution challenges and product assortment issues as well for his skeptical stance on AEO stock. Jefferies currently has a Hold rating on American Eagle Outfitters with an $11 price target indicating potential downside of more than 3.0% from current levels. How Wall Street Recommends Playing American Eagle Long-term investors should avoid jumping into AEO shares amid the meme stock frenzy as theyre not in favor with other Wall Street analysts either. According to Barchart, the consensus rating on American Eagle stock currently sits at Hold and the mean target of $11.27 is roughly in line with its current trading price. France Recognition of Palestine: Symbolic, Without Substance France's decision to recognize Palestine in principle while withholding all forms of material resistance to its destruction is to perform solidarity without consequence Saturday July 26, 2025 9:00 PM , Shariq Us Sabah Neutrality in the face of injustice is not neutrality. It is complicity. Desmond Tutu On July 25, France declared its intent to formally recognize the State of Palestine, becoming the first G7 country to take such a step. For many, the move might appear courageous, even historic. But viewed against the backdrop of a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where entire neighborhoods have been flattened and over 58,000 lives lost, it is clear that this announcement offers more symbolism than substance. France has issued a promise, not a protection. It has endorsed an ideal, not a people. To recognize Palestine in principle while withholding all forms of material resistance to its destruction is to perform solidarity without consequence. The recognition arrives as the strip faces mass starvation, siege, and the calculated dismantling of civil life. It is difficult not to read this gesture as one of political utility, conveniently timed and carefully phrased, rather than an act of moral courage. The Language of Recognition and the Silence of Action The political philosopher Hannah Arendt once wrote that the right to have rights is predicated upon the existence of a political community that guarantees them. Palestine, as it stands today, has no such community. The territory is fractured, the institutions are weak, and the people are either displaced or under military siege. To recognize a state that exists only in theory is to extend an empty hand. President Emmanuel Macrons statement contained language about the future, about a demilitarized state, and about a negotiated peace. It did not contain any reference to immediate material assistance or legal intervention. There was no mention of the International Court of Justices provisional measures, which found that Israels actions in Gaza constituted a plausible risk of genocide under international law. Legal Duties, Political Convenience France is a party to the Genocide Convention and therefore has a binding obligation to prevent genocide, not merely to observe it. In January 2024, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to halt any acts that could constitute genocide and to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid. That judgment created legal obligations not only for Israel but also for all other signatory states, who must ensure they are not complicit. France has failed this test. Despite the mounting evidence of war crimes and the use of starvation as a method of warfare, it has continued its arms trade with Israel. It has not joined the genocide case at the ICJ. It has not sanctioned Israeli officials or suspended bilateral agreements. It has condemned, at best, while continuing to enable. Recognition without rupture is recognition without meaning. Starvation is Not a Natural Disaster On July 24, journalists from AFP, Reuters, AP, and the BBC issued a rare joint statement describing the imminent starvation of their staff and families inside Gaza. These are civilians, not militants. Their hunger is not accidental. It is policy. The use of starvation as a method of warfare is prohibited under international law. Article 54 of Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions expressly forbids the starvation of civilians as a means of combat. And yet, humanitarian agencies, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), have warned that Gaza is experiencing famine-like conditions due to the systematic obstruction of aid. One Israeli minister went so far as to declare that Gaza should be made unlivable to force its population out. Statements of this nature are not rhetorical flourishes. They constitute evidence of genocidal intent. Under the legal framework set forth in cases such as Bosnia v. Serbia, such expressions of intent satisfy the mental element necessary to prove genocide. Recognition, in this context, becomes not only insufficient but grotesque. It creates the appearance of progress while bodies continue to accumulate in silence. The Illusion of the Two-State Solution Frances recognition is tied to the two-state paradigm. That framework, however, is no longer anchored in material reality. What exists today is not two states in conflict. It is one occupying power and a stateless, besieged, and dismembered population. There is no parity of arms, no equality of suffering, and no reciprocity of rights. International jurist Richard Falk has described the situation in Gaza as one of apartheid, occupation, and slow-motion genocide. These are not terms of exaggeration. They are the conclusions of decades of documentation by human rights observers, legal scholars, and international institutions. To offer recognition within the logic of an obsolete diplomatic framework is to misunderstand both the urgency and the asymmetry of the present moment. What Accountability Actually Requires If France, or any other country, wishes to honor the principles it invokes, it must act in accordance with international law and basic human decency. Recognition must be accompanied by structural and material commitments. These include: An immediate and complete arms embargo on Israel, as required by the European Unions arms export criteria. Suspension of all military and surveillance cooperation, particularly that which supports the occupation infrastructure. Public and legal support for the genocide case brought by South Africa before the ICJ. Active cooperation with the International Criminal Courts investigations into war crimes and crimes against humanity in the occupied Palestinian territories. Emergency airlifts or convoys of humanitarian aid, coordinated through neutral agencies with guaranteed access. Anything less is performance. A Global Failure to Protect The international community has long failed the Palestinian people. The Oslo Accords promised statehood. The Quartet issued roadmaps. The United Nations passed dozens of resolutions. None of this has stopped the expansion of settlements, the destruction of homes, the mass arrests, or the siege of Gaza. Each symbolic gesture has been matched by a material betrayal. We are witnessing the erosion of the international legal order in real time. If genocide can proceed in full view of the world, under the scrutiny of satellites, live streams, and forensic investigations, then what use are laws? What meaning do institutions hold? To recognize a state that exists in name while doing nothing to stop its people from being erased is to abandon the very notion of recognition. Conclusion: Recognition Without Resistance Is Complicity Frances decision is not a landmark. It is a placeholder. It fills a void with rhetoric. It does not change the material conditions on the ground, nor does it offer any protection to the lives at risk. It allows states to claim moral alignment without paying political costs. In Gaza today, people are not only being killed by bombs. They are dying from thirst, from hunger, from displacement, and from a world that has grown used to their suffering. Recognition, if it is to mean anything at all, must interrupt violence. It must create consequences. Otherwise, it is nothing more than diplomacy speaking over the sound of falling buildings. [The writer, Shariq Us Sabah, is an author, poet, and columnist with a background in Human Rights Law. His writing focuses on violence, justice, and political memory, with a regional emphasis on South Asia and the Middle East. His forthcoming poetry collection, Fragments, explores themes of longing, loss, and language.] Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Tesla Inc. (TSLA) shares plunged Thursday after the electric vehicle maker reported disappointing second-quarter results the night before, dragging down leveraged ETFs tied to the stock. The Direxion Daily TSLA Bull 2X Shares (TSLL), a fund designed to deliver double the daily return of Tesla, was hit especially hard, falling 18% midday as Tesla stock dropped 9%. The electric-vehicle maker reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.40, short of Wall Streets expectations of $0.42. Revenue also missed, coming in at $22.5 billion versus $22.64 billion expected. Sales were down 12% year over year, marking Teslas steepest annual revenue decline since 2012. Tesla Hits Speed Bump The earnings miss wasnt entirely unexpected. Earlier this month, Tesla revealed it delivered only 384,000 vehicles in the second quarter, a 14% drop from a year earlier. But the poor results reinforced the mounting challenges facing Teslas core EV businesschallenges CEO Elon Musk acknowledged directly. We probably could have a few rough quarters, Musk said on the companys earnings call. I'm not saying that we will, but we could. Q4, Q1, maybe Q2. So far in 2025, Tesla shares are down 25%, while TSLL has plunged 62%, reflecting the leveraged ETFs amplified exposure. Long-term Projects Drive Optimism Despite the sell-off, Tesla stock remains within the broad trading range its occupied for the past five years. The weakness in the EV businessfueled by increasing competition, softening demand, and Musks polarizing public profilehas been partially offset by investor optimism around Teslas longer-term projects. That includes Teslas robotaxi initiative, which launched limited supervised service in Austin, Texas, last month. Musk said the company hopes to expand ride-hailing operations quickly. As we get the approvals and prove out safety, we will be launching the autonomous ride-hailing across most of the country. ... I think we will probably have autonomous ride-hailing in probably half the population of the U.S. by the end of the year. Musk also provided an update on Teslas humanoid robot, Optimus, saying the company expects to unveil prototypes of the third generation by year-end and scale production in 2026. We will scale Optimus production as fast as possible and try to get to a million units a year as quickly as possible. ... We think we can get there in less than five years. For now, Teslas lofty ambitions in autonomous vehicles and robotics are helping cushion the blow from a struggling EV business. But unless fundamentals improve, the stocks ability to stay afloat may depend more on future dreams than present-day profits. The 5th bar and restaurant delivered by Mosaic Architecture + design for scoop restaurant group. Sebbs is a basement bar and open kitchen within Glasgows city centre. The Client knew from the minute we first viewed our property at 68 Miller Street that the basement needed to be a bar and restaurant with its own distinct identity, separate to the larger restaurant space above, which is now Margo. The brief, to design a space that evolves as the as the night goes on, So the idea for Sebbs (sixty eight basement bar) was born, Sebbs serves food cooked over fire, wine on tap, cocktails created in a dedicated cocktail lab and has a strong focus on music, with a curated selection of DJs playing in on a sound system which is the focal point at the end of the central brick arch. Mosaic looked at the jazz Kissa cafes of Japan and the listening bars of Europe as a source of concept inspiration. Timber herringbone floors were chosen to give richness and juxtapose to the brick arched soffit. For material inspiration mosaic looked closer to home, materials such as the red leather, sapele veneer, fire place tiles, artichoke Formica laminates make reference to and homage Glasgows vintage watering holes and dance halls, such as The Star Bar and the Barrowland Ballroom. The rear of the dining area has a bespoke designed DJ booth and library wall for vinyl records. All of the furniture within this area has been designed to be removable creating an open floor area that can be used as a stage or dance floor. We introduced A-Live to the project who install sound systems for nightclubs and festivals around the world to deliver a serious audio set-up for the space, recording studio style corrugated foam surrounding the DJ booth and dotted around the space adds to the listening bar feel. On the layout. The team worked with some challenging structural constraints to consolidate various columns and walls into the open kitchen layout. Hence, Teslas reported figure of $1.17 billion for Q2, though low, still overstate its current earnings power. The automaker booked regulatory credits worth an estimated $338 million after-tax, and added $284 million in paper gains from the big jump in Bitcoin prices. Subtract those two ephemeral items, and Teslas core earnings, by my definition, shrink to $550 million. In Q1, Tesla did even worse, making just $303 million using this metric (it took a loss on Bitcoin that I added back to get the core number). And for the past four quarters, its repeatable, durable profits total just $3.66 billion. The second unusual item: unrealized profits and losses on Bitcoin holdings, currently worth around $1.4 billion. As well see, the cryptocurrency careens from a positive to negative contributor depending on the quarter; the shifts in value have no impact on the cash Tesla collects and carry no tax penalty or benefit. The first of the two big exclusions: Sales of regulatory credits to other carmakers that fail to meet the U.S. CAFE and other domestic and international emissions standards. The Trump administration is effectively axing the CAFE payments that have provided a huge bounty to Tesla, and Musk has acknowledged that the companys lucrative regulatory credits revenue line wont last too far into the future. But even the official earnings number overstates what Ill call Teslas bedrock, core profits, defined as what it generates excluding special items that arent part of fundamental operations, and are unlikely contribute significantly in the years to come. Teslas Q2 report, issued after the market close on July 23 , continues a series of highly disappointing quarters for the companys EV sales, reflecting continuing weakness in China and Europe, even after a series of sharp discounts. Auto revenues dropped 16% versus Q2 of last year, and a rise in energy storage, services and other businesses failed to fill the gap, so that overall revenue declined by low-double-digit percentages. The sales headwind sent GAAP net profits down 17% to $1.17 billionabout a third what Tesla was netting per quarter in 2022. Are Tesla investors losing confidence in Elon Musks vision of the future? Or are they still inflating the companys value based on their faith in the cofounder? For the past several quarters after Tesla has unveiled earnings, Ive been calculating a metric that Ive dubbed The Musk Magic Premium . The figure estimates both the portion of the EV-makers valuation thats justified by its current, baseline earnings, and the extra part based on CEO Musks promises for sensational products that have yet to be fully or even partially commercialized. That categories ranges from autonomous robotaxis, to full-self driving kits for retrofitting Teslas now on the road, to the manufacturers forthcoming humanoid Optimus robots. Story Continues Thats a huge comedown from $12 billion registered by my measure in 2022. So where does that result put the Musk Magic Premium? Investors disliked the Q2 results, sending Teslas shares reeling 8% as of market close on July 24. At that point, its market cap had dropped below the $1 trillion mark to $989 billion. Lets first establish what Teslas likely worth as a standalone maker and seller of cars and energy-saving equipment. Though sales are declining, well award the current no-growth model the S&P 500s generous overall PE of 29.3, an extremely high mark by historical standards. Running numbers on what its doing today, Teslas worth $107 billion. (Thats the multiple of 29.3 times trailing 12-month core earnings of $3.66 billion.) The difference between that modest figure and Teslas still Brobdingnagian valuation is whats known as Teslas future growth value or what I call the Musk Magic Premium. Today, the MMP stands at around $882 billion (todays cap of $989 billion less a value based on what it does today of $107 billon). Thats actually slightly higher than it stood in March, when I last calculated it. Its intriguing that at least for today, investors are expressing a lot less confidence in Musks promises. Their doubts shaved no less than $89 billion from Teslas cap so far. Still, their faith extends well beyond anything that even the most optimistic growth estimates can reasonably explain. Say you want a 10% annual return for buying, or continuing to hold, Tesla shares over the next seven years. To deliver, Teslas valuation would need to double over that span, hitting nearly $2 trillion. Even if Tesla boasts a premium PE of 35 at that point, the required earnings bogey by mid-2032 reaches $55 billion a year. Ringing that bell would mandate annual profit growth of around 45%. Thats possible for a startup, but for a mature giant thats arguably as much about metal bending as grounddbreaking technology, it sounds like the ultimate stretch. Musks statements rival his most head-spinning pledges to date On the earnings call, Musk predicted that by year end, Well probably have autonomous ride hailing in probably half the population of the U.S., and that the number of vehicles in operation will increase at a hyper-exponential rate. But the most revealing part of Musks declaration was his cautionary interjections that because theyre so unusual, deserve close attention. Musk acknowledged that the U.S. regulatory tax credits are poised to go away. He added, Were in this weird period where well lose a lot of incentives in the U.S. We probably could have a couple of tough quarters. He then reprised the super-promoter persona: Once you get to autonomy at scalecertainly by the end of next, year Id be surprised if Teslas economics are not very compelling. What? Investors need to wait to the end of 2026 to see big profits start rolling in? The farther the Musk horizon recedes, the more folks and funds will lose confidence in his fabulous vision, and the more days like today its stock will suffer. Going back to the numbers, they contained an even worse sign than the puny earnings. Teslas CFO stated that the company will spend over $5 billion in capital expenditures for the rest of the 2025. Thats more than what it collected in cash from operations in the first two quarters, suggesting its free cash flow could go negative. If that happens, Tesla will be spending more on expansion than its collecting in earnings. The warning sign: All of these revolutionary products continue to be extremely expensive, and capital intensive, to fund. Getting the kind of returns Tesla needs will require huge returns on every new dollar it invests, along the lines of the Alphabet or Nvidia mold. Yet the heavy capital outlays keep coming. Musk heralds the promised land ahead. Investors are starting to see a fading mirage. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Key Points As this is Berkshires second-biggest position, Buffett has certainly found some traits he appreciates. This premium credit card brand boasts superb charge-off rates that are the envy of the industry. Shares of American Express have performed exceptionally well in recent years, creating valuation risk. 10 stocks we like better than American Express There are dozens of companies in Berkshire Hathaway's public equities portfolio. A lot of attention might go to Apple or Coca-Cola. However, investors need to pay attention to another business that's at the top of the list. Warren Buffett-led conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway owns 21.6% of the outstanding shares of this well-known financial services company. This stock has climbed a phenomenal 217% just in the past five years (as of July 23). But is it a no-brainer buying opportunity today? Image source: Getty Images. Holding a strong position in the credit card industry The company that Berkshire has such a huge stake in is American Express (NYSE: AXP). The top Buffett stock's underlying business certainly possesses some very favorable characteristics. For starters, Amex has a wide economic moat. This is something the Oracle of Omaha appreciates. It indicates a company's ability to defend itself against competitive forces, supporting its durability. The American Express brand is a key asset for the business. Some of the company's credit cards are at the premium end of the market, holding a special status among consumers. Offering impressive rewards and perks while charging hefty annual fees attracts people with higher incomes. American Express also benefits from a powerful network effect, which is true for other card and payment platforms. As the number of merchant acceptance locations grows, so does the utility for cardholders. And with more cardholders, merchants find more value because there are more opportunities to generate sales. Another favorable trait is just how steady American Express' financial performance is. The economic backdrop recently hasn't been the smoothest, with concerns about tariffs making investors and executives jittery. But Amex continues to shine. During the second quarter, the financial giant reported a 9% year-over-year increase in revenue. This was driven by a 7% bump in spending. For all the talk about macroeconomic weakness leading to a possible recession, Amex is giving investors every reason to remain optimistic. The percentage of card members loans that are 30 days or more past due is significantly below the industry average. Net write-off rates also declined sequentially and compared to the second quarter of 2024. After France, Italy faces calls to recognise Palestine. Italy's foreign minister Antonio Tajani on Friday sparked a political row amid calls by the opposition for Rome to follow France in officially recognising a Palestinian state. Stressing "We are friends of Israel", Tajani said that Italy is not yet ready to recognise the state of Palestine after French president Emmanuel Macron announced that Paris would do so formally in September, following similar moves by Spain, Norway and Ireland. Tajani, who also serves as deputy premier in Giorgia Meloni's right-wing coalition, called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, saying: "We can no longer accept slaughter and famine". Addressing a meeting of the national council of his centre-right Forza Italia (FI) party, Tajani called on Hamas to free the Israeli hostages, adding: "We are interested in peace, not the victory of one over the other." "Italy is in favour of the two-peoples-two-states solution" - Tajani said - "but the recognition of the new Palestinian state must occur at the same time as their recognition of the state of Israel." Palestine, represented by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), recognised Israel in 1993, as part of the landmark Oslo Accords. Tajani's comments provoked a swift reaction from the opposition, with Laura Boldrini of the centre-left Partito Democratico (PD) lashing out at the foreign minister's "disconcerting" remarks. "Someone should explain to Tajani that the Palestinian National Authority has already recognised Israel for some time", Boldrini said, adding: "This inaction, barely punctured by a few timid declarations, is unbearable and makes the Italian government, and all those governments that are doing nothing, complicit with Netanyahu and his criminal plan." Angelo Bonelli, MP for the Green and Left Alliance and co-spokesperson for Europa Verde, welcomed France's move but considers it "bad news that the Italian government isn't doing the same." "From May until today, a thousand people have been killed by the Israeli army because they were begging for food and water" - Bonelli wrote on X - "The Meloni government doesn't even want to revoke the military cooperation agreement between Italy and Israel. This is complicity." PD leader Elly Schlein told a conference on Friday that said she appreciates "that France also recognises the state of Palestine; we must get Italy to do the same." "I wanted to reiterate this,"Schlein added, "because I've read incomprehensible statements from Minister Tajani for whom the path [forward] is the one of two peoples and two states," but, she noted, "one state already exists, the other is occupied illegally." In a strongly-worded post on social media, Giuseppe Conte, leader of the Movimento 5 Stelle (M5S), railed against the Netanyahu government and Italian deputy premier Matteo Salvini's acceptance of the Italy-Israel award earlier this week. "Following Spain, France has also announced its recognition of Palestine in the face of genocide and mass deportation plans against Palestinians. The criminal Netanyahu, who is exterminating and starving an entire people, incredibly thunders: "This is a prize for terrorism." And Italy? While Salvini wins awards for his friendship with Israel, Meloni refuses to suspend the military memorandum of understanding with the criminal Israeli government, and today we read disturbing news in the press of new contacts between military leaders in Rome and Tel Aviv, of possible new military cooperation plans on which the government will have to provide clarification. What a national disgrace." Photo credit: Alexandros Michailidis / Shutterstock.com. In the context of the revision of the National Development Plan we might consider the cost of connectivity. The government has listed a sum of 2billion, as a sort of down payment on the full cost of Metro North in Dublin. As Ryanair CEO, Michael OLeary said last week, its likely to cost at least ten Childrens Hospitals. The government seems unable to deliver major infrastructural projects on time and on budget, so the cost of 18km of underground railway is anyones guess. Waterford wants to increase regional connectivity and access for tourism and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) at a very modest cost. Private investors and local authorities are prepared to co-fund the work. The Sir (and Lady) Humphreys in the Dept. of Transport, who disgraced themselves over the new rescue helicopter contract, have done everything except publicly piddle on the Waterford airport project to ground it. Its a PPP alright. They are so busy minding our pennies while hundreds of millions are skied away. They could do with several serious grillings by the Public Accounts Committee. Waterford is looking for, say, 20million which is one thousandth of the Metro cost (just think of that for a moment) and it cant be allocated. We all know that this is not the only investment deficit that Waterford has faced. The UK NGO, Centre for Cities latest analysis assesses how high streets are doing across the UK. The research by Paul Swinney, Oscar Selby and Luka Kovacevic shows that the problems facing struggling high streets are economic, not cosmetic. Most struggling high streets sit in the middle of low growth, low wage local economies. The UK is not directly comparable to Ireland, but there is sufficient correlation to make the research results interesting. The recent SEEM report by SETU academics pinpoints low growth and low wages as particularly affecting the south east and Waterford economies. We have been so often accused of whinging in Waterford about unjust and unfair government funding, across the board that we have actually begun to believe them. The most distressing statistics from the South East Economic Monitor Summer 2025 highlight gross inequality in capital funding. The professionals say it. They show that the south east has the Lowest Capital Investment per capita, receiving just 1,738 per person in major public capital investment, 7,000 below the national average and the lowest of all regions. Our GDP growth lags the national rate. Since 2019, national GDP grew 40.2%, but the South East grew only 8.2%. Two of the past five years show a contraction in our GDP. Dublins economy is now 12 times larger than the South Easts despite only 3 times the population (up from 9:1 ratio in 2021). The region generates 4% of national income taxes despite having 8.9% of the population and returns about half of what would be expected on a per capita basis. Our disposable income per person is 26,662, which is 21% lower than Dublins level (32,393). The South East holds just 5.4% of IDA-supported jobs versus an expected 8.89% share, leaving a deficit of 11,360 direct FDI jobs. These are the highest-paying and are particularly underrepresented here. Since the establishment of the Technological Universities, SETU has received only 12% of total TU capital funding. SETU is funded at about half the rate of TU Dublin, Atlantic TU, and Munster TU, and two-thirds of TU Shannon. You may have no interest in politics or economics, but these are real world figures which directly impact Waterford and south eastern families. In essence, we are fobbed off with crumbs and then blamed for being thin. The wide scale acceptance of that status quo across this region harms us all. In Waterfords case, the attack on the status of the city as a regional centre started after the demise of Waterford Glass. The rush to kill us off post 2011 while we were down was destructive. The cancellation of projects at WIT and the determined attempt to reduce the status of UHW to a Model 3 hospital was effectively an economic war. The attack on WIT and the destruction of its management team and leadership has had knock on implications on the delivery of third level education across the south east which are still apparent. The aspiration for a fully funded university, on par with other regional cities, which was within grasp, with WIT performing to international university standards, was crushed under the heel of departmental ill will and political envy. It was an act of economic and intellectual sabotage. As Waterford city slowly emerges from the economic maelstrom, new housing and new businesses are being developed. Our political masters highlight investment in the North Quays as seminal evidence of revival and the development of a new surgical hub at Maypark and the commencement of work on a new SETU engineering building are positive indications of some good will. But a lot of damage has been done. We blame everybody and everything locally for the difficulties in our city centre, while ignoring the impact the actual real local economy has had on things. Is there a reason for New Street, Back Lane, Brownes Lane, Stephens Street etc? Is it why private investment, which invariably follows public investment, has been so slow to come? Things are getting better here and after a decade of massive fiscal rebound in Ireland, it could hardly be otherwise. Yet deficits still remain in acute medicine, third level education, FDI and in general government investment. Current projects do not make up for almost two decades of being sidelined (20 years waiting for a SETU Engineering Building)although they provide a defensive political umbrella for our current TDs. The willingness of B&Q, IKEA and Jack and Jones to invest in new outlets here shows that the private sector recognises the real potential of this city as the economic driver of the south east even as we face into possibly difficult international times. The fact that two beautiful, historic pubs, the Munster and T&H Doolans are shuttered speaks volumes for the long term impact of inequitable government funding on the local economy and how it is perceived both locally and nationally! Failure to fund our airport speaks volumes. All Together Weekend has arrived, with 30,000 visitors expected to arrive onto the ground of Curraghmore Estate from this Thursday. For festival-goers Fontaines D.C. will headline this year alongside pop icon Nelly Furtado. London Grammar will deliver their only Irish festival set of the year. The ever growing and popular CMAT shakes things up with her country-pop edge, and Bicep will bring their CHROMA AV DJ set. Pictured at the ATN Festival 2024. Photo: Joe Evans Car parks will open from 14:00hrs Thursday July 31 and close at 14:00hrs Monday August 4. Camping public will enter via Ballyquin Gate (gate 5) and the Polo Field Gate (gate 6) Access via Kellys Gate (Gate 3) will be for campervans and caravans. Organisers are warning over counterfeit tickets. Fontaines D.C. will headline this year alongside pop icon Nelly Furtado. London Grammar will deliver their only Irish festival set of the year. We have received a significant number of messages from people who have been scammed when trying to buy tickets through unofficial channels, particularly through a Facebook group claiming to resell tickets for our events a festival spokesperson said. For locals A residents information sheet circulated to locals outlines that an independent acoustic consultant will be monitoring noise levels throughout the events to minimise disruptions for people living in the locality. Crowds at All Together Now There are no road closures in place for the festival, however traffic marshals will be in place over the duration of the event, and depending on traffic volume gardai may apply one-way systems or diversions as required. The village of Portlaw is expected to be busy, with parking restrictions in place around Centra in the village during busy times under the control of Gardai. Waterford Libraries last week welcomed bestselling author Sheila OFlanagan to Tramore Library as part of their popular Writers at Waterford Libraries series. The free event attracted a large cohort of local readers, including members of Social book club for adults with Down syndrome Irish author OFlanagan has written 20 novels as well as three collections of short stories and two novels for children, all of which have been bestsellers both in Ireland and overseas. These include The Hideaway, What Happened That Night, Isobels Wedding and Suddenly Single, with sales topping 8million around the world. She is renowned for telling a good story and making her readers feel like they know the characters. Waterford Libraries welcomed author Sheila OFlanagan to Tramore Library as part of the Writers at Waterford Libraries. Pictured is author Sheila OFlanagan with Mary Conway, Waterford City and County Librarian. Photograph: Patrick Browne OFlanagan explains, Ireland is famed for its writers, but for me growing up most of the novels were rural in both their settings and their points of view. I wanted to read books about people like me, who lived in the city. "I also wanted to read novels in which the women were the heroes of their own stories and not simply there because they were someones wife, mother or daughter. Sheila is also a passionate advocate for increasing literacy and helping people who have come to reading late in life so that they can find the same pleasure in reading as she has. Waterford Libraries Staff with Author Sheila OFlanagan. From left Loretta Kinsella, Tracy McEneaney, Jennie Loughran, Author Sheila OFlanagan, Mary Conway Waterford City and County Librarian, Sarah Langan and Jess Griffin. Photograph: Patrick Browne Waterford City & County Librarian Mary Conway, who founded the Writers at Waterford Libraries programme in 2023 said, Our series of writer events aims to unite readers and writers through free, accessible events in their local library branches. Waterford Libraries are presenting a line-up of unique and engaging voices in Irish writing and we are delighted to welcome Shelia OFlanagan to Waterford as part of this. Waterford Libraries welcomed author Sheila OFlanagan to Tramore Library as part of the Writers at Waterford Libraries. Pictured with author Sheila OFlanagan are Margaret and John Mulligan. Photograph: Patrick Browne As part of the second strand of the Writers at Waterford Libraries programme for 2025, these workshops will gives participants an opportunity to attend courses in both Irish and English with experienced, well-established writers in their fields The workshops are either four week or one day and take place online or in Waterford Library branches during the evenings or on Saturdays. The programme runs from August to mid-November. Writers involved include William Ryan, Peter Murphy, Niamh Mulvey, Aingeala Flannery, Conor OCallaghan, Manchan Magan and Ciara Ni E. Application forms can be found the Waterford Libraries website. Trump needs these viewers to help him stay in power aided by the fawning Fox talent who are so attuned to his cause that many have been recruited to senior roles at the White House, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Murdoch also needs these viewers if he wants to remain such a rich and powerful political force in the US. It means Murdoch has had to draw careful battle lines between his own media fiefdoms. News Corp offered the full-throated defence of the WSJ story: We have full confidence in the rigor and accuracy of our reporting, and will vigorously defend against any lawsuit, it said. The WSJ doubled down, reporting that Attorney-General Pam Bondi informed Trump in May that his name appeared multiple times in the governments files on Epstein. The message from inside News Corp is Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch are determined not to cave in to Trump and will go to court if necessary. Loading The Washington Post quoted Rupert telling associates: Im 94 years old, and I will not be intimidated. Meanwhile at Fox, the lawsuit and allegations have warranted a tepid mention at best. Australian columnist Miranda Divine, now at News Corps Republican mouthpiece, the New York Post, described the WSJ reports as a nothingburger. And if this delicate dance can be maintained, it will be lucrative for Murdoch. Both News Corp and Fox shares hit record highs in February, just weeks after Trumps inauguration. And there was no hiding Trumps role in the success of Fox News the most profitable Fox Corp business when Lachlan presented its most recent quarterly results in May. Nowhere is Foxs leadership more evident than Fox News, he told analysts and investors. Ratings were up 30 per cent for the network in April, and it clinched top spot on prime-time ratings last week over mainstream networks such as CBS and ABC. This is a feat unheard of for a cable news network. The momentum that were seeing within Fox News, obviously driven first by really sort of record-setting audience and share, thats flown through nicely to the revenue line, Lachlan said. The problem for Rupert is that pandering to his Fox audience means pandering to Trump, and he has never been a fan of Trumps political aspirations. Murdoch publicly supported other candidates during the 2016 campaign before embracing Trump when his candidacy became inevitable. Rupert Murdoch, pictured with son Lachlan, says that at 94 years old, he wont be intimidated by Trump. Credit: Getty Images He has tolerated Trumps White House, and maintained close ties, but quickly tried to move the Republican base on to fresh leadership after the 2020 election loss. Murdoch said at the time: We want to make Trump a non-person. That manoeuvre ended badly when Foxs acceptance of the result led to viewers defecting in droves to channels more loyal to Trumps claims that the election was stolen. It promised to be a financial disaster and Fox scrambled back into favour with an about-face supporting the stolen election theory. It is still counting the cost. In 2023, Fox paid Dominion Voting Systems $US787 million to settle claims the network promoted lies about the 2020 presidential election. It still faces a multibillion-dollar lawsuit from another voting systems provider, Smartmatic, which will go to court next year if Fox does not make an offer to settle. For Murdoch, the Epstein scandal serves as another opportunity to test Trumps hold on the Republican Party, and it should not prove as costly as the $US10 billion Trump headline suggests. A quick look at the details of his case reveals problems, starting with the fact that it appears to fall over at the first hurdle of failing to notify the WSJ of the lawsuit at least five days before filing it. Loading But that is the least of Trumps issues. The complaint is full of sound and fury but lacks legal merit, Leonard M. Niehoff, a University of Michigan law professor who specialises in media law, told The Washington Post. It shouldnt intimidate a news organisation with good lawyers. The Wall Street Journal has those. The high hurdles for Trump include having to meet the actual malice standard which means proving the WSJ knew the information they published was false. Ironically, this is what Fox was accused of doing in promoting Trumps stolen election claim in 2020. That legal battle taught Murdoch a lesson on the damage that can be done by the legal discovery process, which produced embarrassing and costly revelations including the contempt both Murdoch and Fox held for Trumps stolen election claims and the man himself. A text surfaced from Tucker Carlson a Fox network star at that time referring to Trump saying, I hate him passionately. If Trump continues to pursue this case, the legal discovery process on his relationship with Epstein could further inflame his support base. A clear opportunity to fatally damage Trumps political standing with the Epstein scandal could be the avenue Murdoch is looking to exploit. And if it doesnt damage Trump? Both men are ruthlessly transactional and have made up before. We dont want to antagonise Trump further, Murdoch said in a memo uncovered by the Dominion case. Murdoch explained in a later deposition relating to that matter: He had a very large following, and they were probably mostly viewers of Fox, so it would have been stupid. Loading And we know Trumps proven ability to chicken out and distract. As he posted to Truth Social followers this week, survival comes first. Winning is important, but survival is even more important. If you dont survive, you dont get to fight the next battle. Wise words for both sides as his latest battle with Murdoch gathers a head of steam. 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 Its hard to know where to look when you walk into Distraction, a new exhibition at the Science Gallery at the University of Melbourne. Which is rather the point. In the age of digital distraction, information overload, doomscrolling and decreasing attention spans are the new normal, says gallery director Dr Ryan Jefferies. The exhibition is a response to that and asks: How do we stay focused, filter out or switch off in an ever-growing global attention economy? Works big and small both mimic and critique the tropes of big tech, including computer games, sock puppets, tweets even a wall of cat videos. Curator Bern Hall developed the show with the input of a panel of young sci-curious advisers aged 15 to 25, some of whom did their final years of high school or first years of university in tech-dependent COVID isolation. They talked about how they had this feeling of being constantly plugged in, but feeling less connected than ever before, and wanting to find a way to steal that time and attention back, she says. Curator Bern Hall contemplates a love shrine dedicated to Astraion, a character from the videogame Baldurs Gate 3. Credit: Justin McManus Hall is not immune to the lure of digital distraction. Instead of working on her comic book art, the 30-year-old often succumbs to deep dives on Reddit. Advertisement There is, she believes, a malicious kind of design going on in digital media. All the social apps, all the web interfaces we engage with, are intentionally designed through neuroscience to grab our attention and be addictive. Her aim in the exhibition was to explore the ways we can resist that. There are, she believes, both good and bad distractions. When weve been scrolling social media too long, it doesnt feel good, she says. And we instinctively know thats a bad distraction. The Epic Sock Puppet Theatre lays bare the workings of political manipulation on social media. Credit: Astrid Mulder But sometimes, instead of focusing on the task at hand, our minds might wander in pursuit of whimsical thoughts that just arrive, these creative impulses and if we follow them through with a bit more intention, they could be leading us to somewhere better. In the world of internet distractions, cat videos hold a special place. And for artist Jen Valender, the question was: what do the cats themselves think of them? Valender has previously worked with pythons, macaques, newborn calves and house flies. I really am interested in how animals see the world, she says. I thought, Someones got to do a cat video work, and that better be me. Advertisement In April, she flew to Japan to film semi-feral cats on Aoshima (aka Cat Island). I had to find a gang of cats that hadnt had exposure to screens before, she explains. She then showed the cats the footage, and filmed them as they watched it, mostly with haughty feline disdain, but occasionally with mild interest. Her work features a grid of 81 cat videos. Squint and you can make out Valender in some of them, but not many. Video of a cat watching video of itself forms part of Jen Valenders Cat Island. Credit: Jen Valender Im allergic to cats, she says. I get itchy, cant breathe, runny nose, the works. So this was also an endurance performance for me. For American Laura Allcorn, our digital saturation demands a response. Its time we steal our attention back I think its a worthy cause, says the creator of Pledge Drive for Attention, an installation that mimics the set of a telethon. Its been taken from us by apps and algorithms designed and curated to feed into whatever were interested in, and we know theyre profiting from this. Advertisement Allcorns work invites visitors to take a pledge to substitute time currently spent scrolling for something more productive. A counter on the wall keeps track of the hours pledged, and a bell rings every time someone signs up. Loading Shes not anti-tech, just anti the way it has come to dominate our lives. Its a grey area, which is why we find so much tension around it, she says. Things can serve us and things can go too far. Like many of the contributors to the exhibition, Allcorn is convinced our relationship with digital media is altering the way our brains function. Theres evidence that our attention spans are shrinking in certain ways, were not engaging in the same ways we used to, she says. Theres something in how we live now that means we cant sit with ourselves and boredom. And I think that is definitely rewiring our brains. Its this need to be activated all the time. Digital media is all about ease of access, of use, of immediacy. And in this slick, frictionless world we inhabit, being bored produces a sense of friction that feels incredibly scratchy and horrible to many of us. But I think we can reverse that, that we can return to the level of attention we once had, Allcorn says. Maybe Im a hopeful, hopeless optimist around that, but I know Ive restored my own attention. Advertisement 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 Geoff Hutchison has officially entered the harrumph zone. Change is everywhere. His waning status. His ageing body. This whole shot-to-hell world. Whether on ubiquitous screens or the drive to the supermarket, stupidity and inconvenience conspire to exasperate him. His mission now: How Not to Become a Grumpy Old Bugger. I genuinely think Im a better person for having written it, the former ABC radio presenter says of his first book, which is subtitled A Blokes Guide To Living a Better Life. Ive had cause at times to remind myself, if Im going to tell other people how they should live their lives, Ive got to respond to that. Ive got to take this stuff seriously. After 40 years as a journalist, not least with Foreign Correspondent and 7.30, he knows serious. But it was his last 16 in talkback on ABC Perth that gave him the necessary tone for a book addressing the minefield of male discontent: rigorous inquiry, sure, but with a lightness of touch that invites leaning in. I wanted to hit blokes between the eyes on a couple of things, but I also know they will put the book down and never read another paragraph if I cant win them over to the conversation, he says. Although I still think their partners might read bits of it out loud to them in bed. That would make me happy too. In terms of inspiration, he recalls one beacon of grump from early in his talkback career: February 13, 2008, the day new PM Kevin Rudd apologised to the Stolen Generations. I reckon the first six callers were blokes, and they were all saying, I dont see that I should have to apologise for anything. I didnt say it on air but I thought, Oh my god, how can these blokes be such bastards? Back then I took it personally. I dont now. I would now want to say to those blokes: This isnt about you. Not everything that happens in the world is about you. That whole Harrumph, well I dont like it I want to convince them to just let some things go. Hutchisons book is not interested in culture wars. He isnt out to debate pronouns or cancel culture. What hes describing is something quieter and more insidious: a kind of emotional shrinkage, a stubborn stand-off with acceptance. Advertisement You raise the kids, the job ends, and you become a little less interesting to everyone. Thats the bit no one tells you, he says, with the fresh insight of the recent retiree. And if you were defined by that role the job, the dad, the problem-solver I think youre very vulnerable to sadness. And loneliness. Hutchison spent the last 16 years working at ABC radio, where many of his callers helped inspire his book. The grim end of male sadness is devastating. In Australia, Hutchison discovered, 86 men call an ambulance every day with thoughts of suicide. In 2023 alone, 64 women were killed in acts of male violence. But he doesnt have to consult experts and statistics to see the darkness festering in blokes heads. He recalls stumbling on a social media chat sharing the praises of Italian restaurants. Every positive comment came from a woman. Every negative and unnecessary one came from a bloke. And Im just thinking, who are you? What are you doing, sitting at a keyboard, hating everything? Is there any pleasure in that? Then there was a bloke named Ian, compelled to comment under an exultant photo of three young footy players with hands casually resting on each others knees. Back when I played footy, Ian said, we would get the shit kicked out of us for posing like that. TAKE 7: THE ANSWERS ACCORDING TO GEOFF HUTCHISON Worst habit? It used to be celebrating cynicism. But after hearing Billy Bragg declare that cynicism is the enemy of hope, I am now determinedly of the same opinion. Greatest fear? I dont like them Fascists very much. Indeed, anyone who seeks political advantage by using fear to target and blame others. And Im wary of anyone who thinks the concept of Prosperity Theology is endorsed by a greater power. The line that stayed with you? Love this life, dont wait til the next one comes Neil Finn. Biggest regret? A kitchen accident that left my young son only partially sighted. I had my back turned as he tried to open a bag of apples with scissors. And yes, it was as awful as it sounds. Ive written about it for the first time in my book in the chapter titled Regret. Favourite book? Richard Fords The Sportswriter (1986). I was a young version of one at the time. The artwork/song you wish was yours? The Portrait of the Journalist Sylvia von Harden by the German painter Otto Dix. If you could time travel, where would you choose to go? London in the mid 60s please, with plenty of money in my pocket. And if you could get me into the Marquee Club to see oh I dunno, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones or Jimi Hendrix that would be splendid. That bloke is just curating a museum of dickheadedness, Hutchison says. Its awful, and I bet its making him sick. I bet his wife doesnt like him much. And I bet his son doesnt come home to watch footy on Friday nights because he cant bear to hear Dad talk about their haircuts. Advertisement That author doesnt exempt himself. He recounts one episode of fuming at an umpires call that his daughter, gently, had to tell him was pathetic. He talks about making his mates laugh by impersonating some dickhead at the pub. I find that kind of cynicism less funny now. When blokes shrink into that tight, narrow worldview, they must be awful to live with. He owns that too. Post-ABC, he assumed more time with his wife, Philippa. But her career as a documentary maker is firing. Shes about to fly to the UK for three weeks of interviews. So I had to remind myself: you dont need to be at the centre of everything. You can swan around on the edges. Pick and choose how you want to engage. Just make sure you do. The active pursuit of engagement is a theme of Hutchisons book. If youve got male friends, place some value on that friendship. Whatever the next five, 10, 20 years look like and they might be terrific, or they might be absolutely shithouse you want to have people to talk to about it. That refusal to disappear, to keep showing up, runs through the people he interviews. Theres social researcher and psychologist Hugh Mackay, still sharp and empathetic at 86. Alex Pearce, the Fremantle Dockers captain is emotionally open in a way Hutchison finds quietly radical. Through his son he meets a trans woman named Gemma, whose calm presence contrasts powerfully with the rage of anonymous detractors. Two GPs talk bluntly about ageing bodies behind pseudonyms designed to tickle sci-fi-nerds: Peter Venkman and Leonard McCoy. At both ends, its Hutchisons late father who anchors the book. The man who blithely proclaimed his unhappiness as a fact of life when Geoff was a boy used to come home from the Italian Club in Pickering Brook and say, God, people are stupid. I used to think, Is it just the gang youre hangin out with Dad? Ive got to believe not everyone is quite so venal or miserable. Advertisement Its that time of the year again when the best and brightest in entertainment gather for Australian TVs night of (very long) nights. The 2025 TV Week Logie Awards will take place on August 3 at The Star in Sydney and, as always, much of the focus in the lead-up is on the race for gold. For the first time, women have dominated the Gold Logie field, scoring six of the seven nominations. Lynne for the win? After 33 years playing Irene on Home and Away, Lynne McGranger is the hot favourite to win the TV Week Gold Logie. Credit: Michael Howard Two-time Gold Logie winner Hamish Blake is the sole male contender, while Julia Morris and Sonia Kruger have both been nominated for a fourth time. Theyre joined by first-timers Ally Langdon, Lisa Millar, Poh Ling Yeow and Lynne McGranger. Naturally, its exciting for all the nominees, but only one will walk away with gold. And that persons name is Lynne McGranger (though you might know her as Irene). Surprised? Perhaps. Curious? Read on. Its a more random strategy but you can have a lot of fun making the genres your own, she says. Oliver notes that some cultural norms in Japan differ to those in the west when it comes to possessions. The Japanese are notoriously respectful and I think Australian culture can lack that when it comes to our belongings, she says. Things you respect are well cared for, so its obvious that broken, damaged or unusable should leave your life. Classic clutter. Get your repair on, or get it moving. Marie Kondo sent shockwaves through booklovers circles when she suggested households should limit it to 30 books. Credit: ISTOCK Cons: The main issue Oliver has with this method is time. Decluttering in one shot is fairly unrealistic for most people, she says. Theyd need a heap of time and importantly, mental and physical energy: most would benefit from professional assistance. Its a lot of work and decluttering means loads of decisions, many of them micro rather than macro. Swedish death cleaning This one emerged in 2017 with the release of The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson, who was already an octogenarian at the time (she still describes herself as being aged between 80 and 100). The concept is that once you turn 50, you begin to shed things you no longer need, be it furniture, photos or fabrics, as a gift to those you leave behind. Its a slow process but a continuous one, and it starts with letting your loved ones know of your plans. Loading Start with getting rid of less personal items it could be clothes or books and then you can move onto things you want family and friends to have. Its a different journey for everyone and involves conversations, passing down stories and, importantly, simplifying your life as you age. Pros: Oliver says there is a lot to love about this approach. This is a beautiful, mindful practice that one can do at any age theres no need to be in your golden years. It gives me a warm feeling just thinking about it. She says the focus on story telling is pleasing, as is the gifting of items while youre still alive. Its also an act of love. Theres less of a burden on others after you die youve managed most of it for them. Cons: I cant think of any. Scandinavia progressively leads the way in many areas of life, she says. The process of Swedish death cleaning will look different to everyone but story telling is almost guaranteed. Credit: Getty Images/Image Source 1-3-5 method Martha Stewart is a fan of this one. The idea is to break tasks down into small, medium and large to not only tackle clutter, but stay on top of it. So, for each large task, you should also complete three medium tasks and five small tasks. Larger tasks will take more time perhaps a wardrobe clear out but smaller tasks, like deleting some files from your computer, will take minutes. This system relies on repetitive action, completing tasks everyday, which is not necessarily achievable in busy households. Pros: Oliver says by allocating tasks by size, its a good method for maintaining focus. I would guess its saying tackle a sizeable task: an area or genre (hanging clothes) before more frivolous or incidental like the contents of a drawer. Excellent, she says. Cons: The main concern is that this is a fairly rigid system, which sets you up for failure. I would suggest working this backwards I love ticking off little jobs first so the larger projects then have my full attention, she says. DOOM Not as ominous as it sounds, the DOOM method is almost the opposite of 1-3-5, and chances are youre already practising it. It stands for Didnt Organise, Only Moved, and its the sort of thing you might do half an hour before guests arrive, racing around the house dropping miscellaneous clutter into boxes to sort later. It does, however, require you to revisit at a later time and do a proper sort through. Loading Pros: Oliver likes this method for the quick fix it promises. This is hilariously good, she says. Its what Ive long called scoop n dump. Its an absolutely fantastic methodology to keep visual clarity. If this is your method of choice, she suggests using identical DOOM boxes for an aesthetically pleasing result. It doesnt matter if its shoe boxes or fancy containers, it can be paper bags. Anything works even uniform washing baskets. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) ranks among the best magic formula stocks to invest in. On July 10, UBS reiterated its Buy rating and $105 price target for Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK). Analyst Trung Huynh remained optimistic about the pharmaceutical giant after Merck confirmed that it would acquire London-based Verona Pharma for $10 billion. UBS Bullish on Merck (MRK) Following Verona Pharma Purchase Pixabay/Public Domain According to consensus estimates of $3.7 billion, the acquisition represents about 2.7 times peak sales, which is consistent with industry norms, according to UBS. The firm believes that Ohtuvayres launch should benefit from Mercks size and business acumen, much like recent deals like Acceleron. In a call, Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) stated it remains open to $1 billion to $15 billion in additional acquisitions, which UBS believes will be needed to counteract the 2028 Keytruda patent cliff. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is a well-known American multinational pharmaceutical firm. Internationally recognized as Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), the company is a global provider of prescription medications, vaccines, biologic therapies, and animal health products. While we acknowledge the potential of MRK as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. Read More: 10 Best Magic Formula Stocks for 2025 and 10 Best Retirement Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds Disclosure: None. Last year, Ahmad received a visa to enter Australia. Safely arriving to stay with his sister in western Sydney, the next step was to have his family join them. But despite successfully receiving the same visas months later, Ahmads wife and three children, aged 10, 12 and 13, remain stuck in Gaza. He remains in Sydney, praying. Weeks of waiting have become months, and hope has turned to despair as Ahmad, whose surname has been withheld to protect his familys identity, applies and reapplies for their visas. Ahmad, a refugee from Gaza, is staying with his sister while his wife and children remain trapped overseas. Credit: Janie Barrett Weve tried to get them out multiple times, but theyre never allowed out, he said. They just get the visas and sit and wait, hoping a crossing will be opened, and they can leave. Its a measure of the breadth of Labors victory that it removed the leaders of the two main rival parties, not only the Liberals Dutton but also the Greens Adam Bandt. Sarah Witty took Bandts seat of Melbourne. The second of the new MPs to address the House this week, she told of her own heartache and pain, a decade of trying for a baby but pregnancy after pregnancy ending in loss. I remember, after a devastating loss, my mum gently said to me, Maybe you were meant to be a mum for all children. At the time, her words hit a wall. I was too shattered to hear them or to let them in. But slowly she realised her new path: I stepped into the world of foster care, not out of ease but out of a deep-seated need to turn my pain into something positive. Some days, said the former Subway franchisee and one-time chief executive of the non-profit Nappy Collective, were beautiful. Others tested her and her husband to the limit. One days experience changed everything. A boy she fostered for two years, call him Matt, asked one day if he could tell her a secret. As he usually didnt say much, I was pretty excited for him to start a conversation and excited to possibly hear a story from a day at school. Sure, mate. Whats your secret? Now, Im not going to tell you what that secret was because, number one, it was a secret. But, number two, no child should have experienced that secret. The only person I told that secret to was his caseworker. That moment set her on the path to parliament. With every decision she makes, I will always ask myself, What would Matt need so that he and the hundreds of children like him can grow up to be the best people they can be? She committed herself to working for more home building, addressing climate change, public education and equality for all. Sarah Witty, the member for Melbourne, delivers her maiden speech at Parliament House. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The prime minister and his senior ministers spent nine hours in the House this week respectfully listening to the first speeches of these and 16 other new MPs. Eight more are to follow on Monday. (The government increased its majority by 17 at the election, but the technicalities need not detain us.) Many speeches were moving, some inspiring, all interesting. The new representatives spoke of social justice, equality, workers rights. A recurring motif of the first nine speakers, all Labor, was that all offered thanks to the trade unions who had supported them, campaigned with them and, in some cases, employed them. But, strikingly, it wasnt until the 10th new MP rose to speak that we heard any discussion of the economy. Why does this matter? Because its hard to deliver social justice and opportunity without good jobs in plentiful supply. Its hard to generate jobs without investment. And its hard to pay for new programs and entitlements without ever-increasing revenue. You cant have wealth without a wealth machine. And that can only be a successful economy. To be fair, a number of the new Labor members spoke of the importance of small business. But it was only when the 10th speaker, Ben Small, the new Liberal member for Forrest in Western Australia, rose to speak that we heard about the central place of the economy in national success. And failure. Small, a former ambulance paramedic, said: We are slowly sleepwalking as a country into decline, as investment capital flees our shores whilst we become less and less competitive, with lower and lower productivity. Hes right. It wasnt all bleak: Yet I see limitless potential for an Australia that is bolder, braver and more bountiful as a nation, and I am convinced that deep within our communities is the pride and passion to achieve more for our country and for each Australian to achieve their potential, to maintain a safety net for those deserving a hand up, and to again become a country of can. As opposed to cant. Loading The traditional trade-off in policymaking is between equity and efficiency. The overriding purpose of the Albanese government so far has been to restore some equity. This is for very good reason. For decades, Australia had been drifting into deeper and deeper inequality. The former Treasury secretary Ken Henry told the National Press Club recently that we Australians collectively have been guilty of intergenerational bastardry by running down our natural environmental resources. You could use the same words to describe the housing crisis. Or the rundown in wages and wealth of working Australians. Or the accumulation of national debt. All of these amount to an older generation pulling up the ladder of improving living standards. Albanese has not fully solved any of these crises. But his government has tried to stop the decline in living conditions and to start improving them. Consider the shares of national income devoted to wages compared with company profits. In the decade to 2022, the wages share fell by 3.6 percentage points of national income. Which doesnt sound like much. But it equates to $60 billion a year in lost wages across the economy, according to economist Emma Dawson, formerly of the Per Capita think tank and now head of the Labor-aligned Chifley Research Institute. Thats $600 billion across the decade. So where did that lost wealth go? she posed in a recent paper. It all went to company profits. Albanese has reversed this slow-motion, macro-scale wealth transfer. In the governments first term, the trend reversed. The wages share rose by 3.8 percentage points. Loading The era of callous unfairness was best symbolised by the Morrison governments robo-debt disaster, says Dawson. People were desperate for a rebalancing towards fairness and opportunity. The government did try to do that through wages and industrial relations changes, Commonwealth rent assistance, more support for single mums, and it is important to restore to the community the idea that the government is there for them, not just to answer the call of the biggest businesses and the wealthiest lobbyists. Democratic despair is the pathway to national ruin, as the US reminds us daily. In its second term, the Albanese government has the opportunity to extend its equity agenda. Indeed, it was re-elected on policies of extending social benefits through a more generous Medicare and cheaper pharmaceuticals. All of which is expensive. And the budget is in deficit. But Albanese also has the opportunity to repair the slowing wealth machine, to generate more jobs, higher wages, more investment, more profit and more tax revenue. Good social democratic governments do both, points out Dawson. Drive growth, support the private sector and distribute opportunity across the whole community. This was the achievement of the Hawke-Keating era and why it is so lauded. And, with the governments productivity roundtable next month, it is perhaps available to the Albanese-Chalmers government. It is a potential pivot point. Dawson likens the governments equity policies of its first term to seizing the low-hanging fruit. Its second term and commanding majority provide the chance to make structural change. They have the authority and the opportunity. Its a pregnant moment. The idealism of Labors new MPs is admirable. They are now part of a government that is in a position to not only deliver on their problem-solving passion but also figure out how to pay for it. An Australian pro-democracy academic has labelled a warrant for his arrest by Hong Kongs national security police as ridiculous, as authorities there pursue 19 overseas-based members of what they describe as a subversive organisation. University of Technology Sydney China studies professor Dr Feng Chongyi who in 2017 was detained for 10 days while on a research trip to China now has a $HK200,000 ($39,000) bounty on him over his involvement in an unofficial pro-democracy group, Hong Kong Parliament. Chinese dissident Chongyi Feng is wanted by Hong Kong police. Credit: Steven Siewert He is accused of helping to organise or participate in the largely Canada-based group, which authorities in Hong Kong say aims to subvert state power under a national security law that China imposed on the territory in 2020, following months of pro-democracy protests the year before. Feng and the others are accused of having launched a referendum or run as candidates in the unofficial Hong Kong Parliament group, which authorities say aims at achieving self-determination and drafting a Hong Kong constitution. There has been a huge, unusual volume in long-dated call options for Las Vegas Sands Corp. (LVS) today after its Q2 results release yesterday. It showed investors are bullish on the Macao gambling scene. LVS stock is up over +4.0% today at $50.67 per share after the earnings release. A huge volume of in-the-money (ITM) LVS call options for expiration on Jan. 16, 2026. More News from Barchart LVS stock - last 6 months - Barchart - July 24, 2025 That is a very strong signal that the investors who bought these calls expiring in 176 days (almost 6 months from now), expect to see LVS stock much higher. In effect, it works out to a cheaper way to buy into the stock. This can be seen in today's Barchart Unusual Stock Options Activity Report. It shows that over 45,000 call option contracts have traded at the $45.00 call option exercise price, even though the stock price is over $50.00. That means the trades were bought in-the-money by the call option buyers. LVS calls expiring Jan. 16, 2026 - Barchart - As of July 24, 2025 - Barchart Unusual Stock Options Activity Report The midpoint price for these calls is just over $8.00 (i.e., $7.95 bid, $8.15 ask, or $8.05 midpoint). So, instead of paying $50.67 per 100 shares, an investor buying these calls only has to shell out $8.05. But the breakeven price, after paying the exercise price (on or before Jan. 16, 2026), is less than 5% over today's price: $45.00 +8.05 = $53.05 $53.05 / $50.67 = 1.047 -1 = +4.69% premium over the trading price The investor has almost 6 months for LVS to rise over $53.05, the intrinsic value of these long-dated calls. That seems very likely to occur, based on its results today. Let's look at that. Strong Gambling Activity Results in China Despite the company's name, Las Vegas Sands makes all of its money in Macao, China, gambling and resorts (as well as one in Singapore). So, this stock is a play on the Chinese gambling scene. The Chinese are gambling a lot, and Las Vegas Sands is making good money, based on its Q2 results. For example, LVS reported that revenue at $3.175 billion in Q2 rose by over +15.2% from last year's $2.76 billion. Moreover, its operating income skyrocketed +32.5% from $591 million last year to $783 million. In addition, its Consolidated adjusted property EBITDA (i.e., earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) was up +24.3% to $1.33 billion. So far, the company has not released its cash flow statement, so there is no indication yet of its free cash flow. A proposal to dispose of lands at Tawnaghmore Upper and Mullafarry in Killala to Mayo Data Hub Limited has been approved by Mayo County Council. The land in question, which the council acquired from Fand Limited of Arthur Cox Building, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, consists of two plots, the first measuring 36 acres, which was to be sold for 803,000, and and the second, measuring 23 acres, which had a price tag of 520,000. Council officials had noted that the sale is subject to conditions attached to a resolution passed at a meeting of the local authority on January 10th, 2022, that an annual financial contribution be made to the local community once the business of the data centre became operational. It was also noted that this sale was subject to planning permission and sufficient power interconnection from EirGrid or ESB networks. The council is to retain a right to re-purchase either or both plots where development had not started within five years. However, a plan to sell a site at Crossmolina Business Park was rejected. Councillors were told that two acres of land had been acquired at the park from Liam Cawley and it was proposed to sell them to M. Carey Properties Ltd, which is based in St Albans, Hertfordshire, England. The sale price was 180,000, subject to contract. Cllr Michael Loftus told members that the planned sale had already been rejected by councillors in Ballina Municipal District. It was agreed not to go ahead with the sale. A second smaller site in Crossmolina, near to the local fire station, was sold to the Electricity Supply Board. The land was originally purchased from the Industrial Development Authority and the consideration is for a nominal fee of one euro only, with the sale subject to contract. The site measures about one-hundredth of an acre. In Westport, it was agreed to approve a 20-year lease of Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre at Murrisk to Mayo North-East LEADER at an annual rent of 1,000, subject to periodic reviews, and with an opt-out clause after five years. The purchaser proposes to run it as a cafe and virtual reality experience. BEIJING (AP) Chinas high dependence on exports will likely be a key focus of a new round of U.S.-China trade talks this coming week in Stockholm, but a trade deal would not necessarily help Beijing to rebalance its economy. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said he hopes the negotiations can take up this issue, along with China's purchases of oil from Russia and Iran, which undercut American sanctions on those two countries. Hopes rose for a breakthrough in talks after U.S. President Donald Trump announced deals with Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines this week. The U.S. wants China to do two things: Reduce what both the U.S. and the European Union see as excess production capacity in many industries, including steel and electric vehicles. And secondly, to take steps to increase spending by Chinese consumers so the economy relies more on domestic demand and less on exports. We could also discuss the elephant in the room, which is this great rebalancing that the Chinese need to do, Bessent told financial news network CNBC. He said China's share of global manufacturing exports at nearly 30%, cant get any bigger, and it should probably shrink. China is tackling the same issues for domestic reasons The issues are not new, and China has been working to address them for years, more for domestic reasons than to reduce its trade surpluses with the U.S. and other countries. Bessent's predecessor as treasury secretary, Janet Yellen, made industrial policy a focus of a trip to China last year. She blamed government subsidies for flooding the global market with artificially cheap Chinese products. The European Union, whose top leaders met their Chinese counterparts in Beijing on Thursday, has cited subsidies to justify EU tariffs on electric vehicles made in China. In the 1980s, the U.S. pressured Japan to boost consumer spending when American manufacturing was overwhelmed by exports from the likes of Toyota and Sony. Economists have long argued that China likewise needs to transform into a more consumer-driven economy. Consumer spending accounts for less than 40% of Chinas economy, versus close to 70% in the United States and about 54% in Japan. Chinese leaders have spoken about both factory overcapacity and weak consumer spending as long-term problems and have sought over the past 20 years to find ways to rebalance the economy away from export manufacturing and massive investments in dams, roads, railways and other infrastructure. Fierce price wars have prompted critical reports in official media saying that companies are racing to the bottom, skimping on quality and even safety to reduce costs. By Arathy Somasekhar HOUSTON (Reuters) -U.S. Gulf Coast refiners are snapping up higher volumes of Middle Eastern and South American crudes to offset the loss of Venezuelan and Mexican barrels, according to ship tracking data, a workaround solution that might be short-lived if the U.S. allows some sanctioned Venezuelan crude to return to the market. The shake-up in trade flows reflects a shortage of medium and heavy crude grades at the key Gulf Coast refining hub which has struggled in recent months to secure adequate supplies amid Mexican production and quality challenges, and Washington's pressure strategy on Venezuela's sanctioned energy industry. The U.S. Treasury Department in March revoked key licenses that allowed some companies to export Venezuelan oil and fuel to the U.S. after President Donald Trump criticized the OPEC nation's record on migration and democracy. However, the administration is now preparing to grant new authorizations to key partners of Venezuela's state-run PDVSA to allow them to operate with limitations, which could include oil swaps, five sources close to the matter said this week. The U.S. imported about 175,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Venezuelan crude on average this year before the licenses were revoked, accounting for about 16% of Gulf Coast oil imports, according to data from research firm Kpler. Meanwhile, imports of popular Mexican heavy grade Maya have fallen to 172,000 bpd so far in July, the lowest on record due to declining output and quality issues that have cut interest in the grade. To replace those volumes, Gulf Coast refiners are resorting to other South American producers such as Colombia, Brazil and Guyana, with imports in July reaching the highest in over five years. Shipments of heavy, high-sulfur crude from Colombia, including Castilla and Vasconia grades, more than doubled to 225,000 bpd so far in July, the highest monthly level in three years. In the same period, some refiners also stepped up imports of medium, lower sulfur, crudes from Guyana such as Unity Gold and Payara Gold to about 95,000 bpd, while heavy, high-sulfur oil from Brazil, including Peregrino, rose 58% to 57,000 bpd. Gulf Coast imports of oil from the Middle East, mainly Iraqi Qaiyarah, Kuwait's Eocene and Saudi Arabia's medium sour Arab Light, also ramped up sharply this month to 212,000 bpd, the highest since January. The bulk of the crude oil produced in the United States is light and low in sulfur, not ideal for refineries in the U.S. Gulf that typically prefer to process heavier oil. Staging a special economic zone (SEZ): Economic representation amid uncertainty When: Thursday, 31 July 2025 - Thursday, 31 July 2025 Where: Online Event Parktown Management Campus SCIS Lecture Theatre, North Lodge, Parktown Management Campus, 2 St Davids Place & St Andrew Rd, Parktown Start time: 12:30 Enquiries: athenkosi.pono@wits.ac.za and kitso.kgaboesele@wits.ac.za RSVP: Click here to register Cost: None Labour dynamics and SEZs Julia Hampton is a DPhil candidate at the Oxford Department of International Development (ODID). Based on seven months of ethnographic fieldwork in a Special Economic Zone in South Africa, her thesis investigates how, in a context of chronic long-term unemployment, an intervention aimed at fostering market inclusion ends up reproducing and legitimising poverty and inequality. She joined ODID in 2019 as a Rhodes Scholar to pursue an MPhil in Development Studies. Prior to Oxford, Julia completed an Honours degree in Economics and a Bachelor of Arts in English, Economics, and Economic History at the University of Cape Town. Abstract: This seminar will be based on a paper that examines the staging of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in South Africa. It shows that economic policy concepts do not format the economy in their image but instead animate documentary representations of the economy in the abstract, as a manageable, future-oriented object. Going further, the paper explores the productive role of doubt in sustaining this abstraction. The doubtful spectacle of technical control is stabilised on a fragile basis through the everyday labours of differently positioned actors to suspend disbelief in scripted economic futures: state officials commitments to inclusion; consultants trade-offs between technical certainty and optimism; and unemployed participants tactical engagements for the sake of marginal livelihoods, recognition, and influence. In doing so, the paper expands theories of performativity by showing how the economy is sustained not just by economics, but by the pragmatic, affective, and ethical reasons diverse actors have to instrumentalise economics in their own lives. Stellantis, which also makes Peugeot, Citroen and Fiat, could be blocked from the green grants The owner of Vauxhall risks being excluded from Labours electric vehicle (EV) grant scheme over its reliance on Polish factories. Stellantis, which owns brands including Peugeot, Citroen and Fiat, is among several car manufacturers scrambling to demonstrate their eco-credentials in a bid to qualify for new government subsidies. But it is understood some of the companys cars may miss out on 3,750 grants offered by ministers because they are made in Poland and risk falling foul of net zero rules. Under the scheme, vehicles put forward by manufacturers will be scored based on how green their production processes are. Those with the highest scores risk being excluded or only receiving a smaller payment of 1,500. Carmakers must also prove they are signed up to science-based targets to cut their carbon emissions, in line with net zero targets. Ministers have already warned that Chinese-made cars are likely to be blocked from receiving grants for these reasons. China is the worlds biggest carbon dioxide emitter, largely because of its huge consumption of coal for power generation. But car industry insiders have warned the schemes rules may also create a headache for Western manufacturers with operations in Poland because of the European countrys similarly high dependence on coal. Like China, roughly 60pc of Polands electricity is generated by burning the fuel. Both countries generate about 7.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide per capita overall, according to the International Energy Agency. The Governments grant scheme will assess carmakers on where they assemble EVs as well as where their EV batteries are produced. A 30pc weighting will be given to the former and a 70pc weighting to the latter, according to a briefing seen by The Telegraph. It means some carmakers including Stellantis may be penalised for their dependence on Poland, which has attracted huge investment from the car industry and is also Europes biggest supplier of batteries. Electric models made by Stellantis at its plant in Tychy, in southern Poland, include the Jeep Avenger, Fiat 600e, Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica and the Abarth 600e. Until earlier this year, the company also made the Leapmotor T03 there through a joint venture. It is not clear where Stellantis sources batteries for the cars made in Tychy but in addition to using its own battery joint venture in France, the company is understood to rely on a supplier based in China as well. Several other major car companies also rely on China for supplies, as well as on an LG Energy Solutions plant based in Wrocaw, Poland, which is Europes biggest battery factory. After two years as a venture capitalist for top-shelf firm Benchmark, Victor Lazarte is leaving that company to start his own investing gig, he announced on X on Thursday. Lazarte became known in tech for co-founding mobile gaming company Wildlife Studios, which was last valued at an estimated $3 billion in 2020. Wildlife raised money from a multitude of VCs, including Benchmark. During his two years at Benchmark, Lazarte invested in recruiting and data labeling startup Mercor, AI video intelligence platform HeyGen, and AI infrastructure company Decart AI. Lazarte is leaving Benchmark to build a new investment practice, he wrote in the post. He had recently informed his portfolio companies about his plans to leave Benchmark, according to a source. Lazarte is the second investor to step down from Benchmarks partnership this year. Sarah Tavel announced in April that she is transitioning to a venture partner. After Lazartes departure, remaining partners at the storied firm include Peter Fenton, Eric Vishria, and Chetan Puttagunta. Unlike most VC firms, where senior partners typically receive a greater share of management fees and profits, Benchmark operates as an equal partnership, with all general partners dividing fees and returns equally. Benchmark and Lazarte did not immediately respond to our request for additional comment. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. walks across the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, April 3, 1968. [AP Photo/Charles Kelly] Last Monday, the Trump administration released almost 250,000 pages of federal records in connection with the April 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., including FBI surveillance of the civil rights leader. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard made the announcement via a press release, and the materials were made available on the website of the National Archives. The trove contained FBI documents and notes on investigations, as well as decades of news clippings on the case, but did not include the transcripts of wiretaps of King. The release of the King files, which originally had been sealed until 2027, follows those of documents and files related to two other prominent US assassinations of the 1960s, those of President John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert F. Kennedy. All these files were made available pursuant to an executive order issued by Trump soon after beginning his second term last January. The Kennedy and King files contained very little new information. Noted King biographer David Garrow said, after looking at the King files, There is nothing new or notable in what was released yesterday, and that much of the material had been in the public domain for decades. This is precisely why Trump was willing to release the files, enabling him to pose as an advocate of transparency and pretending some sympathy with those who believe that all the assassinations of that decade, including that of Malcolm X, were the result of conspiracies at the highest levels. Kings two surviving children, Bernice and Martin III, had opposed the release of the files. They were clearly suspicious of Trumps attempt to manipulate the matter, and they issued a statement declaring, While we support transparency and historical accountability, we object to any attacks on our fathers legacy or attempts to weaponize it to spread falsehoods. They called for the files to be seen within their full historical context, and added a reminder that King had been relentlessly targeted by an invasive, predatory, and deeply disturbing disinformation and surveillance campaign orchestrated by J. Edgar Hoover through the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Among the concerns of the family was the fear of renewed attention to the well-established extramarital relations of King, unearthed via the FBI surveillance and very likely sensationalized in the reports filed by agents who were seeking to meet the expectations of J. Edgar Hoover, whose racism and pathological hatred of King were well known. Trumps executive order was entirely consistent with the trademark cynicism and demagogy of the would-be Fuhrer in the White House, for whom the Big Lie is standard operating procedure. Attorney General Pam Bondi declared with a straight face that, The American people deserve answers decades after the horrific assassination of one of our nations great leaders. But it is her boss who recently welcomed Afrikaner refugees from South Africa, who has ordered that the names of Confederate heroes be restored to various military bases, and who is attempting to roll back voting rights and other gains of the mass civil rights movement. Moreover, the political views of King, the man Bondi now calls a great leader, were substantially to the left of the current Democratic mayoral candidate in New York, Zohran Mamdani, the same man whom Trump has been calling a Communist lunatic almost every day for the last month. It is not very difficult to deduce Trumps real estimation of Martin Luther King. As for the precise timing of the release of the King files, that is undoubtedly connected to the mounting crisis facing Trump over the demands for the release of the Epstein files, including the list of powerful corporate and political figures who made use of Jeffrey Epsteins criminal sex-trafficking operation involving young girls. The release of the King files looks like a clumsy attempt at distraction from the other files, and the growing likelihood that the continuing Epstein scandal, almost six years after his reported suicide in a Manhattan jail cell, will ensnare Trump personally. Regardless of Trumps cynical calculations, however, the renewed attention to the assassination of Martin Luther King and to the legacy of the slain civil rights leader raises important historical issues. James Earl Ray was arrested in London after a long manhunt. He at first pleaded guilty, and was tried, convicted and sentenced to a 99-year prison term. Ray later attempted to recant his plea, saying he had been set up to take the blame for killing King. The King family, including Coretta Scott King before her death, believed him. The family pointed to the fact that the investigation of Kings assassination had been carried out by the very same FBI, under Hoover, that had targeted him in a years-long campaign of defamation and spying. They insisted on further investigation, and filed a wrongful death lawsuit that led to a 1999 verdict that found that King had been the victim of a huge conspiracy, and not of a lone racist gunman. Fifty-seven years after the murder of Martin Luther King Jr., it is necessary not only to expose the obscene attempt of the fascist Trump to make political capital of his death, but also to restate Kings legacy, and that of the movement he led. In the three years between the legislative victories of the mass civil rights movement and Kings death, amidst the growing escalation of the Vietnam War as well as the rebellions in urban ghettos throughout the US, King became increasingly critical in his estimation of what had been achieved and what remained to be done. In 1967 he denounced the Vietnam War, an action that angered Lyndon Johnson and other erstwhile allies in the Democratic Party. King was denounced by the editorial board of the New York Times and elsewhere. In his speeches on Vietnam, King emphasized the connection between war abroad and attacks on democratic rights and living conditions at home. He soon spelled this out further, with the launching of the Poor Peoples Campaign. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. addresses a capacity crowd from the pulpit at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., March 31, 1968. [AP Photo/John Rous] Kings fateful trip to Memphis in late March 1968 was part of his struggle to build the Poor Peoples Campaign, which had begun in Washington, with the aim of calling attention to the issues of poverty through civil disobedience actions. Kings political outlook remained one of reforming capitalism, but his actions also raised the possibility of a growing mass movement in the working class, one that could be a far greater threat to the capitalist status quo. His specific aim in Memphis was to aid the union organizing campaign of the citys black sanitation workers. The 1,300 workers had begun a strike after the horrific deaths of two workers, Echol Cole and Robert Walker, crushed in a malfunctioning sanitation truck. These deaths were the last straw for the sanitation workers, who were paid poverty wages for backbreaking work under appalling safety conditions, and without overtime pay or other benefits. Fifty-seven years later, little has changed on the issues of imperialist war, unsafe workplaces and capitalist exploitationexcept for the worse. The US has seen a recent spate of workplace deaths, including that of Ronald Adams Sr., the veteran autoworker crushed to death last April at a Stellantis plant in Michigan, a tragic and preventable death that has led the International Workers Alliance of Rank and File Committees to initiate a rank-and-file investigation. The issues of war, steadily widening inequality and the growing danger of fascism around the world make it all the more vital that the lessons of Martin Luther Kings struggle be learned and applied today. Within a few years of his death, his insistence on linking the struggles for full democratic rights to those against war and poverty had been pushed aside. What remained of the official civil rights movement, presided over by such figures as Jesse Jackson and Andrew Youngpeople who had opposed or been lukewarm toward the Poor Peoples Campaign and Kings break with the establishment on the issue of Vietnamembraced the policy of affirmative action, which soon became part of the entire edifice of identity politics with which the ruling class, and the Democratic Party above all, has worked, through racial, ethnic and gender politics, to divide the working class and make it pay for the deepening crisis of American capitalism. Elevenlabs AudioNative Player Memorial garden for Ronald Adams Sr. at family home This week, the autopsy report was finally released to the family of Ronald Adams Sr., an autoworker who died on the job in April at Stellantis Dundee Engine Plant. Adams, a machine repairman, was servicing a parts washer when a gantry that moves engine heads came crashing down on him, pinning him to the conveyor belt. The details of the autopsy are horrific. The machine fractured 18 of his 24 ribs, crushed his sternum and broke his spine, while he suffered massive internal bleeding in his lung. Evidence of aspiration indicate he took several breaths before he died. The manner of death is classified as an accident, the report concludes. The word accident denotes an uncontrollable event. But the basic reality is that had existing workplace safety laws and regulations been followed, Adams horrifying death would not have been possible. Under current law, when machinery is being serviced, workers are required to place a lockout device on it, in order to physically prevent it from being powered up. If the machine was energized, it was because these procedures were not followed. Workers told the WSWS that management was rushing to restart production and routinely used cheat keys to override Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, a basic measure designed to depower machines during maintenance. The United Auto Workers bureaucrats are Stellantis accomplices through their collaboration in joint safety boards and their sabotage of all forms of workers resistance. The guilty silence from UAW President Shawn Fain and UAW Local 723 is based on the principle that anything they say can and will be used against them. Meanwhile, Stellantis, with the full blessing of the UAW, has resumed full production at the Dundee plant, with every engine marked with the blood of a worker. Ronald Adams Sr., his wife Shamenia, and family members [Photo by Adams Family] Adams case was only brought forward through the efforts of his family and rank-and-file workers. The International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) has organized an investigation, taking testimony from coworkers, safety experts and others to meticulously document every aspect of this preventable death. Its purpose is to arm workers all over the world with information that they need to defend themselves against similar conditions. The death of Adams is part of an unending string of workplace fatalities in the United States. Earlier this month, 19-year-old Brayan Neftali Otoniel Canu Joj, a recent immigrant from Guatemala, was killed in a meat grinder he was cleaning at the Tinas Burritos plant in the Los Angeles area. (The family is asking the public for donations to pay for his return to Guatemala for his funeral). The super-exploitation of immigrant workers, cowed into silence by threat of deportation or disappearing into prison camps like Trumps infamous Alligator Alcatraz, no doubt was a contributing factor. Here too, the union bureaucrats bear responsibility. Eager to shift blame for the consequences of their own betrayals onto a scapegoat, they support Trumps America First policies. A sickening recent example is a demand by the building trades union for an ICE raid at an Arizona semiconductor factory. Earlier this week, UAW Local 1264 reported the death of Thomas Cornman, a veteran third-shift worker at Stellantis Sterling Stamping Plant in suburban Detroit. Cornman reportedly suffered severe head injuries after falling from a forklift and died on July 21 following more than two weeks in the hospital. The union acknowledged his death but made no mention of it being work-related, an omission workers say is part of a broader effort by the union apparatus to conceal unsafe conditions at the plant. Cornmans death is the third known fatality at a Stellantis facility in less than a year, following the death at the Toledo Assembly Complex in August 2024 of Antonio Gaston, who was crushed on the line while tightening bolts, and Ronald Adams. OSHA fined Stellantis just $16,000 for Gastons death, a penalty the company is contesting. The toll in numbers is staggering. In 2023, workers died every 99 minutes on average from workplace injuries, for an annual total of 5,283. The numbers for 2024 and 2025 have not been published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as the government has no interest in keeping track of workers killed by capitalism. This contrasts sharply with the extreme punctuality of monthly figures for GDP growth and other economic indices useful for corporate America. All of these workers are casualties in a war against the working class. The United States, the richest country on earth with huge technological advantages, has the sufficient means to make workplace deaths virtually unheard of. The sole reason for continued slaughter, year after year, is the subordination of life to profit. Capitalism has become an absolute barrier to human progress. The ruling class considers all measures to protect workers health and welfare to be an intolerable drain on surplus value, which they consider put to better use shoring up the stock market and funding criminal wars in defense of profits. The most horrendous example of this was the refusal to take basic measures to stop viral transmission during the coronavirus pandemic, which killed 1 million people in the US and is still ongoing in spite of lying claims by the government and media. All safety regulations, which are in the final analysis concessions granted to workers through generations of struggle, are now being dismantled. Trumps labor secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, whom the union bureaucrats endorsed for her support for a bill making it easier for them to expand their dues base, cut 63 labor regulations in one fell swoop. The new head of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is David Keeling, who as safety executive for Amazon and UPS bore responsibility for sweatshop conditions. Currently it would take 186 years for OSHA to inspect every workplace in America just once. With plans to reduce inspections by 30 percent this year, it would take 266 years. The rail industry, which is floating mega-mergers to allow for price gouging and more layoffs, is pushing for the relaxation of track inspection requirements seven-fold. And the attack on healthcare and medical science escalates through anti-science quacks like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the more than $800 billion in Medicaid cuts passed by Congress. Experts estimate the cuts will kill more than 18,000 people each year by denying them access to healthcare. The Democrats are not only silent cowards but full co-conspirators. They were responsible for covering up corporate criminality leading to disasters such as the 2010 BP oil spill under Obama and the East Palestine, Ohio, derailment under Biden in early 2023. Within the two-party system, their particular specialty is to work closely with the union bureaucracy to help impose these conditions. While extreme levels of social inequality make working conditions in the United States particularly barbaric, workers everywhere confront different forms of the same underlying reality: the dictatorship of the capitalist class over the means of production, enforced by corrupt union bureaucracies that serve the corporations and the state. The union apparatus supports nationalism to split the working class and is offering its services to prepare the country for world war. These killings must end! The critical task facing workers is to take power into their own hands. The IWA-RFC calls for the building rank-and-file committees independent of and in opposition to the pro-corporate union apparatus. Safety committees must be formed in every plant to fight for the principle that no job should be carried out unless and until it is made safe. Workers, in consultation with trusted safety experts of their own choosing, must have full authority to set safety standards and to shut down unsafe operations through collective action. To break the grip of the profit system over every aspect of life, the working class must fight for the expropriation of the corporations and their transformation into public enterprises, collectively owned and democratically controlled by the working class itself. Such a struggle cannot be national but must be international, uniting workers across all borders in a common fight against the holiest of holies, capitalist property rights. The International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) and the International Committee of the Fourth International are fighting to build this movement. We urge all workers who want to put an end to exploitation, war, and social murder to join this fightfor workers power, for internationalism, and for socialism. A Portland police officer looks on after placing a homeless person in a police vehicle while their tent is dismantled on Friday, June 28, 2024, in Portland, Oregon. [AP Photo/Jenny Kane] On Thursday, President Donald Trump issued an executive order demanding that states intensify efforts to criminalize poverty and homelessness and to institutionalize people suffering from mental health issues and drug addiction. The order, titled Ending crime and disorder on Americas streets, casts the estimated 770,000 people in the US without a home as violent public safety threats. Endemic vagrancy, disorderly behavior, sudden confrontations and violent attacks have made our cities unsafe, the order begins. It states, Nearly two-thirds of homeless individuals report having regularly used hard drugs like methamphetamines, cocaine or opioids the Federal Government and the States have spent tens of billions of dollars on failed programs that address homelessness leaving other citizens vulnerable to public safety threats. The EO matches language Trump used on the campaign trail. Our once great cities have become unlivable unsanitary nightmares surrendered to the homeless, Trump said in a 2023 campaign video. In the video and in speeches around the country, Trump promised to end homelessness by creating tent cities where the homeless can be relocated. Earlier this week it was reported that the US government will be building massive tent concentration camps on US military bases throughout the country. The administration claims these are for housing immigrants, but there is no doubt they and other concentration camps will be used to detain homeless people, alleged drug addicts and other undesirables the US government wants to disappear. In furtherance of this goal, the executive order encourages the criminalization of homeless people and directs the Justice Department to expand the indefinite forced treatment of people suffering from mental health issues or substance abuse addictions. These matters have historically and constitutionally been allocated to states to decide. In order to force states to acquiesce to the will of the aspiring dictator, the order threatens to withhold federal grants from states that do not adopt the administrations punitive policies. It does not outline any additional funding mechanisms to assist states. Instead, funding will be cut for states and municipalities that practice harm reduction or safe consumption efforts. These include cities that allow supervised injection sites and consumption of what are currently illicit drugs as part of treatment programs overseen by medical professionals. Even though several studies have found that access to harm reduction and safe consumption treatment reduces overdose deaths and leads to an uptake in treatment acceptance, the EO falsely claims these efforts only facilitate illegal drug use and its attendant harm. Underscoring that the order has nothing to do with ending homelessness, but rather expanding the police state, the order also directs Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner to end funding for housing first policies, and instead promote accountability programs. Housing first policies begin with the fact that shelter is a basic human need and should be available to everyone regardless of job status, mental health or addiction. By ending support for these types of programs, the Trump administration is shifting government support only to programs that require that recipients already be employed or submit to and complete treatment programs before being granted access to housing. The order directs the attorney general, the secretary of health and human services, the secretary of housing and urban development and the secretary of transportation to withhold grants to states and municipalities that dont enforce prohibitions on illicit drug use, urban camping and loitering and urban squatting. Many states, including those run by Democrats, have already embraced Trumps crackdown against the unhoused. In July 2024, California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order targeting homeless encampments, ordering state agencies to remove them from public areas. Newsom followed that up with an even more draconian order this past May directing cities to adopt anti-camping ordinances that mandate unhoused individuals to relocate every 72 hours. The bipartisan efforts to criminalize homelessness are aimed at masking the fact that more than enough money exists to provide homes, mental health and drug addiction treatment for everyone in the US and internationally. Under capitalism, the wealth created by the working class, the vast majority of society, is stolen and hoarded by a tiny parasitic few. The financial oligarchy uses this unearned wealth to protect itself and its historically outdated system, instead of providing for the benefit of all of humanity. The 2025 Wealth Report by Knight Frank found that the fortunes of the wealthy ($10 million+), ultra-wealthy ($100 million+) and billionaires improved throughout the world in 2024. The number of people worth over $10 million grew by 4.4 percent globally, with the highest number in North America at 5.2 percent. This was followed by Asia at 5.0 percent and Africa at 4.7 percent. Europe was last with only 1.4 percent. The same report found just over 104,000 people, defined in the report as ultra-wealthy, control over $100 million individually. There are 44,218 such individuals in North America, followed by 33,084 in Asia and 16,268 in Europe. Over 905,000 people in the US individually control between $10 and $99 million. This figure represents nearly 39 percent of wealthy individuals in the world. Above the ultra-wealthy are the billionaires, of which Forbes and the Knight Frank Report estimate there are over 2,700. In 2024, billionaires in the US controlled $5.7 trillion. A recent estimate from Scioto Analysis found it would cost between $11 billion and $30 billion to house every person in America. Assuming it costs $30 billion, the wealth currently hoarded by the billionaires could end homelessness about 190 times over. Put differently, less than 1 percent of billionaire wealth (0.5 percent) could end homelessness for a year. If the American working class embarked on a housing construction program aimed at providing 770,000 housing units at the cost of $500,000 per unit, an extremely high estimate, this would still only cost $385 billion. This would leave over $5 trillion to be directed towards other pressing social needs, such as healthcare for all and high-quality public education. This week, on the first business day of parliament after the May 3 election, the Albanese Labor government introduced legislation to make permanent and significantly expand the compulsory questioning powers of the domestic political spy agency, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). This was done without any prior public notice. It was never mentioned throughout the election campaign. Moreover, with rare exceptions, the media has not even reported on the two bills tabled by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke on Wednesday. The population is being kept in the dark as much as possible about this chilling development. Unprecedented powers to forcibly interrogate people were first handed to ASIO in 2003 during the supposed war on terrorism. Under Labors amendments to the ASIO Act, these powers will be extended and broadened indefinitely. The first bill will overturn a sunset clause that set an expiry date for the powers on September 7. The second bill will scrap sunset clauses altogether, making the powers permanent, and broaden the powers to cover four new war-related fields. PM Anthony Albanese, AFP chief Reece Kershaw and ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess announce Operation Avalite on December 9, 2024. [Photo: Facebook/Anthony Albanese] ASIO will be handed the power to coercively and secretly question people, as young as 14, for up to 24 hours, or longer with breaks in questioning time, to demand that they provide information, including documents or other material allegedly relating to four further topics: (1) sabotage, (2) promoting communal violence, (3) attacking defence facilities and (4) threatening border security. This is in addition to three extra fields of interrogation, beyond terrorism, added to ASIOs powers by the previous Morrison Liberal-National Coalition government, with Labors support, in 2020: (1) espionage, (2) foreign interference and (3) politically-motivated violence. That covers any political activity that the government and ASIO deem extremist or coordinated with a foreign or international organisation. The four latest fields for ASIO interrogation clearly indicate that the Labor government is preparing to try to suppress the growing political dissent and opposition to its agenda of complicity in the worsening US-backed Israeli genocide in Gaza, its escalated commitment to US war plans against China, and its repulsion, detention or removal of asylum seekers. Sabotage could cover any possible damage to military or other infrastructure. Promoting communal violence could include anti-genocide protests, with governments falsely accusing participants of being antisemitic. Attacking defence facilities could extend to demonstrations against military bases, weapons or supplies. Threatening border security could mean protests against immigration detention or deportations. The ASIO Act permits the agency to readily obtain warrants, even orally, from the attorney-general, to question a person to obtain information that would substantially assist the collection of intelligence. No charge or even allegation of a criminal offence is required. If anyone fails to comply or hand over material, or provides misleading information, they face up to five years imprisonment. Those interrogated also face five years jail if they tell anyone, except an ASIO-vetted lawyer, over the next two years what has happened to them, thus helping to keep ASIOs operations shielded from public scrutiny. ASIO and the police also have powers to forcibly enter premises to grab people for questioning and to seize material, including items such as phones or other communication devices. The legislation also permits repeated questioning periods. ASIOs ever-expanding powers are of a police-state character. They overturn fundamental democratic rights, including the right to silence, the right not to incriminate oneself and the principle of no detention without charge or trial. ASIO and the federal and state police forces already have a vast array of powers to secretly place people under surveillance and to question people without charge. Until 2003, however, they could not force people to answer. That was in line with the centuries-old presumption of innocence, and the right to a trial based on the prosecution having to prove a criminal case beyond a reasonable doubtbasic protections, resulting from massive political struggles, against arbitrary detention and dictatorship. These so-called extraordinary and initially temporary powers were first introduced in the name of combatting terrorism after the still unexplained September 11, 2001 Al Qaeda-linked attacks on New Yorks World Trade Center buildings, followed by the barbaric US-led invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. The WSWS warned from the outset in 2003 that the interrogation powers would be broadened far beyond the extensive and vague range of criminal offences introduced under the banner of counter-terrorism. A broader assault on dissent is underway, and accelerating. Introducing the bills on Wednesday, Burke insisted that ASIO performs an essential role in protecting Australia and Australians from threats to their security and its compulsory questioning powers provided ASIO with a unique and necessary tool to investigate the most significant threats confronting Australia today. In fact, since its establishment by the Chifley Labor government in 1949, ASIO has had a long record of political witch hunts and frame-ups, particularly directed against socialist and left-wing voices. Citing ASIOs 2025 Annual Threat Assessment, Burke declared: Australia is facing multifaceted, merging, intersecting, concurrent, cascading threats, and if we are to ensure that Australians are safe, and feel safe, ASIO must be properly equipped to respond. Burke did not elaborate. But ASIO chief Mike Burgess, in Februarys threat assessment speech, said he expected sabotage to pose an increasing threat in the next five years, referring specifically to the military weaponry, like nuclear-powered long range attack submarines, to be acquired under the AUKUS agreement for use against China. An attempt to physically damage a nuclear-powered submarine could simultaneously be an act of sabotage, an act of politically motivated violence, an act of foreign interference and an attack on a defence system, Burgess said. The Labor government is allocating hundreds of billions of dollars for military spending, particularly for the AUKUS submarines and other weaponry, and for upgrading bases across northern Australia for greater US access. Facing demands from the Trump administration to ramp up spending far more, the government is also anxiously vowing to go further. Burke claimed that ASIO has used these powers judiciously but they remained a valuable intelligence collection tool. According to the official record, ASIO has invoked the questioning power four times since 2002. No details have been made public, however. In reality, as one of Burkes predecessors as home affairs minister, the ex-Coalition leader Peter Dutton, alluded to in 2020, these powers are utilised more frequently to coerce people into collaborating with ASIO, under threat of being hauled in for formal interrogation. Dutton told parliament in 2020 when moving the last expansion of interrogation powers: [A]lthough they are rarely used, these powers have produced valuable intelligence that could not have been obtained through other methods. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revamped his ministry after winning the May 3 election with just over a third of the primary vote. One of the most revealing moves was to place Burke in charge of ASIO, as well as the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Border Force, creating what amounts to a Home Affairs super-ministry. ASIO and the other Australian intelligence agencies operate as part of the global US-led Five Eyes mass surveillance network, which is increasingly focussed on Washingtons aggressive confrontation with China. These agencies systematically swap data, especially with their US counterparts. Labor is proposing to send its second bill for fine-tuning by parliaments secretive and ASIO-vetted joint intelligence and security committee, whose members are all Labor or Coalition. Yet the passage of the bill is guaranteed with the Coalitions support. The Greens have initially criticised the bill, but they are proposing that it be referred to the Senates legal and constitutional committee, in which the Greens participate. Predictably, when the Greens spokesperson Senator David Shoebridge moved a motion to that effect on Thursday it was defeated 36 to 12, by the Labor, Coalition and far-right senators. In the past, the Greens have postured as opponents of some of the expansions of ASIOs powers, while voting for crucial measures and repeatedly appealing for partnerships with Labor, as they joined under the Gillard Labor government from 2010 to 2013. The Labor governments expansion of ASIOs draconian powers is another warning of preparations for wartime-like conditions of political suppression and censorship as the government further commits itself, despite widespread anti-war sentiment, to what would be a catastrophic war against China for supremacy over the Indo-Pacific and the world. For a long period, there were expectations that the USs aggressive trade war policy would bring other industrialized countries and regions closer together. However, Thursdays summit between China and the European Union (EU) points in the opposite direction. Tensions between Beijing and Brussels have not been this high in years. Chinese Premier Li Qiang, fourth left, listens as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, third right, European Council President Antonio Costa, second right, and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, right, at the start of the meeting at the Great Hall of the People during the European Union-China Summit in Beijing, China, Thursday, July 24, 2025. [AP Photo/Andres Martinez Casares] EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who constantly accuses the US of harming all sides with its tariffs, threatened China with Trump-style trade sanctions. She warned that relations between China and the EU were at a turning point. The trade relationship was highly unbalanced, she said, adding that a rebalancing of bilateral relations was essential. If China continues to push into world markets with state-subsidized overcapacity, it would be very difficult for the EU to maintain its current level of openness. Von der Leyens threat of trade war measures against China shows that imposing tariffs is not a personal quirk of US President Trump, but a reaction to the global crisis of the capitalist system. As on the eve of the First and Second World Wars, the struggle for raw materials, markets, and profits is no longer being waged through peaceful competition, but through coercion, blackmail, and military force. The summit, the 25th of its kind, was intended to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the EU and China. These relations have never been free of tension. There have been disputes over access to China for European investments and goods, the protection of copyrights and patents, dumping prices and subsidies, and numerous other issues. The EU has also exploited the situation of ethnic minorities in Tibet and Xinjiang to put pressure on China. Nevertheless, economic relations have developed enormously. In 2024, the value of trade in goods and services between the EU and China was more than 845 billion. This corresponds to just under 30 percent of world trade. The EU is Chinas most important trading partner, and China is the EUs second largest. Chinese exports exceed imports by more than double. In 2024, the EU recorded a trade deficit with China of more than 300 billion. The gap is widening, especially since China no longer serves merely as a low-wage platform and sales market for European corporations, but has risen to become a world leader in technologies such as electric cars, rare earths, and, increasingly, AI. In 2020, Volkswagen was still the leading car manufacturer in China with a market share of 19 percent, but that share has since shrunk to 12 percent. Chinese brands, on the other hand, have increased their market share from 36 to 69 percent over the past five years. This is mainly due to the production of inexpensive, high-quality electric cars. Last summer, the EU imposed additional surcharges of 17 to 35 percent on Chinese cars on top of the basic 10 percent tariff to prevent them from conquering the European market as well. China has a virtual global monopoly on rare earths, which are indispensable for many modern technologies. The EU is reacting extremely aggressively to Chinas economic rise. At the same time, it is trying not to sever economic ties completely. Together with the threatened punitive tariffs from the US, the EUs largest trading partner, this would have devastating economic consequences. For its part, the Chinese leadership has emphasized its interest in further economic cooperation, but it is not prepared to give in to European blackmail. During a meeting with EU leaders, President Xi Jinping stated that there were no fundamental conflicts of interest or geopolitical contradictions between China and the EU. It is hoped that the EU market will remain open and that the European side will refrain from using restrictive economic and trade instruments, he said. Beijing also fears that the EU could purchase an agreement in the tariff conflict with the US by taking a tougher stance against China. The EU is already putting increasing political and military pressure on China. The accusation that China is supporting Russia in its war with Ukraine by purchasing its oil and circumventing Western sanctions by supplying dual-use components, i.e., components that can also be used for arms production, was a recurring theme throughout the summit. The EU urged China not to provide material support to Russias military-industrial base and to use its influence to end the war. The day before the summit in Beijing, EU representatives attended an EU-Japan summit in Tokyo and agreed on closer cooperation in the arms industry and on reducing strategic dependencies in the area of critical raw materials. Both decisions are aimed at China. Japan is intensively involved in the USs preparations for war against China, which are also supported by NATO. The EU-China summit ended accordingly without any tangible results. Originally scheduled to last two days, it had already been shortened to one day in advance. There was no joint final statement. All that was agreed upon was a consultation mechanism in the event of delayed delivery of critical raw materials and a non-binding commitment to climate protection. Trade wars and wars are waged on the back of the working class, which has to bear the costs in the form of unemployment, social spending cuts, and being used as cannon fodder. It must not allow itself to be divided and harnessed to the service of nationalist agitation. It must unite internationally and fight for the overthrow of capitalism. Only in this way can the enormous technological developments be put at the service of social progress instead of being turned into a means of destruction. Sands Capital, an investment management company, released its Sands Capital Technology Innovators Fund Q2 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. Technology Innovators focus on pioneering businesses worldwide that serve as key drivers or beneficiaries of significant long-term changes driven by technology. The fund returned 26.0% (net) in the second quarter compared to a 21.9% return for the benchmark, MSCI ACWI Info Tech and Communication Services Index. Easing geopolitical concerns, renewed AI optimism, resilient macroeconomic data, strong corporate earnings, and technical tailwinds boosted the markets for a quick recovery in the quarter. You can check the funds top 5 holdings to know more about its best picks for 2025. In its second quarter 2025 investor letter, Sands Capital Technology Innovators Fund highlighted stocks such as Visa Inc. (NYSE:V). Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) is a payment technology company. Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) shares returned 1.54% over the past month and appreciated by 36.43% over the last 12 months. On July 24, 2025, Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) stock closed at $353.97 per share, with a market capitalization of $691.48 billion. Sands Capital Technology Innovators Fund stated the following regarding Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) in its second quarter 2025 investor letter: "Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) operates the worlds largest retail electronic payment network. Shares declined in June amid a broader selloff in card network stocks following stablecoin-related headlines. Unlike the market, we do not view stablecoin proliferation as a threat to card volumes; in fact, we believe it could expand the addressable market for card networks. While stablecoins may have utility in cross-border business-to business transactions, we think they are unlikely to disrupt consumer-to-merchant payments, where cards offer a compelling value propositionrewards, liquidity, ubiquity, buyer protections, and trust. Moreover, card networks could enhance stablecoin adoption by providing the rules, protections, and services needed for broader, mainstream use." Is Visa Inc. (V) the Best Blue Chip Stock to Buy for 2025? A close-up of a credit card being swiped on a payment terminal, reflecting the company's payments technology. Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) is in 6th position on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 165 hedge fund portfolios held Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) at the end of the first quarter, which was 181 in the previous quarter. In Q1 2025, Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) reported $9.5 billion in net revenue, up 10% year-over-year. While we acknowledge the potential of Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) 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. Cambodian military vehicle carries rocket launcher in Oddar Meanchey province, Cambodia, July 25, 2025. [AP Photo/Heng Sinith] Military clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have taken place over the past two days in 12 locations along their disputed border. Thai authorities have reported that 14 civilians and a soldier have been killed, while Cambodia has acknowledged one death and provided no further casualty figures. Mass evacuations have occurred from the border areas in both countries as clashes have continued. Thai officials announced yesterday that 138,000 people had been evacuated from four border provinces. About 20,000 people have evacuated from Cambodias Preah Vihear province, according to the Khmer Times. Speaking to reporters in Bangkok, acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said fighting was escalating and could develop to the stage of war. At present, however, he said, there had been no declaration of war and the conflict was not spreading into more provinces. Both governments blame each other for the clashes that followed two incidents on July 16 and 23 in which Thai soldiers were injured in land mine explosions. In response to the second incident, Thailand recalled its ambassador in Phnom Penh and closed all border crossings between the two countries. Cambodia responded in kind, recalling all embassy staff from Bangkok. Cambodian border crossing point of Krong Poi Phet, 2016 [Photo by John Hulme] The Thai military has carried out airstrikes inside Cambodia, while its armed forces have hit inside Thailand using heavy artillery and rockets. The Thai military is far larger and better equipped than its Cambodian counterpart, whose air force consists of a handful of helicopters and transport planes but lacks any fighter aircraft. Many countries have called for de-escalation, including the United States and China, with the UN Security Council being convened to discuss the conflict. Malaysia, which currently chairs the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), has called for a ceasefire. Cambodia accepted the proposal but Thailand has placed conditions on any end to fighting. Thailands foreign ministry stated yesterday that it had agreed in principle to Malaysias ceasefire plan, yet insisted that it be based on appropriate on-the-ground conditions. It also lashed out at the Cambodian military for continuing indiscriminate attacks on Thai territory. The clashes reflect heightened political and social tensions in both countries, fuelled by slowing economies that will be further hit by the Trump administrations tariffs. Cambodia, which sent 40 percent of its total exports to the US in 2022, faces a huge across-the-board Trump tariff of 36 percent from August 1. While not as dependent on exports to the US, Thailand is being hit by the same figure amid a sharp economic slowdown. The so-called Tiger economy had gross domestic product (GDP) growth of just 2.5 percent last year and the estimates for this year are less than 2 percent. The longstanding border dispute, which derives from the regions colonial past, is an inflammatory issue that has been exploited by nationalist demagogues in both countries. An earlier clash in late May that resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier became the pretext for the suspension of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office on July 1. Bitter opponents of her government seized on a leaked phone call between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, claiming she had been too deferential to the Cambodian strongman and had denigrated the Thai military. A large patriotic protest by the so-called Yellow Shirtssupporters of the monarchy, the army and state bureaucracydemanded her resignation. Paetongtarn is the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a military coup in 2006. The current government is a highly unstable coalition between the Shinawatras Pheu Thai party and parties closely aligned with the military and the countrys traditional elites. Paetongtarn is the second Pheu Thai prime minister to be removed by the Constitutional Court on trumped-up charges in the past two years. Thaksin himself faces charges of lese-majestedisrespecting the monarchythat carry penalties of up to 15 years jail. On social media, Thaksin thanked countries for offering to mediate in the conflict with Cambodia but called for them to wait a bit. We need to let the Thai military do their job, and teach Hun Sen a lesson, he said. Thaksin was clearly bitter that Hun Sen had leaked the phone call to his daughter, but also did not want to provide ammunition to his political enemies. Hun Sen responded on Facebook in kind, declaring that Thaksins warlike tone underscored Thailands military aggression toward Cambodia. Hun Sens sonHun Manettook over as prime minister in 2023 after general elections in which Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party claimed a landslide victory after a crackdown on political opposition that continues. Tensions between the two countries flared in February after a group of 25 Cambodians escorted by Cambodian soldiers visited the Prasat Ta Moan Thon Temple inside Thailand near the border. Reportedly the group provocatively sang the Cambodian national anthem at the site but were stopped by the Thai military officials, who said it violated mutual agreements about tourist protocols. The present military clashes are the worst in more than a decade. In 2011, Thai and Cambodian troops clashed in an area surrounding the Preah Vihear temple, a central focus of the border disputes. Thousands of people on both sides were forced to flee and at least 20 people were killed. The disputes have their origins in a 1907 map drawn by French officials in Indochina to demarcate Frances colonial possessions from the Kingdom of Siam (now Thailand), which was nominally independent, sandwiched between French Indochina and British colonial Burma. The map was the basis for Cambodias claims to the areas around the Preah Vihear temple. Thailand has not accepted an International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling in Cambodias favour in 1962. The current clashes could become embroiled with the geo-political tensions roiling the entire region as US imperialism accelerates its economic war and preparations for military conflict against China. Cambodia is one of the ASEAN countries most closely aligned with China, even though it depends heavily on US markets. China is a significant supplier of arms to Cambodia and holds annual Golden Dragon joint military exercises. The United States has a longstanding military alliance with Thailand. During the Vietnam War, it used the Thai air forces bases to bomb North Vietnam and other targets. Large annual Cobra Gold joint US-Thai war games have been running for over two decades. More than 60 other joint exercises are held annually as well as many visits by US military aircraft and warships. At the same time, Thailand depends on China economically and for military equipment and weaponry. If the clashes continue to escalate, the US together with its allies could seek to exploit the conflict to strengthen its position in South East Asia as part of the build-up to war with China. Former US president Bill Clinton and Donald Trump pose for photos at Trump National Golf Club in Briarcliff Manor, New York, on Monday, July 6, 2009. [AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey] The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that a note from former president Bill Clinton was included in a leather-bound album compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell for the 50th birthday of her sex trafficking partner Jeffrey Epstein in 2003. Written in Clintons handwriting, the note said: Its reassuring isnt it, to have lasted as long, across all the years of learning and knowing, adventures and [illegible word], and also to have your childlike curiosity, the drive to make a difference and the solace of friends. Clinton is known to have associated with Epstein, a multi-millionaire financier and trafficker of hundreds of underage girls for sexual exploitation by his ruling class friends among the political and corporate elite. President Donald Trump is among the 60 or so people who contributed a letter to the birthday album, sending a note with a hand-drawn outline of a naked woman, according to the Journal. The newspaper published an explosive article on Trumps letter last week, after which Trump sued the Journal and its owner, Rupert Murdoch, for $10 billion, alleging defamation and claiming the story was a hoax. Epstein was arrested in Florida in 2006 for the procurement of a minor for prostitution and solicitation of a prostitute. He was indicted and released on bond. Two years later, he pleaded guilty to solicitation of prostitution and procurement of a minor for prostitution as part of a plea bargain, serving 13 months in the Palm Beach County jail with an extremely liberal work release. He was jailed on federal sex charges in 2019 and found dead in his Manhattan cell while awaiting trial, in what was officially ruled a suicide. The Trump administration and the entire political system have been thrown into crisis by the return of the Epstein affair after Trump and his allies promised the MAGA base for years that they would release the FBI files on Epstein. Then, earlier this month, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that there was no client list, that Epsteins death was, in fact, a suicide and the files would not be released. It has since been reported that after the FBI conducted a frantic search of the files, Bondi informed Trump in May that his name appeared multiple times. The flip-flop on releasing the files has enraged many Trump voters and thrown his administration into disarray, and the crisis is only deepening. It is a crisis not only of the Trump administration, but of the entire political system. Prominent Democrats as well as Republicans associated with the sexual predator, and the pervasive depravity of the ruling elite reflected in the Epstein case has been covered up for years. Not a single one of the hundreds of Epsteins clients involved in abusing teenage girls has been named, let alone prosecuted and jailed. Now, under conditions of mounting social opposition to Trumps erection of a presidential dictatorship, his pogrom against immigrants and his frontal assault on social programs to pay for war, genocide and tax handouts to the super-rich, the Epstein case has become the focal point for a crisis with potentially revolutionary implications. Others whose notes appear in Epsteins birthday album include, according to the Journal, the billionaire co-founder of Apollo Global Management, Leon Black, media owner Mort Zuckerman, fashion designer Vera Wang, former chief of Victorias Secret Leslie Wexner, attorney Alan Dershowitz, and the current British ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson. This Sept. 19, 2014 file photo shows Chairman and CEO of Victoria's Secret parent L Brands Les Wexner touring the exhibit at the Wexner Center for the Arts in Columbus, Ohio. [AP Photo/Jay LaPrete] Trumps desperate attempts to change the subject and distract attention from the Epstein affair are intensifying the political crisis. On Tuesday, Trump cited recent statements by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard to accuse former president Barack Obama of treason. Speaking of the outgoing Obama administrations 2017 intelligence assessment that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to undermine the campaign of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and boost that of Trump, Trump said, It would be President Obama. He started it This was treason They tried to steal the election. Trump also cited as co-conspirators former president Joe Biden, former FBI Director James Comey, former CIA Director John Brennan, and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. On Wednesday, Gabbard addressed the press from the White House briefing room. She announced the declassification and release of a 2017 report by Republicans on the Republican-led House Intelligence Committee that debunked the Obama-era intelligence report on alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election. Gabbard said the Republican report proved that Obama and company were guilty of a treasonous conspiracy and a years-long coup against the first Trump administration. She said she was submitting the documents to the Department of Justice for criminal investigation, stating that every person involved in this conspiracy must be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. On Thursday, Attorney General Bondi announced that a Justice Department strike force would investigate the allegations against Obama and the others, and two Republican senators, Lindsey Graham and John Cornyn, called for the appointment of a special counsel to lead the inquiry. In a column in the New York Times headlined The Line Trump Crossed by Accusing Obama of Treason, legal commentator Jeffrey Toobin wrote that the official criminal investigation of a former president for treason suggests that the nation has moved to a never-before-seen era of malevolence and reprisal. It is highly significant that the legal offensive against Obama and the Democrats focuses on the question of Russia and US foreign policy. It is on these issues that serious divisions between the Democrats and Trump exist, not on Trumps attacks on the social conditions of the working class or his assault on immigrants and democratic rights. The Epstein crisis has now brought to the fore the divisions in the ruling class over the proxy war against Russia in Ukraine, which the Democrats have consistently insisted must be escalated until Russia is defeated and reduced to a semi-colonial state, before moving on to war against China. Trump, on the other hand, has resisted such a policy, emphasizing instead more immediate preparations for war against China. Despite Trumps recent shift vis-a-vis Russia, with his resumption of military aid to Ukraine, these tensions and conflicts continue to simmer, with concerns over whether Trump will follow through on his threats against Russia, as well as his refusal, thus far, to approve long-range offensive weapons for Ukraine. Teamsters President Sean O'Brien with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, January 3, 2024. [Photo: @Teamsters] The leadership of the Teamsters union recently hired Peter Cytanovic, a known neo-Nazi who participated prominently in the fascist Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017, for an administrative position at its headquarters in Washington D.C. Cytanovic was reportedly terminated after his background became known to co-workers. The hiring was first revealed in June on Reddit by an anonymous user claiming to be a Teamsters employee. The individual reported that Cytanovic had been hired in January and that, upon recognizing him and alerting management to his neo-Nazi affiliations, Cytanovic was subsequently terminated. However, the anonymous Teamsters employee says they were fired shortly afterward, suspecting it was most likely retaliation for speaking up. The story was later picked up by HuffPost, which cited an unnamed source within the Teamsters. According to the report, Cytanovic was hired for an administrative position, and officials at the Teamsters Washington D.C. headquarters claimed to be unaware of his far-right political affiliations. Cytanovics hiring and firing were effectively confirmed by Teamsters International Vice President John Palmer, who issued an open letter to Teamsters President Sean OBrien demanding an explanation of how Cytanovic was brought on and what access he had to union resources and communications. Palmers letter was released two days before the HuffPost article appeared. When we hire somebody at the international, they vet people and it takes at least three or four people signing off, Palmer told HuffPost. It is almost impossible that no one involved in the hiring of Cytanovic was aware of his political connections to neo-Nazi groups. Cytanovic, 20 years old at the time of the Charlottesville rally, became internationally famous as the face of the far-right when a picture of him angrily chanting, his face lit by the distinctive tiki-torches of his fellow fascists, went viral. Chants at the rally included anti-semitic slogans such as Jews will not replace us and blood and soil, a phrase used by the Nazis. An internet search of Cytanovics name yields countless results, including interviews he gave following the Charlottesville rally in which he openly espoused fascist views and described himself as a white nationalist. Originally from Reno, Nevada, Cytanovic was a student at the University of Nevada, Reno at the time of the Charlottesville rally and graduated in 2018. While in college, he joined Identity Evropa, a white nationalist organization that targeted young white men for recruitment. In 2019, he went on to earn a masters degree from the London School of Economics. During this time he claims to have disavowed his neo-Nazi affiliations and to have volunteered with Groundswell, an organization dedicated to countering violent extremism. Upon returning to the United States, Cytanovic enrolled in the Nevada National Guard but was expelled in 2021 after a security clearance investigation unearthed his political past. It is not clear what Cytanovic did after being expelled from the National Guard, but The HuffPost reports that he told the Teamsters that he had also worked for the Service Employees International Union. If true, it would be an even greater exposure of the union bureaucracys political orientation. Any suggestion that Cytanovic has undergone a meaningful break with the far right is unfounded. While he has described his participation in the Charlottesville rally as a mistake and distanced himself from the label white nationalist, his public statements suggest he is more concerned with the personal consequences of his involvement than with any genuine repudiation of fascist politics. In an interview with The Beaver, the student newspaper of the London School of Economics, Cytanovic continued to defend Confederate general Robert E. Lee, describing the removal of his statue, the event that sparked the Charlottesville rally, as a pain. He added, I wasnt wrong on everything. I was wrong in the way I expressed it, signaling an attempt to repackage, rather than renounce, his far-right views. Throughout the interview, Cytanovic repeatedly dodged political questions and attempted to portray his far-right affiliations as the product of youthful ignorance. He claimed he was unaware that Identity Evropa was a neo-Nazi organization, despite the fact that it was one of the most active and publicly visible fascist groups at the time. The hiring of Peter Cytanovic is an expression of the deep political degeneration of the trade union bureaucracy. It takes place under conditions in which the Teamsters leadership, and particularly International President Sean OBrien, has cultivated increasingly close ties to the fascistic wing of the Republican Partyand to Donald Trump himself. OBrien has openly aligned himself with Trump, delivering a nationally televised speech at the Republican National Convention last year and repeatedly praising the former president. He maintains a friendly relationship with fascistic Republican Senator Josh Hawley, has appeared multiple times on the podcast of far-right media figure Tucker Carlson, and has admitted in interviews that he speaks directly with Trump several times a month. This is the same Trump who infamously described the neo-Nazi protesters in Charlottesville, including Cytanovic, as very fine people. OBrien represents the natural alliance of the trade union bureaucracy with fascism. Sitting above the working class as a labor contractor, the union bureaucracy pursued a policy of class compromise in an earlier period of capitalist growth. Today, under conditions where the program of national reform has been undermined by globalization and the working class faces unrelenting attacks on jobs and living standards, the union bureaucracy has integrated itself with the state and corporate management, imposing concessions and suppressing opposition. The political trajectory of the union bureaucracy increasingly mirrors that of the Italian syndicalists of the early 20th century. Figures like Edmondo Rossoni and Agostino Lanzillo transitioned from union leaders into key officials in Mussolinis fascist regime. In the United States today, OBrien and others are charting a similar course, aligning the unions with Trumps anti-immigrant demagogy, trade war nationalism, and preparations for authoritarian rule. Cytanovics presence at Teamsters headquarters must be taken as a warning sign of a broader political shift within the bureaucracy toward open collaboration with the forces of fascism. The union leadership is signaling that it is prepared to ally with Trump and the far right to suppress opposition from below and defend its own power and privileges against the interests of the rank and file. On July 16, German theatre and artistic director Claus Peymann died at the age of 88. Rarely has the death of a theatre figure received so much attention in national politics, the cultural world and the media. Claus Peymann was unique, and not only because he was an important artist who shaped major German-speaking theatres for many decades. At the beginning, he was a rebel; in the end, he was considered the last king of the theatre, while retaining the role of rebel. His importance lay in the fact that he understood and defended the theatre as a politically and socially significant and indispensable institution, without making any artistic concessions. He defended just as vehemently the standpoint that theatre should also be a place for laughter. Fools and clowns were just as much a part of his life as tragic heroes and strong women. Peymann was born in Bremen in 1937. His father was a teacher and staunch National Socialist, and his mother an equally staunch opponent of Hitler and the Nazis. During the final years of the war, she listened to Allied radio stations and longed for an end to the slaughter. Her son Claus grew up during these decisive conflicts of the 20th century, and his youth was shaped by the sentiment against war and fascismNever Again. Like many of that generation, he sought a better world via literature, art and theatre. Stuttgart, Bochum, Vienna, Berlin. These were the primary locales of Peymann's career, but his beginnings lay in student theatre in the 1960s, first in Hamburg, where he studied German, literature and theatre studies. He later said of his Hamburg origins: I wanted to be a writer. At least a journalist, and continued: It was by chance that I became a director. Someone dropped out of the Hamburg Student Theatre, where I had been involved since 1960, so I took over, and of course it immediately became a worldwide success. The Student Theatre had its heyday in the 1950s and early 1960s. In the postwar period, it began performing plays that had been banned during the Hitler era and whose authors were opponents of the Nazis, living in exile or undesirable foreigners. Among these plays were the works of Bertolt Brecht, whom West German municipal theatres avoided for a long time during the Cold War. Program for the 15th International Theatre Week in Erlangen, 1965 The 15th International Theatre Week in Erlangen 1965 A special event was the International Theatre Weeks of student theatres, held annually starting in 1949 in the university town of Erlangen. The Weeks attracted not only groups from Western Eastern and non-European countries, but also well-known theatre critics and theatre scholars from West and East. These included, among others, the elderly Herbert Ihering, who had helped Brecht achieve his breakthrough in the 1920s, and Hans Bunge from the Berliner Ensemble, who later established the Brecht Archive, as well as well-known critics such as George Schlocker and Reinhart Baumgart, a member of the famed writers Group 47. Peymann directed the anti-racist play The Street Corner (1931) by Hans Henny Jahnn at the Erlangen Studiobuhne. The performance on July 24, 1965, as part of the 15th Theatre Week, was a great success. Also present at the premiere celebration was the then-unknown Austrian author Peter Handke, with whom Peymann had already made contact. The entire ensemble, of which the author of this obituary was a member, was subsequently invited to a large student theatre festival in Warsaw, where the production was also celebrated and won first prize. On the way to Warsaw, the ensemble stopped in Auschwitz and, deeply shocked, visited the concentration camp and the exhibition. In Warsaw, where the brutal destruction of the Nazi invasion was still visible in many places, we visited the site where the ghetto once stood. The theatre in which we were originally scheduled to perform had to be changed due to its dangerous instability following its damage from a bomb. The festival organizer, Andrzej Wirth, a Brecht specialist and friend of critic Marcel Reich-Ranicki, ensured that we were finally able to perform in the large Palace of Culture. The student theatres helped pave the way for the student movement that began in Germany in 1967. That period of struggle culminated in the general strike of French workers in 1968, which prompted President Charles de Gaulle to flee to Baden-Baden in West Germany. And it wasn't long before German workers also engaged in fierce labor battles. One of Peymann's most famous statements toward the end of his career in 2018 was: I wasn't born in 1937. I was born in 1968. Or in the 1960s, 1970s ... Peter Handke [Photo by Wild + Team Agentur-UNI Salzburg / CC BY 3.0 It was in this atmosphere that Peymann's career began as a director who shook up Germanys postwar theatre scenewith plays that were successful but also repeatedly the target of hostile criticism. As director of the Theater am Turm [Theater at the Tower] in Frankfurt, he soon caused his first major scandal with the premiere of Handke's Offending the Audience in 1966. Peymann repeatedly staged the plays of the future Nobel Prize winner Handke, even though, as Peymann himself emphasized, they had completely opposite personalities. Three years later, Handkes The Ward Wants To Be Warden followed, also in Frankfurt. When Handke faced fierce hostility after the announcement of the Nobel Prize in 2019 for previously rejecting the demonization of Serbia and its people in the wake of the NATO military offensive in Yugoslavia, Peymann defended him. Filbinger Peymann held his first artistic position as a theatre director in Stuttgart from 1974 to 1979. There, in 1977, he ventured to direct, among other things, both parts of Goethe's Faust, but that wasn't why he made headlines. It was the period of the Stammheim trials against Red Army Faction [Baader-Meinhof Group] members Gudrun Ensslin, Andreas Baader, Ulrike Meinhof, Holger Meins and Jan-Carl Raspe. There was an unprecedented witch hunt against anyone who dared to advocate in any way for the humane treatment of the prisoners or their rights as defendants. At the request of Gudrun Ensslin's mother, Peymann donated 100 Deutsche marks for her dental treatment and posted a notice on the theatre's bulletin board, inviting anyone who would like to join him. This gesture was then used by the outraged Minister-President of Baden-Wurttemberg, the former Nazi and naval judge Hans Filbinger (Christian Democratic Union, CDU), to demand Peymann's head. It was thanks to Stuttgart's mayor, Manfred Rommel, that Peymann was able to complete his contract, which ran until 1979, and stage several more successful productions. Peymann later declared that it was a stroke of luck for the theatre that the bigoted, dark man of reaction was in power at that time, who always saw the West in danger and who ultimately exposed himself as a completely perfidious liar and Nazi lawyer. Peymann often emphasized that reactionary times had the potential to be good times for the theatre. His own career was proof of this. Peymann repeatedly engaged in politics, both as a theatre man and privately, which earned him more than just friends. What distinguished him was that his performances were certainly politically sharp, but not at all ideologically stubborn or dry. He had a great deal of biting humor and extracted comical aspects from many serious texts. He was also characterized by a sure sense not only for the topicality of historical themes, but also for the sensuality, suspense and poetry of the plays he chose. This is especially true of one of his most famous productions, Heinrich von Kleist's The Battle of Hermann (1808), which the author wrote to oppose the Napoleonic occupation. The Nazis had usurped the drama as a German nationalist propaganda piece, and it was subsequently deemed unplayable in the postwar period. Peymann directed it at the Bochum Schauspielhaus, his next theatre stop. Christine Drossel, the theatre critic for the Suddeutsche Zeitung and contributor to Peymann's autobiography, calls it perhaps the best production of his life. Renowned actor Gerd Voss shone in the leading role as a Germanic guerrilla leader. He was part of a group of top-class actors and actresses who accompanied Peymann to many theatres. Among them were Ilse Ritter and Kirsten Dene, who followed him from Stuttgart via Bochum to Vienna. In Bochum, Peymann had to justify his dismissal of 44 actors to make room for the actors he had worked with. Among other things, he expelled a young actor, a certain Herbert Gronemeyer, from the ensemble for lack of talent. An act he later considered one of his worst mistakes. Due to his unchallenged authority and dominance as a director and artistic director, Peymann was often referred to as a great showman, pope, dictator, raging man or, more positively, as a theatre king. This is certainly not unfounded. On the one hand, it expressed the sovereignty with which he approached his work, and on the other, a certain ruthlessness in the service of the cause. Thomas Bernhard Peymann described his time at Viennas Burgtheatre (1986-99) as the high point of his career. His relationship with Thomas Bernhard began in the early 1970s and was to last a lifetime. In 1972, Peymann directed the premiere of The Ignorant and the Madman with Bruno Ganz and Ulrich Wildgruber at the Salzburg Festival. He also directed Bernhard's plays in Stuttgart and Hamburg. Bernhard was a congenial contemporary author for Peymann. The latter appreciated Bernhards biting humor, his caustic criticism of Austria's eternal backwardness and the resurgent of far-right radicalism. By his own count, Peymann directed 21 of Bernhard's plays over the course of his career, 15 of which were premieres. Peymann premiered Bernhard's Heldenplatz [Heroes Square] at Viennas Burgtheatre in 1988. The play took aim at the enthusiasm for Hitler and the Nazis on the part of many Austrians after the country's annexation by Germany in 1938 [Anschluss] and tackled the countrys fascist legacy. The author and director met a chorus of bitter hatred. It was a theatre scandal of truly historic proportions, with both accused of smearing Austria. The right-wing press in Austria viewed Bernhard and Peymann as leading enemies of the state. The Kronenzeitung newspaper escalated the affair, and numerous politicians, such as then-Vice Chancellor Alois Mock (Austrian Peoples Party, OVP), former Chancellor Bruno Kreisky (Austrian Socialist Party, SPO), Federal President Kurt Waldheim and, above all, Freedom Party (FPO) chairman Jorg Haider, all joined in. Eventually, a pile of garbage was dumped in front of the theatre. Peymann refused to be intimidated and instead performed at his best. His record at the Burg: a total of 252 premieres, 51 world premieres. Today Vienna mourns his death and has offered him an honorary grave. Berliner Ensemble Determined to shake up the theatre and political world in the German capital, Peymann took over the former Brecht theatre on Schiffbauerdamm, the Berliner Ensemble (BE), in 1999. Directing this theatre was actually a dream job for him. His motto was that he wanted to be the thistle in the backside of politics. Regarding his failure to achieve his aim, he declared that he lacked political opponents in Berlin. Moreover, the broad spectrum of politicians in Berlin could be culturally classified as philistines. In Berlin, he staged works across the spectrum of dramatic literature from past and present. These were outstanding theatre evenings when he staged Shakespeare, Handke, Brecht, Wedekind, Buchner or Kleist. The theatre was usually packed, but scandals were less frequent. Peymann clashed with former Governing Mayor Klaus Wowereit (Social Democratic Party, SPD) and later with State Secretary for Culture Tim Renner (SPD), whose dismissal he demanded. However, his criticism remained at a more organizational level, such as his criticism of live streaming or the planned increase in admission prices. Peymann rarely addressed the political changes in Berlin after the end of the GDR [East Germany] and the Soviet Union, which had also adversely transformed the cultural atmosphere. Nevertheless, this was most probably the basis for the social headwind that caused him difficulties. Socially critical cultural activities were drowned out by a barrage of criticism against the supposedly final death of socialism. Peymann complained a great deal about event culture, for example, on the occasion of the changes in the direction of Berlins famed Volksbuhne [Peoples Theatre], which Berlin politicians wanted to transform into another event venue, as he put it. The media, including Die Welt, responded with a cry: Out with the revolutionary grandpa. Peymann's replacement in 2017 and the handover of the Berliner Ensemble to the current artistic director, Oliver Reese, did not go smoothly. Reese terminated many actors' contracts and also changed the theatres artistic direction, which now focuses more on financial success and adapting to the political mainstream. Peymann expressed his displeasure, accusing his replacement of dissolving the BE archive and thus indirectly breaking with the history of this legendary theatre. To mark the end of his directorship, he bid farewell with a long evening of theatre on July 2, 2017. Excerpts from his favorite plays were reviewed, and film footage of deceased directors and actors closely associated with him were projected on a screen. Household names in Germany such as Nina Hagen, Katharina Thalbach, Georgette Dee and Angela Winkler performed. Gronemeyer, whom he had dismissed in Bochum, was also in attendance. Anyone who would like to see a play directed by Peymann at the BE is recommended to watch Shakespeares Richard II on 3sat [German-language public service television channel] in a new translation by Thomas Brasch. It can be viewed until August 16, 2025. Theatre of the Absurd But Peymann's career didn't end in Berlin. In the 2017-18 season, he returned as a guest at the Stuttgart State Theatre, where he directed Shakespeare's King Lear. Despite falling seriously ill in 2019, he directed Bernhard's short play The German Lunch Table at Viennas Theater in der Josefstadt in 2020, as well as Eugene Ionesco's absurdist Exit the King (1962) in 2021, followed by another of Ionesco's most famous works, Rhinoceros (1959), at the Ingolstadt City Theatre in 2022, and Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot back in Vienna at the Theater in der Josefstadt in 2023. Exit the King (English translation, Grove Press) His last production was Bernhards MinettiA Portrait of the Artist as an Old Man, a play about the actor Bernhard Minetti, in 2023 at the Residenztheatre in Munich. Some critics have seen it as a sign of resignation that, toward the end of his career, Peymann turned to the previously ignored pieces of absurdist theatre. In Sibiu, Romania, where his production of Rhinoceros was shown as part of the 2022 theatre festival, he explained in an interview with Deutsche Welle: I saw [in Stuttgart and Vienna] that theatre can have an impact. Regardless of whether it was Kleist, Buchner, Brecht, [Austrian playwright] Peter Turrini, or [Austrian playwright Elfriede] Jelinek, I was always convinced by political theatre. Now, at the age of 85, he saw things differently. Under the impact of the war in Ukraine, he began to doubt whether theatre could truly change the world. Sometimes I think, and here I follow Eugene Ionesco, that what's happening is so absurd and unimaginableI experienced Hitler's war as a young boythat it's happening again now, in the middle of Europe, that we're arming ourselves to the teeth. But his rebellious spirit shines through again in the very next sentence: We don't have money for the emigrants, and we're not helping the refugees from Africa who are fleeing hunger. But suddenly we have billions to finance this war. Suddenly the money is there. As he ages, his view of reality changes, appearing increasingly absurd. Nevertheless, I don't want to become a cynic like Heiner Muller [noted East German playwright], with whom I was very friendly, he states unequivocally. In an interview with Atha Athanasiadis in Buhne magazine at the end of 2023 about his production of Waiting for Godot, Peymann summed up the essence of his work, especially in recent years. It's worth quoting Peymann's comments at length: I read the play over and over again and thought: Never! I'm definitely not doing that! But here and now, right now, we need theatre like this again: The world is out of joint. Wars, catastrophes, terror, and helpless politicians plunge us into helplessness, resignation, and loneliness. To avoid going berserk, we need a different perspective, a renewed sense of freedom, not constraints. Reflection, pause, wonder, listen, dream, cry, and laughand above all one thing: imagination. We need to return to a theatre that takes its time, that allows space, that leaves questions open, that is no wiser than we are. We need leisure to reflect and to ruminate. One gets the feeling that war is like an infectious diseaselike a virus, a kind of corona, war has swept across the world. Murder is taking place everywhere. Our planet is being systematically destroyed by us This terrifying, almost hopeless situation requires resistance, and art can do that It's not about having great actors on stage and interesting plays and spectacular productions The core task of theatre is to say, Stop! to shout out: Look closely! And to ask: Do we really want to live in such a world? Claus Peymann, despite occasional vacillations, remained firm until the very end that art and theatre had to rebel against the prevailing inhumane conditions. This is his most important legacy for future generations, for both those on stage and those in the audience. By Rachel More BERLIN (Reuters) -Volkswagen reported a 1.3-billion-euro ($1.5-billion) first-half hit from tariffs and cut its full-year sales and profit margin forecasts in the German carmaker's first assessment of the damage from U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war. Global automakers have booked billions of dollars of losses and some have issued profit warnings due to U.S. import tariffs. The European industry is also facing stiffening competition from China, and domestic regulations aimed at speeding up the electric vehicle transition. Volkswagen, Europe's biggest carmaker, now expects this year's operating profit margin between 4% and 5%, compared with a previous forecast of 5.5% to 6.5%. Full-year sales, earlier seen up to 5% higher, are expected to be level with the previous year. Volkswagen shares dropped by as much as 4.6% in early Friday trade, before recovering as the day progressed. They were 1% higher at 1305 GMT. Investors had largely anticipated a guidance cut, after the company held off on assessing the damage of tariffs in the previous quarter, and appeared calmed by assurances that the group's luxury brands Audi and Porsche would recover next year following heavy losses in the second quarter. CEO Oliver Blume told investors the company must accelerate its cost-cutting efforts in response to the tariffs. "We need to shift our cost efforts into high gear and accelerate implementation. After all, we cannot assume that the tariff situation is only temporary," Blume said. TARIFF RESPONSE Volkswagen and its competitors are pressing European trade negotiators to strike a deal to reduce a 25% U.S. tariff they have faced since April. EU diplomats have indicated that the bloc could be moving towards a broad 15% tariff as it seeks to avoid a threatened 30% levy from August 1. A deal struck between the U.S. and Japan earlier this week raised hopes for a similar agreement for Europe, boosting carmakers' shares. Finance chief Arno Antlitz said Volkswagen's profit margin would roughly land in the middle of its guidance with a Japan-style deal, which had a 15% tariff rate. He warned, however, that the clock was ticking on finding a deal. "We are already in July, so the longer we go into the second half of the year, the more we tend to the lower end of the guidance," he said. Antlitz declined to comment on price increases when pressed by investors on how the company planned to protect its margins against tariffs. Volkswagen reported an operating profit of 3.8 billion euros in the quarter ended June 30, down 29% on the previous year, citing tariffs and restructuring costs, as well as higher sales of lower-margin all-electric models. This story was originally published on Automotive Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter. Europes biggest automaker by volume, Volkswagen, reported a 1.3 billion euro ($1.5 billion) blow to its first-half revenues, blaming the 25% U.S. tariffs on foreign-made vehicles in effect since April. The group also cut its full-year sales and profit margin forecasts in line with other European automakers, including Renault. At the same time, inexpensive Chinese imports into Europe are putting an extra squeeze on the continents legacy manufacturers now ramping up non-battery-electric-vehicle imports that are not subject to European Union tariffs. Volkswagen now estimates its operating profit margin for this year will slip to between 4% and 5% when it had previously forecasted a range of 5.5% to 6.5%. Chief Financial Officer Arno Antlitz, in a company statement, spells out the ongoing challenges of the U.S. auto tariffs, saying VW is being forced into realigning its business model and suggesting less of a focus on U.S. exposure. What really matters is cash in the bank, he says, adding, Thats why we must press ahead with our ongoing programs to improve earnings and pick up the pace where necessary. Nonetheless, CEO Oliver Blume puts a positive spin on the groups healthy European sales performances, saying: In Europe we expanded our leading position in electric mobility, with a market share of 28%, and order books remain well filled we expect the positive trend to continue in second half of the year. Recommended Reading South Park is unique among animated series in that the production schedule is so rapid it allows creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone to spoof current events mere days or even hours after they occur. That's led to some incredibly topical episodes over the years, with the show targeting Presidential elections, celebrity scandals, and various other hot news items. That trend has certainly continued in 2025. No sooner did Parker and Stone strike a lucrative new deal with Paramount than they kicked off Season 27 with a blistering parody of Donald Trump. Clearly, the show hasn't lost its edge after all these years. We figured now would be a perfect time to look back at some of the other times South Park has delivered timely, insightful political commentary. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but these are the most memorably topical episodes from the past three decades. Click through the gallery below! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Park's Most Topical Episodes 16 times South Park got VERY topical. "Quintuplets 2000" (Aired 4/26/00): South Park fans got one of their first tastes of how timely the show could be when this episode referenced the Border Patrol raid on Elian Gonzalez's home that occurred earlier that week. In this case, Kenny was the stand-in for Elian. "Trapper Keeper" (Aired 11/15/00): This episode kicked off a regular tradition of spoofing the US Presidential elections every four years. The deadlocked vote for class president paralleled the bitter real-life divide over the outcome of the battle between George W. Bush and Al Gore. "I'm a Little Bit Country" (Aired 4/9/03): There was plenty of conflict over the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, both in the real world and the town of South Park. Helpfully, Cartman knocked himself unconscious so he could travel back in time, meet the Founding Fathers and learn that America has been divided over foreign policy from the very beginning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Douche and Turd" (Aired 10/27/04): Shortly before the 2004 election, South Park aptly summarized the apathy many voters felt by forcing South Park Elementary students to pick between a Giant Douche or a Turd Sandwich as their new mascot. The message was clear - even if neither candidate is appealing, voting is still an important civic duty. "Stupid Spoiled Whore Video Playset" (Aired 12/1/04): Parker and Stone delivered one of their most scathing celebrity critiques ever when they targeted socialite/reality star Paris Hilton. Hilton's fame may have faded, but this episode has lost none of its bite. "Best Friends Forever" (Aired 3/30/05): The show found a poignant new spin on the familiar "You killed Kenny!" gag with this episode, which parodied the Terry Schiavo case and the ensuing media furor. The episode wound up premiering hours before Schiavo passed away, and eventually nabbed the South Park team their first Emmy. "Trapped in the Closet" (Aired 11/16/05): This controversial episode directed its wrath at Tom Cruise and the Church of Scientology, as Stan unwittingly found himself being propped up as the second coming of L. Ron Hubbard and Cruise locked himself in Stan's bedroom closet. Needless to say, neither Cruise nor the Church of Scientology were very amused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Cartoon Wars Parts 1 & 2" (Aired 4/5/06 & 4/12/06): In light of the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy, this two-part episode saw Americans literally bury their heads in sand over fears that Islamic extremists would retaliate against a Family Guy cartoon featuring the prophet Muhammad. Predictably, that created a real-world controversy of its own, and Comedy Central ultimately decided against showing the image of Muhammad in their broadcast. "Hell on Earth 2006" (Aired 10/15/06): This episode parodied MTV's My Super Sweet 16 as Satan threw a raging birthday party. What raised eyebrows, however, was the decision to feature the very recently deceased Steve Irwin as a party guest. It raised the question of how soon is too soon when it comes to satire, though Parker and Stone remained adamant that anyone and anything is fair game in the South Park universe. "About Last Night..." (Aired 11/5/08): South Park lampooned the outcome of the 2008 Presidential Election the very next night, even including audio recorded from Barack Obama's victory speech. Here, Obama and John McCain were revealed to be members of an Ocean's Eleven-style criminal ring using the election as cover for a major heist. "Margaritaville" (Aired 3/25/09): This episode appeared at the height of the Great Recession to deliver plenty of insightful commentary on the housing bubble and American consumer culture. In the process, Kyle became a messianic prophet of "The Economy" and Stan discovered just how arbitrary the entire system really is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "200 & 201" (Aired 4/14/10 & 4/21/10): Parker and Stone again courted controversy by featuring the Islamic prophet Muhammad in a dramatic, two-part story arc, and Comedy Central again chose to censor their broadcast. These episodes were also notable for featuring nearly every celebrity the show had mocked in its first 199 episodes. "Obama Wins!" (Aired 11/7/12): This episode suggested that Obama's 2012 re-election was part of a larger web of conspiracy involving China hiring Cartman to steal ballots and Mickey Mouse (fresh off Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm) trying to tempt Cartman to the Dark Side. It was all very complicated, but fortunately Morgan Freeman was there to narrate the conflict. "World War Zimmerman" (Aired 10/9/13): Only South Park could manage to simultaneously parody the movie World War Z and the controversy over George Zimmerman's murder trial. What resulted was some of the show's most biting and insightful satire ever. "Stunning and Brave" (Aired 09/16/15): South Park kicked off a season-long storyline about political correctness by introducing new character PC Principal and spoofing both Caitlyn Jenner and Tom Brady's "Deflate-gate" scandal. Plus, Randy joined a PC-obsessed fraternity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Oh, Jeez" (Aired 11/9/16): The show was forced to quickly overhaul a planned episode when it explored the immediate aftermath of the 2016 Presidential election and its surprising conclusion. As Mr. Garrison claimed victory while a bewildered South Park looked on, this episode escalated other season-long conflicts like Denmark's war against online trolls and the civil war between the boys and girls of South Park Elementary. "Quintuplets 2000" (Aired 4/26/00) South Park fans got one of their first tastes of how timely the show could be when this episode referenced the Border Patrol raid on Elian Gonzalez's home that occurred earlier that week. In this case, Kenny was the stand-in for Elian. "Trapper Keeper" (Aired 11/15/00) This episode kicked off a regular tradition of spoofing the US Presidential elections every four years. The deadlocked vote for class president paralleled the bitter real-life divide over the outcome of the battle between George W. Bush and Al Gore. "I'm a Little Bit Country" (Aired 4/9/03) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was plenty of conflict over the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, both in the real world and the town of South Park. Helpfully, Cartman knocked himself unconscious so he could travel back in time, meet the Founding Fathers and learn that America has been divided over foreign policy from the very beginning. "Douche and Turd" (Aired 10/27/04) Shortly before the 2004 election, South Park aptly summarized the apathy many voters felt by forcing South Park Elementary students to pick between a Giant Douche or a Turd Sandwich as their new mascot. The message was clear - even if neither candidate is appealing, voting is still an important civic duty. "Stupid Spoiled Whore Video Playset" (Aired 12/1/04) Parker and Stone delivered one of their most scathing celebrity critiques ever when they targeted socialite/reality star Paris Hilton. Hilton's fame may have faded, but this episode has lost none of its bite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Best Friends Forever" (Aired 3/30/05) The show found a poignant new spin on the familiar "You killed Kenny!" gag with this episode, which parodied the Terry Schiavo case and the ensuing media furor. The episode wound up premiering hours before Schiavo passed away, and eventually nabbed the South Park team their first Emmy. "Trapped in the Closet" (Aired 11/16/05) This controversial episode directed its wrath at Tom Cruise and the Church of Scientology, as Stan unwittingly found himself being propped up as the second coming of L. Ron Hubbard and Cruise locked himself in Stan's bedroom closet. Needless to say, neither Cruise nor the Church of Scientology were very amused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Cartoon Wars Parts 1 & 2" (Aired 4/5/06 & 4/12/06) In light of the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy, this two-part episode saw Americans literally bury their heads in sand over fears that Islamic extremists would retaliate against a Family Guy cartoon featuring the prophet Muhammad. Predictably, that created a real-world controversy of its own, and Comedy Central ultimately decided against showing the image of Muhammad in their broadcast. "Hell on Earth 2006" (Aired 10/15/06) This episode parodied MTV's My Super Sweet 16 as Satan threw a raging birthday party. What raised eyebrows, however, was the decision to feature the very recently deceased Steve Irwin as a party guest. It raised the question of how soon is too soon when it comes to satire, though Parker and Stone remained adamant that anyone and anything is fair game in the South Park universe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "About Last Night..." (Aired 11/5/08) South Park lampooned the outcome of the 2008 Presidential Election the very next night, even including audio recorded from Barack Obama's victory speech. Here, Obama and John McCain were revealed to be members of an Ocean's Eleven-style criminal ring using the election as cover for a major heist. "Margaritaville" (Aired 3/25/09) This episode appeared at the height of the Great Recession to deliver plenty of insightful commentary on the housing bubble and American consumer culture. In the process, Kyle became a messianic prophet of "The Economy" and Stan discovered just how arbitrary the entire system really is. "200 & 201" (Aired 4/14/10 & 4/21/10) Parker and Stone again courted controversy by featuring the Islamic prophet Muhammad in a dramatic, two-part story arc, and Comedy Central again chose to censor their broadcast. These episodes were also notable for featuring nearly every celebrity the show had mocked in its first 199 episodes. "Obama Wins!" (Aired 11/7/12) This episode suggested that Obama's 2012 re-election was part of a larger web of conspiracy involving China hiring Cartman to steal ballots and Mickey Mouse (fresh off Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm) trying to tempt Cartman to the Dark Side. It was all very complicated, but fortunately Morgan Freeman was there to narrate the conflict. "World War Zimmerman" (Aired 10/9/13) Only South Park could manage to simultaneously parody the movie World War Z and the controversy over George Zimmerman's murder trial. What resulted was some of the show's most biting and insightful satire ever. "Stunning and Brave" (Aired 09/16/15) South Park kicked off a season-long storyline about political correctness by introducing new character PC Principal and spoofing both Caitlyn Jenner and Tom Brady's "Deflate-gate" scandal. Plus, Randy joined a PC-obsessed fraternity. "Oh, Jeez" (Aired 11/9/16) The show was forced to quickly overhaul a planned episode when it explored the immediate aftermath of the 2016 Presidential election and its surprising conclusion. As Mr. Garrison claimed victory while a bewildered South Park looked on, this episode escalated other season-long conflicts like Denmark's war against online trolls and the civil war between the boys and girls of South Park Elementary. "Band in China" (Aired 10/2/19) This episode certainly proved prophetic as it lampooned Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping and China's habit of censoring Western productions. As a result, the series was promptly banned entirely in China. This episode even wound up being aired during the Hong Kong protests as a show of defiance. "Sermon on the 'Mount" (Aired 7/23/25) After a long hiatus, South Park returned in 2025 and immediately unleashed its full might against the Trump Administration and the growing Epstein Files scandal, with parent company Paramount itself caught in the satirical crossfire. Among other things, this episode depicts Trump as Satan's new lover and ends with a deepfake video of Trump stumbling naked through the desert. Needless to say, the White House was not amused. What's your favorite topical South Park episode? Let us know in the comments. Note: this article was originally published on 11/10/2016 and updated on 7/25/2025 with the latest South Park controversies. Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on BlueSky. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) Actor Alec Baldwin spoke on the Rust shooting case more than a year after a judge dismissed his charge for the deadly shooting on a New Mexico film set. The Hollywood star made the remarks on Thursday at San Diego Comic-Con. He said the case changed him immeasurably. I cant even tell you how amazed I am about how different I am from I was three and a half years ago. And what I want and what I dont want and how I want to live my life and not live my life, said Baldwin. Shiprock man sentenced for bid-rigging scheme In 2021, Baldwin was rehearsing a scene for his western film Rust on a New Mexico film set. The gun he was handling was mistakenly loaded with a real bullet when it went off, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baldwin went on trial last summer for involuntary manslaughter, but Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer dismissed the case over issues with the evidence. Baldwin cried when that decision came down. The way that it did end was in such a way that I thought, Oh my god, I cant believe, you know, I cant believe that happened on that day, the way it happened. And it couldnt have been better for us in certain terms because of the malice and so forth and everything thats embodied in that whole situation, said Baldwin. Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for her role in the shooting and was released on parole earlier this year. Assistant Director David Halls pleaded no contest to negligent use of a deadly weapon and received a suspended sentence. Halls also testified in the Gutierrez trial. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LA CROSSE, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) As I continue meandering through the hallways of WI Proud, in search of another co-worker that I can highlight, I am reminded that our creative department has won a freaking Emmy! Nominated, name read among other nominees and then announced in front of a room of our peers as the winner of a bona fide Emmy Award. Really. Its true! See Rivertown is a yearly tradition where the La Crosse County Library system tells us a story about La Crosses history and we and by we I mean Creative Director Tyler Ike and his team in the creative department craft the visuals and vignettes that accompany the tale that explores the spooky, dark-side stories of our Rivertown, La Crosse. Over the years, Rivertown has told the stories of The Disappearance of Evelyn Hartley, Jailbreak 1935, Brooks Bloodhounds, the $2700 City Attorney, and the Emmy Award-winning Ballad of Brinkman Ridge. Take the time to revisit, or take in for the first time, this collection of powerful and impressive shows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within that creative department is also some impressive artistry in its own right. The job demands an artistic touch of some sort, but Ike and Producer Deion Tovar take that to another level. Both of them are incredibly talented photographers with an eye for detail that is rarely matched, and Tovar is a musician who has yet to meet a musical hurdle he is afraid of. I first saw the pictures Ike takes on vacation. Its one thing to whisk off to Iceland with the love of your life, but a completely other situation when you whisk off to Iceland with the love of your life AND youre a photographer. Ike is that one. A scan of his social media sites and you will find pictures of Icelandic horses, puffins, the Northern Lights, and still moments of stunning natural beauty. Tyler knows how to compose a shot. He can see when things look appealing and then how to bring that visage to a level you arent quite ready for. Tyler will take a quaint little chipmunk, bounding on top of a tree stump, and uncover the depths of texture, color, shadow and form. He will take a hike through the forest and turn it into a travel brochure. Tovar is a guitar player turned drummer with an ability to catch magic through his camera. Deion has shot most of the (might I say historic) Destination series that I host on our television station. He makes me look incredibly good, all while capturing the magic of whatever place we are visiting at that time. He is an integral part of what we do on our website and our broadcasts. He applies his natural talent to the tools he has gained with experience, and the results speak for themselves. Outside of the building, he is a moment catcher. Deion is quiet and unassuming, but that is his strength when behind a camera. That piece of equipment is like a magic cloak that makes him disappear, leaving just you and space. Then he catches those moments you arent even aware of. Like the joy of a bride dancing with her mom the playfulness of a little girl making faces while her family sits for pictures the quiet excitement of a newly engaged couple. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, there is Deions music. The real engine to his soul. The thing that makes him get up in the morning and keep going. If youve ever met a REAL musician, then you know what I mean. The type of person who bleeds the music. The type of person who cant stop playing, doing, hearing, and living music. The type of person who has probably fallen asleep with their instrument woke up and immediately started playing again. That is Deion. A person who cant stop playing music or else he will cease to be. A healthy day consists of moving, breathing, eating, and music and everything but music can be sacrificed a little. In my attempts to get through the office, I made it to the two offices that are, literally, closest to my own. I havent mentioned the engineering department, which I know has musicians among its ranks, or the sales department. Maybe I will see what they have to offer us next week, in the final installment of your La Crosse Community Theatre, WI Proud, Artist of the Month, for July 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX2548 & WIProud. CORBIN Fans of small-town romance novels are in for a treat as author Willa Kay is set to appear at Georgia Blossom Books for a special book signing event. The event will take place at 1610 Cumberland Falls Hwy, Unit#9 in Corbin on Saturday, August 30, and is hosted by Georgia Blossom Books. It will run from 3 p.m to 5 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Willa in person, have books signed, and celebrate the release of her latest novel, Sweet Escape a small town, cowboy romance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Willa Kay, a Canadian native now living in western Kentucky, is a photographer by day and a mother of two. Married to her partner for 16 years, Willa brings heart and authenticity to her work. Her novels are known for their emotional depth, swoon-worthy moments, and dynamic characters. Tickets for the signing are included with the purchase of one of Willas books at Georgia Blossom Books. Copies are already in stock, and attendees are encouraged to stop by the store in advance to secure their ticket and reserve their spot. Whether youre a longtime fan or new to her work, this event offers a cozy and personal setting to connect with the author behind the heartfelt stories. For more information, follow Georgia Blossom Books on Facebook or stop by their Corbin location. The origin of Brandi Glanville's face parasite may have just been discovered! "Real Housewives of Orange County" star Vicki Gunvalson has seemingly confirmed that she and Glanville definitely came into contact with the parasite during their trip to Morocco. Brandi Glanville had dragged Bravo through the mud last year, heaping piles of blame on them for causing her physical health decline due to stress and exhaustion from the show. Vicki Gunvalson Is Comparing Her Symptoms To Brandi Glanville's Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA The reality TV alum added two and two together during her appearance on SiriusXM on Friday. Gunvalson revealed that, like Glanville, she also contracted the same parasite, which can only be attributed to their joint trip to Morocco for Bravo's "Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip" in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gunvalson shared that they all fell ill on the Morocco trip, and her Bravo colleague now has a parasite in her system courtesy of the unhygienic environment they were exposed to. The "RHOC" alum gave a vivid picture of what Glanville is currently going through, revealing that the parasite is causing her a lot of pain, and it keeps moving into different parts of her body. Gunvalson, on her own end, has also not felt the same since the trip; she identified her symptoms, which include bloating, constipation, and fatigue. After a visit to a medical facility, The Daily Mail reported that Gunvalson was eventually told her gut had been invaded by parasites. She is also experiencing hardship with doing the number two, with successful trips producing mere "pellets" like "once a week." The 'RHOC ' Alum Narrates Her Ordeal With A Bad Breakfast In Morocco twoeyephotos/MEGA Gunvalson is not resigning to fate on her excretion problems. She revealed that she has been getting treatments and medicines to ease her issues and get rid of the unhealthy toxins in her system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quite the encyclopedia, Gunvalson stuck to her guns about the source of Glanville's health issues, which is the parasite from their trip. She narrated a breakfast scenario from their time in the city, where flies completely surrounded their pastries, fruits, and eggs. While she did not enjoy the feast, Gunvalson noted that the flies also perched around in enclosed premises- including restaurants, making it hard to avoid them. Like her colleague, Glanville has taken active steps towards treating herself in a battle that she has been stuck in for two years post-Morocco. The "RHOBH" star affirmed that she has spent over $100,000 on finding a solution to the unusual swelling on her face and the unhealthy feeling in her body. She admitted to avoiding posting on social media to filter out awkward comments about her appearance. Brandi Glanville Planned To Sue Bravo And Its Producers For Her Health Instagram Stories | Brandi Glanville Last December, Glanville shared a picture of her very swollen face on her Instagram story, stating that she had tried to get to the root of the problem with her face, but her confusion only got worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After all the multiple medical opinions, The Blast stated that she finally concluded it was Bravo and their stress that had pushed her to the wall, attacked her health, and cost her job. The social media attack comes months after she planned to take legal steps against Bravo and some of its producers for using her as collateral damage in the sexual assault saga. Glanville was accused by Caroline Manzo from "Real Housewives of New Jersey" for causing her physical and sexual harm during the Morocco trip. According to Manzo's lawsuit, Glanville violently groped her vagina in the bathroom and left her no room to escape by locking the door. The "RHOBH" star denied all of Manzo's "defamatory and false accusations," noting that she had only followed the instructions given to her by the show producers. Glanville's New Comfort Routine Brings Back Memories Of Happier Times MEGA From endless trips in and out of the hospital to spontaneous lumps on her face, Glanville has been forced to adapt to new ways of bringing ease to her life on the rough days. She revealed that stretching, ultrasound therapy, and more movement have helped her feel less pain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's moving down my body, like, literally in my neck now moving on my left shoulder [and] down my arm. I have to get up, I have to stretch, I have to get in a hot tub. I have a routine and it sucks," the mother-of-two declared, as reported by The Blast. Another debilitating part of her health issue is the time missed out on friendships, sexual intimacy, and socializing, something her old life was filled with. Glanville revealed that insecurity about her appearance has also crept into the mix; not only is she battling with overwhelming anxiety now, but she is also struggling to hold on to herself. "Some things do give me anxiety, don't get me wrong, but I feel like I lost Brandi," she explained. Vicki Gunvalson And Her Significant Other Are Planning A Big Splurge Instagram Stories | Vicki Gunvalson Gunvalson and her beau, Michael Smith, have been a romantic pair for over three years and are waxing stronger by the day. According to Bravo, the duo is taking their relationship to the next level by house-hunting around Palm Springs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pair has reportedly submitted an offer for a property in the area, and the energy of the property, combined with its amenities, has captured the attention of the reality star and her boyfriend. The businessman has also urged the reality star to reduce her working hours significantly. Since quitting reality TV, Gunvalson has shifted her focus to her insurance and financial company. According to her, Smith wants her to work three to four days a week instead of eight. While she is open to the idea, life after retirement is still intimidating to her. In her words: What do people do when theyre retired? What do people do when they dont work? Help me! I dont have any hobbies. I think the people who are retired and have no purpose, they die. Wishing Vicki Gunvalson and Brandi Glanville a good recovery! Hope you cleared your calendar. Disney+ will bring many new pieces of content to Canada in August 2025, including King of the Hill, FXs Alien: Earth, Twelve, and many more. As many people continue to enjoy the summer heat with a nice scoop of ice cream, Disney+ will be adding plenty of new content to expand its extensive library. Whether youre interested in the classics or drama films and television shows, theres plenty of content for viewers, including the premiere of King of the Hills 14th season, Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, and The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox. With the barrage of content arriving on Disney+ in August 2025, here are some highlights to watch out for. King of the Hill Whats Coming To Disney+ In Canada In August 2025 After 15 years since the release of King of the Hills 13th season, the series returns for its 14th season to catch up on the Hill familys lives. Returning to Arlen, Texas, after working at a propane job in Saudi Arabia, Hank and Peggy Hill reconnect with their old pals Dale, Boomhauer, and Bill. Alongside the reunions with their friends, Bobby is living his dream as a Chef in Dallas in his 20s with his former classmates Connie, Joseph, and Chane. FXs Alien: Earth Whats Coming To Disney+ In Canada In August 2025 After a mysterious USCSS Maginot crashed on Earth, Wendy and a group of tactical soldiers encountered a powerful beast that threatens their life and their home. Executive produced by Noah Hawley, FXs Alien: Earth crash-lands on Disney+ on August 12. The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox Whats Coming To Disney+ In Canada In August 2025 The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox is a limited series inspired by the tales of the wrongfully convicted Amanda Knox embarking on a 16-year journey to set herself free and prove her innocence after the murder of her roommate, Meredith Kercher. Twelve Whats Coming To Disney+ In Canada In August 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many years ago, 12 zodiac angels fought to protect humanity and sealed the evil spirits in the gates of Hell. As many people live in a peaceful world, the spirits have reawakened, causing havoc worldwide in the upcoming series, Twelve. Facing a threat from O-Gwi (Park Hyung-Sik) and his group of evil spirits, the 12 zodiac angels, led by Tae-San (Ma Dong-Seok), symbolizing the tiger, prepare for an epic battle. Check below for more content arriving at Disney+ in August 2025. Whats Coming To Disney+ on August 1st Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius Bobs Burgers (Season 15, New Episode) Bad Seeds (Les mauvaises herbes) (2016) Boys on the Side (1995) Breaking Up (1997) Empire Records (1995) Enemy (2013) Gabrielle (2013) Its Only the End of the World (Juste la fin du monde) (2016) Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (2001) King & Prince: What We Got (Japanese Version, 2025) Leap of Faith (1992) Love and Magnets (Les aimants) (2004) Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) Pompeii (2014) Silent Hill (2006) Splice (2009) That Night (1992) The Horse Whisperer (1998) The Nice Guy (New Episodes) The Passion of Augustine (La passion dAugustine) (2015) The Out-of-Towners (1970) Whats Coming To Disney+ on August 2 12 FXs Necaxa August 2 SuperKitties (Season 2, All Episodes) August 2 SuperKitties: Su-Purr Adventures (Shorts) (Season 1, All Episodes) August 4 King of the Hill (Season 14 All Episodes) August 6 Low Life (New Episodes) August 6 Strippers: Cars for Cash (Season 1 2) August 6 The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (Season 3, All Episodes) August 7 FXs Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia (Season 17, New Episode) August 8 Bobs Burgers (Season 15, New Episode) August 8 Narco Wars: In Their Words (2019) August 8 FXs Necaxa (Two-Episode Premiere) August 8 Ralph Barbosa: Planet Bosa (2025) August 8 Sharks Up Close with Bertie Gregory (2025) August 8 SuperKitties: Su-Purr Adventures (Shorts) (Season 2, All Episodes) August 8 The Nice Guy (New Episodes) August 10 Travelling with Snow Man (New Episode) August 12 FXs Alien: Earth (Two-Episode Premiere at 5 PM PT/8 PM EST) Whats Coming To Disney+ on August 13 21 John Wick August 13 Big City Greens (Season 4, All Episodes) August 13 Bullet/Bullet (New Episodes) August 13 Capturing Their Killer: The Girls on the High Bridge (All Episodes) August 13 Chibiverse (Season 2-3) August 13 Low Life (New Episodes) August 13 Philly Undercover (All Episodes) August 14 FXs Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia (Season 17, New Episode) August 14 Keeping Up with the Kardashians (Season 9 13) August 15 A Brothers Love (La femme de mon frere) (2019) August 15 Bobs Burgers (Season 15, New Episode) August 15 Heat Wave (Les grandes chaleurs) (2009) August 15 Hochelaga, Land of Souls (Hochelaga, terre des ames) (2017) August 15 Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story (2025) August 15 John Wick (2014) August 15 John Wick: Chapter Two (2017) August 15 Limitless: Live Better Now (All Episodes) August 15 FXs Necaxa (New Episodes) August 15 The Great North (Season 5, New Episode) August 15 The Nice Guy (New Episodes) August 19 FXs Alien: Earth (New Episode at 5 PM PT/ 8 PM EST) August 20 Airport Security: Brazil (Season 5, All Episodes) August 20 Airport Security: Colombia (Season 1-2) August 20 Airport Security: Madrid (Season 4 & Season 7, All Episodes) August 20 Airport Security: Peru and Brazil (Season 6, All Episodes) August 20 Airport Security: Peru (Season 3, All Episodes) August 20 Reminder (Ask Hatrla) (All Episodes) August 20 The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox (Two-Episode Premiere) August 21 FXs Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia (Season 17, New Episode) Whats Coming To Disney+ on August 23 31 Eenie Meanie Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement August 22 Eenie Meanie (2025) August 22 FXs Necaxa (New Episodes) August 22 The Nice Guy (New Episodes) August 22 Titanic: Case Closed (2012) August 23 Disney Jr.s Ariel (Season 1, All Episodes) August 23 Disney Jr.s Ariel: Mermaid Tales (Shorts) August 23 Disney Jr.s Ariel The Little Mermaid: Songs from the Crystal Cavern (Shorts) (All Episodes) August 23 Twelve (Premiere Episode) August 24 Twelve (New Episode) August 25 LEGO Disney Princess: Villain Unite (2025) August 26 FXs Alien: Earth (New Episode at 5 PM PT/ 8 PM EST) August 27 Beyond Magic with DMC (All Episodes) August 27 Marvel Animations Eyes of Wakanda (All Episodes) August 27 Shipwreck Hunters Australia (Season 2, All Episodes) August 27 The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox (New Episode) August 28 Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time (All Episodes) August 29 FXs Necaxa (New Episode) August 29 The Nice Guy (New Episodes) August 30 Twelve (New Episode) August 31 Twelve (New Episode) Thats about everything coming to Disney+ in August 2025 in Canada. To access the new content and ease your boredom, users can sign up for a subscription by visiting the Disney+ website. Royals really are just like us, especially the kids. They undoubtedly have their set of chores, get annoyed with their parents on occasion, and go to school. In fact, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, the future Queen of Norway, just shared her university photos, and if you didn't know any better you might've thought she was just a typical college student. Raquel Pires Photography / The Royal Court Princess Ingrid Alexandra at the University of Sydney. Princess Ingrid Alexandra at the University of Sydney. The 21-year-old royal is gearing up to begin her studies at the University of Sydney, and she marked the milestone with casual snaps at the institution. The photos see Ingrid wearing a navy-blue sweater, light-wash flared jeans, white New Balance sneakers, and gold hoop earrings. As for beauty, her mid-length chestnut-colored locks are styled down and natural with a middle part. Ingrid glammed up with minimal, fresh makeup, complete with dewy skin, rosy cheeks, defined eyebrows, fluttery eyelashes, and a shiny lip. Raquel Pires Photography / The Royal Court Princess Ingrid Alexandra at the University of Sydney. Princess Ingrid Alexandra at the University of Sydney. In the first two slides, she sits on some stairs while flashing the camera a soft smile. Another snap sees her standing while holding some books, while a fourth and fifth picture captures her standing in front of a grand academic building while wearing a black leather crossbody purse. A final snap shows the royal leaning against a stair railing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Princess Ingrid Alexandra has arrived in Sydney! ," the family captioned the post. Raquel Pires Photography / The Royal Court Princess Ingrid Alexandra at the University of Sydney. Princess Ingrid Alexandra at the University of Sydney. Ingrid continued, penning, "I'm looking forward to starting my studies at the University of Sydney. It will be exciting to become a student, and I'm looking forward to gaining new perspectives on both European and international politics. I'm sure I'll learn a lot." The captioned revealed Ingrid is starting a three-year bachelor's degree in social sciences next month. Read the original article on InStyle Jimmy Harts still in shock at the death of his friend, Hulk Hogan. The transformative and controversial WWE legend Hogan died Thursday at the age of 71 at his home in Clearwater, Florida. Hulk Hogan with Jimmy Hart along side address the crowd during RAW at Intuit Dome on January 6, 2025 in Inglewood, California. WWE via Getty Images Not long before Hogans passing, Hart a longtime manager and close friend had publicly insisted the WWE Hall of Famer was doing better than had been reported. He was great, The Mouth of the South told People on Friday about seeing Hogan for the final time about a month ago. He had great food to eat that night. He was talking with the fans. He was just phenomenal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hart revealed his shock when he learned of the wrestling icons passing. I called [Hogan] on Wednesday night, and then Thursday morning is when everything took place, Hart said Friday. So justjust overnight it all happened, but it was so positive the day before. Hart added that when he called Hogan this week, he didnt get to speak to him. Wrestler Hulk Hogan (L) and wrestling manager Jimmy the Mouth of the South Hart attend the Licensing Expo 2015 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center on June 10, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Getty Images Instead, he spoke with Hogans assistant, who merely sent a message saying that the former six-time WWE Champion was doing great. Well, tell him I love him, Hart said he told Hogans assistant. He indicated that he felt encouraged by the response, thinking this is great news, People reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It just hits so fast, Hart said about his reaction upon learning of Hogans death. It was like, Oh my God. We thought he was doing so well, you know? We didnt go to see him at the house and didnt go to see him at the hospital, because we wanted to make sure that he didnt get any infections or anything else, like if anybody had a cold or brought anything in. So, thats what we all did. Hart had a decades-long friendship with Hogan, going back to their early Memphis days through WWE and later WCW and TNA. Hogan, a 12-time world champion six in the WWE and six in WCE was a two-time WWE Hall of Famer, being inducted in 2005 as an individual and in 2020 as a member of the New World Order. Hart was also inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 and is regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestling managers of all time. Little People, Big World's Amy Roloff Speaks Out About Family Tragedy originally appeared on Parade. TLC star Amy Roloff shut down rumors that her father, Gordon Knight, recently died on July 23. The Little People, Big World star responded to the "fake news" when a concerned fan sent condolences on Instagram the same day. Related: Little People, Big World Star Announces Shocking Split "Sorry to hear about your dad passing. My condolences to you and your family," wrote the fan in the heartfelt comment on one of Roloff's recent videos. While the reality star was grateful for the support, she insisted the report isn't accurate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The good news is that it's fake news," she responded. "I'm in Michigan visiting with him right now. So far, he's doing amazing at 96 years old." Instagram/Amy Roloff Fans were relieved to learn that Knight is doing okay, as Roloff has gushed about their close relationship often on her social media page. In June 2024, Roloff posted a selfie with her dad and celebrated him on Father's Day. "I can't wait to see you in late July when I go to Michigan," she said at the time, adding that she "cherishes each moment" she gets to have with him. "Don't let moments pass you by. Grab them when you can," she said. SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox After a weeklong visit with her father in June 2021, Roloff shared her wishes that her dad would be able to attend her wedding to Chris Marek in August 2021. "I love my Dad, and the memories of my Mom are everywhere. Im thankful for so much," she said. "My prayer and hope is that my Dad will make it to my wedding." Fans were thrilled to see that her dad was in attendance for the special day two months later. He walked her down the aisle with the help of a cane and led the guests in a toast during the festivities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I was so thankful that my dad was able to be there," she told People that month. "And, of course, everyone loved his toast, the little toast. My dad knows how to give good food for thought." Next: LPBW: Isabel Roloff Fires Off Risque Response to Haters Accusing Her of 'Riding' Jacob's Name Little People, Big World's Amy Roloff Speaks Out About Family Tragedy first appeared on Parade on Jul 25, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared. Originally appeared on E! Online UPDATE: Authorities have clarified Malcolm-Jamal Warners daughter was not with him in the water during his tragic death. "Mr. Warner was playing with his daughter at the seashore at one point, Costa Rica's Judicial Investigation Agency said in a July 24 statement obtained by People. He then left her out of the water, and he and a friend of his entered the sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was at that moment that they were swept away by the current, and the friend managed to get out," the statement continued. "However, Mr. Warner was unable to get out and was pulled out by several people on the beach. He received care from Red Cross officials but was pronounced dead at the scene." ________ More information is emerging about Malcolm-Jamal Warners tragic death. Moments before The Cosby Show alum died in an accidental drowning off the coast of Costa Rica July 20, police confirmed to ABC News that he had been swimming with his 8-year-old daughter. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to authorities, surfers noticed the father-daughter duo struggling and dove into the water to help. And while a surfer used his board to bring the little girl to safety, per ABC News, a volunteer lifeguard pulled Warner to shore, where he was given 45 minutes of CPR. In addition to Warner and his daughter, a second man received treatment at the scene and was later taken to a local clinic in critical condition. The scene was left in the hands of the police authorities for the corresponding procedures, the Costa Rican Red Cross told NBC News in a July 22 statement, going on to note that two people were dragged by a water current at the beach and that both patients were out of the water at the time the paramedics arrived. Shortly after, Costa Rican National Police confirmed to ABC News that Warners official cause of death was asphyxia. Alberto E. Rodriguez/BAFTA LA/Getty Images for BAFTA LA In the days following Warners death, friends and former cast membersincluding Bill Cosby, Tracee Ellis Ross and Raven-Symoneexpressed their heartbreak over the tragedy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I love you, Malcolm, Ross wrote in a July 21 Instagram post alongside pictures of the pair. First I met you as Theo with the rest of the world then you were my first TV husband. My heart is so so sad. As for how Warner wanted to be remembered himself? Two months before his death, he shared exactly what he wanted his legacy to be. "I will be able to leave this earth knowing and people knowing that I was a good person," Warner said during a May 21 episode of the Hot & Bothered with Melyssa Ford podcast. "[My dad] said to me often, 'You know people love you, and people [are] always talking about your career and your success and all of that, but what really makes me the most proud is that you are a good person.'" Along with his iconic role as Theodore Huxtable on the NBC sitcom, the actor also starred on several major series including Reed Between the Lines and The Resident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I remember my mother said to me one time that, 'Mr. Cosby gave you immortality,' so I know on one lane there's legacy there," he shared. "But then, because I've had this full life after that show, there's another lane of legacy that I get to leave." Keep reading to look back at Warners life in photos. 1984 NBC-TV/Kobal/Shutterstock 1985 Al Levine/NBCU Photo Bank 1990 Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives 1993 Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1996 CBS via Getty Images 1999 Ann Summa/Getty Images 2001 J. P. Aussenard/WireImage 2004 CBS via Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2006 Ray Tamarra/Getty Images 2008 Bennett Raglin/WireImage 2011 J.Sciulli/WireImage for ce.com 2013 Jerod Harris/WireImage Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2015 Alberto E. Rodriguez/BAFTA LA/Getty Images for BAFTA LA 2016 Rob Latour/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images 2017 Robin L Marshall/Getty Images 2019 FOX via Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2020 Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SCAD aTVfest 2020 2021 FOX via Getty Images 2022 Matt Miller/ABC via Getty Images 2023 Derek White/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2024 Santiago Felipe/Getty Images For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App Warren Buffett, the longtime chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) (BRK.A), is celebrated for his disciplined, value-oriented approach to investing. In his 1981 shareholder letter, Buffett articulated a principle that continues to guide Berkshires acquisition strategy: we would rather buy 10% of Wonderful Business T at X per share than 100% of T at 2X per share. This philosophy stands in contrast to the prevailing mindset among many corporate managers, who often prioritize full ownership and control, sometimes at the expense of economic rationality. Thats because Buffetts reasoning is rooted in a focus on maximizing real economic benefits rather than expanding managerial domain or inflating accounting figures. More News from Barchart In fact, the legendary investor has frequently cautioned that managers who stress accounting appearance over economic substance usually achieve little of either. This perspective reflects his belief that the true measure of an investment lies in its underlying value, not in the optics of ownership or the ability to consolidate earnings on financial statements. Throughout his career, Buffett has demonstrated a willingness to take significant minority stakes in high-quality businesses when the price is right, rather than overpaying for full control. This approach allows Berkshire Hathaway to benefit from the growth and profitability of leading companies without incurring the risks or costs associated with outright acquisitions. Notably, this strategy has led to successful long-term investments in firms such as Coca-Cola (KO), American Express (AXP), and Moodys (MCO), where Berkshires minority positions have generated substantial returns. Buffetts stance also reflects his broader skepticism of empire-building a tendency among some executives to pursue acquisitions for the sake of expanding their influence, rather than to create genuine shareholder value. He has repeatedly emphasized that capital should be allocated where it can generate the highest real return, regardless of whether that means owning a small piece or the entirety of a business. The relevance of Buffetts 1981 guidance is evident in todays market environment, where mergers and acquisitions remain a central feature of corporate strategy. As companies face pressure to grow and diversify, the temptation to pursue large, transformative deals can be strong. Yet Buffetts preference for economic substance over managerial control serves as a reminder that disciplined, value-driven decision-making is often the more prudent path. Fans were crying for Argentina when they missed out on a full Evita performance from Rachel Zegler. The 24-year-old actress was forced to exit the London show following Act I on Thursday, July 24, due to an illness. People confirmed that it was announced during intermission that Zegler would not be returning to the stage as Eva Peron, with understudy Bella Brown assuming the role when Act II started with an iconic performance of Dont Cry for Me Argentina and finishing out the show. Zegler has not publicly commented on her departure or the mystery illness that stopped her performance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite going to see Zegler, theatergoers were pleased with Browns performance as well. The crowd gave Brown a nearly five-minute standing ovation at the end of the show. Rachel Zegler Reflects on Being Outspoken and Why She Doesnt Have a Victim Mindset Today really showed just how important swings and covers are within this industry!! Brown captioned an Instagram Story on Thursday. They are the pillars of a show!! Ming Yeung/Getty Images Zegler made her Evita debut at the London Palladium last month in the Jamie Lloyd-directed production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webbers show about the former first lady of Argentina. (Peron was the countrys first lady from 1946 until her death in 1952 at age 33.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News of Zeglers casting in the stage show broke this past March. Evita has been such an important musical to me since I was a little girl, when my dad and I would sing Dont Cry for Me Argentina together on my back patio, she told Deadline at the time. The opportunity to bring Jamie Lloyds singular, visionary ideas to life onstage is an honor unlike any other. The stage has always felt like home to me, and I cant wait to make my West End debut in such great company. Rachel Zegler and Josh Andres Rivera Quietly Split Months Before She Was Seen Kissing Evita Dancer Zegler is set to play the role through the summer. Her last show is scheduled for September 6. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's a dream come true. I haven't been on stage in a musical since high school [for Shrek The Musical, famously] and I missed it so much, Zegler told Elle U.K. in an interview ahead of her opening night. When you get to live your dream, you don't take any second for granted and I'm not, I'm soaking in every second." Zegler said that she didnt expect the show to garner as much attention as it did during the same interview. "People have been camping out for hours before I go on and it's humbling, beautiful and fits in the story very well, she added. As the Indiana weather heats up, you're probably looking for your next outdoor adventure to be of the cooler variety. And lucky for you, these caverns and caves typically range from 50 to 60 degrees year-round. So grab a jacket, pull up your GPS route and travel to these local historic spots for a little spelunking. Here are five Indiana caverns and caves you need to explore this summer. Bluespring Caverns 1459 Blue Spring Cavern Road, Bedford; bluespringcaverns.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The beautiful Bedford caverns lie an hour and a half south of Indianapolis. Their hour-long boat tour is "America's longest navigable underground river," according to its website, descending 400 feet before ascending again to the exit. The caves host a number of animals like salamanders, bats, blind crayfish and blind cavefish. Tours typically leave on the hour, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. After the boat tour, the caverns offer gemstone mining, in which children can prospect for fossils and gemstones. Visitors can also visit Indiana's largest sinkhole by hiking the half-mile Karst Natural Area Trail, covering 10 acres and reaching 90 feet deep. Cost: $25 for adults, $12 for youth (age 15 & under) Squire Boone Caverns A group tours through the Cathedral rotunda room at Squire Boone Caverns in Harrison County, Indiana. (By Matt Stone, The Courier-Journal) June 24, 2010 100 Squire Boone Road, Mauckport; squireboonecaverns.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These caves feature the largest rimstone dams accessible to the public in the United States. See stalactites, stalagmites and flowstone on the cavern walls, ceilings and floors. The guided one-hour walking tours leave every 30 40 minutes. The tour is about a third of a mile long walk on lighted, paved walkways and steel bridges. There is a 73-step spiral staircase at the end, which is not advised for those with serious medical conditions. When you're finished with the walking tour, you can visit the candle-making cabin, offering 23 different colors with 22 scents. They even have white candles that are unscented for those who are allergic to fragrances. You can also check out the Squires Barnyard to pet the farm animals, and see how corn is ground into cornmeal and grits at the historic Boones Mill. Cost: $26 for adults, $16 for children (ages 4-11), $24 for seniors, infants are free Wyandotte Caves Thousands of bats clustered on the walls and ceiling of Wyandotte Cave were photographed by biologists on Feb. 6, 2024, as part of the biannual survey of hibernating bats in Indiana caves. 7315 S. Wyandotte Cave Road, Leavenworth; https://bit.ly/3DnxMZe Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Big Wyandotte Cave tours are only available at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, or by reservation Monday through Thursday. The Big Wyandotte Cave features "rare formations called helicities, plus gypsum, epsomite, and prehistoric flint quarries add variety." These tours will only be offered through Labor Day weekend. The Little Wyandotte Cave tour will be available from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every half-hour on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This 30-minute tour is completely separate from the Big Wyandotte Cave, offering a "comprehensive view of many flowstone and dripstone formations." The tour is considered easy and is open to all ages. Cost: $18 for adults, $9 for children (ages 6-11) for Big Wyandotte Cave tour; $8 for adults, $4 for children (ages 6-11), free for children 6 years old or under for Little Wyandotte Cave tour Indiana Caverns Members of the Indiana Geological and Water Survey carry their equipment down to the dock in 2019 at Bluespring Caverns south of Bedford to do water testing. 1267 Green Acres Drive SW, Corydon; indianacaverns.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indiana's longest cave tour is approximately 80 minutes long, with sights like the Midwest's largest deposits of Ice Age bones and fossils, along with a 40-foot waterfall. The walking and boat tour is on grated steel walkways with sections of stairs, descending and ascending 110 feet below the surface to the underground river. The cave is not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs. These caves are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Labor Day. The caverns also have an outdoor zip line/steel rollercoaster called the "Bat Chaser," listed as the "only the second ride of its kind in the United States and first in the Midwest." They also offer "The Plunge," a 50-foot drop on a controlled descent. Tickets are not available for online purchase. Cost: $27 for adults, $17 for children (ages 4-11) Marengo Cave 400 E. State Road 64, Marengo; marengocave.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marengo Cave offers two different tours: the Crystal Palace and the Dripstone Trail. The Crystal Palace is an easy 40-minute tour packed with formation-filled rooms. The Dripstone Trail is a 60-minute tour known for "delicate soda straws, totem pole stalagmites, and Penny Ceiling." Both tours leave every 30 minutes, with the caves open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. all days. You can race to solve the "Miners Maze," a wooden life-size maze complete with four checkpoints. For an extra challenge, find the letters B-A-T-S or R-O-C-K. Or both! The maze costs $5 and takes approximately 10-30 minutes to solve. Cost: $32 for adults, $20 for children (ages 4-12), free for ages 3 and under Brooke Eberle is an Audience Editor. You can reach her at beberle@indystar.com. Follow her on BlueSky @brookeebs.bsky.social or on X @brookeeberle97. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Want fun outdoor things to do in Indiana? Try these caves and caverns Washington Black, Hulus action-packed odyssey thats based on Esi Edugyans fictional 2018 novel of the same name, has officially landed. And we have all the details about how to tune in. The limited series, which follows a young, Black inventors journey through self-discovery, is executive produced by Selwyn Seyfu Hinds, Kimberly Ann Harrison, and Sterling K. Brown. Seyfu and Harrison also serve as the seriess showrunners More from TheWrap Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TheWrap previously reported the news about the shows production back in 2021. Check out the how to watch details below. When does Washington Black premiere? Washington Black premiered on Hulu on July 23. How many episodes are there? There are eight episodes in the Washington Black miniseries, and all of them landed on Hulu when the show premiered on July 23. Are more episodes on the way? Washington Black followed the binge-release model, so all episodes are now available and its a limited series so no new episodes are currently planned. What is Washington Black about? Washington Black follows the 19th-century adventures of George Washington Wash Black an 11-year-old boy on a Barbados sugar plantation who must flee after a shocking death threatens to upend his life. Brown will play the gregarious, larger-than-life Medwin Harris, who traveled the world after a traumatic childhood as a Black refugee in Nova Scotia as the de facto Mayor of Black Halifax prioritizes the community over everything except Washington Black, his young protege. Meeting Wash sends him down a challenging path of self-discovery. And as the barricades around his heart start to fall, Medwin will learn to dream again. Whos in the cast? The series stars Ernest Kingsley Jr., Rupert Graves, Iola Evans, Edward Bluemel, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Eddie Karanja, Tom Ellis and Sterling K. Brown. Watch the trailer The post Washington Black Release Schedule: Are More Episodes on the Way? appeared first on TheWrap. Wow, time flies. Dogfish Head is celebrating 30 years of brewing craft beer in Delaware. And to toast the occasion, the brewery is going back to its roots by resurrecting founder Sam Calagiones first homebrew. Dogfish Head Craft Brewery in Milton. The off-centered reconstruction of a Cherry Pale Ale is being offered as a liquid time capsule transporting drinkers back to the mid-90s, according to anniversary promotions. Subscribe to the Delaware Eats newsletter Advertisement Advertisement Cherry Pale Ale is a beer made with Delaware wheat, Maine barley, Cascade hops and boatloads of beautiful cherries for an easy-drinking, summertime sipper with balanced sweet and tart notes of stone fruit, according to the brewery. Craft beer lovers seeking to sip some at Dogfish Heads Milton brewery. Priced $16 per six-pack of 12-ounce cans while supplies last. There is a limit of one per person. More: Delaware's 5 best summertime craft breweries to drink under the sun And as Dogfish Head shared on Instagram, "We simply couldnt release Sams OG homebrew, Cherry Pale Ale, without paying homage to his accidental carpet coasters that adorned the bottles back in 93. So we whipped out our crafting skills and a bunch of our coworkers got to work hand-cutting and gluing 1300 carpet coasters to every single can for this limited-release. And dont worry if you missed the first drop, well have more coming only on @givethembeer!'' Sam Calagione, founder of Dogfish Head brewery (left), and Steve "Monty" Montgomery, co-owner of The Starboard, at the Running of the Bull in 2021. Calagione was the guest matador for the 24th annual running. For details about a 30th anniversary gift box of beer and other 90s memorabilia, visit givethembeer.com For more about Dogfish Head and its 30-year history, check out dogfish.com This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Dogfish Head turns 30 with a new brew, retro swag An Icelandic food retailer has extended a trial program sure to have bargain-hunters rejoicing, empowering them to score up to 75% off select food items. European Supermarket Magazine reports that Iceland Foods will continue its "Lucky Dip" partnership with Olio, a sharing app connecting neighbors and businesses to reduce waste and providing the added benefit of helping them declutter their homes and commercial spaces. The London-based company's Lucky Dip initiative is helping to prevent food waste by offering surplus food products for as little as 2 ($2.70 USD) for eight items. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As a part of our 'Doing It Right' philosophy, we're committed to reducing food waste while supporting our customers and communities," Stuart Lendrum, director of product, process, and sustainability at Iceland Foods, told the magazine. "The expansion of our partnership with Olio through the Lucky Dip scheme is a great example of how we can combine innovation and sustainability to make a real difference." According to the report, Lucky Dip's initial seven-store Icelandic trial has saved approximately seven million meals from heading to landfills, where they'd generate methane, a heat-trapping gas with a warming effect on the planet up to 80 times stronger than carbon dioxide. That's the equivalent of slashing around 45 million gas-guzzling car miles. The program has also saved an estimated 2.2 billion liters of water, demonstrating how reducing food waste can also help protect against the impacts of droughts and water scarcity, conserving a resource essential for human survival, including our food systems. According to the UN World Water Development Report, around 70% of freshwater withdrawals are linked to agriculture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To participate in this eco- and wallet-friendly initiative, shoppers at Iceland Foods simply need to reserve their Lucky Dip bag in the Olio app, take note of their collection time, and head to their participating store to retrieve and pay for their items. Depending on your region, Misfits Market, Too Good to Go, and Flashfood are other apps that could help you score food at heavily discounted prices. While each Lucky Dip bag is different, it could include a variety of fruits and vegetables, deli and bakery treats, and more, according to Olio founders Tessa Clarke and Saasha Celestial. "I think this is a brilliant idea. [...] I got home and had just under 20 worth of food that can last a few days," one thrilled Lucky Dip customer shared, according to European Supermarket Magazine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We picked up the Lucky Dip bag. [...] It was fantastic value for money, and we'd do it again," added another. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Taking a vacation is good for youit can help reduce stress and help increase your general outlook on life. But, if you really want to double down on those excellent vibes, you should head off to the most mindful and wellness-focused place in Europe. And the relaxation-focused brand Blakk Smoke knows exactly where that is. In June, the brand released the findings of a study it conducted in order to identify the most mindful travel destinations of 2025, or "places where stress melts away" if "disconnection is the goal." To find these laidback spots around the globe, the team parsed thousands of TripAdvisor reviews from the last three years using natural language processing and emotional sentiment analysis to determine the frequency of keywords such as "relaxing," "peaceful," "mindful," and "calm." Then, it analyzed the tone of each post, as well as the number of mentions of retreats, meditation centers, spas, and nature-based attractions each location had. The company noted that only recent reviews were included to "reflect todays traveler needsthink post-pandemic priorities, burnout recovery, and a growing desire to actually rest on holiday." After doing all that digging, it gave each place a "mindfulness score," based on its analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Lake Bled, Slovenia, came out on top as the most mindful destination in Europe and the second most relaxing destination in the world with a score of 89. And really, its ranking comes as little surprise when you consider the beautiful scenery there. Lake Bled, located in the Julian Alps, is as fairytale-like a destination as they come, with what the study called "mirror-still water" that pairs beautifully with fresh mountain air and a view of the Church of the Assumption located in the center of the lake. The only place to outrank Lake Bled was Sedona, Arizona, which scored a whopping 92 out of 100, thanks to its "energy vortexes, red rock formations, and strong spiritual community." Lake Bled and Sedona were followed by the Lake District, England, at No. 3, which earned a score of 87 thanks to its "rolling hills, peaceful lakes, and literary inspiration." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rounding out the top 10 most mindful travel destinations in the world are Big Sur, California (No. 4); Santorini, Greece (No. 5); the Scottish Highlands, Scotland (No. 6); Asheville, North Carolina (No. 7); the Amalfi Coast, Italy (No. 8); Cornwall, England (No. 8); and Kyoto, Japan (No. 10). But if these somehow aren't enough options for you, you can always check out this list of the most relaxing destinations in Europe. Then, once you pick a spot, tell your boss you're going on vacation and put on that out-of-office notice for the sake of good health. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure With chill coastal communities like San Juan del Sur buzzing with surf-minded visitors, the stellar swells crashing along the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua are no longer the best-kept secret in Central America. But in-the-know thrill seekers are heading into the country's interior for another kind of surfing experience: "volcano boarding" down the sandy black cone of Cerro Negro volcano. "Volcano boarding is a really unique and memorable experience to try when visiting Nicaragua," says Javier Silva, a long-time Nicaragua expat and executive director of the non-profit Lacrosse the Nations. The adventure is just as other-worldly as you'd imagine, starting with facing down the slopes of a still-active volcano and culminating with a dusty, high-speed descent that feels somewhere between sledding and go-kart racing. To protect against the ashy, sandy spray that coats the sides of Cerro Negro, boarders don bright orange jumpsuits and ski goggles, only adding to the next-level thrill of the experience. INTI OCON/AFP via Getty Images Tourists prepare to leave after sandboarding down the Cerro Negro volcano. Tourists prepare to leave after sandboarding down the Cerro Negro volcano. "Keep in mind that you probably won't be able to stand up on the board; you'll definitely want to sit on it," says Silva. "The descent is so steep that you get going very fast, and it's pretty challenging to control the board. Hold on, and simply lean into the ride." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just how fast is fast? Wait until you reach the bottom of the cone to find out. Most volcano boarding excursions will have someone standing at the bottom of the volcano with a radar gun to clock your speed, which can reach up to 40 miles per hour. "If you're traveling with friends and are at all competitive, seeing who can reach the highest speed will be a riot," says Silva. Named by Travel + Leisure editors as one of the best places to visit in 2025, Nicaragua wows with everything from white-sand Caribbean islands and centuries-old churches to immense biodiversity in its untouched rainforests. But for a destination that still draws many intrepid travelers, volcano boarding is easily one of the country's most popular experiences. "It's one of the most highly-requested tours from visitors and guests," says Howard Coulson, general manager at Jicaro Island Lodge, a sustainability-focused luxury lodge on a private island in Lake Nicaragua. INTI OCON/AFP via Getty Images Tourists climb the Cerro Negro volcano to enjoy sandboarding. Tourists climb the Cerro Negro volcano to enjoy sandboarding. Most volcano boarders embark early in the morning from the charming city of Leon, located just 45 minutes from Cerro Negro. However, volcano boarding's growing popularity means that tour operators now offer the excursion, with transportation included, from other destinations across the country. Many hotels and resorts, including Jicaro Island Lodge, curate their own private or small-group excursions for guests, but Coulson also recommends Vapues Travel for their certified guides with years of experience. Leon's proximity to Cerro Negro allows volcano boarders to get an early start on the expedition, beating the crowds and avoiding the midday sun, which can make the experience more challenging. "It's important that travelers know that the experience can be demanding," cautions Coulson, citing the high temperatures on the sunbaked surface of the volcano. Though the descent down the slopes is invigorating and lasts less than a minute, it's the hour-long ascent up the volcano's cone carrying your board that makes it unexpectedly challenging. The sandy, unstable terrain and steady incline don't make it easier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boarders should come well-prepared for the experience by wearing sneakers or hiking boots and carrying plenty of water, sunscreen, and sun protection gear like UPF-rated clothing and a sunhat with a chinstrap. Tour operators will provide orange jumpsuits for the descent, but you'll want to be comfortable when ascending the volcano. There's one unexpected highlight of the experience that most visitors forget until they arrive: taking in the view from the top of the towering crater. "Walking to the top of an active volcano, where you can contemplate all of the volcano's beauty and the beauty of its surroundings, is something truly special," says Coulson. Vistas stretch on for miles in every direction, but peeking into Cerro Negro itself, less than 200 years old and still belching streams of gas and smoke, is arguably just as enchanting. "That's definitely one of the highlights of the experience," says Silva, "but the thrill ride back down the volcano again doesn't hurt, either." Read the original article on Travel & Leisure Key Points Indoor salmon farming is an effective solution for protecting fish populations as demand increases. Ensure you're getting the best farmed salmon. Look for ASC /MSC labels or research the source. Properly farmed salmon and Pacific wild-caught are both excellent options. Americans love salmon. Its readily available fresh, frozen and canned. Whole sides of salmon lacquered in a sticky glaze make for a showstopping entree. Smaller portions cook up fast, making salmon a go-to protein for weeknight meals. And canned salmon is a healthy convenience item for adding to salads and turning into salmon cakes. Plus, salmon is one of the best food sources of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. So its no wonder that Americans consumed 420,000 metric tons of the fish in 2021 (the most recent year the data is available for). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But if you pictured your salmon swimming free in the ocean before it was caught, chances are that fish actually led a far different life. While you can enjoy wild-caught Pacific salmon, fishing for Atlantic salmon has been banned in the United States since 1948 because its classified as an endangered species. (A quick biology refresher: Pacific and Atlantic salmon are part of the same familySalmonidaebut are in different genusesAtlantic is Salmo and Pacific is Oncorhynchus. While there is only one species of Atlantic salmon, there are several species of Pacific, including sockeye, pink, coho and king. Pacific and Atlantic salmon cannot breed with each other.) Both types of salmon can be farmed, but Pacific salmon is more commonly wild-caught. Not All Salmon Farming Is the Same If you are buying Atlantic salmon in the U.S., its going to be farmed. In fact, 70% of the salmon produced around the world is farmed. Why does that matter? That depends on the kind of salmon farm youre buying from. According to Andy Danylchuk, Ph.D., a professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst who focuses on fish conservation, salmon farming often relies on giant net pens in the ocean. He explained, Thats bad because it doesnt control for the potential outbreaks of disease and the transference to wild fish. Those outbreaks include sea lice, or Lepeophtheirus salmonis, which can injure or kill salmon en masse. Escaped fish can also be a problembiologists worry about farmed Atlantic salmon escapees breeding with wild Atlantic salmon and sullying the genetic pool of the endangered species. But what if salmon farming was done in a closed system, where fish couldnt escape and the water could be filtered, even reused? Indoors and nowhere near the ocean, for instance, like in Wisconsin. Superior Fresh Moving Salmon Farming Inside Superior Fresh opened its doors in Hixton, Wisconsin, in 2017. The aquaponic farm started off by growing greens like baby arugula and romaine lettuce and then became the first land-based Atlantic salmon farm in the U.S. when it added fish to the mix in 2018. Superior Fresh is now the worlds largest aquaponics facility, harvesting more than 5 million pounds of organic leafy greens and 1.5 million pounds of salmon each year. Superior Fresh We take all the water from the fish house and send it over to our commercial-scale greenhouse, and then we send the water back to the fish, explained Nathan Hefti, Superior Freshs chief operating officer, in a video interview. So its a total closed loop system. From a water usage standpoint, its probably one of the most sustainable agriculture businesses in the world, I would argue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though Superior Fresh began farming greens a year before the salmon arrived, Hefti said aquaculture was the original business plan. Farmed Atlantic salmon is one of the most consumed fish in the United States (it accounts for two-thirds of American salmon consumption), but more than 90% of it is imported, he said, often from as far afield as Chile or Norway. And by growing greens on the farm as well, they had a sustainable way to use the waste produced by the fish. Superior Fresh The Benefits and Drawbacks of Farmed Salmon When asked why he recommends farmed salmon over wild-caught, Hefti said that he doesnt necessarily. I think they probably both have to exist, he said. Instead, he looks at farming salmon as a way to solve the problem of overfishing. The best way to help protect the wild species is to find healthy, sustainable ways to raise that protein alternatively, he explained. We consider ourselves the solution to people that have concerns about eating [net-pen] farmed fish. An additional benefit to farmed salmon is that theres evidence that it is higher in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids than wild-caught salmon. Farmed salmon tends to be fattier, so it also has marginally more omega-3s. But not all farmed fish are created equal. For example, most commercially available fish food comes from wild fish, Danylchuk explained, which are often caught as far away as South America, increasing its carbon footprint. Most farmed salmon are raised in open-water net pens, which can be problematic since fish can escape the pens, and waste from a high concentration of fish, along with excess feed, can pollute the waters around it. And some farmers, particularly those in Chile, give salmon antibiotics on a regular basis to prevent diseases and parasites from affecting their stocks. How to Choose the Best Farmed Salmon As is the case whenever your goal is a good-for-you meal, reading labels is crucial. Looking for certifications is your best bet, but not every farm has an Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) or Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) label. In that case, doing a little research cant hurt. For example, Seafood Watch calls Atlantic salmon with indoor recirculating tanks the best choice in its salmon buying guide, but you may need to use a search engine to make sure of the conditions at the farm that your grocery store carries fish from. Ask for advice from the fishmonger or look at prepackaged fish to find more information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you do choose to buy net-pen farmed fish, Seafood Watch recommends Atlantic salmon farmed in Maine or the Faroe Islands. Most importantly, it recommends looking for labeling to confirm that the fish has been approved by the ASC or MSC. And if you prefer to buy wild-caught salmon, almost all wild-caught Pacific salmon is good. As to why he prefers wild-caught, Danylchuk said that wild fish are better connected to their ecosystem, and many coastal communities are supported by their fishing traditions. He admitted that he very rarely eats salmon, but when he does, its wild-caught from Alaska. Our Expert Take Salmon is one of the most consumed fish in the U.S. and around the world, and thats unlikely to change. And since the wild salmon population cant support our demand, farming is likely the wave of the future. If youre planning on salmon for dinner tonight, your best bet is transparency, whether youre buying fish thats farmed indoors or caught in the wild. The more you know, the better that recipe will taste and the better youll feel about the choice you made. Read the original article on EATINGWELL NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) One person was transported to the hospital following a shooting on Charlotte Pike Friday afternoon. The Metro Nashville Police Department responded to a shooting call in the 7000 block of Charlotte Pike at around 4:15 p.m. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee Authorities said a preliminary investigation suggests that the shooting was possibly motivated by road rage, however theyre working to learn more about the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 2 has sent a crew to the scene. Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee. This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) A man was taken to the hospital Friday evening after a motorcycle crash in Clarksburg that temporarily shut down the road. According to the Harrison County 911 Log, at around 7:36 p.m., crews were alerted to a motorcycle accident with injuries on S Chestnut Street. 12 News sent a reporter to the scene, who found that a motorcycle appeared to have struck a utility pole near the intersection of Arthur Avenue in front of South Chestnut Street United Methodist Church. A man was also seen being loaded into an ambulance by Harrison County EMS. Photo of a wrecked motorcycle following a crash in Clarksburg on July 25, 2025 (WBOY image) Trump administration denies FEMA aid to Western Maryland after May flooding Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Clarksburg Police Officer on the scene said that the man was alert and conscious before being taken by EMS, but the extent of his injuries was not provided. The road was temporarily closed in the area, but began to reopen around 8 p.m. Crews with the Clarksburg Fire Department, Clarksburg Police Department, Harrison County EMS and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Police responded to the scene. 911 officials said the Clarksburg Police Department is investigating this incident. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. Key Points Advance Auto Parts told investors today it's on track to beat sales estimates this quarter. Advance also said it will be taking on more debt -- a lot more. 10 stocks we like better than Advance Auto Parts Advance Auto Parts (NYSE: AAP) stock tumbled 7.3% through 1 p.m. ET Thursday, leaving investors wondering "what went wrong?" The auto parts retailer preannounced "highlights" from its Q2 earnings today, and the highlight-iest part of all was this: Q2 revenue that Wall Street predicted at $1.97 billion will definitely beat that number, and might rise as high as $2 billion. Image source: Getty Images. Advance Auto Parts Q2 earnings So what's wrong with that, you ask? According to Advance Auto Parts, the company's turnaround is progressing, and sales are tracking toward "the upper range of our expectations." Same-store sales look positive, up perhaps 0.1%, and adjusted operating margins could rise as high as 3%. That's the good news. Now here's the bad: Advance Auto Parts also announced today that to further its turnaround, it's issuing $1.5 billion-worth of senior unsecured notes (i.e., debt) in two tranches, coming due in 2030 and 2033, respectively, and entering into a new asset-based loan revolving credit facility (which is also debt) as well. Is Advance Auto Parts stock a sell? At least some of the new debt will be used to roll over old debt coming due in 2026, with the rest going to "general corporate purposes." Advance Auto Parts kind of needs to do this, because it's currently burning cash at the rate of more than $250 million a year, and really needs some cash. Advance hasn't yet told us whether its new debt will pay interest higher or lower than the debt it's paying off, however, making it hard to say if this is good news for the stock. All I can say for sure now is that it looks like the company's total debt load appears to be getting bigger -- and that, at least, doesn't seem like good news at all. Should you buy stock in Advance Auto Parts right now? Before you buy stock in Advance Auto Parts, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Advance Auto Parts wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $634,627!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,046,799!* A person with a rifle was killed in an officer-involved shooting early July 26 in De Pere, according to the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigation. According to a news release from the DOJ: Police were called at 12:57 a.m. July 26 for a report of a person with a rifle at the Perkofski Boat Launch, 1500 Fort Howard Ave., in De Pere. Officers from the De Pere Police Department, Ashwaubenon Public Safety Department and Brown County Sheriff's Office responded. They attempted to negotiate with the person who was reported to be armed. Shortly after, the person "produced a rifle and law enforcement officers from the De Pere Police Department and Ashwaubenon Public Safety Department discharged their weapons striking the subject." Law enforcement officers gave first aid, but the person died at the boat launch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officers will be placed on administrative leave, according to the agencies' policies. DCI will conduct the investigation. This story was updated to add a video. This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Person with rifle killed in officer-involved shooting in De Pere 1 person seriously hurt in crash in El Pasos Lower Valley EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) One person was seriously hurt after a crash in El Pasos Lower Valley Saturday afternoon, July 26, according to the El Paso Fire Department. The call came in shortly after noon on Saturday, along Loop 375 West between Zaragoza and Pan American, El Paso Fire said. Photo courtesy of TxDOT. El Paso Fire said one person was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries (Code 3). All lanes on South Americas after Zaragoza are open after closing for roughly an hour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story and will be updating once we learn more. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. Atlanta police said one person, a male, was shot in the Vine City neighborhood of Atlanta early Saturday. The shooting took place at 67 James P. Brawley NW. Police received the call at around 1 a.m. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The male was taken to Grady Hospital alert, conscious and breathing. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. No suspect information is yet available. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] "Don't tell me there's another lion running around." That's what Karen Sparapani, executive director of the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission, had to say when informed that a user on the Nextdoor app reported seeing a big cat at Milwaukee's Riverside Park on July 25. Sparapani worked for MADACC when reports of a lion in Milwaukee in 2015, 10 years to the week, prompted a feline-hunt with officials using long guns, setting meat traps, and even utilizing a helicopter after former Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn said he reviewed cellphone video of a "lion-ish creature" in the city. Numerous callers reported seeing the creature. Every time, police would respond, investigate and turn up nothing, until a Milwaukee police officer said he spotted a "lion-like animal" near North 30th Street and West Fairmount Avenue. Authorities believed they had the big cat cornered on the city's north side and in came the TV cameras, national media outlets and photographers. Of course, the lion slipped away and forever lives in our thoughts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first report of the "Milwaukee lion" came on July 20, 2015, when a woman said she saw the big cat in the 200 block of East Garfield Avenue, in Brewer's Hill. Others reported sightings near Washington Park. Former Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett joked at the time maybe the lion wanted to return to the location of the city's first zoo at Washington Park. The Milwaukee County Zoo maintained that no lions had escaped. The search took a sinister turn when a stray pit bull was shot by a man who believed the dog was the lion, officials said. That dog survived the shooting and was eventually adopted by MADACC staff. A large dog was shot and wounded by a man who claimed to have mistaken it for a lion. The dog suffered a fractured leg in the shooting about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday near N. 21st and W. Chambers streets. The dog was being treated at the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission. "It's very dangerous to think you're a big game hunter in the city of Milwaukee," Sparapani said. "Go back in your house or stay in your car and call the police." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nowadays, some people turn to social media before authorities. On July 25, a user of Nextdoor.com reported a "big cat" at Riverside Park, on Milwaukee's east side. "Potential big cat sighting," the post said. "Ran off before i could really get a good look at it. Tawny colored relatively long tail compared to its body. It was about 2.5 feet in height at the shoulder. It definitely wasn't a dog of any sort." The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, which handles public safety of county parks, hasn't responded to a request for comment. Sparapani said MADACC hasn't received any calls of a big cat in Milwaukee, but cougar sightings have happened in the area and will likely continue to grow. In 2018, a cougar was spotted peering through the front window of a Brookfield home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports of sightings of a lion or "lion-like creature" in Milwaukee aren't new. Big cat sightings were also front-page news in The Milwaukee Journal in 1961 following sightings in Mequon and Fox Point. The Department of Natural Resources said 37 cougars sightings were reported across the state in 2024. DNR officials have said cougars are sometimes confused with other animals, including house cats, fishers, bobcats, dogs, red foxes, coyotes and wolves. The cougar, also known as a puma, mountain lion or panther, used to roam Wisconsin. Not as prevalent in the state now, they sometimes travel to the state in search of a new mate or new territory and quickly keep traveling out of urban areas after not finding a suitable situation. The DNR said bobcats are the only big cat known to breed in Wisconsin. A bobcat was spotted in Whitefish Bay along Lake Michigan in 2018 and ended up traveling to Illinois. "I mean, these animals do exist in the wild," Sparapani said. "They travel down rivers and train tracks and that's how they get here." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wild animals, like big cats, bears and wolves, will continue to be spotted, Sparapani said. In 2022, a black bear was spotted in Franklin and in 2005, a bear that had been frequenting backyards and a commercial area in Wauwatosa was tranquilized and relocated. Sparapani added exotic animals will continue to get loose from owners who possess them illegally. Big cats continue to travel through urban areas "These things are going to keep happening," Sparapani said because wild animals lose natural space to humans throughout time. For instance, if more national forests get cut down, then that will affect where wild animals go, she said. "Believe me, they won't like it down here, they have to keep going right through," Sparapani said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But it's also happening all over the country," she added, pointing to Rochester, New York, earlier this month, where a large animal was spotted on Ring doorbell camera, prompting a shelter-in-place order. Some wild animals pose a threat to humans, some don't for the most part, but nearly all are a threat to a human's pet. "Don't leave your pet outside alone," Sparapani said. Sparapani said too many times have occurred where owners have left their pet in the yard, even within a fenced in area or with a leash, only to return and see that a wild animal took their pet. 'Milwaukee lion' remains a mystery Although nothing ever came of the "Milwaukee lion" in 2015, Sparapani said she still remembers needing to leave the annual Brady Street Festival after receiving a call to go help police capture the big cat on the city's north side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said there's a few possible reasons the lion was never captured. It could have been a lost large dog all along, or it could have been a pet big cat, or it was a wild animal that quickly left the area. "One theory is someone bought a mountain lion, because you can buy a mountain lion," Sparapani said. "They're not as common as bobcats, but you can buy them, and the animal escaped. And then whoever owned it was able to track it down ... because they'll find their way home. They know where they're fed. They want to get back to resources." Sparapani said there was never an increase in domestic pets being injured or killed by a wild animal throughout that summer. "So it wasn't preying on people's pets," she said. But the sighting of a cougar in Brookfield, a Milwaukee area suburb, in 2018, could be a sign that maybe the "Milwaukee lion" was not just an urban tale, Sparapani said. "It hard to say, but anything is possible," she said. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: It's been 10 years since the 'Milwaukee lion' mystery Seven years after then-Attorney General Josh Shapiro released a shocking grand jury report on priest sex abuse in Pennsylvania, some victims tell 11 Investigates they are still fighting for justice. While Catholic dioceses across the state settled with many victims, other victims said they have been left out. Chief Investigator Rick Earle spoke with one of those victims, who now has renewed optimism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That renewed hope comes after the Pennsylvania House passed legislation that would pave the way for victims to file civil lawsuits. However, the victims Earle spoke with said theyve been here before and heard the promises. But so far, nothing has changed. Earle: You feel betrayed? Rich Westwood: Yeah, exactly. I feel betrayed by the government, the people up in Harrisburg. Its been seven years since the release of that landmark grand jury report on clergy sex abuse, but Rich Westwood said that, for him and many other victims, nothing has changed. Earle: You dont feel like youve had justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Westwood: No. We didnt get justice because it was one mistake after another. While the statute of limitations in many of these cases has long expired, Westwood who says he was abused by a priest at St. Mary Assumption in Lawrenceville beginning back in the late 1960s and other victims expected lawmakers to pass legislation giving victims a two-year look-back window to file civil lawsuits. Two years after the report was released, many said it looked promising when lawmakers in both the House and Senate approved an amendment to the Constitution. But state officials forgot to advertise it before the deadline. Since then, lawmakers have been unable to reach a consensus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its actually been stretched out so long, its actually criminal, said State Sen. Wayne Fontana, a Democrat from Brookline. Fontana, who grew up Catholic, said the victims deserve acknowledgment and compensation. Theres now a renewed effort in Harrisburg to help the victims. The House recently passed an amendment that would allow victims to file civil lawsuits. Voters would ultimately have to approve it, but first, it must pass the Senate, and that could be problematic. Democrats control the House, but Republicans control the Senate. Senate Republicans have said they wont introduce the legislation unless its tied to voter identification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican majority leader Joe Pittman sent this statement to 11 Investigates: We have been consistent and clear that any change would need to be implemented through the Constitutional amendment process. When advancing this measure, the House would be well served to include language on a voter identification Constitutional amendment, as the Senate did last session. There is no valid justification for Democrats to prevent Pennsylvanians from having the opportunity to also weigh in on voter ID at the ballot box. Both of these are issues Pennsylvanians are passionate about and deserve consideration. Earle asked Fontana about this. Earle: Is that unfair to the victims? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fontana: Its unfair. It has nothing to do voter ID has nothing to do with the victims in this case. Westwood, who said he reached out to the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh but never heard back, told Earle he hasnt given up hope and will continue to fight for his day in court. Earle: Its almost like youve been victimized twice, once by the priest and now by the process? Westwood: Exactly because we had the high hopes and we were just left out. Westwood told Earle he has an attorney and hes prepared to file legal action if and when the legislature clears the way. The Pittsburgh Diocese sent this statement to 11 Investigates after reaching settlements with 224 victims, following the grand jury reports release: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although to protect the privacy of victims-survivors we dont comment on specific cases, our policy has always been to reach out to anyone who contacts us through the victims assistance coordinator. Weve always taken these calls very seriously. We take seriously our obligation to turn over claims to proper civil authorities. We also want to make sure people understand what the fund is and how it operated. The Diocese of Pittsburgh established the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (IRCP) in January of 2019. The goal of the Program was to seek to promote healing by providing compensation to victims-survivors of abuse by priests or deacons of the diocese. The deadline to submit claims to the IRCP was September 30, 2019. The program was completely managed by Kenneth Feinberg and Camille Biros of the Feinberg Group. Individuals who chose to voluntarily participate in the program were able to register through a website and download forms to help them provide details of the nature of their claim. Any issues with access to claim materials were handled by the Feinberg Group. Mr. Feinberg and Ms. Biros retained complete and sole discretion over eligibility and all compensation offers to eligible victims who participated in the Program. The diocese paid out $19.2 million in total settlements. Westwood was not included in those settlements. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW The family of 12-year-old Jaysen Carr made a public statement on Thursday, revealing that their child died after contact with the deadly amoeba Naegleria fowleri in Lake Murray, South Carolina. While Naegleria fowleri is naturally occurring in almost all warm bodies of water, the South Carolina Department of Public Health says human infection is rare. State officials did not declare it a wider public health emergency. Tyler Bailey, the family's attorney, released a statement on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jaysens family is grieving this unthinkable loss, but they are also grateful at the outpouring of love and support they have received from the community. The family has many questions about how and why Jaysen died and wants to do everything in their power to ensure this doesnt happen to another family. Jaysens family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Prisma Health Childrens Hospital - Midlands for their dedicated care and compassion for him and their entire family. We ask for privacy at this time as the family prepares to lay their son to rest," said Bailey. Related: Health Officials Sound Alarm on Spread of Potentially Debilitating, Mosquito-Borne Virus Jaysen's family launched a GoFundMe to cover medical and funeral expenses. How dangerous is the rare amoeba? There have only been 167 cases of Naegleria fowleri reported in the past 62 years. Survival is incredibly rare; according to the CDC, only four of those documented cases lived. Jaysen's case is the first case in South Carolina since 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Naegleria fowleri is also called the "brain-eating amoeba" because of its ability to infect the brain and destroy tissue. The infection that follows is called amebic meningoencephalitis, typically leading to coma and death within five days. 12-Year-Old Becomes Latest Victim of Rare Brain-Eating Amoeba first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 25, 2025 Israeli soldiers shot and killed 16 people waiting for humanitarian aid to be distributed in the Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian doctors at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City on Saturday. The 16 Palestinians were waiting near the northern Zikim border crossing for trucks carrying humanitarian aid. A further 300 people were injured, the doctors said. The Israeli military has not commented on the incident and the information could not initially be independently verified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gazans have been shot repeatedly while waiting for the distribution of humanitarian aid or near border crossings. An Israeli and UN-backed rival aid group called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has been operating in the coastal strip in recent times, but there have been widespread Palestinian media reports of Israeli attacks on those waiting in line for help. GHF distribution centres are also guarded by private US security firms. Israel's military has said in the past that soldiers shoot at suspects if they approach troops without permission or enter restricted areas. International aid organizations describe the situation of the approximately 2 million Palestinians in the coastal area as catastrophic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Israel allows only limited humanitarian aid into the sealed-off coastal area, most of the population is starving. More than 100 people have already died of malnutrition, 80% of whom were children, according to the local health authority. Israel denies that there is a famine in the Gaza Strip. Israel blames UN organisations for the food shortage claiming they do not distribute the aid deliveries in the Gaza Strip. The UN says the Israeli military often does not provide safe transport routes within the coastal strip. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) An 18-year-old entered a plea Thursday in a Youngstown shooting case. Nabil Allan pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted murder and one count of aggravated robbery, first-degree felonies with firearm specifications, according to court records. Allan is set to be sentenced on September 3. As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors are recommending a sentence of six to seven and a half years in prison, court records state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A grand jury indicted Allan on two counts of attempted murder, both first-degree felonies, after his case was bound over from juvenile court, for an Aug.11 shooting on Robinwood Place in the Brier Hill apartment complex that injured two people. Allan was also indicted on a separate count of aggravated robbery, a first-degree felony. Joe Gorman contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. DENVER (KDVR) Two men were arrested by the Lakewood Police Department this week in connection to a deadly shooting on Wednesday that left one person dead and two others injured. According to the agency, the shooting occurred at about 1:20 a.m. on July 23 at the Winddrift Apartments on Reed Street. Police officers arrived and found a man dead in the parking lot and another man and a woman suffering from gunshot wounds. They were both taken to a hospital and have since been released. Free on Your TV New FOX31+ App for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man who was killed in the shooting was identified as Jose Camacho, 36. On the evening of Thursday, July 24, officers arrested 43-year-old Moises Elauterio Garcia, and on Friday, officers arrested Xavier Gabriel Brionez, 21. Both were booked into the Jefferson County Detention Center on suspicion of first-degree murder. On Wednesday, the Lakewood Police Department said that officers had been called to the same scene about an hour earlier for a disturbance. When agents arrived, the individual who allegedly caused the disturbance had left the apartment. Witnesses told police there was a party involving family members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of the amount of gunfire, we are fortunate that other innocent bystanders were not hit, Lakewood Police Services Public Information Officer John Romero told FOX31 on Wednesday. A large area around the apartments was taped off for much of the day. Evidence markers were scattered up and down the parking lot, and neighbors told FOX31 they watched as investigators used a metal detector to search for additional evidence. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox According to Lakewood police, there were multiple shooters and there is a lot to process. There were gunshots throughout the apartment and outside. Theres damage to cars, walls it was a large scene, said Romero. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gunshot damage was found both inside and outside the apartment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Key Points TotalEnergies beat on revenue for the quarter, but fell short of the consensus analyst estimate for profitability. Not surprisingly, it was affected by the slump in global oil prices. 10 stocks we like better than TotalEnergies The stock market wasn't particularly energetic when it came to fuel and chemicals conglomerate TotalEnergies (NYSE: TTE) on Thursday. The company's stock took a hit following its release of second-quarter earnings, and it closed the day down almost 3%. Other stocks did better, as the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) eked out a marginal gain. Oil price slump TotalEnergies, which is headquartered in France but reports in the energy industry's standard currency of U.S. dollars, published its latest set of financial figures that morning. The company's net revenue was slightly under $44.7 billion, comparing unfavorably to the nearly $49.2 billion it booked in the same period of 2024. Image source: Getty Images. That top-line result was more than high enough to trounce the average analyst estimate, which was a bit under $39.9 billion. Yet the erosion in non-GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) adjusted net income was more drastic. That critical line item fell by 21% year over year to $3.6 billion ($1.57 per share). Worse, that per-share figure was notably below the consensus pundit projection of $1.67. TotalEnergies suffered from a general decline in oil prices, which it said slid by 10% during the quarter. It put a positive spin on its recent struggles by quoting CEO Patrick Pouyanne as saying that the company "continued to successfully execute its balanced multi-energy strategy, supported by sustained growth in hydrocarbon and electricity production." A gloomy outlook In TotalEnergies's outlook for the current (third) quarter, the company waxed bearish about the prospects for its industry. It said that due to geopolitical and economic developments, oil prices are volatile at the moment, with the industry coping with an "abundant" supply (which, all things being equal, tends to dampen prices). While it forecast that it would spend a net amount of $17 billion to $17.5 billion in investments over the course of this year, it did not provide any revenue or profitability guidance in its earnings release. Should you buy stock in TotalEnergies right now? Before you buy stock in TotalEnergies, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and TotalEnergies wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Two flight attendants were injured on a Southwest Airlines flight taking off in Burbank, Calif. after the plane made several sudden altitude changes to avoid colliding with another aircraft. CNN reported that the Las Vegas-bound flight made a sudden drop of 475 feet in order to avoid a privately owned Hawker Hunter fighter jet. The commercial jet then climbed about 600 feet in about a minute. The extent of the injuries were not disclosed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Southwest is engaged with the Federal Aviation Administration to further understand the circumstances, the airline said in a statement to NewsNation. Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of our Customers and Employees. The Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement that it was investigating the incident and that it was in contact with the airline. Most commercial planes are equipped with an alert system to avoid collisions that can direct pilots to climb or descend rapidly. The avoided collision comes less than a week after a SkyWest Airlines plane made what the pilot called an aggressive maneuver during landing in North Dakota to avoid a B-52 bomber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January, an American Airlines flight collided with an Army helicopter during a training exercise above the Potomac River, killing 67 people. The FAA has since modified helicopter routes in and around Washington Reagan National Airport, some of the most complex and restricted airspace in the country. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Two employees at a San Bernardino County surgery center have been charged in federal court with assaulting immigration officers and interfering with a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigation, according to a federal criminal complaint unsealed Friday by the U.S. Attorneys Office. Jose de Jesus Ortega, 38, of Highland, was arrested Friday morning and was expected to make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Riverside later in the day. Federal authorities are still searching for a second suspect, 33-year-old Danielle Nadine Davila of Corona. The charges stem from an incident on July 8 in which Ortega and Davila allegedly obstructed federal agents as they attempted to apprehend a man suspected of being in the country illegally. Both are charged with assaulting a federal officer and conspiracy to impede an officer through force or intimidation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story is another example of a false narrative echoed in the media in furtherance of an agenda to delegitimize federal agents, said U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli in a statement. The illegal alien arrested inside the surgery center was not a patient. He ran inside for cover and these defendants attempted to block his apprehension by assaulting our agents. It doesnt matter who you are or where you work, if you assault our agents or otherwise interfere with our operations, you will be arrested and charged with a federal crime. According to an affidavit filed in the case, the confrontation began after two immigration officers conducting roving immigration enforcement operations in Ontario followed a truck carrying three adult men. The vehicle pulled into the parking lot of a local surgery center, and two of the men fled on foot when approached by agents. Family seeks help finding missing service dog near Pan Pacific Park One of the fleeing individuals, described in court documents as a Honduran national unlawfully present in the United States, was initially detained near the surgery centers front entrance. However, he resisted arrest, officials allege, and both he and one of the agents fell to the ground during the scuffle. A medical staff member then intervened, helping the man to his feet and pulling him away from the federal agent, allowing him to run into the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once inside, the complaint alleges that Ortega and Davila, both dressed in medical scrubs, confronted the federal agent in an attempt to block the arrest. Davila reportedly wedged herself between the officer and the suspect, shouting Let him go! and Get out! while pushing the immigration officer. Ortega allegedly grabbed that officers arm and then his vest in an effort to stop the pursuit. Another immigration officer responded to the scene after a call for assistance and observed staff members physically engaging with the initial officer. The agents ultimately succeeded in detaining the man and escorted him out of the building. If convicted, Ortega and Davila each face a maximum statutory sentence of eight years in federal prison for the assault charge and up to six years for conspiracy to interfere with a federal officer. The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. A man accused of shooting and killing three people, including a young child, has been charged with their murders. Police said the shooting unfolded over the weekend. On July 19, around 7:36 p.m., a person called 911 to report that multiple people had been shot inside a Hillcrest Terrace apartment that she had just been at. When police arrived and the caller pointed out the apartment, through the sliding glass doors, officers saw two people on the ground with blood all around them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers entered the home immediately to render aid, but the two people on the ground, a woman and a child, were pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators say it looked like both had been shot in the head, according to court documents. Another woman, a 46-year-old, was found dead with apparent gunshot wounds in a bedroom of the apartment. A GoFundMe has been established for the victims families. What the witness said happened: According to the witness, she was inside the apartment with the two women, the child and the alleged shooter before the events unfolded. The suspect has been identified as 46-year-old Steve Vasquez. The witness said that one of the victims was Vasquezs girlfriend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said Vasquez did not live at the apartment but was over often. On the day of the shooting, all were inside the home. According to court documents, the witness said she and one of the victims, a 39-year-old woman, were smoking outside when they heard what they thought was a gunshot come from the apartment. The witness told officers that she did not hear any arguing before the gun went off, according to court documents. The 39-year-old woman went around to the sliding glass doors to see what the noise was, when she was also shot, according to the witness. Court documents say it appears the 39-year-old was shot in the head. The witness saw her fall to the ground and rushed over to her to see if she could help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The witness then told police that she saw the 9-year-old child walking from the kitchen to the sliding glass door. At this point, she ran out of the apartment and hid in the courtyard. She said before she left, she saw Vasquez point a weapon at the child but did not physically see him shoot her, but she heard gunshots. As she hid, she saw the shooter run out of the apartment, but no one else left. It appears the woman who was shot first, the 46-year-old, was dating the alleged shooter. Its unclear who the child belonged to. Arrest of the suspect Police cleared the home when they got the 911 call, and no suspect was found inside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were able to get his name from the witness, who knew the victims and the shooter, and confirm the alleged shooters identity with the vehicle he left parked outside. Officers were able to ping his cell phone location, and he was arrested in Burien a day later. Vasquez booked into King County Jail for two counts of second-degree murder domestic violence and one count of second-degree murder. Bail has been set at $10 million. The sheer brutality of the defendants conduct in this case demonstrates that he is capable of violence on a devastating level, prosecutors said in court documents. According to charging documents, he had no felony convictions but had a misdemeanor for DUI in April. For this conviction, he was sentenced to 60-month suspended sentence, the conditions of which included 12 months of active supervision through a probation officer at the MRJC. An additional condition of the sentence required that the commit to jail to serve a one day sentence in jail. He did not show up for his day in jail and had to appear in court on July 24. PORTLAND, Tenn. (WKRN) Eighteen Chihuahuas, a chicken, a pig and a cat were rescued from what the Animal Rescue Corps called neglectful conditions in a Sumner County home Friday. VIDEO: Giles County Sheriffs Office identifies suspect after dog dumped at animal shelter The ARC said rescuers worked with the Portland Police Department and Animal Control and discovered several of the dogs living in stacked cages with obvious signs of neglect and abuse like fleas, mange, broken bones, eye infections, missing jaw bones, parasites and more. (Courtesy: Animal Rescue Corps) (Courtesy: Animal Rescue Corps) (Courtesy: Animal Rescue Corps) (Courtesy: Animal Rescue Corps) (Courtesy: Animal Rescue Corps) (Courtesy: Animal Rescue Corps) (Courtesy: Animal Rescue Corps) (Courtesy: Animal Rescue Corps) (Courtesy: Animal Rescue Corps) The pig suffered from overgrown, curled hooves caused by extreme neglect and being kept in a pen in the homes backyard, the ARC said. Inside the home, ammonia levels made the air dangerous to breathe; rescuers wore protective equipment to save the animals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its clear these animals have endured long-term neglect, Tim Woodward, Executive Director of ARC, said. Many are suffering from painful, preventable conditions from untreated infections to parasites, untrimmed hooves, and advanced dental disease. No animal should have to live like this. Im grateful someone alerted authorities to their suffering and authorities knew who to call for help. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com The 18 dogs and the cat were surrendered to the care of the ARC and were taken to the ARCs Rescue Center in Gallatin. There, theyre receiving medical, physical and emotional care. The chicken and the pig were placed with Piccolo Farms Animal Sanctuary where the ARC said they will receive lifelong care. If you would like to donate to the ARC to help with this case, you can follow this link. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. The Ohio budget as signed by Governor Mike DeWine at the end of June includes $250,000 to the Eastgate Regional Council of Governments for the study and construction of an oil and natural gas pipeline. The pipeline would run from Columbiana to Ashtabula counties, along Route 11. Ohio 65th District Rep. David Thomas, who represents southern Ashtabula County, said Eastgate is in the process of looking for a firm to conduct the study. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of the study will focus on learning exactly who owns the property along Route 11. Thomas said the pipeline would need easements for property owners along the highway. It would not be too hard, because most of the property along Route 11 is owned by the Ohio Department of Transportation, he said. Thomas said there could also be federal property tangled in because the interchanges of Route 11 and interstates 90 and 80. There have been discussions make to a regional pipeline for a number of years. The recent funding for the study was something advocated by the Lake to River Caucus, whose membership includes all Ohio House members representing Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is huge for the future of development of the region, Thomas said. Ohio 99th District Rep. Sarah Fowler Arthur, who represents the north coast of Ashtabula County, said the caucus is very excited for the project. Its not a huge amount of money, but we hope the study will be helpful in identifying ways of boosting the economic development of the area, she said. Fowler Arthur said many local companies are interested in expanding, and they would want cheaper energy costs. Thomas expects the study to take around a year, he said. Money left over from the study could be used to finance the potential pipelines construction, Thomas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were very excited, he said. Thisll be awesome. An earlier version of the state budget allocated $210,000 each to Eastgate and three other organizations to support the study and construction. Thomas said the individual amount of $250,000 was more what the caucus was interested in. The study will focus on fossil fuel development, not on other forms of energy, he said. I would also add the potential for broadband, Thomas said. Thomas said he is interested to see if other pipelines could be built along roads coming off Route 11 into communities that currently do not have access to natural gas. Your average Dominion customer doesnt exist in this area right now because there are no pipelines, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The expectation is when the natural gas heads north into Ashtabula County, it will either be shipped out or used, Thomas said. Im imagining any development from the pipeline would be multiple years down the road, Fowler Arthur said. 26Health-Fest provides free backpacks and more in Orlando The 26Health-Fest partners are preparing for the new school year with a free backpack giveaway event for Orlando students and parents on Saturday, July 26. WFTV Channel 9 reporter Geovany Dias is serving as the MC. The backpack giveaway, part of the 26Health-Fest, is happening on Magnolia Avenue from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The backpack giveaway is organized by 26Health, a caring and inclusive wellness community that provides affordable healthcare, mental health support and other helpful services. WFTV is proudly partnering with 26Health to support their inspiring mission to make healthcare accessible for everyone and foster a sense of shared humanity. The event offers a range of activities for attendees, such as bounce houses, face painting and additional health screenings. Participants can also get school physicals and enjoy food from various food trucks present at the event. 26Health provides services such as a drug discount program, adoption assistance and aesthetic treatments. Community partners organize the backpack giveaway event to assist families in preparing for the upcoming school year, while also providing a day of fun and community engagement. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. The 26Health-Fest partners are preparing for the new school year with a free backpack giveaway event for Orlando students and parents on Saturday, July 26. The 26Health-Fest partners are preparing for the new school year with a free backpack giveaway event for Orlando students and parents on Saturday, July 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 26Health-Fest partners are preparing for the new school year with a free backpack giveaway event for Orlando students and parents on Saturday, July 26. The 26Health-Fest partners are preparing for the new school year with a free backpack giveaway event for Orlando students and parents on Saturday, July 26. The 26Health-Fest partners are preparing for the new school year with a free backpack giveaway event for Orlando students and parents on Saturday, July 26. The 26Health-Fest partners are preparing for the new school year with a free backpack giveaway event for Orlando students and parents on Saturday, July 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 26Health-Fest partners are preparing for the new school year with a free backpack giveaway event for Orlando students and parents on Saturday, July 26. The 26Health-Fest partners are preparing for the new school year with a free backpack giveaway event for Orlando students and parents on Saturday, July 26. The 26Health-Fest partners are preparing for the new school year with a free backpack giveaway event for Orlando students and parents on Saturday, July 26. The 26Health-Fest partners are preparing for the new school year with a free backpack giveaway event for Orlando students and parents on Saturday, July 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 28-year-old man is dead after he drowned in a pool at an Ohio apartment complex. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Officers with the Columbus Division of Police were dispatched to Eden of Eston, an apartment complex located on Chesford Road just before 4 p.m. on Thursday, on reports of a drowning, our news partners WBNS-10 TV reported. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The preliminary investigation states that someone pulled the man out of the water, and medics started providing life-saving measures. The man was taken to Mount Carmel St. Anns in critical condition and was later pronounced dead at 4:44 p.m., WBNS-10 TV reported. The Franklin County Coroners Office identified the man as 28-year-old Kendy Constantin. Police initially told WBNS-10 TV that the victim was a young boy. The preliminary investigation states that officers do not suspect any foul play after reviewing camera footage of the incident. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] CHICAGO (WGN) Three people have been arrested and charged in connection with the Wednesday morning abduction of a 2-year-old girl who was later found safe. Chicago police said just before 5 a.m. Wednesday, three armed suspects, including a woman known to the girls family, broke into an apartment on the 4800 block of South Michigan Avenue. The suspects abducted a 2-year-old girl before stealing a vehicle, among other property, from the apartment, according to investigators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE 2-year-old girl abducted from apartment during home invasion found safe: CPD Around 8 p.m. Wednesday, Chicago police said the toddler was safely located. On Friday, police announced the three suspects identified as 22-year-old Angelique Mobley, 33-year-old Lamon Weathers and 27-year-old Matthew Price had been arrested and charged in connection with the incident. Left to right: Angelique Mobley, Lamon Weathers and Matthew Price (Photos: Chicago Police Department) Mobley and Weathers were arrested just before 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the 6300 block of South Kedzie Avenue in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood, while Price was arrested just after midnight Thursday morning in the 1600 block of South Central Park Avenue in North Lawndale, according to investigators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Mobley has been charged with kidnapping, residential burglary and child abduction; Weathers has been charged with aggravated armed kidnapping and home invasion, while Price has been charged with aggravated armed kidnapping, home invasion and possession of a stolen vehicle. All three suspects are scheduled to appear in court on Saturday, July 26. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHICAGO A shooting in South Chicago early Saturday morning left three men hospitalized. According to Chicago police, the shooting unfolded just before 1 a.m. in the 8500 block of South Marquette Avenue. An investigation into the shooting began after officers were called to a hospital in South Shore following a report that three shooting victims had taken themselves to the hospital. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities say they believe the men sustained the gunshot wounds after another driver opened fire on them while they were traveling in a vehicle. Officers said as they made their way down the road, they were shot by an unidentified offender who was also traveling in a vehicle. All three men suffered gunshot wounds and were listed in good condition after arriving at the hospital. Currently, it is unclear what led to the gunfire. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland An investigation into the shooting is underway and officers say no arrests have been made. Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact the CPD Area One detectives at 312-747-8380 or dial 911. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. CONEY ISLAND, Brooklyn (PIX11) Three police officers are recovering after they were assaulted while responding to a 911 call in Brooklyn late Friday night, authorities say. One of the officers was hit in the head with an unknown object while two others were punched in the head and chest while responding to a call of an assault in progress near Surf and Stillwell Avenues around 11:45 p.m., according to police. More Crime News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CitizenApp video of the incident shows police surrounding the area of the incident in Coney Island. Two people have been taken into custody in connection with the assault. This is a developing story. Please refresh the page for updates. Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Key Points Arista Networks is a leading network platform provider. Several Wall Street analysts hiked their price targets on Arista Networks stock in July. Those on Main Street should investigate the company for themselves to see if it aligns with their investing goals. 10 stocks we like better than Arista Networks We all have preferences. From our favorite movies to favorite places to eat to favorite places to visit, people love what they love. Wall Street is no different. Currently, analysts can't get enough of artificial intelligence (AI) stocks. But of all the AI stocks on the Street's radar, Arista Networks (NYSE: ANET) is one AI name that analysts absolutely love. Let's take a look at the basis for this affection for one of the leading network platform providers. Image source: Getty Images. Enthusiasm for Arista Networks has heated up in July While Arista Networks' stock received some upgrades in June, it's during July that Wall Street's enthusiasm has been clearly seen. Here are some of the analysts' more recent actions. JPMorgan boosted its price target to $130 from $117 on July 17. Citigroup hiked its price target to $123 from $112 on July 11. Wolfe Research initiated coverage on Arista Networks and assigned an outperform rating on July 7. According to Thefly.com, JPMorgan predicated its new price target on the expectation that cloud spending will be strong in the second half of 2025, while Citigroup based its new price target on a growing Ethernet switching market. Besides Wall Street, Arista Networks is growing increasingly popular with customers. The company's industry-leading switches are in high demand as data centers look to shore up their computing infrastructure to support AI computing. And demand for the company's networking solutions seems unlikely to taper off anytime soon. During its first-quarter 2025 financial report, Arista Networks projected its total addressable market will rise from $41 billion in 2024 to $70 billion in 2028. Is now a good time for Main Street investors to listen to Wall Street? The enthusiasm that Wall Street has for Arista Networks is well warranted, but does that mean investors should rush to buy shares? The answer is a resounding No. Investors must -- as always -- do their own due diligence to see if Arista Networks is right for them, but for AI exposure, it certainly demands consideration. Do the experts think Arista Networks 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 Arista Networks make the list? JAMESTOWN, Ky. (FOX 56) Rescue teams conducted a dangerous nighttime rescue after turbulent water caused a boat to capsize on the Cumberland River side of the Wolf Creek Dam. Russell County Search and Rescue posted on Facebook that around 9:45 p.m. on Friday, the Army Corps of Engineers was using the dam to generate power when all three men were sent into frigid water conditions. Rescue team members wrote that generating operations were quickly halted, and all three men were safely rescued thanks to their life jackets, the swift response and nearby individuals. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two of the three survivors were reportedly taken to Russell County Hospital to be treated for mild hypothermia and later released. Russell County Search and Rescue wrote on Facebook that team members helped three men out of the water after their boat capsized in the Cumberland River. (Russell County Search and Rescue) (Russell County Search and Rescue) Rescue officials thanked Russell County Dispatch, the Russell County Sheriffs Office, and the many other responders who helped the three men get to safety. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. Three people in France have died after they were struck by a race car, authorities say. According to the French news outlet La Montagne, two brothers, ages 60 and 70, and a 44-year-old father died on the morning of Saturday, July 26, in Ambert, in the Puy-de-Dome region located in central France. The outlet reported that the driver, a 22-year-old woman and her co-driver, a 51-year-old man, were taken to a local hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The pair were driving a modified Peugeot 208, a European subcompact car, as a part of the Rallye de la Fourme dAmbert. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outlet reported that around 30 firefighters and several police officers were called to the scene. The 44-year-old man who died was transported to a local hospital, where he was then pronounced dead. SYLVAIN THIZY/AFP via Getty A sign prohibiting access to scene where spectators were killed after being hit by a car in Saint-Just, in France's Puy-de-Dome A sign prohibiting access to scene where spectators were killed after being hit by a car in Saint-Just, in France's Puy-de-Dome La Montagne reported that the three spectators were seemingly positioned near red tape in a prohibited area, but investigators, including the local prosecutor, said they haven't determined exactly where the victims were standing. A colonel who spoke with the outlet said that the accident took place during a segment of the race that was "almost in a straight line, not on a tight bend." The local prosecutor's office has also opened an investigation, and the driver and co-driver will take toxicology tests, per the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Race officials canceled the rally soon afterwards. "Following the serious accident in the special N1, the organization and the race management decide to permanently stop the rally at 10:49," the race's management team stated on Facebook. "Flat rate times apply to competitors who are parked closed and haven't made the specials. There will be no awards." In a post shared to X, the Puy-de-Dome prefecture account wrote that several local and national police organizations would be taking part in the investigation. "This morning, a tragic accident occurred during the Rallye de la Fourme d'Ambert. Following a vehicle in the race going off the road, several spectators were struck," the post stated. "The prefect of Puy-de-Dome is on the scene to monitor the situation alongside the emergency services and mobilized authorities." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and all those affected by this tragedy," the account added. 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. According to France Bleu, a race steward helping to manage the same race was killed last year on July 27. The 42-year-old man was attending to a car that had rolled off the road when he was struck by a second car. Francois Chautard, the mayor of Saint-Just the community where the race took place told La Montagne that he's had "a great deal of emotion and sadness" following the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My thoughts are especially with the families," Chautard added. "The rally has been running for 30 years, and the last two years have seen one disaster after another." Read the original article on People 30 Massachusetts beaches closed on Saturday. See the updated list Many beaches in Massachusetts are closed to swimmers this weekend due to high bacteria levels. As of Saturday morning, there were 30 beaches closed across the Bay State, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Healths interactive beach water quality dashboard. Nearly all of those bodies of water are closed due to harmful bacteria levels, the dashboard indicated. The dashboard is updated hourly between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The water quality at beaches in Massachusetts is required to be monitored. This monitoring data helps local health officials determine when to close a beach due to unsafe conditions and notify the public so beach visitors can make informed decisions about swimming at the beach. Swimming in unsafe waters can result in gastrointestinal and respiratory health issues. The state conducts water quality testing from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Below is the current list of active closures shown in the dashboard: Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) A 36-year-old man was arrested and charged on Friday for his alleged involvement in a 2020 cold case homicide. Columbus Police (CPD) say Joseph Fleshman, 36, was arrested Friday in the 4400 block of Reinbeau Drive for his alleged involvement in a homicide case from July 2020. According to a release from CPD, a murder warrant was issued for Fleshman after their investigation identified him as the possible shooter. Local school scraps pay-to-participate fees for students Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 1, 2020, officers were called to the 60 block of North Wheatland Ave around 12:25 a.m. on a report of a victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Law enforcement located the 32-year-old victim, Deangelo Cummings, on the front porch. Cummings succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. Fleshman was charged with murder in the Franklin County Municipal Court on Friday. Court documents state there was an ongoing parking dispute between occupants of two homes on Wheatland Ave. The documents describe Fleshman as a family member of an occupant of one of the homes. The affidavit alleges Fleshman knocked on Cummings door before producing a handgun and shooting Cummings. Fleshman is scheduled for arraignment on July 26 in the Franklin County Municipal Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. For the third night in a row, a group of demonstrators gathered outside the federal Metropolitan Detention Center in Downtown Los Angeles late Friday, continuing a series of anti-ICE protests that have again grown tense throughout the week. Just after 10 p.m., protesters were seen blocking the roadway at Aliso and Alameda streets, waving flags and chanting as scattered traffic slowed to a crawl. An X post from LAPDs Central Division warned drivers to avoid the area as demonstrators stood in the middle of the road, urging motorists to use Los Angeles Street for northbound and southbound traffic. Video shared with KTLA showed people in the road, occasionally receiving support from passing cars, and some demonstrators shouting at LAPD officers and National Guard members in tactical gear. Federal officers reportedly requested LAPD backup around the same time for what was described as an assault on a federal officer, though no arrests were made and most of the crowd cleared the area by 1 a.m. Protesters, police and National Guard members are seen in downtown Los Angeles. July 2025. (RMG News) Protesters, police and National Guard members are seen in downtown Los Angeles. July 2025. (RMG News) Protesters, police and National Guard members are seen in downtown Los Angeles. July 2025. (RMG News) Protesters, police and National Guard members are seen in downtown Los Angeles. July 2025. (RMG News) Protesters, police and National Guard members are seen in downtown Los Angeles. July 2025. (RMG News) Protesters, police and National Guard members are seen in downtown Los Angeles. July 2025. (RMG News) Protesters, police and National Guard members are seen in downtown Los Angeles. July 2025. (RMG News) Protesters, police and National Guard members are seen in downtown Los Angeles. July 2025. (RMG News) Protesters, police and National Guard members are seen in downtown Los Angeles. July 2025. (RMG News) Protesters, police and National Guard members are seen in downtown Los Angeles. July 2025. (RMG News) Protesters, police and National Guard members are seen in downtown Los Angeles. July 2025. (RMG News) Fridays demonstration was notably smaller and less confrontational than the previous two nights, which included multiple arrests and allegations of excessive force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This string of protests began Wednesday following unconfirmed social media reports of immigration enforcement actions in the Los Angeles area, though ICE has not confirmed any immigration-related operations. Authorities have not declared any of the three nights an unlawful assembly, and it remains unclear if the protests will continue into the weekend. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Four siblings, including three children, died in a "devastating fatal fire" in Lafourche Parish, La., on Thursday, July 24. Lafourche Parish Fire District 1 was alerted to the house fire on Rodriguez Drive in the Raceland community around 1 a.m. Thursday, the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal said in a Facebook release. After firefighters arrived at the scene, they "located the bodies of four victims," the Fire Marshal added. One woman, 46, managed to escape and was treated at a local hospital. Fire officials believe the victims were a 20-year-old female, a 14-year-old boy, a 12-year-old girl and a 6-year-old boy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Lafourche Parish Coroner's Office later identified the victims as Bennaja Robinson, 20, Benjamin Bradley, 14, Karlie Bradley, 12, and Dre'Trelle Bradley, 6, per WDSU. WWLTV and FOX 8. They are all siblings, according to WDSU and WWLTV. The 46-year-old woman who was injured has not been publicly identified. PEOPLE reached out to the Lafourche Parish Coroner's Office and the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal. "Calls like these are what we dread in the fire service," said DPS Principal Assistant Chief Bryan J. Adams in the Fire Marshal's release. "We don't know what might have made a difference to prevent this fire, but we know in any fire, smoke alarms can give families critical, extra time to escape a fire. Every home should have at least one working smoke alarm protecting them at all times." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joey Woodward, who lives nearby, recalled hearing a loud bang on his front door around 1:00 a.m. Thursday. "I walked outside and saw all of the smoke and yelled, 'Do you need me to call 911?' She yelled, 'Yes,' Woodward told WWLTV. "And then I heard windows starting to break. They were trying to get to their children in there. Immediately obviously called 911. They just couldnt get here quick enough." Woodward, whose alarm camera captured the scene, added: "There was so much smoke, you couldnt even see the house." Angelle Kramer, a neighbor whose grandson frequently played with the Bradley children, remembered the victims as "very sweet children." 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. "Very nice. Very polite kids," she told WWLTV. "They will be greatly missed. Nobody should have to bury a child, much less four at one time." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cause of the fire is under investigation; however, the Fire Marshal's office is urging residents to make sure their homes are properly protected with smoke alarms. The fire agency noted that the tragedy is the fourth deadly fire this week involving a smoke alarm that was not working properly. Read the original article on People Beneath the vast nature of Michigan's Upper Peninsula are mines that made history with its natural minerals and you can visit and explore that history up close. Dating back to the 1800s, minerals mined in the U.P. played a key role in building the U.S., and that history remains present within its small towns and abandoned mines. Most mines have long since shut down, but guests can still enter some via guided tours, and even take home bits of iron or copper in some cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Descending into an abandoned mine and touring mining museums connect visitors to the UP copper mining boom of the late 1800s and early 1900s," Pure Michigan said. "Keweenaw National Historical Park works with local partners to preserve many of these sites." Several of the mining sites are only open seasonally, so it pays to check ahead if you're traveling near the start or end of the summer season. Here are five mines in Michigan's Upper Peninsula worth exploring this summer: Big John welcomes visitors to Iron Mountain Iron Mine "Big John," the large miner statue near Iron Mountain's Mine that many visitors take photos with. In the mid-1900s, the idea to turn a mine into a tourist attraction quickly evolved into the nationally recognized Iron Mountain Iron Mine, featuring a rock-centered gift shop and underground tours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mine is located in Vulcan, 4852 U.S. 2 east of Iron Mountain, where a giant miner statue named "Big John," welcomes visitors onto the property as a beacon for incoming visitors. Visitors enter the mine by a small train, after donning a yellow raincoat and a hard-hat. Guests explore the depths the mine with a tour guide describing the realities of working in a mine and the equipment used, according to the mine's Facebook. Tours last 45-50 minutes, and the next stop is the gift shop. With an impressive rock collection, guests can purchase a polished rock of crystal or various minerals like selenite, green calcite, apophyllite, citrine, obsidian, rose quartz, pink tourmaline and more. Adult tickets are $20 and tickets for children ages 6-12 are $14. Children at age 5 and under can attend the tour for free. The Quincy Mine puts Michigan's copper history on display The Quincy Mine site, sitting atop a bluff overlooking Houghton and Hancock, offers underground tours and allows visitors to see some of the remaining above-ground buildings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For those taking the underground tour, a cog-wheel tram carries them down the side of a steep hill to a side tunnel where they enter the mine. The train ride offers incredible views over Houghton and Hancock. The Quincy Mine Hoist Association maintains and operates the Quincy Mine properties in Hancock for the public to experience. The mine is a national historical landmark. "Utilizing its unique historical resources its historic mining location, buildings, equipment, and underground mine as well as high-quality interpretive tours, exhibits, and programming, the Quincy Mine site provides an engaging and educational visitor experience, instilling excitement about Michigans copper mining past," the association said. According to the U.S. National Park Service, the Quincy Mine operated from 1864 to 1945 and was nicknamed "Old Reliable" for its consistent profit from 1862 to 1882 the Quincy Mine produced the most copper in the U.S., according to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reservations can be made through the mine's website, and transportation accommodations. 'Finders keepers' rules at Caledonia Mine Photo of the Caledonia Mine, showing the adit of the mine which is the opening/entrance of an underground mine. Caledonia mine is located in the side of a mountain near Mass City, south of Houghton, overlooking the Flint Steel River. The website warns guests to approach from M-38 through Greenland, and that the last 2 miles of the route is essentially an ATV trail. Guests are provided tools and can sort through their own pile dirt and rocks for treasures they can take home. "Whether you are a seasoned rock collector or an enthusiastic beginner, there is something for everyone to find. Once your reservation is made, we extract ore (metal extracted from rocks or minerals) that the miners left behind and pile it on the surface," the Caledonia mine said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the mine's website, the most challenging mineral to uncover is called datolite, of which is described as having a cauliflower shape, and once cracked open has a beautiful layered design. Reservations can be made online. Prices depend on the group size, ranging from $50-$300, and the mine is only open Thursday-Friday. Cliffs Shaft Iron Mine Museum and Tours in Ishpeming Located in Ishpeming, west of Marquette, Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum and Tours recreate the "great mining era," in Michigan for guests to learn about the minerals, underground iron ore cars and the historical equipment. "View historical displays of miners and mines past and present, headgear and other safety equipment available to miners of yesteryear, and displays on blasting and diamond drilling equipment," the museum said. "Go outside to view towers 97 to 174 high which were used to lower miners 1250 into the bowels of the earth." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, guests can browse the gift shop with (of course) polished rocks and minerals, clothes and even a handcrafted items forged by the mine's local craftsman. Guided tours are held at scheduled times from Tuesday through Saturday. Reservations can be made online via the museum's website. Tickets are $16 for adults; $8 for children (ages 6-17); and children aged 5 or under can enter for free. Delaware Copper Mine tours near Copper Harbor The Delaware Mine Tour is another opportunity to step into a miner's boots. From 1847 to 1887, the Delaware Mine extracted more than 8 million tons of copper. "(The) historic mine offers a walking tour that takes you 100 feet below ground to explore one of the earliest mines to operate during the country's first major mining boom," the mine website notes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You'll see pure veins of copper exposed in the walls of the mine, along with other geological interests. A Heritage Site of the Keweenaw National Historical Park," the Delaware Mine said. On July 12, the mine announced its first underground kiosk that displays a video providing further information about the mine. The kiosk is located in its Stoutenburgh tunnel. The attraction also offers surface-only tours. "We even have preserved a site dating back almost 5,000 years when indigenous peoples were mining the land," the Delaware Mine says. The mine is located near Mohawk, 7804 Delaware Mine Road off U.S. 41. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guests can purchase tickets for self-guided tours above and below ground. Tickets for adults are $14 and tickets for children (ages 6 plus) are $9, and ages 6 and under may attend for free. Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Michigan copper, iron mines share history through tours. Where to visit in 2025 Going to a K-pop concert can be a big commitment. Long lines for admission and merch, booming venues and fans all waiting with bated breath for the appearance of their favorite members on-stage can cause emotions to run high. Having a plan for the concert can make for a smoother outing. Jordan Alcantara attended an ATEEZ concert at the Tacoma Dome last summer. Shes also seen other K-pop groups perform there, like the girl group TWICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In my experience, the Dome entrances are usually pretty smooth, and if you want to arrive when doors open, you totally can, Alcantara, 32, told The News Tribune. She plans to arrive at around 4:30 p.m. to attend this years ATEEZ concert in Tacoma. ATEEZ performing at the Tacoma Dome for their 2024 ATEEZ WORLD TOUR [TOWARDS THE LIGHT : WILL TO POWER] show Sunday, July 14, 2024 in Tacoma, Wash. David Endicott/Courtesy of the Tacoma Dome ATEEZ returns to the Dome for their ATEEZ 2025 WORLD TOUR [IN YOUR FANTASY] at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 30. The South Korean boy group members Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung and Jongho made their debut in October 2018. The name ATEEZ stands for A TEEnager Z and initially stood for everything teenagers need from A to Z, a tour announcement press release says. Briana Lamont, 35, messaged The News Tribune saying that last summers ATEEZ concert was her first K-pop concert. Shes met many close friends among other ATEEZ fans, she said Atiny, the Ateez fans, are the most kind and inclusive people I have ever met, she wrote. Ateez may be from Korea, but they have created a family that goes beyond borders, social class and skin color. Cheriden Boyett, 37, is an ATEEZ fan or Atiny and told The News Tribune she and her group made freebies to pass out to other fans last year, staying up until 4 a.m. the morning of the concert. This year, shes making bracelets, pins, and keychains with unofficial photo cards to pass out, she wrote in a message. Cheriden Boyett/Courtesy The News Tribune spoke to fans and Tacoma Dome officials to create a guide to this weeks ATEEZ concert at the Dome. Heres what you need to know. Getting there General doors open at 6 p.m., Tacoma Dome Marketing Director Hillary Chynoweth wrote in an email. The plaza opens at noon and offers extras including a merchandise stand, food and beverages for purchase (including food trucks), guest services staff, and fan activities such as a banner signing station. Parking lots open at 9 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tacoma Dome is at 2727 East D St. in Tacoma. Its the largest indoor venue in the state and can hold up to 21,000 visitors, according to the venues website. Its a few minutes off of I-5. Venue staff recommend that drivers take Exit 135 if going southbound, or Exit 134 if northbound. Avoid taking Exit 133 because its generally closed for high volume traffic events and traffic will be re-routed, the website says. Parking is limited at the Dome and can sell out. Chynoweth wrote that lots are expected to fill for this event. Parking rates range from $15 to $60 per vehicle and can be paid using a mobile device by scanning QR codes on nearby signs or using the Premium Parking systems TextPay service or mobile app, according to the Dome website. All lots offer space on a first-come, first-served basis. ADA-accessible parking is available in Lots E and K. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public transit options are available through a range of commuter trains and buses that stop at the Tacoma Dome Station, which is about an eight minute walk from the Dome. Sound Transit offers the Tacoma Link Light Rail (T Line), which runs through downtown Tacoma; the Sounder (S Line), which takes riders to and from Seattle; and several local bus routes, according to their website. Pierce Transit, which serves Pierce County, and Intercity Transit, which serves Thurston County, also have stops at the station. ATEEZ performing at the Tacoma Dome for their 2024 ATEEZ WORLD TOUR [TOWARDS THE LIGHT : WILL TO POWER] show Sunday, July 14, 2024 in Tacoma, Wash. David Endicott/Courtesy of the Tacoma Dome Sound Transit offered extended service hours on the T Line for last years ATEEZ concert, but due to low usage will not be offering that this year, according to Sound Transit spokesperson David Jackson. If youre getting dropped off or picked up, you can catch your ride in the drop-off and pick-up zone on Wiley Avenue, but the Dome website recommends other locations such as the Tacoma Dome Station for better access. ATEEZ fan Jordan Alcantara said that she and her friends didnt have to wait too long to get inside at last years concert. She recalled people starting to line up pretty early for entry, but there were staff directing people to the shortest line and the Dome had several entrances open. Inside the Dome The Dome doesnt allow outdoor food or beverages inside. Exceptions may be granted in cases including baby food, baby formula, medication or other special health-related needs, the venue website says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The venue has a clear bag policy. Bags must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC, with dimensions a maximum of 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches, unless theyre a small clutch purse 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches or smaller. Youre allowed to bring a gallon plastic storage bag. The Dome offers clear bags for sale at Stocklist Goods, and attendees can rent a limited number of Binbox lockers outside the Dome for most major events on a first-come, first served basis, for a fee of $10-$15 subject to change. Camera policies depend on the event: For most events, non-professional (no detachable lens) cameras are allowed. No video cameras, audio recording devices, GoPros, iPads, selfie sticks, gimbals, or tripods. (Left to right) Diana Perez, Aashna Tiruvallur and Jordan Alcantara attending the ATEEZ concert in the Tacoma Dome July 14, 2024, in Tacoma, Wash. Jordan Alcantara/Courtesy As a cashless facility, the Dome only accepts card or mobile payments, such as Google Pay or Apple Pay, inside the venue. This includes all concessions and merchandise sales. If you find yourself stuck with only cash, you can access one of the venues cash-to-card kiosks to convert your cash to a prepaid VISA card. These reverse ATMs are placed on the concourse near Section 109 and on the floor level in the NW Corner, the website says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Complete accessibility information, including details on parking, seating, sensory assistance and wheelchair rentals, is available on the venues accessibility page. Tacoma Police Department officers will be working the ATEEZ concert in a police capacity, both inside the venue and outside on traffic control, police spokesperson Shelbie Boyd told The News Tribune via email. Fans fill the inside of the Tacoma Dome for the ATEEZ concert Sunday, July 14, 2024, in Tacoma, Wash. Jordan Alcantara/Courtesy She added that the level of police staffing is in line, or standard, with other events of this crowd size, such as the Ado: Hibana and A.R. Rahman shows this month. Private security company Allied Universal provides security services including gate checks, Boyd wrote. Merch pop-up and fan events Official merch will be sold from July 28-July 31 at a pop-up in Kpop Nara Seattle, located at 500 E. Pike St. in Seattle. The pop-ups hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. each day, and more information is available at ateezgoods.com/tacoma-1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ATEEZ fan Lamont wrote that at last years concert, there were multiple lines for merch both outside and inside the Dome. She noted that merch stands last year also sold light sticks, and recommended that fans come prepared with a fully-charged phone and batteries for their light stick, though she recalled batteries were also sold there. A light stick at the ATEEZ concert in the Tacoma Dome Sunday, July 14, 2024 in Tacoma, Wash. Jordan Alcantara/Courtesy Jade Lounge, a boba shop at 2421 S. Union Ave. in Tacoma, is hosting several events for fans around the concert. Sunday, July 27: In Your Fantasy Cupsleeve Event, 12-6 p.m. Hosted by @moonlightkpopevents, @tinyriboshop and @ghostly.heartss, offering cupsleeves, stickers and prints for sale; photocard trading; games and a donation raffle. Tuesday, July 29: In Your Fantasy pre-concert event, 2-9 p.m. Hosted by @magicshopinseattle and @c6felix, with cupsleeves, photocard trading and a K-pop merch pop-up. Wednesday, July 30: Late Nite ATEEZ After Party, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Hosted by Jade Lounge. NEBRASKA (KCAU) More than $60 million in funding to improve the infrastructure and firefighting capabilities in Nebraska advanced out of a U.S. Senate Committee. The money includes $2.5 million to replace the aerial ladder fire truck at the South Sioux City Fire Department. More than $18 million for NE water projects advances through U.S. Senate Committee Officials said the funds are included in the fiscal year 2026 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The measure is waiting for consideration on the U.S. Senate floor. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. A young boy in Alabama was killed in a dog attack, despite his grandmothers attempt to save him. The 7-year-old boy was attacked by dogs in the area of County Road 147 near the city of Calera, Ala., on the evening of Tuesday, July 22, according to the Chilton County Sheriffs Office (CCSO). Local Fox affiliate WBRC identified the child as Noah Burnett. Shortly after 6:10 p.m. local time, deputies arrived at the scene to find that Burnett had suffered serious injuries as a result of an attack by one or more aggressive dogs, police said in a press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Chilton County Sheriff John Shearon, Burnetts grandmother was also bitten multiple times in an attempt to save the 7-year-old, WBRC reported. The child was transported for emergency medical treatment, but died following the attack. It is with great sadness that we report the child has succumbed to their injuries," the sheriff's office said. gofundme Noah Burnett, 7-year-old boy who died in a 'dog attack' in Alabama on July 22 Noah Burnett, 7-year-old boy who died in a 'dog attack' in Alabama on July 22 Our hearts are broken for the child and the family affected by this unimaginable loss, Shearon added in a press release. We are fully committed to a thorough investigation to determine how this tragedy occurred and to help prevent anything like this from happening again. Burnetts grandmother was also taken to the hospital for treatment, but is expected to recover, according to WBRC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its initial announcement of the attack, the CCSO said that the dog or dogs involved had not yet been located or secured. The sheriffs office also said that an investigation was underway to determine the full circumstances of the attack, including whether the animals involved were stray or domesticated and under someones ownership. Shortly after, the sheriff's office confirmed there were nine dogs connected to the incident, and they belonged to an owner, who surrendered them to Chilton County Animal Control. "These animals were not stray dogs, the sheriffs office said. They belonged to a local resident and were kept on private property prior to the incident. Getty A stock image of crime scene tape A stock image of crime scene tape All nine dogs were humanely euthanized in accordance with standard safety protocols and were sent for testing as part of the investigation, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The surrendered dogs consisted of several different breeds, including shepherd mixes, pit bull-terrier mixes, lab mixes, a hound mix and a pit bull-terrier-akita mix, according to police. They ranged in age from 6 months to 3 years old. 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. Following Burnetts death, his family declined to speak with WBRC, but they did describe him as having a big heart and an even bigger personality, the outlet said. To know Burnett was to love him, says a GoFundMe raising money for funeral expenses for the 7-year-old. He had the biggest heart and the most outgoing personality! He was the life of the party, and he was always dirty; he loved being outside and playing in the dirt. Read the original article on People Youve done the research, found the best credit card for your wallet, and filled out your application. So while you hope for a congrats email to hit your inbox, receiving a denial letter instead can hurt. Not only does a credit card rejection mean you wont get access to the new card, but it can also have a short-term negative impact on your credit. Heres how to find out why you were denied and take steps to improve your odds of approval next time so you dont rack up hard inquiries on your credit report with no new accounts to show for it. What to do if your application is denied After you receive the notice that your credit card application was denied, dont hesitate to find out why. Get an explanation Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), credit card companies are required to share the reason for rejecting your application as long as you ask within 60 days of receiving the denial. These are just a few common reasons your credit application may be denied: Your credit score isnt high enough. You have a limited credit history. You didnt report a high enough income. You dont meet the age requirements. You already have a high amount of credit card debt. Ask for reconsideration After reviewing the reasons for your credit card denial, you can ask the issuer to reconsider its decision. If youre confident in your approval odds, a second look may help you get the outcome you want. Just know that theres still no guarantee youll get approved. You can typically find information about reconsideration from the issuer directly or within the letter you receive about your rejected application. Give it time Applying for multiple loans or lines of credit within a short time frame could hurt your credit score and your chances of getting approved for a credit card. When you apply for loans or lines of credit, the lender makes a hard credit inquiry, which has a small impact on your score. According to FICO, each new credit inquiry itself shouldnt reduce your score by more than five points. And theyre short-term. Hard inquiries stay on your credit report for up to two years, though only inquiries from the past 12 months are factored into your credit score. In practice, this means that it can be smart to wait a few weeks or months before applying for a new credit card after a denial. Several applications in a short time can make you look more risky to potential credit card issuers. This embedded content is not available in your region. How to get a credit card after youve been denied Even if your credit card application is denied, there are ways to access credit. Here are some steps you can take to bounce back from a rejection. Check your credit report Its smart to review your credit report for inaccuracies regularly. But if your credit card application was denied because of information on your credit report, view your file and make sure the data is correct. Youre entitled to a weekly, free copy of your credit report from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, which you can access through AnnualCreditReport.com. Potential errors may be simple mistakes. When payment dates are reported incorrectly, they can show as late or missed payments, for example. But incorrect credit reporting information can also be a big indicator of identity theft, so look out for any unfamiliar accounts falsely opened in your name. If you do find inaccuracies, report them. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has details on exactly how to file a dispute with each of the three major credit bureaus. Apply for another card Once youre ready to submit another card application, get realistic about what cards you can qualify for. High-value travel and rewards credit cards are often reserved for people with excellent credit scores and long credit histories. If youre just starting out or you made some past mistakes that left you with a low credit score, you may need to reconsider which cards you can get approved for. Here are some credit cards that can help you build credit: OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card : Secured credit cards can be useful for building credit if you have a less-than-perfect credit score or no credit history at all. This card has a $35 annual fee, and youll need to pay an upfront (but refundable) security deposit of at least $200 at opening. The deposit amount will act as your credit limit. Capital One Platinum Credit Card : This is a classic credit-building card with no annual fee and no upfront cash deposit required. There are no rewards or other added benefits, but youll be automatically considered for a higher credit limit after six months. Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: For students working on building credit while in school, the Quicksilver Student card offers both credit access and rewards. Youll earn 1.5% on every purchase. Theres no annual fee, and you can earn a welcome offer of $100 after spending $300 in the first three months. You might also consider becoming an authorized user on someone elses card account. The primary cardholder will remain responsible for making card payments, but the account will get reported to your credit file, too. With a positive payment history, low credit utilization ratio, and other best practices over time, youll see improvements in your credit score. Reapply later Getting denied from a credit card today doesnt limit your ability to get approved in the future. If youre set on a specific card maybe it has a phenomenal sign-up bonus or its rewards perfectly suit your regular spending take some time to improve the details in your application, then re-apply. Read more: See our picks for the best credit card sign-up bonuses Start with the reason for your rejection given by the issuer. If your debt is too high, for example, prioritize paying down your balances. If your income level is the issue, that may take more time to improve but you can double-check to ensure you included all eligible income sources on your application. No matter the reason for your denial, you can also get ahead by building your credit score. Avoid any delinquencies by paying at least the minimum due on your accounts each month and never making late payments. Keep your balances low, and dont overextend the amount you borrow. Good credit habits can help increase your credit score and prove your creditworthiness to potential issuers over the long run. Check for prequalification With many credit card issuers, you can see whether you prequalify for a card without any impact on your credit score. Consider checking your prequalification status before you even apply to save yourself the rejection for a card thats out of reach. Youll need to submit much of the same information, including your personal information and annual income. While getting prequalified doesnt guarantee youll be approved when you do actually apply, it can indicate your chances of approval. Still, prequalifying can help you feel more confident that you will be approved before you actually apply and undergo a hard credit check. This article was edited by Alicia Hahn Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the banks website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product. July 26 (UPI) -- A group of "armed terrorists" killed six and injured 22 during a Saturday morning attack on a courthouse in Zahedan, Iran, Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni announced. Armed militants attacked during the early morning rush hour, but were opposed by the courthouse security team, Iran's state-run Islamic Republic News Agency reported. Three members of the security team and three civilians, including a woman and a child, were among those killed, while 22 others were injured. Three attackers also were killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Jaish al-Adl "terrorist group" claimed responsibility for the attack that initially targeted the courthouse but led to attacks on nearby civilians, according to the IRNA report. Jaish al-Adl is a "jihadist separatist group" and used small arms, grenade launchers and mortars during the two-phased attack, The Guardian reported. The attack's first phase was an assault on the courthouse, where the militants fought with security forces for three hours. Gunfire and explosions could be heard during the initial attack that ensued after Jaish al-Adl militants entered while disguised as civilians, The Jerusalem Post reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three gunmen in their 20s and carrying backpacks carried out the attack, the news outlet reported. The gunmen entered the judges' chambers and killed judicial staff, security and civilians, local police said. The attack's second phase was a random attack on civilians outside the courthouse. Jaish al-Adl is a Sunni Muslim group and warned Iranian civilians to "immediately evacuate the area of clashes for their safety" in a Telegram post in which the group claimed responsibility for the Zahedan courthouse assault. Zahedan is located in the Sistan and Baluchestan provinces in southeastern Iran, where armed groups in nearby Pakistan and Afghanistan occasionally engage in violence. The Jaish al-Adl group in October killed 10 police officers in Taftan County, which is one of that province's deadliest incidents in recent months. At least nine civilians were killed and 61 injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past 24 hours, regional authorities reported on July 26. Ukraine's Air Force said Russia launched 208 drones and 27 missiles overnight, targeting cities and infrastructure in multiple regions. Air defenses intercepted 183 drones and 17 missiles, but 10 missiles and 25 drones struck nine locations. Debris from downed aircraft fell across eight additional sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kharkiv Oblast faced one of the heaviest barrages, with 29 people injured, including a child, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported. In Donetsk Oblast, 10 civilians were wounded, Governor Vadym Filashkin said. Three people were killed and two injured in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, which saw 414 Russian strikes on 19 settlements, Governor Ivan Fedorov said. In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, two people were killed and five injured, according to Governor Serhii Lysak. Russian strikes in Kherson Oblast killed three civilians and wounded 11, hitting both critical and social infrastructure, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian attacks of 42 settlements in Sumy Oblast killed one and injured four, the local authorities said. The latest assault comes as Russia continues to reject Kyiv's calls for an unconditional ceasefire and increases its reliance on mass drone and missile attacks to pressure Ukrainian defenses. "Such strikes certainly cannot be left without response, and Ukrainian long-range drones ensure one," President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on X, condemning the attacks. Read also: Zelenskys big Ukraine blunder, explained Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) An Abilene man accused of stealing tickets from multiple gas stations then cashing them in at other stores has been sentenced to serve 10 years in prison. Victor Robinson received his 10-year prison sentence Thursday after pleading guilty to Claiming Lottery Prize by Fraud. Court documents state that in April 2025, clerks at convenience stores across Abilene reported a suspect, later identified as Robinson, had been, distracting clerks then grabbing lotto scratch off tickets and running out of the store without paying for the tickets. This suspect would then go cash the tickets in at other convenience stores nearby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Surveillance videos allowed police to identify Robinson while he was cashing in lottery tickets that were stolen from another convenience store just minutes before, according to the documents. No further information is available at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. An academic who has drawn criticism for inflammatory statements on race and praise of the Chinese government has been chosen by the Trump administration to lead the U.S. Institute of Peace. The State Department said Friday that Darren Beattie would be acting president of the USIP, an independent, congressionally funded organization that the administration sought to eliminate earlier this year. Beattie, who was fired from his job as a speechwriter during the first Trump administration for speaking at a conference attended by white nationalists, will keep his current role running the State Departments worldwide public diplomacy efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We look forward to seeing him advance President Trumps America First agenda in this new role, the statement said. USIP has been in turmoil in recent months as the administration and its Department of Government Efficiency sought to close the organization and withhold funding. The State Department said the institute has in recent decades slipped in its mission to provide research, analysis and training in diplomacy. In February, several dozen Democratic House members signed a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio opposing Beatties appointment to his current role. They cited his white nationalist loyalties and public glorification of our adversaries authoritarian systems, which included praise of the Chinese Communist Party and dismissal of its campaign against the largely Muslim Uyghurs. Beattie also drew widespread condemnation for a 2024 social media post on X in which he wrote competent white men must be in charge if you want things to work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beattie, who previously served as a visiting instructor at Duke University, has since been at the forefront of the Trump administrations efforts to overhaul the State Departments Fulbright Program and shutter its Counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference Hub. Trump signed an executive order firing USIP President George Moose and most of USIPs board in February. The remaining board members, including Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, subsequently installed Department of Government Efficiency staffer Kenneth Jackson, as acting president. DOGE staffer Nate Cavanaugh later took over as acting president. The Trump administration laid off most of the embattled institutes staff in March following a tense standoff between USIP staffers and DOGE employees at the institutes headquarters. A federal judge subsequently blocked the Trump administrations efforts to dismantle the organization, which was founded in 1984. A watchdog has called for a ban on Tesla's Full Self-Driving software. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has logged 50 fatalities involving the technology and is investigating the company on multiple fronts. What's happening? The Dawn Project asked legislators July 8, after Tesla rolled out Robotaxis in Austin, Texas, to ban FSD from being used on public roads "over the litany of critical safety defects uncovered by the group's safety tests of the software," according to a news release. Those tests included a Tesla blowing past a school bus with red flashing lights and a stop sign and running down a child-size mannequin eight times in eight trials. In 2023, 17-year-old Tillman Mitchell of North Carolina suffered a broken neck and broken leg and was hospitalized for months after a similar crash, per CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Dawn Project's Report to Congress outlines the key findings from the group's safety tests and demands that legislators take immediate action to protect road users from Tesla Full Self-Driving by banning the software until Tesla conclusively proves it is safe," the release stated. The advocacy group tracks "safety critical errors" made by FSD as well as Robotaxi mistakes. Founded in 2021 by software security expert Dan O'Dowd, The Dawn Project works to ensure "software in safety-critical systems is secure and that all computers are safe for humanity." "It is only a matter of time before a child is killed while getting off a school bus because of Elon Musk and Tesla's utter negligence and contempt for public safety," O'Dowd said. Why is this important? Electric vehicles are becoming more popular as consumers make choices that save them money and help cool the planet, which is rapidly overheating because of the burning of dirty energy sources such as gas, oil, and coal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the machines aren't safe, however, it will impact the clean energy transition, which is necessary to avoid the worst effects of the warming climate, including mass migration because of rising temperatures and sea levels, in addition to increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather events. Tesla's FSD problems are particularly notable because of the company's standing atop the EV world and its sales slump. The troubles include CEO Musk's role in massive U.S. government spending cuts and other political pursuits, which are hurting the brand and could move people off EVs in general, as dealerships, charging stations, and even personal vehicles have been vandalized. What's being done about FSD? While Musk and Tesla have long touted and marketed FSD as an autonomous service, regulators have balked, forcing the company to clarify that drivers must be attentive even in good weather and road conditions. The Dawn Project highlighted the "misleading and deceptive" tactics and reiterated that lawmakers must step in to prevent motorists from being lulled into trusting the software and to protect human life. There are plenty of Tesla alternatives to choose from, and Tesla fans can forgo FSD. Switching to an EV saves drivers $1,500 a year on gas and maintenance, and charging can cost next to nothing if the juice comes from a home solar installation. EVs are also nearly as cheap as gas-powered vehicles, and a $7,500 federal tax credit is still available for those who buy before Sept. 30. 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. Afghans who relocated to California have been reeling over the past few months and weeks as the Trump administration has moved to end deportation protections amid increasing efforts to further restrict Afghan nationals from coming to the U.S. This week, despite efforts by an organization suing to maintain the protections, the Trump administration ended Temporary Protected Status for Afghans, which the U.S. granted in May 2022 after it withdrew military forces from Afghanistan. The status allowed Afghans to come to the U.S. and obtain work authorization, but it did not provide a pathway to citizenship. People are desperate, said Shawn VanDiver, the founder and president of AfghanEvac, a nonprofit that supports the safe relocation of Afghan allies. They've followed all the rules. They've done everything the U.S. asked them to do, and at every corner, the Trump administration has been blocking them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration in January suspended Afghan refugee programs and canceled scheduled flights for Afghans cleared by the government. In May, the State Department sent layoff notices to staff at the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts, known as CARE, the agency tasked with working to ensure Afghans got settled into the U.S. with government support. And in June, Trump instituted a travel ban, suspending travel for Afghan nationals to the U.S. and leaving families who had been hoping to reunify stuck in limbo. Afghans have increasingly gotten caught up in the Trump administrations efforts to ramp up deportations. In San Diego, an Afghan national who worked as a translator for the U.S. military and had been granted humanitarian parole was detained after attending an asylum hearing at immigration court. The Department of Homeland Security announced in May that it would terminate Temporary Protected Status for Afghans. Secretary Kristi Noem said conditions in Afghanistan do not meet the requirements for a TPS designation." In a press release, the department said: The Secretary determined that, overall, there are notable improvements in the security and economic situation such that requiring the return of Afghan nationals to Afghanistan does not pose a threat to their personal safety due to ongoing-armed conflict or extraordinary and temporary conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many organizations that help relocate Afghans criticized the move, saying conditions in Afghanistan, now under the Taliban, are not safe for those who fled, especially for those who assisted the U.S. military during the war. Casa, a national advocacy organization, filed a lawsuit against DHS, challenging the end of TPS for Afghans, as well as for Cameroonians, as unlawful. President Trump boards Air Force One bound for Scotland on July 25, 2025, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. (Andrew Harnik / Getty Images) On Monday, the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals denied a motion by Casa to postpone the agencys actions. The case remains ongoing in U.S. District Court in Maryland. In a statement, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said individuals who arrived on TPS can still apply for asylum and other protections. She said the end of TPS furthers the national interest and the statutory provision that TPS is in fact designed to be temporary. TPS has been a crucial stopgap for Afghans who made it to the U.S. but whose applications for asylum, or for the Special Immigrant Visas granted to Afghans who have worked with the U.S. government, are still pending, caught in major backlogs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Halema Wali, a co-director at Afghans for a Better Tomorrow, a nonprofit that advocates for Afghan refugees in the New York City metropolitan area and has supported families entering the U.S. from Tijuana, said that nearly all of the organization's 800 members are on TPS. "They are petrified," Wali said. "They are not sure how to approach this, and quite honestly, we are scrambling to figure out how we make them safe when the only thing protecting them from deportation is gone." Global Refuge, an organization that has resettled thousands of Afghans, said that as many as 11,700 Afghans in the U.S. are now vulnerable to deportation, and those who do not have other means to gain legal status or pending applications could lose work authorization. Ending TPS does not align with the reality of circumstances on the ground in Afghanistan, Krish OMara Vignarajah, chief executive of Global Refuge, said in a statement . Conditions remain dire, especially for allies who supported the U.S. mission, as well as women, girls, religious minorities, and ethnic groups targeted by the Taliban. The anxiety among our Afghan clients is real and growing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vignarajah called on Congress to establish a pathway to citizenship for Afghans. Demonstrators protest against a sweeping new travel ban announced by President Trump at Los Angeles International Airport on June 9, 2025. (Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images) California has become home to many Afghan refugees as many as 58,600 call the state home, more than any other state, according to the Migration Policy Institute. The Greater Sacramento area hosts some 20,000 Afghan refugees, one of the largest communities in the U.S. The city of Fremont, which has a neighborhood known as Little Kabul for its array of Afghan shops and restaurants, raised nearly half a million dollars for its Afghan Refugee Help Fund, launched in 2021, to help newly arrived Afghans. Harris Mojadedi, an Afghan American advocate in the Fremont area, said there is deep uncertainty amid shifting immigration policies. Afghans in the community have started receiving self-deportation notices from DHS, and many are struggling to figure out what comes next. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He knows of one Afghan couple, where one spouse has TPS and the other is a U.S. citizen, who are living each day as if it is their last together. Many Afghans are scared to speak out, he said, for fear of government retribution. People have become afraid of dropping their children off at school or calling the police if they are victims of crime, he said. Just like were seeing with other communities, theres a lot of fear in the [Afghan] community, Mojadedi said, referencing the immigration raids that have largely affected the Latino community. Shala Gafary, an attorney who leads a team focused on legal assistance for Afghans at asylum advocacy nonprofit Human Rights First, said they are still seeing the aftermath of the U.S. chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, where thousands of Afghans were separated. She has helped families file applications to be relocated to the U.S. and reunite with their families under a program facilitated by the Biden administration. But as soon as Trump entered office, he issued an order suspending American refugee programs and canceled flights scheduled to bring some 1,660 Afghans cleared by the U.S. government to resettle in the United States, including family members of active-duty U.S. military personnel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gafary and other immigration attorneys are fielding calls every day from families asking what they can do. And she doesn't have an answer for them. She has had to instruct other attorneys who ask what they should say to their clients that all they can do is tell Afghan families the truth, that there are no options available. "Since January, it's been nothing but bad news for the Afghan population," Gafary said. Back in Afghanistan, thousands living under Taliban rule worry for their futures. Their options for making a life elsewhere have shrunk exponentially, as neighboring nations Pakistan and Iran have begun deporting Afghan refugees en masse, and Trump placed Afghanistan on the U.S. travel ban list earlier this year. For Afghan Americans in California who had eagerly anticipated the arrival of relatives who sought asylum in the U.S., Trumps immigration crackdown has been crushing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One Southern California resident, a 26-year-old Afghan American woman, told The Times that seven of her family members, including her grandmother and several cousins, are now in limbo after having their visas approved but no confirmation that the U.S. will allow them in. They were scheduled to arrive in March from Afghanistan but were not allowed in. The woman, who requested anonymity because she fears repercussions from the Trump administration for her family members still hoping to seek asylum in the U.S., said her family still hopes policy will shift and they will be let in because they have no other option. She said young girls in her family haven't been able to go to school, and another cousin who had been working for an international aid organization is not allowed to work anymore. Everyone is holding their breath to see what happens next, she said. The best thing we can do is just hope for the best, do what we can and check in on each other and keep our heads held up high. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Akin to a rapacious maw, the AI boom has swallowed up untold amounts of water, energy, and jobs lost to automation. Now add the rapidly dwindling housing stock in the Bay Area as even more tech workers crowd in, lured by the possibility of enriching themselves in this massive AI gold rush, according to reporting from The San Francisco Standard. Housing costs are already notoriously high in the San Fran area, but the AI boom has ratcheted up numbers to eye-watering figures while startup workers are forced to bunk up in small but costly rooms that are the spendy equivalent of flophouses, the publication reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an eye-opening example, tech bro Akshyae Singh is living in what sounds like a postage-size room and has to share the bathroom with 12 other folks. And he's paying get this a ridiculous $2,300 a month for the privilege. "My professional life is great," Singh told the Standard, "but my living situation is, like, the total opposite." It's so bad that people are snatching up apartments unseen while open house events are attracting droves of would-be renters. Some people have resorted to putting together "tenant resumes" to get a leg up on the competition. Leasing agent Brian Brown told the news outlet that he now has only a handful of listings in contrast to 80 units at the height of the COVID pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Its the AI boom," realtor Van den Eikhof told the Standard. "Everybody knows that. Also, I think a lot of people got good deals during COVID and are staying put. Its putting a strain on inventory." The numbers are bonkers. Two-bedroom abodes have increased by 16 percent, reaching $4,621 on average, according to Zumper, which the news outlet cited. Median rent is $3,461. Certain neighborhoods like North Beach have jumped an astonishing 79 percent in the past year, topping out at an average of $5,475 per month for a two-bedroom. One agent told the Standard that she recently listed a two-bedroom unit for $12,000 per month, but it got snapped up in a single day for $14,500. You might wonder how regular non-tech folks are faring. For starters, the city has a terrible homeless problem, with people living rough outside or sleeping in RVs. Service workers, the people who clean and cook after these tech bros, often have to commute in from extraordinary distances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even with recent progress on affordable housing in the Bay Area, ordinary people are undoubtedly shut out if you look at the numbers. The moving company PODS reported earlier this year that Los Angeles and the Bay Area are the top two locales with the "Highest Number of Move-Outs Ranked." And as the AI boom swallows up resources and attention, it's all only going to get worse. More on AI and costs: AI Data Centers Accused of Creating Major Problems for Local Water Systems In the autum on 2024, a Swiss Catholic church installed an AI Jesus in a confessional to interact with visitors. The installation was a two-month project in religion, technology and art titled Deus in Machina, created at the University of Lucerne. The original Latin phrase literally means god from the machine; it refers to a plot device used in Greek and Roman plays, introducing a god to resolve an impossible problem or conflict facing the characters. This hologram of Jesus Christ on a screen was animated by an artificial intelligence program. The AIs programming included theological texts, and visitors were invited to pose questions to the AI Jesus, viewed on a monitor behind a latticework screen. Users were advised not to disclose any personal information and confirm that they knew they were engaging with the avatar at their own risk. Some headlines stated that the AI Jesus was actually engaged in the ritual act of hearing peoples confessions of their sins, but this wasnt the case. However, even though AI Jesus was not actually hearing confessions, as a specialist in the history of Christian worship, I was disturbed by the act of placing the AI project in a real confessional that parishioners would ordinarily use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A confessional is a booth where Catholic priests hear parishioners confessions of their sins and grant them absolution, forgiveness, in the name of God. Confession and repentance always take place within the human community that is the church. Human believers confess their sins to human priests or bishops. Early history The New Testament scriptures clearly stress a human, communal context for admitting and repenting for sins. In the Gospel of John, for example, Jesus speaks to his apostles, saying, Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven, and whose sins you shall retain they are retained. And in the epistle of James, Christians are urged to confess their sins to one another. Churches in the earliest centuries encouraged public confession of more serious sins, such as fornication or idolatry. Church leaders, called bishops, absolved sinners and welcomed them back into the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the third century on, the process of forgiving sins became more ritualized. Most confessions of sins remained private one on one with a priest or bishop. Sinners would express their sorrow in doing penance individually by prayer and fasting. However, some Christians guilty of certain major offenses, such as murder, idolatry, apostasy or sexual misconduct, would be treated very differently. These sinners would do public penance as a group. Some were required to stand on the steps of the church and ask for prayers. Others might be admitted in for worship but were required to stand in the back or be dismissed before the scriptures were read. Penitents were expected to fast and pray, sometimes for years, before being ritually reconciled to the church community by the bishop. Medieval developments During the first centuries of the Middle Ages, public penance fell into disuse, and emphasis was increasingly placed on verbally confessing sins to an individual priest. After privately completing the penitential prayers or acts assigned by the confessor, the penitent would return for absolution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The concept of Purgatory also became a widespread part of Western Christian spirituality. It was understood to be a stage of the afterlife where the souls of the deceased who died before confession with minor sins, or had not completed penance, would be cleansed by spiritual suffering before being admitted to heaven. Living friends or family of the deceased were encouraged to offer prayers and undertake private penitential acts, such as giving alms gifts of money or clothes to the poor, to reduce the time these souls would have to spend in this interim state. Other developments took place in the later Middle Ages. Based on the work of the theologian Peter Lombard, penance was declared a sacrament, one of the major rites of the Catholic Church. In 1215, a new church document mandated that every Catholic go to confession and receive Holy Communion at least once a year. Priests who revealed the identity of any penitent faced severe penalties. Guidebooks for priests, generally called Handbooks for Confessors, listed various types of sins and suggested appropriate penances for each. The first confessionals Until the 16th century, those wishing to confess their sins had to arrange meeting places with their clergy, sometimes just inside the local church when it was empty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Catholic Council of Trent changed this. The 14th session in 1551 addressed penance and confession, stressing the importance of privately confessing to priests ordained to forgive in Christs name. Soon after, Charles Borromeo, the cardinal archbishop of Milan, installed the first confessionals along the walls of his cathedral. These booths were designed with a physical barrier between priest and penitent to preserve anonymity and prevent other abuses, such as inappropriate sexual conduct. Similar confessionals appeared in Catholic churches over the following centuries: The main element was a screen or veil between the priest confessor and the layperson, kneeling at his side. Later, curtains or doors were added to increase privacy and ensure confidentiality. Rites of penance in contemporary times In 1962, Pope John XXIII opened the Second Vatican Council. Its first document, issued in December 1963, set new norms for promoting and reforming Catholic liturgy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 1975, Catholics have three forms of the rite of penance and reconciliation. The first form structures private confession, while the second and third forms apply to groups of people in special liturgical rites. The second form, often used at set times during the year, offers those attending the opportunity to go to confession privately with one of the many priests present. The third form can be used in special circumstances, when death threatens with no time for individual confession, like a natural disaster or pandemic. Those assembled are given general absolution, and survivors confess privately afterward. In addition, these reforms prompted the development of a second location for confession: Instead of being restricted to the confessional booth, Catholics now had the option of confessing their sins face-to-face with the priest. To facilitate this, some Catholic communities added a reconciliation room to their churches. Upon entering the room, the penitent could choose anonymity by using the kneeler in front of a traditional screen or walk around the screen to a chair set facing the priest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the following decades, the Catholic experience of penance changed. Catholics went to confession less often, or stopped altogether. Many confessionals remained empty or were used for storage. Many parishes began to schedule confessions by appointment only. Some priests might insist on face-to-face confession, and some penitents might prefer the anonymous form only. The anonymous form takes priority, since the confidentiality of the sacrament must be maintained. In 2002, Pope John Paul II addressed some of these problems, insisting that parishes make every effort to schedule set hours for confessions. Pope Francis himself has become concerned with reviving the sacrament of penance. In fact, he demonstrated its importance by presenting himself for confession, face-to-face, at a confessional in St. Peters Basilica. Perhaps, in the future, a program like AI Jesus could offer Catholics and interested questioners from other faiths information, advice, referrals and limited spiritual counseling around the clock. But from the Catholic perspective, an AI, with no experience of having a human body, emotions and hope for transcendence, cannot authentically absolve human sins. 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: Joanne M. Pierce, College of the Holy Cross Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Joanne M. Pierce 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. His expenses may have been artificial. An AI software firm is suing a former employee, alleging he abused the companys expense policy to the tune of more than $700,000. BigID, whose software uses machine learning and automation to organize and manage data, claims Nickolas Maxwell owes them close to a million for expenses unrelated to his work, including a one-night hotel stay and dinner for $1,600. In other instances, BigID alleges Maxwell repeatedly submitted the same expense, receiving multiple payments. Nick Maxwell could not be reached for comment about the expense allegations. BigID Maxwell, who lives in the United Kingdom and worked remotely for BigID, started in his role as Senior Vice President of Sales on March 1, 2022. His job entailed traveling, and he did a lot of it, the Manhattan Supreme Court lawsuit contends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his fourth full month of his employment, Maxwell racked up $20,000 in expenses, according to the lawsuit. However, the July 7 filing claims the first whiff of alleged inpropriety came in the fall of 2024, when serious red flags went up about the legitimacy and veracity of Maxwells expense claims as well as the manner in which he was submitting reimbursement claims, it claims in the suit. Maxwell attending the Gartner Data and Analytics Summit for BigID. BigID / Inbstagram The lawsuit claims Maxwell couldnt obtain satisfactory explanations to the questions BigIDs internal investigators were asking, including basic requests for supporting documentation demonstrating that Maxwell had incurred certain expenses for a business purpose. As the true scope of Maxwells gross abuse of the expense reimbursement system started to become clear, the lawsuit alleges Maxwell grew more unwilling to discuss the matter and his remimbursement payments were frozen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit alleges Maxwell resigned in October of 2024, upon learning that BigID was going to suspend his employment and promptly initiate a disciplinary hearing that could result in his termination for cause. Maxwell (second from left) quit amid an internal investigation into his expense reports. BigID / Inbstagram He even wrote about leaving the company in a LinkedIn post, and bragged about seeing all the plans and processes we put in place be executed, surpassing the targets set, having record breaking quarters and years, and seeing the growth of the international team quadruple in size. Maxwells last day at BigID was Nov. 17, 2024. He could not be reached for comment. BigIDs lawsuit claims the firm is seeking at least $250,000 in damages as well as lawyers costs and fees. After an hour of walking up and down the aisles, you finally find the perfect gift and make your way to the register. The cashier tells you that you can save 20% by signing up for a store card. That discount is significant, so what's the catch? A store credit card is a card that is offered by certain retailers and allows you to earn extra bonuses or points whenever you shop at that store. But they can have high fees and rates and, depending on your credit and the card issuer, may have strict restrictions on their use. What is a store credit card? A store credit card, often referred to as a retail card, is a type of credit card some retailers offer. They offer perks for shoppers, such as discounts on qualifying purchases, bonus coupons, or low-interest or deferred-interest promotions. These credit cards can take two forms: Store card: A store card can only be used to make purchases at the issuing retailer; you can use it to buy items in person or online through the retailer's website, but the card cannot be used anywhere else. Retail network card: A retail network card is a type of credit card that a retailer issues, but the card is part of a larger credit card network such as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. These cards provide perks when you use the card at the issuing retailer, but you can also use the card to make purchases elsewhere. Theyre much more flexible and may require better credit to qualify. Some examples include the Prime Visa and Costco Anywhere Visa Card. For example, Old Navy is a popular retailer, and it offers two cards: Navyist Rewards Credit Card which offers 30% off the first card purchase and 5 points per $1 spent at Gap Inc. stores is Old Navy's store card, and it can only be used at Gap Inc. brands such as Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Athleta. Navyist Rewards Mastercard which offers 30% off the first card purchase, 5 points per $1 spent at Gap Inc. stores, and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases can be used for purchases at Gap Inc. brands, but it can also be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted. You can use the card and earn rewards when buying gas, groceries, or other transactions. Store credit card pros They're easier to get: If you have poor credit or no credit history, qualifying for a traditional credit card can be difficult. Store cards can be useful if you're trying to build or rebuild your credit since they have less stringent eligibility requirements. And over time, they can help you improve your credit if you use the card responsibly. You may be eligible for special discounts: If you get a store card from a retailer you regularly shop at, you may be eligible for special discounts and sales days throughout the year. You can earn bonus rewards: If you're a loyal shopper with a particular brand, a store card allows you to earn bonus points on every purchase. Store credit card cons They may only be used at certain retailers: With most store cards, you can only use them at a specific retailer. They may have high APRs: Store cards, especially those that can only be used at a specific store, tend to have higher-than-average annual percentage rates (APRs). APRs of 30% or more are common with retail cards. Low credit limits: Store cards tend to have relatively low credit limits. With most cards, the maximum credit limit is below $3,000 significantly lower than the limit you can get with other credit cards. With a lower limit, even relatively low balances can take up a significant percentage of your available credit and cause your credit score to drop. How to apply for a store card Whether you want to build your credit or take advantage of bonus points and rewards on your purchases, here's how you can apply for a new store credit card: Review your options: There are thousands of store credit cards available, so look for a card that's a good fit for you. Ideally, you should get a card connected to a retailer you shop at often, with low fees and rates and a strong rewards program. Gather information: When you apply, you'll be asked for your Social Security number, birth date, mailing address, income, and employer details. You can save time by collecting that information ahead of time. Apply online or in-store: You can apply for a store credit card in person at the cash register or apply for store credit cards online. With online applications, it typically takes just a few minutes to complete. Plan that first purchase: Most store credit cards will give you a substantial discount on your first purchase after being approved for a card. Although it may be tempting to add items to your cart to get more savings, remember that store cards have high APRs, so only buy what you need and can pay off in full by the payment due date. Alternatives to store credit cards If you're considering store credit cards because you want to improve or rebuild your credit, a retail card isn't your only option. One of the following tools may help you boost your credit over time: Secured credit cards A secured credit card is an excellent option for those with no credit history or poor credit. Unlike traditional cards, which give you a credit limit based on your credit history and income, secured cards require a security deposit, and the deposit serves as your credit limit. For example, if you put down $200 as a security deposit, your credit limit with that card is $200. Here are some examples of secured credit cards today and their required security deposit amounts: Over time, secured cards can help you establish good credit if you make your payments on time and keep your balance low. As your credit improves, you may be able to transition to an unsecured card. Credit builder loans Credit builder loans are tools some credit unions offer to help members with poor credit or no credit. With credit builder loans, you apply for a loan for a relatively small amount, such as $3,000 or less. The loan funds are deposited into a savings account and held for you. As you make payments, the credit union reports your payments to the major credit bureaus helping you establish a positive payment history and, once the loan is paid in full, the credit union releases the funds in the savings account to you. Credit union credit builder loans tend to have low APRs, so the loan allows you to boost your credit and build your savings. Credit cards for poor credit Although many rewards credit cards require good to excellent credit, some are specifically designed for those with poor credit. Rather than a store card, these cards can be used anywhere, so they may be a better option if you tend to shop at different places rather than being a devotee of a specific brand. Here are a few examples of credit cards designated as credit-building cards by their issuers: However, these cards tend to have very high APRs and may have high monthly or annual account fees, so review the card terms and conditions carefully to ensure you know what you'll have to pay to have the card. Cant decide on a credit card? Check out Yahoos best credit card picks Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the banks website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product. Despite the threats, some airlines continue to schedule flights through the airspaces of Iran, Iraq, and Yemenregions with significant risks of missile fire and terrorist attacks. A considerable number of airlines continue operating over Iran, Iraq, and Yemen, a Maariv investigation revealed, while most Western and North American airlines consistently avoid flying in these regions due to fears of aircraft being targeted. Airlines from the Middle East, Russia, and even parts of Asia and Europe still follow regular routes there. Some do so by using what is known as high altitude flights, i.e., flying above 32,000 feet, hoping this reduces the risk of being hit by missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the main reasons countries like Israel, the US, Germany, and the UK prohibit flying over Iran is not just the immediate threat of a missile strike, but also the broader strategic risk of security escalation in the region. Irans nuclear program and the potential for increased tensions leading to military action or Iranian retaliation make Iranian airspace particularly volatile. In such a scenario, a civilian aircraft flying through Iranian airspace could find itself in an active conflict zone or be mistakenly targeted by missile systems. Furthermore, any emergency landing in Iranwhether due to a medical issue or a technical malfunctioncould expose the aircraft, crew, and especially Israeli, American, or European passengers to serious risks, including arrest, interrogation, or even political extortion. In recent years, several incidents have shown how emergency landings in hostile countries can spark crises. A notable example was the Ryanair plane forced to land in Belarus, which was then used as a tool by the regime. In Iran itself, foreign nationals have previously been held as bargaining chips. The threat in such cases is not only operational but also political. One chilling example for Israelis is the opening episode of the series Tehran, where two Israelis are forced into an emergency landing in Tehran and are subsequently interrogated under threats and torture. The opening of the series Tehran. (credit: KAN 11) Whos flying over Iran? Iranian airspace, known as the Tehran FIR (Flight Information Region), has been considered particularly dangerous since the Iranian missile downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane in January 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite this, several airlines from the Middle East, Asia, and even Eastern Europe continue to fly over Iran daily. Emirates and flydubai operate direct flights to Tehran from the south. Qatar Airways has resumed routing flights through Iraq and Iran, including flights to Kathmandu, Delhi, and Kuala Lumpur. Flights crossing Iran are primarily those traveling between Western Europe and South Asia or the Far East. Notable routes include: Route B411 Crosses Iran from the northwest (bordering Turkey) to the southeast, through Tehran, Yazd, and Kerman. Route L124 Crosses central Iran in the Zahedan area, continuing to Pakistan, Oman, or India. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These routes are significantly shorter than detours via the Gulf, Caucasus, or Saudi Arabia. Which airlines are using Iranian airspace? Emirates flydubai Qatar Airways Turkish Airlines Pegasus Airlines Aeroflot Uzbekistan Airways Air Serbia Jazeera Airways Air Arabia Kam Air (Afghanistan) Mahan Air (Iran) Syrian Air Which airlines completely avoid Iran? Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines British Airways KLM Air France Iberia Finnair Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) Virgin Atlantic American Airlines United Airlines Delta Air Lines Israeli airlines (El Al, Israir, Arkia, Haifa Air) also don't fly over Iran, Iraq, or Yemen Yemen: A clear red line Most international aviation authorities define Yemeni airspace as completely off-limits. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under regulation SFAR 115, imposes a total ban on flying over Yemen. European countries such as the UK, Germany, and France also call for complete avoidance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yemen is in the midst of a military conflict, and the Houthi terrorist organization continues to launch advanced missiles, including toward Israel. Virtually no commercial airlines fly over Yemen, except for rare routes far offshore above the Red Sea. In some cases, regulators allow flights over Iraq or even Iranbut only at very high altitudes, usually above FL320 (32,000 feet). This is considered out of reach for shoulder-fired missiles and basic air defense systems. However, it does not protect against ballistic missiles or advanced air defense systems, as past incidents have shown. As expected, Israeli airlinesEl Al, Israir, Arkia, and Haifa Airdo not fly over any hostile countries. Even on flights to the far east, they route via Cyprus, Turkey, Georgia, or Azerbaijan, bypassing Iran and Iraq entirely. Since they are not permitted to land in enemy states, any risk of technical failure necessitates complete avoidance of those areas. Bottom line: Most major global airlines, as noted, do avoid flying over Iran, Yemen, and Iraq. That said, if youre concerned, its worth checking the airlines website to review the planned route before booking your flight. The Alaska and American flags fly in front of the Alaska State Capitol on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon) Gov. Mike Dunleavy allowed three bills to become law this week without his signature, creating two fishing-related laws and one that updates the rules governing accountants in the state. Under the Alaska constitution, a governor may sign a bill into law, veto it, or allow it to become law by taking no action on it after it is transmitted to him by the Legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Bill 31, from Rep. Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak, eliminates a state law that required fishing boats to register with the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles every three years. Now, any boat thats actively in use fishing and registered with the Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission and the U.S. Coast Guard will not have to also register with the DMV. In a written statement, Stutes said the DMV registration passed by the Legislature in 2018 turned out to be excessive, particularly in rural Alaska. A lot of these communities dont even have a DMV. Alaskas commercial fishing industry is facing historically challenging times, and Im glad we could implement this small step to make getting started for the year a little easier, she said in the statement. The second fishing-related bill was House Bill 116, which allows commercial fishing cooperatives to act like insurance without being regulated like insurance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In some cases, fishing boat owners create pools of money to act as insurance funds to pay liability and damage claims themselves, bypassing the high rates charged by insurance companies. Three pools already exist in Alaska but are organized under Washington state law because Alaska did not permit them. The new law enables pools under Alaska law, encouraging a cheaper alternative to traditional insurance. House Bill 121, which also became law this week, lowers the training requirement for new accountants if they can substitute experience for classroom time. It also aligns some state accounting laws with model legislation used in other states. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Adam Crum, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Revenue, testifies Friday, Jan. 20, 2023, at a meeting of the Alaska Senate Finance Committee in the state Capitol at Juneau, Alaska. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon) Adam Crum, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Revenue, will leave his job Aug. 8, according to an announcement published Friday by Gov. Mike Dunleavys office. A person familiar with Crums plans said he intends to run for governor in 2026, joining seven other Republican candidates. No independents or Democrats have filed for the primary election, which is 13 months away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked whether he will run for governor, Crum said by text message, Ive accomplished a lot to put Alaska on sound economic footing. Ill have a formal statement on my last day, August 8th. Stay tuned. Crum has been part of Dunleavys cabinet since the governor took office in 2018. He initially served as commissioner of the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, occupying that position during the COVID-19 pandemic and during an executive order that split the agency into two separate departments. In 2022, Dunleavy named Crum as revenue commissioner, and he assumed a seat on the board of the Alaska Permanent Fund Corp., whose revenues are the No. 1 source of general-purpose dollars for state services and the Permanent Fund dividend. Jason Brune, former commissioner of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, now fills a public seat on the Permanent Fund Corp. board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brune said he knows Crum has been considering a run for governor but could not confirm his plans. His departure is a big loss for the state, Brune said by text. It was an honor working with him for the five years we served together, he said, referring to the time they spent on the Dunleavy cabinet. In a written statement Dunleavy praised Crums performance during his time with the state. Commissioner Crum has been an exemplary leader whose unwavering dedication and innovative approach have significantly benefited Alaskans, Dunleavy said. During his time leading both the Department of Health and Social Services and the Department of Revenue, Adam consistently prioritized Alaskas economic well-being, public health, and fiscal stability. His collaborative spirit and commitment to serving our communities have made a lasting, positive impact. The governors office said an acting commissioner will be named soon. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Jul. 25Millions of dollars are set to be released to Alaska school districts after the Trump administration said Friday that it would allow the federal funding to be disbursed. Roughly $6 billion in federal education funding appropriated by Congress had been frozen for review earlier this month by the administration of President Donald Trump. In the wake of the funding freeze, school districts in Alaska were among many across the country that said they were forced to cut positions and alter programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Anchorage School District, Fairbanks North Star Borough School District and the Kuspuk School District in Western Alaska were among numerous plaintiffs that sued the Trump administration earlier this week over the funding freeze, challenging its legality. In a message to staff and families, the Anchorage School District on Friday asserted its lawsuit had contributed to the decision to release the funding, which included roughly $12 million meant for Anchorage schools out of a total of $46 million for Alaska districts. "We're proud that our lawsuit helped lead to this outcome," Anchorage district officials wrote. The district and other plaintiffs in the lawsuit were represented by Democracy Forward, a national legal organization that has filed dozens of legal actions against the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democracy Forward President Skye Perryman said the organization "will continue to monitor the situation and work in court to ensure the administration fully complies with the law and that these resources reach the schools and students who need them most." The lawsuit filed by the Alaska districts and others was preceded by a court challenge filed by two dozen states. Alaska had not signed on to that litigation. Alaska's U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski and several other GOP Senate members sent a letter earlier this month to Trump administration officials asking them to release the funding. In a statement Friday, Murkowski called the release of the funding a "tremendous win for our students, families, and school districts across Alaska." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But the anxiety, disruption, and extra work to figure out how to serve students without this funding should never have been necessary," Murkowski added. Alaska's U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan was not among the lawmakers who signed the letter. In the days after the funding freeze was announced, the Anchorage School District said it had cut 34.5 positions. Most affected staff members had been reassigned to other open positions, but five people were laid off, the district said earlier this month. On Friday, district officials said they "will restore as many services as possible," but that they are "still waiting on important information," including from the Alaska education department. A spokesperson for the state education department did not respond to a request for comment Friday. Jul. 25An Albert Lea man has been charged in Steele County for burglary and damage to property after being accused of breaking into a Blooming Prairie business in February. David Allen Villarreal, 42, was charged on July 7 with third degree burglary and third degree damage to property a felony and gross misdemeanor respectively. He is scheduled to make a first appearance on Aug. 8 in the case, which accuses Villarreal of stealing equipment exceeding $25,000 from Johnson's Tree Service in Blooming Prairie. According to the court complaint, Villarreal along with at least one accomplice, broke into the business a little after 1 a.m. on Feb. 18 resulting in over $700 in lost property value. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He then allegedly removed equipment and items from the business that included a hydraulic hose priced at $8,211.79 and a chainsaw valued at $1,379. Other items removed included another chainsaw, miscellaneous fittings, saw blades, wrench set, hose crimper and mobile crimper. JACKSON COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said a single-vehicle crash caused the road closure Saturday morning. ALEA said around 6:58 a.m., Troopers responded to a single-vehicle accident, causing part of U.S. 72 to be closed. Around 11:23 a.m., ALEA said the scene was clear and the roadway had been reopened. The agency said both the eastbound and westbound lanes of the highway between the 135 and 138 mile markers were closed and will be for an undetermined amount of time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Troopers with ALEAs Highway Patrol Division were on the scene investigating this incident and will provide updates as they become available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. Alleged McDonald's International Exclusive Divides American Fans: 'Not a Good Plan' originally appeared on Parade. It's a rarity to see McDonald's fans uninterested in an international exclusive, but many American consumers are saying "no thanks" to the idea of an adult-focused Happy Meal that is reportedly hitting the menu at some Irish locations. Food blogger Yumsight reported on the "unexpected twist" to the traditional children's meal, which adds a pint of Guinness to certain nostalgic menu items for a limited time: a Big Mac or six Chicken McNuggets, plus fries and a collectible toy that's designed for adults. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Per the foodstagrammer's post, the launch is currently a Northern Ireland exclusive, but while fans typically beg to see the exclusivity change, this time around, fans are feeling a lot more concerned about the consequences of mixing alcohol and fast food. Some were hype over the idea of an all-in-one meal, with one demanding to know, "Y tell us if its not in America???" "Man I was hoping this was in America ," another commenter lamented. But more were concerned that the combination was "not a good plan," with one suggesting that the "worst thing anyone can do is mix alcohol" with a fast food meal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There will be a few toilets tarmacked after that mess ," one quipped, while another called the combination "disrespectful to ya own body.". Related: McDonalds Fans 'Need to Try' International Menu Item ASAP: 'Probably the Best Burger Ever' Alleged McDonald's International Exclusive Divides American Fans: 'Not a Good Plan' first appeared on Parade on Jul 25, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Deportation flights have started at the South Florida migrant detention facility thats housed at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport. Gov. Ron DeSantis made the announcement near a runway at Alligator Alcatraz. I am pleased to report that those flights out of Alligator Alcatraz by DHS have begun, DeSantis said. The flights are being organized by Homeland Security. ICE Field Office Director Garrett Ripa said more than 100 undocumented migrants were deported. Its unclear where they went. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve had two or three removal flights, and well continue to have those removal flights, Ripa said. Now, the governor wants federal assistance to help expedite the removal process to meet President Trumps mass deportation goal. President Trump was very clear. He wants to see a force multiplier, with respect to the immigration adjudication process, he wants to speed it up, DeSantis said. The governor is waiting to hear back from the Department of Justice on whether immigration judges will be able to be on-site. Those judges fall under the Executive Branch not the Judiciary branch. We have not yet had any approval for anybody to be able to come down here and do that, but we do anticipate that happening, DeSantis said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the DeSantis administration waits for an answer, crews are moving forward with expanding the facility. Right now, the maximum capacity is around 2,000 detainees. State officials would like that number to increase to 4,000. Florida and national democrats along with immigration advocates have expressed several concerns at the facility thats near the everglades. Some have been asking about an evacuation plan during hurricane season. Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said the facility can withstand winds from Category 1 and 2 hurricanes. He didnt discuss flooding but confirmed detainees will need to be evacuated for Category 3 or stronger. When we have that situation, we will have to do an evacuation, Guthrie said. Yes, we are constantly looking at what we can do, based on need, when we get to a certain level, where we are going to go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear where detainees will go if they are evacuated. Democrats have called the facility inhumane and during Fridays news conference, Guthrie pushed back on critics. Our on-site services include hot meal service three times a day, Guthrie said. Full medical care, including 24/7 clinic and pharmacy, indoor and outdoor recreational space, laundry, legal, and clergy services, and air-conditioned detention housing units. Following a class-action lawsuit, Guthrie said detainees will be able to meet with lawyers in-person starting Monday. Democrats have also pushed for answers on the way taxpayer dollars were used to quickly set up the facility and run it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guthrie also admits there were technology issues for virtual meetings. Democrats have also raised questions regarding the bidding process. State data showed contracts totaling $245 million have been signed to build and operate the detention facility. DHS previously estimated the annual operation cost at $450 million. We have competitive contracts; we are encouraged to do competitive procurements. By the way, theres not a single, sole, source contract at this site, Guthrie said. FEMA recently started a reimbursement program for states that build temporary detention facilities. Its unclear how much Florida may get once officials apply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. The Israeli national was also arrested after the attacker claimed he made racist comments, though the Israeli national remains in hospital. Israeli tourist Stav Ben-Shoshan was enjoying a vacation near Athens when he was reportedly attacked by a group of Syrian migrants, one of whom bit off part of his ear while making antisemitic and pro-Palestinian comments, according to Saturday Israeli media reports. The Syrian national was reportedly arrested after the attack, and the Israeli embassy in Athens is in contact with local authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ben-Shoshan was also arrested after the Syrian national alleged he made racist remarks, although he remains hospitalized for the wounds he sustained in the alleged attack, according to Ynet. Ben-Shoshan recounted to Israeli media how he was on the Bolivar Beach with his wife and another Israeli couple when an unknown man approached them and began videoing them while shouting, "Free Palestine, to hell with Israel, I am Hamas." Protesters hold a banner during a pro-Palestinian protest in front of the parliament building in Athens, Greece. (credit: REUTERS/LOUIZA VRADI) He claimed that during the initial incident, the man pushed him and threw sand on him. The Syrian man was removed by security after initiating the conflict, he claimed. The second incident An hour after the initial incident, Ben-Shoshan claimed that the man returned and tried to assault his wife, which is when he stepped in to protect her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the struggle to protect his wife, Ben-Shoshan said the man bit off part of his ear, which he is currently receiving medical attention for. Sources at the Foreign Ministry told Ynet that "apparently, a group of immigrants recognized the Israelis and harassed them. When the Israeli went to the beach, one of the group attacked him and bit him, causing him a serious injury to his ear. The attacker is in custody. We are in contact with him and the authorities." JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) Meridian musician and 2025 American Idol winner Jamal Roberts recently dropped a new single on Thursday. Roberts debut single, Heal, helped put the soul artist on the map. The 27-year-old walked into American Idol as a hit-making artist; he won the competition back in May. According to Spotify, Roberts currently has more than 78,000 monthly streams. With his new single Mississippi, he seeks to build on his career successes and pay homage to his home state at the same time. The new song evoked a deep sense of homesickness. Though Roberts refers to the thing he misses dearly as if it were a person, it is likely a personification of a place he longs to go back to. The song cover features Roberts in front of a grayscale ward map of Meridian, the place that he is most likely referencing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roberts is not the first Mississippi musician to rise to national acclaim in recent years. Country music trio Chapel Hart became popular after its 2022 appearance on Americas Got Talent. The group earned fifth place in that years competition. No matter how popular the new song gets, Jamal Roberts will likely not stop singing anytime soon. On August 31, he will sing in the annual Spiritfest gospel concert in Greenville, South Carolina. He will then join Brandy & Monica on their tour in October. For more information about performances or Jamal Roberts, be sure to visit his website here. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. Wells Fargo has designed its new Autograph Journey Card with travelers in mind. The card's earning power, benefits, and redemption options offer the most value for people who travel regularly. Cardholders can earn a generous welcome bonus and receive up to 5x points on travel and everyday spending. When youre ready to redeem your rewards, trade in your points for travel or cash back or transfer points directly to hotel and airline partners. The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Visa's earning power and transfer partners open up a tremendous opportunity to get maximum value on every dollar you spend on the card. Apply now Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card Annual fee $95 Welcome offer Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months Card type(s) Travel Purchase APR 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.24% variable Rewards rate 5x points on hotels 4x points on airlines 3x points on restaurants and other travel 1x points on everything else Benefits Ge a $50 annual statement credit with $50 minimum airline purchase Access travel protections such as lost baggage reimbursement, travel accident insurance, and trip cancellation protection Get up to $1,000 of cell phone protection against damage, theft, or loss ($25 deductible applies) Rewards rate With the Autograph Journey, cardholders receive unlimited rewards at a rate of: 5x points on hotels 4x points on airlines 3x points on dining and other travel purchases 1x points on everything else How to earn rewards The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card offers three primary ways for cardholders to earn rewards through their spending. These options include the welcome bonus, bonus categories, and everyday purchases. However, some expenses may not be eligible to earn bonus points or any points at all. In the dining category, for example, spending at bakeries, grocery stores, or third-party delivery services may not qualify for the 3x bonus points. In addition, money spent on gift cards or gambling is ineligible to earn points. You may also combine points from other Wells Fargo cards to maximize your rewards. For example, you could use the Wells Fargo Autograph Card to take advantage of its bonus categories or the Wells Fargo Active Cash for its unlimited 2% cash rewards. How to redeem rewards Customers have several redemption options with rewards earned from the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card. In March 2024, Wells Fargo announced the addition of transfer partners, giving cardholders another way to redeem points and get more value from their rewards. Transfer partners: One of the best ways to get maximum value from your rewards is to transfer them to airline and hotel partners. Cardholders will have the option to transfer points to Choice Privileges, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Avianca LifeMiles, British Airways Executive Club, Aer Lingus AerCub, and Iberia Plus. All partners transfer at a 1:1 ratio unless stated otherwise. Booking travel: Customers can book travel with their points through the Wells Fargo travel portal. Redemption options include flights, hotels, and rental cars. Cash back : Cash-back redemptions are often the smart choice for cardholders when they're not traveling. The Autograph Journey provides several different ways to redeem points for cash, including credits to your Wells Fargo bank account, mortgage, or credit card statements. Gift cards: Redeem points for gift cards from many popular retailers or restaurants. Gift cards are available in increments of $25. Online shopping: Your points can also help you cover purchases online. You can pay with points when checking out online at participating merchants. Additionally, buy merchandise and gifts from hundreds of retailers using your points through Wells Fargos online shopping portal. Additional benefits The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey was created with travelers in mind, and like other travel credit cards, it offers numerous benefits to save money and protect your trips. $50 annual airline credit Each year, you'll receive a statement credit of $50 when using your card to pay for airline tickets, fees, or other eligible transactions of $50 or more. This credit applies when making purchases directly with the airlines. Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection benefits When booking through the Luxury Hotel Collection, you'll receive benefits normally reserved for travelers with hotel elite status. Perks may include automatic room upgrades, complimentary breakfast for two, a $25 food or beverage credit, or late checkout. Rental car insurance If you use your Autograph Journey card to book a rental car and decline the rental company's insurance plans, you'll receive secondary protection against theft or damage to the vehicle. This coverage does not cover medical claims or damage to other vehicles or property. Lost baggage reimbursement Your carry-on and checked baggage is covered up to $3,000 per trip if its lost or stolen. It covers you, your spouse or domestic partner, and your children traveling with you. Trip cancellation protection When your trip is canceled for a covered reason, you'll be reimbursed up to $15,000 per traveler for nonrefundable trip expenses. This benefit covers a maximum of $20,000 in claims in a 12-month period. Cell phone insurance Your cell phone is covered against damage, theft, and accidents when using your Wells Fargo Autograph Journey to pay the monthly bill. Each claim is covered up to $1,000 with a $25 deductible, with a maximum of two claims per 12-month period. Autograph Collection Exclusives Autograph Journey cardholders can access exclusive concerts showcasing major artists in small venues. No foreign transaction fees Avoid hidden fees while traveling with the Autograph Journey credit card. While some banks charge up to 3%, this card waives fees on purchases made outside the U.S. Who is the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card best for? The Autograph Journey Visa was designed from the ground up with travelers in mind. Those who travel regularly will benefit from the cards earning power, redemption options, and travel perks. Youll maximize travel purchases by earning an unlimited 5x on hotels, 4x on flights, and 3x on all other travel purchases. Plus, the card receives 3x on dining worldwide and 1x on everything else. The cards $50 annual statement credit on airline purchases can cover costs on flights, airline fees, and other airline purchases. It also includes cell phone protection and a limited number of complimentary travel protections to protect you during your trips. Learn more: How do travel credit cards work? Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card pros Earn up to 5x points per dollar on your spending $50 annual statement credit on purchases made directly with airlines Complimentary travel protections and cell phone insurance Luxury Hotel Collection benefits include perks similar to elite hotel status No foreign transaction fees Flexible redemption options, including transfers to airline and hotel partners Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card cons Limited transfer partners available at launch (though more are expected to be added at a later date) No intro APR offer on purchases or balance transfers The annual fee of $95 may be hard to justify for some cardholders Travel protections do not include baggage delay, and rental car insurance is secondary Where can you use the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card? As a Visa Signature Card, the Autograph Journey can be used anywhere Visa cards are accepted. Visa is available in more than 200 countries and 130 million merchant locations. This card also has no foreign transaction fees so you won't be hit with hidden fees on your international purchases. How to make a Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card payment Online at WellsFargo.com Via Wells Fargo mobile apps (Apple, Google) In-person at Wells Fargo branches and ATMs across 36 states and Washington, D.C. Over the phone by calling the number on the back of your card Mail payments to: Wells Fargo Card Services P.O. Box 51193 Los Angeles, CA 90051-5493 Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card customer service info Customer service is available by phone 24/7 by calling 1-800-642-4720 Online via the Wells Fargo login page Visit the credit card FAQ page Alternative cards to consider The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey will be available in select branches starting March 9, 2024, before rolling out nationwide on March 20. However, if you want to compare other travel card options, take a look at these alternatives. Learn more Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Annual fee $95 Welcome offer Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months Card type(s) Travel Ongoing Purchases APR 19.99% - 28.24% Variable Recommended credit score Excellent/Good Rewards rate 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries 2x points on all other travel purchases 1x points on all other purchases $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit Benefits Complimentary DashPass with $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27, plus a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders Earn up to $50 in annual statement credits for hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel On every account anniversary, earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year Why we like it: The Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the most popular travel rewards cards because of its powerful Ultimate Rewards points. This card earns 3x on dining, online grocery orders, and select streaming services, 2x on travel, and 1x on everything else. You can also earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel. Points have many redemption options but generally have the most value when booking travel through Chase (up to 1.75x more value) or transferring points to 14 airline and hotel partners. The card also includes generous travel and purchase protections, including primary rental car insurance. Learn more Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Annual fee $95 Welcome offer Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months thats equal to $750 in travel Card type(s) Travel Purchase APR 19.99% - 29.24% variable Recommended credit score Good, Excellent Rewards rate 5x miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel 2x miles on all other purchases Benefits Receive up to a $120 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fees Receive a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and early check-in at eligible hotels Access Hertz's Five Star membership tier, offering free upgrades, a wider selection of vehicles, and more Why we like it: You dont need to memorize complicated bonus categories with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card every purchase earns an unlimited 2x miles, but you can earn 5x miles when booking hotels or rental cars through Capital One Travel. The card also includes reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years, plus access to the Lifestyle Collection hotel perks and Hertz Five Star status. Miles are redeemable for travel, cash back, gift cards, and more. Plus, Capital One has more than 15 airline and hotel transfer partners to book award travel. Learn more The Platinum Card from American Express Rates & fees, terms apply Annual fee $695 Welcome offer You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $8,000 within the first 6 months (welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer); apply to know if youre approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount all with no credit score impact (if youre approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted) Card type(s) Travel Ongoing Purchases APR See Pay Over Time APR Recommended credit score Excellent/Good Rewards rate 5x points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year) 5x points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel 1x points on all other purchases Benefits Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel (requires a minimum two-night stay) Get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for your CLEAR Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the Platinum Card Enjoy up to $200 in Uber savings annually on rides in the U.S. that's $15 in Uber Cash for rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December (you must have the latest version of the Uber App downloaded and your eligible American Express Platinum Card must be a method of payment in your Uber account; Amex benefit may only be used in United States) Why we like it: Travelers willing to pay a higher annual fee for premium travel benefits should consider the Platinum Card from American Express. It features complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges, Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors Gold elite status, and premium travel protections. The points you earn have many redemption options, but the most value comes from Amex's 21 airline and hotel transfer partners. Cant decide on a credit card? Check out Yahoos best credit card picks This article was edited by Rebecca McCracken Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the banks website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product. The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here. Americans have a long history of enduring heat waves by going outside. In a 1998 essay for The New Yorker, the author Arthur Miller described urbanites Depression-era coping mechanisms: People caught the breeze on open-air trolleys, climbed onto the back of ice trucks, and flocked to the beach. In the evenings, they slept in parks or dragged their mattresses onto fire escapes. But since air conditioning went mainstream, in the 1960s, the easiest way to beat the heat has been by staying indoorsat home, the office, the mallwhere cool air is a constant and blinds are often drawn to prevent homes from overheating (and electric bills from skyrocketing). For this convenience, Americans sacrifice the benefits of sunshine and the opportunities for fun it creates. As climate change turns up the temperature, summers in America are coming down to a choice between enduring the heat and avoiding itboth of which might, in their own ways, be making people sick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In cities across the country, summers are, on average, 2.6 degrees hotter than they were some 50 years ago. In Phoenix, where a 95-degree day is a relief, schedules are arranged around the darkness; Jeffrey Gibson, an accountant who works from home, takes his eight-month-old daughter out for walks before 6:30 a.m.; after that, its so hot that she flushes bright red if they venture outside. He spends the rest of his day indoors unless leaving is absolutely necessary. Its like this from April to October. Gibson recently told his wife, Man, I think Im a little depressed. Josef A. Von Isser, a therapist in Tucson, Arizona, told me that feeling low in the summer comes up a lot with his clients. Some feel that the heat affects them directly; others struggle with its indirect effects, such as fewer opportunities to socialize and be somewhere other than home or the office. All of them, he suspects, might be experiencing seasonal affective disorder. The DSM-5 categorizes SAD as a type of major depression with a seasonal pattern, with symptoms such as sadness, feelings of worthlessness, and low energy. Usually, it presents in the winter, though scientists dont agree on why. Some suspect that its because a lack of sun exposure may contribute to decreased levels of serotonin, a hormone that regulates mood, as well as vitamin D, which helps stimulate serotonin activity. Another theory links low exposure to sunlight with unusually high levels of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. [Read: The surprising truth about seasonal depression] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Summer SAD is generally accepted as a variety of the disorder, but its much rarer than the winter form; one study from earlier this year puts its prevalence at about 0.6 percent. That makes summer SAD especially hard to study. Its clearly a different kind of illness, Paul Desan, a psychiatry professor at Yale, told me, but its not in their imagination. Unlike the winter form, which comes with a tendency to overeat, oversleep, and withdraw from society, summer SAD involves reduced appetite, insomnia, and restlessnessall of which can also be effects of heat. The scientific literature shows that heat is associated with mood disorders, anxiety, aggression, and reduced cognitive abilities. Uncomfortably hot nights, longer periods of daylight, and extended stretches of time spent indoors all disrupt sleep, which can in turn fuel mood disorders, Amruta Nori-Sarma, an environmental-health professor at Harvard, told me. Extreme heat can also be an obstacle to exercising, spending time in nature, and socializing, all of which can make people feel good and also double as important coping mechanisms for emotional distress. Taking comfort in air conditioning when its too hot out is a natural human response. But air-conditioned spaces can be stifling in their own way. Staying home where its cool also means socializing less; some offices and homes hardly let in a wink of sunlight all day. Its plausible that in the summer, people experience SAD symptoms not only from excessive heat but also because they spend all of their time avoiding the sun, Kim Meidenbauer, a psychology professor at Washington State University, told me. It does make sense to me that youd have, potentially, an analogous pattern of effects to winter SAD, she said. The link between indoor time and summer SAD hasnt been studied, but plenty of Americans, even if they dont meet the DSM-5 criteria, are noticing that summer is starting to feel a lot like winter. Reddit abounds with users who lament that being forced indoors by the heat gives them summer depression. Americas summer quandarysuffer inside or out?will become only more persistent as climate change intensifies. In the United States, heat waves have grown more frequent and intense every decade since the 1960s. During a single heat wave last month, people in 29 states were warned to stay inside to avoid dangerously high temperatures. All of the experts I spoke with expressed concerns about the impacts of escalating heat on mental health. I am not optimistic, Ayman Fanous, a psychiatry professor at the University of Arizona, told me, noting that heat also has a well-established link with suicide risk and can exacerbate mental-health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and substance abuse. Many Americans dont have access to air conditioning, or they work jobs that require them to be outside in the heat. Those who can stay cool inside may avoid the most severe consequences but still end up miserable for half of the year. [Read: Earths new gilded era] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As long as summer SAD remains poorly understood, the options for addressing it will be limited. Treatment for winter SAD usually involves exposure to light boxes that mimic sunlight, but these arent recommended for summer SAD, because it might have a different neurobiological basis, Fanous said. For now, the first-line treatments are SSRIs such as Prozacwhich can make people even more sensitive to heat. For those with the means, the best strategy for beating summer SAD might be to move somewhere cooler. After eight years in Phoenix, Gibson has had enough of hiding from the heat for six months at a time and is ready to leave behind what he believes is his own summer SAD. Later this year, he plans to move his family to Colorado, where he hopes to be able to bring his daughter out during daylight hours. Yet Colorado summers, too, are becoming uncomfortably hotand the same goes around the country. Last month, Alaska issued its first-ever heat advisory. As summer temperatures continue to rise, perhaps Americans will start to look back with envy on the ways our forebears beat the heat. The hotter summer nights get, the more sleeping on the fire escape starts to sound like a luxury. Article originally published at The Atlantic At first, the message seemed straightforward. In January of 1998, Amy Lynn Bradley, 23, of Virginia, confessed over the phone to her girlfriend, Mollie McClure, that she had kissed another woman while both of them had been drinking. Needing time to process the news, McClure, then 23, stopped taking Bradleys calls. Determined to reach McClure, Bradley sent her a message in a bottle, expressing her remorse in a handwritten letter one that took on new meaning after Bradley vanished in March of 1998 during a Caribbean cruise with her family. Courtesy of Netflix 2025 (2) Amy Bradley and her dad, Ron Bradley; Amy Bradley with her brother, Brad Bradley Amy Bradley and her dad, Ron Bradley; Amy Bradley with her brother, Brad Bradley "Mollie, I hurt you deeper than you can ever forget, Bradley wrote in a letter McClure shares in episode three of Netflixs true-crime series Amy Bradley Is Missing, which premiered on July 16. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I'm not asking you to forget, because that'll never happen," Bradley wrote. "I just wanted to ask you if you could find it in your heart to forgive me." Then, in an eerie foreshadowing of what may have befallen Bradley a month later, she wrote, "I feel like there is an ocean between us, like I'm on a desert island waiting for you to rescue me. A message in a bottle, my only hope. I miss you, Mollie. Bradley ended the missive writing, Save me, please. Stranded, Amy." On March 24, 1998, exactly one month after Bradley wrote the message in a bottle, she disappeared from a Royal Caribbean ship in Curacao. She has been missing ever since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some believe that Bradley fell overboard or died by suicide. Others wonder if she had been kidnapped, trafficked and forced into a life of prostitution. FBI Amy Bradley just before she vanished in 1998 Amy Bradley just before she vanished in 1998 In the series, McClure says she has no idea what happened to the woman she loved, who vanished while traveling with her parents and brother. Her father last saw her sleeping on the balcony of their cabin between 5:15 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. on the morning of March 24, 1998. But by 6 a.m., she was gone, and had only taken her lighter and cigarettes with her, leaving even her shoes behind. "Some viewers have fixated on Bradleys letter and phrases that now seem haunting in retrospect like "an ocean between us" and "stranded." But McClure says in the series that "the convenience of the metaphor is ripe for misunderstanding." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It could suggest suicide, McClure says. But I dont connect with it in that way. She notes that it is a love letter. During a nearly 30-year-search for Bradley, her family has received tips that have seemed promising. Canadian tourist David Carmichael said that in August 1998, he believed he saw Bradley in Curacao, "flanked by two people" on the beach. As he got closer, he says the woman pointed to her tattoos which matched all of Bradley's. Authorities searched the area after getting Carmichael's tip, but didn't find any sign of Bradley. In January 1999, a Navy petty officer reportedly visited a brothel in Curacao and said a woman told him her name was Amy Bradley and asked him for help. He told her there was a naval ship about five minutes away, but she responded, "No, you don't understand. Please help me. My name is Amy Bradley." Courtesy of Netflix 2025 Amy Bradley's mother, Iva Bradley, in Amy Bradley Is Missing. Amy Bradley's mother, Iva Bradley, in Amy Bradley Is Missing. The officer didn't take action, her father, Ron Bradley, told NBC News in in part because the officer wasn't allowed to be in the brothel and because he didn't know anyone by that name was missing until he saw a magazine cover with Amy's face and name on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Was Amy Bradley Ever Found? Unpacking the Theories About Her Disappearance and Alleged Sightings Over the Years In September 2005, an anonymous source allegedly sent the Bradleys online photos of a woman named Jas whom they claimed was their daughter. The Bradleys had a forensic detective analyze the photos, who allegedly said it was a perfect match for Amy. Unfortunately, they weren't able to pinpoint the site's IP address, and the FBI still lacks evidence to detain or charge anyone with kidnapping. Amy Bradley Is Missing began streaming on Netflix on July 16. Read the original article on People EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Dona Ana County will conduct a community cleanup this weekend in Vado after the recent flooding, according to the news release on Friday, July 25. According to the County, the cleanup will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, in areas affected by the floods. NM governor makes $750K available for Vado flood recovery Residents are being asked to place all trash and debris curbside before 8 a.m. so crews can easily access and remove items, the County said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know this has been a difficult time for many families, and we are here to support you as we work together to recover, Emergency Manager Amanda Bowen said. This cleanup is part of our commitment to helping residents get back on their feet as safely and quickly as possible. Additionally, Gadsden Independent School District will partner with FEMA to assist with recovery efforts on July 26, the school district said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FEMA volunteers will be using Vado Elementary School, located at 330 Holguin Rd., as a staging area to coordinate the flood relief activities, Gadsden ISD said. Volunteers will be working all day to help residents clean up and begin the recovery process, Gadsden ISD said. Dona Ana County approves resolution to issue disaster declaration To protect the public and cleanup crews, hazardous materials will not be accepted, the County said. The following items will not be picked up, the County said: Medical waste Batteries (automotive or rechargeable) Cooking oils Motor oils, lubricants, and fluids Paints, stains, sealants or similar products Herbicides, pesticides, insecticides or similar Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the County, these items are dangerous because they can burn skin, catch fire easily, cause serious health problems, make people sick if touched or breathed in, or even explode under certain conditions. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. IDF International Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani dismissed the report as fake news. Anonymous IDF officials claimed there was no evidence to suggest thatHamas routinely stole humanitarian aid, the New York Times reported on Saturday, while denying the Israeli military ever published proof that the Palestinian terror group systematically looted humanitarian resources. Military officials allegedly told the American outlet that the UNs aid distribution system had been relatively reliable and less susceptible to Hamass looting efforts than other aid organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officials also said that concern was raised by senior members of the IDF to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus military advisor about the Gaza Humanitarian Foundations position as Gazas sole aid provider, according to the report. Officials from the IDF reportedly encouraged the UN to be allowed to hand out aid not included in GHF packages, such as medical supplies. However, three people familiar with the discussions told the NYT that this suggestion was dismissed. Palestinians seeking aid supplies from the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation travel in an animal-drawn cart, near Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, July 24, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Ramadan Abed) IDF International Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani dismissed the report as fake news. It has been well documented throughout the war how Hamas systematically exploited humanitarian aid to fund terrorist activities in various ways, he wrote on X/Twitter. Part of the Evidence of Hamas exploitation was sent to the @nytimes and many other news outlets. Theft of USAID The report comes only shortly after a US State Department official dismissed an internal US government analysis that found no evidence of systematic theft by Hamas of US-funded humanitarian supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The analysis was conducted by a bureau within the US Agency for International Development and completed in late June. It examined 156 incidents of theft or loss of US-funded supplies reported by US aid partner organizations between October 2023 and this May. It found no reports alleging Hamas benefited from US-funded supplies, according to a slide presentation of the findings seen by Reuters. A State Department spokesperson disputed the findings, saying there is video evidence of Hamas looting aid, but provided no such videos. The spokesperson also accused traditional humanitarian groups of covering up "aid corruption." Asked about the USAID report, the IDF told Reuters that its allegations are based on intelligence reports that Hamas terrorists seized cargoes by "both covertly and overtly," embedding themselves on aid trucks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those reports also show that Hamas has diverted up to 25% of aid supplies to its fighters or sold them to civilians, the IDF said, adding that GHF has ended the militants' control of aid by distributing it directly to civilians. Hamas denies the allegations. A Hamas security official said that Israel has killed more than 800 Hamas terrorists who the group claimed were trying to protect aid vehicles and convoy routes. However, a large amount of evidence and testimony has been shared throughout the nearly two-year war, confirming that Hamas has stolen aid. The study on USAID admitted that aid recipients cannot be vetted, supplies could have reached Hamas administrative officials without detection, and officials had lost access to classified intelligence systems, which would have highlighted Hamass theft of resources. Ezra Taylor contributed to this report. The Los Angeles Police Department says a South L.A. AutoZone store was looted during a nearby street takeover early Saturday morning, the latest incident in a destructive trend occurring across the city. An LAPD spokesperson confirmed to KTLA that calls of a street takeover came in around 1:25 a.m. at Century Boulevard and Central Avenue near Ted Watkins Memorial Park in the Green Meadows neighborhood. Approximately two minutes later, individuals were reported to have entered the nearby AutoZone located at Century and Central, the spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the spokesperson could not confirm the value of stolen merchandise, they did note that a burglary report was taken. Video from the scene obtained by KTLA shows items, including a car battery and boxes of rims, scattered across the area along with broken glass from the storefront. The Los Angeles Police Department says a South L.A. AutoZone store was looted after a nearby street takeover early Saturday, July 26, 2025. (KNN) The Los Angeles Police Department says a South L.A. AutoZone store was looted after a nearby street takeover early Saturday, July 26, 2025. (KNN) The Los Angeles Police Department says a South L.A. AutoZone store was looted after a nearby street takeover early Saturday, July 26, 2025. (KNN) No arrests were made and no injuries were reported in connection with the takeover and looting on Saturday, per LAPD. Speeding car careens into Huntington Beach homes in late-night crash Other examples of AutoZones being looted during street takeovers include one in June where a mob ransacked another South L.A. location and spray-painted expletives on an exterior wall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another similar incident occurred in the Historic South-Central neighborhood less than a week ago. No arrests were reported in either of those two incidents. Sofia Pop Perez 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. (WJET/WFXP) Nine years ago, several antique metal mooring buoys were stolen from outside the Lawson Center Boat Museum in Chautauqua County, and this week, those pieces of Chautauqua Lake history were recovered. Long thought to have been sold off for scrap metal, the buoys were found at an Erie County, New York, home being used as lawn decorations, unbeknownst to the person displaying them, and described by police as still in good condition. Blood drive held in honor of Erie woman extended due to outpour of support Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chautauqua County Sheriffs Office said it first heard about the long-missing buoys thanks to a tip made to them. Deputies got a hold of the former President of the Lawson Center Boat Museum in Bemus Point, Davis Wesp, who confirmed the buoys were the real deal. In the past, these metal spheres were anchored to the bottom of Chautauqua Lake so boaters could tie off without having to cast their anchor, but have since been replaced by ones made of plastic or styrofoam. Construction work begins on EDDCs new Flagship City Commons building Now back where they belong, the buoys are back on display at the Lawson Center, around other interesting exhibits displaying Chautauqua Lakes history and are set to get a refinishing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We (the Lawson Center) believe in the good moralities of people and always hoped someone would someday return them to us, Wesp said. They are an important part of the history of our lake. Police said no charges will be filed against the person who had them in their yard. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) It was one step forward, one step back on Friday in the legal fights for some families of the Tops mass shooting victims. A ruling from the states Supreme Court of the Appellate Division, Fourth Judicial Department affirmed claims against MEAN Arms LLC the maker of the gun accessory that is alleged to have helped the Tops gunman to access and use an illegal assault weapon at the Tops on Jefferson Avenue in May 2022. We conclude that the allegations made by the relevant plaintiffs are sufficient to withstand CPLR 3211 dismissal, the court said. As stated above, plaintiffs all alleged that MEAN violated New York law by manufacturing a lock that was removable, thereby posing a danger to the general public, and that plaintiffs or their relatives were injured by the firearm from which the lock was removed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With respect to the causation element we reject MEANs contention that it is entitled to dismissal at this stage. It is too early to determine as a matter of law whether only one conclusion can be drawn on the issue of causation. Civil claims against platforms like Google, Meta, and YouTube, however, were dismissed by the court. Some of the families say that social media is partly to blame for the deaths of their loved ones, arguing that the gunman was radicalized by white supremacist theories he found on certain platforms. Attorney John Elmore, who represents some of the victims families, told WIVB News 4 the following statement: We are reviewing the decision, discussing options with our litigation team and clients, Elmore said. There are two very strong dissenting opinions that are in complete agreement with the lower court opinion and our legal arguments. Further, we have a solid win against Mean Arms. Latest Local News Appellate-rulingDownload Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. Other Hamas and Palestinian sources said that Hamas captors have been instructed to murder any live hostages if the IDF gets close. The Hamas terrorist organization fears the possibility of a joint US-Israeli military operation to rescue hostages in the Gaza Strip, according to a Saturday report by Arabic-language source Asharq Al-Awsat. The source reportedly learned from Hamas that the terror group implemented security measures to prevent attempts by Israeli forces or any others to access locations where hostages, alive or dead, are being kept. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas terrorists were instructed to monitor any and all activity they deem suspicious and find out if anyone is collaborating with Israel, according to the report. Other Hamas and Palestinian sources cited by Asharq Al-Awsat stated that Hamas captors have been instructed to murder any living hostages if the IDF gets close. However, this order was reportedly revoked during the ceasefire that had taken effect in January of this year. It has since been reinstated, the report noted. 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) The report was published after the US and Israeli negotiating teams departed Qatar on Thursday, where US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said that the terrorist organization showed "a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza." "While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith. We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home," he said. US, Israel considering alternative options to bring back hostages Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said that the two countries were looking for alternative options for bringing the hostages home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing Persons Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch said that the Israeli team's return from Qatar was intended to provide advice on how to narrow the gaps in the negotiations. In the face of many difficulties that Hamas has posed and is posing, we have continuously and resolutely exhausted every chance and possibility of reaching an agreement, and we will continue to do so," he said. However, Israeli officials told The Jerusalem Post on Friday that Israel still believes that Hamas is interested in a deal, but theyre trying to squeeze every possible advantage, provoking and appeasing all the extremist factions within Gaza." Hamas has resorted to delaying tactics, reintroducing previously resolved issues, and making "outlandish" demands, the officials added. Amichai Stein contributed to this report. An Arizona man was awaiting extradition to Shasta County, California, where authorities say he's their suspect in a murder-rape case that's gone unsolved for nearly 41 years. Roger Neil Schmidt Sr. of Tucson was arrested July 19 in connection with the 1984 shooting death of 18-year-old Terry Arndt and the sexual assault of a girl Arndt was with when he was killed, the Shasta County Sheriffs Office announced July 23. The 64-year-old faces murder and sexual assault charges, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schmidt, who was born in Shasta County, was 23 years old and a Burney, California, resident when the crimes were committed in 1984, according to investigators. Terry Arndt Arndt, an 18-year-old Shasta College student, was shot twice through the window of his parents' car with a rifle on a wooded lovers' lane near Burney High School, according to authorities. The assailant then sexually assaulted the teenage girl Arndt was with, authorities said. Another man was previously accused in the case. Thomas Elmer Brewster was exonerated during a 1997 capital trial. DNA taken from the girl's semen-stained blouse proved that Brewster wasn't her assailant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly 30 years later, investigators had what seemed to be a breakthrough in the case, the Record Searchlight of Redding, California, first reported. Shasta County Sheriff Michael Johnson, left, speaks at a press conference on July 23, 2025 about the arrest of a murder-rape suspect in Tucson, Arizona. In a press conference, Shasta County Sheriff Michael Johnson said his department worked with Tucson law enforcement officials and a private company specializing in investigative genealogy to carry out a search warrant and collect DNA evidence from Schmidt. Authorities compared Schmidt's DNA to evidence collected from the girl the night she was assaulted and obtained a match, he said. The DNA analysis "opened up a whole new avenue to the investigation, which ultimately led to the suspect's arrest," Johnson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schmidt was booked into the Pima County jail. Michele Chandler covers public safety, dining and whatever else comes up for the Redding Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. She accepts story tips at 530-338-7753 and at mrchandler@gannett.com. Shawn Raymundo covers Phoenix and Scottsdale. Reach him at sraymundo@gannett.com or follow him on X @ShawnzyTsunami. News alerts in your inbox: Don't miss the important news of the day. Sign up for azcentral newsletter alerts to be in the know. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona man arrested after DNA match in 1984 cold case An Arizona woman was sentenced to more than eight years in prison for helping North Korea exploit hundreds of American companies, while generating more than $17 million for herself and the foreign government, the U.S. Department of Justice announced July 24. In February, Christina Marie Chapman, a 50-year-old resident of Litchfield Park, pleaded guilty to charges stemming from her role in a scheme to obtain remote jobs in the U.S. for overseas information technology workers by having them pose as legal residents. She was charged last year with aggravated identity theft, as well as conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. District Court Judge Randolph D. Moss in Washington, D.C., ordered Chapman to serve 102 months in prison and three years of supervised release. She must also forfeit nearly $285,000 that she intended to send to North Korea and pay a $176,850 judgment. Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew Galeotti said the yearslong scheme defrauded more than 300 companies, resulting in a dozen stolen identities of U.S. citizens. Chapman made the wrong calculation: short-term personal gains that inflict harm on our citizens and support a foreign adversary will have severe long-term consequences, he said in the departments announcement. News alerts in your inbox: Don't miss the important news of the day. Sign up for azcentral newsletter alerts to be in the know. What US companies unknowingly hired North Korean tech workers? Chapman helped North Korean IT workers secure jobs at 309 American businesses and two international companies, including Fortune 500 corporations, according to the Justice Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The companies included a major television network, a Silicon Valley technology company, an aerospace manufacturer and an American car maker. Chapman would host the overseas workers' computers, so it looked like they were in the U.S., according to court records. She also shipped nearly 50 laptops and other devices overseas, including to a Chinese city that borders North Korea. During the FBIs investigation, investigators found more than 90 laptops at Chapmans home. Using the names of people whose identities were stolen, she reported to the IRS and Social Security Administration millions of dollars in income that the North Korean workers generated, according to the Justice Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said she also forged and received payroll checks and direct deposits on behalf of the overseas workers. The scheme was elaborate, said Carissa Messick, the special agent in charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Phoenix Field Office. If this sentencing proves anything, its that no amount of obfuscation will prevent IRS-CI and our law enforcement partners from tracking down those who wish to steal the identities of U.S. nationals, launder money, or engage in criminality that jeopardizes national security. North Korean government will go to great lengths for money, FBI agent says According to the Justice Department, Chapman represented one aspect of a larger scheme in which thousands of high-skilled IT workers from North Korea are deployed across the world. Tasked with obtaining remote employment, they use falsified, stolen, or borrowed identities, oftentimes with the help of U.S.-based collaborators such as Chapman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sentencing today demonstrates the great lengths to which the North Korean government will go in its efforts and resources to fund its illicit activities, Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke of the FBI Phoenix Field Office said. The FBI continues to pursue these threat actors to disrupt their network and hold those accountable wherever they may be, Janke said. How companies can protect themselves from hiring North Korean workers The FBI published guidance to help businesses spot when a job applicant may be impersonating someone else during the hiring process. It advised companies to scrutinize a persons identity verification documents, like checking for misspellings and cross-referencing photos and contact information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Businesses should also verify the applicants prior employment and education history, as well as require in-person interviews or drug tests, when possible. If the interview must be done remotely, the FBI suggested that cameras be on and backgrounds remain unobscured. The FBI also recommended analyzing employees payment methods, like monitoring those who routinely change their bank accounts. I encourage companies to remain vigilant of these cyber threats, and warn individuals who may be tempted by similar schemes to take heed of todays sentence," Galeotti said. Shawn Raymundo covers Phoenix and Scottsdale. Reach him at sraymundo@gannett.com or follow him on X @ShawnzyTsunami. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizonan gets 8-year prison sentence for North Korean IT worker scheme A federal judge has sentenced a 36-year-old Arlington man to more than 33 years in prison for producing child pornography and illegally possessing a machine gun. Carlos Isaac Barrientos received a 405-month sentence (33.75 years) on July 24 from U.S. District Judge Reed OConnor, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy Larson for the Northern District of Texas. The Bedford Police Department, just northeast of Fort Worth, began investigating a truck theft from a business in late September 2024, according to the release. Several days later, the Arlington Police Department found the vehicle and returned it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But investigators found multiple bags with cell phones and illegal firearms which belonged to Barrientos in the truck. ATF agents reviewed them, and found images and videos of child pornography on the devices. Barrientos was arrested and charged, and he pleaded guilty to charges of child porn production and machine gun possession on April 16, according to the release. Arlington and Bedford police departments, the ATF, and DHS investigated the case. According to federal inmate records, he was detained at FMC Fort Worth. Tarrant County records show Barrientos criminal history includes: Assault Causing Bodily Injury Family Violence Assault Family/Household Member Impeding Breath Online Solicitation of a Minor Under 14 Possession With Intent to Promote Child Pornography Inducing a Child to Perform Sexually Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon Evading Arrest Possession of Marijuana Editors Note: Submissions for Around Town can be made via email to editor@heraldbanner.com. Fill the Jeep Christmas in July Smoke Sessions Fill the Jeep Christmas in July is scheduled for Saturday, July 26 from noon to 5 p.m. benefiting Toys for Tots at 307 W. State Highway 66 in Royse City. Bring an unwrapped toy. Back to School Resource Fair Mark your calendars for Greenville ISDs back to School Resource Fair on Tuesday, July 29 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Greenville High School. The event will include free school supplies, haircuts, health checks and community services from across Hunt County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Romeo and Juliet Auditions Greenville Theatre Works will hold auditions for its production of Romeo and Juliet scheduled for performances in late September and early October. Auditions will be Thursday, July 31 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Greenville Municipal Auditorium. The show will include live music, stage combat and songs all on an outdoor stage Meet the Teacher Nights Greenville ISD families, its almost time to kick off a new school year and meet the educators who will be leading your students in 20252026. Tuesday, Aug. 5 at New Horizons from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and at Travis Intermediate from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday, Aug. 7 at LP Waters all day with appointment, at elementary campuses from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and at Greenville Middle School from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Monday Aug. 25 at Greenville High School from 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunt County Democrats Hunt County Democrats will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday, Aug. 7 at the UAW Hall in Greenville at 601 W. Jack Finney Blvd. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. and all are welcome. Back to School Clothing Swap W. Walworth Harrison Public Library is hosting a Back to School Clothing Swap from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. On Saturday, Aug. 9 at the library. Bring a bag of gently used clothes your child has outgrown and swap them for the next size up. Rape Aggression Defense Course Greenville PD is offering a free Rape Aggression Defense Systems course in August aimed at providing women with basic physical defense training and personal safety education. The 12-hour course will include both classroom instruction and hands-on practice. Sessions will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Aug. 18, 21, 25 and 28 at Fletcher Warren Civic Center. Participants must attend all four dates. To sign up or for more information, contact instructor Brandon West at bcwest@ci.greenville.tx.us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wanted: Bluegrass Players Be on the lookout for these wanted musicians: banjo, guitar, mandolin and fiddle. Theyre needed to receive a stipend for the Greenville Theatre Works production of Romeo and Juliet. Email info@gtwloive.com. Fall Fantasy Faire Open casting call for the second annual Fall Fantasy Faire hosted at the W. Walworth Harrison Public Library on Saturday, Oct. 25. Amateur performers are welcome. Email kflinn@ci.greenville.tx.us for more information. HILL COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44) A Malone man is in jail after authorities executed a warrant at a home and explosive materials were found. The Hill County Sheriffs Office, in conjunction with the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Rangers and the McLennan County Sheriffs Office, executed a search warrant in the 500 block of West Hackberry Street in Malone at approximately 2:05 p.m. Friday. Prior to the execution of this warrant, the Hill County Sheriffs Office received multiple reports from citizens of the City of Penelope regarding sporadic explosions occurring in recent days and weeks, primarily during the nighttime hours. Also, a live improvised explosive device (IED) was found on the Ash Creek Bridge, south of Malone, on Wednesday. The McLennan County Sheriffs Bomb Squad Unit responded to this incident. FM-308 was closed during this time. Bomb squad members found and safely disposed of the IED. A protective sweep of the bridge was conducted prior to Hill County Sheriffs Investigators clearing the bridge. Once the bridge was deemed safe, the roadway was reopened on Wednesday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hill County investigators were able to identify a suspect related to these incidents. An arrest warrant was obtained for 48-year-old Michael Louis Degner. He was arrested Friday on charges of Disorderly Conduct and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. Degner was booked into to Hill County Jail. Additional charges are expected to be filed. The Hill County Sheriffs Office says there are no known ongoing threats to public safety regarding these incidents. If you have any additional information regarding this investigation, you can contact the Sheriffs Office at 254-582-5313. The HCSO Criminal Investigations Division, Hill County Emergency Management and local fire departments and Emergency Medical Services also assisted in the service of the search warrant. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44. ASHTABULA Officials have been moving forward with many projects across the city. Things have been a bit challenging, but overall, we are doing well, Ashtabula City Manager Jim Timonere said. Council President John Roskovics said the city has been shifting its focus toward everyday work, as there are less once-in-a-lifetime projects that arrive in the city. Roskovics said he has noticed the economy slowing down, so he worries it could affect the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hopefully well be able to keep our momentum weve built the last few years, he said. Roskovics and Timonere said one of the largest projects the city is planning long-term is an upgrade to its wastewater treatment plant and system. Roskovics said he expects the entire project to go on over the next decades, and involve tens of millions of dollars. Itll make an impact on Ashtabula for a long time, he said. The upgrades will be huge for the city, Roskovics said. That plant has served us for 100 years, and we hope itll serve us for 100 more, he said. In a related but separate topic, the city is looking to replace its sewer cleaning vehicle, Timonere said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been having frequent mechanical issues and expensive repairs, he said. Timonere said a new unit could cost more than $600,000. Were exploring financing options to help spread out the cost and protect the wastewater funds cash flow, he said. The city invested more than $900,000 for its paving projects this year, made possible by the continuation of the citys paving levy, Timonere said. The initial levy was passed six to seven years ago, Roskovics said. It passed easily, and it has passed easily since, he said. Roskovics said city residents appreciate the municipal governments effort to pave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city decided to pave several roads this year, which are: Thayer Avenue, from West 15th to West 13th streets East 17th Street, east of Columbus Avenue Harmon Road Franklin Avenue, from West 3rd to Bridge streets West 3rd Street, from Lake to Franklin avenues West 34th Street, from Lake to Station avenues Fern Avenue Chestnut Avenue Pleasentview Avenue, south of Carpenter Road East 44th Street, from State to Rogers roads McCreery Avenue West 50th Street, from West to Jefferson avenues Stark Avenue McKinley Avenue Timonere expects the paving project to finish soon. At an April 21 council meeting, Timonere said Koskis contract stipulated they finish the paving projects by Aug. 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Timonere said the future holds a lot for Ashtabula, including possible work on Collins Boulevard next year. The plan is to remove the existing concrete and rebuild the road with asphalt, Timonere said. We received a $1.2 million Small Cities Grant to help cover the cost, and we expect construction to get started in 2026. The project is still in its design phase, he said. Were excited about whats coming, Timonere said. Over the spring and summer, the city has been working to set up a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area in the Harbor. According to the Ohio Department of Commerces website, a DORA is a specialized area that a local legislative authority ... has designated as exempt from certain open container provisions as laid out in [Ohio Revised Code]. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Timonere previously said he had been interested in the venture because of its implementation in the city of Geneva. The citys government went through all the steps needed to apply for a DORA, and received approval back from the Ohio Department of Liquor Control. It goes into effect this weekend. This initiative is an exciting step toward enhancing the vibrancy and appeal of the area for both residents and visitors, Timonere said. Timonere said the city recently improved accessibility at Walnut Beach by installing four handicap-accessible parking spots, following the completion of an adjacent inclusive playground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been encouraging to see how well the playground is being used, and these improvements ensure accessibility for all, he said. The city has also been trying to expand its staffing at the police department, Timonere said. Weve had several retirements in our police department and have been actively working to fill those positions through a combination of lateral hires and candidates from our civil service list, he said. Were nearly back to full staffing levels and will continue to recruit officers to ensure our department remains strong and responsive to community needs. Union negotiations are coming up, alongside planning the citys 2026 budget, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both are big tasks that require a lot of time and collaboration, but theyre essential to our operations as we move into the next year, Timonere said. Timonere said the city is looking into hiring a new code enforcement officer. This person will help us stay on top of code issues across the city, which will be a big support for our Planning and Community Development Office, he said. While we may see an increases in violations and citations, the bigger goal is really about helping people bring their properties into compliance and improve the overall appearance of our neighborhoods. The city is working to find a replacement for the assistant finance director, who is retiring later this year, Roskovics said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roskovics hopes the city can hire someone to do human resources, handling employees contracts, insurance, disputes and questions, he said. The city needs to recruit more employees in general, and make sure they are appreciated for their work, Roskovics said. We certainly want to treat them as well as we can with the resources we have, he said. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER The business of hurtling humans into space is getting routine on the Space Coast with the fourth flight of a SpaceX Crew Dragon queued up for this week. The crew going for that ride arrived in Florida on Saturday. NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Kimiya Yui and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, the quartet for SpaceXs Crew-11 mission to the International Space Station, flew into the former space shuttle landing site at KSC after noon under the searing sun as temperatures on the tarmac climbed into the 90s. Sorry for the heat, but its Florida in the summertime, said veteran Fincke, who kept cracking jokes and even made bunny ears behind Platonovs head during a photo as the crewmates talked to media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre slated to lift off as early as 12:09 p.m. Thursday from KSCs Launch Pad 39-A atop a Falcon 9 rocket riding in the Crew Dragon Endeavour. Weve been training together for over a year now and we are ready to fly, said Cardman, who is making her first spaceflight. As a first-time flyer, this is the first moment when its really starting to feel real. They expect at least a six-month stay on board the space station where they will relieve the four members of Crew-10 on board since March. In addition to the two NASA flights this year, SpaceX has flown a private polar orbital mission Fram2 in March and the private Axiom Space Ax-4 mission to the space station last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The launch is one shy of the five human spaceflight missions from Florida seen in 2024, although it would equal the number of people launching with 16 in space. Both last years Boeing Starliner CFT mission and the Crew-9 mission only flew up with two crew each instead of four. That was because Crew-9 became the ride home for Starliner astronauts after NASA opted to send Boeings beleaguered spacecraft home minus crew over safety concerns and they ultimately had to be ferried home by SpaceX. NASA astronaut Michael Fincke talks about how he started to bald after going to space causing laughter from Crew-11 crewmate and JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui after they arrived to Kennedy Space Center on Saturday, July 26, 2025 ahead of their planned launch this week to the International Space Station. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) NASA astronaut and pilot Michael Fincke gives a handoff wave to Crew-11 crewmate JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yu as NASA astronaut and commander Zena Cardman, left, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, right, look on after they arrived to Kennedy Space Center on Saturday, July 26, 2025 ahead of their planned launch this week to the International Space Station. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) NASA astronaut and pilot Michael Fincke cracks a joke causing JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui to break into laughter after they and their fellow Crew-11 crewmates, NASA astronaut and commander Zena Cardman and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, arrived to Kennedy Space Center on Saturday, July 26, 2025 ahead of their planned launch this week to the International Space Station. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The four members of Crew-11 arrive to Kennedy Space Center on Saturday, July 26, 2025 ahead of their planned launch this week to the International Space Station. From left to right are NASA astronaut and commander Zena Cardman, NASA astronaut and pilot Michael Fincke, JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov along with his translator. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) The four members of Crew-11 arrive to Kennedy Space Center on Saturday, July 26, 2025 ahead of their planned launch this week to the International Space Station. From left to right are NASA astronaut and commander Zena Cardman, NASA astronaut and pilot Michael Fincke, JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov along with his translator. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel) Show Caption1 of 6NASA astronaut Michael Fincke, right, raises some bunny ears behind the head Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov while posing for photos with their Crew-11 crewmates, NASA astronaut Zena Cardman and JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui, after arriving at Kennedy Space Center on Saturday, July 26, 2025 ahead of their planned launch this week to the International Space Station. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)Expand Endeavour is making a record sixth trip to space, the first of SpaceXs fleet of five Crew Dragons to hit that mark as NASA looks to stretch their utility beyond the original five flights for which they have been certified. Cardman was originally tapped as commander for the Crew-9 mission, but as a rookie, she was bumped in favor of another member of that crew with flight experience. She is now back for Crew-11 as its commander. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She becomes the last of 12 NASA astronauts from the 2017 class known as The Turtles to make it space. In spaceflight, the journey is often nonlinear. Its just a privilege to be here with this crew, especially. I have the privilege of overlapping with one of my classmates, Jonny Kim, whos currently on board as a member of Expedition 73. I also have the privilege of flying with Kimiya Yui, whose patch has a turtle on it. And so that makes him an honorary turtle in my heart. Fincke was also reassigned from what was supposed to be Starliners first operational crew mission, Starliner-1, but shifted to this SpaceX mission as Boeing and NASA continue to work on Starliners issues. He is making his fourth trip to space having made trips on Soyuz in 2004 and 2008 as well as the penultimate flight of the Space Shuttle Program, STS-134, on Space Shuttle Endeavour in 2011. Its been a really interesting journey watching brand new spaceships be built, Fincke said. Im very proud of our teams, both SpaceX and Boeing, to what they built together and really proud to actually finally fly on a commercial crew spacecraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Japans Yui also was training for a Starliner flight, but is now headed for his second trip to space having been on a Soyuz mission in 2015. My last mission was 10 years ago, so Im very much looking forward to going back to my home, he said. Platonov joins Cardman as the second rookie on this mission. The four will be on board when the station reaches a milestone on Nov. 2, which will signify 25 years of continuous occupation. They will be part of Expeditions 73 and 74 along with the three members on board that flew up on a Soyuz. Im personally looking forward to going back up to the space station. I helped build it, and now I get to see it in its full maturity with six other crewmates, Fincke said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NASA looks to decommission the station after 2030. I know its coming near its time, but this is something that I think that humans should just really remember of all the cool things we can do when we work together constructively, Fincke said. One week after a scandal at a Coldplay concert triggered the resignations of its CEO and Chief People Officer, data startup Astronomer is attempting to shift the narrative with help from Gwyneth Paltrow. In a new promotional video published to the companys LinkedIn account Friday, the Oscar-winning actress introduces herself as having been hired on a very temporary basis to speak on behalf of the 300-plus employees at Astronomer. She notes that the company has gotten a lot of questions over the last few days, acknowledging the viral attention the company received, and the video proceeds in a tongue-in-cheek format to answer them without mentioning the viral incident directly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OMG! What the actual f reads one on-screen question, before Paltrow calmly cuts in to deliver a polished summary of the companys value proposition: Yes! Astronomer is the best place to run Apache Airflow, unifying the experience of running data, ML and AI pipelines at scale. She adds that Astronomer is thrilled by the surge in interest in data workflow automation. Another interrupted question How is your social media team holding is followed by an invite to the companys Beyond Analytics conference this September. Paltrow closes the video by telling viewers, We will now be returning to what we do best: delivering game-changing results for our customers. Thank you for your interest in Astronomer. The ad comes on the heels of a widely shared video from Coldplays July 15 concert at Gillette Stadium, where then-CEO Andy Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot were spotted embracing on the jumbotron. Frontman Chris Martin joked onstage, Either theyre having an affair or theyre just very shy, sending the clip viral and drawing millions of views online. Both executives resigned days later. Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot are seen on the jumbotron at a Coldplay concert in Massachusetts before quickly ducking out of frame a moment that quickly went viral and led to Byrons resignation as CEO of Astronomer. July 2025. (@CALEBU2/TMX) Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot are seen on the jumbotron at a Coldplay concert in Massachusetts before quickly ducking out of frame a moment that quickly went viral and led to Byrons resignation as CEO of Astronomer. July 2025. (@CALEBU2/TMX) Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot are seen on the jumbotron at a Coldplay concert in Massachusetts before quickly ducking out of frame a moment that quickly went viral and led to Byrons resignation as CEO of Astronomer. July 2025. (@CALEBU2/TMX) Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot are seen on the jumbotron at a Coldplay concert in Massachusetts before quickly ducking out of frame a moment that quickly went viral and led to Byrons resignation as CEO of Astronomer. July 2025. (@CALEBU2/TMX) Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot are seen on the jumbotron at a Coldplay concert in Massachusetts before quickly ducking out of frame a moment that quickly went viral and led to Byrons resignation as CEO of Astronomer. July 2025. (@CALEBU2/TMX) Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot are seen on the jumbotron at a Coldplay concert in Massachusetts before quickly ducking out of frame a moment that quickly went viral and led to Byrons resignation as CEO of Astronomer. July 2025. (@CALEBU2/TMX) Astronomer has since named cofounder Pete DeJoy as interim CEO and signaled plans to move forward with a national recruitment effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new ad also drew attention for its casting choice: Paltrow is the ex-wife of Coldplays frontman, adding a layer of irony and symbolic PR value to her role as the companys spokesperson. Observers on social media praised the videos creative approach, describing it as a well-calibrated shift in tone following the controversy. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. AUSTIN (KXAN) An Austin food blogger is seeking public help to find his dog after he said on social media his car was stolen Friday morning with the dog still inside. Shortly before 5 a.m. Friday, Austin 911 received that report of a stolen vehicle in the 3200 block of S. Interstate 35 service road northbound near East Oltorf Street in southeast Austin, the Austin Police Department told KXAN Friday in a statement. The local blogger, known as AustinEater, took to Instagram Friday, saying he wanted help finding his dog, Noodles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hey guys. I need your help. I know this is super weird. I know thats not what this page is for, he said on the platform Friday. My car was just stolen with my dog in it. A lot of you probably know what Noodles looks like. AustinEater is known for posting food content in Austin. He also posts blogs, dining tips, social tips and more, according to the AustinEater website. As of Saturday, the Instagram post gained more than 4,900 likes, more than 430 comments and more than 2,700 shares. The APD Auto Theft Unit has proactively entered the vehicles information into both local and national databases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This will alert any law enforcement officer who checks the vehicles license plates, police said. No updates were available from police, as of Saturday. The Austin Police Department encourages the public to always secure their vehicles, avoid leaving keys inside, and remove any valuables from vehicles. More importantly, please report any suspicious activity, police said Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. A 70-year-old man was apprehended in Lagos, Nigeria, for allegedly vandalizing a canal project supporting the environment. In a statement on X, reported by the Daily Post, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab wrote that the man "was apprehended while allegedly dismantling sections of a perimeter fence" that was being built along the canal. Given the canal's environmental, health, and safety significance, the incident posed a threat to the people of Lagos. The construction of the fence along the canal aims to prevent environmental hazards, stop encroachment, and reduce flooding risks; thus, to vandalize it is to disrespect these initiatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wahab said he backs the government's efforts to protect public infrastructure, with the man receiving the full force of the law. The growing prevalence of green infrastructure working to sustain ecosystems is vital in the advancement toward sustainability. Such infrastructure, including a fence to prevent environmental hazards and reduce flooding, is an indicator of governments looking to support the safety and biodiversity of their nations. The Lagos Canal is essential to the city's drainage system, making sure stormwater does not become polluted through frequent drainage and flood control. When vandalism occurs, it often leaves green infrastructure vulnerable to failures and malfunctions. The Guardian, an independent newspaper in Nigeria, stated that canals help "drain the heavy rainfall and accompanying runoff. However, with the exploding size of the city, the pressure on these facilities has become more intense," highlighting that they already face vulnerability. Canals offer several environmental benefits, according to the Canal and River Trust. They support biodiversity, mitigate urban heat, and protect groundwater. They can even have an impact on air pollution. These factors can determine the health and prosperity of certain regions; if canals are affected, the benefits can degrade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This infrastructure protects lives and property," Wahab stated on X. "Sabotaging it is sabotage against Lagosians." 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. As more people settle near wildlife habitats, encounters between humans and animals are becoming harder to avoid and sometimes, they end in difficult decisions. Last month, Idaho wildlife officials euthanized a grizzly bear after it showed an alarming shift in behavior, repeatedly seeking out human food in a residential neighborhood. According to KTVB, officials said the bear's growing comfort around people and its persistence in finding garbage posed a serious safety risk. What's happening? The bear appeared in the Pinehaven area of Island Park. It was captured on doorbell cameras rummaging through trash, pressing against buildings, and breaking into vehicles to find food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Idaho Fish and Game, working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, determined the bear had become too accustomed to human-related food and had lost its natural wariness of people. "Due to the bear's consistent seeking of unnatural food and habituation to residential areas, it was captured and euthanized in the interest of human safety," Idaho Fish and Game stated, per KTVB. Why is this incident important? When wild animals associate neighborhoods with food, the risks escalate quickly. Bears that lose their fear of people often return to populated areas, increasing the chance of dangerous encounters. Officials warn that these conflicts don't just put wildlife at risk but also create safety concerns for neighborhoods. Bears repeatedly entering residential areas increase the chances of dangerous encounters and can strain local resources, including law enforcement and wildlife management. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While conservation efforts often focus on protecting ecosystems, managing attractants like garbage, pet food, and fruit trees is just as much about protecting people. Preventing these conflicts reduces the need for lethal actions and helps communities coexist more safely with nearby wildlife. What's being done about incidents like this? Wildlife officials stress that prevention starts at home. Residents are urged to store garbage inside locked sheds or garages and only set out the bins on collection day. Bear-resistant containers are also recommended. Other simple steps include removing bird feeders during bear season, keeping pet food indoors, and securing fruit trees and beehives with electric fencing. These actions help prevent future conflicts and reduce the risk of dangerous encounters. Do you worry about air pollution in your town? All the time Often Only sometimes Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) According to the CDC, the United States has the safest vaccine supply in its history, and millions of children safely receive vaccines each year. Get your child vaccinated to help protect not only them, but those children around them in school, said Kayla Manning, immunization and child health supervisor for the Pitt County Health Department. While youre getting a new backpack and other supplies for the upcoming school year, the Pitt County Health Department is reminding everyone of the importance of immunizations and physicals before classes begin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its time to prepare. Get your child up to date on their immunizations that are due for school. Each child has to have a physical and up-to-date immunization within 30 days of the first day of school, said Manning. Although its the middle of summer, its wise to start setting up your appointments now. Go ahead and set up an appointment with your primary care provider, your childs pediatrician. So that that is that requirements completed by the time school starts, said Manning. In the state of North Carolina, immunizations are required in specific grades. Basically the the requirements are in kindergarten. And then again, they get boosters or vaccines in seventh grade and then in 12th grade, said Manning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And if your child doesnt receive them, they say your child will not be able to come back to school until they do. It is a requirement on the 30th day of school. So thats the 30th calendar day after the first day of school. The child will be excluded from school if they are not up to date, said Manning. Pitt County Health Department says you should schedule immunization appointments through your primary care provider, but if youre really in a pinch, they also offer resources. Also offer immunizations here at the health department. If for some reason youre unable to get in with your primary doctor, we we do offer that service here, said Manning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: https://www.pittcountync.gov/229/Public-Health Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. This Sunday, Verizon Wireless Zone stores in Coventry and North Windham will be giving away free backpacks, while supplies last. The School Rocks Backpack Giveaways goal is supporting the communities it serves. Damiano Sforza, sales manager at the Coventry Verizon store, which opened only a year ago, will be participating for the first time and is very much looking forward to it. Were giving away food, pizza, so its going to be a pretty nice event, he said. Every year its something exciting that we have to give away backpacks for people and kids in need. Its a great experience to help out the local community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As an employee, he appreciates working for a company that donates in large amounts to things the community needs every year. In addition to this event, he said the company often donates to local charities as well. Its a great feeling in my heart, in my perspective, where were able to help out kids or even families, he said. The parents and everything else that are not able to afford, backpacks for their kids or to make sure that these kids have anything and everything that they need when they go to school. Sforza encourages anyone in need to come to this event and get a backpack. He said this event is open to anyone and there is no need to justify what the finances are. Families can get one backpack per present child while supplies last. The giveaway will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. in both locations. PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) County Emergency Services and Rebuild Bay County will open a cooling shelter beginning Saturday, July 26, through Friday, Aug. 1, in anticipation of a forecasted heatwave. The shelter will be located at A.D. Harris Learning Village, 819 E. 11th Street, Panama City, and will be open during the hottest part of the day through next Friday. Hours of operation will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27. On Monday and Tuesday, July 28 and 29, the cooling shelter will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 20 through Friday, Aug. 1, the cooling shelter will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone seeking refuge from the heat can show up during the hours of operation listed above. The shelter is intended for people who are homeless or who cannot maintain a comfortable temperature in their homes, who can care for themselves, and who are not at risk to themselves or others. No person who is disoriented, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or unable to walk unaided due to intoxication will be admitted. Alcohol, drugs, drug paraphernalia, guns and weapons are not permitted. Bottled water will be offered. Physical donations are not requested at this time. Text the word DONATE to (850) 783-4311 or visit the Rebuild Bay County website at rebuildbaycounty.org to make a monetary donation. For questions regarding the cooling shelter, call 2-1-1 or call (850) 481-1357 during normal business hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. BEAVERCREEK, Ohio (WDTN) The superintendent of a Miami Valley school district is speaking out after the Ohio House voted to take away a common method of school funding. The House overrode one of Gov. Mike DeWines vetoes Monday, eliminating the ability of school districts to use replacement or emergency levies. The Senate has yet to act on a possible override. Should state senators vote in favor of the override, school leaders will have to figure out a new way to ask taxpayers for funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think there are impacts that we dont know about at this point, said Paul Otten, Beavercreek Schools superintendent. And I think even those individuals making those decisions dont understand those impacts. Currently, Beavercreek Schools has a levy on the November ballot that was approved years ago. That levy maintains the rollback and the homestead exemption, allowing the community to get a 12.5% kickback that the state pays. However, should the Senate also vote to override the veto, that exemption will be removed and made into a new levy, which is no longer allowed. Beavercreek taxpayers would have to pay that 12.5% out of pocket for the district to receive the same funding it has in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were all about trying to give opportunities for our community to save money on taxes, said Otten. But this is not saving our community on taxes. It actually will be increasing the tax base, for our residents. Beavercreek School leaders said 70% of their funding comes from the community, and they are still waiting on $3.1 million in federal funding that has been paused. Not only what do the next five years look like, but really, what does tomorrow look like? said Otten. Both federally and from the state, those are the biggest concerns. Instead of moving forward and thinking about all the great things we can do for kids, were kind of pausing to focus on, will we be able to continue doing those great things for kids? Beavercreek residents said they have continuously supported the levies and look forward to seeing what alternatives school leaders produce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) Thaxton resident Tara Pardue was enjoying her afternoon with her loved ones, until she had a dangerous encounter with a rabid fox. My kids and me and my fiancee all came outside, and the girls got on the trampoline, and I started picking up chalk, Pardue said. When I turned around and looked to see what they were screaming about, thats when the fox came out from our car area and ran up from behind me as I was walking, then bit the heel of my foot. Pardue said it couldve been worse if it wasnt for her dog Bella, who stepped in and killed the fox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was just sitting there telling him a couple of days ago and said, I wonder if she would ever protect us over something, and clearly, she would, Pardue said. She got lots of treats and love, thats for sure. Police arrested 13-year-old in Henry County homicide investigation The encounter taught Pardue a valuable lesson. Always be aware of your surroundings, she said. Constantly just be aware, and look out whenever you walk out, and just look around and make sure nothings outside. The fox left two lasting bite marks on Pardues foot. Thankfully, she went for immediate treatment. That was the worst part, honestly, Pardue said. The bite didnt feel like anything compared to the shots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Virginia Department of Healths Central Virginia Health District has reported 19 rabid animals in the region since January 1st. Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the nervous system of mammals and is spread through saliva, often through a bite. Rabies is almost completely fatal once symptoms develop, Jim Boyle, the environmental health manager for VDHs Central Virginia Health District, said. Thats why we need to have people go ahead and follow up with bites as soon as possible. Thankfully, Pardue said shes doing fine, but she does have two more rounds of shots. The first one she will receive on Saturday, and the second one on August 2nd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) The new school year for District 51 is right around the corner, but the prices of beef are affecting the nation. Will this be a problem here in Mesa County? Its important for us to keep that relationship going. Its a win for our producers who are having an opportunity to sell directly here locally, Janie VanWinkle, a local beef producer and ERC fellow for the AgriWest initiative, says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States is dealing with the rising prices of beef. Here on the Western Slope, WesternSlopeNow spoke with VanWinkle, who is one of the four families this year donating ground beef to School District 51, compared to last year, when there were six. And one of the reasons is because they can get a higher price for that product in other venues versus the school district, VanWinkle said. VanWinkle sells ground beef locally for $8.50 a pound, up from $5 in 2019. A calf sold in 2019 was around $1,400 to $1,500, but sold one recently for $2,500. This increase in prices shows the impact of low supply and high demand on both ground beef and calves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dan Sharp, director of nutrition for School District 51, says, Weve spent just about $92,000 on beef purchases annually. And that includes other beef products besides local beef products. But basically, 38% of that 92,000 a year does come from our local ranchers. When beef prices increased, Sharp says the district considered how to absorb the costs and save elsewhere in its budget. Maintaining their commitment to local beef buying is very important to them. There actually is evidence-based research that shows that the more local products between beef products and produce that a school district purchases in the community, not only does it benefit economically, of course, keeping those dollars in the community, but there is a nutritional benefit for students, Sharp said. VanWinkle discusses the multiple challenges faced by producers in Western Colorado. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One is aging producers, and there are a lot of reasons that young people are not coming back to the ranch or getting into the business, VanWinkle explains. Other reasons are particularly due to severe drought and wildfires. She emphasizes the need to balance cattle supply with the landscapes capacity. Immediate concerns focus on animal health due to smoke, while longer-term issues include fencing and landscape management. As you look around the valley here, this used to be a significant amount of farmland. The best and highest value is, in some cases, housing. And so when you can make, you know, $30,000 a year farming or you can sell that property for $30,000 an acre, which would you choose? VanWinkle said. VanWinkle highlights concerns about reintroducing wolves in Colorado, stressing the burden on local cattle producers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. Russia will reinforce its Black Sea Fleet with marine robotic systems, warships, and additional aircraft, Nikolai Patrushev, the head of Russia's Maritime Collegium, said in an interview with the state-run RIA Novosti published on July 25. "In the coming years, the Black Sea sailors will be further strengthened with the arrival of new frigates, corvettes, aviation, marine robotic complexes," Patrushev said. The Black Sea Fleet, headquartered in Sevastopol since Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, has suffered significant losses during the war against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian missile and drone strikes have forced the Kremlin to relocate part of the fleet away from occupied Crimea, reducing its operational presence in the region. Despite these setbacks, Patrushev emphasized the fleet's strategic importance, claiming it remains critical for countering NATO and continuing military operations against Ukraine. Ukraine has destroyed or disabled at least 29 Russian vessels, according to the Ukrainian General Staff. Among the most notable losses are the fleet's flagship, the Moskva, sunk in April 2022, the Caesar Kunikov and Sergei Kotov, along with numerous smaller landing crafts. In June, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved a new naval doctrine aimed at restoring Russia's status as a global maritime power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patrushev, 74, a longtime ally of Putin and often described as the architect of Russia's war against Ukraine, has held influential positions in Russia's security apparatus for decades. He previously served as the secretary of the Security Council and was reportedly a key advocate for launching the full-scale invasion in 2022. Russia's navy remains the third most powerful in the world, according to public assessments, but the full-scale war has exposed vulnerabilities in its Black Sea operations, where Ukraine has managed to push back one of the Kremlin's most prized military assets. Read also: Zelenskys big Ukraine blunder, explained Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Jul. 26BEMIDJI The Bemidji Area Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship of America chapter is set to meet at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2, in the Beltrami Electric Conference Room, 4111 Technology Drive NW. A light breakfast will be served and all are welcome to attend. The keynote speaker will be Rodney J. Kastner. His testimony will focus on how he has graduated hundreds of students into full-time pastoral ministry as well as various Christian service roles, a release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kastner is 70 years old and a native of Bemidji. He is a missionary under the Serving in Mission organization and a member of the Solway Bible Chapel. He graduated from Bemidji High School, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Oak Hills Bible Institute, Oak Hills Christian College and Wheaton Graduate School, in Wheaton, Ill. Kastner has ministered in Africa for 43 years. He first served 20 years in Nigeria under the Evangelical Church Winning All followed by 23 years in Zimbabwe under the United Baptist Church of Zimbabwe. He was commissioned for service at the SBC but ordained under the UBCZ. His ministry has consisted mainly of multiple administrative duties, from principal to librarian, as well as full-time teaching in the ECWA Bible College in Kagoro, Nigeria, and the Rusitu Bible College in Zimbabwe. Kastner also taught Christian Religious Knowledge courses at the Federal Government College in Kano, Nigeria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Extra outreach ministries Kastner conducted through the colleges consisted of preaching in local churches and the Kafanchan Prison Ministry, and personal evangelism through cultural immersion. His teaching was primarily done in English. Kastner retired in Bemidji this past February, but continues to serve and minister virtually in both Nigeria and Zimbabwe. His next trip to Zimbabwe will be in October, with an opportunity for at least one single male teacher to accompany him for the ministry. BERLIN (AP) Tens of thousands of people danced to techno beats across Berlin on Saturday to celebrate the German capital's Pride parade, one of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in Europe. With rainbow flags and bottles of beer, the city partied under overcast skies, an upgrade after days of downpours, to observe and honor Christopher Street Day. We need to represent pride is unity, pride is friendship, pride is love and we need to make sure that everybody knows that we were here in peace and in love to make it a better day for everybody, said Jessica Benitaz, from Miami. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The annual parade commemorates the 1969 Stonewall rebellion in New York when a spontaneous street uprising was triggered by a police raid on the Stonewall Inn gay bar, on Christopher Street, in Greenwich Village. Berlin's parade took revelers past the iconic Brandenburg Gate and through the Nollendorfplatz neighborhood, home to the city's gay culture as well as a memorial to the queer people who were persecuted and killed by the Nazi regime. The city's first Christopher Street Day was held on June 30, 1979, in West Berlin. Thomas Hoffmann, a member of the CSD Executive Board, thought the 2025 crowd was bigger than in past years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to stand up for our rights together here, Hoffmann said. German news agency dpa reported that a right-wing counter-demonstration featured 30 to 50 protesters. Six people, including the protest's organizer, were arrested on their way to the demonstration for alleged weapons and explosives violations as well as for displaying anti-constitutional symbols, dpa reported. Tens of thousands of people celebrated Pride in Berlin on Saturday, with this year's march held under the banner, "never be silent again." With that, the parade called for better protection for the gay community, as well as equality. Demonstrators also referred to the debate over whether to hoist the rainbow flag over the Reichstag Building housing the national parliament, the Bundestag. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bundestag Vice President Omid Nouripour greeted the colourful throng with the words: "Hallo, Circus!" Conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz had earlier welcomed the decision by Bundestag President Julia Klockner not to fly the rainbow flag over the building with the words: "The Bundestag is not a circus tent after all." Others also referred to the circus remark, with posters saying, "Exactly my circus" or "Welcome to the circus tent of love, justice and freedom, Mr Merz." Alongside the parade's political demands, many were celebrating with loud music, flamboyant costumes and countless rainbow flags. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number of attendees was initially unclear but the organizers expected hundreds of thousands to join the event. The parade was set to reach the Brandenburg Gate later in the day. Unlike in previous years, the Bundestag administration's queer rainbow network did not join the event. The administration's leadership had banned the group from participating. In protest against the decision, some participants carried signs saying "Unfortunately, we are not here the rainbow network of the Bundestag administration would have marched here." Some 100 diverse groups and 80 open-top vehicles made their way from Leipziger Platz in Mitte, through Potsdamer Platz and Schoneberg to end at the Brandenburg Gate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The parade was to culminate in a rally and live music until midnight, with one of the main acts the German group Monrose. Several demonstrators said it was particularly important for them to take to the streets this year. Thomas Hoffmann, board member of Berlin's CSD, told dpa that solidarity among leading politicians in Germany is beginning to crumble. "We will continue to take to the streets until we achieve equality," he said. This year, the political core of the demonstration is to be strengthened again. In Germany, the term Christopher Street Day is used to refer to Pride celebrations for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. The police said around 1,300 officers would be on duty, alongside 1,000 private security guards and 280 paramedics. Arrests at small counter-demonstration On the fringes of the Pride march, a far-right extremist counter-demonstration gathered under the banner "against the CSD terror." Police said the group of around 30 to 50 people had little to counter the tens of thousands of Pride celebrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the Pride parade reached the site of the counter protest, many participants shouted "Never be silent again." The participants carried banners of the group Deutsche Jugend Voran (German Youth Forward), which the Berlin Office for the Protection of the Constitution classifies as far-right extremist and violence-oriented. The event was shielded from the CSD by police with barriers, vehicles and officers. Police detained some people for using symbols of unconstitutional organizations and violations of the Weapons Act. They arrested six people on their way to the counter-rally, including the organizer, for violations of the Weapons Act and the Explosives Act, and for displaying anti-constitutional symbols. A second right-wing demonstration planned for the afternoon was cancelled. Musician Dylan And The Moon performs at the 47th Berlin Pride, the Christopher Street Day (CSD) demonstration in front of the Brandenburg Gate. Under the motto "Never be silent again", 80 trucks with 100 different groups march through the city to demonstrate for diversity, human rights and the protection of minorities. Carsten Koall/dpa Astronomers have observed what they believe to be a never-before-seen companion star orbiting Betelgeuse, a pulsating red supergiant star in the shoulder of the Orion constellation. One of the best known and most luminous stars in the night sky, Betelgeuse has long intrigued anyone who has gazed up and seen its reddish tint, which is visible to the naked eye. What has most fascinated astronomers, however, is that its brightness has been known to change over time. Now, they think the newly detected celestial object may hold the key to understanding Betelgeuses varying brightness. From late 2019 to the beginning of 2020, Betelgeuse dimmed so sharply that astronomers thought the star was on the brink of exploding in a supernova. Since the event, called the Great Dimming, teams of astronomers have determined that the star ejected a large dust cloud, which temporarily blocked some of its light from Earths perspective. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Great Dimming led to an increased interest in solving longstanding mysteries about one of the cosmos most observed stars such as why its brightness appears to fluctuate regularly over a six-year cycle and has for decades. A team of astronomers has now discovered an explanation. Using an instrument on the Gemini North telescope in Hawaii, they employed an unusual imaging technique to get a glimpse of a suspected companion star, colloquially called Betelbuddy, that builds on a previous theory. They suggest calling the star Siwarha, or her bracelet, an Arabic name befitting the companion to Betelgeuse, which means Hand of the Giant. (Elgeuse is also the historic Arabic name of the Orion constellation.) Understanding more about the dynamic between Betelgeuse and its companion star, also referred to as Ori B in a new study published Thursday in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, could shed light on the entwined fate of both stars. A speckled view As a supergiant star, Betelgeuse is immense. Compared with our sun, its about 700 times the radius and contains 18 times as much mass, said lead study author Steve Howell, a senior research scientist at NASA Ames Research Center in California. If our sun were replaced with Betelgeuse, the star would not only engulf Earth and all the inner planets but reach past the orbit of Jupiter, according to NASA. It also shines 7,500 to 14,000 times as bright as the sun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 10 million years old, Betelgeuse is a fraction of the age of our sun, which is estimated to be 4.5 billion years old. However, Betelgeuses enormousness means it has already burned through all the hydrogen at its core, causing it to expand as it nears the end of its life. Years of observations have shown that its luminosity varies periodically about every 416 days, growing fainter and then brighter. This pulsation is typical of red supergiant stars. But Betelgeuse displays an unusual pattern on top of that. It has been noted for decades that Betelgeuse also shows a much longer period (of variation) of about 2,170 days (about six years) which remained unexplained, Howell wrote in an email. Two independent groups of astronomers published papers in 2024 suggesting that an unseen companion star could cause the variability. The Hubble Space Telescope and NASAs Chandra X-Ray Observatory, however, could see no evidence of such a star. Betelgeuses size and brightness have posed challenges to attempts to spot a companion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To see both Betelgeuse and its companion, an image has to be both high-resolution and high-contrast, said Jared Goldberg, a research fellow at the Flatiron Institutes Center for Computational Astrophysics. Goldberg authored a November study suggesting Betelgeuse may have a companion star, but he was not involved with the new research. Normally, the Earths atmosphere makes it hard to do this for the same reason that stars twinkle the moving gas in the atmosphere scatters the starlight around, Goldberg said. Howells team decided to use a speckle imager called Alopeke, which means fox in Hawaiian, to search for the companion. Speckle imaging is a technique that obtained many thousands of very short exposures of an astronomical object, Howell said. These images are so short that they do not look like stars or galaxies at all, but a blob of speckles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The speckles are due to distortions from Earths atmosphere. The thousands of brief images are processed in a way that removes the atmospheric blurring, resulting in a high-resolution telescope image, Howell said. A star was found When members of Howells team observed Betelgeuse during the Great Dimming in 2020, they didnt see anything; the companion was likely obscured behind Betelgeuse, according to Goldberg. But in December, they spied a faint blue glow exactly where Goldbergs research as well as another study authored by Morgan MacLeod at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics predicted the companion would be. The speckle imaging revealed a young, bluish star that isnt burning hydrogen at its core yet and only has a mass of 1.5 times that of the sun. The companion stars faintness four-tenths of one percent as bright as Betelgeuse is just one reason its been hard to spot, Howell said. The other is the stars proximity to one another only about four times the distance between Earth and the sun separates them. On average, the Earth is about 93 million miles (150 million kilometers) away from the sun. The thing that allows the companion star to be seen, said Goldberg, is that it is a different hue than Betelgeuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the two headlights on a car represent the two stars, our view from Earth to Betelgeuse and its companion would be the same as trying to separate the two car headlights with your eye from a distance of 50,000 miles, Howell said. Our observations were aided by the fact that we can directly observe Betelgeuse using very short exposures (14 milliseconds each) so as to not saturate our cameras and the large mirror size of Gemini (8 meters) allows us to obtain very high angular resolutions in images of the sky, enough resolution to separate the two stars. Its the first time a stellar companion has been detected orbiting a supergiant star so closely, the study authors said. A photo of the Orion constellation showcases Betelgeuse's place among the stars. - International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA I was surprised that the companion was so obvious immediately after our data was processed, Howell said. I was thinking itd be hard to find, but boom, it was right there. MacLeod, a postdoctoral fellow in theoretical astrophysics and member of the Institute for Theory and Computation at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, worked on research published in December that collected historical measurements of Betelgeuses radial velocity, or motion toward or away from Earth, that began around 1896 on photographic glass plates. The team saw a repeating six-year pattern consistent with the tug of a smaller, orbiting companion star, MacLeod said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putting these lines of evidence, collected from a century of astronomical measurements, together let us predict right where a companion should be if it were real, he said. But we hadnt seen it directly. Howell and his team made a pioneering observation in order to be able to make this initial detection. MacLeod, who was not involved with the new study, calls its finding an amazing result that shows that even the best-studied stars in our night sky have mysteries to reveal. Because this was such a challenging detection to make, the observations are on the very edge of detection, MacLeod said. What pushed this over the edge is that the star appeared just where we expected when we pulled together the predictions of a centurys worth of astronomers. A doomed future While the discovery of the companion aligns with Goldbergs research predictions, future observations are still needed to confirm the detection. Speckle imaging is a hard measurement to make and isnt always accurate, Goldberg said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given that the star was discovered near the limits of the instrument, its presence is probable but not yet a slam dunk, said Edward Guinan, professor of astronomy and astrophysics at Villanova University in Pennsylvania. Guinan has studied Betelgeuse but was not involved in the new research. However, seeing the companion star track along its proposed six-year orbit would represent a definitive detection of the companion, Guinan said. Currently, we think the companion is moving away from us, and going behind Betelgeuse. So there is a clear path to confirm the new studys results: Look again when we expect the companion to be fully behind Betelgeuse, and it will be gone. Look once more when it should be coming back around on the other side, and it should be there, Goldberg said. A new opportunity to confirm the companions presence with telescopes will occur in November 2027 when the star would be at its farthest distance from Betelgeuse, making it easier to spot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like MacLeods team, Goldberg and his colleagues also determined that Betelgeuse wobbles toward and away from Earth within the same six-year period due to the presence of a stellar companion. Still, questions remain about how exactly a companion star is contributing to Betelgeuses six-year variability, which appears to be connected to changes in dust around the star, Goldberg said. Gemini North, one half of the International Gemini Observatory, is located in Hawaii. - Jason K. Chu/International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA The dimmer phase happens when the companion is behind Betelgeuse, and the brighter phase is when the companion is in front of Betelgeuse, Goldberg said by email. This means its the opposite of an eclipse, so it seems most likely that Betelgeuse is producing its own dust and the companion is shaping it, rather than dragging it along. About 30% of pulsating red giant and supergiant stars show the same type of variability, and if that means a companion is present, then many more stars harbor these little friends, Goldberg added. Understanding this stellar pair can help us understand the population of things like it. And understanding that population will teach us about star and planet formation in systems that are otherwise extremely hard to observe. Meanwhile, astronomers still wonder when Betelgeuse will explode, a catastrophic event that has been anticipated since the Great Dimming. While Betelgeuse and its companion star were likely born at the same time, the companion is still forming as a normal star, Howell said. But companions close orbit, within the outer layers of Betelgeuses atmosphere, will be its doom, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of two things will happen. The companion stars orbit may cause it to drift slowly closer and plunge into Betelgeuse in about 10,000 years. At that point Betelgeuse and its companion will enter into an eternal hug, Goldberg said. If we can get decades of precise direct observations, we might be able to directly test that prediction by seeing if the orbit is shrinking, and if so how quickly. But if Betelgeuse explodes before that maybe tomorrow, maybe in 100 years then the companion star will be destroyed in the supernova, Howell said. The future is not good for either star. Sign up for CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Sinaloa Cartel, considered one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations on the globe, may be on the brink of collapse as internal fights, government crackdowns, and never-before-seen alliances fracture its empire. At the center of the chaos is an internal civil war that has turned parts of Mexico into war zones. A power struggle between the sons of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman known as Los Chapitos and the faction loyal to his former partner, Ismael El Mayo Zambada, has left more than 1,300 people dead in just the last year around Sinaloa alone, per a report from the DEA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over 1,500 more people allegedly remain missing, connected to the cartel wars. In a move that would have once seemed unthinkable, Los Chapitos have, according to media reports, struck a deal with their former enemiesthe Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). This desperate alliance comes as both Mexican and American law enforcement agencies boost efforts to fight the growing drug trade. The Sinaloa Cartels recent problems apparently stem from betrayal within its internal top ranks. Last year, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, one of El Chapos direct sons, lured longtime ally El Mayo into a trap, according to various reports, like that from ABC News, kidnapping him and turning him over to American law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This act shattered a long-respected, but seldom spoken of, loose peace treaty, and may have sparked a new conflict between Los Chapitos and Los Mayos for the first time in history. The result of the Sinaloa Cartels murky conflicts has resulted in a never-before-seen response of violence in cartel stronghold areas like Culiacan, where assassinations, kidnappings, and ambushes are not only a near-daily occurrence, but a now booming occurrence, per a June report from AP News. The damage to Los Chapitos has not been merely territorial; its also rumored to be financial. Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has taken a much harder line on Mexicos drug trafficking into America, pressuring President Claudia Sheinbaums administration to produce any results on the seemingly endless flow of narcotics into the United States, as previously covered by The Dallas Express. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The growing internal war, after what some may consider the collapse of the El Chapo hierarchy, as well as other geopolitical pressures, has forced the formerly independent Sinaloa Cartel into an apparent corner. Joaquin El Chapo Guzman was first captured in 1993, but broke out of a Mexican prison in 2001. Authorities caught him again in 2014, though he managed another escape in 2015. He was ultimately apprehended for the final time in January 2016 and transported to a high-security prison in America, where he will likely remain until his death. Ovidio Guzman Lopez, son of El Chapo, was briefly detained by Mexican authorities in October 2019, but was released the same day after cartel violence erupted in Culiacan. He was later recaptured in January 2023 and extradited to the United States in September of that year. Now, the drug kingpins son is apparently pledging his cooperation with American law enforcement, per ICE. The guilty plea by Ovidio Guzman Lopez, son of El Chapo, is a real victory for both the U.S. and Mexico but also a clear win for the rule of law, said ICE Homeland Security Investigations acting special agent in charge Ray Rede. So much blood and violence lay with the Guzman family as well as spreading terror and plaguing both sides of the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The alleged alliance, which has never been seen before with the cartel factions connected to the CJNG, could be viewed as a desperate and dangerous attempt by the Los Chapitos umbrella to survive in the competitive cartel wars. In exchange for weapons and financial support, the faction is reportedly ceding key trafficking territory to its former rivals, according to the DEA. The recent reshuffling of Mexicos criminal landscape could have far-reaching impacts globally, including in Texas. The Jalisco cartel, according to some DEA reports, is currently flush with the finances of Los Chapitos, and could try to cement itself as the dominant fentanyl trafficker in the Western Hemisphere, with active links from South America to Europe, and beyond. For some Americans, the cartel shake-up may not feel close to home, but the stakes are real. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fentanyl remains the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the U.S according to the CDC, and most of the deadly synthetic opioid flows into America from foreign countries like China, India, and Mexico. While Los Chapitos and CJNG fight for dominance, the nonstop mass production of narcotics and drug trafficking continues, though now potentially spread more discreetly across different Mexican states as cartels adapt to the new enforcement tactics from the Trump administration. The Sinaloa Cartels umbrella model, often feared by many for its violent efficiency and power, is hopefully beginning to unravel now that Chapo and his son have been locked down in the U.S. It remains unknown whether Los Chapitos will be able to hold out or whether the CJNG will be able to absorb the remnants of their faction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Violence will likely be the judges gavel. What is certain is that the cartel landscape in Mexico, so close to Texas, is entering a volatile phase: one shaped not just by criminal greed, but real political will, shifting global drug markets, and a drug epidemic that shows no signs of slowing down. As previously reported by DX, the Customs and Border Protection agency reported a historic low of 25,228 encounters in June 2025, with southwest border apprehensions dropping 15% from the previous record. For the second straight month, no illegal immigrants were released into the U.S. interior, compared to nearly 28,000 in June 2024. Drug seizures rose, and tariff revenue remained strong. Hopefully, for Texans, that trend will continue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, the ex-head of the Sinaloa Cartel, received a life sentence plus 30 years in 2019 after being convicted on multiple charges tied to his cartel leadership. Ovidio Guzman Lopez, son of El Chapo, pleaded guilty on July 11, 2025, in Chicago to drug trafficking, firearms, and money laundering charges as a Sinaloa Cartel leader. His sentencing is pending, as of the time of publication. On Wednesday, Speaker Mike Johnson let the House of Representatives break for August recess one day early. Johnson had no other option because Democrats ground the chamber to a halt in an attempt to get their Republican colleagues to vote on files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) joined by Trump-rebelling Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) had been gathering co-sponsors for their discharge petition that would allow them to circumvent leadership to release files related to the convicted sex offender and trafficker. But discharge petitions need seven legislative business days to ripen, so cutting short the calendar delays the ripening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It marked a turning point for a party thats been flailing since Donald Trump won last November. For the past few months, while Democrats have opposed Trumps initiatives, they have not landed a single clean punch politically. Rather, theyve mostly stayed out of the way and hoped for his unforced errors, of which there have been several. But that changed significantly this week. Democrats of all stripes in the House signed onto the discharge petition. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) represents a district that voted for Trump. But she signed onto Khanna and Massies discharge petition and did not mince words. We deserve transparency and Im pretty appalled to see parliamentary procedure used to hide pedophiles, she told The Independent. Democrats did get some substantial wins out of it, too. Not only did the House Oversight Committee vote to subpoena Ghislaine Maxwell, Epsteins former girlfriend and associate who is serving a 20-year sentence; three Republicans crossed over in one of the subcommittees to subpoena files related to the Epstein investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Democrats are not just gumming up the works on the House side. Earlier this week, Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), told The Independent that he hoped that the Senate would not take up the Epstein files. Unfortunately for his caucus, Democrats in the Senate decided to hijack the committee process there, too. On Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee convened for legislation Cornyn wanted to pass through the committee on opioids. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) attempted to include an amendment related to Epstein. In the same token, Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) tried to force a vote to disclose files related to Epstein, but Republicans blocked his efforts on the floor. It should be stated that Booker and Gallego both likely want to run for president. During the August recess, Gallego will head to Iowa, which traditionally hosts the first presidential caucus. And ever since Bookers record-breaking sort-of filibuster, he has raised prodigious amounts of money and he likely sees this as a way to boost his profile even more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Democrats are not just drawing blood on Epstein. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) has continued to keep the heat on the Trump administration and clashed with Republicans in the Senate about Jeffrey Epstein. (Getty) Earlier this month, the Texas state legislature announced it would reconvene in the middle of the decade to redraw its congressional maps in an attempt to flip more seats and grow the GOP majority. That seems to have set off something in Democrats. Gov. Gavin Newsom has said that Democrats should respond in kind by having California redraw their map. And its not just liberal Newsom who supports this idea. Rep. Adam Gray, a freshman Democrat who narrowly flipped a seat Trump won, expressed openness to Newsoms proposal. I think what's important is that people all play by the same rules, he told The Independent. And you know, I think it doesn't necessarily help either party to be toying around or trying to manipulate the rules, or change the rules, that seems to be what Texas is doing, which I think is a poor decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California has a unique situation because it has an independent commission that draws congressional districts. Any effort to shore up Democrats in the Golden State would need to pass legal scrutiny or change that situation. Unsurprisingly, Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) put it more bluntly. The only way that you can deal with a bully is by socking them back, so it's time for us to sock them back, Crockett told The Independent. Right now they decided to start a fight so that they could shit on the American people. The least that we could help is fight back so that we could help the American people. But perhaps the most audacious idea came from Gallego, who suggested that Democrats dilute districts that the Voting Rights Act protected to ensure equal representation of Black voters, as a way to make more districts where Democrats could win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would tell you what I would know would happen the Republicans at any point should they ever take control of the registry commission in Arizona, what absolutely do anything, do to do to screw us, he told The Independent. Therefore, he said that Democrats should not be afraid to use the same weapons against Republicans. That might not go over well with some African-American voters, who are the most consistent voters in Democratic primaries. At the same time, in a time when Democratic voters have demanded that theys see elected officials fight, they might be more unwilling to let go of old decorum rules. A Wyoming man was indicted with additional charges after he had already been accused of locking a girl in a dog kennel and threatening to kill her dogs. Barry Bedenkop, 61, was indicted July 23 with two new charges of rape and one charge of sexual battery in connection to crimes spanning from December 2020 to March 2021 when the girl was under 13 years old. Bedenkop was initially arrested on May 24 and charged with two counts of endangering children on June 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, he would put the girl in a closet or in a dog kennel at least once a month as a punishment. She could not leave the kennel or closet without Bedenkop's permission, and that he would threaten to hit and beat her. According to court records, after the two initial charges, police investigation and additional interviews with the victim, Bedenkop was indicted on five more charges, filed on June 20. These charges include three counts of gross sexual imposition and two counts of rape. An affidavit relating to these five charges stated that the victim told investigators that Bedenkop would "play a game" with the girl that entailed sexual abuse, which began when she was only 5 years old. She also informed investigators of incidents of rape when she was 12 years old. The abuse this child endured at the hands of Barry Bedenkop is beyond horrific. it is depraved and inexcusable. As the investigation has progressed, weve uncovered even more disturbing evidence and have added charges that carry a life sentence," said Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bedenkop's next court date is Aug. 12, according to the Hamilton County Justice Center, where he is being held. He is being held on bonds totaling more than $460,000. "He maintains his innocence in this matter, and he looks forward to his day in court to defend himself against these charges," said Danielle Colliver, Bedenkop's attorney. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Barry Bedenkop of Wyoming, Ohio, now facing 10 charges including rape BOSTON (WWLP) Rat poison may sound like an easy solution to rodent infestation, but the consequences are grave: Rodenticide moves up the food chain and kills large birds and other wild animals. Rat poison, more formally known as anticoagulant rodenticide, is meant to mitigate risks that come with high rodent populations, like damage to crops and food supplies and the spread of diseases. State House Spotlight: Crises on Beacon Hill Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But these poisons remain in the mice and rats bodies after they die, so when animals like owls, hawks, coyotes, and even cats and dogs eat them, they are also poisoned and die a slow, painful death from internal bleeding. A Massachusetts bill looks to save these predators from poison-caused deaths by putting strict restrictions on when and how often this type of poison can be used. One advocate told 22News about the importance of saving these predators. He used great horned owls as an example, as a single owl eats up to 2000 rodents a year. So if you accidentally kill them with this poison, youre not only upsetting an ecosystem but youre hampering natures ability to control mice and rats too, said Zak Mertz, CEO of the New England Wildlife Center. Advocates say theyd like to see anticoagulant rodenticides phased out completely, since there are so many alternative ways to reduce rodent populations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alternatives to anticoagulant rodenticides include trapping, rodenticides that use other types of chemicals, rodent birth control, and removing potential food and water sources from areas rodents inhabit. If passed, new regulations on rat poison would take effect beginning in January 2027. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) The Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority was recently awarded a $25 million grant for its MAX Transit. The grant came from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the construction of a new maintenance and operations facility. This grant will be pivotal in driving the next level of transit improvements, including the development of an innovative, modern Operations and Maintenance Facility for services in Birmingham-Jefferson County, the BJCTA said in a statement. With these funds, BJCTA will incorporate advanced technologies and cleaner energy solutions into our operations and fleet supporting compressed natural gas vehicles and establishing new infrastructure for electric vehicles. These advancements align with BJCTAs commitment to environmental sustainability, reducing emissions, and building a resilient, future-ready transportation system. The new facility will serve as a cornerstone of these efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charlotte Shaw, executive director of BJCTA, released the following statement on the grant: Were grateful for this grant, which advances our five-year Strategic Plan by supporting fleet modernization, operational improvements, and innovative solutions. U.S. Sen. Katie Britt also applauded the expanded opportunities provided through the grant. With this funding, the BJCTA can accelerate its efforts to deliver reliable, effective, and accessible transportation for the people of Jefferson County. This grant will be crucial in supporting the innovation and growth that drives Alabama, Britt said in a statement. Im proud to have advocated on behalf of the City of Birmingham to secure this funding. Ill continue working to bring Alabamians hard-earned taxpayer dollars back home to support meaningful investment in Alabamas transit infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An estimated 6,400 people across Birmingham use MAX Transit every day. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. TYLER, Texas (KETK) On Monday, Blue Bell Creameries of Brenham announced that theyre joining a nationwide effort to eliminate certified artificial colors from their ice cream by 2027. Blue Bell goes bananas with new ice cream flavor The company is joining other dairy companies in the International Dairy Foods Associations Ice Cream Commitment to end the use of Red 3, Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 by Dec. 31, 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As national and state policies on artificial colors in food continue to change, ice cream makers are keeping pace by offering wholesome treats and snacks that families know and love, the IDFA said. Many commercial ice cream makers have already phased out certified artificial colors and many others are working with suppliers to phase them out by 2028 in compliance with this effort and other business considerations. Blue Bells Monday announcement noted that many of their classic flavors like Cookies n Cream, Homemade Vanilla and Rocky Road already avoid certified artificial colors. Check out their full list of flavors and snacks without certified artificial colors in the image below. Image courtesy of Blue Bell Ice Cream. To learn more about all of their flavors and products, visit Blue Bell Creameries 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole announced that it would be removing one of the pro tempore board members set to review Ralph Menzies petition for commutation. Menzies has been on death row in Utah for 37 years, and his attorneys are asking for his sentence to be changed to a life sentence due to his worsening health and dementia. According to a press release from the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole (BOP), a pro tempore board member, Brad Rich, has been replaced with another pro tempore board member, Nathan Evershed. No decisions were made by the board before the replacement occurred. PREVIOUSLY: Attorneys for Ralph Menzies seek clemency, ask death penalty to be commuted to life sentence Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The BOP states that it was brought to their attention that Rich was listed as legal counsel for Menzies during 1979 and 1980. In order to maintain full transparency, the BOP informed both legal teams working on Menzies case and is now informing the public. I am able to report that I or my firm had no connection with Mr. Menzies capital case, Rich told the BOP in January 2024. I was at Salt Lake Legal Defenders when he was represented by Brian White at the Legal Defenders. I dont believe that I had any direct involvement with his case. Although Rich has no recollection of working on Menzies case, he was replaced on the pro tempore board to maintain due diligence. The BOP cited Admin Rule 671-309-2(2), which reads that a hearing official may be recused in any proceeding in which the hearing officials impartiality might reasonably be questioned. Due to recent resignations from the Board of Pardons and Parole, two pro tempore members are required in order to meet the five-member panel requirement to review Menzies request for clemency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Historically, the Board has relied on board members providing lists of individuals they have been counsel or adverse counsel for, enabling them to be recused from those cases. Given this situation, the Board will be reevaluating this process to determine if additional steps can be taken to enhance its due diligence procedures, the BOP stated in a press release. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Court sets execution date for Utah death row inmate Ralph Menzies Who is Ralph Menzies? On February 23, 1986, Maurine Hunsaker was abducted from the Gas-A-Mat convenience store and gas station in Kearns, Utah, where she was employed. Her husband called the convenience store and went in person when she did not pick up. When he arrived, he found that Hunsaker was missing, along with her purse. According to documents, Hunsaker called the home phone and told her husband that she had been instructed to tell him she was kidnapped and robbed. A police officer spoke with Hunsaker, and she indicated that the kidnapper intended to release her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Days later, on February 25, 1986, a hiker found Hunsaker deceased near a picnic area in Big Cottonwood Canyon. She had been strangled to death, according to the medical examiner, and her throat was cut. Marks on her wrists and scuffing on a nearby tree indicated that she had been tied to it somehow. During this time, Menzies was booked into jail on an unrelated burglary charge. When officers were taking his possessions, Menzies ran away and hid in a changing room. Later, identification cards were located in the changing rooms hamper, and an officer realized that they belonged to Hunsaker. Witnesses further connected Menzies to the disappearance and murder of Maurine Hunsaker, and some had even seen him with her on the night of her murder. In 1988, a jury found Menzies guilty, and he was placed on death row for the serious and senseless crime. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. BOLIVAR, Mo. A lawsuit has been filed against the recently-evicted managing business of a Bolivar restaurant on Friday, July 25. According to court dockets, Larry and Kathryn Gifford, the former owners of the iconic Bolivar restaurant Kathys Pasta, are suing Iris Pogue and Edward Cahoj, who began renting the restaurants location in late 2023 before being evicted earlier this year. The petition for damages says the Giffords are the owners of the commercial real estate located at 329 N. Main St. in Bolivar, where they operated restaurants for 30 years, including Kathys Pasta and Savour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Giffords sold their restaurant businesses to Side by Side LLC which is managed by Pogue and Cahoj but the Giffords retained ownership of the building and entered into a commercial lease agreement with Side by Side to allow continued operation of the propertys restaurants. As part of the buildings lease, Side by Side had a monthly rent due for $3,400 by the fifth of each month. But within months of taking possession of the restaurant, Side by Side began failing to meet their lease obligations, including chronic non-payment and late payments of rent, as well as refusal to perform basic restaurant maintenance, the petition says. The petition says that despite repeated communications and courtesy extensions, Side by Sides rent delinquency and repair failures continued into the spring and summer of 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Giffords initiated eviction proceedings, with the Polk County Circuit Court eventually issuing a judgment in the Giffords favor for possession of the property, back rent, and more on Dec. 16, 2024. The petition says the Giffords regained lawful possession of the real estate on April 14, 2025, but during and after the eviction process, Pogue is alleged to have posted multiple false and defamatory statements on social media, including on the Kathys Pasta Facebook page, which she controlled. Those statements included Pogues false claims that the restaurant building was declared dangerous due to the Giffords neglect and that the Giffords had maliciously locked Side by Side out and caused the business closure, according to the petition. Additionally, Pogue also publicly accused the Giffords of fraud and misconduct, suggesting they misrepresented the buildings condition and failed to respond to urgent safety concerns, the petition says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pogue repeatedly claimed the City of Bolivar had to step in because the owners failed to act, according to the petition. In truth, however, the lease agreement placed maintenance responsibilities on the tenant; the Giffords also frequently offered guidance and instructions to assist Pogue in addressing cleaning and routine maintenance tasks. Pogues public statements were false and caused significant reputational and economic harm to the Giffords, the petition claims. The petition further claims that by painting the building as dangerous and unfit for business, Pogue sought to create the illusion of a distressed asset. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, the Giffords believe that widespread customer complaints regarding excessively slow service, unpopular changes to longstanding recipes, and consistently poor dining experiences contributed significantly to the downturn, the petition claims. The petition says the Giffords believe the defendants particularly Pogue have engaged in a continued pattern of retaliatory conduct intended to harass, intimidate, and discredit the Giffords. This conduct has included making misleading false police reports against the Giffords and others involved in the eviction process. As a result of the defendants conduct, the Giffords have suffered significant damages, estimating their total losses exceed $60,000. The petition asks for damages and injunctive relief, as well as a jury trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ozarks First will release an article this week with more information from the defendants side of the story. They deny the allegations in the petition and say their documentation will show their perspective. Summons have been issued. The Giffords are represented by Janae Leah Graham. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. While the COVID-19 pandemic became the defining issue of Gov. Jared Polis first term, the reintroduction of wolves on the Western Slope is likely to cement his legacy however history ultimately judges his time in the executive office in his final four years, particularly for rural residents. Former national security adviser John Bolton, a frequent critic of President Trump, dismissed the allegation Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard leveled against former President Obama, arguing she imagined evidence that doesnt exist. Shes strung together a series of things that arent necessarily related, shes exaggerated what actual congressional reports have said, shes imagined evidence that doesnt exist, Bolton, a foreign policy hawk, said during his Friday appearance on NewsNations On Balance. So, if anybody really gets into it, it collapses pretty quickly, but as a campaign to save her job, I think it actually worked out pretty successfully for her. Whether it succeeded in distracting from the Jeffrey Epstein affair, I dont know, Bolton added, referring to the ongoing controversy regarding the administrations handling of the late convicted sex offenders case. But there is, in substance, nothing to it and certainly no justification for the Justice Department to launch a criminal investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gabbard on Wednesday released a previously classified 2020 House Intelligence Committee report that cast doubt on Russias President Vladimir Putins interest in the 2016 presidential election and his willingness to help out then-candidate Donald Trump. The report said the CIA did not adhere to the tenets of analytical standards and the takeaway that the Kremlin leader acted to aid Trump was based on one scant, unclear, and unverifiable fragment of a sentence from one of the substandard reports. Gabbard said the report exposed the most egregious weaponization and politicization of intelligence in American history. Still, numerous other intelligence assessments have said that Moscow tried to influence the Oval Office race and that Putin favored Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Gabbard also released a report accusing top Obama administration officials of manipulating intelligence regarding Russias interference in the 2016 White House race, citing Obama specifically as well as CIA director John Brennan, former FBI director James Comey and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. Trump on Tuesday accused Obama of committing treason and that he should be investigated by the DOJ. Gabbard sent criminal referrals to the department over the report. Still, on Friday, Bolton said Gabbards effort has not produced any new information about the 2016 elections and warned against any criminal probe, pointing out past reports did take issue with how the Obama administration handled certain assessments. But nothing that goes to the level of anything of a predicate for a legitimate criminal investigation, Botlon told guest host Chris Cillizza Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. More than 100 young innovators gathered at the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi this June to develop solutions to climate change and build the future, one planet-friendly prototype at a time. ETV Bharat reported that the Change Makers 2025 Summer Bootcamp brought together 106 students aged 15 to 19 from across India to develop real-world solutions to the climate crisis. Over three weeks, students formed teams and tackled pressing issues like carbon emissions, microplastics, e-waste, and heatwaves. The teams then turned their ideas into working prototypes under the mentorship of scientists, professors, and entrepreneurs at the institute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students at the bootcamp introduced a range of bold, locally relevant innovations that did things like convert pedal power into electricity and transform irrigation with data. One green tech project, Re-Volt Ride, uses a bicycle-mounted dynamo to generate clean electricity for charging phones and LED lights. Another project dubbed Neer-Veer tackles water waste in agriculture with a solar-powered smart irrigation system that includes sensors and a dashboard to guide farmers' decisions. "I got goosebumps watching the final presentations," said professor and bootcamp coordinator Jay Dhariwal. "These kids aren't just learning, they're doing, and with the right support, some of these projects could become national interventions." The initiative behind these projects does not stop after the program ends; students will receive continued mentorship and scaling support to kickstart their ideas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to 4-H, climate change is top of mind for 84% of teens. While for some, thinking about rising global temperatures and their negative impact on humanity and the environment may cause anxiety, for others, it spurs local action and inspires hope. "Most people experiencing climate-related distress are not hiding under the covers. They're taking action to help solve the problem," said Anthony Leiserowitz, director of the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication. Programs like the Change Makers Bootcamp, which center solutions-oriented thinking, inspire action and give youth the opportunity to make a real impact in their communities and beyond. One LinkedIn post about the Changemakers program read, "They are not just visitors - they are future founders, innovators, and problem-solvers in the making." 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. July 26 (UPI) -- Britain, France and Germany are calling for an immediate end to fighting in Gaza after dozens of people were killed over a 24-hour period in the Palestinian enclave. At least 57 people died in Gaza, the Palestinian News Agency reported Saturday, including those killed by airstrikes carried out by the Israeli military. An infant also died from starvation in Gaza, with aid to the territory largely halted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, Israel said it would give permission to the United Arab Emirates and Jordan to drop aid into Gaza by air. Approximately 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza while waiting for food to be delivered, the United Nations said earlier this week. At least 57 people died in Gaza, the Palestinian News Agency reported Saturday, including those killed by airstrikes carried out by the Israeli military. Photo by Mohammed Al-Amour/UPI "The humanitarian catastrophe that we are witnessing in Gaza must end now. The most basic needs of the civilian population, including access to water and food, must be met without any further delay. Withholding essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable," Britain, France and Germany said in the joint statement, while calling for an "immediate ceasefire" and "unconditional release of all hostages." French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday said his country would officially recognize a Palestinian state. An infant also died from starvation in Gaza, with aid to the territory largely halted, while Israel this week said it would give permission to the United Arab Emirates and Jordan to drop aid into Gaza by air. Photo by Mahmoud Issa/UPI "We firmly oppose all efforts to impose Israeli sovereignty over the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Threats of annexation, settlements and acts of settler violence against Palestinians undermine the prospects for a negotiated two-state solution," the joint statement from Britain, Germany and France reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are committed to working together with our international partners, including at the United Nations, to develop a specific and credible plan for the next phase in Gaza that will put in place transitional governance and security arrangements, and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid at scale." The statement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters Friday at the White House that Hamas "didn't really want to make a deal" when asked about the possibility of a ceasefire. Trump spoke to reporters before leaving on a four-day trip to Scotland where he will talk trade with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. "It was too bad. Hamas didn't really want to make a deal. I think they want to die," Trump told reporters Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country is "considering alternative options" in the absence of a ceasefire agreement to bring home the remaining hostages held by Hamas. Earlier in the week, 29 countries issued a joint statement condemning the conflict, saying it had "reached new depths," while calling for an immediate end. Indian police have arrested a British-educated man on suspicion of running a fake embassy that extorted workers by offering them jobs in non-existent countries. Harshvardhan Jain, 47, is accused of impersonating an ambassador, possessing false diplomatic car number plates and promising employment in fake countries such as Westarctica and Seborga. Sushil Ghule, a senior officer from the Uttar Pradesh police force, said Jain was also found with doctored photographs of himself posing with world leaders and dozens of fake government seals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jain was arrested at a rental property in Ghaziabad, northern India, where he ran the fake embassy, CNN reported on Saturday. During a search of the bungalow, police found millions of Indian rupees and other currencies, as well as four cars with false diplomatic plates and the flags of various countries. Indian police have charged Jain with forgery, impersonation and possession of fake documents, including 12 diplomatic passports. The bogus embassy was run from a building in Ghaziabad - AP According to The Hindu, an Indian newspaper, the false passports identified Jain as the Consul of the non-existent micronations of Westarctica, Saborga, Poulvia and Lodonia. Indian police have accused Jain of a modus operandi of fraud, hawala [unofficial money transfers] and brokerage and said his criminal enterprise had been running for nearly two decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is understood to have at least 11 bank accounts in four countries, three of them in the UK, and multiple shell companies around the world, the Indian Express reported. He worked as a broker in Gulf and African countries. When he returned to India in 2011, he resumed operations from his family home before shifting to the rented bungalow, Indian police said. Luxury cars cars bearing fake diplomatic number plates outside the building - Uttar Pradesh Police Special Task Force via AP India media reported that Jain hailed from a wealthy family and had studied for a masters degree in business administration at an unnamed London university. The suspect is part of an illegal arms trade network and [has] committed financial frauds in the garb of overseas firms, the newspaper added, citing the Uttar Pradesh police force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was also reportedly arrested in 2012 by the same force for illegal possession of a satellite phone. Jain has not commented on the allegations, CNN reported on Saturday. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The Broadway Bridge is set to close to vehicle traffic this weekend for inspection and repairs. According to Multnomah County officials, this is all a part of a routine bi-annual inspection, which will also include minor repairs to the bridge spans. Commission greenlights first phase of ODOTs costly I-5 project as funding wanes The closure will take place from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As such, Multnomah County officials suggest that commuters find alternative routes and plan ahead. Although the Portland Streetcar will not be operating during the closures, officials say the bridge will remain open for cyclists and pedestrians. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ST JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) A stalwart of the St. Joseph Police Department is calling it a career after years of dedication and service, both to the community of St. Joseph and the fellow officers he showed unwavering support for. Friends, family and colleagues of Sgt. James Tonn gathered on Friday to honor and celebrate the last day for the retiring sergeant, one of the most respected men in the department, a man who led with compassion and dedicated himself to many critical positions within the department throughout his 17-year career. A graduate of Missouri Western State University, Tonn began his law enforcement career with the U.S. Army, serving as a military police officer for six years before transitioning to the SJPD in 2008, where he started on patrol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You know, 23 years of law enforcement, in the military and here total, done a lot, seen a lot," Tonn said. "I wanted to help people, and I still want to help people. I'm going to miss that." Tonn's resume is a testament to his veteran leadership, skills and experience: Nine years with the department's Special Response Team, including the position of sniper, patrol sergeant, detective, crime scene investigator and active shooter response instructor, among others. Tonn spent the last six years of his career as a traffic sergeant, where he helped supervise the department's traffic unit. Including working as a traffic crash reconstructionist. "I was that guy who wouldn't say no. I said, 'Yes, sir. May I have another?' And I would do whatever needed to get done," he said. "I got the opportunity because of that to do a lot. And I'm blessed for that." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Longtime Sgt. Brad Kerns said he was honored to give the retirement speech for one of his closest and longtime friends, someone he calls "brother." "From day one, I'm talking, going through the hiring process together, medical evaluation appointments, that's where I first met James," Kerns said. "We grew a strong friendship and a bond that later became what I would refer to as a brotherhood." The two worked together for many years on evening shifts one of Tonn's favorite experiences until he became a detective and Kerns went to the traffic unit. "We always kept that bond. And still to this day," Kerns said. "James was one of those guys that if you were struggling with something, it really helped having that peer support, somebody like James to sit down with." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tonn's advocacy for mental health support defined his character and compassion he showed for others, helping kickstart the department's peer support and crisis intervention groups. He pointed to a statistic saying for every officer who is diagnosed with PTSD, a thousand are out there working and suffering with it. "I've seen officers do the bravest things every day, but the bravest thing they could ever do is to say, 'Hey, I'm not okay. I needed to talk to somebody.'" "We've lost officers to suicide and one is too many. If we don't talk about it, we're not going to talk about it," Tonn said. "So somebody has to be the person that says, 'Hey, you're not yourself today. What's going on?' And mean that, not just lip service. You got to love people where they're at." Tonn was also an esteemed member of the department's honor guard, serving at ceremonies, public events and funerals to honor fallen officers and promote community trust, a position reserved for those with the highest professionalism and dedication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As he looks ahead, Tonn is relishing the opportunity to spend more time with his wife and four children. "I'm going to relax for a while. I'm going to enjoy taking care of myself and my family," he said. "For a long time. I put that off ... because we have to do the job. But, man, at the end of the day, family's most important. A Southwest Ranches man was sentenced to five years in prison after stealing close to $110 million from the Federal Communications Commissions discounted phone and internet service program in what is considered the largest criminal case ever involving the agency, according to prosecutors. Issa Asad, 51 and his telecom company, Q Link Wireless, were sentenced in Miami federal court Thursday on charges of conspiring to commit wire fraud, steal government money, and conspiring to defraud the United States. Asad is also charged with money laundering. They have been ordered to jointly pay over $109 million in restitution to the FCC. The scheme took place over at least 9 years, beginning in 2012 and continuing through at least 2021. It began when Asad and Q Link joined the FCCs Lifeline program, which offers low-income people heavily discounted cell and internet service through certain telecommunications providers, then reimburses the providers. The program is strictly for people below a certain income threshold who are on government programs like Food Stamps and Medicaid, and requires that providers stop seeking reimbursements for any customers who do not use their phones during a given timeframe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Asad and Q Link, which is based in Dania Beach, did not stop seeking reimbursements. Instead, for nearly a decade, the company deceived both customers and the FCC in order to keep receiving money from the government. Asad directed Q Link employees to monitor customers cell phone usage, ostensibly to ensure that it complied with the FCC usage rules, according to a federal charging document. He and other Q Link employees would then manufacture fake cell phone activity on customers phones and successfully tricked the FCC into thinking the customers were still using the service. The company would also give customers false threats, claiming they might lose Medicaid or Food Stamps if they didnt continue in the program, as well as barrage customers who were not using their cell phones with calls to get them to answer their phones, according to the document. When Asad found out the FCC was investigating the company in 2014, he provided false records to claim that customers were in fact using their phones. Ultimately, Q Link made about $618 million from the FCC, $109 million of which was fraudulently obtained, according to federal prosecutors. Asad separately made over $1.7 million from laundering money he made by defrauding the governments COVID loan program. Related Articles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Altogether, Asad and Q Link were ordered to pay the U.S. government over $128 million in penalties and restitution. This was a brazen scheme of staggering proportions, Executive Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter of the IRS Criminal Investigation unit said in a statement. Mr. Asad prioritized his own greed, stealing $100 million from taxpayers. Asad and Q-Link pleaded guilty to both counts in October 2024 in exchange for the five-year sentence. His plea is also the largest criminal plea deal in the history of [the] Southern District of Florida, prosecutors said. FILE PHOTO: People wait in line for security at Denver International Airports south security checkpoint on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. AAA suggests booking any holiday travel before October for best prices and availability. ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) The Buchanan County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant on Thursday, resulting in a seizure of drugs and weapons, as well as the arrest of two wanted fugitives. The Special Operations Division Career Criminal Unit and the Drug Strike Force, assisted by the joint St. Joseph Police Department and Buchanan County Special Response Team, executed the warrant at 1810 Clay St., Apt. 210 for narcotics and fugitives. During the search, both fentanyl and methamphetamine were located, as well as, two handguns and one AR-15 style rifle were seized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two wanted fugitives were also located inside the apartment and arrested for outstanding warrants. One of the fugitives was taken into custody for a failure to appear warrant in Clay County, Missouri. The fugitive's original charge was the unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action with a $1 million bond. The same fugitive is wanted in connection with multiple significant felony crimes in the KC Metro area. The case was investigated by the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office Special Operations Division Career Criminal Unit and Drug Strike Force, along with the SJPD Street Crimes Unit, Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department Career Criminal Unit. July 26 (UPI) -- As the Texas Legislature plans to redraw congressional maps in an effort to increase Republican members in the U.S. House, the governors of California and Illinois may devise their own new borders. Traditionally, the boundaries are changed every 10 years with the latest U.S. Census data but Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has called a special legislative session after pressure from the White House to preserve the GOP majority in the U.S. House. President Donald Trump believes an additional five seats could be created by changing the borders. Of the state's 38 districts, 25 are held by Republicans. Democrats hold seats in big cities of Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston, Laredo, McAllen, San Antonio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, Republicans hold a 219-212 advantage in the House with four vacancies -- three Democrats who died and one Republican who resigned this week. More than a dozen Texas House members flew to Illinois and California -- two blue states -- on Friday for a meeting with California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, during which they revealed their intentions. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, speaking at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, says he may attempt to change his state's congressional maps if Texas redraws its borders. File Photo by Tannen Maury/UPI "Donald Trump called up Governor Abbott for one simple reason: to rig the 2026 elections. California's moral high ground means nothing if we're powerless because of it," Newsom said after meeting with Democrats from the Texas House. "This moment requires us to be prepared to fight fire with fire. Whether that's a special election, a ballot initiative, a bill, a fight in court. If they proceed in Texas, we will be ready." "This is not a bluff. This is real, and trust me, it's more real after listening to these leaders today, how existential this is," Newsom said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the most populous state in the nation, California has 43 Democratic members of the house and nine Republican members, while Illinois is represented by 14 Democrats and three Republicans. "Everything is on the table," Pritzker said. The Illinois governor said he doesn't want to redraw the maps but "if they're going to take this drastic action, then we might also take drastic action to respond." "We want the country to understand [that] what's going on in Texas is a national battle," State Rep. Richard Pena Raymond, a Democrat from Laredo, said. Raymond told Pritzker that redistricting is "clearly aimed at affecting the entire country." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Responsibility for determining Congressional district maps differs from state to state. In California, an independent commission approved by voters in 2010 works on the maps. Illinois maps, on the other hand, are put together by the state lawmakers have been drawn strongly to favor the Democrat Party in the state. Newsom said he is considering having a referendum to change the rules before the 2026 election, unless the Legislature comes up with another solution, which would take two-thirds of legislators voting in favor of. "We have to fight fire with fire," Newsom said. Other states Two other Democratic governors are considering new maps -- Phil Murphy in New Jersey and Kathy Hochul in New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There's other states that are violating the rules," Hochul said during a news conference on Thursday. "I'm going to look at it closely with Hakeem Jeffries," a New York member of the House, as well has House minority leader. In New York, Democrats have a 19-7 advantage as a result of their districting maps. "It's deplorable," Murphy said during an interview at the summer meeting of the bipartisan National Governors Association in Colorado Springs. "If they're going to play these games, we're going to have to be just as aggressive. We can't bring a knife to a gunfight." Democrats hold nine of the 12 seats in New Jersey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Florida, the state Supreme Court on July 17 upheld its newest congressional map. He said he believes the state had been "malappropriated" and redistricting "would be appropriate" in a few years. Florida's congressional delegation is controlled by Republicans, 20-8. In Ohio, legislators are required to redraw maps before 2026. The GOP has 10 of the 15 seats. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis is against redistricting more frequently. The state's maps are overseen by an independent commission and it's eight U.S. House seats are evenly split 4-4. Texas situation Texas last redrew its borders in mid-cycle in 2003 after the GOP gained control of both chambers for the first time since Reconstruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Texas, Abbott noted a July 7 letter from the Justice Department that said majority Black and Hispanic districts in Dallas need to be redrawn based on a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit last year. The DOJ said those districts are "unconstitutional racial gerrymanders," but Abbott argued the opposite in 2021. In federal court in El Paso, he argued race had not been taken into account there. "We are no longer compelled to have coalition districts," Abbott said in an interview with KDFW in Dallas. U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, a San Antonio Democrat, appeared at a state House hearing. "That's what's at stake here, whether you all are going to work for the people of Texas, as we used to do, to try to do, or whether you take your commandments from Donald Trump and the White House," Castro said. "I hope that you all will choose to do the business of the people of Texas, as this body has a history of being independent from the federal government." The leaders of Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to meet for ceasefire talks after days of cross-border violence, according to statements on Saturday from both sides as well as US President Donald Trump. Trump said earlier in the weekend that he had spoken with both Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting prime minister of Thailand Phumtham Wechayachai in his efforts to restore peace. They have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE! Trump wrote on Truth Social in a series of posts on outlining his diplomatic efforts on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said he had warned Hun Manet and Phumtham that he would not make trade deals with either country if the deadly border conflict continued. They are also looking to get back to the Trading Table with the United States, which we think is inappropriate to do until such time as the fighting STOPS, Trump wrote. Earlier this month, Trump wrote letters to Thailand and Cambodia threatening a 36% tariff on most of their exports to the US, starting August 1. Cambodia and Thailand both delivered substantial offers to their US counterparts in an effort to move to the front of the line for a trade agreement, officials said at the time. In the early hours of Sunday morning local time, Hun Manet thanked Trump and said that Cambodia agreed with the proposal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between the two armed forces. It added that he had previously called for a ceasefire to ASEAN chair and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A statement from Thailands Ministry of Foreign Affairs was more measured, saying it wished to see sincere intention from the Cambodian side but that Phumtham had also requested President Trump to convey that Thailand wants to convene a bilateral dialogue as soon as possible to bring forth measures and procedures for the ceasefire and the eventual peaceful resolution of the conflict. Bangkok and Phnom Penh have been fighting over territory disputed since colonial power France drew the border between them more than a century ago. The renewed deadly conflict pits longtime US ally Thailand, with decades of experience, against Cambodias relatively young armed force with close ties to China. Since fighting broke out on Thursday, more than a dozen people have been reported killed, dozens wounded, and more than 150,000 civilians evacuated. Clashes have continued into Saturday, according to officials on both sides. The United Nations has condemned the violence, with Secretary General Antonio Guterres offering his assistance in any efforts towards a peaceful resolution of the dispute in a statement released Saturday by his spokesperson. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com SURIN, Thailand (AP) Cambodian officials report 12 new deaths in its fighting with Thailand, bringing death toll on both sides to 32. YAOUNDE (Reuters) -Cameroon's electoral commission has rejected the candidacy of Maurice Kamto, the main rival to President Paul Biya, in an upcoming presidential election, raising the risks of protests and the likelihood of another win for the incumbent. The chief of the electoral commission, ELECAM, announced the decision in a press conference on Saturday when he read out a list of 13 approved candidates which did not include Kamto. No reasons were given. Those not listed have two days to appeal. Biya, 92, has been in power for 43 years and is the world's oldest-serving head of state. He announced his intention earlier this month to seek re-election in the October 12 vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kamto had come in second place with 14% of the vote in the last election in 2018, which Biya won by a landslide amid allegations of fraud. "In case of the rejection of certain candidates in this election, it is possible there will be protests in the centre of Yaounde and near the seat of ELECAM," the United Nations Department of Safety and Security said in a statement on Friday. (Reporting by Amindeh Blaise Atabong; Writing by Nellie Peyton; Editing by Sharon Singleton) YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP) Cameroon s electoral commission on Saturday rejected the candidacy of Maurice Kamto in the upcoming presidential election, fueling fears of unrest and increasing the likelihood of another Biya victory. Kamto, a former government minister, is seen as the main challenger to long-serving President Paul Biya. The electoral commission, ELECAM, said it approved 13 presidential candidates, excluding Kamto. No reason was given. Biya is included. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kamto, who has two days to appeal, was considered Biyas strongest rival in past elections. He came second during the last presidential election in 2018 with 14% of the vote, while Biya cruised to victory with over 70% in an election marred by irregularities and a low turnout. Biya, 92, the worlds oldest serving head of state, said last month he would seek reelection on Oct. 12 despite rumors that his health is failing. He has been in power since 1982, nearly half his lifetime. Biyas rule has left a lasting impact on Cameroon. His government has faced various challenges, including allegations of corruption and a deadly secessionist conflict in the nation's English-speaking provinces that has forced thousands out of school. Fears of protests and unrest surged around Saturdays release of the list of approved candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Security forces were deployed around the ELECAM headquarters and along major roads in Yaounde, the capital, and in Douala, the economic hub. The United Nations Department of Safety and Security had warned Friday that the announcement could trigger protests in the capital. TORONTO (Reuters) -The Canadian government on Saturday condemned Hong Kong authorities issuing arrest warrants for pro-democracy activists based overseas. "The individuals targeted yesterday under the Beijing-imposed National Security Law in Hong Kong include Canadians and people with close ties to Canada," the government said in a statement. "This attempt by Hong Kong authorities to conduct transnational repression abroad, including by issuing threats, intimidation or coercion against Canadians or those in Canada, will not be tolerated." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hong Kong's national security police announced arrest warrants for 19 activists based overseas, accusing them of subversion under a stringent law, marking the largest such tally yet. (Reporting by Bhargav Acharya in Toronto; editing by Diane Craft) Its been hard to miss the haze outside on this Saturday. Its been thick enough to lower visibility and has even produced an odor. Some of you have even reported the faint smell of smoke in the air, and that is exactly what it is. What you might not be aware of is the impact on air quality it has had across New England today. Often times, wildfire smoke creates a milky haze in the sky, but remains at high altitudes where air quality is not impacted. Today, on the other hand, its quite apparent that the smoke is much closer to the ground. This has prompted an Air Quality Alert for nearly the entire region. This means that conditions are poor enough for individual sensitive to these changes, that symptoms may present. However, where air quality is worse in northern New England, limited outdoor activity is recommended for all residents today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wildfire smoke travels with the wind and the forecast calls for a shift in direction tonight, which will improve air quality on Sunday. However, as Canadian wildfires continue to burn, its more than likely this will not be our last visit from the smoky conditions this year. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The Colorado Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the Denver County Court to let a tenant use his rental assistance checks to pay for the appeal of his eviction. Two incumbents, a former city councilwoman and five others make up a crowded list of candidates vying for at-large seats on the Detroit City Council in the primary. During the Aug. 5 primary, Detroiters will get a chance to vote for their top two candidates, with the top four vote-getters moving on to the general election on Nov. 4. Two at-large council members sit on the nine-person legislative arm of city government and represent all residents, as opposed to the other members who each represent the city's seven districts. In the running are the following candidates, whom the Detroit Free Press and BridgeDetroit have interviewed: Levan Adams Levan Adams Levan Adams, 47, said he has been on the ground for more than two decades as a Detroit police officer and detective. He said he knows the neighborhoods and the people, what works and what doesn't. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm not a career politician. I'm someone who shows up, listens and gets things done," Adams said. "I've led in tough situations, stood up for fairness as a union rep and worked with families during their hardest moments. And I'm running to bring real accountability to City Hall and to make sure Detroiters, not developers or outsiders, are the priority." He describes himself as someone on the front line, working with people dealing with poverty, job loss and mental health crises. Adams said his main focus would be making sure Detroiters are safe. He'd like to see more police officers out on the streets, legislation to keep guns away from young people and programming for middle and high school-age youths. "We gotta catch them while they're young, because just putting handcuffs on people is not going to solve the problem," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams, who joined the Detroit Police Department in 2000, said more officers should live in the city of Detroit. He lives in Detroit's Harmony Village neighborhood. Janee' Ayers Janee' L. Ayers Former Council Member Janee' Ayers has spent the last few years "doing the work without the title," she said. She has taught, consulted and worked for the city's parks and recreation department back where she started 26 years ago. "I am running again because the work that we started is not finished," Ayers, 43, said. Ayers lost her council seat in 2021 amid a federal public corruption investigation into several officials, related to the towing industry. That case closed in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Was it fair? No. Was it judged in the court of public opinion? Absolutely. But am I upset about it? Absolutely not," she said. "Because they had a job to do and they did their job; and through their job and the due process, everything that I've said from the beginning I haven't done anything has been proven to be true." The experience has taught her what it means to have the true spirit of Detroit, she said. "I know what it means to be counted out. I know what it means to be drug through the mud. I know what it means to swing and keep fighting," she said. Ayers feels as though the timing of the investigation cost her the 2021 election, but it also "cost the people representation," she said. She didn't come to the decision to run again lightly, she added, but the closing of the case and interactions with community members prompted her desire to return to public service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I know exactly what our constituents are looking for in a leader. And, more importantly, what it is that they're looking for in their neighborhoods, because I stay with boots on the ground, knowing what it is that people are looking for," she said. She cited fiscal responsibility, public safety and neighborhood growth as pressing issues for Detroit and Detroiters. Ayers currently lives in the Minock Park neighborhood. James Harris James Harris James Harris, community relations chief for the Detroit Fire Department, said he's not a politician, he's a public servant. "I'm not trying to make a career out of being a politician. I want to get elected to serve the people," Harris, 54, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris said not all Detroiters have felt the same resurgence as certain parts of the city, like Corktown, downtown and Midtown, and he wants to see similar development and small business growth in other neighborhoods. He said he'd create programming similar to the Motor City Makeover, Detroit's annual citywide volunteer cleanup and beautification initiative that takes place each May, bringing together thousands of volunteers to clean and beautify neighborhoods, parks and playgrounds, and around businesses, schools, and places of worship. "I want our neighborhoods to look good. I want our trees to be cut. I want our grass to be trimmed. I want everybody to feel the rebirth of Detroit," he said. Safety is No. 1 on his list. He emphasized the importance of educating the public on fire safety and pulling over to the right for first responders. He said he'd work with Community Violence Intervention groups to prevent crime. He said he'd also like to hire more firefighters to go out and educate the public on hands-only CPR, for instance. Detroiters, both new and longtime residents, and regardless of their income, want to be safe, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When you go to work in the morning, when you leave out of your house, you want to be safe. You want to make sure your streetlights are on if you got to go to work in the dark so you can see where you're going. You want to make sure when you dial 911, not only is the fire department coming, the EMS is coming, but the police are coming," he said. Harris, who has been with the Detroit Fire Department for nearly 28 years, said he lives in District 1, north of Rosedale Park. Shakira Lynn Hawkins Shakira Lynn Hawkins Attorney Shakira Lynn Hawkins said she has more than 20 years of legal experience much of it in the public sector and describes herself as a public servant who lives and works in the community. "I'm a progressive. There are things that I have seen that need change," Hawkins, who didn't share her exact age, said. "I did not see anyone necessarily stepping up and addressing the causes that matter to me." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The top three issues Detroiters are confronting? Affordable and emergency housing, public safety and youth education and economic empowerment, according to Hawkins. More: Detroit mayoral candidate, who assaulted his wife in 1993, says he learned from mistake More: SMART bus leader resigns, deputy elevated "For a while now, residents have been displaced. And there has been a prioritization of development downtown and that has been at the expense of our neighborhoods, our families, our schools and our libraries. And I will be the voice that our residents need," she said. In 2020, Hawkins ran for a 3rd Circuit Court judgeship on a platform of fighting for criminal justice reform. Though she did not win that election, she said that experience helped her realize that her true passion was in policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We all know that there is a pipeline to prison, and I wanted to try to keep as many people out of that pipeline as possible. But once you're in the criminal justice system, you're there," she said. "If I can do something to effect policy and make better outcomes for people, then they never enter that system to begin with." In 2024, she unsuccessfully ran for a seat in Congress, representing Michigan 13th Congressional District, which is comprised of a sizable chunk of Detroit, as well as portions of western Wayne County and Downriver. Hawkins decided to run for a local race so people could get to know her and her passion, she said. She acknowledged how expensive it is to run a campaign and how difficult it is to unseat incumbents, but said she wants to "stay a part of the conversation, even if I don't have a high chance of winning." Hawkins, a former city attorney who currently is in private practice, lives in Midtown Detroit. Gary Hunter Gary Hunter Gary Hunter said he's a longtime preacher, community activist, photographer and CEO President at Detroit Times Media Group / The Shot News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have a deep passion to address the needs of our community," Hunter, 65, said. People shouldn't have to fight for resources in the city of Detroit, he said, adding that longtime Detroiters cannot get services, such as roofing assistance and weatherization, compared with newcomers. Other challenges he cited include what he described as a lack of transparency for Detroiters to know what's going on, and extra drainage and sewage fees on water bills. Hunter also said he'd like to see more minority contractors. I want Detroiters to feel welcome in Detroit, and right now people in Detroit don't feel welcome in Detroit," Hunter, who lives on the east side of the city, said. Hunter, in a video from the civic engagement hub CitizenDetroit, said his goal is for seniors to have a safer place to live, for children to have a better place to learn and for communities to have a cleaner area to dwell. "It is not this downtown versus out-town, not the in-town versus the out-town, but one Detroit for one people, with one purpose that's to live in harmony, to live in peace and to live with quality, safety, education," he said in the video published by CitizenDetroit on June 21. Valerie Parker Valerie Parker Valerie Parker never thought she'd run for City Council, but decided to do so now because "our kids are in trouble." "I need the power for the whole city of Detroit, so I'm able to go into these schools and be the eyes and ears and make sure they're not giving our kids cold food; make sure that the kids' bathrooms got doors on; make sure they're doing right by our kids," Parker, 65, said. She said she wants the city council to hold what she termed unregulated charter schools, accountable. City government has a limited role in education and charter schools typically have their own boards. Parker describes herself as an urban educator who has been fighting for youths since 2005. "I'm able to stick my hand up in there and pull something out for these kids, and that's what I'm going to do. I'm gonna do my four years, and then I'm going somewhere and (retiring)," said Parker, a substitute teacher for metro Detroit charter schools. There aren't many places for kids to just have fun, she said. Parker said she also supports Community Violence Intervention groups. "We don't trust the police like other people trust the police because of the stories our parents told us, and so I don't argue with the kids, it's their reality. I think the community (has) to come and heal and get to trust the police again, because they don't trust them," she said. Parker resides in the Castle Rouge neighborhood. "We got to make Detroit great again," she said. "Mike Duggan did an excellent job of laying the foundation. And so, as he runs (as an) independent for governor, he's leaving a track record and I hope that we can just build on it." Mary Waters Mary Waters Mary Waters, an incumbent, said there's still a tremendous need for housing, employment and public safety improvements. "Housing is a top challenge and I know that firsthand. I'm talking about true affordable housing. We have people that make less than $30,000 a year," Waters, 69, said. She supports income-based housing, she said, and cited the Fast Track PILOT ordinance, offering property tax cuts to developers based on rent prices, as a way to bolster development in neighborhoods. Waters said she's a seasoned leader and touted her track record as a council member, including a one-stop shop and a call center for housing needs and a $203 million housing plan. She spearheaded the creation of a tenants rights commission to represent and advocate for residential renters. If reelected, Waters said she'd advocate at the state and federal level for stronger renter protections, money for down payment assistance programs and home repairs for aging infrastructure. "If I wasn't doing my job, I can understand why other people would want to take it. But I do my job, otherwise I would not be there and I believe that Detroiters know that," said Waters, who lives in Lafayette Park. Last year, Waters also ran for Michigans 13th Congressional District seat, losing the primary election to incumbent U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Detroit. Waters previously served three terms in the state House, from 2001 to 2006, as a Democrat. In 2010, Waters pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor for filing a fraudulent tax return and admitted to accepting a $6,000 watch, according to an FBI news release. She was sentenced to one year of probation. In a written response, Waters said the plea occurred 15 years ago and said the IRS "eventually said I owed no taxes on the watch." "All this is mind-boggling given that the people of Detroit elected me to Detroit City Council," she said in a text message to the Free Press. She cited her "perfect attendance" in the state House, including her role as floor leader, and her journey from Alabama to being a University of Michigan graduate and surviving breast cancer. Coleman Young II Coleman A. Young II Coleman Young II said he wants to implement a guaranteed income pilot program, providing $500 to 125 people, based on their income, for up to 24 months. That idea and the funding for it still is in the works, the incumbent council member said. He also listed off a number of other issues he'd like to tackle. "I want to create more jobs. I want to lower taxes. I want to make sure that buses show up on time. I want to invest in public safety. And I want to make sure that we have a better, more responsive city for the citizens of Detroit because they deserve it," Young, 42, said. The top challenges confronting Detroiters are housing, public transit, public safety and jobs, Young said. He wants more mixed-use and multifamily housing, as opposed to single-family housing. What would that look like? Condos, apartment buildings, tiny homes and 3D-printed houses, Young said. "We also need to expand our community policing program," he said. He wants to revive police mini-stations, an initiative his father, the late Mayor Coleman Young, started. The idea is to place officers in certain neighborhoods and inside senior buildings. It's a pitch he made in his 2017 bid for Detroit mayor, which he lost. Young previously served in the state Senate and House as a Democrat. He lives in the Islandview neighborhood. Contact Nushrat Rahman: nrahman@freepress.com. Follow her on X: @NushratR. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Candidates for Detroit City Council's 2025 at-large seats DENVER (KDVR) The Colorado Department of Transportation and U.S. Senator Michael Bennet gave FOX31 a preview of whats set to be the largest wildlife overpass in the world. Colorado likes to lead on a lot of things. State and transportation leaders said by the end of the year, wildlife overpasses will be added to that list. Summons issued for driver in crash that killed 12-year-old riding scooter in crosswalk Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This funding was part of the bipartisan infrastructure bill that we passed in Washington. Colorado put together an excellent proposal for a competitive grant program that was for wildlife crossings, said U.S. Senator Michael Bennet. State leaders said an overpass being built on Interstate 25 south near the Greenland road exit will be the biggest wildlife crossing in the world once its complete. Its hard to quantify how many because there are pieces of the formula funding going into virtually everything we do. You know we won dozens of grants for major projects like this one because of that law and you are starting to see those projects coming online, said CDOTs Shoshanna Lew. The project is covered by funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) that was passed by Congress during the Biden administration. Leaders said the project is under its initial budget of around $30 million. Bennet says the state needs continued investments from the federal government to keep roads safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That money that was in the bipartisan infrastructure bill is still in the budget and weve got to make sure that budget gets out to the states. I do think we are going to see much less investment from the national government going forward. States are going to be much more on their own, whether its healthcare, education or infrastructure. Were going to have to figure out how to deal with that, Bennet said. Colorado infrastructure below average: report The announcement of the overpasses halfway completion comes a ay after Colorado State Patrol warned drivers about a rising trend in wildlife collisions and two days after the American Society of Civil Engineers gave Colorado a C- on its infrastructure report card. Both Director Lew and Senator Bennet acknowledge budget constraints at the state and federal levels could slow more of these projects from coming online in the future, but they would still like to see more of these structures across the state. Were going to continue to see increases, not decreases, in these kinds of events, but thats actually a good thing because that means there is more wildlife overall. But one thing we can also do is slow down, said Bennet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leaders say the $20 million effort should be completed by the end of 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 FOX31 Denver. BANGUI (Reuters) -Central African Republic's President Faustin-Archange Touadera said on Saturday he will run for a third term later this year, seeking to extend his rule into a second decade after scrapping term limits in 2023. "Many of you have asked for me, and my answer is yes. I am your candidate for the presidential election of December 2025," the 68-year-old said at a meeting of his party, the United Hearts Movement, in the capital Bangui. "We will continue the work of rebuilding our country." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since taking office in 2016, Touadera has enlisted outside forces to stay in power amid a persistent civil conflict, including mercenaries from Russia's Wagner militia, who intervened in 2018 on the side of the government. Landlocked Central African Republic, roughly the size of France and with a population of around 5.5 million, is deeply impoverished despite being rich in resources including gold, diamonds and timber. It has witnessed waves of instability, including coups and rebellions, since independence from France in 1960. Touadera won a second term in 2020, though militants including the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC) have fought to overturn that result. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The army, backed by United Nations peacekeepers and Russian and Rwandan troops, has been fighting the group for years. Touadera's current term was supposed to be his last, but in 2023 the country held a constitutional referendum that abolished the two-term limit and extended the presidential mandate from five to seven years. Opposition parties and civil society groups have said the new constitution, which was backed by more than 95% of voters, could allow Touadera to stay in power for life. The exact date of the December vote has not been announced. (Reporting by Pacome Pabandji; Writing by Anait Miridzhanian and Ayen Deng Bior; Editing by Robbie Corey-Boulet and Jan Harvey) Former superintendent for Uxbridge Public Schools Michael Baldassarre was found not guilty of driving under the influence, according to the Telegram & Gazette. Baldassarre, of Concord, opted for a trial in front of a judge on Monday, July 21, who found him not guilty of the charge of operating under the influence (liquor), the T&G reported Friday. Im relieved, Baldassarre wrote Tuesday in a post on his LinkedIn account. This has been a devastating chapter in my life. Im grateful to the court for its careful review of the facts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After finding him not guilty, District Court Judge Jon L. Revelli placed Baldassarre on administrative probation for six months after the former superintendent tendered a plea of admission to sufficient facts on a charge of negligent driving, the T&G reported. He was ordered to pay $300 in court fees. Revelli also found Baldassarre not responsible for speeding and not responsible for a marked lanes violation. Massachusetts State Police arrested Baldassarre at around 2:40 a.m. on Jan. 18 on Interstate 495 in Bolton, the Telegram & Gazette wrote in January. A trooper and a field training officer on patrol accused Baldassarre of speeding and swerving before crashing into another car. Police said he refused a Breathalyzer test. During his arraignment, Baldassarre pleaded not guilty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, Baldassarre reached a separation agreement with the Uxbridge School Committee and Karen Dwyer was named interim superintendent. The latest from MassLive Read the original article on MassLive. CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) In a collaborative effort, eight Champaign County law enforcement agencies will be coming together with the University of Illinois to put on a Community Police Academy this fall. In conjunction with the U of I Police Training Institute, the Community Police Academy is an educational and informative program that provides citizens the opportunity to learn about the issues that face law enforcement agencies throughout Champaign County. Tuscolas RC Fest ending after 15 years of fun, charity Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The goals of the citizen academy are to provide stronger citizen/police relationships, enhance lines of communication and reduce crime in the communities of Champaign County. The following law enforcement agencies are sponsoring the Community Police Academy: Urbana Police Department Champaign Police Department Rantoul Police Department Mahomet Police Department Champaign County Sheriffs Office Parkland College Police Department Illinois State Police University of Illinois Police Department In the academy, attendees will be able to learn directly from police detectives and prosecutors in the Office of the Champaign County States Attorney. Citizens will be able to take tours by walking through police facilities and the 911 dispatch center to learn more about the tools available to first responders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Special unit demonstrations will be put on as K9 units, bomb squad operators, SWAT members and more will show participants what they do and how they do it. Crime scene investigation tips will be shared as people can learn how to dust for fingerprints like the professionals. Two injured, one sustains life-threatening injuries in Decatur crash The purpose of this academy is to allow citizens and police officers to have an opportunity to work closely together, specifically having the lines of communication between community residents and their police departments enhanced. According to the U of I Police Training Institute, people will be able to gain the ability to make more informed decisions regarding controversial issued faced by their communities. Other goals of this academy include enhancing local residents involvement with their communities and police departments and allowing citizens to gain a better understanding of how police departments work and develop ways in which the community can better reduce crime. People will have the chance to become more aware of the problems that face local police departments as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The academy is free, and classes will be held from 6-9 p.m., with most classes taking place at the Police Training Institute at 1004 S Fourth St. in Champaign. However, locations may change depending on the topic each week. Specific dates will be announced closer to each academy session. To learn more, people can scan the QR code attached to the Champaign County Sheriffs Offices Facebook post or visit go.illinois.edu/policeacademy. For questions about the academy, contact the U of I Police Training Institute at 217-333-2337 or visit their website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) A Champaign man is facing charges alleging he committed sex crimes that involved children. Champaign County court records show Elliott Charles was arraigned on six charges Friday afternoon: two Class X counts of predatory criminal sexual assault, two Class 1 counts of indecent solicitation of a child and two Class 4 counts of sexual exploitation of a child. All of the counts involve a victim under the age of 13. Jury now deliberating in 2023 Champaign murder case Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges were filed against Charles on Friday, and he appeared in court for the first time on the same day. The issue of his pretrial detention was continued to Monday. Until that hearing occurs, Judge Brett Olmstead ordered Charles to remain in custody through the weekend. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) In what the Preble County Prosecutors Office describes as a legal maneuver, charges against a Gasper Township trustee accused of grooming have been dismissed. Joseph Guthrie, 36, Eaton, had been arrested on July 16. Due to the relationship between the prosecutors office and the trustees offices across the county, the Ohio Attorney Generals office is asked to prosecute any criminal cases involving a trustee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, July 23, the attorney generals office moved to dismiss all counts after Guthrie bonded out. The dismissal is simply a legal maneuver often taken by the Attorney Generals Office when a defendant posts bond in Municipal Court but before the case is presented to the Preble County Grand Jury, wrote the prosecutors office. The prosecutors office said the attorney generals office will present the case to the grand jury the next time it convenes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. A West Valley City man was arrested Thursday on charges related to sexually exploiting minors in Tonga while working as a teacher in the Polynesian country. William James Purdy, 28, of West Valley, was indicted in Pennsylvania on July 16 for allegedly abusing minor boys in Tonga, where he traveled in 2017 to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; while there he allegedly sexually abused multiple minor boys, according to a press release by the U.S. Department of Justice. Purdy apparently returned to the island country in 2019, where he taught at a school in Nukualofa, Tonga, and allegedly groomed and sexually abused boys. The defendant in this case chose to travel abroad under the guise of good intentions and then sexually exploited and abused children who had been trusted to his care, Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew Galeotti of the Justice Departments Criminal Division, said in a post on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When foreign authorities sought to hold him accountable, he fled back to the United States. The United States will not export child exploitation. The Justice Department is committed to securing justice for children exploited overseas when these heinous acts are committed by Americans. Former Missionary Charged with Sexually Abusing Minors Abroad The defendant in this case chose to travel abroad under the guise of good intentions and then sexually exploited and abused children who had been trusted to his care, said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew pic.twitter.com/Me9Jx3GUcj Criminal Division (@DOJCrimDiv) July 24, 2025 The Justice Department has identified 14 victims in its investigation so far. Purdy was initially arrested in 2022 by Tonga police after an 8-year-old boy said Purdy had sexually assaulted him during tutoring sessions. When Purdy was released from jail pending trial, he allegedly continued to sexually abuse children. In March 2023, just prior to his scheduled trial, Purdy fled Tonga using an assumed identity and returned to Utah. For decades leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have decried abuse. As President of the Church, I affirm the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ on [abuse], said President Russell M. Nelson in October 2022. Let me be perfectly clear: Any kind of abuse of women, children or anyone is an abomination to the Lord. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He grieves and I grieve whenever anyone is harmed. He mourns, and we all mourn, for each person who has fallen victim to abuse of any kind. Those who perpetrate these hideous acts are not only accountable to the laws of man, but will also face the wrath of Almighty God. According to a statement published on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, the church has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to abuse. This means that if we learn of abuse, we cooperate with civil authorities to report and investigate the abuse, according to a statement titled, How the church approaches abuse. As followers of Jesus Christ, we condemn abuse in any form. Abuse is a serious public health concern and is against the law in many countries, according to the statement. It is also forbidden by the commandments of God. No one should abuse another, and no one should have to endure abuse. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A northeast Charlotte bar wont be allowed to serve alcohol indefinitely after the state ABC Commissioner pulled its permits last week. The suspension issued to Mi Cabana resulted from a review of sworn statements submitted by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement. The punishment in effect until the case is heard by the Office of Administrative Hearings. According to the ABC board, since July 22, 2023, CMPD officers have responded to 28 calls for service on the property, 200 Eastway Drive. This includes one homicide, three robberies, three aggravated assaults, five assaults, and two weapon law violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the affidavit, the business owned by Kim To and K Tran LLC was deemed a strain on local law enforcement resources. Mecklenburg County jail decreasing A/C functionality ahead of scheduled maintenance Mi Cabanas manager admitted to law enforcement on at least two occasions that she is aware of the law, yet she consistently sells alcoholic beverages to customers after 2 a.m., because she makes more money selling after hours. According to the report, because of the volume of violent criminal activity at the establishment, CMPD officers cannot respond to Mi Cabana without a backup officer. The permittees operation of Mi Cabana has been, and continues to be, a strain on local law enforcement resources, as well as those of first responders and other regulatory authorities. The permittees operation of Mi Cabana puts its patrons, staff, first responders, and the general public, at undue risk. NC ABC Commission Mi Cabana has held ABC permits since December 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the day of the April 13 homicide, officers were called to the business around 6 a.m., where they found 23-year-old Javier Lee Martinez Hernandez with gunshot wounds just outside the entrance. Hernandez died before he could be taken to a hospital. The affidavit says that there were were several red plastic cups that tested positive for alcohol, and video surveillance indicated that alcohol was being sold at 4 a.m. The suspect, Jefry Edgardo Gonzalez Artica, was arrested on June 25 in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. This is the second summary suspension issued by the board 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 Queen City News. Douglas Bruce, author of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights or TABOR, hands out flyers at the entrance of a debate on Proposition CC. The Proposition CC TABOR Debate was held Tuesday, Oct. 8, at the Penrose House in Colorado Springs, sponsored by The Gazette and Colorado Politics, KOAA-News5 and the El Pomar Foundation. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) Cheryl L. Johnstone, 68, of Youngstown, passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening, July 23, 2025, with her loving family by her side. Cheryl was born December 7, 1956, in Youngstown, the daughter of Desmond and Helen Green. Find obituaries from your high school A lifelong area resident, she was a 1974 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. Cheryl was a proud homemaker and also worked for the City of Youngstown, where she took great pride in cleaning many of the citys governmental buildings. Family was always at the center of her lifeher greatest joy came from spending time with her grandchildren, especially while cooking her famous spaghetti sauce and ribs for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She had a love for yard work and took great care in keeping her outdoor space meticulous. Cheryl will be remembered most for her radiant smile, her sociable and generous spirit, and the way she could light up any room. She never met a stranger and always put others before herself. Cheryl leaves behind her son, James (Sarah) Johnstone; six cherished grandchildren: Ryley Grace, Hayley Rose, Brayden James, Amber, Steven, and Vinnie Johnstone; her longtime companion, James Cappelli; two brothers, Robert (Bernie) Green and William (Susan) Green; her beloved cat, Nala; and many dear nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Richard Johnstone, Jr.; and her former husband, Richard Johnstone Sr. Family and friends may pay their respects to Cheryl on Sunday, July 27, 2025, from 2:00 4:00 p.m. at Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market Street, Boardman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheryls family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff at Hampton Woodlands for the compassion and care they provided during this difficult time. Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to send condolences to Cheryls family. A television tribute will air Monday, July 28 at the following approximate times: 5:17 a.m. on WKBN, 8:39 a.m. on FOX, 5:19 p.m. on WYTV and 6:37 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Daniel Kirzane said he was cautious and curious after learning someone posted antisemitic graffiti across the street from his synagogue in Hyde Park. While the congregation contacted Chicago police just to be safe, Kirzane said he didnt think it was a real threat. Rather, Kirzane said he viewed it as public intimidation the kind his congregation wouldnt give in to. These arent the values we hold by in Hyde Park, which is a community thats proud of its diversity, said Kirzane, rabbi at KAM Isaiah Israel Congregation. And I think many Jews are upset to be singled out in this negative way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vandals tagged at least four locations in Hyde Park in June with antisemitic messages, police said. Murals depicting solidarity with Palestinians and immigrants were defaced that same month in Pilsen. Just weeks later, taggers drew hate symbols and language on buildings in Little Village. The rash of vandalism has shaken communities across Chicago, and while residents have mustered support for their affected neighbors, the vandalism reflects a concerning rise in hateful ideologies, experts and advocates said. To experience something like this is scary, Chicago Human Relations Commissioner Nancy Andrade said. It really rattles you, and what you think may have been a safe community makes you start to think again. While overall hate crimes in Chicago have decreased between 2023 and 2024, reported cases against Jewish people and gay men increased, according to a July 18 city news release. Antisemitic hate crimes increased 58% last year to account for about 38% of total hate crimes. Still, it seems people are more willing to express their hate, said Loyola University Chicago professor Jeannine Bell, who studies policing and hate crime. She attributed that willingness in part to the rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and civil rights enforcement at the federal level. Those policies create a national conversation that has percolated down to more local displays of hate and bias, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To DePaul University professor Joseph Mello, President Donald Trump and his administrations attacks on immigrant groups have contributed to what he described as a trickle-down effect. It creates a permission structure for average people to say some pretty vile stuff and do some pretty vile things, said Mello, a political science professor who researches speech rights and law. Throughout June, Pilsen was hit with hate-related defacements. At a mural depicting a Palestinian man by 16th Street and Ashland Avenue, a woman burned the face of the painted subject. The woman also threw trash and feces at the mural, according to Natalie Figueroa, who said the vandal assaulted her when she tried to intervene. Alyssa Hall, a technology consultant who has lived in Pilsen for six years, said the defacements have upset her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre kind of taking the heart of what this neighborhood is resistance, building a community outside of your own and that solidarity and attacking it, she said. As a result of recent hate-related vandalism in Pilsen, Hall is more wary of people from outside the neighborhood and their intentions, she added. She urged her community to stay vigilant and for visitors to remain respectful of the neighborhood. One of the most significant impacts of hateful expressions, including the graffiti in Hyde Park and the mural defacement in Pilsen, is its chilling effect on the rest of a community, Mello said. Hate speech is meant to intimidate and silence other people into not speaking, Mello said. Its designed to make people speak less, to scare people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mello pointed to last weekends vandalism in Little Village, where Latino-owned businesses and advocacy organizations discovered their buildings tagged with swastikas and pro-immigrant enforcement messages. He said those messages can make immigrants feel less safe about their communities. And even if the iconography isnt familiar to the general public, hate-related vandalism can still damage a community, Mello added. Police released images and a description of the Little Village vandal Friday night, saying he was about 5 9 and between 25- to 35-years-old. Surveillance cameras showed he had short black hair and wore a black t-shirt with four squared logos on the front, blue denim pants and black gym shoes with white soles, police said. An individual defaced Hoste, a recently opened event space in Pilsen, with a Nazi symbol called the Black Sun in mid-June. Co-founder Jordan Tepper said when his staff saw the circular shapes spray painted on four exterior doors the morning of June 16, they had to look up what they represented. In the last few years, several far-right and neo-Nazi groups have adopted the symbol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What was really affected was the staff, Tepper said. Its not good to feel unsafe in your place of work. Though police caught the vandal, they told Tepper it would be difficult to charge the incident as a hate crime, he said. Nonetheless, community members who reached out in support of Hoste told Tepper they felt hurt and frustrated by the graffiti, he said. Jordan Esparza-Kelley, a spokesman for the Council on American Islamic Relations-Chicago, said the vandalism has made many Muslim, Arab and South Asian Chicagoans worried about the viability of living here. It does, for many in the community, beg the question of Is it OK for us to exist here? he said. Is it safe for us to exist here? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that authorities need to do more when hate affects communities of color, such as in Pilsen. Police did not make an arrest after the mural defacement, and the woman responsible walked away from the scene after officers arrived, advocates said during a June 18 news conference. How officials respond to hate-related vandalism can make or break a communitys recovery, Bell said. This is not a victimless crime. Words matter, damage matters, Bell said. It is incredibly traumatizing to walk past a swastika or a slur on a building. When you catch the perpetrator, punish the perpetrator, that is recognition that this is something that is damaging not just to the property owner but to anyone who sees it. Based on her research, dedicated hate crime units in municipal law enforcement are the best positioned to accumulate expertise to fight hate incidents, she said. Chicago police established a human relations section in the 1940s to deal with ethnic intimidation cases. Over the decades, its evolved into the hate crimes team housed in the office of equity and engagement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aside from organization, the amount of effort put into solving hate crimes is also important, Bell said. The percent of hate crimes resulting in arrests and charges decreased from about 14% in 2021 to 5% in 2024, according to Chicago police data. Between 70% to 80% of cases were suspended in that time period, meaning all investigative avenues were exhausted but the case couldnt proceed. Chicagos Human Relations Commission also provides victim support to property owners and individuals targeted by hate-related vandalism, Andrade said. After the antisemitic messages in Hyde Park the commission reached out to KAM Isaiah Israel, she said. Andrades staff also contacted local business owners and advocacy groups such as Latinos Progresando in Little Village after their buildings were tagged, she added. The Human Relations Commission also focuses on educational outreach, Andrade said, launching campaigns to help residents understand when and how to report hate incidents. Theyre speaking up, which is wonderful. That is awesome, Andrade said. Hyde Park communities spoke up. Little Village communities spoke up: We dont want this. They immediately alerted the authorities. We were alerted about this. We are very happy that (reporting) is happening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And based on the recently released data showing an increase in hate crimes against Jewish people, the Human Relations Commission plans to hold special hearings on antisemitism in September. Just like government responses, how a community reacts to hateful vandalism can also affect how targeted groups recover, Bell said. If a majority of neighbors speak up to say a hate display doesnt represent the neighborhood, it doesnt have to stain the community, she said. Kirzane said by and large, the Hyde Park community has moved on from late-Junes antisemitic taggings. In addition to encouraging responsiveness from police and the Human Relations Commission, Kirzane said the offices of two aldermen, local churches and neighbors also reached out to ask how they could help. If we didnt have that, it would be harder to move on, Kirzane said. CHICAGO In a formerly rare move thats a sign of unusual times at the Justice Department, a panel of federal judges in Chicago has approved Andrew Boutros appointment by the Trump administration as U.S. attorney in Chicago. Boutros, 47, a former federal prosecutor, was selected by the Trump administration to serve in the powerful law enforcement post after a search process run by Republican U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood of Illinois. He was appointed as an interim U.S. attorney which means he was not confirmed by the U.S. Senate for a 120-day term that began April 7. The order to approve the appointment beyond the 120-day term, which would have ended Aug. 5, was entered Thursday by U.S. District Chief Judge Virginia Kendall after the full court met in executive session Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boutros is the latest U.S. attorney nationally to go through a form of court-approval process as opposed to being nominated by the White House and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, which is by far the more traditional path. Many of Trumps interim U.S. attorney appointments have been controversial, such as Alina Habba, the presidents former defense lawyer, in New Jersey. Judges there recently declined to extend her 120-day term, prompting a political battle that is still ongoing. Judges in Chicago, however, are much more familiar with Boutros, a former assistant U.S. attorney and prominent lawyer in Chicago who is well-known in the citys legal circles. No time frame for Boutros term was mentioned in Kendalls order and his appointment is believed to be open-ended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement released Friday, Boutros called the vote of confidence the honor of a lifetime. I am deeply grateful that two branches of our government have agreed upon my appointment, Boutros said in a statement released Friday. I am thankful to Chief Judge Kendall and the U.S. District Court judges of the Northern District of Illinois for their confidence in me. Boutros, the 42nd U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, leads an office of about 130 criminal and civil attorneys and dozens more support employees that has long been recognized as one of the busiest and most prominent in the country. Hes a first-generation American whose parents emigrated from Egypt. He attended Virginia Tech University and earned a law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2001. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boutros spent eight years as a federal prosecutor under then-U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, bringing a number of high-profile and complex prosecutions involving everything from international trade to dark web narcotics conspiracy. Hed most recently served as co-chair of the government investigations and white-collar group at Shook Hardy & Bacon LLP in Chicago. I didnt take this job because I thought it would be easy, Boutros told a group of reporters who cover the federal courthouse shortly after taking over. I took this job knowing full well that there are tremendous pressures and expectations put on being U.S. attorney ... But I believe and continue to believe that I am the right person for this job, and I will work tirelessly to carry out the mandate to the best of my ability. _____ RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. Child abuse is a growing problem, according to advocates at the River Valley Child Advocacy Center in Russellville. Center officials report theyve already seen about 300 children this year. Marilyn Sanders, Executive Director for the RVCAC, says since the center started in March 2018, theyve helped over 2,000 children under 18 in abuse cases. That number includes cases in Pope, Yell, Johnson, and Franklin counties, and assistance with Logan County. Last year, the center helped over 400 children, a number Sanders says increases every year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year alone, were only halfway through the year; we have seen over 300 kids already, Sanders said. Childrens Advocacy Centers of AR receives Difference Makers Award She noted there are over 900 child advocacy centers in the nation, and 18 centers with 32 locations in Arkansas. This month, a 7-year-old boy was hospitalized weighing just 28 pounds. A spokesperson said the abuse at the home was a case of physical and mental torture. A department spokesperson said 39-year-old Chris Freeman and 27-year-old Katelyn Freeman are currently held in the Pope County Detention Center, facing charges of battery in the first degree and endangering the welfare of a minor. The investigation remains ongoing, officials said, which may lead to further charges against the pair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say two other children were taken from that home and are now in Department of Human Services (DHS) custody. Sanders said the RVCAC provided forensic interviews and advocacy for those two children since the oldest was in the hospital. There was a lot of information and theyre only 3 and 5-years-old. We needed and had someone to talk to that is trained to talk to a 3 and 5-year-old in a place that wasnt scary and that was child friendly, she said. Sanders said that in addition to forensic interviews, the center has trained interviewers, specialized nurses, and therapists. One of the most heartbreaking things for our advocates is having to understand how a parent could not believe their child. Sanders added, People dont understand and they need open their eyes to the amount of child abuse that is out there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ASP and DHS partnership for reporting child abuse She stated that the majority of their cases involve sexual abuse, and 90% of the children know their abuser. It happens under their nose, kids dont always tell, offenders are smart, they know how to groom these kids. Theyre grooming the caregiver as much as the children because thats how they get away with it, Sanders said. Sanders said that since the case involving the 7-year-old boy, people have reached out to see how they can help. She stated the best way to help is to donate, as all services provided to children and families are free. Donations are necessary to continue meeting the need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The majority of the cases we see you dont see in the news because of confidentiality. So having monthly donors that can help provide support for the kids we see now and after can help because without our services they wont be able to get the correct services, she said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. Nebraska child care advocates say more spaces like this are needed for preschoolers across the state. Shown is the Educare Omaha program at Indian Hill Elementary School in South Omaha. (Courtesy of Buffett Early Childhood Institute) OMAHA Earlier this year, Omahan Walter Gilliam was invited to talk to Connecticut lawmakers about the benefits of what soon became a $300 million endowment fund to reduce child care costs for families and create thousands of new preschool slots in that state. Last week, Gilliam, executive director of the University of Nebraskas Buffett Early Childhood Institute, said he was on the phone advising Kentucky officials who want to pass similar legislation. Walter Gilliam, executive director of NUs Buffett Early Childhood Institute (Courtesy of the Buffett Institute) But in the state hes called home since 2023, Gilliam said he has not witnessed meaningful movement toward legislation that would grow the amount of child care spaces. The inertia comes as the Buffett group puts the gap between potential need and capacity in the state at roughly 17,500 slots, despite Nebraska legislators saying child care should be a priority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement States all over the country red, blue and purple, contact us to be able to make a difference for child care in their state, said Gilliam, who grew up in Kentucky and came to Nebraska from Yale University in Connecticut. I can assure you their need is no greater than in Nebraska. More proactive states, Gilliam said, have less of a gap between intent and action. He is hoping that a new poll aimed at better understanding what Nebraska Republicans, the states dominant voting bloc, think about child care will help spur change. Serious challenge Buffett partnered with Washington D.C.-based Bipartisan Policy Center on the survey, which indicated 83% of Nebraska respondents agreeing (and 47% definitely agreeing) that child care is essential for working families and a strong economy. A child at the Educare Omaha program at Indian Hill Elementary School in South Omaha. (Courtesy of the Buffett Early Childhood Institute) Yet 75% said finding affordable and reliable child care was a serious challenge in their community. Nearly 53% named cost as the biggest barrier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the national Economic Policy Institute, average annual expenses for infant care in Nebraska have reached $14,106, or about $5,000 more per year than in-state tuition for four-year public college. For a 4-year-old, child care costs have approached nearly $12,000 a year. Among poll highlights: About 60% of respondents were concerned that child care barriers could disrupt the hiring and retention of workers. Nearly 45% said they knew someone who turned down a job, promotion or reduced hours or quit working for lack of affordable and reliable child care. Asked to select two sources most responsible for helping parents access quality child care, top picks went to: parents or families (56.6%); religious organizations (26.6%); employers (25.3%); community organizations (22%); state government (16.2%); local government (9.4%) and the federal government (7.8%). Intimately aware Gilliam said child care is not a viable business model, as providers face high staff turnover and low employee pay. He said states such as Connecticut and Montana recognized that by this year creating state-driven trust funds to support early childhood education programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He pointed out that New Mexico lawmakers established a similar fund in 2020 with about $300 million in seed money. The state designates a portion of surplus oil and gas revenues to help sustain the trust fund. In 2022, voters also approved a ballot initiative to provide further financial support for early childhood education programs. Not every state has a surplus to dedicate, Gilliam acknowledged, but he said many do at various times. He views early childhood care as an infrastructure investment that helps grow a states workforce and economy. A Child Saving Institute child care program in Omaha . (Courtesy of the Buffett Early Childhood Institute) State Sen. Brian Hardin, a Republican who chairs the Legislatures Health and Human Services Committee, said he is intimately aware of the demand, need and challenges of child care he co-owns a child care center in Denver. But when it comes to further government subsidies at taxpayer expense, the Gering lawmaker is wary. We are really good at starting entitlements, said Hardin. We are really really bad at shutting them down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He pointed to budget woes already facing the state and lawmakers in the coming session. Nebraskas latest financial update puts the states current two-year budget in the red, facing a projected deficit of $95.3 million. State Sen. Brian Hardin of Gering. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) The solution to more accessible child care, Hardin said, lies in a multi-pronged community approach that starts with private businesses and employers. A lot of employers have kind of sat back and kept their heads down, frankly, and have ignored that they have to step up to offset some of that cost, he said. Rural, urban, all idealogies State Sen. John Fredrickson, an Omaha Democrat on the Health and Human Services Committee, said no one should be surprised by the results of the Buffett poll. Indeed, much of the Nebraska survey results align with a related national poll, which indicated that about 90% of surveyed Republican voters said child care was critical to families and the economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fredrickson called child care a universal concern of Nebraskans urban and rural parts and of all ideologies. The Nebraska Legislatures Planning Committee has called child care and affordable housing top state priorities, based on survey responses from state lawmakers. Next month, the committee is to hold another meeting on child care. But Fredrickson is not holding his breath for transformational child care-related legislation in the coming session. State Sen. John Fredrickson of Omaha. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) We seem to acknowledge these are top priorities, yet we have yet to make transformational and courageous investment in them, he said. Instead were glamorizing this idea of cutting, cutting and cutting at all costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen recently asked state agencies to submit proposals on how theyd reduce general fund spending by 10% next year, and he continues to repeat his pledge to run government like a business. We are really good at starting entitlements. We are really really bad at shutting them down. State Sen. Brian Hardin of Gering Fredrickson said he hopes lawmakers still will make inroads for the child care industry, partly by continuing a push for fewer unnecessary regulatory or bureaucratic impediments. He noted the recent passage of a bill that streamlined background checks for child care providers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Said Gilliam: It doesnt grow the amount of child care slots, but it does try to stabilize the child care workforce. Steps forward Gilliam and others said Nebraska has implemented other changes that collectively have made child care more accessible to families. In 2021, for example, the Legislature enacted a key measure championed by State Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Omaha, which expanded income eligibility levels for the child care subsidy program. According to First Five Nebraska, which focuses on early childhood care, that legislation made assistance accessible to roughly 2,500 more families. Fredrickson expects the Legislature during its next session to consider DeBoers Legislative Bill 304, which would make permanent the expanded income eligibility levels that went from 130% to 185% of the federal poverty level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A sticking point in LB 304, which stalled in committee state last session, is which funding source would cover added costs. If the measure dies, expanded income eligibility will expire in October 2026. And First Five says Nebraska will plummet to the bottom of the nation for access to the child care subsidy, based on household income. Kids play at the Educare Winnebago program in Winnebago, Nebraska. (Courtesy of the Buffett Early Childhood Institute) Rough fiscal climate First Fives 2025 legislative roundup said the states fiscal climate made it hard this past session to advance major early childhood priorities, but it said the state did preserve several critical early childhood initiatives that had been at risk of cuts or rejection. Deputy Director Elizabeth Everett of First Five wrote, for example, that the Legislature protected funding for the Sixpence early childhood education endowment cash fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Progress last year included legislation, introduced by Fredrickson, that allowed a child care program to receive a subsidy reimbursement for kids under the direct care of their own parents who are employed by the program. First Five leaders also note a measure that incorporated the Nebraska Child Care and School Readiness Tax Credit Acts. The combined tax credits, they said, could provide up to $25 million in annual credits starting in 2024 to ease financial pressures on families, develop the early childhood workforce and incent private sector contributions to child care. I think its fair to say that when it comes to child care in the state of Nebraska, nobody parents, policymakers, or advocates would say they are satisfied, said First Five executive director Jason Prokop. More work still needs to be done, and additional state investment should be made to help Nebraskas families have better access to reliable, safe and affordable child care options. Sizing up Republican views About 475 Nebraskans, largely Republicans and a slice of nonpartisan voters, were surveyed in June as part of a larger national poll that included an oversample of Nebraskans by the polling firm Cygnal. The poll was commissioned by Washington D.C.-based Bipartisan Policy Center and the Omaha-based Buffett Early Childhood Institute covered the oversample cost. More of the Nebraska results: About 47% of respondents supported and 29% opposed increasing public funding for child care services. Nearly 19% were neutral. About 33% supported and 44% opposed a potential tax or fee hike to increase public funding for child care services. About 18% were neutral. About 46% said theyd be more likely to vote for an elected official who supports increasing funding for child care services; 23% were less likely, and 22% said it made no difference. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A child has died following a drowning incident in the Harbor City neighborhood of Los Angeles on Saturday morning, authorities confirmed. The Los Angeles County Fire Department received a call at 9:44 a.m. reporting a possible child drowning in the 1100 block of Fernrest Drive. Firefighters transported the child to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, arriving at 10:03 a.m. According to authorities, the child died in the hospitals emergency room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details are limited, and although officials did not immediately say where the drowning occurred, a Google Maps view of the residence at the address obtained by KTLA shows a pool and hot tub in the backyard. Grim reality of drowning dangers recreated in Southern California demonstration The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Departments Carson station confirmed the drowning and the childs death, though no further details about the childs name, age or gender have been released. Officials said the circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation. Sofia Pop Perez contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Four children left inside a parked vehicle that was baking at about 125 degrees in a Phoenix neighborhood on July 24 were expected to be OK after being rescued by police and firefighters. Their father and owner of the vehicle, 38-year-old Ascencio Largo, was arrested that same day and was facing eight felony charges related to child abuse, according to the Phoenix Police Department. At around 3:40 p.m., authorities found the four children, all under 10, in the car parked by a home near 24th and Madison streets, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vehicle had no air conditioning running while the windows were rolled up, according to police. News alerts in your inbox: Don't miss the important news of the day. Sign up for azcentral newsletter alerts to be in the know. After the children were removed from the car, they were given water and placed into a patrol vehicle with running air conditioning to cool down, police said. Phoenix firefighters arrived to provide medical treatment for the kids, who each had a temperature nearing 100 degrees, police said. The children were taken to a hospital for further treatment and evaluation for heat-related issues, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department said all the children were expected to be fine. Officers later identified Largo as the car's owner, locating him inside a nearby business, according to the police. Largo had reportedly been there for nearly an hour before police arrived and found the children, the department said. The Department of Child Safety was also conducting a separate investigation, according to police. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Man arrested after leaving children in hot car, Phoenix police say U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans declares victory in Colorados 8th Congressional District on Nov. 11, 2024, at his campaign office in Thornton. The first point at which it became crystal clear that the times were changing was when we marked the 40th anniversary of the admission of women to Selwyn College, Cambridge in 2016. I was three years into my 12-year stint as master of the college, which ends this autumn. My vice-master, Janet OSullivan, told students that we were inviting the women of the college to a group photograph at 2pm and then, because we were celebrating co-education, men were welcome to join us for refreshments afterwards. She received an immediate reprimand from a young man: what about people who were non-binary or those who identified as a different gender? At this point, I was not even sure what non-binary meant and it had never been a topic at any college meeting. Only three years later, though, a revolution had taken place. A new gender orthodoxy, based on self-identification rather than biological sex, was firmly established in universities and swathes of the public sector. It was common for students across the University of Cambridge to attend lectures with slogans adorning their laptop computers, proclaiming trans women are real women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A female professor recalls: I remember thinking when I saw a man brandishing that statement imagine if Id displayed a sticker saying the opposite. Would I lose my job? I felt uncomfortable about a man telling me what a woman is, even though as a mother I assumed I might know. A distinguished female scientist told me that the worst revelation for her was the need for self-censorship: The scientific evidence is that biological sex is immutable, and that is scientific orthodoxy, but there was a time when I just didnt feel that I could say that. Required beliefs These examples represent a phenomenon across all universities and across sections of society in Britain and around the world that spread into multiple issues of identity politics and reached its peak in the early 2020s. Cambridges experience was less dramatic than at some other universities, such as Sussex, where Prof Kathleen Stock faced threats of violence for her views and felt forced to leave her job. Michelle Donelan, the universities minister at the time, condemned what she called the toxic environment at the University of Sussex, while an academic at Oxford had to attend lectures with security protection to ensure her physical safety. An industrial tribunal found that an Open University academic had been discriminated against and harassed by colleagues and management, and constructively dismissed, because of her gender-critical opinions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement America went through an even more vivid and painful experience on multiple aspects of gender and racial politics, with a further and more recent escalation over the Middle East. Trans rights were only one element of what seemed to become a list of required beliefs for academics. In 2022, I took part in a webinar on these issues with Arif Ahmed, the Cambridge-based free speech campaigner who is now leading on these matters for the Office for Students. During the discussion, he highlighted some areas where he believed public debate in universities had become difficult, if not impossible. These included questioning the political aims of Black Lives Matter or the so-called decolonisation of the syllabus, criticism of either Israeli settlements or the use of force against Palestinians, and admitting support for Brexit. This week I asked a number of academics in Cambridge and beyond how they felt during that period. The words some of them used include afraid, frightened and isolated, while one spoke of a chilling atmosphere. A student I know felt hostility from an influential senior figure at the university because he had spoken publicly in favour of Brexit. This mattered because the leader was someone who would have determined his academic future and its funding. Jane Clarke, a recent president of Wolfson College, recalls finding herself in a poisonous space, caught between gender-critical feminists and trans activists who fought their wars locally on social media and then in the national press. The challenge to freedom of speech at the university became apparent when students began claiming that words are violence, as if disagreement were the equivalent of a physical attack. Succumbing to pressure This was compounded by universities seeking to overhaul their complaints procedures in response to pressure from activists who felt they were too weak. Under a previous management team, Cambridge even suggested that the correct response to a microaggression a generally unintended verbal infelicity was to dial 999 and ask for the police. The advice was rapidly rescinded, but I came across multiple academics who felt vulnerable to a career-threatening disciplinary process if they got a few words out of place. They were also worried about ostracism if they expressed the wrong views. There was an attempt by the central administration, which was defeated, to allow students and indeed any member of the public to make anonymous complaints online about named academics, without any ability to check the validity of the allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critical race theory spread across universities even though, as a colleague from a more traditional Left-wing background said to me, it is a theory and not a law. No university committee was complete without someone advocating that we should bear in mind intersectionality a spin-off from critical race theory even though its meaning would have been mysterious to most of the outside world. A senior figure in another college says: Academics are afraid to offend students, but they are more afraid to offend each other. Some of the great figures in the university got caught up in the crossfire of the global culture wars. Prof Mary Beard told me at a public event earlier this year about her social media experiences: I did take some nasty hits. Interestingly, a lot of those came from the political left rather than the right. And that was especially hurtful because I felt, Hang on, Im on your side! Sometimes, all it took was saying something mildly off-message, and suddenly I was being treated like a traitor [] But the idea that we all have to sign up to one monolithic cultural viewpoint is stifling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And yet, there was always a sense that the bulk of university opinion remained in a rational place, albeit one that required the wearing of a metal helmet. I certainly found that at Selwyn. My views on freedom of speech were well known, and they were never challenged by colleagues on the governing body, and I could not have asked for stronger support from the key college officers. Most students remained phlegmatic too, and we continued to develop talented and engaging young people. The university still produced astonishing, groundbreaking research. But many of us were wary in university meetings about what we said and to whom. Somehow, we allowed the views of activists on a variety of topics to get a grip across the university, and that was probably in part because of their vehemence. Both sides in the culture wars were responsible for this. There was a zest among some on the right for hurtful attacks on trans people and other minority groups; and one head of a college observes that both sides of the trans debate (and Israel-Palestine) are far too easily riled up by social media forces. But the response insisting on ideological conformity had a polarising effect. This was because many felt shoehorned into a position of either being pro-minority or pro-free speech. It seemed impossible to be both because any questioning of trans rights in particular was automatically seen as transphobic, and it was a policy endorsed by the lobby group Stonewall not to be willing to debate those rights. Silent majority One of my failures was that I never managed to host an event in which these issues could be discussed rationally, because no trans activist would appear on a platform with anyone they deemed to be a gender-critical feminist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, what the university witnessed was stormy meetings where on the rare occasions they were invited feminists faced demands that their appearances be cancelled or protesters tried to drown out their voices with cacophonous dissent. But its not just a supposition that the protesters were in a minority. A Cambridge vote on free speech among academics and senior staff in 2020 resulted in a thumping majority 86.9 per cent in favour for advocates of the position that we should tolerate views we disagreed with rather than, as the university preferred, respect them. But Prof Ahmed, who led the campaign for freedom of speech, noted that this was in a secret ballot. He had much more difficulty getting colleagues to put their heads above the parapet to get the referendum launched in the first place. And it was understandable that the silent majority kept their heads down. A recent alumnus told me: Ive come to realise that the university monoculture was really much worse than I appreciated at the time, as most views that would draw opprobrium would be considered quite middle of the road when venturing outside the academic bubble. This results in a narrow band of acceptable views that are extremely out of kilter with the wider country. This narrow band is fast-changing, which serves as another way of enforcing conformity, with new language and terminology to learn, and unspoken rules to memorise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another former student of mine, Christopher Wadibia, is an American who describes himself as a compassionate conservative. But when he moved into an early career academic post in Oxford, he felt he had to keep his views to himself for a while. When I started at Oxford I made a decision not to express ideas that I knew would be interpreted as conservative because I thought there was a risk that I would be excluded from some teaching, research and public speaking opportunities. Soon, however, he settled in and felt better able to say what he thought and, as proof of his increased confidence, he took to a public platform with me in Cambridge last November to explain why he had voted for Donald Trump in the presidential election. Its a fair bet that almost nobody in the room would have followed suit. Recent improvement All the same, this points to a cheering truth. Times are changing again, and the picture is becoming healthier, as illustrated by last weeks election of Chris Smith as chancellor of Cambridge, after he stood on a platform of promoting and safeguarding free speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of this, again, is about society. Our undergraduates gave their pronouns when they introduced themselves at student leaders dinners in the early 2020s, but for the past couple of years they havent. At Wolfson College, Cambridge, Jane Clarke was pleased that her students, ground down by the internal strife, set up a Discourse Society to learn how to share their views peaceably with lasting consequences. She reports: We became a college able to hold a series of discussion events which other colleges would not or could not host. Recently, I found that it was uncontentious to say two things to incoming students. First, that we were in favour of equality and diversity which is both the law, the university policy and (as it happens) my own belief too. But we are also in favour of diverse opinions and free speech, and we would not be doing our job properly if they were not exposed to challenging and even at times upsetting views. Saying we stand firmly for free speech is also a line that brings applause from alumni at reunions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the past year of our public events for students at Selwyn, we have, without incident, featured a robust exposition against anti-Semitism; an exchange about allegations of genocide in Palestine; a personal account of a pilgrimage to Mecca; and a wide-ranging analysis of geopolitical hotspots around the globe. More academics have spoken out one of them being Prof Stephen ORahilly: For me it was the need to be able to discuss the issue of biological sex and its importance for how we structure medicine, law and society that made me feel I could no longer be simply an observer. I am pleased to say that I received no pushback from the university about any public statements I made. At a national level, protecting the right to free speech in universities was the subject of legislation by the Conservative administration and, after some hesitation, it has been substantially endorsed by the Labour government and will come into effect on Friday Aug 1. Every university and college in the land will be required to publish a code of practice as part of a duty to promote freedom of speech in higher education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And, crucially, many universities had already got the message. New vice-chancellors at Oxford and Cambridge decided that it wasnt enough to speak the rhetoric of free speech they needed to show it in their actions. The Cambridge vice-chancellor, Deborah Prentice, who regards free speech as the first principle of any academic institution, launched a series of vice-chancellors dialogues on some of the knottier issues of the day, with the express aim of exposing students to a wide range of opinions and learning how to disagree well; and similar initiatives have taken place across the sector. We had a meeting at Selwyn with academics from Yale to share experiences and coordinate the fightback. Prentice, who was born in California and was previously provost at Princeton University, says: Practising free speech is a challenge, and not just here in the UK. Having come from the United States, I am concerned that on both sides of the Atlantic free speech is being dampened by spirals of silence a hesitancy to voice an opinion if we think it might cause offence. Free speech needs constant nurturing and reinforcement. It is a principle that we must uphold. A long way to go There has been an easing of some of the tensions. The pro-Palestinian encampments on campuses, which provoked bitter conflicts especially in the United States, have been better managed in Britain, including in Cambridge, through a tolerance of peaceful protest tempered by the use of injunctions when they became unreasonably disruptive. The truth is that some students are passionately engaged with the conflict in the Middle East, but many arent. Students are obsessed with the personal politics, not the big issues facing the world, claims one senior figure. This disengagement by many, perhaps out of a feeling of impotence, is a sharp contrast to my own student days in the 1970s. It may be the reason why todays activists are losing their grip. Academics are afraid to offend students, but they are more afraid to offend each other - Andrew Crowley But a colleague has a wider criticism about the culture across British academia: The exciting ideas in our country are not in universities. Universities are dominated by liberals, and it has been the Right in wider political discourse which has come up with the new ideas. The problem is that those ideas are not very good, and they lack intellectual coherence. But the clever people in the universities are not in the debate. ORahilly agrees that we still have a way to go to restore health to the dialogue in universities. He and I were at a dinner a few weeks ago which showed the opportunity but also the remaining challenge. For a couple of hours, Cambridge academics and administrators discussed the recent Supreme Court ruling on biological sex. The people around the table were from a wide range of backgrounds and views, and it was as Stephen says a polite but vigorous debate. Exactly what youd hope for in a university. But at the end of the dinner, one of the participants said, wistfully, that it was a discussion that couldnt be held in their college. Why not? Because it would tear the place apart. But experience shows that not having the discussion is by far the worst option. Views get better if they are tested; and communities, especially universities, are stronger if they are open and free in their thinking. Rights, as we saw with gay marriage, are more powerful if there is public consent. As I prepare to step down from my role in September, the biggest lesson from more than a decade in Cambridge is about the peril of trying to impose conformity on a university whose driving force should be academic freedom. Britain needs universities to guarantee our future, and they cannot do that if they shackle themselves to the campaigns of the moment. 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. (NewsNation) Tonia Haddix, the legally troubled star of the HBO docuseries Chimp Crazy, accepts responsibility after being accused of hiding apes in her home in violation of federal court orders, her attorney told Banfield on Friday as the jailed woman awaits an August sentencing hearing. In March, Haddix pleaded guilty to three felonies after she falsely reported the death of a chimpanzee that was found to be living in her Missouri home. A judge ruled Haddix could stay out of jail before her sentencing provided she did not keep any more chimps. On July 9, however, authorities found another secret chimpanzee being kept in a cage in her basement, and Haddix was taken into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tonia Haddix of Chimp Crazy found to be hiding another chimp One of her attorneys, Justin Gelfand, said the 55-year-old former nurse suffered abuse as a child and an adult and had a strong connection with chimpanzees, much like regular pet owners have with their dogs or cats. To be clear, thats not an excuse, but it is an explanation, and it provides context, and thats what federal sentencing is all about, Gelfand told host Brian Entin. He stressed Haddix has not been charged with harming animals. Chimp Crazy star sued by PETA The former exotic animal brokers downfall began with a lawsuit filed by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, and a subsequent consent decree that Haddix allegedly violated. A federal court in 2021 ordered the removal of all chimps from her property. Six were taken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haddix lied about the fate of a seventh ape, Tonka, saying the chimp had died. Tonka, found living in a basement cage, was relocated to a chimp sanctuary in Florida. Haddix and her husband were also ordered to pay $225,000 to reimburse PETA for legal fees, but according to the animal-rights organization, that money has not been paid. Unlike the chimpanzees she deprived of a real life, exercise, and fresh air, Haddix had a choice in whether she ended up behind bars, and PETA trusts that her willful deceit will be taken into account at her sentencing next month, a PETA official said in a prepared statement. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. China has dismissed allegations that it was supplying weapons to Cambodia amid its ongoing border conflict with Thailand, which has led to at least 33 deaths and hundreds of thousands displaced. Chinese officials denied supplying any new weapons or military support to the Cambodian Armed Forces amid the conflict, which has spilled into its third day. Senior Col Sheng Wei, deputy director of the Asia division of the Office of International Military Cooperation (OIMC) of Chinas People Liberation Army, said all the Chinese military equipment currently possessed by Cambodia are the result of historical cooperation projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since tensions began along the Thailand-Cambodia border, China has not provided any military equipment to Cambodia for use against Thailand. Please do not believe fake news generated by malicious actors, Col Sheng Wei said, according to The Straits Times. The conflict began on Thursday, with the two nations trading air strikes along contested stretches of their 817km border. More than a dozen people were killed on the first day of conflict, prompting hundreds of thousands to evacuate from border areas between the two nations. Royal Thai Army soldiers are pictured on armoured vehicles on a road in Chachoengsao province (AFP via Getty Images) Thailand reported clashes in multiple areas along the border on Friday, including near the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple, which is claimed by both nations. The Thai Army accused Cambodian forces of using heavy artillery and Russian-made BM-21 rocket launchers, prompting them to engage in what they called appropriate supporting fire in return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thailand's UN ambassador Cherdchai Chaivaivid called Cambodia's actions a flagrant act of aggression and a serious breach of international law. Thailand further strongly condemns Cambodias indiscriminate attacks against civilians, civilian objects, and public facilities, particularly hospitals, which constitute a flagrant violation of the Geneva Conventions of 1949, the Thai UN ambassador said. Thailand also blamed Cambodia for laying new landmines one of which injured a Thai soldier- and called for a quick military response. Cambodia, on the other hand, accused Thailand of launching air strikes and dropping bombs on roads inside its territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It expressed outrage at Thailands use of what it claimed was a large amount of cluster munitions, labelling it a violation of international law. Both sides claim to have acted in self-defence. Cambodia also said it sought a peaceful solution to the dispute. Cambodias UN Ambassador Chhea Keo told reporters that the country asked for immediate ceasefires, unconditionally. He responded to accusations that Cambodia attacked Thailand, asking how a small country with no air force could attack a much larger country with an army three times its size. Cambodia has a defence budget of $1.3bn in 2024 with 124,300 active military personnel, compared to Thailands well-funded military that has a defence budget of $5.73bn in 2024 and over 360,000 active army personnel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conflict has entered its third day on Saturday, with the death toll climbing to 33 and tens of thousands seeking refuge. Amid speculations of China providing weapons to the Cambodian army, a Chinese delegation meeting Thai officials in Beijing requested that its clarification be communicated to the Thai public in the interest of regional stability and trust. The delegation said the Chinese weapons in the Cambodian armoury are from past military cooperation agreements, adding that no new military support has been provided. Amid a summit characterized as "thorny" and "fraught" in Beijing, China and the European Union found common ground on one major issue, issuing a firm joint resolution on climate matters, the Los Angeles Times reported. The Times described "an otherwise tense bilateral summit," one "riven with major disagreements" over high-profile issues such as global trade and Russia's war with Ukraine. News sources around the world observed tension and discord at the summit Thursday which makes the parties' joint "press statement on climate" all the more striking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the beginning of the statement, the parties concurred that "in the fluid and turbulent international situation today, it is crucial that all countries, notably the major economies, maintain policy continuity and stability and step up efforts to address climate change." A New York Times article about the statement identified China and the EU as two of the world's three most prolific "polluters." "They didn't mention the United States by name, but they didn't have to," the Times added. China and the EU agreed to "demonstrate leadership together to drive a global just transition in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication," listing seven action-oriented examples of their planned cooperation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement was issued on the day of the summit, which also marked the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the Paris Agreement a landmark, legally binding international treaty with a primary goal of keeping average temperatures "well below 2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels." The agreement also established a framework for developed nations to "take the lead" on climate action, assisting developing nations and working together with a shared goal. In January, the United States pulled out of the Paris Agreement for a second time after withdrawing in 2017 and rejoining in 2021. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told Chinese President Xi Jinping that the two parties were at a turning point, per the BBC, pointing to tension resulting from increased interaction between China and the EU. In her opening remarks, von der Leyen was direct when addressing China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have reached an inflection point. Rebalancing our bilateral relation is essential. Because to be sustainable, the relations need to be mutually beneficial," she said. At the summit's conclusion, von der Leyen reiterated that the way in which China "continues to interact with [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's war will be a determining factor [in their EU] relations going forward," showing that the EU and China both walked away from the table with disagreements ones they put aside to fight climate change. 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. By Brenda Goh SHANGHAI (Reuters) -China said on Saturday it wanted to create an organisation to foster global cooperation on artificial intelligence, positioning itself as an alternative to the U.S. as the two vie for influence over the transformative technology. China wants to help coordinate global efforts to regulate fast-evolving AI technology and share the country's advances, Premier Li Qiang told the annual World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump's administration on Wednesday released an AI blueprint aiming to vastly expand U.S. AI exports to allies in a bid to maintain the American edge over China in the critical technology. Li did not name the United States but appeared to refer to Washington's efforts to stymie China's advances in AI, warning that the technology risked becoming the "exclusive game" of a few countries and companies. China wants AI to be openly shared and for all countries and companies to have equal rights to use it, Li said, adding that Beijing was willing to share its development experience and products with other countries, particularly the "Global South". The Global South refers to developing, emerging or lower-income countries, mostly in the southern hemisphere. How to regulate AI's growing risks was another concern, Li said, adding that bottlenecks included an insufficient supply of AI chips and restrictions on talent exchange. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Overall global AI governance is still fragmented. Countries have great differences particularly in terms of areas such as regulatory concepts, institutional rules," he said. "We should strengthen coordination to form a global AI governance framework that has broad consensus as soon as possible." SHANGHAI HEADQUARTERS The three-day Shanghai conference brings together industry leaders and policymakers at a time of escalating technological competition between China and the United States - the world's two largest economies - with AI emerging as a key battleground. Washington has imposed export restrictions on advanced technology to China, including the most high-end AI chips made by companies such as Nvidia and chipmaking equipment, citing concerns that the technology could enhance China's military capabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite these restrictions, China has continued making AI breakthroughs that have drawn close scrutiny from U.S. officials. China's Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu told a roundtable of representatives from over 30 countries, including Russia, South Africa, Qatar, South Korea and Germany, that China wanted the organisation to promote pragmatic cooperation in AI and was considering putting its headquarters in Shanghai. The foreign ministry released online an action plan for global AI governance, inviting governments, international organisations, enterprises and research institutions to work together and promote international exchanges including through a cross-border open source community. The government-sponsored AI conference typically attracts major industry players, government officials, researchers and investors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saturday's speakers included Anne Bouverot, the French president's special envoy for AI, computer scientist Geoffrey Hinton, known as "the Godfather of AI", and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has in past years regularly appeared at the opening ceremony in person or by video, did not speak this year. Besides forums, the conference features exhibitions where companies demonstrate their latest innovations. This year, more than 800 companies are participating, showcasing more than 3,000 high-tech products, 40 large language models, 50 AI-powered devices and 60 intelligent robots, according to organisers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The exhibition features predominantly Chinese companies, including tech giants Huawei and Alibaba and startups such as humanoid robot maker Unitree. Western participants include Tesla, Alphabet and Amazon. (Reporting by Brenda Goh; Writing by Liz Lee; Editing by Jacqueline Wong, William Mallard and Tom Hogue) A China-flagged research vessel was detected Friday off the coast of Alaska, the U.S. Coast Guard said. The Coast Guard reported Saturday that the Xue Long 2, an icebreaker, was detected about 290 nautical miles north of Utqiagvik, Alaska, in the North American Arctic. The Xue Long 2 is operated by China's Polar Research Institute. A Coast Guard C-130J Hercules aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak detects and responds to the China-flagged research ship Xue Long 2 on the U.S. Extended Continental Shelf in the U.S. Arctic, approximately 290 nautical miles north of Utqiagvik, Alaska, on July 25, 2025. / Credit: U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy of Air Station Kodiak The ship was in the U.S.'s Extended Continental Shelf, or ECS, which is a portion of the continental shelf that goes beyond 200 miles nautical miles off the coast, according to the State Department. The ship was determined to be 130 nautical miles inside the ECS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The U.S. has exclusive rights to conserve and manage the living and non-living resources of its ECS," the Coast Guard said in its news release. A Coast Guard C-130J Hercules, a long-range surveillance aircraft, responded to the ship. The Coast Guard also released a photo of the vessel. "The U.S. Coast Guard, alongside partners and other agencies, vigilantly monitors and responds to foreign government vessel activity in and near U.S. waters to secure territorial integrity and defend sovereign interests against malign state activity," said Rear Adm. Bob Little, commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District, in a statement. CBS News reached out the Coast Guard for clarification on how it was dealing with the vessel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this week, Canada's CBC News reported that the Canadian military was monitoring the movements of the Xue Long 2 in the Arctic. In a statement provided to the CBC Tuesday, Maj. Alexander Naraine, a spokesperson for the military's joint operations centre said that the Xue Long 2 was "not currently in Canadian territorial waters." Canada was using a Lockheed CP-140 Aurora aircraft based out of Alaska to "actively" monitor the Chinese ship, Naraine said. This comes after four Russian military planes were spotted and tracked flying near the Alaskan coast Tuesday by North American Aerospace Defense Command. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The aircraft flew through a section of international airspace called the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone. While the Alaska ADIZ is considered part of international airspace, it is defined as an area where sovereign U.S. airspace ends but "that requires the ready identification of all aircraft in the interest of national security," according to NORAD. In January, American and Canadian fighter jets were scrambled after Russian warplanes were also spotted in the Arctic, NORAD said. The Russian warplanes remained in international airspace. And in July 2024, the U.S. intercepted several Chinese or Russian bombers near the Alaskan coast. At the time, a U.S. defense officials said it marked the first time ever that Russian and Chinese aircraft have jointly entered the Alaska ADIZ, and the first time Chinese H-6s have encroached off Alaska. While many believe 10,000 steps a day is optimal, new study suggests different DOJ's closed-door meetings with Ghislaine Maxwell fuels pardon speculation California artist brings Bob's Big Boy statues back to life LISBON, Ohio (WKBN) The Village of Lisbon is getting ready for its Christmas in July celebration Saturday afternoon. The holidays are coming a little bit early for the village. It all starts at 1 p.m. at the gazebo. The Lisbon Area Chamber of Commerce puts on the Christmas in July event every year, asking people to bring blankets for their donation event they call Small Village Big Hearts. The celebration includes vendors, food trucks, a bounce house and a visit from Santa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vendors will be there all day and live music starts at 2 p.m. The event runs until 7 p.m. but Santa is only sticking around until 4 p.m. Event organizers say theres something here for the whole family. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. CHICAGO A special event taking place on Thursday will honor the architect of Chicagos historic Church of the Holy Family. The church is one of only five buildings that survived the Chicago fire. Ward Miller from Preservation Chicago and Hallie Fahey from Saint Ignatius College Prep joined WGN News on Saturday to discuss the upcoming event. Visit the Church of the Holy Family website for more information on Thursdays event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. State economists warned that Colorado faces a nearly $1 billion shortfall in the budget for 2025-26 after a federal tax overhaul signed into law by President Donald Trump cut corporate tax revenues and shifted other significant costs to the state. Kenny Laynez-Ambrosio had his cellphone close at hand when Florida Highway Patrol troopers pulled over the work truck he, his mother and two of his friends were riding in on their way to a landscaping job in Palm Beach County. Laynez-Ambrosio, 18, was initially planning to show his friends a TikTok video to lighten the mood after the stop, said Lindsay McElroy, lead immigrant justice organizer for the Guatemalan-Maya Center. He ended up recording the rough takedown of his two friends, one who was shocked with a Taser, by law enforcement and candid conversations among the officers that followed, video provided to the South Florida Sun Sentinel on Friday by the advocacy nonprofit Guatemalan-Maya Center in Lake Worth Beach shows. Laynez-Ambrosio is a U.S. citizen of indigenous Guatemalan descent who was born in West Palm Beach, said McElroy. His mother, who is a legal resident, was driving the landscaping truck with a suspended license on May 2 when they were pulled over in Riviera Beach. The two other men in the truck with Laynez-Ambrosio and his mother are undocumented, McElroy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Father Frank OLoughlin, long-time activist and executive director of the Guatemalan-Maya Center, said racial profiling is the heart of this and that the men in the video were treated like trash. The big story is Kennys bravery and the insight that he has been able to give, OLoughlin said. Where is Florida law enforcement going under the malevolent influence of MAGA? Thats the big question. The encounter on May 2 escalated quickly, the nearly 9-minute-long video showed. At least two Florida Highway Patrol troopers can be seen in the video, and McElroy said U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers were also at the scene. It is unclear at multiple points throughout the video which agencys officers are participating in the takedown and which agencys officers are speaking. Seconds into the video, an officer in a tan uniform forcefully removed one of Laynez-Ambrosios friends from the truck by using his forearm to hold the man around his neck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The same officer then reached into the truck as Laynez-Ambrosio said, You cant grab me like that! You cant grab me like that! A trooper in a dark-colored uniform grabbed Laynez-Ambrosios other friend, identified only as Kevin in the video, on the back of his neck to remove him from the truck. Get your f head down. Get on the ground, one of the officers ordered. Once Laynez-Ambrosio and the others were out of the truck, multiple officers shouted for them to get on the ground. The trooper who grabbed Kevin out of the truck continued to hold him in a headlock, the video showed, as two other officers also struggled to get him down to the ground. Still recording, Laynez-Ambrosio told his friend in Spanish to not resist. Kevin was then shocked with a Taser and groaned as he tensed and fell down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the rest of the encounter is not clearly shown in the cellphone video because of the cameras positioning, though audio can still be heard. Laynez-Ambrosio told law enforcement he wouldnt follow their orders to get up because they gon do whatever they were doing to him, according to the video. Thats not how you arrest people, Laynez-Ambrosio said. Thats not. You could kindly take him out. Thats it, thats how simple, bruh. But yall making it so difficult. Why yall make it so difficult? An officer told him to be quiet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I got rights to talk, bruh, he said. You got no rights here, an officer responded. Just after that, McElroy said it sounded as if that officer followed that with, Youre illegal, brother. Some media reports say the officer said, Youre a migo, brother, rather than illegal. It sounds more like them saying Youre illegal,' McElroy told the Sun Sentinel. He didnt have his ID. He kept telling them hes a citizen. But they just ignored him. They were racially profiling him, thats basically it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a handcuffed Laynez-Ambrosio is pulled up from the ground, he said, I was born and raised here! In addition to the two other men, Laynez-Ambrosio was taken to the Border Protection facility in Riviera Beach, where he was detained for several hours, McElroy said. His mother was not detained, and the other two men have since been released and are awaiting court hearings. Ultimately, Laynez-Ambrosio was charged with misdemeanor obstructing without violence and entered a pre-trial intervention agreement in June, Palm Beach County court records show. As part of the agreement, he was ordered to do 10 hours of community service and four hours of an anger management course, court records show. A trooper wrote in a notice to appear form that the truck was pulled over to conduct a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) inspection. None of the three men in the truck had identification on them, the document said, and Border Protection officers were requested to identify them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They held him because they assumed he was undocumented, McElroy said of Laynez-Ambrosio being detained in federal custody. While detained at the Border Protection facility, McElroy said: They were trying to get him to delete the video but he was refusing. At the traffic stop scene after the men were detained, the video continued recording officers conversations about the takedown and the men though some parts are indecipherable or their exact words are unclear. One officer asked another if he had been hit by the Taser. He replied that he was only banged up but hadnt been shocked. Once she got that proper spread on him, he was done, one officer said. Some of officers laughed together after it sounded as if one remarked about how one of the men smelled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later on, one officer said, Startin to resist more now, the video showed. We gonna end up shooting Because theyre gonna start fighting, one officer said. Like this kid goes, like No you cant do that. Im not doing s. Like, we told you already to get out. You either get out, or Im gonna pull you out. The other officer he was talking to agreed with him, the video showed. One officer could be heard moments later saying, Just remember, you could smell that too with a $30,000 bonus. Some other officers replied, Yeah! and laughed. Its unclear what they were referencing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spokespersons for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and FHP Troop L, which includes Palm Beach County, did not respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Gov. Ron DeSantis, FLHSMVs Executive Director Dave Kerner and State Board of Immigration Enforcement Executive Director Larry Keefe in recent months have lauded Florida Highway Patrol troopers as the first in the country to be deputized for federal immigration enforcement and as an exemplary agency for how other states could enforce President Donald Trumps mass deportation plans. In February, DeSantis announced that all 67 county sheriffs in Florida had entered into 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which allow local officers to act with some immigration authority. He said the agreements would lead to street-level enforcement. FHP entered into their own agreement earlier that month. Kerner said at a May news conference in Tampa with Keefe and DeSantis that nearly 2,000 state troopers across all 67 counties were at that time credentialed to act with immigration authority under the 287(g) agreement. DeSantis announced that more than 100 troopers had been recently sworn in as Special Deputy U.S. Marshals, which he said is even over and above the 287(g) agreement and allows them to execute federal warrants and and conduct stand-alone operations without federal partners. Kerners agency has recently highlighted on social media numerous arrests of immigrants after traffic stops. Hundreds of immigrants have been taken into custody in Central Florida alone this year after being stopped for minor traffic violations, a recent Orlando Sentinel investigation found. Jul. 25The city of Albert Lea on Friday announced its second cannabis retailer that is slated to come before the Albert Lea City Council for approval next month. Christopher Gracia, owner of Matchbox Farms, completed his city registration and was approved for his license through the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management. Gracia plans to open a cannabis business called Matchbox Farms at 2316 Hendrickson Road, said City Clerk Daphney Maras. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said Gracia is looking to move to the city from Las Cruces, New Mexico. The council is slated to vote on issue during its Aug. 11 meeting. Albert Lea has adopted a limit of two cannabis retailers within city limits. In May, the council voted to fill those two slots on a first-come, first-serve basis. The council is slated to vote on the first retailer, The Smoking Tree, owned by Jacob Schlichter of Albert Lea, at its Monday meeting. The council has also discussed whether to open up the number of establishments beyond two, but up to this point, has not taken any formal action on doing so. The state is requiring cities allow a minimum of one establishment per every 12,500 people. Time to cue that famed quote, often falsely attributed to Mark Twain: "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco." It's a cliche, sure. But this year it rings true. It really has been quite chilly in the City by the Bay, which is experiencing its coldest summer in decades, with no significant warm-up in sight and daytime highs topping out in the mid-60s. In downtown San Francisco, the average daily temperature during No-Sky July including day and night temperatures has been 59.3 degrees, about one degree below normal, Matt Mehle, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Monterey, said Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The average temperature in San Jose in July has been 67.4 degrees, about two degrees below normal, he said. And in Oakland, as of Saturday, the temperature had reached 75 degrees or higher just one time in July, compared with three times in February. "It's not record-breaking but at this point, we're looking anywhere from 20 to 30 years since we've had this cold of a summer," said Mehle, noting that the region as a whole last saw similar weather patterns in the late 1990s. In a post Sunday morning on X, the National Weather Service's Bay Area office wrote that San Francisco International Airport measured its coldest first half of the summer since 1965, based on the average daily maximum temperature in June and July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The average daily high at the airport from June 1 through Sunday was 67.9 degrees. Downtown San Francisco, according to the Weather Service, is having its coldest start to the summer since 1982. Richmond is having its chilliest early summer since 1991, and San Jose is having its frostiest since 1999. Mehle said a seasonal high-pressure system that typically brings warmer weather is somewhat misplaced this year, sitting farther west than normal. This summer, he said, a low-pressure system has been parked over the Pacific Northwest and California, leading to unrelenting cloud cover and cooler temperatures. Read more: Trump cuts to California National Weather Service leave 'critical' holes: 'Its unheard of' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The "misplacement" of the high-pressure system, he added, has contributed to increased upwelling, a process by which strong winds bring deep, cold ocean water closer to the surface. When the wind blows over this colder water toward land, it brings the temperatures down. "The coastal upwelling has been really notable right outside the San Francisco Bay and west of Point Reyes," Mehle said. In the coming days, the drizzly gray weather along the coast is not expected to change much, said Mehle, who drove to work in Monterey on Saturday with his windshield wipers swishing. "We're basically locked in," he said of the weather conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even in San Francisco, where countless summer tourists have unexpectedly shelled out money for sweatshirts and scarves, the chill has been the talk of the town. Nudist Pete Sferra, who keeps a journal describing how many times he walks the city in the buff, told the San Francisco Standard this week that he has "actually been enjoying quite a few nude strolls this year." But even he would not go out "if it's freezing." Walnut Creek resident Lisa Shedd, 60, told the Mercury News: "I certainly love the temperate weather. I'm not a fan of the really hot. I don't know if it means something bad or it means something good ... but I know I'm enjoying it." Karl the Fog the anthropomorphized San Francisco fog with hundreds of thousands of followers on social media joked on Instagram that the forecast for Thursday was "partly cloudy, winds coming in from the west, and a high chance of Trump being in the Epstein files." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farther north, this summer has brought oppressive inland heat and dangerous lightning storms. In Orleans a tiny northeastern Humboldt County town near the site of the massive, barely-contained Butler fire in the Six Rivers and Klamath national forests temperatures had been above 100 degrees seven times this month as of Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. Read more: At least four firefighters injured while battling Northern California wildfires In Redding, the temperature had hit 100 degrees or higher 11 times this month, topping out at 109 on July 11. Mild summer temperatures in Los Angeles, where the downtown high has averaged about 82 degrees in July, also have been satirized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, the popular @americanaatbrandmemes social media accounts posted a much-shared meme showing a man walking toward his house, saying: "Summer in LA has been pretty mild!" Just inside the door, unseen by him, a woman and two children are holding knives, ready to pounce. Their names are August, September and October. In the Bay Area, Mehle warned that "while we started off colder, that doesn't mean that summer is over." The hottest temperature ever recorded in downtown San Francisco, he noted, was 106, on Sept. 1, 2017. "We're sitting here under drizzle, clouds, in the cold," Mehle said. "It's the end of July. But summer is not over when you look at our climatology. Some people want slightly warmer temperatures but you have to be careful what you wish for." Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Efforts to push Styrofoam out of Boston have ramped up as local lawmakers aim to protect the community and the environment. According to the East Boston Times-Free Press, Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata sponsored a hearing to discuss a potential ban on polystyrene products, such as Styrofoam, from being sold in stores and restaurants. The city currently has other environmental initiatives in place to reduce waste. Now, Styrofoam is the latest issue for lawmakers to tackle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The use of polystyrene products poses significant public health and environmental risks," Councilor Coletta Zapata said, per the Times-Free Press. If passed, Boston would join dozens of other Massachusetts cities that have already implemented polystyrene bans. In fact, the Times-Free Press reported that 60 municipalities have prohibited the product so far. Other states across the United States have pushed forward with polystyrene bans, too. California implemented a statewide ban on the use of Styrofoam for food packaging products that will kick off in 2025. A similar law went into effect in Delaware in July. Massive amounts of Styrofoam end up in landfills and waterways every year. Polystyrene, like other plastics, is not biodegradable and can take thousands of years to decompose, per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When plastic pollution enters the environment, it eventually breaks down into tiny particles called microplastics. According to Beyond Plastics, animals often ingest the particles, which have a negative impact on their digestive systems. Scientists discovered that repeated exposure to the material can lead to declining animal populations. Not only is polystyrene a hazard for the environment, but the material also puts human health at risk. Heating meals in a polystyrene container can cause chemicals to leach into the food, according to UCLA Health. Polystyrene has been linked to cancer, vision and hearing loss, and other severe health complications. While Boston leaders have their sights set on a polystyrene ban, prohibiting other forms of plastic has also been proven to be effective. Research found that bans across three states and two cities reduced the number of single-use plastic bags used per year by about 6 billion. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) Concerns over cost, privacy, and data led the Huntsville City Council to hit pause on a plan that would put AI cameras on every garbage truck in the City. Thursday night, the Huntsville City Council discussed an agreement with City Detect. Its an AI-based software that uses cameras to help collect data on municipal violations. City officials give update after one year of hands-free ordinance Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meeting on Thursday lasted several hours, with a large chunk of the discussion among council members surrounding that topic. Ten members of the public also spoke out during the public comment section of the meeting. One woman, who identified herself as Amanda, said, I oppose the City Detect contract because it increases surveillance and, in my opinion, is invasive. One city resident named Jeremy said, I think this is a terrible violation of our rights. Another woman said the cameras mounted on the garbage trucks would be [a] peeping tom that would be on a truck. Another Huntsville resident said, I believe AI cameras mounted on trash trucks is a violation of peoples privacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is surveillance, this is big brother, she added. Get breaking news, traffic and weather alerts directly to your smartphone. Download the News 19 App With so many concerns surrounding the software, News 19 reached out to City Detect for some clarification. CEO Gavin Baum-Blake said all of that data is based in the United States. One of the big things is that the data can only be accessed by municipalities, and so none of it is being sold to anybody else, he said. He emphasized several times during the interview that City Detect does not sell any data that it has collected. The City of Huntsville said it would affix the cameras to garbage trucks since they already drive down every street in the city. City Administrator John Hamilton said that there are 25 garbage routes each day, Monday through Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cameras would use computer vision predictive AI to detect code violations as the trucks drive by. The cameras can see anything visible from the street. However, Baum-Blake said privacy is a top priority. It has the capability of blurring faces and blurring license plates. We take privacy incredibly seriously, he said. Huntsville City Schools Central Office and Center for Technology opens ahead of academic school year Baum-Blake said the system looks for code violations such as illegal dumping sites, graffiti, and dumped tires. He explained that while the AI algorithm is trained to look for more than 100 types of violations, it works with each municipality on which ones are part of the enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the AI program would flag violations and alert City of Huntsville code enforcement officers, the city would still send those officers to check out the problems. Baum-Blake said that City Detect does not make any money from citations, and it does not incentivize them; it just gives municipalities that data. However, the software comes at a cost to taxpayers. The price tag for one year of service is more than $337,000. During Thursdays Huntsville City Council meeting, Council President John Meredith said he didnt want to approve such a large expenditure outside of the budget process. This shouldnt be here outside of the budget process, Meredith said. Roll this into the budget process, bring this up when were talking about the budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LOOKING FOR THE EXTENDED FORECAST? Click here to learn how to download the Live Alert 19 app After much discussion on the topic, the City Council voted to postpone a decision on the service agreement with City Detect until its September 25th meeting. Thats when the council will start to take up next years budget. With data being collected on a weekly basis, News 19 reached out to ask if it would be shared with law enforcement to aid in investigations or surveillance. Thats at their discretion on how they use it, but right now we are not, we havent been in discussion with the police department, Baum-Blake said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 19 reached out to the City of Huntsville with the same question. City Administrator John Hamilton said, It is not the Citys intent to use the software for this purpose. The pilot program is focused on overgrown grass, illegal dumping, graffiti and property neglect, Hamilton added. Baum-Blake told News 19 that the software is already operating in several cities across the United States. He said in the Carolinas, it was able to assist in identifying storm debris after Hurricane Helene. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HONOLULU (KHON2) City and State agencies lined the slopes of Diamond Head for a clean-up. Residents want sustained enforcement on Diamond Head homeless This serves as the second major cleanup of the area since April. Many homeless camps have been set up on the slopes, and those who lived there were offered services. We decided, we looked at all the complaints, the feedback that were getting from the communities, understanding where theyre coming from. Especially, it comes down to public safety, said Roy Miyahira, Director of Homeless Solutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We also have a lot of night problems with them because they come down and many have mental health issues or substance abuse issues, said Louise Hiatt, a resident. And also they come and scourge into our carports and into our houses and look for items to replenish. According to Honolulu Police Department, nine people were arrested for either criminal trespassing or outstanding warrants. Check out more news from around Hawaii A total of 33 separate encampments were cleared, with only one person transported to Sand Island for services. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. HUNTSVILLE, Ala (WHNT) No phone call or text message is worth your life or the lives of others. This is why the City of Huntsville put the hands-free ordinance into effect. HPD: Huntsville man arrested for injuring one in motorcycle wreck and leaving scene The hands free is a primary offense, so if a police officer sees you with a phone in your hand, he can pull you over, said City Council President David Little. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law took effect in January of 2024 with a 6-month grace period of warnings. Full enforcement started last July. Now, one year later, city officials are discussing its progress and what lies ahead. Last month, Allstate Insurance ranked Huntsville the 12th safest driving city in the country, and thats a great accolade, but that does not mean there is not still progress to be made, said Little. Huntsville Police said they issued 190 citations and 112 written warnings under the hands-free ordinance from July 1, 2024, to July 1, 2025. Its not about how many tickets we can write, its about the lives that we save, the crashes that didnt happen, the injuries that didnt happen, the tragedies that we dont have to tell families, he said. Get breaking news, traffic and weather alerts directly to your smartphone. Download the News 19 App While we may be making progress, Sgt. Chris Jackson said old habits are hard to break. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Think back to when the seat belt law went into effect, it took time for that message to sink in, for habits to shift, and for people to make safety a priority, said Jackson. Thats why they are continuing their efforts with education, awareness, and enforcement. Just a few seconds can be the difference in life and death, said Police Chief Kirk Giles. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) Friday, July 25, 2025, a 13-year-old boy was taken to the hospital after suffering a gunshot wound and a 17-year-old girl died from her gunshot injuries. Those two make four this week in the city and law enforcement and leaders are speaking out. Greenville police have suspects in the shootings, including the boyfriend of the teenage girl who officers said was shot accidentally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This incident was related to a personal relationship. Her boyfriend was also present, and is our suspect in this one. He is also 17 years old and is in custody and fully cooperating, Greenville Police Deputy Chief K.Z. Thomas said. Greenville Mayor P.J. Connelly also spoke out through his Facebook page. He asked people in the city to end the violence and for those that own guns to lock them up and keep them away from the youth. Deputy Chief Thomas echoed that and asked the city as a whole to step up. This is where Im going to ask the community for your help. We are able to be proactive in a lot of situations, but in personal relationships and personal disputes, its impossible for us to be able to proactively police those, so we need your help, she said. We need you to one, keep all guns, if youre a gun owner, please make sure you store those guns safely, make sure you keep them out of hands of people that dont need them, juveniles should not have guns. So, we need your help with that and if you see something, please say something. We cannot do it alone, we really need our community and our partners to all work together so that we can end all of the violence, especially the juvenile violence. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. He was hired to be an investigator but was allegedly treated like a pack mule. An administrator for the NYC Civilian Complaint Review Board was forced to perform manual labor at his office job, and eventually quit to escape grotesque bigotry and hostility from his supervisors, he said in a lawsuit. Nigerian-born Ademola Bello was the only desk worker at the CCRBs Division of Financial and Strategic Management ever asked by his bosses to haul furniture, office supplies, boxes of paper and filing cabinets, he claimed in court papers. Ademola Bello is a graduate of Columbia Universitys Journalism School. Helayne Seidman Winnie Chen, the CCRBs director of budget and operations, and Jeanine Marie, the agencys deputy executive director, treated Bello, 52, like property and chattel labor, which left him emotionally battered and psychologically depleted, the Nigerian native said in the July 16 legal filing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bello, who started working for the CCRB in September 2023 as a civilian investigator and transitioned to Chens department that December, where the Columbia Journalism School grad alleged he was singled out for strenuous manual labor due to his African identity. They tried to cover up all these things, it was just so bad, Bello told The Post this week. And it was because of my nationality. Bello will soon need surgery on his knee, which he hurt lifting heavy boxes. Helayne Seidman He was repeatedly asked to do tasks utterly incongruous with his administrative duties and physical capacity, like moving furniture, and in early 2025, he sustained an acute knee injury lifting a large box, according to the lawsuit. Even though the city confirmed his injury was work related, Chen allegedly urged him to rub [his knee with] her Chinese oil, or face consequences and pushed him to drop a workers compensation claim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When he refused Chens nontraditional herbal treatmenther abuse escalated, he said in court papers. The offices of the Civilian Complaint Review Board. Google Maps Bello was the only person in the office who wasnt allowed to eat at his desk and his requests for pay raises or remote work privileges were denied, unlike his non-African, less qualified colleagues, he alleged. And he was also asked to fill-in at the reception desk, often coming into the office before sunrise and not leaving until well after 5 p.m., he said in the legal filing, which also alleges he was never paid for 40 hours a week, despite working twice as many hours. Bello worked under Winnie Chen, who is a party to the civil suit. Winnie Chen/ Linkedin I was told I was working for free and there was nothing I could do, said Bello. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When he questioned this exploitation during a discussion with Marie, the response was unambiguous: You can resign,' he said in the litigation. He would never be able to meet Maries expectations because Bello was not white,' Marie said, according to the lawsuit. Bellos lawyer, Bennitta Joseph of Joseph and Norinsberg, said hell be having knee surgery next month. At the Civilian Complaint Review Board the agency sworn to root out abuse an African immigrant was treated like a slave, Joseph said. They exploited him for manual labor, denied him dignity, and discarded his humanity while hiding behind the language of justice. This wasnt just hypocrisyit was modern-day servitude, enforced by bureaucrats drunk on power and bigotry, and for this they must be held accountable. The CCRB, Chen and Marie did not return calls seeking comment. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) The city of Lansing has filed a lawsuit against two businesses for allowing a homeless camp to grow on their property. In the lawsuit, the city claims the business has allowed the camp to thrive for the past several years. Officials say the camp has no water or gas, and that theres even evidence of drug use on the property. (WLNS) Since April of last year, Brent Morse, the property manager of one of the businesses, a warehouse on N Grand River Ave., has been dealing with the camp and says he has asked the city for help multiple times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We literally called LPD. We tried to get them to trespass them, and all LPD kept saying was that, You know our hands are tied right now, and Theres nothing we can do, said Morse. We can kick them out, and they might leave, but they might just come back that day or that night.' Morse says Lansing Code Enforcement sent them letters to remove the homeless and clean up the garbage, but Morse says he and his coworkers have done all they can. I have literally asked the city for help in removing the trash, since the police wouldnt trespass them from the property, said Morse. We just cant go in there and tell them to leave. I just dont know what they expected us to do without the help from the police. Morse says that in April 2024, he met with the city code enforcement officer and the assistant chief of police to resolve the issue, but he says the meeting was for the city to present the lawsuit to the property owners. (WLNS) 6 News went to the camp, and residents told us there are at least 15 to 20 structures, and even remains of a trailer that was set on fire at some point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Willie Hayes, one of the residents of the camp, says the shelters turn people away and says he was told to come to the camp by law enforcement. Came to me and my wife, and told us we had to move back here, because that was city property up there, and we did, said Hayes. Morse wished that the city handled the situation a lot better. Instead of threatening private owners with a lawsuit and everything, I mean, the city couldve prevented this from happening, said Morse. Morse claims that back in July 2024, a few homeless people brought campers to the property. He says his boss said the campers needed to be gone. So, he says he called a towing company, but the company told him that they would have to be tagged to be towed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, Morse says he called local law enforcement to tag them. (WLNS) Then they released the guy, and just gave him an ultimatum that he had to be out there by 4 oclock the next day with all his belongings and the campers. And if they came back, they would arrest him, but they never came back, said Morse. So, the camper just literally got pushed further back into the woods. So, the fires that happened with those campers wouldve not ever happened if they wouldve just put some stickers on them, said Morse. 6 News reached out to the city of Lansing and received the following statement from a spokesperson: The City understands the plight of the unhoused community and recently completed a comprehensive study that looks at homelessness in the community and identifies strategies to address issues. The creation of encampments that lack basic sanitation and utility services is too great of a threat to the public health, welfare, and safety to be allowed to continue in existence. It also violates city ordinances and state laws, so the City is taking necessary steps to bring this property back into compliance with the law. Several city council members, businesses, and area residents have made complaints and requests for the site to be cleaned up. Because this camp is located on private property and the property owners are not complying with the law, the city is stepping in to take action. The trash, debris, human waste, and make-shift structures violate city ordinance. Lansing police, fire, and EMS have had to respond here many times for violence, multiple fires and injuries, propane tank explosions, and medical emergencies. The homeless street outreach PATH Teams and social workers have been there and offered resources and access to shelters, but have been banned from further visits by the people there. In addition, there is available space in local shelters for these residents to begin the process of finding safe housing. Regardless of whether its substandard rental housing or improvised dwellings at encampments, the City cannot allow such living situations that are not safe for the individuals residing there and are detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of the City of Lansing. We continue to work with agencies on expanded shelter capacity and programming, and continue to work to provide more affordable housing options throughout the City to help get people into safe homes. City of Lansing Spokesperson Scott Bean, July 25, 2025. A spokeperson for the Housing Services Mid Michigan, which oversees the PATH teams, took issue Beans statement telling 6 News that their workers have not been banned from visits to the site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 6 News will continue to keep you updated with the latest. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. Saturday marks the 35th anniversary for the sweeping legislation, symbolizing a history of hard-fought battles for equality that still requires more fight ahead. Noting that accessibility in Colorado Springs has improved from a decade ago, some see a need for more work to be done around housing, employment and public transportation before equality for the disabled is achieved. About a dozen local and state elected officials looked out over downtown Frederick from nearly 150 feet above the street on Wednesday, standing on scaffolding surrounding what is believed to be Frederick's oldest church spire and clock tower. The scaffolding is part of the Trinity Chapel Clock Tower's steeple restoration, a million-dollar endeavor steered by the chapel's congregation, Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ on West Church Street. It's the steeple's first renovation since 1879, as nearly all sections, including the spire, lantern, belfry which holds 10 bells roof sections and dormers needed repairs, according to the church. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chapel dates to 1763, when congregation members laid the stone base of the tower, according to the church's website. Church Steeple Renovation Kelly Whitton, branch operations manager for The Durable Restoration Co., talks about the steeple atop the Trinity Chapel on West Church Street in downtown Frederick. Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ hosted a tour of Fredericks oldest spire and clock tower to show the $1 million restoration project of the steeple, slate, dormers and spire. The firm managing the project The Durable Restoration Co. in Howard County aims to add nearly 300 years of life to the structure, Kelly Whitton, the branch operations manager of the company, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The church, in collaboration with the firm, conducted tours amid the ongoing renovations. Whitton and Assistant Project Manager Zack Sieff toured the scaffolding throughout the day with participants. The main materials used for restoration on the steeple include copper, slate and new wood, Whitton said. They are trying to keep as much existing material as possible while using additional materials that reinforce, not harm, the structure. Church Steeple Renovation Harry George looks out on Frederick from scaffolding around the steeple at Trinity Chapel. The Durable Restoration Co. is working on a restoration of Fredericks oldest spire and clock tower. George was a donor for the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plans for the restoration have been in progress for nearly five years. Construction work began in June and is expected to be completed by October, according to the firm. As of Thursday, the church had raised about $900,000 through donations from church members, community members and leaders, and grant and foundation donations, Sedonia Martin, a marketing representative for the church, said. The church continues to gather funding for the restoration project and aims to raise $150,000 to cover the entire project, Martin said, leaving some extra money beyond the $1 million in case other work is needed. Whitton pointed out during the tour parts of the tower that were added and changed later on, including the 1807 wooden steeple to replace the original stone one, which was designed by Frederick builder and architect Stephen Steiner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the late 19th century, local Frederick fire departments tested steam pump engines by spraying water over the steeple, Peter Brehm, president of the consistory, the churchs governing body, said. As a result, the clock tower sustained significant damages from the tests. In 1879, following the steam engine tests, the tower underwent its first major renovations, including extensive repairs on all components of the tower, Brehm said. "It's one of the best projects we've funded so far," Maryland Del. Kris Fair said after participating in one of the tours. Fair said that in 2023, he helped secure $100,000 from the state through the Legislative Bond Initiative to fund repairs to the city's official town clock, which is part the tower. "The history is unreal." Harry George, 70, a donor to the project and lifelong resident of Frederick, said that he felt that his donation was a testament to the city's values. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Historic preservation is something that we should all cherish and support because it's one of the things that makes Frederick such a wonderful place. Once you lose those things, they are lost forever," George said about landmarks. Whitton said the buildings people use every day often have existed for a long time. Taking a deeper look into historical preservation and restoration, she said, teaches the community to take care of structures they value. "Some (buildings) might have historical value to people, some might have architectural value to people and some might have functional value," Whitton said outside of the chapel's scaffolding. "So it's important to take care of all of this." WILLIMANTIC CLiCK, a local food hub in Willimantic, welcomed a new executive director to its team. Kathryn Stahlberg replaced executive director Leigh Duffy, who started with CLiCK back in 2019. Its an exciting time for CLiCK and I think Leigh has wanted to retire for some time, Stahlberg said. She felt like she brought the organization to where it is today. There was a two-week overlap while Duffy helped with the transition before she retired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Stahlberg saw the posting for the position at CLiCK, she knew it was a place where she wanted to apply, utilizing her experience in agriculture. Stahlberg brings a range of experiences from her background in agriculture, including work with the USAID and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. When Stahlberg worked with USAID, she held positions including senior risk advisor, acting division chief, senior policy advisor, senior Food for Peace program and policy coordinator officer. She has also served in the United States Senate in Washington, DC as a special advisor and legislative assistant, where she worked with the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During her time with the committee, they worked on issues related to child nutrition, farm-to-school initiatives, Healthy Food Financing, WIC, SNAP, dairy, specialty crop insurance, international food assistance and food safety. Stahlberg has also worked at Brown University as a visiting assistant professor, where she taught a graduate-level course on gender and the environment. She also has experience as a post-doctoral research fellow at the University of Cambridge, where she participated in the sustainable development research group and prepared her doctoral thesis. Her research focused on small-scale fisheries and trade issues in Tanzania and India. She also worked in coastal resource management research as a Fulbright Fellow in Madagascar. Her educational background includes a bachelors degree in environmental studies and political science from Brown University, a masters in philosophy and geography from the University of Cambridge and a Ph.D from the University of Cambridge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think I feel really strong being here, that this is a good organization, and I have a lot to learn, but I also have a lot to contribute, Stahlberg said. Im feeling optimistic that CLiCK is going to continue to grow and expand as appropriate in the upcoming months and years. Well just keep adjusting to what the world throws us. Currently, CLiCK is selling tickets to a Bonnie Raitt concert at Mohegan Sun as a part of its fundraising initiative. It is really important this year, because many of our USAID grants are getting prematurely terminated, Stahlberg said. Stahlberg said the grants are not getting canceled overnight, but those programs will need to be ended by December this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were supposed to go on for a couple of years, so that is a hard reality for CLiCK this year, like many organizations that were really using federal funds to help communities thrive, Stahlberg said. Were having to pivot and do more fundraising like the Mohegan Sun Bonnie Raitt concert on August 26 fundraiser, which is a chance for people to support us. Stahlberg said they are talking to more foundations and philanthropists as they look to make CLiCK thrive over the next five to ten years. Weve been a decade in and things are strong, however, how do we want our membership to grow, how do we want our services to the community grow, how do we want our programming to do, and how do we adjust based on what we foresee in the 2025-2030 outlook, Stahlberg said. Rachel Reeves, beware. Britain could soon be facing yet more eye-watering demands for reparations. But not just because of all the slaves our distant ancestors owned. Now we could be sued for all the coal they burned. Thats because, according to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), countries could potentially be entitled to seek damages from other countries for their historic contributions to climate change. Which is particularly bad news for the British. Nowadays were responsible for less than one per cent of the worlds carbon emissions. Two hundred and fifty years ago, however, we were responsible for practically all of them. Effectively, therefore, we could be sued for starting the industrial revolution. Following this logic, of course, you might ask: why stop at the 18th century? Why not go back further? Mankind is believed to have originated in Kenya, and all pollution is caused by mankind, ergo its all Kenyas fault. So lets sue it. And if Kenya tells the ICJ that its too poor to pay up, not to worry, because there are other juicy targets we could fleece. As soon as weve tracked down the descendants of whichever caveman invented the wheel, we can sue them for all the worlds car exhaust fumes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At present, however, it would seem that Britain is the nation likeliest to fall victim to this brazen legal opportunism. But in the event that other countries do try to sue us, I hope well politely explain something. We dont owe them. They owe us. This is because the industrial revolution and its countless associated benefits didnt just make the world richer. They caused people to live longer. In the mid 1700s, just before the industrial revolution began, life expectancy in this country alone was about 40. Now its double that. And after other countries joined the industrial revolution, the life expectancy of their populations shot up, too. Of course, this increase wasnt due solely to greater prosperity. It was also due to revolutionary medical advances: for example, antibiotics. And which country does the world have to thank for discovering the very first antibiotic? Oh yes: Britain. Which also happens to be the country responsible for coming up with the smallpox vaccine: a breakthrough that is said to have saved more than 200 million lives worldwide. Overall, then, it seems perfectly clear that our forefathers did the world vastly more good than harm. Which is why, if any countries have the brass neck to sue us, we should respond by billing them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dear Sirs, But for the dazzling historic ingenuity of this nation, half your people would never have been born, and the other half would have died by their 30th birthday. We therefore enclose an invoice for your quarterly GDP. Kind regards, Britain. Why millennial women are sick of men Have you heard about the dramatic new trend that has apparently gripped the millennial generation? Its called heterofatalism. And it describes the decision by growing numbers of straight women to give up on romantic relationships because theyve concluded that all men are rubbish. In the past week, upmarket liberal newspapers have been bursting with articles by women setting out the reasons for their disillusionment. In the New York Times, for example, a female author accused prospective male partners of not wanting me badly enough, not communicating with me clearly enough, not devoting themselves to me Men are what is rotten in the state of straightness. Meanwhile, a young woman writing for the London Times revealed that many of her single female friends feel equally disenchanted. I just dont think the men out there are good enough, said one. I hate them all, said another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, since I myself am a man, you might expect me to be scandalised by these sweeping generalisations about members of my sex. You might also expect me to speculate as to how upmarket liberal newspapers would respond to single men declaring, I just dont think the women out there are good enough and I hate them all. Would such men be treated sympathetically? Or would they be recognised as embittered, sexist incels who are simply attempting to blame others for their own romantic failures? As a matter of fact, however, Im not put out at all. Far from it. Indeed, Im strongly supportive of these womens heterofatalist stance for one very simple reason. It will take the Western worlds whiniest, most melodramatic and most insufferably self-absorbed young people out of the gene pool. After all, if they permanently abstain from relationships, theyll never have children, and thus wont pass on their self-pitying, navel-gazing narcissism to the next generation. Instead, the task of human reproduction will be left to people who are likeable, self-aware and emotionally well-adjusted. In the long term, therefore, millennial heterofatalism will result in enormous benefits to humanity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, to all the 30-something singles featured in these articles, I say: youre absolutely right. Men are awful. Every last one. So please do stick to your vow of abstinence. The world is right behind you, all the way. Way of the World is a twice-weekly satirical look at the headlines aiming to mock the absurdities of the modern world. It is published at 6am every Tuesday and Saturday 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. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS/AP) Leaders with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools said they will receive all $12.5 million it lost after the Trump Administration announced Friday that its releasing billions in grant funds withheld for schools. The Education Department ended weeks of uncertainty for educators around the country who rely on the money for English language instruction, adult literacy, and other programs. CMS educator fears he might lose his job after $12.5M in much-needed funds withheld Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It came after a week of legal challenges across the country, including a lawsuit filed by N.C. Attorney General Jeff Jackson. North Carolina is set to land $165 million of the frozen funds. National reports indicate that the U.S. Department of Education has backed down and is releasing all frozen funds $6.8 billion nationwide, including $165 million for North Carolina after we filed suit last week, Jackson said. This should end weeks of uncertainty our schools can now plan, hire, and prepare for a strong year ahead. My absolute best wishes to our states 1.5 million students who are ready to make this their best year yet. President Donald Trumps administration had suspended more than $6 billion in funding on July 1, as part of a review to ensure spending aligned with the White Houses priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The funding freeze had been challenged by several lawsuits as educators, Congress members from both parties and others called for the administration to release the money. Congress had appropriated the money in a bill signed this year by Trump. The CMS school board shared their cautious excitement for the news. We are grateful that the federal government will release these funds. We are cautiously optimistic that these grant funds will continue to fund public education in the future and look forward to reviewing and complying with any potential new guidance from the United States (US) Department of Education. The Board of Education would like to thank the 150 members of the North Carolina (NC) Democratic congressional delegation who issued a letter to the US Department of Education and their colleagues across the aisle who supported releasing the funds. We are grateful for the efforts of NC Superintendent of Public Instruction Mo Green, NC Attorney General Jeff Jackson, and the many states and public-school districts who stood together to advocate that these funds be released as previously approved in the federal budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to the announcement, CMS and other school districts in the state were preparing to make cuts in areas like teacher development, supplemental resources and personalized instruction. We also thank the many CMS students, families, staff, and community partners for standing with the Board to advocate for these funds to be released to CMS and our 141,000 students who will be better supported in forging a bright future for their community, said CMS Board Chair Stephanie Sneed. Last week, the Education Department said it would release $1.3 billion of the money for after-school and summer programming. Without the money, school districts and nonprofits such as the YMCA and Boys and Girls Club of America had said they would have to close or scale back educational offerings this fall. The Office of Management and Budget had completed its review of the programs and will begin sending the money to states next week, the Education Department said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW) With only a month left until move-in day, both new and returning Coastal Carolina University students are finding themselves without a place to stay, and with limited assistance from the school. According to CCUs website, all first and second-year students are required to live on campus. However, some of those students reported being denied the option to live on campus. The housing section of the website also features a pop-up stating that any applications submitted after June 30 would not be assigned due to high demand for on-campus housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One parent said that her son applied in July, but was not made aware of this deadline. We submitted the application, two days later I called to make sure everything was ok, the parent said in a message. They said yes. The parent said she was only recently informed that her sons housing was denied, despite the assurance she received from the school. Another parent said his daughter also applied after the deadline, but was not informed. He said they found out her housing was denied during her orientation. The website also states that first and second-year students are required to live on campus. However, some of those students said they have no choice but to consider off-campus options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of those students is Aiden Rush, a rising sophomore. Rush said he had missed the deadline for roommate selection by two days due to a move from Florida to Myrtle Beach. He said that after this, he and his friends spent months trying to get answers on their housing situation. We were constantly reaching out, Rush said. [Housing was] consistently telling us it was like, Oh, its going to be another week before we know, oh, we cant tell you that. That went on for about three months. Another parent told News13 her daughter had also missed the roommate selection deadline. Despite consistently reaching out to housing, she said they have still not received any information. Rush said they ended up beginning the application process for off-campus housing, which led to more issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And then they were rejecting these applications to get off-campus housing, ended up getting approved after going back for, you know, like the third time, he said. Rush said he believes he was only approved to live off campus because he had yet to receive his housing placement and had to go through a lengthy process to be approved. News13 also received reports that single rooms were being converted into doubles. However, students were still being charged for the single. We reached out to the University beginning Wednesday afternoon, asking for an interview on this topic. The school sent this statement: The University will continue to assign students to available spaces based on their eligibility to live in University Housing. Each assigned student is automatically charged the rate that corresponds to the number of beds available in their assigned room or room type. Housing rates are approved by Coastal Carolina Universitys board of trustees and are available on our website. Tania Bougebrayel, Director of University Communications * * * Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Madi Codispoti is a multimedia journalist at News13. Madi is a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and most recently worked at WJHL in Johnson City, Tennessee. She graduated from Emory & Henry University in May 2023. You can keep up with Madi on Facebook and read more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. COLCHESTER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) Colchester police said they responded to an emergency message from a boat taking on water in Lake Champlain Friday afternoon. The message came in at about 3:28 p.m. Ten minutes later, the Marine Unit of Colchester Police made it to the scene to find a 26-foot boat sinking in the lake. Welch, Sanders, Gillibrand urge federal funding for Lake Champlain programs Three passengers of the boat were safely taken back to land, while the captain, Normand St. Pierre, 57, of Quebec, remained on board. He later made it back safely as well; the vessel was towed to the Champlain Marina before it sunk. Nobody was reported injured in the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement St. Pierre said that he unexpectedly hit a reef to the southwest of Sunset Island. Hogback Reef, located about a half a mile off of Colchester Point, is marked with a buoy and is a hazard to boats now that the lake level has dropped, according to authorities. Some hazards that might have been passable in May are now much closer to the surface. Saranac Lake Police hold youth academy with forest rangers Colchester Police want to remind boaters to double-check that they have a safe path to their destination when traveling on Lake Champlain, to keep an eye out for any possible hazards, and to make sure they have a way of communicating with those on land, such as a cell phone, along with someone who knows their destination and estimated time of arrival. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. BOGOTA (Reuters) -Colombia's Foreign Ministry on Friday criticized Ecuador for deporting large numbers of Colombian citizens without a formal protocol, describing it as a "unfriendly gesture," while Quito said the removals followed legal procedures and upheld human rights standards. On Thursday, the Colombian government reported that authorities in the neighboring country had announced plans to deport Colombians currently imprisoned in various Ecuadorian penitentiaries. "Through diplomatic channels, Colombia has formally lodged its strongest protest against the Ecuadorian government for this unfriendly act, and is currently evaluating appropriate measures in response," the Foreign Ministry said Friday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ministry emphasized that Ecuador had taken this action "without implementing any protocol to guarantee the safe, orderly, and respectful transfer of detainees, in line with their human rights." Ecuador's Foreign Ministry said in a statement it had notified Colombia via diplomatic channels of individual deportation proceedings starting July 8, and that the process followed the country's legal framework. Authorities underscored their commitment to due process, citing the issuance of individual rulings and judicial release orders. "Ecuador therefore rejects claims of mass deportations," the ministry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Radio Caracol reported that Amilcar Pantoja, mayor of the Colombian border town of Ipiales, confirmed that around 700 Colombian detainees were being sent across the binational bridge without prior official notice. (Reporting by Nelson Bocanegra in Bogota, contributing reporting by Alexandra Valencia in Ecuador; Writing by Fabian Cambero and Sarah Kinosian; Editing by Nick Zieminski) LAWRENCE COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) Lawrence County will no longer have excused or unexcused absences starting this school year. The school board approved the change in late June. This is important to come to school each and every day, Director of Schools for Lawrence County Michael Adkins said during the recorded meeting. And if you have got the sniffles, that is fine; you are going to have them when you go to work one day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tennessee lawmakers debate loosening school time rules, paving way for 4-day weeks They brought this policy in without doing their due diligence and doing their research, Lawrence County parent Chuck Braden said. In just a couple of weeks, students will either be marked present or absent, removing the excused or unexcused labels. The school will start intervention after three absences and may petition the court for truancy after eight. In an attendance policy clarification, the Director writes: Some may interpret these interventions as excessive or rigid, which is not the intent. These interventions are meant to help not to scare or penalize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that early communication with parents is a priority: These measures are not our first step they are our last resort. According to the policy, regardless of a doctors note, you are either at school or you are not. We had one principle reported that they had 68 chronically absent students. Forty of those had 20 or better days and all of them were doctors notes, Adkins said during the meeting. Our belief is: come to school. There are exceptions, including: death in the family, religious reasons, military events and chronic illness, with a physicians signature. House Democrats push for seat on new K-12 education committee Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some board members say the change encourages work ethic while also addressing chronic absenteeism in the district. How dare all of you think you know more than the parents and medical providers? Braden said. I dont know what the solution to that is, but there has to be one better than this one. State data from the 2023-2024 State Report Card shows about 15% of all Lawrence County students missed 10% or more instructional days of school. Nearly a quarter of those students were economically disadvantaged. A mother and nurse practitioner in the area believes it would be challenging to require chronically ill students to get a note from a physician for some families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In our area in particular, there are not a lot of physicians that see kids, Elizabeth Beal explained. It is going to hurt the middle class and the poor, Braden said. The surrounding counties all reported slightly higher rates of chronic absenteeism: Wayne: 16.4% Maury: 18.8% Lewis: 23% Giles: 17% The district also notified local doctors about the change asking them to discourage doctor hopping. (Courtesy: Elizabeth Beal) (Courtesy: Elizabeth Beal) Parents are demanding a voice in this policy. When we contacted the Board of Education, we were told that since it was not on the agenda, we could not be heard, and I think that is crazy, Braden said. Some parents have cited concerns over potential federal privacy law violations and disregard for students health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are talking about sending these kids to school with the sniffles because we have to do it as adults, Braden said. They are kids. They are not adults. MNPS approves $6.5M settlement for former employees In the short term, its sending the message that being there in the seat is more important than feeling like participating, Beal said. In the long run, we are training them to not listen to their bodies and not take care of themselves in the long run. I saw a comment today that said, We are just training the next generation not to use their PTO days.' The Director of Schools told New 2 the district will track attendance as a determiner of its efficiency saying, LCSS will monitor and implement interventions throughout the year to assist our students with attendance challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked if there is room for future improvement, he said, There is room for any policy to be clarified for better understanding. School board member Chad Shannon told News 2 he has placed the subject on next months agenda and will revisit it in August. Shannon sent a statement to News 2. It read in part: What it means by putting it on the agenda is not only to allow public comments, but it also breaks this policy out singularly so we can vote on it, and the community can see where we all stand. Furthermore, it allows us to add or take away after community input. I am currently working on a new policy proposal that allows the truancy and chronic absenteeism to be broke into two sections of the policy. It will be very clear. Anytime you have to send a white letter out to further explain the intentions of any policy, I feel a board has failed to propose their intentions clearly to the people. This is unacceptable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) &COMPANY, a local performing arts troupe in the Grand Valley, will be having its closing weekend of its summer musical of CATS at Grand Junction High School, located at 1400 N 5th St. The show had its opening night on July 18 and performed the first three out of six shows. The three remaining shows will start at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and begin at 3 p.m. on Sunday. The musical has brought in positive reviews from community members, which &COMPANY showcased on a social media post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It absolutely was such a professionally done show! Ive actually seen the Broadway version of CATS and [I] honestly enjoyed this one more because of the diversity in cast and wide age range. A couple of the young actors steal the show a couple times and make it so cute, said an audience member. Im always so impressed with the talent in these productions, some of the actors honestly could easily be Broadway actors with their talent. Im not sure how were hanging onto them in our valley, but I hope we can keep them here! Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased at the door or online at &COMPANYs website. Donations collected for concessions and show memorabilia will go to the troupe. The organization is the first community group to perform in the new GJHS Auditorium. The troupe will feature over 50 performers of all ages, a 10-piece live orchestra, 15 crew members and over 20 volunteers. (Photo Courtesy of &COMPANY). &COMPANY Raises Over $600 for Local Animal Shelter For each summer musical, & COMPANY hosts a Sneak Peek Community Night, in which members of the community are invited to watch the final dress rehearsal, where the proceeds are donated to a local non-profit organization that fits the theme of the show. This years Sneak Peek took place on July 17 and raised over $600 for the Roice Hurst Humane Society. &COMPANY is excited to be able to give back to a local organization that does so much to help the local kitty CATS, and other pets too, stated &COMPANY in a social media post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outside of the dress rehearsal fundraiser, the organization collaborates for fundraising events year-round. &COMPANY Represents What Community Theatre is About The troupes version of the longest-running, award-winning show on Broadway will feature over 50 performers of all ages, a 10-piece live orchestra, 15 crew members and over 20 volunteers. The individuals involved in the production include students, teachers, alumni and professionals from across the Western Slope. The sets were built by &COMPANYs volunteers and crew members. (Photo Courtesy of &COMPANY). Two notable volunteers, the director of &COMPANY Lana Rogal highlighted for the production, were 80-year-old Frank Davidson and Scott Betts. Davidson is &COMPANYs set designer and builder. He had lent his over 20 years of experience with crews and volunteers by teaching building safety and techniques for the musical sets. Davidson hosted a rehearsal at his homestead for cast members to experience set pieces before they were moved to the theatre. [It] is what community theatre is all about, said Davidson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Betts is a musician, orchestra director, writer and local playwright who is &COMPANYs orchestra and music director. The retired D51 teacher has led the musicals hand-picked orchestra into the challenging yet recognizable score. I could go on and on about all of the amazing people who actively support us and have gotten us to this point, stated Rogal. I am very proud to bring my knowledge, energy, passions, and family values to the Western Slope and feel so blessed to get to work with some of the best that reside here. &COMPANY Becomes a Non-Profit Organization Recently becoming a non-profit organization, &COMPANY aims to offer larger-scale productions and events. The community-based organization collaborates with numerous organizations, professionals and businesses across the Grand Valley. &COMPANY rehearses at local studios that donate their space, utilizes local resources for shopping and promotional needs, and is funded by local sponsors and businesses. More information about &COMPANY can be found at www.andcompanyco.net. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Jonathan DeCasanova from the Rhode Island Blood Center joined 12 News at 4 on Friday to discuss the states ongoing blood shortage and what people can do to help. The Rhode Island Blood Center has declared an emergency shortage, with the blood supply dropping to just two days or less, which DeCasanova said is far below the ideal seven-day reserve. RELATED: Rhode Island blood supply drops below 2-day inventory Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The center sees fewer donations over the summer, while demand typically rises due to an increase in accidents, along with ongoing hospital needs like cancer treatments and childbirth. The center especially needs universal donors with type O negative and O positive blood. DeCasanova said if youve never donated before, now is a great time to start. One donation can save up to three lives. MORE: RI Blood Center encourages donations to bolster supply Interested in becoming a blood donor? Schedule an appointment Contact the Rhode Island Blood Center: 405 Promenade St. Providence, R.I. 02908 (401) 453-8383 or 1-800-283-8385 customerservice@ribc.org More resources: Donor eligibility requirements Types of donations Host a blood drive Find the nearest blood center Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. An El Paso County judge on Friday denied interconnected motions requesting some of the charges faced by a man accused of killing two people in Colorado last year before he fled the the state be moved back to Park County. Johnny Morris, 47, faces homicide charges in the bludgeoning deaths of Stephen Walker, 37, and Timmy Huston, 65, in December 2024. The murders prompted a multi-agency investigation that spanned more than a week across two counties. Morris's co-defendant, Hailey Cole, 43, also faces homicide charges related to the deaths. Because Huston was allegedly killed in Park County while Walker's death occurred in El Paso County, Morris and Cole initially faced charges in both counties. However, the cases were consolidated to the 4th Judicial District. Friday's hearing primarily focused on the defense's request to reopen the Park County case and split the charges, arguing that the 4th Judicial District is an "improper venue" for all the charges and that there are two "distinctive" crimes. Arresting documents filed in both Cole's and Morris' cases indicated Huston and Walker were killed on the same day, Dec. 19. Judge David Prince ruled the cases are connected based on initial documentation because the Park County homicide was a "furtherance" of Morris' alleged crimes in Colorado Springs. Both parties referenced Colorado Revised Statute 18-1-202 throughout the hearing, which outlines guidelines for jurisdiction regarding trial. "When multiple crimes are based upon the same act or series of acts arising from the same criminal episode and are committed in several counties, the offender may be tried in any county in which any one of the individual crimes could have been tried, regardless of whether or not the counties are in the same judicial district," subsection seven of the statue states. According to Cole's arrest affidavit, the pair's alleged violent crime spree was motivated by the simple need for a car to drive home to Mississippi. The affidavit alleges Morris stole Walker's car after his murder to drive to Huston's residence, where he would then steal Huston's car to continue his journey back home with Cole. Concerns over media coverage were a recurring theme during Friday's hearing, despite a March ruling that denied a motion to limit pretrial publicity for Morris. Prince said the current level of media coverage is not drastically different than coverage of any other homicide, maintaining his initial ruling. Featured Local Savings Next appearance Morris' next appearance in an El Paso County courtroom is scheduled Aug. 22 for a preliminary hearing. His co-defendant's preliminary hearing is set for the first week of September. Questions were raised over whether Cole and Morris would have their hearings at the same time, albeit in separate cases. No decision was made Friday, and both the prosecution and defense said they will consider their options about scheduling over the next week. Sealed or unsealed? One of the final notes made by prosecutor Brent Nelson was that Morris' affidavit could now be unsealed. The Gazette had requested the document when the charges first came down, but Cole's document remains the only one available as of Friday. The defense told Prince it needed time to respond to the prosecution's statement that the affidavit could be unsealed, and no decision was made Friday. Consistent with other hearings for Cole and Morris, family members of the victims sat in the gallery wearing shirts calling for justice. Morris appeared in custody, donning the typical orange jumpsuit, sitting with his ankles and wrists shackled next to Fox. He remains in El Paso County jail on a no-bond hold. A grassroots effort continues to support a Rhinebeck High School graduate after a federal judge denied a temporary restraining order seeking to prevent his removal by U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement on July 23. Gerson Josue Santamaria Turcios, a 23-year-old from Honduras trying to start up his own landscaping business, was detained by ICE on July 18, according to resident Jenny Freidburg, who employed him. An order put in place July 21, halting Turcios' removal from the U.S. District Court's Southern District of New York, is set to expire July 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to Turcios' detention, a spotfund.com fundraising page dubbed New York Neighbors United was created. As of July 25, it has raised $74,600 for Turcios' legal team. Who is Gerson Josue Santamaria Turcios? Freidburg has employed Turcios over the past five years. She said she has gotten to know him well, and he is "adored by everyone in the community." Turcios helped Friedberg after she moved up from Manhattan in 2020, on the rural Rhinebeck property she's owned since 2007 with a variety of landscaping tasks, from landscaping to helping move furniture. To help launch his business, she has continued to employ him for her home's landscaping needs. Gerson Josue Santamaria Turcios, 23, of Honduras, is a Rhinebeck High School graduate. Around 4:30 p.m. on July 18, Freidburg received a text from Turcios and a wave goodbye after completing a day's work. Later that night, she started to hear chatter suggesting Turcios had been detained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We had heard rumors that ICE agents had been spotted in Rhinebeck and Red Hook," Friedberg said. Even so, "having him leave my house, and then hearing a couple of hours later that he was picked up was shocking, to say the least," Friedberg said. ICE did not respond to a request for comment on this story. Freidburg said he was "taken without a warrant, to an unknown, undisclosed place impossible to reach over the weekend" in a situation she called "disturbing" and "shocking." More: Retired Beacon police officer charged with murder in roommate's death Online fundraiser rallies Rhinebeck community Friedberg set up the fundraising page for Turcios and gave it a $75,000 goal. As of July 25, 850 people had donated to help fund Turcios' legal team, and some of the money was used to bus about 20 people to the July 23 hearing in Manhattan on his behalf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The campaign caught the attention of U.S. Pat Ryan, who wrote a letter in support of Turcios on July 23. In an excerpt from the letter of support, Ryan said, "Since his detention on July 18, my office has received an outpouring of support for Mr. Turcios from community members that speak highly of his character, kindness and impact in their lives." "I request that you exercise prosecutorial discretion in Mr. Turcios' case, which would allow him to engage in the legal process and present his claims to remain in the United States, outside of ICE detention. I do not ask for any circumvention of the laws, but that all considerations be made regarding this request," Ryan noted. The court denied the request for a temporary restraining order. A prior order preventing Turcios from being removed from the district remains in place until July 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an email statement after the hearing, New York Neighbors United said, "Today, Gerson Turcios's community turned out to support him and do everything we can to make sure that every avenue is pursued and no stone left unturned to ensure he can stay in his Hudson Valley home surrounded by the friends he made here in high school, and continue to run his business. It's a long road, but we are encouraged that the judge issued a weeklong stay pending further review of his case." Jon Reinish, a volunteer spokesman for the effort, said in an email, there's "more to come in this push for justice and fairness. Gerson is a 23-year-old high school graduate and small business owner with no criminal record. He should be able to go about his life. We hope the legal system ultimately agrees." "He is a really kind-hearted person and entrepreneur his work ethic was second to none for, you know, someone his age," Friedberg said. "I have a son that is just nine months younger than him, and so I say that very seriously with a son that's the same age." As of July 25, Friedberg said, Turcios is being held at the Orange County jail. This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Rhinebeck NY community raises $74K for 23-year-old sought by ICE ST. LOUIS This weekend across the St. Louis region is expected to be a scorcher, with many outdoor events cancelled because of the heat. Despite this, the heat is not stopping those at Busch Stadium, as Flo Rida will be hosting a concert following the end of the Cardinals and Padres game. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Other musical events taking place include the Big Finger Music & Art Festival, which is on Saturday. Founder Don Bailey is curating a unique daylong music festival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bands come from all over the country, Bailey said. Theyre coming from Nashville, bands from Chicago, and bands from Kansas City. If you like jazz, come out. If you like metal, come out. If you want to see Americana, come out. The homegrown festival is in its third year, and Bailey converted the old Harters Hobby Shop into an air-conditioned stage and venue. Bailey recommends that music fans prepare for the heat and come ready to listen to music from every genre. For the heat, we will have plenty of water out here and have plenty of places for shade, Bailey said. Also, being that we have stages inside buildings, theyre all air-conditioned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Big Finger Music and Art Festival runs Saturday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. at West Main Street in Belleville, Illinois. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Conor McGregors Ireland pub, The Black Forge Inn, caught fire on Friday morning, and police are chasing down a suspected arsonist. Investigators allege a person doused the bar located in Crumlin, a suburb outside of Dublin around the entrance with a flammable liquid at 3 a.m. before setting it ablaze and fleeing the scene, The Sun reported Friday. There was a small fire at the door that was quickly brought under control, a source told the outlet. One individual was involved in the incident and quickly ran from the scene. Thankfully, there was no one around at the time, and nobody was injured. A view of the Black Forge pub in Edinburgh, which is owned by Conor McGregor, following a small fire on the premises overnight. ZUMAPRESS.com The fire was put out by the Dublin Fire Brigade, and workers were seen making repairs to the front of the bar Friday morning. Conor McGregor interacts with media after BKFC 70 Hollywood at Hard Rock Live in Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on March 27, 2025 in Hollywood, Florida. Getty Images Authorities are examining the scene and the film of nearby security cameras in the area with the hope of identifying a suspect and finding a motive behind the blaze. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident will be investigated as criminal damage caused by fire, the BBC reported. A local told The Sun that it came as no surprise to the neighborhood that the fire occurred. A view of the Black Forge pub in Edinburgh, which is owned by Conor McGregor, following a small fire on the premises overnight. ZUMAPRESS.com The homes near the pub were woken up by the sound of fire engines and sirens, the person said. The fire was extinguished pretty quickly, and then the guards were back first thing to examine the pub. Its hard to know who was behind this attack because hes not popular with everyone in this community. The former MMA fighter, who bought the bar in 2020 for $2 million, is aware of the situation and posted on Instagram that the bar is open for business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UNBEATABLE! McGregor wrote in a story, sharing a post about the flames. He also shared an Instagram post from The Black Forge Inn that read: Always Open for Business #UnbeatableHospitality. Over the story, McGregor wrote HAPPY FRIDAY, FREAKS! Conor McGregor reacts to his bars fire on Instagram. Instagram @thenotoriousmma Conor McGregor shares that his bar is open after experiencing a fire on Friday. Instagram @thenotoriousmma In 2022, the establishment was targeted in a suspected petrol bomb attack, yet the bomb failed to ignite and no damage was caused. After that incident, McGregor installed bulletproof windows in the bar, which is a regular hangout spot for McGregor and his family, along with celebrity friends. (KRON) The Alameda County Coroners Office has identified a construction worker who died while on the job at a Berkeley elementary school on Thursday. 8 pounds of meth, 2 guns found after a Sonoma County hotel overstay The coroners office confirmed the deceased on Friday as Jonathan Dillard Guidi, 41, of Sacramento. The Berkeley Unified School District told KRON4 that the incident happened at Sylvia Mendez Elementary School. No students or BUSD staff were on site at the time, due to ongoing construction halting summer programs, said the district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BUSD said Guidi was working as a subcontractor on a renovation project at Sylvia Mendez. He was taken to a nearby hospital but eventually succumbed to his injuries. We value the many contractors and subcontractors who are involved in renovating our schools, said Trish McDermott, Senior Communications Director at BUSD, in a statement to KRON4. The family and construction crew are in our thoughts today. We send them strength and comfort at this difficult time. The full details of the events that led to the persons death are not known at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The incident command team in charge of the Goose Fire, burning outside of Silver City, New Mexico, is reporting continued progress in fighting and containing the fire. The fire, burning 18 miles northwest of Silver City, remains at 3,401 acres and is at 30 percent containment, fire officials said on Saturday, July 26. Goose Fire as of Saturday, July 16. Courtesy of Gila National Forest Enough progress is being made that there will be a switch in incident command team back to the Gila National Forest managing the fire, fire officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire started on July 9 and was caused by lightning, fire officials said. About 115 firefighters remain on scene, containing this fire, which is exhibiting minimal, smoldering, creeping fire behavior, fire officials said. Friday, crews made good progress on the Goose Fire, as they addressed the remaining areas of suppression repair along Goose Lake Trail No. 238, Sheep Corral Trail No. 231, and the 282 and 4083V Forest Service roads. Firefighters also continued securing the fire perimeter and extinguishing any hot spots. A helicopter aided suppression efforts with water bucket drops throughout the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firing operations were conducted overnight to secure additional containment areas, fire officials said. Saturday, rehab work will continue in the same areas as Friday with crews and heavy equipment, and a helicopter will be available for bucket drops if needed, fire officials said. The Albuquerque Zone Type 3 Team will turn over the management of the fire to the Gila National Forest at 7 a.m. Monday. New Mexico Highway 15 will be closed to all traffic for up to eight-hour increments because of withdrawal of heavy equipment. Road closures and interruptions will continue through 10 p.m. Saturday. At this time, minimal heat remains and the fire will be monitored by lookouts and air resources for any signs of activity. Some firefighters have already been demobilized and begun to travel home. The remaining crews and medical support personnel will be released from the incident on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A plan of action has been formed to meet the remaining containment needs by local resources, fire officials said. Smoke may be present for several weeks if hidden hotspots emerge under heat or wind. Incident Commander Lino Baca said: There has been excellent coordination between incident personnel on the ground and Forest Service leadership. We are adapting and scaling our organization to fit current response needs. Dry, sunny weather is expected Saturday with the potential for wind gusts up to 18 mph, temperatures in the upper 80s, and relative humidity dropping to 15% by afternoon. Warm weather is again forecasted for Sunday with relative humidity values around 18% and the potential for isolated storms. While good progress is reported in fighting the fire, the public is still urged to avoid the area around the Goose Fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A temporary flight restriction remains in effect in the fire area. Click here for information on the flight restriction. For information on closures related to the Goose Fire, click here. 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. Smoke may be more visible due to increased fire activity. For information on smoke conditions, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. Police are searching for the gunman who shot and critically wounded a Bronx rapper who, along with a partner, attacked and tried to rob him while livestreaming the beatdown, which was captured on video and shared with the Daily News earlier this month. In the video, the gunman later identified by police as 18-year-old John Ramos can be seen running for his life as two men in a rented white Toyota Corolla chase him down Westchester Ave. in Soundview, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said, describing the July 14 incident. The car cuts him off, Kenny said. They basically jump out, they corner him, they start to beat him up, they grab him in a bear hug, they throw him to the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the attackers later identified by police as 27-year-old Raquan Matthews, known in music circles as the drill rapper KashOut4E punches Ramos in the head and goes through his pockets while his partner films the struggle on his phone, and at one point kicks Ramos in the face. Somehow, Ramos gets up, pulls a gun from his waistband and shoots at Mathews from over his shoulder, hitting him in the neck, Kenny said. Ramos then shoots at the other attacker, who runs away down Commonwealth Ave. As hes getting ready to walk away [Ramos] shoots Matthews one more time for good measure, Kenny said. Soon after the incident, a neighbor who witnessed the scene told The News that it looked like a robbery gone wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At first I thought they were robbing him, she said. One of the guys were saying, Give me my money, give me my money, like he owed them. They were kicking him and he was saying, I dont have no money, the neighbor recounted at the time. He pulled a gun out of nowhere and pow! pow! pow! the guy in the orange went down, the witness continued. According to Kenny, the altercation was part of a longstanding rivalry. Matthews and his accomplice have both previously been arrested for robbery and are suspects in multiple robbery patterns, Kenny said. He may be a rapper, but his main job is hes a robber, Kenny said of Matthews. Ramos has been arrested twice, once for reckless endangerment as an adolescent offender and once for aggravated harassment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EMS rushed Matthews to Jacobi Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition, police said. Contrary to what some outlets have reported, he is currently still living, Kenny said. Police are still searching for Ramos. Credit: @odogwu_dike042 / X Emeka was on the way to open his shop when he heard the first gunshots. He started running for his life and just yards away, saw someone hit by a bullet then drop to the floor with a thud. He didnt stop running, knowing that if he did, hed be the next victim. That was four years ago and the torment has never ended for Emeka and his neighbours. For every Monday, those living across Nigerias south-east are subjected to sit-at-home strikes during which they are not allowed to leave their homes under the orders of banned separatist group Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob). Banks are shut, schools are closed, shopkeepers stay at home and residents stay off the streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If they defy the orders, they will beaten or shot dead on the street, with their cars set on fire sometimes with them still inside. Every Monday, shopkeepers stay at home and residents stay off the streets during sit-at-home strikes across Nigerias south-east - Patrick Meinhardt/AFP They use Mondays to terrorise people in the name of fighting for Biafra. They kill innocent people [and] burn motors that refuse to sit at home, Emeka, who declined to give his real name for fear of reprisals, told The Telegraph. Seriously, things are not going well. Monday used to be the busiest day of the week for Emekas chemist shop in the southern city of Aba. Now business grinds to a halt. His shop and the stalls across Ariaria market one of the largest in West Africa are deserted and the city is left as a ghost town. The Ipob, labelled a terrorist organisation by Nigerian authorities, launched the weekly sit-at-home protest in August 2021 across the five states of Nigerias south-east, which is predominantly inhabited by the Igbo ethnic group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their aim was to pressure the government into releasing Nnamdi Kanu, the groups leader. The group has since said it has called off the strikes, claiming it has been hijacked by criminal groups. The disruption has now dragged on for four years. At least 700 people have been killed and the local economy has been blighted by the carnage, with losses surpassing 7.6 trillion naira (3.7bn). Among the dead are civilians punished for defying the weekly order, as well as those who have died amid clashes between the separatists and Nigerian security forces, according to SBM Intelligence, a Lagos-based research firm. Ikemesit Effiong, a partner at SBM, said the strike had created a climate of fear and economic paralysis in the region. Ipob have subjected locals to arson, looting and targeted assassinations, the firm said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The violence and economic blight are driving people away from what has traditionally been one of Nigerias commercial hotspots. If Nigerians defy the orders, they face being shot, beaten or having their cars set on fire - x.com/dipoaina1 Ngozi left her village in Imo state for Lagos with her husband and children because of what she said were relentless assaults against people not complying with the protest. She said: You almost cannot see any young person in my community now, everybody left. If you speak about them, they will come and burn your house and kill everybody they can find. One trader who sells plastic ware in the city of Onitsha, who only gave her name as Janet, said: I am not in support of Biafra or Nigeria but since we cannot go to work, I just stay at home with my family to be safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mazi Austin Agbanyim, Ipobs Europe representative, confirmed the group had started the stay-at-home protest to demand the release of Mr Kanu, who was arrested in Kenya in 2021. Nnamdi Kanu is escorted to his trial in Abuja, Nigeria, in 2016 - Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP Mr Kanu is a British dual national who has championed Biafran independence for years and formerly ran a campaigning radio station from his flat in Peckham, South London. Biafra briefly seceded from Nigeria in the late 1960s, prompting civil war and the deaths of at least a million people, before the breakaway was blockaded and starved into surrender. After his arrest in Kenya he was taken back to Nigeria where he has been held ever since and faces terrorism charges. Ipob claims it has since called off the protests and it is not responsible for the deaths of civilians, arguing instead that it has been hijacked by criminal imposters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Agbanyim told The Telegraph: They were paid by the enemies of Biafra freedom to infiltrate our movement, criminalise it, and cause division. They did so by illegally enforcing sit-at-home on Mondays and killing those who dare violate their orders. Analysts say the situation has been further confused by other armed groups claiming allegiance to Ipob and factions within the group persisting in enforcing the protest. Nigerian police arrest a protester during the 2021 trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of Ipob Criminal gangs are also thought to have latched on to the chaos. Polling shows that any support for the protest has plummeted as the years have dragged on. Despite Ipobs attempts to disassociate itself from the regions violence, Nigerian police have accused the group of involvement in several incidents, including a 2021 attack on a prison and the murder of over 30 travellers earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ipob denied responsibility for those two attacks. Nigerias federal high court in Abuja last week said it would rule on Oct 10 whether to free Mr Kanu. Back in Aba, Emeka is convinced that a release would ease the situation, though he is not sure which way the court will go. He said: I just wish one day it will end. 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. NEW YORK (PIX11) Transit riders are always looking for a way to get around faster and more efficiently. Underground passageways and connections can speed up the part of the commute that involves walking. More Transit News A pedestrian tunnel exists between Herald Square and Penn Station. It was known as the Gimbels Passageway for the famous department store. New York Building Congress President and CEO Carlo Scissura is advocating for it to be reopened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im a kid from Brooklyn. I remember we used the passageway. Theres a lot of development in building happening in the Penn District and with Amtrak at Penn Station, he said. He believes the existing tunnel infrastructure could be modernized and upgraded with cameras and technology to enhance safety. The Real estate company Vornado is the current owner and developer of the Penn District and the building with the tunnel. Some of the companys earlier plans supported the reopening of the tunnel. Vornado did not have a comment for this report. It was closed in the late 1980s when the department store went out of business. Concerns about crime and safety also plagued the tunnel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justin Rivers is with Untapped New York, which is an online magazine and tour company. They help uncover the secrets and hidden gems of the city. When Gimbels shut down, they said we cant police this. Now it would be an easier way to access the space in a busy area. Theyve made improvements to Penn Station; theres a lot of work to be done. This could be a key piece of the puzzle, Rivers said. The website Forgotten New York has been documenting the tunnel and its history. The MTA has reopened some passageways or created new ones underground in the past years, including at Grand Central and between Bryant Park and Times Square. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bryant Park-Times Square pedestrian tunnel was opened after years of closure. Initially, it was not open during the late overnight hours. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MADISON COUNTY, Iowa Newly-obtained court documents show temporary Madison County Auditor Matthew Schwarzs phone was also seized by authorities during a search warrant last Friday night. It is the same night the Madison County Sheriffs Office served a search warrant at the Earlham home of Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Heather Stancil. It is unknown if the searches are related. Auditor Matthew Schwarz and Supervisor Heather Stancil at his swearing-in ceremony on July 7, 2025. WHO 13 reached out to Madison County Sheriff Jason Barnes, who declined to comment and deferred to the Iowa Attorney Generals Office. In the Madison County District Court filing, attorneys for Schwarz state the phone contains protected client-attorney information, as well as matters of state secrets privilege and national security, in addition to other protected material. A search warrant was reportedly signed and executed on July 18, according to the filing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schwarz is requesting that the warrant be quashed, and/or a protective order be put into place, and a Special Master be assigned. The motion asks that any attempt by law enforcement to extract or download information be stopped immediately. If the court were to refuse to quash the warrant, Schwarz is requesting that the court outline protective measures that will be put into place, including the use of an independent third-party forensic service provider to conduct the search of his mobile device. Matthew Schwarzs Motion to quash a search warrant by Madison County law enforcement. The filing also requests that an emergency hearing be held regarding the request. Schwarz is represented by Alex J. Gilmore of F.M. Brown Law Firm. Neither Schwarz nor his attorney responded to a request for comment on the matter. The Madison County Courthouse. 2025 According to the public Iowa Online Courts database, his filing was entered roughly 13 minutes after a similar motion was filed on behalf of Stancil on Saturday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stancils attorney, Alan Ostergren, submitted an Application for a Protective Order. The filing, which echoes a recent Temporary Restraining Order request that she submitted in Federal court and quickly withdrew, states the phone contains documents, text messages, and other records protected by the attorney/client privilege. Stancil allegedly communicated with her attorney through her cell phone regarding a Federal lawsuit she recently filed against the Sheriff after he announced he was investigating her for alleged election misconduct. It also points to legislative privilege related to Stancils duties as a member of the Madison County Board of Supervisors, and her ability to engage in confidential communications with her constituents. Supervisor Heather Stancils state Application for Protective Order As with Schwarz, Stancil is requesting a hearing with the court in hopes of establishing protective measures surrounding some of the data on her phone, possibly including the appointment of an outside law enforcement agency, a Special Master, or similar measures. The state filing does not mention protection for her county-issued laptop, which was also confiscated and mentioned in her now moot Federal filing. Stancils attorney previously declined to comment on the unfolding situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither filing had been processed by the Madison County Clerk of Courts as of Friday evening. A representative from the Iowa Judicial Branch confirmed to WHO 13 that neither one had been docketed. Due to this, no case number had been assigned, and it was unclear when the requested emergency hearings might take place. Madison County Board of Supervisors Chair Heather Stancil working without her county-issued laptop at the July 22 meeting after it was confiscated by law enforcement. This is just the latest hiccup surrounding the County Auditors Seat. The elected Auditor resigned after four months that were marred by controversy, including multiple efforts to hire her former campaign manager in various positions. Schwarz was appointed by the Board of Supervisors in a 2-1 vote the day before her resignation went into effect. He was sworn in the following week. Auditor Matthew Schwarz is sworn in as Madison County Auditor. Almost immediately, a bipartisan group of citizens named the Madison County Civic Alliance announced they would begin collecting signatures to petition for a Special Election. That petition garnered well over the necessary amount needed and was accepted by the Board earlier this week during a meeting where tensions boiled over between Stancil and County Attorney Stephen Swanson during a public argument over Schwarz. The disagreement stemmed from a confusing public notice that was recently posted to the front page of the Auditors website, and which stated there was a vacancy in the 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 who13.com. An apparent late-night bar fight that was taken outside led to an arrest after a man allegedly stabbed another at a parking lot in east Colorado Springs, according to police. Officers arrived to the 2400 block of North Union Boulevard, near Constitution Avenue, around 11:45 p.m. Thursday and found a man with a non-life-threatening knife wound on his neck, Colorado Springs police said in an online blotter entry. Police took 42-year-old Phillip Conner into custody a short time later and discovered that the suspect and the man knew each other, and that the disturbance started at the bar then moved to the parking lot. Conner was charged with first-degree assault and booked into the El Paso County jail. He is being held on a $25,000 bond. Public records indicate Conner has been found guilty of a first-degree misdemeanor for pointing or brandishing a firearm in Virginia back in 2015. The Rock Island City Council will vote Monday on a resolution affirming the citys commitment to register the Southwest Rock Island Wetlands as a land and water reserve with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), according to a news release. (rigov.org) As presented at the June 23 City Council study session, the Wetland Task Force recommends this process to permanently place the area in a conservation easement that will protect more than 600 acres of wetlands, making it one of the largest municipal land and water reserves in the state. The establishment of a Land and Water Reserve provides a number of advantages, including the flexibility to draft terms tailored to the area in the final agreement, the development of a wetland management plan as part of the registration process, and the ability to have expertise provided by IDNR throughout the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This resolution represents a significant achievement for the Citys environmental stewardship and long-term sustainability planning. It also fulfills the Wetland Task Forces directive to develop a recommendation for the City Council on a conservation easement for this area. The Task Force now looks forward to developing a wetland management plan in coordination with the IDNR. Background RiverStone Group donated 538 acres of land to the City of Rock Island in 2022. Of this acreage, only 10 acres was deemed suitable for development. A Hana Illowa LLC is moving forward with plans to construct a cannabis dispensary, gas station and possible retail space on the site. The 10 acres that are being developed are not wetlands, and are not in the floodplain, the release says. In response to public concern for the protection of wildlife, in March former Mayor Mike Thoms created a Wetlands Task Force to explore the creation of a conservation easement that will permanently protect the remaining 528 acres. The city is including an additional 72 acres in the easement. Once the land and water reserve has been established, a new name for the area will be chosen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Wetlands Task Force has been meeting bi-weekly since April 16, with the goal to develop a recommendation for city council on the establishment of a conservation easement in six months and the development of a wetland management plan in 12 months. Members of the task force include: Rock Island Mayor Ashley Harris; 2nd Ward Alderman Randy Hurt, City Manager Todd Thompson; Community Development Director Miles Brainard; Economic Development Director Tom Flaherty; Community Engagement Manager Sarah Hayden; Planning and Zoning Manager Tanner Osing; former Mayor Mike Thoms; Missy Gasiorowski, general contractor with Hodge Construction; Hannah Alexander, regional director and community relations manager for NTI (Natures Treatment of Illinois); Nina Struss, river health and resiliency organizer with Prairie Rivers Network; Jon Duyvejonck, retired wildlife biologist from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and member of the Sierra Club; Kathy Wine, executive director of River Action; and Tim Pressly, landowner. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn. (WWLP) Fire crews from across Connecticut were called to a large house fire on Niederwerfer Road Friday afternoon. This bill could save Bay State owls and hawks Flames tore through a two-and-a-half-story farmhouse on Niederwerfer Road in South Windsor during a summer storm Friday. Courtesy of South Windsor Fire Department The South Windsor Fire Department was called shortly after 2 p.m. to the 300 block of Niederwerfer Road for a reported house fire. South Windsor Fire Chief Kevin Cooney arrived within six minutes and confirmed a working fire, with heavy flames visible from the front porch and first floor of the residence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With vehicles in the driveway but no one outside, firefighters quickly made entry from the opposite side of the home to initiate a search. Two cats were located inside, but the volume of fire on the first floor forced crews to retreat. A short time later, the homeowner arrived on the scene and confirmed all occupants were safely out of the house. Courtesy of South Windsor Fire Department Crews faced additional difficulties due to the rural location, which has no nearby fire hydrants. Mutual aid was immediately requested for water tankers, and a supply line of more than 3,000 feet was laid to support firefighting operations. Approximately 40 South Windsor firefighters worked to put out the fire, assisted by mutual aid departments from Broad Brook, Vernon, Ellington, Manchester, East Hartford, Glastonbury, Warehouse Point, and Windsor. Additional jurisdictional coverage was provided by the Bloomfield Center and Bolton fire departments. The response took place during a severe storm cell, with lightning and temperatures nearing 100 degrees. Despite the difficult weather and fire conditions, no injuries were reported among fire personnel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crews also helped rescue approximately 20 pigs from an attached garage. The condition of the two cats located inside remains unconfirmed as of Friday evening. Support on scene was provided by the South Windsor Police Department, the Ambulance Service of Manchester, and South Windsors 9-1-1 dispatchers, who were praised for their coordination during the emergency. The South Windsor Fire Marshals Office remains on scene investigating the origin and cause of the fire. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. This story has been updated with comments from Councilman Jeffreys and state Rep. Thomas. A video of a fight involving multiple people in Downtown Cincinnati is going viral amid ongoing debates about crime in the urban core. Signal 99, a Facebook page which calls itself "a Spicy meme page for Cops, Firefighters, Medics and Dispatchers" shared the video the morning of July 26. It went on to get traction on multiple platforms, and additional angles of the incident have also been shared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The post claims the fight took place at the corner of Fourth and Elm streets late Friday. The Cincinnati Music Festival brought thousands of people Downtown. Mayoral candidate and JD Vance's half-brother Cory Bowman reposted the video later in the day, using it as a vehicle to argue that the current administration is not addressing crime properly. The Enquirer texted Mayor Aftab Pureval's spokesman for comment, but has not received a response. Cincinnati police spokesman Jonathan Cunningham said the situation is under investigation. No details about whether anyone was hospitalized or arrested have been released. Chief Teresa Theetge issued a statement just after 6 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am in complete disgust waking up to the viral video many of you have now seen. The behavior displayed is nothing short of cruel and absolutely unacceptable," Theetge said. "Our investigative team is working diligently to identify every individual involved in causing harm." She said the fight was not connected to the Cincinnati Music Festival. "This was a sudden dispute between individuals following a verbal altercation," Theetge said. The chief is asking anyone with information about the incident to call CrimeStoppers at 513-352-3040. The Enquirer has reached out to several businesses in the vicinity. At 6 p.m. on July 26, none had responded to phone messages or had agreed to speak in person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cincinnati city councilman Mark Jeffreys described the video of the fight as "incredibly disturbing and horrific," as well as "downright inhumane." He added that he's spoken with other city officials and police to work on "finding the individuals responsible and arresting them urgently." "This behavior cannot stand and will not represent our city," Jeffreys said. "Those responsible must be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law." Ohio State Rep. Cecil Thomas said in a statement to Enquirer media partner Fox19 that he is totally embarrassed to see such behavior. Thomas goes on to say that, with visitors from around the country, this sort of violence is unacceptable. Crime in Cincinnati According to Cincinnati police data released on July 21, the central business district and riverfront area of Downtown has seen a 25% increase in violent crime compared to last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The data shows there have been 21 aggravated assaults between Jan. 1 and July 21 this year, compared to 16 during the same period in 2024. Property crime has also increased by about 57% year over year. Theetge has announced a series of initiatives aimed at curbing crime, including a roving task force and more visible patrols. She has been giving updates about crime statistics in press conferences nearly every week. The Enquirer will update this story with more information when it becomes available. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Downtown fight goes viral amid push to curb crime MANSFIELD, Pa. (WETM) Students attending Commonwealth University-Mansfield are set to see a change in housing options beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. 18 News reached out to CU-Mansfield on Tuesday, July 22, after receiving reports that students would be seeing a change in the way residence halls would be organized on the campus. In response, the university told 18 News that Mansfield students received an email back in February 2025 stating that Residence Life had adjusted the buildings and space being used for housing on campus to better meet student needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commonwealth University sees grant for student support services Through preferences shared through the campuss Student Government Association, Council of Trustees and other entities, the university determined that students were most interested in seeing an increase in availability for more cost-efficient shared B units and single B units. As a result, the university says the following adjustments have been made to its housing locations: Oak Hall will open its first three floors to first-year students. The fourth floor will be open to upperclassmen. Spruce Hall will open its ground floor to honors students. Other floors will be open to students 21 and over and Greek life. Sycamore Hall will open its first floor to upperclassmen. The second floor will be open to workforce development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In previous years, Oak Hall was utilized to house primarily first-year students, while Sycamore Hall and Spruce Hall housed upperclassmen. Hickory Hall, another residence hall on the campus, has not been used by incoming students for a few years. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. DORSET TOWNSHIP Comp Dairy Farm is nearing full strength after months of rebuilding, transporting cows and assistance from a variety of sources. The barns are back full again, said Jerry Comp, who led the rebuild of the family farm, which has been milking cows for several generations. He said there are 1,072 cows being milked at the farm. On Sept. 22, 2024, fire ripped through one barn and damaged parts of others, forcing cows to be evacuated by trailer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cows all returned to the farm several months ago after the assistance of farmers all over Northeast Ohio and surrounding regions, Comp said. He said the tradeoff was the farmers assisting paid for the feed and upkeep of the animals, and received the milk in exchange for their assistance. He said many donations from the community made the process possible, as they waited for the rebuilding of the farm. A barn used to house sick cows and those recovering after giving birth has its roof in place, but internal elements are still being worked on. Comp said all the details will hopefully be completed by winter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the few blessings in the reconstruction process is the new building has a much higher, peaked roof. We used to have to shovel the roof, he said of the former building. Comp said most of the concrete in the barns had to be replaced. There are still places where scarring from the fire can be seen, he said Many of the cows returned to the farm last winter and they continued to return into the spring. The cows seemed to enjoy being home, Comp said. He said they were mooing loudly as they were led back to their barns. Some major equipment was destroyed in the fire and is just now being replaced, Comp said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everything goes slow these days, he said. Comp continues to marvel at how many people assisted the farm during its time of need. He said he has been very lucky. In addition to donations, Comp said there have been many people have helped with little things during the whole process. The night of the fire, flames and smoke filled the sky as farm workers gathered cows and prepared to put them in trailers that showed up to assist. The process lasted all night and continued the following morning, as the cows were moved to their new, short-term homes, Firefighters were still on-site the following morning, watering down hot spots. Elrico Donelson, 21, formerly of Danville, was sentenced on Tuesday to seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections followed by one year of mandatory supervised release after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. The People presented evidence that on May 21, 2024, an officer with the Danville Police Department observed a vehicle to be illegally parked. As law enforcement approached, some people in the area of the vehicle fled on foot. Donelson was observed by officers exiting the passenger side of the vehicle and he was the only individual observed to be in the vehicle at that time. A number of guns were recovered, including one personally possessed by Donelson. The defendant was also identified in various social media posts, which showed him in possession of the same gun. The plea and sentencing hearing were presided over by Judge Mark S. Goodwin. States Attorney Jacqueline Lacy, in a press release, expressed gratitude to the Danville Police Department for their diligent efforts in this case. She added, repeat offenders with access to firearms are a direct threat to public safety. We will continue to work with our local police departments to take steps towards protecting our neighborhoods and preventing violent crime. UPDATE: A suspect arrested in connection with a vandalized statue was sentenced Wednesday in Scott County Court, where Our Quad Cities News was in the courtroom. Romeo Radcliff (Scott County Jail) Romeo Radcliff pleaded guilty to a charge of second-degree criminal mischief. Another charge was dismissed. A sentence of incarceration was suspended, and Radcliff was placed on probation pending good behavior for a period of two years, unless sooner released by the court upon recommendation by the probation officer, according to a Scott County sentencing order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conditions of probation include that Radcliff will: obtain a mental-health evaluation and successfully complete any recommended treatment obtain a substance-abuse evaluation and successfully complete any recommended treatment complete the IDAP (Iowa Domestic Abuse Program) complete the Residential Corrections Facility program meet other conditions set by the probation officer complete 120 hours of community service pay restitution of $5,000 to the City of Bettendorf. I dont see that prisons going to help you, the judge told Radcliff, adding that Radcliff needs structure. EARLIER: A 33-year-old Davenport man was in custody Saturday in connection with vandalism of a Bettendorf statue that went missing earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Romeo Radcliff faces felony charges of second-degree criminal mischief and second-degree theft, according to Scott County Court arrest affidavits. Skipper, by Quad City artist Ted McElhiney, depicted a boy skipping rocks on the Mississippi River in Leach Park, Bettendorf. The statue was stolen from Leach Park between Jan. 8 and Jan, 9, 2025, police say. Officers say in affidavits that Radcliff is seen earlier this year on camera scrapping parts of the bronze statue. Radcliff admitted to scrapping the statute but denied stealing it or knowing that the parts were stolen, police say in affidavits. Radcliff scrapped the head, hands and one foot from the statue, affidavits show. The total value of the stolen statue is between $4,000-$5,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scott County Court documents say pretrial release was revoked for Radcliff, who was arrested on a warrant and was being held Saturday in Scott County Jail on a $5,000 secured bond and a $10,000 cash-only bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. Americas so-called sane conservatives have had a lot of explaining to do since 2016, and even more since January of this year. How do they dissociate themselves from Donald Trump and still justify their own continuing belief in a conservative ideological project that is supposed to be good for America, but in practice has brought chaos, misery and poisonous social strife? It would be more straightforward and honest of these anti-Trump conservatives to admit that postwar conservatism in America was all a lie, that they were dupes and that they finally saw the light. Or they could claim they were seduced by its darker, authoritarian strains, its temptation to worship power, and now they have finally saved their souls by renouncing this ideological devil. That is the well-worn path of sinners come to confession, or, in secular terms, Whittaker Chambers renouncing his allegiance to Stalin. Instead, they typically reposition themselves as the immovable axis of correct values, and denounce their former ideological fellow travelers as heretics who profaned true conservatism. As they so often claim, I didnt leave the party, the party left me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This form of rationalization and denial is embarrassingly evident in a recent apologia by David Brooks, the New York Times notion of an ideal conservative. Writing in The Atlantic, Brooks says that the conservatism he enthusiastically discovered in the early 1980s was a movement bursting with ideas. There was a minority within the movement, he admits, who were not real conservatives, but reactionaries. At the beginning, they were barely worthy of notice. I wont bore the reader by recapitulating the process of his shocked realization, 40 years too late, that the reactionary fringe, as Brooks calls it, was the true core of the party, the seed of a poisonous fruit that required decades to reach its putrid bloom. Its said that every confession is a species of boasting, and Brookss mea culpa, that he should have seen this coming, is in that vein: He was just too good-hearted to think his fellow travelers in the conservative movement capable of such iniquity. Of course, maintaining ones innocence requires rearranging history. It was mainstream conservatives, not some fringe, who perpetrated the Iran-Contra affair, invaded Iraq under false pretenses, enthusiastically tortured prisoners in the quixotic war on terrorism, and recklessly cut taxes and deregulated markets to pave the way for the biggest global financial crash since the Great Depression. It was mainstream conservatives who voted unanimously against Barack Obamas rather tepid Affordable Care Act, itself a rehash of a Heritage Foundation proposal from the 1990s. Brooks labored apologia is a history his history of recent American conservatism, a Manichaean fable of civilized, conscientious conservatives full of marvelous ideas and declasse, knuckle-dragging right-wingers. But beyond its heroes-and-villains simplicity, the piece reminds us of a characteristic habit of conservatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brooks distorts not only his own past, and that of the conservative movement, but the American past as well, since much of his piece is a Parson Weems-style potted history of our country, apparently written to vindicate his optimism that everything will come out right in the end. I have already written about right-wingers longstanding taste for distorting the record of the past to conform to their ideology. That kind of historical mythology is now the law in many Republican states. In the Trump regime, conservatives now ladle their historical fairy tales down the throats of schoolchildren, at taxpayers expense. Whether this is due to deliberate malice, in the manner of Stalin airbrushing disgraced Bolsheviks out of photographs, or from the actual belief that nothing really bad ever happened in America over the course of the last 250 years, is anyones guess. Brooks goes on to cite approvingly a real work of history, What Hath God Wrought, by the former Oxford and UCLA historian Daniel Walker Howe. That book is a Pulitzer Prize-winning account of America during the turbulent years from the end of the War of 1812 to the end of the Mexican War in 1848. Brooks sees it as an uplifting story of how an imperfectly founded country with flaws like slavery can nevertheless progress onward and upward, both technologically and morally, providing an optimistic object lesson for overcoming todays political troubles. Howes volume is worth an extended examination, if only to illustrate how actual history, written by a competent professional, contrasts with Brookss representation of it. Most important is the question of why his interpretation of American history is so skewed, and what it tells us about the conservative worldview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The striking thing about Howes history is the way it refutes rather than confirms the American exceptionalism view of U.S. history as a chronicle of mostly uninterrupted progress. White males were shorter in 1850, on average, than they had been in 1800, and their average life expectancy was a full five years less. American cities registered more deaths than births, and continued growing only because of immigration from overseas and migration from rural areas. The nation grew and became increasingly industrial, but many eggs were broken to make the omelet, in the manner of Stalins forced industrialization of Russia. And this is before we consider Americas peculiar institution: slavery. Prior to the period Howe describes, few Americans tried to defend slavery as a positive good. It was held, even in the South, to be a regrettable evil which the slave states would eventually abolish or allow to die out in some undefined way. But beginning around 1820, the year of the Missouri Compromise, slavery began to dominate American politics, suffusing even issues that one might think were unrelated, such as federal funding for infrastructure projects. Eventually, white elites in the South began to defend slavery as a beneficial and even benevolent institution, enlisting the Bible as scriptural support. This serves to illustrate that much of the American political and social landscape of almost two centuries ago was eerily familiar, even if the labels were the reverse of what we perceive as customary today. The current Democratic Party has been the party of civil rights for the past 60 years; it was then the upholder of slavery and white supremacy. We roll our eyes at what a reactionary mess evangelical Christianity has become over the past several decades, but in the early 19th century it embodied a progressive Christian humanism and largely supported political reform, the abolition of slavery, the emancipation of women, public education and intellectual pursuits. The presidents serving between Andrew Jackson and Abraham Lincoln have virtually disappeared from historical memory (with the possible exception of the vile James Buchanan), no doubt simply to blot out their sub-mediocrity. Certainly every Democrat who served as president during that period was awful; while Howe is a judicious historian who by no means rants at them, his recounting of their official acts is damning enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martin Van Buren, the only American president whose first language was not English, was a manipulative and prevaricating weasel. James Polk was not only a slaveholder who increased his human chattel while president, but incited a war against Mexico which, by bringing new territories into the union, made an eventual civil war over slavery almost inevitable. Franklin Pierce, although a Northerner, fiercely defended slavery while signing the Kansas-Nebraska Act and enforcing the Fugitive Slave Act; he was a drunkard to boot. Buchanan, according to one biographer, was so sympathetic to slavery that his passivity (and even sly assistance to the South) in the wake of secession amounted to treason. Against them were arrayed the Whigs, whose combination of bad luck and ineptitude has made them a byword for political failure. The two Whigs elected to the presidency, William Henry Harrison and Zachary Taylor, managed to die early in office, and were succeeded, respectively, by John Tyler, who systematically betrayed Harrisons platform in favor of Southern interests, and Millard Fillmore, chiefly noted for being claimed, in a famous hoax article by H.L. Mencken, as the first president to install a bathtub in the White House. Apart from the fact that the very name Whig arouses mirth, the partys besetting weakness was its attempt to remain a national party by straddling the issue of slavery and splitting the difference with temporary compromises that satisfied neither its northern nor southern supporters and eventually blew up the party. It is a sad commentary, and maybe a harbinger of the present era, that the antebellum Democrats succeeded because they were passionate passionate in defending an evil cause, a rather depressing lesson on how to obtain political support from the American people. Virtually every repellent feature we see now in Trump and his supporters was present in the so-called Jacksonian democracy: a hard-wired anti-intellectualism that disdained expertise, self-improvement and culture; a knee-jerk anti-government mentality masquerading as constitutionalism; white supremacy and a dedication to slavery and Indian removal; misogyny and enmity to the nascent womens movement; a fondness for violence, mob justice and military force; and disregard for the rule of law. Picture Huck Finns Pap, and you have limned the archetypal Jacksonian Democrat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even Trumps crazy economic schemes have their analog in Jacksons destruction of the Second Bank of the United States and his crackpot Specie Circular, an executive order requiring payment in gold or silver to the government for sales of federal land. It was later repealed by Congress, but not before helping trigger the Panic of 1837, a long and deep depression. But it was slavery that increasingly made the Democrats a nearly single-issue party. Their opposition to transportation projects and other infrastructure, though supposedly grounded in Jeffersonian principle, was a roundabout way of retarding industrial development and ensuring that slavery did not become an economic anachronism. Supposed state sovereignty was another bulwark in protecting slavery. Democrats also largely opposed compulsory public education; who needed that, in a rural economy? Southern postmasters instituted a comprehensive censorship of mail to prevent antislavery literature from reaching the South. Slavery even intruded into foreign policy: Secretary of State John C. Calhoun told the Senate that the U.S. had decided to annex the Republic of Texas explicitly to protect slavery from the (imaginary) British demand for abolition in return for the Texans receiving credit from London banks. Whenever a Democrat was president, US foreign policy worked to undermine British attempts to suppress the Atlantic slave trade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defense of slavery was the rationale behind the Democrats twisted definition of freedom. In practice, it meant the freedom of white males to own slaves and drive the original inhabitants of North America off their land. Southerners wrote elaborate polemics describing Southern society as the natural heir to Athens and Rome, and Southern Protestant denominations split off from their Northern coreligionists, claiming the Bible sanctioned slavery. Want more sharp takes on politics? Sign up for our free newsletter, Standing Room Only by Amanda Marcotte, also a weekly show on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. Even the rise of a distinctive American popular culture was infused with defenses of white supremacy and slavery. Minstrel shows were an early iteration of country music that glorified the Southern way of life, as did the songs of Stephen Foster (born in Pittsburgh). This legacy continued for over a century in newly-invented media, with films like Birth of a Nation and Gone with the Wind, or the wildly popular recordings of Al Jolson, a Lithuanian-born rabbis son who sang in blackface. There is a belief common among some on the left (beginning with William Appleman Williams, Gar Alperowitz and other postwar revisionist historians) as well as right-wing paleoconservatives and neo-isolationists (represented by The American Conservative and the Lew Rockwellites), that the Spanish-American War of 1898 was a sea-change in the national character, leading more or less directly to the 20th centurys series of foreign interventions and an imperialism founded on overseas military bases and commercial penetration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without belaboring the point, Howe provides abundant evidence to the contrary, arguing that imperialistic expansion was in the very DNA of the young republic. As soon as the U.S. narrowly avoided extinction in the ill-advised, badly executed War of 1812, it was hot to grab Florida from Spain, extort Texas from the newly formed Republic of Mexico, prise the Pacific Northwest from Russia and Britain, and push surviving Native Americans off the lands they held by treaties solemnly concluded with Washington. And throughout the decades before the Civil War, there were numerous filibusters: expeditions by private, freebooting U.S. citizens to take over portions of Central America, Mexico, Cuba and even Canada. From the moment of Mexicos independence in 1821, its foreign ministers faced a barrage of American offers to buy Texas or California. These were often backed by threats of varying subtlety. (Trump has resurrected this type of thinly veiled gangsterism in his efforts to pry Greenland loose from Denmark.) Polks maneuvering into war with Mexico in 1848, complete with a phony border incident as a casus belli, bears comparison with Hitlers attack on Poland for its purposeful aggression. To continue the analogy, the way was clear for an invasion of Mexico only after the U.S. had concluded an agreement with Britain over division of the Pacific Northwest, long a bone of contention. Why did the U.S. accept peaceful agreement with Britain? Because Britain was a world power it didnt want to fight (remembering the near-catastrophe of 1812), in much the same way that Hitler felt constrained to come to agreement with the Soviet Union before he felt free to conquer Poland. With the Brits neutralized, Polk could proceed to expand the country to the southwest. The Democratic New York Herald was exultant: We can now thrash Mexico into decency at our leisure. Abraham Lincoln, then a young Whig congressman, was less enthusiastic, describing the conflict as a war of conquest to catch votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brooks insists on seeing all this as an edifying story of a nations rise, albeit with a few bumps in the road. He views the Whig Party, at that time the party of the rule of law, public education, industrial development and expansion of rights, as the party of the future, despite its weakness against the Jacksonian Democrats. But the Whigs dissolved as a party almost a full decade before Southern secession, and the political imbalance in the country only got worse. The political history of the U.S. from 1820 on has typically been presented as a series of compromises over slavery to stave off secession, but in reality, every deal from the Compromise of 1820 onward was a victory for the pro-slavery faction, and each victory set the table for the further advance and legal entrenchment of slavery. By the time of the Dred Scott decision (nine years after Howes chronicle ends), the South had reached the goal line: the right to own slaves was constitutionally established everywhere in the country. It is difficult to imagine what optimistic lessons can possibly be drawn from an era that set the stage for the bloodiest war in American history, a conflict that caused more deaths than all other American wars combined. And will we ever know the final result of that war? How the South Won the Civil War, a well-received book by Heather Cox Richardson, eloquently argues that the Norths victory was ephemeral. Brooks view of history, as reflected in his interpretation of Howes narrative, is merely an extension of his presentation of his own experience within the conservative movement over the last four decades. Just as he refuses to see the embedded evils of real conservatism, instead believing that an extremist fringe staged an illegitimate takeover of a movement brimming with excellent ideas, he balks at seeing the American past as a distinctly mixed picture, one containing its share of tragedy and atrocity, whose legacy marks us still, and whose outcome is by no means clear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conservatives like Brooks will always seek refuge in a sanitized past in order to avoid honest confrontation with present conditions. If slavery wasnt that bad, and was in any case abolished, why bother engaging with painful examinations of present inequality? They are not alone in pursuing vindication through history. Martin Luther King Jr. said, The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice. But this statement has been frequently misquoted and transformed, with Barack Obama saying, The arc of history is long, but it bends towards justice. Obamas subtle and possibly unconscious change from the cosmological to the temporal is significant in showing that liberals, too, think that history is somehow predetermined in their favor. As a glance at the world today will tell us, from the battlefields in Ukraine and the abattoir of Gaza to the ICE detention centers here at home, the arc of history bends in no certain direction. The view that history is teleological, that it is goal-directed, is a fallacy believed in by Christians, conservatives, liberals and Marxists alike. But it is not only wrong; it is harmful. The arc of history is a narcotic that robs us of human responsibility, in allowing us to believe in some mysterious mechanism that will make things come out right by a sort of magic. Much elite political commentary of the last decade, with its talk of institutions and guardrails, is a species of whistling past the graveyard. In truth, an era our era is only as good or bad as the citizens who live in it; there is no historical process to bail us out. The post David Brooks faces the truth of US history and runs away appeared first on Salon.com. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. When Rep. David Valadao, R-Calif., was knocked out of office in 2018, Democrats around the country were riding a wave of backlash against President Donald Trump and the GOPs attempts to cut health care. Now, after Valadao provided a critical vote for a sweeping tax cuts and spending package that slashed Medicaid and food stamps, Democrats see an opportunity for a repeat in Californias Central Valley, where many low-income residents depend on social safety net programs. Valadao has already drawn at least two Democratic challengers in his battleground district, which will be key to Republicans efforts to hang on to their narrow majority in next years midterm elections. These include Jasmeet Bains, a doctor and member of the California state Assembly who officially jumped into the race last week. She told NBC News she was motivated by Valadaos support for the bill and plans to make health care a defining issue in the campaign against him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt something that I ever envisioned for myself. Im a doctor, Bains said of her decision to run for Congress. When I saw Valadao vote for the big, beautiful bill, I was shocked. As was everyone. How could you do that in a district that has some of the highest needs? Some of the highest Medicaid patients in the country? Randy Villegas, a school board trustee who is affiliated with the Working Families Party, is also mounting a bid in the 22nd District. Even prior to his vote on the megabill, Valadao was seen as one of the more vulnerable Republicans up for re-election in 2026. After he lost in 2018, Valadao made a comeback bid and returned to Congress the following cycle. But his vote for Trumps bill could now put his swing seat even more at risk. Valadaos district has the highest share of Medicaid recipients and households receiving food stamps of any represented by a Republican in Congress, according to an NBC News analysis. In a preview of the attack ads to come, House Majority Forward, a nonprofit group aligned with Democratic leadership, and the League of Conservation Voters are launching new ads next week hitting Valadao over his support for the bill, according to a source familiar with the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agriculturally rich region, which relies heavily on migrant farmworkers, is also bracing for mass deportations that some fear could disrupt the local economy and national food supply chains. Valadao has urged Trump to prioritize deporting criminals over undocumented laborers, but the administration has sent mixed signals about its approach. It all has the community here on edge. Im definitely scared. Im worried about it, 53-year-old Rick Garcia, a local resident who relies on Medicaid after he was permanently paralyzed in his early 20s, told NBC News in an interview about the health care cuts. Valadao had repeatedly vowed to oppose the big, beautiful bill, warning just several days before final passage that he couldnt support the Senate product. But he ended up supporting that version without any changes to the legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked how he felt about Valadaos vote, Garcia told NBC News: Betrayed. If youre a politician and youre gonna say youre gonna do something, youre relying on that politician to do something about that problem, Garcia said. Be a man of your word. Republicans argue that only those they say dont deserve to be on Medicaid, like undocumented immigrants and able-bodied adults who dont work, will be kicked off the program. But Garcia said the states Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, has already tried to remove him twice before, so he worries people could erroneously get swept up in all the new changes or will struggle to navigate the more frequent eligibility check-ins. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projected Trumps new law will increase the number of people without health insurance by 10 million by 2034. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Valadaos office said the congressman was not available for an interview for this story. In a statement after the House vote on the bill earlier this month, Valadao defended his decision. I voted for this bill because it does preserve the Medicaid program for its intended recipients children, pregnant women, the disabled, and elderly, he said. Christian Martinez, a spokesman for the National Republican Campaign Committee, said the bill that Valadao voted for will ease the burden on hardworking Californians and took a swipe at Villegas and Bains. Their far-left agenda will continue to wreck Californias economy, raise taxes, and put illegal immigrants ahead of California families, Martinez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Valadao has stood up to his own party before. Most notably, he was one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump in 2021 following the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. But Trump has since further tightened his grip on the party, even threatening to back primary challenges to Republicans who stood in the way of his big, beautiful bill. The sprawling domestic policy bill extends Trumps 2017 tax cuts, removes some taxes on tips and overtime, and beefs up funding for immigration enforcement and the military. While the legislation is generally unpopular in public polling, Republicans are betting once they start selling it, their members will be rewarded for supporting it. Some local business owners in Valadaos district hailed the bill and praised Valadao for backing it. Rob Taylor, who has owned Staffords Chocolates in Porterville for the last 14 years, said he thinks some of the bills tax provisions will be a boon for small businesses like his. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I appreciate Valadao sticking up for himself and his constituents here, Taylor, who has voted for Valadao in the past, told NBC News. Hes not just a rubber stamp. He does look at both sides [of an issue]. In order to partially pay for the bill, Republicans opted to scale back Medicaid and food stamps. That includes instituting new work requirements for able-bodied adults, making undocumented immigrants ineligible for the program and putting new restrictions on the state provider tax, which is a significant source of revenue for rural hospitals. Moderate Republicans fended off even steeper cuts to Medicaid that had been in the mix during the negotiations, such as reducing the federal cost-sharing formula. But Valadao acknowledged he still harbors concerns over some of the Medicaid changes, particularly those impacting rural hospitals. Access to health care in rural areas can already be difficult. Often, facilities are dependent on help from the government to stay afloat. Kern Hospital in Bakersfield, a social safety net hospital, gets 72% of its patient revenue from Medi-Cal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then there are rural health clinics, like the Bakersfield American Indian Health Project, where Garcia receives some of his care. These clinics rely on various revenue streams from the federal government and provide critical preventive care services to many low-income patients on Medicaid. Theres no frills here. No ones taking advantage of anything. Theyre trying to survive, Dr. Carson Chambers, a clinical psychologist at the Bakersfield American Indian Health Project, told NBC News. Asked about the impacts of the Medicaid cuts, Chambers said: It may be well-intentioned, it may be fiscally sound, but in the long run, I think its going to cost more. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com July 26 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1775, Congress establishes the U.S. postal system. In 1847, Liberia became a republic and Africa's first sovereign, Black-ruled democratic nation. In 1908, the FBI was born as the Bureau of Investigation, or BOI, when a group of newly hired investigators reported to the Justice Department. The special unit officially became the FBI in 1935. In 1931, swarms of grasshoppers decimated millions of acres of crops throughout the southwestern United States. The Space Shuttle Discovery lifts off for a mission to the International Space Station at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., on July 26, 2005. This first shuttle mission since the Columbia disaster was originally scheduled for launch in May, but technical glitches delayed the return to human space flight. File Photo by Marino-Cantrell/UPI In 1941, Army Gen. Douglas MacArthur was named commander of U.S. forces in the Philippines. File Photo by US Army/UPI Wikileaks founder Julian Assange speaks to the media after appearing at Belmarsh Magistrates court in Woolwich on January 11, 2011. On July 26, 2010, Assange, said it was decided to post more than 75,000 secret U.S. Afghan war documents on the Internet to give a more complete picture of the conflict. File Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI In 1945, voters ousted Winston Churchill as prime minister of Britain after five years in the position. His Conservative Party would be voted back into power in 1951, and he would regain his position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1948, President Harry S. Truman ordered desegregation of the U.S. military. Smoke rises from oil tanks beside the Suez Canal hit during the initial Anglo-French assault on Port Said, on November 5, 1956. On July 26, 1956, Egypt sparked the crisis by nationalizing the British- and French-owned Suez Canal. File Photo courtesy Imperial War Museum In 1956, Egypt created a crisis by nationalizing the British- and French-owned Suez Canal. In 1984, serial killer Ed Gein, the inspiration for the movie Psycho, dies of cancer. On July 26, 1945, voters ousted Winston Churchill as prime minister of Britain after five years in the position. His Conservative Party would be voted back into power in 1951, and he would regain his position. File Photo courtesy Cecil Beaton/Imperial War Museums In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act, prohibiting discrimination against the disabled in employment, public accommodations, in telecommunications, and on public or private buses or trains. Participants march in the Heartland Disability Rights March and Rally on July 25, 1999, to celebrate the signing of the Americans With Disabilities Act of July 26, 1994. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI In 1992, under pressure, Iraq agreed to allow U.N. inspectors to look for documentation on weapons of mass destruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2005, the Discovery lifted off from Cape Canaveral in the first shuttle launch since the 2003 Columbia tragedy. In 2010, the founder of WikiLeaks, Julian Assange, said the site decided to post more than 75,000 secret U.S. Afghan war documents on the Internet to give a more complete picture of the conflict. The White House said the deed had "a potential to be very harmful." In 2018, Facebook had the worst single day of trading in history, losing some $110 billion. In 2023, soldiers in Niger said they removed President Mohamed Bazoum from office in a coup of the democratically elected government. Brigade Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani put himself in charge of the military junta. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, Canadian diva Celine Dion delivered a stirring rendition of Edith Piaf's French anthem, "Hymn to Love," at the Eiffel Tower, providing a show-stopping finale to the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics. It was her first public singing appearance since 2020 due to her battle with a rare neurological disease. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) A federal jury found a D.C. man guilty Thursday for the 2024 killing of an Uber Eats driver during a road rage incident, according to the United States Attorneys Office (USAO) for the District of Columbia. The USAO states that Rodney Baggott, 58, was convicted of first-degree murder while armed-premeditated, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. According to court documents, around 4 p.m. on Jan. 30, 2024, Baggott was driving his then-girlfriend near the intersection of Connecticut Avenue and Q Street NW when a driver, later identified as Rasheek Abdullah, passed him on the left side as he was making a right turn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Department of Education finds 5 DMV schools violating Title IX on transgender issues Court documents say Baggott became enraged that Abdullah had cut him off and pulled up next to him, shooting him in the neck. Abdullah later died from his injuries. Baggott drove away as his former girlfriend called an auto body repair shop to fix the damage sustained during the shooting that would later be used to identify Baggott as the suspect. According to court documents, Baggott and his then-girlfriend were pulled over, and he was arrested for illegally possessing a gun in his car. Police obtained a search warrant for his then-girlfriends apartment and seized the gun used in the shooting that had DNA from both Baggott and her on it, linking them to the crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baggott is set to be sentenced on December 18, 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Police are investigating after a man was stabbed to death in Southwest D.C. early Saturday morning. The victim was identified as 63-year-old Robert Dent, of Southwest, D.C. Just minutes before 7 a.m., D.C. police responded to a reported stabbing in the unit block of Galveston Street SW. At the scene, they found Dent suffering from stab wounds. Man ejected from vehicle during crash on I-695 in DC; lanes closed, officials say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers noted that Dent was not conscious or breathing. Medics tried to save him, but he was pronounced dead. In an update Monday, police confirmed that 22-year-old Anna Hyman, of Southeast, D.C. was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed. The case was domestic in nature, police noted. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Its going to be another hot and muggy weekend, lets get a check on the latest in news and weather with KELOLAND On The Go. Minnehaha County authorities are investigating a deadly crash near Corson. UPDATE: 1 dead, 3 injured in crash north of Corson Its been a deadly week on South Dakota roads. A 58-year-old Minnesota man died Friday morning when his pickup rolled east of Reva, in Harding County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Minnesota man dies from 1-vehicle crash near Reva A Sioux Falls family is feeling unsettled after a case of vandalism led to the loss of a tree in their yard. Sioux Falls family unsettled by vandalized tree A favorite hamburger joint in Brookings is under new ownership. New owner, same Nicks Hamburger Shop We are going to turn up the heat going into today with widespread 90s for highs, along with a few triple digits. As a high pressure system settles in the southern United States, we are going to stay in southerly flow. This will keep the humidity around, especially in central and eastern KELOLAND. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Storm Center AM Update: Heat Wave and Storm Chances Volunteers will gather today to help clean up a stretch of the Big Sioux River in Sioux Falls. Big Sioux River cleanup Hundreds of classic cars will be on display in downtown Sioux Falls today. Hot Classics Night rolls into downtown Sioux Falls Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. The rise of socialist New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has highlighted a fundamental truth that I learned as a former Democratic elected official: the Democratic Party never learns. Sure, Democrats occasionally pay lip service to law and order and economic opportunity. But before I announced two years ago that I was officially renouncing my Democratic ties and becoming the only Republican mayor to lead a top 10 American city, I saw over and over again that when given the choice between effective, common-sense growth-focused governance or the fever dreams of radicals - high taxes, burdensome regulations, and hostility toward law enforcement - the Democratic Party will consistently run to the left and jump off the deep end. In the end, Democrats are content to make cities unaffordable, unlivable, and untenable for businesses - driving out the very people who make cities vibrant. Americas cities deserve better leadership that is grounded in public safety, fiscal responsibility, and a respect for their taxpayers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Yorks Democratic primary could have been about who represents these fundamental values, and about who could bring competence to city leadership. Instead, Mamdanis nomination sends a clear message about where the modern Democratic Party intends to take our nations largest city. The entrepreneurial spirit, hardworking families, and vibrant communities that made New York great are now cast as the villains in a never-ending story of victimhood. Just take a look at some of Mamdanis radical comments and ridiculous policy proposals. Mamdani has publicly called on "defunding" and "dismantling" the police on numerous occasions. He wants to increase New Yorks already high taxes to the point where it will drive more businesses and job creators out. He even wants to harken back to the days of the Soviet Union and establish government-owned grocery stores. Should he be elected the next mayor, Mamdani would move New York toward failed socialist policies under which the government dictates outcomes rather than creating an environment that allows people and businesses to thrive. Its a vision of a city government you would expect from undergraduate freshmen, not from supposedly serious adults. Its insanity. Thats why I recently invited New Yorkers who are concerned about this trajectory to consider Dallas. My invitation wasnt a stunt. Weve declared ourselves as Americas first "Sanctuary City from Socialism" for a reason, and were ready to welcome anyone who wants to be a part of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Ive been in office, weve lowered property tax rates by record amounts and embraced a "Build Baby Build" approach when it comes to housing. Were empowering the private sector by slashing regulations to meet the demand for housing, reducing the median time to issue a residential building permit from 68 days to just eight days. We also prioritize public safety. We dont demonize law enforcement. We fund them, we thank them, and we stand with them. As a result, Dallas has now experienced a remarkable four straight years of violent crime reduction. We also understand that thriving businesses create jobs and generate tax revenue that allows us to invest in public safety, infrastructure, world-class parks, and essential services. In Dallas, we embrace innovation, entrepreneurship, and the free market as forces for good. Its no coincidence that Dallas has become the top destination for corporate headquarters relocations and is emerging as Americas new financial capital. We dont just talk about opportunity, we build it. Whether its Goldman Sachs investing half a billion dollars for a landmark campus for 5,000 professionals or the Texas Stock Exchange getting ready to launch in 2026, Dallas is leading a new era of competition and innovation in American finance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Business leaders across the country are watching, and theyre telling me the same thing: If New York chooses this unadulterated socialism, theyre ready to bring their jobs, their talent, and their investment to Dallas. I get it: Leaving a place you love isnt an easy decision. However, I also know that a city with leadership that refuses to embrace a focus on the basics - such as keeping people safe, keeping taxes reasonable, and keeping the government focused on results - makes it harder for families and companies to stay. If youre a New Yorker who feels like your city is slipping away from the values that once made it great, know that youre not alone, and you have options - a concept you wont find in your new government-owned grocery store. Eric Johnson is the mayor of Dallas, Texas. Defense attorneys in cases linked to Michael Proctor want to see his phone records Fired Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctors text messages will be preserved for at least another month. A federal judge has extended an order that calls for the destruction of Proctors phone data, a court document obtained by Boston 25 News showed. Filing on Michael Proctor records by Boston 25 Desk on Scribd Federal investigators downloaded Proctors iCloud account when they were looking into the Karen Read murder case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, other attorneys involved in cases linked to Proctor are interested in the contents of the phone data, suspecting it might contain relevant information about their clients. The Norfolk District Attorneys Office has filed a notice indicating that attorneys in each case Proctor worked on will be informed about the existence of the phone data. New Filing. Former State Police Detective Michael Proctor's text messages and iCloud data were downloaded for the federal investigation of the Karen Read case. There is a federal protective (secrecy) order over those materials and a destruction order. Attorneys in other cases pic.twitter.com/tZs2STB6Rx Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) July 25, 2025 Several attorneys attended a court hearing late Friday afternoon to discuss the significance of the data, including Rosemary Scapicchio, who spoke outside of court about why the data is important. I dont know whats in them. Ive never seen them. But I can tell you that if the same biases that Trooper Proctor had in the Karen Read case are bleeding into his other cases, they become very important to our case, Scapicchio said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scapicchio added, These are individuals who the Commonwealth has charged with first-degree murder and is looking to put away for the rest of their lives. At a minimum, we should have the opportunity to have the government look at these files and determine whether theres anything exculpatory. The judge stated that he needs to review all the latest filings and will meet with the lawyers involved in the various cases next week. Proctor, who was fired from his role with the Massachusetts State Police in March, was subpoenaed to appear in Dedhams Norfolk Superior Court for a hearing on other cases involving him on Monday, but he failed to show up. Scapicchio blasted Proctor over his no-show in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He thinks hes above the law, Scapicchio said on Monday. He was served in hand. He was told to be here this morning. Scapicchio said she later learned from Proctors attorney that he was out of town on a vacation that he had planned in 2024. Proctor was fired over a series of disparaging texts he sent about Read while investigating the murder of John OKeefe, which he read aloud in court during witness testimony at her first trial. Proctor admitted on the stand that the texts were unprofessional. He called Read things like a whack job and other derogatory words. He also talked about her medical issues and wrote, No nudes so far, while going through her phone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Massachusetts State Police Trial Board found Proctor guilty of two charges, unsatisfactory performance and alcoholic beverages, which were presented over three disciplinary hearings. Read was acquitted of murder and manslaughter in the death of John OKeefe in June. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW A growing number of Democrats from across the partys ideological spectrum are speaking out about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for the Trump administration to intervene in the Israel-Hamas war amid warnings from global leaders and international relief groups that the situation in the war-torn strip has reached a breaking point. The barrage of statements come after international leaders and aid organizations issued dire warnings this week that the nearly 2.1 million Palestinians in Gaza face starvation as a result of Israeli aid blockages. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries bashed the administrations approach to the conflict in a statement posted to X on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the first six months of Donald Trumps time in office, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached a breaking point, Jeffries wrote. Hostages are still being held by Hamas despite the Presidents promise they would be released and the pre-existing ceasefire the administration inherited has been breached. The starvation and death of Palestinian children and civilians in an ongoing war zone is unacceptable, the Democratic leader wrote. The Trump administration has the ability to bring an end to this humanitarian crisis. They must act now. Global outrage at the crisis in Gaza has been bubbling for months, reaching its loudest this week. The leaders of the United Kingdom, France and Germany issued a joint statement on Friday calling for an end to the war, and for the Israeli government to immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid and uphold its obligations under international humanitarian law. On Saturday, amid the increased condemnation globally, the Israel Defense Forces announced that aid airdrops would begin Saturday evening and humanitarian corridors for United Nations convoys would be opened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Israeli military maintained that there is no starvation in Gaza, and said such claims were a false campaign promoted by Hamas. The military did not say when or where the U.N. convoy corridors would open. Progressives in the Democratic Party have remained firm in their assessment of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus war in Gaza, with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) calling Netanyahus unrelenting military operation an extermination of Gaza. The White House and Congress must immediately act to end this war using the full scope of American influence, the Vermont senator, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, said Friday in a statement on X. No more military aid to the Netanyahu government. Anna Kelly, a White House spokesperson, said in a statement that "President Trump wants a better life for the people of Gaza because he has a humanitarian heart. Tragically, the people of Gaza are struggling because of Hamas clear lack of desire to reach a ceasefire and work in good faith towards a permanent peace." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She touted the work of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation an aid organization backed by the U.S. and Israeli governments to deliver "85 million meals to date aid which was only possible because of President Trumps call for creative solutions to help the Palestinians." The Democratic Party has been roiled by the Israel-Hamas war, which began after Hamas launched a terror attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Progressives in the party like Sanders have criticized Israel, saying its military response to the attack has devastated Gaza and killed tens of thousands of innocent people. But as the Israeli offensive has dragged on, more Democrats have increasingly condemned Netanyahus government particularly over the last several days, as global outrage mounted over the humanitarian crisis facing Gazans. Reps. Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.) and Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), two Democrats who have remained staunch supporters of Israel, joined the outcry of concern for those in Gaza while still keeping the onus on Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The humanitarian situation in Gaza is a full-blown crisis, with innocent women and children who are starving, Scholten wrote in a press release Saturday, adding that we must remain clear-eyed about one thing: Hamas started this war and can end it today. But they choose not to. Goldman gave a similar response, expressing concern for the amount of starving Palestinians, while keeping the blame on Hamas: And lets be clear: Hamas could end it today if they wanted to. Israel has agreed to a ceasefire proposal, Hamas has rejected it. Release the hostages and end this travesty. Still, some Democrats havent viewed this moment in Gaza as the time to break from Israels leadership. Rep. Josh Gottenheimer (D-N.J.), who has positioned himself as one of the most pro-Israel Democrats in Congress, hit back hard on a decision by French President Emmanuel Macron, who announced that his country will become the first G7 country to recognize the state of Palestine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frances decision is deeply misguided, the New Jersey congressman wrote on X on Saturday. It rewards Hamas for the atrocities of October 7 and is counterproductive to real, lasting peace. The overwhelming uproar from Democrats comes just two days after special envoy Steve Witkoff announced that the U.S. was pulling out of ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel, claiming that Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith. The Trump administration has sought to bring the war in Gaza to a close after a fragile ceasefire deal struck in the transition between the Biden and Trump administrations collapsed in March. On Friday, Trump told reporters that Hamas didnt want to make a deal. When asked if he had spoken to Netanyahu about foreign aid drops in Gaza, the president said they had spoken but declined to share details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At times, Trump has appeared optimistic that the parties would agree to a peace deal, despite Netanyahus stubborn refusal to consider permanently stopping the war and Hamas ever-shifting negotiation tactics. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has rapidly escalated as relief organizations say Israel has withheld aid from Palestinians in the war-torn strip, despite global outcry. World Health Organization chief Tedros Ghebreyesus on Thursday warned that the more than 2 million Palestinians trapped in Gaza face mass starvation, in addition to threats posed by continual bombing. Ghebreyesus, along with other global leaders, has warned for months of the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza strip, cautioning that it was on course to reach mass-starvation levels. Democratic leaders are feeling pressure to join a brewing redistricting battle that is threatening to upend the midterms landscape an effort that is likely to slam into legal and political reality. As Texas Republicans pressed forward with a redistricting blitz designed to increase the number of red seats in the state, officials in the biggest Democratic states scrambled for a response. In New York, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke with Gov. Kathy Hochul in recent days to discuss what a counter-effort could look like. California Gov. Gavin Newsoms administration talked to state election officials about the logistics and timing of a special election to overturn its nonpartisan commission. And Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker joined Newsom in meeting with Texas Democratic lawmakers on Friday about a strategy for stalling the GOPs brazen attempt to carve out five new seats, per President Donald Trumps demand. The problem is Democrats dont have many options. In conversations with more than a dozen state lawmakers and redistricting experts, Democrats' best shot at redrawing a map lies in California, a heavily blue state with a huge number of congressional districts. They see the second-best option in New York, which saw Democratic gerrymandering efforts sputter in recent years, and Illinois, which is already a heavily pro-Democrat gerrymander. Far less likely options lie with Maryland and New Jersey, which have just four Republican-held seats between them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Discussion of these options come as a debate rages within the party over whether to play hard ball to the same degree as Republicans. At this moment, it seems very clear that self defense is something we have to put as a priority, said Maryland House Majority Leader David Moon, who introduced a bill this week that would force open Marylands redistricting process if another state pursues redistricting ahead of the U.S. Census. If thats where we are, and thats where were forced to go, then I think thats where Democratic states need to be prepared to go. Trump is pushing Republicans in an aggressive effort to redraw maps in hopes of holding onto the House in a potentially unfriendly midterms cycle. Efforts are already underway in Texas, where Trump wants to draw five additional GOP seats , and in Ohio, where Republicans hope to draw additional red districts during a legally mandated redistricting. Punchbowl News recently reported Trump is pressuring Missouri to rip up its own map ahead of the midterms, too. All of this has sparked outrage from the Democratic base, but Republicans feel bullish about a midterms map that is reshaped by partisan redistricting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an arms race where theres a race to gerrymander the most, theres not a scenario where they have more seats than we do, said a GOP operative, granted anonymity to speak about party strategy. Newsom has been the most strident of all the Democratic governors who lead trifectas in his vow to counter Texas Republicans, vowing on Friday to put a stake into the heart of the Trump administration by preventing Republicans from retaining the House. But the obstacles are steep: Redrawing Californias map would require either calling a special election and convincing voters to return line-drawing power to politicians after they specifically voted to entrust a nonpartisan commission with that authority, or simply having the Legislature draw maps and effectively daring the courts to stop them. I dont think its doable. I think there are too many constitutional constraints, said Bruce Cain, a Stanford political scientist who was deeply involved as a staffer in the partisan gerrymanders from a prior era of California politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's not just a legal obstacle. Undertaking redistricting would open up a huge "political fight" within the party by redrawing districts some politicians have run in for multiple cycles, he said. Youd be borrowing from different kinds of Democrats and sticking them into other seats and the politics of that would be very complex, Cain added. But Newsom, who has his eye on running for president in 2028, has been steadily laying the groundwork anyway. He hosted Texas Democrats at the governors mansion in Sacramento on Friday, doing his part to project a united national front against Republicans, and told reporters he was weighing several options to expand Democrats margins beyond their current, disproportionate hold on 43 of 52 House seats. The question I imagine many folks are asking here in California is: what do the politics of Texas have to do with the politics here in California? Newsom told reporters on Friday, flanked by Texas lawmakers. The answer is everything. Lawmakers and operatives who were initially caught off guard or skeptical of Newsoms proposal are increasingly becoming convinced California has the authority and the political will to respond to Texas in kind. Sharing maps of a potential Democratic gerrymander has become a favorite pastime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive seen a map that's legal, upholds the Voting Rights Act, and produces 49 to 50 Democratic seats, said Matt Barreto, a pollster and director of UCLAs Voting Rights Project who polled for the Harris campaign and advised the Biden White House. California currently has 43 Democrats and 9 Republicans in Congress. This is something lawmakers should consider if Texas goes first. In New York, Jeffries staff spoke with Hochuls office recently to discuss redistricting New Yorks House seats, two people with direct knowledge of the conversation said. On Thursday, Hochul declared that alls fair in love and war regarding returning to contentious congressional map redraw. If theres other states violating the rules and are trying to give themselves an advantage, all Im going to say is, Im going to look at it with Hakeem Jeffries," she said. Even if state lawmakers plow ahead with redistricting, something the state Constitution says can only be done once per decade, the process would likely take more than a year to complete and may not be finished in time for the 2026 midterm elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York tried an aggressive gerrymander that got blocked by the courts in 2022, and a court-drawn map was used instead. Democrats later drew a new map that is far less aggressive. Hochuls political allies believe there is little upside to drawing new lines. I understand those in New York who are watching whats happening in Texas and Ohio want to offset their unfair advantage, said New York Democratic Chair Jay Jacobs. But the constitution seems pretty clear that this redistricting process should be done every 10 years. I dont know where someone could interpret it as something you can do every two years. Beyond Texas, Republicans have their eye on picking up seats in other states like Missouri and Florida which would put Democrats in a tough spot, given they dont have as much leeway to squeeze out extra seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy was noncommittal when asked by reporters earlier this week if he plans to pursue redistricting, noting that its too early to make any definitive statement about it. But he echoed what many other Democrats across the country have said when talking about the possibility of early redistricting: Never bring a knife to a gunfight. New Jersey has its own constitutional impediment, which states that congressional districts, which are drawn by an independent commission, shall remain unaltered through the next year ending in zero in which a federal census for this State is taken. Even if they were able to circumvent the state constitution, Democrats already have the majority in the New Jersey congressional delegation, and just two seats the 7th, held by Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr., and the 9th, held by Democratic Rep. Nellie Pou are considered battlegrounds. Even some other Hail Mary options seem off the table. State lawmakers in Washington, Minnesota and Colorado balked at the suggestion they should pursue drawing new maps in the next few months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just not in the cards, said Washington House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon, citing the requirement that a two-thirds majority is needed in both the state House and Senate to reconvene the states bipartisan redistricting commission. And Minnesota State Sen. Aric Nesbitt shut down the idea quickly: We're not power-crats, were Democrats. We should do things that improve democracy, even if that means sometimes we don't get our way. Democrats hold the governorship and state Senate in Minnesota, but Republicans narrowly control the House. In Colorado theres really no debate, said former Senate Leader Steve Fenberg, who helped create the states independent redistricting commission in 2018.Were at a juncture right now where the threat is so overwhelming that I dont think Democrats should rule out responding in kind, he said. But in a state like Colorado, I dont think its really in our DNA to do this kind of action and it's not constitutionally allowed. Still, with a potentially tougher cycle ahead of them than they were anticipating given all of Trump's strategy, redistricting is sure to be a hot topic of conversation as Democratic governors gather at the National Governors Association meeting this weekend in Colorado. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I suspect as the Democratic governors get together for a drink or a coffee, this will be high on the agenda, Murphy said. CORRECTION: This article originally misstated the partisan balance of California's congressional districts. House Democrats are ramping up their town-hall blitz in GOP-held districts over the long summer recess. The strategy is not new, but this time theyre armed with a powerful new talking point: President Trumps refusal to release the federal files related to Jeffrey Epstein. The Epstein case has rattled Republicans in the White House and the Capitol, forcing Trump to defend uncomfortable connections to the late financier and convicted sex offender, while prompting Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to scrap last weeks legislative plans and mount a hasty exit from Washington to preclude Epstein-related votes. Trumps defiance on the files has put him at odds with the same core loyalists who helped propel him to power a clash over a foundational MAGA doctrine that Trump himself had helped to promote. And Democrats are only happy to watch the unraveling, however long it endures, and goad it along when the chance arrives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Let them destroy each other. If we have to throw a log on the fire, well do it, said one House Democratic aide. Its not that Democrats will abandon their central message under Trumps second term, which accuses the president and congressional Republicans of breaking promises to lower costs for working class consumers. But they want the Epstein case to complement that theme, arguing that Republicans whether through tax cuts for the wealthy or refusing to release the Epstein files are protecting the interests of powerful elites at the expense of everyone else. Everything that House Republicans have done, everything this administration has done since Donald Trump took office, is in defense of the elites, said Rep. Katherine Clark (Mass.), the Democratic whip. Republicans have shot back, wondering why the Epstein files were a non-issue when President Biden was in power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats had four years under Joe Biden to release these documents but only started caring once President Trump returned to office, Mike Marinella, a spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee, said Friday in an email. We wont be lectured about transparency by the same party that spent years hiding Bidens decline. Still, GOP leaders continue to advise Republicans against holding in-person district events Democrats are still pretty determined to hijack our town halls and try to prevent us from having this conversation with our constituents, so I would encourage them to use other means, said NRCC Chairman Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) and Democrats are only eager to fill the void. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) is headed to Prairie du Chien, Wis., the hometown of GOP Rep. Derrick Van Orden, for a town hall in rival territory on July 31. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), who has staged a national tour with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) throughout the year, is eyeing additional travel to Republican strongholds over the long break. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.) joined her husband, Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) for a public forum on Friday in Michigans battleground 10th District, where GOP Rep. John James is giving up his seat to run for governor. And Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) has planned a series of events on GOP turf over the recess, including a July 26 town hall in Dayton, Ohio, with Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and another with Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) in Nebraska at the end of August. People want someone to listen, said Rep. Suzan DelBene (Wash.), the head of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. And if their member of Congress isnt going to listen, they want to make sure their voices are heard. Democrats have already spent the first half of the year barnstorming into Republican-held districts to meet directly with voters a strategy launched after GOP leaders first discouraged their troops from staging such public events amid protests against Trumps efforts to remake Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Until now, the focus of the Democrats message has been on Trumps domestic policies, particularly the steep cuts to federal programs like Medicaid and food stamps featured in the GOPs big, beautiful bill, which was enacted earlier in the month. The dramatic reemergence of the Epstein case has given them more ammunition to take into those public forums, not least because Republican voters and the MAGA faithful specifically have clamored most loudly to see the files the Trump administration is now refusing to release. Heading into the long recess, the Democrats official messaging arm sent guidance to all lawmakers encouraging them to trumpet the Epstein narrative during the long break. Use Paid Communications To Elevate This Issue! the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee wrote in an email blast. This urgent issue demands that we reach as many Americans as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) doesnt need any encouragement. He, along with GOP Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), are the leading sponsors of a bipartisan proposal requiring the Department of Justice and the FBI to release all the unclassified records they have pertaining to Epstein. Johnson and GOP leaders have sought to keep the bill off the floor, where its likely to attract some Republican support. But the bipartisan pair is hoping to force a vote through obscure procedures when the House returns to Washington in September. Meanwhile, Khanna will use the long recess to stage town halls in GOP districts in at least two states, Nevada and Georgia, where he intends to make the Epstein saga a major theme. We will keep up the drumbeat and then force the vote on Ros bill in September, Marie Baldassarre, a Khanna spokesperson, said Friday. Mychael Schnell contributed reporting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Its the book that President Donald Trump doesnt know anything aboutbut if he does, he only knows that its totally fake and that everyone should shut up about it. Now, that same book could end up in the hands of Trumps political opponents, if Democratic congressmen Ro Khanna and Robert Garcia get their way. The California Democrat and the House Oversight Committee ranking member have written to attorneys of the Jeffrey Epstein estate asking for a complete copy of the now-infamous Birthday Book, according to Axios. They have argued that the book may contain information pertinent to the Oversight Committees deposition of Epstein associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. Ro Khanna addresses a news conference in Lisbon, Portugal, Nov. 6, 2019. / PEDRO NUNES / REUTERS The book is allegedly a series of letters written by friends and well-wishers for Epsteins 50th birthday. One of those letters is reportedly from none other than Trump himself, written inside an illustration of a naked woman and ending with the line may every day be another wonderful secret. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the Department of Justice were the keepers of that book, it would be very difficult to get hold of, Khanna told Axios. However, since the book is held by the estate of the disgraced financier, it should be significantly easier to procure. In this case, you literally have a private attorney, Khanna said. A private attorney is much more likely to comply. Its a much easier challenge than going after the administration. Trump has repeatedly denied the authenticity of the book, which first featured in a report by The Wall Street Journal. The president has even gone so far as to launch a $10 billion lawsuit against the Rupert Murdoch-owned paper. On Thursday, Trump described the allegations about his relationship with Epstein that have rocked his administration as a scam. Trump's Truth Social post on Thursday night. / Truth Social Attorney Bradley Edwards, who has represented more than 200 of Epsteins victims, has said that the existence of the book is an absolute fact. He further went on to add that executors of the Epstein estate would hand the book over immediately if they were subpoenaed by Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is exactly what Khanna and Garcia appear to be hoping for. They note that, if they do get hold of it, they will release information only in accordance with the wishes of Epsteins surviving victims. For Trump, the verifiable contents of the book in the hands of the Democrats could be yet another major blow in the scandal that refuses to die. Following weeks of uncertainty, the Colorado Department of Education confirmed Friday that it will receive more than $66 million from the federal government for the 2025-2026 school year. The budget release follows a decision by the U.S. Department of Education and the Trump administration to release over $6 billion in funding for public schooling nationwide. Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Cordova, in a news release, said the state expects to receive funding similar to last school year, when it got more than $66.6 million. The money was spread over five educational priorities: Title 1-C, Title II-A, Title III-A, Title IV-A, and adult education and family literacy, according to Cordova. With the full release of the $6 billion, Colorado will receive funding for English language learning, its teacher improvement program, student support and academic enrichment program and migrant learning programs. "Federal dollars provide critical support for every child in Colorado no matter where they live to learn, grow, and thrive, Cordova said in the release. "We are grateful to U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and to the many educators, district leaders, community partners, elected officials, and public education supporters who advocated for the release of these much-needed funds." Later on Friday, McMahon joined National Governors Association chair and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis at the association's summer meeting at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. She said she was "very happy" about restoring the funding. "We took some time to really review the Title funding, to look (at) all the programs ... before they were released," McMahon said. "And so, we're well-satisfied and so now those funds are now going to be going out. We think now we've reviewed them, looked at that process so that, a year from now, we wouldn't find ourselves in this same situation." On Monday, the federal government released $1.3 billion of the $6 billion to fund after-school programs such as Boys & Girls Clubs and the YMCA, according to previous Gazette reporting. Featured Local Savings In a joint statement with NGA vice chair and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, Polis said they were "thankful these bipartisan discussions with Secretary McMahon and other key officials during the NGA Summer Meeting led to the distribution of these education funds." This action ensures schools across the nation can maintain essential programs for English language learners, teacher training, and student enrichment as the new academic year begins," they wrote. "Governors from both parties stand united in prioritizing our childrens education, and were proud our advocacy helped secure this vital support for states and districts. Local school districts also expressed their relief with the federal funding restored. In an emailed statement to The Gazette, Colorado Springs D-11's Deputy Superintendent Brandan Comfort said this decision will ensure that D-11 can move forward with its approved budget and strategic priorities without having to tap into reserves to cover any gaps. "Most importantly, it keeps our dollars as close to classrooms and students as possible, he said. Harrison D-2 Superintendent Wendy Birhanzel said that while she was "relieved" and "grateful" that the funding already approved by Congress will now be allocated as intended, there was also "some disappointment" because some school districts have already cut staffing and programs because of the funding they havent yet received. So, they have the funding now, but all this uncertainty caused them to already make some tough decisions, she said. She added that while the school year now has definite resolutions, some concerns remain going forward. "We just hope that education funding doesnt continue to be political leverage, Birhanzel said. Because I think we can all agree that education is important and that our kids shouldnt be impacted by all of this. Jul. 25The Department of Education intends to release a hold on billions in grant funding to schools after a near monthslong pause in revenue for school districts, the department told states Friday. At the end of June, the Trump administration froze a handful of grants that paid for teacher training, migrant education, English language acquisition and extra learning materials in K-12 education to ensure the spending was in line with the president's priorities. Last week, the department released funding on $1.3 billion worth of grants that covered summer, before-school and after-school programs across the nation. On Friday, they followed suit in releasing $4.8 billion worth of grants in other areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington state stood to lose $137 million in these grants, according to the state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. "This had the potential to put several school districts in financial distress, cause educators and school staff to lose jobs that are essential to student learning, and limit the core services that students typically receive and rely on to help them be successful in school," wrote state Superintendent Chris Reykdal in a statement. In mid-July, Washington joined a 23-state lawsuit against the Trump administration for freezing the funds, which Congress previously approved. In the meantime, some Spokane-area schools drafted their budgets while unsure if they should expect the funds to continue some existing programs or employ certain staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At West Valley School District, Chief Financial Officer Ayesha Horton assumed they wouldn't see around $170,000 the coming school year under the frozen grants. This paid for staff training, a mentor position for teachers, supplemental learning materials for students and a summer camp for kids in the district. West Valley enrolls around 3,500 students in the Millwood and Spokane Valley area, employing 416 staff at 12 schools and learning centers. The district collects $4 million in federal funding out of their total $60.5 million revenue, according to the 2024-25 budget. The lion's share, around $140,000, of the recently thawed grants went to teacher training at West Valley, including a staff member to mentor teachers. That staff member retired. It's unclear if the district will fill this position. Horton wrote in an email that the district "will review program needs and explore potential short-term solutions until more stable resources become available" due to uncertainty around funding after next school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another approximate $15,000 supports English language education in the district and another $20,000 pays for a science, technology, engineering, arts and math summer camp attended by 116 kids in June, Horton told the board. The years ahead While school leaders are breathing easier with the knowledge that these congressionally approved grants are secured for next school year, the following year could see deep cuts in federal allocations. The Trump administration's suggested budget includes cuts of around 70% of funding in several areas, including English language acquisition, job training programs, technology, drug-free programs, class size reduction, physical education, among many other purposes. Cuts could total around $100 million each year in the state, according to OSPI. In West Valley, that's another $140,000 on the line next school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Larger districts with more kids enrolled stand to lose more, according to OSPI estimates based on 2023-2024 funding data. Spokane Public Schools would see cuts to the tune of $2.5 million, or around $88 per student enrolled. The budget proposes $500,000 cuts in Central Valley, or $35 per student. The Mead School District has $467,000 on the line at around $45 per student. Cheney's budget would be cut by $170,000, or $31 per student. East Valley would lose $156,000 in the suggested cuts, totaling $45 per student. Elena Perry'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. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents escort a detained immigrant into an elevator on June 17, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Olga Fedorova) All modern U.S. presidents, both Republican and Democratic, have attempted to reduce the population of millions of undocumented immigrants. But their various strategies have not had significant results, with the population hovering around 11 million from 2005 to 2022. President Donald Trump seeks to change that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With harsh rhetoric that has sowed fear in immigrant communities, and policies that ignore immigrants due process rights, Trump has pursued deportation tactics that differ dramatically from those of any other modern U.S. president. As a scholar who examines the history of U.S. immigration law and enforcement, I believe that it remains far from clear whether the Trump White House will significantly reduce the undocumented population. But even if the administrations efforts fail, the fear and damage to the U.S. immigrant community will remain. Presidents Bush and Obama To increase deportations, in 2006 President George W. Bush began using workplace raids. Among these sweeps was the then-largest immigration workplace operation in U.S. history at a meat processing plant in Postville, Iowa in 2008. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deployed 900 agents in Postville and arrested 398 employees, 98% of whom were Latino. They were chained together and arraigned in groups of 10 for felony criminal charges of aggravated identity theft, document fraud and use of stolen Social Security numbers. Some 300 were convicted, and 297 of them served jail sentences before being deported. In 2008, Bush also initiated Secure Communities, a policy that sought to deport noncitizens both lawful permanent residents as well as undocumented immigrants who had been arrested for crimes. Some 2 million immigrants were deported during Bushs two terms in office. The Obama administration limited Secure Communities to focus on the removal of noncitizens convicted of felonies. It deported a record 400,000 noncitizens in fiscal year 2013, which led detractors to refer to President Barack Obama as the Deporter in Chief. Obama also targeted recent entrants and national security threats and pursued criminal prosecutions for illegal reentry to the U.S. Almost all of these policies built on Bushs, although Obama virtually abandoned workplace raids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite these enforcement measures, Obama also initiated Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, in 2012. The policy provided relief from deportation and gave work authorization to more than 500,000 undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children. Obama deported about 3 million noncitizens, but the size of the undocumented population did not decrease dramatically. The first Trump administration and Biden Trumps first administration broke new immigration enforcement ground in several ways. He began his presidency by issuing what was called a Muslim ban to restrict the entry into the U.S. of noncitizens from predominantly Muslim nations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early in Trumps first administration, federal agents expanded immigration operations to include raids at courthouses, which previously had been off-limits. In 2017, Trump tried to rescind DACA, but the Supreme Court rejected those efforts in 2020. In 2019, Trump implemented the Remain in Mexico policy that for the first time forced noncitizens who came to the U.S. border seeking asylum to wait in Mexico while their claims were being decided. He also invoked Title 42 in 2020 to close U.S. borders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump succeeded in reducing legal immigration numbers during his first term. However, there is no evidence that his enforcement policies reduced the size of the overall undocumented population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Joe Biden sought to relax although not abandon some immigration enforcement measures implemented during Trumps first term. His administration slowed construction of the border wall championed by Trump. Biden also stopped workplace raids in 2021, and in 2023, he ended Title 42. In 2023, Biden sought to respond to migration surges in a measured fashion, by temporarily closing ports of entry and increasing arrests. In attempting to enforce the borders, his administration at times pursued tough measures. Biden continued deportation efforts directed at criminal noncitizens. Immigrant rights groups criticized his administration when armed Border Patrol officers on horseback were videotaped chasing Haitian migrants on the U.S.-Mexico border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of 2022, the middle of the Bidens term, an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants lived in the U.S. A second chance Since his second inauguration, Trump has pursued a mass deportation campaign through executive orders unprecedented in their scope. In January 2025, he announced an expanded, expedited removal process for any noncitizen apprehended anywhere in the country not just the border region, as had been U.S. practice since 1996. In March, Trump issued a presidential proclamation to deport Venezuelan nationals who were members of the Tren de Aragua gang, designated a foreign terrorist organization by the State Department. In doing so, he invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 an act used three times in U.S. history during declared wars that empowers presidents to remove foreign nationals from countries at war with the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Declaring an invasion of migrants into the U.S. in June, Trump deployed the military to assist in immigration enforcement in Los Angeles. Trump also sought to dramatically upend birthright citizenship, the Constitutional provision that guarantees citizenship to any person born in the U.S. He issued an executive order in January that would bar citizenship to people born in the U.S. to undocumented parents. The birthright executive order has been challenged in federal court and is mostly likely working its way up to the Supreme Court. Under the second Trump administration, immigration arrests are up, but actual deportation numbers are in flux. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE in June arrested the most people in a month in at least five years, roughly 30,000 immigrants. But deportations of noncitizens roughly 18,000 lagged behind those during the Obama administrations record-setting year of 2013, in which more than 400,000 noncitizens were deported. The gap between arrests and deportations shows the challenges the Trump administration faces in making good on his promised mass deportation campaign. Undocumented immigrants often come to the U.S. to work or seek safety from natural disasters and mass violence. These issues have not been seriously addressed by any modern U.S. president. Until it is, we can expect the undocumented population to remain in the millions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Kevin R. Johnson is a professor of public interest law and professor of Chicana/o studies. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here. MEMPHIS, Tenn. The Lauderdale County Sheriffs Office SWAT arrested one man and is still looking for another man after executing two narcotics search warrants in Ripley, Tennessee. Deputies executed the first search warrant in the 300 block of Skyline Drive. Investigators found six ounces of suspected methamphetamine, 65 grams of individually pressed synthetic fentanyl pills, two grams of fentanyl powder, one handgun, one stolen modified rifle, magazines, and assorted paraphernalia used to distribute illegal drugs. Skyline Drive Courtesy of Lauderdale County Sheriffs Office Tyrone L. Nelson, also referred to himself as Swag, is a convicted felon on probation in Tennessee for prior drug and weapon charges. Tyrone Nelson_ Mugshot Courtesy of Lauderdale County Sheriffs Office Nelson was arrested and charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm in Commission of a Dangerous Felony, Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver, Possession of Stolen Property, and Manufacture, Deliver, Sale, or Possession of Methamphetamines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A bond has not been set for Nelson, nor has a court date been scheduled. The second warrant deputies executed was in the 200 block of South Washington Street at an apartment complex. Deputies said they searched the residence and found 525 grams of suspected marijuana, assorted paraphernalia used to distribute illegal drugs, and a shotgun. Washington Street, Courtesy of Lauderdale County Sheriffs Office Jammison Taylor was not at the residence during the search, and he is also a convicted felon on probation for prior weapon charges. Deputies say Taylor is wanted for Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Possession of a Firearm in the Commission of a Dangerous Felony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have any information that could help deputies, call the Lauderdale County Sheriffs Office at 731-635-1311. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A man was sentenced to prison on Wednesday with help from his distinctive tattoos, in a Gladstone robbery case, authorities announced. The case goes back to August 2024, when 35-year-old Michael Hayter emerged from bushes next to a Gladstone bike path and robbed a 26-year-old man of his wallet and phone, according to the Clackamas County District Attorneys Office. Clackamas County District Attorneys Office announced Michael Hayter was sentenced in June 2025 to more than five years in prison after robbing a man along a Gladstone bike path in August (Courtesy Clackamas County District Attorneys Office.) During the robbery, Hayter claimed he had a gun, but never revealed one, officials said, noting once Hayter saw the wallet had nothing of value, he demanded the victim to withdraw cash at a nearby convenience store. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court rules Oregon woman can adopt children despite religious views on gender identity Instead, the victim ran away and reported the crime, authorities said. When a police officer asked the victim to identify the alleged robber, he did so with ease, the District Attorneys Office said, noting Hayters devil horn tattoos on his forehead along with tattoos above his eyebrows stating F cops. Gladstone police searched their database for someone matching the description, and found Hayter, authorities explained. Gov. Kotek halts farmstand rulemaking amid farmer concerns When the victim saw the photo, he laughed and said he was 100 percent certain Hayter was the man who robbed him, the District Attorneys Office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hayter was found guilty of second-degree robbery and theft charges on Wednesday. The following day, Hayter was sentenced to more than five years in prison, officials said, noting he has previous convictions for robbery, theft, identity theft, assault, unlawful use of a weapon and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Hello, its the weekend. This is The Weekender In the early weeks of the Trump administration, DHS started a media campaign. It would feature Secretary Kristi Noem, the former North Dakota governor eager to wear the uniforms and gear of ICE, the Coast Guard, and DHSs other constituent agencies as she staged seemingly perpetual TV hits. The campaigns aim was clear: spread the word about efforts to Make America Safe Again. The administrations worst immigrant-related civil liberties violations were also in service of a larger message: to scare people away. The campaign debuted in the spring, and showed undocumented immigrants who had been accused of various violent crimes; clips of detainees at El Salvadors CECOT played in them as Noem thundered: President Trump and I have a clear message to those in our country illegally: LEAVE NOW. If you do not self-deport, we will hunt you down, arrest you, and deport you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It combined true crime, scare tactics, and slick advertising techniques, partly to tell undocumented immigrants to leave, and partly to burnish Noems image with atrocities like CECOT. The campaign came together in a way befitting a Trumpworld project. Theres little divide between what its doing to promote the agencys work and to attack the GOPs partisan opponents. DHS spent around $200 million on the campaign, federal contracting records show. One contract went to a Louisiana firm called People Who Think LLC, run by Jay Connaughton, a political consultant who worked with Noem aide and friend Corey Lewandowski on a 2023 campaign. Another contract went to a firm called Safe America Media; incorporated only a few days before the no-bid solicitation and registered at a property belonging to another GOP consultant. Its not clear how much of an impact, if any, these ads had. But compared to what DHS is doing now, that effort looks well thought out and highbrow. Over the past few weeks, DHSs X account has alternated between posting about Hunter Biden, memes celebrating settler expansion into the western United States, and more standard fare (assailing all undocumented immigrants as criminals or taunting them upon arrest). The settler meme was the most shocking: it featured a famous 1872 painting depicting Manifest Destiny called American Progress. It shows Native Americans fleeing groups of white settlers moving by covered wagon. The painting was created as the U.S. continued to fight wars to displace and destroy the remaining Native American tribes. Some users argued that DHSs caption to the photo A Heritage to be proud of, a Homeland worth Defending was a deeper dog whistle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im struck here not only by how strange it is for the U.S. government to adopt this painting in the 21st century. Its the kind of ironic edginess that really resonates: its what you post if endless internet cynicism has poisoned your brain. The difference is that were not living in a world where this is only a messaging strategy; incidents like CECOT show that the same trollish impulse is driving reality as well. Josh Kovensky Heres what else TPM has on tap this weekend: House Republicans apparently believe there is more to be investigated about the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol and, presumably, how it wasnt really Trumps fault. This week brought a return to a vintage, petty Trump scandal from his first term: Sharpiegate. The DOJ shot back at what one official called absurd speculation that Attorney General Pam Bondi pulled out of a CPAC event due to the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein drama. Lets dig in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nicole Lafond Guy Who Led Jan 5 Tour Group Says Theres More to Investigate About Jan 6 Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) introduced a resolution on Wednesday to establish a new select subcommittee to continue investigating as House Republicans are putting it the events surrounding January 6, 2021. The resolution will have to get approved by the House but if it does Loudermilk will chair the subcommittee, which will be housed under the House Judiciary Committee. Unless you have been living under a rock in the past couple of years, you know that the Jan. 6 attack has already been investigated extensively by Congress and the Justice Department, even leading to President Donald Trump being indicted for his alleged role in inciting the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, according to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), who put out a statement applauding the resolution, there is clearly more work to be done on the issue. The resolution introduced today will establish this Select Subcommittee so we can continue our efforts to uncover the full truth that is owed to the American people, Johnson said. Loudermilk, you may recall, came under scrutiny while the House Jan. 6 subcommittee was conducting its investigation because the panel surfaced footage of the congressman, on Jan. 5, 2021, giving a tour of the Capitol complex to a group of visitors, at least one of whom ended up participating in the riots the next day. Past investigative efforts by Loudermilk and congressional Republicans have focused on shifting blame away from Trump for the violence and toward security failures that allowed his supporters to storm in. Its quite the timing for the House GOP to push for another investigation into the events surrounding the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol by a mob of Trump supporters. Youll recall that Johnson shut down the legislative session to go on recess early this week as the caucus was coming apart amid their internal battle over the Epstein files. Hard not to think that this may be a distraction to get the MAGA allies, who have been calling for the files to be released, focused on something else a different conspiracy theory, perhaps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House is expected to consider the subcommittee resolution when members are back from the lengthy August recess. Emine Yucel Retribution: Sharpiegate Edition President Trump and his administration officials have apparently acted on one of his most petty grievances one thats been simmering in his mind, occupying it rent free since 2019, towards the end of his first term. You may recall Sharpiegate, truly the dumbest scandal from Trump I if you dont count the time he got upset that people were bothered that he was throwing paper towels at hurricane relief workers in Puerto Rico. In short: during the 2019 hurricane season Trump went to some insane lengths to cover up the fact that he didnt know what he was talking about with a hurricanes path. When mentioning states that might be impacted by Hurricane Dorians approach to the mainland, Trump incorrectly included Alabama as one of the states that would be hit by the storm. It was known by that point that Alabama was not in Dorians path and the state weather bureau ended up releasing a statement to correct the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump couldnt handle that, so he made a bunch of public remarks insisting he was correct and, at one point, he showed a weather map to journalists in the Oval Office that had been altered with a Sharpie marker to make it seem like the hurricane would actually hit Alabama. Flash forward to this week: two high ranking officials at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration were placed on administrative leave, according to CNN, which cited anonymous former and current NOAA officials. The two officials put on leave were Steve Volz and Jeff Dillen, who led an investigation into whether NOAAs scientific integrity policies were broken when Neil Jacob, then-acting NOAA administrator, endorsed Trumps version of the storm path. The two found that Jacob, who has been nominated to be NOAA administrator this term, had violated the policy. Per CNN: Its an interesting coincidence that less than a week before Neil Jacobs senate committee vote, the two dedicated career civil servants who investigated him for scientific integrity violations around Sharpiegate were dismissed from service, one former NOAA official told CNN. Nicole Lafond DOJ Dismisses Absurd Speculation About Pam Bondis Absence From CPAC Human Trafficking Event The Department of Justice has provided further detail about Attorney General Pam Bondis absence at an event earlier this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bondi was scheduled to participate in CPACs International Summit Against Human Trafficking on Wednesday. She bowed out due to what she described as a recently torn cornea. That move made headlines, prompted speculation, and inspired mocking television segments amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the DOJ and President Donald Trumps handling of files related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. A DOJ official who discussed the matter with TPM called that speculation that Bondi was ducking the issue absurd, and said Bondi was actually at a federal medical center. Its absurd to suggest that the AG had to skip Wednesdays human trafficking event an issue the AG has devoted her entire career to fighting for any reason other than her torn cornea, said the official. The AG was at a doctors appointment at Walter Reed. Bondi did participate in another event that same morning, a swearing in ceremony for DEA Administrator Terry Cole. The official said Bondi immediately went to Walter Reed following the swearing in ceremony Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bondi was replaced at the CPAC event by associate attorney general Matthew Galeotti, who read a note from the attorney general explaining her absence. Im sorry to miss all of my CPAC friends today. Unfortunately, I am recovering from a recently torn cornea, which is preventing me from being with you. I truly wish I was able to join you and support all of the work being done on this critical issue, Bondi said in the note, adding, I look forward to the next time I can be with you. Sincerely, Pam. The attorney generals conspicuous exit from the human trafficking summit attracted considerable attention because she has been a central figure in the drama surrounding Epstein, a financier who was close with Trump in the 1990s and 2000s. The CPAC event is in keeping with the far rights extended fixation on child sex abuse. That focus has included conspiracy theories such as QAnon along with legitimate law enforcement efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Epstein has been a figure of immense interest to both QAnon and MAGA types concerned about trafficking and child abuse. In recent weeks, many on the right have raged at Trump and Bondi for their handling of records related to the Epstein case. The financier was convicted in 2008 of paying underage girls for sex. He died in 2019 while in jail on subsequent sex trafficking charges. Over the years, as Trump has winked and noddedat QAnon types, the president, who has downplayed his own relationship with Epstein and denied engaging in any wrongdoing, suggested there would be major revelations from the case. Those hints from Trump and his administration included Bondi declaring Epsteins list was sitting on my desk right now to review during a February interview. Earlier this month, the DOJ contradicted those comments when it announced that an investigation concluded that Epstein killed himself and there was no evidence that a list existed. That claim has led to a revolt in MAGA circles including the House GOP. Hunter Walker ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) A notorious Abilene home that has sat condemned in a nice neighborhood is finally seeing progress after new investor begins reconstruction of neighborhood eyesore. Five years ago, construction began on 4474 La Hacienda Drive a home in Vaquero Ranch, which is a gated neighborhood in southeast Abilene. Fast forward to June of 2023, and the eleven thousand square foot home was labeled a monstrosity, unfinished, overgrown and an eyesore. Now after multiple deadlines and threats of demolition by the City of Abilene, the home has someone willing to invest in its future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeffrey Schwoerer is the construction manager for CWS Investments took over the refurbishment of the home and speaks to the work they are currently facing, as well as one of the focuses of the new redesign. Electrical, HVAC, plumbing. Were working on doing roof repairs. Were working on getting these chimneys finished. This pools been sitting here so long, you know, as you can see, its kind of to the point where, you know, it needs to be just taken care of. Get rid of it, demo it out, and then were going to rebuild a whole new one, Schwoerer explains. Owner of local business Jasa Rosseau Interiors, Jasa Rosseau, was brought in by the new property investor as the interior designer for the entirety of the project and says that while the fame of the property was a bit daunting, her ambition for this property will transform trash into treasure. I knew people knew about it, but I didnt know the extent to which people were obsessed with this house. Rosseau says. Its kind of crazy getting messages all the time. This is an eyesore. Cant wait for you to fix it. And I just keep thinking, like, Im not going to make it not an eyesore. Im going to make it like the diamond of the neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With fresh ideas and an extensive budget, Rosseau says the new investor has given her complete freedom with the design of the house, and while there is not currently a projected completion date for this former green monster, Rosseau says that her work is going to leave the neighborhood a little less green than it previously was. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. If a doctor diagnoses you with a serious illness and suggests palliative care, don't jump to conclusions. It doesn't mean you have mere months to live, NIH News in Health emphasizes. Palliative care, which is focused on comfort care and symptom management, may be recommended at any stage of a chronic or serious illness. But it is often confused with hospice care, which is comfort care for patients in the final months of life and requires that all treatments be discontinued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Embracing palliative care does not mean that you're giving up on treatment," said Alexis Bakos, an aging expert at the National Institutes of Health. "Ideally, palliative care should be offered at the very beginning of a diagnosis of any serious illness." Diagnoses like chronic heart and lung disease, cancer and neurodegenerative illnesses like dementia and Parkinson's all fall under the definition of "serious." These illnesses lower a patient's quality of life or ability to perform everyday tasks like cooking or bathing. A palliative care team can help patients cope with physical, psychological, emotional or spiritual suffering associated with these diagnoses, according to News in Health. They can not only help patients manage symptoms but also assist providers in coordinating complex care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Matthew DeCamp, a physician at the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, describes palliative care as a "holistic approach" to medicine and caregiving. "It places the patient's quality of life and needs and values front and center," he told News in Health. A pallative care provider typically meets with a patient soon after they are diagnosed with a serious disease to explain the many ways they can lend a hand - from help coordinating care to helping patients create an advance directive, which spells out their wishes for care if they become unable to speak for themselves. "They will learn your preferences for care and communication," said Dr. Lori Wiener, a palliative care expert at the NIH. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many patients welcome the assist, because planning for a serious illness is often complicated. "Patients and families often remain unaware of how their serious illness may progress," DeCamp said. "They may not know how long they might be expected to live or how long or what types of symptoms they might have. Physicians, nurses and other members of the care team are also historically not very good at predicting the course of a disease." These days, AI tools can help with that. But not all doctors use them and when they do, patients might misinterpret findings they spot in their medical records, said DeCamp, who is studying ethical issues surrounding use of AI. Weiner's team, which is studying ways to help kids with cancer communicate their wishes to family and health care providers, has created a guide called "Voicing My CHOiCES" that helps teens and young adults consider and spell out their hopes, fears and values. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has also developed an electronic screening tool called "Checking IN," which helps doctors understand what, specifically, distresses their young patients so they can be better prepared for visits. Palliative care specialists can help patients understand their prognosis and their treatment options - and help them be comfortable. So NIH experts urge patients who are diagnosed with serious illnesses to ask their doctor about palliative care if it isn't offered to them right away. "Earlier NIH research was focused on making sure that primary care clinicians were aware of palliative care," Bakos said, adding that NIH is looking now at ways to involve more specialists such as E.R. doctors, neurologists and ICU providers into discussions of palliative care. More information Learn more about palliative care and hospice at the National Institute on Aging. Copyright 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved. NORTH ATTLEBORO, Mass. (WPRI) Staff Sergeant Greg Reynolds is no ordinary gym rat. The Dighton native and U.S. Army veteran is a true warrior whos defied the odds. I say it every day. Im just a one-armed guy in a two-armed world, Reynolds said. Reynolds life changed in the blink of an eye on June 22, 2008. He had just returned from a 15-month deployment to Iraq and was riding his motorcycle down Route 136 with a couple of friends when a driver ran a stop sign and slammed into him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Honestly, never in a million years did I think that I would be so tragically injured, Reynolds said. Reynolds suffered a traumatic brain injury and slipped into a six-week coma. He awoke without his left arm and no memory of what happened. I guess Im lucky in a way because I dont really remember what happened, Reynolds said. Reynolds said he was given a one in 2,000 chance of survival after losing a significant amount of blood. He ended up receiving 101 pints of blood throughout his hospital stay. I survived getting shot at and blown up, Reynolds said. Then here I am on a motorcycle and this dude takes a left-hand turn in front of me. Three seconds thats how quickly my life changed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I thought I left death behind me. But little did I know that any day, any hour, any minute your life can change without any warning that its coming, he added. Community Focus: RI Blood Center in need of donations Reynolds was forced to learn how to walk, talk, eat and exercise again. He told 12 News his rehabilitation was challenging physically and emotionally. I never knew what depression was until I was injured, he said. The life I worked to establish was taken from me. Now 40, Reynolds has proven that nothing is impossible. It wasnt my time, he said, referring to the crash that nearly ended his life. I truly believe that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reynolds is now a regular at the Planet Fitness in North Attleboro and broke the Guinness World Record for one-arm pushups in one minute while wearing a 40-pound pack back in May 2019. Ive learned that when life knocks you down, you have to make the choice to get back up, Reynolds said. WATCH: Greg Reynolds breaks record for one-arm pushups while wearing 40-pound pack His motivation is rooted in a phrase he learned while serving in the military: Embrace the suck. Im at the gym, Im doing these two-arm workouts, and it sucks because I only have one arm, Reynolds said. But guess what? Im doing the best I can Its in that moment that Im embracing the suck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I didnt choose for this to happen to me, but these are the cards Ive been dealt and Im doing the best I can with the hand Ive been given, he continued. Every day is a challenge, but I never thought Id be where I am right now. Its been an amazing journey. Reynolds told 12 News the man who held the previous record for one-arm pushups had two arms. I ended up beating him with one arm, he said. I did 54 pushups in one minute with 40 pounds on my back. Reynolds said the word quit isnt in his dictionary. Life without limbs is limitless, he said. No matter what happens to you in life, you can achieve and break through those barriers that you think are in front of you, no matter how hard of a situation you may face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reynolds also plays slow-pitch softball for the USA Patriots, which is a national travel team made up of wounded veterans. Hes also a motivational speaker and mentor to youth amputees through his organization Makin Lemonade. Each year, Reynolds celebrates his so-called alive day on the anniversary of the crash. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Klaus Schwab was the undisputed King of Davos for 55 years. But when his downfall came, it was swift. The 87-year-old founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF), which holds the annual conference in the Swiss alpine ski resort, fought until the end. But over two days in April, beset by allegations of misusing WEF funds, manipulating research and inappropriate behaviour with staff, he was forced out of his personal fiefdom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One WEF insider told The Telegraph: He had the chance to step back 10, seven, five years ago. But he hung on. On Sunday, the early findings of a second investigation into the WEF were leaked. They alleged that Mr Schwab had misspent WEF money and manipulated research for political reasons, including rigging data to make Brexit look like a failure. Mr Schwab also allegedly put his crotch in front of a female staffers face, splurged $50m on a luxury villa and ran up 836,000 in expenses that were not sufficiently linked to WEF activities. His credibility now lies in ruins and the future of Davos is openly questioned. Klaus Schwab had demanded that the internal probe be dropped - AFP Some see the investigation in response to a whistleblower complaint as a barely disguised attempt to push Mr Schwab out. For his part, he denies any wrongdoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One person close to the organisation told The Telegraph: He wasnt perfect, but he has been stitched up because he wouldnt go when people wanted him to go. Other insiders fear that the push to remove Mr Schwab will come at too high a reputational cost to the WEF itself. Theyve used a sledgehammer to crack a nut, one said. It is an astonishing fall from grace for the former executive chairman, who was awarded an honorary knighthood by the UK in 2006. The German-born professor built his empire from humble beginnings, establishing the WEF in 1971 as a forum for policymakers and chief executives to discuss global issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the years it mutated into a magnet for world leaders, capital of fevered dealmaking, byword for elitism and lightning rod for conspiracy theories. King Charles, the then Prince of Wales, speaks with Mr Schwab at the annual meeting in Davos in 2020 - Reuters The title of his book The Great Reset about how the pandemic could remake global economies has become shorthand for online extremists convinced that plots to create a world government are hatched at Davos. Mr Schwab, the quintessential Davos Man, was front and centre every year as he welcomed a galaxy of heads of state and government. They included prime ministers and presidents as different as Angela Merkel and Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron and Narendra Modi or Baroness May and Vladimir Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this years gathering, in January, there was no UK Prime Minister, French president or German chancellor in Davos. The demise of Davos has often been predicted, but rivals are circling. China has the Boao Forum, colloquially known as the Asian Davos, and Saudi Arabia has launched the Future Investment Initiative, which is dubbed Davos in the Desert. Volodymyr Zelensky and Klaus Schwab speak to the media at Davos in 2024 - EPA-EFE/Shutterstock The rumblings of what would become an avalanche of revelations about Mr Schwab began with a 2024 investigation by the Wall Street Journal, which accused the WEF of having a workplace culture that was hostile to black people and women. Women were allegedly sidelined after becoming pregnant, while two staff members used the n-word, according to the Journal. The WEF said at the time that it had zero tolerance for discrimination and harassment and disputed the allegations in the newspaper report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Staff alleged that Mr Schwab was inappropriate and made unwanted suggestive remarks. One female staffer claimed that he put his leg on her desk with his crotch in front of her face. She said Mr Schwab told her that he wished she was Hawaiian because he would like to see her in Hawaiian costume, which the WEF fiercely denied. Others told the Wall Street Journal that attractive women were chosen to meet international delegates. There was a slang term for such encounters white on blue action a reference to the different coloured lanyards worn at the conference by officials and famous guests. Former staff at the non-profit were reported to have set up a WhatsApp group called WEFugees in which they shared horror stories about their experiences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A former staffer told the Journal: We promote inclusion and improving the state of the world and womens issues but do the opposite. Mr Schwab with staff at an annual meeting of the World Economic Forum - Scott Eells/Bloomberg Mr Schwab complained bitterly about the Journals reporting but was determined to craft a graceful, prolonged exit from the WEF, which generates about $500m a year. The WEFs founding bylaws state that the Founder himself designates his successor, and stipulates he or at least one member of his immediate family is on the board of trustees. Mr Schwabs plan was to move to a role as non-executive chairman and retire in stages, picking his successor. But then whistleblowers sent a letter in an email to WEF trustees, including Al Gore, the former US vice-president, and cellist Yo Yo Ma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It accused Mr Schwab and his wife, Hilde, of misusing WEF funds. It said Mr Schwab had used company funds to pay for private massages, and he had redirected WEF resources and staff in a vainglorious bid to get nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Mr Schwab (left) and his wife Hilde at an award gala - Patrick McMullan/Getty The letter said: This was not a WEF initiative, but a self-driven effort disguised as organisational work. It complained about Hilde Schwabs spending of about $50m on Villa Mundi, a mansion next to the WEF headquarters overlooking Lake Geneva. It alleged that she controlled access to the property and that one entire floor was reserved for the couples exclusive use, according to the Wall Street Journal. They denied the allegations. Part of Villa Mundi, a property bought by the WEF in Geneva, is said to have been set aside for the Schwabs private use - AFP/Fabrice Coffrini In April this year, a WEF audit committee recommended opening an independent investigation into the new allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Schwab went on the attack. He wrote a furious email to the committee demanding that the probe be dropped within 24 hours and threatened to file a criminal complaint. The gamble backfired. After the WEF board insisted that the investigation had to go ahead, Mr Schwab resigned 48 hours after sending his email. He insisted that his legacy was well established, adding that he had received the highest national distinction from numerous countries for my efforts in helping economic developments, reconciliation efforts and even avoiding a war. After a two-hour emergency meeting of trustees, Mr Schwabs ouster was announced on April 21. He was swiftly replaced by Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, the WEFs vice-chairman and former Nestle chief executive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A law-firm led independent investigation began in accordance with Swiss regulations. On Sunday, some preliminary findings were published in Switzerlands SonntagsZeitung newspaper. Law firm Homburger has looked into some 836,000 in expenses submitted by Mr Schwab and his wife which, it was reported, were not sufficiently linked to WEF activities. Mr Schwab sent suggestive emails and had embarrassing interactions with younger WEF staff, according to the leaked findings. The newspaper revealed that he had told staff that the UK must not see any improvement in the WEFs annual Global Competitiveness Report, which ranks countries on productivity. Otherwise it would be exploited by the Brexit camp, he wrote. In the 2017/2018 report, the UKs ranking improved from seventh to fourth after a change in methodology. The final report published in 2017 a year after the Brexit referendum showed the UK had dropped one place to eighth. It was not the only example of political manipulation of research, according to the newspaper. Mr Schwab has denied all the allegations. The once all powerful king of the globalists was reduced to a chuntering complaint from the ruins of his empire. He accused the WEF board of breaking a media silence pact over the investigation, but now faces a nervous wait until the official end of the probe later this year. I feel deceived, he said on Sunday. I am not available for further investigations. 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. Lao president extends condolences to Putin over plane crash in Russia Xinhua) 10:43, July 26, 2025 VIENTIANE, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith on Friday sent a message of condolence to Russian President Vladimir Putin following the crash of a Russian passenger plane that resulted in multiple casualties. In the message, Thongloun expressed shock upon learning about the crash of the Russian passenger plane in Russia's Amur Region on Thursday, which resulted in heavy casualties among both the flight crew and passengers. On behalf of the Lao government and people, he extended heartfelt condolences to the Russian government and people, and offered sincere sympathies to the families of the victims. (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Wu Chaolan) El Paso County commissioners on Tuesday approved a consulting services contract to help determine the current state of its transportation infrastructure and the extent of its compliance with federal law. Commissioners awarded a $749,954 contract to Colorado Springs-based consulting firm Matrix Design Group Inc. to evaluate El Paso County's transportation network system and determine its compliance with the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act, a federal law mandating public facilities be made equally accessible for those with disabilities. The consultant will also help create a GIS-based inventory and assist with county planning and design efforts for required upgrades. Commissioners unanimously approved the contract without discussion Tuesday, with Commissioner Holly Williams absent. Jack Ladley, El Paso County's interim Public Works director, said Tuesday the consulting firm will provide "a complete inventory of our ADA infrastructure," including "compliance of existing signals, pedestrian ramps (and) sidewalks, and identify some of our missing compliance infrastructure." He expects the study will find compliance needs particularly in rural parts of unincorporated El Paso County, where "country roads" are without curbs, gutters and sidewalks, for example. Older, more well-established neighborhoods built prior to the 1990 federal law or before ADA regulations changed are other areas he expects will need upgrades. Other areas of the county where new development has boomed, such as Falcon, could require fewer or no upgrades. Featured Local Savings "Anecdotally, we're probably sitting pretty good in those areas because we are building to those (ADA) standards," he said. It could take about a year for the consultants to complete their survey, Ladley said, due to its intensive boots-on-the-ground nature. "The icing on the cake, if you would, is it's going to help us establish a robust asset management system for key and critical transportation infrastructure projects," he said. A GIS-based inventory is something the county has been lacking, he said. "We have data, but its on spreadsheets. What were trying to do is put together an asset management system that we can query data from and help us make decisions," he said. The money for the study is coming out of the county's designated road and bridge fund, meeting documents show. The study is part of a roughly $3 million intergovernmental agreement commissioners approved last September with the Colorado Department of Transportation to fund creation of a compliance plan to bring identified county infrastructure like curb ramps, sidewalks, striping and traffic signals into ADA compliance. That $3 million is funded as part of a Multimodal Transportation and Mitigation Options Fund grant, Ladley said. About $1.5 million comes from the state and the remaining $1.5 million is matched by the county. Any remaining cash could be used for construction, as well. Jul. 26MANTORVILLE, Minn. The Dodge County Sheriff's Office requests the public's help in locating a missing teen. According to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Kiera McGuire, 17, of Mantorville, left her home on Monday, July 21. She is 5-foot-5-inches tall and 115 pounds. She has blonde hair and blue eyes. It is believed she was headed to the Twin Cities metro area. Anyone who has seen Kiera or know where she is should contact the Dodge County Sheriff's Office at 507-635-6200 or call 911. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) How well is Tennessee educating students? A new study by WalletHub, a personal finance company, is ranking public school systems from state to state. According to WalletHub, most families cant afford to place their children in private or preparatory schools, which leaves public education as the only option. | Check out more lists and rankings from across Tennessee However, when it comes to the quality of public school systems, the study found that funding can affect performance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Getting enough funding is essential for a productive school system, but simply having more money doesnt guarantee success. How funds are applied also plays a big role in how good a school system is, as does the quality of educators, other professionals and the curriculum, said Chip Lupo, an analyst with Wallethub. To determine the top-performing school systems, analysts compared public education school systems from state to state across the 32 metrics, which included: funding, safety, class size and instructor credentials. Tennessee students show improvements on TCAP test The Volunteer State came in at No. 26 on WalletHubs list. According to the study, public school systems in Tennessee placed in the top 20 when it came to quality, ranking at 14. In addition, analysts found the state has one of the lowest dropout rates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, the Tennessee Department of Education released TCAP results, which showed that students in the Volunteer State showed signs of academic progress. In fact, the results revealed that improvements were seen across all subjects for grades three through eight. However, the state did not fare well in the safety metric, ranking near the bottom at No. 45. To measure the safety score, researchers said they looked at bullying rates, youth incarceration rates, share of armed students, share of high school students participating in violence and the number of school shootings, among other factors. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com When it comes to safe school school systems, Tennessee joined Arizona, Colorado, Louisiana, Nevada, Mississippi and Missouri at the bottom of the list. Which states have best public school systems? Massachusetts Connecticut New Jersey Virginia New Hampshire Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To see the full report, 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 WKRN News 2. EAGLE MOUNTAIN, Utah (ABC4) In March, the City of Eagle Mountain started a new program using goats to clear weeds and vegetation in the citys native open spaces. On Friday morning, a loose dog attacked the herd and killed two of the goats. As a result, the Utah County Sheriffs Office issued the dogs owner a criminal citation. On North Saddle Horn Drive, the sound of bleating goats fills an otherwise quiet neighborhood. Goats in Eagle Mountain. Kade Garner/KTVX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was like, What theres goats? What the heck is that? Mabel Hardwick told ABC4. She and her daughter, Addi, live nearby and stopped to look at the animals. Its something totally unusual. I dont usually see this type of thing in this neighborhood. Hardwick likes the idea of the citys goat program. I like that theyre going to clear it away and make it more accessible, she stated. Hardwick told ABC4 that her daughter often walks their dog in the area where the goats are currently corralled and having the area clear will make the walks more enjoyable. I love animals and Im very good with animals too, even goats, Addi said as she leaned in on her mom. You can imagine their surprise when they learned two goats were killed. Yeah, Mabel said. Take care of your dogs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday morning, Florencia Villegas looked out of her backyard. I just see them huddled up, like, right in that area, she said pointing to the goats. The goats were scared of something, then she noticed a dog. A husky had made its way into the enclosure. She posted on Facebook hoping someone would recognize it. As a dog owner I just care, she stated. Villegas wasnt the only one to see the husky. Others commented on her post saying they had seen some huskies running around the area as well. She worried what could happen. She added: And not hurt these poor animals. They dont deserve to be hurt. She didnt know it but two goats had been killed. However, the sheriffs office told ABC4 that the dog responsible was actually a pitbull mix. The sheriffs office issued its owner with a criminal citation, and the owner will have to appear in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriffs office also told ABC4 that it will have extra patrols in the area for the time being, and the goats owner is increasing her security measures as well. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Israeli Foreign Ministry officials staed that Hamas had "only hardened its stance, and in fact, there has been a regression in its position during the negotiations." Ceasefire and hostage deal negotiations fell apart between Israel and Hamas over two sticking points: the exchange of Palestinian prisoners for Gaza hostages and the timetable for Israel's withdrawal, CNN reported on Friday, citing a senior Hamas official. The source told CNN that Hamas had submitted two proposals regarding the sticking points shortly before Israeli and US delegates left talks early on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said after the meetings that Hamas showed "a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza." Displaced Palestinians shelter in tents in Jabalya refugee camp, in the northern Gaza Strip, May 8, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa) What were the sticking points? CNN reported that according to the Hamas proposal, Israel would exchange 200 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in addition to 2,000 Gazan prisoners in exchange for 10 living hostages. In exchange for the bodies of Israeli hostages, the terror group would receive 10 corpses of Palestinians plus 50 prisoners from Gaza who were captured after October 7, and women and children under the age of 18, to be named by Hamas. The Hamas proposal, as seen by CNN, also detailed what the terror group sought in regards to an IDF withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the proposal, Israel would have withdrawn 800 meters from populated areas in northern Gaza and 1,000 meters from unpopulated ones. In Rafah, the IDF would have pulled back anywhere from 700 to 1,200 meters, depending on the part of the city. The occupation withdraws gradually at a rate of 50 meters per week from the Philadelphi corridor, the document said. On the 50th day, it will withdraw from the entire Philadelphi line. The Jerusalem Post previously reported that another significant gap in negotiations was the delivery of humanitarian aid. Israel had agreed to the (US) framework for a hostage release and ceasefire, but Hamas has only hardened its stance, and in fact, there has been a regression in its position during the negotiations," an Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, according to CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli and US negotiators have stated that they are now working on alternative ways to bring the hostages home. "Hamas is the obstacle to a hostage release deal. Together with our US allies, we are now considering alternative options to bring our hostages home, end Hamass terror rule, and secure lasting peace for Israel and our region," said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. July 25 (UPI) -- Lori Vallow Daybell, known as the Doomsday Mom, on Friday was sentenced to two more life sentences for conspiring with her brother to kill her fourth husband and her niece's former husband in Arizona. The terms are life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years to be served consecutively. Daybell, 51, already is serving several life sentences after being convicted in 2023 of murdering two of her children in 2019 in Idaho with Chad Daybell, and conspiring to commit murder in the death of Tammy Daybell, the former wife of Chad Daybell, who later married Lori Daybell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On April 22, the jury in Maricopa County Superior Court found her guilty of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder on July 11, 2019. Charles Vallow, her husband of 13 years, was executed. On June 12, she was convicted of scheming to kill Brandon Boudreaux, the former husband of her niece, in a targeted shooting on Oct. 2, 2019, that failed. She didn't testify in either trial. "I want everyone to know that I mourn with all of you," Daybell said. "I am sorry for your pain. Losing those close to you is painful, and I acknowledge all of the pain, and I do empathize, I feel it, too. If I was accountable for these crimes I would acknowledge it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She claims she didn't get a fair trial. Judge Justin Beresky, who presided over both trials in Phoenix, denied that. "You have not victimized just a single victim but many. You've shattered lives. You've undermined trust," Beresky said before the sentences. "In the face of such profound damage, a long prison sentence is not merely a punishment, it is a necessary affirmation that our society values justice, protection and the sanctity of human life." During the sentencing hearing, family members of Vallow Daybell's victims testified for more than one hour. That included her only surviving child, Coly Ryab, who described when he found out his father was shot and killed, and then her two siblings were murdered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I had to do something I've never done, and that was fight to stay alive after the pain," Ryan said in court. Vallow Daybell, who represented herself in court, has maintained that her brother, Alex Cox -- who died from a pulmonary embolism before he could be charged -- killed her estranged husband in self-defense at her home in Chandler. Prosecutors, however, argued that Vallow Daybell had wanted her then-husband of 13 years dead so she could claim a $1 million life insurance policy on him and marry Chad Daybell, which she did months after Charles Vallow was killed. "A family tragedy does not involve the intentional killing of a person," Maricopa County Prosecuting Attorney Treena Kay said before sentencing. "A family tragedy does not involve working with an accomplice to commit first-degree premeditated murder. And a family tragedy does not involve conspiring with others to kill." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They met at a religious conference in Utah. In the case involving her children, prosecutors argued that she and Chad Daybell thought the children were possessed zombies and they were murdered so they could be together. Also, she was convicted of stealing Social Security benefits for their care after they went missing. In the two instances in Arizona, prosecutors said she also invoked the "twisted" religious beliefs. They thought he was possessed by an evil spirit referred to as "Ned." In the second case, Boudreaux called 911 that someone driving by in a Jeep shot at his vehicle outside his home in Gilbert, missing his head by inches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said Boudreaux lived in fear because he would "return to finish the job." Cox died in December 2019. Joshua "J.J. Vallow was 7 and Tylee Rose, 16. Their remains were found on property owned by Chad Dayball in June 2020. Chad Daybell, a Mormon author of apocalyptical fiction and cult leader, was sentenced to death on June 1, 2024, by an Idaho jury. A DoorDash worker was hospitalized after being shot in a Boston neighborhood late Friday night. Police responded to 81 Faneuil St. in Brighton at around 11:41 p.m. on July 25 for a report of a person shot, the Boston Police Department told MassLive Saturday morning. The man, identified as a DoorDash worker, was driven to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. No arrests have been made as of 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 26. The investigation is ongoing. The latest from MassLive Read the original article on MassLive. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Healthcare workers and community organizations in the Rochester region gathered Saturday morning for the National Day of Action to draw attention to the more than $4 trillion in cuts to essential care programs. The Families First rallying events took place across the country in reaction to President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill. Dozens gathered in Rochester in front of the Keating Federal Building on State Street rallying for care, not cuts for critical programs such as education, food aid, healthcare, immigrant protections, and disaster relief. Those who attended were expressing the important need for safe schools, climate protection, immigration protection, healthcare for everyone, and the ability to put food on the table. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From Medicaid to SNAP to education, every system we rely on is under attack, and organizations in Rochester are coming together and stepping up to lead the resistance, organizers said. Concerned citizens, 1199SEIU healthcare workers, SEIU Local 200 United, University of Rochester Graduate Labor Union, United Farm Workers (UFW), DSA Rochester, Indivisible Rochester, Free the People Rochester, 50501, Metro Justice, Elder Justice, elected officials, allies took part in Saturdays rally. 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest healthcare union in the United States. It represents more than 400,000 nurses and caregivers throughout New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Florida. Its mission is to achieve quality care and good jobs for everyone. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Dr. Phil McGraws conservative-leaning cable network Merit Street Media is filing for bankruptcy barely a year after its launch, and is also suing its distribution partner Trinity Broadcasting for breach of contract. In its lawsuit against the Christian broadcaster, Merit Street alleged that Trinity reneged on its obligations and abused its position as the controlling shareholder of Merit Street, leaving the upstart channel with over $100 million in debt. These failures by TBN were neither unintended nor inadvertent, the lawsuit read. They were a conscious, intentional pattern of choices made with full awareness that the consequence of which was to sabotage and seal the fate of a new but already nationally acclaimed network. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following a two-decade run as a syndicated daytime talk show host, McGraw announced in late 2023 that he was starting up his own multi-platform media company, which would include a cable television channel featuring a Dr. Phil primetime program as its flagship. Claiming that Merit Street would become one of the most widely distributed startup networks in modern history, the company revealed before its official launch that it was partnering with TBN. Besides McGraws weeknight show, the channel would focus on true crime and cultural programming and boast a lineup of familiar TV personalities such as Nancy Grace, Steve Harvey and Bear Grylls. Dr. Phil McGraws media startup Merit Street is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy a little less than a year after the network launched. (Reuters) Merit Street Media will be a resource of information and strategies to fight for America and its families, which are under a cultural woke assault as never before," McGraw said at the time. I love this country and I believe family is the backbone of our society. Together we are going to stand strong and fight for the very soul and sanity of America and get things that matter back on track. However, after officially launching in April 2024, the network soon found itself in financial turmoil. Just months after McGraws high-profile and fawning primetime interview with Donald Trump, Merit Street laid off roughly 40 employees in August of last year representing about one-third of its total staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And just last month, amid the Dr. Phil shows summer hiatus, another 40 staffers were given the pink slip. It would now appear, though, that it was due to more than McGraws primetime program taking a break. In a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in the Northern District Court of Texas, Merit Street cited a severely strained liquidity position and the inability to secure additional capital as reasons for the declaration. It further mentioned issues with TBN and the Professional Bull Riders as factors. The Professional Bull Riders pulled its programming from Merit Street last November, just months after signing a four-year deal with the network. According to PBR at the time, it was severing ties with McGraws channel due to failure to make their payments for rights fees. Merit also claimed in the bankruptcy filing that McGraws Peteski Productions company had continued to inject substantial capital infusions to keep the network going, but was unable to raise necessary funds through another round of equity financing. Ultimately, the network placed much of the blame on Trinity. Trinity Broadcasting Network is being sued by Merit Street Media for failing to provide clearly agreed-upon national distribution and other significant foundational commitments critical to the networks continuing success and viability, a Merit Street spokesperson said in a statement. The suit is part of a restructuring proceeding also initiated by MSM. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the lawsuit, which was also filed on Wednesday, Merit alleged that TBN began to abuse its power as a controlling shareholder of the network and forced Merit to engage in costly third-party distribution deals with cable providers, despite Trinity boasting an extensive local TV lineup. On top of that, Merit Street accused Trinity of self-dealing by charging the company for studio space to produce Dr. Phils shows, adding that TBN provided shoddy production values. McGraw, meanwhile, has made headlines in recent months for embedding himself with ICE agents for raids amid the Trump administration's immigration crackdowns in large American cities. After joining immigration enforcement for ride-alongs in Chicago in January, with footage of migrant arrests being used for content for Merit, the network boasted that McGraw and his camera crew got a first-hand look at the targeted operations in Los Angeles that led to fiery protests and Trump mobilizing the National Guard. Gov. Jared Polis revealed the culmination of his work as both the states highest elected official and chairman of the National Governors Association in improving public education Friday during the associations summer meeting. Pulling from his own initiatives spearheaded in Colorado and innovations in education across the world, Polis presented a road map for fellow governors to follow and apply in their respective states. Lets Get Ready: Educating All Americans for Success details five areas of focus for future policies, performance monitoring and assessment and general governance to provide students the requisite skills needed to succeed in todays world. These areas include redefining student readiness, eliminating government silos that impede progress and building systems and infrastructure to measure outcomes. For too long, our definition of success has been too narrow, focused on academic indicators, Polis said at the meeting. Two points on that. One: academic indicators are important. We do measure them and we certainly dont do well enough. But we also know that academic indicators just scratch the surface of what students need to know, to do and to be to be successful in life. In Colorados case, this has included rolling out universal preschool, full-day kindergarten, a series of legislation aimed at addressing youth mental health and an executive order signed earlier this year to direct other state agencies to work closely with the state Education Department in helping people out of high school earn workforce credentials. Additionally, the states investments in analytical data and corresponding dashboards help these agencies and the public identify what is and isnt working and where adjustments need to be made. Education is the best investment we can make in the future of our states. But, we also know that sometimes we make poor investments, Polis said. If I take in a close look at how we can maximize our return on investment in education, just like we do in any other area, we can achieve better outcomes. Among the guests at the summer meeting was U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon, who discussed potential improvements to education on a national level and how her department can support state efforts going forward. She agreed with many of the solutions proposed in the road map, like implementing K-12 career pathways, public-private apprenticeships and dual credential partnerships with local community colleges. Featured Local Savings These are all of the new innovations that we need to embrace and make sure theyre successful she said. Im 100% on board with that. McMahon especially pointed to the collaborative nature of existing departments to address current issues in public education. Regarding the social, emotional and mental health aspects outlined in the road map, she often deferred to the states role in developing individual legislation to meet these needs. When it came to general student well-being in areas such as healthy, nutritious school meals, she referred to efforts by Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture to address this. As for adjustments to her department, she suggested restructuring the current approaches to how data is gathered to include indicators like economic impacts from certifications or college degrees. She said, to date, that they have consolidated over 40 of their workforce development programs into the U.S. Department of Labor. This is, I believe, the most collaborative cabinet that I can recall in a long time, she said. Later in the meeting, Polis sat down with billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban to discuss the role of artificial intelligence in public education and broader contexts now and going forward. Cuban, who started a foundation to improve education in AI, said that it was the most consequential technology weve ever seen. Ive been in the technology business for a long time, from the start of PCs, you name it. This blows it all away, he said. And its hard to predict. With that said, Cuban also drove home a message to public schools, along with businesses and governments, to embrace the technology for its innovative potential. While educators have already expressed fears and frustrations over students using various AI software like ChatGPT to circumvent their learning, he proposed that educators learn to use it as a way to adjust their own instruction and customize it to each student. Matcha is added to beverages on offer at Kettl Tea in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles, California on May 20, 2025. Credit - FREDERIC J. BROWNAFP via Getty Images Matcha tea, a powdered Japanese green tea, has become a cultural phenomenon in the West, so much so that its popularity has resulted in a global supply problem. Western consumers have thirsted for the health option in recent years, a trend skyrocketed by social mediaespecially through Tik Tok. At the same time, Japan has experienced a mass tourism rise in the post-pandemic yearsin 2024, Japan welcomed a record-breaking 36.9 million international visitors, surpassing the previous record of 31.9 million in 2019 leading to many mass tea companies and local vendors to report shortages of supply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back in October 2024, two well-known matcha companiesIppodo and Marukyu Koyamaenlimited and/or stopped selling certain kinds of matcha, citing short supplies. Dear customers, We have been receiving an unexpected high volume of orders during the past few months. Taking production scale and capacity into consideration, we regrettably announce that availability for all Matcha products, regardless size and packaging type, will be limited from now on, Marukyu Koyamaens website still reads. Matcha comes from the same plant that many different teas come from the camellia sinensis. The camella sinensis leaves can be made into green tea, oolong tea, and black tea. Though matcha originates from China, it has become closely associated and rooted in Japanese culture. Matcha is a type of green tea, but the processing, form and taste differs significantly, and is made specifically from tencha, a shaded green leaf tea. Matcha also only makes up a small amount of Japanese tea productionjust 6%according to the Global Japanese Tea Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet, the demand has skyrocketed. And as a result, prices have also soared. According to Forbes, the matcha market is expected to hit about $5 billion by 2028, an expected growth of more than 10% since 2023. Further, the Japanese agriculture ministry has reported that the 2024 tencha output was over 2.5 times higher than 2014. The question is whether increased demand, small farmers trying to meet this demand, and a crop that is heavily dependent on weather patterns can keep up, even as the spring matcha harvest attempts to make up for the shortages of the past year. This year, though, the Kyoto region of Japan, which accounts for a large percentage of tencha harvest, was hit with a hot and dry harvest season, say farmers in the area. In 2025, Zach Mangan, founder of Kettl Tea, a Brooklyn-based company specializing in high-quality teas imported directly from farms in Japan, called this years harvest a high-quality but lower-yielding harvest in a blog post in May of this yearthe kind of harvest that will boost demand and lower availability, potentially raising prices even further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More: The Surprising Reason Your Groceries Are More Expensive According to the Global Japanese Tea Association, the average price for tencha in late April reached 8,235 yen per kilogram, which is 1.7 times higher than last years average. And according to producers, that can only be expected to continue. Over the past year, demand for matcha has grown beyond all expectations, Ippodo updates customers on July 18. Unfortunately, supply constraints are likely to continue. Contact us at letters@time.com. People driving through Montgomery County may see more police on Saturday night. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The Ohio State Highway Patrol announced that it will be working with the Dayton Police Department and the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office on a joint traffic enforcement operation on State Route 48. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The enforcement operations will take place from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. A spokesperson with OSHP said this partnership aims to reduce deadly crashes and suppress crime. Additionally, the initiative aims to raise awareness, provide education, and promote community transparency through traffic safety measures, the spokesperson added. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The Rimrock Retreat Fire burned through the Oak Creek drainage in Yakima County in 2024, but the damage was minimal due to tree thinning and prescribed burns the Department of Natural Resources completed in the area with House Bill 1168 funding before the fire. (Photo by Emily Fitzgerald/Washington State Standard) If state funding for forest health and wildfire prevention isnt ramped back up in the next legislative session, it could hinder efforts to prevent severe fires in the coming years, Washingtons top public lands official and others warned this week. The state Legislature approved House Bill 1168 in 2021, which committed $500 million over eight years to the state Department of Natural Resources for wildfire preparedness and response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State spending had largely kept up with that target until this year, with the department receiving $115 million in the last two-year budget and $130 million in the one before that. Then this year, as lawmakers confronted a budget shortfall, they slashed the wildfire preparedness funding to just $60 million for the next two years. The Department of Natural Resources says its prepared for this fire season and has money left over from past years. But the funding rollback has sparked concerns. Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove raised the alarm this week during a press conference near the Burdoin Fire in the Columbia River Gorge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Friday, that fire had burned 11,269 acres on both sides of Highway 14 east of White Salmon and was just 13% contained. The blaze had also led to the closure of Highway 14 and other roads, and evacuation orders for hundreds of residents. If next years supplemental budget does not restore some of that funding, were going to see more fires like this, theyre going to be larger, and theyre going to cost the taxpayers a lot more money in the back end, Upthegrove said during a press conference with Gov. Bob Ferguson. Ferguson stopped short of calling for the funding to be boosted, but thanked the Legislature for the funds it did provide. This is a reminder of the need for those resources theyre truly making a big difference right now as we understand it from the experts here on the ground, Ferguson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Natural Resources has worked since receiving the dedicated wildfire preparedness funding in 2021 to thin out flammable vegetation in forests around the state. But theres plenty more to be done, both for fire mitigation and fire recovery, and the reduced funding is not going to allow us to do as much work as we normally do, said Collin Haffey, post-fire recovery program manager for the department. Haffey spoke during a tour of the Rimrock Retreat Fire area in the Yakima Valley this week. The fire burned roughly 46,600 acres over a month last year, between Rimrock Lake and Tieton in the Yakima Valley, after starting at a cabin. The visit highlighted the departments post-fire recovery efforts, as well as the pre-fire actions that officials say helped to significantly reduce the harm the fire caused the local ecosystem and surrounding community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the fire burned severely in some areas, the damage wasnt as bad in the Oak Creek drainage due to forest management actions the state took before the fire, officials said. This work included thinning trees and conducting prescribed burns. The goal with this kind of work is to restore a historically natural mix of clearings and densely forested areas, creating what forest scientists call a mosaic pattern. This can reduce the risk of high-intensity fires while also better supporting biodiversity than forests that get too dense. And when wildfires do burn on land thats been treated in this way, it can be beneficial rather than catastrophic. This fire in the Oak Creek drainage, in terms of the impacts on forests and on wildlife overall, was good, said Derek Churchill, a scientist with the Department of Natural Resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now this watershed is in pretty good condition, at least for another 10 or 15 years, where we have really low fuel loads and lower fire risk, he said. In contrast, areas in the footprint of the Rimrock Retreat Fire that werent pretreated suffered from high-severity burns that damaged the soil and decimated the vegetation. A section of the Oak Creek drainage area that was not treated with tree thinning or prescribed burns before the Rimrock Retreat Fire in 2024. Due to the forest density and a high amount of ground cover, the fire burned intensely in this area, killing all trees and destroying the soil. (Photo by Emily Fitzgerald/Washington State Standard) Burns like this in that part of the state can end up converting forest habitat to a shrub steppe at least for years to come, Churchill said. The scorched land can also invite invasive species and is at higher risk of landslides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you lose your big trees in a fire like this, weve lost them for, I wont say forever, but for a long time, Churchill said. These soils will come back eventually, but it definitely takes a lot longer when you cook the soil like this. Correction: This story was updated to remove a reference to the state Department of Natural Resources undertaking forest management work in the Oak Creek drainage, using money available under House Bill 1168, before the Rimrock Retreat Fire. The states Department of Fish and Wildlife completed that work before the HB 1168 funding became available. A cartel member that was extradited from Guatemala for trying to distribute meth to the Atlanta area was sentenced Friday to 10 years in prison. Pablo Tabares-Martinez, 50, a member of the La Nueva Familia Michoacana, pleaded guilty and was convicted in January for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Leigh Martin May sentenced Tabares-Martinez to 10 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities say the La Nueva Familia Michoacana cartel is violent and is responsible for the transportation and distribution of 12 tons of methamphetamine, 13 tons of opioids, including heroin and fentanyl, and 18 tons of cocaine in the United States. Tabares-Martinez, a Mexican resident, was a mid-level member of the cartel, He orchestrated the sale of one kilogram of methamphetamine to an individual in the Atlanta area in November of 2021. He also contacted the purchaser to confirm the methamphetamine was high quality. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Tabares-Martinez and other La Nueva Familia Michoacana members established a transportation route for 150 kilograms of cocaine from Colombia to Atlanta in 2022 and 2023. Law enforcement in Guatemala arrested Tabares-Martinez in March 2023 after he traveled there to inspect the cocaine, and he was extradited to the Northern District of Georgia in November of that year. He has remained in Georgia in federal custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Department of Homeland Security. Guatemalan law enforcement provided valuable assistance in Tabares-Martinezs arrest. Assistant United States Attorneys Bethany L. Rupert and Laurel B. Milam prosecuted the case. The prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. The successful extradition and prosecution of Tabares-Martinez reflect my offices commitment to eliminating dangerous cartels that seek to introduce drugs into our community, said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. This case also sends a strong message to cartel members who transport deadly drugs destined for the Northern District of Georgia: we will find you and bring you here to face justice. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A senior United Airlines pilot who was disoriented and slurring his speech following a head injury claims he was instead accused of being an alcoholic, forced into inpatient rehab and threatened with grounding unless he admitted to an allegedly nonexistent addiction. When Capt. Michael Tallon denied he had troubles with alcohol, he was informed by higher-ups that if he did not confess to having a drinking problem, he would never fly a United plane again, according to a bombshell federal lawsuit obtained by The Independent. Once he begrudgingly checked into residential treatment, Tallon, 56, was subjected to repetitive and intrusive group therapies focused exclusively on alcohol use, abuse and dependence, his complaint states, adding, None of these were appropriate given [Tallons] actual medical condition a head injury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After his release, the complaint says Tallon showed up dutifully for daily Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and blew into a breathalyzer twice a day, among other things, in order to comply with Uniteds demands. Upon presenting a second opinion from his personal physician who reported finding no evidence at all of any substance use disorder, United sent Tallon to a psychologist to deal with his denial issues, according to the complaint. United, Tallons complaint alleges, failed to provide reasonable accommodations for [Tallons] actual condition post-concussion syndrome while simultaneously subjecting him to burdensome and discriminatory treatment requirements for a condition he did not have. Nearly two years later, Tallon was fired for refusing to keep up the charade, according to the complaint. I cant believe it, still, Tallon told The Independent. ... If I thought I had cancer but five doctors told me I didn't, would you fire me for refusing chemotherapy? Capt. Michael Tallon fell and suffered a concussion during a layover in the Azores and his life was never the same, he says (Supplied) Tallon, a check airman who trained and evaluated pilots flying Uniteds 737 fleet, had nearly three decades of experience and was earning more than $400,000 when he was terminated. He said he has never been a big drinker, that everyone he worked with knew he might go out for a beer or two, and thats it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I didnt want to sue anybody, I just wanted to go back to work, Tallon said. Finally, I just had enough. I decided to stand up. I can't admit to something Im not, just to get my paycheck. Attorney Mike Lueder, who is representing Tallon in his suit against United, described what happened to his client as draconian. If you're not someone who is actually in recovery, to have to sit there and go through an AA program, or inpatient treatment, or have a peer pilot looking over your shoulder, it's Kafkaesque, Lueder told The Independent. Its craziness. In an email on Tuesday, a United Airlines spokesperson said, Since this is an ongoing legal matter, we wont have anything to share. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tallons saga began on June 10, 2023, while on a layover in the Azores in the mid-Atlantic, according to his complaint, which was filed July 3 in Chicago federal court. He tripped on an uneven cobblestone walk and fell to the ground, sustaining visible facial lacerations and concussion symptoms, it states. Following the fall, [Tallons co-pilot] observed [his] deteriorating speech and confusion. [Tallon] returned to his hotel room to rest, but his head injury worsened. Tallon became concerned that he would not be safe to fly the next day, and called a United manager to remove himself from the schedule, the complaint goes on. It says the United manager then called Tallons co-pilot and asked if Tallon had been drunk at the time of his fall. The co-pilot said no, that Tallon was not intoxicated but might have a concussion, according to the complaint. Capt. Michael Tallon was on a layover in the Azores when he fell and hit his head, leading United Airlines to mistakenly believe he was a drunk, according to a federal lawsuit (AFP/Getty) Tallon told The Independent that he told the United manager hed had a drink with his dinner, which apparently set off alarm bells. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite clear and reported signs of head trauma, the United manager failed to provide or suggest that [Tallon] seek immediate medical attention, at one of the three local English-speaking Emergency Care providers, as required by Uniteds own procedures for crew member injuries while on duty or on layovers, the complaint continues. At this point, a distracted and confused Tallon called his wife and asked her to let him speak with his mother, the complaint says. She immediately knew something was wrong, as Tallons mom had died some 20 years earlier, the complaint explains. Tallon also spoke with his union rep from the Air Line Pilots Association, who was also the chair of the steering committee for Uniteds substance-abuse recovery program. In what the complaint calls Tallons concussed fog, he told the union rep that he needed help with his drinking in response to her leading questions on the topic, the complaint states, noting that Tallon does not have a complete recollection of this conversation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tallon flew home to the U.S. the next day as a passenger on the flight he was originally supposed to pilot, according to the complaint. It says that while the plane was in the air, Tallons union rep arranged without [Tallons] knowledge or permission for him to attend inpatient alcohol treatment. When Tallon landed, he got a call from United and association officials, who immediately pressured him to admit to alcoholism, the complaint states. Shocked, Tallon denied he had a problem with alcohol, the complaint continues. However, it contends, the rep informed Tallon that if he didnt admit he was an alcoholic and go to rehab, he would lose his job. In the meantime, Tallon challenged Uniteds assessment and met with a physician working for the carrier, who tested him for drugs and alcohol as part of a fitness-for-duty evaluation, the complaint states. Tallon came up clean, it maintains. Nevertheless, Uniteds doctor issued a report saying he believed Tallon might meet FAA criteria for alcohol dependence due to alleged drinking in larger amounts and over longer periods than intended, according to the complaint, which argues, That is not the diagnostic standard from any recognized authority. Further, the doctor ignored, among other things, Tallons lab results, professional evaluations, and, most importantly, his untreated head injury, the complaint alleges. So, Tallon decided to seek out a second doctor, as is his right under the unions contract with United, the complaint says. Yet, this prompted a warning from an association lawyer, who told Tallon that doing so would be an insult to the United doctor, and would suggest denial, the complaint asserts. Capt. Mike Tallon was removed from his position as a senior 737 pilot and trainer and sent to rehab for a non-existent alcohol issue, he claims (AFP/Getty) On August 28, 2023, Tallon was sent to a recovery center in Connecticut, where clinicians puzzled over his lack of an actual diagnosis, the complaint states. A little less than a month later, United and association officials pressured Tallon to sign himself up for HIMS, or, Human Intervention Motivation Study, which is the aviation industrys standard substance-abuse recovery program, according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under coercion and duress, Plaintiff signed the HIMS contract on September 21, 2023, the complaint says. In response to a request for comment from The Independent, an ALPA representative said it is the organizations policy to refrain from commenting on ongoing legal matters. Four weeks later, the recovery center discharged Tallon with a finding of no diagnosis, according to the complaint. Tallon went to see his primary care physician, who was shocked he hadnt yet been given a full head trauma evaluation for his fall and found no indication of alcoholism, the complaint states. Tallon continued to protest Uniteds insistence that he was an alcoholic, telling his bosses that having to pretend to have a drinking problem in order to stay employed was not appropriate, the complaint states. Yet, Uniteds Employee Assistance Program rep let Tallon know, in no uncertain terms, If I hear you say one more time that you are NOT in recovery, you will be out of compliance with the program, the complaint alleges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, Tallon completed 90 consecutive days of an intensive outpatient program, according to the complaint. There, Tallons therapist joined the chorus of other professionals who did not view Tallon as an alcoholic. Tallons AA sponsor also agreed that Tallon didnt have a drinking problem, the complaint says. In early 2024, Tallon began an aftercare program at the Connecticut rehab, where, after five months of treatment, yet another counselor said he didnt see any signs of alcoholism or a history of hard drinking, according to the complaint. Still, a physician under contract to United as an Aviation Medical Examiner demanded Tallon now undergo neuropsychological testing for alcoholism, the complaint states. The doctor performing the test told Tallon that she was confused, as, You have not been diagnosed with anything, according to the complaint. It says the doctor then cut short the session, and sent Tallon home. This, according to the complaint, led Uniteds Aviation Medical Examiner to insist Tallon see a psychologist for treatment of anxiety and denial of (alleged) alcoholism, the complaint states. But, it contends, the psychologist saw no signs that Tallon was an alcoholic, and said so in an April 2024 report. Regardless, United insisted Tallon reschedule the neurocognitive test, according to the complaint. This time, Tallon refused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He had sent reams of information to United confirming that he was not alcoholic and was finished with the nonsense, the complaint states. In February 2025, after a hearing, United fired Tallon because he allegedly would not comply with the HIMS program, according to the complaint. It says that by getting rid of Tallon via the HIMS program, rather than a medical separation due to his head injury, meant United saved itself millions in long-term disability payments. Its a sh***y system, Lueder told The Independent, and I hope to help change it. Tallon is now seeking compensatory damages for lost wages and benefits, emotional distress, and reputational harm, punitive damages and an injunction forcing United to rework the HIMS program, plus attorneys fees and court costs. I have no other choice but to look back and laugh, Tallon said on Tuesday. But here I am, and I'm moving on with my life. The Dyess We Care Team will be burning the midnight oil and stirring the pot during this years Ben Richey Boys Ranch Chili Super Bowl & Cookoff, set for Aug. 3031 at Old Settlers Grounds in Buffalo Gap. But behind the scenes, their mission extends far beyond the cookoff. Airmen from Dyess Air Force Base will once again take charge of the Worlds Largest Chili Pot, cooking throughout the night to prepare hearty servings for the thousands of attendees expected. The team will also be crafting a spicy version for the brave and bold chili lovers in the crowd. While preparing to serve bowls of chili the Dyess We Care Team is also working tirelessly to help one of their own. Since May, the team has been assisting the Lawless family, who arrived in Abilene for an assignment at Dyess only to find their new home plagued by mold, mildew, and flood damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local businesses including Lowes, Homes For Heroes, Honey Do Services, and other volunteers have stepped up to help, contributing materials, labor, and funding for drywall, cabinets, flooring, and foundation repairs. However, a major concern remains: drainage and flooding issues around the property that threaten to undo months of work. We are in need of a landscaper or civil engineer who can contribute their skills and equipment to address the drainage and flooding issues on the property. Without addressing this, there is a risk that future weather events could undermine the progress weve made, Gordon Storey, with the Dyess We Care Team, shared. The group is also seeking a lawyer willing to work pro bono to assist the family with ongoing legal matters related to the home. As for the Chili Super Bowl itself, the Labor Day weekend tradition has become a hallmark fundraiser for Ben Richey Boys Ranch & Family Program, which supports at-risk youth and families across the Big Country. Started in 1982 by local chili lovers looking to give back, the event now draws more than 1,000 visitors each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Up to 75 cooking teams will compete in categories including chili, brisket, chicken, ribs, beans, and desserts, with over $7,100 in cash prizes donated by area merchants. The event also features raffles, food booths, a live auction, and a Saturday night dance. Thanks to the support of sponsors, cooks, volunteers, and attendees, the Chili Super Bowl has raised over $2 million for the Ranch over the past 42 years. For more information about the Chili Super Bowl visit benrichey.org. To learn more about the Dyess We Care Team or to offer assistance visit dyesswecareteam.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. Heres what youll learn when you read this story: When humans pump groundwater, it has a substantial impact on the tilt of Earths rotation. Additionally, a study documents just how much of an influence groundwater pumping has on climate change. Understanding this relatively recent data may provide a better understanding of how to help stave off sea-level rise. Water has power. So much power, in fact, that pumping Earths groundwater can change the planets tilt and rotation. It can also impact sea-level rise and other consequences of climate change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pumping groundwater appears to have a greater consequence than ever previously thought. But nowthanks to a study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letterswe can see that, in less than two decades, Earth has tilted 31.5 inches as a result of pumping groundwater. This equates to.24 inches of sea level rise. Earths rotational pole actually changes a lot, Ki-Weon Seo, a geophysicist at Seoul National University and study lead, says in a statement. Our study shows that among climate-related causes, the redistribution of groundwater actually has the largest impact on the drift of the rotational pole. With the Earth moving on a rotational pole, the distribution of water on the planet impacts distribution of mass. Like adding a tiny bit of weight to a spinning top, authors say, the Earth spins a little differently as water is moved around. NASA research published in 2016 alerted us to the fact that the distribution of water can change the Earths rotation. This study in Geophysical Research Letters attempts to add some hard figures to that realization. Im very glad to find the unexplained cause of the rotation pole drift, Seo says. On the other hand, as a resident of Earth and a father, Im concerned and surprised to see that pumping groundwater is another source of sea-level rise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The study included data from 1993 through 2010, and showed that the pumping of as much as 2,150 gigatons of groundwater has caused a change in the Earths tilt of roughly 31.5 inches. The pumping is largely for irrigation and human use, with the groundwater eventually relocating to the oceans. In the study, researchers modeled observed changes in the drift of Earths rotational pole and the movement of water. Across varying scenarios, the only model that matched the drift was one that included 2,150 gigatons of groundwater distribution. Surendra Adhikari, a research scientist at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory who was involved in the 2016 study, says the additional research is important. Theyve quantified the role of groundwater pumping on polar motion, he says in a news release, and its pretty significant. Where the water moves fromand tomatters. Redistributing water from the midlatitudes makes the biggest difference, so our intense water movement from both western North America and northwestern India have played a key role in the tilt changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now that the impact of water movement is known for such a shortand relatively recenttime, digging through historical data may help show trends and provide greater depth to the understanding of groundwater movement effects. Observing changes in Earths rotational pole is useful, Seo says, for understanding continent-scale water storage variations. This data may also help conservationists understand how to work toward staving off continued sea level rise and other climate issues. Hopefully, changes can be properly implemented over time. Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue You Might Also Like LISBON, Ohio (WKBN) An East Palestine man will be sentenced in September for having child sex abuse material. Robert Rogers, 75, pleaded guilty last week to 17 fourth-degree felony counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor or impaired person, according to court records. A Columbiana County grand jury returned a secret indictment in the case in January. According to the indictment, Rogers had obscene material depicting a minor on June 18, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A sentencing hearing has been set for 11 a.m. Sept. 19. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Pastor Daniel Fuentes Espinal represents his church at the Assembly for Mid Atlantic Nazarene churches. (Photo courtesy Fuentes Espinal family) An Eastern Shore pastor who was arrested by immigration agents Monday and taken to Baltimore for processing is in good spirits and is preaching to fellow detainees but that preaching is now being done at a detention center in Louisiana. Daniel Fuentes Espinal, an undocumented immigrant from Honduras with no criminal record, was transferred Thursday from Baltimore to the Winn Correctional Center outside New Orleans, a family friend said Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes a remarkably resilient man, and for all of the trauma that he has been subjected to and the stress thats been inflicted upon him and on his family, he is upbeat and his spirits are good, said Len Foxwell, speaking for the family. Fuentes Espinals daughter, Clarissa Fuentes Diaz, had been speaking for the family earlier this week, but is now declining interviews for fear of retaliation, Foxwell said. Fuentes Diaz spoke to her father Thursday before his transfer. Foxwell said. He said Fuentes Espinals attorney filed a motion for a bond hearing, which was approved and will take place next week. Fuentes Espinal, his wife and daughter fled violence in their native Honduras in 2001, when Clarissa was 8 years old, and eventually came to the Eastern Shore where they put down roots and where two more children were born. Since 2015, Fuentes Espinal has been pastor of Jesus Te Ama Iglesia del Nazareno [Jesus Loves You Church of the Nazarene] in Easton an unpaid position. He works in construction to pay the familys bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fuentes Espinal had gone to a hardware store for construction materials for his job on Monday and was on his way to work when he was stopped by unidentified agents and arrested on immigration charges and taken to Baltimore. The family only learned of his whereabouts when he called later that night, as the family was about to file a missing persons report, his daughter said earlier this week. Fuentes Diaz recently learned that she had been approved for U.S. citizenship, after a 16-year wait, and said both parents had been working to get documentation. I was going to help my dad and mom get their papers straight, but that was before her father was arrested, she said earlier this week. His arrest comes amid a surge in immigration detentions, part of President Donald Trumps campaign pledge to enact mass deportations if reelected. The pressure to make arrests has led to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents frequenting areas where day-laborers gather, raiding businesses and sites that had previously been off-limits, like courthouses and, according to critics, engaging in racial profiling to stop people simply for looking Hispanic. In Maryland, immigration arrests jumped from about 3.7 per day in 2024 to 9.8 per day since Trumps inauguration on Jan. 20, according to data from the Deportation Data Project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Trump and Department of Homeland Security officials have said their immigration enforcement actions are aimed at removing the worst of the worst undocumented criminals in the U.S., only 45% of those arrested this year have criminal convictions and 40%, like Fuentes Espinal, have no criminal charges. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Fuentes Espinals case has drawn extensive media coverage as well as the attention of immigration advocates and members of Marylands congressional delegation. Foxwell said a gofundme page he set up for the family quickly surpassed its original goal of raising $15,000, and then a second goal of $25,000. As of Friday, it was inching toward a new goal of $40,000, which he said will come in handy if the Fuentes Espinal has to travel to Louisiana. In the meantime, Fuentes Espinal remains upbeat and is trying to console his family, Foxwell said Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His exact words to his daughter were: This must be Gods plan, Foxwell said. Fuentes Espinal said he has been ministering to his fellow detainees, both in Baltimore and in Louisiana, Foxwell said. A preacher is going to preach, and he doesnt necessarily need a church to talk about the grace of God, Foxwell said. Fuentes Diaz told Foxwell that her father said hes aware of the coverage his case has attracted, and he is grateful. He is a true man of faith who embodies the teachings of Christ each and every day of his life, Foxwell said. He is remaining upbeat and resilient under a set of circumstances that would break most other people. Amid the tension between rural and urban leaders at the state Capitol, the governor and lawmakers have tackled housing, healthcare, food security and mental health access across Colorados rural communities, advocates from both sides of that divide said. They pointed to measures they said directly target rural areas, as well as other policies that apply statewide but yield a bigger impact on non-urban regions because of their unique challenges. Often, these measures come in the form of preserving funding for programs. Senate Minority Whip Sen. Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, said it may seem like he mostly complains about Gov. Jared Polis and the Democratic-led state legislature for neglecting rural Colorado, but the state policymakers have collectively produced what he described as bright spots. Over the last few years, the governor and state lawmakers have pushed initiatives to address housing shortages, mental health services, health care and food access that benefited rural Colorado, Simpson said. I do think the governor and legislators have made positive efforts toward improving the economy and housing, Simpson told Colorado Politics. We may not be where we should be, but we are taking steps. In a recent interview with Colorado Politics, Polis said he hopes residents understand that a lot of his major policies are based on helping the entire state not specifically the Front Range or rural Colorado. From housing and property taxes to universal preschool, the governor, now on his second term, said it helps the state more when all residents benefit from policies coming out of the state Capitol. The governor and legislators pointed to the following policies as among the accomplishments in the last few years. Housing Rural and mountain counties over the last few years have urged the state to pass laws focused on housing affordability, as many industries, including health care, have argued that a lack of inventory directly affects their ability to recruit a reliable workforce. Last year, Polis signed three bills related to affordable housing, including one that focused on rural regions. Backed by Simpson, House Bill 1434 expanded the states affordable housing tax credits issued by the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority and created a new state income tax credit for taxpayers who invest in qualified low-income housing projects located in a "transit oriented" community. The state also passed Senate Bill 174, which local governments applauded when Polis signed it into law. The measure requires the Department of Local Affairs to work with local governments to develop housing needs assessments and provides $15 million in grants. Kevin Bommer, who heads the Colorado Municipal League, which represents 271 municipalities, said SB 174 "marks a significant step forward in supporting municipalities' ongoing efforts to address housing challenges while preserving local character." He called the measure the most impactful housing bill to become law in decades. That's a nod to the bill's requirements that municipalities said don't violate local control over housing, zoning or land use. Some of the biggest clashes between local governments and state legislators have often centered on the extent with which municipalities and counties may retain their ability to direct housing initiatives. On the one hand, local governments argue that they know their areas best, and can, therefore, offer housing policies most suited to their communities. State actors, on the other hand, insist that local regulations have gotten in the way of fast-tracking housing developments and that a statewide approach would hasten the work. In 2024, the legislature also passed House Bill 1308, which requires the Division of Housing at DOLA to implement stricter rules around affordable housing grant programs, as well as reporting requirements. This year, Polis urged the legislature to help facilitate the building of more starter homes, such as condominiums, which are needed not only in urban areas but also in mountain towns and rural areas. In response, lawmakers adopted House Bill 1272, which amended the "construction defect" law that some have blamed for stalling condo construction for decades. Following the skyrocketing valuations that hammered property owners in 2023 and 2024, several groups pushed two propositions that would have reduced property assessment rates and imposed an annual cap on property tax revenues. The ballot measures compelled the governor and the legislature to negotiate with Advance Colorado and Colorado Concern, which ultimately led to a special session to pass a compromise, in which residents and businesses would see property tax savings. Under the deal, property taxes would still go up in the next two years they just won't go up as much. Universal preschool The governor pushed for the creation of a universal preschool program, which, he maintained, greatly benefits rural communities. The program, which began in the fall of 2023, provides free preschool for all Colorado children in the year before kindergarten. This initiative is part of a broader effort to expand access to early childhood education and make it more affordable for families, supporters said. "When you talk about preschool, it's not an urban agenda, it's a rural agenda," he said. "There has been a lot of work around university free preschool and it has been transformative in rural communities. When I talk to people in rural communities, it's one of the things they bring up and they say, 'Wow'. Healthcare Simpson, the Republican legislator, said health care facilities in rural Colorado, with their fixed costs, are perennially under threat of shutting down. If they closed their doors, the next place to offer health services could be hundreds of miles away. Featured Local Savings Over the last few years, the legislature enacted policies geared toward preserving that health care access, proponents said. One such proposal, House Bill 1222, bars what's called a pharmacy benefit manager from prohibiting a rural independent pharmacy from using a private courier or a delivery service to deliver a prescription drug to a patient. Behavioral Health Rural Coloradans face a number of challenges when it comes to mental health care, notably access to providers. The AgrAbility Project, housed at Colorado State University, sought to tackle some of those challenges. Chad Reznicek, AgrAbility's behavioral health specialist, said rising suicide rates among Colorado agricultural workers led to shifting the program's focus from disability advocacy to mental and behavioral health services. In 2021, the state legislature passed a bill expanding AgrAbility and investing $180,000 in funding for the program's specialists. Because of the unique challenges associated with the occupation, AgrAbility prioritizes hiring professionals with experience in agriculture and provides training to all of its mental health care providers. Another mental health care service now available to rural Coloradans is the Agricultural Addiction and Mental Health Program. Established in 2020, the program is housed within the Colorado Farm Bureau Foundation, the farm bureau's nonprofit arm. It provides vouchers for up to eight sessions of therapy for farmers and ranchers across the state. Anneliese Phippen, who is with the group, said she hears daily about how the program has helped members. She worried that the state's budget shortfall would result in the program getting cut. But one lawmaker in particular made sure that didn't happen, she said. "We were not sure this spring how the future would look for this program and were even brainstorming other options for how we could keep it going," she said. "We don't want to see this go away because it is so valuable. We were immensely grateful to Rep. Dusty Johnson for her support in keeping that line item in (the budget) and ensuring that we can continue to provide that funding and those vouchers for at least another year." Just knowing that there's help available is extremely valuable to farmers and ranchers, Phippen said. Many don't have health insurance, she said, so even if they live in a community where mental health services are available, they often can't afford them, she said. Since 2022, the program has provided more than 1,000 hours of free therapy services, Phippen added. Food access In some parts of Colorado, people drive more than 90 miles each way to get to the closest grocery store, according to Mickey Davis. Davis serves as the manager of the state's Community Food Access Program, created through legislation in 2022. The program, which initially used funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, was established to improve access to affordable, healthy food in low-income and rural areas of the state by providing grants to small retailers and family farms. "In a lot of cases, folks live in a small community, whether it's a mountain town or the Eastern Plains or even urban areas, without sufficient transportation, and it takes a really long time to get to a place where they can buy affordable, fresh, healthy food," Davis explained. "So our program was designed to support infrastructure for small food retailers who are in those communities to help them supply that healthy food." While there has been a lot of talk recently about supporting local producers, retailers are often left out of those conversations, Davis said. Grocery stores operate on extremely low margins, meaning big purchases, such as new refrigeration equipment or point-of-service systems, are often not in the budget, she said. "That's why this program was established to support them," she said. "We have a lot of really amazing stories of people saying this has been game-changing, because in a lot of cases, if a town loses its grocery store, that could be the end of the town." Davis said all of the grant funds have been awarded 116 in 42 counties totaling $5 million but about half the recipients still have some left to spend. Grants have been used to pay for everything from walk-in coolers to payroll for additional staff. One community store began to accept WIC vouchers for the first time thanks to a new point of sale system. A bill was passed in 2023 that continues the program as a refundable income tax credit, rather than a grant, available to certain small food retailers and family farms until 2030. The Department of Agriculture is still measuring the program's impacts, but people are "hearing a lot of really amazing stories," Davis said. The 2022 community food bill also established the Community Food Consortium, a membership organization for small food retailers and farms. The agriculture department has enlisted three different food hubs around the state to offer member benefits and perks, as well as guaranteed delivery to their stores. "The thinking is these retailers can have a guaranteed distributor and that distributor can carry products from Colorado producers," said Davis. "There's also just a lot of benefits when all of these businesses get together and talk shop and we get to learn about a lot of other challenges that they're going through. "They often get to help each other out quite a bit," Davis added. Editor's Note: This is the second part of a series examining Colorado's urban-rural relationship. New stories in the series will be published every Friday through Aug. 8. Follow all the stories in the series here. Thelma Grimes contributed to this report Jul. 25EDGEWOOD A plan to build 4,000 homes in the East Mountains stalled Thursday when the Edgewood Town Commission unanimously denied a subdivision application over concerns there is not enough water to sustain it. "It hasn't been demonstrated to me that there is sufficient water to do this," said Edgewood Commissioner Stephen Murillo, who made the motion to deny. The developer plans to appeal the decision in district court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lush green grasses covered the earth east of N.M. 14, twisted junipers dotted the land behind a wire fence, and South Mountain rose in the distance Thursday afternoon. The 1,200-acre parcel is at the center of a debate over the future of growth in the East Mountains, as communities grapple with wells running dry. Campbell Farming Corp is attempting to build more than 1,000 new homes on the parcel, part of a larger plan to build 4,000 homes on 8,000 acres near Cedar Crest and San Antonito. Since October, the company has been trying to divide the 1,200-acre parcel into five smaller tracts through an archaic minor subdivision process, which would make it easier to secure a loan for development or find investors interested in building the subdivision. But residents with homes near the property worry a large new neighborhood could drop the level of the Sandia Basin Aquifer and cause their domestic wells to dry up something that's already a common problem in the area, according to public comments from residents. "Like many others, I faced a dry well, and I live seven-tenths of a mile away from where you're about to build," said New Mexico Rep. Stefani Lord, R-Sandia Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Area residents also voiced concerns about increased traffic and changing the character of the rural area. The Edgewood Planning and Zoning Commission originally approved dividing the property in the fall, then in March the town's commission remanded the application to Planning and Zoning over concerns about delayed documents. Planning and Zoning approved it a second time in May, but the town commission voted 4-0 to deny Thursday night. The denial was celebrated by advocacy group East Mountains Protection Action Coalition, which has been encouraging East Mountains residents to show up in force and oppose the development. Town meetings on the application have been packed with people opposed to the plan. Local residents were willing to wait an hour in line to secure a seat at Thursday's meeting. "Minor subdivisions are a dangerous loophole that allow development to move forward without ensuring there are adequate resources and services to support that development," said Zachary Withers, who owns a pig farm next door to where the subdivision would be built. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Campbell Farming Corp. plans to appeal the decision in district court. The company's lawyer Miguel Suazo said water availability in the area has been misrepresented by East Mountains Protection Action Coalition and Bernalillo County. "Campbell does have sufficient water rights to be put to use for the homes in this minor subdivision. And so I think that's a non-issue," Suazo said. "But again, water is not a consideration for minor subdivisions. When Campbell gets further down the path, they will absolutely have to show that they have the water that they claim, and show the state engineer's records and show that they're permitted appropriately." In some areas the Sandia Basin aquifer is dropping 2 feet per year, Bernalillo County hydrogeological engineer Corbin Carsrud, testified at a previous meeting. The Sandia Basin is also closed to new water appropriations. "If you have a depletion of 2 feet per year in that area, there's obviously going to be a problem, unless you can get water from somewhere else," Bernalillo County lawyer Michael Garcia said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garcia asked the commissioners to add an explicit requirement that Campbell prove it has a sufficient supply of potable water before any development begins. Murillo, the commissioner who initiated the denial, was concerned by water availability and a failure on the town's part to make complete records available. Mayor Ken Brennan also seemed swayed by an argument from EMPAC's lawyer that the town should use contemporary city ordinances, which don't include minor subdivisions, instead of the 1999 ordinance the application is being considered under. Commissioner Patrick Milligan recused himself from the meeting because of a conflict of interest. "No matter what we say, one side or the other is going to take this to court," Brennan said. Ron DeSantis sure knows how to put the bully in bully pulpit. The politician with the biggest platform in Florida is now using it to expose excessive local government spending. Armed with new political weaponry, he can bully cities and counties into cooperating with his state-level DOGE operation, using the club of $1,000-a-day fines that cant be appealed. This crusade begins in Broward County and the city of Gainesville, irresistible targets with liberal political leaders and voters who soundly rejected DeSantis twice. The mission is badly tainted because it looks nakedly partisan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When DeSantis came to Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday with newly appointed Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, they both already sounded convinced that Broward is wasting money, even before any research. On spending, Ingoglia called Broward one of the worst offenders. Thats the kind of unsupported nonsense Floridians should reject, without solid evidence to back it up. As County Commissioner Steve Geller said: They reached their conclusions before they did the audit. That warning should spark concern among other cities and counties in Florida particularly big counties controlled by Democrats. That puts Orange County, and its $7.2 billion budget, in the crosshairs of DeSantis politically motivated crusade. What its really about Make no mistake: Local governments should be held accountable for spending public money. Top county officials agree with that. Waste can be found in any enterprise that spends billions of dollars a year. But the Ron DeSantis Anti-Tax Propaganda Tour appears to be part of a broader Republican campaign to eliminate or sharply reduce property taxes with the clear goal of making local governments subservient to the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most radical overhaul of the tax code in our states history would require voter approval in November 2026, and that starts by portraying local governments as cartoonishly arrogant, bloated and unaccountable. The problem, in our opinion, is that the whole notion of DeSantis as a fiscal watchdog is a joke. Over the past five years, all on his watch, the state budget has ballooned from $92 billion to $117 billion, a 27% increase, a time when state demographers estimate Floridas population has grown by 7%. And much of that money has been squandered on purely political stunts. Waste? DeSantis handed out lavish no-bid contracts at Alligator Alcatraz. He can go rogue with the states checkbook because the Legislature provides so little fiscal supervision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fraud? Prosecutors are investigating the suspicious diversion of $10 million from a Medicaid legal settlement for political ads through Hope Florida, a pet charity of DeSantis and his wife, Casey. Inefficiency? Some full-time state workers earning $200,000-plus a year can live out of state (DeSantis recently vetoed a bill that would force them to live here). Nobody who works full-time for Broward County lives in West Virginia. Follow the tax money Any thorough review of how Broward spends property taxes would immediately lead to one place: the Broward Sheriffs Office, where Dr. Gregory Tony spends more than half of all property taxes collected by the county. Thats not unusual: In virtually every city and county in Florida, public safety is a leading recipient of property taxes (along with public schools). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As this newspaper has documented, the self-promoting sheriff has been a profligate spender on everything from $80,000 luxury Yukon Denali SUVs to personalized shower curtains at a BSO fitness complex. We havent heard DeSantis question that. One reason just a hunch could be that DeSantis appointed Tony sheriff. County commissioners are increasingly skeptical of Tonys grandiose spending requests, as they should be. He wanted 14% more money for next year and they tentatively offered him 3%. Any politician seeking to abolish property taxes should expect to be accused of that old GOP smear of defunding the police, because without property taxes, it will be very difficult to keep sheriffs deputies on the streets of Broward. Promises of cooperation So far, Broward Countys response to DeSantis has been professional. Local governments across Florida should start gathering the same kinds of information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement County Administrator Monica Cepero cited the countys strong AAA bond rating (something Orange County can also boast) and ample cash reserves of 15.1% with no general obligation bond debt and a flat property tax rate for the past decade. Orange Countys fiscal picture is a little different, with reserves at 7.1%, but it has the lowest property tax rate among counties with more than 1 million residents as of the 2024-25 budget year. For two days next week, the CFO will send auditors to Broward, seeking access to data systems and responsive personnel. A letter from the governors office seeks a vast trove of records on everything from overtime to grants to nonprofits to the cost of the countys Green New Deal resiliency program. The request runs for seven full pages and gives the county nine days to respond. The focus on spending for a climate change action plan also reveals the larger political agenda behind this fiscal fishing expedition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orange County officials should be watching the events in Broward closely, as should the city of Orlando. But officials in Seminole, Lake and Osceola counties shouldnt assume theyll be spared by their political leanings. DeSantis has proven that he will turn on anyone in search of political advantage. If any good comes of this, it will be a deeper public understanding of why property taxes matter and what they buy. We encourage fiscal authorities in all local governments to prepare for an onslaught designed to discredit. One good example to follow: Historically red Seminole Countys detailed, credible defense of its local-option sales tax, which lets residents know exactly how they benefit from infrastructure spending across the county. Local leaders across Florida should give serious thought to a property tax primer web page, showing taxpayers how every county tax dollar is being spent. Who knows? It might even teach DeSantis a thing or two about how he spends our money. 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. Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to sign a bill targeting the independence of anti-corruption agencies followed mounting investigations that involved high-ranking officials and those close to the president. Zelensky's critics argue that the corruption cases against his associates and top incumbents were the real reason behind the bill. The President's Office did not respond to requests for comment. The officials under investigation have denied the accusations of wrongdoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 25, Zelensky made a U-turn, submitting a bill set to restore the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO). The move followed the first large-scale protests during the full-scale invasion all over Ukraine. But how effective were the anti-corruption institutions that have been at the center of the scandal and who were they investigating to spark such an outcry? Read also: Zelenskys big Ukraine blunder, explained Recent cases against Zelensky's allies One of the NABU's recent targets, former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Chernyshov, is considered a close ally of Zelensky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He left Ukraine in June, days before the NABU and SAPO detained two of his former close associates. Despite his claim that he had been on a scheduled business trip, critics accused him of attempting to evade charges. Chernyshov returned to Ukraine later that month following growing public pressure and reported to the NABU the following day. He was charged with bribery and abuse of power. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau later released a statement announcing that Chernyshov was the sixth suspect in a "large-scale" corruption scheme led by a property developer from Kyiv who illegally claimed a land plot to build a residential complex. A source at the National Anti-Corruption Bureau told the Kyiv Independent that he believed the Chernyshov case was a factor that prompted the authorities to pass the bill that destroyed the anti-corruption agencies' independence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, the NABU arrested a relative of Zelensky's business partner Timur Mindich, a film producer and co-owner of the president's Kvartal 95 production company, when he was trying to flee abroad, according to the online newspaper Ukrainska Pravda. He was charged with embezzling $16 million from the electric power company Kharkivoblenergo. Ukrainska Pravda reported on July 21, citing a law enforcement source, that the NABU and SAPO were preparing charges for Mindich himself. Meanwhile, Olha Stefanyshina, former deputy prime minister for European integration and the next ambassador to the U.S., has been investigated in a case linked to alleged corruption at the Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA). Ukrainian media reported earlier in July that companies linked to Stefanyshina's former husband had received contracts to manage assets seized by ARMA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Exclusive: Ukrainian deputy prime minister suspected of corruption says he wont step down President's Office Top officials from the President's Office have also been targeted. The NABU charged Zelensky's former Deputy Chief of Staff Andriy Smyrnov with illicit enrichment in 2024 and money laundering and receiving a bribe in April 2025. Another deputy chief of staff for Zelensky, Oleh Tatarov, was charged in 2020 with giving a bribe to an official before he joined the President's Office. Prosecutors and courts obstructed the case, and it was eventually closed. Unlike Smyrnov, Tatarov has not resigned, and Zelensky has refused to fire him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky's former Deputy Chief of Staff Kyrylo Tymoshenko has also caught NABU's attention. He has been investigated in the "Big Construction" corruption case but has not been officially charged. Another Zelensky ally, his former Deputy Chief of Staff Rostyslav Shurma, is also under scrutiny. In 2023, Shurma confirmed that his brother's company had received money from the Ukrainian government for solar plants in Russian-occupied territories as part of renewable energy subsidies during the full-scale invasion. He denied the accusations of wrongdoing. The NABU opened an embezzlement case into the scheme in the wake of an investigation by investigative project Bihus Info about the solar plants. However, no charges have been brought so far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another corruption case targeted the brother of Zelensky's Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak. The case was opened in 2020 after Geo Leros, who was then a lawmaker from Zelensky's Servant of the People party, published videos that appeared to show Andriy Yermak's brother, Denys Yermak, considering candidates for government jobs and discussing receiving money from some of them. The Yermak brothers did not deny the authenticity of the videos, but Denys Yermak claimed they were taken out of context. Denys Yermak and Andriy Yermak denied the accusations of wrongdoing. Zelensky backed his chief of staff, emphasizing that Andriy Yermak has his full trust. The case was closed in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Ex-Supreme Court chief charged with bribery released on bail, can return to work Other high-profile cases Other prominent NABU cases have targeted heavyweights who are not loyalists of the incumbent government. In 2023, the NABU charged then Supreme Court Chairman Vsevolod Knyazev with taking a $2.7 million bribe. Knyazev was later fired from the job. The oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky, the former owner of Ukraine's largest bank, PrivatBank, and five of his associates were charged in 2023 with money laundering and fraud. They are accused of embezzling Hr 9.2 billion ($250 million) from PrivatBank. Kolomoisky was, however, first arrested by the Security Service, with its head, Vasyl Maliuk, making the case that his agency has been more effective in fighting corruption than NABU. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office also charged Yury Shchyhol, then head of the State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection, with embezzling $1.5 million. Meanwhile, Anti-Monopoly Committee Head Pavlo Kyrylenko, who was charged with illicit enrichment in 2024, has kept his job to this day. Serhiy Zvyahintsev, head of the State Customs Service, was charged in January with lying in his asset declaration. He has not resigned either. In 2024, the bureau also charged Agricultural Policy and Food Minister Mykola Solsky with embezzlement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other top officials charged by the NABU include Dmytro Sennychenko, ex-head of the State Property Fund, Kyrylo Shevchenko, ex-head of the National Bank of Ukraine, and Oleksandr Tupytsky, former head of the Constitutional Court. Furthermore, many lawmakers from Zelensky's Servant of the People party face corruption charges too. Read also: Ukraines anti-corruption bureau makes progress yet doesnt take on top presidential allies Are NABU and SAPO effective? Anti-corruption activists and experts argue that, compared with other law enforcement agencies, the NABU and SAPO are more effective. Oleksandr Lemenov, head of the Ukrainian think-tank StateWatch, told the Kyiv Independent that they are "undoubtedly more effective and independent." In contrast with other law enforcement agencies, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office have managed to win public trust, Lemenov argued. Opinion polls and protests in their support prove that they are more successful than the old law enforcement agencies, he added. Before the NABU's creation, mostly low-ranking officials faced prosecution. In contrast, the NABU has regularly charged incumbent top officials, including those close to the administrations of former President Petro Poroshenko and his successor, Zelensky. Others, however such as ex-Public Integrity Council Head Vitaly Tytych have criticized the bureau for falling short of their expectations, compared with such success stories as Romania's National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA). Tytych believes that, while the NABU is going after some top officials, it has not successfully investigated genuinely "big fish." Another controversy is that there have been few convictions in the most high-profile NABU cases. Yet, while this damages the bureau's reputation, there's little it can actually do, as it's up to the courts to issue verdicts. Reforming the tainted judicial system in Ukraine remains a contentious issue and one of the main reforms yet to be implemented. Read also: Top Ukrainian anti-corruption official fired over pressure on whistleblower Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Lawmakers across the country filed more bills to restrict or protect libraries and readers in the first half of this year than last year, a new report found. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) State lawmakers across the country filed more bills to restrict or protect libraries and readers in the first half of this year than last year, a new report found. The split fell largely along geographic lines, according to the report from EveryLibrary, a group that advocates against book bans and censorship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between January and July 2025, lawmakers introduced 133 bills that the organization deemed harmful to libraries, librarians or readers rights in 33 states an increase from 121 bills in all of 2024. Fourteen of those measures had passed as of mid-July. At the same time, legislators introduced 76 bills in 32 states to protect library services or affirm the right to read, the report found. The geographic split among these policies is stark. In Southern and Plains states, new laws increasingly criminalize certain actions of librarians, restrict access to materials about gender and race, and transfer decision-making power to politically appointed boards or parent-led councils. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas alone passed a trio of sweeping laws stripping educators of certain legal protections when providing potentially obscene materials; banning public funding for instructional materials containing obscene content; and giving parents more authority over student reading choices and new library additions. Tennessee lowered the bar to prosecute educators for sharing books that might be considered harmful to minors. A New Hampshire bill likewise wouldve made it easier for parents or the state attorney general to bring civil actions against school employees for distributing material deemed harmful to minors, but it was vetoed by Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte. In Nebraska, a new law allows for real-time alerts for parents every time a student checks out a book. South Dakota requires libraries and schools to install filtering software. New laws in Idaho heighten the requirements to form library districts and mandate stricter internet filtering policies that are tied to state funding. In contrast, several Northeastern states have passed legislation protections for libraries and librarians and anti-censorship laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Jersey, Delaware, Rhode Island and Connecticut have each enacted freedom to read or other laws that codify protections against ideological censorship in libraries. Connecticut also took a major step in modernizing libraries in the digital age, the report said, becoming the first state in the nation to pass a law regulating how libraries license and manage e-books and digital audiobooks. 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. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The El Paso Community College (EPCC) Cosmetology and Nail Tech departments hosted their annual Power of Pink event to provide local cancer survivors with beauty makeovers. According to the news release from EPCC, the cancer survivors were treated to hairstyles, makeup and nails, all done by students, followed by free professional pictures, snacks and gifts by sponsors. Okcha Shumate gets her portrait taken by photographer Ace Acosta Friday. Yolanda Olivas Rojas checks her makeup being applied by EPCC cosmetology student Eliana Espinoza. Cancer survivors Ana Cleto, left, and Yolanda Olivas Rojas, right, get her makeup done by EPCC cosmetology students Karla Nemecek, left, and Eliana Espinoza at the Power of Pink event Friday. Norma Walsh gets her hair styled by EPCC cosmetology student Jadyn Williams Friday at the Power of Pink event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phyllis Davis, a cancer survivor who has been battling the illness for 35 years and counting, tells other cancer survivors to look toward hope. You have to live one day at a time, and when everything else is taken away, theres always hope. Im amazed that Im on medication (for cancer) and its the last one out there and then the next year, something else comes along. So, theres always hope in the future that new medications will work, Davis said. Blanca Herrera, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy, advises those on the same journey to be positive. Think positive all the time, never stay down. Never stay at home if you can go out. If I can make it, I will make it. You just have to think positive, positive, positive. We can survive this, Herrera said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cecilia Dominguez, a coordinator for the EPCC Cosmetology Department, says the Power of Pink event means a lot more to both the students and the cancer survivors. Its an awesome event, I can honestly say, because were talking with people who have been through a lot. So, to me, its awesome. I feel like the students engage with it and it actually gives them practice with the hair and the makeup, so it helps them get hands-on, Dominguez said. EPCC partnered with University Medical Center of El Paso, Providence, Del Sol Medical Center, William Beaumont Breast Cancer Awareness Program and the Rio Grande Cancer Foundation for the event, according to the news release. In addition, EPCC said its Cosmetology Department will take part in a kickoff party on Sept. 6 at Tenet Healthcare, where the photos will be showcased at all local hospitals in the community. The kickoff party then leads into October for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A 51-year-old man has been arrested and is facing charges of theft and deceptive business practice with a prior conviction, the El Paso County Sheriffs Office said on Saturday, July 26. Hugo Vasquez, 51, was arrested Friday after an investigation into alleged fraudulent business practices, the Sheriffs Office said. The investigation began when a victim reported hiring H&V Remodeling for a home renovation project. Hugo Vasquez Courtesy of El Paso County Sheriffs Office The victim told deputies that several of her family members had also contracted the same company for remodeling work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite receiving multiple payments, the company failed to complete the jobs and eventually cut off communication, the Sheriffs Office said. Detectives identified Vasquez as the person behind the business. The Sheriffs office said Vasquez made repeated false promises to begin the work but never followed through. After gathering sufficient evidence, investigators obtained two arrest warrants. On Friday, Vasquez was taken into custody by members of the Criminal Investigation Division and booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility. He is charged with theft of property (under $2,500) and deceptive business practice with a prior conviction, the Sheriffs Office said. His total bond was set at $14,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No matter the crime, if you violate the law in El Paso County, you will go to jail, Sheriff Oscar Ugarte said. The El Paso County Sheriffs Office remains committed to protecting the community and pursuing justice for all victims. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) What was once a Sharis near the Portland International Airport will be taken over by another Oregon-founded family-style diner. According to the Elmers website, the West Coast chain plans to open its next Portland eatery on 1135 NE Airport Way. The space previously held a Sharis up until last fall, when the company shuttered all 17 of its businesses across the state. Project Pabst, McMenamins Wizarding Weekend among Portland weekend events Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elmers already has nearly 20 locations throughout Oregon, including four in its largest city with its other restaurant in the Parkrose neighborhood located about two miles away from the newest addition. The outpost near PDX is expected to open sometime this winter. The chain also plans to debut more locations in Tualatin, Hillsboro and Bend later this year. Elmers prides itself on its home-style cooking. The family-friendly restaurant is known for its all-day breakfast offerings, such as its hand-rolled omelets and German pancakes. While Sharis may have been better known for its pies, the 1978-born chain served comfort food in Oregon and is continuing to serve food in its remaining locations across California, Washington and other states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hermiston-founded company abruptly closed all of its locations statewide in October 2024. The Oregon Lottery, which supplied the restaurants with video lottery machines, told KOIN 6 that Sharis had accrued more than $900,000 in debt. Commission greenlights first phase of ODOTs costly I-5 project as funding wanes A former employee also filed a class action lawsuit against the chain, claiming she was one of several employees who didnt receive adequate notice before being terminated from her role. Oregons Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act requires employers to give their staff a notice of at least 60 days ahead of mass layoffs. The Sharis closures have left room for other businesses to take over the abandoned locations. In-N-Out Burger has proposed a drive-thru in a shuttered Gresham diner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. BRADFORD COUNTY, Pa. (WETM) An Elmira man has been resentenced to serve time in a state correctional facility after officials said he violated his probation while serving for his previous crimes. Klarc David House, 33, was resentenced to a minimum of 30 months to a maximum of 60 months in a state correctional facility for the crimes of theft and possession of a controlled substance, according to a release from the Bradford County District Attorneys Office. Columbia Crossroads woman sentenced for selling meth and obstructing emergency services Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, House was first charged by an officer from the Athens Township Police Department with resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance, and criminal conspiracy, the release explained. As a result of the incident in 2020, House was sentenced to probation, the release further stated. House then had his probation taken away following claims of new charges against him in Chemung County, the release stated. Consequently, House received the above-listed sentence, the DAs office 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 WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. Elon Musk is promising to shake up the midterms with his own political party. Democrats arent sweating it. Musks yet-unfulfilled plans to form an America Party could threaten Republicans already fighting to defend their seats by razor-thin margins in next years midterms elections, Democrats argued, by siphoning off more disgruntled conservatives from Republicans than disaffected liberals from the Democrats. I think it leads to a better position for Democrats in what I think was already a pretty good position going into 2026, Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk was one of President Donald Trumps biggest benefactors in the 2024 election, spending hundreds of millions to help get him and other Republicans elected. But since his break with the president, Musk has publicly called for primary challengers to Republicans who voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in addition to promising to launch his own third party. Democrats and Republicans have long complained about the spoiler effect of third parties like the Greens or Libertarians in close battleground races. But neither of those parties have been able to muster resources like Musks. And new polling this week from Marquette University Law School found that 40 percent of Republicans say they would be somewhat or very likely to support an America Party candidate in their state or congressional district, as opposed to just one in four Democrats. Christina Bohannan, an Iowa Democrat who is challenging Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) for the third time next year, said adding another candidate into the mix could play a potentially decisive role in the rematch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This race was so close in 2024 it came down to just 799 votes out of 413,000, and so it was literally one of the very closest races in the country, Bohannan said. So anything that alters the shape of the race in terms of third-party candidates could have an impact. The party, which Musk has not yet taken major formal steps to establish, still faces several procedural and strategic hurdles. But should he go through with it, the former Department of Government Efficiency chief suggested his party could laser-focus on two to three Senate seats and eight to 10 House districts to give the third party a sizable enough presence to exercise influence over contentious legislation. Because of that narrow mandate and Musks particular focus on hitting Republicans on fiscal irresponsibility the third-party bid could be a vulnerability for the GOP, said Heath Mayo, an anti-Trump conservative activist and founder of the advocacy group Principles First. My first reaction was, it seems pretty confined in substance, Mayo said. And because of that, I think it pulls some of the following that he has that has sort of found its way into the Republican Party base. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk did not respond to a request for comment sent via email. Voters regularly overstate how likely they are to vote or join a third party. But recent polling suggests Americans are at least theoretically open to it. While nearly half of voters say they would consider joining a third party, only 17 percent are interested in joining a Musk-led option, according to polling from Quinnipiac University from earlier this month. But that party could pull disproportionately from the GOP, per the survey, which found that nearly three times as many Republicans as Democrats would consider joining Musks proposed third party. Barrett Marson, a Republican political strategist in Arizona, cautioned that a libertarian-minded candidate backed by Musk could attract support from either direction, putting Democrats in battleground districts at risk too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If anyone can be a spoiler or at least put up a candidate who has a chance to in either direction, its Elon Musk, because he has the drive and financial wherewithal to match it, Marson said. Still, Musks ability to successfully field third-party bids will be highly dependent on the particular districts he targets and the candidates he puts on the ballot, said Charlie Gerow, a Pennsylvania-based GOP operative. Elon Musks money is enough to sway a significant number of elections, Gerow said. But you have to look at the individual candidates and the message they run on. Theres a lot of factors that will play into whether or not hes successful. I think at this stage its hard to predict the outcome when we dont really know what hes going to do. Even if Musk fails to get candidates on the ballot, his bad blood with Trump will be sorely felt by Republicans, who benefited massively from his largesse in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, Democrats are still confident the effort would more than likely play out to their benefit should it come to fruition, said Georgia Democratic Party Chair Charlie Bailey, who is gearing up for one of the most competitive Senate races next year. I think if something has Elon Musks branding on it, that you're not going to attract Democrats, and you're not going to attract many independents, Bailey said. I think if it's got Elon Musk branding, you're likely to attract the vast majority of right-wing Republicans, so I don't think those voters are probably that gettable for us anyway. While the COVID-19 pandemic became the defining issue of Gov. Jared Polis first term, the reintroduction of wolves on the Western Slope is likely to cement his legacy however history ultimately judges his time in the executive office in his final four years, particularly for rural residents. Voters, primarily on the Front Range, narrowly approved the reintroduction of wolves onto Western Slope lands in 2020. Rural voters overwhelmingly rejected the idea, but, outnumbered, lost that battle. And when it comes to the apex predators that are now preying livestock, the governor has plenty of critics and supporters. Critics said his administration lacked transparency, failed to act quickly and continues to ignore the pleas of ranchers, who recently asked that the wildlife commission suspend bringing in more wolves to Colorado until after mitigation programs meant to minimize conflict with the animals and help livestock growers are fully in place. Former Gov. Bill Ritter said the controversy with wolves cannot be laid solely at Polis' feet. Like all governors, the state leader must enact the will of the voters whether he supports the policy or not. Polis was required by law to develop a wolf reintroduction program, Ritter said. In agreeing with Ritter, Polis said, "Well, some people don't like wolves, but I think they understand that I'm doing the best I can with the hand I was dealt, and I trust the professionals at CPW to implement the will of the voters." The governor was referring to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the agency tasked with implementing the wolf program and whose relationship with ranchers has become so strained that the many have now threatened to sever conservation partnerships with the state. The wolf program has cost the state millions more than what was forecast in the 2023 General Assembly's Blue Book, which pegged the amount at $800,000 a year. The actual expenditure has exceeded $8 million over five years, with $3 million of that occurring in the last two years. Notably, the state has paid more than $580,000 in claims submitted in 2024 by ranchers for losses incurred due to wolf activity. The state's budget for compensation is only $350,000. Polis said part of the spending increase resulted from the state's efforts to directly help ranchers, noting that hiring range riders and paying out for lost livestock has cost more than expected. The governor said he has always focused on how best to help farmers and ranchers as the wolf reintroduction sees success, while noting he understands some in rural communities never wanted them at all. Tasked with developing a plan to reintroduce wolves to Colorado, the state wildlife agency hired Jeff Davis to be its director in 2023. The agency was also responsible for seeking a federal ruling that would allow the state to manage the wolves and find funding. The first wolves were released on state public lands in Grand and Summit counties in December 2023, although other wolves had already migrated from Wyoming into Jackson County several years before. Polis and his husband, Marlon Reis, attended the release party" in December 2023 in Grand County. The backlash was immediate, as ranchers and local elected leaders from the very counties where the first wolves were released said they had not been notified of the release. The lack of transparency plagues the Polis administration to this day. State and rural lawmakers, along with ranchers, have often complained that they have been being left out of the decision-making process and are missing information and updates. Wolves were first sourced from Oregon, where some came from packs with a history of killing livestock, a direct contradiction of the wolf plan. The plan entails bringing in 10 to 15 wolves a year for three to five years up to 50 of the apex predators by the end of that period. Also under the plan, state officials are supposed to specifically reject the relocation of wolves with "a known history of chronic depredation, and sourcing from geographic areas with chronic depredation events should not occur." Last year, after no other Western states would give wolves to Colorado, the state went international, making a deal with British Columbia, the Canada province. Polis blames ranchers for soaring costs In one of the signs of the deteriorating relationship between livestock growers and the governor, Polis blamed ranchers for advocating with their counterparts in other states, where Colorado was going to source more wolves, to deny that request. During a 2024 meeting with Colorado Counties, Inc., Polis said if ranchers, such as those from the Middle Park Stockgrowers in Grand County, had requested wolves from nearby Wyoming, the state would probably have given them to Colorado. In a later statement, a Polis spokesperson said, "The reality is the state initially attempted to source wolves from Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, but these common-sense requests were denied following special interest, lobbying, and political games by certain organizations." Since wolves were reintroduced in Colorado, Middle Park ranchers have been hit the hardest by livestock losses. It took just a few months for the problems to surface, beginning during calving season in 2024, when wolves fed on livestock throughout Middle Park. The management plan called for non-lethal techniques to ward off the wolves, but the state failed to set up most of those programs until after the second batch of wolves were released in Pitkin County in January 2025. Ranchers and local officials said anew they were left in the dark about the wolves' release. The release of the Copper Creek pack in Pitkin County also violated the state's wolf plan, which stated that predators that killed livestock in other parts of the state would not be relocated elsewhere. The Copper Creek pack had originally been placed in Grand County, but with dozens of livestock killed there, much of it attributed to the male and female mating pair of the group, the state wildlife agency captured the wolves and four pups and placed them in a sanctuary for several months. This move shifted the problem from one county to another. The killings continued, now in Pitkin County, with the worst over the Memorial Day weekend this year, when the new pack attacked and killed livestock on at least three ranches. Thats despite the efforts of state-hired range riders, who ranchers claimed sometimes ended up on the wrong locations. Ranchers: State intervention to kill wolf didn't change pack's depredating behavior After the Memorial Day weekend kills, wildlife officers killed one of the wolves, a yearling from the pack, in the hopes the intervention would change the group's behavior. On July 18, CPW confirmed a Copper Creek wolf was still killing livestock and at the same ranch in Pitkin County. A wildlife commissioner, Tai Jacober, told his colleagues in a July 3 meeting that wolves, likely from Copper Creek, scattered a herd of cattle over the Fourth of July weekend, requiring the rancher to spend the entire weekend rounding them up. Jacober, a Pitkin County rancher, recently referred to the relocation of the Copper Creek pack there as a "mistake." Featured Local Savings Meanwhile, a video shot near the McCabe Ranch, where wolves have been killing livestock, shows two wolves trying to separate a calf from its mother. The wildlife commission in early July declined to act on requests for lethal permits against the Copper Creek pack, saying that matter should be left to the state agency. The Holy Cross Cattlemen's Association is now seeking a permit to lethally take the Copper Creek wolves. Governor reshapes wildlife commission and draws criticism Further fueling the tension, Polis is reshaping the Colorado Parks and Wildlife commission into one that, critics said, appears to favor wolves. Often, the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee has served as a stopgap for gubernatorial nominees, though the decision to confirm ultimately rests with the state Senate. The committee has rejected Polis' nominees three times in the past two years, although two of the three later won confirmation from the Democratic-controlled Senate. This year, they included Jay Tuchton, a former attorney for WildEarth Guardians who now manages a nature preserve in southeastern Colorado. The Senate committee rejected Tutchton's nomination. During the hearing, lawmakers called Tuchton to task for calling the chair of the Senate agriculture panel and the House Speaker whiny politicians who pander to the newspapers on the issue of "chronic depredation" by wolves. The preserve that Tuchton manages was founded by the new executive director of the state land board, who advocates for the rewilding of grazing lands. Nicole Rosmarino previously served a policy advisor on wildlife, agriculture, and rural economic development in the governors office. In 2024, two nominees were rejected by the committee: Jessica Beaulieu, an environmental lawyer and formerly with the Center for Biological Diversity, and Gary Skiba, a former CPW biologist previously associated with Defenders of Wildlife. The group had called Skiba "the primary author of Colorado's wolf conservation plan" in a lawsuit filed against the state of California in 2021. That legal challenge also included the Center for Biological Diversity. Beaulieu was nominated to represent state parks, despite a confession that she didnt have a state park pass and could only name a few Front Range parks she had visited. She also admitted she had asked for help in figuring out who her constituents are. Skiba, who was nominated to represent hunters and anglers, faced opposition from those very groups. Ranchers also opposed his selection. Skiba later withdrew his nomination. Last month, the governor nominated John Emerick, the treasurer of Colorado Wild, a pro-wolf group, to replace Commissioner Karen Bailey, who served just one term. Emericks partner is Delia Malone, the president of Colorado Wild, who is also the wildlife chair for the Colorado Sierra Club, a major backer of the wolf reintroduction program and a frequent commenter at CPW meetings on the wolf issue. The second nominee is Francis Silva Blayney, a former supervolunteer for the Colorado Sierra Club. She replaces Marie Haskett, an outfitter who was term-limited and who was viewed as a champion for the Western Slope and for ranchers on the wolf issue. Silvia Blayney, who was nominated as representative of the outfitters, is unknown in that community and has only held a legally required outfitters registration from the Department of Regulatory Agencies since April 1, 2025. One outfitter called her nomination manufactured, claiming it was a way to increase the number of Sierra Club representatives on the wildlife commission. Polis insists rural Colorado is well-represented in appointments On July 16, Polis told Colorado Politics his intention is never to change of the makeup of a board to fit his interests. While touting his excitement over Silvia Blayney's appointment, he stressed that filling all of the state's open board positions is far from easy. There are more than 3,000 such positions, Polis said, emphasizing that Colorado Parks and Wildlife is not the only priority. Polis said his administration has worked to ensure rural Colorado is represented that 23% of boards are comprised of rural members. "Again, we always try to have a geographic spread," he said. "I also have a lot fewer Democrats and Republicans on our boards. A lot of them are unaffiliated." Additionally, for the makeup of boards to change, residents need to start volunteering for them, he said. As wolves prey on livestock, state-landowner partnerships disintegrated The state sought to frame its relationship with ranchers in a more positive light. CPW spokesman Luke Perkins told Colorado Politics the agency values its relationships with Colorado farmers and ranchers. "They are some of our most passionate constituents, and we continue to engage with them and value their feedback on CPWs operations and efforts," Perkins said. "Producers and landowners have certainly expressed valuable concerns about the reintroduction of wolves, and CPW is grateful for their continued support and willingness to express those concerns in ways that lead to productive outcomes that benefit the environments, wildlife, and people of the Centennial State." But for many, the long-time partnership between some private landowners and the state has disintegrated in the last three years of Colorado's wolf program. Colorado Parks and Wildlife relies on private landowners, including ranchers, to assist with conservation, wildlife habitat restoration and access to private lands for hunting and angling. Some of those private landowners have closed the gates to CPW since the wolf program was launched, according to sources. While many blame the wildlife agency and its executive director, Jeff Davis, some also point to Polis and Reis. In a June 30 meeting with the legislature's Agriculture and Water Resources Review Committee, Davis was asked about interference from Polis and Reis, particularly on who decided to release the Copper Creek pack into Pitkin County, as well as on depredation investigations. Davis said it was his decision alone on the Copper Creek pack. His answer didn't satisfy ranchers, including Tom Harrington, president of the Colorado Cattlemen's Association, who said he believes Polis and Reis wield influence over state decisions and that their agenda is "more wolves at any cost." Editor's Note: This is the second part of a series examining Colorado's urban-rural relationship. New stories in the series will be published every Friday through Aug. 8. Follow all the stories in the series here. Thelma Grimes contributed to this report. The idea rattled around downtown Nashville like a runaway train between 3rd and 4th avenues, up and down Printers Alley. An underground transportation system. A high-speed, 10-mile or so train route from the airport into the heart of Music City. Elon Musk is set to propose a high-speed transportation tunnel from the airport to downtown Nashville. The tunnel plan is set to be announced on July 28, according to sources. Elon Musk's The Boring Company plans to partner with the state of Tennessee to construct an underground tunnel stretching from downtown Nashville to the Nashville International Airport, according to sources close to the deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People familiar with the negotiations told The Tennessean that the announcement will come from the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Tennessee Department of Transportation. On July 26, The Tennessean asked Nashvillians and out-of-towners visiting Nashville for their reactions to Musk's underground proposition. The key questions are unanswered. Who is going to pay? How much? How long will it take? How many traffic problems will be caused by construction? The concept, however, was mostly popular. "It's a pretty great idea," said Kim Hearn, a tourist from Texas. Her traveling companion, Martin Cooper, was right there with her. "Less traffic accidents. Safer. Less congestion. I like what he (Musk) is doing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'd do it. Why not?" said John Turner from Wisconsin. "It would help with the traffic." David Case of South Carolina said Musk's experience is a key factor. "I think it's a good idea," Case said. "He (Musk) has had good success at building tunnels." Musk's The Boring Company built a small shuttle system to transport people beneath the Las Vegas Convention Center. That stretch opened in 2021 and is part of a 68-mile project that will loop around Las Vegas. The Boring Company also built a test tunnel in Southern California (2018), but that project has seen public pushback and has been delayed. Musk has another long-delayed project in Chicago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tennessee state Sen. Heidi Campbell (D-Nashville) serves on the Transportation and Safety Committee. She replied to a Facebook request for comment on Musk's proposal. "While I understand the appeal of a high-speed connection between the airport and downtown and I support investments that genuinely improve transit access for working people we need to ask deeper questions about who benefits, who pays, and what we sacrifice along the way," Campbell wrote. "Elon Musk has spent years cultivating a tech messiah image while openly mocking public services and gutting social responsibility. "The same man who wants to tunnel under Nashville has relentlessly attacked the very programs our city depends on public education, health care, veteran services, arts, and disability support. Hes done this while amassing unimaginable wealth and using public subsidies to enrich his ventures. "So yes, we could build a high-speed tunnel. But at what cost, and to whom? It feels like accepting blood money to catalyze our own demise. If Nashville really wants to lead, we should be investing in public transit that serves everyone. Not building vanity projects for billionaires that sidestep regulation and extract value from our communities without putting anything meaningful back. We dont need another billionaire trying to reinvent the bus. We need policies (and partners) that believe in public goods, not just private gain." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anything, said most people The Tennessean interviewed on a muggy July Saturday, would be better than the traffic stifling commutes and tourism currently in Nashville. Lee Lindsey, of Nashville, loved the idea. She responded to a direct message on Facebook. "I think that would be fantastic for the city of Nashville," Lindsey said. "No matter who funded it. I also think would be fantastic as if they made some kind of public transportation from downtown to Franklin. That would even be better. Metropolitan Nashville is so backwards in its infrastructure therefore any and all help is required and appreciated." Some people mentioned Musk has already pulled off the underground gambit in Las Vegas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's been done by him," said George Cimadevilla, visiting from Atlanta. "That always helps." But Cimadevilla, who complained that Nashville's rush hour (like Atlanta's) lasts all day long, had some questions. And that's where the runaway train of an idea hit a few speed bumps. "Who's paying for it? Elon?" Cimadevilla said. "Why would he spend his money when he could raise it?" Darold Rise sat in the shade of Printers Alley and didn't like the idea at all. He lives in a loft in the Alley hated the possibility of an underground hub coming to the downtown area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "How much private property do we need to tear up to do that?" Rise asked. "Is it all for progress, or is he (Musk) making another billion dollars and ruining another Tennessee city." Rise heard other people being interviewed and saying they loved the idea. "How is that a great idea?" Rise said. A woman walked past Rise and said, "Conceptually, it sounds great, but operationally it sounds problematic." She identified herself as A. Reynolds from Pennsylvania. "If it alleviates traffic, that's the pro. The timeline would be disruptive. There would be initial costs, then maintenance costs." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Darren Futch, of Nashville, said he agrees with the idea, but doesn't see how it could work. Im for any solution which would decrease traffic as its a major issue with an ever growing expanding city," Futch said. "My question is how do you navigate through the bedrock of limestone that is underground? Is this even a logical option? What are the cost ramifications? Futch said he's wary about Musk and The Boring Company (they would be creating the tunnel) coming to town. "As far as commenting on Elon the man, well I personally think the guy is a genius, albeit a little nutty," Futch said. "Id prefer to stay as far away from anything political as I dont care to be sucked into that noise." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reached on Facebook messenger, Eddie Reasoner of Nashville (formerly in the band "Three Dog Night"), got very creative in his answer. His problem with burrowing under the city is the environmental impact. "Why not build a monorail system like they have at Orlando so travelers can view our beautiful skyline and surrounding hills," Reasoner said. "Nashville would benefit from the added attraction, no underground drilling or disturbance to the environment, monorail system could be built in far less time and visitors would have a lasting memory of our community. "Electricity to run the monorail could be provided by NES and with both Percy Priest Dam and Old Hickory Dam Nearby for a power source its a win win better for the environment, faster and Tomorrowland of the central south. Orlando already has a proven model. "What better way to showcase the beauty of Nashville and our beloved Cumberland River?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whatever happens, now is the time, said Michael Cefaratti of Nashville. "Im sure the construction will be a nightmare, but so are the commutes all over Nashville," Cefaratti said. "Something has to be done." This story has been updated to add video. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: From BNA to downtown: Can Elon Musk cut into Nashville's traffic? A man was arrested after an hours-long SWAT standoff in Deerfield Township, capping off an incident that caught the eye of Greater Cincinnati when a vague shelter-in-place alert was mistakenly sent to residents in nearby counties. Denzel Poncey, 32, was arrested on outstanding warrants for strangulation and assault after a standoff with deputies in the Landen area of Deerfield Township, deputies at the scene told Enquirer media partner Fox 19. Poncey barricaded himself inside a home and refused to comply with officers, a dispatcher told The Enquirer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies eventually breached the door of the house with explosives and got in without firing any shots around 1:30 p.m., Warren County Sheriff Barry Riley told Fox 19. Poncey and three other people with him were taken out of the house, he said. No deputies were hurt during the standoff. Much of Greater Cincinnati learned about the standoff after an emergency alert intended for residents in the nearby community "inadvertently went out to unintended areas," the sheriff's office said. County officials say 'technical malfunction' caused false alarm Sheriff Riley told Fox 19 the alert, which he said was sent to all of Warren County and some residents say they received in nearby counties, was only intended to go out to a quarter-mile radius around the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is believed that the IPAWS alerting system had a technical malfunction and the alert went to a much wider area and did not relay the entire message," officials with Warren County Emergency Management said in a news release. Residents across Greater Cincinnati went to social media looking for more information, including people who said they received the alert outside Warren County in nearby Butler, Montgomery and Hamilton counties. Officials in towns across the region confirmed they received the alert and clarified it was not intended for their area, such as in Montgomery County, Centerville and Middletown. The "technical issue" is being investigated with local, state and federal partners, according to the Warren County Emergency Management news release. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: One arrested after standoff related to emergency alert in Cincinnati Emilie Kiser's husband Brady will not face child abuse charges in the death of their 3-year-old son, Trigg. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office announced the decision in a statement on Friday, July 25, and said that there is "no likelihood of conviction" against Brady. "Every case submitted to the Maricopa County Attorneys Office is evaluated using the same standard: whether there is a reasonable likelihood of conviction,' " the MCAO continued in part. "After careful review of the evidence submitted by Chandler PD, it was determined this case does not meet that standard. MCAOs review of the case involved the attorneys assigned to it, along with highly experienced senior attorneys and the County Attorney herself." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are grateful to law enforcement and the county attorney for conducting a thorough investigation and confirming that this was a tragic accident," Kiser's attorney Flynn Carey says in a statement shared with PEOPLE. "Brady remains in the midst of the grieving process and is thankful to be with his family as they heal together. We appreciate the compassion and support shown during this difficult time. Emilie Kiser/Instagram Emilie Kiser, husband Brady Kiser, and their son Trigg Emilie Kiser, husband Brady Kiser, and their son Trigg On May 18, a spokesperson for the Chandler Police Department (CPD) confirmed to PEOPLE that Trigg died six days after he was hospitalized for a drowning accident in the Kisers' backyard. Authorities responded to a drowning call on May 12. The toddler died on May 18, per the statement. On Tuesday, July 15, Chandler police announced that their investigation into Trigg's death was completed. The department shared an update to X, which also detailed investigators' recommendation that Brady be tried for a class 4 felony charge of child abuse. The referral came nearly two months after AZ Central reported that Brady told police he was at home with Trigg and their newborn son, Theodore, when the older child fell into the pool. Emilie was out with friends at the time of the tragedy, Brady stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he lost sight of Trigg for three to five minutes; upon returning to their yard, he discovered the toddler floating in the pool, according to CPD search warrant applications. Emilie who has 1.7 million Instagram followers filed a lawsuit on Tuesday, May 27, in Arizona Superior Court for Maricopa County to keep records about Trigg's death out of public view, according to court documents. https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf The filing stated that the City of Chandler and the Maricopa County Medical Examiners Office has received over 100 requests for access to public records related to the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On June 3, the Arizona Superior Court for Maricopa County ruled in the influencer's favor on a separate motion, she filed to keep her personal declaration private. The court order granted Kiser temporary confidentiality on both her declaration and her larger request for privacy while the court reviews evidence to make a final ruling. A source told PEOPLE exclusively that Kiser's personal declaration "reflects an intensely personal account of her grief and trauma, submitted to help the court understand her perspective not for public consumption." Read the original article on People Emily Damari told the Daily Mail about her suicide pact with Romi Gonen, and the abuses she experienced in Hamas captivity. Former hostage Emily Damari revealed in a Friday interview with the Daily Mail that one of her captors treated her so cruelly that she considered suicide. They were the worst people the worst family, she said. They would make fun of us and laugh at us. They would tell us: Nobody cares about you. They would hide food from us and tell us we were never leaving Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She explained that she had made a suicide pact with Romi Gonen, with whom she was held. The pair had decided to either escape or end their lives to put a stop to the cruelty. To avoid that fate, Damari, who also has British citizenship, recounted how she approached the least cruel guard and warned that if the pair werent moved, you are going to have two dead hostages. Although the guard a commander in the terror group promised to move them, they remained in the familys control for months. Despite the hopeless situation, Damari said she had a premonition they would soon be released and told Gonen to style her eyebrows and shave her legs in preparation for their return to freedom. Released British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari holds up a sign which reads in Hebrew ''the nightmare is over!'' as she and released Israeli hostage Doron Steinbrecher are transported to a hospital after being released from Gazan captivity. January 20, 2025. (credit: Israel Defense Forces/Handout via REUTERS) From the moment she was taken on October 7 From the moment that Damari was taken on October 7, she recounted how she would rather die than be kidnapped and made a hostage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When terrorists abducted her from her home, along with her friend Gali Berman, a terrorist shot off several of her fingers while killing her dog Choocha. When the terrorist told her he would take her to the hospital, Damari recounted how she understood this was not going to be an Israeli hospital and told him, No, no, no, shoot me! I didnt want to be kidnapped, I would have preferred to die. I took his gun, put it to my head, and said: Shoot me! Shoot me! she told the Daily Mail, explaining she only went quietly once the terrorist placed a gun to her friends head. AFTER BEING transported to Gaza and separated from Berman, she was taken to Shifa Hospital and told by terrorists she was more valuable to them alive than dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A doctor introduced himself as Dr. Hamas, amputated her damaged fingers under general anesthesia, and stitched the nerves in her hand together, causing her significant pain. After the amputation, she explained she was taken to the home of a terrorist and housed with Galis brother Ziv, the terrorists wife, and their six children. One of the children, only 14 years old, carried a gun, she recounted. During her stay, she was allowed only one shower and received no change of clothes. Ziv Berman and Damari were later moved after the house was hit in an airstrike. I thought I was in heaven, she said. I saw one big fireball, and then I didnt see anything anymore. Everywhere was dust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After 40 days with Berman, the two were separated, and she was transported while disguised in traditional clothes. She was taken into a city of tunnels to a small cage containing five female hostages, including an eight-year-old girl. It was stinky, hot, humid, and damp. You dont get used to it, Damari said, describing how the walls were covered in cockroaches. They let you go to the bathroom once or twice a day you have a hole in the ground. It stinks There is no running water, just a gallon jug with water in it. We were totally surrounded by terrorists five girls. They have weapons. They are stronger than you. They can do whatever they like, whenever they like, Damari said, explaining that she had to hide her sexuality of preferring women. I hid that about myself, because I knew it was worse than them knowing I was Jewish or Israeli they would kill me. She described how the terrorists would probe her as to why she wasnt married, and she would explain away the questions by saying she had three protective brothers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout her time in captivity, Damari probed guards back and on one occasion asked a terrorist what he would do if he discovered his brother was gay. She said the guard responded that he would kill him because hes sick. AFTER THREE months in the tunnels, Damari said that she was moved and would stay in 30 different locations. Terrorists would use dash cams as makeshift security cameras to monitor them and leave them in explosive-laden homes so they would be killed if the IDF attempted to rescue them. While Damari was relocated repeatedly, she remained with Gonen, and the duo developed a close bond. Damari and Gonen, who was shot in the arm, would support each other with tasks made difficult by their respective wounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One guard nicknamed Damari John Cena, after the famous actor and WWE wrestler, because she would complete between 400 and 600 sit-ups every morning despite the harsh conditions. The terrorists would call me Sajaya, which means you are very confident, very strong, she recalled. I did everything just to survive. If they sat with me now and I could kill them of course, I would be happy to do it. At one point, she convinced a guard to give her his gun. While she discussed with her fellow captives killing the terrorist, she knew that would seal their deaths. She said that while she didnt care about the impact it might have on her, she did not want to endanger the others. While Damari is now free, she said her greatest hope is that Gali and Ziv will have that experience too. They are probably in a cage, she told the Daily Mail. They are abusing them. There isnt a lot of water. It is probably unimaginably hot for them. Update MIDVALE, Utah (ABC4) Raymond Becky, 64, has been found, according to the Utah Dept. of Public Safety. The Endangered Missing Advisory has been cancelled. No further information is available at this time. Original Story MIDVALE, Utah (ABC4) An Endangered Missing Advisory has been activated for a man last seen in the Midvale area. Raymond Becky, 64, is described as White, 61, 170 lbs, with brown eyes and gray hair. He reportedly has a Philadelphia Flyers emblem tattoo on his right shoulder and another tattoo on his left arm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Becky is homeless and has a history of alcohol abuse, according to the Dept. of Public Safety. He reportedly also has a traumatic brain injury. Raymond Becky, 64 (Courtesy of Utah DPS) Police said to use caution as he has warrants out for assault. If located, please contact South Salt Lake Police at 801-840-4000 and reference case LK25-22914. 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. Sioux Falls, SD (Canaries) Calvin Estrada drove in four runs and Seth Miller tossed six strong innings on Friday as the Canaries topped Lake Country 86 to move into second place in the American Associations West Division. The DockHounds opened the scoring with two runs in the first inning but the Birds answered in the bottom half with an RBI fielders choice. Estrada ripped a two-run double in the third frame to put Sioux Falls in front for good and Trevor Achenbach followed with an RBI single. Estrada added another two-run double in the fourth and Josh Rehwaldt smacked an RBI single in the fifth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rehwaldt later delivered a run-scoring double in the seventh inning to build an 82 lead before Lake Country responded with four runs in the eighth. Charlie Hasty earned a four-out save to improve the Canaries record to 3927 overall. Rehwaldt, Estrada, Achenbach and Matt Ruiz each finished with two hits while Miller allowed two runs over six innings and struck out five. The two teams resume their four-game series Saturday at 5:35pm. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Lawmakers deliberated Friday conduct from Senate Pro Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque) towards a legislative staffer during the session, which resulted in an allegation of harrassment. (Danielle Prokop / Source NM) Lawmakers deliberated behind closed doors for more than an hour-and-a-half Friday afternoon about whether a high-ranking New Mexico senator will face discipline over alleged harassment of a legislative staffer. Six state senators on the interim Legislative Ethics Committee and a retired New Mexico Supreme Court justice concluded their discussion before 5 p.m., but as of publication had not issued the written order containing its recommendations, according to Chris Nordstrum, a spokesperson for Senate Democrats. Source will update this story when it does. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fridays hearing centered on whether an email exchange and phone call in February between Senate President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque) and legislative staffer Michelle Jaschke, violated the Legislatures anti-harassment policy. Jaschke did not respond to messages seeking comment Friday afternoon on the committees recommendation. Employment and labor lawyer Lorna Wiggins, who served as special counsel in the matter for the Ethics Committees investigative subcommittee, on May 18 issued her report after interviewing Jaschke and Stewart. Source NM requested a copy of the report from the Legislative Council Service but did not receive a copy prior to publication. On Friday, Wiggins summarized her findings to the committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jaschke, the capital outlay programs coordinator for the Legislative Council Service, emailed Stewart on Feb. 27 some time after 5 p.m. to ask about her capital outlay funding request to help finance projects in lawmakers districts which had been due at 5 p.m. the day before. In response, Stewart wrote: WE SENT IT TO YOU YESTERDAY AFTERNOON AROUND 3:30 according to a copy of the email Stewarts attorney Ray Vargas presented to the committee. Moments later, Stewart called Jaschke, screaming at her using what she deemed pejorative language, including calling her stupid for not knowing that the sheet had already been turned in, Wiggins said. Jaschke told Wiggins that Stewarts verbal attack affected her mental and physical well-being, including her ability to sleep, and that she took at least one sick day because she was angry and upset at the interaction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wiggins said Stewart acknowledged yelling at Jaschke, admitted using an angry tone during their phone call and admitted she may have used the word stupid during the call. Stewart also conceded that using all-capital letters is the equivalent of yelling at someone, Wiggins said. Wiggins argued Stewarts actions rose to the level of harassment because a reasonable person in Jaschkes position would view the email and call as hurtful, demeaning and caused her discomfort, and could conclude it was humiliating, intimidating and insulting. In his defense of her, Vargas said Stewart regretted her actions and later apologized. Moreover, he argued, the policys harassment definition requires threatening, intimidating or coercive verbal or physical behavior. Stewart, he said, in a high-stress moment, lost her cool and she was impolite to Ms. Jaschke. No, she wasnt just impolite, she was downright rude, Vargas said. What she wasnt though, was harassing, certainly not under the way harassment is defined under this policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vargas read a statement from Stewart reiterating her regrets about the incidents: I believe its important that we legislators treat everyone with kindness and respect, especially our staff, the statement said. During the legislative session, when all of us are rushed, under pressure and tempers can flare, its even more important to exhibit calmness and kindness. I regret that I failed to do that with Michelle. When I was informed of her reaction, I sent her a letter of apology. I stand by that apology, I plan to continue to monitor my reactions to others. Im seeing a mental health counselor now to ensure my kindness and respect for others is on solid footing, and Im committed to always learning from others and growing in my ability to help others. Vargas warned that if the committee decided to punish Stewart, it could have far-reaching implications for the Legislature as a whole. Everyone in the Roundhouse will be walking on eggshells, Vargas said. Everyone will be afraid to say the wrong thing, or afraid that if theyre passionate about a subject, its going to get confused for harassment. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Jul. 25Discussions over whether emailing someone in all capital letters equates to yelling and if calling someone "stupid" should be labeled as harassment took center stage during a state senator's public ethics hearing Friday. The issue at hand is a complaint filed against Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, by a legislative staffer alleging Stewart violated the Legislature's anti-harassment policy earlier this year by yelling at her and using "pejorative" language, according to the investigator on the case. As of Friday evening, it was unclear whether the complaint would result in repercussions for Stewart, as the legislative ethics subcommittee moved to closed session to vote on whether the conduct should result in sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A written order of the committee's decision is "forthcoming," according to a social media post by the Legislature. Repercussions could include reprimand, censure or expulsion. None of the subcommittee members, comprised of six senators from both political parties and a retired New Mexico Supreme Court justice, nor the Legislative Council Service director responded to an email from the Journal inquiring about the final decision and why the vote happened in closed session. It's rare for an anti-harassment policy complaint to progress this far into the complaint procedure. Michelle Jaschke, a capital outlay programs coordinator with the Legislative Council Service, in late February filed the complaint over communications that happened between her and Stewart on Feb. 27, according to investigator Lorna Wiggins. She finished a report on the complaint in May, which is not public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The afternoon of Feb. 27, Jaschke emailed Stewart indicating she hadn't received the senator's capital outlay funding sheet, Wiggins said. Stewart responded with an email that said, "WE SENT IT TO YOU YESTERDAY AFTERNOON AROUND 3:30. From my secretary, Fatima Gutierrez," according to a screenshot of the email Stewart's lawyer presented online. Wiggins said shortly after the email communications, Stewart called Jaschke, "screaming at her using what she deemed pejorative language, including calling her stupid for not knowing that the sheet had already been turned in." Afterward, late in the evening, Stewart apologized via email, according to the public hearing. Jaschke took off work Friday and Saturday because of the communications, "angry and upset at the interaction," Wiggins said, and lost sleep over it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was severe enough that the reporting party was emotionally upset and was required to take sick time, was unable to perform her duties until Sunday of that weekend, during a very busy time of the Legislature," Wiggins said. Jaschke didn't respond to inquiries from the Journal. Harassment or not? Harassment, as defined in the Legislature's anti-harassment policy, involves "conduct, comment or display that a reasonable person would find insulting, intimidating, humiliating, hurtful, demeaning or degrading or that causes offense, discomfort or personal humiliation or embarrassment." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I concluded that (Stewart's conduct) would fall within the anti-harassment policy, even if I did not find that such conduct was based on the reporting party's gender, race, religion or other protected characteristic," Wiggins said. Stewart's attorney Ray Vargas disputed that the communications should be defined as harassment. While "impolite" and "downright rude," it wasn't harassment, he said. "These were simply comments of a frustrated legislator in a heated moment during a very important and stressful part of the legislative process," Vargas said, referencing the $4 million in capital outlay requests on the line for Stewart's district. Stewart didn't respond to a call from the Journal but provided a statement in the hearing that acknowledged she failed to treat Jaschke with kindness, calmness and respect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When I was informed of her reaction, I sent her a letter of apology. I stand by that apology," Stewart said in her statement, read aloud in the meeting by Vargas. "I plan to continue to monitor my reactions to others. I'm seeing a mental health counselor now to ensure my kindness and respect for others is on solid footing, and I'm committed to always learning from others and growing in my ability to help others." Due to the secretive nature of the process, it's unclear how many ethics complaints have been filed against legislators in recent years. But former Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto, D-Albuquerque, faced some heat following a sexual harassment complaint filed by a lobbyist, despite the state Ethics Commission dismissing the complaint on grounds of no probable cause. Ivey-Soto lost the Senate seat he held for years in the following election cycle and the case never progressed to a public hearing. Europes migration crisis is not just a humanitarian emergency or a border control problem. Its a strategic breakdown. From the English Channel to Lampedusa, irregular migration continues to dominate headlines and decide elections. The response thus far from many European capitals has been predictable: short-term containment measures, bilateral return agreements, and new offshore processing schemes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And yet the flow continues, unabated and undeterred. Criminal networks that traffic in human lives adapt. Public pressure rises. And the policies, in turn, grow more reactive. To treat migration as a standalone issue is to miss a much broader point. Irregular migration is a symptom not the disease. The deeper problem lies in a fragmented European foreign policy, the erosion of state sovereignty in transit countries, and the pervasive influence of malign non-state actors in eastern Libya, led by the renegade General Haftar and his international backers foremost among them Russia who malevolently weaponise irregular migration to strong-arm European decision-makers on a range of critical issues, including the recognition of Haftars secessionist regime based in Benghazi. Strategic blind spots Across North Africa and beyond, these forces have been quietly reshaping migration into an effective lever for political pressure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Libya, for example, irregular migration has not only become a source of illicit income for criminal networks but it is also a strategic tool used by the authorities in the Haftar-controlled east to exert influence, extract concessions, or disrupt the European agenda. These networks do not operate in isolation. They are often embedded in local structures and enjoy quiet backing from international players who see irregular migration as a bargaining chip not a humanitarian concern. Their goal is not stability, but leverage. Equally concerning is the European tendency to engage with these actors in good faith despite their open disdain for political, legal and diplomatic norms, as well as ethical standards. This spectacle played out in full last week when an EU delegation was abruptly expelled from eastern Libya for the apparent crime of adhering to established diplomatic protocol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of these Haftar-aligned groups have a lengthy rap sheet of human rights violations, autocratic behaviour, and disregard for international law. While cooperation with such actors may be tempting for European policymakers eager to secure quick wins on migration and border security that placate domestic audiences, these efforts often amount to little more than window dressing. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Libyan National Army Commander Khalifa Haftar meet at the Kremlin in Moscow, May 2025 - AP Photo The reason for this is clear: the Haftar-led regime and its loyalists lack any genuine commitment to democratic principles, human dignity, and legal accountability. Their willingness to violate human rights, cooperate in abuses, or pursue agendas that undermine regional stability makes them unreliable and dangerous partners. Their actions are difficult to predict, and their goals more than often run counter to those of their European counterparts. By engaging these forces sans preconditions or pressure, Europe risks further entrenching them and turning the serious humanitarian crisis of migration into an exploitable political tool, increasingly used to blackmail and coerce European states and institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not just a policy failure. It is a strategic vulnerability. Unless Europe urgently reconsiders whom it empowers and on what terms, irregular migration will continue to escalate not simply as a movement of people but as a symptom of geopolitical exploitation and structural disorder. The result is chaos. Libya, like other transit states, bears the burden of this political ambiguity. Non-regulatory migration continues to grow, and with tragic human consequences. Smuggling routes expand inland while migrants and refugees are left vulnerable to extortion, violence, and exploitation. European engagement remains focused on border control and externalisation. Proposals like the Rwanda model reflect the desire to contain the issue offshore to move people, not solve problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But as weve seen time and again such deals however politically useful, rarely survive legal or logistical scrutiny. What is needed is a shift in mindset, from reaction to strategy, from containment to cooperation. Four-point reset If Europe is serious about addressing irregular migration, four changes are essential. Deterrence cannot work without alternatives. Safe pathways, such as those piloted through Safe Mobility Offices in Latin America, should be replicated in North Africa. These can divert irregular flows by offering legal entry for asylum, work, or family reunification. Europe must cease dealing with actors who profit from people smuggling and border disorder as security partners. Irregular migration is not just a movement of people it is a reflection of how Europe engages with the world, and how the world responds in turn. Migrants aboard a rubber boat end up in the water while others cling to a centifloat before being rescued by a team from Sea Watch-3, around 35 miles away from Libya, October - AP Photo A clean break from engaging with illegitimate authorities such as those in eastern Libya combined with sustained political and economic pressure on subversive parallel state structures, is key to safeguarding Libyan state sovereignty, which in turn is essential to restoring border security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Post-Brexit paralysis on migration must end. A UK-EU admissions agreement rooted in shared responsibility not unilateral returns would help rebuild cooperation and restore credibility in clear, legal migration pathways. Voluntary repatriation programs remain vastly underused and underfunded. Europe and the UK must align funding to support returns that are humane, supported by reintegration services, and tied to development incentives for countries of origin. A time for strategic clarity If Europe is to regain control of its migration policy, it must first regain clarity in its strategy. Irregular migration is not just a movement of people it is a reflection of how Europe engages with the world, and how the world responds in turn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The solution lies not in building higher walls or signing risk-shifting deals, but in crafting partnerships based on accountability, long-term interests, and mutual respect. The time for fragmented fixes is over. What is needed now is a coordinated vision one that sees migration not as a threat to contain, but as a reality to govern wisely and humanely. Walid Ellafi serves as Minister of Communication and Political Affairs in the Libyan Government of National Unity (GNU). On Friday, Palmer Lake announced a negotiated agreement with Buc-ee's on a proposed annexation of land for a travel station. In the agreement, the town states Buc-ee's obligations if the annexation passes, including water use, road re-pavements and various costs toward Palmer Lake. As part of the agreement, Buc-ee's offered to pay for the installation of a well that the town had already planned on building. This will save almost $4.3 million, according to town officials. In addition to this, Buc-ee's will install a second well and a water line, which will cost over $9 million, the agreement says. The agreement also claims that Buc-ee's is to make a one-time payment to the town of $350,000 within 30 days of opening, and another $150,000 to go toward "specific public uses." The town noted a concern of crime being attracted to the area and collaborated with police chiefs in several towns where Buc-ee's has locations, who mostly assured town officials of no significant increase, only the occasional weekend or holiday 911-call spike. One chief in Terrell, Texas, did note his department increased its budget by $400,000 after their Buc-ee's opened. Palmer Lake's Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote on the negotiated agreement at a meeting on Aug. 28. EVANSVILLE, Ind (WEHT) An Evansville man was handed an over 100-year prison sentence in Vanderburgh Superior Court for a murder that happened in 2022. Scott Terry, Jr. was sentenced to 105 years for the shooting of Candilyn Sexton and her unborn child on West Indiana Street. Jury returns guilty verdict in Evansville murder trial According to police, the call came in shortly after 10 a.m. on March 30, 2022 for shots fired at a home. Police say Terry Jr. was located near the Kentucky border. He accepted a plea agreement back in May 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before sentencing, Johnathan Heil read a short victim impact statement, stating it wasnt about him but about a loving mother that was taken away too early. He said he hoped Terry, Jr would remain locked up for the rest of his days. Harmony Heil said that her mother was the most caring, selfless person she has known and that since the shooting, nothing has been the same. She said she has had nightmares since, and she had lost more than a parent, being taken away by a selfish person. She then referenced Terry Jr, directly. What you did was evil. You do not deserve mercy, she said. Terrys mother provided more on her sons background, stating as he was growing up, he was the most caring and selfless person and gave back to the community in numerous ways including building houses with a pastor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He did anything for anyone, generous to a fault, she said. She testified early on in Terry, Jrs and Sextons relationship, things were good, but things turned as time passed, becoming more argumentative. She also testified when she got a call from him saying that he shot Sexton, she didnt believe it at first and went to the house to try and save Sexton. She said he turned himself in. People observing as well as the attorneys saw parts of a jail interview of Terry, Jr. and a detective explaining the events that led up to the shooting. The video showed Terry, Jr. crying on numerous occasions, but he was able to tell that him and Sexton were on bad terms for a while, was fighting and she wouldnt let him do his morning job. He claimed Sexton broke one of his computers and turned off the houses Wi-Fi, so he couldnt do his work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He then said he went to a gun safe due to mounting frustrations but put it back. He further claimed Sexton came into the room, recording on her phone, which led to emotions coming out and the eventual shooting. Terry, Jr. addressed the court, stating he thinks about what happened every day and taking anabolic steroids was a mistake. He claimed full responsibility, and despite everything that occurred, he misses her and did not intend any harm. Terry, Jr. turned to address Sextons supporters and family directly, and with tears coming down his face said, Im so sorry. I cant do anything but give my life to the system. I failed at every level. Theres not enough I can say. Im so sorry. Judge Robert Pigman said there were mitigating and aggravating factors, but on the topic of remorse, he said on all of the years he has been on the bench, it is almost impossible to fully judge remorse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Terry, Jr. along Defense Attorney Joseph Wyckoff said they will let the court know on if they decide to appeal the sentence. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). Former ABC News reporter Terry Moran isnt letting up on his vicious criticism of Stephen Miller more than a month after his world-class hater post about Donald Trump and his senior White House aide led to his abrupt exit at the network. Moran, in an appearance on ex-MSNBC host Chris Matthewss Substack podcast, referred to old clips of Miller while arguing that hes been spitting the same kind of venom and lies as he has in the Trump administration. In one video, a 17-year-old Miller said that the torture of Iraqis during the Iraq War is the way to go because its a celebration of human life and dignity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cruelty is the point, said Moran of Miller. Hes about power. Trump is his path to power. Trump sees him as essentially putting kind of some intellectual gloss on his own gut instincts and they work together to bludgeon the country with almost a disheartening and depressing level of cruelty and falsehood every day. He continued, I think thats accurate, fair and true. And it got me fired! Moments earlier, Moran argued that Miller clearly sees lying as a way of exerting power, calling such moves deeply wrong and a bludgeoning. Moran who has since launched a Substack of his own since his ABC News ouster has previously defended his June post, saying it was something on his heart and mind at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His post which described Miller as getting spiritual nourishment from his hatreds led to swift outrage from top White House officials, including Vice President JD Vance. He was subsequently suspended by ABC News, which called the post a clear violation of the networks policies. The network would later announce that his contract would not be renewed. Related... EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A former Fort Bliss soldier was sentenced to 20 years in state prison and fined $10,000 on Friday, July 25 for murdering his wife, the District Attorneys Office said. Linwood Smith, 21 at the time of the crime, was found guilty earlier this week in the 2020 murder of his wife, Kerica Robinson. Sentencing hearing begins for Fort Bliss soldier convicted of murdering wife On Friday, the same jury found that the crime was committed under the immediate influence of sudden passion. Smith then received the maximum sentence of 20 years, the DAs Office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back in 2020, Robinsons friend had filed a missing person report with the El Paso Police Department after not being able to get in touch with her for nearly a week, including on her 21st birthday. A police search of the couples East El Paso apartment led to the discovery of Robinsons body in a small storage closet, wrapped in black trash bags under Smiths military-issued gear. She had been shot in the head, the DAs Office said. We respect the jurys verdict and we are appreciative of their service over the past two weeks, District Attorney James Montoya said. I want to extend my sympathies to the family of Ms. Kerica Robinson, who has been waiting for this trial for nearly five years. My office is committed to resolving our oldest cases as swiftly as possible. Trial begins for Fort Bliss soldier who allegedly killed estranged wife, hid body in storage closet Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assistant District Attorneys Samantha Nelson and Jose Garcia represented the State of Texas in the prosecution of this 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 KTSM 9 News. In late July 2025, amid high media interest in Derek Huffman, a Texas man who moved his family to Russia to escape LGBTQ+ values in the U.S., a claim (archived) circulated online that Huffman had died in combat after enlisting in the Russian armed forces. American Derek Huffman, who fled to russia over "LGBT propaganda," was killed on the front lines by a drone strike, The Maltese Herald. His wife received a sack of potatoes but didnt even know he was dead. Potatoes in exchange for a life. No rainbows, but plenty of drones. pic.twitter.com/IfzUdYg0Yx Mr.Luminaris (@MrLuminaris) July 24, 2025 One X user wrote, "American Derek Huffman, who fled to russia over 'LGBT propaganda,' was killed on the front lines by a drone strike." The user attributed the claim to The Maltese Herald, a news site from Malta that ran the story on July 23, 2025. The claim also circulated on Facebook (archived), Instagram (archived), Threads (archived), Bluesky (archived), Reddit (archived) and TikTok (archived). Snopes readers searched our page, asking whether the claim was true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We found no evidence Huffman had died in combat at the time of this writing. The Huffman Time YouTube channel, where the family documented their move to Russia, told several commenters on July 24 that Derek Huffman was alive. We also found no evidence of a reported video showing Huffman's death. DeAnna Huffman, Derek Huffman's wife, told Snopes via email on July 25 that "we are not doing any interviews or answering any questions at this time." A U.S. State Department spokesperson said the department was "aware of unconfirmed media reports of a U.S. citizen killed in Ukraine," and reiterated a warning against U.S. citizens traveling to Russia. We also reached out to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to confirm whether Derek Huffman had died in combat and await a reply. The claim appeared to stem from a July 23 report in The Maltese Herald. That report, which the Herald has since updated, claimed Derek Huffman died in a drone strike on the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine war. It further claimed that footage of Huffman's death circulated online, but did not provide any links. We reached out to The Maltese Herald to ask why it initially believed the story to be true and await a reply. The updated version of the Herald's report included screenshots of the Huffman Time YouTube channel, run by DeAnna Huffman in her husband's absence, denying reports of his death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite this, the report still included the sentence "Derek Huffman, the US citizen from Texas, has been confirmed killed on the Ukrainian front lines by a drone strike." The Maltese Herald also had not updated an X post (archived) that claimed Derek Huffman died in combat. DeAnna Huffman, via the Huffman Time YouTube Channel, replied to a comment on July 24 reading, "Update: Derek has passed," writing in a series of comments: Why are you here lying? He's with his unit and for safety, not allowed to. Let people talk and lie. We know the truth, and when safe, it will eventually be widely seen. Yes, I understand you believe everything that the news says and my husband and I have been laughing about it. You're more than welcome to believe the lies. Huffman said her husband was "alive and well." We found no reports in Russian media about Derek Huffman dying. On July 25, Russian President Vladimir Putin's press secretary Dmitry Peskov told Russian state media he had not previously heard about Huffman joining the armed forces but that it was possible for foreigners to volunteer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snopes previously reported that Huffman enlisted with the Russian armed forces as a way to secure Russian citizenship for his family. Huffman said he moved himself, his wife and three daughters from Texas to Russia in order to escape LGBTQ+ values in the U.S. Sources: "Anti-Woke Dad Who Moved Family to Russia Sent to War Zone." The Daily Beast, 20 Jul. 2025, https://www.thedailybeast.com/texan-moved-fam-to-russia-to-flee-wokenow-hes-headed-to-ukraine-front-line/. Bennetts, Marc. Texan Who Fled 'Woke' America Has Been Sent to Putin's Front Line. 22 Jul. 2025, https://www.thetimes.com/world/russia-ukraine-war/article/derek-deanna-huffman-family-conscripted-tvxht35l5. "Derek Huffman Confirmed Killed by a Drone Strike." The Maltese Herald, 23 Jul. 2025, https://archive.ph/KQAjB#selection-301.0-301.48. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Huffman Time. "Girls Show Their Art, Summer Hats & Russian Life Updates | Big News & Fun Moments!" YouTube, 15 Jul. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDBZDPvI4po. Reyes, Ronny. American Who Joined Russian Army to Escape "woke" US Has Been Sent to the Frontlines, Wife Says. 22 Jul. 2025, https://nypost.com/2025/07/22/world-news/american-who-joined-russian-army-to-escape-woke-us-has-been-sent-to-the-frontlines-wife-says/. " ." TACC, https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/24610255. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025. A chain of islands off the coast of West Africa is on the brink of disappearing amid rising sea levels. What's happening? Nyangai Island is one of seven inhabited islands that comprise the Turtle Islands in Sierra Leone. The island was once home to over a thousand residents and three villages, but in the last decade, much of Nyangai's surface area has disappeared under the rising ocean. Caledonian Record reports that two-thirds of the island has vanished and only 300 inhabitants remain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those left behind are living in severely cramped conditions and lack basic infrastructure. Homes are regularly lost to floods, and there's very little space left to rebuild. Soon, the island will be uninhabitable, and a local climate expert predicts the other islands will be gone within 10-15 years: "The entire archipelago will go, it's just a question of time." The remaining inhabitants have little hope that their homes can be saved. A community leader and longtime resident, Amidou Bureh, said: "Our worry is the water, that the water will destroy us." Why are rising sea levels such a concern? Compounding the tragic fate of Nyangai is the sense of injustice. The fishing community has had almost no part in creating the conditions that have led to the crisis unfolding before their very eyes. The planet-heating pollution from dirty energy is accelerating the loss of sea ice, causing coastal erosion and leading to the disappearance of entire island communities worldwide. Worse still, rising ocean temperatures create ideal conditions for increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather events. It's no longer a matter of whether people will be displaced; it's already happening, but of how many. Even in the best-case scenario, people will be forcibly displaced at a level not seen since World War II. What's being done to protect vulnerable communities? Unfortunately for the residents of the islands, their plight is largely falling on deaf ears. A USAID program attempted to slow down the erosion by planting mangroves, but this had little effect, according to Mongabay. Now, with foreign assistance all but gone, even those token efforts will cease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With a GDP per capita of just $915, Sierra Leone has limited capacity to handle the population displacement. A global crisis requires a unified response, and that's possible through awareness, collective, and individual actions. Accelerating the adoption of clean energy will at the very least slow down the rise and buy valuable time for the world's most vulnerable communities. Do you worry about air pollution in your town? All the time Often Only sometimes Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Shark attacks are on the rise, and climate change may be to blame. Scientists point to warming waters and shifting ocean ecosystems as a potential cause for the surge in shark bite reports. What's happening? In June, a 16-year-old boy was attacked at Cabarita Beach in New South Wales on Australia's east coast. He sustained arm and leg injuries and was taken to the hospital by helicopter in a stable condition, the International Business Times reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shark lingered for a while after the boy was rescued, and the beach was closed for 24 hours as a precaution against further incidents. News.com.au reported earlier this year that shark attacks were on the rise in Australia, likely from a combination of increased human beach activity and climate change. According to Tracking Sharks, there have been 31 shark attacks globally this year as of July 7. Three of these were provoked, and eight were fatal. Of the 31 attacks, eight were in the United States and 10 were in Australia. Why are rising ocean temperatures important? As reported by NASA, ocean temperatures have been rising since 1970, with the last decade being the ocean's warmest since the 1800s. The Environmental Protection Agency estimated that "from 1901 through 2023, temperature rose at an average rate of 0.14F per decade." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The warming waters may make coastal habitats more suitable for sharks. A 2024 study found a five-fold increase in juvenile bull sharks off the coast of Alabama from 2003 to 2020. When the coasts become better habitats for sharks, the rate of incidents between sharks and humans is bound to increase. It also means that they may be spending less time in their typical habitats. Sharks play a critical role in these habitats as predators, regulating the ecosystem and preventing overpopulation. Do you worry about air pollution in your town? All the time Often Only sometimes Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Climate change is making it more difficult for a variety of species to survive, threatening biodiversity loss around the globe. What's being done about shark populations? Programs like the Shark Conservation Fund's Shark Biodiversity Initiative aim to protect 50 crucial shark habitats from human damage and influence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local communities are also doing their part to protect sharks, such as this group of women in Mexico's Sea of Cortez. To stop warming oceans and the other adverse effects of human-caused climate change, we need to move away from dirty energy sources and embrace clean energy. As the Australian Climate Council contends, "the only solution is to end climate pollution as quickly as we can." 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. Jul. 26The process of setting up new energy resources that help power New Mexico could be delayed by nearly four months, a result of recently updated federal policies. The challenges reflect broader barriers the energy industry is facing now in selecting and deploying future intermittent renewable sources under a second Trump administration set on making cuts to renewable energy tax credits while propping up oil and gas. Even so, experts say the changed policies will only slow down not stop a clean energy transition that has been decades in the making. The nation is also facing an increased demand for energy in the coming decades, due to economic growth, advanced manufacturing and technology like data centers and artificial intelligence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump, on July 4, signed the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" and approved phasing out certain federal solar and wind project tax credits toward the end of the decade. The new timeline ends the credits faster than initially set in law. "For too long, the federal government has forced American taxpayers to subsidize expensive and unreliable energy sources like wind and solar," Trump wrote in a July 7 executive order about the tax credit revisions. "... Ending the massive cost of taxpayer handouts to unreliable energy sources is vital to energy dominance, national security, economic growth and the fiscal health of the nation." The impending lack of incentives will lead to higher energy costs, Harry Godfrey, managing director of Advanced Energy United, said at a press conference on Monday. But, he added, it doesn't equate to the death of the renewables industry. "We've been here before," he said. "We've seen this sort of volatility and variation in the market and policy, and we've endured that even when we had less developed technology and a less mature industry here. We are built to endure, sustain and continue to grow in this." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The same is true of New Mexico's market, according to Sheila Hallstrom, regulatory principal at Advanced Energy United. She told the Journal that energy fundamentals and economics still favor renewables. The high number of sunny and windy days in New Mexico lends well to solar and wind technology. Still, Hallstrom said, states are feeling the impact of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" faster than she expected. A few days after Trump signed the bill, Public Service Company of New Mexico filed a request with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission asking for additional time in its ongoing resource selection case, partly because the change in federal policies will impact bid pricing. PNM asked for 120 extra days to evaluate resource bids. A PNM spokesperson said the utility will continue to evaluate future projects through an independently monitored process "that considers cost and other factors when determining the best resources to meet customer needs." The utility is still on track to meet its 100% carbon-free goal by 2040, and is currently 72% carbon-free. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The PRC hadn't approved or denied the deadline extension request as of Wednesday. "For PNM to already have submitted a motion to extend the time to review their bids and not just a brief extension of time, but doubling the entire time is pretty shocking, and I think it really raises the alarm that this isn't just the end of this," Hallstrom said. "We're going to keep seeing this in New Mexico and in other states across the nation. So, it's definitely concerning." In response to a separate Journal inquiry, a PRC spokesperson said, "It's too early to speculate about any potential effects on New Mexico's utility providers and their customers," though the state agency is monitoring the federal policy shifts closely. Similarly, Southwestern Public Service Co. President Adrian Rodriguez said Xcel Energy is still evaluating the federal legislation. Xcel Energy serves towns and communities in the eastern part of New Mexico, from Carlsbad to Clovis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "While we would have liked to have seen some production tax credits last even longer, there's a good opportunity for us to have renewable generation as part of our portfolio," Rodriguez said in an interview. Xcel Energy announced 17 new power projects in its New Mexico and Texas service areas earlier this month, including two solar projects added to meet New Mexico's 50% renewable energy generation requirement by 2030. The company anticipates that increased electrification, along with oil and gas industry expansion, will add up to $5 billion in economic impact over five years. "Many of our oil and gas customers ... are not only growing, but they are electrifying their existing resources, and as a result, we need to increase our generation in order to meet their demand," Rodriguez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knowing that energy demand is only growing, Hallstrom said, ongoing political uncertainty provides an opportunity for utilities and state leaders to better coordinate on future operations. She added that New Mexico could better take advantage of existing technologies, like load shifting and flexibility. That can include activities like using less electricity at peak energy periods, which PNM estimates is between 6 and 10 p.m. "Even if we're operating in this confusing, hostile environment, there's still such an opportunity to welcome these renewables and really bring on a lowest-cost, long-term resource for New Mexico's future," she said. There's also still a clear path for renewables other than solar and wind to get tax credits, Godfrey said, specifically referencing geothermal, hydrogen, advanced nuclear and storage. "But let's be clear about what's been done here: This is a step away from a ... clean, all-of-the-above approach," he added. "The government may not be picking winners here, but it is certainly picking losers." Victoria Eaves was nervous before making promises during a special ceremony on Friday. Like pre-wedding jitters in a good way, she said. Eaves wasnt getting married though. She and 33 others vowed their allegiance to the United States of America as they became new naturalized citizens. Now, I get to register to vote, said Eaves, a military wife who was born in Germany and has lived in Colorado Springs for 16 years. Its been a long time coming. It's exciting. Smiles stretched across the largest meeting room at Library 21c on Friday. About 200 family and friends attended the citizenship ceremony for their loved ones who were born in an alphabet of 20 countries around the globe, from Bangladesh and Belize to Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom. Before taking the oath, each had to pass an interview and naturalization test with about 100 questions. Some have been working for years to reach that final stage. Dr. Yong Jeon, who specializes in internal medicine, was born in South Korea and moved to Colorado from Argentina 13 years ago on a work visa when he was studying to become a doctor. Thats how long hes been trying for citizenship, but his medical studies included certain requirements that lengthened the process. During the test, Jeon said he got so flustered that he missed an easy question. He forgot the year he got married, writing 2018. They corrected me it was 2017, he laughed. Jeons wife and young son presented him with a bouquet of flowers in recognition of his dedication to the effort. The ceremony cementing his status was very meaningful to Ori Hadad, who hails from Israel. Featured Local Savings It means more than anything, he said. I couldnt be happier. Hadad, who runs a jewelry company, has spent the entire 12 years he has been in America seeking citizenship. He said he wanted to undertake the task after he got married but filed late, which affected the procedure. The system needs a little improvement, he said. Eaves echoed that thought, saying people who are already here should have a smoother path to gaining citizenship. It took 20 years to realize her dream. By the time she was granted an interview and took the examination earlier this year, she said it was easy. During the ceremony, recipients sang the national anthem, clapped as countries represented were recognized, took the official oath of allegiance, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, listened to a video of congratulations from President Donald Trump and accepted an official certificate as a symbol of conferral of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Youve all worked hard to achieve this, Eva Rupp of the Centennial office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services told the group. I know each of you has been doing things a good citizen does. I know youve been good neighbors and friends, youve contributed to the economy and shared your food and culture. A registration table set up by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region was busy after the event. People who are born in America often forget voting is a privilege, not a right that automatically happens when they turn 18, said Shelly Roehrs, spokeswoman for the nonpartisan organization. Juan Avilas mom, whos from Mexico and has lived in the U.S. for decades but doesnt speak English, waited until she turned 65 to try for citizenship, he said. She met the qualifications to take the test in Spanish through an interpreter using a modified civics exam. It means a lot to her, for sure, Avila said. Shes been so happy, so nervous, so excited. My mom likes that she has more freedom here than in Mexico. The new citizens also are able to sign up for passports, Rupp said. The Pikes Peak Library District not only hosts naturalization events a few times a year but also offers a 10-week Pathway to Citizenship course, English as a Second Language classes and drop-in Speak English opportunities, said Sandra Hancock, adult education director for the library district. To see people who are so excited about becoming Americans is always really inspirational and tugs at your heart strings and makes you remember how privileged you are, she said. ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) On Saturday, the Round Rock Police Department provided details as to why a portion of Interstate 35 was shut down overnight. According to RRPD, during a traffic stop shortly after midnight off I-35 near IKEA, officers saw what appeared to be explosive-like materials inside. It was later determined that the materials in the vehicle were not explosives. RRPD said the north and south lanes of I-35 were temporarily shut down while specialized units responded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver was safely detained and later determined to be experiencing a mental health crisis, RRPD said. As of 10:20 a.m., RRPD said the investigation remained ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. A murder suspect accused of killing her mother is still in a Canadian jail as the extradition process continues. Kristyna Keenan was shot and killed outside her State Road home in Ashtabula Township Jan. 11, 2024. Two days later, her daughter, Ashley Keenan, turned herself in to Canadian authorities. Nicole Navas Oxman, a senior communications advisor for International Law Enforcement at the U.S. Department of Justice, said there is nothing new to report more than a year and a half since the process began. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Canadian extradition proceedings are ongoing and we have nothing to report, Oxman said in an email. In January, Oxman said, As a matter of long-standing policy, the U.S. Department of Justice does not comment on extradition-related matters until a defendant is in the United States. According to a Canadian government website, there is a three-stage process that has to occur before a subject can be released to another country. Ashley Ginette Keenan, 32, whose last known address was in Texas, was indicted in January 2024 on two counts of aggravated murder and one count of murder, unclassified felonies, and one count of felonious assault, a second-degree felony, according to Ashtabula County Court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Ashtabula County Prosecutor Coleen OToole confirmed Ashley Keenan is the daughter of Kristyna Keenan. At the time, Ashtabula County Sheriff William Niemi said the suspect waited in an adjacent parking lot and shot Keenan in the driveway of her home. Deputies arrived quickly, but Keenan was already dead. Do you love all things scary, dark, and creepy? Subscribe to the That Got Dark newsletter to get your weekly dopamine fix of the macabre delivered RIGHT to your inbox! BuzzFeed A little while back we asked the BuzzFeed Community to tell us about a more obscure true crime story they felt more people should be talking about. Here are their bone-chilling responses: Note: Mentions of extreme violence, abuse, rape, and murder ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1.The shocking case of Katherine Knight, who was convicted for the gruesome murder of her boyfriend, John Charles Thomas Price in February 2000 in New South Wales, Australia. She became the first one in Australian history to be given a life sentence without parole. Cineflix / True Crime Central / Via youtube.com "She stabbed her partner at least 37 times and then tried to feed him to her kids. If you're wondering how...she skinned him, took off his head, chopped him into pieces, cooked him, and served it to their kids with potatoes..." Anonymous 2.The disappearance of Ann Mineko Racz in Newhall, California in 1991. Although Ann's body has never been found, she is believed to have been murdered by her estranged husband, a former LA County Sheriffs sergeant, John Racz. Alex Potemkin / Getty Images "She was a mother who was in the process of divorcing her (former) sheriffs sergeant husband to be with her high school sweetheart. Her body has never been found, but even her oldest child is convinced the dad/husband is guilty." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement laurenenriquez In August 2007, John Racz was convicted of murdering Ann from circumstantial evidence. Although Racz denied his guilt in the courtroom, the conviction was upheld by an appeals court in 2010. Related: 44 Jaw-Droppingly Selfish, Entitled Humans Who Clearly Think The World Revolves Around Them 3.The cryptic case of Franchesca Alvarado, who disappeared while on a trip to Atlantic City with an unidentified older man in 2012. FOX 29 Philadelphia / Via youtube.com "Franchesca Alvarado, was a 22-year-old single mom from Philadelphia who went to Atlantic City with a male friend in 2012 and never returned. The male acquaintance and her roommate were suspected but nothing ever came about. Her family never got answers from the police, no search party, nothing. They had to Google search constantly "body found" or "human remains" to get answers. Several months after she disappeared they got a hit, a fisherman found her shoe with her foot fully intact inside. They continued searching eventually finding her tibia and femur after which they would personally request with each medical examiner to see if it was their sister's. That was the last they found of her and had to bury what they could. Still to this day, no arrests have been made. She was a beautiful bright girl, I'll never forget her smile, she went to school with some friends of mine who had nothing but good things to say about her. So sad her daughter and family never got answers." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement lisect 4.The highly disturbing case of seven-year-old Ondrej and nine-year-old Jakub Mauerova who were severely abused by their mother Klara (pictured below), which included feeding their flesh to relatives, in the Czech Republic in 2008. Afp / Getty Images "It's scary how this was only discovered because a baby monitor at a neighbor's house showed video from the wrong house (the Mauerova house), and that neighbor saw the boy naked and tied up and then called police. It's way too long and complicated to explain thoroughly in a single comment, but basically, a mentally unwell woman adopts a 13-year-old child who was actually in her 30s, gets into a cult, abuses her two sons because people tell her to do so this abuse includes locking them up in cages where they were eventually discovered and partially skinning at least one of the sons. The mother had set up a baby monitor to watch them suffer." sperkeles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 5.The violent murder of Katie Janness and her partner's dog Bowie who were found stabbed to death outside the entrance to Piedmont Park in Atlanta, Georgia in 2021. FOX 5 Atlanta / Via youtube.com "How have there been no updates on a Jack-the-Ripper-style murder that happened in Atlanta's most popular park?!" curiouspamela After going out for a walk with Bowie and not returning home, Janness' partner Emma Clark allegedly tracked them with her iPhone and found them dead near the park entrance. Clark then called police who arrived around 1 a.m. Unfortunately, the park's security cameras were inactive reportedly because of outdated technology. So, there's no footage of what exactly happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to an autopsy report, Janness died from "sharp force injuries of her face, neck, and torso" after sustaining more than 50 stab wounds. It was also reported that the letters "F", "A", and "T" had been carved into her torso. A necropsy was also done on Bowie to see if any DNA could be extracted, however, the results of that have not been publically released. Although there have been many tips, the case remains unsolved. 6.The ongoing case of Dahlia Bolin, a 16-year-old teen in rural Illinois who is facing charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, solicitation of murder for hire, solicitation of murder, and conspiracy to commit murder in the deadly shooting of her mother, Rebecca Bolin on Oct. 22, 2021. Tolokonov / Getty Images "No one has heard about this yet because its still going to trial, but in a small town near where I live, a girl hired hitmen to kill her parents. They wouldnt let her date, but she had an OnlyFans account. This girl was 15 at the time. She paid the 'hitmen' $150. They did kill her mother, but her father survived. When this goes to trial, itll be a Dateline story for sure!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anonymous 7.The appalling death of five-year-old Logan Marr in Maine in 2001. Logan, and her younger sister Bailey, had been in the care of a woman named Sally Schofield (pictured below) at the time. Schofield was eventually convicted of manslaughter in Logan's death. Portland Press Herald / Getty Images "She was removed from a good home then murdered by her foster mom. She was acting out, upset she had been removed from her mother again for bogus reasons. Maine placed her with a DHS (Department of Human Services) employee, Sally Schofield. Schofield wrapped her in duct tape and taped her to a high chair then left her alone in the basement. After a bit, Schofield checked on her and Logan was dead. Schofield is currently out and free." Anonymous Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to News Center Maine, "It was later discovered that the girls should never have been at Schofield's home in the first place because she was a supervisor in the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, and the placement violated state rules." 8.The strange disappearance of 16-year-old Ruth Wilson in Box Hill, Surrey, England in 1995. Real Stories / Via youtube.com "It is still unsolved, her parents afterward acted in such a weird way. It's also knowing who to believe, the taxi driver, her friends, her parents..." staceyleighk Leading up to her disappearance, there's conflicting information that Ruth was unhappy at home. Ruth had discovered that her mother had died by suicide after her father had told her she fell down the stairs, and she allegedly did not have a good relationship with her stepmother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the day she disappeared, she had skipped school, went to a flower shop to buy flowers for her stepmother (requesting they be delivered the following week), and was last seen by a taxi driver who dropped her off near a pub that night. According to the taxi driver, Ruth appeared to be waiting for someone to pick her up, as she "stood still" in the rain. It is unknown what happened to her after that. A documentary on her disappearance, Vanished: the Surrey Schoolgirl, was released in 2018. 9.The controversial and highly suspicious death of Private First Class LaVena Lynn Johnson who was found dead in her tent in Iraq in July 2005. Although her death was ruled a suicide by the Department of Defense, her family argues there was evidence suggesting she'd been raped and murdered. FOX 2 St. Louis / Via youtube.com "They murdered that young woman and the details are pretty awful." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement stabbycracker According to NPR, "Investigators concluded that Private Johnson shot herself in the mouth with her M-16 rifle in a contractors tent on the military base in Balad, Iraq, where she was stationed. The report included witness testimony suggesting that she may have been depressed over a recent breakup." However, Johnson's father, John, did not believe any of it, and believes his daughter was raped, murdered, and the murder covered up. He formed his own investigation and they studied the investigation documents, photos, and witness statements. He even had her body exhumed for an independent autopsy. The NPR story continued, "Johnson disputes practically everything about the Armys conclusion. He says her commanding officer described her as happy and healthy. He contends that her arms were too short; that she couldnt have shot herself with her rifle, and that the wound in her head was too small to have been made by an M-16. He says the pictures tell him that LaVena had been beaten. There was no suicide note; the bullet that killed her was not found." 10.The Port Arthur massacre, a mass shooting that happened in Tasmania, Australia on April 28, 1996. The killer, Martin Bryant, killed 35 people, including children, and wounded 23 more. William West / Getty Images qtrayvn After an 18-hour standoff with police, Bryant barricaded himself in a house with a hostage (who he eventually killed) and then lit the house on fire, which in turn set himself on fire. He came running out of the house on fire where authorities extinguished him. Bryant is currently serving 35 life sentences plus 1,652 years in prison. Related: "It Still Gives Me Nightmares": 31 Bizarre And Unexplainably Strange Phenomena That People Still Can't Wrap Their Heads Around 11.The gruesome triple homicide of an elderly couple, who were tortured before their death, and their deaf and nearly-blind son in the Boise foothills of Idaho in 2015. Idaho News 6 / Via youtube.com "There is very little information on it but I am so curious and want to know and understand everything. It was an older couple in a nice home who lived with their adult son who was deaf and blind. The killer broke in to 'steal,' but savagely killed the couple while their son couldnt hear anything and then went to his room and killed him too. To think that he didnt know what was going on while his parents were screaming. I just remember the press conference the chief of police just looked stunned and said it was the most gruesome and bloody crime scene he has seen in his 25-plus years on the police force." grimchbettahavemymoney The perpetrator, Adam Dees, was caught not long after and sentenced to life in prison without parole. 12.The case of Anna Maciejewska from Malvern, Pennsylvania who has been missing since 2017 and whose case is being investigated as a homicide. CBS Philadelphia / Via youtube.com "Her husband and his family are clearly involved, but they are no longer cooperating with the police. She lived in my neighborhood and I would pass her missing poster each day. Her husband was even seen at the townhouse at night removing something in trash bags. Her parents live in Poland and have not received any answers about their daughter. She also has a son who is being raised by her husband (the main person of interest)." sprescott93 13.The terrible Parker-Hulme murder case in Christchurch, New Zealand in June 1954, which actually inspired the Peter Jackson film Heavenly Creatures. Bettmann / Bettmann Archive "16-year-old Pauline Parker and 15-year-old Juliet Hulme (pictured above) had a very close and obsessive friendship. Juliet was being sent to South Africa for health reasons, and the girls were being separated. Both of them saw Pauline's mother as the obstacle in their path, so they went on a walk to Victoria Park. They dropped a stone, and as Pauline's mother bent over to pick it up, the girls bludgeoned her to death with a half brick in a stocking. They made a story up about an accident when they were questioned by the police, but it fell apart quickly. As they were too young for the death penalty, they were sentenced to 5 years in separate prisons and were released in 1959." mollyredsull 14.The mysterious and upsetting death of a young girl named Sara Keesling in Riverside, California in 1988 that didn't get enough attention. Jacob Boomsma / Getty Images "Her body was found decomposing on a hillside two weeks after she was reported missing. To this day, no one has ever been suspected, charged, or arrested, nothing. It barely even made the local news at the time. Someone murdered this child and has gotten away with it." keetawnandon 15.The horrifying case of mass murderer John List who methodically killed his wife, three children, and mother at their home in Westfield, New Jersey in 1971 believing it was "the only way to ensure their safe arrival in heaven." New York Daily News Archive / NY Daily News via Getty Images, Bettmann / Bettmann Archive "Probably a more popular one but I'm still fascinated by John List. Killed his entire family and mother and went on the run for 18 years to 'save them from damnation.' As a note, his father who had passed before the murders, and his mother whom he killed are buried in my in-laws' hometown. There is a blank spot on their headstone and local lore says he's buried right next to her in an unmarked grave." thegassygoose 16.The unthinkable and extremely violent killing and dismemberment of Aliahna Lemmon, a nine-year-old girl in Fort Wayne, Indiana by Michael Plumadore, a family friend who was babysitting her in 2011. WANE 15 News / Via youtube.com "This is one that I feel has a much larger story that isn't even being looked in to. This happened in my town, down the street from where I lived, and this little girl was in my son's class at school. Michael Plumadore was charged with murder in the death of Aliahna Lemmon." dianah44221ccb5 According to CBS News, "Plumadore was allegedly looking after Aliahna and her six-year-old sisters on Dec. 22 at his mobile home while their mother was sick. Police said they found the girl's head, hands, and feet in the freezer at the mobile home where Plumadore lived with Aliahna's grandfather, who died about three weeks earlier. The other remains were thrown into trash bags and discarded at a gas station. The other girls weren't harmed." Plumadore pleaded guilty in court and agreed to a life sentence without possibility of parole. Related: A Dad Sexting His Son's Girlfriend And 50 Other Texts No One Wants To Receive 17.David Parker Ray, aka the Toy-Box Killer, who was active in the '90s in New Mexico. The moniker came from the fact that he would chain and torture women in his soundproofed "toy box," a semi-trailer. "The Toy-Box Killer was a suspected serial killer who would abduct, rape, and torture his victims. He would drug the women his accomplice would abduct and keep them in a trailer on his property (hence the name). When the victims regained consciousness, he would play them a tape, laying out exactly what was going to happen to them for however long the killer would keep them there. When he was done with them, he would either (presumably) kill them or 'wipe [their] memories' with another drug cocktail before setting them loose on a desert road, naked. He was caught after one of his victims managed to escape. He died in jail before his trial started so his victims never got justice." flipswhitefudge 18.The tragic case of Keith Warren, a Black teenager who was found hanging from a tree in Maryland in 1986, and whose case was believed to be mishandled and "erroneously ruled a suicide." NBC4 Washington / Via youtube.com "His mother is still seeking justice. The police are still ignoring her. The bizarre details of the case and the (in my opinion willful) inaction of the police make it a memorable one. The docuseries I watched about it, Uprooted, was heart-wrenching and I was so struck by his familys anguish." mollyh40d9072ac 19.The horrible case of Seth Privacky, who shot and killed his parents, grandfather, brother, and his brother's girlfriend in November 1998 in Muskegon, Michigan. WOOD TV8 / Via youtube.com "Several motives were offered by Seth and other individuals, but something enraged him on November 28th. After his dad (a 5th-grade teacher) left to pick up his grandfather for a delayed Thanksgiving meal, Seth shot his brother in the head as he watched TV. When his father and grandfather arrived home, Seth shot and killed both in the driveway. He then went upstairs and killed his mother as she got out of the shower. His brother's girlfriend then arrived unexpectedly and saw the bodies in the driveway. Seth then killed her as well. He got a friend to help try and cover up the crime and then fled. The cover-up failed, and Seth was caught, arrested, and sentenced to life in prison. He was killed in 2010 during a failed prison escape attempt." jenniferr4786d9525 20.The deplorable case of Marcus Wesson, a mass murderer, abuser, and rapist including the rape of his own underage daughters and nieces who is responsible for one of Fresno, California's most horrific crimes. His crimes spanned several decades, from the 1970s until the mid-2000s. Getty Images / Getty Images "Marcus Wesson ran a cult-like household in the middle of Fresno, California. When authorities got involved after multiple, repeated reports of child abuse, he killed most of his family, including nine of his children, seven of whom were under the age of nine and had been born out of incest." Anonymous According to ABC 30 News, "Wesson believed he was Jesus and if anyone tried to separate the family, then they would all go to heaven. He even went so far as to purchasing caskets from a local antique store months before the mass murder took place." Wesson was convicted on June 17, 2005, on nine counts of murder, and 14 counts of rape and molestation. He was sentenced to death and remains on death row at San Quentin. 21.The awful case of Jeff Pelo, a former Bloomington Police Sergeant who was convicted of repeatedly assaulting four women and stalking a fifth woman in Bloomington, Illinois from 20022006. Journal Star / Via youtube.com "He used his training and influence as a respected police officer in his community to stalk and assault women and then watched as he made them clean off all evidence making it impossible for detectives to find him. Super creepy guy, makes me glad my dog is not in love with strangers." silvership35 Pelo was sentenced to more than 400 years behind bars for the series of brutal rapes. 22.The case of Robert Garrow, a serial rapist and spree killer who was active in upstate New York in the 1970s. The case turned a bizarre twist when his lawyers refused to disclose the location of the bodies of two of his victims in what became known as the "Buried Bodies Case." Bettmann / Bettmann Archive "His story is unbelievable but was overshadowed by Watergate and Vietnam. Nothing like hearing his story about stabbing random campers while camping in the area where he did his crimes." danielles42a111bc7 23.The horrifying case of Anthony Sowell aka "The Cleveland Strangler" or "The Imperial Avenue Murderer," a serial killer who was active in Cleveland, Ohio in 2009. J.D. Pooley / Getty Images "A literal monster in every sense of the word. His victims included 11 women (11 were identified, but could be up to 14) and a local sausage shop that was blamed for the foul smell in the neighborhood. In reality, the odor was from the decomposing bodies scattered throughout Sowells residence next door." meghanr4bda0d31d Sowell died of a terminal illness while in prison in 2011. 24.The disappearance of Wetumpka, Alabama resident Traci Pittman Kegley in 1998. Her car was found abandoned with her unharmed two-year-old daughter, purse, and ID still inside. Subjug / Getty Images "She was due to start a new job the next day and its noted that her divorce was finalized 16 days before her disappearance." Anonymous 25.The nightmarish case of Allan Legere, an arsonist, rapist, and serial killer who was active in New Brunswick, Canada in the 1980s. Our Life / Via youtube.com Anonymous Legere, aka the "Monster of the Miramichi," was initially imprisoned for the murder of a local shopkeeper and the rape and assault of his wife. However, he escaped prison and then went on to four more people over seven months before finally being caught. Related: "My Alarm Bells Were Going Off": People Are Sharing Their Wildest "I Fing Knew It" Moments That Prove You Should ALWAYS Trust Your Gut 26.The awful case of Thomas Koskovich & Jayson Vreeland, aka the "Pizza Killers," who committed their crimes in Franklin, New Jersey in 1997. Douglas Sacha / Getty Images Anonymous New Jersey teens Koskovich and Vreeland were just 18 and 19 years old, respectively, when they killed two randomly chosen pizza deliverymen Georgio Gallara and Jeremy Giordano. The deliverymen were lured to an abandoned house in a remote location and violently shot to death, multiple times, in their car. According to law enforcement at the time, the teens' motivation was that "they just wanted to see what it would be like to kill somebody." 27.The horrible case of the "Hangman" or "Killer Cop", aka Gerard John Schaefer Jr., a former sheriff's deputy and suspected serial killer active in Florida in the '70s. 20th Television / Via youtube.com "I just recently learned about this horrible horrible man. He is responsible for the murders of many women, which were carried out in such horrific ways. If you love listening to True Crime, I recommend listening to a podcast about this guy. My jaw was on the floor that someone could carry out such horrific acts." Anonymous 28.The case of Bruce McArthur, a serial killer active in the 2010s in Toronto, Canada who targeted marginalized people, primarily gay men of color. Bernard Weil / Toronto Star via Getty Images "He buried their body parts in landscape pots at a client's home that he landscaped at, and police arrested him right before he was about to murder his next victim. They found the victim tied up when they entered his home." Anonymous 29.The Ant Hill Kids cult, formed by Roch Theriault in Canada, which was active from the '70s to the '80s. "Honestly, the WORST cult I have ever read about. A few members were brutally tortured and murdered. One even got away after Roch cut her arm completely off. There are so many details but be prepared if you read into it." Anonymous Founded by Theriault in 1977 as a doomsday cult, Theriault had multiple wives and impregnated all female members of the cult as a "religious requirement." He fathered 26 children. The cult dissolved in 1989 and Theriault was eventually convicted of murder in 1993. 30.Finally, the terrifying case of Gary Lee Bullock, who had only been out of jail for a few hours when he committed the violent murder of a beloved priest in Eureka, California in 2014. "Gary Lee Bullock is my husband's cousin and he bludgeoned a priest to death in Eureka, California on New Year's Day 2014." Anonymous A jury found Bullock "guilty of first-degree murder with special allegations that the crime was committed while engaged in torture, residential burglary, and carjacking. Bullock was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. Note: Some submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity. Is there a lesser-known true crime story you think more people should know about? Tell us in the comments below or via this anonymous form: Are you obsessed with this kind of content? Subscribe to the That Got Dark newsletter to get your weekly dopamine fix of the macabre delivered RIGHT to your inbox! BuzzFeed If you or anyone you know has information on a missing person case, call local law enforcement first. You can also contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 (THE-LOST) or visit the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System site for regional case assistance. Also in Internet Finds: 29 Tweets By Women That Made Me, A Fellow Woman, Laugh So Hard I Almost Forgot We Just Elected A Convicted Felon Also in Internet Finds: 50 Of The Funniest Stories People Shared About The "Stupidest Person" They've Met Also in Internet Finds: People Are Revealing The Moments They Knew They Had To Get Out ASAP, And I'm Never Ignoring My Gut Feelings Again Read it on BuzzFeed.com Did California Gov. Gavin Newsom and his wife create Cal Volunteers to steal money raised by FireAid? No, that's not true: Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, not Newsom, created California Volunteers, also known as Cal Volunteers, in 2006. FireAid, which was organized to help victims of the Los Angeles fires in January 2025, has listed the California Volunteer Fund as a potential recipient of a grant, but it is a separate organization and Newsom and his wife have no role with it. The claim appeared in a video (archived here) posted on TikTok on July 25, 2025, with the title: Gavin Newsom Creates An Organization Just To Steal Money Raised To Help Fire Victims. Users on social media only saw this title, description and thumbnail: The Older Millennial on TikTok Gavin Newsom Creates An Organization Just To Steal Money Raised To Help Fire Victims. This is what the post looked like on TikTok at the time of writing: Source: TikTok screenshot taken on Fri Jul 25 22:57:38 2025 UTC The host of The Older Millennial TikTok video began: So Gavin Newsom and his wife actually created an organization just to steal some of the FireAid money. Like, how this man is still governor of California and not behind bars, is fucking mind blowing. So I'm sure most of you have heard about the FireAid controversy. You know where they had this concert to raise $100 million for the victims of the Palisade fires. And people started asking, 'Hey, where the fuck did all that money go?' Because there's not a single person who was a victim of the Palisade fires who's seen a cent of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He later specified that he was referring to the Cal Volunteers organization. But Cal Volunteers is an organization that was recently created by Gavin Newsom and his wife, and they have never done fucking anything before this, this organization was created strictly for the purpose of getting fire aid money, and they've not said what they plan to do with the money they got. They haven't even said how much of the money they received. Social media users making the claim are confusing the California Volunteers office, which was created by Gov. Schwarzenegger's executive order (archived here) in 2006, with the California Volunteers Fund, a non-profit charity organized during the COVID-19 pandemic. The California Volunteers office made that clear in a post on X (archived here) replying to another video making the false claim: California Volunteers, Office of the Governor, is not a recipient of FireAid. The nonprofit, California Volunteers Fund, has been publicly identified as a potential grantee. While we're independent of them, they financially support volunteer efforts in CA, including our programs https://t.co/sEDv5Yao8Y -- California Volunteers (@CalVolunteers) July 22, 2025 California Volunteers, Office of the Governor, is not a recipient of FireAid. The nonprofit, California Volunteers Fund, has been publicly identified as a potential grantee. While we're independent of them, they financially support volunteer efforts in CA, including our programs FireAid does not make direct payments to victims, but its website (archived here) lists charities helping fire victims with FireAid funding. Claim: In July 2025, Spanish police removed a large group of Jewish children from a plane in Spain. Rating: Rating: True Context: While both Vueling, the airline, and the Jewish summer camp organization sponsoring the trip agreed that the children were forcibly deplaned, they disagreed on the circumstances that led to this decision. The airline said the teenagers behavior could have caused safety issues. However, the Jewish group said that a few words spoken in Hebrew and the kids visible Jewish identifiers led the plane's crew to discriminate against them. The Jewish youth organization filed a formal complaint against the airline and an investigation is ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July 2025, a rumor began to circulate that a group of 50 Jewish children who were returning home from a summer camp had been removed from a plane in Spain for singing in Hebrew. For example, Stand With Us, an organization dedicated to supporting Israel and fighting antisemitism, posted a video about the incident on Instagram, adding that Israeli Minister for Combating Antisemitism Amichai Chikli said the children had been targeted for "simply expressing their identity" (archived): https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMe7HvCN-Df/ The post had gained 31,485 likes as of this writing. Stand With Us published an identical post on Facebook, which had amassed 1,800 comments as of this writing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video shows two police officers on a jet bridge, right at the entrance of a plane. One of them is holding a woman down on the ground, handcuffing her behind her back. The other one, whose face is off-camera, wears a bulletproof vest and speaks Spanish with a distinctive Spanish accent. "One moment," he says. "Take the children outside." An airport worker in shorts and a bright orange vest looks on. People are screaming in the background. French, Spanish and Israeli media also relayed the story. Through a combination of news releases, statements and interviews, Snopes was able to confirm the incident took place. We have therefore deemed the claim true. Yet as of this writing, the circumstances of the removal were still under investigation. Airline said teens were too unruly to guarantee safety on the plane In statements published on July 24, both low-cost Spanish airline Vueling (archived) and the organization in charge of the Jewish children (archived) confirmed that the onboard crew had called the Civil Guard, the national police force in charge of enforcing the law at airports in Spain, to remove the campers and their counselors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The situation involved a French Jewish summer camp called Club Kineret. The campers were teens who were returning home from a two-week sojourn in Sant Carles de la Rapita, a small beach town a two-hour car ride away from the Valencia airport, where the incident occurred. The Club Kineret website indicated there were two age groups on that trip: one group of 13- to 15-year-old children (archived), and another of 15 to 17-year-old teenagers (archived). The return date on the website corresponded to the date of the incident. On July 23, campers boarded Vueling flight VY8166, headed to Orly airport in Paris. From here, the versions differ. In its statement, Vueling said that the teens had become too unruly to guarantee the safety of passengers: The cabin crew was alerted that the group of teenagers was tampering with passenger safety equipment, posing a high risk to the aircraft, passengers and crew. These actions included attempting to release life jackets, tampering with overhead oxygen masks and removing high pressure oxygen cylinder that potentially pose a serious danger to the cabin. Furthermore, the group disrupted the mandatory safety demonstration and repeatedly disobeyed crew instructions. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Spain's Civil Guard told Snopes that when the police officers entered the plane after the onboard crew contacted them, they saw counselors "talk heatedly" to members of the crew, later demonstrating an "aggressive attitude" against police. In an email, the spokesperson added that the director had "pushed and lashed out" at one of the agents, which is why they tackled and handcuffed her. They added that they had "not been made aware of the religion of those they removed from the plane." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given that, as we will see, some children wore symbols of Jewish identity, we replied asking how it was possible that the agents were not aware of the group's religion. We will update this report should we receive a response. Further, a statement from the Spanish commercial pilots' guild sought to remind the public that "the captain is the highest authority on a flight, and that the safety of the plane and the people and cargo falls under his responsibility." "In any circumstance that may compromise the security of the operation, the captain makes the opportune decisions based on his professional judgement and in accordance with the aeronautical norm and the procedures outlined in operational manuals of the airlines," the statement added. Camp filed a formal complaint against the airline However, Julie Jacob, the French lawyer for the Jewish summer camp Club Kineret, contradicted these assertions. In a July 24 statement in French posted by the club's Instagram account, she said she had obtained several written affidavits from passengers on the flight not related to the camp in which they testified that the 44 teens, led by the director and seven counselors, had been "sitting in their seats, respectful of the rules and of the staff." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "No incident, no threat and no inappropriate behavior had been reported," she said. She added that the group had been removed from the plane "with no valid explanation, on the order of the flight captain." Jacob announced in the statement that Club Kineret was filing a formal complaint against the airline, citing antisemitism. Indeed, she said: The only element the group shared was their religious visibility. Certain children wore a kippah [Jewish skullcap], others wore Jewish identity symbols (star of David). The use of a few Hebrew words was seemingly enough to trigger a measure of extreme severity collective, humiliating and discriminatory. No other circumstance can explain the treatment inflicted on this group of children. A parent speaks out A version of Jacob's account had begun to circulate within hours of the incident. For example, the night of July 23, while campers were still at the Valencia airport after being removed, Karine Lamy, parent of one of the campers, spoke to i24NEWS, the international Israeli news television channel. In the interview, Lamy said her son and the group had been left stranded at the airport. She explained that after sitting down in the plane, one boy who was part of the group began to sing loudly in Hebrew. A crew member then approached the group, saying that if the boy continued to sing loudly, they would call the police. After this exchange, Lamy said, the kid stopped singing and the rest of the group remained quiet. With no further warning, the police arrived and told the director of the camp that she and all the children must deplane, according to the camper's mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once on the jet bridge, police asked all children to pull out their telephones and place them on the ground to delete all the videos, if videos were filmed during the incident, Lamy told i24NEWS. The director of the camp then intervened, saying police had no right to ask the children to surrender their phones, prompting the police to push her to the ground, handcuff her and take her away, leaving the teens and counselors alone. Then police instructed the children to pick up their luggage and leave the airport. Police told the group they had been removed for being noisy on the plane, Lamy said, and not because their behavior had compromised safety on board. At the moment the interview was taking place, Lamy said the children were still at the airport. Law enforcement had not fined the camp and the director had been allowed to return with the group. She had not been placed under arrest. They had been instructed to organize their return. Lamy said the children were "shocked." Snopes reached out to Vueling, which replied with the same statement they posted on X. We asked the airline how they responded to accusations of antisemitism and to the fact that several passengers had seemingly signed affidavits asserting the children's behavior had not compromised the safety of the passengers. We also contacted Jacob, the lawyer for the camp, asking for more details about the complaint. We will update this report should any of them respond. Sources: 24, France. "French Holiday Camp Accuses Vueling of Discrimination against Jewish Teens." France 24, FRANCE 24, 24 July 2025, www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250724-french-holiday-camp-accuses-vueling-of-discrimination-against-jewish-teens. Accessed 25 July 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hirshfeld, Rachel. "'A Shocking Act of Antisemitic Discrimination': 52 Jewish Teens Removed from Flight in Spain | Combat Antisemitism Movement." Combat Antisemitism Movement, 24 July 2025, combatantisemitism.org/cam-news/a-shocking-act-of-antisemitic-discrimination-52-jewish-teens-removed-from-flight-in-spain/. Accessed 25 July 2025. i24NEWS. "Espagne : Des Enfants Juifs Expulses d'Un Vol Vueling." I24NEWS, i24news, 23 July 2025, www.i24news.tv/fr/actu/international/europe/artc-espagne-des-enfants-juifs-expulses-d-un-vol-vueling. Accessed 25 July 2025. ---. "Jewish Children Removed from Spanish Flight after Singing in Hebrew." I24NEWS, i24news, 24 July 2025, www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/europe/artc-50-jewish-children-removed-from-spanish-flight-for-singing-in-hebrew. Accessed 25 July 2025. Mundo, El. "Desalojan a Un Grupo de Menores Judios de Un Avion En Valencia Por Su 'Actitud Altamente Conflictiva' E Israel Lanza Acusaciones de Antisemitismo." ELMUNDO, El Mundo, 24 July 2025, www.elmundo.es/comunidad-valenciana/2025/07/24/68820cbde4d4d8406f8b45af.html. Accessed 25 July 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Sant Carles 2025 - 13-15 Ans - Club Kineret." Clubkineret.fr, 2025, www.clubkineret.fr/sant-carles-2025-13-15-ans/. Accessed 25 July 2025. "Sant Carles 2025 -15/17ans - Club Kineret." Clubkineret.fr, 2025, www.clubkineret.fr/sant-carles-2025-15-17ans/. Accessed 25 July 2025. "Vueling Accusee de 'Discrimination' Apres Le Debarquement d'Adolescents Francais Juifs d'Un Avion ; La Compagnie Aerienne Espagnole Dement." Le Monde.fr, Le Monde avec AFP, 24 July 2025, www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2025/07/24/vueling-accusee-de-discrimination-apres-le-debarquement-d-adolescents-francais-juifs-d-un-avion-la-compagnie-aerienne-espagnole-dement_6623515_3234.html. Accessed 25 July 2025. "COPAC Recuerda Que Ante Comportamientos Inadecuados Que Afecten a La Seguridad Del Vuelo Los Pasajeros Pueden Ser Expulsados de La Aeronave | COPAC." COPAC | Colegio Oficial de Pilotos de La Aviacion Comercial, 26 July 2025, www.copac.es/el-colegio-oficial-de-pilotos-recuerda-que-ante-comportamientos-inadecuados-que-afecten-a-la-seguridad-del-vuelo-los-pasajeros-pueden-ser-expulsados-de-la-aeronave/. Accessed 28 July 2025. Updates: July 28, 2025: This report was updated to add statements from the Civil Guard and Spain's commercial pilots' guild on the incident. Claim: MSNBC host Rachel Maddow announced in July 2025 that she was having a baby via surrogacy. Rating: Rating: False In July 2025, MSNBC host Rachel Maddow publicly addressed AI slop circulating the internet that used her image to spread misinformation. She highlighted one such claim that she and her partner, Susan Mikula, were having a baby via surrogacy which we break down below. Posts sharing the rumor included a series of images, including one of Maddow holding a baby and another of her holding up a sonogram. For example, the caption of one post which received more than 27,000 reactions before the creator deleted it read as follows: "At 50 Years Old, MSNBC's Rachel Maddow Emotionally Reveals Plans to Welcome a Child Through Surrogacy with Longtime Partner Susan MikulaTheir Intimate Announcement Captivates Fans Worldwide, Inspiring Heartfelt Conversations on Age, Love, and New Beginnings;[]Discover the Powerful Story Behind Their Decision and Why Their Chosen Surrogate Has Deeply Moved Millions Around the Globe with a Message of Hope, Compassion, and the Enduring Strength of Family Bonds; This Heartwarming Journey Redefines Parenthood, Challenges Stereotypes, and Reminds Everyone That It's Never Too Late to Follow Your Dreams and Create a Legacy Built on Love and Resilience." The account's bio designated itself a "supermarket/convenience store" and the link in the caption redirected users to an article on the site "USA News," which listed a physical address that doesn't exist and was not a credible news site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Variations of the rumor spread on other platforms, including another Facebook account and other websites. Dozens of Snopes readers also inquired as to the truth of the claim. Some readers seemed to interpret the rumor as a factual recounting of real-life events. However, there was no evidence of Maddow making such an announcement publicly or posting the images included with the claim. As a result, we've rated the claim that Maddow announced she was planning to welcome a child by surrogate false. No credible news outlet reported the claim that Maddow and her partner made such an announcement. A Google search of the keywords "rachel maddow surrogacy child" turned up results primarily related to the circulated posts above. Maddow also did not make any such announcement on her personal social media accounts, and no credible news outlet published the images or the claim. She also publicly denied the claim on an episode of her show. The rumor about Maddow and Mikula having a child via surrogacy appeared to have originated from an earlier article by another USA News site from July 7, 2025 (the logo was the same as the USA News story above, although the URL differed), which began: Rachel Maddow Announces Emotional Plan to Have a Child at 50 Identity of Surrogate Stuns Fans and Sparks Tears Over Her Enduring Love with Susan Mikula New York In a deeply personal and emotional revelation, acclaimed journalist and MSNBC host Rachel Maddow has announced that she is preparing to welcome her first child at the age of 50 a decision she describes as "the most beautiful, bold, and human journey" she's ever embarked on. Speaking candidly in an exclusive interview, Maddow shared that the desire to become a parent has lived in her for years, but only recently did she feel "ready truly ready." And at the center of her strength and certainty is her longtime partner, Susan Mikula, who has supported her every step of the way. Although neither the article nor the website included a disclaimer indicating the claim was satirical, the site published dozens of other fake claims. The images used in the July 14 story were also almost entirely AI-generated. The sole exception was the first featured photo of Maddow and Mikula, which was from an event in 2011. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We ran the images through AI-detection software Hive.com, which reported that they were 100% AI-generated. (Hive.com) This was not the first false rumor about Maddow that Snopes has investigated. For example, we looked into a series of posts claiming that in July 2025, in the wake of devastating floods in Texas, the MSNBC host donated millions of dollars to relief efforts, hired two helicopters for rescues, offered her Texas home for relief work and/or was herself rescued during a report. Sources: 'Who Is Rachel Maddow's Partner? All About Susan Mikula'. People.Com, https://people.com/who-is-susan-mikula-rachel-maddow-8612823. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025. Was ABC's talk show The View permanently cancelled, as of July 25, 2025? No, that's not true: There was no such public announcement. As of this writing, the show was going on its annual summer hiatus in advance of a new season, said two of the co-hosts. The claim appeared in a post (archived here) on Facebook on July 25, 2025. It opened: SH0CKING ANNOUNCEMENT: ABC CEO Declares 'It's Time to Cancel the Worst Show on TV--THE VIEW!' The Stunning Decision That Shakes the TV World--What Led ABC to End the Iconic Show After 20 Years? This is what the post looked like on Facebook at the time of writing: Image source: Screenshot of the post published by The Fame Diaries on Facebook.com Lead Stories' searches across news reports on Google (archived here) and Yahoo (archived here) did not yield any articles citing a formal network's announcement to cancel the show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The View has been a long-term target of false claims, as documented by Lead Stories. The most recent wave of rumors resurfaced after Joy Behar (archived here), another co-host, said (archived here) that The View was going on hiatus -- some social media users suggested (archived here) that, in light of criticism from the White House (archived here), it could mean the show's cancellation. But Behar didn't mention cancellation. On July 24, 2025, Whoopi Goldberg (archived here), who co-hosts the show, also said on camera (archived here): CLEVELAND (WJW) The FOX 8 I-Team has found a series of new laws proposed to protect police in the wake of so much violence against law enforcement. This week, police said a gunman ambushed Lorain Police officers, shooting three and killing one of them. Just days earlier, police said a wanted man opened fire on Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) police, shooting one officer in the hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch: Procession for slain Lorain officer Phillip Wagner arrives to funeral home And, every week, law enforcement seems to be faced with long, dangerous standoffs while trying to arrest suspects. Now, the I-Team has found whats happening that could lead to tougher penalties for cop killers, anyone trying to hurt an officer and anyone getting into a standoff with police. WJW photo The President of the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police tells the I-Team lawmakers are pushing a bill named after a Hamilton County deputy purposely hit and killed while directing traffic. What this bill says, if passed, the only penalties for people who kill a police officer are death, or life without parole, Jay McDonald said. We need to stand up and say, enough is enough.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FOP also points to a law proposed at the national level. That calls for federal penalties for violence against the police And, consider this. State Sen. Tom Patton has introduced a bill to close a gap in the law. This would add penalties for barricaded suspects. Standoffs with police often go on for hours. Even many, many hours. U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott tells us, We just had a barricaded suspect threaten to kill my officers. Threatened to kill his wife. Over 100 jobs cut at MetroHealth Medical Center Elliott says suspects constantly get into standoffs tying up fugitive squads, SWAT teams and all kinds of first responders. Shutting down entire neighborhoods, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pete Elliott, added, Right now, theres no violation on the books, no penalties on the books, for those that barricade themselves. Its time for people to comply with the police when they go to arrest somebody. They need to comply. The proposed penalties are not protecting police, yet. It could take some time to become law. Expect hearings this fall. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. The Niagara Falls City Council has set a September public hearing on a proposed amendment to a local ordinance that amends the citys zoning code to further restrict group living arrangements in residentially zoned neighborhoods. The hearing, set for 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 3 in the council chambers, will consider a request from the citys Planning Department to change the effective date of the local ordinance from June 1, 2026, to June 1, 2027. In December, the council voted to extend the ordinances original effective date from June 1, 2025, to June 1, 2026. The ordinance, originally described as addressing quality of life and affordability issues in the Falls DeVeaux neighborhood, is targeted at so-called student housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a memo to council members, Falls Director of Planning and Environment Kevin Forma wrote that delays in a development project that will provide affected students with an alternative location to reside together in a commercial area of Main Street necessitated the change in the ordinances effective date. In July 2024, the council authorized the transfer of $1.5 million in tribal revenue funds to the citys Urban Renewal Agency (NFURA) to buy 38 properties 22 on north Main Street and 16 on neighboring side streets from Blue Cardinal Capital and the Rapids Theatre. The Blue Cardinal properties include a pair of empty lots and dozens of mostly vacant commercial buildings, including the old Jenss department store in the 1700 block of Main Street. All of those properties have now been acquired by NFURA from bank foreclosure proceedings. Mayor Robert Restaino has said that the purchase of the properties will allow the city, the state, Niagara County and the Niagara Orleans Land Bank to control future development in the blighted Main Street corridor by blocking a single developer from acquiring all or a majority of the properties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The acquisition has also been linked to plans by a Buffalo-based developer to acquire the old Jenss building from the city to convert it into student housing and plans by Niagara University to invest in new targeted student housing development in the North End/Main Street corridor of the city. The zoning code changes contained in the local ordinance were unanimously recommended to the city council by the Niagara County Planning Board. A divided Niagara Falls Planning Board also recommended that the council adopt the changes. Residents of the DeVeaux neighborhood had pleaded with city leaders to address what they have described as years of conflict over the widespread use of single-family residences (primarily in DeVeaux) as housing for students attending Niagara University. Niagara University officials have previously said that they wholeheartedly endorsed the zoning code changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The zoning code amendments are modeled after legislation created by the city council in Binghamton, which had wrestled with issues between residential homeowners and students at the State University of New York campus there. The proposed changes would more strictly define the terms family, group living, and Duplex/Semi Detached. The zoning amendments would prohibit student housing in R1 and R2 zoned residential districts. Group homes, rectories, and specially permitted bed and breakfast uses would still be allowed in R1 and R2 neighborhoods. A giant modern art sculpture that appeared overnight on the Yale campus in 1969 and became part of political protests and demonstrations at the university for decades will be fully restored thanks to a major arts conservation grant, the Yale University Art Gallery announced on Thursday. Due in part to its presence at anti-war demonstrations, Claes Oldenburgs Lipstick (Ascending on Caterpillar Tracks) is one of the most famous public art sculptures of the 20th century. An outdoor landmark on the Yale campus for decades, it has fallen into disrepair. The restoration grant comes from the Bank of America Conservation Project, which funds over a dozen major art restoration projects a year and says in its mission statement that we support this work because we believe in preserving this shared history for future generations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 22-foot-tall sculpture, which when first created was two feet taller, resembles an upright tube of lipstick atop what looks like the base of an Army tank. Lipstick (Ascending on Caterpillar Tracks) was created in secret by Oldenburg, a 1950 graduate of Yale, with some architecture students who were at Yale in the late 60s. The sculpture had been officially commissioned by these students and others, as well as some faculty members including the illustrious Yale art history professor Vincent Scully. A nonprofit company called the Colossal Keepsake Corporation of Connecticut was founded in order to receive tax-deductible donations to get the sculpture built. Oldenburg, who was already a successful nationally known artist, was so enthused by the project that he offered to waive his own fee. The actual molding and fabrication process was done at Lippincott Inc., still in business today as Lippincott Sculpture and at the time based in North Haven. Lipstick (Ascending on Caterpillar Tracks) was placed, without requesting advance permission from the university, in Yales Beinecke Plaza as a surprise gift. The location was part of the artistic vision: theres a large World War I memorial in the plaza. The walls inside the building adjacent to the plaza, Woolsey Hall, are a grand memorial to World War II. The sculpture was also placed so that Yales then-president Kingman Brewster couldnt avoid seeing it when he looked out his office window. Oldenburg was at the forefront of the 60s pop art movement, and Lipstick (Ascending on Caterpillar Tracks) was done in that style. Its amusing cosmetic/munitions mash-up purposefully offset the more austere and traditional feel of Beinecke Plaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oldenburg, who died in 2022 at the age of 92, became known for his giant-sized representations of everyday objects such as a hamburger, a trowel and an electrical plug. He was also a performance artist who called his early performances Ray Gun Theatre. CT museum exhibits show us where we live, how we live, how we dance and how we commune with nature Lipstick (Ascending) on Caterpillar Tracks was, on a physical level, Oldenburgs grandest work up to that time. Initially constructed with degradable wood and vinyl elements, it was removed and redone by Oldenburg and Lippincott, Inc. in 1970 with metal and fiberglass parts so it would last longer. In that first year of its existence it had already become a canvas for student graffiti, posters and outright vandalism. The piece was immediately recognized as an artistic statement against the Vietnam War. It later became symbolic of other protests as well Yales reluctance to admit women undergraduates, womens rights, gay rights and more. The sculpture was often decorated as the centerpiece of these events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rules of official gift-giving were observed with the presentation of Lipstick to Yale, with Colossal Keepsake Corporation tendering a deed of gift stipulating that the university was responsible for the sculptures upkeep. Yale was not always the most attentive curator of the sculpture, which it chose to send on tour to other schools and museums. In 1974, through a donation mechanism, Lipstick was given by Yale to its own Yale Art Gallery and placed in the courtyard of the universitys Morse College dormitory area. Yale Art Gallery has provided steady upkeep for the sculpture, but constant exposure to the outdoors and natural erosion have done damage that only a full-scale restoration activity will help. The plan which the Bank of America grant is funding involves removing the sculpture from its Yale location, dissembling it and sending its parts to art restoration professionals who will strip and repaint faded areas, use protective treatments on the metal areas and otherwise make Lipstick look as fresh as it did 55 years ago. It will then be brought back to Yale and be put on exhibition again. In a statement announcing the grant, Stephanie Wiles, the Henry J. Heinz II director of the Yale University Art Gallery, said We are deeply grateful to Bank of America for their support. This grant will enable us to restore Claes Oldenburgs Lipstick to its former brilliance and ensure its preservation on Yales campus. Other major artworks bring restored this year by the Bank of American Art Conservation Project are Nam June Paiks technology installation Eagle Eye at the Ackland Art Museum in North Carolina, cathedral windows at Saint-Chapelle in Paris, France, two murals at the Sydney Opera House in Australia and over 100 portraits of U.S. presidents at the Smithsonians National Portrait Gallery. Colorado Springs is on the hook for tens of millions of dollars after the city settled a second lawsuit in six months over its shortcomings in complying with state and federal accessibility standards. Although the city department responsible for complying with the Americans with Disability Act has historically been understaffed and underfunded, Mayor John Suthers said hes confident the city can handle the cost of installing 15,000 curb ramps throughout the city over 14 years. Others, though, arent so sure the city can come up with the money. The class-action lawsuit was filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Denver and settled Thursday morning. We had no choice, Suthers said of the settlement. We would not have won a lawsuit. The brevity of the lawsuit stems from more than two years of investigation and negotiation between the city and the plaintiffs, said attorney Tim Fox, who represents the Civil Rights Education and Enforcement Center. The center and Campins Benham-Baker represent two individual plaintiffs and all others with different access needs. Under the agreement, the city must install at least 1,100 curb ramps annually for the next 14 years, conduct a comprehensive survey of all its intersections with sidewalks and conduct yearly accessibility training program for employees responsible for road and sidewalk planning, design, construction or inspection. The settlement agreement, obtained by The Gazette, acknowledges that the work will likely cost tens of millions of dollars. The vast majority of that construction work could be covered by revenue from 2C, a 0.62 percent sales tax approved by voters in 2015 to fund road repairs throughout the city, Suthers said. City Council members, who approve the annual budget, have their doubts 2C money will be so readily available. Suthers confidence relies on several assumptions, the first being that 2C will be renewed. The tax was approved with a five-year sunset and city officials have said they plan to ask voters for another five years in 2020 at a lower rate of 0.57 percent. If voters approve another five years of 2C, the tax would still have to be renewed another two times to last the duration of the citys settlement. Councilman Don Knight said even at a lower rate, the tax is still anticipated to net the city some $55 million annually. But its limited to certain uses. Council President Pro Tem Jill Gaebler acknowledged that 2C could cover some, but not all, of the more than 15,000 curb ramps. Theres no magical funding source, Knight said. Were going to be looking for every pot of money that we can legitimately, Ill stress legitimate, use to do this. If a sidewalk near a park is needing a ramp, Knight said perhaps the citys parks budget could then cover that work. But the city must be deliberate and accurate in that approach. The work must be considered on a ramp-by-ramp basis, he said. But the two-year survey and annual training cannot be covered by 2C. Knight said. Featured Local Savings Whatever the other funds dont do will come out of the general fund, Knight said. And theres only X amount of dollars in there. If voters extend 2C another five years, the work could then extend to the citys residential streets, Knight said. Crews on existing projects already ensure sidewalks and streets are in compliance with accessibility standards. City inspectors are charged with ensuring new development meets those standards as well. Were not just going to trust the developers, Knight said. Were going to go out and look at them. Thats where Colorado Springs failed in the past, Knight said. Now the city is in the painful but necessary position of having to do it retroactively. This is a must-pay bill, he said. It doesnt matter how you feel, its a fact of life. Gaebler said ensuring the city s streets and sidewalks are accessible to all residents is the right thing to do and its a better than paying civil fines or an expensive court judgment. The now-mandatory work was inevitable one way or the other, said Patricia Yeager, CEO of The Independence Center, an organization that advocates for the disabled in El Paso, Teller and four other Colorado counties. This is what happens when the powers that be ignore the law, Yeager said. Its similar to the EPA wastewater issue where everybody punted. People didnt want to pay the tax, didnt want to do the work, so they just punted it down the years and now were going to have some consequences. The systemic noncompliance with accessibility standards far precedes Suthers administration, however, Yeager said. She praised him and other city officials willingness to revitalize Colorado Springs streets and sidewalks. This is going to open up peoples lives. This isnt just for decoration, Yeager said. By the end of the (14 years) were going to have a city where people using any kind of mobility device will be able to get from point A to point B and theyre going to be able to spend money. Enacted in 1990, the ADA requires governments to provide equal access to facets of public life for the disabled, including schools, schools, workplaces and transportation By 2015, Colorado Springs and El Paso County had fallen well short of the spirit and letter of the ADA, The Gazette reported. Buildings and pathways were inaccessible to the then-estimated 66,000 people with disabilities in the county. The backlog of instances of noncompliance seems to have grown since then. The city is moving in the right direction, however, Yeager has said. Last year the City Council approved spending $300,000 to hire five ADA inspectors, an administrator and a human resources staffer to bring the city better into compliance with accessibility standards. conrad.swanson@gazette.com @conrad_swanson BIDDU, West Bank (AP) When Sayfollah Musallet of Tampa, Florida, was beaten to death by Israeli settlers in the West Bank two weeks ago, he became the fourth Palestinian-American killed in the occupied territory since the war in Gaza began. No one has been arrested or charged in Musallets slaying and if Israels track record on the other three deaths is any guide, it seems unlikely to happen. Yet Musallets father and a growing number of U.S. politicians want to flip the script. We demand justice, Kamel Musallet said at his 20-year-old sons funeral earlier this week. We demand the U.S. government do something about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Musallet and relatives of the other Palestinian-Americans say they doubt anyone will be held accountable, either by Israel or the U.S. They believe the first word in their hyphenated identity undercuts the power of the second. And they say Israel and its law enforcement have made them feel like culprits by imposing travel bans and, in some cases, detaining and interrogating them. Although the Trump administration has stopped short of promising investigations of its own, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has urged Israel to investigate the circumstances of each Americans death. Writing on X on July 15, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said he'd asked Israel to aggressively investigate the murder" of Musallet and that "there must be accountability for this criminal and terrorist act." Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and 28 other Democratic senators have also called for an investigation. In a letter this week to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Attorney General Pam Bondi, they pointed to the repeated lack of accountability" after the deaths of Musallet and other Americans killed in the West Bank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israels military, police and Shin Bet domestic security agency did not respond to requests for comment about the Palestinian-Americans deaths. Families have demanded independent investigations American-born teenagers Tawfic Abdel Jabbar and Mohammad Khdour were killed in early 2024 by Israeli fire while driving in the West Bank. In April 2025, 14-year-old Amer Rabee, a New Jersey native, was shot in the head at least nine times by Israeli forces, according to his father, as he stood among a grove of green almond trees in his familys village. In the immediate aftermath of both cases, Israeli authorities said that forces had fired on rock throwers, allegations disputed by the families and by testimony obtained by the AP. Israel pledged to investigate the cases further, but has released no new findings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The teens' families told the AP they sought independent investigations by American authorities, expressing doubts that Israel would investigate in good faith. According to the Israeli watchdog group Yesh Din, killings of Palestinians in the West Bank rarely result in investigations and when they do, indictments are uncommon. The U.S. Justice Department has jurisdiction to investigate the deaths of its own citizens abroad, but does so after it gets permission from the host government and usually works with the host countrys law enforcement. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem declined to say whether the U.S. has launched independent probes into the killings. A spokesperson for the embassy said in a statement that investigations are underway in Israel over the deaths of the four Americans and that its staff is pressing the Israeli authorities to move quickly and transparently. Sen. Van Hollen said that when the U.S deals with Israel it either doesnt pursue these cases with the vigor necessary, or we dont get any serious cooperation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And then instead of demanding cooperation and accountability, we sort of stop and thats unacceptable. Its unacceptable to allow American citizens to be killed with impunity," the Maryland Democrat said. Israel says it holds soldiers and settlers accountable Israel says it holds soldiers and settlers to account under the bounds of the law, and that the lack of indictments does not mean a lack of effort. A prominent recent case was the death of Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian-American journalist for broadcaster Al Jazeera killed in the West Bank in 2022. An independent U.S. analysis of the circumstances of her death found that fire from an Israeli soldier was likely responsible for her killing but said it appeared to be an accident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite an Israeli military investigation with similar conclusions, no one was ever disciplined. Violence by Israeli forces and settlers has flared in the West Bank since the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023. More than 950 Palestinians have been killed since the beginning of the war in Gaza, according to the United Nations. Some have been militants killed in fighting with Israel, though the dead have also included stone-throwers and bystanders uninvolved in violence. Instead of justice, restrictions and detentions Rather than a path toward justice, the families of Khdour, Rabee, and Abdel Jabbar say theyve faced only challenges since the deaths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khdour, born in Miami, Florida, was shot and killed in April 2024 while driving in Biddu, a West Bank town near Jerusalem where he lived since age 2. U.S. investigators visited his family after the killing, his family said. Abdel Jabbar was killed while driving down a dirt road close to Al Mazra as-Sharqiya, his village in the northern West Bank. Khdour's cousin, Malek Mansour, the sole witness, told the AP he was questioned by both Israeli and American investigators and repeated his testimony that shots came from a white pickup on Israeli territory. He believes the investigators did not push hard enough to figure out who killed his cousin. The matter ended like many of those who were martyred (killed), said Hanan Khdour, Khdour's mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two months after the death, Israeli forces raided the familys home and detained Mohammads brother, Omar Khdour, 23, also an American citizen. Videos taken by family and shared with the AP show Omar Khdour blindfolded and handcuffed as Israeli soldiers in riot gear lead him out of the building and into a military jeep. He said he was threatened during questioning, held from 4 a.m. to 3 p.m., and warned not to pursue the case. Here, being American means nothing Omar Khdour said Israeli soldiers at checkpoints have prevented him from leaving the West Bank to visit Israel or Jerusalem. Two other American fathers of Palestinian-Americans killed since Oct. 7, 2023 reported similar restrictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hafeth Abdel Jabbar, Tawfic Abdel Jabbar's father, said he and his wife were blocked from leaving the West Bank for seven months. His son, Amir Abdel Jabbar, 22, remains restricted. The father of Amer Rabee says he and his wife have also been stuck in the West Bank since their sons killing. He showed AP emails from the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem in which a consular official told him that Israel had imposed a travel ban on him, though it was unclear why. Israeli authorities did not respond to comment on the detentions or travel restrictions. Rabee said that in a land where violence against Palestinians goes unchecked, his family's American passports amounted to nothing more than a blue book. We are all American citizens, Rabee said. But here, for us, being American means nothing." Kenneth and Jacquelyn Johnson, the parents of the late Kendrick Johnson, filed an updated lawsuit Friday in U.S. District Court in Atlanta in connection with their sons death certificate. The lawsuit accuses the Georgia Department of Public Health of violating the Civil Rights Act of 1871 and the Fourteenth Amendment by listing teen Kendrick Johnsons death as accidental positional asphyxia a finding the Johnsons say has been scientifically disproven. The suit says the DPH is thus keeping erroneous and fraudulent vital records. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Kendrick Johnson was found dead in a rolled-up wrestling mat at Lowndes County High School in Valdosta, Georgia, in January 2013. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators ruled his death was an accident. Johnsons family believe he was killed. The lawsuit says the Johnsons requested that the death certificate for their son be changed based on two medical examinations performed by forensic pathologist William Anderson. The pathologist said Kendrick Johnson died from non-accidental blunt force trauma based on a collapsed and hemorrhaging carotid artery from his autopsy. PREVIOUS STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family says the DPH didnt correct the cause of death despite requests to do so from 2023 to the present, nor did the state reject the request to amend, thus preventing the family from having an avenue of appeal. The lawsuit also calls into question the care taken with Kendrick Johnsons body after the body was taken from Lowndes County High School property. The family says Kendrick Johnsons internal organs were not returned to his family, raising significant chain of custody violations, overt and criminal on the face. The family alleges undue nefarious influences in higher state government positions of influence and power for the roadblocks they have experienced in the case. The lawsuit also calls into question the states autopsy by Dr. Maryanne Kraft, and claims Kendrick Johnsons body was butchered to cover up evidence of blunt force trauma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit is seeking $6,000,000 in compensatory damages, $6,000,000 in punitive damages, an amended death certificate for Kendrick Johnson and a jury trial. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] It has been five days since a man last seen at a senior living facility in Polish Hill disappeared. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Pittsburgh police ask for help finding missing 77-year-old man not seen since Sunday Over Zoom, Alba Altieri recalled the last conversation she had with her uncle, Pastor Rodriguez-Rivera Jr, this past Saturday. The next day, the 77-year-old man disappeared from his senior living facility, John Paul Plaza in Polish Hill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont understand how, especially an elderly person, just vanishes. We are all just concerned. We are worried. We want him back home, Altieri said. She tells Channel 11, her uncle is in the beginning stages of dementia and has other health issues. The family made a report with Pittsburgh Police, who sent out a photo of Rodriguez-Rivera Jr. on social media to inform the public that hes missing. I have faith that we do find him. I just dont know in what condition we might find him I just hope that he is found, Altieri said. The family does have some frustration with the living facility after they were told they were told surveillance did not capture Rodriguez-Rivera Jr leaving the facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im concerned that there werent any cameras. Now, theyre installing cameras but it had to come after my uncle went missing. Had there been, we could have at least seen what direction he went in, Altieri added. Channel 11 reached out to the facility to ask about security protocols and received a response from John Paul Plazas executive director, Daniel Barbusio: The management of John Paul Plaza shares the same concerns about the recent disappearance of Mr. Rodriguez. The building is equipped with over 30 security cameras but we currently are awaiting for a replacement part to restore them to operation. We have been waiting for over a month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Paul plaza is a senior property that does not provide supportive services. Our housing is for low income elderly that are to live independently or with services brought to them by an outside party. The manager has responded many times, sometimes late at night to Mr. Rodriquez who was seeing things that were not there. Most recently, [the manager] reported to the family that his condition was worsening. They agreed to come and attend to him. However, he must have walked away beforehand. Again, we share in everyones concern and we hope he is found safe. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW, A search continues for a missing emotional support dog named Brooklyn, who reportedly vanished from Los Angeles Pan Pacific Park earlier this week during a brief, distracted moment. The dogs owner, Yulia Bayerman, believes Brooklyn was stolen and is now pleading with the public for help. Brooklyn, a 10-year-old white Maltese and registered emotional support animal, went missing Monday, July 21, around 2:30 p.m. while Bayerman was at the park with her young daughter. According to a police report filed by Bayerman and information released by private investigator Moses Castillo, the dog was taken just minutes after she briefly turned her attention away to speak with a passerby. This is about family. Brooklyn is someones lifeline, and we need all hands on deck, said Castillo, who is leading the search effort after Bayerman turned to private help when told police might take time to respond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bayerman told authorities she visits the park daily with her daughter and Brooklyn, who never strays from her side. She said Brooklyn is trained to bark if something is wrong and provides critical assistance for her seizure and anxiety disorders. Hes my son, hes not a dog. Hes my son and then I had my daughter. Theyre my two kids, she said. 2 Ontario surgery center employees accused of assaulting federal agents during immigration arrest On the day of the incident, Brooklyn was not wearing a collar or ID tag and is not microchipped. He was wearing a small blue vest. Bayerman says she took a photo of Brooklyn and then a selfie with someone else just five minutes before she realized he was missing. She immediately searched the area, waited hours at the park, and believes someone took the dog directly to the adjacent parking lot. She says the park has surveillance cameras near the playground, but they can only be accessed by law enforcement. According to Castillo, some of those cameras are currently disconnected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Brooklyns disappearance, Bayerman has posted flyers across Los Angeles County and appealed for help through social media and the Citizen app. Hes my whole lifeline. Hes my daughters best friend. He sits with her on the stroller I dont even leave him at home, she said. Brooklyn, described as a critical emotional support animal, was last seen in the vicinity of the Pan Pacific Parks playground entrance. Other dog owners in the community have expressed sympathy. Its a family member. Its very emotional, said Joan Stefan, a fellow pet owner at the park. As of Friday, no leads have been reported, and the Bayerman family is offering a reward for Brooklyns return. Anyone with information is urged to contact: Moses Castillo Investigations : (714) 599-2233 Yulia Bayerman, Owner : (310) 717-9605 Website: MosesCastilloInvestigations.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flyers and updates are being shared using the hashtag #FindBrooklynLA. Jacqueline Sarkissian 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. KANSAS CITY, Mo. The man responsible for shooting and killing two brothers at a Kansas City gas station on Sunday only faces charges in one of those killings. Some in the family are now vocalizing frustrations that none of the charges are murder. Family gathered Friday night at the convenience store and gas station at Truman Street and Brooklyn Avenue, where brothers Taylor Garrett, 32, and Byron Garrett, 35, were shot and killed Sunday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement officials, residents speak on deadly KCK trench collapse They describe the men as loving fathers, both with children on the way. The daughter of one of the men was waiting in the car at the time of her fathers death and called for help, according to the family. Theyre my nephews; this should not happen at all, their aunt cried, standing under an umbrella as rain fell on the large crowd that gathered. You always seen them together; there was no Byron without a Taylor, no Taylor without no Byron, cousin Danielle Palmer said. Emmanuel Hernandez says he arrived at the gas station to fill up and one of the men attacked him outside. He told police that when he went in to pay for fuel, he got attacked by the same man again, so he pulled out his gun and shot them both. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charging documents dont explain the initial confrontation other than Hernandezs explanation that one of the brothers said, youre not from here, to which Hernandez explained he was a church kid. Everybody who is out here painting my cousins out to be thugs, they aint thugs, Palmer said. Charging documents say video shows Hernandez went back to his Escalade at the gas pump after the initial fight, and the brothers went inside the store first, leaving him at his vehicle. He could have walked away. When my cousins walked in that store, they were no longer a threat to him, Palmer said. Family says that makes Hernandez the aggressor. But Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson says she filed no charges in Taylor Garretts death because he was the initial aggressor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX4 Forecast: Storms & flood risk tonight She said in a statement, The charges stem from the death of one of the victims who, according to available surveillance footage, Mr. Hernandez shot at multiple times even after this victim attempted to retreat. Cousins of the Garrett brothers say things could have ended differently. Be a critical thinker. If you are in a hostile situation, what makes a man is when you walk away, Marc Madison said. Johnson posted this week in response to calls from the public to release the video from the store, explaining she cant under Missouri law during an active case. Her office confirmed Friday the family would have the opportunity to see it before trial if requested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. NEW IBERIA, La. (KLFY) The family of Joshua LeBlanc, a New Iberia native and NASA electrical engineer, is searching for answers after his car was found abandoned and burned beyond recognition two hours away from his home in Huntsville, Alabama. LeBlanc, 29, was reported missing earlier this week after he failed to show up for work Tuesday morning. According to family members, his last communication came at 4:32 a.m. that day. Originally from New Iberia, LeBlanc graduated from Catholic High and later earned his degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He had relocated to Huntsville, where he worked at NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities in Alabama tracked LeBlancs blue Tesla Model 3 using vehicle data. The car reportedly sat at the Huntsville International Airport for four hours early Tuesday morning, just 12 minutes from his apartment, before traveling west along rural backroads. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest By 2 p.m. Tuesday, the vehicle was discovered in Florence, Alabama, crashed and destroyed. A body was found inside, but according to family members, it was burned beyond recognition. What has concerned his family even more are the details left behind. LeBlancs phone, wallet, and even his dog were still at his apartment. Family members said the unexpected detour and lack of communication do not match any of Joshuas plans for the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, they fear he may have been abducted from his home. The family is urging Tesla to release video from the cars Sentry Mode system, which may have captured crucial footage. So far, however, they say progress has been slow due to delays between the company and law enforcement agencies. Late Thursday, Alabama State Highway Patrol confirmed it is now leading the investigation into LeBlancs disappearance. This is a developing story. Anyone with information is urged to contact Alabama Law Enforcement Agency at 334-676-6003 or local law enforcement. Latest news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. HONOLULU (KHON2) The Farm to School Action Plan is about to launch, with a mission to improve student nutrition, local farmers revenue and food sustainability in Hawaiis public schools. This plan will affect schools in Central Oahu, including Leilehua, Mililani and Waialua. Healthy and happy summer for your keiki with SUN Bucks This initiative is a testament to our commitment to a resilient and sustainable food system, said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. By connecting our schools directly with local agriculture, we are fostering economic growth and environmental stewardship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Farm to School Action Plan will tackle a variety of areas, including implementing agricultural education, developing culturally significant menus and including a Regional Kitchen Model. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The goal of the Regional Kitchen Model is to create an efficient and simple school meal production system that includes fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This is a transformative step forward in ensuring that Hawaiis students have access to fresh, nutritious meals while also strengthening our local agricultural industry, said Jaime Kanani Green, First Lady of the State of Hawaii. By investing in farm-to-school initiatives, we are not only improving the health of our keiki but also creating sustainable opportunities for our farmers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This initiative will serve as a test run for HIDOE to establish future expansion of this plan statewide. Integrating fresh, local produce into our school meals enriches the educational experience and promotes lifelong healthy habits among our students, said HIDOE Superintendent Keith Hayashi. Check out more news from around Hawaii The plan involves a diverse group of contributors to make it successful. So, over time, the plan is structured to evolve from community feedback and adapt with emerging challenges and opportunities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. An undocumented father of three Marines who was forcibly detained by federal immigration agents while at his landscaping job in California last month spoke out for the first time on Friday in emotional, tearful remarks. Customs and Border Patrol agents arrested Narciso Barranco in Santa Ana on June 21, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Video of him being forcibly detained showed masked agents holding him down on the street and repeatedly punching him after he ran from agents. He is currently out on bond after being released from federal custody on July 15 and has an immigration status hearing in August, according to Orange City Council officials. KABC - PHOTO: Narciso Barrance speaks at a press conference in Santa Ana, Calif., July 25, 2025. During a press conference in Santa Ana surrounded by local officials and leaders, Barranco thanked the community and his family for their support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I love you all and I am very proud of you," he said to his children in Spanish. To his wife, Marta, he said, "Thank you for your strength, love, and for never stopping believing in me." MORE: Marine veteran addresses Congress after father forcibly detained by immigration agents Barranco also spoke to the families of other detainees he met while in custody. "I want to tell their families they have faith, they miss you all, and even in that place, they have hope," he said. Barranco asked of federal authorities, "Please, don't take away the opportunities for them to reunite with their families." KABC - PHOTO: Narciso Barrance speaks at a press conference in Santa Ana, California, July 25, 2025. Lisa Ramirez, a founding partner of US Immigration Law Group and Barranco's legal representative, said his story is not an isolated case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What I think we can all learn from this one story is that there are hundreds and soon to be millions of people like Mr. Barranco who have been long-standing contributors to our country, who will also be arbitrarily arrested and detained," she said. The Department of Homeland Security said following the arrest that Narciso Barranco is in the country illegally and that he tried to evade law enforcement, "swung a weed whacker directly at an agent's face" and resisted commands. "The agents took appropriate action and followed their training to use the minimum amount of force necessary to resolve the situation in a manner that prioritizes the safety of the public and our officers," DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement at the time. MORE: Millions of undocumented immigrants will no longer be eligible for bond hearings, according to ICE memo Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of Barranco's sons, Marine veteran Alejandro Barranco, told Congress members this week that his father got scared after the masked agents approached him while he was at work. "As he worked, he noticed masked men approaching him, and was quickly surrounded by men who did not identify themselves and never presented any type of warrant," he told Democratic members of the House Committee on Homeland Security during an oversight forum examining the Trump administration's detention and deportation practices on Tuesday. "Terrified, he ran. They chased him through the parking lot and into a crowded street. They pointed guns at him, pepper-sprayed him. They tackled him to the ground and kicked him." He said his father, who has two other sons who are currently serving as Marines, has no criminal record and "should have never been attacked by these agents." "He supported his family and paid taxes," the veteran said. "He is a human being, but he was not treated with the basic dignity he deserved." Jul. 25Ryder Johnson awoke to a startling phone call at 3:43 a.m. on July 19. It was his neighbor, who saw flames shooting out of a next-door house. Johnson immediately grabbed his 17-year-old son and sprinted toward the home that included residents Liz Justus and her adult son Brent. Liz is the owner of the Lakeland RV Park in Bayview, Idaho, where Johnson and his neighbor have seasonal trailers. The Johnsons and their neighbors congregated outside the engulfed house, he recalled. While someone dialed emergency services, Ryder, his son and neighbor Steve Jones decided to intervene. "We knew every minute pretty much counted," Ryder said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Bayview has a volunteer fire department, which is great," Ryder noted. But during these early hours, he feared the response would take too long. From his recollection, 15 or 20 minutes had passed before firefighters arrived. With a decision to risk their own safety, the team tried to enter through the front entrance to no avail. Jones then moved to breaking the front window, though he sliced his hand "and ended up cutting the tendon in his thumb and dislocating it," Johnson said. Ryder and his son proceeded to the back entrance, where they finally gained access through a window. Upon entering the smoldering heat, they found 45-year-old Brent whose face was bloodied. Ryder assumed Brent "woke up during it and got disoriented and fell." After rescuing Brent, the father-son team worked to retrieve 72-year-old Liz who "was on a staircase halfway between the couch and her dining room." The Johnsons and their neighbors laid Liz and Brent on a truck bed as they awaited emergency response personnel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ryder said the victims were immediately transported to a hospital in Kootenai County, before being flown to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. "They pulled, I believe, her breathing tube out Tuesday evening," Ryder said when speaking of Liz. "Brent had two or three heart attacks on the way to Kootenai, and there they said he didn't have any brain activity." As of Friday afternoon, Ryder said he believes the mother is awake and alert. A spokesperson for Harborview was unable to be reached at that time. During a conversation with a fire investigator, Ryder was told that the fire could be attributed to "a cigarette container on the steps leading into the side entry" of the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It supposedly had caught fire earlier," he learned. Around 1:20 a.m., Ryder said Liz's daughter and her boyfriend, who were staying next-door, noticed and addressed the cigarette container's fire. "They put 2 or 3 gallons of water on it," Ryder recalled. "Everything seemed fine, so they all went to bed," he added. Their efforts did not completely extinguish the threat; the container most likely continued smoldering until it caught fire, spreading flames to the house just two hours later. Ryder said the investigator emphasized that "once something like that catches on fire, there's no way to really put it out" with typical at-home intervention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time of the fire, the Timberlake Fire Protection District released a statement that read, "Firefighters arrived on scene in Bayview to find that neighbors had courageously entered the burning home and rescued the trapped occupants. Their quick and selfless actions no doubt made a difference." A Timberlake Fire representative did not respond to a request for comment. Liz Justus has been an influential member of the Bayview community. She served as Bayview Daze parade organizer for 25 years, before retiring from the post in 2007, according to previous Spokesman-Review reporting. "She's kind of a big wig up here," Ryder said. Caroline Saint James' 's reporting was funded by Comma's First Amendment Club. A federal judge in Chicago on Friday blocked the Trump administrations challenge to policies in the state of Illinois, the city of Chicago and Cook County that limit the powers of state and local police in assisting federal law enforcement on immigration-related matters. The ruling comes as the Trump administration has ramped up mass deportation efforts targeting noncitizens living in the U.S. without legal permission, particularly in big cities that have sanctuary laws like Chicago, where activities from federal immigration agents have been met with protests. In her ruling on Friday, U.S. District Judge Lindsay Jenkins dismissed the lawsuit in its entirety, saying the U.S. Department of Justice lacked standing, though she allowed the department to amend its complaint. The case centered around the 10th Amendment, which addresses state and federal powers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sanctuary Policies reflect Defendants decision to not participate in enforcing civil immigration lawa decision protected by the Tenth Amendment and not preempted by (the federal Immigration and Nationality Act), Jenkins wrote. Finding that these same Policy provisions constitute discrimination or impermissible regulation would provide an end-run around the Tenth Amendment. It would allow the federal government to commandeer States under the guise of intergovernmental immunitythe exact type of direct regulation of states barred by the Tenth Amendment. A spokesperson for the Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Among the arguments made by the Justice Department when it filed its lawsuit earlier this year was that the sanctuary policies violated the U.S. Constitutions supremacy clause, which the department argued prohibits Illinois, Chicago, Cook County, and their officials from obstructing the Federal Governments ability to enforce laws that Congress has enacted or to take actions entrusted to it by the Constitution. The lawsuit specifically went after the states 2017 Trust Act, signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzkers predecessor, Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. The law generally prohibits state and local law enforcement from getting involved in deportation efforts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or other federal policing agencies dealing with immigration matters. While the Trust Act prevents state and local law enforcement from assisting the federal government with regular immigration enforcement, it allows coordination when there is a federal criminal warrant involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicagos sanctuary city ordinance bans official cooperation between local law enforcement and federal deportation authorities, while ensuring immigrants living without legal permission can use city services. The lawsuit also takes on a Cook County statute that bans ICE agents from the county jail and other facilities unless they have a criminal warrant unrelated to immigration. Chicagos sanctuary designation has existed since Mayor Harold Washington signed an executive order in 1985, but it was adjusted after Trump took office the first time in 2017. Now, the intent is to make sure immigrants in the country without legal permission can still report crime without fearing deportation, while depriving the feds of a key resource local police. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Pritzker this year have testified separately before President Donald Trumps Republican allies in Congress to defend their sanctuary policies. The Democratic governors visit to Washington happened last month when he defended the policies before a House committee while pointing at congressional Republicans and Democrats for using the issue to try to score political points rather than enacting comprehensive immigration reform. On Friday, Pritzker praised the ruling, saying it showed Illinois has always been and still is compliant with federal law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illinois ensures law enforcement time and energy is spent fighting crime not carrying out the Trump Administrations unlawful policies or troubling tactics, Pritzker spokesman Matt Hill said in a statement. As the great-grandchild of Ukrainian refugees, the Governors personal story shows how immigration is central to Americas story, economy, & culture. He told it to Congress when he laid out how Illinois follows the law and would like the feds to follow suit. The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois also applauded the ruling, saying the court was correct to reject the Trump Administrations lawsuit and to allow public officials in Illinois and Chicago to follow our policies that prioritize local public safety and welfare over federal civil immigration enforcement. A federal judge on Friday threw out a Trump administration lawsuit seeking to block sanctuary laws in Illinois that limit local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. In her ruling, Judge Lindsay C. Jenkins said that the Tenth Amendment, which protects people from federal government overreach, shielded the decision of local law enforcement to avoid collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other immigration agencies. It would allow the federal government to commandeer States under the guise of intergovernmental immunitythe exact type of direct regulation of states barred by the Tenth Amendment, Jenkins wrote of the suit, which named Illinois, Chicago and a series of local officials as defendants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Illinois prevents local officials from providing immigration information not otherwise publicly available, while Chicago bars them from responding to inquiries from ICE without a warrant. State officers are also barred from complying with immigration detainers. The Trump administration argued that the local laws were an intentional effort to subvert federal immigration statutes and claimed that they facilitated the return of criminals to the public. Chicago was one of the first major fronts in the Trump administrations aggressive mass deportation campaign, with federal agents swarming the city in the weeks after the inauguration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit was one of the first cases filed by the Trump administration against so-called sanctuary jurisdictions. The Justice Department sued New York City over its sanctuary policies on Thursday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Jessica C. Henry opened her work computer on April 1, her second day in-person after two and a half years working for the National Institutes of Health, to an email announcing that she was laid off from her job as a digital communications specialist. It felt very chaotic, but also in a weird way, I was just like at least I know whats going to happen now, and that there was some certainty, finally, said Henry. Henry was among more than 8,000 employees who were notified that they would lose their jobs as part of a surge in layoffs across Maryland in the first half of 2025 driven by rolling federal workforce cuts. The cuts are a part of President Donald Trumps plan to downsize the federal workforce and decrease government spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During that period, the number of workers affected by mass layoffs reported by the Maryland Department of Labor increased about 60% compared to the first six months of 2024. An exact comparison isnt possible year over year, because the data that the state publishes online has changed since last year. Maryland has lost about 12,700 federal jobs since the beginning of the second Trump administration, according to a spokesperson for the state labor department, which are not fully reflected by WARN notices. The employer with the most employees affected by mass layoff notices during the first half of this year, according to the state records, was the Department of Health and Human Services, which includes the National Institutes of Health. The DHHS layoffs occurred in Montgomery, Prince Georges and Baltimore counties, along with Baltimore City. Reports show that 2,755 DHHS employees were a part of a reduction in force issued on March 31. But Marylands job losses go far beyond federal workers. Several organizations that typically receive federal dollars, such as the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Communication Programs, have issued layoff notices this year, in addition to plant closures from companies, that were not likely caused by the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even without the layoffs from federal government agencies, layoffs reported to the state still impacted nearly 500 additional employees in 2025 than in the first six months of 2024. The full scope of federal cuts and other reductions cant be determined solely through the layoff notice data, which excludes contractors and employees whose layoffs didnt need to be reported to the state, such as if the workplace is temporary like a construction site or if employees were a part of more targeted layoffs. Two Maryland employment lawyers told The Sun that their offices were getting more calls than normal. Our phones are ringing off the hook for federal government employees and for federal contract employees, Michael Amster, an employment lawyer in Silver Spring, said. These are attorneys that really care about what they do and care about their clients and their employees. So while we are very busy, its not something that were necessarily happy about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrew Dansiker, an employment attorney in Cokeysville, said consultations with university, hospital, government contractor and nonprofit clients have at least doubled to half a dozen per week. In June, Maryland experienced the largest one-month drop in federal government jobs in 30 years with 3,500 jobs lost, according to the state Department of Labor. The states workforce decreased by 8,500 in June alone, the department said. Private sector jobs have increased by 5,200 jobs across the state in the first six months of the year, the department said. Job losses among federal government workers, federal contractors, and others have made this a challenging time for many Marylanders, Maryland Labor Secretary Portia Wu said in a statement to The Sun. Although Maryland continues to have a net positive gain in private sector jobs for 2025, we know that federal government layoffs can have cascading impacts on the private sector and our larger economy. With thousands of federal workers in Maryland and in surrounding jurisdictions looking for work, multiple laid off federal workers told The Sun that there arent enough jobs open in their fields. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im out here with a big pool of people, all fighting for the same jobs, said Karen White, who was a probationary employee of the Department of Health and Human Services after years working as a contractor for the department. White has spent the last few months applying to jobs, taking certification courses and attending protests for federal workers. Anna Culbertson, who was a probationary employee after starting in December, wanted to work for the National Institutes of Health for job security and, as a person with a rare disease, for the mission of her institute, the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Culbertson, along with her former-colleagues, has turned to advocating for federal workers impacted by job cuts. She is a part of a group called 27 uNIHted, which she hopes will promote ventures started by former National Institute of Health workers and help advocate for their work to continue, with the institute or elsewhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It felt very important to me to stay connected [to] keep everybody together to support one another and help get their stories out and really talk about what we were doing, why its important, Culbertson said. Multiple fired National Institute of Health employees, Culbertson said, have started small businesses as they wait for the job market to improve. Some have also put more time into their previous side-jobs, like Henrys cookie business. Henry spent months searching for jobs after her termination, but having gotten a late-start over a month after the probationary employees entered the job market, she decided to dive into her cookie business, Gingersnap Jess Cookies, that she has worked on since 2024. I definitely didnt plan on leaving my career to do this, Henry said. I really, really loved it, and I loved my team that I worked with, but here I am, so well see. Have a news tip? Contact Katharine Wilson at kwilson@baltsun.com. ASHTABULA Feed Our Vets has received a new truck to assist in its mission to feed veterans in Ashtabula County. A press release from the Greater Cleveland Food Bank announced a new truck that will be used by the veterans organization. This vital addition was made possible by a one-time public investment of American Rescue Plan Act funds, the release states. A recent ceremony brought together many of the leadership team from the food bank and representatives of Feed Our Vets, including pantry managers Tracy and Micah Bidwell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This significant investment will greatly enhance Feed Our Vets capacity and efficiency in distributing food ensuring more veterans, veteran spouses, and other food-insecure individuals across the region receive essential nutrition, the release states. Kristin Warzocha, president and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank expressed gratitude for the relationship between Feed Our Vets and the food bank in the release. The staff and volunteers here have poured their hearts and souls into building a wonderful community resource, gathering tremendous support from across Ashtabula County and Northeast Ohio, Warzocha said. This new truck means they no longer have to rely on renting a truck to pick up food every month, significantly improving their operations. The release states Feed Our Vets distributed 188,000 pounds of food through their pantry last year, serving more than 2,200 people, making more the 156,000 meals possible. The Greater Cleveland Food Bank works with partners across six counties in Northeast Ohio. (COLORADO SPRINGS) The annual Cat Fest took place in Colorado Springs on Saturday, July 26, allowing feline fanatics to celebrate their kitty overlords and admire all things purrbaby-related. There were cat adoption booths, celebrity cats, cat product vendors, cat history buffs, cat crafts, cat costumes, a cat show, and more. Guests had a chance to network with other cat lovers and share what they appreciated about their furry friends. Courtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Jaiden Kelsey Courtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Jaiden Kelsey Courtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Jaiden Kelsey Feline fanatics gather at annual Cat Fest I love how silly they are, said Madeline Fabris, linocut artist. Theyre the most successful hunters, but they just have the goofiest personalities. And theyre so full of personality, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several people showed off their best cat-cosplay, paying homage to their favorite animals impeccable fashion sense. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is planning to give out more than $608 million in grants to states and local jurisdictions to build more immigration detention facilities, as the Trump administration seeks to expand U.S. detention capacity and quickly deport millions of people. This will relieve overcrowding in the U.S. Custom and Border Protections short-term holding facilities, further the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys immigration enforcement plans and complement U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operational priorities, the agency wrote in a notice detailing the new Detention Support Grant Program. The funding will support the creation of more facilities like Floridas Alligator Alcatraz detention center, a converted swamp airstrip where detainees say they have faced inhumane conditions, abuse, and highly restricted access to legal counsel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The facility has faced legal challenges from environmental, tribal, and civil rights groups. Florida has said it will seek federal reimbursement for the facility, which has already cost the state $245 million in contracts to build and operate. Trump administration distributing more than $600 million in grants to state and local governments to expand immigration detention facilities, while offering $1.2 billion contract for new detention center at Army base in Texas (AP) Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has said the federal government will seek to reimburse Florida through FEMAs $650 million shelter and services program money outside the agencys disaster budget relief set aside by Congress under Joe Bidens administration to cover the cost of housing migrants. The government has also ramped up spending on federal facilities, awarding a $1.26 billion contract to build a sprawling tent facility at an Army base in Texas that will be the largest immigrant detention center in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administrations One Big, Beautiful Bill spending package awards ICE an additional $45 billion for detaining migrants, a virtually unprecedented funding increase. The detention spending spree comes as the Trump administration has sought to reduce FEMAs federal footprint. In April, FEMA announced it was ending the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant program focused on preventing natural disasters, prompting a lawsuit from Democrat-led states. The Trump administration has also rejected 16 of the 18 applications for FEMAs hazard mitigation funds after flooding across the country this year, according to an analysis from The Hill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, this week, the White House announced four states that had recently been hit with disasters would get emergency funding: Indiana, which experienced deadly tornadoes in March; Michigan, which experienced ice storms in March; Kentucky, which experienced flooding and tornadoes in April and May; and West Virginia, which experienced flooding and tornadoes in June. The administration said earlier in the year it would eliminate FEMA entirely, moving disaster response to the states, but has since backtracked, saying it seeks a rebranding at the agency rather than a total shutdown. A woman cries after her husband is detained by federal agents during a mandatory immigration check-in in June in New York City. The Trump administrations arrests have been catching a smaller share of criminals overall, and a smaller share of people convicted of violent and drug crimes, than the Biden administration did in the same time frame last year. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) This story originally published in Stateline on July 24. Despite Trump administration rhetoric accusing Democrats of protecting violent criminals and drug-dealing immigrants, the administrations arrests have been catching a smaller share of criminals overall, and a smaller share of people convicted of violent and drug crimes, than the Biden administration did in the same time frame. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the Trump administration has caught more immigrants with convictions for drugs and violence, their share of the rising arrest numbers is smaller, as more people get swept up for minor traffic violations or strictly immigration crimes, according to a Stateline analysis. Forty percent of the nearly 112,000 arrests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from Jan. 20 through late June were of convicted criminals. Thats compared with 53% of the nearly 51,000 arrests for same time period in 2024 under the Biden administration. The share of people convicted of violent crime fell from 10% to 7% and drug crimes from 9% to 5%, according to a Stateline analysis of data from the Deportation Data Project. The project, led by attorneys and professors in California, Maryland and New York, collects and posts public, anonymized U.S. government immigration enforcement datasets obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Democratic states are among those with the highest share of violent criminals in this years ICE arrests: Hawaii (15%), Vermont (13%), and California and Nebraska (12%) while some of the lowest shares were in more Republican states: Maine (2%), and Alabama, Montana and Wyoming (3%). Immigration attorneys see an increased push to arrest and detain immigrants for any type of violation or pending charge as President Donald Trump pushes for higher arrest and detention numbers to meet his campaign promise for mass deportation. Trump officials have called for 3,000 arrests a day, far more than the current average of 711 as of June and 321 a day during the same time period under Biden. The majority of recent ICE detentions involve people with no convictions. Thats a pattern I find troubling. Oregon Republican state Rep. Cyrus Javadi Arrests have accelerated since about mid-May, when government attorneys began asking to revoke bail and arrest people who show up for court hearings after being released at the border, said Vanessa Dojaquez-Torres, practice and policy counsel for the American Immigration Lawyers Association, which represents more than 16,000 immigration attorneys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Were not completely sure what the reasoning or the goal is behind some of these policies, other than they want detention numbers up, Dojaquez-Torres said. They seem to have really been struggling to get their deportation numbers up, and so I think thats one of the reasons why we see a lot of these policies going into effect that are meant to kind of circumvent the immigration court process and due process. Arrests of people convicted of violent crimes increased by 45% from about 5,300 to 7,700 compared with last year. For drug crimes, the increase was 21% and they fell as a share of total arrests, from 9% under the Biden administration to 5% this year. Arrests for those not convicted of any crime nearly tripled to about 67,000, and increased from 47% to 60% of arrests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Department of Homeland Security defended ICE arrests Wednesday. Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement that the agency was targeting dangerous criminal illegal aliens and taking them off American streets. Violent thugs ICE arrested include child pedophiles, drug traffickers, and burglars. In Oregon, arrests during the first part of last year increased from 51 under the Biden administration to 227 under the Trump administration, with those not convicted of any crime increasing from 34 to 137. Those with convictions for violent crime increased from 3 to 16. Even some Republicans are concerned with the new emphasis on non-criminals. The majority of recent ICE detentions involve people with no convictions. Thats a pattern I find troubling, especially when it risks sweeping up people for things like expired tags or missed court dates, said Oregon state Rep. Cyrus Javadi, a moderate Republican representing Tillamook and Clatsop counties. Nationally, nonviolent crimes have risen as a share of immigration arrests. The most common crime conviction for those arrested this year is driving while intoxicated, which was also the top offense last year under Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But this year its closely followed by general traffic offenses, which rose to second place from sixth place, surpassing such crimes as assault and drug trafficking. Traffic offenses, outside of driving while intoxicated and hit and run, rose almost fourfold as the most serious conviction on record for those arrested, the largest increase in the top 10. Those offenses were followed by increases in the immigration crime of illegal entry, meaning crossing the border in secret, which tripled. The increase in traffic violations as a source of immigration arrests is a reason for cities to consider limiting traffic stops, said Daniela Gilbert, director of the Redefining Public Safety Initiative at the Vera Institute of Justice, a nonprofit devoted to ending mass incarceration. Its an important point to consider intervening in so that there can be less interaction, and so ICE has less opportunity to continue its indiscriminate dragnet of enforcement, Gilbert said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The institute argues in general that traffic stops should be limited to safety issues rather than low-level infractions such as expired registrations or single burned-out taillights, both because they do not improve public safety and because they disproportionately affect drivers of color. Such policies limiting stops under some conditions are in place in 10 states and in cities in six other states, according to the institute. The most recent state polices took effect last year in California and Illinois, while a policy is set to take effect in October in Connecticut. The most recent city policies were in Denver and in East Lansing and Ypsilanti, Michigan. Six other states have considered legislation recently. Stateline reporter Tim Henderson can be reached at thenderson@stateline.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE MADRID (Reuters) -At least 54 children and about 30 adults swam from Morocco to Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta in rough seas and fog, Spanish television reported on Saturday. Video footage on Spanish television channel RTVE showed Civil Guard launches making repeated rescue attempts to bring some of the swimmers to safety, while others swam across to the enclave. The children, who were mostly Moroccan, were taken to temporary centres in Ceuta, where authorities called for help from the central government in dealing with the latest arrivals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Don't leave us alone. This is a matter of state. This has to be resolved," Juan Rivas of the Ceuta regional government told reporters on Saturday. On August 26 last year, hundreds of migrants took advantage of a thick mist to swim to Ceuta from neighbouring Morocco, local police said. In 2021, one boy was seen floating on empty plastic bottles in his attempt to reach Ceuta. Spain's two enclaves on Morocco's Mediterranean coast, Ceuta and Melilla, share the European Union's only land borders with Africa. The enclaves sporadically experience waves of attempted crossings by migrants trying to reach Europe. Moroccan nationals detained during the crossings are immediately sent back to Morocco unless they are underage or seeking asylum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People from other nationalities are taken to special centres where they are given shelter and released after a few days. Three years ago, at least 23 people died in a stampede when about 2,000 migrants tried to storm into Melilla, pushing down the border fence. (Reporting by Graham Keeley, Miguel Gutierrez; Editing by Hugh Lawson) POTTS CAMP, Miss. Mississippi volunteer firefighters were dismissed on social media earlier this month after Marshall County contracted another non-profit volunteer fire department organization. WREG followed up on a hot topic involving fire protection in Potts Camp, Mississippi. Members of the towns volunteer fire department found out earlier this month through social media that they would no longer be serving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision came after Marshall County contracted with Potts Camp Fire and Rescue, a non-profit volunteer organization. ORIGINAL: MS volunteer firefighters say they were dismissed through social media The community of Potts Camp, whether it be in Cornersville, Bethlehem, Bethany Road, Lake Center everybody has fire coverage. We have active personnel that are certified there are others that are getting certified, said Chief Cory Blaine of Potts Camp Fire and Rescue. Potts Camp Fire and Rescue is taking over after previous volunteers were dismissed on July 9 in a social media post. I was blindsided. Like how could something like this happen to people who served their community, not matter what, said a former volunteer who did not want to be identified to WREG. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marshall County Administrator Tim Powell confirmed the County contracted with Potts Camp Fire and Rescue, a 501c3 non-profit, calling the action a changing of contracts. We have equipment, if a fire breaks out, we will respond to it. The community is covered, said Blaine. He would not comment on reports that a number of persons, some former volunteers, were reportedly arrested for stealing taxpayer-funded equipment. The important part is the town, we have a contract with the town and we have a contract with the County to fight fire, said Blaine. WREG contacted Potts Camp City Hall but did not receive a comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WREG also reached out to the Potts Camp District for a comment, but has not heard back. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. NEW PHILADELPHIA In an outpouring of respect, firefighters from around the region turned out to mark the passing of one of their own at services on Friday and Saturday. Thomas J. Jed Bartashus Jr., chief engineer of the Good Intent Fire Company in New Philadelphia, died at home on July 18. He was 56. He was the son of Thomas J. and Judith Bernitsky Bartashus. His father is owner and funeral director at Thomas J. Bartashus Funeral Home in New Philadelphia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A long line of mourners paid him tribute at a viewing Friday evening in the familys funeral home. A large American flag waved near the funeral home, supported by a pair of aerial ladder trucks from Tamaqua and Saint Clair. Nearby, his turnout jacket was draped, beneath a wreath of flowers, on the front of a Good Intent fire truck. In unison, a delegation of firefighters walked to the funeral home from the fire company, a block away. An entourage of fire apparatus assembled near the New Philadelphia Little League field Saturday morning. At 12:32 p.m., the Schuylkill County Communications Center announced a last call to fireman Thomas J. Jed Bartashus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dont worry, brother, we can take it from here, the announcer said. * The hearse for Thomas J. Jed Bartashus Jr. makes its way up to Sacred Heart Cemetery in New Philadelphia, Saturday, July 26, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) * Firetrucks take part in a funeral procession for Thomas J. Jed Bartashus Jr. in New Philadelphia, Saturday, July 26, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) * Firefighters stand in silence as the funeral procession for Thomas J. Jed Bartashus Jr. makes its way to Sacred Heart Cemetery in New Philadelphia, Saturday, July 26, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Firetrucks take part in a funeral procession for Thomas J. Jed Bartashus Jr. in New Philadelphia, Saturday, July 26, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Show Caption 1 of 4 The hearse for Thomas J. Jed Bartashus Jr. makes its way up to Sacred Heart Cemetery in New Philadelphia, Saturday, July 26, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Expand Led by Good Intents trucks, the column escorted the hearse to Sacred Heart Cemetery after a funeral Mass at Holy Cross Catholic Church in New Philadelphia. Msgr. William F. Glosser, a longtime firefighter and former chaplain at West End Fire & Rescue Company No. 5 in Mahanoy City, celebrated the Mass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Interment with military honors followed in Sacred Heart Cemetery, New Philadelphia. A U.S. Navy veteran of the Gulf War, Jed served aboard the USS Sterett, a guided missile destroyer, for five years. He was employed as a bricklayer foreman at LMB Industrial Services, Pottsville. https://slot.medianewsgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/firefighterfuneral.mp4 (FOX40.COM) Planned Parenthood Mar Monte said it would be closing five of its offices in response to a provision in the recently passed federal budget bill. The Mar Monte chapter said it would be closing health centers in South San Francisco, San Mateo, Gilroy, Santa Cruz, and Madera. Part of the federal budget bill restructed Medicaid reimburstments to organizations that provide family plannign services and recieved more than $800,000 from Medicaid in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congressman Kevin Mullin, who represents the area served by two of the closed offices, said the clinics were important to his constituency. The San Mateo and South San Francisco Planned Parenthood clinics have long served as a lifeline for thousands of patients in our community, many of whom are low-income, uninsured, or unable to access quality health care elsewhere, Mullin said in a statement. Without these clinics, vulnerable populations are left without access to critical health care, such as cancer screenings, contraception, and general health services. Planned Parenthood Mar Monte has 30 heath clinics across mid-California and Nevada. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. July 26 (UPI) -- Russia and Ukraine on Saturday exchanged drone attacks, with five people dead in the overnight strikes, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed optimism about his nation's military progress. Zelensky said Ukraine was winning the war against Russia, which invaded his country in February 2022. Since then, Ukraine has regained some territory. "Russian military enterprises, Russian logistics and Russian airfields must see that Russia's own war is now hitting them back with real consequences," Zelensky posted Saturday on X. "The precision of our drones, the daily nature of Ukraine's responses -- are some of the arguments that we will surely bring peace closer." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Ukraine on Saturday, Russia used more than 200 drones and almost 300 missiles, mainly in Dnipropetrovsk. Three people died there. In Russia, a car caught fire after a drone strike, killing two, Rostov's acting governor, Yury Slyusar, said. Military on both sides claimed success. Russia said soldiers took two villages in eastern Ukraine: Zelenyi Hai in the Donetsk region and Maliivka in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Zelensky said his troops were "gradually pushing Russian forces out" of the Sumy region. "Although this region remains one of the enemy's priority directions, our forces consistently block Russian attempts to advance deeper into the Sumy region from the border areas," Zelensky wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky noted Russia's airstrikes targeted Kharkin and Sumy. At least six people, including two children, were injured after Russian forces attacked Kharkiv with glide bombs, rockets and drones, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported. A village in the region -- Kindrativka -- reportedly was liberated from Russian control. "Particular attention was given to the Pokrovsk direction -- just over the past day alone, there were 51 intense engagements," Zelensky posted on X. "Ukrainian units are defending their positions, and every elimination of occupiers is of great value." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he plans to discuss with other nations the need for more weapons. Zelnsky said he has commitments from Germany for two Patriot missile systems and one from Norway. He said he's working on Patriot help from the Netherlands Zelensky said drone production will significantly exceed figures projected at the start of the year. Peace talks Fighting is continuing amid hopes to end the war. Delagations from both nations met on Wednesday in Istanbul but both sides rejected each other's ideas. In May, there were two rounds of cease-fire talks, also in Turkey, at the urging of President Donald Trump, who wants an end to the "horrible, bloody war." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Scotland, Trump plans to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday about ending the war. Trump said before departing for Scotland on Friday that he was still considering "severe" secondary sanctions against Russia. On July 14, he suggested they would go into effect in 50 days if Russia doesn't end the war. "We're looking at that whole situation," Trump said Friday. Trump said he is backing Zelensky's proposed summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "It's going to happen, but it should have happened three months ago," Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kremlin said a summit with Zelensky will only occur as a final step for a peace deal. Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it is unlikely Putin will accommodate Ukraine's proposal for the meeting at the end of August. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he plans to speak with Trump and Putin about conveying the talks in his nation. ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) A federal grand jury in Rockford indicted five people for allegedly scheming to steal $1 million in federal benefits. The group obtained over $1 million in connection with the Paycheck Protection, Economic Disaster Loan and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Programs, according to the indictment. 32-year-old Tyesha Bowman, of Beloit, Wisconsin, was indicted with 34 counts of mail and wire fraud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Libra Martin, 48, of Rockford, was indicted with 14 counts of wire fraud. 38-year-old Lamont Foster, of Rockford, was indicted with eight counts of mail and wire fraud. Khadijah Brown, 31, of Rockford, was indicted with two counts of mail fraud. 36-year-old Sieta Carrington, of Rockford, was indicted with one count of mail fraud. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. A 5-month-old Palestinian baby suffering from severe malnutrition died in her mothers arms in Gaza Friday, one of the latest victims of a starvation crisis that has generated international outrage but continues to deepen. The girl Zeinab Abu Halib died Friday as her mother tried to get her to a hospital in southern Gaza. Zeinab has been in and out of the hospital for the last three months, her mother, Israa Abu Halib, told CNN on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I had to walk for more than 30 minutes as there is no transportation The dirt road was so long, the weather was so hot, but I kept walking even though I was hungry and didnt have water. Suddenly I felt that she stopped moving and breathing; her body became heavier, Abu Halib said. I dont know what to say anymore. How many innocent babies like Zeinab should be starved to death so the world wakes up? she asked. Zeinab after she passed away on July 25. - Obtained by CNN Zeinab died from complications of severe malnutrition, said Dr. Munir al-Boursh, Director General of the Ministry of Health, in a post on X. She was left to waste away until she became skin over bonesOver 260,000 children under the age of five in Gaza are suffering from malnutrition, al-Boursh said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The health ministry said Friday that 122 people had died from malnutrition in Gaza since the conflict began in 2023, including 83 children. The majority of those deaths have occurred since early March, when Israel refused to allow aid deliveries into Gaza to continue. Although the ban was partially lifted in late May, aid agencies say the volume of aid being distributed is nowhere near what Gaza needs and malnutrition has spread. The NGO Doctors Without Borders said that a quarter of children aged 6 months to 5-years-old and pregnant or breastfeeding women screened last week at its Gaza facilities were malnourished. It said the number of people it was treating for malnutrition has quadrupled since May 18. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) An Effingham man is facing multiple felony charges following a road rage confrontation that happened on Friday, the Florence County Sheriffs Office said. Monxavior Jatrabian Oumari Williams, 21, is being held at the Florence County Detention Center pending a bond hearing, facing counts of pointing and presenting a firearm at a person and discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle. Authorities said the incident began in Darlington County and then moved into Florence County by way of Georgetown Road. Once in Florence County, the parties stopped and confronted each other outside their vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both left the scene but a short time later, Williams saw the other person. Standing in the roadway, Williams got behind his parked vehicle and begin firing a rifle at the other one. * * * Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Floridas housing market is finally showing signs of slowing down. The industry group called Florida realtors released the last sales figures for June specifically the median sales prices for single-family existing homes. The median price statewide is $412,000. The highest prices were found in the Naples-Immuhkalee-Marco Island at $755,000. Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin had the highest prices in our area, at $420,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the median price in the Panama City market was $363,163. And the lowest median price found in Florida was Sebring at $285,000. Experts say its turning into a buyers market, with more homes listed for sale. The extra competition is forcing prices to fall. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. The Florida Lottery has reached a new milestone, transferring over $49 billion to Floridas Educational Enhancement Trust Fund since its start in 1988. This achievement highlights the Lotterys commitment to supporting education in Florida, funding programs from K-12 to higher education and workforce training. Every ticket purchased makes a difference, said Florida Lottery Secretary John F. Davis. Reaching $49 billion in contributions represents millions of opportunities created for students, teachers, and communities statewide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Florida Lottery said it plays a significant role in funding education, with one of its most impactful contributions being the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. This program has helped more than 1 million students attend college or career training since its creation. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Florida lawmakers reached a rare consensus after the deadly Parkland school shooting: More money was needed for mental health counseling at schools. We havent put enough resources into mental health issues, said then-Sen. Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples. And look what happens. Two years later, lawmakers passed a bill allowing Medicaid dollars assigned to school districts to be used for more types of care for kids, including counseling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But state officials didnt adopt the changes. And they have refused to comply with federal guidelines that would help school districts provide that care. Florida schools have missed out on about $200 million a year in Medicaid funding a total of $2.2 billion since 2014 to support childrens mental health counseling, physical therapy and other services, advocates say. Their calls to recoup funding come as schools face multimillion-dollar shortfalls in the budget year that began July 1 and as kids struggle with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. They say the problems lie with the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, which oversees Medicaid in the state and reports to Gov. Ron DeSantis. Documents show that for more than a decade, the agency hasnt followed federal reimbursement guidelines for school-based services one of the few areas of Medicaid the Trump administration and Congress have not targeted for reductions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal program provides in-school medical care and instruction for school-age children with physical or developmental disabilities who qualify for Medicaid. About 2 million children in Florida are on Medicaid, which provides free or low-cost health care to people who qualify. Without the money, school districts have struggled to find therapists, nurses and others to treat children. Some kids experienced lower-quality care or had that care delayed during critical periods of their lives, observers say. The state agency strayed from federal guidelines in 2014, when the U.S. government changed its rules regarding the reimbursements. Experts consulted by the Times said Florida is one of the few states, and perhaps the only one, that is using the outdated payment method. The federal Center for Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program Services warned the agency in 2020 that it was not in compliance with current financing rules, but no substantial action followed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over that time, instead of collecting $2.2 billion from federal coffers to cover school-based expenses, the state received about $250 million. With money tight, school officials want the agency to make the necessary fixes. This is a significant agency failure, said Ken Kniepmann, former state assistant deputy secretary for Medicaid Policy and Quality at the agency. He was hired in part to improve the system but said he was later instructed to stop. Its really unconscionable. Nobody should be OK with this. A spokesperson for the agency said it did not have sufficient funding to update its reimbursement method until this years legislative session, and it is committed to getting it done next year. Kniepmann said the agency had not asked the Legislature for permission to draw down the federal dollars needed to enact the changes until this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hillsborough County school board held a workshop in April to address the Medicaid funding gap. Hillsborough received about $6 million in Medicaid reimbursements a year ago for the services it provided, specialist Deneen Gorassini told her board, but would have gotten about $10 million more if the state agency followed federal guidelines. Its money that could have expanded medical and mental health services in schools. Other districts experienced similar-sized gaps, according to Kniepmanns calculations. If we can get (the agency) to do their job and submit a (state plan amendment), we could start getting reimbursed based on our expenses, which are way more than what we are getting reimbursed now, Gorassini told the board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 1997, the state has been reimbursing school districts for services such as counseling or speech therapy based on a flat rate. In 2014, the federal government required states to reimburse school districts based on the actual costs of those services, which is much higher. Five years ago, federal officials wrote Florida telling them it hadnt adopted the change, and the state had 90 days to comply. Please note that you may not pay a rate from a fee schedule and use this as a certification of cost, Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services acting director Todd McMillion wrote Florida officials in March 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The center said it is working with the state to resolve the concerns listed in that letter. Florida is still paying schools a flat rate that has changed little since 1997. Karen Thomas, a Medicaid specialist for Leon County schools for more than 20 years, said that while the formulas are complex, the solution should be extremely simple. Were 90% there, maybe 95% already, in the way we are doing things, Thomas said of districts processes for collecting receipts and monitoring providers time. They have everything they need to be in compliance with federal payment methodology. They just need to change the invoice, one line on the invoice. ... The fault is squarely in the agencys failure to come into compliance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state has shown it can make the switch, Thomas said. She pointed out that when federal authorities ordered county health departments to start billing for actual costs instead of flat rates in 2020, the state quickly shifted. She noted that school-based services are a very niche portion of the states Medicaid budget somewhere in the neighborhood of 1% and that over time agency officials have paid less attention to them, decreasing communication with school districts and reducing staff dedicated to the service. The issue shouldnt be a side note, as it affects the lives of some of Floridas neediest children, she said. And the pandemic made kids mental health a national crisis. Kids used to miss school because of asthma, Thomas said. Now theyre missing school because of anxiety and depression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the 2018 Parkland attack, state lawmakers wanted to make sure students were getting proper mental health assistance in schools. In 2020, they passed legislation allowing schools to use Medicaid dollars for other types of care. DeSantis signed it into law. But his Agency for Health Care Administration never rewrote the agencys rules to allow school districts to use the new law. The law was very clear, said retired Sen. Bill Montford, D-Tallahassee, who sponsored the 2020 bill. Why they didnt do it I dont know. Rep. Christine Hunchofsky, a Democrat who represents Parkland in the House, repeatedly has asked agency officials if the state is doing all it can to leverage federal money for student services. The issue comes up frequently on the Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder, to which Hunchofsky was appointed by the Republican House speaker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the agency has provided few clear answers. Meanwhile, shes heard plenty from the school districts, and said she plans to pursue the questions further. Montford, also executive director of the states superintendents association, said agency officials have told his group that they are preparing a rule revision to go into effect in mid-2026. Thats when states are supposed to comply with an updated 2023 federal guidance on school-based services. But Kniepmann, who worked as associate director for health at the Florida Conference for Catholic Bishops before moving to the health agency, argued the state is stalling for reasons that remain unclear to him. He said the 2023 guidance was not intended to be a way for Florida to further delay implementing rules put in place more than a decade ago. Every holdup, he and others said, means less money available to pay for medical and related services. Eleven years and $2.2 billion is not a little thing, he said. Hillsborough district officials, also leery of the states ability to pull off a new rule by mid-2026, said they are looking into a different approach to bring in more Medicaid money. Gorassini told the board that her department would conduct a rate study for each service it provides and submit the updated amounts to the state for inclusion on the existing reimbursement schedule. Kniepmann said its a long-shot effort that requires a lot of work at the district level, adding that the agency has discouraged such an approach. Its worth a shot, though, Gorassini told the Hillsborough school board. Well never get what we spend, she said. But in the meantime were going to try to maximize our reimbursement. Whats really at stake is student health, said Thomas, the Leon County Medicaid specialist who also serves on the National Alliance for Medicaid in Education leadership team. Her district stands to reap about $2 million more per year if the change is made. That is the difference between being able to hire actual medical professionals who have the ability to recognize actual medical issues, and purchase medical equipment, actual things that could help the children that are most medically needy in this county, she said. When I cant afford to pay for a nurse, all kids suffer. Rep. Jimmy Patronis (R-Fla.) weighed in on the silly saga around the files of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, encouraging the Trump administration to release whatever you go. I was elected to work, and right now, because of a dead pedophile, Congress is at impasse. Weve got paralysis. Ive always been a big advocate in public service of full transparency. If the documents are there, release whatever you got, Patronis said during his Friday appearance on NewsNations The Hill. Patronis, who represents Floridas 1st congressional district, said he appreciates President Trump putting pressure on Attorney General Pam Bondi to release the grand jury testimony, although he added it is kind of silly that were talking about a dead pedophile that is literally from the grave controlling Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, The Justice Department (DOJ) requested the grand jury transcripts from the Epstein probe to be unsealed. U.S. District Judge Robin Rosenberg declined the request to unseal them on Wednesday. The Trump administration is looking to move on from the Epstein fervor, as the MAGA base has shown outrage over the lack of transparency around the so-called client list and other files disappointment that surged after the FBI and DOJs joint memo from earlier this month reaffirmed that Epstein died by suicide in 2019 in jail while awaiting trial. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche met with British socialite and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell on Thursday and Friday, talking for over nine hours with Epsteins close associate. On Friday, Trump indicated that he has not ruled out a pardon for Maxwell, who is appealing her case to the Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im allowed to do it but its something I have not thought about, he said. Patronis, in the Friday interview, said a potential pardon for Maxwell is ultimately up to the president. I think a pardon is an incredible gift, and that is for to be rewarded. I dont know if you give a pardon to somebody who helped facilitate the allegations of child pornography, sex crimes, abuse, Patronis said. So again, I think youre going to give me the grounds why she should be even in this discussion. But I mean, if she was a patsy and theres documentation to prove it, then, yeah, this is the presidents discretion, the Florida Republican added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Florida Theatre in Jacksonville has been awarded the Outstanding Historic Theatre Award by the League of Historic American Theatres (LHAT) at an awards banquet on July 20th. The award recognizes the Florida Theatres excellence in community impact, quality of programs and services, and the restoration of its historic structure. The theatre, which opened in 1927, has become a cultural landmark in Jacksonville. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stewarding a historic institution and precious community asset like the Florida Theatre is a team effort, and on behalf of the board, the staff, and the volunteers, it was an honor to receive this national recognition, said Numa Saisselin, President, Florida Theatre. As a music lover and a Jacksonville native, I am proud to support the nonprofit Florida Theatre and bring this award home for our community, said Don Cameron, Chairperson, Board of Directors, Florida Theatre Performing Arts Center, Inc. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The Florida Theatre has undergone numerous transformations since its opening in 1927, including a significant $8 million renovation in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has hosted a wide range of events, from Elvis Presleys performance in 1956 to surviving the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The theatres Mediterranean Revival architecture and its role as a premier performing arts center make it a beloved landmark. It continues to host a diverse array of events, including concerts, shows, comedy acts, and community gatherings. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] According to the Ocala Fire Rescue, a Florida Northern freight train derailed on Friday afternoon. The train derailment happened behind the Cypresside Townhouses at 2223 SE 14th Avenue. Firefighters said no injuries were reported. The derailment happened at 11:16 a.m., involving two engines and eight cars, three of which overturned and spilled their cargo of rocks. The Ocala Police Department and Marion County Fire Rescue also assisted at the scene. There were no releases of hazardous materials, and the state warning point was notified of the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Ocala Fire Rescue, a Florida Northern freight train derailed on Friday afternoon. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. A new bill from U.S. Rep. Vince Fong, R-Bakersfield, would preempt any state law that requires a human be present in autonomous driving vehicles and direct the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to begin integrating autonomous vehicles into national regulations. While Europe and China are rapidly integrating autonomous trucks into their supply chains, America is asleep at the wheel, hamstrung by a confusing patchwork of state regulations that threaten public safety, innovation and economic growth, Fong said in a statement. By establishing a federal framework for autonomous trucks and empowering the Department of Transportation to set practical regulations, we can safely scale this emerging technology nationwide, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dubbed the America Drives Act, the bill is officially known as the Autonomous Mobility Ensuring Regulation, Innovation, Commerce, and Advancement Driving Reliability in Vehicle Efficiency and Safety Act. The bill seeks to end what Fong calls a regulatory patchwork of differing and sometimes conflicting state laws regarding automated vehicles. By aligning federal regulations with the unique capabilities of automated driving systems, (the) bill jump-starts the effort to establish clear national safety and performance standards, especially for commercial use, and define the roles and responsibilities of federal and state governments to avoid overlap and confusion, Fongs office said. The bill, introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives last week, currently has no co-sponsors but is supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association and technology industry group TechNet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By embracing the benefits of autonomous trucking, Rep. Fongs bill will strengthen American supply chains, enhance road safety, and keep the United States at the forefront of transportation innovation, said Jeff Farrah, CEO of AVIA. The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association thanks Rep. Fong for his leadership and vision in supporting autonomous technology that will benefit communities across the country, Farrah said. In addition to the preemption of state law requiring a human occupant in an autonomous vehicle, the bill would require autonomous vehicles be integrated into U.S. law no later than September 2027. The bill would exempt fully autonomous trucks from human-specific requirements such as hours of service and drug testing and define terms like remote driver and remote assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Secretary may not issue a regulation that unduly burdens motor carriers operating (Automated Driving System)-equipped vehicles or discriminates against an ADS equipped vehicle relative to other commercial motor vehicles, the text of the bill said. According to the California Employment Development Department, there were 8,960 jobs in heavy and light trucking in the Bakersfield-Delano Metropolitan Statistical Area in the first quarter of 2025 with a mean annual wage of $47,000 to $57,000. For now, automated vehicles are not likely to be very disruptive of local jobs, said Richard Gearhart, an economics professor at Cal State Bakersfield. For now, automation is still likely to be small in scale and unlikely to have a significant and deleterious impact on the industry, especially locally. In part its because of comfort for Americans with truly autonomous trucking, Gearhart said in an email. In 10-15 years, it will absolutely be a threat with the potential for significant disemployment effects. COVENTRY, R.I. (WPRI) The former Coventry town councilman accused of violently threatening the councils president earlier this year faced a judge Friday morning. Scott Copley, 50, was formally charged with threatening a public official earlier this month. Coventry Town Council President Hillary Lima publicly accused Copley of making a sexually violent remark about her during a private phone call with Vice President John Paul Verducci back in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The alleged threatening comment stemmed from a spat with the rest of the council over how Coventrys finances were being presented by Town Solicitor Stephen Angell. Copley and another councilor James LeBlanc submitted their resignations nearly two weeks later. In his resignation letter, Copley wrote that he had filed a formal complaint against Angell with the Office of the Disciplinary Counsel. Copley believes thats why Angell reported the supposed threat to Coventry police on Limas behalf. But Angell told 12 News he wasnt aware that a complaint had been filed against him until he received Copleys resignation letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copley pleaded not guilty and was released on $5,000 personal recognizance. He was also ordered not to contact Lima pending his next court date, which is slated for Sept. 25. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Former federal prosecutor Michael Gordon speaking at WMNF radio in Tampa on July 25, 2025 (Photo by Ray Roa for the Florida Phoenix) A Tampa-based federal prosecutor who handled some of the most prominent cases against Jan. 6, 2021, rioters is suing over his termination by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, and speaking out publicly about what he says is a politically motivated act. Michael Gordon is one of three Department of Justice (DOJ) employees who filed a lawsuit on Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. All three previously worked on the prosecution of January 6th defendants, indicating that their terminations were retaliations for prosecutions that were perceived as politically affiliated, according to the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gordon says he was conducting a virtual witness preparation interview for an upcoming criminal trial on June 27 when an administrative officer asked him to pause the call as he was handed a one-page document signed by Bondi informing him that he was being removed from his position as an Assistant U.S. Attorney effective immediately, with no justification given to why he was being fired. The heart of the lawsuit filed by Gordon and his two DOJ colleagues Patricia Hartman and Joseph Tirrell is that Bondi disregarded long-standing protections that govern how and when members of the civil service can be terminated. The laws on the books are crystal clear about the procedures that have to be followed to fire federal employees who are protected by them, Gordon said while speaking to this reporter on WMNF 88.5 FM on Friday. Crystal clear. Its not a gray area. And here, the DOJ has just completely ignored the law. Retribution The Trump administration hasnt been subtle about trying to remove anyone in the federal government who has been involved in investigations stemming from the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ABC News reported in late January that the DOJ asked for information about potentially thousands of FBI employees across the country who were involved in that investigation, and they have subsequently fired dozens of career prosecutors during the past six months, the Washington Post reported last week. Gordon says that morale in his office is in a bad place right now with DOJ employees around the country asking, am I next? He says theyre asking questions that Americans shouldnt want federal prosecutors to answer, such as: The facts and the law say that I should charge this case, but is this going to be something the president wants? Am I going to be fired for this down the line? Mike Gordon v. the United States I have been a professional fighter on behalf of the government for my whole legal career, he says. Now Im on the other side of it. Im fighting against the government. I have been standing up in court for eight-and-a-half years and I start by saying, Your honor, Mike Gordon for the United States. Now my name is on a federal lawsuit, where its Mike Gordon v. the United States. Which is a bizarre place to be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gordon began working in the Middle District of Florida in January of 2017. He worked in the violent crime and narcotics section but volunteered to prosecute January 6 rioters after he watched the attack on the Capitol that day from his home office in Tampa. He ended up as a senior trial counsel in the Capitol Siege Section of the U.S. Attorneys Office in Washington, prosecuting some of the more recognizable defendants, such as Richard Barnett, the man who was seen putting his feet up on a desk in the office of then House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Ray Epps, who became a target of conspiracy theorists that he was an undercover agent who helped instigate the uprising. At the time of his termination, Gordon was counsel of record in 17 cases for the Middle District of Florida, had 20 ongoing investigations, and was slated to have at least six trials between now and September, the legal filing says. During the 2024 campaign, Trump said if elected he would grant clemency to at least some of his supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, which Gordon said he expected would happen if Trump were re-elected. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee during her confirmation hearing on Jan. 15, 2025. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) But Gordon says he was absolutely shocked when Trump commuted the sentences of some individuals convicted of events on that day and granted a full and unconditional pardon to more than 1,000 others who were charged in the attack on the U.S. Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As much as Donald Trump had campaigned on many issues, one of the things that he had done is he had hugged law enforcement, he says. He said that he backed the blue, that he was a big supporter of law enforcement. So I never thought that he would pardon people who were either convicted of ,or pled guilty to, assaulting law enforcement officers. And I thought that not just because it was morally and ethically wrong to do that, but also because I thought that would politically inflame his base. Hes never met Bondi Gordon says hes never met Bondi even though prior to her appointment as AG they both lived in Tampa and have a lot of mutual acquaintances in the legal world. This is my speculation, but I suspect she has no idea who I am, he says. She might now given the news. I think someone else identified me somehow for political revenge or political retribution, put my name in a letter, put it on her desk, and she probably signed it. Gordon says he intends to use the public attention focused on him right now to voice his concerns about whats happening with the justice system under the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration is walking around the house, dousing it with gasoline and playing with matches in the corner, he says. And we all have to stand up and shout from the rooftops before that match gets lit and the house goes up in flames. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WPRI) Friendlys may soon expand under new ownership. BRIX Holdings, the parent company of the popular restaurant chain, has been acquired by Legacy Brands International, which is managed by longtime franchisee Amol Kohli. Friendlys has been a part of my life since I was 15. I started as a breakfast table waiter, which evolved into owning, managing, developing and overseeing several locations over the last 16 years, Kohli said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kohli, who will become the new chairman of BRIX Holdings, currently owns more than 30 Friendlys locations across the country. He will work alongside BRIX Holdings CEO Sherif Mityas to expand Friendlys footprint and strengthen franchisee support. The acquisition comes after Friendlys celebrated its 90th anniversary. The iconic ice cream shop, originally named Friendly, was founded in Springfield, Massachusetts, by the Blake Brothers in 1935. There are roughly 104 Friendlys locations nationwide, including 23 in Massachusetts. There are currently no Friendlys restaurants in Rhode Island. The states last remaining Friendlys in North Providence closed nearly six years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The closest Friendlys locations to the Ocean State are currently in Swansea, Attleboro, Fall River and Dartmouth. It remains to be seen whether the restaurant chain will eventually return to Rhode Island. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. A former Georgia sheriffs deputy has been sentenced to 16 months in federal prison for repeatedly punching a Black detainee whose beating by guards was recorded by a jail security camera nearly three years ago. A U.S. District Court judge sentenced 27-year-old Ryan Biegel on Thursday. The former Camden County deputy had pleaded guilty earlier this year to violating the due process rights of Jarrett Hobbs by using unreasonable force. Hobbs of Greensboro, North Carolina, was booked into the Camden County jail near the Georgia-Florida line for traffic violations and drug possession charges on Sept. 3, 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Security video from that night showed Hobbs standing alone in his cell before five guards rushed in and surrounded him. At least three deputies were shown punching him in the head and neck before Hobbs was dragged from the cell and hurled against a wall. Hobbs attorneys, Harry Daniels and Bakari Sellers, said in a statement Friday that jailers beat him mercilessly with false confidence they would never be prosecuted. RELATED STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Let this sentence serve as some solace to everyone who has been terrorized by violence masquerading as law and order and a warning to their brutalizers, the lawyers statement said. Your badge will not protect you any more than it protected Ryan Biegel. Biegels defense attorney, Adrienne Browning, said she had no immediate comment. Biegel and two other deputies, all of them white, were fired and arrested in connection with the assault on Hobbs, but not until more than two months later when one of Hobbs attorneys obtained the video and made it public. All three still face state charges of battery and violating their oaths of office, according to Camden County Superior Court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. District Court records show federal charges being brought only against Biegel. It was Hobbs who was initially charged after being attacked in his cell. Prosecutors later dismissed charges of aggravated battery, simple assault and obstruction of law enforcement officers against Hobbs, citing a lack of evidence. Also dropped were the traffic violation and drug charges that had landed Hobbs in jail. Camden County officials paid Hobbs a cash settlement to avoid a civil lawsuit, but the amount was not disclosed. A former member of the National Guard has been convicted of conspiring to smuggle migrants into the country by a U.S. District Court in Texas. According to a press release from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Mario Sandoval began smuggling people into the country in July 2024 after a deployment with the Texas National Guard as part of Operation Lone Star. During the one-day trial July 21, agents with ICEs Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) presented text messages from Sandovals phone in which he expressed needing drivers for trips from the Rio Grande Valley to destinations north of immigration checkpoints. Footage was also presented during the trial that showed him at an immigration checkpoint while sending texts about law enforcement and K-9 presence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators allege that Sandovals actions were motivated by money. His actions directly undermined the very mission he was deployed to support and put his fellow guard members in danger, Chad Plantz, a special agent with HSI Houston, said. Sandoval was discharged from the Texas National Guard in October 2024. The 27-year-olds defense argued that there was no conspiracy and that his text messages were taken out of context. His sentencing is scheduled for October 22, and he faces up to 10 years in federal prison. During a press conference July 2, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said there were 4,200 National Guardsmen on state active duty in support of Operation Lone Star in Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Department of Justice, Sandovals case is part of Operation Take Back America. The nationwide initiative is geared towards achieving the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A former missionary accused of sexually abusing minors abroad was arrested in Pittsburgh. According to the Department of Justice, William James Purdy, 28, of West Valley, Utah, was arrested on Thursday after he was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 16. Police said Pudy was a traveling missionary for the Church of Latter-day Saints and was stationed in Tonga in 2017 and 2019. They alleged Purdy would give the boys who lived with him gifts, like food, extra credit in class, toys, internet access and money, in exchange for sexual acts. During that time, they also believe he recorded the boys in bathrooms at his various Tonga apartments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents said Purdy would have students give him foot massages as punishment. Purdys first arrest was in Tonga in October 2022, when an eight-year-old boy spoke out about the alleged sexual assaults. He left Tonga in March 2023, before his trial. The defendant in this case chose to travel abroad under the guise of good intentions and then sexually exploited and abused children who had been trusted to his care, said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew Galeotti of the Justice Departments Criminal Division. When foreign authorities sought to hold him accountable, he fled back to the United States. The United States will not export child exploitation. The Justice Department is committed to securing justice for children exploited overseas when these heinous acts are committed by Americans. Police said one victim began living with Purdy at the age of 14. Over the next three years, he was allegedly abused over 100 times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, Purdy was released in Tonga after his pretrial. Despite his U.S. passport being confiscated, he repeatedly booked flights back to the United States and promised to come back to face his charges. In an application for bail, Purdy said, I have no plan to travel and not return for my trial. Since I came to Tonga, I have considered myself a Tongan and Tonga to be my country because...I really like the Tongan behavior and the way of living in Tonga. In a separate part of the application, police said he added, I intend to plead not guilty to the charge against me, and I really want to return for my trial to show that I did not commit any such crime because it greatly contradicts my faith. Police said one of the reasons Purdy said he was trying to return to the United States was to undergo eye surgery. The court argued there was no medical proof that the surgery was needed urgently and his bail was denied. On March 27, 2023, police said Purdy submitted an application for a Tongan passport, using his own photograph but the name of a mentally disabled person from Tonga. His passport was approved and he flew out of Tonga less than a month before his trial. In court documents filed after his arrest, an assistant United States attorney said Purdy was the ultimate flight risk. So far, 14 victims have been identified throughout Tonga. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW The former chairman of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, who also used to be the president of the tribes gaming authority, pleaded guilty Friday to tax fraud charges in connection with a casino the tribe plans to build in Taunton, authorities said. Cedric Cromwell, 60, of Attleboro, pleaded guilty to four counts of filing a false tax return, according to a press release from United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, special agent in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division. Cromwell didnt report more than $177,000 in income most of it related to the planned First Light Resort and Casino in Taunton on his federal tax returns from 2014-2017, authorities wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A judge will sentence Cromwell Nov. 5 for both this case and for extortion convictions that were reinstated by the First Circuit Court of Appeals last year after a trial court had dismissed them, authorities said. Initially, Cromwell faced both tax and extortion charges, after a federal grand jury in Boston indicted him in March 2021. He was accused of extorting an architecture-and-design firm that had a contract to serve as the Gaming Authoritys owners representative for the casino project, authorities said. But the trial court separated the tax counts from the extortion counts and Cromwell went before a jury in 2022 on the extortion charges. A jury convicted Cromwell of four extortion-related charges in May 2022; however, the trial court dismissed the convictions, authorities said. After an appeals court reinstated that conviction last September, Cromwell appealed again, this time to the U.S. Supreme Court. However, the nations highest court declined to hear the case and hell be sentenced for those charges in November, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cromwell faces the potential for up to three years in prison on the false tax return charges, with one year of supervised release and a fine of $100,000, authorities said. He faces up to 20 years in prison for each of the four extortion charges, with three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000, authorities said. Assistant U.S. attorneys Christine Wichers and Jared C. Dolan of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case. More local crime stories Read the original article on MassLive. The formerly kidnapped IDF observers pushed for a deal to bring the remaining captives home after ceasefire talks ended. After ceasefire and hostage negotiations with Hamas stalled once more, former captives who were IDF surveillance soldiers called on the Israeli government to bring the rest of the hostages home in a Friday statement. Its already been six months since I came home. Do you know how much you can do in six months? said former hostage Daniella Gilboa. I never imagined how much life you could live in half a year. But I also know what it feels like to sit for six months and have it feel like a thousand lifetimes to not know what youre doing with your life, to wonder if anyone remembers you, or if anyone is doing anything to get you out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its heartbreaking to say this again, but they must be brought home. I know exactly what it feels like to be there. Every day feels three times longer. Its unbearable. They need to come home now. Kidnapped IDF observers push for hostage deal Former hostageLiri Albag said that she prays for those still waiting to come home. One hundred and eighty-two days have passed since I came home. Half a year since the last deal, and still, 50 hostages are waiting, just like I once waited, for that deal to come through, she said. IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi met with released IDF observers Naama Levy, Agam Berger, Liri Albag, and Karina Ariev on February 14, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) I am begging you now that there are rumors and reports the deal has fallen apart, I am begging: Do everything. Fight. We, the hostages, cannot return to normal life until everyone comes back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former hostage Karina Ariev pushed for the public to continue fighting for the release of the remaining hostages. Today marks six months since I came home, and I still cant fully grasp where I am, and where the other hostages still are. They are still there. Soldiers are still fighting. I am asking please, let us not forget. Let us keep fighting until every single one of them is home. Former hostage Naama Levy said that all of the hostages deserve their chance to reunite with their families, too. Today marks six months since I came home. Its unbelievable that its already been half a year since the happiest day of my life, and my familys, after 477 days in Hamas captivity, she said. And now, once again, were hearing that the deal is collapsing, Levy said. It is simply inconceivable that 50 hostages are still in Gaza, still waiting to reunite with their families. Still underground. With no rights. With no freedom. Everything must be done to bring them home. They deserve their day, too. They must come home now. Fossils of an ancient shark species have been discovered in a Kentucky cave, officials announced during Shark Week. The Discovery Channel isnt the only one educating shark lovers this week. Mammoth Cave National Park recently announced the discovery of an ancient shark species with unique teeth. The ancient shark species, known as Macadens olsoni, is notable for its unique tooth whorl, a curved row of teeth designed for crushing small sea creatures, Mammoth Cave said in a press release issued Thursday. Fossils of an ancient shark species have been discovered in a Kentucky cave, park officials announced (Mammoth Cave National Park) The shark species likely grew to less than a foot long and probably ate mollusks and worms, according to the park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fossils were found in the Ste. Genevieve Formation, which dates back to around 340 million years ago, when Mammoth Cave was submerged in a warm, shallow sea. This discovery is a remarkable addition to our understanding of ancient marine life and underscores the importance of preserving and studying our natural history, Mammoth Cave Superintendent Barclay Trimble said. The shark species was named after Mammoth Cave and Rickard Olson, a retired park scientist, who played a crucial role in documenting shark fossils in the park as part of a recent Paleontological Resource Inventory, according to the park. The ancient shark species, known as Macadens olsoni, is notable for its unique tooth whorl, Mammoth Cave National Park said (Mammoth Cave National Park) This finding not only enhances our knowledge of ancient marine ecosystems but also emphasizes the critical role of paleontological research in our national parks, Trimble said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added: Every discovery connects the past with the present and offers invaluable educational opportunities for students and the public. At least 70 species of ancient fish from more than 25 caves and cave passages have been identified at Mammoth Cave, including more than 40 species of sharks and relatives. Fountain Valley is mourning the sudden loss of its hometown fire chief, Bill McQuaid, who died unexpectedly Friday afternoon while off duty, city officials announced Saturday. It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our Fire Chief, Bill McQuaid, the city said in a statement. Chief McQuaid was more than a leaderhe was a mentor, a friend, and a steadfast pillar of strength within our department and community. McQuaid is survived by his wife, Tracy, and daughters, Allyson and Julie. He also leaves behind his mother, Judy; his sister, Tracy, and brother-in-law, Keith, along with their children Ashley, her husband Troy, and their son Joshua; as well as his brother Mike and sister-in-law Stacia. Fountain Valley Fire Chief Bill McQuaid is seen in an undated photo. (Fountain Valley Fire Department) Raised in Fountain Valley, McQuaid joined the citys fire department as a reserve before being hired full-time in 1996 as a firefighter-paramedic, according to a 2023 profile published by the Los Angeles Times. He later held the roles of fire engineer, captain, battalion chief and division chief of operations before being named fire chief in January 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His career was guided by a promise he made nearly 30 years ago to then-Fire Chief Bernard Heimos, McQuaid told the Times: that if he were given the chance to serve his hometown, he would stay for the duration of his career. If somebody was going to give me that opportunity to get into it, then I was going to give them my all, McQuaid said in the 2023 interview. Second, Fountain Valley is my home, so having the opportunity to serve in my dream career in my own hometown, in my own backyard, was an opportunity that I was willing to commit to for the entirety of my career. McQuaids service extended far beyond city limits. According to the Times, he led strike teams into some of Californias largest wildfires, including the Thomas Fire in 2017 and the Dixie Fire in 2021. He also helped coordinate local vaccination sites during the COVID-19 pandemic. More recently, McQuaid spearheaded efforts to combat the opioid crisis by partnering with local high schools to train staff on how to respond to overdoses and distribute Narcan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the large-scale opioid and fentanyl usage thats going on and the adverse results that are coming out of that, weve partnered with our high schools to train the teachers and train the high school staff how to respond to those emergencies, McQuaid told the Times. Were providing them with the Narcan so that they can get rapid response, even before we can get there, to help us in the process of saving lives. A graduate of Fountain Valley High School, McQuaid lived in Huntington Beach with his family and earned a masters degree in public safety leadership and executive management from Arizona State University in 2022, according to the Times. His loss is felt deeply across our department and throughout the city he served so faithfully, city officials said. We are grateful for the legacy he leaves behind and will continue to honor his memory in all that we do. The city has not released a cause of death. Details about memorial services have not yet been announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Four Bay State beaches and one beach in Maine topped the list of beaches nationwide with the lowest levels of theft-related crime, a new study has found. The study by The Action Network analyzed property crime data from over 520 U.S. beach-area zip codes. It measured the data, including theft, robbery, vehicle theft, and burglary, all per 1,000 residents. The findings? Four Massachusetts beaches three on Cape Cod and one on Nantucket rank in the top five in the country with the lowest risk of theft, with all reporting theft rates under 2.5 per 1,000 residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Massachusetts beaches topping the list of beaches nationwide with the lowest levels of theft-related crime are: No. 1: The Cape Cod National Seashore, which spans across the towns of Provincetown, Truro, Wellfleet, Eastham, Orleans and Chatham, and Marconi Beach in Wellfleet share the top spot, each with an implied theft probability of just 0.95%, supported by low rates of theft (1.62), robbery (0.29), vehicle theft (0.47), and burglary (1.23) per 1,000 residents. No. 3: Old Silver Beach in Falmouth, which has a low robbery rate of 0.21 per 1,000 residents. No. 4: Siasconset Beach on Nantucket, with a theft rate of 2.07 per 1,000 residents. What makes Massachusetts beaches stand out is their consistency across all property crime categories, a spokesperson from The Action Network said in a statement. From Cape Cod to Nantucket, these locations dont just have low theft rates they also report low instances of robbery, vehicle theft, and burglary, which collectively contribute to their top rankings, the spokesperson said. That kind of well-rounded safety profile is what makes them truly exceptional. Cape Cod National Seashore Park Ranger Eric Trudeau walks up to a group of visitors on Newcomb Hollow Beach on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, in Wellfleet, Mass. (Merrily Cassidy/The Cape Cod Times via AP) In Maine, Reid State Park ranked No. 9 among beaches with the lowest risk of theft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reid State Park has the lowest robbery rate in the nation at just 0.08 per 1,000 residents contributing to its low implied theft probability of 1.47%, the study found. Florida also had seven beaches in the top 10, with most of the beaches there showing very low vehicle theft and burglary rates, highlighting safer conditions in parts of the states Gulf and Atlantic coasts. California, North Carolina, and Hawaii account for over 80% of the top 20 highest-risk beach areas, the study found, pointing to a clear concentration of theft risk across multiple coastal locations within these states. A link to the study can be found here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) A fourth candidate has entered the 2026 Columbus mayoral election. Kia Marie Legette, 32, filed her intention to run for mayor with the local elections office Friday morning. Legette, a mother of two and business owner, says she is a neighbor who cares. Photo courtesy of Kia Marie Legette My interest to start a political career began when my experiences with politicians, religious leaders, family, and impoverished thinkers drove me to seek Gods face concerning his people and my purpose., Legette says in a statement letter to WRBL. His direction led me to resign my job in December of 2019 as director of a 37-year-old vocational school and reduce my lifestyle to what my tax dollars had already invested in to focus on rebuilding broken systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legette does address a 2024 domestic violence charge on her record. She claims it left a void of integrity on her life, but it has since been dropped. Legette did not address a simple battery charge stemming from 2012 and a driving with a suspended license charge stemming from 2015. Kia Marie Legette is the fourth candidate to have entered the race, but not the only one to have a history. RELATED: Columbus mayoral candidate has had multiple arrests since 2018 This comes after former Columbus City Manager Isaiah Hugley, former Russell County Sheriffs deputy and Army veteran Mark LaJoye and retired Army veteran Steven Kelly all filed intention forms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Qualifying is in March of next year. The election is slated for May 19, 2026. Right now, candidates are just filing intent to run forms that allow them to raise and spend campaign funds. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Former Columbus City Manager Isaiah Hugley files paperwork to run for mayor PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Second candidate files paperwork to run for Columbus mayor PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Third candidate jumps into Columbus mayors race Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) The search for a missing Franklin County man has come to an end. Jason Allen Eich, 53, was last seen around 4 p.m. on July 24, the sheriffs office said. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Authorities told FOX 56 that around 7 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, deputies found Eichs body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the sheriffs office, its believed he died by suicide. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. Ministers have been warned the childcare sector is at risk of collapse after a boom in demand for free care left a major government scheme in financial peril. A plan to expand free childcare for British families is set to cost the government an extra 1bn per year at a time when ministers are grappling to fill the gaping black hole in public finances. Labour has not spelled out how the funding gap will be filled, but experts predict the shortfall will create substantial pressure on the government and could put the entire childcare sector under threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an exclusive interview with The Independent, Bridget Phillipson insisted the unexpectedly high take-up a quarter higher than predicted was a good problem to have and would not leave children without places. But the education secretary could not guarantee that parents would get a space at their local nursery in September, when the scheme expands to offer eligible children aged nine months and older 30 hours a week of free childcare. Industry leaders said parents would be left disappointed while nurseries warned a lack of staff meant they were already struggling to deliver the governments pledge. Labour has not spelled out how the funding gap will be filled, but experts predict the shortfall will create substantial pressure on the government (PA Wire) Providers warn that the rate at which the government funds places is lower than the costs that they incur - and that greater numbers of government-funded places will reduce their ability to cross-subsidise from private fee payers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CEO of the Early Years Alliance, Neil Leitch, told The Independent: One thing is absolutely clear: if 80 per cent of all hours delivered are government hours, and those hours are inadequately funded, the infrastructure will collapse over a period of time. I cant say it will be one year or five years, but you can bet your bottom dollar if you dont give somebody enough money to deliver a service, at some point they stop. Figures published in March show the number of people newly entitled to free childcare was 26 per cent higher than originally estimated 379,000 compared to 302,000. This meant that the Department for Education spent 2bn on the policy last year, up from a planned 1.6bn. But this is only set to grow as further hours of free childcare are rolled out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the highly respected Institute for Fiscal Studies, the cost of extending free childcare to under-3s could end up costing 1bn more a year than previously expected, from 2026/7 onwards up from around 4bn to approximately 5bn. A boost to funding announced in Rachel Reevess spending review, of 640m, would go some way to filling this gap [but] could still leave substantial pressure from higher-than-expected take-up, the IFS said. IFS associate director Christine Farquharson said the DfE will still likely face difficult choices within its budget and may have to trim back spending in other areas to meet its childcare commitments. They have a fixed pot of money. When one thing becomes more expensive, that puts more pressure on other areas of the [education] budget, she told The Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Farquharson said predictions for how many parents would take up the free hours were complex but added: It does seem like [the Tories] underestimated take-up pretty systematically. It is just one of many financial decisions facing the chancellor ahead of the autumn Budget after planned welfare cuts, aimed at saving 5bn annually, were reversed. Ms Reeves is being pushed to bend her rules on borrowing or to raise taxes to keep public finances on track. The free childcare policy was launched in December 2023 with great fanfare under former Tory chancellor Jeremy Hunt. The first stage was put in place from September 2024, when the government extended 15 hours a week of free term-time childcare to working parents with a child aged nine months and over. From September, that will be extended to 30 hours a week. Labour say they were left a pledge without a plan when they entered government. Ministers have been working to massively expand the number of nursery spaces and staff but the task has been made more difficult by the fact that, unlike schools, many nurseries are private providers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Industry leaders warned that, with 8 in 10 of all nursery hours soon to be paid for by the government, the infrastructure was at risk of collapse without more money. The sector has already been forced to absorb huge additional costs in recent years, including Aprils national insurance rise, it warned. Childcare in the UK is one of the most expensive in the world, according to the OECD. Mr Leitch added: What we have to bear in mind is that weve already got a recruitment and retention crisis. The reality is, many settings dont have the people to be able to accommodate those additional hours. So Im afraid there will be parents that will be disappointed. Education secretary Bridget Phillipson insisted the boom in demand for free childcare was a good problem to have (PA Wire) Sarah Ronan, the director of the Early Education and Childcare Coalition, said the IFS was right to sound the alarm, adding that if the government did not match demand with funding it is leaving providers with no choice but to limit the number of places they offer or raise fees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The harsh reality is that if providers dont do that, theyll face closure and then well have an even worse crisis on our hands, she said. Purnima Tanuku, executive chair of the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA), said the governments ambitions will be put at risk if there is not sufficient investment in early years. She added that almost 70 per cent of nurseries told us that staff shortages mean they cannot offer the childrens places they have room to deliver. Munira Wilson, the Lib Dem education spokesperson, said providers had been left hanging by a thread and parents [are] facing the prospect of childcare deserts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government need to ensure that the funding for childcare hours matches the actual costs of delivery, she said. Official statistics released last week showed a 7.2 per cent increase in early years staff, the largest annual rise since the series began. The Department for Education would not be drawn on where any extra money might come from. But Ms Phillipson insisted she was unafraid of the policys popularity. She urged families to check what they are entitled to, adding: I want as many parents as possible to take up the offer. It allows parents to juggle work and family life, but it also sets up children to succeed. And the demand that parents are showing is a good problem to have, because it also brings economic dividends as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If people are able to work, or work a few more hours that helps us all as a society as well and it gets economic growth going. Ms Phillipson has previously warned that, as the policy expands again in September, parents in the first wave might not get their first choice of nursery. Asked if she could say that all parents who want a space would get one, she told The Independent: What I cant guarantee is that it will be as close to home as they would like or it will be their first choice, but were confident that the rollout will go well in September. Ms Farquharson did add that the higher uptake of free childcare could ultimately be a good sign for the economy, even if it is more expensive in the short-term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This higher uptake might mean that were getting a lot more parents moving into paid work because of these entitlements than first predicted, she said. If the goal for this policy is to drive growth, then this would be a fantastic success story. However, the extent to which that is the case will only become apparent over the next few years, she said. A DfE spokesperson said: High-quality, affordable childcare plays a vital role in our Plan for Change, which is why early years funding will rise to over 9bn next year, helping us meet our target of getting tens of thousands more children each year ready for school. Were backing families with this record investment including a 75m grant this year to support providers in delivering more places and a 45 per cent uplift in early year pupil premium, building on the real difference this is making for families as highlighted by the Coram survey who say costs for some has halved. The Freedom of the Press Foundation expressed discontent following the approval of the Paramount-Skydance merger, calling out Federal Communications Commission chairman Brendan Carr for meddling in broadcasters content. The FPF has been vocal about the risk that Paramounts $16 million settlement over the 60 Minutes interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris poses to press freedom, criticizing the media titan for cowering to President Donald Trump. In a statement to TheWrap Friday, a spokesperson for the foundation stated that they could hardly fathom that anyone could believe Paramounts seemingly selfless claims over its reasons for the settlement. More from TheWrap Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not aware of a single person who believed Paramounts claim that this settlement was about lawyer fees and liability risk, Seth Stern, director of advocacy at Freedom of the Press Foundation, said in a statement. And if such people exist, Donald Trump has a real estate degree to sell them. The foundation previously called Paramounts settlement a spineless decision. After 251 days, the FCC approved Paramount and Skydance Medias $8 billion merger by a vote of 2-1 along party lines Thursday. The approval came after Skydance agreed to bring on an ombudsman at CBS to review complaints of bias and to eliminate all DEI initiatives for Paramount at large. If there was ever any doubt, Brendan Carr just extinguished it by approving the merger just days after Trump announce hed received Paramounts shakedown money, the statement continued. Whats worse, Carr cant justify his actions by pointing to Skydances promise to appoint a bias ombudsman, because the FCC meddling in broadcasters content is illegal too. The FCC does not have permission to censor or bar broadcasters from platforming content from any point of view. Engaging in censorship would infringe the media First Amendment right to freedom of the press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The press freedom advocacy group filed a shareholder information demand back in May and said in early July that it intended to explore further legal action to hold Paramounts board accountable for what it sees as a capitulation to Trump that violates shareholders interests and the First Amendment. Each time a company cowers and surrenders to Trumps demands it only emboldens him to do it again. It will be remembered as one of the most shameful capitulations by the press to a president in history, Stern said in a statement to TheWrap July 2. The Paramount-Skydance merger approval comes just one week after CBS canceled The Late Show with Stephen Colbert after he called his networks $16 million settlement a big fat bribe. Under the new merger, Skydance is set to acquire controlling shareholder Shari Redstones holding company National Amusements, which controls 77.4% of the Paramount Class A common stock outstanding and approximately 9.5% of the overall equity of the company, before merging with the Hollywood studio. The Redstone family will finally relinquish control of the media giant that they have owned since 1994 to the Ellison family and Gerry Cardinales RedBird Capital Partners. The post Freedom of the Press Foundation Calls BS on Paramount-Trump Settlement After Merger Approval: Shakedown Money appeared first on TheWrap. PARIS (AP) French authorities are trying to establish whether a group of young French citizens were removed from a plane bound for Paris from Spain this week because they are Jewish. The airline, Vueling, has denied the claims. Several dozen French passengers on Wednesday were kicked off a flight leaving the Spanish city of Valencia for Paris, for what Spanish police and the airline described as unruly behavior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement France's ministry for Europe and foreign affairs said in a statement on Saturday that the minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, contacted the CEO of Vueling, Carolina Martinoli, to express his deep concern about the removal of a group of young French Jews from one of the companys flights. Barrot also requested more information to determine whether these individuals had been discriminated against on the basis of their religion. A similar request has been made to the Spanish ambassador to France. Ms. Martinoli assured Mr. Barrot that a thorough internal investigation was underway and that its findings would be shared with the French and Spanish authorities, the ministry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vueling previously denied reports that the incident, which involved the removal of 44 minors and eight adults from flight V8166, was related to the passengers religion. Some Israeli news outlets reported that the students were Jewish and that their removal was religiously motivated, a claim that was repeated by an Israeli minister online. Spains Civil Guard said the minors and adults were French nationals. A Civil Guard spokesperson said the agents involved were not aware of the groups religious affiliation. A Vueling spokesperson said the passengers were removed after the minors repeatedly tampered with the planes emergency equipment and interrupted the crews safety demonstration. A Civil Guard spokesperson said the captain of the plane ordered the removal of the minors from the plane at Valencias Manises Airport after they repeatedly ignored the crews instructions. On Thursday, the Federation for Jewish Communities of Spain expressed concern about the incident. The group said that Vueling needed to provide documentary evidence of what happened on the plane. PARIS -Arab countries will for the first time condemn Hamas and call for its disarmament early next week at a United Nations ministerial event in New York, a move meant to lure more European countries to recognize Palestinian statehood, France's foreign minister said on Saturday. In an exclusive interview with French weekly Le Journal du Dimanche, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot said the move was part of a long-planned initiative between France and Saudi Arabia. "For the first time, Arab countries will condemn Hamas and call for its disarmament, which will seal its definitive isolation. European countries will in turn confirm their intention to recognize the State of Palestine. Half of European countries have done so, all others are considering it," Barrot told the JDD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The British Prime Minister has stated his intention to do so. Germany is considering it at a later stage. We will launch an appeal in New York for other countries to join us in order to set in motion an even more ambitious and demanding process that will culminate on September 21," Barrot added. On Thursday French President Emmanuel Macron announced France would formally recognize the state of Palestine at the U.N. General Assembly on September 21, drawing condemnation from the U.S. and Israel. Earlier on Saturday Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni called it counterproductive to recognise a Palestinian state before it is established. On Friday a German government spokesperson said there were no plans to recognise a Palestinian state in the short term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the upcoming United Nations event on Monday and Tuesday, France and Saudi Arabia plan to lay out a proposed post-war roadmap leading to a two-state solution covering security, reconstruction and governance, which will be compatible with the Abraham Accords negotiated by U.S. President Trump, Barrot said. The French minister added that in coming weeks the European Commission would take a tougher stance on Israel and demand a stop on building of any new settlement projects in the West Bank, and also an end to militarized policing of humanitarian aid distribution. Barrot also called on fellow European countries to demand a removal of the financial blockade on the Palestinian authority so it can receive 2 billion euros he said it is owed. (Reporting by America Hernandez in Paris; Editing by David Gregorio) By John Irish and Michel Rose PARIS (Reuters) -President Emmanuel Macron's announcement that France would become the first Western member of the United Nations Security Council to recognise a Palestinian state in September has caused diplomatic ructions from the Middle East through Europe to Washington. But it did not come out of the blue. When Macron visited the Egyptian town of Al-Arish on the border with Gaza in April, he was struck by the mounting humanitarian crisis and made clear on his return home that Paris would soon opt for recognition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Working with Saudi Arabia, Macron came up with a plan to have France plus G7 allies Britain and Canada recognise Palestinian statehood, while pushing Arab states to adopt a softer stance towards Israel through a United Nations conference. But despite weeks of talks he failed to get others on board. Three diplomats said London did not want to face the wrath of the United States, and Ottawa took a similar stance, leaving Macron to go it alone. "It became increasingly apparent that we could not wait to get partners on board," said a French diplomat, adding France will work to get more states on board ahead of conference on a two-state solution in September. Domestically Macron was under rising pressure to do something amid widespread anger at the harrowing images coming out of Gaza. Although with both Europe's biggest Muslim and Jewish communities and a polarised political landscape, there was no obvious course of action that would satisfy all sides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel and its staunch supporter the United States have blasted France's move, branding it a reward for the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which ran Gaza and whose attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 triggered the current war. Macron had discussed the matter extensively with both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in advance. Trump said on Friday that France's decision didn't "carry any weight" but added Macron was "a good guy". CONFERENCE PLAN French officials previously considered an announcement at a conference scheduled for June at the United Nations, co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, to sketch out a roadmap to a viable Palestinian state while also ensuring Israels security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the conference was postponed amid intense U.S. diplomatic pressure and after Israeli air strikes on Iran. Macron's announcement on Thursday is linked to a rescheduled and rejigged version of the U.N. conference, now planned to take place Monday and Tuesday. That meeting will be at ministerial level, but Paris decided it would hold a second event with heads of state and government on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September, where Macron will announce formal recognition. Some analysts say Macron has used the carrot of recognition to extract concessions from Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority which is a moderate rival to Hamas, and other regional players. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Macron here is acting as a catalyst to get the Palestinians to deliver on the needed reforms, to get the Arabs to deliver on a stabilization force and the disarming of Hamas," said Rym Momtaz, editor-in-chief of the Strategic Europe blog run by the Carnegie Europe think tank. Others say while recognition has symbolic value, there will still be no functioning Palestinian state whenever the war in Gaza comes to an end. "Recognition by a European heavyweight like France is indicative of the rising frustration with Israel's intransigent policies," said Amjad Iraqi, senior analyst at International Crisis Group. "What's the point of recognising a state if they're doing little to stop it from turning into ruins?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement French officials point to months of intense Israeli lobbying to try to prevent Macron's move - and Netanyahu's fierce criticism of it - as evidence that it matters a lot to Israeli leaders. Sources familiar with the matter say Israel's warnings to France had ranged from scaling back intelligence-sharing to complicating Paris' regional initiatives - even hinting at possible annexation of parts of the West Bank. But French officials concluded that Netanyahu would do whatever he thought was in his interests in the West Bank anyway, regardless of what France did on recognition. Israel's parliament voted on Wednesday in favour of a non-binding declaration urging the government to apply Israeli law to the West Bank, widely seen as a de facto annexation of the territory. That added to the urgency in Paris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If there is a moment in history to recognise a Palestinian state, even if it's just symbolic, then I would say that moment has probably come," said a senior French official. (Reporting by John Irish and Michel Rose; Editing by Peter Graff) OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Convicted murderer Edward Zakrzewski is appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court for a stay of execution. Zakrzewskis lawyers are requesting a stay on the grounds that Florida is an Extreme outlier when it comes to capital punishment. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the death warrant on July 1st, setting the execution date for July 31st. Zakrzewski killed his wife, Sylvia, and his two children, Edward and Anna, at their home in Ft. Walton Beach on June 9th, 1994. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He then drove to Orlando and hopped a flight to Hawaii, changed his name, and moved into a family-run religious commune. He surrendered to police after the family saw his picture on Unsolved Mysteries. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. A former CIA officer who helped investigate Russian election interference denied Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbards claim that the Obama administration cooked up intelligence on Russia to undermine Trumps 2016 election win. The director of national intelligence and the White House are lying again, said CIA veteran Susan Miller. We definitely had the intel to show with high probability that the specific goal of the Russians was to get Trump elected. Miller was one of three officers commissioned to assemble the 2019 Mueller report, also known as the Report On The Investigation Into Russian Interference In The 2016 Presidential Election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In investigating sound intelligence on inference claims, Miller told CNNs Kaitlan Collins that they were simply directed to look at the data. Did anyone from the president, the CIA director at the timeanyonedid anyone tell you what conclusion to receive, to reach, when you [were] putting this report together? she asked. Absolutely not, said Miller, who has served nine times overseas in the CIA before becoming the agencys chief of counterintelligence. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard released a July 18 report claiming that the Obama administration manufactured a Russia hoax to undermine President Donald Trump's re-election campaign. / Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images If there had been any pressure, Miller said she would have promptly resigned. She added, And I can guarantee, the other three members of my team would have quit too. They are just righteous people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Responding to the Trump administrations praise of Gabbard and the dismissal of the Mueller reports findings as a total hoax, Miller called it wrong in every single way. What Tulsi is saying is we only want to hear anything thats pro-Trump, pro-Trump policy, pro-this, pro-current Republican Party, from any of our intel services. And if we hear anything thats not that? Then were going to come after you, Miller said. We looked at everything, and were being now told that we somehow did it wrong. Gabbard released a report on July 18 claiming that the Obama administration manufactured the Russia hoax, calling it a treasonous conspiracy. When the impact of that report seemed to fizzle in MAGAs social circles, the intelligence director followed up with a series of infographics on social media that seemed to cast more confusion over her claims. Gabbard shared this infographic on social media detailing the evidence behind her claim that the Obama administration engaged in a Despite a scathing rebuke from former President Obama himself, Gabbard has since tripled down on her claims. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Wednesday, she told reporters who questioned inconsistencies in her report that they were doing a disservice to America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Notably, Gabbards evidence contradicts a massive bipartisan 2020 Senate Intelligence Committee report that came to the same conclusion as the Mueller report, finding that Russia had engaged in an aggressive, multi-faceted effort to influence, or attempt to influence, the outcome of the 2016 presidential election in Trumps favor. Miller explained the impetus behind the Russia investigation in the Friday interview. We received some information that was corroborated that the Russians were trying to influence the election on the part ofon the part of Trumptowards Trump, towards the Republican Party and Trump, Miller said. We took it very seriously, because Russians meddling in our election process is a pretty ugly thing to do, and we have to assess it and look at it. Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report on Russian election interference found the country had tried to influence the results but found no collusion between the regime and President Donald Trump's campaign. / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images After the assessment, We could determine that, 100 percent, the Russians were trying to influence the election. And we wrote the paper, basically saying that, Miller said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Miller said what they could not determine was how successful the efforts were. Unless we poll every voter as to why they voted, we cant tell you if that worked. And therefore, from our perspective, Trump is our president. And we just left it at that, Miller said. The Daily Beast has contacted White House representatives for a response to Millers statements. FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI) The longtime owner of a Fall River assisted living facility where 10 residents died in a fire earlier this month announced Friday he will not be speaking publicly about what happened anytime soon. In a statement, Gabriel House owner Dennis Etzkorn explained that he is focused solely on assisting authorities with the investigation and the residents who have been impacted by the tragedy. The last two weeks have been the most difficult Ive ever known, not because of whatever I have experienced, but rather, because of the knowledge that 10 families who were part of the Gabriel House have suffered unimaginable pain and the ultimate loss, Etzkorn wrote. We are heartbroken for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Investigators find 2 possible causes of deadly Fall River fire Etzkorn noted that, while he is cognizant of the numerous requests for interviews hes received, he stressed this is not the time to talk about myself. He added that he is in the process of establishing a system that will allow residents families to easily recover their loved ones possessions from the assisted living facility. We anticipate that the return of personal possessions to family members will be completed by the end of next week, Etzkorn continued. All that matters right now is getting to the bottom of why this happened and helping our residents loved ones in this darkest of times. Those dual tasks will remain my only priorities to the exclusion of all else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SEE ALSO: Funeral home offers to cover cost of services for Fall River fire victims This is the first time Etzkorn has issued a direct and widely disseminated statement following the deadly fire, which tore through the assisted living facility on June 13. Etzkorn sent a statement to The Boston Globe the day after the fire broke out. He also issued a statement through Gabriel House spokesperson George K. Regan Jr. on Monday. MORE: Donations a lifeline for Fall River fire survivors Investigators revealed earlier this week that the fire was either caused by a malfunctioning oxygen machine or improperly discarded smoking materials. But since the exact cause of the fire cant be pinpointed, it has been officially classified as undetermined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inspection reports confirmed that the assisted living facility was up to code at the time of the fire. Despite this, a resident who was seriously injured in the fire filed a lawsuit against the Gabriel House claiming the facility wasnt properly managed and there were no emergency response procedures in place. TARGET 12: Gabriel House owner tied to legal disputes, harassment claims In the wake of the fire, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey announced a series of measures to enhance safety at assisted living facilities across the state. The fire at the Gabriel House was the deadliest fire in the state since 1984, when 15 residents were killed in a rooming house fire in Beverly, according to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NEXT: Gabriel House resident hurt in fire sues assisted living facility Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. A protest by pro-Palestinian activists disrupted the official opening of the 2025 Salzburg Festival on Saturday. Several protesters called out slogans like "Blood on Your Hands" and unfurled banners with "Stop the Genocide." Austrian Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler, who is responsible for culture, interrupted his address. He offered the protesters an "open discussion," as they were taken out of the packed hall by security officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Alexander Van der Bellen was among the guests. The opening address was given by Anne Applebaum, the US-Polish historian. She said she had been greatly affected by images of starving children in the Gaza Strip and called on Israel to respect international humanitarian law. The demonstration was one of many that have erupted across Europe in protest at conditions in the Gaza Strip, which have been widely published in European media, along with images of people struggling to gain access to aid. Attorney George Conway criticized President Trump on Friday for not completely ruling out a pardon for convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell at the center of the Jeffrey Epstein case. His words came after Trump told reporters earlier in the day that he was allowed to grant Maxwell clemency but hadnt considered taking the measure. She is a sexual predator. She was found guilty of doing these things. She [was] found guilty of, she would take the passports away from these girls, who they dragged to Epstein island. She did all of this stuff, Conway said during an appearance on CNNs The Lead with Jake Tapper. Shes neck deep, way in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And so the notion that they would give her clemency is just insane, he added. Conway, a staunch Trump critic, joins a chorus of Democrats and even some conservatives who are railing against the Trump administration for failing to release files related to the Epstein case. Epstein, who died in prison in 2019, and Maxwell, whos now serving a 20-year sentence, were convicted for sex trafficking and other charges. Maxwell appealed her guilty verdict and is fighting to have her case heard before the Supreme Court. This week, she met with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche about the case. During those meetings, the Justice Department granted her limited immunity in exchange for her candor, ABC News reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, some, including Conway, said she cant be trusted. The Justice Department trashed on her credibility back when they prosecuted her, he told Tapper on Friday. They said that she couldnt be trusted under oath. Trump was notified that his name was listed in files tied to Epsteins dealings earlier this year. But the president denies any wrongdoing and says those seeking information about his involvement with the deceased financier are engaging in a witch hunt. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A Georgia woman has pleaded guilty to harassing two Middle Tennessee couples looking to adopt a baby, the U.S. Attorneys Office announced Friday. According to Acting U.S. Attorney Robert McGuire, Gabryele Gabby Watson, 29, impersonated a pregnant teenager to the couple, who had sought to adopt a baby for eight years. According to the USAO, Watson cyberstalked one Middle Tennessee couple (Victims One and Two) in May and June of 2023 using the assumed identity of a real pregnant 16-year-old in Pennsylvania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Using the Pennsylvania teens social media, Watson was able to learn accurate details about her life, including her legal name and nickname, date of birth, and home state; she was also able to learn the full name and nickname of the teens boyfriend, who was the babys father. Man charged with stealing $10M+ from George Jones widow Watson also reportedly gleaned details about the teens pregnancy, including photos and video recordings of her throughout her pregnancy, such as baby bump photographs, and sonogram images at various stages of development through the teens social media. Whenever the Pennsylvania teen posted updates on her social media accounts, Watson would copy the content for her continued scheme against the Tennessee couple, the USAO said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Using the assumed identity, Watson contacted one victim through the victims social media adoption page initially, then used spoofed text messages and phone calls, as well as email messages using an account created using the teens name. Through the initial contact, Watson claimed she was 16 years old facing an unplanned pregnancy and wanted to give up her baby for adoption. She shared detailed information about her life and pregnancydetails that really described the Pennsylvania teens lifeand promised to give her baby up for adoption to the Tennessee couple. According to the USAO, throughout her scheme, Watson began demanding the couple be available to her at all hours and respond to her frequent communications. She also demanded the couple purchase her baby-related gear and maternity clothing, even threatening to cancel the adoption repeatedly. Watson also claimed her baby suffered from various life-threatening health emergencies and pretended to be stalked and disappear from her home. The USAO also said Watson threatened to abort or injure the unborn baby or to die by suicide while pregnant to the couple. She finally threatened to kill the couple, per the USAO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee Authorities said at the same time Watson was communicating with the first couple, she began committing the same behaviors against a second Middle Tennessee couple (Victims Three and Four). To the second couple, Watson claimed to be an 18-year-old living in ArkansasVictim Fivepregnant with high-risk twins. She even communicated with the second couples two young sons via speakerphone and encouraged them to be excited about the adoption, according to the USAO. Watson then made similar claims to the second couple: she made similar claims about her unborn babies health, was verbally abusive to Victim Three and threatened to kill the couple and their children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defendants callous actions and complete disregard for the families she victimized was not only disturbing, it was also a violation of federal law, McGuire said in a release. We will aggressively seek to vindicate the rights of caring people who simply wanted to adopt, love, and raise a baby and, instead, were heartlessly victimized by the defendant. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com The devastating effects of cyberstalking cannot be understated, and I hope the victims can find some closure to the nightmares they endured during Gabby Watsons relentless reign of harassment, said Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. This plea is the result of the hard work of motivated agents and analysts. The FBI will continue to protect the community from those who try to commit similar scams. Watson ultimately pleaded guilty to four counts of cyberstalking, two counts of interstate transmission of threats to kidnap or injure, and two counts of unlawful use of a means of identification, according to the USAO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watson is scheduled to be sentenced in January 2026. She faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison, followed by up to three years of supervised release, as well as a maximum fine of $250,000, for each of the eight counts in the second superseding indictment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Germans need to work longer and harder, Economy Minister Katherina Reiche has told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung national daily in remarks published on Saturday. Reiche's comments drew immediate criticism from worker representatives. "Demographic change and increasing life expectancy make this unavoidable. Lifetime working must rise," she said. Working for just two thirds of adult life and going on pension for a third was not possible over the longer term. Too many people had denied demographic reality for too long, Reiche said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have to work harder and longer," she said. While many were working in physically arduous jobs, there were also many who could and wanted to work for longer. Reiche noted that companies were reporting that employees worked 1,800 hours per year in the United States and only 1,340 in Germany. She said that reforms agreed by the new centre-left government in its coalition deal would not suffice over the longer term. "Social security systems are overloaded. The combination of non-wage labour costs, taxes and deductions are making the labour factor in Germany uncompetitive over the longer term," Reiche said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christian Baumler, who heads the workers association within Reiche's own Christian Democrats, expressed criticism of the minister's remarks and noted that they had no basis in the coalition deal with Social Democrats. "An economy minister who does not realize that Germany has a high part-time working ratio, and thus a low average annual working time is the wrong choice for the position," he said. German police officers on Friday rescued an injured seal found on the banks of the Elbe River in the northern city of Hamburg. Finding seals in this area is considered unusual, a police spokesman said. The marine mammal, weighing over 100 kilograms, was discovered late Friday evening by witnesses who alerted authorities. According to a fire brigade spokesman, the seal had a minor injury on its fin. Rescuers initially planned to transfer the seal to an animal shelter. However, when the shelter was unable to take the animal, it was brought to a local wildlife caretaker who typically looks after the city's swan population. A member of Wapiti Lake Pack is photographed near the Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park in July 2020. The Wapiti Lake Pack is one of nine wolf packs that was living in Yellowstone as of December 2024. (File photo courtesy of Jim Peaco/Yellowstone National Park) This is the final installment of Howl, a five-part written series and podcast season produced in partnership between the Idaho Capital Sun, States Newsroom and Boise State Public Radio. Journalists Clark Corbin and Heath Druzin reported and wrote Howl over the course of 14 months, trekking deep into the backcountry in some of the most remote places in the Lower 48 chasing the story of Americas wildest and most controversial wildlife comeback story wolf reintroduction. Read earlier installments: Carters Hope, River of No Return, Fixing Yellowstone and Cattle Battle. Thirty years after wolves were brought back from near extinction in the U.S. Rocky Mountains, the state of Idaho is back in the wolf-killing business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based on direction from the Idaho Fish and Game Commission, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is working to reduce the states wolf population by more than 60% over six years. According to the Idaho Gray Wolf Management Plan 2023-2028, the states goal is to reduce the wolf population down from the estimated average of 1,270 wolves to a new average of about 500 wolves, with a low of about 350 wolves. Based on the population dynamics in Idahos wolf population, the state estimates humans would need to kill about 37% of Idahos estimated wolf population each year for six years to reach the goal of an average population of 500 wolves While nearly everyone in the wolf debate says its extremely difficult to get an accurate count of the animals within the states borders, some wolf advocates dont agree with Idaho officials on how many wolves are actually in the state due to the research methods used until recently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And some worry that if the state doesnt have an accurate wolf population count, it doesnt know how many wolves should be killed under the management plan. Current wolf hunting, trapping policies a grim reminder of eradication campaign from the past, early wolf member of wolf management team says Idaho legislators are driving the policy by responding to concerns from farmers and ranchers who have had animals like sheep and cattle killed by wolves. Between 2014 and 2023, wolves in Idaho killed a minimum of 1,291 domestic livestock animals, according to state records. The losses affected 299 different ranchers and farmers. But for Marcie Carter, one of the early members of the Nez Perce Tribes program that managed wolves in Idaho, the expansion of wolf hunting and trapping and the government-sponsored killing of wolves in Idaho is a grim reminder of the eradication campaign that nearly killed off all wolves in the U.S. Rocky Mountains by the 1940s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wolves are a native species in Idaho and all across the U.S. But as setters moved West, the U.S. government passed wolf-killing bounties meant to encourage westward expansion. By 1926, rangers had killed the last wolves in Yellowstone National Park. The last wolf in Idaho was killed in the 1930s, according to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. In one of the most successful and controversial wildlife comeback stories in American history, the U.S. government reintroduced wolves to Yellowstone and Idaho in 1995. We did all this great work, and we spent hours and hours out in the woods and then to come to this point where theyre treated like vermin, its really disorienting, said Carter, who now works as the watershed coordinator for the Nez Perce Tribes Department of Fisheries Resource Management. The impact of wolves on livestock in Idaho Having livestock killed is a big deal to the rancher who owns that animal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But some wolf advocates say that, big picture, the number of livestock killed by wolves is pretty low every year. From 2018 to 2022, there were an average of 259 livestock deaths each year in Idaho that were deemed confirmed or probable wolf kills, according to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. (Depredation is the term officials use when a predator like a wolf kills or maims livestock like cattle. Idaho Department of Fish and Game officials said confirmed or probable determinations are dependent on sufficient evidence remaining, which is dependent on very rapid detection and investigation of the carcass and minimal disturbance by scavengers. Those criteria often arent met in remote environments, therefore the documented confirmed and probable depredations should be considered a minimum number, Fish and Game officials said.) Thats in a state with about 2.5 million head of cattle and 235,000 sheep including on feedlots and dairies where wolves and other predators are not present. That means wolves kill an average of about 0.01% of Idahos combined cattle and sheep population each year. How does Idaho estimate its wolf population? All sides in the wolf debate agree it is extremely difficult to produce an exact population count of wolves in Idaho. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state is too big, the terrain is too rugged and wolves are too elusive for that to happen. Instead, officials use multiple different techniques to estimate that wolf population. Until recently, Idaho Fish and Game officials used wildlife trail cameras and a statistical model to estimate the states wolf population. Some outside researchers expressed concern with the accuracy of using wildlife cameras to estimate wolf populations. Scott Creel, an ecologist and conservation biologist who works for Montana State University, has studied carnivores since 1987 and studied wolf-elk interactions since the 1990s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Creel has been critical of wolf population methods used in Montana and Idaho. I was frustrated with seeing methods being used to estimate wolf numbers that were very indirect and, in my opinion, were unlikely to produce accurate estimates, Creel said. I was particularly worried that the methods I was seeing used would produce estimates that wouldnt change, even if the wolf numbers were really changing. So the wolf population would appear to be constant, even though the policy changed just because of the way we were counting them, which is extremely oblique in both of the two methods that I was reviewing. A human hand shows how large this wolf print on the Blacktail Ponds Trail actually is. (File photo courtesy of Jacob W. Frank/Yellowstone National Park) The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks declined an interview request for this story. Creel stressed that accurately estimating wolf populations is extremely difficult. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Idaho Department of Fish and Game officials disagree with Creels criticism, but acknowledged trail cam population estimation methods become less reliable when the number of images of wolves from the trail cameras declines. In July 2024, Idaho Fish and Game announced a new wolf population estimation procedure. Instead of using trail cams, officials are using new methods involving combination of genetic and information taken from a tooth of every wolf mortality documented by the state, information on the biological range of wolf population dynamics, a statistical model, and actual wolf hunting and mortality data. Its called the ABC method, short for Approximate Bayesian Computation, which Idaho Fish and Game officials said has been used widely in other scientific fields like epidemiology and population genetics. Biometricians use that method to estimate the total number of new litters of wolf pups each year and the average estimated wolf population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When he introduced the new wolf population estimate in July 2024, Idaho Fish and Game Wildlife Bureau Chief Shane Roberts said the new population estimation method independently produced similar population estimates to the trail cam methods population estimates from 2019 to 2022 using different data. Roberts said that gives him confidence the new method produces consistent and reasonable population estimates. He also said it backs up the old trail cam method that outside researchers have publicly criticized. Although no population estimation technique is perfect, we now have an independent source of information that validates the camera-based estimates that weve been using to guide wolf management since 2019 and refutes the idea that those estimates are wildly erroneous, as some have claimed, Roberts said during the July 2024 Idaho Fish and Game Commission meeting. But for 2023, the trail cam method and the new method produced different population estimates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new method estimated 1,150 wolves, while the trail cam method estimated 840 wolves, Roberts said. Even though it has been a year since Idaho Fish and Game officials announced their new estimation methods, the methods do not appear on the Idaho Department of Fish and Games website for public review. Howl reporters Clark Corbin and Heath Druzin asked Idaho Fish and Game officials for a copy of the states new methods for estimating the wolf population. In March, Fish and Game officials said the only available information is a YouTube video of officials announcing their wolf population presentation. The relevant discussion takes place more than four hours into a six-hour Idaho Fish and Game Commission meeting on July 24, 2024. Officials said they are working to publish their methods. We are in the process of preparing a manuscript for peer-reviewed publication on the method, which we hope to have submitted for publication later this spring or early summer, Roberts said in March. As of June 24, the department had not yet published its new wolf population estimation methods in a peer-reviewed publication. Roberts said June 24 that officials are close to submitting it and hope to have it submitted for peer-reviewed publication before the upcoming July 17 Idaho Fish and Game Commission meeting. Despite questions and criticisms of past methods, Roberts said he is confident in using the new population estimation to drive wolf management decisions in Idaho. Because we were able to produce five years of virtually identical estimates between (the new methods) and the camera-based methods weve used before, we are confident this transition will result in consistent information to inform wolf management in the state, Roberts said during the July 2024 Idaho Fish and Game Commission meeting. Why Idahos wolf population estimate is important Bob Crabtree, who founded the Yellowstone Ecological Research Center, said accuracy in wolf population estimates is extremely important. Its like asking a business owner to try to make a profit or try to avoid losing money by not knowing what items they have on the shelves that they stock in their store, Crabtree said. Population size, or abundance, is the No. 1 criteria used to successfully manage and conserve and restore wolves. And without it, you just cant. Many wolf laws and policies rely on wolf population estimates. State Sen. Van Burtenshaw, a Republican rancher from the town of Terreton, Idaho, sponsored Senate Bill 1211, which Gov. Brad Little signed into law in 2021. The law removed the limit on the number of wolf tags hunters could buy each year, legalized wolf trapping year round on private property and allowed the state of Idaho to contract with federal agencies and other third parties to kill wolves. Burtenshaw said he pushed for the law because his constituents told him there are too many wolves eating too much livestock. The big thing was the amount of farmers and ranchers that were dealing with significant losses because of the wolf population, Burtenshaw said. Originally when the wolf was reintroduced, they were talking about 150 or something in the Idaho region. And we had well over 1,500, almost 1,600, for a long time. So the depredation cost was huge to those that had livestock and other animals as well. That population has kind of got out of balance, and thats what were trying to figure out is where that balance is, Burtenshaw said. The impact of wolf hunting in Idaho Idaho sold more than 53,000 wolf tags to hunters in 2023 even though there are only an estimated 1,150 wolves in the state, according to documents provided by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. More than half of those wolf tags were sold in the popular sportsmans package, which includes a hunting/fishing combo license and tags for deer, elk, bear, wolf, mountain lion, turkey, salmon and steelhead. (State officials said they do not know the percentage of hunters who bought a wolf tag because wolves are the primary animal they are hunting vs. the percentage of hunters who primarily hunted other animal species but still bought a wolf tag.) From the 2019-20 wolf hunting season through the 2023-24 hunting season, hunters and trappers killed an average of more than 400 wolves a year in Idaho, according to Idaho Fish and Game. This graphic shows wolf hunting data in the state of Idaho from 2009 to 2025. Note the 2024-2025 season data is incomplete. (Graphic courtesy of Idaho Department of Fish and Game) In addition to expanding wolf hunting and trapping, Idaho also financially reimburses expenses for hunters who successfully kill a wolf. Since 2019, the state of Idaho has paid out $849,750 in reimbursements to successful wolf hunters, according to data provided by the Idaho Fish and Game. The money is Idaho Fish and Game funding that is transferred to the Wolf Depredation Control Board for the Foundation for Wildlife Managements reimbursement program, Fish and Game officials said. Separately, the foundation has applied for and received Idaho Fish and Game Commission Challenge Grants. Our end (goal) in this originally was focused on trying to direct the harvest where we were seeing the greatest impacts chronic livestock depredation, elk populations below objective, where predation was a factor to try to focus that effort where harvest at that time was not sufficient to stabilize the wolf numbers, said Idaho Fish and Game Deputy Director of Operations Jon Rachael, who was an original member of the wolf recovery team. In the context of hunting, the word harvest means successfully killing a game animal such as a wolf. The reimbursement money can be used for firearms, ammo, traps, trail cameras, gear, license fees, fuel and even ATV vehicles used to scout or hunt wolves, according to the foundation. Rusty Kramer, the president of the Idaho Trappers Association, said he has used state reimbursement money to make payments on his truck, which he uses when he is tracking and trapping wolves. The standard reimbursement in Idaho is capped at $750 per wolf. But in areas where elk populations are below their objective, or livestock have been repeatedly killed by wolves, the reimbursement limit increases to $2,000 per wolf. Some wolf supporters call the program a bounty system and scoff at the idea of the state sending checks to people who shot wolves to help pay off their trucks and ATVs. But Idaho Fish and Game officials insist it is only a reimbursement program not a bounty. Any of the funds that come from the state of Idaho, from the Wolf Depredation Control Board, or, in the past, from the Fish and Game Commission Challenge Grants did require that this money was not just a straight payment of a certain amount, but rather the individual claiming compensation present evidence of their expenses, Rachael said. And so in that regard, it was compensation for their investment of buying traps or fuel to run a trap line. U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed it killed juvenile wolves in Idaho When the state kills wolves, it doesnt just kill adult wolves that are confirmed to have attacked livestock. The state, other government agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services and third party contractors can kill wolf pups in their dens and their nursing mother even if those specific wolves never attacked a cow or sheep. You can kill wolf puppies, said Carter Niemeyer, a former government trapper who helped bring wolves back to Idaho and Yellowstone National Park 30 years ago and opposes killing wolf pups and many of Idahos wolf policies. Theyre plum legal if you kill them at a day old. Stomp their head in with your boot if you want to. Carter Niemeyer howls while looking for wolves just outside of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. (Photo by Heath Druzin for the Idaho Capital Sun) Students at Timberline High School in Boise spoke out a few years ago after the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services killed wolf pups from a pack that the school symbolically adopted, the Idaho Capital Sun previously reported. In an October 2021 letter to Suzanne Asha Stone, a prominent Idaho wolf expert and a member of the wolf reintroduction team, former U.S. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Jenny Lester Moffitt, confirmed the government killed eight juvenile wolves in Idaho in an attempt to relocate the larger pack and reduce the number of livestock killed. Carter, who was on the Nez Perce Tribes wolf reintroduction team in the 1990s, is sickened that the state would authorize the killing of wolf pups that never disturbed livestock. I mean, its one thing to shoot an adult, Carter said. But to trap puppies in the den hole? Its just so awful. And I dont understand how people can be that hateful to one species of animal that has a right to be here. But for sure, the state has not done their due diligence. Ill just stop there, Carter added. The state of Idaho is not taking care of this species. Since wolves were removed from the Endangered Species List in 2011, the USDA Wildlife Services and other agencies have killed 961 wolves in Idaho, according to Idaho Department of Fish and Game documents. Since 2018, Idaho Fish and Game has spent $817,668 on lethal control actions to kill wolves in Idaho, according to documents the department provided. That total specifically refers to Idaho Fish and Game funding through the Wolf Depredation Control Board that was not spent on reimbursements made by the Foundation for Wildlife Management. One of Idahos policies is that even when nonlethal tools are available to reduce conflicts between livestock and wolves, the state can kill wolves without first trying the nonlethal tools. Livestock producers may use deterrents to aid in protecting their property; however, they are not a prerequisite for lethal removal, the Idaho Gray Wolf Management Plan 2023-2028 states. Regardless of use or success of nonlethal methods, landowners may request a special kill permit from IDFG for use on lawfully permitted public and private lands. IDFG will continue to employ lethal removal as needed to address both individual depredations and overall population goals 30 years after wolf reintroduction, some of the people who brought wolves back worry about their future Longtime wolf advocates say the government-sponsored killing of wolves and expansions in hunting and trapping is reducing the number of wolves. Now, 30 years after the first wolves were returned to Idaho and 14 years after they came off the Endangered Species List, several prominent members of the team that brought wolves back worry about the threats wolves face today. Niemeyer is a longtime government trapper who has tracked wolves across Idaho and Montana since before reintroduction in 1995. Intimately familiar with wolves, he was a member of the team that traveled to Canada 30 years ago to capture wolves to reintroduce them to Idaho and Montana. For years after reintroduction, Carter studied the packs and knew the location of many dens in central Idaho. Niemeyer was so confident in his ability to find wolves that he regularly guided donors who supported conservation organizations into the wild to see wolves. He knew the landscape well enough he could set up camp just close enough for the donors to see and howl for wolves as Niemeyer cooked cowboy-style dinners for the group. But those days are over. Over the last few years, Niemeyer said he and his longtime contacts are no longer seeing wolves in the wild the same places they always used to. When theyre in there, they see virtually little or no sign of any wolf existence in the Frank, Niemeyer said, referring to the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. If you put together what Im seeing, or better yet, what Im not seeing. Nobodys finding any wolf evidence. So where are these 1,300 or 1,500 wolves? Niemeyers luck isnt any better than his friends. During a Howl reporting trip in July 2024, Niemeyer found wolf scat and wolf tracks, but no wolves. And during another, separate expedition in 2024, he said he struck out entirely he didnt even see a wolf track. The Big Buck Pack, Steel Mountain Pack, Jackson Pack, Archie Pack, I can name all these packs up there, Thorn Creek theres no packs in those places anymore, mostly because of domestic sheep that came in there and Wildlife Services just went to hammering wolves, Niemeyer said. And then youve got the recreational hunting and trapping that started when (wolves) were delisted. Youll still find a wolf track up in that country, Niemeyer said. But to say theres anything like the numbers there were, I dont believe it. You wouldnt convince me. Carter worries about new expanded wolf hunting, trapping and lethal control policies in the state of Idaho. The state of Idaho is going to if they havent already plunge wolves back towards extinction, at least in Idaho, Carter said. How do you manage if you dont know how many you have? Carter added. She isnt alone in worrying about the state management of wolves and the removal of limits on hunting and trapping. Is it a violation of our treaty? Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee Chairman Shannon Wheeler said. Is it a violation of something that we were meant to protect? Of course it is. Of course its a violation of what was here in 1855 and before then. And thats a part of tamaalwit, or the unwritten law, which we know that Article Three and the Treaty of 1855 with the Nez Perce represents. Some members of the wolf reintroduction teams say attitudes are even worse today than they were 30 years ago. Our countrys worse now than it was in terms of polarization, so those extreme divisions have only widened and become more cemented, said Stone, executive director of the International Wildlife Coexistence Network and a co-founder of the Wood River Wolf Project. Back then, if I had told anyone from the opposition that didnt want to have wolves back that they would be trapping and killing wolves 365 days of the year, using bounties to kill even pups in the den, they would have told me I was crazy and that would never happen never happen. And were living it today. That is the reality on the ground today. Doug Smith, who headed up the wolf project at Yellowstone National Park for nearly 30 years ties his shoelaces before setting out on the trail to scout for wolves on July 10, 2024, at Yellowstone National Park. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun) Stone isnt alone. Oh, Im pretty worried, said Doug Smith, who headed up the wolf program at Yellowstone National Park for nearly 30 years until he retired in 2022. Attitudes havent changed, Smith said. The fact is, theyre worse now. Ive been studying wolves for over 40 years, and wolves have always been controversial. Theres always been people who like wolves and people who hate wolves. Now its like people are willing to do anything to get rid of wolves or anything to protect wolves, and they dont want to talk to each other. I dont think thats progress, and right now the anti-wolf forces are winning in Idaho and Montana especially. Idaho Capital Sun, like the Capital Chronicle, is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Idaho Capital Sun maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Christina Lords for questions: info@idahocapitalsun.com. NEED TO KNOW A dolphin touring company in Florida witnessed an endangered giant manta ray being taken from its natural habitat The manta ray was reportedly captured for transport to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi I was horrified, and everybody on board was really upset, the touring companys CEO said Florida locals are calling out state authorities after a dolphin tours company saw a crew capturing an endangered giant manta ray earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a now-viral reel first shared to Facebook by Panama City Beach-based Water Planet USA on July 12, staff aboard the touring companys boat recorded video of five men roughly removing the fish from its natural habitat and placing it in a small pool for transport. Unfortunately, on todays tour- we witnessed a heartbreaking scene, the video's caption read. The clip has since been shared by local outlets, including WPLG and the Orlando Sentinel, with the latter reporting that the giant endangered manta ray will be taken to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, despite it being a protected species. Google Maps SeaWorld Abu Dhabi SeaWorld Abu Dhabi Water Planet USA told its followers that they should be outraged by what had taken place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This video shows a giant manta rayperfectly healthyharvested just off Panama City Beach under a permit held by Sea World. Its heartbreaking and unacceptable, the post continued. Although catching manta rays is generally banned in Florida, the state can allow special licenses for purposes that "increase the public's knowledge and awareness of Florida's marine resources." The license to capture the manta ray on July 12 was issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which allowed for one of the animals to be captured for exhibition purposes, the agency told PEOPLE. Getty Stock image of a manta ray Stock image of a manta ray The take of manta rays is prohibited in state waters. However, the capture of the ray shown in the video was permitted by a Marine Special Activity License that allowed for the take of one manta ray for exhibition and education purposes," Shannon Knowles, a spokesperson for the agency, said in a statement to PEOPLE. "As a citizen of this country, you have the right and the moral obligation to address the issue with your local representatives, of our Government issuing permits for the cruel and inhumane capture of ocean mega fauna such as the giant manta ray for public display, especially if our marine resources are exported overseas for gainful purposes, Denis Richard of Water Planet USA, who was present when the video was filmed, told PEOPLE in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These permits are a disgrace and an insult to our country's and the world's scientific community," Richard continued. No one from Water Planet USA appeared on-camera, but someone from their boat could be heard yelling, Let him go! You should be ashamed of yourselves! SeaWorld Abu Dhabi opened in May 2023 and operates as a research, rescue & rehabilitation center. It is the first SeaWorld park outside of the U.S. and the first park without orcas. It is also the largest indoor marine-life theme park. waterplanetusa.com Manta ray removed from Florida waters Manta ray removed from Florida waters However, Richard says thats still not good enough. The risks of that manta ray being traumatized and possibly dying in that process are very high because they are a very sensitive species, the Water Planet USA founder and CEO told the Orlando Sentinel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told WPLG his thoughts on witnessing the capture: I was horrified, and everybody on board was really upset," Richard told WPLG of witnessing the capture. I mean, he was in pain. That animal was in pain. https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cu 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. Giant manta rays are the world's largest ray with a wingspan of up to 26 feet, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service, a U.S. federal agency within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This species of rays has highly fragmented populations, and their main threats are commercial fishing, the agency said. It is considered a threatened species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. PEOPLE was not immediately able to reach SeaWorld Abu Dhabi for comment. Read the original article on People The girlfriend of Larry Rudolph, the Pennsylvania dentist convicted of killing his wife while they were on safari in Zambia, has broken her silence from prison. Lori Milliron began an affair with Larry in 2002, and she was ultimately convicted for her involvement in the 2016 shooting death of his wife of 34 years, Bianca Rudolph. At the time, prosecutors argued that Milliron gave Larry an ultimatum that he needed to choose between her or his wife, and that she also knew about his crime while they continued to date after the murder. Millron is currently serving a 17-year sentence for perjury and being an accessory to a murder after the fact, as well as obstructing a grand jury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, in Hulus new three-part docuseries about the case, Trophy Wife: Murder on Safari, Milliron maintains that she had no involvement in the crime. ABC Lori Milliron (left) and Larry Rudolph (right). Lori Milliron (left) and Larry Rudolph (right). There was no ultimatum. Why would I wait 15 years to give him an ultimatum? It just didn't make sense," Milliron said over a prison phone, according to video shared by Inside Edition. The police did an investigation, and they said it was an accident. Everyone believed it was an accident. So I assumed it was an accident as well, she added. In another part of the series, Milliron said she never planned on becoming romantically involved with Larry when they first met as coworkers at his dental practice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was reluctant, but after a little while, I slowly, slowly got to know him, she said, explaining that she eventually became the girlfriend despite the fact that he was married. ABC Larry Rudolph (left) and Bianca Rudolph (right). Larry Rudolph (left) and Bianca Rudolph (right). While Biancas death was initially declared an accident by Zambia law enforcement, federal authorities in the U.S. were not convinced and ultimately accused Larry of killing his wife so he could collect millions of dollars in life insurance benefits. He was eventually sentenced to life in prison in 2023 on charges of foreign murder and mail fraud. During his trial, which took place in July 2022, Larry told jurors, I did not kill my wife. I could not murder my wife. I would not murder my wife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, a witness for the prosecution testified that he had overheard Larry making statements that indicated otherwise. According to Brian Lovelace, a bartender at a Phoenix steakhouse that Larry and Milliron frequented, he heard the dentist confess to the crime during a heated argument. 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. Larry and Lori were having a drink," federal prosecutor Bishop Grewell said during opening statements. The music in the background made it difficult for Brian Lovelace to hear the conversation going on around him, but at some point, all of a sudden, the music stopped. And in that brief interlude, that brief silence between the songs, Larry Rudolph growled, I killed my f------ wife for you! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Milliron and Larry continue to maintain their innocence and are currently appealing their convictions. Trophy Wife: Murder on Safari premiered on July 21 and airs weekly. Read the original article on People PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) Pakistan on Saturday warned of glacial flooding in the northwest with more rain forecast for the area in the coming week. Downpours are heavier in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province than the same period last year, prompting weather advisories and alerts for flooding from glacial lake outbursts, said Anwar Shahzad, a spokesperson for the local disaster management authority. A letter from the authority sent out mid-July said persistent high temperatures may accelerate snow and glacier melt and subsequent weather events in vulnerable parts of the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Abdul Samad, from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Department, said rescue teams evacuated more than 500 holidaymakers from Naran after a cloudburst overnight Friday caused a road closure. Authorities deployed heavy machinery to remove debris and restore access. In the neighboring Gilgit-Baltistan region, the government said it had distributed hundreds of tents, thousands of food packets, and medicine to flood-affected communities. Spokesperson Faizullah Firaq said Saturday there was severe destruction in some areas and damage to houses, infrastructure, crops, and businesses. Search operations were underway to find missing people on the Babusar Highway, where flooding struck nine villages. Helicopters rescued tourists stuck in the popular spot of Fairy Meadows, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pakistan has received above-average rainfall this monsoon season, raising concerns of a repeat of the devastating 2022 floods that submerged a third of the country and killed 1,737 people. Some 260 have died across Pakistan so far this season, which runs through to mid-September. Pakistan is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, but one of the lowest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. (COLORADO SPRINGS) On Friday, July 25, the nations governors got together for the National Governors Association (NGA) Summer Meeting, joining federal officials and leaders in various areas to have bipartisan conversations around top issues impacting states, commonwealths, and territories. Special guests at the event included U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and entrepreneur Mark Cuban. Courtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Jack Young Courtesy: National Governors Association Courtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Jack Young Courtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Jack Young Courtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Jack Young The NGA is chaired by Colorado Governor Jared Polis, who led the opening session on Friday, July 25, on his initiative, Lets Get Ready! Educating All Americans for Success. According to the NGA, the Lets Get Ready Roadmap includes action items to advance student readiness across four critical categories: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Academic foundations Workforce preparedness Civic engagement Lifelong well-being Just before the session, Secretary McMahon announced that the Trump administration planned to release more than $5 billion in previously appropriated education funds. We have to rethink how were doing education, said Secretary McMahon. We are looking at all of the different aspects that can get students a productive educational environment, to get them into the workforce. From beginning to end, the goal is to get people into a productive job to support their family and to be part of the community and the citizenry of the country. Governor Polis also spoke with Cuban about education solutions and how best to prepare students for the job market. Cuban spoke about the potential of advanced technologies like AI to impact education, said NGA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In my mind, the greatest skill a kid can have or an adult, for that matter is being curious, Cuban said. You can give anybody with a smartphone, a laptop, a PC access to everything, the ability to question anything, the ability to learn outside of the classroom in ways none of us have ever envisioned. Kids dont like to read anymore, but they will engage with ChatGPT for hours about the things we wanted them to read about. The event runs Friday and Saturday at The Broadmoor. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. By STAMOS PROUSALIS DROSOPIGI, Greece (Reuters) -Firefighters were battling wildfires across Greece and the Western Balkans on Saturday as the south of Europe sweltered under the third heatwave of the summer, with some villages and settlements being evacuated in Greece and Albania. Explosions could be heard as huge clouds of smoke covered Drosopigi village 25 km north of Athens, where factories with flammable material are located. Helicopters dropped water and 145 firefighters battled the flames, assisted by 44 vehicles, seven helicopters and 10 aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two houses caught fire while residents of the nearby village Krioneri were instructed by authorities to leave towards Athens. Five people were taken to hospitals over burns and smoke inhalation. Temperatures in Greece were forecast to reach up to 44 degrees Celsius on Saturday, the Greek weather service said. "In the last 24 hours alone, 52 agroforestry fires broke out, 44 of which were dealt with immediately, in their initial stage," said Vassilios Vathrakogiannis, a spokesperson for the Fire Brigade. In neighbouring Albania, 26 fires broke out throughout the country on Saturday, following a large fire near the southern Albanian town of Delvina on Friday which injured three people and forced the evacuation of about 2,000 residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PEOPLE RESCUED FROM BEACHES On the Greek island of Evia, 128 firefighters and 29 vehicles were deployed to put out fires, assisted by six aircraft and seven helicopters, but strong winds were hampering their efforts. Residents of the island's Triada area were evacuated while two fire trucks were damaged and five firefighters injured during the operation. The fire on Evia is the latest in a series of bushfires stoked by strong winds and dry conditions this month. On the island of Kythera, residents from several settlements were evacuated to safe areas and Coast Guard forces said they rescued 138 people, including an infant, from the beach of Limnionas near the area of the fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the area of Messinia, south of Athens, residents of the Kryoneri and Sellas villages were also told to leave. These sites were on a list of Greek regions on high alert for wildfires due to record-breaking temperatures and strong winds due on Saturday. In Kosovo, authorities managed to extinguish 17 blazes fueled by strong winds while 12 others remained active, officials said. In the southern town of Prizren, a fire engulfed a farm, killing eight cows, according to local emergency services. Local media reported that a separate fire in eastern Kosovo killed around 40 sheep. Greece and other Mediterranean countries are in an area dubbed "a wildfire hotspot" by scientists, with blazes common during hot and dry summers. These have become more destructive in recent years due to a fast-changing climate, prompting calls for a new approach. (Reporting by Stamos Prousalis, Louisa Gouliamaki and Renee Maltezou in Greece, Florion Goga in Albania, Fatos Bytyci in Kosovo; Writing by Daria Sito-Sucic; Editing by Jan Harvey and David Gregorio) DENVER (KDVR) When 35-year-old Christopher Daniel Dickerson walked into a downtown Greeley bar on Oct. 2, 2021, he didnt know that the two women hed meet there would end up killing him. Dickerson was only a week away from his 36th birthday when he went to the bar, apparently in search of a casual evening, according to prosecutors. That night, he met two women and they ended up following him home to continue their evening. Conifer community reeling after owners of popular food truck die in wrong-way crash Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chris did not deserve to die that day that he befriended those two young women, said Chriss father, Allen Dickerson, during Rodriguezs sentencing in March, according to the Greeley Police Department. Chris deserved so much more in his life. Greeley police and firefighters were called to Dickersons home on 15th Avenue Court in the early morning hours of Oct. 3, 2021. Officials were told by neighbors that Dickerson could still be inside. In the debris, officers located Dickerson. It was later determined that he had been stabbed in the neck with a metal file in his own home, leading to his death. Then, surveillance footage was found showing two figures driving away. In January 2024, Hosanna Valera, who was 23 at the time of the murder, pled guilty and was sentenced to over 30 years in prison for first-degree arson, tampering with a deceased human body and accessory to murder. In March this year, after a three-week trial, Stacy Rodriguez, who was 19 at the time of the crash, was found guilty and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for first-degree murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Free on Your TV New FOX31+ App for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV Details of the case will be featured on A&E Friday night at 7 p.m. MT during the show Killer Cases. The episode will cover Dickersons murder and includes interviews with Greeley police detectives, according to the Greeley Police Department. If you dont catch the show on Friday night, the episode will be available on streaming services like Hulu, Peacock and more. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) The Greensboro Police Department said its stepping up its effort to crack down on illegal street takeovers. Its an issue Greensboro Police Officer Jason Strickland has seen too many times. Weve seen citizens get hit by the vehicles Another thing people dont understand is the property damage involved in it. Just even a simple burnout. Youre leaving skid marks in business parking lots, and they have to clean that stuff up, Strickland said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greensboro Police Officer Michael Hoag said skid marks at a business off Tolar Drive were whats left of one of the many street takeovers that have taken place recently. Theres a couple spots in Greensboro that are kind of a frequent flyer area. I know Battleground always has issues. Thats the district areas that I work in. I have seen the Battleground areas. We have the Walmarts and Targets and Big Lots, Hoag said. In December, a law to make street takeovers illegal in North Carolina went into effect. Since then, the GPD said theyve responded to close to 10 reports of takeovers in the city. Its a disregard for human life Theres some videos that it does become dangerous, and we just want to prevent that. Obviously, we cant be everywhere, Hoag said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To catch those responsible for street takeovers, investigators have had to rely on other avenues to find them taking place. We can go on the backend. We can look at surveillance cameras on buildings. We can go through traffic cameras. We can go through social media pages, Hoag said. Greensboro police made it known in a Facebook post that social media is exactly how they found and charged a driver who took part in a street takeover. Investigators would not provide times and dates or how many people have been hurt from street takeovers in Greensboro, but they did share the consequences youll face if you decide to participate Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With street takeovers, it is a misdemeanor offense the first time. If you do the second offense and every offense after, it becomes a felony Once it becomes a felony, after 30 days, when we do seize it, you have to pay twice the value of the car to get it back, Hoag said. If you see street takeovers in your area, youre encouraged to contact Greensboro Crimestoppers at (336) 373-1000. You can leave a tip anonymously. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP. LOS ANGELES A grenade that was taken to a Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department facility detonated last week and killed three detectives, but a second grenade remains unaccounted for, the sheriff said Friday. The sheriffs officials on the Special Enforcement Bureaus Arson Explosives Detail believed the two military-style grenades they seized from a Santa Monica storage unit on July 17 were inert, but one of them detonated the next day and killed the three men, officials said. A federal investigation has determined that the second grenade remains unaccounted for, Sheriff Robert Luna said. Investigators have used X-rays and searched vehicles and lockers at the East Los Angeles facility, as well as the blast site and facility perimeter, since the explosion, he said. L.A. County sheriff's deputies outside the Biscailuz Center Academy Training Center, where three deputies were killed on July 18. (Carlin Stiehl / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images file) We have looked at everything out there that we possibly could, Luna said. He said the investigation into how the explosion happened was ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right now theres a second grenade that were not 100% sure where its at, Luna said. The explosion occurred around 7:30 a.m. on July 18 at the sheriffs departments Biscailuz Training Facility. Killed were detectives Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Victor Lemus and William Osborn, who were all on the Special Enforcement Bureaus Arson Explosives Detail. The day before the explosion, the detail was called to help Santa Monica police after two grenades were found in a tenant storage unit in a buildings underground parking garage, Luna said. The explosives detectives X-rayed the devices and believed that they were both inert, Luna said. The devices were taken to the facility to be destroyed and rendered safe, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials do not believe the second grenade was lost en route from Santa Monica to the training center, Luna said. We believe with confidence that did not occur, he said. Santa Monica is around 20 miles away from East Los Angeles. The Biscailuz Training Facility in Los Angeles. (Google Maps) But if anyone sees what appears to be a grenade, explosive device or even an unknown object, they are warned not to touch it and to call 911. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives will lead the investigation into the whereabouts of the second device, Luna said. The ATF has also sent its national response team to Los Angeles. I can tell you with clarity from our post-blast examination that we know one device exploded, said Kenny Cooper, special agent in charge at the ATFs Los Angeles division. And we have not recovered any evidence from a second device on that scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cooper said investigators, using explosives-detecting dogs, drones and cherry-pickers to look in trees, have meticulously examined the radius of over 400 feet from the blast site multiple times. Over the abundance of caution, we searched a blast area far greater than the results of that explosive device, Cooper said. There has been changes in how the sheriffs department handles explosives, including treating all devices, even ones believed to be inert, as live, Luna said. Luna said he has called for a thorough after-action review of department policies. Were going to turn this upside down. Were going to look at everything, Luna said. We owe it to the families, he said. And for Gods sake, I never want this to happen again. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed a grenade remains missing as the investigation continues into the deaths of three L.A. County deputies who were killed by an explosion of military-style grenades at a training facility. The blast occurred on July 18 at the Biscailuz Regional Training Center at 1060 N. Eastern Ave. around 7:30 a.m. The fallen deputies were identified as Detective Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Detective Victor Lemus, and Detective William Osborn. All three were assigned to the LASD Special Enforcement Bureaus Arson Explosives Detail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A preliminary investigation indicated the explosives may have been connected to an operation that took place a day before the blast in Santa Monica. From left: Detective Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Detective Victor Lemus and Detective William Osborn with the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. 3 Los Angeles County sheriffs deputies died in an explosion at the Biscailuz Regional Training Center in East Los Angeles on July 18, 2025. (KTLA) 3 Los Angeles County sheriffs deputies died in an explosion at the Biscailuz Regional Training Center in East Los Angeles on July 18, 2025. (KTLA) Sky5 was over a training facility where at least three deputies were killed in an explosion in East Los Angeles. July 2025. (KTLA) The explosives that detonated and killed three L.A. County Sheriffs Department deputies may have been found in a storage unit at an apartment complex in Santa Monica, a law enforcement source tells KTLA. The explosives that detonated and killed three L.A. County Sheriffs Department deputies may have been found in a storage unit at an apartment complex in Santa Monica, a law enforcement source tells KTLA. Investigators with the L.A. County Sheriffs Department and ATF agents seen outside a Marina del Rey apartment complex on July 21, 2025. (KTLA) Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna gets a hug from Supervisor Kathryn Barger as he arrives for a press conference after three members of the department were killed in an explosion at a training facility on Friday, July 18, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent) L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna held a press conference on July 25, 2025, providing details on the case, including that a second grenade remains missing. (KTLA) Media and law enforcement stage near the site of an explosion at the LA County Sheriffs Special Operations Bureau on Friday, July 18, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent) 3 Los Angeles County sheriffs deputies died in an explosion at the Biscailuz Regional Training Center in East Los Angeles on July 18, 2025. (KTLA) The Biscailuz Training Facility, where an explosion occurred, is shown on Friday, July 18, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent) 3 Los Angeles County sheriffs deputies died in an explosion at the Biscailuz Regional Training Center in East Los Angeles on July 18, 2025. (KTLA) 3 Los Angeles County sheriffs deputies died in an explosion at the Biscailuz Regional Training Center in East Los Angeles on July 18, 2025. (KTLA) Deputies, including the three who perished, were called to an apartment building on Bay Street to assist Santa Monica Police officers with an investigation into explosive devices found in a storage unit in the buildings underground parking garage. A woman cleaning out the storage bin spotted the devices and called authorities. Neighbors believe it was likely left behind by a former tenant who was a previous member of the U.S. military and had moved out of the complex around five years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two military-style grenades, which were believed to be stolen, were x-rayed at the scene and deemed inert. The July 18 explosion reportedly happened when one of the grenades was being cut in half as part of a training exercise to examine what was inside. On Friday, Luna said detectives determined that one of the two grenades detonated on July 18, while the second grenade is currently unaccounted for. An extensive search of the training facility was conducted, including x-raying all special enforcement bureau vehicles, a grid search from the blast site and the surrounding areas, and a thorough inspection of evidence, lockers, gym, office spaces, Luna said. We have looked at everything out there that we possibly could. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know one device exploded and we have not recovered any evidence from a second device on that scene, said Kenny Cooper, special agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) L.A. Field Division. They confirmed that there was no public access to the investigation site and they do not believe the grenades were lost in transport between Santa Monica and the training facility. Following the deadly incident, Luna said he has called for an independent review of the policy and practices as they relate to the LASD explosives detail. ATF detectives are assuming full control of investigating the whereabouts of the second missing grenade, while LASD homicide detectives will investigate the deaths of deputies. Since this tragic incident, all future explosive devices, inert or not, will be treated as if they are all live and will be disposed of accordingly, Luna said. We need to know what happened. We owe it to the families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 21, LASD officials, along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), conducted a search at a second location in Marina del Rey as they work to track the grenades origins. Details are limited, but footage from the scene showed authorities swarming the Villa Del Mar Apartments in the 13900 block of Marquesa Way. A robot was used to search several storage units in an alley behind the apartment complex and a boat at the marina was also searched. Investigators have not released details on their findings and so far, no suspects have been named and no arrests have been made. The explosion was the single deadliest incident for the department in more than 150 years. These brave men served with honor, courage, and unwavering commitment to protecting and serving our community, the sheriffs department said. Their tragic loss is deeply felt across our Department and the entire LASD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fallen deputies served a combined 74 years with the department. Among the three of them, they leave behind 16 children, along with devastated friends and family members. A final report on the investigation is expected to be released in the days ahead, Luna said. The full press conference can be viewed in the video player 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 KTLA. For years, Kenneth Harris yearned for a place where his dark skin was a mark of shared heritage, not suspicion. Two years ago, the 38-year-old retired veteran found that solace in Kenya, buying a one-way ticket from Atlanta. Now based in Nairobi, Mr Harris has established an Airbnb business and found a vibrant community. He enjoys a luxurious lifestyle in an upmarket apartment, often admiring the city's golden sunsets from his rooftop terrace. Mr Harris is among a growing number of African Americans choosing to relocate to the East African nation, often describing the move as 'coming home' a phrase commonly used within the Black community to signify a reconnection with their ancestral roots. Like many others drawn to Nairobi in recent years, he was attracted by Kenyas tropical climate and the warmth and friendliness of its people, with whom he feels a profound historical and cultural connection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have always had that adventurous spirit, especially when I joined the military and got to go to different countries. So I am taking the opportunity to venture out to new places," he said. That is what allowed me to make a home away from home and Kenya is my new home. Kenneth Harris, a 38-year-old retired veteran, lifts weights at a gym in Nairobi, Kenya, Friday, May 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Kasuku) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Some friends have reaching out to him to explore a change from the U.S for their peace of mind, he said. Several other African Americans who have come home like him have set up thriving businesses in Nairobi that include travel agencies, restaurants and farms. Many African Americans who have sought a better life abroad or are considering it said President Donald Trump's administration with its crackdown on diversity programs isn't the main reason they want to move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rather, most say they had been mulling a move for some time, and the current political environment in the U.S. may be pushing them to act sooner than initially planned. I cant say the administration is the reason why the people I know want to part ways from America. Some are planning to move for a better quality of living life, Harris said. Auston Holleman, an American YouTuber who has lived in various countries for almost a decade, said he settled on Kenya nine months ago because people look like me. It is not like going to Europe or going to some Latin American countries where there are not many Black people, he said. A general view shows part of the commercial district of Nairobi, Kenya, Friday, May 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Kasuku) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Holleman, who often films his daily life, said he felt that the social fabric in the U.S. was broken." In contrast, he said he felt socially accepted in Kenya. He cited an experience when his taxi drivers car stopped, and in five minutes they got help from a random stranger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That made me realize I was in the right place, he said. Growing numbers are interested in leaving the US Other African countries have attracted even larger numbers of African Americans. Ghana, which launched a Year of the Return program to attract the Black diaspora in 2019, said last year it held a ceremony that granted citizenship to 524 people, mostly Black Americans. African American businesses such as Adilah Relocation Services have seen a notable rise in the number of African Americans seeking to move to Kenya. The companys founder, Adilah Mohammad, moved to Kenya four days after her mothers funeral in search of healing. She says the peace and restoration she experienced in Kenya made her stay and advocate for those searching for the same. Her company helps clients relocate by house hunting, shopping for furniture and ensuring banking and medical services are seamless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are 15 families that have come so far, and we have five more on the calendar that are coming in the next 90 days. We have people that have booked for 2026 with no date, they just know that they are leaving, she says. Mohammad said many African Americans have been planning their move for decades. For me it is a movement. It is people deciding to make a choice for themselves, they are not being forced, shackles are being broken. When they say they are coming home, they are choosing to be free and it is mental freedom and so I am ecstatic, she says. Experts say African economies are likely to benefit from these moves, especially from those willing to tackle corruption and create a healthy environment for investors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Raphael Obonyo, a public policy expert at U.N-Habitat, says the U.S is losing resources as well as the popular narrative that America is the land of opportunities and dreams. This reverse migration is denting that narrative, so America is most likely to lose including things like brain drain, he explained. For Mohammad, the sense of belonging has given her peace within. I love being here. Returning to Africa is one thing, but finding the place that you feel like you belong is another, she said. In response to two recent confirmed cases in the Jamestown area of cats with rabies, Guilford County Animal Services is suspending the intake of healthy cats. This measure is being taken out of an abundance of caution and will remain in effect until further notice. GCAS will continue to accept cats that are sick, injured, or pose a danger to the public. Residents who suspect a cat may be exhibiting signs of rabies should contact Guilford County Animal Control at 336-641-5990. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GCAS will host a free rabies vaccine clinic on Saturday, July 26, from 9 to 11 a.m., at Jamestown Town Hall, 301 E. Main St. One-year rabies vaccinations will be available at no cost to local pet owners. North Carolina law requires all cats, dogs, and ferrets aged 4 months and older to be vaccinated against rabies, regardless of whether they live indoors or outdoors. For more information, visit guilfordcountync.gov/animalservices or contact Animal Services at 336-641-3400. We are used to bringing you pictures of earthly scars produced by tornadoes and wildfires, but did you know that hail damage can also leave behind a trail of destruction? That's what happened on July 10, 2025, in southwestern North Dakota. A strong thunderstorm swept eastward from near the Montana state line then passed just south of Dickinson before weakening north of Mott. As visualized by satellites in the days after the storms, the hail scar was measured to be around 42 miles long by the National Weather Service in Bismarck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The thunderstorm produced hail larger than chicken eggs near South Heart, South Dakota, where windows were broken. The storm also produced wind gusts over 50 mph and heavy rain. More windows were broken by wind-driven hail near the Montana border. This isn't the first time we've reported on a hail scar in the Dakotas. In 2018, much more potent hailstorms dropped stones as large as grapefruits in Wyoming and South Dakota and knocked down a cornfield. Those storms traveled several hundred miles. Most of the damage from these storms, both this year and in 2018, appears to have been to agriculture and forestry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Over the past few years, according to industry sources, we've seen $8 billion to $10 billion in insured and agricultural losses annually from hail alone," Bryan Wood, meteorologist and operations analyst with Assurant, Inc., told weather.com in July 2017. The threat for significant hail peaks in late May in the southern Great Plains, but peaks later, in late June and early July, across the Dakotas. That's when the jet stream is in Canada and the hottest weather of the year persists across much of the country. Jonathan Belles has been a digital meteorologist for weather.com for 9 years and also assists in the production of videos for The Weather Channel en espanol. His favorite weather is tropical weather, but also enjoys covering high-impact weather and news stories and winter storms. He's a two-time graduate of Florida State University and a proud graduate of St. Petersburg College. Senior Hamas official Taher al-Nunu said the issue of the hostages "had not yet been discussed in the Doha negotiations, stressing that it 'was supposed to be discussed next week.'" Hamas is ready to resume negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage deal in the Gaza Strip, Taher al-Nunu, a senior Hamas official in the terrorist organization's political bureau, told the Qatari TV channel Al-Araby over the phone on Friday. "We were surprised by the US accusations," he said. "We are ready to resume negotiations," adding that they "were proceeding positively." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Al-Nunu further claimed that Hamas had shown flexibility in the talks. "The positions were almost identical to the mediators' proposal," he claimed, and said that "Washington's accusations are surprising and baseless." This came shortly after US President Donald Trump had said during negotiations that "Hamas didn't want to make a deal." Trump made the comments to reporters at the White House one day after Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said the administration decided to bring its negotiating team home for consultations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that both countries are considering alternative options for bringing the hostages home in a Friday statement. Hostages reportedly had not been discussed in talks Al-Nunu then told the Qatari source that the issue of the hostages "had not yet been discussed in the Doha negotiations, which have been ongoing over the past few weeks, stressing that it 'was supposed to be discussed next week.'" Outline of Hamas terrorists standing against backdrop of Israeli demonstrators calling for an immediate hostage deal. (illustration) (credit: Flash90/Tomer Neuberg, Reuters/Hatem Khaled) The Hamas official also said that the talks saw much focus on where specifically in the Gaza Strip the withdrawal of Israeli forces would take place and on the delivery of humanitarian aid. He accused Israel during the interview, adding that their negative statement on talks "is an attempt to evade the outcome of the negotiations." Maariv Online contributed to this report. The aid flotilla has reportedly already made it closer to the Strip than the Madleen flotilla that was stopped by Israeli forces last month. Activists aboard the Handala ship said on Saturday that they are approaching the coast of the Gaza Strip and have already passed the point where the Madleenflotilla was stopped last month. They later claimed an unidentified boat was approaching the ship and that the participants are "preparing for a takeover," Army Radio reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ship set sail from Italy earlier this week. The world is watching, the activists said. The flotilla from last month made headlines, highlighting the presence of pro-Palestinian activist Greta Thunberg. The Israel Navy is preparing to intercept the vessel, which, as of Saturday afternoon, is approximately 200 kilometers from Gaza. The flotilla is a collective act of conscience, said Huwaida Arraf, a human rights attorney, co-founder of the International Solidarity Movement, and a member of the steering committee for the Freedom Flotilla. The boat is named after the well-known Palestinian cartoon character Handala, described as a barefoot refugee child, seeker of justice, who vowed not to turn his back until Palestine is free. The character Handala, whom the ship is named after. (credit: SECTION 27A COPYRIGHT ACT) The ship's previous voyages In 2023 and 2024, the Handala ship sailed to ports across Europe and the UK, breaking the media blockade and building global solidarity through public events, art installations, and political education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vessel departed from the port of Gallipoli, Italy, on Sunday as part of an international protest flotilla whose goal, according to organizers, is to break the Israeli blockade on Gaza and express solidarity with its residents. The journey is expected to last about ten days. Before departure, a farewell ceremony was held at the port, attended by hundreds of supporters waving Palestinian flags and calling for the ship to be allowed to reach its destination. According to the organizers, the flotilla aims to raise global awareness of the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to deliver urgent aid. One of the Handala crew members is Jacob Berger, who is a 40-year-old actor, viral content creator, and Jewish-American, anti-Israel activist, and had started going viral on social media in 2017 due to his sketch comedy videos. Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report. NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) A Hartford man pleaded guilty Friday to a fentanyl trafficking offense in New Haven federal court. According to evidence and testimony, 35-year-old Tyrick Thomas was arrested on July 16, 2024, after a search of his residence on Ashley Street discovered approximately 88 grams of a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine, fentanyl, and xylazine. Suspicious package at storage facility in Rocky Hill deemed harmless Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A search of Thomas vehicle revealed nearly 200 wax folds of fentanyl and xylazine, and additional quantities of loose fentanyl. Thomas pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum term of 40 years. Thomas has been detained since his arrest and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 22. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. Hawaii on alert for wind-induced fire danger as Hurricane Iona, Tropical Storm Keli pass to south AccuWeather hurricane experts are monitoring several areas across both the central and eastern Pacific basins for potential tropical development, as well as Tropical Storm Iona well south of Hawaii, which can increase the wildfire risk across the island chain this week. Tropical Storm Gil also formed in the eastern Pacific early Thursday morning. Tropical Storm Iona is located about 700 miles south of Honolulu, Hawaii. Earlier this week, Iona peaked as a major Category 3 hurricane, which was the first for the central Pacific basin this year. Iona will continue to lose wind intensity over the next few days. This image was captured early Wednesday morning (local time), July 30, 2025, and shows a much less organized Hurricane Iona, now tropical storm, (left of center) and former Tropical Storm Keli (right of center). Hawaii appears in the upper center of the image. (AccuWeather Enhanced RealVue Satellite) Iona is expected to stay well south of Hawaii. While no direct impacts are expected across the Hawaiian Islands, Iona will work with the circulation of an expansive area of high pressure to the north of the islands to enhance existing trade winds in between. AccuWeather.com "Gusty trade winds can start to pick up across the Hawaiian Islands and can last through the end of the week and into the start of next weekend," said AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The increased trade winds combined with moderate or greater drought conditions across over half of the Hawaiian Islands will heighten the wildfire risk through much of this week. The dry grass and vegetation will provide plenty of fuel for any fire that sparks. GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP Have the app? Unlock AccuWeather Alerts with Premium+ "While this setup is not the same as the one that allowed the Maui wildfires to spread rapidly, high wildfire danger can still exist across the islands this week," adds DaSilva. Elsewhere across the Pacific An area southeast of the island chain is being monitored for development early this week. This medium chance of development would likely be short-lived and not have any direct impact to Hawaii. AccuWeather.com Farther to the east, AccuWeather hurricane experts are monitoring two more areas for tropical development southwest of Mexico including a high risk for tropical development in early August. Any development from either area in August could bring impacts to Mexico as well as impact any shipping interests. Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer. The post HBCU band member assaulted by police in viral video appeared first on ClutchPoints. A video of Livingstone College student William McNeil Jr. has gone viral following the release of body camera footage from a February traffic stop in Jacksonville, Florida. McNeil was assaulted by officers from the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office during a stop back in February. The video has sparked outrage across the country. He spoke about his experience during a recent interview with ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis earlier this week. After McNeils two-minute cellphone video went viral, the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office said on Sunday that it has opened an investigation into the incident. Sheriff T.K. Waters of Jacksonville also released body camera footage from two cops who were on the scene of the arrest to the public on Monday. During the traffic stop, McNeil repeatedly asked why he was being pulled over and refused to get out of his car, which led to the sheriffs officers hitting and striking him in the video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That day, I just really wanted to know why I was getting pulled over and why I needed to step out of the car, McNeil told reporters about the incident, which gained traction online in recent days after he shared video from inside his vehicle. I know I didnt do nothing wrong. I was really just scared, and thats it. I dont drive anymore. Just because I dont trust cops anymore. Im still scared. I cant get sleep at night because of trauma. I have flashbacks and nightmares, he added. Dr. Anthony J. Davis, president of Livingstone College, made a strong statement in support of McNeil, emphasizing the students accomplishments at the HBCU and in the community while also demanding justice. Wills rights were violated, but he showed restraint, he showed resolve, and he showed resilience. That is the Blue Bear Way, Davis said in the letter. We will stop at nothing to ensure that SAU maintains its accreditation and continues serving our students, he added, while referencing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s quote, Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Known for his compassion and charity on campus, the Jacksonville, Florida, native is a member of the Blue Thunder Marching Band and a biology major. In addition to working with the schools maintenance staff to enhance the air quality in resident halls, he frequently offers his time to help fellow students by doing car maintenance. McNeil is being represented by well-known civil rights attorney Ben Crump. Crump released a statement during a press conference calling for the firing of the deputy who punched McNeil. The sheriff named D. Bowers as the deputy who hit McNeil and broke the window. If you dont terminate this officer and you condone this type of police excessive force, then it sends a message to all of the other police officers on the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office team. It tells them, it is OK for you to treat citizens like this; it is okay to treat Black motorists like this, Crump said. In America, it is not OK. Gerald Riggs, one of McNeils attorneys, stated at the press conference that Black families all teach their kids the talk about how to interact with law enforcement and that McNeil mastered the talk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked what he learned about dealing with police enforcement as a child, McNeil responded, Basically, what I was taught is to, instead of fighting them on the street where we dont have power, fight them in the courts. Related: DeSean Jackson, Delaware State lose starting QB to transfer portal Related: Polo Ralph Lauren spotlights HBCUs in new collection State Senate President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart unleashed a verbal attack on a legislative employee who claims the prominent Albuquerque Democrat screamed at her and then called her stupid, according to testimony provided Friday to a subcommittee of the interim Legislative Ethics Committee. Special counsel Lorna Wiggins, who conducted the investigation into a harassment complaint that has thrust Stewart into an embarrassing predicament, told the subcommittee the incident occurred during the 60-day session earlier this year. The incident left the employee, identified in the proceeding as Michelle Jaschke, in mental and physical anguish. Jaschke works as the Legislative Council Services capital outlay programs coordinator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislators anti-harassment policy says its the policy of the Legislature that all persons who work for the Legislature be able to do so in an environment in which they are treated with dignity and respect and free from all forms of harassment or discrimination, Wiggins told the subcommittee, which concluded the public hearing by going into a closed executive session to deliberate. The harassment portion of the policy doesnt limit the conduct to only discrimination that is based on someones protected characteristic, added Wiggins, a labor and employment lawyer with Albuquerque-based Wiggins, Williams & Wesenberg P.C. Instead, the policy in place provides that harassment and I am quoting now generally involves conduct, comment or display that a reasonable person would find insulting, intimidating, humiliating, hurtful, demeaning, degrading or that causes offense, discomfort or personal humiliation or embarrassment to a person or persons. Wiggins said she concluded Stewarts conduct would fall within the anti-harassment policy. She was downright rude Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jaschke emailed Stewart and her secretary after 5 p.m. Feb. 27, stating that she had not yet received Sen. Stewarts capital outlay funding sheet and asking if the senator or her staff needed anything additional from her office to complete the sheet. Jaschke said she almost immediately received what she deemed a screaming email from Stewart in all capital letters, stating Stewart had turned in the sheet the day before, Wiggins said. Moments later, [Jaschke] stated she received a call from Sen. Stewart screaming at her, using what she described as pejorative language, including calling her stupid for not knowing that the sheet had already been turned in, she said. Jaschke reported telling Stewart she was sorry if she had missed an email containing the funding sheet. At about the same time, she received an email with a copy of the sheet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She further stated that the verbal attack by Sen. Stewart had affected her mental and physical well-being, that she was unable to sleep and that she called in the next day requesting sick leave, Wiggins said, adding Jaschke was not able to work until that Sunday, three days later, because she was still angry and upset at the interaction with Sen. Stewart. Ray Vargas, an attorney for Stewart, the second-longest-serving member of the Legislature, acknowledged Stewart was downright rude but said the incident didnt amount to harassment. It was an unfortunate interaction, he said. Sen. Stewart, in a high stress moment, lost her cool, and she was impolite to Ms. Jaschke. No, she wasnt just impolite. She was downright rude. What she wasnt, though, was harassing her, certainly not under the way harassment is defined under this policy. She was beside herself Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vargas offered the subcommittee context about the events leading to the blowup. He said Feb. 26 was the deadline for lawmakers to submit their capital outlay requests, also known as pork barrel spending, in which lawmakers can bring money back to their districts for infrastructure projects of their choosing. Sen. Stewart had approximately $4 million in capital outlay that she was attempting to direct to her district, which is known as the Albuquerque International District. But if were being honest, its still called the war zone in Albuquerque, he said. Its one of the poorest districts in the state of New Mexico, and $4 million of capital outlay is extremely important to this impoverished district. Vargas said Stewart and her staff had worked for weeks on providing the capital outlay request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They sighed a big sigh of relief when they submitted it by 3:30 and it was due at 5 on the 26th, so imagine Sen. Stewarts surprise when she received an email more than a day after the deadline telling her that she had not submitted her capital outlay request, he said. She was beside herself, Vargas added. She was upset because she knew theres no way that was true, so what did she do? She fired off an email. Neither Vargas nor Wiggins addressed whether Jaschke had received Stewarts initial capital outlay request or if Stewart and her staff had dropped the ball. Vargas called Stewarts next move, a phone call to Jaschke, unfortunate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Make no mistake, her comments in that phone call, they were just rude, he said. They were heated. They were uncalled for. But they werent threatening, intimidating or coercive. Jaschke did not return messages seeking comment. Vargas read a statement from Stewart to the subcommittee. I believe its important that we legislators treat everyone with kindness and respect, especially our staff, she said. During the legislative session, when all of us are rushed, under pressure and tempers can flare, its even more important to exhibit calmness and kindness, Stewart said. I regret that I failed to do that with Michelle. When I was informed of her reaction, I sent her a letter of apology. I stand by that apology, I plan to continue to monitor my reactions to others. Im seeing a mental health counselor now to ensure my kindness and respect for others is on solid footing, and Im committed to always learning from others and growing in my ability to help others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Written order forthcoming Richard Bosson, a retired New Mexico Supreme Court justice appointed to serve as a voting member and chair of the seven-member ethics subcommittee, said at the start of the hearing the purpose was to make a recommendation to the standing Ethics Committee of the Senate. This hearing subcommittee must decide by a majority vote whether, based solely on this one incident, in the words of the policy, whether a preponderance of the evidence supports that Sen. Stewart has committed an offense that justifies the imposition of sanctions, he said. Six senators, three Democrats and three Republicans, also sit on the subcommittee, which Bosson said will issue a written, formal order in the near future, which will be public in due course. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just before 4 p.m. Friday, a tweet from the official X account of the New Mexico Legislature stated the subcommittee had completed its deliberations. A written order of the subcommittees decision will be forthcoming, the tweet stated. Chaos in the Pentagon over Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths indecision and flip-flopping prompted President Donald Trumps favorite general to intervene. The latest debacle in Hegseths tenure as defense secretary was his decision to torpedo the promotion of Lt. Gen. Douglas Sims after previously signing off on it, insiders told The New York Times. Sims is a 34-year Army veteran who led troops during five tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and has been awarded numerous medals, including a Legion of Merit and a Bronze Star. Defense Secretary Hegseth refused to promote Lt. Gen. Douglas Sims, who has served for 34 years and won numerous medals. / JoAnne Sorrentino / U.S. Army Hes the type of person you would want your kids serving underextremely dedicated, selfless, and loyal, Brynt Parmeter, who was until June the Pentagons chief talent management officer, told the Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His promotion to a four-star general seemed all but certain, insiders said, until this spring, when Hegseth claimed without evidence that Sims had leaked information to news outlets. Sims was cleared of the allegation, and Hegseth for a time agreed to promote him. But Hegseth eventually reneged, this time arguing that Sims was too close to Gen. Mark Milley. Hegseth was confronted over his decision by Trumps favorite general, Dan Razin Caine. / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images Milley is a former Trump Joint Chiefs chairman whom the president now loathesTrump has suggested that Milley deserves execution, while Milley has called Trump a total fascist. Hegseths refusal to promote Sims prompted what the Times called a rare intervention from Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Razin Caine, of whom Trump is a big fan. Caine challenged the defense secretarys decision, urging him to reconsider, the insiders said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Hegseth agreed to meet with Sims one more time, it didnt matter. Hegseth stood firm, and now Sims is expected to retire in the coming months. Nineteen out of the last 21 generals of Sims rank were promoted, according to the Times. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Razin Caine urged Hegseth to reconsider his decision. / Andrew Harnik / Getty Images Asked for comment on the situation, the Pentagon sent the Daily Beast a statement from chief spokesman Sean Parnell thanking Sims for his decades of service in the United States Army. Hegseths tenure as defense secretary has been marked by chaos within the Pentagon. Over the past several months, reports have emerged about infighting among Hegseths top aides, his paranoia about leaks, and a struggle to hire and retain staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevertheless, Trump has continued to stand behind Hegseth, as a White House spokeswoman told the Times that the defense secretary still has the presidents full confidence. This article has been updated to add greater detail about Sims military career. The unexplained removal of the first female head of the U.S. Naval Academy last week is the latest in a string of top military women who have either been fired or moved to largely invisible roles under the Trump administration. The ousting of Vice Adm. Yvette Davids from her post as the first female superintendent of the academy in Annapolis, Md., makes her one of at least five senior female service members who have been moved out of their roles since January. That trend, coupled with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths well-documented antipathy toward women in combat roles prior to becoming Pentagon chief, could have a chilling effect on women enlisting in the armed forces, experts say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its hard not to come to the conclusion that its going to weaken our military force by undermining the role of women who have become, I believe, an intrinsic part of our military capability, said Leon Panetta, a former Defense secretary in the Obama administration. Panetta, who in 2013 announced that all combat roles would soon be open to women a shift that eventually came in 2015 told The Hill that the Trump administrations removal of female leaders from the ranks, often without explanation, will have impacts on morale for female service members. Just to remove commanders from their positions without cause sends a clear signal that this is not about merit, its not about performance, its about the fact that theyre women. Its the only conclusion you can come to, he said. Davids was not outright fired but moved to the position of deputy chief of naval operations, a senior position but largely out of the public eye. But the shift was only after she had led the academy for 18 months rather than the typical three- or four-year tenure of the schools superintendent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nora Bensahel, a professor of civil-military relations at Johns Hopkins University, said the fact that she was removed from the Naval Academy really sends a message from the Pentagon that they do not think that a woman is qualified to be in charge of educating and training the next generation of fighters. This sends a terrible message to the women who are currently serving in the U.S. military, or young women and girls who are thinking about joining the U.S. military that they are not welcome at the highest levels, Bensahel told The Hill. The purge of top female officers began the day President Trump was inaugurated, with Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Linda Lee Fagan fired only hours after she was sworn in. She had been in the role since June 2022 and was the first uniformed woman to lead the military branch. At the time, officials at the Homeland Security Department, which oversees the Coast Guard, reportedly said the reasons for her firing were issues with border security and an excessive focus on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) that diverted resources and attention from operational imperatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was followed by the February ouster of Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the first female chief of naval operations, and Air Force Lt. Gen. Jennifer Short, who served as the senior military assistant to the secretary of Defense. Both of those came without explanation, though Hegseth has called Franchetti, who boasted a four-decade career that included numerous command posts, a DEI hire. And in April, Vice Adm. Shoshana Chatfield, the sole female flag officer on NATOs Military Committee, was fired reportedly because of her longtime advocacy for DEI within the armed forces, including a Womens Equality Day presentation she gave in 2015. All women have now been purged from the militarys top jobs, with no female four-star officers on active duty and none in pending appointments for four- or three-star roles. Asked about the reasoning for the firing of Franchetti, Short and Chatfield, Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson appeared to indicate there was an issue with their overall performances, even as no glaring mistakes had come to light while all three were in their previous roles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the leadership of Secretary Hegseth, the Department of Defense no longer makes personnel decisions on the basis of sex, she said in a statement to The Hill. Promotions, reassignments, and removals are all decided on the basis of merit and overall performance. While numerous male senior military officials also have been removed under the Trump administration most notably Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. CQ Brown Jr. the already few female generals and admirals make firing five a disproportionately large number, Bensahel said. She added that with 18 percent of the force made up of women, the military may not hit its recruiting numbers without them. Hegseth had made no secret of his views on female service members since last year, when in his book titled The War on Warriors he allowed that women have performed well in support roles in combat, but women in the infantry women in combat on purpose is another story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dads push us to take risks. Moms put the training wheels on our bikes. We need moms. But not in the military, especially in combat units, he pointedly wrote. And only a week before he was named as Trumps pick for Defense secretary, Hegseth said he was straight up just saying that we should not have women in combat roles while on a podcast. It hasnt made us more effective, hasnt made us more lethal, has made fighting more complicated, he said on a Nov. 7 episode of the Shawn Ryan Show podcast. Weve all served with women, and theyre great. But our institutions dont have to incentivize that in places where, traditionally not traditionally, over human history men in those positions are more capable. To win confirmation as Pentagon chief, however, Hegseth publicly softened his stance to receive votes from Republican senators who expressed misgivings about his previous comments on female troops. Among them was Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a retired lieutenant colonel in the Army National Guard who commanded troops in Iraq and Kuwait. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At his nomination hearing, Hegseth said that he wasnt against women in combat jobs, but he seemed to suggest that standards for such roles have been lowered to meet diversity quotas a claim that past Defense officials say theres no evidence of. Yes, women will have access to ground-combat roles, given the standards remain high, Hegseth told Ernst, who later voted to confirm him in a narrow 51-50 vote. Once in the building, Hegseth quickly got to work dismantling any program or effort with a whiff of DEI an obsession in Trumps second term. On Jan. 29, he moved to strike race and sex as considerations for military promotions, with plans for a new Pentagon task force to promote merit-based, color-blind policies throughout the armed forces. DEI efforts, Hegseth has claimed, are damaging to recruiting and force readiness. In April he took an axe to a Pentagon program meant to advance womens participation in peace building and conflict prevention, known as Women, Peace and Security, calling it a UNITED NATIONS program pushed by feminists and left-wing activists and claiming that troops HATE it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program was created in part by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, then a member of the House representing South Dakota; co-sponsored by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, then a Florida senator; and signed into law by Trump in his first term. Also this spring, Hegseth moved ahead with an effort to review and potentially overhaul combat and physical-fitness standards viewed by some as a backdoor effort to keep women out of combat roles. But Panetta said taking steps to undermine the role of women in the military doesnt make a lot of sense if Hegseth is indeed only looking to maintain a strong military, as he has claimed. Its been clear that hes been opposed to women in the military for a long time. That attitude is now impacting our military capability. I think bottom line is that it weakens our force, Panetta said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Women ought to be judged, like every other military warrior, by their capability, by their ability to do the job. Thats why I felt it was important to give them that opportunity, he added. They had to meet the standard, they had to be able to do the job, thats exactly what theyve been able to do. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A whistleblower at the National Labor Relations Board reported an unusual spike in potentially sensitive data flowing out of the agencys network in early March 2025 when staffers from the Department of Government Efficiency, which goes by DOGE, were granted access to the agencys databases. On April 7, the Department of Homeland Security gained access to Internal Revenue Service tax data. These seemingly unrelated events are examples of recent developments in the transformation of the structure and purpose of federal government data repositories. I am a researcher who studies the intersection of migration, data governance and digital technologies. Im tracking how data that people provide to U.S. government agencies for public services such as tax filing, health care enrollment, unemployment assistance and education support is increasingly being redirected toward surveillance and law enforcement. Originally collected to facilitate health care, eligibility for services and the administration of public services, this information is now shared across government agencies and with private companies, reshaping the infrastructure of public services into a mechanism of control. Once confined to separate bureaucracies, data now flows freely through a network of interagency agreements, outsourcing contracts and commercial partnerships built up in recent decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These data-sharing arrangements often take place outside public scrutiny, driven by national security justifications, fraud prevention initiatives and digital modernization efforts. The result is that the structure of government is quietly transforming into an integrated surveillance apparatus, capable of monitoring, predicting and flagging behavior at an unprecedented scale. Executive orders signed by President Donald Trump aim to remove remaining institutional and legal barriers to completing this massive surveillance system. DOGE and the private sector Central to this transformation is DOGE, which is tasked via an executive order to promote inter-operability between agency networks and systems, ensure data integrity, and facilitate responsible data collection and synchronization. An additional executive order calls for the federal government to eliminate its information silos. By building interoperable systems, DOGE can enable real-time, cross-agency access to sensitive information and create a centralized database on people within the U.S. These developments are framed as administrative streamlining but lay the groundwork for mass surveillance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Key to this data repurposing are public-private partnerships. The DHS and other agencies have turned to third-party contractors and data brokers to bypass direct restrictions. These intermediaries also consolidate data from social media, utility companies, supermarkets and many other sources, enabling enforcement agencies to construct detailed digital profiles of people without explicit consent or judicial oversight. Palantir, a private data firm and prominent federal contractor, supplies investigative platforms to agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Department of Defense, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Internal Revenue Service. These platforms aggregate data from various sources drivers license photos, social services, financial information, educational data and present it in centralized dashboards designed for predictive policing and algorithmic profiling. These tools extend government reach in ways that challenge existing norms of privacy and consent. The role of AI Artificial intelligence has further accelerated this shift. Predictive algorithms now scan vast amounts of data to generate risk scores, detect anomalies and flag potential threats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These systems ingest data from school enrollment records, housing applications, utility usage and even social media, all made available through contracts with data brokers and tech companies. Because these systems rely on machine learning, their inner workings are often proprietary, unexplainable and beyond meaningful public accountability. Sometimes the results are inaccurate, generated by AI hallucinations responses AI systems produce that sound convincing but are incorrect, made up or irrelevant. Minor data discrepancies can lead to major consequences: job loss, denial of benefits and wrongful targeting in law enforcement operations. Once flagged, individuals rarely have a clear pathway to contest the systems conclusions. Digital profiling Participation in civic life, applying for a loan, seeking disaster relief and requesting student aid now contribute to a persons digital footprint. Government entities could later interpret that data in ways that allow them to deny access to assistance. Data collected under the banner of care could be mined for evidence to justify placing someone under surveillance. And with growing dependence on private contractors, the boundaries between public governance and corporate surveillance continue to erode. Artificial intelligence, facial recognition systems and predictive profiling systems lack oversight. They also disproportionately affect low-income individuals, immigrants and people of color, who are more frequently flagged as risks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initially built for benefits verification or crisis response, these data systems now feed into broader surveillance networks. The implications are profound. What began as a system targeting noncitizens and fraud suspects could easily be generalized to everyone in the country. Eyes on everyone This is not merely a question of data privacy. It is a broader transformation in the logic of governance. Systems once designed for administration have become tools for tracking and predicting peoples behavior. In this new paradigm, oversight is sparse and accountability is minimal. AI allows for the interpretation of behavioral patterns at scale without direct interrogation or verification. Inferences replace facts. Correlations replace testimony. The risk extends to everyone. While these technologies are often first deployed at the margins of society against migrants, welfare recipients or those deemed high risk theres little to limit their scope. As the infrastructure expands, so does its reach into the lives of all citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With every form submitted, interaction logged and device used, a digital profile deepens, often out of sight. The infrastructure for pervasive surveillance is in place. What remains uncertain is how far it will be allowed to go. 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: Nicole M. Bennett, Indiana University Read more: Nicole Bennett is affiliated with Indiana University's Center for Refugee Studies and the Indiana University Refugee Task Force. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Its been one week since a 10-year-old was shot in his bedroom in Rochester. The boy survived, however, Rochester police are still in search of what could be multiple shooters responsible. Shortly after 2:30 a.m. last Friday, shots rang out from outside a home on Smith Street. A family, including a mother and her three children, were sleeping inside. The boy was shot multiple times and survived with the help of first aid provided by officers and EMS crews on scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know theres at least one group involved in this. And we know people dont commit violent crimes without other people knowing. Somehow, somebody was attempting to send a message with this, said Capt. Greg Bello of the Rochester Police Department. Capt. Bello is asking the community to heed the departments call to come forward with any information that could led them to arrests. This is not okay and we need to hold those who want to bring violence to our children accountable for their actions. That takes everybody coming together. There should be a line outside our door of people with video in the neighborhood, any sort of information, social media whatever it may be. Thats what were looking for, said Capt. Bello, This is a child thats going to live with this for the rest of their life. Even apprehending the shooter(s) doesnt end this for this child. No one inside the home was an intended target and no one, besides the 10-year-old, was injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Capt. Bello says the department is hoping to hold whoever is responsible accountable as soon as possible. We dont want to sit back and wait. And thats why were talking today. Were going out and proactively trying to solicit and openly seek information. If we sit back and wait, were not going to solve this case, he said. Police ask anyone with information on the shooting to call 911, 311, email the department at rpdtipline@cityofrochester.gov, or call CrimeStoppers at (585) 423-9300. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) A somber anniversary across the state of Texas on Friday as it marks three weeks since deadly flooding during the July 4 holiday weekend. The Sandy Creek area in Travis County, just outside Leander, was hit hard. Some people who live in and around the area have been critical about the response from both nearby cities and counties. That includes people targeting Leanders mayor, Christine DeLisle. In a lengthy Facebook post, she is trying to set the record straight on what her city is doing after the flooding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Independence Day Floods coverage We are helping in every way that we can, she told KXAN during a one-on-one sit down interview on Friday. Despite having a Leander mailing address, the neighborhood is actually in unincorporated Travis County. We were on site the morning of the flood. We assisted in both Williamson and Travis counties, DeLisle said. And we have a wonderful emergency management team that has been reaching out to Travis County every single day. Woman trying to connect family with photos found in Texas flood aftermath It was the early morning hours of July 5 the area was hit hard. Clean-up continued, as of Friday, but the process is far from over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayor has had harsh criticism online for what some claim is not doing enough. Its OK if they want to be mad at me, but I want to make sure they are getting connected to the people can make a difference, DeLisle said. Because what theyre saying is, I want something different, and the city of Leander cannot provide something different. Despite all thats happened over the last several weeks, DeLisle said she will continue to support in any way she can. Out-of-town volunteers rush in to help with Central Texas flood cleanup If theres going to be a silver lining, its going to be that weve seen everybody just passionately come together, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Jul. 26LANGDON, N.D. Caretakers of a rural Catholic church in northeast North Dakota are fighting to save the structure from a planned demolition. Citing structural concerns, the building's owner, the Diocese of Fargo, believes the church should be razed and hoped to do so earlier this summer. Though the scheduled demolition of the church has been delayed, efforts to preserve the building are also at a standstill. Things are in limbo, said Gary Metzger, president of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Heritage Society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We don't know when or if or what's going to happen," he said. The group was created to care for Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, located north of Langdon, North Dakota. The group heard that the Diocese of Fargo planned to allow the destruction of the building earlier in the summer, along with two other churches in the area. Paul Braun, director of communications at the Diocese of Fargo, said a number of proposals have been presented regarding the church, but no final decision has been made. However, it is quite likely the church will be taken down, he said. "The Catholic Church has a specific internal process that must be observed before a decision is finalized," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an effort to preserve the church, Metzger's group has been trying to get the facility on a historical building registry, either at the state or national level. Metzger reached out to the Cavalier County Job Development Authority for help, and Kari Phillips, community development coordinator, agreed to lend a hand. "I grew up across the road from the church, so it's kind of a part of my heritage as well," Phillips said. Phillips said she reached out to the State Historical Society of North Dakota; she said the society responded, saying the building would be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. However, since it is privately owned, the owner or majority of ownership must give permission to nominate the building. Phillips submitted a letter to the Diocese and waited three to four months for a reply, she said. The answer was "no." Braun said some issues in the church include mold and asbestos, as well as leaking from the roof and shingles in disrepair. As the church is only used for one Mass per year, and the parish has been closed for years, "it's quite an expensive undertaking to repair a facility that is no longer being used regularly," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phillips feels it will be a shame if the building is taken down. "It's a big, beautiful brick church, and it does need some improvements," she said. "I know there's a lot of heart, and dedication and feelings attached to the building, but feasibility too, I don't know. It's such a hard thing to know what to do." Metzger said the Diocese "had mentioned that they still might go in and take out the asbestos, hazardous material stuff this summer yet, but that might get postponed to next year, too." The heritage society began 17 years ago, when the church's parish closed. Metzger was asked if he'd like to be part of it, and he's been the president through the society's lifetime. The group has been maintaining the church and has raised money for it, such as paying the heating bill, Phillips said. Metzger said he has asked Bishop John Folda if the heritage society could continue helping maintain the church for the foreseeable future, until the day comes when that can't continue and the building needs to be taken down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's an important part of the community and we've got people who are definitely behind us to keep it going," Metzger said. "We're still not ready to give up. There's still a generation that enjoys their home church." The church had a final Mass, a Corpus Christi celebration, on June 29. Videos on the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Heritage Society's Facebook page show a crowd of people joined together in prayer and song, and a homily from Father Damien Schill. In his homily, he said the church was founded in 1888. "Today is a day set apart," Schill said. "One of remembrance, gratitude, and hope and sadness. ... To walk this final chapter, especially on the solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, is both an honor and a privilege." Braun said that, though the heritage society has offered assistance in caring for the church, the ultimate responsibility falls to the parish at St. Alphonsus in Langdon, which he said owns the property. According to Braun, Folda denied the request to nominate the building for the national register because St. Alphonsus would still bear the responsibility in perpetuity if the church was put on the list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a proposal to place a memorial on the church site to honor the building and the community, Braun said. Any final decisions regarding the church will be communicated to St. Alphonsus and the heritage society. "Our Lady of Mt. Carmel is not the only church that has faced this difficult reality," Braun said. "Our lay faithful, parishes and the Diocese are all very aware of the challenges and share in the grief when a church closes. At the same time, we also work to ensure strong parish communities in the long term. Our mission is to know, love and serve God in this world and the next, and that is our main focus." One long-burning wildfire north of the Grand Canyon was substantially contained as of July 26, with a major highway reopening and an inn that had been evacuated once again welcoming guests. But an even older fire closer to the canyon's edge, which already destroyed historic structures in the developed North Rim area of Grand Canyon National Park, was threatening another tourist spot. Together, the pair of lightning-caused fires has scorched over 94,000 acres. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White Sage Fire, which started July 9, has spread across 58,985 acres of the northern Kaibab National Forest and was 81% contained, according to the Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team 6. The east-west highway of U.S. Route 89A from Bitter Springs to Fredonia had reopened to the public, but officials warned that smoke would still be visible from the freeway. Nearby State Route 67, which runs north-south from Jacob Lake to the developed area of the North Rim, remained closed, according to the Great Basin team. On all but the difficult-to-access east side of the fire, crews have already planted seeds to restore the environment and repaired fences, according to the Great Basin team. The Great Basin team planned to hand the fire over to the smaller Color Country Team 2, further signifying the fire was on a path toward total containment. Crews projected July 30 as the earliest possible date for the fire's total containment, according to InciWeb, a federal wildfire tracking system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nearby Jacob Lake Inn, which had temporarily closed due to the fire, reopened as of July 24, according to a Facebook post. About 30 miles to the south, the Dragon Bravo Fire, which started July 4 and destroyed much of the North Rim tourist hub inside Grand Canyon National Park, had grown to 35,456 acres and was 26% contained, according to the Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team 4. Crews saw gusty winds increase fire activity on July 25, which spread the fire to the north and intensified the existing blaze on the west side, according to the Southwest team. The team said "record dry conditions" meant firefighters would need to reinforce perimeter lines and prepare for potential structure protection near the Kaibab Lodge, a complex of tourist cabins about 5 miles north of the entrance to Grand Canyon National Park off SR 67. Aircraft were ready for an increase in fire activity, especially on the canyon edges, where the fire could spread into grass and sagebrush at lower elevations, according to the management team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kaibab Lodge took to Facebook around 4 p.m. to share a photo of dense smoke not far from the property. "The Dragon Bravo Fire is rapidly approaching Kaibab Lodge," the post said. "Please keep the firefighters, lodge staff, and the surrounding community in your thoughts." Over 1,300 firefighters remained on the scene of the two fires, officials said. Rey Covarrubias Jr. reports breaking news for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Email him at: rcovarrubias@gannett.com, and connect with him on Instagram, Threads, Bluesky and X (formerly Twitter) at @ReyCJrAZ. (This article was updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Highway and inn reopen as fire near Grand Canyon controlled The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities is joining a legal fight over the fate of a federal program aimed at addressing educational disparities in higher education. This week, the association, better known as HACU, filed a motion to intervene in a federal lawsuit that seeks to dismantle the Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) program which provides federal grants to universities and colleges with a student body that is over 25% Latino. The program created by Congress provides grants to universities already educating the majority of the nations Hispanic college students to expand their ability to help Hispanic students and other low-income individuals complete postsecondary degrees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HACU is now part of the effort started last month by the Students for Fair Admissions the same group behind the legal challenges that resulted in the Supreme Court striking down college affirmative action programs in 2023 and the state of Tennessee to sue the Department of Education over the HSI program. They allege it discriminates based on ethnicity and are calling on the federal court to deem it unconstitutional. The association representing Hispanic universities also alleges that the lawsuit unfairly characterizes the HSI program, since the added resources from the grants benefit the entire student body of the institution. "We want our side of the story to be heard by the court before they decide on the case," Dr. Antonio R. Flores, president and chief executive officer of HACU, told NBC News on Friday. Flores said HSI-designated schools dont automatically get grants based on the number of Hispanic students on their campus. They must compete among themselves to access the money and must prove that the majority of their students are low-income and that they spend less money per student than their peer institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is not about preferential treatment. It is about equitable resource allocation for institutions, Flores said. In court filings Thursday, Students for Fair Admissions and the state of Tennessee did not oppose HACU's motion to join the case as a defendant. The Department of Education has not yet responded to the complaint in court. It also did not respond to an email from NBC News seeking comment on Friday. To identify which colleges and universities serve the majority of the nations Hispanic students, Congress defined Hispanic-Serving Institutions as those that have at least 25% of its full-time student population be of Hispanic or Latino descent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The HSI designation is based on geography and demographics, Fran Fajana, an attorney at LatinoJustice representing HACU in this case, told NBC News. Its not because the institution went out of its way to recruit a lot of Latino students. The percentage of Latinos with a college degree still lags far behind white students. In 2022, about 21% of Latino adults over 25 had a bachelor's degree, compared to 42% for non-Hispanic whites, according to census figures. Students for Fair Admissions, which is led by conservative activist Ed Blum, referred to the 25% requirement as an arbitrary ethnic threshold" when it published a news release about the lawsuit on June 11. "This lawsuit challenges a federal policy that conditions the receipt of taxpayer-funded grants on the racial composition of a student body," Blum said in a statement last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Office of Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said in another statement from that the "rule leaves many needy students out in the cold." "The HSI programs discriminatory grant standards are just as illegal," Skrmetti said in the statement. Their lawsuit is part of a series of legal challenges brought forward in recent years following the Supreme Court's decision on affirmative action against schools, scholarships, internships and other educational programs that mention race or ethnicity in their criteria. Once an institution is competitively awarded a grant, there is no requirement in the HSI program limiting how those resources are distributed across the school, Fajana said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Whether theyve gotten the resources to expand their science program laboratories [or]capacity building," she said, "those resources are not limited to Latino students." A 2023 study from the Urban Institute found that the investments made by HSI-designated institutions increased the number of students of all races and ethnicities who completed college and obtained bachelor's degrees. "What is at stake?" Flores said, "Success in advancement of, not just the Latino community, but all of the students who go to HSIs and benefit from the funding." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) Thousands of sailors call ships home for months at a time, and some of these ships, such as the USS George H.W. Bush, are named after certain people or places. In this case, the USS George H.W. Bush was named after the 41st president, honoring his life, legacy and service. Life for sailors onboard USS George H.W. Bush All aircraft carriers in the United States Navy have rooms specially dedicated to their namesake. It showcases memories and artifacts from the presidents life, including when he enlisted in the Navy and became, at the time, the youngest naval aviator at 19 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He ended up serving in World War II and flew over 53 successful combat missions during that time, which came to a close while flying over the island of Chichijima in his TBF bomber, the Avenger, which we have over there, said Stan Zaneski, a public affairs officer with the USS George H.W. Bush. Its part of the reason sailors on the ship call themselves The Avenger. Bush was shot down and had to bail out from his aircraft. Decades later, after a career as a businessman and in the government, and after serving as president, the 10th and last Nimitz-class aircraft carrier was named after George H.W. Bush. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a naval tradition that the first commanding officer is always a naval aviator. During construction, sections of the ship are built separately and then lowered together. The commanding officer will put their aviation wings underneath when the ship sections are lowered together. Because as a floating airport, a small floating city, we need an officer who is comfortable, confident and capable of being both an officer to a command and an officer to a floating airport, Zaneski said. 10 On Your Side was there at the christening. George H.W. Bush was alive, and a piece of his career is now part of the ship. We had the express honor of not only putting our first commanding officers aviation wings but also George H.W. Bushs, one of the first carriers to have their namesake alive and be a prior aviator, Zaneski said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each part of the ship has a meaning, especially the ships coat of arms, which honors the legacy of naval aviation. The yellow aircraft is his TBF Avenger, which is seen as the past of naval aviation, Zaneski said. In the black is an F/A-18, which was at the time of christening the present. And at that same time, in red, is an F-35, which was seen as the future of naval aviation. There are 41 stars representing him as the 41st president, and words that reference his inaugural speech. Above we see that we know what works, freedom works, and below, we know whats right. Freedom is right, Zaneski said, including the blue and white lines as a symbol of the thousand points of lights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He talked about [how] every single one of us can be a single point of light that shines bright and brightens this night sky, Zaneski 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 WAVY.com. HOLYOKE The regions largest shopping center was evacuated Friday evening after police exchanged gunfire with an alleged shoplifter, but officials have cleared the Holyoke Mall for reopening today. The suspect, who was the only person injured, was immediately taken into custody, Holyoke Police Chief Brian K. Keenan said on Friday night. The suspect is a minor, Keenan said, so police are not releasing the name. At around 4:30 p.m. on Friday, a security guard at the Holyoke Mall caught the suspect shoplifting, Keenan said at a press conference later on Friday. After the guard called in two Holyoke police officers, the suspect drew a gun and fired at police, who fired back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect was shot in the leg on the main concourse of the malls first floor, near the Round 1 bowling alley and the elevator. Officers administered first aid to the suspect, whose injury was not life-threatening. It was very, very quick, Keenan added. Keenan described the shooting as an isolated incident, and said no bystanders were targeted or injured. At the press conference, Holyoke Mayor Joshua A. Garcia said police followed their training and protected the public. He also said several times that parents and shoppers should view the mall as a safe place. This was not a random active shooter, Garcia added. You are safe when you are visiting the Holyoke Mall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immediately after the shooting, the building was evacuated, as the entire mall is part of the crime scene, Keenan said. He said the shopping center cleared out quickly, partly because someone had activated the fire alarm around the same time as the shooting. He added that there were no injuries during the evacuation. Police cars blocked the roads approaching the mall on Friday night, but Keenan said it would open as usual this morning. He said shoppers can expect to see more police on patrol, including Massachusetts State Police. The incident is being investigated by Holyoke police and detectives from the state police assigned to the Hampden District Attorneys Office, Keenan said. He and Garcia said Holyoke had received support from neighboring cities police departments and mayors, as well as the City Council and state legislators. Keenan said the Holyoke police meet weekly with Holyoke Mall officials to discuss security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We commit a significant amount of resources to the mall as it is, Keenan said, and Were constantly reviewing our best practices. Garcia said gun violence is an unfortunate reality in American cities, but thats why we train, thats why we prepare. Read the original article on MassLive. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Nationwide, homelessness has reached record levels. A single-day count in 2024 recorded more than 770,000 people without shelter, the highest number ever documented. Trump signs executive order to push cities to curb homeless sleeping, drug use on streets President Trump signed an executive order Thursday aimed at providing resources to help cities and states remove homeless people from sleeping on the streets and crack down on drug use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City leaders in Little Rock have long prioritized combating homelessness. Their approach emphasizes long-term solutions, including affordable housing and mental health services to keep people off the streets. Cuts to federal health care grants impact mental health services in Arkansas In 2023, the city of Little Rock broke ground on the Little Rock micro-home village, which aims to provide transitional housing for homeless individuals and is the first of its kind in Arkansas. It will feature 80 separate housing units and 20 emergency beds, with the goal of combating the stigma surrounding homelessness. Were going to encampments, Matthew DeSalvo, Chief Homeless Officer of Little Rock said. Were going into the abandoned buildings. Were going to where people are naturally [and] meeting them where they are to try and help them and meet their needs where they are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another thing the city is trying to do is help not only peoples physical needs but also their emotional well-being. I get to go home to my wife and children, DeSalvo said. I have stability. I have a source of income. I have a family support network, but the people that were talking about dont have that. The city is emphasizing that this is an issue people should not turn their backs on, but one they should engage with to help find a solution. Instead of sitting on the sidelines sometimes and having other people try and solve it, DeSalvo said. Thats fine, there are people who are doing it. But its going to take a community. Its going to take everybody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Little Rock nonprofit The Van hits snag in shelter purchase DeSalvo said the best way to give back and help fight the issue is to volunteer at local shelters, make people aware of available resources, and donate food, water and hygiene items to local centers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) Detectives are investigating after a man was found shot to death in a Laurel roadway Friday night. Details remain limited; however, the Prince Georges County Police Department said officers responded to a shooting in the 13200 block of Laurel-Bowie Road at around 10:20 p.m. There, they found a man in the roadway suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neighbors react to Beltsville man killed during dispute with teen As of Saturday morning, police have not released the mans name as detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deadly shooting. Officials urge anyone with information to call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS or submit a tip online. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. Las Vegas(KLAS)-Pink Jeep Tours and Southern Nevada Conservancy have partnered for something very special in honor of World Conservation Day. Carol Keane, Senior Pink Jeep Adventure Guide at Pink Jeep Tours Las Vegas and Rosa Prasser, Director of Interpretive Programming at Southern Nevada Conservancy joined us with the details. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. The case of Hershall Creachbaum has gotten the attention of Ohios governor. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] I have concerns every time we see a child die, and certainly die under these circumstances, Gov. Mike DeWine said. DeWine provided new details to the I-Team about an open investigation by the Department of Children and Youth. An investigation that does involve Montgomery County Childrens Services, and it does involve Clark County Children Services, he confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a probe that the I-team first reported last week. TRENDING STORIES: A series of ongoing I-Team investigations has found Hershalls grandmother had guardianship of him through the Clark County probate court up until mid-May. Hershall started living with his mom and her boyfriend in Dayton after his grandma was in a bad car crash in November. His grandmother told the I-Team that Clark County Children Services checked on Hershall at the home in Dayton in April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several people have told the I-Team they called Montgomery County Children Services with concerns about Hershalls welfare. DeWine told the I-Team that state investigators have questions. Questions we all would want to know. What happened? Whats the chronology? Who had contact? When did they have contact? What did they do after they had contact? What did they know? When did they know it? How did they react to it? DeWine said. As they work to try and lessen the chance that something like this happens again. You may come back and say, Look, they did everything right. Its just, this is a horrible, horrible tragedy. May come back (and say) there were some mistakes made. We just never know until we get into it and see, DeWine said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News Center 7 reached out to Clark and Montgomery County. Clark County said no comment as this remains an active investigation. Montgomery County referred to a statement they first sent News Center 7 nearly two weeks ago that said, While this tragedy did not fall under our jurisdiction, we join the community in mourning this loss. We will continue to follow this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Washington, DC The images of emaciated children coming out of Gaza have moved some of Israels staunchest supporters in the United States Congress to decry the humanitarian situation in the besieged Palestinian territory ravaged by Israeli-imposed starvation. Some Democratic lawmakers pointedly condemned Israel over the past few days, slamming the US and Israeli-backed GHF food distribution mechanism that has led to the killing of more than 1,000 Palestinian aid seekers. But others issued vague statements calling for aid to enter Gaza without directly blaming Israeli policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the reality: Having already killed or wounded 200,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, the extremist Israeli government is using mass starvation to engineer the ethnic cleansing of Gaza, progressive Senator Bernie Sanders said in a statement late on Friday. He accused the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of carrying out an extermination campaign in Gaza. The anger threatens to shake the strong bipartisan support that Israel has enjoyed for decades in Congress, which authorises the billions in military aid that the staunch US ally receives from Washington annually. But so far, there does not appear to be a significant push to impose actual consequences on the Israeli government for its forced mass hunger campaign in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just last week, the US House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to approve $500m in missile defence support to Israel. This cannot continue On Saturday, Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen hit out at Netanyahu and US President Trump for replacing humanitarian aid groups in Gaza with mercenaries leading to more death and devastation. Every day, the horrors in Gaza reach new, unimaginable depths, Van Hollen wrote in a social media post. The Trump administration has been talking up US support for the GHF operation which the United Nations and rights groups have described as a death trap and human slaughterhouses and falsely blaming Hamas for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This cannot continue, Van Hollen said. Congressman John Garamendi suggested that Israels dangerous and wilful failure to enable humanitarian aid in Gaza amounts to genocide. Only a handful of progressive congressmembers have accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, of an effort to destroy the Palestinian people. But leading rights groups and UN experts have concluded that the Israeli military campaign is genocidal. Israel has the ability and the means to deliver adequate food to the Palestinians, Garamendi said in a statement. They also have the obligation under international law to deliver it; its the choice of Prime Minister Netanyahu not to feed Gaza. It must end. My statement on the starvation crisis in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/QzeVD2wjCp John Garamendi (@RepGaramendi) July 26, 2025 Numerous Israeli officials have publicly said that they aim to cut off aid to Gaza and force all Palestinians to leave the territory, effectively promoting ethic cleansing. Many have suggested that there are no innocent people in the enclave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this week, Israeli Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu appeared to confirm that his country is purposely starving Gaza, saying that there is no nation that feeds its enemies. The government is racing ahead for Gaza to be wiped out, Eliyahu said in a radio interview, according to The Times of Israel. According to Gazas health authorities, at least 127 Palestinians have died of malnutrition in the enclave, including five on Saturday. On Thursday, Congressman Wesley Bell who was backed with millions of dollars from pro-Israel groups last year to defeat former Congresswoman Cori Bush, a leading critic of Israeli policies spoke out against Israels actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive always supported Israels right to exist and defend itself. That hasnt changed, Bell said in a social media post. But supporting this governments actions allowing children to starve and firing on civilians seeking food is something I cant stand by. This isnt self-defense. It must stop. Congresswoman Summer Lee also said on Friday that Israel is blocking humanitarian assistance to Gaza while shooting at aid seekers looking to receive food from GHF sites. People are collapsing in the streets from extreme starvation. Horrors upon horrors, Lee said in a social media post. The US must stop funding Israels manufactured famine and genocide. Vague statements Not all US lawmakers who spoke on the issue were as forceful as Lee when addressing the crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many failed to point the finger at Israel, while others prefaced their mild criticism of the US ally with customary condemnation of Hamas. Several congressmembers reiterated the Israeli lie that Hamas steals UN humanitarian aid a claim that has been denied by UN agencies and aid groups on the ground, and for which the Israeli military officials acknowledge they have no evidence. Congresswoman Grace Meng said in a statement that as a mother, her heart breaks to see children in Gaza starve, but she proceeded to repeat pro-Israel talking points about the humanitarian situation. It is important to recognize that Israel has facilitated the entry of over 1.8 million tons and over 96,000 trucks into Gaza, while Hamas continues to hold hostages, extort the aid system, and refuse ceasefire deals to stay in power and prolong the war, Meng said in a statement. My full statement on the humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for peace in Gaza pic.twitter.com/dnNAR0DGgc Grace Meng (@RepGraceMeng) July 25, 2025 Throughout more than 22 months of war, Israel has allowed a trickle of aid to enter Gaza but far below the needs of the population. And since March, Israel has tightened its blockade on the territory, making the deadly GHF sites nearly the only source of food for Palestinians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas also denies rejecting ceasefire deals. Instead, the group says it is seeking a permanent end to the war, while several Israeli officials have said that Israel will proceed with its military campaign in Gaza even if a short-term truce is reached. Congressman Adam Smith called on Israel to take the steps necessary to alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, but he focused his criticism on Hamas, echoing unfounded Israeli arguments about the group blocking ceasefire deals and stealing the aid. I believe we can both continue to support Israel in their effort to defend themselves against Hamas, Iran and others in the region who continue in their efforts to attack and destroy Israel, and work immediately to relieve the suffering of the people in Gaza, Smith said in a statement. Similarly, Senator Cory Booker released a 172-word statement on the starvation crisis in Gaza that mentioned the word Israel only once in calling for a strategy to strengthen Israels security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is our collective moral duty to ensure that humanitarian relief reaches those who need it most urgently, Booker said in a statement. Criticising Trump At the same time, some Democrats invoked the crisis to rebuke Trump their political rival without denouncing Israel. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries set the tone for that approach with a statement late on Friday that focused on Trump but failed to explicitly criticise Israel. The starvation and death of Palestinian children and civilians in an ongoing war zone is unacceptable, Jeffries said. The Trump administration has the ability to bring an end to this humanitarian crisis. They must act now. Statement on the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/SFPn3f8H89 Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) July 26, 2025 For his part, Congressman Tim Kennedy underscored that Trump has failed to deliver his promise of ending the war on Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His strategic and moral failure has led to deteriorating conditions, with new reports and images of mass starvation of Palestinians, Kennedy said in a statement. Trumps Republican Party has been largely silent about the worsening hunger in Gaza. But Congressman Randy Fine a close ally of the US president appeared to at once endorse Israels starvation campaign in Gaza while dismissing it as Muslim terror propaganda. Release the hostages, he wrote in a social media post earlier this week. Until then, starve away. After the driest spring in more than a century, followed by the UKs hottest June on record, the first hosepipe bans of 2025 have been announced. In a report earlier this year, the Environment Agency warned that England faced major public water shortages unless urgent action was taken. In an effort to reduce the risk of shortages, the restrictions will ban the use of hosepipes for watering plants, washing windows, patios and cars, or filling paddling and swimming pools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But is your area affected? On Friday 11 July, Yorkshire Water brought in the first hosepipe ban of the year. Hours later, South East Water announced that its own ban would be imposed from July 18. The temporary restrictions for customers in Kent and Sussex will impact more than a million households. The following week Thames Water announced a hosepipe ban for households in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, most of Wiltshire and some parts of Berkshire. The ban was imposed on July 22 for millions of customers in all OX postcodes, all GL postcodes and all SN postcodes, as well as those in RG4, RG8 and RG9 postcodes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A ban was also extended to Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, as Southern Water announced restrictions to come into place from 9am on Monday 21 July. These restrictions have now all been imposed, and other water companies may follow suit if nothing significant changes. As the UK recovers from its third heatwave in four weeks, more restrictions are likely be introduced in the coming weeks. 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. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) With the mercury on the rise, its only fitting that Hot Classics Night is making its return to downtown Sioux Falls. A bit of automotive history will be on display this Saturday in downtown Sioux Falls. Ellsworth AFB introduces new Commander Kevin Nyberg owns Nybergs Ace Hardware, where theyll pack the streets with a centurys worth of chrome. Nyberg said there will be over 400 classic cars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre going to see vintage cars from the early 1900s to modern cars, Camaros, Corvettes, you name it, Nyberg said. The annual event features more than just cars, another reason why thousands of people will make their way downtown. Not only do we have the classic cars that we highlight, we have live music and weve got food trucks and its just a great time, Nyberg said. People love a car show, particularly in downtown Sioux Falls, and this is the only one that occurs in downtown Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls resident Tom Olsen said. Olsen is a member of the Great Plains Street Rodders car enthusiasts who volunteer at the event and he plans to bring his 63 Chevy Bel Air. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People enjoy looking at the cars, meeting their car friends, its just a good time to get together and hang out and visit and admire the cars, Olsen said. The event is free to attend, but any proceeds will benefit the El Riad Shrine Classie Autos. Its for the Classie Autos, which is a division of the Shrine and all the money, the proceeds from the sales of beverages go to help kids and thats what this event is all about, Nyberg said. And Nyberg also plans to arrive in style. Im going to have my 1958 Chevy pickup down here. I love driving it, three on the column, and its just a lot of fun, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hot Classics Night runs from 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday at Nybergs Ace Hardware in downtown Sioux Falls. Show car parking will begin at 2 p.m. No registration is required to participate and its free. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Weekend Forecast: A high-pressure ridge will return from the East Coast to Alabama by Sunday. Saturday will bring typical late-July weather with a few pop-up storms and highs in the lower 90s. The heat index will range between 100-105 degrees. Sunday will be hotter and more humid, with only a couple of storms. Highs will reach the mid-90s, with a heat index of 105 or higher. Weather Aware Monday through Wednesday for Dangerous Heat Next Weeks Outlook: The dome of high pressure will sit over the Southeast U.S. to start the week. This time, Alabama will be under the high-pressure area, which means a forecast of dangerous heat. Monday and Tuesday will be mostly sunny to partly cloudy with little to no rain. A few storms are possible late Tuesday and Wednesday as the high pressure shifts to the west. High temperatures will be in the upper 90s. It will be humid, so the heat index will be around 110 or higher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ridge will be centered over Texas on Thursday and Friday, which helps to lower the heat across Alabama. Each day will be partly cloudy with scattered showers and storms returning. High temperatures will range from the lower to mid-90s, with a heat index of 100-105. 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. Gov. Jared Polis gets much of the blame for the growing rural-urban divide in Colorado Hotter and drier weather will move into New Mexico this weekend. Monsoon moisture returns again next week bringing back afternoon showers and storms. Much drier weather has started moving into New Mexico Friday. A few showers and storms have still popped up over the Sacramento, Guadalupe, and northern mountains this afternoon. A few showers will hold together to move into eastern and northeastern New Mexico into this evening, but they will all end before midnight tonight. In addition to the drier air, temperatures have been hotter today too with highs back up to around average for this time of year. Hotter and drier weather will continue to move in this weekend. Many areas will see highs in the 90s both Saturday and Sunday, with triple-digit heat returning to parts of southern New Mexico. Saturday will be dry across almost all of New Mexico, with the exception of a few spotty afternoon storms over some of the northern mountain peaks and along the Texas state line. This will be the same story on Sunday, but with a couple more storms in southern and southeastern parts of the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A surge of monsoon moisture will move back into New Mexico early next week. This will increase rain chances into the middle of next week. Most of New Mexico will see rain chances return, except for east-central and southeast New Mexico where high pressure will keep things drier. Temperatures will also cool off for most with the increase in moisture and rain. The rain will also bring back a threat of flash flooding by the middle of next week. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. The Oklahoma House of Representatives has approved and assigned to committees several interim studies for area legislators. Rep. Molly Jenkins (R-Coyle) proposed a study on Eminent Domain for Transmission Line Development. It was assigned to the Utilities Committee. Jenkins explanation on the scope of the proposal was Analyzing and reviewing the impact of the eminent domain powers of government. Residents in Jenkins district were largely opposed to plans for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor going through northern Oklahoma. The corridor project for Oklahoma was terminated, but residents have also opposed other transmission projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jenkins authored House Joint Resolution 1003 last session that would call for a vote of the people on a ballot measure that, if approved, would prevent companies from using eminent domain for wind turbines, transmission lines tied to green energy subsidies. The bill was held up in committee. Rep. Trish Ranson (D-Stillwater) proposed a study on Establishing a Department of Early Childhood. It was assigned to the Health A&B Committee. Ransons explanation was, Using the recommendations of a recent LOFT study, as well as model legislation from two neighboring states, well explore the possibilities of streamlining the delivery of early childhood service. The study will include areas of health, education, and care with a focus on family-friendly outcomes. Ty Burns (R-Pawnee) proposed a study on EEG-Guided TMS Treatment for Veterans, First Responders and Law Enforcement. It was assigned to the Veterans & Military Affairs Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The purpose of the study is to explore the potential benefits and implementation of EEG-guided Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy in Oklahoma, particularly for veterans, first responders, and law enforcement officers, according to Burns. More than 150 studies were assigned to committees. The study session period will run from Aug. 4 to Nov. 6. In a news release Friday, House Speaker Kyle Hilbert (R-Bristow) cautioned that meetings are scheduled at the discretion of the committee chair and studies approved may be the priorities of individual members, a study may not necessarily indicate or reflect a formal priority of the House Republican Caucus. These studies allow legislators to explore a wide range of issues, Hilbert said in the release. Interim studies serve as an important tool in the toolbox of an individual or a group of legislators in preparing their policy initiatives for the 2026 session and initiating public buy-in. The interim study process provides an avenue for members to gather information, vet ideas and engage stakeholders. July 26 (UPI) -- House Democrats are demanding the release of a document held by Jeffrey Epstein's that allegedly contains a letter signed by President Donald Trump. The so-called "birthday book" is said to contain information about the convicted sex trafficker's personal relationships and was put together by his convicted former associate Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003. Maxwell herself was given a 20-year federal prison sentence in 2021 for helping Epstein procure young women, and spoke Friday with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche about the late financier's criminal activities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Recent public reporting indicates that the Estate of Jeffrey Epstein is in possession of a document commonly referred to as 'the birthday book,' compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003 in celebration of Mr. Epstein's 50th birthday, which has clear relevance to this case," Rep, Ro Khanna, D-Calif., wrote in a letter addressed to three lawyers at separate New York City law firms. "Public reporting indicates that President Trump submitted a poem and drawing for the 'birthday book,' which contains messages and illustrations from wealthy and powerful friends and associates of Jeffrey Epstein." The so-called birthday book is said to contain information about the convicted sex traffickers personal relationships and was put together by his convicted former associate Ghislaine Maxwell. File Photo by Rick Bajornas/EPA-EFE The letter is co-signed by Khanna, ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, and Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif. "The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has issued a subpoena to depose Ms. Maxwell, the book's alleged creator, and should be permitted to review its contents," the letter reads. "Public reporting indicates that President Trump submitted a poem and drawing for the birthday book," according to a letter written by Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and sent Friday. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI In the opening sentence, lawmakers accuse Trump of continuing "desperate attempts to quell public interest in the release of files related to his longtime friend, convicted sex offender and child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maxwell, who on Friday answered questions "honestly, truthfully" over several hours according to her lawyer, is set to appear in front of the House Oversight Committee on August 11. House Democrats are demanding the release of a document held by the estate of Jeffrey Epstein that allegedly contains a letter signed by President Donald Trump. File Photo by Francis Chung/UPI The 63-year-old was given partial immunity during the meeting where she was "asked about every single, every possible thing you could imagine. Everything," her lawyer David Oscar Markus later told reporters. Maxwell's appearance Friday is unrelated to the subpoena issued by the House Oversight Committee, which is conducting its own investigation. The letter penned by Khanna and Garcia asks for the book to be released by August 10 so members can review its contents prior to Maxwell's scheduled deposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The book is relevant for ongoing congressional oversight of the Department of Justice's handling of the Epstein investigation and prosecution, as well as the Trump Administration's decision to declassify and release only a handful of documents from its Epstein files while withholding others from the public," the letter reads. "Information gathered from this document may also inform the development of legislative reforms addressing sex trafficking networks, financial regulation, or other critical matters of public policy." Epstein died in 2019 while in custody in the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City. His death was ruled a suicide ahead of his scheduled trial on federal charges related to sex trafficking. HIGH POINT A dental clinic unveiled by High Point University on Friday will provide people in the community with dental care while helping students in the universitys new dental program gain clinical skills. HPU Health Plaza Dental will operate from a clinic at 231 Plaza Lane, Suite 101, in the southern part of the city. Several hundred people from the community took part in a ceremony to tour the clinic. The clinic now occupies a brick building at Plaza Lane and Fairfield Road after being in the former High Point chamber of commerce offices on N. Main Street as a temporary location for more than a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students in the Workman School of Dental Medicine will get hands-on learning through the clinic and other dental practices that are part of HPU Health, a network owned and operated by the university. The practices provide dental students with training under the guidance of dentists with decades of experience, university officials say. The clinics also provide an option for people from the community seeking dental care. We will become one of the largest Medicaid dental care providers in North Carolina, said dental school Dean Dr. Ali Shazib. The south High Point clinic will serve about 500 patients a month and provide training for the 60 dental school students, Shazib said. The clinic clientele is a mixture of paying and charitable patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We even have a clinic bus that goes to businesses and underserved communities, he said. When the dental practice program was launched, HPU officials said it was the first to link an academic program with clinics operating as businesses. Construction is nearly complete on the Workman School of Dental Medicine building on campus, where academic training will take place. The dental program started during the past academic year in a temporary location, but the new building will open with the start of the 2025-26 academic year. Several hundred supporters of Germany's far-right Reich Citizens Movement and so-called "self-administrators" gathered for a rally Saturday in the centre of the south-western city of Karlsruhe. The police spoke of a total of 300 to 350 participants on Karlsruhe's Schlossplatz. Officials had expected around 500 people from all over Germany. Participants waved numerous Reich flags in the immediate vicinity of Germany's Federal Constitutional Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some 250 counter-demonstrators also gathered on Schlossplatz within sight of the Reich Citizens, police said. The local Antifa, a left-wing anti-fascist and anti-racist political movement, was also present. The event had been peaceful so far. According to a police spokesperson, no major incidents were reported. The Reich Citizens movement, which reportedly has around 6,000 followers across the country, has been accused of seeking to establish a "counter-state" and building "criminal economic structures." Reich Citizens do not recognize the Federal Republic of Germany and its laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is not our Germany," a spokesman said on stage. He called for resistance against what he called "the dictatorship in our country." Reich Citizens is an umbrella term used to describe a diffuse group of German residents. The movement has no official structure and consists of several groupings. Many of the group's followers maintain that the German Reich proclaimed in 1871 still exists. They do not recognize modern-day democratic and constitutional structures such as parliament, laws or courts. They also refuse to pay taxes, social security contributions or fines. The husband of social media influencer Emilie Kiser will not face a criminal charge in the drowning death of the couple's 3-year-old son, Trigg. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said in a July 25 news release that there would be "no reasonable likelihood of conviction" if Brady Kiser were to be charged in connection with the drowning. Brady Kiser was at the couple's Chandler home with Trigg and their newborn son on May 12. First responders were called to the home after Trigg was found in the backyard pool. He was taken to the hospital, where he died on May 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trigg's drowning death captured the attention of many. Emilie Kiser is a TikTok celebrity with about 4 million followers and has a presence on other social media platforms. She often posted about parenting and her home life and promoted products. Two months after the drowning, Chandler police recommended to county prosecutors that Brady Kiser should be charged with Class 4 felony child abuse. Police had been considering the charge since before Trigg's death, according to court records. News alerts in your inbox: Don't miss the important news of the day. Sign up for azcentral newsletter alerts to be in the know. Mitchell said July 25 that to convict someone of that charge, prosecutors had to prove "beyond a reasonable doubt" to a unanimous jury that there was criminal negligence, meaning the person failed to identify a substantial risk that a reasonable person would have recognized and prevented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police officials previously told The Arizona Republic that criminal charges against parents in child drowning cases were rare. After a "careful review" of the evidence in Brady Kiser's case, prosecutors would have been unable to make that argument, Mitchell said. The case was reviewed by prosecutors assigned to it, "highly experienced senior" prosecutors and Mitchell herself, she said. Part of the evidence was surveillance video from outside the home that showed how the drowning happened and the "actual timeline of events," Mitchell said. Chandler investigators filed search warrant applications on May 13 to obtain that footage to corroborate what Brady Kiser told police about how the drowning happened. In those applications, investigators accused Brady Kiser of committing child abuse on the day of Trigg's drowning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court records included a summarized police interview with Brady Kiser. Brady Kiser had told Chandler police he was home alone with the couple's two boys on May 12 while his wife was out with friends, the court records said. He told police he saw Trigg playing near the pool, which was "not uncommon," the court records said. He said the pool usually had a protective cover on it, they said. Brady Kiser said he was "soon distracted" by their newborn son, Theodore, when he lost sight of Trigg for three to five minutes, the records said. He then found Trigg floating in their backyard pool, they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He "immediately" jumped in to help Trigg and called 911, the records said. Though Brady Kiser will not face charges, a police report has yet to be released. Emilie Kiser has been fighting to prevent the release of government records about the investigation into Trigg's death. Her legal team argued in a May 27 lawsuit that disseminating that information, which would normally be made available to the public, would violate her family's privacy. Her legal team later agreed that some records, such as redacted police and medical examiner reports, could be released. But anything made available should balance her privacy against the public's right to know, her lawyers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A judge ordered Chandler and Maricopa County on June 3 not to disclose any records until lawyers reviewed and discussed their contents. Reporter Perry Vandell contributed to this article. Elena Santa Cruz is a criminal justice reporter for The Republic. Reach her at elena.santacruz@gannett.com.Follow her on X @ecsantacruz3. (This article was updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Husband of social media influencer Emilie Kiser will not be charged Former Department of Homeland Security officials and employees are raising the alarm that the Trump administrations plan to hire 10,000 more immigration enforcement officers could result in lower hiring standards, as expansions have in the past, and that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers current behavior could attract prospective agents for the wrong reasons. As part of its campaign to hire new ICE personnel, the Trump administration has presented a smattering of offers, including a $10,000 yearly bonus for agents over the next four years, a $50,000 signing bonus to former ICE agents who decide to return to the agency and a starting salary of up to $89,528 for new officers. Combined with the fact that ICE agents are not required to take any pre-employment exams, have no educational requirements and are only required to pass a background check and a physical exam (which includes a kneel/stand test, five minutes of cardio and performing 15 pushups in two minutes), the job offers a better salary and benefits than many, especially considering it doesnt even require a high school education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Sandweg, who served as the acting director of ICE from 2013 to 2014, told Salon that hes concerned that the current conduct of the agency under Trump could also attract candidates for the wrong reasons. ICE, as part of Trumps mass deportation scheme, has been accused of using racial profiling and targeting even Puerto Ricans and Native Americans, who are U.S. citizens. Some raids have also been criticized as intimidation tactics and some have also become violent, like in California earlier this month when masked federal agents brandishing firearms and deploying chemical irritants and flash bang grenades clashed with protesters. I do worry that in this kind of supercharged environment were in, there are going to be some people who want to get into this for the wrong reasons, and thats not because theyre trying to make the country safer, but maybe some bias and hatred towards immigrants generally, Sandweg said. Thats the concern, that and lowering the bar in terms of picking people who would otherwise normally be disqualified and bringing them on board. Sandweg said that, in his experience at the agency, ICE agents are, by and large, a very high-quality group and that most of the people signed up to make the country safer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sandweg said that the only real historical analog for the Department of Homeland Security is towards the end of the Bush administration, when an influx of funding for the Border Patrol resulted in a rush to spend the money. Thats a really good parallel, Sandweg said.The Trump administration now has funding to double the size of ICE, and unquestionably, theyre going to want to deploy those assets as quickly as humanly possible. I would expect them to put ICE under tremendous pressure to deploy these agents and officers quickly. Sandweg estimated that, under normal circumstances, it would take the agency around three-and-a-half years to train and deploy this many agents. This would include finding applicants and putting them through a basic 13-week training course in the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, as well as field training. The expansion would also require capital investments in field offices, increasing their size and expanding support staff in departments like human resources. ICE could speed this process up, according to Sandweg, through the use of private contractors in some of the hiring process, which has already been commonplace in processes like background checks for decades, and by lowering the standards for new agents. ICE hasnt yet said it will lower standards, though it has happened at other agencies in the Department of Homeland Security, like when Customs and Border Protection eliminated the 100-flight-hour requirement for pilots in 2018 and one of their physical fitness tests the same year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jason Houser, who served as the chief of staff of ICE under former President Barack Obama, said that he shared many of Sandwegs concerns in terms of the practical hurdles and the potential for lower standards, whether it be in recruitment or training, for new ICE agents. Houser also raised a different issue facing the administration, which is that theres no way ICE could expand its workforce to achieve the millions of deportations that Trump is promising in the next three-and-a-half years, at least through conventional hiring. Typically, ICE can train between 800 and 1,000 officers a year, according to Houser. Normally, Houser explained, the bigger problem for recruitment is not in finding candidates interested in the job but in actually getting a candidate through a background check and training, or what he called securing a candidate. With any job in federal law enforcement, 10 to 15 to 20% of candidates theyre ill-equipped for the job. They have a violent past, a domestic assault charge, you know, convictions. They have extremist views, left or right, that theyve exposed online. You know, these are the candidates that need to be whittled out, Houser said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Houser told Salon, however, that he expects the Trump administration might lean on private contractors for more than just recruitment. What I believe theyre going to do is in the near term, I think theyre going to look to Blackwater-type companies, contract firms, to bring on staff that have law enforcement credentials to augment deportation officers, Houser said. Houser went on to explain that there are a few different permutations of deputization the administration could pursue, including deputizing National Guard troops or local law enforcement before they start using private contractors. Jenn Budd, a former Border Patrol agent and activist, told Salon that as a senior patrol agent and a critic of the agency, shes observed a connection between low hiring standards and criminality and abuse among officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2019 report corroborated this observation through a review of internal agency documents, which found that Border Patrol agents were about five times as likely to be arrested as state and local law enforcement. The same year, ProPublica uncovered a Facebook group where thousands of then-current and former Border Patrol agents joked about the death of immigrants and other abuses. In terms of trends, CBP data reported by Quartz shows that criminal arrests among CBP officers and Border Patrol reached a five-year high in 2018. Budd said that the hiring spree, combined with the current behavior of immigration officers across the Department of Homeland Security, stands to attract candidates simply looking to have power over others. Budd also pointed to individuals like Dana Thornhill, a former Border Patrol agent who was convicted of sexually abusing minors, as the sort of person that stringent hiring standards and oversight would theoretically keep out. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. Mario Russell, executive director at the Center for Migration Studies of New York, situated the current expansion of ICE as part of a decades-long ballooning of the detention and deportation apparatus in the United States. All of the growth coming, as Russell notes, detention and deportation being shown to be ineffective at the administrations ostensible goal of reducing crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fewer than 5,000 people were held in the immigration detention system in the 1980s per day, but now, 56,494 people are being detained by ICE nationally, as of the latest data from June 10, Russell said, identifying the post-9/11 creation of DHS and ICE as a key moment in this process. None of these expansion initiatives have proven effective in the long run or useful in the short run apart from separating families and causing significant individual suffering, Russell argued, citing academic research showing immigrants commit crimes at far lower rates than American citizens. And recent demographic research has found that crime rates drop when immigration increases the share of immigrants in the countrys population doubled between 1980 and 2022, and in that same time period, the national crime rate dropped by 60.4 percent. In Housers assessment, the current goal of the administration is not to determine whether an individual is a public safety risk and remove them, but to sweep up as many immigrants as possible. In the immigration system, from someone leaving their home in Venezuela and coming to this country seeking a pathway, ICEs job, on the deportation and ERO side, is to determine public safety, national security risks and if someone has a final order of removal and can be humanely removed, to humanely remove them. Thats what we hope they do, Houser said. People that dont have that training, that dont have the respect for law enforcement, that have never carried a weapon for this country like Stephen Miller are putting quotas, arrest quotas, on ICE officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The long and short of it, according to Houser, is that ICE wont be able to meet the detention and deportation goals of the current administration without serious changes to the way ICE officers are recruited and how the agency is staffed. Wearing a badge comes with a great deal of trust and, you know, responsibility, and some people arent equipped to have that, and thats what those screening processes are [for], Houser said. Doing away with that, youre going to have an influx of bad actors. ICE did not respond to a request for comment from Salon. The post ICE is about to go on a hiring spree appeared first on Salon.com. President Donald Trump and deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller set a goal of deporting 1 million undocumented immigrants each year a staggering number that would require a massive expansion of immigration enforcement. Trumps big, beautiful bill delivered just that, throwing roughly $170 billion to the administrations immigration restriction program, including $45 billion for new detention centers and $30 billion to hire 10,000 new ICE officers. ICE will now become the largest law enforcement agency in the country. Anti-immigration hardliners view it as a major victory. But as ICE transforms into a massive, un-uniformed, masked domestic army one that critics fear will have carte blanche to arrest, detain and deport persons without cause or due process, whether they enjoy legal status or not theres reason to believe it could backfire. Think what you will of the administrations immigration agenda, but there is little denying that mass deportations on the scale that Trump and Miller envision will necessarily require brute displays of force that may shock the public conscience, even among people who theoretically support the broader goals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve already seen signs of whats to come. Like when, according to eyewitness accounts, around 30 heavily armed ICE agents raided Buona Forchetta, a family-owned Italian restaurant in San Diegos South Park, handcuffing four immigrant workers and using flashbang grenades against civilians. Or the scene in Los Angeles earlier this summer, where the administration deployed guardsmen and active-duty military and ICE arrested over 1,600 persons, including workers at car washes and farms even people making lawful appearances in immigration court. Or the case of Carol Mayorga, a Hong Kong-born waitress and mother of three whom ICE seized during what she believed was a routine document renewal appointment in late April, triggering her rural Missouri community, largely supportive of Trump, to rally with petitions, fundraisers and public protests that ultimately led to her release in early June. These displays of force and excess help explain why the American public, which broadly approved of Trumps tough stance on immigration during the 2024 election, is shifting the other way. A recent CNN poll shows 55 percent think Trump has gone too far in his pursuit of undocumented immigrants, up 10 percent since February. And as raids ramp up across the country, the gap between Trumps rhetoric about rounding up terrorists and gang members and the reality of deporting normal, everyday people who are upstanding members of their communities will only grow starker. As unprecedented as all this might seem, weve been here before and there is a warning in it for the president. In the 1850s, the federal government enforced a brutal dragnet aimed at hunting down and returning fugitive slaves formerly enslaved persons who had escaped captivity and fled north. Authorized by the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, a combination of federal officials and private slave catchers compelled Northern white citizens to cooperate with the arrest of formerly enslaved people, or else risk arrest themselves. The law introduced the brutality of slavery into free Northern communities. The use of armed soldiers in civilian settings, the arrest of free Black people similar to todays indiscriminate arrests, which have ensnared immigrants with legally protected status and the erosion of political liberties long enjoyed by free citizens all presaged the current environment. The political response proved explosive. Seemingly overnight, white people who previously cared little for the plight of Black Americans, free or enslaved, became committed antislavery voters. Some of them were arrested for supporting formerly enslaved fugitives, contributing the backlash against the FSA among white citizens. Communities rallied to the defense of accused runaways, often helping them escape the federal snare. Northern states found themselves in a tense standoff with the government in Washington, D.C. And most ominously, a vocal but committed core came to believe that the only means to confront state violence and coercion was to meet that threat with violence in turn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The warning for Republicans is clear: As Trumps anti-immigrant raids become increasingly militarized, dramatic and disruptive to everyday life, MAGA could lose its supposed mandate to crack down on immigration. Republicans may suffer for it in 2026, if their newfound strength in Latino and Asian communities erodes, and if swing-district voters recoil at the chaos these raids are already visiting on their communities. Worse, it could further enflame an already dangerous political environment and even turn deadly, as it did in the past. In the wake of the Mexican American War (1846-1848), the United States acquired vast new western territories an expansion that reignited the national debate over slavery and threatened to pull the country apart. Would these new territories be free, or open to slavery? Whigs and Democrats, who for decades had tolerated slavery and contained their disagreements primarily to matters of political economy tariffs, banking, internal improvements now found themselves unable to paper over the growing sectional crisis. Out of this breach emerged the Compromise of 1850, a grand bargain designed to preserve the Union. Under its provisions, California entered the Union as a free state, but the citizens of other former Mexican territories were left to make their own determinations about slavery. Congress abolished the slave trade, but not slavery, in Washington, D.C. And, in return for these concessions, Southern politicians secured what would prove to be the most incendiary component of the deal: the Fugitive Slave Act (FSA) of 1850. The new act inspired widespread disgust throughout the North. The law stripped accused runaways of their right to trial by jury and allowed individual cases to be bumped up from state courts to special federal courts. As an extra incentive to federal commissioners adjudicating such cases, it provided a $10 fee when a defendant was remanded to slavery but only $5 for a finding rendered against the slave owner. Most obnoxious to many Northerners, the law stipulated harsh fines and prison sentences for any citizen who refused to cooperate with or aid federal authorities in the capture of accused fugitives much in the same way the Trump administration has threatened to jail persons who impede its immigration raids. Before the FSA, formerly enslaved people were able to build lives for themselves in many northern communities. They found homes, took jobs, made friends, started families, formed churches. But after the FSA, they were permanent fugitives and anyone who employed them, associated with them or provided them housing were accomplices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early enforcement made immediate martyrs of ordinary people and pierced the illusion that slavery was just a Southern problem. In 1851 federal agents in Boston arrested Thomas Sims, who had escaped enslavement in Georgia, and marched him to a federal courthouse under guard by more than 300 armed soldiers to prevent a rescue. For Boston, a city whose history was steeped in the struggle against King Georges standing army, it was an ominous display. Sims hearing was, just as the law intended, shambolic, and he was ultimately returned to Georgia. (He would later escape a second time during the Civil War.) That same year, Shadrach Minkins, a waiter who had also fled enslavement to Boston, was seized in broad daylight. This time, word traveled fast, and a local vigilance committee interracial groups formed to monitor and, when necessary, resist enforcement of the fugitive slave law assembled, with an eye toward liberating the accused man. Awaiting a hearing in federal custody, Minkins was suddenly rescued in a dramatic confrontation witnessed by attorney Richard H. Dana, Jr. We heard a shout from across the courthouse, Dana recalled, continued into a yell of triumph, and in an instant after down the steps came two negroes bearing the prisoner between them with his clothes half torn off, and so stupefied by his sudden rescue and the violence of the dragging off that he sat almost dumb, and I thought had fainted. ... It was all done in an instant, too quick to be believed. Minkins made it to Montreal, where he lived the rest of his life in freedom. Although widespread resistance to the Fugitive Slave Act was still rare, several headline-making incidents sparked national controversy and radicalized many white northerners in opposition to the law. In Milwaukee, the local U.S. marshal joined forces with a plantation owner from Mississippi to arrest Joshua Glover, a local free man of color whom the slave owner claimed was a runaway. Without showing legal authority, a newspaper account explained, the agents broke open [Glovers] house, entered, and presented a pistol to his head. Upon attempting to thrust it aside, he was knocked down and badly injured, then gagged, and without coat or hat thrown into a wagon, brought 25 miles in the middle of the night, and lodged in a Milwaukee jail. The paper reported with glee that a local vigilance committee soon broke Glover out of prison, spirited him north and placed the Slave catcher that is, the U.S. marshal under arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Boston, public outrage erupted when two men from Georgia attempted to capture William and Ellen Craft, a formerly enslaved couple who had escaped to freedom and achieved celebrity in abolitionist circles. There was no confusion over their identity everyone knew who they were but Bostonians refused to allow their rendition. While the crowd held the captors at bay, the white abolitionist clergyman Theodore Parker and his allies secretly arranged the Crafts escape to Canada. As the federal government grew more heavy-handed in its enforcement, many white Northerners, including a majority who did not consider themselves abolitionists, found their own politics shifting quickly. When federal marshals apprehended Anthony Burns in Boston in 1854, members of the citys vigilance committee convened at Faneuil Hall and declared, resistance to tyrants is obedience to God. Armed with axes and pistols, they marched to the courthouse, where a violent clash left one federal officer dead. In response, President Franklin Pierce a Northern Democrat deployed both the U.S. Army and Navy to ensure Burns return to Virginia, at an extraordinary cost of $100,000 about $5.6 million in 2025 dollars. As troops escorted the fugitive through Bostons streets, church bells tolled in mourning, and residents displayed their protest by flying American flags upside down. I saw ... the lawyers offices hung in black, one bystander wrote. I saw the cavalry, artillery, marines, and police, a thousand strong, escorting with shotted guns one trembling colored man to the vessel which was to carry him to slavery. I heard the curses, both loud and deep, poured over these soldiers; I saw the red flush in their cheeks as the crowd yelled at them, Kidnappers! Kidnappers! Even conservative Cotton Whigs New England businessmen and politicians with deep Southern ties found the scene intolerable. George Hillard, a prominent attorney who witnessed the arrest, later confided, When it was all over, and I was left alone in my office, I put my face in my hands and wept. I could do nothing less. His fellow townsman Amos Lawrence echoed the sentiment: We went to bed one night old fashioned, conservative, Compromise Union Whigs & waked up stark mad Abolitionists. Unsurprisingly, some Black abolitionists like Frederick Douglass, himself formerly enslaved, came to welcome armed resistance to the fugitive slave law, encouraging free Black Americans and their white sympathizers to greet slavecatchers with a hospitality befitting the place and occasion. (More specifically, they should be murdered in your streets.) He was a peace man, he insisted, but white men who willingly acted as bloodhounds, hunting down human beings to return them to slavery, had no right to live. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I do believe that two or three dead slaveholders will make this law a dead letter, Douglass wrote. He was not alone. Samuel Ringgold Ward, a leading Congregationalist minister and abolitionist who, like Douglass, had been born into slavery in Maryland but escaped in his youth to freedom followed the same road. He preached the right and duty of the oppressed to destroy their oppressors. Far from proscribing violence, Gods Holy Writ, as Ward described it, demanded that Christians affirmatively defy the Fugitive Slave Act with deadly force, if necessary, just as you are not to lie, steal and murder. Henry Highland Garnet, another Black abolitionist, favored an armed slave insurrection. It wasnt just Black abolitionists who came to embrace armed resistance. In September 1851, in the small Pennsylvania town of Christiana, a Maryland slaveholder named Edward Gorsuch and his posse arrived under the authority of the Fugitive Slave Act to reclaim four enslaved men who had escaped to the area. They were met by a group of Black residents and white abolitionists, many affiliated with the local Underground Railroad. When Gorsuch attempted to seize the fugitives, a shootout erupted, leaving Gorsuch dead and his son wounded. Federal authorities responded by indicting more than 30 people for treason the largest such prosecution in U.S. history up to that point arguing they had levied war against the United States by resisting the fugitive law. Thaddeus Stevens, the radical antislavery congressman and prominent Pennsylvania attorney, helped lead the defense. The jury acquitted the first defendant after only 15 minutes of deliberation, reasoning that resistance to one law could hardly constitute treason, and the government dropped all remaining charges. The episode electrified Northern opinion, emboldened abolitionist networks and demonstrated how unenforceable the Fugitive Slave Act could become in hostile communities. The political response was equally sharp. In response to the Fugitive Slave Act, many Northern states enacted so-called personal liberty laws, designed to shield free Black residents and accused fugitives from what they saw as unconstitutional federal overreach. These laws varied by state but often guaranteed jury trials to alleged runaways, forbade state officials from assisting in fugitive captures and penalized false claims of ownership. Much in the same way that some cities today have passed sanctuary laws, Northern states sought to assert state and local prerogatives in law enforcement. While they did not abolish the federal fugitive law, they sought to blunt its enforcement and, in the eyes of Southern politicians, amounted to deliberate nullification, further inflaming sectional tensions in the 1850s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the Fugitive Slave Law was the shot, the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 was the chaser. It abrogated the longstanding Missouri Compromise and opened up vast territories in the west to slavery. By then, many ordinary white citizens became convinced that the Slave Power would stop at nothing to expand and enforce human bondage, and that it would trample over the rights of free Black and white persons to do so. By 1854, that anger and moral outrage had curdled into militancy, with many Northerners willing to meet Southern violence with violence in turn John Brown among them rather than cede another inch to slaverys advance. Even many evangelical Christian churches, formerly committed to pacifism, came to believe force needed to be met with force. Subsidized by a group of Massachusetts businessmen and religious abolitionists, the New England Emigrant Aid Company offered material assistance to Northern homesteaders in Kansas and furnished them with rifles (known popularly as Beechers Bibles, after Henry Ward Beecher, a prominent clergyman and supporter of the homesteaders ) and ammunition to help settlers stave off attacks by Southern border ruffians who pillaged Free State property and rigged territorial elections. The parallels to today are fairly obvious. Voters who, on paper, support the deportation of undocumented persons are beginning to see just what Trumps dragnet looks like, in close and intimate terms. Some are recoiling at the idea that law-abiding people with legal or protected status, even citizens, might be detained by masked, unidentified agents and deported or swept away to brutal prisons in South America or Africa, without the benefit of a trial. Many believe that, like the formerly enslaved who built new lives in free states, immigrants who have established themselves as productive and valued members of their communities, and who have otherwise abided by the laws where they live, have earned the right to a pathway to citizenship. (A recent poll found that independents oppose Trumps detention program by a two-thirds margin; even 15 percent of Republicans oppose it.) Instead, like the citizens of Boston, theyre enduring the spectacle of thousands troops marching through their streets in the service of forcibly seizing other human beings, many of them beloved members of their families and communities. The political backlash remains to be seen. Its not impossible to imagine blue states and cities enacting variations on Personal Liberty Laws, setting off a collision between federal and local authorities. In the 1850s, the federal government played little role in funding state and local government. Today, it plays an outsized role in tax-dollar transfers. In this sense, Northern communities in the 1850s enjoyed a stronger hand in their clash with Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More ominous, still, is the potential for violent reaction. In a country as heavily armed as the United States, where many states allow gunowners to use lethal force when they believe their property or lives to be at stake, it is not impossible to imagine latter-day Christiana riots. The protests that rocked Los Angeles this year, while largely disciplined and peaceful, devolved into instances of violence as police clashed with protesters, some of whom lit cars afire. As the administrations raids intensify and spread, particularly to states like Texas, where gun ownership is more prevalent, the potential for violence will only increase. Perhaps this is the world that Trump and Steven Miller want. But history suggests the story will not be linear. It could radicalize the broader electorate and make the politics of the 2020s more violent, similar to the 1850s. That outcome would make Americans neither more safe nor more free. The United States' relationship with China is complicated and seemingly ever evolving. If you're not the political type (or just not one to pay attention to international relations), you might just ignore these facts and go about your business. However, could you be impacted by China's actions more than you really think, even on a minute, mundane, everyday level ... like when you grocery shop? Yes, potential food tariffs could negatively impact your grocery budget if prices increase, but beyond that, some feel that China-owned brands in the grocery store could pose a threat to national security, as well to the country's food and energy supply. There are a range of brands that are owned by Chinese companies either completely or to a significant degree. China owns brands like GE, the AMC movie theater chain, and Motorola Mobility, as well as a handful of food brands that you may have in your fridge or pantry right this second -- and they're so ingrained into U.S. culture that you'd never even guess it. Read more: The Highest And Lowest Quality Hot Dogs You'll Find At The Grocery Store Eckrich Eckrich sausages at a store - The Image Party/Shutterstock Eckrich actually has German roots, not American nor Chinese roots. The original founder, Peter Eckrich, immigrated to the U.S. in the 1800s and set up a meat market in Indiana. The brand grew its footprint throughout the country over the late 1800s and early 1900s. Eventually, Beatrice Foods acquired Eckrich (Beatrice Foods owned a wealth of famous brands over its lifetime, from Milk Duds to Dannon and even Airstream). When Beatrice Foods collapsed, Eckrich went to Conagra, the Chicago-based owner of brands such as Marie Callender's and Slim Jim. In 2006, Conagra sold Eckrich to Smithfield Foods -- and, finally, in 2013, a Chinese firm acquired Smithfield for almost $5 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The knowledge that Eckrich sausage is owned by a Chinese firm has angered some. In 2024, an Ohio meat shop posted to Facebook that it would no longer sell Eckrich products, as the company is wholly owned by WH Group Limited which is, according to the poster, financially backed by the Chinese government (the state-owned Bank of China Limited supported the acquisition with a large loan). The brand switched to offering Johnsonville products instead. Johnsonville is privately and family owned. Armour Armour LunchMakers product in store - Anatoliy Tesouro/Shutterstock Armour makes a range of meat products, from pepperoni and summer sausage to canned meats and Lunchables lookalikes, and even deli meats and hot dogs. Founded in 1867 in Chicago, the originally American-owned company has changed hands multiple times over its history. At one point, it was owned by Greyhound (yes, that Greyhound, with the buses). Then it went to Pinnacle, which once owned brands like Duncan Hines and Hungry Man. Finally, just like Eckrich, Armour went to Conagra when Conagra acquired Pinnacle. As you can guess, then, when Conagra sold Eckrich to Smithfield Foods, it also sold Armour, and Smithfield Foods later was acquired by the Hong Kong-headquartered WH Group. Some officials have spoken out with concerns regarding WH Group's ownership of brands like Armour and Eckrich, claiming that the Chinese Communist Party-backed group is buying up American land at rapid rates and establishing factory farming operations (although Smithfield Foods claims it's still an American company). As for brands that produce a lot of pork, these massive factory farming operations have been called, rather depressingly, "hog hotels." Smithfield Packs of Smithfield bacon - rblfmr/Shutterstock If you've gotten this far, you know that Smithfield Foods is Chinese-owned -- but how did the company (and all its brands) end up in Chinese hands? Beneath Smithfield Foods is the OG Smithfield brand. It started as Smithfield Packing Company, which was founded in Virginia in 1936. Over the decades, Smithfield acquired brand after brand until, in 2000, it was the world's largest pork producer. The acquisitions continued, with Smithfield taking Armour and Eckrich in 2006. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, in 2013, Shuanghui International Holdings Limited -- now known as WH Group -- fully acquired Smithfield and all its associated brands. The company was already China's largest pork producer, and the $4.7 billion price tag for Smithfield came with Smithfield's supplies and technical experience, as well as extra pork to feed a growing market in China. Since then, WH Group has moved on to attempting to scoop up other beef and poultry producers across the U.S. and Europe. As of 2023, more than 80% of the 380,000 acres of Chinese-owned U.S. soil belonged to Smithfield Foods and the billionaire businessman Sun Guangxin. Nathan's Famous Nathan's hot dogs in store - PJ McDonnell/Shutterstock When you think of all the hot dog brands in the grocery store, if you had to pick the most American option, which would you choose? Some might opt for seemingly premium Oscar Mayer wieners, but a good portion of people would probably pick Nathan's Famous. With its Coney Island legacy and ubiquitous presence at Fourth of July hot dog eating festivities, Nathan's Famous just feels all-American -- but it's not. The Nathan's Famous restaurant franchise was purchased in 1987 from its founders, the Handwerker family, by Equicor Group, which still owned the company as of 2024. Smithfield Foods, meanwhile, holds the license to produce the Nathan's Famous hot dogs that you see in the grocery store -- and since Smithfield Foods is Chinese-owned, that means the Nathan's Famous hot dogs you're buying for your summer cookout are a Chinese-produced product. In 2023, it was theorized that Smithfield Foods could face government backlash for its Chinese ownership, particularly after another Chinese company (the producer of the unfairly slandered MSG, in fact) decided to build a facility near a U.S. Air Force base, prompting fears of espionage under the guise of mere manufacturing. However, thus far, Smithfield's biggest controversies have included child labor allegations leading to a $2 million settlement, and tariffs impacting Smithfield's shipping of pork back to its (new) home country. Filippo Berio Bottles of Filippo Berio oil - RSL_89/Shutterstock You might not immediately recognize the name, but you probably recognize this product on sight. Olive oil brand Filippo Berio was founded in 1867 and can be found among the olive oil selections at just about any grocery store. Along with the Sagra olive oil brand, Filippo Berio is part of the Salov Group and, while the Salov Group is technically based in Italy, it's still one of the leading olive oil brands in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, when you're picking up a bottle of Filippo Berio, you're not really buying Italian-owned olive oil. You're buying Chinese-owned olive oil -- China's Bright Food Group majority owns the Salov Group as of 2014. Bright Food purchased the group from its private, family owners. At the time, it was indicated that the company was buying Salov Group in an effort to acquire more Italian brands overall. In 2016, Salov Group's CEO additionally noted expansive potential for growing olive oil demand in China, and the country's importation of Italian olive oil grew by double digits in the first half of that year. Vita Coco Vita Coco coconut water - Khairil Azhar Junos/Shutterstock Vita Coco was the U.S.' very first natural coconut water brand. Since its release more than two decades ago, it -- and its market -- has grown substantially, and is expected to continue to do so. The Vita Coco Company is majority owned by All Market Brands, launched by the same individuals who first launched Vita Coco. All Market Brands also owns Runa and Ever & Ever, two beverages that haven't received nearly the same amount of attention as Vita Coco. However, while Vita Coco may still be mostly owned by the same people who started the coconut water craze, a Chinese company owns 25% of the brand. The sale took place in 2014, with the Reignwood Group purchasing the 25% stake for $165 million. At the time, Reignwood Group also owned Red Bull China, which accounted for half of Red Bull's international business. The sale allowed Vita Coco to come into the Chinese market. After this sale, PepsiCo did attempt to purchase Vita Coco wholly in 2017, but nothing materialized from those well-publicized talks. Voss Voss water bottles on tray - Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images Voss's roots are a little murky. The company is based in New York City, and its water is bottled by an American company, while the water itself does come from Norway. In addition to Norway and the U.S., though, China is also involved in this recognizable water brand's business. In 2016, the Reignwood Group -- the same Chinese investment company that purchased a portion of Vita Coco in 2014 -- purchased a majority share of Voss for $105 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, not much has been reported on this acquisition. Voss continues to hold a reputation as one of the more "luxury" water brands, but it's not quite the trendy marker of sophisticated hydration that it once was. The company has seen significant financial losses since the takeover, even though it continues to grow throughout the Chinese market. Otherwise, the brand has pretty much kept its name out of the news, both good and bad -- except for one interesting instance in 2018, when Alaska ranked Voss water as its top, most hated food. For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on The Takeout. The Israeli military also confirmed that plans were underway to create new humanitarian corridors to ensure UN convoys could transport aid to Palestinian civilians. The IDF recommenced aerial drops of aid into the Gaza Strip on Saturday, as aid trucks started moving towards Gaza from Egypt, the Egyptian state-affiliated Al Qahera News TV said on Sunday. The airdrops will be carried out in coordination with international aid organizations and the military, led by COGAT and the Israel Air Force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The air drops will include seven pallets of aid containing flour, sugar, and canned food provided by international organizations. Supporting UN efforts to deliver aid The Israeli military also confirmed that plans were underway to create new humanitarian corridors to ensure UN convoys could transport aid to Palestinian civilians. IDF resumes humanitarian aid airdrops in Gaza. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) Over 250 aid trucks were unloaded, joining hundreds of trucks waiting at the crossings to be collected by the UN and international organizations this week, the military confirmed. Additionally, approximately 600 trucks have been distributed by the UN and international organizations in coordination with the IDF. Dozens of trucks carrying tonnes of humanitarian aid moved towards the Karam Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing in southern Gaza, the Al Qahera correspondent said from the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel says it has let enough food into Gaza and accuses the United Nations of failing to distribute it. The United Nations says it is operating as effectively as possible under Israeli restrictions. Israel's announcement on airdrops came after indirect ceasefire talks in Doha between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas were broken off with no deal in sight. The Israeli military said in a statement that the airdrops would be conducted in coordination with international aid organizations and would include seven pallets of aid containing flour, sugar, and canned food. Palestinian sources confirmed that aid had begun dropping in northern Gaza. Desalination in Gaza Additionally, 20,000 cubic meters of water is expected to be made available to Gaza per day, allowing 900,000 residents in Gaza to have access to clean water with the support ofIsrael's desalination technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement follows international concern about the humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip, with many international organizations accusing Israel of enacting a starvation campaign - a campaign denied by the Israeli military and Israeli officials. Following Hamas's theft of international aid, the United States backed the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation as an alternative organization to deliver food to Palestinian civilians. Hamas-run Palestinian authorities have claimed Palestinians were killed en masse while accessing GHF sites, a claim denied by both GHF and the IDF. Hamas has also been accused of abducting and killing aid workers working for GHF. In hostage deal-ceasefire negotiations, Hamas has reportedly sought to return to the previous humanitarian aid arrangement. This is a developing story. The Israel Defense Forces announced changes Saturday in humanitarian aid procedures in Gaza amid ongoing international pressure as the malnutrition crisis worsens. The IDF said in a statement that it was taking several actions, including dropping "seven pallets of aid containing flour, sugar, and canned food" at the behest of the Israeli government to "refute the false claim of deliberate starvation in the Gaza Strip." In addition to the airdrops, the IDF said it would create a "humanitarian pause in civilian centers and in humanitarian corridors" Sunday morning to allow for the passage of aid. The hours and locations of this short "pause" have not yet been announced publicly. Hassan Jedi/Anadolu via Getty Images - PHOTO: Hundreds of Palestinians struggling with hunger wait in line for hours under the scorching heat to receive food aid at Nuseirat Camp in Gaza Strip, on July 25, 2025. The Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health said on Saturday that 127 Palestinians have died from malnutrition since the war began on Oct. 7, 2023, 85 of whom were children. Five Palestinians died from malnutrition in the last 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several humanitarian groups have pushed for help and more assistance in the region in the last week, as they say aid workers on the ground are running out of supplies and need help. Repeated deadly shootings around aid distribution centers have killed hundreds, according to the United Nations. MORE: 'They're losing hope': What doctors, aid workers are seeing in Gaza amid hunger crisis A volunteer with Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), or Doctors Without Borders, told ABC News there are only four stabilization centers for malnutrition in Gaza, and the admission capacity is severely limited due to the overcrowding of facilities. Jehad Alshrafi/AP - PHOTO: Palestinians carry sacks of flour unloaded from a humanitarian aid convoy that reached Gaza City from the northern Gaza Strip, July 26, 2025. On Thursday, MSF said 25% of children and pregnant or breastfeeding women screened at clinics in Gaza are malnourished, and cases of severe malnutrition in children under the age of 5 have tripled in just two weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli government has denied that it is limiting the amount of aid entering Gaza and has claimed Hamas steals aid meant for civilians. Hamas has denied these claims. Electricity will be provided to a desalination plant, increasing the amount of water available tenfold, according to the IDF. Eyad Baba/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Displaced Palestinians at the Nuseirat refugee camp haul food parcels and other items they managed to get from a GHF aid distribution point at the so-called "Netzarim corridor" in the central Gaza Strip, on July 26, 2025. "The IDF is prepared to implement humanitarian pauses in densely populated areas and will continue to operate to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and eliminate terrorists in the areas of activity," the IDF said in a statement. The IDF reiterated claims from the Israeli government that there is no starvation in the Gaza Strip and it is merely "a false campaign promoted by Hamas." Abdel Kareem Hana/AP - PHOTO: Palestinians struggle to get donated food at a community kitchen, in Gaza City, northern Gaza Strip, July 26, 2025. "Responsibility for food distribution to the population in Gaza lies with the UN and international aid organizations," the IDF said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: More than 100 aid groups warn of 'mass starvation' in Gaza amid Israel's war with Hamas Earlier this week, 115 humanitarian groups described in a joint statement the dire food shortage in Gaza as "mass starvation," and accused the Israeli government of implementing "restrictions, delays, and fragmentation under its total siege [that] have created chaos, starvation, and death." The ongoing Gaza war erupted after Hamas led a surprise terror attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people there and taking 251 others hostage, according to figures from the Israeli government. Since then, Israeli forces have killed more than 59,000 people in Gaza, according to data released by the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health. ABC News' Mary Kekatos, Somayeh Malekian, Nasser Atta, Diaa Ostaz, and Nadine El-Bawab contributed to this report. IKEA is planning on expanding its small-format stores across the U.S., with a handful of new locations expected to open by the end of the year - complete with the iconic meatballs. Earlier this month, the popular, budget-friendly Swedish furniture and home goods chain launched its third small-format store in San Marcos, Texas. The 35,000-square-foot location is much smaller than the brands typical massive warehouses. The small store offers local living solutions thoughtfully tailored to reflect the unique everyday needs of the San Marcos community, the company said in a statement. At IKEA U.S., we are committed to improving the customer experience by adapting our store formats for greater convenience, making delivery more affordable and ensuring better connectivity with our customers in their daily lives, Javier Quinones, CEO & chief sustainability officer of IKEA U.S., added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The opening of IKEA San Marcos exemplifies our strategy of developing smaller, more accessible store formats in this journey toward a more connected and accessible IKEA experience for the many. Despite its compact size, it still offers more than 2,500 products are on display with 2,000 items available for purchase, including a small range of Swedish Food Market items. At the moment, San Francisco and Arcadia, California, are the only other cities home to these small-format stores. But more are planned. IKEA is expanding its small-format stores across the U.S. Here is what we know about the plan. (Getty/iStock) Five small-format locations are set to open by the end of this year, in cities including Syracuse, New York, along with Dallas and Rockwell, Texas, a company spokesperson confirmed to Nexstar. Meanwhile, at least one new location has been set to open next year in Phoenix, the outlet reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our expansion goal is simple: to be where people are, whenever and however they want to experience IKEA, Quinones shared in an earlier statement, following the small-format store debut in Arcadia. We have been testing different store formats to enhance customer convenience, make home delivery more cost-efficient, and reach our customers where they live, work, and socialize. IKEA Arcadia represents a key milestone in this exciting journey towards a more connected and accessible IKEA experience for everyone. Currently, there are just over 50 standard-sized IKEA warehouses in 27 U.S. states and territories. California has the most, with 10 scattered throughout the state. CHICAGO The Plainfield man convicted of killing a Palestinian American boy in an October 2023 hate crime has died in the state prison system just weeks after his sentencing, the Will County Sheriffs Office said Saturday. Joseph Czuba, 73, died Thursday while in Illinois Department of Corrections custody, said Kevin Hedemark, sheriffs office spokesperson. Hedemark said he couldnt confirm Czubas cause of death. An IDOC spokesperson didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. A jury found Czuba guilty of killing 6-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi in a fatal stabbing and wounding the boys mother, Hanaan Shaheen. He was sentenced in May to 53 years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities charged the attacks as hate crimes. Czuba, who was renting part of his house to Alfayoumi and Shaheen, stabbed them after he became heavily interested in the Israel-Gaza war after the Hamas attacks of Oct. 7, 2023, prosecutors said. Shaheen testified during trial that Czuba grew angry with her because she was Muslim and from Jerusalem, telling her, Muslims are not welcome here. Czuba stabbed Alfayoumi 26 times, and Shaheen also sustained dozens of wounds as he tried to kill her. He was sentenced to 53 years in prison. George Lenard, Czubas attorney, said to his understanding, Czuba was held at Menard Correctional Center in downstate Illinois. Plainfield community members unveiled a monument dedicated to Alfayoumi in June. CHICAGO The Plainfield man convicted of killing a Palestinian American boy in an October 2023 hate crime has died in state prison just weeks after his sentencing, the Will County sheriffs office said Saturday. Joseph Czuba, 73, died Thursday while in the custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections, said Kevin Hedemark, sheriffs office spokesperson. Hedemark said he couldnt confirm Czubas cause of death. An IDOC spokesperson didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Ahmed Rehab, the executive director of the Council on American Islamic Relations-Chicago, said in a statement that this depraved killer has died, but the hate is still alive and well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wadee was stabbed to death 26 times for being Palestinian. Two years later, even as we speak, thousands of Gazan children are being shot, bombed and starved to death for being Palestinian, Rehab said. Its the hate that must die. A jury found Czuba guilty of fatally stabbing 6-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi and wounding the boys mother, Hanaan Shaheen. He was sentenced in May to 53 years in prison. Authorities charged the attacks as hate crimes. Czuba, who was renting part of his house to Wadee and Shaheen, stabbed them after he became heavily interested in the Israel-Gaza war after the Hamas attacks of Oct. 7, 2023, prosecutors said. Shaheen testified during trial that Czuba grew angry with her because she was Muslim and from Jerusalem, telling her, Muslims are not welcome here. George Lenard, Czubas attorney, said to his understanding, Czuba was held at Menard Correctional Center in downstate Illinois. Plainfield community members unveiled a monument dedicated to Wadee in June. Ill. (WTVO) 73-year-old Joseph Czuba, a Will County landlord who killed a 6-year-old Muslim boy during a hate crime attack in 2023, has died in prison, according to police. It is still unknown when or what caused Czubas death. Photo: Will County Sheriffs Office Czuba was sentenced to 30 years for the death of Wadea Al-Fayoume and 20 years for the severe injuries he caused to the boys mother, Hanan Shaheen. The hate crime and murder incident was sparked because of the victims Islamic beliefs and as a response to the war between Israel and Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Czuba stabbed the 6-year-old 23 times and severely injured his mother in the Plainfield townhome that he was renting to them in 2023. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. An Illinois man who was sentenced to 53 years in prison for the murder of a young Palestinian American boy in a 2023 hate crime that shocked the nation has died in prison, authorities said Saturday. Joseph Czuba, 73, died on Thursday while serving his sentence, the Will County Sheriffs Office said in a statement. Officials did not release his cause of death. In February, Czuba was convicted of first-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery and hate crimes for fatally stabbing 6-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi and injuring the boys mother just days after Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks in Israel and the launch of Israels military campaign in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said Czuba targeted the boys family due to them being Muslim and the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict involving Hamas and the Israelis. The mother and son were living in a room rented in Czubas home in Plainfield Township, a suburb of Chicago. Czuba stabbed the young boy 26 times and attacked the boys mother, Hanan Shaheen, leaving her critically injured with 12 stab wounds, according to officials. Wadee Alfayoumi's father, Oday Al Fayoume, seated right, and his uncle Mahmoud Yousef attend a vigil for Wadee at Prairie Activity and Recreation Center in Plainfield, Ill., in 2023. (Nam Y. Huh / AP file) Czuba was sentenced 53 years in prison for killing Wadee and attacking Shaheen, after pleading not guilty. Shaheen, who moved to the U.S. from the West Bank as a teenager nearly 15 years ago, testified that in the days before the stabbings, Czuba told her your people are killing Jewish people. Czuba also demanded that she and her son move out of his home, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added that she and her son had no prior issues with Czuba in the roughly two years they lived in the home, where she and her son shared a kitchen and living room with Czuba and his then-wife. On the day of the attacks, she testified that Czuba barged his way into her room, held her down and stabbed her more than a dozen times. She said Czuba put his fingers in her mouth at one point and tried breaking her teeth. Throughout the encounter, Shaheen said she pulled at Czubas hair while he shouted, You must die! Her son stood in the corner of the room and watched the encounter fearfully, Shaheen testfied. Czuba told the young boy, Wadee, I will take care of you. I will raise you, and, Dont tell people I killed your mom, as he stabbed his mother, Shaheen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shaheen said she then escaped to the bathroom and called 911 while she could hear Czuba stabbing her son. He is killing my baby, she said repeatedly to the dispatcher, according to a recording of the 911 call played at the trial. An attorney for Shaheen did not immediately return a request for comment. The boy's father said Saturday that he felt no satisfaction from Czuba's death. My son is gone. The justice is that I need my son back, Oday Al Fayoume said in his first public comments. This is the only justice for me. There is nobody who can give me that. He said Czuba got off easy after only serving five months of a 53-year sentence. He killed my son, Al Fayoume, said, adding that more people may be emboldened to attack Palestinians across the U.S. because of Czubas actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wadees killing stunned the nation and drew national condemnation at a time when tensions around the countrys Muslim and Jewish communities were intensifying after the Oct. 7 attacks. Then-President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris issued statements condemning the killing, saying that this horrific act of hate has no place in America. The childs Palestinian Muslim family came to America seeking what we all seek a refuge to live, learn, and pray in peace, he said. Ahmed Rehab, the executive director of Council on American-Islamic Relations Chicago office, said in a statement on Saturday that this depraved killer has died, but the hate is still alive and well. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Magnolia Network stars Chip and Joanna Gaines have built a brand by infusing rustic farmhouse charm into home renovation projects growing a booming lifestyle empire that spans television and retail. Their Christian faith has also been a defining part of their public identity. But their new reality show, Back to the Frontier, which premiered July 10 on HBO Max and Magnolia Network, has thrust the HGTV Fixer Upper duo into the middle of a heated culture war. At the heart of the online controversy is the inclusion in the cast of a gay couple, Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs, and their 10-year-old twin sons. Back to the Frontier follows three modern families dropped in the pastures of Calgary, Alberta, where they must live like 1880s homesteaders for eight weeks. Hanna and Riggs, like other cast members, must navigate frontier life without modern conveniences in a rustic cottage with their children. Although Chip and Joanna, who are executive producers of the series, havent made public statements supporting LGBTQ+ rights, their decision to cast a same-sex couple prompted backlash from prominent evangelical figures and their fans. Critics argued the move contradicts the Christian values the couple has long professed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Franklin Graham, president of humanitarian aid organization Samaritans Purse, called the decision very disappointing. While we are to love people, we should love them enough to tell them the truth of Gods Word. His Word is absolute truth. God loves us, and His design for marriage is between one man and one woman. Promoting something that God defines as sin is in itself sin, he wrote on X. Evangelical podcaster Allie Beth Stuckey accused the Gaines of abandoning core Biblical tenets: Youve exchanged the God of Scripture for the god of self, because you think that you are better and wiser than God is. The American Family Association told Religion News Service that Gaines new series promotes an unbiblical view of human sexuality, marriage, and family a view no Christian should embrace. How did the Gaines' fall so far? The same way many Christians do. They allowed relationships to shape their theology when it should be the exact opposite. As a result, children are victimized. My latest @FDRLST https://t.co/MOsrOrr9Tj Katy Faust (@Advo_Katy) July 17, 2025 Even the pastor of Antioch Community Church in Waco, where the Gaines are longtime members, issued a statement on X affirming that: Jesus and his word is our central way to live our lives, and reiterating the churchs support for traditional marriage. Chip & Joanna Gaines pastor at Antioch in Waco, TX made a statement on social media affirming marriage is between one man & one woman and that there are only two genders. Do you think he has spoken with the Gaines about promoting homosexuality, gay marriage & gay surrogacy? pic.twitter.com/Penqj1Siwv Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) July 19, 2025 Chip Gaines responded on X, calling out what he thinks is a pattern of judgment and hypocrisy in American Christian culture: Talk, ask qustns, listen .. maybe even learn. Too much to ask of modern American Christian culture. Judge 1st, understand later/never Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a sad sunday when non believers have never been confronted with hate or vitriol until they are introduced to a modern American Christian. Talk, ask qustns, listen.. maybe even learn. Too much to ask of modern American Christian culture. Judge 1st, understand later/never Its a sad sunday when non believers have never been confronted with hate or vitriol until they are introduced to a modern American Christian Chip Gaines (@chipgaines) July 13, 2025 When conservative influencer Jon Root asked, Why compromise on the Bibles clear teachings on this? Why support homosexuals buying kids? Chip replied by quoting a Bible verse: But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15. While conservative backlash dominated headlines, some progressive Christians questioned why evangelical critics seemed more outraged by a gay couple on TV than by political figures who openly flout Christian ethics. They argue that many are quicker to rebuke a reality show than to hold powerful leaders accountable. Chip Gaines and Joanna Gaines arrive for the State Dinner with President Joe Biden and South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol at the White House, Wednesday, April 26, 2023, in Washington. | Alex Brandon Here are three articles that dig into the controversy: Loss of the middle The controversy underscored just how difficult it is to cater to both mainstream and Christian audiences, according to Religion News Service. From the backlash faced by Christian pop musician Amy Grant in 2022 after she agreed to host her nieces same-sex wedding to the way Christian author Jen Hatmakers books were pulled from LifeWay Christian Stores shelves in 2016 after she voiced support for the LGBTQ community, this pattern is nothing new. And in a polarized political climate, some argue the balancing act is becoming increasingly unachievable," wrote Kathryn Post for RNS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pastor and public theologian Kevin M. Young told RNS that the debate is reflective of the polarization in broader American society and shrinking middle ground. We see within evangelicalism the same thing that we have seen over the last century or so in America society in general, and that is a loss of the middle. People who try to speak to both sides of the ideological spectrum are increasingly unable to do that tenably, Young told RNS. And a lot of good, well-meaning folks with great content, like the Gaineses, are getting caught in the middle of that. Principles or power? In a column over the weekend titled Christian Cancel Culture Strikes Again, David French, columnist for the New York Times, argued that conservative Christians who are criticizing Chip and Joanna Gaines are engaging in the very kind of cancel culture they claim to oppose. In his view, the online outrage reflects not a principled stand, but a desire to assert cultural control and use moral certainty to justify silencing or shunning others. It turns out that they didnt hate cancel culture so much as they hated feeling powerless and vulnerable, he writes. The reaction is less about hypocrisy, he argues, and more about authoritarian instincts and double standard. Yes, there is hypocrisy here. Its a bit much to hear that its vitally important for Chip and Joanna Gaines to reject two gay dads (and their children!) from Christians who are also all in on Donald Trump. A gay couple on reality television is a bridge too far, but supporting a thrice-married man who was featured on the cover of Playboy magazine and was once good friends with Jeffrey Epstein is not? French writes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He goes on to explain that many evangelicals are often overly lenient toward powerful abusers within the church, but can be remarkably hostile toward outsiders. They also tend to distrust whistleblowers who expose church misconduct, but admire those who criticize people outside the faith. False equivalence In response to Frenchs take, National Review published a piece titled David French mistakes correction for cancellation, arguing both the Gaines and David French are making a false equivalence by treating same-sex parenting as equal to a biblically based family structure. Writer Luther Ray Abel writes that while its valid to criticize Christians who support Trump or protect abusers, that doesnt justify endorsing or promoting same-sex relationships on a Christian-led show. The Gaineses, and French for that matter, fail to grasp what they are elevating as a good is a false equivalence that may very well cause others to stumble, he writes. It may have been acceptable for the Gaines to appear on a program hosted by gay men, and act as witnesses to Christ, he writes, but I think it another thing entirely for the Gaineses to provide a platform for the family, formed from the broken union of a mother and her sons, and suggest that this is somehow the equal of a healthy, God-honoring union between a man and a woman. He claims the Gaines made a mistake by allowing their show to be shaped by network priorities and for standing by that decision that he described as an embarrassing oversight. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) If you received a mysterious alert on your phone early Saturday morning, youre not alone. And you likely shouldnt have. According the Warren County Sheriffs Department Twitter account, an emergency alert meant to let residents in the Landen area of Deerfield Township was mistakenly also sent to adjacent areas, including Montgomery County. The alert advised recipients to secure their doors and windows, without supplying a reason. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriffs social media said that only people in the area of the Woodfield development in Deerfield Township should shelter in place. In a later statement, the Warren County Emergency Management Agency blamed the widespread distribution of the alert on a technical malfunction with its Integrated Public Alert & Warning System. According to WLWT in Cincinnati, authorities eventually arrested Denzel Pouncey, 32, after an hours-long standoff. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. A Frederick Police Department officer indicted on child sex crime charges allegedly had a sexual relationship with a subordinate officer who accused him of choking her, according to the department. FPD Cpl. James Dodson was charged in Adams County, Pennsylvania, last month with possessing child sexual abuse material, solicitation related to a minor and criminal use of a communication facility. His attorney, David Erhard, declined by email to comment on Dodsons behalf on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August 2024, the Frederick Police Department learned of allegations of criminal conduct by Dodson involving children. On Sept. 4, 2024, a female officer in the department disclosed that she had engaged in a sexual relationship with Dodson while he was her supervisor, according to FPD spokesperson Samantha Long. Long said the female officer reported that the relationship with Dodson had ended in August 2024. On Oct. 16, 2024, the female officer told FPD command staff about an incident in the spring of 2024 during which Dodson allegedly choked her. That incident was alleged to have taken place in Frederick County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In that case, the woman was referred to Maryland State Police, which did not file charges, Long said. Reached by phone on Friday, a Maryland State Police spokesperson said the agency would not be able to comment by press time. The Frederick News-Post is not naming the female officer. When reached by phone on Friday, the female officer said she was not prepared to comment on the situation. FPDs general orders, which sets guidelines for proper conduct of sworn Frederick police officers, do not directly address sexual relationships between supervisors and subordinates. The general orders do include guidance on the prevention of workplace sexual harassment and a provision on immoral conduct, which states that each employee will maintain a level of moral conduct in his personal life which is in keeping with the highest standards of the law enforcement profession. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also includes guidance saying that employees will not engage in conduct that brings the Department into disrepute or undermines the discipline, effectiveness, good order or operations of the department even though such conduct may not be specifically prohibited by General Orders. Charlie Snyder, a representative of Francis Scott Key Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 91, which represents sworn Frederick police officers, could not be reached for comment by phone on Friday. Allen Etzler, a spokesperson for the city of Frederick, told the News-Post that the mayors office became aware of the allegations from Dodsons subordinate the day after she reported them to her command staff in October. An internal investigation into the matter was opened shortly thereafter, Etzler wrote in an email last week. He did not provide a specific date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, Long wrote that an internal investigation was immediately initiated without delay, as soon as the department became aware of Dodsons alleged misconduct toward the female officer. The related investigation being conducted by the Montgomery County Police Department remains in the review process. We take all allegations of misconduct seriously and remain committed to holding members of this department accountable through a fair and thorough process, Long wrote in a statement. Protecting the integrity of these investigations, as well as the privacy and well-being of our employees, remains a top priority, the statement continued. As reviews progress, we will provide an update as soon as it is appropriate and legally permissible to do so. The Montgomery County Department of Police could not be reached by email on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an email last week, Etzler said the city would defer to the internal review out of respect for the process and for the privacy of the involved officer. We appreciate the seriousness of these allegations and hope the public will continue to respect the privacy of those directly affected, Etzler wrote. Etzler and Long did not directly respond to questions on Friday about FPDs policy on sexual relationships between supervisors and subordinates or why Dodson was not fired or placed on unpaid leave pending the outcome of the internal investigation into his subordinates allegations. In the Pennsylvania investigation about child sex crimes, Dodson was suspended, with pay, within 24 hours of the report to FPD concerning child sexual abuse material, Chief Jason Lando has said. Once charges were filed, Dodson was suspended without pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dodson was suspended with pay for about nine months. Lando has said the department was required by law to pay Dodson for months while the investigation was underway in Pennsylvania. Lt. Matthew Carrado of the police departments professional services division said during a July 3 press conference on Dodson that the child sexual abuse material investigation is the only criminal investigation he knew of involving Dodson. Its unclear if he was referring only to active investigations. This is the only criminal investigation that were aware of, Carrado said when asked if there were any other investigations into Dodson. We wont comment on any administrative investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carrado was the first member of FPDs command staff to be made aware of the sexual relationship between Dodson and the female officer, according to Long. Carrado notified Lando and two deputy chiefs, following the appropriate chain of command, Long said. As of Friday, online court records show, Dodson was still being held in Pennsylvania in connection with the alleged crimes involving children. His bail is set at $100,000. According to court documents, Dodson told Pennsylvania police that he visited a website where he viewed sexually explicit videos of children. He also allegedly solicited explicit photos and videos of children, which also included AI-generated material. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An FPD-issued phone was seized by Pennsylvania police, and court documents indicate that Dodson used that phone in the charged offenses. FPD has since put additional restrictions on department-issued phones, the department has said. Dodson is next scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 27, online court records show. North Carolina Democratic lawmakers who voted with Republicans for controversial energy legislation the governor vetoed are being targeted by a dark money group that wants them to override the veto. (Photo: Energy & Policy Institute) As North Carolina lawmakers prepare to override Gov. Josh Steins veto of a controversial energy bill, constituents are receiving mailers from a dark money entity with ties to Duke Energys industrial and commercial customers. Citizens for NC Jobs registered with the state as a nonprofit in January and launched a Facebook page three days after lawmakers introduced the legislation in March. The group is specifically targeting Democrats who voted with Republicans to pass the measure, likely aiming to maintain the members support ahead of the override vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 266 eliminates Duke Energys 2030 carbon emissions limits and shifts costs and risks from the companys shareholders and industrial customers including power-hungry data centers to residential users. Eleven Democrats in the House and three Democrats in the state Senate broke with their party last month and joined the Republican majority to pass the controversial bill. The measure aims to make building large-scale methane gas and nuclear plants more economically attractive for Duke Energy by forcing customers to pay for them before the plants are operational through a financing mechanism called construction work in progress or CWIP. With CWIP, customers rather than shareholders would be on the hook for repayment if a project falls through. The consequences of CWIP continue to be evident in South Carolina, where Santee Cooper customers are still paying $9 billion for an abandoned nuclear reactor project at the V.C. Summer plant, which never generated power due to delays and cost overruns. After the Summer project collapsed, four executives from a partner utility company involved in the project were criminally sentenced for fraud and lying to federal investigators. S. 266 would also shift costs from large-load customers to residential users. Currently, Duke Energys residential customers in North Carolina use just over 40% of all the power the company purchases, rather than generates itself, and they pay for about 41% of the costs. An analysis by EQ Research found that under S. 266 residential customers would continue to use the same 40% of purchased power but would bear almost 49% of the costs. This cost shift to smaller-load users is being considered as a growing number of power-hungry data centers are eying North Carolina for expansion. Source: EQ Research Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another analysis released this week by BW Research found that S. 266 would also lead to a loss of over 50,000 jobs and $1.5 billion in unrealized state tax revenue due to a decline in power sector investments, and to a state energy capacity shortfall of as much as 12 gigawatts. The analysis used modeling by the North Carolina Public Staff, which advocates for customers interests at the state Utilities Commission. S. 266 was introduced by former state Sen. Paul Newton, who retired from his job as Duke Energys North Carolina president in 2015. He claimed the bill would save the utilitys North Carolina customers $13 billion but did not release the analysis or explain how the figure was calculated. In response, a trio of North Carolina State University professors specializing in utility economics conducted their own analysis of the proposal and found it could potentially raise customers bills by $23 billion by 2050 due to volatility in the price of methane gas, upon which Duke Energy is becoming increasingly dependent. Gov. Josh Stein, a Democrat, vetoed S. 266 earlier this month. He said the bills climate provision was sending the wrong signal to businesses that want to be a part of our clean energy economy, while the cost-shift section meant families will pay more so that industry pays less. Legislators may vote to override the veto as early as July 29 when the Senate and House reconvene. The House passed S. 266 by a final vote of 75-36 and the Senate by a vote of 29-11. Overriding a governors veto requires a three-fifths supermajority of lawmakers present at the time the vote is called, so the margin needed can vary. Assuming full attendance, Republicans hold a supermajority in the Senate, but House Republicans have only 71 members one short of a supermajority. Industrial interests tied to the mailers Constituents of some of the Democrats who voted with Republicans on S. 266 have received mailers from an obscure nonprofit about the upcoming override vote that repeats challenged claims about cost savings to customers and asks recipients to call and thank their representative for supporting it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Energy and Policy Institute obtained a copy of the mailer targeting state Rep. Ray Jeffers, a Democrat who voted for S. 266. He represents parts of Durham County and Person County, where Duke Energy is among the largest employers and taxpayers. The text on the mailer says it was paid for by Citizens for NC Jobs, a nonprofit that registered with the state in January 2025 and launched a Facebook page on March 13, three days after the legislation was initially introduced as S. 261. Newton, the former Duke Energy executive, resigned from the Senate to take another job, and the text was cut from his bill and pasted into a stripped-out S. 266 that had been introduced to speed rebuilding in the western part of the state after flooding from Hurricane Helene. In paperwork filed with the state, Citizens for NC Jobs disclosed its registering entity as WASLAW and gave among its addresses that of Ward and Smith, a North Carolina law firm. Ward and Smith practice before the North Carolina Utilities Commission as counsel for two organizations representing the interests of Duke Energys large industrial and commercial customers: Carolina Industrial Group for Fair Utility Rates (CIGFUR) and Carolina Utility Customers Association (CUCA). Susan Vick, a lobbyist for the groups, told EPI that her firm merely registered the paperwork for the nonprofit, has had no further contact, and was unaware of the mailers. Citizens for NC Jobs registration paperwork also lists the exact same mailing and principal office address, down to the suite number, as the North Carolina Chamber, the states top business lobby. Duke Energy is a top-tier Pinnacle member of the NC Chamber, with a seat on its strategic board. Last year, Dukes state president Kendal Bowman co-chaired a Chamber fundraising campaign. The NC Chamber did not respond to EPIs request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NC Chamber has lobbied legislators to support S. 266. In an email obtained by EPI, NC Chamber lobbyist Alyssa Morrissey accused Gov. Steins veto statement of cherry pick[ing] data on the bills cost. In lobbying materials reviewed by EPI, the NC Chamber dismissed the N.C. State analysis as a scare tactic and urged a vote to override Steins veto. In another email obtained by EPI, Morrissey told lawmakers this week that utilities have addressed the methane gas price volatility issue, arguing that they have various mitigation strategies to manage it. However, an analysis conducted last year by EQ Research for the Environmental Defense Fund showed that since 2017 methane gas has been the primary driver behind rising Duke Energy electric bills in North Carolina. The vote to override Steins veto of S. 266 will take place in a legislature awash with Duke Energy and other industry money. Over the past decade, Duke Energy has contributed over $2.5 million to North Carolina politics; among its top recipients were Newtons campaign as well as that of state Sen. Dan Blue, one of the Democrats who voted for S. 266. Over the same period, the NC Chamber has contributed over $438,000 to North Carolina politics, and Newton and Blue were also among its top beneficiaries. On Aug. 13, Blue will be among the featured speakers at a Citizens for NC Jobs conference in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, along with U.S. Rep. Tim Moore, state Senate leader Phil Berger, and state House Speaker Destin Hall, all Republicans. This commentary was first published by the Energy & Policy Institute. (NewsNation) Parenting influencer Emilie Kisers 3-year-old son drowned in the familys backyard pool while her husband was home in May. Six days later, the boy died, but his father, Brady Kiser, wont face charges, officials said Friday. The Chandler Police Department in Arizona announced on July 15 it had completed its investigation and recommended the Maricopa County Attorneys Office to charge Brady Kiser with a felony child abuse charge. We have completed our investigation into the tragic drowning of three-year-old Trigg Kiser, the police departments X post said. After a thorough review of the evidence, we have submitted the case to the Maricopa County Attorneys Office for further review and any potential prosecutorial decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A week and a half later, the charges were dropped because there was no reasonable likelihood of conviction, officials said. The father found his son in the pool unconscious, according to police records. Millions of people follow the Kisers lives on social media, with 4.1 million followers on Emilies TikTok alone. The influencers comments are disabled on TikTok and Instagram posts, and she has not uploaded a post about what happened as of this publication. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. The Los Angeles Fire Department rescued a hiker from Mandeville Canyon Friday afternoon after falling ill on hiking trail. Fire crews responded to the 12700 block of Charon Road near Brentwood around 1:35 p.m., for a report of a 90-year-old man who was unable to continue on a hike. LAFD officials said a paramedic was lowered down to the hiker, who was stuck in a hard-to-access trail. A Los Angeles Fire Department helicopter lands during a rescue of a hiker near Brentwood on July 25, 2025. (KTLA) Crews then initiated a hoist rescue to lift the injured hiker to safety, at which point a helicopter was set to take him to a local hospital for continued treatment and evaluation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. An inmate was mistakenly released from a New Orleans jail, sparking an ongoing manhunt, authorities said Friday. Khalil Bryan, 30, was released from the Orleans Justice Center on Friday due to a "human error," when he was confused with an individual with a similar last name, according to Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson. "I want to make a sincere apology to the people of New Orleans," Hutson said during a press briefing on Friday. "The mistaken release of Khalil Bryan was a serious error, and as sheriff, I take full responsibility." Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office - PHOTO: The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office released images of Khalil Bryan after he was mistakenly released from jail on July 25, 2025. The New Orleans Police Department is actively searching for Bryan, Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kirkpatrick said it is unclear if Bryan knows he was mistakenly released, but police are now "putting him on notice" that he is a fugitive. She urged him to turn himself in. "You and others who may be harboring him at this moment will be subject to prosecution yourself because you are on notice," the chief said. MORE: 1 of final 2 New Orleans jail escapees found after sheriff received tip: Police At the time of his mistaken release, Bryan was being held on charges including possession of stolen property, drug paraphernalia and resisting an officer, according to Kirkpatrick. He also has an active warrant for aggravated assault with a firearm, domestic abuse, child endangerment and home invasion, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has a "violent criminal history," including aggravated burglary, aggravated assault with a weapon and aggravated criminal damage to property, Kirkpatrick said. Hutson said her office immediately launched an internal investigation after the error was discovered and is questioning those who were on duty at the time. She said she did not know when exactly he was released. "We'll find out exactly what did happen, because we don't know until we talk to them," she said. "We know that there were similar last names. That's all that we know." Disciplinary action "will be forthcoming," the sheriff said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This should not have happened," she said. "It was a failure of internal processes, and the public has every right to expect better." If you have any information, please call 911. pic.twitter.com/FKz21bgIbg Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office (@OrleansParishSO) July 25, 2025 Bryan was being held on a $100,000 bench warrant related to a failure to appear for arraignment in a case, and an additional $25,000 bond tied to new felony charges, according to Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams. "Despite those holds, Bryan was released in error when deputies, responding to a bond posted by an unrelated individual for another inmate, failed to properly verify identity and mistakenly discharged Bryan instead," Williams said in a statement. Williams said his office is not ruling out pursuing possible charges against the deputy or deputies who let the inmate walk free -- saying, "We will follow the leads." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Fugitive on the run for over 6 weeks after escaping police at airport captured The Orleans Justice Center is the same jail where 10 inmates escaped in May. One remains on the lam. "This is a deeply troubling incident that underscores the ongoing systemic issues surrounding the exercise of custody and control over detained individuals," Williams said of Friday's mistaken release. "The failure to properly confirm the identity of an inmate prior to release is an unacceptable lapse that presents a real and immediate risk to public safety." Authorities have notified the victim in Bryan's case, the sheriff said. Williams said his office is also reaching out to "all victims and witnesses associated with Bryan's prosecution." "Where we are unable to make contact, we are dispatching investigators to ensure the affected victims and their families are notified and receive appropriate support," he said. Business Insider got access to a NATO AWACS flight for an eight-hour surveillance mission. The mission provided aerial support for a NATO patrol and security operation in the Baltic Sea. This is what it's like inside the E-3A Sentry, keeping an eye on Russian activity at 30,000 feet. ABOARD A NATO AWACS PLANE As the aircraft soared over Eastern Europe, tiny triangles and U-shapes blinked across a glowing console. Each shape marked a presence a ship, a fighter jet, or something else moving near the Baltic Sea and the militarized Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. The NATO E-3A Sentry, a flying radar and airborne command post, was tracking them all, with its rotating radar dome scanning hundreds of miles in every direction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're the eyes in the sky," said Maj. Ben, a US Air Force officer and the mission's fighter allocator. "Being up at 30,000 feet, we can look down and we see pretty much everything to the ground." Business Insider was given access to a NATO AWACS flight this week for an eight-hour surveillance mission above Eastern Europe. Departing from Geilenkirchen Air Base in western Germany home to 14 aging E-3s at 8 am, the plane flew east to support Baltic Sentry operations, an ongoing alliance effort focused on protecting undersea infrastructure after recent sabotage incidents in the Baltic Sea. NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen is home to 14 E-3 Sentry aircraft. Jake Epstein/Business Insider The aircraft commander, first pilot, and flight engineer sit in the cockpit during takeoff. Jake Epstein/Business Insider "Nice view, right?" someone in the cockpit, it wasn't immediately clear who, said into their headset as the plane poked through the thin cloud layer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The airborne warning and control system, or AWACS, is a modified Boeing 707/320 passenger plane with a long-range radar and advanced sensors that can detect friendly or hostile objects from far away and collect data that can be distributed in real time to allied ground stations, ships, or other aircraft. The E-3 is easily recognizable with its 360-degree rotating radar dome above the fuselage. It can see over 300 miles across the air and surface, giving commanders critical situational awareness at war or in peacetime. As an older plane, the interior feels more like a Cold War time capsule than a 21st-century warplane, but this aircraft is actually a surveillance nerve center loaded with advanced and highly classified equipment, keeping tabs on things. Maj. Ben, the fighter allocator, is in charge of coordinating with other aircraft, including jets, tankers, and bombers. Jake Epstein/Business Insider Crew members from different countries work at their stations. Jake Epstein/Business Insider The surveillance mission is "the bread and butter of this platform," said Maj. Ben, who, like others BI spoke with during the flight, could only be identified by his rank and first name for security reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The E-3 is capable of a range of missions, including surveillance, tracking, target detection, early warning, command and control, and battle management, making it a high-value military asset and one of the few that NATO itself actually owns. Built in the '80s, still critical now NATO received its first E-3s in 1982. Despite their age, these planes have proven indispensable since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014. After the full-scale assault in 2022, the AWACS fleet intensified its patrols to monitor Russian activity and deter aggression on NATO's eastern flank. The AWACS functions like a high-flying office space, with a range of different roles and stations where crew members work at their computers or with other sensitive instruments. In the back of the aircraft are a few makeshift beds, a place to store and heat food, and a toilet. Looking at it in 2025, the interior is dated and almost feels like stepping into a museum. A view of the cockpit and the communications area, covered by a curtain, to the right. Jake Epstein/Business Insider A crew member takes a break from the action to read his book. Jake Epstein/Business Insider This flying command station is anything but an artifact. The plane is packed with advanced capabilities. And just about everything the crew touches, from paperwork to computer screens, is classified and had to be sanitized before BI could take photos. The most sensitive area of the aircraft, where key communication systems are, is covered with a curtain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plane's big radar rotates once every 10 seconds and can detect everything from warships to aircraft to air defense systems. It gathers data that the surveillance operators can see on digital maps and immediately transmit to users on the ground, at sea, or in the air. "Wherever the demand is for an air picture, we can go there," explained Cpt. Jasper, a Dutch surveillance controller who monitors the airspace and surface. "That's something that static sites cannot do, and what most ground sites cannot do," he said, adding that this is the advantage of "having a big flying radar and air control station." One screen BI was authorized to review showed activity in and above Poland, Lithuania, Estonia, the Baltic Sea, and Kaliningrad. The small but heavily militarized Russian province, sandwiched between two NATO countries, has long been a concern for the alliance. That is why the AWACS are watching, and they see everything. Surveillance operators monitor their screens. Jake Epstein/Business Insider This map shows Poland, Kaliningrad (very center), Lithuania, Estonia, and the Baltic Sea. Jake Epstein/Business Insider. If a Russian fighter jet took off from an airbase in Kaliningrad, the AWACS circling just beyond its airspace would surely spot it. The exclave hosts some of Moscow's ships, ground forces, and air defenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cpt. Marek, a Polish passive controller who works with the AWACS' advanced sensors, said the aircraft provides extra "situational awareness" to the Baltic Sentry operation and for the eastern flank allies. He added that the aircraft is an essential part of European security, and that's especially been the case since the war in Ukraine started. Flexibility in flight Beyond its robust surveillance capabilities, the E-3 is also a command and control platform that can coordinate with other aircraft and easily be retasked. This flight, for instance, was initially set to operate in Polish airspace but moved to Lithuanian airspace to support a training mission involving Portuguese F-16 fighter jets. That flexibility is a critical capability for high-end fights, where numerous assets would be on the move in a fast-paced operating environment. "For the time we are now in, it's better to have a flexible force. We can go everywhere," said Cpt. Jasper said. Key to the E-3's flexibility is its endurance. The aircraft can normally operate for eight and a half hours, although it can fly longer missions through its air-to-air refueling capability. At one point during the flight, the vintage seatbelt sign clicked on, signaling that this process was about to begin. A US Air Force KC-135 tanker after it provided fuel to the E-3. Jake Epstein/Business Insider Final approach into NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen. Jake Epstein/Business Insider Aerial refueling is a delicate process that requires the AWACS pilots to drop altitude and fly the aircraft by hand so it can connect to the tanker and receive fuel. This made for a bumpy stretch that much of the crew elected to sleep through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the cockpit, the E-3 closed with the American KC-135 tanker aircraft, getting so close that the face of an airman inside could be seen to take on 40,000 pounds of fuel before separating and going on with its mission. Dutch Cpt. Donny Demmers, a public affairs officer who was permitted to share his full name, said NATO can send an AWACS to operate from an area far from base, and thanks to the mid-air refueling, the plane can remain on station for a long time. The E-3 flew back to Geilenkirchen and touched down shortly before 4 pm, but that flight time could have been greatly extended if needed during a crisis. "The flexibility gives us the survivability," Demmers said. Read the original article on Business Insider MADISON, Ala. (WHNT) FBI Birmingham announced on Friday that it had caught an international fugitive wanted for child sex abuse. On July 25, in collaboration with ALEA, HSI, and local law enforcement partners, FBI Birmingham arrested an Italian man wanted for sexual abuse of a minor in Italy. FBI Birmingham said that a search of the mans home also led to them discovering multiple fraudulent identifications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI is fully committed to crushing violent crime and we appreciate the remarkable work and strong partnerships in removing the worst of the worst from our communities, said David R. Fitzgibbons, Special Agent in Charge of the Birmingham Division. The bureau office said this arrest was apart of Operation Summer Heat, a nationwide initiative targeting violent crime during the summer. FBI Birmingham said the Italian man is being detained pending removal from the United States. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) In bombshell reports by The Oklahoman and NonDoc Friday, two Oklahoma state school board members insist they saw images of naked women playing on a TV inside State Superintendent Ryan Walters office during Thursdays state school board meetingand now, the state is investigating. Walters has not directly addressed the claims, but all of the states top Republican and Democratic lawmakers say they want an investigation and accountability. Read The Oklahomans full original report Oklahoma State Board of Education (OSBE) board members Ryan Deatherage and Becky Carson told The Oklahoman Friday it happened inside Walters office during the closed session portion of Thursdays monthly OSBE meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a family was appealing a school transfer denial before Walters and the board, Deatherage and Carson said they saw nude images of women playing on a TV mounted to the wall behind Walters. I was just in shock, Deatherage told The Oklahoman. I was being human and I didnt know what to think. Read NonDocs full original report Carson told The Oklahoman she, too, could not believe her eyes. I was like, No, wait a minute. Those arent naked, surely those arent naked women, she told The Oklahoman. I saw them just walking across the screen, and Im like, No. Im sorry I even have to use this language, but Im like, Those are her nipples. And then Im like, Thats pubic hair. What in the world am I watching? Deatherage told non-profit news outlet NonDoc it appeared the women in the video were on top of some sort of chiropractic table. It looked like it was made in the 60s, maybe, Carson told The Oklahoman. She said she immediately confronted Walters after the family left the room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critic says arguing merits of Walters controversial ideas gives them unearned legitimacy I was so disturbed by it, Carson told The Oklahoman. I was like, What is on your TV? I was very stern, like Id been a mother or a classroom teacher. And I said, What am I watching? Turn it off now! Deatherage told The Oklahoman Walters immediately stood up and turned it off, never acknowledging or apologizing for what happened. Carson told NonDoc Walters blew it off, acting like he had just been caught in an embarrassing situation. On Friday, Deatherage and Carson told The Oklahomangiven Walters history of threatening to strip teachers of their certificates for much lesser offensestheyd like to consider stripping Walters of his teaching certification. OSBE members press Supt. Walters on partnership with out-of-state private school Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If this had been a teacher, Im pretty certain that they would have been immediately suspended and proceedings would have been brought to review it, attorney and former OSBE member Tim Gilpin told News 4 on Friday. And then if it turned out to be true, theyd be dismissed. News 4 found Oklahomas state employment policies strictly prohibit state officials from accessing obscene or sexually explicit material on state devices. The policy says failure to comply could lead to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. STATE-COMPUTER-USAGE-POLICYDownload On Friday, Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) and Senate Education Chair Adam Pugh (R-Edmond) announced the states Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) has opened an investigation inquiry looking into the allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OSDE attempts to deprive schools of rollover funds for safety, security enhancements despite previously promising them In a statement, Paxton told News 4: This is a bizarre and troubling situation that raises serious questions about the events and what took place during yesterdays executive session at the Oklahoma State Board of Education meeting. The accounts made public by board members paint a strange, unsettling scene that demands clarity and transparency. Senator Pugh and I appreciate the quick action by OMES to help coordinate through this situation to get details on exactly what happened. More transparency is essential before strong conclusions can be drawn. In another statement, Pugh told News 4: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reports coming out of Thursdays Board of Education meeting raise a number of questions. This is a situation that warrants further explanation and transparency. Additionally, Superintendent Walters and those making the allegations deserve to be heard and give their side of the story. I appreciate the efforts by everyone who are taking these allegations seriously. Well be watching closely as more information comes to light. Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert (R-Bristow) also called for an investigation and accountability on Friday. In a statement, Hilbert told News 4: These are serious allegations made by two members of the State Board and an expeditious third-party review is warranted. I urge the State Superintendent to unlock and turn over all relevant devices and fully cooperate with an investigation. If no wrongdoing occurred, a prompt and transparent review should quickly clear his name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement School districts say Walters claims of massive budget surpluses are verifiably false, damaging to public education House Democratic leader and 2026 Oklahoma gubernatorial candidate Cyndi Munson (D-Oklahoma City) called for accountability on Friday as well, telling News 4 in a statement: My main concern has always been and will remain on Oklahoma parents, teachers, and students and their right to free, quality public education. Anything that threatens to infringe on that right will be pushed back on, just as House Democrats have done in the past with several efforts to investigate the State Superintendent. Regardless of if recent allegations are true, Oklahomans are in dire need of new leadership at the Oklahoma State Department of Education. While we wait for more information, we will follow the guidance of the Speaker and trust that any alleged moral or criminal wrongdoings will be thoroughly investigated. News 4 reached out to Walters office on Friday, but nobody responded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, The Oklahoman reports an OSDE spokesperson did respond to that outlets request for comment, claiming their report was a junk tabloid lie. The Oklahoman reported OSDE spokesperson Quinton Hitchcock sent the following statement: Any number of people have access to these offices. You have a hostile board who will say and do anything except tell the truth, and now, the Woklahoman is reporting on an alleged random TV cable image. News 4 reached out to both Deatherage and Carson. Both told News 4 The Oklahoman and NonDocs reports were accurate and truthful. On Friday, Deatherage sent News 4 the following statement: As an appointed member of the Oklahoma School Board, it is my top priority to protect the well-being of Oklahoma students. We hold educators to the strictest of standards when it comes to explicit material. The standard for the superintendent should be no different. Also in a statement Friday, Carson told News 4: I was appointed to the State Board of Education to serve Oklahoma students to the best of my ability. The images that board members were exposed to yesterday in this meeting were inappropriate to say the least. There has to be accountability. News 4 also heard from Governor Kevin Stitt Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stitt once endorsed Walters during his campaign for state superintendent, but has recently distanced himself. Earlier this year, Stitt replaced several state school board members who supported Walters with new ones who are more critical of him, Deatherage and Carson among them. In a statement Friday, Stitt told News 4: I trust and appreciate my board members. They are volunteers who are sacrificing their time to serve Oklahoma students. Should these allegations be true, all I can say is that I am profoundly disappointed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Investigation into officer-involved shooting at Massachusetts mall continues An investigation is continuing on Saturday after a shoplifting incident at a Massachusetts mall on Friday led to an exchange of gunfire between a police officer and a juvenile suspect, authorities said. A security guard at the Holyoke Mall called a detail officer working at the shopping center after witnessing an alleged shoplifting around 4:30 p.m., according ot the Holyoke Police Department. When officers encountered the juvenile shoplifting suspect near the entrance to the Round One bowling alley and arcade, police say the suspect pulled out a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The preliminary investigation shows that both the suspect and one officer discharged their firearms, the department said in a statement. The officer was not struck. The suspect was shot in the leg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect, whose name hasnt been released, was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Officers later recovered the suspects firearm and placed him under arrest. While all of the businesses were evacuated and closed Friday evening due to the shooting, Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan assured the public that the mall is a safe place to shop. I do want to make it clear that while this incident can cause fear, the Holyoke Mall is a safe place to shop and visit. We have officers here to deal with incidents like this and ensure that the public is safe, Keenan said in a statement. No innocent bystanders were harmed during this incident. If you see anything suspicious while at the mall or anywhere in our city, please do not hesitate to call 911. Holyoke Mall was expected to reopen on Saturday for regular business with an enhanced police presence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massachusetts State Police are assisting Holyoke police with the investigation. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The Republican Party of Iowa hosted a fundraiser in the ballroom of the Best Western in Clear Lake on Friday evening, with a veritable who's-who guest list, including U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, former Governor and U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad, and Gov. Kim Reynolds. Former Iowa House Speaker Linda Upmeyer helped organize the fundraiser. She said she was excited to host such prominent guests. "This room is filled with people of such notable and distinguished credentials," she said during her opening remarks. Jeff Kauffman, Republican Party of Iowa chair, began the evening taking time to tell party members to beware of Iowa State Auditor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand. According to Kauffman, Sand is marketing himself as a moderate while espousing much more radical, liberal views behind closed doors. "He is potentially worse than AOC (U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.)," Kauffman said. "AOC will at least tell you in so many words ... she's far left. And she's actually honest about saying that. ... Do not be drug in by (Sand's) hypocritical social media crap. That's what I would ask of all of you. Watch him like a hawk." Grassley, Branstad reminisce Kauffman led a talk-show-style series of interviews for the gathered conservatives, interviewing Grassley and Branstad about their journeys to public office and their favorite presidents to work with. Branstad recalled growing up in Winnebago County, and noted two eighth grade teachers as his inspiration for getting into politics. "They taught the three Rs of good government rights, respect, and responsibility. ... They had quite an influence on me," Branstad said. Grassley echoed Kauffman's warnings about Sand before going into his political origin story, citing concerns about backsliding on Republican wins on the state's budget and spending. "Twelve years of Democrats before Branstad and Reynolds' administration took over, they left us with a tremendous amount of debt," Grassley said. "No money in reserve accounts, or rainy day accounts ... and never did anything to cut taxes," Grassley said. Grassley attributed his interest in politics to his parents, farmers who he said were always talking about government, politics, and history. "That's how I got into politics, because my folks brought me up in appreciating America, and they knew I had an interest in politics," Grassley said. Grassley, who's the United State's oldest sitting senator and the longest serving Republican in congressional history, reminisced about various presidents he worked under. He called George W. Bush his favorite president. "Because he was so much like us Iowans," Grassley said. "You can sit down and talk to him." Grassley called former President Joe Biden "worse than Carter," saying their working relationship was much better during Biden's years in the Senate, something he attributed to Biden's better health at the time. Grassley said he felt "naive" for not noticing Biden's apparent decline in health during his term, but that he hadn't been invited to the White House enough to notice. "He had a cabal in the White House that was leading the country. ... Probably almost as bad as Woodrow Wilson after he had his stroke and his wife kept everybody out of the White House," Grassley said. Kauffman told the Globe Gazette he felt humbled to have the opportunity to sit down and speak with Branstad and Grassley. "We've got almost a century of political acumen and common sense here," Kauffman said. "I've never lost the idea of how important these individuals have been, not only to all of Iowa. ... I realize just how much they've given in terms of public service." Cerro Gordo County Supervisor Carl Ginapp said he particularly enjoyed hearing about Grassley and Branstad's personal journeys through American politics. "Just to hear their experience of how they started, how they started. ... I was kind of in awe. It's humbling. It's an honor to be here," he said. Reynolds shares Trump tales The governor took the stage following Branstad and Grassley, where she talked about her personal experiences with President Donald Trump, her path to the governor's office, and her hopes for her legacy. Kaufmann highlighted Reynolds' allegiance to Trump, asking to hear more about their working relationship. "You absolutely campaigned your heart out in the general elections of 2016, 2020, and 2024. You were just tireless at advocating for Donald Trump," he said. "I think what I love most about him is how he interacts with the governors," Reynolds said. Reynolds captivated the crowd with stories about times she'd met with Trump, complete with fond impressions of his signature speaking cadence, even recalling an incident where he threw a Hershey's bar at her and Grassley. Reynolds talked about a time she was riding in "The Beast," Trump's custom, armored Cadillac limousine, while trying to convince him on a policy position she's since forgotten. "He said, 'Hey, you're not going to believe how thick those windows are. Just hit that window.' ... So I hit the window, and I'm like, 'Oh yeah, that's thick,' and he'd say, 'No, really, hit it again!' and I hit that window four times," Reynolds recalled. Reynolds said Trump claimed to have made moves within his cabinet so she could be governor. "'I sent Governor Branstad to China so that you could be the governor of the state of Iowa,'" Reynolds said, doing a Trump impression. "Yeah, he used to give us a bad time about that," she said. Reynolds turned more thoughtful when Kauffman asked about her legacy as governor. "I have loved serving Iowans. ... I just hope I'm remembered by Iowans that I tried to do the best that I could do," she said. WOODBURY COUNTY, Iowa (KCAU) The treasurer for the Oto, Iowa, Ambulance Service has been charged with stealing almost $13,000 from the department. Court documents indicated that Jennifer Weber is facing the charge of 1st degree theft. Authorities said between May 2024 and February 2025, she made at least 64 unauthorized withdrawals of $200 from ATMs in Woodbury County. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said she also made 33 unauthorized $200 ATM withdrawals in Monona County. According to court documents, Weber would transfer the funds from the ambulances other account into the debit account and continued to make withdrawals at ATMs. Authorities said she used those funds to buy airplane tickets for her and her boyfriend. Weber posted a $10,000 surety bond on July 18 and was released on the bond. Weber has a court appearance scheduled for August 13. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. BEHIND THE LINES: Read about the Southern Transitional Council, based out of Aden in south Yemen, leading the fight against Houthi terrorists, primarily based in the north of the country. ADEN, Yemen We just need a green light, and well drive back the Houthis and Habrish too, Maj.-Gen. Salah al Hassan tells me, as we sit in his office in Aden, southern Yemen. Habrish is Amr Bin Habrish, deputy governor of Hadramout Province, who is widely suspected of collaboration. The Houthis need no introduction. We are in the headquarters of the Yemeni Southern Transitional Council, or STC. I have come here to look into the question that the general has sought to answer namely, whether there are potential ground partners available to the West in Yemen, to help undertake the urgent task of pushing back the Ansar Allah (Partisans of God, the Houthis official name) from the Red Sea coast area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The importance and the urgency of this question require little explanation. Of the pro-Iran forces mobilized by Tehran to take part in the regional war against Israel under way since October 2023, the Houthis are unique in that they have not yet suffered any serious setback, and have not yet blinked. Across a regional landscape where the main strategic lesson of recent months has been the relative weakness and vulnerability of Iran and its allies, the Houthis stand out in their durability. Aden, under the de facto control of the STC, is ramshackle and poverty-stricken. The apartment buildings built by the British to house imperial officials and their families have long since fallen into decay. The Soviet-supported Peoples Democratic Republic of Yemen (PDRY, now South Yemen) appears to have left little architectural memory. South Yemen political delegation in the United States. (credit: STC) Here and there, one may see faded Soviet-style murals. Like similar displays in Syria and Egypt, these seem to be the work of North Korean artists, and depict heroic Arab fighters of oddly East Asian appearance. The British fought a doomed colonial counter-insurgency here, in the late 1960s. The Soviets are long gone, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BUT THE thing that brought them both to South Yemen the crucial strategic waterway that runs past the Bab el Mandeb Strait between the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea and then on to the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean remains. Today, new forces are fighting over it. The Houthis campaign against international shipping on the Gulf of Aden/Red Sea route recommenced this month, with the targeting and sinking of two Greek owned, Liberian-flagged vessels. This is despite a supposed ceasefire concluded with the US regarding this front on May 6. Ansar Allahs launching of ballistic missiles and drones at Israel is ongoing. Large-scale US and Israeli counterattacks from air and sea on the Hodeidah and Salif ports and the airport at Sanaa have so far failed to deter them. What more might be done? GEN. MOHSEN DERAI, Yemens defense minister, told us that he and the government he serves were shocked at the US decision to conclude a ceasefire with the Houthis in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking in his office in Aden, the defense minister said that on the one hand, he had regretted that no ground operation had taken place to take advantage of the US air activity. But on the other hand, he was relieved, because the US was going to abandon us. When the Americans decided to begin those operations against the Houthis, they didnt coordinate with us and didnt notify us, and when they decided to cease, they also didnt coordinate with or notify us. We had a strategic plan we had devised together with STC leader Aidarus al-Zoubaidi, which was supposed to involve the US, UK, UAE, and Saudi Arabia a coordinated effort to bring down the Houthis. Dareis words are notable given reporting at the time in April by The Wall Street Journal, suggesting that a ground operation had been in preparation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such an operation to push north into Hodaidah Province taking the ports of Hodeidah and Salif, and the Ras Issa oil terminal would with one stroke deprive the Houthis of a massive part of their revenue, their ability to bring in weaponry and goods, and much of the infrastructure used for attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. But it didnt take place. THE ISSUE, in part at least, is one of will. In 2019, an agreement brokered in Stockholm prevented a military offensive by the internationally recognized government of Yemen and the STC on the crucial Houthi-held port of Hodeidah. Now in 2025, the enemies of the Houthis have hesitated again. But there are other complicating factors. The CIA estimates that anti-Houthi forces number around 300,000 fighters, which is only a little less than the number commanded by their enemies. But the anti-Houthi camp remains bitterly divided. The internationally recognized government of which Defense Minister Daeri is a part wants to reunite the country after the destruction of the Houthis. Who is the Southern Transitional Council, and what is their goal? The separatist Southern Transitional Council favors recreating a separate state in South Yemen, with Aden as its capital. In our talks with STC officials, this issue was paramount. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Southern Transitional Council emerged in 2017, following a successful defense of the southern provinces against the Houthis, and the clashes with Saudi-linked forces. Led by Zoubaidi, the STC was backed from the outset by the United Arab Emirates. Today, it constitutes probably the dominant military force in South Yemen, with its associated militias holding the main fronts against the Houthis in Daleh, Abiran/Shabwa, and Lahej. The STC aligned decisively with the US-led coalition following the commencement of attacks on international shipping in November 2023. In interviews, Zoubaidi noted that air action against the Houthis would not be enough. What we need, he said at that time, is military equipment, capacity building, and training for ground forces, as well as intel sharing. These requests were echoed by STC fighters and commanders when we visited the Daleh and Shabwa fronts in the course of our visit. The situation on the frontlines is one of no war, no peace, as one commander at Daleh described it. There are near daily exchanges of fire, involving small arms and mortars, and regular attempts by the Houthis at incursion. The Daleh front is the most active. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement STANDING ON a mountain facing the Houthi lines in Daleh, Gen. Abdallah, the local STC commander, outlined the tactical situation facing his forces near the city of al-Fakhr: Whats happening is skirmishes, sometimes sniper fire, drones. Sometimes the enemy tries to infiltrate behind our lines, but he doesnt succeed. We and the US are in the same boat against Iran, Abdallah said. And the Houthis are an arm of Iran. The Iranian project succeeded in Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, but it can be stopped here, in this area. If you want to ensure maritime security at Bab el Mandeb and the Red Sea, you need to support us. The central issue facing both the STC and the various other forces aligned with the internationally recognized government, appears to be a chronic lack of equipment. The list of their needs, as related to us in Aden, included: drones for reconnaissance (they appear to lack any capacity in this area), night vision equipment, light and heavy machine guns, and medium range artillery. Political and military will, and manpower, are not lacking in southern Yemen. But the STCs regional patrons, and their Western allies, at the moment appear to see no reason to convert their allies on the ground in Yemen into a force that could pose a genuine challenge to the Houthis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The result is that, for now, the Iran-supported militia looks set to remain free to commit piracy and murder on the Gulf of Aden-Red Sea route whenever it chooses to do so. Its opponents will continue to hold the line against them with the meager resources available to them. But real change is likely to come only when the Western and regional enemies of the Houthis decide that the situation is intolerable, and begin to build and equip a force capable, with air support from outside, of pushing the Iran-supported militia back from the coast hopefully soon. By Emily Rose (Reuters) -Aid trucks started moving towards Gaza from Egypt, the Egyptian state-affiliated Al Qahera News TV said on Sunday, after months of international pressure and warnings from relief agencies of starvation spreading in the Palestinian enclave. Israel said that it began aid airdrops to Gaza on Saturday and was taking several other steps to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Israeli military said "humanitarian corridors" would be established for safe movement of United Nations convoys delivering aid to Gazans and that "humanitarian pauses" would be implemented in densely populated areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of trucks carrying tonnes of humanitarian aid moved towards the Karam Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing in southern Gaza, the Al Qahera correspondent said from the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza. International aid organisations say there is mass hunger among Gaza's 2.2 million people, with food running out after Israel cut off all supplies to the territory in March, before resuming it in May with new restrictions. Israel says it has let enough food into Gaza and accuses the United Nations of failing to distribute it. The United Nations says it is operating as effectively as possible under Israeli restrictions. Israel's announcement on airdrops came after indirect ceasefire talks in Doha between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas were broken off with no deal in sight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli military said in a statement that the airdrops would be conducted in coordination with international aid organisations and would include seven pallets of aid containing flour, sugar, and canned food. Palestinian sources confirmed that aid had begun dropping in northern Gaza. Israel's foreign ministry said the military would "apply a 'humanitarian pause' in civilian centres and in humanitarian corridors" on Sunday morning. It provided no further details. "The IDF emphasizes that there is no starvation in the Gaza Strip; this is a false campaign promoted by Hamas," the Israeli military said in its Saturday statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Responsibility for food distribution to the population in Gaza lies with the UN and international aid organizations. Therefore, the UN and international organizations are expected to improve the effectiveness of aid distribution and to ensure that the aid does not reach Hamas." AID SHIP INTERCEPTED The Israeli military stressed that despite the humanitarian steps, "combat operations have not ceased" in the Gaza Strip. Separately, international activists on an aid ship that set sail from Italy en route to Gaza said in a post on X that the vessel had been intercepted. The Israeli foreign ministry said on X that naval forces "stopped the vessel from illegally entering the maritime zone of the coast of Gaza," that it was being taken to Israeli shores and all passengers were safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UN said on Thursday that humanitarian pauses in Gaza would allow "the scale up of humanitarian assistance" and said Israel had not provided enough route alternatives for its convoys hindering aid access. Dozens of Gazans have died of malnutrition in the past few weeks, according to the Gaza Health Ministry while 127 people have died due to malnutrition, including 85 children, since the start of the war, which began nearly two years ago. On Wednesday, more than 100 aid agencies warned that mass starvation was spreading across the enclave. The military also said on Saturday that it had connected a power line to a desalination plant, expected to supply daily water needs for about 900,000 Gazans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel launched its assault on Gaza after Hamas-led fighters stormed Israeli towns near the border, killing some 1,200 people and capturing 251 hostages on October 7, 2023. Since then, Israeli forces have killed nearly 60,000 people in Gaza, health officials there say, and reduced much of the enclave to ruins. (Reporting by Hatem Maher, Enas Alashray, Emily Rose and Maayan Lubell, Nidal Al Mughrabi, Jaidaa Taha; Writing by Emily Rose and Matt Spetalnick; Editing by Daniel Wallis and Kate Mayberry) One hundred twenty-seven people, 85 of them children, have died from hunger or malnutrition as a result of Israels siege of Gaza, according to Gazas Health Ministry. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blocked all aid to Gaza in March, claiming that it was to pressure Hamas into accepting a ceasefire that Israel broke unilaterally later that month. This week, the Israeli government has blamed the United Nations for the situation, even accusing its aid agency of working with Hamas to restrict food from getting to people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was not the first time Israel blocked aid from entering Gaza. In March 2024, Israel stopped UN aid convoys from reaching northern Gaza as it attempted to starve the population there into fleeing. In September, 15 international aid organisations said Israel was blocking 83 percent of Gazas aid. In both instances, Israel denied blocking aid, blaming either UN inefficiency or Hamas for aid not reaching people in areas it has claimed to control for much of the war. So, what has Israel said, and does it accept that a man-made famine is under way in Gaza? Heres what we know. So is there no aid system in Gaza now? After receiving much criticism over the increased threat of famine that its siege had inflicted on Gaza, Israel, along with its US ally, backed the creation of the GHF in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GHF was intended to replace the UN and international aid agencies, which have operated some 400 aid distribution points across Gaza, with four erratically operated distribution points in Gazas centre and south. Since May, the Israeli military and private contractors, understood to be American, have killed more than 1,000 people trying to access food at GHF distribution points. There are still some limited UN aid distribution operations, but they are so severely restricted that their effect cannot be felt. Does Israel accept that theres starvation in Gaza? It does not. On Friday, Israels Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), which is responsible for coordinating aid into Gaza, contradicted the claims of numerous aid agencies, asserting that there is no famine in the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, it said, there were pockets across Gaza where people had issues of access to food. Yazan, a malnourished 2-year-old Palestinian boy, sit with his brothers at their familys damaged home in the Shati refugee camp, west of Gaza City, on July 23, 2025 [Omar al-Qatta/AFP] So Israel claims that theres enough aid being distributed? Not so much. Israel claims that shortfalls are occurring because much of the aid lies rotting in the sun because the UN has not distributed it. Israels military radio, Kan, recently reported that the Israeli army has burned or buried some 1,000 trucks worth of aid that it deemed spoiled or expired. David Mencer, a spokesperson for Netanyahus office, told the BBC on Friday that the UN in Gaza is a billion-dollar racket and accused the UN of working with Hamas to restrict aid to its own people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mercer did not provide any reason as to why the UN might do that, or any evidence to back his claims. Is the UN working with Hamas? Not according to the UN itself. On Wednesday, addressing the UN Security Council, Israels ambassador, Danny Danon, accused UN aid chief, Tom Fletcher, as well as the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, of somehow being affiliated with Hamas. Danon provided no evidence. Responding in writing the following day, Fletcher said, I expect the Israeli authorities to immediately share any evidence that led them to make such claims. Israels Ambassador Danny Danon has presented unsupported claims to the UN that staff members of the aid agency, the Office Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, are working with Hamas [File: Brendan McDermid/Reuters] In January 2024, Israel accused another UN aid body, the UN Relief and Works Agency, of working with Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An independent review into Israels allegations concluded in April 2024 that it had provided no evidence to support its claim. Is Hamas stealing aid? Not according to Israels military and its principal ally, the US. Citing unnamed Israeli military officials, The New York Times reported on Saturday that the UN aid operation was relatively reliable and less vulnerable to interference than others, adding that there was no evidence Hamas regularly stole from the UN. An internal report by the USs development agency, USAID, in late June also concluded that there was no evidence of the systematic looting of US-provided aid by Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, the only evidence of aid being systematically looted points to criminal gangs now partnering with Israel and the GHF. People carry relief supplies from the GHF, a private US-backed aid group that has bypassed the longstanding UN-led system in the territory [Eyad Baba/AFP] So, why isnt aid reaching people in Gaza? Months of Israels siege have led to the effective breakdown of Gazas society, with food convoys at risk of being overwhelmed by starving, desperate crowds, the UN says. To deliver aid to where it is needed, the UN would need the support of the Israeli military. On Wednesday, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said half of the 16 food distribution requests submitted to the Israeli military had been refused. Bureaucratic and other operational obstacles imposed by Israeli authorities; ongoing hostilities and access constraints within Gaza; and incidents of criminal looting, and more shooting incidents that have killed and injured people gathering to offload aid supplies along convoy routes have limited efforts to deliver aid, Dujarric told reporters. What is the outcome of that? Starvation. As we noted above, 127 people, most of whom are children, have already died of starvation in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Death through hunger occurs over three stages. The first starts as early as a skipped meal; the second comes with any prolonged period of fasting when the body relies on stored fats for energy. The third, and often fatal, stage is when all stored fats have been depleted and the body turns to bone and muscle as sources of energy. It is, according to Dr Omar Abdel-Mannan, a British-Egyptian paediatrician and neurologist who has volunteered in Gaza, a very cruel, slow death. Interactive_Gaza_What starvation does to the body Why have more children died than adults? Because their bodies are using less to do more. Children, especially infants and toddlers, have much less muscle and fat to draw on during famine, while their basic metabolism is working harder as they grow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outcome is that they have a much-reduced buffer when food intake stops. What are the chances that Israels siege might end? Nobody knows. Netanyahus right-wing coalition has so far seemed immune to international outrage and internal dissent over its war on Gaza. It dismisses the accusations of engaging in crimes against humanity and disregarding international law as anti-Semitic and blood libel. In the minds of most analysts, the only power with the influence capable of restraining Israel in Gaza and the region is US President Donald Trump. However, predicting how the notoriously mercurial US president may behave is generally regarded as a job beyond the abilities of most analysts. The suspect was found hiding on a crane suspended in the air. Israeli police officers apprehended the remaining suspect in the Thursday ramming attack in Kfar Yona in the area of Pardes Hanna at a construction site, the central district police announced Saturday evening. The suspect was found hiding on a crane suspended in the air, according to police. He was lowered to the ground ahead of his arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eight IDF soldiers were wounded on Thursday when a terrorist conducted a ramming attack at the Beit Lid Junction near Kfar Yona. The soldiers had been waiting at a bus stop. While one of the terrorists was arrested the same day, the second suspect, Arkan Khaled, 27, from Taibe, was still being searched for. The manhunt was led by Central District Commander, Brigadier General Yair Hatzeroni, with the participation of district officers, Border Police fighters, and volunteer officers. Israeli security forces at the scene of a terror attack near Kfar Yona, July 24, 2025. (credit: Tal Gal/Flash90) Manhunt for the terrorists "I saw your determination during the three days up close, and no one is prouder of you than I am for standing up to the task in the intense heat and for many hours," KAN quoted Police Commissioner Daniel Levi, who accompanied the search for the terrorist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the Thursday attack, hundreds of police officers, Border Police officers, and standby team volunteers conducted searches with the help of special units, including helicopters, dog handlers, mounted police, standby teams, and advanced technology. The vehicle used in the ramming attack was found near Beit Lid on Thursday. When the initial attack happened on Thursday, the injured were evacuated to the Laniado Hospital in Netanya, Meir Medical Center in Kfar Saba, and Hillel Yaffe Medical Center in Hadera. Miriam Sela-Eitam contributed to this report. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Indiana State University and Thompson Thrift announced a new multi-million dollar partnership that will begin as a fifteen-year partnership in the fall of 2026. Thompson Thrift will be giving ISU a gift of 1.4 million dollars as well as providing 1.3 million dollars in paid summer internships to qualified students in the construction management program. The construction management program will also now be called the Thompson Thrift Department of Construction Management in the Bailey College of Engineering and Technology. There will also be a classroom named after Thompson Thrift that will be unveiled in the fall of 2026 as part of the agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indiana State University freezes in-state tuition Junior and senior students majoring in construction management will be able to apply and earn a $5,000 annual scholarship that is renewable for one year. These scholarships will be given to ten students from Indiana or Illinois that are on-campus students in the construction management program. CEO and co-founder of Thompson Thrift, John Thompson, said a partnership like this can be very beneficial for the students at ISU. I think that ISU has the opportunity to really differentiate themselves by being very career focused by getting kids in internship programs, externship programs, being able to go out and understand what the industry needs, Thompson said. I think kids can get a leg up by coming to Indiana State versus other universities that may be teaching more in theory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ISU President Mike Godard said this can help students out in a big way financially. The generosity thats there is just going to provide our students with opportunity to earn a degree because without that generosity, a lot of our students cant continue on their education, because of financial limitations that they may have as a family, Godard said. Theres that desire, and that willingness and that drive that a lot of our construction management students have. Thompson Thrift has a longstanding connection to ISU with both CEOs and co-founders, John Thompson and Paul Thrift, being ISU alumni and 15% of the Thompson Thrift team being ISU alumni as well. To learn more about Thompson Thrift just visit their website. To learn more about the Bailey College of Engineering and Technology just visit their website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com. Yuta Kato says he is increasingly annoyed by foreigners ignorant of Japan's social etiquette, whether that involves blocking the streets near his work in Tokyo's upscale Ginza district or distracting commuters by playing loud videos on their phones. The 38-year-old hairdresser is among a growing number of Japanese voters drawn to the right-wing Sanseito party, whose warnings about foreigners helped it establish a strong foothold in an upper house election on Sunday. "It is not about discrimination, it's just like, why don't they notice?" said Kato, who, like many Sanseito supporters, obtains his information from YouTube and other social media sites, a space the party has utilised to amplify its "Japanese First" message. Japan's foreign-born residents account for just 3% of the total population, a fraction of the corresponding proportion in the United States and Europe, but record numbers of tourists in recent years have made foreigners more visible in major cities. While Sanseito largely avoids identifying specific immigrant groups, Romeo Marcantuoni, a Tokyo-based academic who has studied the party, said it taps into latent concerns ranging from badly-behaved tourists to conspiracy theories about sneaking Chinese influence. Kato said he believes the Chinese, the biggest cohort of foreign residents in Japan and among the largest visitor groups, are quietly taking over the country. Chinese are also often the focal point for anti-immigrant rhetoric propagated online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya and other party lawmakers and candidates have raised concerns about Chinese buying up land and resources in Japan. One of the party's policies listed on its website is to "stop the silent invasion of Japan by foreign forces". Japan's Sanseito party leader Sohei Kamiya delivers a speech during the party's rally in Tokyo, Japan, 21 July 2025, a day after the upper house election (REUTERS) Sanseito's rise has sparked a backlash by those who fear the party is normalising xenophobia. A rally on Monday attracted dozens of protesters who tried to drown out the speakers. "It is people falling for lies and displacing their frustrations - economic hardship, political alienation - onto others," said Miroko Kato, a 42-year-old haiku poet among the protestors. "We're here to say: we're watching you!" The party did not immediately respond to a request for comment and Kamiya has previously denied criticism that it is xenophobic. Sanseito is most popular among 18 to 39-year-olds, with men favouring the party more than women, according to a poll conducted by public broadcaster NHK, a trend increasingly seen among support for right-wing parties in democracies worldwide. In contrast, support for Ishiba's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which lost its majority in Sunday's election, is deepest among those aged over 70 with no clear gender divide, the NHK poll showed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanseito's presence online has given them visibility among younger voters that the LDP has struggled to reach, Kato said. The party's official YouTube channel has three times as many followers as the LDP's, with engagement in their content far higher than other parties, a study by Asahi newspaper found. "They are the party of YouTube," said Jeffrey Hall, a lecturer at Kanda University of International Studies who has authored a book on right-wing politics in Japan. Leaders of eight political parties, Sanseito Secretary General Sohei Kamiya, Japanese Communist Party Chairperson Tomoko Tamura, Komeito Chief Representative Tetsuo Saito, Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan president Yoshihiko Noda, Japan's Prime Minister and Liberal Democratic Party President Shigeru Ishiba, Governor of Osaka and Japan Innovation Party Co-Representative Hirofumi Yoshimura, Democratic Party For the People Representative Yuichiro Tamaki and Reiwa Shinsengumi President Taro Yamamoto take part in a debate at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo, Japan, on 2 July 2025 (via REUTERS) YouTube did not respond to emails seeking comment on Sanseito's use of the platform. On its community guidelines page, YouTube says it closely monitors content and removes videos it deems to promote "harmful or dangerous behavior". Broader appeal Birthed during the COVID-19 pandemic when they spread conspiracy theories about vaccinations, Sanseito has broadened its appeal with its tough immigration policies and pledges to help households struggling with rising prices. It also wants to scrap Japan's pacifist constitution and restore the Emperor's authority, fringe ideas promoted by other right-wing groups that regularly drive around Japan's cities in black trucks blaring imperial-era military songs. While that megaphone politics has long been largely ignored by the Japanese, Sanseito has set its sights on emulating the successes of other far-right groups in Europe, such as Germany's AfD and Britain's Reform UK. At a rally held outside Tokyo's bustling Shimbashi train station on Monday, crowds clapped and cheered some of Sanseito's newly elected lawmakers. "They're going to get things done," said Eriko Harada, 47, a housewife wearing a kimono and a headband emblazoned with the words 'Samurai Spirit', who said she voted for the first time this year. AUSTIN (Nexstar) Former Galveston mayor Joe Jaworski said Texas needs an attorney general focused on protecting consumers and expanding voting access rather than serving as what he called a consigliere for the Republican reelection machine. Jaworski, making his second bid for the Democratic nomination after losing the 2022 runoff, outlined an agenda centered on election reform and corporate accountability. The centerpiece of his platform involves creating a voter enhancement division to reverse what he described as Attorney General Ken Paxtons efforts to make voting intimidating for ordinary Texans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ken Paxton has frankly succeeded in making voting a white knuckle affair, Jaworski said. People are scared, theyre worried, do I do it wrong? Will I be indicted? Actually, we need to make voting easy again. Jaworski cited his sons experience as an out-of-state college student whose ballot was rejected over signature discrepancies as an example of unnecessary obstacles facing voters. Children these days are working on computers rather than practicing penmanship, he said. You go to the grocery store, sometimes you have to sign for the credit card, and a dash would suffice, but somehow there are people who are canceling votes because the signatures not perfect. His proposed reforms include enforcing an existing law requiring high school principals to register eligible 18-year-olds and investigating efforts to suppress voting rather than facilitate it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drawing on 35 years as a trial attorney and his tenure as Galvestons mayor, Jaworski positioned himself as an outsider candidate against state Sen. Nathan Johnson, D-Dallas, in the Democratic primary. Im an attorney by day and a husband, a father, and a Texan 24/7, and so I am not coming from this as a political advancement, he said, contrasting his background with longtime office holders. Jaworski said the attorney generals office offers unique opportunities to affect policy in the courts and provide sound legal counsel to state government. Beyond election law, he pledged to refocus the office on consumer protection, targeting what he sees as corporate greed regardless of party lines. He also promised day-one transparency measures to assess damage from the Paxton era. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since his 2022 loss, Jaworski has maintained visibility through a radio show and newspaper opinion pieces while building what he hopes will be a stronger campaign organization. The Democratic primary for attorney general will be held March 3, 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) criticized President Trump over his handling of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire, increased aid to the war-torn enclave and the release of all remaining hostages held by the Palestinian militant group. During the first six months of Donald Trumps time in office, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached a breaking point, hostages are still being held by Hamas despite the Presidents promise they would be released and the pre-existing ceasefire the administration inherited has been breached, Jeffries said in a statement on Friday. The starvation and death of Palestinian children and civilians in an ongoing war zone is unacceptable. The Trump administration has the ability to bring an end to this humanitarian crisis. They must act now, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said on Thursday that the U.S. will step away from peace negotiations in the region and is now considering alternative ways to free the hostages taken by Hamas during the Oct. 7, 2023, surprise attack on Israel. We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza, Witkoff said in a statement. It is a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way. We are resolute in seeking an end to this conflict and a permanent peace in Gaza. The Hill has reached out to the White House spokesperson for comment. Dozens of aid groups have warned that the Gaza Strip is on the brink of starvation, with one in five children being malnourished in Gaza City, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. Over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli military while waiting in food lines, according to the UN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has argued that Hamas, which is a U.S.-designated terrorist group, operates every day to create a perception of crisis. U.S. allies, including Australia, the United Kingdom and France, have similarly sounded the alarm over humanitarian conditions in the strip and have called for more aid. The House Democratic leader also reupped his calls for a two-state solution in the nearly two-year conflict. It is imperative that humanitarian aid be surged into Gaza immediately, the remaining Israeli hostages be released and the ceasefire negotiated by the Biden administration restored. We need a just and lasting peace, Jeffries said in his statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, that will only occur through a two-state solution that facilitates a safe and secure Israel living side by side with a Palestinian state that provides dignity, self-determination and prosperity for its people, the New York Democrat added. To help out the Palestinians, Israel is allowing Jordan and the United Arab Emirates to air-drop aid packages into Gaza. The 2023 terrorist attack left some 1,200 Israelis dead and roughly 250 hostages were taken captive. Nearly two years later, the Israeli military has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, according to local health affiliates. That number does not distinguish between civilians and Hamas fighters. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Podcaster Joe Rogan is beginning to wonder if President Donald Trump and his administration have respect for MAGA voters over the handling of files related to notorious child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. On his Friday episode, Rogan called out FBI Director Kash Patel for not releasing more information about Epstein, a former friend of Trumps who died in 2019 before he was set to face trial for a litany of sex crimes. Patel appeared on Rogans podcast last month to discuss Epstein. When Kash Patel was on here, and he was like Theres no, theres nothing and I was like What are you talking about? Rogan said. I didnt even know what to say. My thought was and people were like Why didnt you push back more? my thought was Im just gonna put this out there and let the Internet do its work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of Trumps administration have spent years demanding the release of Epstein documents. But Trump, a longtime buddy of Epstein who wrote him a creepy birthday message and another note calling him the greatest, has spent the past several weeks trying to distract from the growing crisis. [Patel] is saying theres no tapes, theres no video, Rogan said. That doesnt make any sense. Everyone knows it doesnt make any sense. Rogan said he was also frustrated by Patels promise to release surveillance clips of Epsteins New York City cell where he allegedly hung himself. While that clip was released, a minute was missing from the 10 hours of jailhouse security footage. That film has a fucking minute missing from it, Rogan said. Like, do you think were babies? What is this? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rogan, a friend of Trump who endorsed his 2024 campaign for president, previously blasted the administrations handling of the Epstein case. Whyd they say there was thousands of hours of tapes of people doing horrible shit? Rogan said on his podcast earlier this month. Whyd they say that? Didnt [Attorney General] Pam Bondi say that? Rogan continued, referring to Bondi in May saying the FBI was reviewing tens of thousands of videos of the wealthy financier with children or child porn. Rogan has joined a growingchorus of right-wingers disillusioned with the administrations promise to release more information about Epsteins potential co-conspirators. At a White House cabinet meeting earlier this month, a reporter asked Bondi about the lack of transparency. Trump was agitated by the question. Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? Trump snapped. This guys been talked about for years. I mean, I cant believe youre asking a question on Epstein at a time like this, where were having some of the greatest success and also tragedy with what happened in Texas. It just seems like a desecration. John Bolton, Trumps former national security advisor, slammed Tulsi Gabbards report accusing former President Barack Obama of engaging in a years-long coup against President Donald Trump. Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, last week declassified evidence that she said revealed a treasonous conspiracy committed by Obama and his government over the investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election. Bolton, a frequent Trump critic, called Gabbards findings exaggerated and lacking in substance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shes strung together a series of things that arent necessarily related, shes exaggerated what actual congressional reports have said, shes imagined evidence that doesnt exist, Bolton said Friday on NewsNation. So, if anybody really gets into it, it collapses pretty quickly. But as a campaign to save her job, I think it actually worked out pretty successfully for her, he continued. Last month, Politico reported that the president was down on her. John Bolton, Trumps national security advisor for part of his first administration, blasted Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard for her exaggerated report over the investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election (Getty Images) Whether it succeeded in distracting from the Jeffrey Epstein affair, I dont know, he added, alluding to the media firestorm over Trumps ties to the late sex offender that has plagued the administration for weeks. But there is, in substance, nothing to it and certainly no justification for the Justice Department to launch a criminal investigation. Gabbards report accuses Obama and the former intelligence community of leaking false information to the media and using politicized intelligence to subvert Trumps 2016 election victory. She addressed the report from the White House this week. The report uses an investigation by Republicans in the House of Representatives, and go against CIA reports that Russia tried to help Trump in 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The information we are releasing today clearly shows there was a treasonous conspiracy in 2016 committed by officials at the highest level of our government, the director of national intelligence said in a statement. 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. In the wake of the reports release, Democrats including Obama have accused the Trump administration of trying to use it to distract from the uproar over the so-called Epstein files. Gabbard released a report accusing Obama and his government of committing a treasonous conspiracy to subvert the 2016 election findings that Democrats have called a distraction from the Jeffrey Epstein firestorm (Getty Images) "These bizarre allegations are ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction, a spokesperson for the office of the former president said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has been trying to distance himself from Epstein. He even went so far as to claim the Epstein files were a hoax cooked up by Democrats, including Obama, former President Biden, and former FBI Director James Comey. The Epstein files have dominated the news cycle ever since the Justice Department released a July 6 memo that stated there would be no further disclosures and that there was no evidence to support the existence of a client list, putting a decisive end to months-long anticipation for more information on the case. Outrage ensued, with members of Congress and Trumps MAGA base alike calling for heightened transparency. Attorney General Pam Bondi released Phase 1 of the Epstein files in February; that same month, she said the client list was sitting on her desk. AUSTIN (Nexstar) State Sen. Nathan Johnson, D-Dallas, accused Attorney General Ken Paxton of colluding with the federal government to eliminate a state program that helps longtime Texas residents attend college at in-state tuition rates. Johnson, D-Dallas, who announced his candidacy for attorney general, called Paxtons decision not to defend the Texas DREAM Act an outright act of collusion and a subversion of democracy. Ken Paxton went in there, colluded with the federal government, Donald Trump, obviously, to get rid of a program that was signed by a Republican governor and passed by a Republican legislature 24 years ago, Johnson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DREAM Act allows certain undocumented immigrants who have lived in Texas for at least three years and graduated from a Texas high school to pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities. A federal judge struck down the program in January after the attorney generals office declined to defend it in court. In a statement after the decision, the Office of Attorney General sent a news release crediting Paxton for striking down the law. In the release, Paxton said the law unconstitutionally and unlawfully gave benefits to illegal aliens that were not available to American citizens. Ending this discriminatory and un-American provision is a major victory for Texas, Paxton added in the release. Johnson argued the program benefits Texas economically and has been consistently supported by Republican-controlled legislatures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are kids whove been here mostly their whole lives. Theyve gotten good grades, they qualified to go into college. They want to become educated participants in our society, and weve paid to educate them already, he said. The Democratic candidate criticized Gov. Greg Abbotts decision to call the current special session, particularly the inclusion of redistricting on the agenda. Whats completely, completely illegitimate is this redistricting garbage. I find that offensive. I find it un-American, anti-democratic, Johnson said. Its really just a way for them to insulate themselves from the wrath of the voters for having done a bad job. Johnson acknowledged the challenges facing Democrats in statewide races but pointed to his 2018 Senate victory as evidence that change remains possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I ran to be a state senator in 2018 no one had won that no Democrat had won that seat in over 30 years, and people thought it was absolutely nuts to try. Well, we won it by eight points, he said. The senator outlined his priorities for the attorney generals office, emphasizing traditional functions over high-profile litigation. I would be tackling things that people should be counting whether the Attorney General should be doing, Johnson said, citing child support collection, protecting consumers from scams and market abuse and addressing political corruption. Johnson was the sole dissenting vote on a property tax relief measure for residents 65 and older, calling it a redistribution of wealth from working families to retirees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre literally redistributing money. Youre taking money from low income, working families struggling to pay their rent, and giving it, in many cases, two thirds of the cases, to retirees who have expensive homes, he said. The Democratic primary for attorney general will be held March 3, 2026. Johnson will face former Galveston mayor Joe Jaworski, who announced his candidacy earlier this month. Whoever wins the primary will face an uphill battle in the general election against one of three Republicans seeking the nomination: Sens. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, and Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, as well as former Department of Justice attorney Aaron Reitz. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. People rally in opposition of Utahs lawsuit attempting to take control of federal lands at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) A judge has dismissed a lawsuit from environmentalists that argued Utahs now-failed petition to the U.S. Supreme Court to gain control of millions of acres of federal land was unconstitutional, which would have prevented the state from bringing a similar case forward in the future. On Wednesday, 3rd District Court Judge Thaddeus May dismissed the lawsuit from the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, siding with the state in a case that stems from Utahs 2024 petition to wrest control of 18.5 million acres of Bureau of Land Management, or BLM, land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But since the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Utahs case, May said the environmental groups argument is now moot. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The non-existence of that suit is fatal, May wrote, while also finding the groups statements about any future action to be too vague to be redressable. The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, or SUWA, disagreed with the ruling since Utah leaders, including Gov. Spencer Cox, have suggested they will try to re-file the lawsuit in a lower court, they still have a case, the group said. Utah filed its lawsuit with the countrys high court in August of last year, arguing that its unconstitutional for the BLM to hold unappropriated land land that lacks a formal designation in perpetuity. Unappropriated land does not include national parks, monuments, or forests. Its often used for cattle grazing or wildlife habitat, with much of it found in Utahs west desert. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUWA filed a lawsuit in December arguing the petition violated the Utah Constitution. Utah, the constitution reads, must forever disclaim all right and title to the unappropriated public lands. But not long after SUWA filed its lawsuit, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Utahs case, which the state was attempting to bring directly before the high court. State leaders, including Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, said they might try filing a similar lawsuit in a lower court. SUWA then filed an amended complaint, based on Cox and other leaders comments, in an effort to prevent the state from trying to revive its lawsuit. In a hearing last week, May heard arguments for and against keeping the lawsuit going. During the hearing, May seemed to suggest it would be easier for SUWA to sue Utah once they actually re-filed their complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the suit is unknown, why is it not better to wait for that suit to be filed in federal court and then have a reaction? Why does this court have to preempt that decision or that lawsuit? May asked. In a statement, SUWAs legal director Steve Bloch said he disagreed with the ruling, and was considering potential next steps. Were disappointed with todays decision but grateful that the true intent of the states lawsuit has been made clear: to force the sale of millions of acres of public lands to the highest bidder and not to acquire these lands for the state, as its deliberately misleading media campaign suggests, Bloch said. Its our position that with the repeated statements made by Governor Cox doubling down on the states intent to refile its lawsuit in federal district court Judge May had what he needed to proceed with our case and conclude that Utahs constitution prohibits the state from bringing a lawsuit like this in the first place. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A photo of Jimmie Duncan, center, with his family and friends during a visit at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. In the second image, a younger Duncan is pictured with his parents, Sharon and Bennie. (Kathleen Flynn for ProPublica) Longtime death row prisoner Jimmie Duncan, whose 27-year-old murder conviction was vacated this spring, will have to wait a few more days to find out if he will be able to walk out of the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. After a three-day hearing on whether to release Duncan, a Ouachita Parish judge said Thursday that he will not rule until Monday at the earliest. In April, Judge Alvin Sharp set aside Duncans 1998 conviction for murdering 23-month-old Haley Oliveaux, his then-girlfriends daughter. Sharp agreed with Duncans attorneys that an analysis performed on the girl that purported to match marks on her body to Duncans teeth a key piece of evidence in the trial was based on discredited science. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As ProPublica and Verite News reported in March, the effort to secure Duncans freedom has become more urgent in recent months due to a renewed push by Gov. Jeff Landry to restart executions in the state following a decade-plus pause. Attorney Scott Greene, who is part of Duncans legal team, said during the hearing that Duncan has enormous support from his family, the community and Haleys mother, Allison Layton Statham. Now that his conviction has been vacated, Greene argued, Duncan should be freed on bail pending another trial. This weeks hearing on that request began Tuesday and continued until Thursday afternoon. It descended into chaos on Wednesday as prosecutors grilled Statham, who supports Duncans release. At one point during a tense back-and-forth with Ouachita Parish Assistant District Attorney Michael Ruddick, Statham asked what became of Dr. Steven Hayne. Hayne, who died in 2020, was half of the team that was responsible for the bite mark analysis. Ruddick replied that Hayne was in the same place as her daughter six feet under the ground, drawing shouts of outrage from the audience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ouachita DAs office maintains that Duncan is guilty of raping and murdering Haley in 1993. The office has appealed the April ruling setting aside Duncans conviction. Ruddick urged Sharp to keep Duncan locked up pending the outcome of the appeal. Prosecutors have argued that Duncan is a safety risk to not only the victims family, but also the general public. Early in the hearing, Ruddick unsuccessfully moved for Sharp to recuse himself, arguing that his earlier ruling nullifying Duncans conviction made him biased and unfit to decide whether or not to grant him bail. Duncans attorneys, however, cast him as a law-abiding man who had been railroaded by the legal system. Prior to his now-vacated murder conviction, Duncan had never previously been convicted of a crime, noted attorney Chris Fabricant with the Innocence Project. Whats more, Fabricant said, the childs family, including her mother, support Duncans release. In an interview published earlier this month, Statham told Mississippi Today that she believes Duncan was falsely accused of a crime he didnt commit. I loved him, Statham said from the stand. Not scientifically defensible Duncan was babysitting Haley in West Monroe on Dec. 18, 1993 when, he said, he heard a noise coming from the bathroom, where the toddler was taking a bath. When he went to check on her, he found her floating face down in the water. She was pronounced dead a few hours later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hayne, a pathologist who worked on hundreds of criminal cases in Mississippi and Louisiana over his decades-long career, conducted Haleys medical exam. He claimed he found evidence that she was sexually assaulted and intentionally drowned. He also claimed to find bite marks on the girl. Michael West, a forensic dentist who worked with Hayne in a number of cases in the 1990s and early 2000s, analyzed the marks and found that they were a match for Duncans teeth. Based in part on those findings, Duncan was charged with first-degree murder. After about two weeks of testimony in 1998, the jury found Duncan guilty and sentenced him to death. But a team of post-conviction attorneys later uncovered evidence that, they say, proves his innocence. The most effective arguments concerned Hayne and Wests bite mark evidence. The type of analysis West performed matching a suspects teeth to purported bite marks while frequently used in criminal cases at the time of Duncans trial, has since been widely discredited and dismissed by experts as junk science. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duncans attorneys also questioned whether the supposed bite marks were even bite marks at all. In a video of Wests 1993 examination of Haley which was not shown to jurors at the trial West can be seen taking a mold of Duncans teeth and grinding it into the girls body. (West has previously said he was simply using what he called a direct comparison technique in which he presses a mold of a persons teeth directly onto the location of suspected bite marks.) In his April ruling vacating Duncans conviction, Sharp said the work Hayne and West did on Duncans case was no longer valid and not scientifically defensible. Robert Tew, district attorney for Ouachita and Morehouse parishes, argued in a June 16 filing that bite mark evidence was an accepted science at the time of Duncans trial and that some experts still consider it to be a useful forensic methodology. He also noted that Hayne, who died in 2020, served as the pathologist for the district for over a decade and during that time there has been no cases overturned because of Dr. Haynes autopsy. Over the past 27 years, nine prisoners have been set free after being convicted in part on inaccurate evidence given by West and Hayne. Seven of those convictions had involved bite mark identification analysis, a discipline that has been called into question. And three of the freed men had been sentenced to die. My daughter is in heaven Throughout the hearing, the small courtroom was filled with Duncans supporters, including family members, a community pastor and Sen. Katrina Jackson, D-Monroe, who said she came to support Duncans release on bail. Also in the court was Detective Chris Sasser, who originally investigated the case in 1993. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duncan was brought into court this week with his feet shackled, a chain around his waist connected to a pair of handcuffs that kept his wrists flush to his stomach. He wore an orange prison jumpsuit that was faded yellow in various spots. The sides of his head were shaved and his dark, dreadlocked hair pulled back into a ponytail. Duncans attorneys made the case that he was not a danger to the public. They told the court that Duncan had never been arrested prior to 1993, that he didnt have a history of violence, and that he had a clean disciplinary history in prison for more than 20 years. They also read a letter of support from a death row corrections officer, and noted that Duncan tutored his fellow death row inmates, helping at least 17 achieve their GEDs. Fabricant argued that the states odds of convincing a jury a second time that Duncan is guilty are basically nonexistent given the new evidence, science and testimony they would be able to produce that was not available or allowed at the first trial. Along with insisting that Duncan is guilty of murder and therefore a danger to the public, Ruddick also argued that Landrys recent push to restart executions in the state could turn Duncan into a flight risk. If state appeals court judges side with the DAs office and overturn Sharps April order vacating Duncans conviction, Ruddick said, then Duncan, fearing his execution is imminent, might flee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im gone, Ruddick said, imagining what Duncan would be thinking. Tension in the courtroom boiled over Wednesday when Ruddick called on Haleys mother to testify. Statham had stepped out of the courtroom that afternoon as she was growing increasingly agitated. Sharp sent several deputies outside to bring her back. Statham was visibly upset as they walked her through the hallway back into the courtroom, loudly complaining that Ruddick only wanted her to testify so he could harass her. Statham took the stand as five deputies positioned themselves in front of the door and on either side of the bench. Staring directly at Ruddick, Statham said she has waited 30 years to look him in the eye and tell him that her daughter wasnt killed. Haley was sick and died in a tragic accident, she said, and the DAs office lied to make it look like murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She then brought up Hayne, the pathologist from Mississippi, saying it was wrong for the district attorney to bring in a doctor with such a questionable history to conduct her daughters autopsy. Where is he now? she asked Ruddick, referring to Hayne, who died in 2020. Hes in the same place your daughter is, Ruddick snapped back, six feet under the ground. The audience erupted. People shouted at Ruddick while others gasped in shock. Statham stood and yelled at Ruddick that he was sick and that his lies have caused her family and Duncans nothing but pain and misery for decades. Then she said of Hayne: Hes in hell for what he did. My daughter is in heaven. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout Stathams testimony, Duncan wept as his attorneys attempted to console him. Tews office did not respond to requests for comment. The next day in court, Ruddick apologized to the judge, the defense team, and those in the audience who witnessed his interaction with Statham. When prompted by Sharp, he also apologized specifically to Statham. Closing the hearing on Thursday, Sharp gave both the prosecution and defense until 10 p.m. Sunday to submit any additional materials before he renders a decision. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE This article first appeared on Verite News New Orleans and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A new judge is presiding over a case involving convicted Pharaohs strip club owner, Peter Gerace. The case involves Gerace and other men who are accused of having a role in the death of a key government witness in Geraces sex and drug trafficking trial. WIVB News 4 has been told that federal judge Lawrence Vilardo reassigned the case to Chief Justice Elizabeth Wolford, who sits in Rochester. Judge Vilardo is also presiding over the death penalty case against the Tops shooting gunman. Latest Local News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. July 26 (UPI) -- A federal judge threw out a lawsuit filed by the Trump administration against Illinois, Cook County and Chicago sanctuary policies that ban assisting in immigration-related matters. On Friday, District Judge Lindsay Jenkins in Chicago dismissed the entire lawsuit, writing the U.S. Department of Justice lacked standing, though she allowed lawyers to amend their lawsuit by Aug. 22. Jenkins, who serves the Northern District of Illinois, was appointed by President Joe Biden. Illinois is a blue state with a Democratic governor, Chicago mayor and Cook County state's attorney. Chicago is located in Cook County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the lawsuit filed in February, the DOJ accused the governments of blocking federal immigration law based on the 10th Amendment, which deals with state and federal powers. DOJ hasn't yet publicly said whether there would be an appeal. The Department of Homeland Security has increased deportation raids, particularly in big cities with sanctuary laws. "The Sanctuary Policies reflect Defendants' decision to not participate in enforcing civil immigration law - a decision protected by the Tenth Amendment and not preempted by [the federal Immigration and Nationality Act]," Jenkins wrote in the 64-page ruling. "Finding that these same Policy provisions constitute discrimination or impermissible regulation would provide an end-run around the Tenth Amendment. It would allow the federal government to commandeer States under the guise of intergovernmental immunity - the exact type of direct regulation of states barred by the Tenth Amendment." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In their lawsuit, DOJ lawyers said sanctuary cities violate the U.S. Constitution's supremacy clause. In 2017, then Gov. Bruce Rauner, a Republican, signed the 2017 Trust Act, which prohibits state and local law enforcement from involvement in separation efforts with U.S. Customs and Border Enforcement, as well as other federal agencies. The law allows coordination among agencies. A state law in 2021 prohibits local and state officialsgiving a person's custody status, release date or contact information with federal immigration officials. Raunere was succeeded by J.B. Pritzker, who testified last month to a U.S. House committee about sanctuary policies. He was also named in the suit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Illinois ensures law enforcement time and energy is spent fighting crime - not carrying out the Trump administration's unlawful policies or troubling tactics," Pritzker spokesman Matt Hill said in a statement. "As the grandchild of Ukrainian refugees, the Governor's personal story shows how immigration is central to America's story, economy and culture. He told it to Congress when he laid out how Illinois follows the law and would like the feds to follow suit." Pritzker posted on X that "Illinois just beat the Trump Administration in federal court. Their case challenging the bipartisan TRUST Act was dismissed -- unlike the President, we follow the law and listen to the courts." Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul noted in 1997 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that federal officials may not "impress into its service - and at no cost to itself -- the police officers of the 50 States." In 1985, then-Chicago Mayor Harold Washington signed an executive order declaring it a sanctuary city. In 2006, Chicago enacted the Welcoming City ordinance, which allows all residents to obtain city services, including police protection and medical care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We will continue to fight for the dignity of our immigrant, migrant, and refugee communities and stand up for the rights of all Chicagoans against any federal overreach," Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who was named in the suit, said in a statement to WLS-TV. The federal lawsuit also targeted Cook County, which bans ICE agents from the county jail or other places unless they have a criminal warrant not relayed to immigration. "The Trump administration's continued attempts to bully local communities into adopting their preferred policies are not only unlawful, but counter to our values and ability to fight crime effectively," Cook County State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke said in a statement. "We need victims and witnesses of crime to feel comfortable coming forward, just as we are compelled to hold those who commit crimes accountable." The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois said in the statement that the court "was correct to reject the Trump Administration's lawsuit and to allow public officials in Illinois and Chicago to follow our policies that prioritize local public safety and welfare over federal civil immigration enforcement." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump in an executive order on Jan. 25 stripped sanctuary cities of all federal funding. In February, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced her agency was filing a civil lawsuit against state of New York over immigration enforcement. "This is a new DOJ. We are taking steps to protect American citizens," she said with federal agents behind her. "As you know, we sued Illinois, and New York didn't listen ... you're next." Lawsuits also have been filed against California and New Jersey. There are 13 sanctuary states, including New York and Illinois. In addition, there are sanctuary cities outside them, including Atlanta; Louisville, Ky.; Baltimore; and New Orleans as well as several designated counties. None are in Texas or Arizona, which border Mexico. The other two border states, New Mexico and California, have sanctuary laws. TOPEKA (KSNT) A jury found a man guilty in a 2024 shooting in south Topeka. Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay announced Kavshun Boykin was found guilty of four charges related to the death of Cody Cooper in April 2024: Murder in the first degree intentional and premeditated. Murder in the first degree in the commission of a felony. Aggravated burglary of a dwelling. Criminal possession of a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Topeka Police Department was called on April 19 to 3711 SW Park S Ct on reports of a shooting. Officers arriving at the scene found a man, later identified as Cooper, dead in one of the apartments. Investigators linked Boykin to the shooting and arrested him. Boykin will remain in custody with no bond while he awaits his next hearing scheduled for July 31st. Police also arrested Michael DeLance Allen and Lolita L. Bradford. Bradford pled guilty to charges connected to Coopers death in May 2025. Allen was charged with first degree murder and aggravated burglary. His trial is set for September. For more crime news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. Update at 9:30 p.m. URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) A Champaign County jury returned to the courtroom Friday night and delivered a verdict of guilty in the trial of William Wesley. The Champaign County States Attorneys Office informed WCIA that Wesley was convicted on at least one of the four counts of first-degree murder he was facing. In finding Wesley guilty, the jury rejected his argument that he shot Marcus Catchings in self-defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wesleys sentencing has been scheduled for Sept. 8. URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) A mans fate is now in the hands of a Champaign County jury after he was tried for the last three days on murder charges. Court records show William Wesley, 26, is facing four counts of first-degree murder for allegedly killing 27-year-old Marcus Catchings on July 3, 2023. On Friday, the prosecution and defense presented closing arguments, and the jurors left the courtroom to deliberate. As of the time of publishing, the jury has not reached a verdict. Champaign Police seeking info on shooting of 19-year-old Evidence presented during the trial showed that the shooting happened during a drug deal gone wrong. Wesley, who testified in his own defense, did not dispute the accusation that he shot Catchings; he claimed to have done it in self-defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wesley said the events leading to the shooting started when he bought a quarter pound of marijuana, worth nearly $500, from Catchings, but forgot to pay. Facebook messages showed the two arranged a meeting on July 3, 2023, for Wesley to pay what he owed and to exchange a drug called lean a mixture of codeine and promethazine for more marijuana. Wesley testified that he paid Catchings what he owed and that the two went to Catchings apartment at Springfield Avenue and Kenwood Road in Champaign. Thats where the states argument and Wesleys version of events differ. Wesley said that while he was looking down at his phone, Catchings came up to him and pointed a gun at him, demanding more money and the expensive chain Wesley was wearing. As a distraction, Wesley said he tossed some money and the chain. When Catchings went to pick up these items, Wesley said he pulled out his own gun and fired. The bullet struck Catchings in the back of the neck, traveled through his head and out of his temple and through the apartment door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wesley said he felt he had no other option but to fire. He added that the round he fired was meant to be a warning shot, but he didnt aim when he squeezed the trigger. On the other hand, Assistant States Attorney Joel Fletcher said Catchings was texting his girlfriend within minutes of the shooting, and the texts did not imply an escalating fight. Urbana man pleads not guilty in deadly 4th of July shooting Wesley said that after taking a moment to process what happened, he grabbed Catchings gun, fearing that he could still be alive and could fire at him again, then threw his and Catchings guns and other items into a duffel bag, and fled in Catchings car. He abandoned the car outside the home of his girlfriend, met up with a friend and traveled with him to Chicago, still carrying the duffel bag. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the trial, the state had a neighbor of Catchings take the stand. The neighbor said he heard a gunshot and saw bullet damage to the door of Catchings apartment, but didnt act on it until several hours later, when Catchings failed to make an appearance. When the neighbor and his girlfriend called police, the first responding officer found Catchings near the apartment door, blocking it with his body; Wesley said he had no problem leaving and speculated Catchings may have still been alive at that point. But in the hours since, Catchings passed away and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The friend Wesley met after the shooting testified as a witness for the defense. He described Wesley as being panicked or in a rush, which was out of character for him, and said that he believed Wesley would have told him if he was planning a robbery. The two shared most things with each other, the friend said. The friend added that he was unaware of any kind of dispute between Wesley and Catchings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wesley also testified that he was scared to call the police in the aftermath of the shooting because of how the situation looked and because he knew he would struggle to prove his version of the story. Wesleys family, who saw him in Chicago, also told police that they knew something was wrong. Graysons legal team drops cease and desist motion during latest court appearance Police eventually identified Wesley as a suspect in Catchings death and obtained a warrant for his arrest on July 18. The U.S. Marshals Service tracked him down to Atlanta, Georgia and arrested him on Aug. 25. Wesley was extradited back to Champaign County, charged with four counts of murder and detained on a $2.5 million bond. When cash bail was eliminated in Illinois, Wesley motioned to be released from custody but was denied. Hes been in custody since his arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two years after the deadly shooting, Wesley finally went to trial. As of 4:30 p.m. on Friday, he is awaiting a verdict from the jury, Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Kaiser Permanente one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the United States will suspend all sex-altering surgeries for patients under the age of 19 nationwide, according to an internal memo first shared by Billboard Chris on X. The California-based health system operates 40 hospitals and more than 600 medical offices across nine states and Washington, D.C., serving over 12 million patients. Kaiser controls both the insurance and clinical care arms of its operation and employs over 220,000 staff, including approximately 100,000 doctors and nurses. The decision follows Executive Order 14187, signed by President Donald Trump on January 28, 2025, which states: It is the policy of the United States that it will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called transition of a child from one sex to another, and it will rigorously enforce all laws that prohibit or limit these destructive and life-altering procedures. The order defines such practices as chemical and surgical mutilation, including the use of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries that attempt to alter or remove a childs sexual organs to destroy their natural biological functions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after the orders release, dozens of subpoenas were issued to hospitals and clinics across the country, including some of the largest providers of sex-altering services. The FTC convened a federal workshop on July 9 titled The Dangers of Gender-Affirming Care for Minors to explore whether hospitals including Kaiser had exposed families to false or unsupported claims that could violate federal consumer protection laws. In an internal memo excerpt posted to X by Billboard Chris on July 23, Kaiser Permanente CEO Greg Adams reportedly wrote: Since January, there has been significant focus by the federal government on gender-affirming care, specifically for patients under the age of 19. In response to these federal actions, many health systems and clinicians across the country have paused or discontinued providing gender-affirming care for adolescents. After significant deliberation and consultation with internal and external experts including our physicians, weve made the difficult decision to pause gender-affirming surgical treatment for patients under the age of 19 in our hospitals and surgical centers. This pause is effective August 29, 2025. All other gender-affirming care treatment remains available. Although the policy halts only surgical procedures, Kaiser will continue offering puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and psychological services to minors identifying as trans. Federal Crackdown: Kaiser Named in Fraud Seminar The decision comes just weeks after a July 9 federal seminar hosted by the Federal Trade Commission, where Trump administration officials publicly named Kaiser Permanente and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) as examples of deceptive practices in sex-altering care. During the livestreamed event, patient records from Kaiser were displayed on-screen to support allegations that the procedures constitute consumer fraud. This move stunned healthcare officials and heightened the hospital systems legal risk. The administrations campaign now includes not just the FBI, but the Federal Trade Commission, using tactics that mirror the federal pursuit of pharmaceutical company wrongdoing over the last two decades, The Lund Report noted in a recent article. A DOJ official confirmed ongoing investigations into hospitals, clinics, and drug manufacturers that offer sex-altering surgeries to minors potentially exposing providers like Kaiser to civil and criminal prosecution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite a Kaiser spokesperson claiming the company has not received a formal inquiry from the FTC or DOJ, its appearance in the FTCs July presentation strongly suggests otherwise. Kaisers exposure may be more advanced than it has publicly acknowledged. In Democratic states like Oregon and California where state laws mandate access to these procedures health systems now find themselves trapped between state mandates and federal enforcement threats. Serving patients, as state law requires, could now result in funding cuts, lawsuits, or criminal charges under federal rules. The growing division between federal and state policy toward approaches to gender-affirming care has created a challenging, stressful situation for our patients as well as for our clinicians, Kaiser said in a statement. Critics Applaud, Activists Panic Critics of sex-altering surgeries for minors have praised the Trump administration. Kaiser Permanente, the gender clinic that destroyed my childhood, has confirmed they will be HALTING transgender surgeries for patients under the age of 19 nationwide, effective next month! said wrote Chloe Cole, in a post shared via X, a plaintiff in a lawsuit against Kaiser. We are winning! Thank you to the Trump administration for protecting kids!!! The Center for American Liberty, which represents Cole in her lawsuit, called the decision a monumental step forward and vowed to continue legal action against what it describes as abusive medical practices carried out on minors under the guise of gender identity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, leftist advocacy groups have expressed alarm. According to The Lund Report, LGBTQ+ activists and Oregon-based providers have reported widespread panic among patients and staff, especially as records have been seized or subpoenaed. Terror, said one Oregon-based activist. There is a lot of fear personal existential fear and this broader community-wide hopelessness. Even Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, located in a state with strong legal protections for trans care, announced this month it would shut down its Center for Transyouth Health and Development, citing growing legal pressure. Other major systems including Stanford Medicine and Childrens National Hospital in D.C. have similarly paused sex-altering surgery for minors under 19. The Kaiser announcement marks a turning point in the national battle over sex-altering surgeries for children, signaling that even the largest healthcare institutions are retreating under legal fire. TOPEKA (KSNT) Federal education officials are releasing more than $5 billion in previously withheld education funds across the nation. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) is releasing funds tied to grants that were approved by Congress earlier this year. The grants provide funding for services for professional development for teachers, services for English learners, academic enrichment and more. The ED froze around $45 million in federal education funds for Kansas earlier this year. The Kansas Department of Education (KSDE) told 27 News it is expecting to get the funding ahead of the 2025-2026 school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement K-State axes LGBTQ+ center amid DEI fallout at Kansas universities The KSDE reports that previously withheld Title funds will now be released. These funds are tied to the following programs: Title I, Part C: Migrant Education. Title I-C for migrant education provides support to students from families whose jobs in industries like fisheries and food processing necessitate that they live in different states during different seasons. Title II, Part A: Teacher and School Leader Supports. Title II-A funds, also known as Supporting Effective State Instruction grants, pay for districts to offer professional development that helps educators and administrators learn new curriculum approaches, instructional practices, and technology tools. Title III, Part A: English Learners. Title III-A funding covers a wide range of services for English learners, whose number represent Kansas fastest-growing population of public school students. Under civil rights law, school districts must ensure students who are still learning English have equal access to education, as their peers do. Title IV, Part A: Student Support and Academic Enrichment. Title IV, Part A improves students academic achievement by increasing the capacity of state educational agencies (SEAs), local educational agencies (LEAs), schools, and local communities to 1) provide all students with access to a well-rounded education; 2) improve school conditions for student learning; and 3) improve the use of technology to improve academic achievement and digital literacy of all students. The KSDE also said that it will receive funds for Title IV, Part B: 21st Century Before and After-School Programs. Boys & Girls Clubs in Kansas and the KSDE previously told 27 News these funds would cause many after-school programs to be reduced or ended ahead of the upcoming school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kansas received around $42.9 million in funds for the above Title programs during the 2024-2025 school year. The KSDE reports it will not know what the final allocations for the 2025-2026 school year will be until sometime next week. Criminals use copied vehicles to make money off Kansas residents For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. A Kentucky site has been tapped by the federal government as a prime location to carry out the Trump administrations plan to build the nations artificial intelligence infrastructure including the energy sources necessary to power it. The U.S. Department of Energy said Thursday four pieces of federal land, including the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, could be utilized to lower energy costs and power AI. In an announcement July 24, the department said the chosen locations are well-situated for large-scale data centers and new power generation. More details on project scope at each site is expected to be released in the coming months with developer and energy company partners potentially selected by the end of the year, the department said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other sites include the Idaho National Laboratory, Oak Ridge Reservation in Tennessee and the Savannah River Site in South Carolina. By leveraging DOE land assets for the deployment of AI and energy infrastructure, we are taking a bold step to accelerate the next Manhattan Project ensuring U.S. AI and energy leadership, said Energy Secretary Chris Wright in the departments announcement. These sites are uniquely positioned to host data centers as well as power generation to bolster grid reliability, strengthen our national security, and reduce energy costs. Kentucky leaders react State Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Paducah, said in a statement the site selection is affirmation of the states position as a leader in energy policy and economic opportunity. Carroll sponsored legislation earlier this session that created the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority. A total of $40 million was allocated in the states budget to fund the authority and its related research efforts. Paducahs potential as a nuclear and innovation hub is clearer than ever, Carroll said in the statement. We have the people, the partnerships, and the bipartisan momentum to turn this designation into something transformative for our economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, state Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, R-Lexington, said the departments inclusion of a Kentucky site is exactly what the state has been preparing for. Bledsoe, who co-chairs the Kentucky Artificial Intelligence Task Force, said the group has taken deliberate steps to get ahead of the AI curve by crafting a responsible policy framework while also evaluating what it takes to build out the infrastructure AI demands. In the second phase of our work, were looking at everything from workforce development to cybersecurity to energy capacity, Bledsoe said. This federal announcement aligns directly with those efforts and reinforces the connection between smart policy and smart infrastructure. Longtime Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell also praised the Department of Energys Paducah selection. Earlier this year, the Republican senator said his office contacted the Energy department and was in support of the Western Kentucky citys submission to be considered for the AI infrastructure program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The site at Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant has long held a critical role in advancing U.S. national security, and is poised, yet again, to be a national leader in an emerging and important technology, McConnell said in a statement. I am proud of the Paducah community and its workforce and know they are prepared to continue working closely with the Department of Energy to further instill (the plants) role in national security while helping facilitate greater U.S. leadership in AI. History of Paducah site in Western Kentucky The Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant is one of the nations largest former uranium enrichment facilities and is now undergoing necessary preparation for future redevelopment, according to the energy department. Enriched uranium is a critical piece of nuclear power generation. The plant was constructed in 1952 to support the nations nuclear program at the time and then was used to make nuclear fuel for commercial power plants. Operations stopped at the plant in 2013 when the facility was turned over to the energy departments environmental management program. The program has managed extensive cleanup activities at the site since the 1980s and is deactivating parts of the plant. The Portsmouth Paducah Project Office is continuing other aggressive remediation at the site. McCracken Countys 1st District Commissioner Bill Bartleman told the Herald-Leader he suspects the Paducah site was picked because it already has the available electricity and infrastructure in place for something to be developed. Plus, he said, the community would welcome a move back to nuclear production. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have a positive history of nuclear energy in West Kentucky, Bartleman said. For 60 years, we did uranium enrichment. It was a major part of the federal government and in the defense of the country. So, were very positive on nuclear energy and we think that this is just a piece of that because itll allow for, probably, creation of other jobs and new types of nuclear power plants. Paducahs Republican Rep. Steven Rudy, who is part of the Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Caucus, said the plant was a major employer for years and its crucial to envision the site as something new. We have a trained workforce, we have a lot of assets and we feel like theres getting ready to be a nuclear revolution in this country. We want to be in the middle of it, Rudy told the Herald-Leader. ... Were a community, unlike most, that welcome nuclear with open arms. We think thats going to be key to American energy independence, he said. Were looking at all of the above, not just one particular thing, as we focus on diversifying our nations and our states energy portfolio. Unprecedented polls are underway in Taiwan as the island votes to decide whether to oust 24 of its parliament lawmakers, who were only elected into office eighteen months ago. Voters are queuing up in schools, temples, and community centres to cast their ballots on whether to oust about one-fifth of their lawmakers, all from the opposition Nationalist Party, in what is being called the Great Recall Movement that could reshape the power balance in the island. If more than six lawmakers are recalled, it could shift the balance of power in the parliament in favour of Taiwanese president Lai Ching-te, who wants Taiwan to forge a future separate from China, against an opposition largely seen as favouring close ties with Beijing. A voter on a wheelchair (2nd R) is brought to a booth after arriving at a polling station by ambulance to vote in the recall election in Taipei on July 26, 2025 (AFP via Getty Images) The poll sees close competition between Taiwans major political parties, the DPP, the KMT, and their allies. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Taiwans independence-leaning ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won last year's presidential election for an unprecedented third term over a platform that strongly rejected Chinas territorial claims over Taiwan. The party came to power by winning 40 per cent of the votes, even though its share of the vote had decreased compared to the previous election. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te (C) attends the "Sea Safety No.12" exercise, (AFP via Getty Images) Soon after coming to power, Mr Lai, 64, a former doctor who had served as vice-president to Tsai Ing-wen since 2020, said Taiwan would continue to walk side by side with democracies around the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DPP-led government has tried to highlight the Taiwan identity as something unique and different from that of China. However, many Taiwanese citizens have expressed concern that this approach could continue to put the island under threat from Beijing, which has upped its military exercises around Taiwan in recent years. Kuomintang (KMT) Although the DPP won the presidential elections, it was a coalition led by the China-friendly Nationalists, or Kuomintang (KMT), that got enough seats to form a majority bloc in the islands parliament. The KMT has been accused by the ruling party of blocking key legislation, especially the defence budget, and of passing legislative changes favouring China, which considers Taiwan a part of its own territory. Opposition Kuomintang (KMT) legislators gesture during the central government budget for 2025 at Parliament in Taipei on January 21, 2025 (AFP via Getty Images) It has succeeded in passing three controversial bills and budget cuts to the 2025 national budget, which together were seen as strengthening the powers of parliament at the cost of the executive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All the lawmakers currently facing recall belong to the KMT, the largest party in the legislature with 52 seats. With the election commission scheduling recall polls for seven more KMT legislators on 23 August, nearly one-third of all legislative constituencies face the vote, mostly concentrated in the north and urban regions. Taiwan Peoples Party (TPP) The TPP is a smaller party and a relative newcomer in the race, gathering strong support among young people disillusioned by the ruling and main opposition parties. It controls eight of the Taiwanese parliaments 113 seats and works in a coalition with the KMT to wield control over the legislature. Beijing The relations between Taiwan and mainland China have been central to the recall mandate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many supporters of the recall movement point to close ties between some KMT officials and leaders in mainland China. A placard reading "Never forget 6.4", during a vigil of the 36th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown at Liberty Square on June 04, 2025 in Taipei, Taiwan (Getty Images) In April, some KMT legislators travelled to the mainland and met with Beijings chief theoretician Wang Huning, a member of the Politburo Standing Committee, raising concerns that KMT leaders could be taking orders from Beijing. CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW) The partner of a Conway man who was murdered by his Nacho Hippo co-worker in July 2022 is suing the restaurant and 10 others, claiming all failed to recognize or respond to her threatening behavior that ended in bloodshed. The 17-page lawsuit offers new details into what attorneys say was a methodically plotted murder that could have been prevented several times. Quentin Johnson, 26, was shot and killed at the North Myrtle Beach eatery on July 28 by Lafredia Todd, who in January was given a 36-year sentence after being convicted in a high-profile trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnsons girlfriend Latoya Willard named the restaurant, its ownership group and 10 John Does in her complaint filed Thursday. Shes suing on grounds of negligence and wrongful death. Nacho-Hippo-lawsuitDownload While on the witness stand, Todd repeatedly testified about being afraid of Johnson because of threats he allegedly made. She said one of those threats came on the night of the shooting when Johnson threatened to shoot her in the parking lot. Todds phone records showed she was on the phone with her brother Joshua Bryant for 45 minutes before Johnson was shot. Prosecutors argued in those 45 minutes, Bryant was in Little River and Todd was off the clock, so Bryant could have picked Todd up from Nacho Hippo, or one of the two could have called the police on Johnson. (WBTW) As was the case during Todds trial, the lawsuit claims she was known for having a volatile temper and being physically aggressive at times while at work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Todd was prone to arguments with staff and became physically violent, including throwing things at other employers while on site, the lawsuit says. Despite her repeated incidents of anti-social, confrontational and/or violent behavior defendants chose to disregard Todds history. Johnson had only been employed for 12 days and wasnt aware of Todds background on the night of the shooting, according to the lawsuit. A planned ambush Todd claimed the shooting was self-defense, but after a three-day stand your ground hearing that ended on Jan. 8, the judge denied her immunity. On the night of July 28, 2022, Todd clocked out at 9:53 p.m., but stayed on site for nearly an hour. At some point, she retrieved a gun that was stashed and fired it into the parking lot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even then, the lawsuit says, nobody at Nacho Hippo took any action to remove her. Todd returned to the interior of the premises and began to hunt the defendant, planning his killing in cold blood, the lawsuit says. Todd monitored Johnsons movements on surveillance cameras from the managers office, playing on her phone and holding a gun. Lying in wait, Todd exited the office with a firearm to attack (Johnson) as his back was turned, the lawsuit says. * * * Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. Warning: This story contains graphic and distressing content. As President Donald Trump struggles to contain the fallout over his ties to the late sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, lawmakers on Capitol Hill and officials within his own administration are turning to Ghislaine Maxwell, the financiers longtime co-conspirator and sometime girlfriend. Unlike Epstein, Maxwell is still, potentially, able to talk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And everyone knows right where to find her: in federal prison. Just this week, Justice Department officials traveled to the facility in Florida where she is serving out a 20-year sentence, and House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer issued her a subpoena compelling her testimony. Epstein exploded back into the national conversation this month after the Justice Department issued a memo suggesting there was no reason to release any more federal records about him because there was no evidence he kept a so-called client list or blackmailed any prominent figures. It is widely known that Epstein sexually abused a long succession of young women and girls, many of whom were underage and some of whom were, allegedly, as young as 11 and 12. He and Maxwell were also known to socialize with executives, presidents, royals and other wealthy elites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is less known is who participated in the abuse, or knew about it and did nothing. Trump and officials in his administration, such as Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, had repeatedly made promises to release the so-called Epstein files. Now that they have backed off, some of Trumps supporters have been left fuming. Maxwell could be the key to members of the public finally getting the answers they seek. Heres why. Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell attend de Grisogono Sponsors The 2005 Wall Street Concert Series Benefitting Wall Street Rising, with a Performance by Rod Stewart at Cipriani Wall Street on March 15, 2005 in New York City. Patrick McMullan via Getty Images Who is Ghislaine Maxwell? First things first: In English, her name is most commonly pronounced GEE-lane. Maxwell, 63, was born in France to British publishing magnate Robert Maxwell, who was found dead in the Atlantic Ocean under somewhat mysterious circumstances in 1991. It turned out Roberts companies had been having financial problems and he was using his workers pensions to keep lenders at bay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robert Maxwell doted on his youngest daughter; the yacht he is believed to have fallen from was called the Lady Ghislaine. She grew up in a 50-room mansion named Headington Hill Hall. Ghislaine Maxwell, daughter of Mirror Group publisher Robert Maxwell, sifts through mountains of "Draw Coupon" entries at Maxwell House in September 1984. Mirrorpix via Getty Images By the time of her fathers death, Ghislaine Maxwell had already been dispatched to New York City to help save a struggling New York Daily News, which he owned. She opted to stay in the city long-term, according to the BBC, finding London uncomfortable in the wake of her late fathers pension scandal. Maxwell repeatedly defended him, telling Vanity Fair in 1992, He wasnt a crook. She appears to have met Epstein around the same time that she settled into the New York social scene. Ghislaine Maxwell, far right, looks on as the casket containing the body of Robert Maxwell is unloaded from a plane in Jerusalem, Nov. 8, 1991. The body of the 68-year-old Jewish publisher arrived via private jet from the Canary Islands, a Spanish island group off the Moroccan coast. via Associated Press How was she involved with Jeffrey Epstein? When they met, Epstein was becoming very wealthy, and Maxwell was used to being very wealthy. She and Epstein were frequently photographed together over the years, from the 1990s through the 2000s, attending parties with other rich and famous individuals of all stripes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maxwell is described as a former girlfriend and current best friend in a 2003 Vanity Fair profile of Epstein, which notes that Maxwell seems to organize much of his life. A lot of what we presently know about the pair comes from lawsuits, particularly a defamation suit brought against Maxwell by Virginia Giuffre, who became Epstein and Maxwells most vocal accuser before her death by suicide earlier this year. Hundreds of pages of unsealed court documents related to Giuffres suit revealed how she was recruited by Maxwell in 2000 at age 16 while working at the spa at Mar-a-Lago, the South Florida resort owned by Trump. Giuffre said in her deposition that Maxwell told her she knew someone looking for a private masseuse and, if it worked out, she would travel and make good money. Giuffre took the job and said that massage ended up being code for sex. She said she was made to have sex with not just Epstein, but many of his high-powered friends, such as Britains Prince Andrew. (The prince denies the charge.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My whole life revolved around just pleasing these men and keeping Ghislaine and Jeffrey happy, Giuffre said in her deposition. Their whole entire lives revolved around sex. They call massages sex. They call modeling sex. Deborah Blohm, Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell and Gwendolyn Beck appear at a party at the Mar-a-Lago club in 1995. Davidoff Studios Photography via Getty Images A butler who used to work for Epstein, Alfredo Rodriguez, said in a sworn statement that he saw many girls he suspected to be underage come in and out of Epsteins Palm Beach home to give massages. (They ate a lot of cereal and milk, he said, reminding him of his own teen daughter.) Maxwell also stayed at the house. Another staffer, John Alessi, said in a deposition that he used to drive Maxwell from spa to spa looking for massage therapists who could come to Epsteins home. Maxwell was accused of following the same playbook in New York, Paris, London and elsewhere; Epstein also owned a private island in the Caribbean, called Little St. James, and a ranch in New Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Established recruits were supposed to find other girls their age to work as supposed massage therapists. Accusers say that Maxwell sometimes participated in the sexual abuse herself. Giuffre called Maxwell and Epstein one and the same of persons. Ghislaine and Jeffrey worked together, she said. Maxwell has denied Giuffres allegations. Jeffrey Epstein's residence at 9 East 71st Street in New York. Scott Heins via Getty Images What was Ghislaine Maxwell charged with? Maxwell was arrested and charged in 2020 with several trafficking-related charges, including conspiracy to entice minors into illegal sex acts, conspiracy to transport them for that purpose, sex trafficking a minor, sex trafficking conspiracy and transporting a minor to engage in sex acts. The crimes discussed at the trial took place between 1994 and 2004. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was found guilty in December 2021, and sentenced in June 2022 to 20 years behind bars. Four victims testified at her trial: Annie Farmer, the only one to use her real name, and three anonymous women called Jane, Kate and Carolyn. They spoke about being recruited by Maxwell or Giuffre as teens, and how they were conditioned to accept Epsteins sexual advances because they were so young. The victims said that the presence of a woman Maxwell reassured them that Epsteins behavior was somehow acceptable. Ghislaine Maxwell, Kyle MacLachlan and Kalliope Rena attend a private party in New York City in 2013. Sylvain Gaboury via Getty Images Carolyn gave particularly emotional testimony, telling the court she was just 14 and struggling at home when Giuffre told her she could make a lot of money by working for Epstein. Carolyn said she stopped at age 18, when she became too old. Early on, she said, Maxwell felt her breasts and other parts of her, and told her she had a great body for Epstein and his friends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said that Maxwell normalized the activity by talking about sex, undressing in front of the victims, being present when they undressed and encouraging them to use sex toys. Maxwell also encouraged the victims to accept things like travel and educational opportunities from Epstein, making the girls feel like the pair were genuinely trying to help them. Her siblings have stood behind her throughout her legal troubles, supporting her bid for a retrial after it emerged that one of the jurors had mistakenly failed to disclose that he had been sexually abused as a child. The juror was reportedly key to helping his peers understand that just because a victims memory of abuse is imperfect, that does not mean the abuse did not happen. From left, Donald Trump and then-girlfriend, Melania Knauss, Jeffrey Epstein, and Ghislaine Maxwell pose together at the Mar-a-Lago club in 2000. Davidoff Studios Photography via Getty Images How wealthy is she? After her arrest, made at a New Hampshire mansion where she had been hiding out, a judge deemed Maxwell a huge flight risk due in part to questions over her financial situation. Prosecutors said they had linked her to at least 15 different bank accounts over the years, worth, at times, more than $20 million, as money from accounts associated with Epstein was moved to the accounts associated with her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said her financial status was opaque and indeterminate. Ghislaine Maxwell's siblings Christine Maxwell, Isabel Maxwell and Kevin Maxwell leave federal court after she was found guilty in New York on Dec. 29, 2021. Scott Heins via Getty Images Where is Ghislaine Maxwell now? The facility where Maxwell has been locked up for the last three years is a low-security prison in Tallahassee. She reportedly had some trouble in 2023 when two other prisoners attempted to blackmail her into spending her commissary funds on them, as they had discovered her secret arrangement with a kitchen worker to obtain more fruit and vegetables. Since then, Maxwell has been moved to the facilitys honor dorm for good behavior, allowing her a slightly nicer room, the Tallahassee Democrat reported. She even reportedly taught an etiquette class. The conditions are a marked improvement from the time she was first arrested; Maxwell was placed in solitary confinement at a New York detention facility for around two years from the time of her arrest until shortly before her sentencing. American financier Jeffrey Epstein and British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell attend a London party in honor of Hong Kong businessman David Tang in June 1997. Dave Benett via Getty Images Will her testimony be useful? Maxwell is still consulting with her lawyer, David Oscar Markus, about the extent to which she will cooperate with Congress or invoke her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche also said that his office may make public some information about his talks with Maxwell. But there are questions about whether she will tell the truth, or attempt to give answers that might please the one person who could hand her a get-out-of-jail-free card: Trump. I would say I have a lot of doubt about Ghislaine Maxwells truthfulness, and her motives and what shes going to say, and what theyre going to release about what she said, Aitan Goelman, an attorney who knows both Blanche and Markus, told CNN on Thursday. Markus has insisted otherwise on behalf of his client. If Ms. Maxwell agrees to testify before Congress and not take the 5th and that remains a big if she would testify truthfully, as she always has said she would and as she will with [Blanche], Markus said on social media. Need help? Visit RAINNs National Sexual Assault Online Hotline or the National Sexual Violence Resource Centers website. Related... Bryan Kohberger was formally sentenced to four life terms in prison without parole this week for the brutal 2022 murders of University of Idaho students Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves. "He's going to stand up with the belly chains and leg irons he's wearing, he's going to be escorted into the custody of Idaho Department of Correction, and the door will close behind him forever," Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson said of Kohberger at the sentencing. Kohberger, a former criminal justice graduate student, is expected to serve out his sentence at Idaho Maximum Security Institution, known as IMSI, CBS affiliate KBOI reports. It is the state's only maximum security prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IMSI houses several notorious inmates and has been plagued by reports of violence, hunger strikes and allegations of inhumane conditions in recent years. Here's what to know about the prison. One of the "15 worst prisons in America," report says Located in Kuna, Idaho, about 20 miles from Boise, the Idaho Maximum Security Institution was opened in 1989. According to its website, IMSI houses the state's "most disruptive male residents" and has a double perimeter fence reinforced with razor wire and an electronic detection system. The facility was named one of the "15 Worst Prisons in America" by Security Journal Americas in 2024 joining other notorious lockups like Attica Correctional Facility in New York, San Quentin in California and ADX Florence, aka the "Alcatraz of the Rockies," in Colorado. A cell block at Idaho Maximum Security Institution in Kuna, Idaho. / Credit: Sarah A. Miller/Idaho Statesman/Tribune News Service via Getty Images) Solitary confinement and lockdowns are common at IMSI, which has "faced criticism for its harsh treatment of inmates and inadequate mental health care," according to Security Journal Americas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBS affiliate KBOI reported in 2016 that many of the prison's inmates were locked in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day, eating alone in their cells with almost no human interaction. The state's top corrections official told the station at the time that they were working to reduce the use of solitary. "IMSI manages the long-term housing of our most dangerous and volatile population," the Idaho Department of Correction told CBS News in an email Friday. Asked about the use of solitary confinement and lockdowns, the department said, "Restrictive housing is not a disciplinary sanction, it is a housing assignment designed to manage specific behaviors." In its description of ISMI, Security Journal Americas notes "numerous reports of inmate-on-inmate violence, as well as allegations of excessive force by correctional officers." In 2023, a fight involving more than 30 inmates broke out at IMSI, the Idaho Statesman reported, sending one prisoner to the hospital. Last summer, dozens of inmates at IMSI refused to eat for six days over numerous grievances, the Idaho Statesman reported, and earlier this month, nearly 90 inmates planned to stage hunger strikes to protest "inhumane conditions" at the prison, according to the paper. The corrections department described it as "a planned, peaceful demonstration" over access to visitation and programming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chad Daybell and 2 serial killers are there Kohberger took a plea deal earlier this month that spared him a possible death penalty. He'll be living alongside all of Idaho's eight male death row inmates at IMSI, according to the Idaho Department of Correction. Among those prisoners is Thomas Creech, a serial killer who's been locked up for half a century. Creech, who was convicted of five murders in three states and suspected of several more, had his scheduled execution halted by a judge last November after his first lethal injection attempt was botched earlier in 2024. Two rows of fencing topped by razor wire encircle the Idaho Maximum Security Institution in Kuna, Idaho. / Credit: Sarah A. Miller/For ProPublica/Tribune News Service via Getty Images Another serial killer incarcerated at ISMI, Gerald Pizzuto, is awaiting execution for two murders in Idaho in 1985. That same year, Pizzuto killed two other people in Washington state after being released from prison in Michigan for rape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kohberger will also be at the same facility that houses condemned killer Chad Daybell. The husband of "Doomsday mom" Lori Vallow Daybell was convicted of first-degree murder of his first wife and two of his then-girlfriend Lori Vallow's children, Joshua "JJ" Vallow and Tylee Ryan, in a case that made national headlines. Chad Daybell was sentenced to death last June, nearly a year after Lori Vallow Daybell was sentenced to life in prison. Kohberger behind bars Police files on the quadruple murder case that were released by the Moscow, Idaho, police department Wednesday night shed some light on Kohberger's life behind bars since the killings. One man who was housed next to Kohberger's cell at the Latah County Jail told a detective that Kohberger washed his hands dozens of times each day and spent up to an hour in the shower. He said Kohberger would "be awake almost all night and would only take a nap during the day." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another prisoner at the jail said he often overheard Kohberger on video calls with his mother, according to the police files. One time when Kohberger was talking to his mother, the inmate, who was watching sports, said "'you suck' to one of the players on the team, at which point Kohberger immediately got up and put his face to the bars and aggressively asked if [the inmate] was talking about him or his mother. [The inmate] said this was the only time Kohberger lost his temper," the police report says. Another inmate who encountered Kohberger voiced negative feelings toward him, according to the files. The man called Kohberger a "weirdo" and said "if he wasn't worried about further legal [re]percussions he would have physically assaulted Kohberger," the police document says. When asked by another inmate if he thought Kohberger was guilty of the crimes, he said yes, adding: "His eyes tell a story." "The Wizard of Oz" as you've never seen it before Tadej Pogacar wins his fourth Tour de France Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame The Knox County Emergency Management Agency is monitoring local conditions over the next several days, a news release says. Temperatures starting Sunday will reach dangerous levels with humidity reaching 83%. Dangerously hot conditions will persist through early next week, with afternoon heat indices up to 110 degrees likely. (OurQuadCities.com) The combination of heat and humidity can be dangerous for those spending too much time outdoors. At-risk populations include the elderly and the very young, who are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses. Additionally, pets should have plenty of water and shade to get out of the hot sun. Residents can visit these locations that are set up as temporary cooling centers: GALESBURG Public Library 264 W Main St (Sunday: closed, Monday: 9am-8pm) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knox County YMCA 1324 W Carl Sandburg Dr (Sunday: 10am-5pm) Knox County Housing Authority 525/527 Iowa Ct (Daily: 6pm-7am) WILLIAMSFIELD Williamsfield Fire Station E. Gale St/ N Chicago St (Sunday Tuesday: open 24 hours) ONEIDA Oneida Fire Station 210 N Sage St (Sunday Tuesday: open 24 hours) WATAGA Wataga Fire Station 310 W Willard St (Sunday Tuesday: open 24 hours) Should more locations become available, this list will be updated. Please follow the KCEMA Facebook page for updates. Heat-related illnesses can cause serious injury and even death if unattended. Signs of heat-related illnesses include nausea, dizziness, flushed or pale skin, heavy sweating, and headaches. Persons with heat-related illness should be moved to a cool place, given cool water to drink, and ice packs or cool wet cloths should be applied to the skin. If a victim refuses water, vomits, or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1 immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tips for staying cool include: Prepare. Discuss heat safety precautions with members of your household. Have a plan for what to do if the power goes out. Dress for the heat . Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the suns rays. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella when in the sun. Stay hydrated. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Eat small meals and eat more often . Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat. Slow down and avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m. Take frequent breaks. Stay indoors when possible. If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) On Friday, Glade Parks Volunteer Fire Department created what some have called Mesa Countys largest thank you card. The thank you was created as a way for the community to express gratitude to the firefighters working nearby. WesternSlopeNow reporter Marj Tobin was live from Glade Park, where people had started to gather for the fire departments Movie Under the Stars and to make a big thank you to the firefighters battling fires across the Western Slope. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear is urging President Trump to oppose a move that would block the DEA from re-scheduling cannabis. Governor Beshear sent a letter asking President Trump to reject language in a federal spending bill that would stop the DEA from re-classifying cannabis as a schedule 3 drug. He says the change would give patients safer access to medical cannabis and allow for more research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congress recently passed a measure that would ban the justice department from using funds to make that change. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). How can the British state be so generous towards foreigners but so mean towards its own citizens? The cost of housing migrants has tripled to 4m a day as Channel crossings continue to soar. On top of this, we are giving asylum-seekers taxpayer-funded payment cards for buying essentials such as food which this week we learnt some were using for gambling. A Freedom of Information request found that more than 6,500 payments in gambling settings were attempted by those with Aspen cards, given by the Home Office to those awaiting an asylum decision to allow them to buy basic items, with small weekly top-ups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So weve got migrants attempting to squander our hard-earned cash and then when British taxpayers need help from the state, theyre abandoned. This week, Labour lords blocked a move to give parents of critically ill children workplace rights and financial support. Currently, only parents of newborn babies who become unwell within the first 28 days of life are entitled to paid leave and job protection to be by their childs bedside. But if their child is diagnosed with cancer at 29 days old, the parents get no help beyond unpaid Carers Leave, capped at a week a year. On Sunday, I spoke to Ceri Menai-Davis on my GB News show. He and his wife, Frances, lost their six-year-old son to cancer in 2021 and are campaigning through their charity, Its Never You, for Hughs Law, which would give parents 12 weeks statutory paid leave if their child is diagnosed with a critical or terminal illness, up to the age of 16. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Labour peers blocked it, despite it costing a minimal amount due to the mercifully small number of parents affected (around 4,000 a year). Surely this is a no-brainer? Your child is dying, you have to be at their bedside, you need help to pay the bills. If this isnt what the welfare state was built for then what is? It certainly wasnt designed for illegal migrants to try to place state-subsidised bets. 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. Faced with increased costs and loss of funding from the state and federal governments, Kern County Public Health is looking to cut $3.5 million from its programing and end 35 positions. Public Health announced last week a hearing regarding health-care cuts would be held at the next Board of Supervisors meeting, scheduled for Tuesday. The meetings agenda was released Thursday afternoon, and in it, the department included a request to eliminate 35 health-care positions including 27 layoffs no sooner than Aug. 15 resulting in an estimated $4.8 million in annual savings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the countys proposed reduction in services comes at a time when demand for health care is increasing. The countys own proposal to eliminate the 35 positions notes the county consistently ranks among the lowest in the state for health care outcomes and demand for emergency medical services is rising. Kern County is experiencing a record high in emergency medical services calls, Director of Public Health Services Brynn Carrigan wrote in her proposal. A rise in emergency medical services calls is an indicator that Kern Countys residents may be suffering from a higher number of acute and chronic illnesses and have limited access to primary and urgent care, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But costs, particularly labor costs, are rising and the departments discretionary revenue was reduced by $25 million over the past two fiscal years. Among the positions proposed for elimination are seven vocational nurses, two nurse practitioners, two medical assistants and four health-care offices services technicians. Also included on the agenda is the proposed $3.5 million reduction in program spending detailed in documents released by the county last week. A breakdown of the proposed $3.5 million reduction showed the largest portion of that funding, $2.6 million, would come from a reduction in available services at Public Healths offices on Mount Vernon Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Appointments for issues including family planning, sexually-transmitted infection testing and prevention and immunizations would be reduced from 78 to 25 daily, the department said. Demand for those services is high and Kern County has some of the highest rates of STIs in the state. But Public Health is faced with a $2 million reduction in state funding and abrupt stop work orders from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for an anticipated $10.5 million annually. The abrupt elimination of funding forced obligated but not yet paid costs to be assumed by the department and disrupted plans to identify other funding sources to sustain activities and staff, Carrigan wrote. The cuts come on the heels of a new contract signed between the county and its largest union, Service Employees International Union Local 521. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The county and SEIU announced in May an agreement had been reached after roughly a year of negotiations, including a one-day protest by workers. Union members repeatedly complained during negotiations they were overworked and overburdened with clients, unable to meet community demands while facing constant attrition to better-paying jurisdictions. In a statement Friday, SEIU member and public health nurse Suzanne McWhorter said the county had reserve funds for health-care spending that could be used to support services. Im deeply concerned that these cuts to Public Health will only worsen our already alarming STD infection rate, which is 28%, well above the state average, McWhorter said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My clinic in Shafter is being shut down, and Im being relocated, leaving my town and entire communities like Lost Hills, Wasco and Buttonwillow without health care and resources. Once again, rural areas are being sacrificed and left playing second fiddle to Bakersfield. Supervisors will discuss the reductions at their regular meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday. A special meeting of the supervisors is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday to discuss the countys fiscal year 2025-2026 budget. The county wont finalize its budget for the next year until Aug. 26. Water in Lake Mead is on course to fall to the lowest level in recorded history by 2027, according to a recent forecast by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. (Photo courtesy Kyle Roerink) Water in Lake Mead is on course to fall to the lowest level in recorded history by 2027, according to a recent forecast by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Water levels in the reservoir have steadily dropped over the years as the Colorado River the lakes biggest source of water has been choked by rising temperatures, prolonged drought and growing demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If reservoir storage continues on its current trajectory, Lake Meads water elevation is likely to drop to about 1,038 feet by the end of June 2027 two feet lower than when it fell to a record low in July 2022, according to a two year forecast released by the federal agency last week. That projection is based on the most probable scenario, but federal water managers also considered what the lake could look like if the next two years are drier than usual. In the worst case scenario, Lake Meads water elevation could fall even further to about 1,026 feet one foot short of the most severe water shortage level defined by BuRec which would trigger record cuts to water use in Arizona and Nevada. Lake Mead is already under a Tier 1 shortage the least severe level which mandates a 21,000 acre-feet annual reduction in the states share of the Colorado River. That shortage level, and the reduction in Nevadas water allocation, is likely to continue next year under current projections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX But steeper water cuts are likely to take place in 2027 under the most probable scenario, according to the study. Federal water managers projected Lake Meads elevation would likely drop to below 1,050 feet by July 2026, triggering a more severe Tier 2 shortage which would reduce annual available water for Nevada by another 4,000 acre-feet. Federal water managers decide shortage levels each year in August, based on projected water levels at Lake Mead and Lake Powell for the start of the following year. The troubling projections come as the seven states that share the Colorado Rivers water are in deadlocked negotiations over how the river and its reservoirs should be managed after current guidelines expire at the end of 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The states Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming primarily disagree over which of them should have to decrease their water use, and by how much. Uncertainty is difficult to plan around Negotiations have continued behind closed doors for months as water officials try to reach an agreement. The federal government has given the states until mid-November to come up with a draft for a new plan. If they cant reach a deal ahead of a 2026 deadline, the federal government can step in and make those decisions itself. The lackluster reservoir forecast follows a winter of below-average snowpack across the Upper Colorado River Basin, a major source of snowmelt for Lake Mead and Lake Powell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Climate scientists studying water supply on the Colorado River were not surprised by the latest projections, which reflect a two decade trend of decreasing streamflow into the river and its reservoirs. Ive been warning about this situation since last fall. The worst has come true, said Utah State University professor Jack Schmidt. Without an effort to seriously recover water storage in Lake Mead and Lake Powell in order to withstand dry years, the river could be on the brink of crisis, said Schmidt. Schmidt said reservoir storage across the Colorado River will only gain a fraction of the water collected in previous years due to below-average snowpack and warmer temperatures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year snowmelt inflow to Lake Powell is predicted to be about half of average, one of the lowest inflow years in the past two decades. Lake Powells water levels directly affect Lake Mead because streamflow to Lake Powell is eventually released to Lake Mead. Weve got the onset of an extremely dry year, and were on the brink of collapsing the system, Schmidt said. Two consecutive winters with robust snowpacks in 2023 and 2024 gave states that rely on the Colorado River a few more years of stability, but with a dismal water year approaching Lake Mead and Lake Powell are on a path to record low elevations. Weve done a poor job since then and never significantly recovered storage, Schmidt said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schmidt emphasized the need for immediate water conservation efforts to reduce water use across all seven states that rely on the river to protect the river and its reservoirs from collapse. The system we have is not good enough, and its not working, so this is a warning that we need to become far more flexible and far more adaptable, he said. Despite drought challenges, Southern Nevada remains one of the most water-secure areas along the Colorado River. Southern Nevada hasnt used its full allocation of Colorado River water for years. Conservation efforts have helped Southern Nevada use 36% less water from Lake Mead than it did two decades ago, according to the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The water authority also said its confident Southern Nevada can weather even the most severe water shortage, Tier 3, which would require Nevada to give up enough water to supply about 60,000 households for a year. Bronson Mack, the outreach manager for SNWA, said Lake Meads water levels over the next two years will depend significantly on winter snowpack and soil conditions in the Upper Colorado River Basin. The potential for historically low lake levels is what catalyzed our communitys adaptation toward using less water more efficiently, Mack said. Water conservation continues to be critical throughout the Colorado River Basin, and the Bureau of Reclamations most recent 24-month study further emphasizes that, he continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, the lack of agreement between states on future guidelines has also created a lot of uncertainty for water users, said Kathryn Sorensen, the director of research at the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University. Theres a total unknown still about what happens after the current shortage sharing guidelines expire, and what will be the new operating guidelines. Theres a lot of uncertainty, and uncertainty is difficult to plan around, Sorensen said. Sorensen said record low water elevations at Lake Mead and Lake Powell are the new normal, adding that water utilities should prepare for a future where the most severe water shortage level is more and more common while communicating risks to customers. This latest 24-month study report is not good news, but it is what many have been warning about. The river is just producing less on average, Sorensen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevada Current is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Nevada Current maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Hugh Jackson for questions: info@nevadacurrent.com. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE WILL COUNTY, Ill. (WGN) The Plainfield landlord convicted of killing a 6-year-old Muslim boy and injuring his mother in a brutal hate crime attack in October of 2023 has died in custody just months after he was sentenced to more than 50 years in prison. 73-year-old Joseph Czuba died Thursday while in the custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections, officials from the Will County Sheriffs Office confirmed Saturday. Earlier this year, Czuba was found guilty of killing 6-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi and wounding his mother, Hanan Shaheen, after he attacked them over their Islamic faith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mother stabbed in alleged hate crime attack is first witness in case against landlord Czubas death comes less than three months after a judge handed him a 53-year sentence for the deadly attack. Back in February, Czuba was convicted on murder and hate crimes charges. Court sketch on Feb. 26, 2025 showing Joseph Czuba, 73,who is charged with and on trial in the fatal stabbing of a Palestinian American boy Will County Deputy Victoria Janovyak testifies in the trial against Joseph Czuba on Feb. 25, 2025. In court, prosecutors said the attack was a response to the war between Israel and Hamas, which had escalated greatly following the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas. Bloody crime scene photos play key role in trial of man accused in Palestinian American boys death Czuba had been renting rooms to the pair in his home at the time of the attack. Wadee al-Fayoumi and his mother, Hanan Shaheen The mother and son were Joseph Czubas tenants in this home in unincorporated Plainfield township Evidence at trial included harrowing testimony from Shaheen and her frantic 911 call, along with bloody crime scene photos and police video. Jurors deliberated for less than 90 minutes before handing in a verdict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities have not provided details on Czubas cause of death. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. UPDATE at 8:10 a.m. on 7-27-25: The motorcyclist involved in the serious crash on Interstate 81 Northbound in Lafayette on Saturday, July 26, has died, New York State Police said. The motorcyclist, 28-year-old Austin Leonard from Lafayette, was originally taken to the hospital in critical condition after troopers say he tried to pass two tractor trailers that were occupying two lanes and he lost control of his bike. Leonard died at the hospital later that day, New York State Police said. UPDATE on 7-26-25: New York State Police are investigating this crash that involved a motorcycle and two tractor-trailers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The preliminary investigation revealed that 42-year-old Sean M. Ayers, of Dundee, was driving a 2001 Peterbilt tractor-trailer in the driving lane when one of the trucks tires blew out. Ayers began to slow down while trying to locate a safe area to pull over. At the same time, 66-year-old Barbara L. Armstrong of Creston, IA, was driving a 2024 Peterbilt tractor-trailer in the passing lane and was in the process of passing Ayers. As the two tractor-trailers occupied both lanes, a 2008 Harley Davidson motorcycle being driven by 28-year-old Austin E. Leonard, of LaFayette, approached from behind and tried to pass between the two trucks. After passing the trucks, Leonard lost control of the motorcycle, struck the guide rail along the west shoulder and was ejected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leonard was sent to Upstate University Hospital, where he remains in critical condition. The crash remains under investigation. Additional details will be released as the become available. Courtesy of New York State Police UPDATE at 1:25 p.m. on 7-26-25: Interstate 81 northbound has been reopened. Original story: LAFAYETTE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) All lanes on Interstate 81 northbound are closed in the Town of LaFayette as a result of a serious motor vehicle crash, according to New York State Police. Police are investigating a crash between Exit 73 (by U.S. Routes 11 and 20) and Exit 16A on I-481 in Syracuse that occurred around 7:38 a.m., Saturday, July 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Northbound traffic is being detoured at Exit 78 on Route 11. Police advise drivers to use alternate routes. NewsChannel 9 will update this page as we get more information. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR. MILLCREEK, Utah (ABC4) A large fire burned in Millcreek at the Willow Glen Apartments near 4600 S and 1300 E. It burned at two apartment complexes, at least 24 units, and residents have been evacuated. According to Captain Tony Barker with Unified Fire Authority, fire crews from virtually every agency in Salt Lake County are on the scene responding to the fire because of Unified Fire Authoritys mutual aid agreement. As a conservative estimate, he said that there are 100 firefighters on the scene, but he said it was likely much more than that. Helicopters are also responding. The fire started at 1:40 p.m. as a field fire, but strong winds pushed the fire into nearby apartment complexes. Responders initiated an aggressive attack, but they were not able to stop the spread of the fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ NEXT: Family speaks out about losing their home in Millcreek apartment fire Captain Barker said that two complexes have been directly impacted, with a minimum of 24 units burned, 12 units in each complex. He added that the complexes were evacuated beforehand, but they have not confirmed that every single person has been evacuated at this time. The fire was caused by someone mowing the grass in the nearby field, though he said they have not determined exactly how that caused the fire. Fire crews are currently fighting the fire on both the field side of the fire and the apartment side of the fire. Captain Barker said that this is an evolving incident, and that the biggest issue right now is the wind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to officials, residents will not be able to return to their homes tonight. Building inspectors are coming in to look at the buildings. Two buildings were reportedly not impacted, but those residents will not be able to go back either, though they will be allowed in to retrieve belongings. Officials will reevaluate if residents can be allowed back on Saturday at 8 a.m. READ NEXT: Residents recount being evacuated from homes due to Millcreek apartment fire The damaged buildings are unstable, and at some point on Saturday, officials should have an idea on what they can do with impacted buildings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know if Ive seen one to this scale that has impacted and displaced this many folks, Captain Barker said. One nearby resident told ABC4.com that the fire department came to his door and told him that he needed to evacuate, and he and his neighbors were able to get out safely. He added that he mainly saw smoke when he left his home. The initial field fire burning trees The initial field fire burning trees Heavy smoke in the area as crews work on the fire Crews working the fire Heavy smoke in the area as crews work on the fire Heavy smoke in the area as crews work on the fire Crews working the fire View of the smoke near Holladay Road (KTVX / McKenzie Diaz) Many residents are waiting in a nearby LDS church, where the Red Cross has set up an evacuation staging area. The Red Cross will be meeting with families who lived in the damaged buildings to set up cases and determine if they need emergency shelter for the night. The church may potentially be used for that shelter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Health services is also on the scene with the Red Cross to work with people who have medication needs, so that they can get new prescriptions from their pharmacy. According to Captain Barker, 79 residents were displaced. Video courtesy KTVX / Bayan Wang There was a loud pop heard at one point, almost like an explosion. What caused that pop is not known at this time, though Captain Barker said he suspected that was from a tire popping on a car that was on fire. Captain Barker said that a spot fire popped up to the west at one point, and additional crews responded to address that fire. Crews are staying on both scenes to watch for any more flare ups at the field where the fire originated and at the apartment complex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this time, there are no reported injuries among residents. Four firefighters received minor injuries. Officials advised all affected residents to monitor Salt Lake County emergency management social media accounts to keep up to date. 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. Russian forces conducted a large-scale combined attack on the city of Dnipro and Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on the night of 25-26 July, killing two people and injuring five as well as causing fires and damage. Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Quote from Lysak: "A terrible night. A large-scale combined attack on the oblast. Early reports indicate that seven missiles and 26 UAVs were downed by our air defenders. This was reported by Air Command. Sadly, there were hits, too." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Lysak stated that a man had been killed and a woman injured in the attack on Dnipro. Quote from Lysak: "A high-rise building has been affected. Industrial facilities have been damaged. Fires broke out, including in a car park cars caught fire. Several fires also broke out in the Dnipro district. A shopping centre was engulfed in flames. Fires occurred at business premises and dry grass caught fire at several locations." Details: Lysak said that one person was killed in the Dnipro district and another four were injured. Firefighter extinguishing fire Photo: Serhii Lysak Damage caused by the Russia attack Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: Serhii Lysak Damage caused by the Russia attack Photo: Serhii Lysak He also added that the Russians launched guided bombs on the Pokrovske hromada in the Synelnykove district, causing a fire. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] An FPV drone struck the Pokrovska hromada in the Nikopol district. The Russians also attacked the Marhanets hromada. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A historic milestone took place for Las Vegas newest medical school as it welcomed its first-ever class of 64 future physicians. On Friday, the students received their first white coats during the schools inaugural ceremony. The students are part of the Class of 2029, with students ranging in age from 21 to 33 and averaging 24 years old. The students come from 14 different states, with the largest contingents coming from California and Nevada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Having 23% of our inaugural class comprised of Nevada residents demonstrates our mission to develop homegrown healthcare leaders who understand the unique needs of our communities, Pedro Joe Greer, Jr., MD, founding dean of Roseman University College of Medicine said. The White Coat Ceremony is a cherished tradition in medical education, symbolizing students formal entry into the medical profession. Each student received both a white coat and stethoscope, tools that will accompany them throughout their medical careers as they work to diagnose, treat, and heal patients. The Class of 2029 will complete their medical education over the next four years, with graduation expected in spring 2029. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) A mother pressed a final kiss to what remained of her 5-month-old daughter and wept. Esraa Abu Halib's baby now weighed less than when she was born. On a sunny street in shattered Gaza, the bundle containing Zainab Abu Halib represented the latest death from starvation after 21 months of war and Israeli restrictions on aid. The baby was brought to the pediatric department of Nasser Hospital on Friday. She was already dead. A worker at the morgue carefully removed her Mickey Mouse-printed shirt, pulling it over her sunken, open eyes. He pulled up the hems of her pants to show her knobby knees. His thumb was wider than her ankle. He could count the bones of her chest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The girl had weighed over 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds) when she was born, her mother said. When she died, she weighed less than 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds). A doctor said it was a case of severe, severe starvation. She was wrapped in a white sheet for burial and placed on the sandy ground for prayers. The bundle was barely wider than the imams stance. He raised his open hands and invoked Allah once more. She needed special formula Zainab was one of 85 children to die of malnutrition-related causes in Gaza during the war, according to the latest toll released by the territorys Health Ministry on Saturday. It said 127 people had died of malnutrition-related causes overall, with the adult deaths counted in just the past few weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She needed a special baby formula which did not exist in Gaza," Zainab's father, Ahmed Abu Halib, told The Associated Press as he prepared for her funeral prayers in the hospitals courtyard in the southern city of Khan Younis. Dr. Ahmed al-Farah, head of the pediatric department, said the girl had needed a special type of formula that helps with babies allergic to cow's milk. He said she hadn't suffered from any diseases, but the lack of the formula led to chronic diarrhea and vomiting. She wasnt able to swallow as her weakened immune system led to a bacterial infection and sepsis, and quickly lost more weight. 'Many will follow' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The child's family, like many of Gaza's Palestinians, lives in a tent, displaced. Her mother, who also has suffered from malnutrition, said she breastfed the girl for only six weeks before trying to feed her formula. With my daughters death, many will follow, she said. Their names are on a list that no one looks at. They are just names and numbers. We are just numbers. Our children, whom we carried for nine months and then gave birth to, have become just numbers. Her loose robe hid her own weight loss. The arrival of children suffering from malnutrition has surged in recent weeks, al-Farah said. His department, with a capacity of eight beds, has been treating about 60 cases of acute malnutrition. They have placed additional mattresses on the ground. Another malnutrition clinic, affiliated with the hospital, receives an average of 40 cases weekly, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unless the crossings are opened and food and baby formula are allowed in for this vulnerable segment of Palestinian society, we will witness unprecedented numbers of deaths, he warned. Doctors and aid workers in Gaza blame Israels restrictions on the entry of aid and medical supplies. Food security experts warn of famine in the territory of over 2 million people. Shortage of everything After ending the latest ceasefire in March, Israel cut off the entry of food, medicine, fuel and other supplies completely to Gaza for 2 months, saying it aimed to pressure Hamas to release hostages. Under international pressure, Israel slightly eased the blockade in May. Since then, it has allowed in around 4,500 trucks for the U.N. and other aid groups to distribute, including 2,500 tons of baby food and high-calorie special food for children, Israel's Foreign Ministry said last week. Israel says baby formula has been included, plus formula for special needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The average of 69 trucks a day, however, is far below the 500 to 600 trucks a day the U.N. says are needed for Gaza. The U.N. says it has been unable to distribute much of the aid because hungry crowds and gangs take most of it from its arriving trucks. Separately, Israel has backed the U.S.-registered Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which in May opened four centers distributing boxes of food supplies. More than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since May while trying to get food, mostly near those new aid sites, the U.N. human rights office says. Much of Gaza's population now relies on aid. There was a shortage of everything, the mother of Zainab said as she grieved. How can a girl like her recover? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Late Saturday, Israels foreign ministry announced that a humanitarian pause would begin Sunday morning in parts of Gaza to allow for more aid delivery, and it added: Israel rejects the false accusations of starvation propaganda initiated by Hamas which manipulates pictures of children suffering from terminal diseases. It is shameful. ___ Magdy reported from Cairo. ___ Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war ___ This version corrects to say 85 children have died of malnutrition-related causes in Gaza during the war, not in the last three weeks. KANSAS CITY, Kan. We now know the name of the man who died after a trench collapsed in the city Thursday. The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department (KCKPD) says 54-year-old Francisco Rodriguez, a resident of the city, died that day. The collapse happened at 16th Street and Metropolitan Avenue near the train tracks and the Kansas River. Friday afternoon, people came by the area to look at the trench where Rodriguez died the day before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cause of death, ID revealed for man pulled from KCK lake KCKFD responded to the intersection around 2:15 p.m. Thursday, but Rodriguezs body wasnt found until 11:45 p.m. The initial reports were that an excavator was working on a hole that he was digging for fiber optics, KCKFD Assistant Chief Scott Schaunaman said Thursday. When his workers came back to check on him, he was not in the excavator. KCKFD has sent this investigation over to the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department. Friday, police said the collapse was being investigated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal leaders would not comment on this story in time for our deadline on Friday afternoon. A little bit, KCK resident Javier Rubio said Friday when asked if he thought weather played a role in Thursdays incident. Just for the simple fact that when soil gets wet, its never as strong as it was, and then it starts getting slippery and slick, and its just never good to work in terrain like that. Rubio lives in the Shawnee Heights neighborhood and hoped that Rodriguez would be found alive Thursday. But when I left to go get some food, his family was here, sadly, he continued. It didnt look like he had made it, so that was what really broke my heart, seeing his family there like that, and it was just like, Wow, it can happen to anybody.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX4 Forecast: Storms & flood risk tonight Rodriguezs family showed up at the scene on Friday as well. In a post on Facebook and in a phone conversation with FOX4 on Friday, they expressed appreciation for the people who live in the area. Fernando Diaz lives in the Shawnee Heights neighborhood too. Everybody around heres like a family, or lived here for a long time, you know? Diaz said Friday. They saw the people out there for hours, and they offered up their house if they needed to use the restroom, if they needed anything to drink. Thursday, Schaunaman said the trench was 16 to 18 feet wide and 25 feet deep. Friday afternoon, FOX4 did not know who Rodriguez was working for at the time of the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. (WHTM) As much as theres a demand for data centers, so too is there for energy. President Donald Trump pledged energy dominance as he touted touted tens of billions of dollars of recent energy and technology investments earlier this month in the state. Pennsylvania will need a lot of it to power several data centers planned there. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania An estimate from the International Energy Agency projected electricity demand from data centers worldwide will double by 2030 to more than the entire electricity consumption of Japan today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvania lawmakers have expressed worry that excess strain on the grid could pass higher energy costs onto consumers. Now one has a plan. Sen. Katie Muth (D-Berks/Chester/Montgomery) said she will introduce the Pennsylvania Ratepayer Protection Act, which would establish a separate rate class for high-load data centers and require them to cover utility infrastructure costs. Without reform, the cost of utility infrastructure built to serve massive data center facilities will fall on everyday Pennsylvanians, even though they receive little to no benefit from these projects, Muth said in a co-sponsorship memo for the proposed bill. The legislation is modeled after Oregons bipartisan POWER Act that passed last month. Like that legislation, Muths bill would create a high-load customer class that applies to new or expanding data centers with a peak demand of 20 megawatts or more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Muth also proposed requiring all data center facilities, including ones built next to an existing power plant and share interconnection with the grid, to sign cost-responsibility contracts for at least 10 years to cover expansions to the grid. If passed, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission would enforce the legislation by setting cost-allocation rules, monitoring compliance and protecting non-industrial customers from rate increases. Data centers would also need to report annual electricity and water usage. Data centers require significant energy to power computers, servers, network equipment and complex cooling systems. Power is the largest operating cost for data centers, ranging between 40% and 80% of annual expenditures, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said. Whats inside Pennsylvanias data centers? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least three companies have promised to build data centers in central Pennsylvania. York County will see a $5 billion data center and an AI company said it plans to invest $6 billion in Lancaster County. Microsoft also announced a 20-year agreement to restart a nuclear reactor on Dauphin Countys Three Mile Island to power its data centers. Just this week, Cleveland-Cliffs said it could sell the idle Steelton mill because the site has what data center developers are looking for, such as access to power and water. With major data center projects proposed along PJM transmission lines, we must act before these projects are approved and costs are passed on to ordinary ratepayers through future rate increases, Muth said in the memo. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. What happens if Brazil revives a long-abandoned Amazon highway? Lawmakers are pushing to weaken environmental licensing rules, which could clear the way to rebuild BR319. Experts say that this could spark massive deforestation and disrupt weather, food, and water systems across South America and beyond. What's happening? According to Mongabay, Brazil's Congress recently passed a reform allowing "strategic" infrastructure projects to bypass full environmental reviews, making approvals almost automatic. This reform could apply to the 550mile BR319 highway, which cuts through biodiverse forests between the Purus and Madeira rivers. Courts have delayed the project's revival for years. In 2022, a regional court ruled in favor of the Climate Observatory, which documented illegal side roads branching off BR319 in a "fishbone" pattern a clear sign of deforestation. Authorities suspended licenses again in 2024 and 2025 because of environmental risks. Now, new legislation threatens to override those decisions. Why does rebuilding the BR-319 highway matter? Environmentalists warn that reconstructing BR319 without safeguards could increase deforestation rates fourfold. "We are knocking on the door of the collapse of the Amazon system," said Marcos Woortmann of the Democracy and Sustainability Institute, per Mongabay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the tipping point is reached, the region could see droughts and increased forest fire risks. Indigenous communities also risk losing resources, ancestral land, and culture. The damage could ripple outward, as the Amazon recycles rainfall that supports weather systems across the continent. What's being done? Brazil's environmental minister, Marina Silva, has strongly opposed the policy, saying via her Instagram that it "fatally undermines" key environmental licensing rules. Per Climate Home, top Amazon Fund donors like the U.S. and Germany have also urged Brazil not to use the fund to back the project. Meanwhile, local groups continue to train community leaders to protect their land, and researchers like Lucas Ferrante are collaborating with displaced families to monitor forest loss, per The Canary. Small but meaningful actions, such as discussing environmental issues, supporting pro-environment organizations, choosing certified deforestationfree and low-pollution products, and making other planet-friendly choices, can help counter destructive trends. Do you worry about air pollution in your town? All the time Often Only sometimes Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. A person with a criminal history trespassed at the state capitol overnight and vandalized it, according to statements released by lawmakers on Saturday. The Minnesota State Patrol did not immediately return calls or emails Saturday afternoon to confirm the incident or release details about it. Minnesota Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson released a statement calling on the State Patrol and the Capitols security teams to prevent any such future incidents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im disappointed to learn that a major security breach occurred on Friday night and Saturday morning. We are living in a heightened threat environment. I expect the (State Patrol and Capitol security teams) will thoroughly review what happened and give Capitol officials and staff, and the public, their assurances that this will not happen again, Johnson said. In a statement released Saturday, House Speaker Rep. Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, hinted that the person suspected of trespassing had not been arrested. Its frustrating that an individual with a criminal history was able to allegedly vandalize the Capitol and unlawfully trespass in the Senate chamber without being taken into custody, Demuth said. Anyone who trespasses in any building let alone the State Capitol should be arrested and prosecuted for breaking the law, and I look forward to learning why this did not take place in this highly disturbing incident. The incident occurred six weeks after a man shot four people in what authorities are calling a politically motivated assassination. Vance Luther Boelter, 57, is accused of fatally shooting Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and wounding Sen. John Hoffman and his wife in another shooting in suburban Minneapolis. Related Articles Semi-state official news site Tasnim released a testimony from an alleged witness who claimed "the gunmen were three men in their twenties who had backpacks and started shooting." At least five people were killed and 20 wounded in an attack on a court in southeastIran on Saturday, according to Iranian state media, regime officials, and dissident groups. The numbers for the total number of casualties have varied between five and 30. Among the civilian casualties were a mother and baby, according to BBC Persian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Explosions and gunfire were reportedly heard from within a courthouse in Zahedan in the Sistan-Baluchestan province. Alireza Daliri, deputy police commander of the province, claimed that multiple attackers entered the courthouse while disguised as visiting civilians, according to Iranian state media. The gunmen reportedly stormed the judges chambers and killed some judicial and security staff as well as civilians. Who was behind the attack? The Sunni Jaish al-Adl Baluch group released a statement on Telegram taking responsibility for the attack. The group warned civilians to immediately evacuate the area of clashes for their safety. Iranian officials claimed that three gunmen were killed, though the total number of attackers is unknown. Semi-state official news site Tasnim released a testimony from an alleged witness who claimed "the gunmen were three men in their twenties who had backpacks and started shooting." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Jaish al-Adl Baluchgroup claimed at least 30 employees, judges, military and security forces were killed and injured in the attack. Jaish al-Adl has claimed responsibility for a number of attacks on regime security personnel in the past, including an attack last year which saw 10 police officers killed in Taftan. IRNA confirmed that Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni spoke with Mansour Bijar, the governor of Sistan and Baluchestan, about the attack and expressed his condolences. At least two civilians died in Russian attacks in the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk, according to Dnipropetrovsk Governor Serhiy Lysak on Telegram on Saturday. A man was killed by artillery fire in the Nikopol district. Lysak said three more people were injured by remote-controlled drones in the Synelnykove district. In the eastern region of Donetsk, another civilian was killed in a drone attack in the city of Kostiantynivka, according to the military administration chief of the industrial city, Serhij Gorbunov. In a post on Facebook, he urged the remaining residents to leave the city and move to safer areas as the front line is only a few kilometres from the city limits. Ukraine has been defending itself against Russia's full-scale invasion for more than three years. At least two civilians died in Russian attacks in the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk, according to Dnipropetrovsk Governor Serhiy Lysak on Telegram on Saturday. A man was killed by artillery fire in the Nikopol district. Lysak said three more people were injured by remote-controlled drones in the Synelnykove district. In the eastern region of Donetsk, another civilian was killed in a drone attack in the city of Kostiantynivka, according to the military administration chief of the industrial city, Serhij Gorbunov. In a post on Facebook, he urged the remaining residents to leave the city and move to safer areas as the front line is only a few kilometres from the city limits. Civilian killed in Ukrainian drone attack on Russia's Kursk A civilian was killed by a Ukrainian drone in the western Russian border region of Kursk, an official said earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack took place in the village of Obesta, about five kilometres from the Ukrainian border, regional governor Alexander Hinshtein said on Telegram. A remote-controlled drone struck next to the village club, he said. There was no independent confirmation of this. Ukraine has been fending off Russia's full-scale invasion for more than three years. Kiev has also attacked targets on Russian territory, mainly using drones. Ukraine, Russia report deaths, damage Russian forces launched 208 drones and dummy drones, 12 Iskander ballistic missiles and 15 cruise missiles at Ukraine overnight, targeting the eastern Dnipropetrovsk region in particular, the Ukrainian Air Force reported early on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian forces downed 183 drones and 17 missiles and cruise missiles, the report said. Dnipropetrovsk Governor Serhiy Lysak posted on Telegram that three people had been killed and six injured in Dnipro and its environs. He spoke of a "terrible night." President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Sumy and Kharkiv had also come under attack. "Such strikes certainly cannot be left without response, and Ukrainian long-range drones ensure one," he posted on X. "Russian military enterprises, Russian logistics, and Russian airfields must see that Russia's own war is now hitting them back with real consequences. The precision of our drones, the daily nature of Ukraine's responses - are some of the arguments that will surely bring peace closer," Zelensky posted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said five people, including three emergency workers, had been injured as they were attending an earlier strike. Sumy military Governor Oleh Hryhorov said three people had been injured. Rostov and Stavropol targeted in Russia Authorities in the Rostov region in southern Russia said that two people had died in Ukrainian attacks. Governor Yury Slyusar posted on Telegram that a car had burnt out and that power had been cut to a row of houses by a falling drone. Videos published on Telegram showed an explosion at an industrial company in Stavropol in southern Russia. According to media reports, the Signal factory was hit. It is one of the main manufacturers of radio electronics for the Russian army and is under EU sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governor Vladimir Vladimirov posted that a Ukrainian drone attack on industrial sites had been warded off, while he acknowledged a "small fire" that had quickly been doused. The Russian civil aviation authority said that traffic had been disrupted at the Vladikavkaz, Kaluga and Grozny airports. The Russian Defence Ministry reported that 54 Ukrainian drones had been downed overnight over seven Russian regions and the Crimean Peninsula, 12 of them over the Rostov region. A Lebanon man convicted of running a $1.9 million Ponzi scheme was sentenced to 71 months in prison, announced the United States Attorneys Office last week. According to the office, Alcides Roman, 66, solicited residents in Kansas, New York, Texas and Canada to invest in high-yield programs. These opportunities were fraudulent, and Roman used the funds for personal benefit. According to a report from Kansas City, Roman served as the Managing Director at Remain in Control LLC, an investment firm located in Mt. Juliet. The company is listed as permanently closed and its website no longer exists. The fraud occurred between March 2017 and May 2021, according to an indictment by the Kansas City Grand Jury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although failing to redeem when victims asked about their investments many times, officials say Roman made payments representing their expected returns at points, which incentivized them to send Roman even more money. The USAO said Roman used funds from the scheme to pay for his personal living expenses, including the purchase of vehicles and land. He also sent money to foreign and domestic companies. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case and calculated $1,977,857 in known losses to the victims. No further information was released. However, FBI records show that in 2013 Roman, then living in Ocoee, Florida, was sentenced to 41 years in prison and three years of supervised release for defrauding individuals in Louisiana of $340,000. Court records show that the 2013 sentencing was for a 2007 offense, where Roman did business as Amstar Investment Properties. A soldier from Lebanon who died in the World War II campaign to liberate Nazi-occupied France will be honored along with 200 other Allied soldiers with a dedication of a memorial. In recognition of the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII, the town of Gouesnou, France, will dedicate a monument this fall in honor of the American soldiers who fell during the battles of Bourgneuf-Fourneuf and Kergroas between Aug. 7 and Sept. 4, 1944, at the start of the siege of the port town of Brest. These battles occurred just months after the D-Day invasion. The liberation of Brest, which occurred one year before the end of WWII, saw heavy losses in the 2nd Infantry Division and the 8th Division. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Private First Class Robert Thomas Donnell, a Lebanon native, fought in those battles and ultimately lost his life in the line of duty in Caen, France. He was buried in a cemetery in Caen. A local memorial marker is set up in Baird Cemetery in Wilson County. Relatives of Donnell are being sought to possibly attend or watch a livestream of the dedication on Nov. 16 in Gouesnou. A French genealogist found one relative, Leota Bennett, who passed along the information to the Democrat. Donnell is the son of Frances Ethelene Turner and Alexander Clarence Donnell. The Turner family dates back to Edward Edmon Turner, an early settler in Wilson County during the 19th Century. Donnell had two siblings, Howard Baird Donnell and Ethelyne Donnell. U.S. Reps Andy Ogles and John Rose were contacted by Bennett in regard to setting up a livestream of the monument dedication for relatives or even Wilson County residents to watch. As of deadline for this story, they have not responded. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) One month ago, Pinellas County businessman Leo Govoni and his accountant were indicted on federal charges for allegedly stealing $100 million from disabled people nationwide. Four days later, the Justice Department fired one of the lead prosecutors on the case. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 8 on Your Side He and two other former DOJ employees are now suing the Trump Administration. They believe the firings are political retribution for their involvement with January 6th prosecutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal lawsuit against the Trump Administration mentions the Leo Govoni case. Fired federal prosecutor based in Tampa plans to sue Trump administration Former federal prosecutor Mike Gordon said he was hand-picked to join the Govoni case, with the instruction to get the case charged, five weeks before Attorney General Pam Bondi fired him without any warning or cause. Victims, like Sean Burke, who lost everything fear whether this means justice will be delayed. Seven years after an incident at a hospital left him a quadriplegic, Burke put his settlement money in a trust at the Pinellas County non-profit, Directed Benefits Foundation in 2023. This was at the advice of his attorneys. Sean told Investigative Reporter Brittany Muller that $700,000 went missing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has deeply affected my sons care, said Peggy Granier, Seans mom. Sean and his family had thought the Foundation and its founder, Leo Govoni, would keep his money safe. The money was intended to provide for his future care. The money is gone, said Granier. Govoni and his accountant John Witeck were indicted on June 23rd for allegedly stealing $100 million from disabled people and using those funds to live a life of luxury. Four days later, former Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Gordon successfully argued for Govonis detention. I was handpicked for that role based on my history, performance and my skills, said Gordon. (WFLA) The time that I talked with Michael Gordon, he was very helpful, and I felt like he was listening to the concerns that I had, said Erin Sumrall, Seans sister. The next day, Gordon was fired by Attorney General Pam Bondi. That same week that I was fired I had just indicted the biggest most important case in our district, Gordon said. His firing is now gaining national attention. Gordon shared his disbelief on MSNBCs Morning Joe on Friday. The prosecution of Leo Govoni should represent everything the Department of Justice stands for: the ability to do big cases and important cases, that touches peoples lives and that show that no matter who is in power that the Department of Justice would seek accountability for crimes against them and that even the most vulnerable people in our society will be protected by their government, Gordon said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bondis dismissal letter cited Article II of the constitution, empowering the president but gave no cause. Gordon was one of three assistant U.S. attorneys who prosecuted Jan. 6 defendants on June 27. Investigative Reporter Brittany Muller asked, What does your termination say about the integrity of justice and the ability of the Middle District of Florida to get justice for the victims of Leo Govoni? Says that this Administration is prioritizing revenge over the rule of law, prioritizing politics over justice, Gordon responded. I wasnt fired for doing anything wrong. I lost my job because I did what was right. Now he and two other fired DOJ employees are suing President Trump, AG Bondi, and the DOJ. 8 On Your Side reached out to the Department of Justice and White House, but they have declined to comment on the lawsuit and firing. I feel like someone needs to step in that know the case as well as he did, Burke said. Gordon is reassuring victims and their families that his former colleagues are working on the case in the wake of his firing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre in good hands, he said. There are many talented, dedicated prosecutors in the Tampa U.S. Attorneys Office that will be continuing to work on that case. His termination has created many questions that he said shouldnt be there. Theres no reason for people to have to doubt the Department of Justices integrity or sincerity in pursuing this case or any case, but unfortunately, firing me has created that, said Gordon. Gordon said he was blindsided and so was Acting U.S. Attorney of the Middle District Greg Kehoe. He hasnt commented on Gordons termination, but his office wrote: The case against Leo Govoni and John Witeck will proceed as scheduled. As upset as I am about being fired, I will be cheering on my former colleagues in every way that I can and supporting them in every way I can because those victims deserve justice, said Gordon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leo Govoni and John Witeck have a detention hearing on August 14th and their trial is expected to begin on September 2nd. Govoni remains behind bars. Witeck has been released on a $500,000 bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. To the editor: It is agonizing to witness the mass malnutrition and starvation in Gaza, and the fact that our own government is enabling this horror shames our country ( Israel is pushing Gaza into starvation, global aid groups say, July 24). More than 165 major international charities have called for an end to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The group, backed by Israel and the U.S., requires that starving people travel long distances to aid hubs where there are near-daily reports of deadly shootings by Israeli forces. Since the start of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, at least 1,000 Gazans have been killed while trying to get food, according to the latest numbers from the U.N. human rights office. Israel blames Hamas for this travesty, but in fact, it is Israel that could call off its forces immediately. The U.S. must put pressure on Israel to end the blockade, reject the militarization of aid distribution and demand an immediate ceasefire. Betty Guthrie, Portola Valley, Calif. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement .. To the editor: Why are our American dollars being used to contribute to the malnutrition and deaths of civilians and children in Gaza? It is not right and needs to end. We can help Israel most by helping to end this suffering now. We need to be better than this. George Saade, Pico Rivera .. To the editor: Little babies and young children starving. The photos are gut-wrenching. With all of the food and food waste in this world, there should be no excuse for this. Maybe the excuse is politics the gift that keeps on giving. Georgette Rieck, Santa Monica This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Lid4Kids celebrated another helmet giveaway today. Brantley Allen, better known as Mr.B, is the latest recipient of a Lids4Kids helmet. Mr.B was born with spina bifida, a rare birth defect that happens when the spinal cord does not close during development. The organization held a ceremony at the Panama City Fire House 1 for the child they say was a unique recipient in more ways than one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Usually people reach out to usand thats how we usually find our rock stars, said Lids4Kids founder Shanen French. I happened to be at Cypress Springs, saw some commotion, heard Morgan Wallen and saw Mr. B dancing in front of this boat, and I was like, Hes special. We got to do something. The moment also marked a milestone for French, as its his last helmet giveaway before he retires from being a firefighter. Its a change in chapters of my life, you know, and its cool to be able to do this, said French. Itll be different, but itll keep something to bring me back to the firehouse, give me an excuse to still hang around and do what I do. Lids4Kids was created in 2014 and since then, has given away 83 helmets to recipients, better known as rock stars, to the non-profit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement French says those rock stars are what have kept him going throughout the years. Its just amazing to see these people because I go through bad times like everybody else, and seeing these young people get the helmet, get excited, hear the stories, start a relationship with them. Said French. For more information on the organization, 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 mypanhandle.com. Jul. 25A newly hired correctional officer at Limestone Correctional Facility was arrested Wednesday after a vehicle checkpoint at the prison revealed the presence of marijuana, according to the Alabama Department of Corrections. Huntsville resident Shawnia Shavon Williams, 22, was charged with second-degree possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia and transported to Limestone County Jail where she bonded out the same day on her own recognizance, according to court records. ADOC said K-9 handlers were conducting a checkpoint on vehicles coming into the prison and the dogs were alerted to the presence of narcotics in a vehicle driven by Williams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A hand search of the vehicle was conducted and approximately 1.5 gross grams of marijuana and a digital scale were collected," the affidavit said. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be pending, according to ADOC. wesley.tomlinson@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2442. Jul. 26At this week's Limestone County Commission meeting, seven organizations requested appropriations from the commission totaling $316,500, plus land, an $84,500 increase from fiscal 2025 appropriations to those organizations. Bethany Shockney, Limestone County Economic Development Association (LCEDA) president and CEO, said her nonprofit requested $120,000 for fiscal 2026. "Even though Limestone County and our region have been growing at a rapid pace and the cost of doing business has skyrocketed, we have been level funded at $90,000 since 2009," she said during Monday's commission meeting. "Being the fastest growing county in the state over the last four or five years presents a lot of challenges that y'all probably know better than anybody." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shockney said she feels as the leader of her organization, it is her job to support the commission's mission as it pertains to growth and to make sure the commission is receiving a return on its investment from her organization. "Outside of the typical increases of doing business, we are also providing significant increases in services to Limestone County," she said. "We are laser focused on strategically addressing those challenges through job creation and recruitment of preferred businesses and industries. Because of the rapid growth, we're also experiencing a proportionate amount of business and industry inquiries and decisions to locate in our community." Shockney said this takes a lot of their time and effort to determine what is best for the county. "Since 2009, we have had over $4.4 billion in capital investment. Over 1,200 jobs that were created just on those projects that have been awarded tax abatements," she said. "We have had several other companies that have had expansions. Several other companies that have come into our region that never even asked for tax abatements." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There has been an increase in costs, Shockney said. "Due to the need to serve more industries and citizens, we have had a significant increase in expenses," she said. Tere Richardson, Athens Main Street executive director, said her organization received an appropriation of $18,000 for fiscal 2025, but asked for $23,000 for fiscal 2026. "We're putting your dollars to work in a measurable and meaningful way," she said at Monday's commission meeting. "The revitalization of downtown is paying big dividends. Our events like Friday After Five are booming. They draw 3,000 to 4,000 people to the Square each time." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richardson said many of these attendees are first-time visitors to Limestone County. "They're eating at our restaurants, they're shopping in our stores, they're filling up at our gas stations. More importantly, they're coming back again and again," she said. "That kind of foot traffic drives sales tax and gas revenues. It directly supports our local economy, and that's a big win for our county." Craig Beasley is the board chair for the Athens Limestone Public Library. For fiscal 2025, they received $80,000, plus $85,000 in Tennessee Valley Authority in-lieu-of-tax funding from the county. He said, for fiscal 2026, they are asking for a $100,000 appropriation and $100,000 in TVA funds. Becky Bentley with the Limestone Child Advocacy Center asked the commission for an appropriation of $30,000 for fiscal 2026. They received $24,000 for fiscal 2025. Bentley said the funds would be used entirely as match money for state and federal grants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chloe Wilson, director of the Limestone County Extension Service, said the commission provides them with a building and pays their utilities, but has never given them an appropriation. They requested $20,000 from the commission for fiscal 2026. Emmet Moore with the Family Resource Center said as of July 1, the center has taken on Learn to Read when it disbanded. For fiscal 2025, the center was appropriated $20,000, but due to taking on another organization, they asked for $23,500 for fiscal 2026. Jeffrey Newton with the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs did not request a monetary appropriation, but rather land. He requested 110 acres to build the second State Veterans Memorial Cemetery. erica.smith@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2460. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) A Linden community advocate was honored Friday morning after the City of Columbus rededicated a street in his honor. Retired army serviceman George M. Walker Jr. was honored Friday morning after the City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods held a street sign rededication. The 23rd Ave. street sign at the corner of Cleveland Ave. was officially changed to George M. Walker Jr. Way. Walker Jr. was well known and beloved in the Linden community for his career at St. Stephens Community House, where he positively impacted many lives. His passion for the Linden community was seen through his involvement as a member of the 2018 and 2023 One Linden Plan Advisory Committees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Columbus Metro Library offers way to beat the heat He was also an active member in the South Linden Area Commission, the Greater Linden Advisory Council, the Community Block Watch Alliance, and the Greater Linden Business Network. Walker Jrs granddaughter, Jaionsa Walker, expressed his love for the Linden community at todays dedication. He loved this community. While some might have judged South Linden unfairly, he always saw and spoke of its beauty and potential. He led with kindness and treated everyone the way he wanted to be treated, no matter how they treated him, she said. Walker Jr. died in March at the age of 67, but city leaders say he will be long remembered throughout the neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Walkers tireless efforts and the positive influence he had on Linden students, parents, and businesses are to be celebrated. His presence at Linden McKinley STEM Academy and contributions to the South Linden Area Commission will be greatly missed. We are honored to have had Mr. Walker as a partner in our efforts to build stronger neighborhoods. His legacy of service and dedication will long be remembered in Linden, said De Lena Scales, Linden Neighborhood Program Specialist. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LISBON, Conn. (WTNH) A house in Lisbon caught fire after being struck by lightning on Friday afternoon. No injuries following 3-alarm house fire in South Windsor The Lisbon Fire Department said at approximately 3:30 p.m., a house on Ethel Acres had smoke coming from the roof after being struck. When firefighters arrived at the scene, it was upgraded to a structure fire. Lisbon fire officials said there was an active fire in the front corner of the house in the attic. The bulk of the fire was knocked down in about 23 minutes, with an assist from Taftville firefighters. The house sustained smoke and water damage throughout. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither residents or firefighters were injured. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. Lithuania plans to contribute up to 30 million euro ($32.5 million) toward the joint purchase of U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine, Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT reported on July 26. The U.S.-built Patriot systems are a vital part of Ukraine's layered air defense, capable of intercepting ballistic and cruise missiles and providing protection against large-scale strikes on cities. A complete Patriot system with interceptor missiles costs upwards of $1 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement came during a visit of Baltic defense ministers to the United States, where Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene confirmed the countrys intention to support Ukraines air defense capabilities. Sakalienes pledge followed her meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, where the countries discussed deepening security cooperation and support for Ukraine. Lithuania has been a steadfast ally of Ukraine in many areas since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, including through humanitarian initiatives, military aid, and diplomatic efforts. Read also: Russia attacks Ukrainian cities with ballistic missiles overnight Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Local advocates for homeless people are speaking out, saying a new executive order signed by President Trump criminalizes unhoused people. The order calls for communities to put people who are homeless into rehab centers and other facilities. The new Ending Crime and Disorder on Americas Streets executive order is aimed at making it easier for cities and states across the country to remove homeless people from the streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It really is a declaration of the war on the poor, said Bo Chilton, the CEO of IMPACT Community Action. The order says most homeless people use drugs or are mentally ill and claims moving them to institutional settings will Restore Public Order. The executive order is horrible and will set back the progress that weve made in strides towards ending homelessness by not just years, but decades, said the executive director for Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio, Amy Riegel. The order reads that by removing what it calls vagrant criminals from the streets and redirecting resources to substance abuse programs, it will make communities safer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fran DeWine spends time at Ohio State Fair The way in which were going about it is criminalizing homeless people and people with mental health challenges and sobriety issues. And Im deeply concerned that were using law enforcement as a tool to punish the poor, said Chilton. Recent data from the Community Shelter Board says there are over 2,500 people experiencing homelessness in Columbus and Franklin County. This marks a 7.4% increase over the last year. What we know is that the solution to homelessness is housing, said Riegel. The presidents executive order also says surrendering our cities and citizens to disorder and fear is neither compassionate to the homeless nor the citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This executive order takes away humanity from the individuals who experience homelessness by stating that if they are experiencing homelessness, that they can be involuntarily long-term detained in institutional settings, said Riegel. Both Riegel and Chilton say that more funding needs to go toward affordable housing. I do think housing should be a right. So we talk about housing first. The basic needs, food, clothing, and shelter, said Chilton. The order does say that the attorney general should provide assistance to state and local governments through things like grants or other legally available means. Its unclear how much funding may be allocated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NBC4 has reached out to several Republican state lawmakers and has yet to hear back. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. HERMITAGE, Pa. (WKBN) A local Congressmans office was vandalized overnight. Representative Mike Kellys Hermitage office was covered in spray-painted words Saturday morning. Some of the messages criticize the Republican Party and another reads, Mental illness is not a crime. Kelly released the following statement regarding the incident: Overnight, our new Hermitage District Office was vandalized. Local law enforcement, along with U.S. Capitol Police, are investigating the incident. Our staff members are safe and were not in the office at the time of the crime. Lets be clear: political violence and vandalism are never acceptable. Kelly relocated his Sharon office to Hermitage last month. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. CHICAGO July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and a local practice helping black women and girls feel seen, heard, and supported. Lauren Jackson, licensed clinical professional counselor and owner of Cultivate Your Essence, joined WGN News on Saturday to discuss the importance of mental health and the challenges faced by people of color. Visit the Cultivate Your Essence website for more information on the practice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) City leaders, activists, and law enforcement joined together Friday for a community meeting to tackle crime in the city. Its the second installment in Kent County Commissioner Robert Womacks state of emergency meetings. Fridays Stop the Violence meeting was aimed at the younger generation. Save our youth: Local leaders fighting against gun violence The meeting was held at Uptown Church from 6-8 p.m. Womack previously hosted the first State of Emergency meeting back in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The panel consisted of representatives from the Urban League of West Michigan, Voices of the Badge, Realism is Loyalty, Mothers on a Mission, and the Grand Rapids Police Department. Among the panel was Corey Penn, whose son Amillier was shot and killed in Grand Rapids in June 2024. Ever since, he said he has tried to be a part of the solution and help stop gun violence. I hope to just never have a parent go through what I am going through, what Millis mom is going through, he said. The panel shared the unified message that the solution is out there, but it starts with everyone stepping up to change the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you can help instill some vision in someones life, when their feet hit the floor, they have a passion for something; its more likely that they are going to go down a righteous path, Grand Rapids Deputy Police Chief Trigg said. Family remembers Amillier Penn 1 year after shooting death Ive seen danger, I have seen one foot in the grave and one foot in the penitentiary, Penn said. If we aint going to work together, we need a village we need people to come together we need families, really we need, our young men need men in their lives. Womack launched a new platform called Partners in Peace, a community calendar with events that kids can participate in. It is also aimed at highlighting the work various organizations are doing to work towards a better future, Womack said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One area of discussion was also a know your rights campaign to help educate the community and prevent hostile police interactions. Womack presented two videos on proper protocol when interacting with police. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The chair of the Republican-led House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee vowed Friday to reverse a key provision of the major budget bill signed into law by President Donald Trump. The committee met in Las Vegas on Friday morning and heard testimony from Las Vegans who, by and large, supported the bill. But Republican Chairman Jason Smith of Missouri, while lauding the bill and listening to the testimony about the no tax on tips legislation, committed to reversing the bills measure impacting gambling deductions. As written, the new tax code will allow betters to deduct 90 percent of their losses against 100 percent of their gains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The previous law called for a 100-to-100 deduction. Democratic Rep. Dina Titus said earlier this month that she plans to introduce a bill that affects gambling deductions. Democrats in Congress railed against the so-called Big Beautiful budget bill that Trump signed into law this summer. At the headquarters of the Local 226 Culinary Union, Rep. Steve Horsford (D-Nevada) led a rally including other lawmakers and labor professionals before the Ways and Means hearing. If Republicans want to have a victory for their new tax scam law, Las Vegas is the last place they should be doing it, Horsford said. Theres one big, ugly, inconvenient truth about the Republicans big, ugly law. Its a bait and switch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Horsford said the bill harms Nevadans, who already deal with high levels of unemployment and sagging tourism. But House Republicans took a victory lap, focusing on certain provisions of the budget bill that eliminate income tax on taxes and overtime. Titus, who was at Horsfords rally and spoke to the crowd, also spoke with 8 News Now about repealing the bill. You can do it with a one-sentence bill, Titus said, specifically referring to changing the 90 percent taxation of gambling losses back to 100 percent, which is the way its been for over 50 years. Titus said she has co-sponsors for her bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fridays meeting of the Ways and Means Committee is the first time the group of lawmakers has met outside of Washington, D.C. since Trump signed the budget bill into law in early July. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. The South Dakota Educational Telecommunications Board meets in Sioux Falls on July 24, 2025. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight) SIOUX FALLS South Dakotans should know what stays and what goes at South Dakota Public Broadcasting absent a philanthropic or state budget lifeline within the next two weeks. Whatever happens, SDPBs director says, the public will have two months notice before programs and voices disappear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recent congressional clawback of federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting cost SDPB about $2.2 million, which is about 20% of its budget. SDPB is a state entity, and its staff members are state employees. The organization also receives support from the nonprofit Friends of SDPB. Julie Overgaard, SDPBs executive director, told budget committee lawmakers this week shes looking at layoffs for up to 20 staff members and local content cuts across its radio and television operations as a result. The states Educational Telecommunications Board reviewed a proposed downsizing plan in a closed door session in Sioux Falls on Friday afternoon. The boards charge is to ensure SDPB operates within the legal corners of its broadcast licenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the executive session, Overgaard told South Dakota Searchlight were going to do everything we can to save our statewide coverage and all of our broadcast licenses. Nobody should see their SDPB radio or TV signal go away because of this, she said. The downsizing plan will have an audience with the board for the Friends of SDPB on Monday. After that, Overgaard will show the plan to the commissioner of the Bureau of Information Technology the government office under which SDPB is nested and Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen before offering it to Gov. Larry Rhoden for final approval. The governor needs to approve layoffs for state agencies, Overgaard said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Rhoden signs off, staff and the public in that order will be notified of the people and programs were going to lose, if there is no fix applied. Its not the states job to fill that entire fiscal hole, Overgaard said, but she hopes the governor will at least consider funding to help SDPB continue livestreaming state government proceedings. The state owns the equipment used to livestream legislative and other government meetings, while the money to operate it comes from the SDPB budget. Friends of SDPB intends to dip into its endowment to make sure none of the content changes come until Oct. 31, and Overgaard said the intervening months will determine how many of the plans listed layoffs and program cuts ultimately come to pass. To the extent that were able to fundraise, find foundation support and find business support, those things will come off the list, Overgaard said. People will be reinstated, programs will be reinstated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kay Jorgensen, president of the Educational Telecommunications Board, urged SDPBs supporters to do what they did during the legislative session, by throwing their support behind the system. Former Gov. Kristi Noem had proposed an evisceration of SDPBs state-level funding before her departure to join President Donald Trumps cabinet as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. State lawmakers rejected those efforts. Before the closed-door session, the board heard a report on the systems financial health through June, the month before Congress opted to ax public media money. SDPB was in the black and living well within its means, Jorgensen said. In the face of the new reality created by congressional recission, Jorgensen added, our goal is to stay lit, and to serve the public as we always have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We would ask the public to articulate their views on why public broadcasting is so important, to share it with their friends and neighbors, and certainly with the policymakers on the local, state and national levels, Jorgensen said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX PRINCETON Volunteers are coming forward to staff a museum honoring local veterans sacrifices, but more are still needed to insure that its open when visitors arrive at its doors. The Those Who Served War Museum, located in the Memorial Building near the Mercer County Courthouse, has artifacts ranging from German and Japanese weapons and equipment that American troops brought home after World War II to a Bluefield mans Medal of Honor. Director George Williams said Friday that the museum had three part-time employees funded by the federal Seniors Community Employment Program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That had been funded through September this year, but the funds got pulled apparently, he said. We had employees under that program and we lost them. Now we have zero employees. Williams said that he has sent a letter to the Mercer County Commission and hopes with county help to regain one of the employees. Im not trying to hire a county employee, he said. That program was paying the employees for 29 hours a week at $10.50 an hour. Ive asked the county commissioners to fund one to hire back. The museum recently ask for people willing to be volunteers and the response has been good, but the facility needs a manager, too. One of the three employees is currently filling that job without pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve had fantastic support, Williams said. Just amazing. Its really been fantastic, but we need someone to kind of anchor the team. Joyce Farmer is going a great job but shes not getting paid for it. Shes one of the people that were under that program. Shes kind of managing the museum, making sure things get done properly, but were not sure how long shes going to be able to do that. Williams said that he works full time and cannot manage the museum himself. Tony Whitlow, the museums founder and now its curator, said that he has been serving his former volunteer shift to help out. He guided visitors through its collection Friday. Each shift is a three-hour shift a day, once a week, Whitlow said. I took my shift back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are two shifts each day the museums open. One starts at 10 a.m. and continues until 1 p.m. The next one is from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. People interested in volunteering can stop at the museum or call 304-487-3670. Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com BROOKLYN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn (PIX11) A Black-owned business in a predominantly white Brooklyn neighborhood is closing its doors after 45 years due to rising real estate taxes and changing shopping habits. However, loyal customers of Bentleys shoe store hope this neighborhood fixture is only closing temporarily. More Local News Known for service with a warm smile and helpful advice on shoe fit, Bentleys has been a part of Brooklyn Heights and beyond for nearly fifty years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But now this mainstay on Montague Street, beloved by so many, is closing its doors next month. Were closing because of a combination of real estate taxes, lack of customers because of the Internet, and also the traffic is no longer what it was on Montague Street, Tony Bates, Bentleys store owner, told PIX11 News. The Community Board has redirected the traffic off of Montague Street to Atlantic Avenue. Tony Bates is a 66-year-old grandfather of three who opened the store in 1980. And as Tony is the first to say, its been quite a journey getting here. Bates is four generations removed from slavery. He grew up in South Carolina, where his parents were sharecroppers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My mother passed when I was 14. Fortunately, on the farm, we had a pig that I sold for $74, Bates shared with PIX11 News. I came here with $24 to live with my sister. Ive been fortunate enough to work hard, be blessed, finish school, and always try to do the right thing, he added. Many of Tonys customers have been coming here for nearly as long as Bentleys has been open, choosing shoes in a wide range of styles, from $20 to $220. More Brooklyn News His relatability. Hes a people person and he tells the truth, Taynay Lowe, a loyal customer, told PIX11 News. If he doesnt think you should get a pair of shoes, no matter the cost, hell say dont get it. Thats not for you and hell find me something else, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another customer remembered the orange shoes Tony told her to buy. He said get them, and Ive had these shoes for twenty years, Sandra Scriven said. Its so sad, Christine Roe, a Brooklyn Heights resident, told PIX11 News. We have so few businesses that have been there here that long. Its filling a need. Its closing is a tragedy, she added. Another loyal customer, Babette Krolik, said with Bentleys closing, Ill wear out the old shoes in my closet. For these loyal customers, they are hoping Tony Bates and his shoe store reopen in a new location in just a few months. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP) A historic rooster has returned to its perch atop the First Church of Christ in Longmeadow. E-bikes become more popular across the state, police are reminding the public about the rules Dozens of parishioners and members of the public gathered at the church on Longmeadow Street Friday morning to watch crews return the rooster to the top of the steeple. The cooper rooster has been on display atop the steeple since 1795. It was taken down earlier this month as part of a restoration project taking place at the church. Pastor Doug Bixby told 22News the rooster is more than just a fixture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rooster is on the town emblem, and so its a part of the history of the town and the identity of the town as well, so it was a joy today, Pastor Bixby said. We had a lot of church people, but a lot of community people gathered to celebrate the rooster raising. This was only the fourth time in the roosters 230-year history that it was taken down from the church. Pastor Bixby said it likely wont come down again for another 30 to 40 years. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Dr. H.S. Wang has been helping people in the Valley see better for decades. Now, he is looking toward the future as he retires this September. Those who know him, though, say its a big loss for the field. Hes the best, said Diana McOwen, who has worked with Dr. Wang for years. Wang has worked at Eye Care Associates for 49 years. Ive said it before that if you grabbed a handful of people out of the Youngstown area, theyve all met Dr. Wang, been cared for by Dr. Wang, or know somebody that was. He has just been a pivotal part of our medical community, McOwen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His assistant of 26 years, Mildred Davis, called him a great friend. He cares about the people their families and everything. He takes everything into consideration, and I just wish him the best, Davis said. McOwen calls Wang a pillar in the community and says he is a rare person who loves serving others. Over the years, he sat on the Board of Directors at Youngstown State University, donated frequently to The Butler Museum of American Art and is an active member of the Rotary always helping out with its pancake breakfast. Dr. Wang came from Taiwan to intern at St. Elizabeth Health Center in 1960. After working in Canada, he came back in 1976 and has been here ever since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the landscape of medical care is changing, and its difficult to get physicians in areas like the Valley. I came to Youngstown by choice, you know, in our area, because the economic condition, we have a hard time recruiting top doctors, Wang said. Dr. Wang retires on September 13, but hes not going far. I chose to stay longer, and now Im over 80 now, so I feel comfortable. Ill stay here, continue to enjoy this community, Wang 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. PHOENIX (AP) Moments before the Idaho mother with doomsday beliefs was given two more life sentences in prison, she complained about jail conditions and the legal system, saying the rules of evidence do not allow two sides of the story. Judge Justin Beresky abruptly interrupted, saying: Actually, they do. It was a moment that further highlighted the tension between Lori Vallow Daybell, who represented herself in two murder conspiracy cases in Arizona, and Beresky, who pulled no punches when the time came for him to address the court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beresky said Vallow Daybell was not truthful when she claimed she was prevented from telling her side of the story and was unable to get a fair trial. The media attention she craved, he said, will fade into obscurity now that her trials are over. The amount of contemplation, calculation, planning and manipulation that went into these crimes is unparalleled in my career, said Beresky, who has been a Maricopa County Superior Court judge since 2017 and has presided over other high-profile cases. Fridays sentencing ended the legal saga of Vallow Daybell, 51, who will likely spend no time in an Arizona prison because she already was serving three life sentences in Idaho for killing her two youngest children and conspiring to kill a romantic rival. In Arizona she was convicted of conspiring to kill her estranged husband, Charles Vallow, and her nieces ex-husband, Brandon Boudreaux. Charles Vallow was fatally shot, while Boudreaux survived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vallow Daybell maintained that she did nothing wrong and said the string of deaths were simply tragedies. She turned to her own religious beliefs in saying she believes she is among servants who Jesus is sending into prison to become warriors and who, ultimately, will be released to serve him. Beresky implied that she got the meaning wrong when she referenced a verse about prisoners going free. That is a verse about people that accept Jesus can be in prison and they will go free when they die and go to heaven, but it will take an act of God for you to go free, the judge said. In short, you should never be released from prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vallow Daybell's trials in Phoenix were infused with her religious beliefs, including that people in her life were possessed by evil spirits. She routinely sparred with Beresky, occasionally leaning over to consult with her advisory counsel. Charles Vallow's sister, Kay Woodcock, praised the judge's demeanor outside the courtroom. I don't think we could have had a better judge," she said. "He is a better man than a lot of people putting up with her like he did. Mel McDonald, a retired Maricopa County judge who was not involved in the trials but watched them, said Beresky did an exceptional job of maintaining courtroom decorum and demonstrated extraordinary patience despite obstructive tactics from Vallow Daybell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He gives her latitude, McDonald said. But he doesn't let her run wild. Last month, during the trial over the conspiracy to kill Boudreaux, Vallow Daybell falsely accused Beresky of yelling at her after he explained that her efforts to introduce favorable evidence about her character could open the door to jurors hearing about her convictions in Idaho and for Vallow's death. You don't need to talk to me that way," Vallow Daybell said. Take her out, Beresky told a security officer, who led her from the courtroom. In defending herself, Vallow Daybell struggled with legal matters that most lawyers consider routine, such as lining up witnesses to testify. She insisted on exercising her speedy trial rights and rejected the judges offer for later dates, yet complained about not having enough time to prepare. She also tried to get Beresky removed from the case, arguing that he was biased against her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another moment emblematic of the tensions between judge and defendant, Beresky expressed skepticism during jury selection for her second Arizona trial when she claimed she was too sick to move forward. The proceedings were postponed for the day. But the trial continued, with Beresky later saying there was no objective evidence to support her claims. ___ Associated Press writers Hannah Schoenbaum in Salt Lake City and Sejal Govindarao in Phoenix contributed. From left, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley will look to run for governor in the 2026 Democratic primary, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez announced her campaign Friday and Attorney General Josh Kaul declined to comment on his plans. (Photos by Baylor Spears/Wisconsin Examiner) Less than 24 hours after Gov. Tony Evers announced he wouldnt run for another term in office, the field for the Democratic primary for governor is beginning to take shape as Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez launched her campaign Friday morning while other potential candidates are still considering. Evers video announcing that he would retire because of his family ended months of speculation about a potential third term and triggered the start of the first open race for governor in Wisconsin since 2010. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republican field is still shaping up, with Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann and Whitefish Bay manufacturer Bill Berrien have officially announced. Other potential candidates include U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany and businessmen Eric Hovde and Tim Michels, both of whom have recently lost statewide campaigns. The first Democrat in the race, Rodriguez in her campaign launch video took aim both at Republicans in Washington and at the GOP majority in the Legislature. Weve got a maniac in the White House. His tariffs are killing our farmers and his policies are hurting our kids, Rodriguez said of President Donald Trump. Our [state] Legislature refuses to expand Medicaid, even though 41 other states have done it. I mean Arkansas expanded Medicaid. Arkansas, but not Wisconsin. Ill get it done. Rodriguez was elected lieutenant governor in 2022, when Evers won his second term. She succeeded former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, who ran an unsuccessful campaign for the U.S. Senate against Republican Sen. Ron Johnson that year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive been an ER nurse, a public health expert and a small business owner. Im used to being on my feet and getting right to the point, Rodriguez said in her video. I have an announcement: Im running for governor. I know what youre thinking, you dont have the time for the rest of this video, Rodriguez said. Look, I get it Im a busy parent too, so heres what you should know: Ive got two kids that are way too embarrassed to be in this video, a dog named Chico and I met my husband salsa dancing all true. My parents were Wisconsin dairy farmers. My dad served during Vietnam and fixed telephones at Wisconsin Bell. Mom was a union member who helped kids with special needs. Rodriguez got degrees in neuroscience and nursing before working as a nurse in an emergency room in Baltimore. She has also worked for the Centers for Disease Control and has served as vice president for several health care-related businesses, including at Advocate Aurora Health from 2017-2020. Rodriguez said in the video that entering politics wasnt part of her plan, but seeing a broken system she decided to run for the Assembly. She flipped a Republican seat that covered parts of Milwaukee and Waukesha in 2020 by 735 votes, and served for one term before making her run for lieutenant governor in 2021. After winning the Democratic primary, she joined Evers on the ticket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association quickly endorsed Rodriguez Friday. Rodriguez noted that control of the state Legislature is also at stake in 2026, with Democrats having the chance under new, fairer maps adopted in 2024 to win control. The last time there was a Democratic trifecta in Wisconsin was in the 2009-2010 session. Look, weve got a real shot at flipping the state Legislature, and with a Democratic governor we can finally expand Medicaid and boost our health care workforce. We can strengthen our farms and unions and small businesses, fund our public schools and give teachers the raise theyve earned. Thats the right path, and its what you and your family deserve, Rodriguez said. I cant wait to earn your vote. Other Democrats on whether theyll run Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said in a statement Friday morning that he cares about the future direction of Wisconsin and that I will be taking steps toward entering the race for Governor, in the coming weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The stakes are simply too high to sit on the sidelines, Crowley said. Governor Evers has laid a strong foundation. I believe its our responsibility to build on that progress and I look forward to engaging in that conversation with the people of Wisconsin. Crowley, 33, was elected to the countys top office in 2020, the first African American and the youngest person to serve in the position. During his time in the job, Crowley has been a staunch advocate for the states largest county, including helping secure a sales tax increase for Milwaukee. He also previously served for two terms in the state Assembly. Asked whether she plans to run, state Sen. Kelda Roys (D-Madison) told the Wisconsin Examiner Friday she is giving it really serious consideration. Roys came in third in the 2018 primary that nominated Evers. This is going to be a wide open primary, Roys said. I dont think anybody has a strong advantage in it, and I think the stakes are incredibly high. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roys said she thought Evers has given more than anyone could ask to this state and has earned the right to do whatever he wants. She said, however, that Democrats shouldnt rely on old tactics in 2026 and that people want a candidate who will inspire them. Tony Evers has been a beloved governor of this state, and so I think he would have certainly been able to win a third term if thats what he wanted to do, Roys said. At the same time, I think that there is a real hunger in the party and in the country generally, to see the next generation of leaders getting a chance, and we have a very strong bench in Wisconsin. Roys also ran for the U.S. House in 2012, losing in the primary for the 2nd District to U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan. Roys said that there is a lot at stake in the 2026 race. The country is at an incredibly dangerous moment with the Republican control in Washington, D.C., she said, and Wisconsin Democrats could have a incredible opportunity to deliver on an array of issues at the state level, including funding public education, supporting Wisconsins public universities and technical colleges, expanding access to health care, addressing the high cost of housing and child care, and protecting peoples rights and freedoms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the last five years, Roys has served in the state Senate, including as a member of the Joint Finance Committee, and has been a strong advocate for funding child care and reproductive rights. Recalling her time in the Assembly from 2009-2013, including the last session when Democrats held a trifecta, Roys said Democrats didnt accomplish enough. Im determined to make sure that we do not blow this opportunity, Roys said. I think we need strong leadership from our next Democratic governor to make sure that we deliver for people in this state. Roys said she is considering many factors in deciding whether to join the race, including whether she would be the right person for the position, her recent experience and her family, including their security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether she runs or not, Roys said she will work across the state to help Democrats flip both houses. She isnt up for reelection this year and Democrats have set a goal of winning control of the Senate and Assembly for the first time in over 15 years. My hope is that all the candidates who are considering a run for governor are prioritizing flipping the Legislature, Roys said. During Evers two terms with a Republican majority in both houses, He wrote great budgets. They threw them in the garbage, she said. He wanted to pass a lot of great legislation that Democrats offered in the Legislature, and he could hardly sign many into law, because he was busy with that veto pen. Attorney General Josh Kaul, who would likely be a top candidate if he runs, declined to tell reporters about his plans Friday, saying that it is important to reflect on Evers service and the significance of where weve come in the last six and a half years. I dont have any announcement today, Kaul said. I think in the next several weeks, youll hear from a number of people as to where they stand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kaul was first elected to the statewide position in 2018 and won a second term in 2022 in a close race against Eric Toney, a Republican prosecutor from Fond du Lac County. Since Trump took office for his second term, Kaul has joined several multistate lawsuits to push back on some of the federal governments actions, including the withholding of funding Other potential candidates include Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is again using his country's territory to funnel illegal migrants from Africa, the Middle East, and Afghanistan toward the European Union, Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service said on July 26. According to the agency, Lukashenko is facilitating transit primarily to Poland, with some migrants arriving from Libya directly or through Russia pointing to coordinated efforts between Minsk and Moscow. This mirrors tactics used in 2021, when Belarus orchestrated mass migrant crossings into EU states in what Brussels condemned as a form of hybrid warfare. The effort was widely seen as an attempt to blackmail the bloc into easing sanctions on Lukashenko's regime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This blackmail did not work," Ukraine's intelligence service said, noting that the response instead intensified Belarus' diplomatic isolation. While Lukashenko reportedly profits from the migrant flows, he has so far avoided full-scale escalation, likely in an effort to preserve his few remaining political ties in Europe. Hungary, which has taken a hard line against illegal migration, has remained one of the few EU states maintaining dialogue with Minsk. "Lukashenko, despite his reputation as a satellite of Russia's dictator Vladimir Putin, retains autonomy in matters of tactics and once again demonstrates a willingness to use it to exert political pressure on the West," the agency said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Poland, one of the EU's front-line states, has long accused Belarus and Russia of waging a hybrid war by deliberately directing migrants toward its borders. Warsaw reported stopping 26,000 illegal crossing attempts in 2024 alone. One soldier was killed and 63 others injured in related border clashes. Polish officials have pointed to a growing number of migrants carrying Russian visas, linking the wave directly to the Kremlin's broader confrontation with the West. Lukashenko has ruled Belarus since 1994 and remains a key ally of the Kremlin. His regime has allowed Russian troops and equipment to use Belarusian territory to attack Ukraine at the beginning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Read also: Zelenskys big Ukraine blunder, explained Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. LYNX provides rides to cooling stations across Central Florida According to the National Weather Service, Central Florida is under a heat advisory today, and the heat index is expected to reach between 108 and 110 degrees. An advisory for all of central Florida is in effect from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. due to a heat dome over the southeastern U.S., leading to high temperatures with highs between 94 and 96 degrees today. Orange County and Lynx team up to provide cooling centers for residents to beat the heat. These include air-conditioned public spaces and splashpads to help people stay safe from heat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cooling locations encompass a variety of parks, recreation centers, libraries, community centers, and homeless shelters across the county. The Orange County Parks and Recreation facilities feature indoor areas and outdoor splashpads, while the Orange County Library System has multiple branches serving as cooling centers. Residents should seek shelter at cooling locations and call 911 for heat emergencies. For safety tips, visit the Florida Department of Health or follow #GetSummerReady. With the heat index soaring to dangerous levels, Orange County urges residents to take precautions and use cooling centers to stay safe during the advisory. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. M.-Sgt. Mosbacher, 32, from Avnei Eitan, served as a combat engineer in the 749th Engineering Battalion, in the 828th Infantry Brigade. Master Sergeant (M.-Sgt.) Betzalel Yehoshua Mosbacher succumbed to his wounds sustained in battle in southern Gaza, the IDF announced Saturday evening. He was wounded on July 19, 2025. Mosbacher, 32, from Avnei Eitan, served as a combat engineer in the 749th Engineering Battalion, in the 828th Infantry Brigade. Family was notified of death His family was notified of his death. Funeral details will be announced later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After he was initially wounded in the Strip, he was evacuated by an IAF helicopter to a hospital in central Israel. IDF military vehicles in Gaza, July 26, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) "Bezalel was 32 years old, married to Maayan, and father to a young daughter. He worked for the Israel Electric Corporation," a statement from the Golan Regional Council said. "At this difficult hour, the Golan community embraces his wife, Maayan, and their daughter, his parents, Yaakov and Hannah, his siblings, and his entire family." Avi Ashkenazi contributed to this report. EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Congressman Seth Magaziner has joined the increasing calls from congressional Democrats for the Epstein files to be released, and also spoke about his father being listed in Jeffrey Epsteins flight logs. Congressman Seth Magaziner believes that the Trump Administration should release all of the Jeffrey Epstein files immediately and fully supports efforts of Democrats on the House Oversight Committee to issue subpoenas to compel their release, Magaziner spokesperson Noah Boucher said Friday. Magaziners thoughts on the topic were first reported by the Providence Journal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The congressmans statement comes amid growing pressure for the Trump administration to release all of the Epstein files. WASHINGTON: US President Bill Clinton (L) and presidential advisor Ira Magaziner (R) greet guests during an electronic commerce event 01 July at the White House in Washington, D.C. (STEPHEN JAFFE/AFP via Getty Images) In that statement, Magaziner also addressed his father, Ira, being listed in flight logs for Epsteins private plane. Ira Magaziner was a health care policy advisor for President Bill Clinton and appeared multiple times in flight logs the U.S. Department of Justice released earlier this year. Boucher said Ira Magaziner had no knowledge of or involvement in any of the horrible crimes committed by Jeffrey Epstein. In the early 2000s, Epstein donated the use of his plane to former President Clinton for travel to some work-related conferences and events, Boucher explained. At the time, Ira Magaziner was leading the Clinton Health Access Initiative and was primarily focused on negotiating with drug companies to lower the cost of HIV drugs for the developing world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congressman Gabe Amo and U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse have also been vocal about the release of the Epstein files. This is right now a full-on political dumpster fire, Whitehouse said Thursday. The United States House of Representatives has shut down and fled over Trump-Epstein. Whitehouse also commented about Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche meeting with Ghislaine Maxwell. (Maxwell was an accomplice of Epsteins and sentenced in 2022 to serve 20 years behind bars for child sex trafficking and additional crimes linked to Epstein.) That is just astonishingly weird to any former federal prosecutor, Whitehouse said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Wall Street Journal recently reported that President Donald Trump was briefed by the DOJ that he was listed in the files. The White House has since said the story is false and Trump filed a $10 billion libel lawsuit against the outlet and owner Rupert Murdoch. In Congress, House Speaker Mike Johnson put the chamber in recess a day earlier than anticipated, which sparked controversy. Critics allege that Johnson did this to avoid a vote being taken on the release of the Epstein files. A House Oversight Committee has also subpoenaed the DOJ for files related to Epstein. That subpoena was approved in an 8-2 vote, which included Republicans and Democrats voting in favor. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Officials are setting the record straight about Malcolm-Jamal Warners death. Despite earlier reports, Costa Ricas Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) told People on Friday that the Cosby Show alums daughter was actually not in the water at the time of his drowning. Mr. Warner was playing with his daughter at the seashore at one point. He then left her out of the water, and he and a friend of his entered the sea, the statement, which was translated from Spanish to English, stated. Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Danny Moloshok/Invision/AP It was at that moment that they were swept away by the current, and the friend managed to get out, the statement continued. However, Mr. Warner was unable to get out and was pulled out by several people on the beach. He received care from Red Cross officials, but was pronounced dead at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Costa Rican National Police confirmed to The Post that bystanders had pulled Warner from the water and taken him to shore. Malcolm-Jamal Warner at home with his daughter. malcolmjamalwar/Instagram The Costa Rica Red Cross made revival efforts, but the attempts were unsuccessful. The actor was 54. Playa Grande lifeguards confirmed they were not present on the beach at the time of the accident due to a lack of resources. Warners body was transported to the morgue at San Joaquin de Flores for an autopsy. His cause of death is listed as asphyxiation by submersion. TMZ reported on Wednesday that Warners body has been released to the family. His body was expected to be flown back to Los Angeles on Thursday. Malcolm Jamal Warner with his daughter as a baby. malcolmjamalwar/Instagram A second source claimed Warner was in Costa Rica with his daughter for a home-schooling program. His wife was allegedly not in the country and learned about the tragedy through a phone call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, a doctor, who was one of the bystanders who pulled Warner out of the water, is revealing what happened. I was about 200 meters from the incident, at Playa Grande, spending the day on vacation with my partner, the doctor, who asked to remain anonymous, told Us Weekly. There were very few people on the beach, and the sea was rough. Malcolm-Jamal Warner and his daughter. The physician said he heard several cries and rushed over. I ran to the area and entered the sea with my surfboard, heading into the rip current toward the person being pointed at by some beachgoers, he explained. After a few minutes, I saw a shadow, dove down and pulled the person out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once the doctor got to shore, he saw the second bystander, who had helped rescue Warner, struggling to breathe while lying on the sand. Malcolm-Jamal Warner celebrates the holidays with his daughter. malcolmjamalwar/Instagram [He was] just someone who tried to help during the emergency, without any rescue equipment. Lifeguards explained on Monday that while Playa Grande is well known by local surfers, it is one of their most challenging beaches. We deeply regret the passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner at Playa Grande. He was swept away by a strong rip current and died by drowning, Costa Ricas volunteer lifeguard association, Caribbean Guard, wrote on Facebook Monday. Malcolm-Jamal Warner and his daughter wash his car. malcolmjamalwar/Instagram It all happened very quickly, and although there were people on the beach who entered the water to rescue him, they did not arrive in time, the statement noted. He was pulled from underwater without vital signs, and despite CPR maneuvers being performed on the beach, resuscitation was unsuccessful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They added that there are signs placed along the beach in both Spanish and English warning of the danger of death due to drowning. Warner drowned while swimming near Cocles after allegedly being caught by a high current on Sunday, between 2 and 2:30 p.m. local time. The Cosby Show cast photo. NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images The Hollywood vet rose to fame playing Theodore Theo Huxtable, the son of Bill Cosbys Cliff Huxtable, in The Cosby Show. The sitcom ran for eight seasons from 1984 to 1992 on NBC. Warner garnered a 1986 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. In 2021, the Malcolm & Eddie vet spoke with The Post about the legacy of the series after Cosbys sexual assault conviction before it was overturned. Malcolm-Jamal Warner arrives at the FX and Vanity Fair Pre-Emmy Celebration at Craft in LA on September 17, 2016. MediaPunch/INSTARimages Malcolm-Jamal Warners photo shoot for Foxs The Resident. FOX Image Collection via Getty Images I can understand why some people cant watch the show and enjoy it because of everything thats going on now, Warner said. But I think theres a generation of young people who have pursued higher education or have started loving families because of the influence of that show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So its kind of like, you cant discount its impact on television culture and American culture, he expressed. After news of the tragedy broke, Cosby, 88, addressed Warners death, revealing that it felt like losing his own son, who was murdered in 1997. He told The Post through his rep: While I was their TV dad, I never stopped being a father to them. July 26 (UPI) -- An 18-year-old man was arrested in the death of a 14-year-old boy and injury of a 19-year-old while playing video games at a University of New Mexico student housing complex in Albuquerque, police said. The campus reopened on Saturday, the university said in a news release. The suspect, John Fuentes, was arrested around 2:30 p.m. local time Friday in Los Lunas, 25 miles south of Albuquerque and about 13 hours after the shooting at Casas del Rio housing complex. Fuentes was taken into custody at 3 a.m. Saturday at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Albuquerque. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is facing charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and tampering with evidence, New Mexico State Police said. Fuentes was arrested during a traffic stop on Highway 314 in Valencia County. Several agencies, including state police, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office and Albuquerque police, looked for Fuentes. Fuentes was one of four teenagers playing video games in a dorn room, New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler said at a news conference. According to court documents Saturday obtained by KOAT-TV, Fuentes went to the dorm parking lot in his father's vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 10:20 p.m., he met with the 14-year-old and another person, police said. A fourth person told authorities they were playing video games, and the Fuentes appeared to be on drugs. The victim was shot in the head. He said they fled through a window. Police said Fuentes first went to his car and then wound up on the first story of the housing building where he injured himself while smashing several windows. Blood stains, a stolen Glock 9mm handgun, keys and a pair of blue jeans were left on the roof, police said. Two people picked him up in a pickup around 1:40 a.m., police said. Gunfire was detected after midnight at the dormitory. At 1:36 a.m., police responded to an alarm from the dorm building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They found a broken window and what appeared to be blood, Weisler said. Police found the dead 14-year-old inside the dorm. The young teen hasn't been identified. At 2:30 a.m., a 19-year-old man arrived at a hospital with a gunshot wound. The university first reported the incident at 3:27 a.m. via Lobo Alerts. Central campus had been closed "out of an abundance of caution," the school posted on X. For about five hours people were told to shelter in place. Late Friday, the university said the campus would reopen Saturday with all planned activities. The dormitory also reopened, the school posted on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is a tragic incident that has had a deep impact on our entire community," Weisler said. The University of Mexico has about 22,000 students enrolled but much fewer during the summer. More than 400 students were attending new student orientation and were staying in the dormitories. "We understand this incident may be especially distressing for new students and their families," University President Garnett S. Stokes said in a statement. "We want to assure everyone that we are fully committed to your safety and well-being." The identity of the suspect arrested and charged in relation to the fatal shooting at the University of New Mexico (UNM) has been revealed. In a statement issued on Saturday, July 26, the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) named 18-year-old John Fuentes as the alleged perpetrator. Fuentes was located by authorities in Valencia County and was taken into custody without incident on the afternoon of Friday, July 25, hours after the shooting, the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was then booked at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Albuquerque on charges of murder in the first degree, aggravated battery, aggravated assault and tampering with evidence. New Mexico State Police John Fuentes John Fuentes NMSP were initially called to the UNM campus in the early hours of July 25 after receiving a report of a shooting from the University of New Mexico Police Department, according to the statement. Campus police responded to an alarm signal at Mesa Vista Hall, an academic building located on campus, at 1:36 a.m. local time. Upon arrival, campus officers observed broken windows and suspected blood, and, after conducting a security sweep of the surrounding buildings, they discovered the body of a deceased 14-year-old male inside one of the dorms, per the NMSP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement College police officers additionally received a call from the University of New Mexico Hospital stating that a 19-year-old male had come in with a gunshot wound and said he was shot at the UNM campus. NMSP said in the release that their initial investigation has determined that the incident involved four individuals who were hanging out in a dorm room in the Casas Del Rio complex. Sam Wasson/Getty University of New Mexico campus in Albuquerque University of New Mexico campus in Albuquerque At some point, for reasons still being investigated, the suspect began shooting a firearm at the other occupants in the room. The 14-year-old victim was fatally shot while the other occupants, along with the suspect, fled from the room, the statement continued. 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 name of the deceased victim, as well as the other individuals involved in the incident, have not yet been released. It currently remains unclear if Fuentes is a UNM student. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NMSP said the investigation remains ongoing. PEOPLE reached out to the University of New Mexico, as well as the University of New Mexico Police Department, for comment on July 26 but did not receive an immediate response. Read the original article on People Man accused of groping Northeastern student told police his mother was Princess Diana, DA says A man accused of groping a Northeastern University student while she was on a jog lied about his name and told police that his mother was a British royal, authorities said. Carlos Miguel Pinto, 44, of Waltham, was arraigned Friday in the Roxbury division of Boston Municipal Court on charges of indecent assault and battery and providing false identification to police, according to the Suffolk District Attorneys Office. The female student was jogging on Columbus Avenue around 4:30 p.m. Thursday when she claimed Pinto grabbed her groin as she ran past him, investigators said Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 90 minutes later, police spotted a man matching Pintos description at the corner of Massachusetts and Harrison avenues. Police said officers then transported the victim to the scene, where she identified Pinto as the man who assaulted her. As officers took Pinto into custody, police said he identified himself as Toni Arizona and claimed his mother was Princess Diana, a member of the British royal family who died in a car crash in Paris, France, in 1997. Pinto was ordered held without bail until a hearing for appointment of counsel on Aug. 1. The incident remains under investigation. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Man arrested, charged in connection with fatal two-vehicle crash in Wareham A West Wareham man has been taken into custody in connection with a two-vehicle crash in Wareham. 67-year-old Raymond Cardoza has been charged with: Operating Under the Influence - Manslaughter Operating Under the Influence, 4th Offense Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Personal Injury or Death Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License According to the Plymouth County District Attorneys office, the crash occurred on Friday around 5:05 p.m. when Wareham police recieved multiple reports of a car vs. motorcycle crash in the area of 2628 Cranberry Highway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Wareham Police and Fire were dispatched to the scene, where they found the operator of the motorcycle lying on the ground with life-threatening injuries. The victim, identified as 25-year-old Jordan Hansen, was taken to Tobey Hospital before being transferred to St. Lukes Hospital, where he later passed away from his injuries. The driver of the car and the vehicle were located 1/4 mile from the accident. As a result of an investigation by Wareham police and the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Plymouth County District Attorneys Office, the driver, Cardoza, was identified and taken into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this time, Cardoza is being held on a $100,000 cash bail, while an investigation remains ongoing. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW HORNELL, N.Y (WETM) A man was arrested on multiple felony charges after a search warrant was served at a storefront in Hornell on Thursday, according to a release from the Hornell Police Department. Nicholas J. Morris, 47, was arrested on Thursday, July 24, on several felony charges including two counts of criminal possession of marijuana in the first degree (class D felony), and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree (class D felony), after a warrant was served by the Hornell Police Department, the release stated. Three arrested after traffic stop, drug investigation in Bath Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, a little after 4 p.m., members from the Hornell Police Department carried out a search warrant issued by Hornell City Court Judge Dave Coddington at a storefront located at 9 Canisteo Square in the City of Hornell, the release explained. Police said during the search, they found over 20 pounds of marijuana, a variety of edible items that contained concentrated cannabis, and other psychedelic drugs. As a result, Morris, later identified as the person who ran the storefront, was charged with the above-listed crimes. Morris was processed in court and released on his own recognizance, the release said. The building was red-tagged, and/or given a stop work order by Hornell city code officers because of the criminal activity listed above, the release explained. Further, Hornell police reached out to the New York State Cannabis Control Board to investigate more, the release stated. The New York State Police also helped throughout the investigation, the release said. Image of marijuana, edible items that contain concentrated cannabis, and other psychedelic drugs that were seized after the search warrant executed on July 24. Credit: Hornell Police Department. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. Man arrested after hours-long police standoff prompted emergency alerts A man has been arrested after an hours-long police standoff prompted emergency alerts to be sent across parts of the region. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] As reported on News Center 7 at 11:00, the emergency alerts were sent to several counties across southwest Ohio, including here in the Miami Valley. People across Montgomery, Greene, Butler, Warren, and Clinton counties got the notifications. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warren County Sheriff Barry Riley told our news partner, WCPO in Cincinnati, that deputies were in the Landen area around noon to execute an arrest warrant. Denzelle Pouncy, 32, has active warrants on charges of strangulation and assault after officers responded to UC West Chester Friday night for reports of an assault, WCPO said. As reported on News Center 7 at 6:00, people living in Greene County got the emergency notification. Riley told WCPO that they believe that a computer glitch, not human error, was the reason for the alert. The dispatcher who sent it out today is one of the most experienced, hardest-working, best dispatchers I know in the business, he said. Not his fault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Riley also told WCPO that Pouncy is on parole and has a long criminal history. This includes involuntary manslaughter, aggravated drug trafficking, weapons charges, and more. We will update this developing story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) A 32-year-old man is facing two kidnapping and attempted rape charges after he allegedly tried to sexually assault two women within an hour. Court documents said about 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, a woman got into a car driven by the suspect, identified as James Holmes, at the bus stop at Main Street and Hamilton Road on Columbus East Side after he offered her a ride. He allegedly asked her about a sex act, and when she refused, the stopped the car and locked the doors. The woman claimed he grabbed her, removed her from the car and pushed her to the ground. He continued to ask about the sex act and, after she refused again, he left, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 5:30 p.m., Holmes picked up a different woman at a gas station at East Livingston Avenue and Alum Creek Drive and made the same requests, per court documents. This victim told police Holmes tried to lift her dress up and asked for 20 minutes to engage in sexual activity. After parking the car, Holmes attempted to open the passenger door, but the victim locked it. He then opened the rear passenger door and threatened her by claiming that he would pull out a gun. Holmes then attempted to sexually assault her, per court records. Both victims identified Holmes, who was later arrested. He is due in court on Friday. Court records said that Holmes faced a kidnapping and rape charge in 2021 and was indicted on them. Complaints and affidavits said he picked up a woman to drive her to a gas station and allegedly raped her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He pleaded not guilty to both and a nolle prosequi was issued to halt the case after prosecutors could not contact a key witness to testify in court. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A man has been charged after allegedly shooting a victim in the head in Lancaster County early this morning. According to the East Lampeter Township Police Department, on July 26 at 2:34 a.m., authorities responded to the 1900 block of Lincoln Highway East for a reported shooting. Upon arrival, police say they encountered an adult victim with a gunshot wound to the head. The victim was immediately transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Upon investigation, authorities say Marquis Angel Aguilera was charged with Criminal Attempt Homicide, Aggravated Assault, Possession of Instruments of a Crime, and Discharging of a Firearm into an Occupied Structure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News Alerts Police say the incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is requested to contact Detective Heather Waltman with the East Lampeter Township Police Department at (717) 291-4676 or submit a tip through Crimewatch. This is believed to be an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the community, per police. This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. State police charged a Pottsville man with terroristic threats and other offenses after he reportedly went into the Turkey Hill in Port Carbon with a pellet gun and later waved it around in front of people outside the store. Meade Roosevelt Bailey, 53, was charged in connection with the May 20 incident at Turkey Hill at 216 Pike St., where police were dispatched for a report of a man waving a handgun around in the parking lot. Police detained Bailey outside his residence near the borough, and he denied being at the Turkey Hill earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police spoke to five victims involved in the incident. One victim told them the suspect walked into the store with the gun in his hand and grabbed a few items for sale, then put the gun on the counter. She refused to serve the suspect, and he left the store, police said. Another victim said he saw Bailey walking around with a gun outside and confronted him to check if he was OK. The defendant became irritated and yelled as he waved the gun around, according to police. The other three victims said they witnessed the man talk to the suspect, and they stayed behind their vehicles when they saw him wave his gun around, police said. All five victims said they thought the handgun was real and they were in fear for their lives, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said video surveillance footage from Turkey Hill showed the suspect walking into the store and putting the gun on the counter. When interviewed by police, Bailey told them the weapon he had been carrying was a pellet gun, according to the police report. Police said they executed a search warrant at the suspects residence and found a gun that matched the description of the weapon he was carrying in the store. It was confirmed to be a pellet handgun, and was seized and placed into evidence, police said. Bailey was charged with five misdemeanor counts each of terroristic threats, reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct. A preliminary arraignment is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Aug. 19 before Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko in Port Carbon. CHICAGO (WGN) The man at the center of Tuesdays standoff at the Dirksen Federal Building downtown has been charged. The Department of Justice said 38-year-old Mario Santoyo of Chicago was charged with possession of a dangerous weapon in a federal facility with intent to use the weapon in the commission of a crime. The charge is punishable by up to five years in federal prison. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Hours-long standoff at Dirksen Federal Building ends, building back open Wednesday Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, July 22, a man now identified as Santoyo walked into the Dirksen Federal Building located on Dearborn Street just before 10:30 a.m. Once inside, Santoyo asked to speak with the FBI about gangsters or gangbangers who were trying to kill him, according to investigators. Authorities said a security guard told Santoyo the FBI does not have an office in the Dirksen Federal Building and said he could not stay in the building if he had no other business there. Thats when Santoyo reportedly pulled out a knife and held it to his throat, threatening to hurt himself. Law enforcement officers arrived and tried to get Santoyo to drop the knife, but he refused, according to officials. Santoyo continued holding the knife to his throat and ended up staying in the lobby of the building for hours, resulting in an hours-long standoff. He was also carrying a dark backpack, but what was inside the backpack remains unknown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former suburban mayor charged (again), this time with forgery Authorities added Santoyos actions prevented others from entering or leaving the building, which was eventually evacuated at around 3 p.m. After nearly nine and a half hours, law enforcement officers tased Santoyo and took him into custody just before 8 p.m. He was then taken to a Chicago hospital for treatment. No other injuries were reported. The FBIs Chicago Field Office sent the following statement on behalf of special agent-in-charge Douglas DePodesta. Federal agents courageously put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe from harm. I remain grateful that this situation resolved without incident, thanks to the heroic efforts of law enforcement professionals, and in particular, the U.S. Marshals Service and the FBIs SWAT and Crisis Negotiations Teams. The dedicated agents who comprise these highly trained teams ensure that when dangerous situations occur, everyone affected has the best probability of returning home safely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Santoyo appeared in federal court Friday afternoon and was ordered to remain in federal custody. A detention hearing has been set for Thursday, July 31 at 11:30 a.m. As I have said before, under my leadership, there will be zero tolerance for violence against federal officials or violence against the important work of the federal government as it is conducted in the Northern District of Illinois, said U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois Andrew Boutros. The defendants actions impeded the due administration of justice in the largest federal courthouse in the country both by square footage as well as the number of federal judges, as it houses the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and the offices of various governmental agencies. The Court Security Officers, Deputy U.S. Marshals, and FBI Special Agents who bravely resolved the situation and took Santoyo into custody deserve our utmost respect and appreciation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PARIS (AP) One person has died after attempting to cross the English Channel from a beach in northern France, local authorities said on Saturday, bringing the death toll this year in the perilous waterway to at least 18. The Pas-de-Calais departments prefecture told The Associated Press that a man was found in cardiac arrest on board a boat which had attempted to reach Britain and then turned back toward French shores. The man was found near Equihen beach, close to the town of Boulogne-sur-mer. He was pronounced dead despite the efforts of firefighters to revive him. An investigation into the cause of his death has been opened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement French media, quoting numbers from France's Interior ministry, said 18 people have died trying to reach Britain by sea since the start of the year. ___ Follow APs global migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration MEDINA, Ohio (WJW) A man on an electric bike has been charged with felonious assault after a series of events escalated in Medina on Friday night. According to a press release, at about 10:37 p.m. on Friday, July 25, officers were dispatched to a residence on Circle Drive for a report of criminal damaging. The caller reported that an individual known to her had smashed the rear window of her vehicle before taking off on foot. Officers who arrived on scene said witnesses reported that the individual involved had been at the residence earlier in the day and had been told to leave the property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trouble-makers force local fair to shut down early Less than ten minutes after the initial call to police, a second call came in around 10:44 p.m. reporting that a male had been shot near the intersection of Baxter Street and Lafayette Road. Officers responded to the scene and found an adult male on the sidewalk, in front of a home, suffering from what they said appeared to be two gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a local trauma center. Officials said he is expected to survive. Shortly after the shooting report, police said, a man returned to the Circle Drive residence on an electric bicycle. Police said the man was injured and covered in blood. He was detained by officers, who also recovered a 9mm handgun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deer poachers ordered to pay nearly $120,000 The man, identified as David J. Oberacker, 33, of Medina, was treated for injuries and later arrested. Police said Oberacker is charged with Felonious Assault (ORC 2903.11A1), a felony of the second degree, for causing serious physical harm to the gunshot victim. According to officials, the arrest followed a coordinated investigation at multiple scenes on Baxter Street and Circle Drive with help from the Medina County Sheriffs Office and Medina Township Police. At this time, police said there are no outstanding suspects; however, detectives are continuing the investigation and are asking anyone with additional information to call the Medina Police Department non-emergency line at (330) 725-7777. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. A carjacking suspect was arrested in Rhode Island late Friday night in connection with a violent incident that occurred earlier in the day in the driveway of a home on the North Shore of Massachusetts, authorities said. David L. Agneta, 46, formerly of Gloucester, is slated to face a judge in the Ocean State on Monday before he is returned to the Bay State to answer to charges including two counts of carjacking and assault and battery on an elderly or disabled person, according to the Newburyport Police Department. Officers responding to a 911 call from a home on High Street in Newburyport just before 3:15 p.m. learned that a 77-year-old man had been attacked in his driveway and shoved to the ground by another man who took off with his car, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The preliminary investigation indicates that the victim had just arrived home and gotten out of his car when he was approached by someone demanding his keys, the police department said in a statement. The suspect took the keys during a violent altercation and stole the vehicle. The victim was treated at the scene by an EMS crew. Agneta was identified as the suspect in the attack after police obtained his description and reviewed surveillance video of the area. Several hours later, police in Exeter, Rhode Island, arrested Agneta on a charge of possession of a stolen motor vehicle. An investigation is ongoing. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW TOPEKA (KSNT) A jury found a second person guilty Friday in a Topeka murder last year. Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay said Lorenzo Pattmon III was found guilty on Friday, July 25 in a jury trial related to the August 2024 homicide of Kyle Higgins. The jury trial started on Monday, July 21. Pattmon was convicted of four felonies: Murder in the fist degree. Flee or attempt to elude law enforcement. Aggravated endangering a child. Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pattmon will remain in custody without bond pending a sentencing hearing to be scheduled later this year. In April, a judge sentenced Rommelo Boatwright to nearly 40 years in prison in connection to Huggins death. He previously pled guilty in January to similar charges. The Topeka Police Department (TPD) was called into action around 4:15 a.m. on Aug. 20, 2024 on reports of an aggravated robbery near the intersection of Southwest 29th Street and Southwest MacVicar Avenue. Police were told a vehicle was stolen that still had a child inside. That child was located near the 3200 block of Southwest Central Park, and was taken to police custody. Law enforcement later arrested Boatwright and Pattmon III after a chase that ended near Southeast 29th Street and Southeast Minnesota Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more crime news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. BRYAN, Texas (FOX 44) A Brazos County man has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child Younger than 14. The Brazos County District Attorneys Office says there is no parole for Obispo Jose Tzoc Garcias offense. He will have to serve the entirety of his sentence. A Brazos County Jury previously rendered their verdict convicting Garcia of the offense on May 21. The 50-year sentence was handed down by 361st District Court Judge David Hilburn after a punishment hearing concluded on July 22. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The D.A.s Office says the jury heard testimony from the victim that Garcia repeatedly sexually abused her over a period of years. A second child also testified that Garcia sexually abused her as well. Both chldren lived in the same household as Garcia during the time the sexual abuse was ongoing. The victim previously reported Garcias sexual abuse in 2021, but then recanted under pressure to do so from her mother and also in the belief that Garcia would stop. The victim was eleven years old at this time. The D.A.s Office says the abuse did not stop, and nearly a year later the victim reported Garcias continued conduct to her teacher, who then called the police. Bryan PD officers responded immediately and rescued all the children from Garcias residence. Garcia was found hiding under a bed while the victims mother lied to police by falsely reporting Garcia was at work. The victims mother had also taken the victims phone in an effort to prevent the victim from contacting police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The D.A.s Office says a sexual assault nurse examiner treated the victim later that same day. Evidence collected during the nurses examination revealed Garcias DNA on the victims breast as a result of the most recent act of sexual abuse committed by Garcia. The child victims have since been adopted, and the victims mother was prosecuted for endangering her children in a separate proceeding where she was sentenced to serve time in a State Jail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44. WINKLER COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- The man responsible for the 2022 murder of 48-year-old Alexis Sanchez Azcuy in Winkler County will spend the rest of his life in prison thanks to collaborative investigative efforts by the Texas Rangers with local, state and federal law enforcement. Alejandro Rodriguez Hernandez, 33, received a life sentence for murder and 20 years for abuse of a corpse by a Winkler County jury on July 16, 2025. In March 2022, the Texas Rangers and the Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigating a missing person case involving Azcuy. Sanchez Azcuy, a commercial vehicle driver from Florida, was reported missing to the Winkler County Sheriffs Office after his truck was found abandoned in the area. His last known contact with family was just a few days prior to the discovery of his vehicle. In the months that followed, investigators found Sanchez Azcuys remains scattered across Winkler County and Lea County, New Mexico. Investigators said it was clear he had been murdered and that his killer dismembered his body. Cell phone data and DNA collected during the investigation identified Alejandro Rodriguez Hernandez as a suspect in Azcuys case. He was arrested in Hobbs, NM on July 11, 2022, initially for tampering with evidence. Later, as investigators continued reviewing evidence in the case, Rodriguez Hernandez was charged with Sanchez Azcuys murder and abuse of a corpse. He was subsequently extradited to Texas for trial. Thanks to the strong partnerships the Texas Department of Public Safety has at the local, state and federal level, Ramon Alejandro Rodriguez Hernandez wont be a threat to the public ever again, said DPS West Texas Region Chief Jose Sanchez. Alexis Sanchez Azcuys case is a testament to the Texas Rangers commitment to bringing justice to victims and their families and putting violent criminals in jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice has finally been delivered, and the message rings loud and clear-Violent crime will NEVER have a place in our communities, said FBI El Paso Special Agent in Charge John Morales. Ramon Alejandro Rodriguez Hernandez was sentenced to life in prison plus 20 years for the cold-blooded murder and dismemberment of his victim. In a barbaric act committed out of greed and followed by horrifying cruelty, Hernandez scattered the remains across the West Texas region, believing he could evade justice. Thanks to the relentless, tireless work of our FBI agents in the Midland Resident Agency and our committed partners with the Texas Rangers, Hernandez was found, prosecuted, and guaranteed to never harm another person in our community again. The FBI will never stop pursuing those who threaten our communities safety. We will stand with victims and their families, no matter how long it takes, and the FBI will crush violent crime-decisively, relentlessly, and together. The 109th District Attorneys office is pleased that justice was served on Ramon Rodriguez-Hernandez, Amanda Navarette Alexis Sanchez Azcuy was brutally murdered and dismembered, his family had to endure months of distress while he was missing and navigate the long process of the identification of his remains. After two years of waiting, the family was finally able to put Alexis Sanchez Azcuy to rest. The Winkler County jurors were swift in returning their verdict and sentence in this case, sending a clear message that violent, heinous crimes will not be tolerated. We want to recognize the extensive investigation and efforts of the FBI and Texas Rangers that helped bring this case to a successful outcome. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) A man has been hospitalized following a shooting that happened in the Lower Ninth Ward neighborhood of New Orleans on Friday July 25. According to the New Orleans Police Department, police began responding to the shooting, which occurred in the 6100 block of Saint Claude Avenue, shortly before 4:25 p.m. Slidell-area shooting leaves victim in critical condition On scene, a man was found having been shot at least one time. He was taken by New Orleans EMS to a local hospital for treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No further information was provided. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO. DENVER (KDVR) The man accused of breaking into the Colorado Supreme Court building on Jan. 2, 2024, pleaded guilty Friday to one count of arson. Brandon Olson was accused of breaking into the building after a two-car crash in the early morning hours nearby. He reportedly shot out a window on the first floor of the building, known as the Ralph L. Carr Judicial Center on East 14th Avenue, and entered the building. Trump Administration unlocks funding: millions returned to Colorado classrooms Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once inside, Olson held an unarmed security guard with the Colorado State Patrol Capitol Security Unit at gunpoint and demanded access to other areas of the building, eventually taking the guards master key to the building and accessing an unknown number of floors. Eventually, Olson made his way to the seventh floor and fired shots inside the building. He also started a fire in a stairwell during the nearly two-hour excursion in the building. The stairwell fire caused the buildings fire suppression system to kick on, running for about two hours and leaving ankle-deep water on one floor with water damage to the floors below. Its taken years to repair the damage he caused and return government agencies and employees to their original offices, said Denver District Attorney John Walsh in a post on X. Olson has now pled guilty to the most serious charge against him: arson. A guilty plea that will ensure hes held accountable for his actions. Inside the Judicial Center (Colorado Office of Personnel and Administration) Inside the Judicial Center (Colorado Office of Personnel and Administration) Inside the Judicial Center (Colorado Office of Personnel and Administration) A Colorado Judicial Branch release from Jan. 12, 2024, said that the buildings fifth, sixth and seventh floors would need to be substantially rebuilt from scratch, but damage was found in the building all the way in the basement. The cost to repair the damage was expected to surpass $35 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The states risk management funds paid the first $1 million in damage, then multiple insurance agencies were slated to cover the rest of the liability, according to a Denver city release. Free on Your TV New FOX31+ App for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV Olson is scheduled to be sentenced for his guilty plea on Dec. 12 and faces up to 14 years in prison. He also agreed to pay restitution, but the amount has not yet been determined by the court. The building finally reopened in October last year in phases. In addition to the water damage, the buildings HVAC unit circulated smoke throughout the building, which required substantial industrial hygienic cleaning, according to a Colorado Judicial Branch release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Carr building is home to the Colorado Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and Judicial Learning Center. The damage was found in the office tower, and the courts were largely not impacted. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) An Oregon City man who was convicted of raping two children and sexually assaulting a dog was sentenced on Thursday. Edward Jones was sentenced to 40 years in prison after being found guilty of the multiple instances of sexual abuse and possessing a huge trove of child pornography, the Clackamas County District Attorneys Office said. I-5 project moving forward despite funding snafus Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims are now 15 and 12. The sexual abuse of the younger child began at age three to four years old, the DAs office said. Investigators discovered more than 10,000 images of child pornography in Jones possession including a video of him having sex with the older victim. The mother of the two children was allegedly aware of the sexual abuse. After being charged with two counts of first-degree criminal mistreatment last month, she has a pending court case against her, officials said. As for Jones, he pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree rape, two counts of second-degree rape, first- and second-degree sodomy, two counts of sexually assaulting an animal and three counts of first-degree encouraging sexual abuse of a child. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A young man was flown to the hospital with spinal injuries after police say he jumped off a boat and struck his head near a beach on the North Shore of Massachusetts on Friday. Emergency crews responding to a report of a person who dove off a boat, struck his head, and suffered a serious injury off Crane Estate in Ipswich just after 5 p.m. learned that a man in his 20s was undergoing life-saving care on Steep Hill Beach, Ipswich Police Chief Paul Nikas and Ipswich Fire Chief Paul Parisi said in a joint news release. When crews arrived at the beach, they learned that he had suffered acute spinal injuries and called for a Boston MedFlight helicopter, according to Nikas and Parisi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The helicopter landed on the beach, where firefighters and EMS personnel treated the conscious man, who was then flown to Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington for additional care. Parisi credited Crane Beach personnel with pulling the man from the water and performing life-saving measures that likely averted a fatality. The incident remains under investigation. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW LINDEN, Texas (KETK) The Linden Police Department arrested a man wanted on three warrants for burglary out of Bowie County after a short pursuit on Friday morning. AFFIDAVIT: Stabbing over money, truck keys at Cherokee County Texaco leads to arrest Mugshot of Jaquavian Williams, courtesy of Cass County Jail. Linden PD said a patrol unit started a traffic stop on a silver Hyundai Elantra travelling 66 miles-per-hour in a 55 mile-per-hour zone of U.S. Highway 59 at around 8:30 a.m. in Linden on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the department, the vehicle continued south on U.S. 59 before stopping at the Linden Fuel Center. The driver and a passenger were contacted and identified themselves after officials said the passenger initially provided false identifying information. The Linden PD officers learned that the passenger, Jaquavion Williams, was wanted for two warrants for burglary of a building and an additional warrant for burglary of a habitation in Bowie County, the department reported. The officers went to arrest Williams but he fled across U.S. Highway 59 and into a field. Then, Linden PD said a brief pursuit occurred before Williams was arrested in the backyard of a home on Dogwood Street. Williams was booked into the Cass County Jail for failure to identify as a fugitive, evading arrest or detention and the three Bowie County warrants. Cass County Jail records show Williams is currently being held on a total bond of $10,000. You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. MANCHESTER, Conn. (WTNH) A man is facing multiple public indecency charges after police say he exposed himself on two separate occasions, according to Manchester police. Nicholas Dizon On Friday at around 9:30 a.m., police said Nickholas Dizon, 26, of Manchester, exposed himself and made inappropriate comments while following a female victim through Center Springs Park. The victim sought safety and assistance at a nearby business on Main Street, and later reported the incident to police. Dizon left the area before officials arrived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A second report about a man exposing himself came from an employee at the Hungry Tiger Cafe and Restaurant on Oak Street at around 4:30 p.m. Police said the employee confronted Dizon and told him to leave after witnessing him exposing himself outside of the business. Dizon was later apprehended a short distance away at CVS Pharmacy. He is being held on $250,000 bond and facing two counts of breach of peace in the second degree, two counts of public indecency, stalking in the second degree, and interfering with police. Police say the investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be assigned. Anyone with information on the investigation is asked to call Manchester police at 860-645-5500. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dizon will be arraigned at the Manchester Superior Court on Monday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. Lord Mandelson called Jeffrey Epstein my best pal in a birthday message, according to reports. The Labour grandee, Britains ambassador to the United States, is alleged to have written the message for a birthday album put together for the paedophile financiers 50th birthday in 2003. Recent reports have rocked Washington amid claims that Donald Trump, the US president, and Bill Clinton, the former president, also sent letters for the album. Mr Trump fiercely denied the claims, while Mr Clinton has not commented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter from Lord Mandelson, in which he called Epstein my best pal, featured photographs of a tropical island and whiskey, according to The Wall Street Journal. The album is said to have been examined by the justice department when it investigated the paedophile, who was charged with sex trafficking in 2019 and later killed himself in his Manhattan prison cell. It marks an embarrassing development for Lord Mandelson both in the US, where high-profile figures are under pressure over their association with Epstein, and in Britain, where Sir Keir Starmer has previously been urged to sever ties with the ambassador over the relationship. A spokesman for Lord Mandelson declined to comment on the allegations. Dinner parties and shopping trips Epstein appeared to maintain a particularly close relationship with Lord Mandelson, whom he affectionately referred to as Petie, according to court documents released two years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2002 New York Magazine article listed Lord Mandelson as a dinner-party guest at Epsteins Manhattan home, along with Mr Trump and Mr Clinton. Photographs have shown Lord Mandelson and Epstein shopping for clothes in the Caribbean in 2005, in which the former Cabinet minister tries on a white leather belt, and celebrating a birthday at the financiers Paris apartment in 2007. Earlier this year, Lord Mandelson claimed the media had an obsession about his relationship with the paedophile. He said: I regret ever meeting him or being introduced to him by his partner, Ghislaine Maxwell. I regret even more the hurt he caused to many young women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added: Im not going to go into this. Its an obsession and frankly you can all f--- off. Ok? Mr Trump is under mounting pressure to release all the documents held by the US government on Epstein. So far, his administration has refused to do so despite calls for transparency by some of the presidents closest allies, splitting his support base in the process. A pal is a wonderful thing For the birthday album, Mr Trump reportedly sent a letter imagining a cryptic conversation with his then-friend in which he said they had certain things in common and featured a drawing of a nude woman in permanent marker. Mr Trump also reportedly wrote enigmas never age and ended the message with the words: A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday and may every day be another wonderful secret. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president has denied writing or sending the letter and is suing The Wall Street Journal for defamation over the report. However, Mr Trumps name is listed among dozens of Epsteins acquaintances who were asked to contribute birthday messages for the album, The New York Times reported. A White House spokesman described the story as fake news. Mr Clinton is said to have praised Epsteins childlike curiosity in a birthday message to the paedophile in 2003. A spokesman declined to comment to the newspaper. Democrats in Congress have written to the Epstein estates executors asking for an un-redacted copy of the album. Its existence and contents have not been independently verified by The Telegraph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brad Edwards, a lawyer for hundreds of Epsteins victims, said on Thursday: I know the executors of the estate are in possession of that book. 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. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Mark Ian Cook won the title Mangrove Photographer of the Year with his image 'Birds' eye view of the hunt' which shows an aerial view of a flock of bright pink roseate spoonbills. | Credit: Mark Ian Cook As the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem approaches, the Mangrove Action Project (MAP) has announced the winners of the 2025 Mangrove Photography Awards. This annual global competition uses the power of photography to raise awareness, inspire action, and connect people to one of the planet's most vital and overlooked ecosystems. The winning images visualize urgent action. They explore the relationships between people, wildlife, and mangroves, highlighting the fragile balance of life in these coastal forests. Despite global restoration efforts, mangroves are disappearing. Half of the world's mangrove ecosystems could collapse by 2025, threatened by deforestation, urban development, aquaculture, and climate change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The aerial shot, Bird's Eye View of the Hunt, earned Mark Ian Cook the title Mangrove Photographer of the Year. The image shows spoonbills flying across the Everglades one of the last remaining flocks in a region where rising sea levels now threaten their survival. Leo Thom, MAPs Creative Director and founder of the awards, says, By intriguing people about the important role mangroves play in everyone's lives, we want to instill an emotional and deeper connection for people to take action. Let's explore the stories and messages behind some of the winning images. To discover more of the awarded works, visit the Mangrove Action Project's website. Threats Paradise Buried | Credit: Tom Quinney Winner Paradise Buried by Tom Quinney, Indonesia, Southeast Asia Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tom shot this image using a Nikon Z8 paired with a 180-600mm telephoto lens to compress the layers he saw. Tom shares, "Not far from Balis airport and tourist beaches, I came across this mountain of waste towering behind one of the islands struggling mangrove forests. "Young shoots rise while dead trunks mark where others failed. The scene is a quiet warningof resilience under threat and of what lies just out of frame in paradise. I took this photo to show the uneasy edge where mass tourism, urban waste, and vital ecosystems collide." Landscape Mangrove Under the Milky Way | Credit: Gwi Bin Lim Winner, Category: On the Ground Mangrove Under the Milky Way by Gwi Bin Lim, Indonesia, Southeast Asia "This is Walakiri Beach. Not long after sunset, a breathtaking view of the Milky Way unfolded overhead. It's pristine where you can experience the spectacular night sky in all its glory." People Mangrove Honey Bees Make Land | Credit: Ian Rock Winner, Category: People, Conservation and Restoration Mangrove Honey Bees Make Land by Ian Rock, Costa Rica, Central America Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ian captured the Terraba-Sierpe National Wetland, the largest mangrove forest in Costa Rica. He explains, "For the local communities that live in this wetland, one of the poorest regions in Costa Rica, their primary source of income comes from fishing. Sadly fish and clam populations are declining from overfishing, loss of habitat, and climate change putting economic pressure on the communities. "The community members are working with a Costa Rican branding agency to develop their Mangrove Honey brand. Eventually the honey will be available commercially, first in the local lodges and shops of the Osa Peninsula and then further around Costa Rica. The honey is delicious and unique, with a distinct salty sweet flavor. "Ideally in the future, this project has ripple effects, creating even more opportunities for a community with limited options, opportunities that are dependent on a prospering mangrove ecosystem rather than an over-harvested one. A resilient people and a resilient ecosystem." Underwater Low tide on hermit crab island | Credit: Alex Pike Winner Low tide on hermit crab island by Alex Pike, Australia, Australia and Oceania Alex shares, "While Clibanarius taeniatus is one of Australia's more common hermit crab species, very little is known about it and I'm not sure it even has a common name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A study from 2003 found that its presence in large numbers generally indicates an environment that experiences higher freshwater flow than other marine intertidal regions. This is certainly true of the mangrove island I found at the entrance of Lake Macquarie which was absolutely teeming with these creatures. I visited this island at both low and high tides, and at low tide there were literally thousands of C.taeniatus feeding within the matrix of mangrove roots." Young Photographer Credit: Nicholas Hess Winner Crocodile Galaxy by Nicholas Hess, United States, North America Nicholas explains that he oped to capture the shot for the past 4 years living in Florida. "Never whilst visiting this site did I get the chance before. But this day the stars literally aligned. At 2 AM, the Milky Way rose behind not one, but two crocodiles conducting some courting behavior. "Seeing my opportunity I set up my tripod to utilize a long exposure to capture the Milky Way in my image. I then used a flash to freeze the crocodiles subtle movement. After perfecting my settings, I shot a few images as the female appeared to circle the male and below. This one turned out to be my favorite." You might like... If you are into aerial photography, you might want to check our guide to the best drones for aerial photography and video, along with the best cheap drones and best drones for beginners. Authorities in New Orleans are searching for a man with a "violent criminal history," who was mistakenly released from a jail where 10 inmates escaped earlier this year. Khalil Bryan, 30, was released from the Orleans Parish Jail on Friday in what authorities refer to as "human error," after he was confused with another inmate with a similar last name, according to Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson. I want to make a sincere apology to the people of New Orleans. The mistaken release of Khalil Bryan was a serious error, and as sheriff, I take full responsibility, Hutson told reporters at a press conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It comes just over two months after the escape of 10 inmates from the same jail on May 16. While eight were recaptured relatively quickly by authorities, one evaded police until June, and the final inmate remains at large. Khalil Bryan, 30, was released from the Orleans Justice Center Friday due to a human error. He is now considered a fugitive (Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office) On Friday, Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick of the New Orleans Police Department, addressed Bryan directly, telling him that he was a fugitive. Even though it was a mistaken release from custody, you are on notice. You are a fugitive, Kirkpatrick said. I'm going to ask that you turn yourself in. You and others who may be harboring him at this moment will be subject to prosecution yourself, because you are on notice. Mr Bryan is a fugitive at this point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Explaining how Bryans release was possible, Hutson explained the mishap stemmed from a clerical misidentification where he was confused with another individual sharing a similar last name. Prior to his mistaken release, Bryan was being held on charges including possession of stolen property, drug paraphernalia and resisting an officer. Members of the public are warned not to approach him (Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office) While our systems are designed to catch these discrepancies, human error led to a breakdown in the verification process, she said. Hutson added that an internal investigation had been launched and the Parish Sheriffs Office was working with all relevant partners to locate Bryan. I want the public to know this should not have happened, she said. It was a failure of internal processes, and the public has every right to expect better. Hutson added that disciplinary action would be forthcoming. Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson apologized to the people of New Orleans over the mistake. The mistaken release of Khalil Bryant was a serious error, and as sheriff, I take full responsibility, Hutson told reporters at a press conference Friday (WDSU) Prior to his mistaken release, Bryan was being held on charges including possession of stolen property, drug paraphernalia and resisting an officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has an active warrant for aggravated assault with a firearm, domestic abuse, child endangerment and home invasion, as well as a "violent criminal history," including aggravated burglary, aggravated assault with a weapon and aggravated criminal damage to property, Kirkpatrick said. Anyone with information about Bryans whereabouts are urged to call police and authorities warn he should not be approached. MANSFIELD, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Two years after a babys death in Mansfield, a man has pleaded guilty to murder. Rodger Sorg, now 26, was arrested in August 2023 after the death of 3-month-year-old Kyzer Fry. The infants mother called police after finding her son unresponsive. Investigators say Fry and two other children were under Sorgs care at the time. The Mansfield Police Department requested assistance from Arkansas State Police, who later arrested Sorg on a charge of first-degree murder. He initially pleaded not guilty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas man accused of fatal high-speed pursuit deemed unfit to stand trial On July 18, 2025, Sorg entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder. According to court records, Sorg was sentenced to 25 years in prison with three years suspended. He received credit for 711 days already served in jail and has been ordered not to contact the victims family. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. Sgt. Cole Hoppert perched in the back of a V-22 Osprey earlier this month, zipping through the air somewhere off the East Coast as he dumped little parachutes from cream-colored tubes out of the aircraft's rear ramp and into the water below. A weapons and tactics instructor with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 out of North Carolina, Hoppert had never before employed the nearly 40-pound "sonobuoys," expendable sensors designed to detect underwater sounds emitted from enemy submarines. His unit's participation in the naval integration exercise this month -- dubbed Atlantic Alliance 2025 -- signaled a notable progression in the Marine Corps' involvement in anti-submarine warfare, or ASW, a more than century-old concept the service is embracing alongside the Navy for modern conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read Next: His Body Was Stuffed in a Closet for 8 Months. Now Marine Vet Will Get a Military Funeral. "ASW is not a standard mission or even talking point," Maj. Sean Penczak, the executive officer for VMM-162, with nearly 13 years of experience on the Osprey, said in an interview with Military.com on Friday. "This is the first time I've really heard about it, discussed it and done it." Nearly five years ago, then-commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. David Berger wrote that Marines would start helping the Navy fight submarines. He said that Chinese and Russian submarine capabilities continued to grow, and the Arctic and Pacific theaters were becoming increasingly important to fighting them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The undersea fight will be so critical in the High North and in the western Pacific that the Marine Corps must be part of it," he wrote in 2020. "Anti-submarine warfare is not just submarine versus submarine -- it is a fleetwide effort." During the Global War on Terrorism, the Marine Corps had largely shifted its focus away from those regions, especially the Arctic, but to Berger, it became evident that an amphibious force having spent 20 years concentrated on the Middle East needed to grow closer to its Navy counterpart, even during missions beneath the sea's surface. Years after Berger's charge, that effort is growing, and while other Marine squadrons have participated in ASW missions as long ago as 2022, officials told Military.com that the latest exercise marked a pivotal moment for the Corps' partnership with the Navy fighting against submarines. "I'd say we've reached an inflection point. We're no longer just exploring whether the Marine Corps can contribute to the undersea fight. We're operationalizing how they contribute and folding that into theater-level tactics," Navy Capt. Bill Howey, the director of maritime operations for Submarine Group Two, a unit out of Virginia that participated in the exercise, told Military.com in an emailed statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The MV-22 isn't here to replace traditional platforms; it brings a unique capability that enhances the fight," he added, noting that the process will continue to evolve and be refined. "With its speed, range and payload capacity, it's well-suited for distributing sensors and expanding undersea awareness, especially when other assets are committed or operating farther forward." ASW isn't part of the Osprey's primary mission set and Marines don't historically train for it, officials said. And while the aircraft is one of the Corps' key modes to quickly deploy Marines on beachheads, that doesn't mean it can't help kill subs. "It's very similar to some of the other missions that the V-22 already supports," Hoppert said. "The closest one would be battlefield illumination, which is where we would throw a battlefield illum flare out the back -- it's very similar to that." Mark Cancian, a retired Marine colonel and senior adviser with the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank, said that ASW is "pretty high" on the list of important functions for the military, and also noted that the Atlantic theater, where this exercise took place, is well equipped to thwart "arguably the most dangerous part of the Russian Navy" -- submarines -- given the U.S.-allied presence there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Russia would be hard pressed to get a lot of submarines out into the Atlantic," he said. "In the Pacific, it's trickier, because the Chinese have a lot of submarines, typically not as sophisticated, but they are closer to their home bases, and their ability to challenge the United States in all domains is much greater." Cancian said that, in the grand scheme of the Marine Corps' repertoire, "it's still an adjunct function for Marine aviation, useful potentially, but an adjunct function. You can tell that the Marine Corps will be really serious when it starts modifying aircraft for this mission, and I haven't seen any indication of that yet." Penczak said that the planning for the exercise began months in advance and included collaboration with the Office of Naval Research, which studies advancements in naval warfare. He said that there was frequent communication with ONR to give and receive feedback about the new mission. Preparation included classes, understanding what the Navy needed for that type of mission, and working out how Marines and their aircraft would organize in support of ASW. Several Ospreys deployed for the mission with their respective pilots, a communications Marine and two to three crew chiefs like Hoppert managing the deployment of the sonobuoys over multiple days of training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At the end of the day, the ASW evolution was an exceptional opportunity," Penczak said. "It executed exceptionally well, and I wouldn't foresee any issues for another VMM being tasked to go support one of these vignettes, to have any issues going out to execute." While carrying the tubes was "pretty physically demanding," it wasn't anything the crew chiefs couldn't handle, Hoppert said, and they were "able to spread the workload pretty evenly" as they rotated responsibilities between ASW work and their usual aircraft responsibilities. "It's the same principles behind it," he added, alluding to other Osprey missions when asked how he would advise another crew chief embarking on the ASW mission for the first time. "So don't overthink it. It's pretty similar." Related: As Corps Gets Stretched Thin by Mounting Missions, Top Enlisted Leader Focused on Basics for Marines As the Jeffrey Epstein files continue to dominate headlines in Washington, Maryland Democrats are hoping to seize an opportunity to ramp up pressure on President Donald Trump. This week, three of the states House members joined dozens of their colleagues on both sides of the aisle in sponsoring legislation related to Epstein, the disgraced financier and convicted sex trafficker who died in prison in 2019. Epstein had a relationship with many powerful figures such as Trump, former President Bill Clinton and British Prince Andrew all of whom were listed in flight logs released in New York last year. Reps. Johnny Olszewski and Jamie Raskin were among the 34 congressmen who co-sponsored House Resolution 581, a measure that would give Attorney General Pam Bondi 30 days to release nearly all unclassified files related to the federal investigation of Epstein, his girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell and their known associates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a news release Tuesday, Olszewski said Republicans who campaigned on Epstein transparency should welcome the opportunity to end the speculation once and for all. President Trump and his extreme conservatives have doubled and tripled down on Epstein conspiracy theories for years, but now claim theres nothing to see,' Olszewski said. If thats the case, they should have no problem releasing these files for the American public to evaluate. Olszewski and Rep. Kweisi Mfume, who together represent all of Baltimore City, were two of the 18 lawmakers who co-sponsored House Resolution 4405, also known as the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Derived from the aforementioned resolution, this bill has just one Republican sponsor, Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie a libertarian-minded deficit hawk whom Trump has threatened to primary. Democrats had tried to force Republicans to vote on the issue for weeks until Wednesday, when three GOP members of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Federal Law Enforcement backed Pennsylvania Rep. Summer Lees motion to subpoena the Department of Justice for the release of Epstein documents. A vote before the entire House will have to wait until lawmakers return from their summer recess. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mfumes chief of staff, Allegra Carson, told The Baltimore Sun Thursday that the congressman supports Lees motion to subpoena the DOJ. Mfume, who serves on the separate House Oversight Subcommittee on Government Operations, thanked Tennessee Republican Rep. Tim Burchett for introducing a similar resolution during a hearing Tuesday. Katharine Wilson contributed to this article. Have a news tip? Contact Carson Swick at cswick@baltsun.com. As the Jeffrey Epstein files continue to dominate headlines in Washington, Maryland Democrats are hoping to seize an opportunity to ramp up pressure on President Donald Trump. This week, three of the states House members joined dozens of their colleagues on both sides of the aisle in sponsoring legislation related to Epstein, the disgraced financier and convicted sex trafficker who died in prison in 2019. Epstein had a relationship with many powerful figures such as Trump, former President Bill Clinton and British Prince Andrew all of whom were listed in flight logs released in New York last year. Reps. Johnny Olszewski, D-Md., and Jamie Raskin, D-Md., were among the 34 lawmakers who co-sponsored House Resolution 581, a measure that would give Attorney General Pam Bondi 30 days to release nearly all unclassified files related to the federal investigation of Epstein, his girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell and their known associates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a news release Tuesday, Olszewski said Republicans who campaigned on Epstein transparency should welcome the opportunity to end the speculation once and for all. President Trump and his extreme conservatives have doubled and tripled down on Epstein conspiracy theories for years, but now claim theres nothing to see,' Olszewski said. If thats the case, they should have no problem releasing these files for the American public to evaluate. Olszewski and Rep. Kweisi Mfume, D-Md., who together represent all of Baltimore City, were two of the 18 lawmakers who co-sponsored House Resolution 4405, also known as the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Derived from the aforementioned resolution, this bill has just one Republican sponsor, Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie a libertarian-minded deficit hawk whom Trump has threatened to primary. Democrats had tried to force Republicans to vote on the issue for weeks until Wednesday, when three GOP members of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Federal Law Enforcement backed Pennsylvania Rep. Summer Lees motion to subpoena the Department of Justice for the release of Epstein documents. A vote before the entire House will have to wait until lawmakers return from their summer recess. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mfumes chief of staff, Allegra Carson, told The Baltimore Sun Thursday that the congressman supports Lees motion to subpoena the DOJ. Mfume, who serves on the separate House Oversight Subcommittee on Government Operations, thanked Tennessee Republican Rep. Tim Burchett for introducing a similar resolution during a hearing Tuesday. (Katharine Wilson contributed to this article.) At least 13 people have died so far due to heat-related illnesses in Maryland during this years heat season, up from this time last year, according to a report sent to the Baltimore Sun from the Maryland Department of Health. In 2024, there were 27 heat-related deaths across the state, according to reports from the state Department of Health. By late July last year, 11 people had died. During Marylands heat season, which the department defines as May through September, there have already been 1,008 EMS calls and 1,129 emergency department or urgent care visits related to heat-related illness in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite two more months of heat season, Maryland is close to meeting last years total number of emergency department or urgent care visits due to heat, which was 1,206 in 2024. Heat illness is certainly an under-recognized, under-appreciated threat, and it can have real consequences, said David Gatz, the associate medical director of the Adult Emergency Department at the University of Maryland Medical Center. What is heat illness? Children, seniors and people with chronic illnesses are most susceptible to heat illness, Gatz said, but anyone can be at risk if put in high-heat environments. The lowest level of heat illness is heat exhaustion, which occurs when water and salt are depleted, typically from being outside and sweating. This can make people feel that theyre going to pass out, their heart is beating faster or they feel nauseous, according to Cheyenne Falat, the assistant medical director of the Adult Emergency Department at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this stage, Falat said, getting hydrated, moving away from the heat and cooling the body can usually be enough to prevent serious illness. Moderate heat illness can include heat rash, swelling typically in the legs and heat cramps and brief fainting, Falat said. The most severe level of heat illness is heat stroke, which impacts the neurological system. Falat said looking out for any changes like slurred speech, difficulties with fine motor skills, and being unsteady could be signs to head to see a medical professional as soon as possible. The earlier you can recognize it and intervene, the more you can prevent it from transitioning to that next stage, Falat said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recognizing when heat illness is severe enough to warrant a trip to the hospital is challenging, however, Gatz said, but the most important step is listening to your body. To prevent heat illness, Falat and Gatz recommend attempting not to over-exert, applying sunscreen, hydrating and limiting time exposed to extreme temperatures. Heat in the workplace Heat illness and heat-related deaths in Maryland have become top-of-mind for employers due to a new law requiring workplaces with high heat indexes to educate their employees on heat illness as well as provide water and frequent breaks. The 2024 death of Baltimore City Department of Public Works trash collector Ronald Silver also ignited conversations in the region about monitoring the health of people working during high heat indexes. The Maryland Department of Labor has not received any notifications of heat-related deaths at workplaces this year, a spokesperson for the department told The Sun. Maryland Occupational Safety and Health, part of the state labor department, has received reports of heat-related concerns that are being investigated, the spokesperson said, but did not specify the number of complaints. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AFSCME Maryland Council 3 a union representing state, municipal and county employees in Maryland, of which Silver was a member has also not heard any reports of heat-related deaths at workplaces in the state. Still, leaders do have concerns over a lack of heat safety plans from some of their employers, according to a union spokesperson. The plans are required under the heat safety standards, which became law in September 2024. Have a news tip? Contact Katharine Wilson at kwilson@baltsun.com. James Koutnik said in his letter on July 20, "Real threat to our democracy is rhetoric aimed at law enforcement," that ICE agents deport individuals who have violated laws in their home countries. While this may be true, by the sheer number of recent arrests, I hope all the transgressions were truly egregious, as, in my book, those should be who they concentrate on. Many of our immigrants are fleeing countries run by dictators where some laws deny people rights we take for granted. Remember the college student who visited North Korea and eventually lost his life after attempting to steal a poster? Thats just one example. So I say, if they haven't violated laws in America, we need to evaluate what they did elsewhere and help them out if they deserve amnesty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Letters: Writer wrong to equate ICE law enforcement officers with Nazi's Gestapo Koutnik also writes that "real change must come through the democratic process, creating legislation, not by inciting violence." Has he already forgotten that we tried that and had a bill with bipartisan support after former President Joe Biden pressured Congress to update immigration laws? But after then candidate Donald Trump pressured his cronies in Congress, the bill was killed. Is it any wonder people are turning to violence against masked ICE agents? Beth Huizenga, Waukesha Letters: Work of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement essential for Wisconsin Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Letters: As woman of faith, story on Latino churches broke my heart. Migrants demonized. Our own government hunting families and tearing them apart I fear were living in a time where the government is hunting families and tearing them apart. Parents send their legal (for now) kids on grocery runs in lieu of going themselves and risking deportation. An ICE raid conducted at a farmers market in Pennsylvania shows their fears to be well founded. Mothers are being snatched from their children. ICE officers disguised in civilian outfits are ambushing whoever they can find, seemingly to pad their detainment stats. In some cases, theyre kidnapping American citizens, keeping them far past what should be legally permissible and releasing them only after public pressure is applied. Right outside our doorsteps, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested for reportedly aiding an immigrant in avoiding ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What the government aims to do is instill fear into the immigrant community and anybody who dares help them out. Unfortunately, these threats seem to only be getting more intensive and expansive. We as a collective community need to embrace and aid our most marginalized. If not for compassionate reasons, we must do it for selfish ones. History has taught us that this intimidation may not end with immigrants, so we must protect our neighbors. Ruben Penate, West Allis Letters: 'We the people' are the only guardrails left to save our democracy Letters: US policies and weapons created lethal conditions in El Salvador during 1980s Having ICE agents snatch people reminiscent of Nazi Germany James Koutnik in his letter, Real threat to our democracy is rhetoric aimed at law enforcement, chastised Jerry Hanson for stating we the people are the only guiderails left to save our democracy (July 20). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hanson remains one of the few voices of reason and a lot of us are relieved to hear this. Koutnik likes to believe that ICE enforces immigration laws passed by Congress. That used to be true. They are now thugs in masks and unmarked cars carrying out the whims of a unscrupulous president refusing to follow our Constitution. Opinion: A Fourth of July list of grievances from overworked, unrepresented America They are not deporting individuals who have violated laws 'back home,' but simply immigrants who may simply have brown or black skin. ICE agents have also grabbed American citizens simply by how they look. There is no attempt to confirm whether this is someone who might be here illegally. Individuals with green cards, work permits, students who are simply attending college, are all picked up and thrown into prison or deported regardless of the danger to themselves and their children. What has become evident is that President Donald Trump is not focused on individuals who have committed crimes but simply anyone who is not white. Individuals who are immigrants are paying taxes and Social Security not with stolen identities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yes, unfortunately the behavior of these individuals is reminiscent of Nazi Germany. All of us, and our family members, were once immigrants who were illegal for a time. Karen Coy Romano, Shorewood 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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: ICE is detaining American citizens based only on skin color | Letters BOSTON (WWLP) A Plymouth man has been sentenced to prison for cyberstalking over a dozen Massachusetts women across 16 years, two of whom were minors when the harassment began. Springfield Biomass plant faces renewed opposition Charging documents stated that 37-year-old James Florence Jr. of Plymouth began creating in-depth online harassment campaigns as early as 2008 and continuing into 2024, targeting women he knew personally. Florence reportedly used 62 online accounts to impersonate and abuse the victims across almost 30 digital platforms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through these acts, Florence stole photos from the online accounts of friends, loved ones, and acquaintances, digitally altering them to make the women appear nude or engaged in sexual conduct. He would then post the altered images publicly, sharing the victims names, addresses, and other public information. Collage of photos of victims posted online by Florence. Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Justice. Online chat with Florence operating an account posing as one of his victims. Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Justice. On numerous occasions, Florence created social media accounts designed to appear as if they were run by the victims themselves, as well as hacking the victims personal accounts to access more of their private content. When publishing doctored photos and personal information of the victims, he would often urge others to humiliate, degrade, and expose them. Law enforcement searched Florences residence in Plymouth in September 2024 and discovered the following items: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of pairs of womens underwear and socks stolen from his victims A custom phone case with an image of one of his victims At least 11 digital wallpapers of his victims on his phone At least one photo of a victim taken when she was a minor 62 images and four videos of child sexual abuse material depicting minors approximately eight and 15 years old Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Justice. Court filings further stated that Florence worked as an Information Technology Professional for ten years at MIT Lincoln Laboratory and had a DoD secret clearance. He was able to use his expertise to hide his online identity and evade police for an extended period of time. Florence was arrested in September 2024 and has since remained in custody. In April 2025, he pleaded guilty to seven counts of cyberstalking and one count of possession of child pornography. On Wednesday, Florence was sentenced in federal court in Boston to nine years in prison, followed by ten years of supervised release. James Florence Jr. is a serial cyber stalker who led a double life, weaponizing modern technology to debase, destroy, and traumatize more than a dozen women, many of whom were family and close friends, for over a decade, said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, Boston Division. What he did was sickening, demented, and cruel, and hell now pay for it with his freedom. Cyberstalking is a serious crime, and you can be sure the FBI will work to unmask and bring to justice anyone who uses todays technology in such a despicable way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you or someone you know is a victim of cyberstalking, you are urged to visit the Office for Victims of Crime. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. There are still more than 100 prizes worth $100,000 and two $15 million grand prizes in an almost year-old $30 scratch ticket game after someone in Massachusetts claimed a $100,000 prize Friday. The $100,000 prize was from Diamond Deluxe, a game released in September 2024. Fifty-eight of the $100,000 prizes have been claimed, with another 122 left to win. One $15 million grand prize has been claimed, with two remaining. The odds of winning the grand prize, according to The Lottery, is 1 in 5,040,000. The winning $100,000 ticket was sold in East Boston at a shop called East Coast Variety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, at least 543 prizes worth $600 or more were won or claimed in Massachusetts on Friday, including 11 in Springfield, 19 in Worcester and 19 in Boston. The Massachusetts State Lottery releases a full list of winning tickets every day. The list only includes winning tickets worth more than $600. The two largest lottery prizes won so far in 2025 were each worth $15 million. One of the prizes was from a winning Diamond Deluxe scratch ticket sold in Holyoke, and the other was from a 300X scratch ticket sold on Cape Cod. Massachusetts State Lottery Read the original article on MassLive. Twelve years after then-journalist Mustafa Nayem's Facebook post ignited the EuroMaidan Revolution, another social media call this time from war veteran Dmytro Koziatynskyi mobilized thousands across Ukraine, united by a different cause. The first wave of protests erupted on the evening of July 22, just hours after the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, passed a bill widely seen as a direct assault on the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO). In Kyiv, demonstrators gathered outside the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater, named after one of Ukraine's most revered poets, not only for its symbolic significance, but because the square directly faces the President's Office, making their presence impossible to ignore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although EuroMaidan, also known as the Revolution of Dignity, which toppled Viktor Yanukovych's pro-Russian regime, happened over a decade ago, today's protests echo similar demands: fighting corruption and heeding the voice of Ukrainian society. "We have to protest again, but comparing this to EuroMaidan feels a bit misplaced. This is a peaceful protest. No one here is trying to overthrow the government. And thankfully, it seems the government is listening at least to some extent," Koziatynskyi, a veteran and the protest's organizer in Kyiv, told the Kyiv Independent. Following widespread criticism from both the Ukrainian public and international partners, Zelensky submitted a new bill to parliament intended to restore the independence of the anti-corruption agencies. The first reading is scheduled for July 31. Meanwhile, public protests continue, with demonstrators determined to see the process through just as they did more than a decade ago. Natalka Sad Ukrainian Armed Forces reserve officer, 38 years old Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I believe that the movement during EuroMaidan and today's movement share common values. Ukrainians are not prepared to forgive the tightening of restrictions, the slide towards authoritarianism, or totalitarianism. That is not who we are." Natalka Sad in Kyiv, Ukraine on July 23, 2025. (Valentyn Kuzan / The Kyiv Independent) "It would seem that we do not learn from history, but as today's events show, our potential for protest remains very high. It would seem that the best of us are now defending our country, but at the protests, people are demonstrating that the rear is very strong and reliable to lean on. It seems to me that military personnel really appreciate the fact that they can rely on us, that all is not lost, and that while they are defending us there, we are defending and protecting our constitutional rights and the future of our country here, in the center of the capital." Natalka Sad, then working at a media consulting firm, stands with colleagues on Maidan Nezalezhnosti Square in Kyiv, Ukraine, in December 2013. (Courtesy of Natalka Sad) Oleksii Kyslyi Manager at an IT company, 36 years old Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "During Euromaidan, it was terrifying to even walk outside. My friend was shot while simply walking down the street. Thank God, he is fine now. Back in 2014, everything felt more extreme. The system was broken, and it needed radical change." Oleksii Kyskyi in Kyiv, Ukraine on July 24, 2025. (Danylo Antoniuk / The Kyiv Independent) "It was a much scarier time. Now, things feel more peaceful and stable. But it is hard to predict what might happen next, especially in a country where so many people now have access to weapons. That uncertainty is frightening in its own way. Still, I feel safe and calm. right now" Nataliia Kostiuk Ophthalmologist, 54 years old "I have similar feelings about what happened in 20132014 and what's happening now, but at the same time, theyre very different. Back then, there was no war, and older people were part of the protests. Now, its mostly young people, and emotions are running very high." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nataliia Kostiuk in Kyiv, Ukraine on July 23, 2025. (Valentyn Kuzan / The Kyiv Independent) "During EuroMaidan, the mood was different there was this sense that we were all in it together, that we would win because there were so many of us. Now, there is a deep sense of injustice, because there is a real war going on. It is awful that some people are defending Ukraine's very existence with their blood and lives, while here, the authorities are just tearing it apart. I think it is hard to even compare the two. This feels much harder, much more serious." Vasyl Tereshchenko Educator, 49 years old Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This protest feels like a natural continuation of what happened in 2004 during the Orange Revolution and again in 20132014 with Euromaidan. I am from Kharkiv, and I stood on Maidan there during all those years. What really impresses me now just as it did then is how many young people are involved. They live in this country, and they should be the ones shaping its future." Vasyl Tereshchenko in Kyiv, Ukraine on July 23, 2025. (Valentyn Kuzan / The Kyiv Independent) "We do not really understand why this particular bill was passed, but it is clearly not normal. What is most troubling is that, at the same time, my brother and many others are fighting on the front line, where there are far more urgent issues. For example, the law to increase funding for the Armed Forces was not passed but this one was." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Nearly ten years after EuroMaidan, people are no longer afraid. And I am sure many of those protesting today voted for Zelensky. That gives them every right to speak out about what is happening." The "Crimea is Ukraine" campaign in the courtyard of Kharkiv National Pedagogical University in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on March 13, 2014. (Courtesy of Vasyl Tereshchenko) Vadym Dudnyk Game designer, 30 years old "I did not believe Zelensky would actually sign the bill. Honestly, I thought it was just a clever PR move that he would veto it in the end and come out looking like a hero. When he did not, I was deeply disappointed. But all we can do now is keep protesting. Vadym Dudnyk in Kyiv, Ukraine on July 23, 2025. (Valentyn Kuzan / The Kyiv Independent) "Unfortunately, I do not have any photos from those earlier protests (in 2013 and 2014). At the time, people in Luhansk did not really understand what was coming. We could not imagine that our city, our whole region, would be taken from us, or that war was about to begin. But after the first Russian attacks, it became clear something terrible was unfolding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strangest thing is that people quickly got used to the pro-Russian camp in the middle of the city. For some time, we just lived our lives, passing by this camp of armed savages every day, as if it were not there. And so it continued until the first explosions in the city in the summer." Olena Herasimiuk Paramedic, writer, 33 years old "It is a strange feeling to find ourselves back here again. But it is encouraging to see so many young people in Ukraine who believe in democratic values and are willing to defend them using the means guaranteed by the Constitution." Olena Herasymiuk in Kyiv, Ukraine on Jul. 23, 2025. (Valentyn Kuzan / The Kyiv Independent) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When EuroMaidan happened, I was a 22-year-old girl. It was something entirely new for us. It was frightening, and there was no one to turn to for advice the Orange Revolution had been a completely different experience. It was scary back then. But now, I realize the Revolution of Dignity (EuroMaidan) taught us some important lessons. Today, I feel more confident. I do not expect violence or shootings during protests. There is more hope now. I believe this will be resolved lawfully, and that the voices of the people will be heard." Olena Herasymiuk at the EuroMaidan protests in Kyiv, Ukraine, in the winter of 20132014. (Courtesy of Olena Herasymiuk) Note from the author: Hi, this is Kateryna, and I wrote this story for you. When EuroMaidan began in Kyiv, I was 15 years old and in the 10th grade. As a teenager, it was hard to grasp the full scale of what was unfolding, but even then, I felt a deep need to be part of it. Today, that feeling has not changed as I take to the streets to stand up for my rights and defend democratic values. If you want more stories like this, consider joining our community today to help support our work. Read also: Zelenskys big blunder, explained Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. AURORA, Colo. (KDVR) Riley Ashby was just 12 years old and was out being a typical child, playing outside, when his life was cut short. Riley was riding his scooter in a crosswalk when a distracted driver failed to stop and hit him. As his parents deal with unimaginable grief and loss, the community is being called to take action on Saturday, July 26. Summons issued for driver in crash that killed 12-year-old riding scooter in crosswalk Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the family, Riley brought joy, laughter and love to everyone and his absence leaves a void that can never be filled. Last Saturday morning, July 19, Riley did everything right. The 12-year-old was in a crosswalk and had the right of way at the intersection of East Iliff Avenue and South Wheel Park Circle when he lost his life, according to police. Riley Ashby, 12, was killed in an auto-pedestrian crash on July 19, 2025. (Family photo) Riley Ashby, 12, was killed in an auto-pedestrian crash on July 19, 2025. (Family photo) Riley Ashby, 12, was killed in an auto-pedestrian crash on July 19, 2025. (Family photo) Riley Ashby, 12, was killed in an auto-pedestrian crash on July 19, 2025. (Family photo) Riley Ashby, 12, was killed in an auto-pedestrian crash on July 19, 2025. (Family photo) A growing memorial sits at the intersection now and is expected to grow even bigger on Saturday. That is when a large gathering will take place to honor Rileys life. Aurora City Councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky has been in close contact with the mourning family since the incident and is sharing more with the public about Riley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was a happy kid. He was an adventurist, Jurinsky said. Theres a video of him when he was a little younger saying he wanted to be a police officer when he grows up. He was really into muscle cars too. He was just a happy kid. On behalf of the grieving family, Jurinsky is inviting all community members to support and pay respects to Riley on Saturday, July 26, at 7 p.m. at the Wheel Park entrance off of Iliff Avenue. On top of family, friends, classmates, parents, and Aurora residents, there will also be a car group coming out to honor Riley, since he loved cars. Community members are encouraged to bring flowers, balloons, candles, Hot Wheels or anything else theyd like to honor Riley. Jurinsky visited the crash site earlier this week with Rileys parents and gave a big hug to Rileys mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was very emotional, Jurinsky said. Its still emotional for me having a son myself, thats not even a thought that I can grasp. To have to hug a mother who is living that nightmare, you dont know what to say. Theres nothing you can say. You just put your heart to their heart and thats all you can do. The councilwoman said what Rileys parents are going through is absolutely heartbreaking. Mother mourns son after missing toddler dies in Silverthorne I think that theyre just overwhelmed right now, Jurinsky said. Theyre definitely in a grieving period. The father hadnt left the site for three days. He was sleeping out there. He hadnt showered. He hadnt eaten. He was basically just lying out there where his son died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Jurinsky, family members and people who love Riley are flying to Colorado from across the country to attend Saturdays memorial, and she hopes the Colorado community will be there too. The sudden death of Riley has left the Ashby family with unexpected funeral costs, which they are trying to navigate. If youd like to help, a fundraiser has been started, available here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Students, parents, and community members in Southeast Shelby County came out for a back-to-school giveaway. This even came together because we pass out a survey and people want to see more activity, they also want to get more connected with more resources, said Program Manager Arriell Gipson-Martin, Shelby Co. Division of Community Services. Outside of resources, the Shelby Co. Division of Community Services, along with co-hosts Building Blocks, sent families home with school supplies as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back to school events to give away backpacks, supplies Its good to see them out here having a good time, good competition, good food and I feel safe. Many people cant afford school supplies, so giving stuff for the community is pretty good, said Illan Flyynn, incoming 6th grader. Flynn said that she is trying to master her science test for TCAP to get into CLIP, a STEM-related field. State lawmakers and school board members came out to support the event. Youre going to, for me as a representative, youre going to see really more engagement with the community, learning about policies, updating policies, just being a voice and an advocate for the people, said School Board Member Tamarques Porter, District 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The goal is to move our city forward and our district forward, so I think we can do that if we promote things like this, said State Senator London Lamar, District 33. Click here for a list of back-to-school giveaway events. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) A homeless meth addict found sleeping in a stolen car amid stacks of mail that didnt belong to him is heading to federal prison for possession of stolen mail. Among the loot found scattered in the car: a Kent County Road Commission check for more than $230,000. A federal judge this week sentenced Sergey Nydam to three years in prison and slapped him with a $1,000 fine. He was arrested in 2021 and initially prosecuted on state charges. The federal indictment accused him of having stolen mail at the time of that arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, Mr. Nydam was homeless and addicted to methamphetamine, defense attorney Helen C. Nieuwenhuis wrote in a sentencing memorandum. Officers discovered him sleeping in a car that did not belong to him. He was prosecuted in state court for car theft and methamphetamine possession. Nydam was placed on probation for those crimes. Nydam was discharged from probation in December of 2023; the federal indictment followed nine months later. According to court documents, in August 2021, the Kent County sheriffs deputies found Nydam sleeping in someone elses car in the parking lot of a Comstock Park medical office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He earlier found the 2012 Chevy Malibu unlocked, with the keys inside, and drove it away. After questioning Nydam, deputies searched the car and turned up hundreds of items of stolen mail, including approximately 30 checks. Those checks came from approximately 14 individuals or businesses, records show. The total value of the checks topped $268,000, with a single check for more than $230,000 coming from the Kent County Road Commission, court records show. There is no evidence that Mr. Nydam targeted the road commission check, Nieuwenhuis wrote. Indeed, Nydam, who at the time was using methamphetamine daily, hadnt cashed any of the stolen checks, records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a homeless addict, Mr. Nydam would have never been able to cash such a check, Nieuwenhuis noted in the sentencing memorandum. No victims suffered financial harm. The federal offense, possession of stolen mail, is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Nydam was indicted last fall and pleaded guilty in April. Nydam, 26, was born in Kiev, Ukraine and placed in an orphanage at a very young age, according to the sentencing memorandum. He was adopted by an American family and became a citizen. He has a severe addiction to methamphetamine, Nieuwenhuis wrote. Mr. Nydam recognizes he needs help and has had time to reflect and see the destruction that the use of drugs has had upon his life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) A metro couple has been left in limbo for almost eight months, after a company they hired to replace their roof never even started the job. The last time we heard anything from them was in February, and nothing since then. In the meantime, the damage is getting worse, said Paul Franson, a metro homeowner who needs a new roof. IN YOUR CORNER: Family without AC after buying new unit; company promises to fix it Metro couple left in limbo after construction company never started work. Image KFOR. Cary and Paul Franson signed a contract in November with Evolve Construction and Restoration to replace their roof. In February, they picked out shingles, and that was the last time they heard from the company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its completely frustrating to hear nothing, to have no communications, even though we keep asking, When can we get this started? Are we, are we moving forward with it? Somebody tell me something, just talk to me, said Franson. Building of Regus. Image KFOR. News 4 went to the Oklahoma office listed on Evolves website. However, we found a company called Regus, which provides virtual office spaces, and they say Evolve Construction is not a client. So, we called the phone number associated with the company that is registered on Oklahomas Construction Industries Board website and asked to speak with the owner of the company. The person who answered the phone asked why we were calling their cell phone and hung up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We also tried calling the phone number on the companys website, but were not able to talk with anyone in the company. The Fransons say they just need the project done, but worry theyll owe money if they try to break the contract. At this point, we just want them to come fix it or let us out of the contract so we can find somebody else to fix it, said Franson. News 4 reached out to the Fransons insurance company, and they are looking into the matter. We have also asked if the Attorney Generals office would like to weigh in, and have not yet heard back. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Jul. 25A Mexican citizen residing in Athens was arrested by deputies July 17 and charged with first-degree rape after allegedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old, according to the Limestone County Sheriff's Office, and on Thursday he was denied bond. Cesar Gonzales, 47, also was charged with sexual abuse in the second degree. He remains in the Limestone County Jail after bond was denied in an Aniah's Law hearing. The Sheriff's Office said the case began June 27 in conjunction with the Alabama Department of Human Resources and the Limestone Child Advocacy Center. Deputies located Gonzales on July 17 in the 19000 block of Airfield Street and took him into custody. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement placed a detainer on Gonzales due to his citizenship status, according to the Sheriff's Office. wesley.tomlinson@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2442. Jul. 25The New Mexico Environmental Department and New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez on Thursday requested a state court to order Cannon Air Force Base to allow inspectors to collect on-site samples of a toxic chemical that can cause cancers and developmental defects. PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as "forever chemicals," can cause cancer, developmental issues, immune system issues, reproductive issues and more, according to a study by the University of New Mexico. PFAS has been detected in 722 military installations across the country, with experts citing firefighting foam which often contains PFAS as the largest contributor.Officials initially detected PFAS in and around Clovis in 2018, attributing it to water discharged by the U.S. Air Force base. State officials have been fighting in court since 2019 to require Cannon to clean up the toxic chemicals that remain in the area today."This contamination forced a local dairy to euthanize 3,500 dairy cows poisoned by contaminated groundwater devastating local agriculture," said NMED spokesperson Drew Goretzka.On July 14 and 15, as part of an environmental compliance inspection, NMED reviewed 39 facilities to examine hazardous waste generation and hoped to continue research on the extent of PFAS contamination with new PFAS samples, said Environment Secretary James Kenney. However, Cannon did not allow NMED to retrieve any PFAS samples, citing a pending lawsuit over whether the state has the authority to order the Air Force Base to clean up PFAS as the reason Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Denying access to state inspectors to sample for toxic PFAS contamination while claiming to value relationships and embrace transparency is downright insulting to New Mexicans," Kenney said. Cannon in a news release last week said it offered NMED sampling opportunities for hazardous waste covered by the permit. The base declined to comment further. On top of the original lawsuit that's pending before the New Mexico Court of Appeals, NMED joined forces with the state Department of Justice to file a new lawsuit in June against the U.S. Air Force, requiring the federal government to clean up the PFAS. The difference this time around was the passage earlier this year of House Bill 140, a bill that clarified NMED's authority to enforce PFAS cleanup and designated firefighting foams containing PFAS as hazardous waste. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kenney said the DOJ is trying to move the most recent lawsuit to federal court. "The Air Force's refusal to allow state inspectors to measure the impact of their actions in releasing cancer causing chemicals into our communities is just one more example of the federal government's refusal to accept responsibility for the welfare of the citizens they have sworn an oath to protect," said Attorney General Torrez. "Despite these shameful tactics, the people of New Mexico should have no doubt about our resolve in holding the Air Force accountable for their actions and to force them to pay for the damage they have done to our environment, our livelihoods and our public health." Kenney said NMED will release a study from health screenings from over 1,000 Clovis residents to show the effects of PFAS in New Mexico. He added, "The concern in winning (the lawsuit) is that if there's never a change in the way they approach this, if they're always going to be litigious and difficult, then the cleanup of the plume under Clovis will take decades." NEW MEXICO (KRQE) Was it an outburst in a heated moment or harassment? Thats what a subcommittee of lawmakers has to decide a staffer filed a complaint against a prominent leader of the New Mexico Legislature. According to information revealed during an Ethics Committee hearing Friday afternoon, it all started with an email on February 27th. A legislative council service staff member sent an email to Senate Pro Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque) saying she hadnt received the senators capital outlay funding sheet, which was due the day before. Photos: New Mexico National Guard rescues 3 people in Ruidoso Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That staffer said Stewart immediately emailed a reply in all caps, suggesting Stewart was angry. The staffer then said it escalated. Moments later the reporting party stated she received a call from Senator Stewart screaming at her using what she deemed pejorative language including calling her stupid not knowing that the sheet hand already been turned in, said Lorna Wiggins, special counsel who was in charge of the investigation of the complaint. The staffer said the encounter left her so upset that she couldnt sleep and called out sick the few days. During the investigation, Wiggins said Senator Stewart acknowledged that she used an angry tone, that emails in all capital letters could indicate yelling, and that she had already emailed the staffer to apologize. Wiggins said the incident report shows there is probable cause it may have violated the legislatures anti-harassment policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the policy of the Legislature that all persons who work for the Legislature be able to do so in an environment in which they are treated with dignity and respect, said Wiggins to the subcommittee. However, Stewarts attorney acknowledged the senator lost her cool but that it didnt amount to harassment. He also tried to give context, saying $4 million for the underserved district Senator Stewart represents, the International District in Albuquerque, was on the line. Her comments in that phone call, they were just rude. They were heated they were uncalled for, but they werent threatening, intimidating, or coercive, said Ray Vargas, counsel for Senator Stewart. He also read a statement on the senators behalf. Vargas read the statement on behalf of Sen. Stewart: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe its important that we legislators treat everyone with kindness and respect especially our staff. During the legislative session, when all of us are rushed, under pressure, and tempers can flare, its even more important to exhibit calmness and kindness. I regret that I failed to do that with [reporting partys name]. When I was informed of her, her reaction, I sent her a letter of apology. I stand by that apology. I plan to continue to monitor my reaction to others. Im seeing a mental health counselor now to ensure my kindness and respect for others is on solid footing. And Im committed to always learning from others and growing in my ability to help others. The subcommittee of lawmakers went into closed session to discuss after the public hearing. That lasted about 30 minutes, and a statement should be expected with their decision on Monday. If they think it violated the legislatures anti-harassment policy, they can impose sanctions on Sen. Stewart. If they dont think it did, the inquiry will end 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. New Mexico State Police shot and injured a suspect in southern Santa Fe Friday, the agency announced in a social media post. The person survived the shooting and was arrested afterward. The post did not state how many state police officers fired their weapons or give any details about the person who was shot. The incident occurred on Reata Road, off the West Frontage Road in the southwestern part of the city. The agency said "the suspect is injured and in custody" and "officers are okay." This is a developing story. Please check back for more details. Donald Trump and his administration continued to face mounting calls to release all relevant Epstein files Saturday, something that prompted CNNs Michael Smerconish to offer free advice to the president about the situation. Smerconish noted that the administrations response so far only invites further scrutiny and that the president is acting like he has something to hide, guaranteeing that the controversy stays alive and creates division not to mention angst within his base. More from TheWrap Prevailing wisdom is that the cover-up is often worse than the crime, Smerconish continued. And while the CNN host made it clear theres no assertion of criminal conduct on the Presidents part, he added that this is exactly what makes Trumps response confusing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assuming that theres no underlying illicit conduct on the Presidents part, and the birthday book does contain a submission from Trump, or one that was submitted in his name, there are a few ways Trumps overall messaging could have been better, Smerconish added. Trump could have said something like, Jeffrey Epstein was a past acquaintance of mine, one of many. Ive been a public figure for decades, first in New York City, then worldwide. In that time, Ive met and associated with many people, had my picture taken with tens of thousands over the years. I dont recall making a submission to his birthday book, but its entirely possible that I did. Ever since Art of the Deal made me a celebrity almost 40 years ago, responding to requests from friends and the public in general, that was a full-time job, Smerconish continued. Trump could have also noted that in the past, a birthday card from me doesnt necessarily mean anything more than somebody requested it and that given my past association with Epstein, Id be surprised if my name were not in the mammoth investigation file that assessed his life right alongside of thousands of others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With that kind of openness, Trump could then have said, But here is what no file can document. That I was involved in any bad behavior of the type for which Epstein was ultimately charged in federal court and pointed out that such charges came years after I cut ties with him. Further, Trump and his administration could have cited that he and Epstein hadnt associated in at least two decades at the time of the latters death, and added, Its crazy that a guy whos been dead for six years has become such an object of morbid fascination. And my only regret is that he didnt live long enough to allow justice for those that he victimized who have my sympathy. Instead, Trump has taken a markedly different approach. On Wednesday the Wall Street Journal reported Trump was told in May that his name appears multiple times in documents related to Epstein. Attorney General Pam Bondi told the president at the meeting that the files contained what officials felt was unverified hearsay about many people, including Trump, who had socialized with Epstein in the past, some of the officials said, the Journal noted. One of the officials familiar with the documents said they contain hundreds of other names. The post Michael Smerconish Thinks Trump Couldve Easily Avoided Epstein Storm: Heres What He Should Have Said | Video appeared first on TheWrap. Amid growing concern over starving children in Gaza, a Palestinian American attorney from Macomb County is sailing on a small boat with humanitarian supplies to the Palestinian territory with 18 other activists in an attempt to end Israel's blockade. Huwaida Arraf, 49, of Macomb Township, has been an outspoken activist for decades in support of Palestinians, cofounding in 2002 the International Solidarity Movement. In 2008, she was on a boat with others to end Israel's blockade. On Sunday, July 20, Arraf again set sail, this time from Italy on a boat named Handala, which is currently making its way east in the Mediterranean Sea towards Gaza. The name "Handala" refers to a cartoon character that's become a symbol of Palestinian resistance. Macomb Township attorney and Palestinian American activist Huwaida Arraf is shown here on August 24, 2024, when she was a University of Michigan Board of Regents candidate addressing supporters at the Michigan Democratic Party nominating convention at the Lansing Center. It's unclear how Israel will respond to the boat arriving in Gaza. Last month, on June 9, Israel seized a boat that activist Greta Thunberg and others were on with a similar mission, arresting the crew and later deporting her. Both boats were with the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, a group formed to end Israel's blockade. Israel is currently occupying Gaza and restricting the flow of aid into the area. The group vowed on Friday, July 25, to go on a hunger strike if Israel intercepts their boat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli forces have killed more than 1,000 people seeking food supplies, the United Nations estimates. The Gaza health ministry said that 113 people have starved to death in Gaza, most of them in recent weeks. Israeli officials have blamed Hamas for the crisis, alleging they're stealing aid meant for civilians. "There's no question that Israel's blockade and siege of Gaza is illegal," Arraf said on a livestream on Instagram from the boat on Wednesday, July 23, that included U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, speaking in the U.S. "Our governments are complicit in it. And so we have had to continue to sail, because it is unacceptable to abide by and respect an illegal blockade. And now, it's being used as a tool of Israel's genocide. ... They have engineered a famine. We're seeing starving children, and our governments are still not doing anything about it." Israel maintains it is not committing genocide in Gaza, saying they are trying to defeat Hamas and prevent it from launching attacks. Israel blamed the United Nations for failing to distribute aid. "Hundreds of aid trucks are stuck inside Gaza," Israel posted on X Friday, July 25. "Israel cleared them. The UN refuses to distribute. This is not a delay. It is a deliberate ploy to defame Israel. The UN is failing the people of Gaza." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Handala boat Arraf is on contains some food, teddy bears for children, and infant formula to help people starving. In addition to 19 activists from around the world, there are two journalists on board. They're calling themselves the "Handala 21." Arraf said their mission would not be necessary if the U.S. and other countries were doing their jobs. "That's what we feel we have to do, as long as our governments aren't taking action," Arraf said. "Because we can't accept the world where this is allowed to happen." More: Palestinian Christians in Michigan struggle to celebrate Christmas amid Gaza war In addition to Tlaib, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Michigan, and U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Michigan, have spoken in recent weeks about the hunger crisis in Gaza and people being killed while trying to get aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There are credible reports that innocent people are going days without eating and that life-threatening violence around aid distribution sites is making it too dangerous for families to get food, water, and medical supplies," Peters said Friday, July 25, on X. In front of their home Adam Shapiro, his son Diyaar Arraf-Shapiro, daughter Mayaar Arraf-Shapiro and wife Huwaida Arraf stand next to their nativity scene where Baby Jesus is in the middle of rubble from a collapsed building, declaring the Christmas is canceled just like it is in Bethlehem, because of the war in Gaza and the killing of Palestinian children. Arraf, who is part of the Palestinian Christian community in metro Detroit, has been a frequent speaker at Palestinian rallies over the years. She has been criticized by Jewish leaders and pro-Israel activists in Michigan, but has strong support from pro-Palestinian and Jewish peace activists. Michigan has the highest percentage of Arab American residents among all states in the U.S. Many of them are supportive of Palestinians, with several protests taking place in metro Detroit this month. On Tuesday, July 22, there was a rally in support of Gaza through the streets of Dearborn, which has the highest percentage of Arab Americans among cities in the U.S. "Stop starving Gaza!" read a sign at the rally, video footage on social media showed. On Wednesday, July 23, the American Human Rights Council, a Dearborn group, held a press conference in Dearborn to bring attention to the hunger and violence in Gaza. "The suffering in Gaza has reached a point where silence is no longer an option," Imad Hamad, executive director of the Council, said in a statement. "This is not merely a conflict; it is a moral emergency. It transcends politics, borders, and rhetoric. It is a test of humanity." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tlaib, whose district includes Dearborn, said many in Michigan are supporting Arraf and the crew's mission. "There's so many people that are with you all," Tlaib said. "So many people are feeling like they're there on the ship with all of you ... and like what you all are trying to do." Arraf and Tlaib said that what's happening to Palestinians now could be done to other groups. "You set a dangerous precedent when you allow openly the use of starvation as a weapon of war in this way, violating international laws that have been set to prevent something like this from actually happening," Tlaib said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's unclear when the group will arrive in Gaza. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition and Arraf could not be reached by the Free Press for interviews. Reuters contributed to this report. Contact Niraj Warikoo: nwarikoo@freepress.com, X @nwarikoo or Facebook @nwarikoo This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan attorney Huwaida Arraf on boat to Gaza to end Israel blockade After the Flint water crisis, Michigan became a national leader on safe drinking water, requiring the removal of lead pipes and the reduction of harmful forever chemicals years before the federal government acted. But the state has a blind spot when it comes to the hundreds of thousands of people who live in its mobile home parks. Regulators say they have little power to enforce the rules in the state's estimated 100 or more unlicensed parks when owners fail to provide safe water. The problem is compounded by private equity firms that have been buying up parks over the past two decades and now control about 1 in every 6 parks in Michigan among the highest rates in the country, according to the Private Equity Stakeholder Project, a group that advocates against such purchases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say it can be a struggle to even contact those park owners, let alone get them to comply with regulations. With private equity moving into this space, the goal these companies seem to have is to return the absolute highest return they can to investors even if that means providing inadequate service or engaging in exploitative practices, or unsafe practices for the residents, said state Sen. John Cherry, a Democrat who sponsored legislation to strengthen enforcement in the communities. But the state doesn't attempt to track unlicensed parks. And an industry spokesperson said Michigan officials particularly law enforcement have the power to do more if they choose. Rare pursuit of an unlicensed mobile home park Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At North Morris Estates where Theo Gantos lives outside Flint, conditions got so bad that the state refused to renew the parks license to operate. Water often flowed weakly from the tap because the wells that service the park didnt produce enough, Gantos said. Sometimes the water was discolored. It could stain laundry and destroy appliances. He installed a multistage filter system just to be able to use it. Eventually, local law enforcement investigated. In March, the owner pleaded guilty to a criminal charge for operating without a license, agreeing to pay a fine and sell the park. That might not have happened if Gantos had not been so pugnacious. He spent years battling Homes of America, an affiliate of private equity group Alden Global Capital that local prosecutors said owns North Morris. That included filing a public records request for emails on officials handling of problems at his park, pushing regulators to enforce rules and speaking out to media over what he calls blight conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These guys, they dont care, Gantos said about complying with the rules. Representatives of North Morris and Homes of America, including an attorney who appeared for the park in legal proceedings, did not respond to messages seeking comment. The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, called LARA, has the authority to inspect and investigate complaints at licensed mobile home parks. But its typically fallen to law enforcement to pursue criminal charges against unlicensed parks. The North Morris conviction for operating without a license is likely the first such under the states mobile home law that has been on the books since 1987, the county prosecutor said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Lindley, president and CEO of the industry group Michigan Manufactured Housing Association, said the rarity of such cases is evidence that state and local law enforcement are choosing not to enforce the rules. This whole notion that, Theres nothing we can do about this. Clearly there is, or that prosecution wouldnt have taken place, Lindley said. Not having the authority to go after communities that dont have a license is completely different from choosing not to go after those. And what weve seen so far with both the state and local units of government is theyve elected not to. Shutting down a park is a bad option Mobile home parks without a license are essentially operating unregulated, Cherry said. One of the states few options is to shut down a park, a rarely used last resort that can mean throwing people out of their homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mobile home parks have long been an important affordable housing option. But that affordability is fading. A study by Lending Tree, a lending marketplace, found new mobile home sale prices rose more than 50% nationally from 2018 to 2023 new single-family home price averages, by contrast, rose 38% over that period. Last year, LARA supported legislation that would have given the department more power to penalize unlicensed parks, force parks to provide owner contact information and limit rent increases. That failed. This year, Democratic Sen. Jeff Irwin has proposed a narrower law that would give state drinking water officials more power to make sure water in all mobile home parks is drinkable. Right now, they only have direct authority over parks that provide their own water. But its common for parks to take city water from a pipe connecting to the nearby town. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That water is usually safe when it reaches the park, but if the parks water pipes crack or fail, water protections wont apply on the private property. That keeps officials from stepping in and forcing change except in limited situations when theres a public health threat. It can leave residents unsure where to turn when the owner refuses to fix problems. We take those issues very seriously, said Eric Oswald, director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energys drinking water and environmental health division. He said they try to work with licensing officials to ensure water is safe, though the problem is, Im not resourced for that. The Michigan Manufactured Housing Association opposed last years legislation, arguing it would make mobile homes less affordable. The group says it supports extending water protections to within parks, as called for in this years legislation. It passed the state Senate in late June and is now in the GOP-controlled House. ___ The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of APs environmental coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment Amid the bucolic vineyards and winding hills of Old Mission Peninsula in northern Michigan, a group of wineries has fought a brutal multiyear legal battle against a restrictive zoning ordinance enacted by the local township. This month, a federal judge definitively sided with the wineries, but the township officials show no signs of admitting fault. Peninsula Township enacted a zoning ordinance in 1972, with the purpose of maintaining the rural and viticultural nature of the Old Mission Peninsula. Among other restrictions, the ordinance limited the types of events that wineries could host on-site, limited the volume of amplified music played by wineries, and mandated that all wine produced be made with at least 85 percent grapes from the peninsula itself. As the craft beverage boom gained momentum in recent decades, wineries on the Old Mission Peninsula inevitably ran up against these limitations as they sought to expand their businesses. But Peninsula Township officials remained steadfast in their efforts to enforce the rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shocking stories were told during the trial. Edward O'Keefe Jr., chairman and CEO of Chateau Grand Traversethe first winery on the Old Mission Peninsularecalled hosting an on-site fundraiser to benefit a local elementary school teacher with cancer. O'Keefe claimed that the township clerk called on the day of the event, notifying him that the township was aware of the event and that the winery did not have a permit. After informing the clerk that the event would include fewer than 75 people and therefore did not require a permit, O'Keefe said the clerk replied, "Well, we'll see about that," and warned, "If it exceeds 75 people, we will know about it." The township's special-use permits often left more ambiguity than clarity. Some allowed "outdoor functions such as wine tasting parties, festivals, etc." but left unclear whether indoor events were permitted. Another provision in a winery's permit allowed for "low-level mood music" without any indication of what that meant. Other restrictions, such as the 85 percent grape mandate, proved similarly burdensome, as wineries claimed that there were not enough grapes in the entire peninsula to allow them all to fulfill this quota. In 2020, a group of 11 wineries filed suit in federal court against Peninsula Township's ordinance. In addition to the township's defense of the ordinance, a local group called Protect the Peninsula eventually intervened to defend the ordinance as well, triggering a land use fight that pitted small businesses against NIMBYs ("not in my backyard"). In a series of decisions handed down over the past few years, Judge Paul Maloney of the Western District of Michigan struck down the 85 percent fruit mandate and permitted wineries to play amplified music. The township finally saw the writing on the wall and repealed or revised many of the problematic parts of the ordinance in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This month, Maloney issued an exhaustive 75-page opinion and awarded $50 million in damages to the plaintiffs for the rights violations they experienced before the ordinance was repealed. The township is refusing to pay and plans to appeal the decision. The Michigan case echoes a similar conflict in Napa County, California, which suffers under its own outdated and onerous ordinance. In fact, the same law firm that represents the Old Mission wineries in Michigan is behind a federal lawsuit against Napa County's restrictions. The post Michigan Wineries Win $50 Million in Fight Against Local Zoning Rules appeared first on Reason.com. Five plumes of white spray shot into the air with all the force of volcanic eruptions and the red cargo ship sank helplessly beneath the waves. This was how explosive charges laid by Yemens Houthi rebels sent a freighter called Magic Seas to the bottom of the Red Sea, as shown in chilling footage released by the Iranian-backed group. Three days later, on July 9, the Houthis sank another passing vessel, Eternity C, with a fusillade of rocket-propelled grenades. These were only the latest attacks in a campaign against commercial shipping that escalated after the onset of the war in Gaza and has now forced a 60 per cent reduction in transits through the Red Sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Royal Navy used to keep ships on station to deter exactly this kind of assault on vital trade routes and the principle of free navigation. Yet Britain is about to withdraw its last frigate from the Middle East, leaving the region without a major Royal Navy warship for the first time in 45 years and possibly since the mid-19th century. HMS Lancaster, a type 23 frigate, will soon leave the Navys base in Bahrain and steam home to be scrapped by the end of the year. Since 2022 she has patrolled some of the worlds busiest shipping lanes, intercepting drugs that might otherwise have reached British streets, hunting for arms smuggled by Irans Revolutionary Guard, and protecting the flow of trade on which British prosperity depends. In May, Lancaster seized heroin, hashish and amphetamines worth 30 million from a dhow in the Arabian Sea; in March, her boarding party confiscated another stash worth 5.4 million. In 2022 her sister ship, HMS Montrose, twice intercepted vessels carrying Iranian missiles to the Houthis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But soon there will be no British warship to perform any of these tasks. The job of countering the weapons and narcotics smugglers, and the Iranian threat, will be left to the navies of the United States and other allies. You take the ship away and you take all of that swathe of activity away, says Tom Sharpe, a former Royal Navy officer who served for 27 years. You lose it all. HMS Lancaster was the fourth of the Type 23 frigates to be built and joined the Fleet in 1992 - Will Haigh/Royal Navy Any crisis in the Gulf would be a crisis for Britain No one would argue that the Middle East has suddenly become less important for Britain. On the contrary, more than 300,000 Britons live in the Gulf states more than ever before mostly in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. British exports to the six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (which also includes Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman), totalled 36.7 billion last year, making these countries the UKs third biggest global market after the EU and the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement British interests in the region are so strong, in fact, that diplomats privately acknowledge that any crisis in the Gulf would be a crisis for Britain from day one. Keeping a frigate or destroyer permanently deployed was supposed to be the UKs contribution to preventing any such emergency. Hence the Royal Navy re-established a base in Bahrain in 2018, paid for by that countrys government. HMS Montrose, a type 23 frigate, arrived there in 2019 and the value of her presence became clear after Iran captured a British-flagged tanker, the Stena Impero, and threatened all UK shipping. Montrose responded by escorting British vessels back and forth through the Strait of Hormuz, the vital choke point at the entrance to the Gulf, ensuring that no more fell prey to Irans campaign. Back then, Britain also kept a squadron of four minehunters in Bahrain, designed to foil any Iranian effort to mine the Strait of Hormuz. In addition there was a 16,000-ton supply ship, RFA Lyme Bay. This force meant that Britain contributed more to regional security than any other Western country apart from the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, HMS Lancaster succeeded Montrose as the forward deployed frigate in Bahrain, but Lyme Bay returned to Britain for a refit and was not replaced. Two of the minehunters were later withdrawn. Another was damaged in a collision. Removing your warship removes your voice at the top table When Lancaster leaves, Britains only operational warship in the Middle East will be a lone minehunter, HMS Middleton. Just four years ago, there were six British ships based in Bahrain; soon there will be one. That drawdown could have far-reaching diplomatic as well as operational consequences. Bahrain is the base of the US Fifth Fleet and of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a naval partnership between 46 nations dedicated to protecting 3.2 million square miles of ocean. HMS Lancaster patrolling the Arabian Sea a stretch of water rich in drug smugglers - Ministry of Defence The commander of the CMF is the US Admiral in charge of the Fifth Fleet and the deputy commander has always been a Royal Navy officer, reflecting the size of Britains contribution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But what if that presence amounts to one minehunter? Sharpe predicts that questions will be asked about Britains position. The Brits have always had the deputy role and one of the reasons why weve always had it, despite the French being after it for years, is that weve always had ships there, he says. Removing your only big warship means you remove your diplomacy, you remove intelligence-gathering, you remove deterrence and you remove your voice at the top table, adds Sharpe, who commanded HMS St Albans, another type 23 frigate, in the Gulf in 2011-12. At a time when Donald Trumps Administration is demanding that allies do more for their own security, Britains near total withdrawal of naval forces from the Gulf could raise tensions with the US. There may also be consequences for Britains relationship with Bahrain. King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa agreed to pay for the construction of the Navys facility on the basis that a frigate or destroyer would always be present, reflecting Britains commitment to the security of his country. A huge backward step in our global posture The officer who was instrumental in securing that agreement and re-establishing the British presence was General Sir Simon Mayall, then the Senior Middle East Advisor in the Ministry of Defence. The square in the middle of the British facility in Mina Salman port is named Mayall Square in his honour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sir Simon, now retired, is dismayed by what he calls the strategic failure of Lancasters impending departure. The establishment of the Naval Support Facility in Bahrain was based on the premise that the Royal Navy would now be able to sustain a permanent presence in the wider Gulf region, offering help to our allies, reassurance to our friends, and helping advance our own security and prosperity, he says. The withdrawal of HMS Lancaster, with no dedicated replacement, is a huge backward step in our global posture and a shocking reflection on the current combat readiness and strength of the Royal Navy. And it is the threadbare state of the Royal Navy, not a deliberate British decision to turn away from the Middle East, which explains the frigates coming departure. Thanks to the parsimony and neglect of successive governments, the Fleet is simply too small to sustain its deployment in the Gulf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The newest type 23 frigate, HMS St Albans, was commissioned as long ago as 2002. In the 15 years that followed, no British Government even started to build another warship of this kind. It was only in 2017 that work began on the first of the new type 26 frigates, which will replace the type 23s. This ship, HMS Glasgow, is not expected to enter service until 2028. Lack of successor ships leaves a worrying gap The unprecedented 15-year gap between the last type 23 frigate joining the Fleet and the beginning of the construction of their replacements explains why the Royal Navy is desperately short of ships today. Put simply, the type 23s are going out of service while their successors are still being built. The older type 23s must be decommissioned because they were designed for a service life of 18 years, which can be extended but not forever. Lancaster has been in the Fleet for 33 years and she cannot be kept at sea any longer. Once Lancaster is decommissioned later this year, the Royal Navy will be down to just seven frigates and six destroyers a total of 13 major warships, fewer than the navies of both France and Italy for the first time ever. HMS Lancaster undergoes maintenance work in Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat, Oman, February 2023 - Royal Navy As for the last time when Britain had no frigate or destroyer in the Gulf, a permanent naval presence began in 1853 with the signing of a Perpetual Maritime Truce with the rulers of what became the UAE. British warships remained based in the region right up until 1971 when Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar became independent and Britain closed its military facilities in the Gulf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even after the bases were shut, British frigates and destroyers continued to pay regular visits. In 1976, for example, the Royal Navy dispatched a Task Group to the Middle East consisting of two destroyers and six frigates. The following year, four frigates Mohawk, Zulu, Cleopatra and Amazon visited Salalah and Muscat in Oman and Basra in Iraq. Then, in 1980, Iraq invaded Iran and started a brutal eight-year war, causing Britain to create the Armilla Patrol to protect shipping in the Gulf. From then onwards, between two and four frigates or destroyers were kept in the region at any given time. Even in 1982, when the Royal Navy dispatched a Task Force to the South Atlantic to regain the Falkland Islands, there were never fewer than two British ships in the Gulf. The Armilla Patrol continued until 2011 when it was succeeded by Operation Kipion, which will have kept one frigate or destroyer in the Gulf right up until Lancasters final voyage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once she embarks for home, the Navy will have no such warship in the region for the first time, certainly, since 1980. If regular deployments happened throughout the 1970s and the public records are not definitive then this will, in fact, be the first time that Britain has not had a frigate or destroyer in the Gulf since 1853. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said that the Navy continues to conduct complex operations around the globe, pointing to the deployment of the Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, which is now in the Indo-Pacific. As for the Gulf, the spokesperson added: The UK has a long-standing maritime presence in the Gulf, and the UK Maritime Component Command in Bahrain continues to be central to the UKs military operations across the Middle East. Soon those operations will have to proceed without a frigate or destroyer for the first time in two generations and probably for almost two centuries. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A man has died after suffering a cardiac arrest on a boat trying to reach the UK, French authorities have confirmed. The boat turned back towards Equihen beach in northern France on Saturday morning. When it arrived at the beach, a man was found on board in cardiac arrest, the Pas-de-Calais departments sub-prefecture told the PA news agency. Despite emergency services intervening at the scene, he died soon after. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation was under way to determine the circumstances of the mans death, the French authorities confirmed. According to Home Office provisional statistics, almost 24,000 people have arrived on small boats in the UK in 2025. Saturdays incident was the 11th migrant death in the Channel so far this year, after an unconscious woman was pulled from the water in May. She later died. The previous month, another migrant died as 51 survivors disembarked a Border Force vessel at Dover harbour on April 18. Figures from the UNs International Organisation for Migration estimate that some 82 migrants died or went missing attempting the crossing last year, making it the deadliest on record. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It comes after it was revealed migrants could be housed in empty homes and properties bought by councils. The Government is proposing pilot schemes in which it could pay councils to buy or renovate property, which they would lease back to the Home Office, to house asylum seekers. Meanwhile, police braced for fresh protests against asylum hotels this weekend, following 16 arrests for violence at the Bell hotel in Epping, Essex. The violence followed anger over the alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl by a 38-year-old migrant from Ethiopia. Some 32,000 asylum seekers are being housed in around 210 hotels, according to the latest Home Office data from March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This compares with just under 30,000 last June, days before Labour won the election, but down from the peak of 56,000 at 400 hotels in September 2023 at a cost of 9m a day. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. July 26 (UPI) -- Cambodia and Thailand military forces on Saturday fought each other for the third day over contested border territory as the death toll rose to at least 32. The dead were 19 in Thailand, including 13 civilians, and 13 in Cambodia, with eight civilians, in the bloodiest fighting in more than a decade, The Guardian reported. Acting Thai Prime Minister warned the situation "could develop into war." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For now, it remains limited to clashes," he told reporters in Bangkok, and his nation was acting to "protect our land and the sovereignty of our nation." Fighting involving tanks began Thursday near Prasat Ta Muen Thom, an ancient temple claimed by both nations. Thailand also used F-16 jets. Weapons included cluster munitions, which are internationally prohibited though both nations haven't agreed to the Convention on Cluster Munitions. "Neither Thailand nor Cambodia appears to be paying attention to international humanitarian law at great expense to civilians," John Sifton, Asia advocacy director at Human Rights Watch, said in a news release Friday. "Diplomatic efforts underway need to prioritize protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, United Nations diplomats from both countries sought a cease-fire during an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council in New York. Cherdchai Chaivaivid, Thailand's envoy to the U.N., urged Cambodia to "immediately cease all hostilities and acts of aggression, and resume dialogue in good faith." The diplomat said his nation agreed "in principle" to the deal but said Cambodia was continuing "indiscriminate attacks on Thai territory." Cambodia's U.N. ambassador, Chhea Keo said "Cambodia asked for an immediate cease-fire -- unconditionally -- and we also call for the peaceful solution of the dispute," said Chea Keo, Cambodia's U.N. ambassador. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If this conflict escalates, the peace and stability of the entire Southeast Asia region will be at stake," Keo added. U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged both sides to exercise the "utmost restraint." "The United States is gravely concerned by reports of the escalating fighting along the Thailand-Cambodia border," a State Department press spokesperson said Thursday. "We are particularly alarmed by reports of harm to innocent civilians. We express our deepest condolences on the loss of life. We strongly urge the immediate cessation of attacks, protection of civilians, and peaceful settlement of disputes." On Saturday, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social from Scotland that he "I just had a very good call with the Prime Minister of Cambodia, and informed him of my discussions with Thailand, and its Acting Prime Minister. Both Parties are looking for an immediate Ceasefire and Peace. They are also looking to get back to the 'Trading Table' with the United States, which we think is inappropriate to do until such time as the fighting STOPS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They have a long and storied History and Culture. They will hopefully get along for many years to come. When all is done, and Peace is at hand, I look forward to concluding our Trading Agreements with both!" Malaysia, which heads the 10-member Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, offered to mediate. China has also expressed concern about the situation, which worsened on Saturday. Cambodia's Ministry of Defense accused Thailand of "unprovoked and premeditated act of aggression" on -- firing five heavy artillery shells in Pursat Province on the southern edge of the shared border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thailand said Cambodia attacked in neighboring Trat Province but their naval forces pushed back "the incursion" early Saturday. Trat, bordering the Gulf of Thailand and the Pacific Ocean, includes numerous islands with white-sand beaches and coral reefs. Tensions have escalated since May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in an exchange with gunfire. Then last week, Thai soldiers were injured by new landmines. Cambodia has denied putting them there. Thailand recalled its ambassador from Cambodia and said it would expel Cambodia's diplomat in Bangkok. At least 138,000 people have been evacuated from Thailand's borders. Cambodia said more than 23,000 people were moved from near the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Thai prime minister, visited evacuees at a shelter in Ubon Ratchathani Province on Saturday morning. Cambodia has a population of 17.4 million and Thailand has 71.7 million residents. Vietnam borders both nations. When Sharon Phillips joined the military, women werent allowed in combat. But she did get to see the Arctic, got stranded there, and watched polar bears approach, wondering if troops on guard would have to shoot. She was assigned to a combat engineer battalion and was in Alaska for five years. For some reason she didnt know why the training at the Arctic always happened in the winter. She retired as a sergeant first class. Phillips told her story to TDP while enjoying a day of family fun for veterans, widows and family of veterans, at the Cherokee Nation Veterans Center, July 25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was a military occupation specialty instructor, and after you pass basic, they already know where you are going to go to school to train at whatever, Phillips said. I had to be retrained every year, recertified to teach a class, and they used me in all different parts of the world. The company to which she was assigned allowed women and went to winter training in Alaska, the worst time of the year to go. The training was scheduled for two weeks and ended up being three weeks, she said. What happened was the commander of the battalion took us on this trip to Alaska, got to the Arctic, and it was dark 24 hours, Phillips said. Somehow he lost his compass. They stayed overnight and were ready to go north, and he was looking for the compass. They were lost, Phillips said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I saw in the distance polar bears, and they can sense your smell up to seven miles. He told us to lock and load in case they came close, Phillips said. The temperature was 150 degrees below zero, and the troops were having to live in their vehicles, with all the motors running. To turn them off would have caused cracked engine blocks from the frigid cold. We thought we would never get back, Phillips said. But one of the privates had a hunting knife and it had a cheapo compass on it, and asked the commander if he wanted to use it. The commander said it was our only option, and he looked for south and we went south. She said the commander lost his job because he lost his compass and had put his command in danger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We couldnt put up our tents because they were frozen, and there were polar bears walking around out there, Phillips said. They can get to 7 feet tall and weigh up to 2,000 pounds. Director Barbara Foreman, of the center, said the purpose of the day was to host an event for veterans, widows and widowers of veterans. We have the Staff Sgt. Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention grant under our umbrella, and we will talk about that to people today, Foreman said. We will be doing a screening to look for any red flags, to be an outreach, and we dont want anyone to fall through the cracks. She said they do this screening and presentation at every event just to cover as much of the 14 counties of the reservation as they can. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Veterans Administration estimates that 22 veterans commit suicide every day; thats 8,030 a year, more than 5,540 of whom are 50 or older. Joe Crittenden, secretary of Veteran Affairs for the CN, said he was thrilled to be able to show the veterans, Hey, come and sit with us, lets play some games, laugh, and have fellowship, and lets eat a bite. [We want to] let them know that we appreciate what theyve done for our country, our tribe and us, Crittenden said. Thats not done enough in this country. Johnnie Moore sat with his his companion, Edie Sevier, and friends Russell Thouvenel and Ginger Thouvenel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I started out in the Navy, went into the Army and retired out of the Air Force, Moore said. I got drafted, but I joined the Navy instead of going into the Army. I served six years in the Navy, 16 years in the Oklahoma Army National Guard. Moore said he liked being in the military, where he served a total of 35 years, and is a Vietnam-era veteran. I liked the military the discipline and good money, too, Moore said. I think it would be awesome if it was mandatory for youngsters to go into the military right out of high school, and thats my opinion. He said it was for the discipline, instead of kids sitting at home playing games. He did have a caveat to his statement. But in this day and age, I dont think I would want one of mine to go, Moore said. I hope it doesnt happen. MILLCREEK, Utah (ABC4) A large fire in Millcreek on Friday has left upwards of 40-50 people permanently displaced, according to Unified Fire Authority. The devastating fire destroyed 24 apartment units at the Willow Glen Apartments near 4600 S and 1300 E. Two structures were lost in the fire, leaving many permanently displaced. Four firefighters were also injured in the incident, but are doing fine, according to Cpt. Tony Barker, Unified Fire Authority. Crews are currently setting up a protection zone around the structures as a building inspector has deemed them uninhabitable, according to Barker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were setting up a protection zone around them to keep people out, whether its fire personnel or residents. They cannot regain access to these apartments, and hence everything in those are considered a total loss, Barker said. Barker said the cause of the fire was a lawnmower that hit a rock, sparking a grass fire that spread quickly to the apartment complex due to high winds. Fire personnel will be on scene for the foreseeable future, Barker said. Residents of two additional buildings that were evacuated due to the blaze have been allowed to re-enter their homes. I havent seen anything like this. We had a very unique situation where we had high heat and significant winds, Barker stated. All it took was a spark. And it caught that field on fire and spread rapidly right into the apartment complex. The thing that was frightening about it was how quickly it got up into the rafters and lit the roof on fire and that evacuation process. Its a miracle that none of those residents were injured or even hurt more significantly than what we experienced. The City of Millcreek also provided an update Saturday morning stating that donations are needed. You can donate here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the most urgent needs have been met for those at the evacuation center, in kind donations would be greatly appreciated particularly for those who have tragically lost their homes, the statement reads. The City of Millcreek is collecting donations at Millcreek City Hall (1330 E Chambers Avenue). The City will be collecting donations today, July 26, until 9 p.m. and tomorrow, July 27, from 11 a.m. 9 p.m., and Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. 9 p.m. The donations they need most include clothing, hygiene items, and household goods. We will share updates as soon as there is a process to accept monetary donations, the statement reads. We ask that residents refrain from bringing furniture or food. Were incredibly grateful for your help in caring for our affected neighbors. Weve already seen an incredible outpouring of support, and we are so grateful, the statement reads. Millcreek, your kindness and compassion never go unnoticed. We truly have the best community- thank you for stepping up when it matters most. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. The recent article about Ald. Lamont Westmoreland, Milwaukee alderman obsessed with getting himself better parking, points up the problem on a city scale of what we citizens see playing out in our legislative branch of the federal government (July 22). People who have been elected to represent us do not see their role as a public servant. They seem to miss the fact that they have been elected to represent their fellow citizens of a particular constituency, not a political party, a lobbyist or a single perspective. They get sidetracked and, in some cases, reveal their personal motivations, as in this case. While we do not always know this side of a candidate, it certainly should be a factor in choosing to re-elect an individual. It is my hope that a website similar to Vote Smart could be created that tracks the votes of all elected federal representatives and senators to provide our city or state with an easy source of information about how we are being represented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Citizens are busy people too, but they want to be informed voters. They want their elected official focused on knowing the issues and working collaboratively to seek solutions for constituents and the community once they get elected. Pamela Penn, Milwaukee Opinion: Hulk Hogan let me down. He still gave me cherished memories with my dad. Letters: John McCain was hero who saved Affordable Care Act. GOP still wants to kill law. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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: Voters need info about voting records of representatives | Letters WASHINGTON (DC News Now) D.C. police said that a 73-year-old man was found dead almost one month after he was reported missing. On June 24, family members reported that Frankie Jones Sr. was missing. He was last seen that day, leaving his home in Southwest, D.C. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said that the person who reported him missing also noted that he had Alzheimers. Bomb threat made at FEMA building in DC Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MPD listed Jones as a Critical Missing Person and shared a flier with his photo. Officers searched the surrounding area over the following weeks using many tools, including MPDs drone. On July 21, officials reported that human remains had been found during a search of a wooded area in Oxon Hill, Md. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner identified the remains as Jones. The cause and manner of death have yet to be determined, but investigators said that no foul play is suspected. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. A missing man with diabetes has been found dead after disappearing from a campsite 10 days ago. Chad Burningham, 42, was located by search and rescue dogs on Wednesday, July 23, the Tooele County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) announced in a news release shared on Facebook. Burningham who was diabetic and required a daily intake of multiple medicines, per a GoFundMe page had last been seen on July 14, leaving a campsite while camping with friends in Soldier Canyon, Stockton, at around 8:00 a.m. local time, KSL TV 5 reported, citing the TCSO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We extend our heartfelt condolences to Chads family and loved ones," the TCSO said following their discovery, per the news release. "We also want to thank all the volunteers and partnering agencies who dedicated their time to the search especially Dogs at Work Search and Rescue for their continued efforts." GoFundMe Chad Burningham Chad Burningham The investigation into Burningham's death is ongoing, the sheriff's office said, and as a result, no further information is available at this time. It is currently unknown if Burningham had the device needed to treat his diabetes with him at the time of his disappearance. Family has told us he should have his insulin pump, but we havent been able to confirm that, Sgt. Dane Lerdahl of the sheriffs office previously said, per KSL TV 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A fundraiser created after Burningham went missing is now raising funds for his funeral expenses. The late camper's family shared an insight into his medical situation in the description of the GoFundMe page. Chad is a diabetic with high blood pressure, a failing kidney, vision loss, and is on dialysis multiple days of the week. He takes several meds to keep moving forward, the GoFundMe states. He has been in and out of the ER more times than I can remember in the last 6 months. Needless to say, his health does not support the ability to hike or even walk a long distance. "He was so excited to go camping with his friends, the fundraiser says. I imagine because this would be doing something that felt normal and not house based. Tooele County Sheriff's Office Search efforts for Chad Burningham Search efforts for Chad Burningham The GoFundMe also alleges that Burningham went missing after telling the two friends he was camping with that he was going for a walk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He first woke them up concerned about a fire and wanting to leave, per the fundraiser. After they told him there was no fire, Burningham told them he wanted to go for a walk, at which point his friends turned around for a second and he was gone. They mentioned that he went for a walk the day prior and came back within an hour. So at this point they were not worried and waited, the GoFundMe adds. But after several hours of being gone they called the police. 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. Tooele County Sheriff's Office Search efforts for Chad Burningham Search efforts for Chad Burningham News that Burningham was found dead comes a week after the TCSOs last update on the search for him. On July 16, two days after he went missing, the sheriff's office stated on Facebook that the extensive efforts" to find the missing 42-year-old were still underway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The search and rescue efforts included the use of not only tracking dogs, but also drones, a helicopter and an airplane, the sheriff's office said. We have extensively searched the areas where we believe Chad may have been and our detectives are working on other potential leads," the TCSO said at the time. We sincerely thank the public for their continued support, awareness, and cooperation as we remain committed to bringing Chad home, the update concluded. Read the original article on People An Alaska Airlines plane flies by a cellular tower as it prepares to land at San Francisco International Airport on Jan. 19, 2022, in San Mateo, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) A mistake by a state emergency operations center worker inadvertently sent emergency alert test messages to cellphones across Alaska on Wednesday afternoon. Mark Roberts, head of the emergency operations center, said the error occurred when a worker was conducting a regular weekly test of the Emergency Alert System, which broadcasts disaster warnings by radio and TV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When our operator went to select that test, they inadvertently selected the wireless emergency alert test as well, he said. The Wireless Emergency Alert system, mandated by the federal government, distributes emergency messages to every cellphone in an area specified by emergency managers. How do I enable warning messages on my phone? All new cellphones come with emergency alerts enabled by default. Test messages are not enabled. To enable test messages or to double-check that emergency alerts are active on your phone, search for government alerts or emergency alerts in your cellphones settings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On an iPhone, they can be found under Settings > Notifications > Government Alerts. Many Android phones have the setting under state and local tests. Unlike a notorious 2018 incident in Hawaii, when a test failure caused a statewide missile attack alert, Alaskas Wednesday alert was clearly identified as a test and was distributed only to Alaskans who have manually enabled test alerts in their cellphone settings. This was not a live alert, so it didnt go out to everybody, he said. They come, by default, not enabled so mainly the folks that got it were emergency managers we work with within the state. Though inadvertent, the alert was a successful test of state officials ability to trigger the Wireless Emergency Alert network. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A nationwide test took place in October 2023, and emergency officials issued a statewide Amber Alert to cellphones in June 2023, but until Wednesday, there had been no statewide alerts since then. Some alerts have gone out locally. Earlier this month, tsunami warning messages were thrown to cellphones in Anchorage and along the coast after a major earthquake near Sand Point. No impactful tsunami resulted from that incident, but in other states, the use of local cellphone alerts has saved lives. In some cases, failures to issue an alert may have cost them. Earlier this month, more than 130 people died in Texas amid widespread flash flooding. Officials there failed to use the federal cellphone warning system, which likely contributed to the death toll. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In California and Hawaii, Wireless Emergency Alert messages about deadly wildfires also failed to reach people in time. In the City and Borough of Juneau, officials are preparing for whats known as a jokulhlaup a glacial outburst flood of the kind that inundated parts of the city last year. A new flood is expected in early August, and though local officials have since constructed flood barriers, theyre also preparing for another disaster. At 3:30 p.m. Thursday, the city successfully tested a local emergency message sent through the Wireless Emergency Alert network to phones in the area. Additional disaster preparation is already underway in the city, with organizations scheduled to fill and distribute sandbags this weekend. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX (NewsNation) The Trump administration recently released more than 230,000 files related to the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. It comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order back in January directing full transparency on the assassinations of King, President John F. Kennedy and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy. More than half of voters disapprove of Trumps handling of Epstein files: Poll What files have been released, and what was learned? The files that have been released and digitized detail the FBIs investigation of Kings assassination, as well as documents relating to the international manhunt for James Earl Ray, the man who was convicted of killing King on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another part of the files includes information about Rays former cellmate, who claimed that Ray had discussed an assassination plot. It also shows the FBIs surveillance of King before his death, as well as disinformation operations against him. What are people looking for in the files? A conspiracy theory surrounding Kings death is related to Rays claims that he did not shoot King and was forced to confess by authorities. Some also believe the government and possibly the Mafia were involved in the assassination and that Ray was set up to take the fall. In 1979, a House committee determined that there was a likelihood Ray acted for monetary gain and that there was likely a conspiracy behind the shooting. The conspiracy likely stemmed from white supremacist groups, rather than the government, the panel said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NASA slashing over 20 percent of workforce Kings two living children, Martin III and Bernice, released a statement in which they called their fathers case a captivating public curiosity for decades but asked for empathy, restraint, and respect for our familys continuing grief. They also emphasized the personal nature of the matter, urging that these files must be viewed within their full historical context. The King Center, a nonprofit founded by Coretta Scott-King in 1968 following Kings death, noted a 1999 wrongful death civil lawsuit in Tennessee, where the jury concluded that Ray was not Kings shooter, and that Kings death was a conspiracy involving Memphis businessman Loyd Jowers and unnamed co-conspirators, including government agencies as a part of a wider scheme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our family views that verdict as an affirmation of our long-held beliefs, the family 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 NewsNation. Across the country, urban school districts like Metro Nashville Public Schools have consistently failed to bring a sufficient number of students to proficiency in the most critical subject areas. It's almost as if adequately educating Black and brown children (who comprise the majority of these districts) is some exercise in monumental futility and not the very thing administrators and teachers are paid to do. We are aware of these failures, and we've learned to accept them. We lottery around them and pay for private schools while ignoring them. We move counties to avoid them completely. More important: We excuse these failures by rattling off the oft-cited excuse that urban school districts, Metro Nashville Public Schools included, are seriously underfunded. We tell ourselves that they're the victims of vengeful state departments, still reinforcing the age-old American belief that Black children can't learn indeed, that they don't deserve to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's how we justify the reality that, although nearly 90% of MNPS students graduate, too few of them are prepared to pursue post-secondary education, training or lucrative careers. Its why we shrug our shoulders at the fact that, while MNPS celebrates its historic TCAP results, only 23.4% of Black students and 21.2% of Hispanic students, across all grade levels, scored proficient on the ELA portion of the assessment. For math, the numbers are 20.3% and 21.9%, respectively. And its why so few people complaining about Nashvilles recent property tax increase have drawn the line from the citys $3.8 billion budget for fiscal year 2026, to the staggering $1.4 billion allocated to MNPS (not including state and federal funds) and the generally abysmal results the district achieves year-over-year. Hopefully and following the announcement of a $6.5 million settlement with former district employees who alleged that MNPS superintendent Adrienne Battle participated in retaliatory actions to push them out of their jobs that will change. Adrienne Battle looks on during a Metro Nashville Public Schools board meeting at the MNPS administrative building in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025. Are school districts serving children or adults? Earlier this year, just as the Republican-led voucher bill was heating to a vote, State Rep. Todd Warren, R-Chapel Hill, became one of the conservative voices to oppose the measure, citing the potential negative impact to his districts small public schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His concern wasnt that kids in his district would defect to private schools, attending institutions that lack the standardized guardrails of testing and benchmarks found in public schools. Indeed, there are no private schools in his district to which students could transfer. His issue, instead, was the tax burden to his rural community taxes that would treat rural schools like piggy banks for Nashville and Memphis. That reallocation of funds, he said, could impact adults, as public schools are often the biggest employers and the heart of our communities. Opinion: Masked ICE agents open the door to abuse. We need accountability to create trust Fellow Republican and Tennessean columnist Cameron Smith dismissed the basis of Warrens objection outright. Its a crazy world when a conservative Republican defends public education as a taxpayer funded jobs program he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I frequently disagree with Cameron, but in this case, he was exactly right. Yes, people need to work to care for their families, and well-functioning schools need well-qualified adults to run them. But things get quickly out of balance when we view adults as the primary beneficiaries of public schools, and the students themselves become secondary. It's time to tie the MNPS budget to results For most companies, particularly those operating in the billions of dollars, consumer focus is on the product, not the people behind it. Folks may feel a way about Jeff Bezos and his restrictions for Washington Post opinion writers, or even his gaudy display of matrimonial excess. Yet they cant quit Amazon because of the convenience and reliability of the product the one-click ordering, the two-day delivery. Somehow, though, MNPS has been allowed to operate with an increasing share of taxpayer funds while failing to adequately transform its lackluster product. Ive said it before and Ill say it again: Student improvements, while good and important, are largely insignificant if the majority of kids are still struggling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet this is the case year and year in Nashville. MNPS celebrates 1- and 2-percent bumps in student proficiency while still turning in an overall failing grade; meanwhile, its yearly operating budget continues to grow. According to Amanda Deaton-Moyer, an assistant director in Metros Department of Finance, the record-setting settlement (unanimously approved by the MNPS board on July 22) is not expected to cause any issues with district operations or school-level resources. Opinion: Nashville doesn't care about working-class families. Antioch is proof. So despite convincing everyone that theyre getting by on a shoestring, the district has enough coins in its coffers to kick out $1.3 million payouts to five different people and not feel a single pinch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With all of the above in mind, it's difficult to see MNPS as little more than a clearinghouse for well-paid government jobs (with a handful of actually decent schools thrown in for good measure). There is no real accountability for the citys significant investment and minimal returns, no salaries tied to performance, no end in sight for the yearly step increases and cost-of-living adjustments for every employee in the district bloated central office staff included. And perhaps thats why Battle, who earns more than $1,000 a day as the Director of Schools, is so intentional about who she lets in the elite club of MNPSs high earners, and who she forces out. If on-the-job achievements dont matter much because the moneys always there and the paychecks always clear hiring and retaining employees isn't really about an ability and willingness to educate Nashvilles children. It's about allegiance to a pitiful, yet expensive, status quo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrea Williams is an opinion columnist for The Tennessean and curator of the Black Tennessee Voices initiative. She has an extensive background covering country music, sports, race and society. Email her at adwilliams@tennessean.com or follow her on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @AndreaWillWrite. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: MNPS approves $6.5 million settlement, shortchanges students | Opinion COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday participated Saturday in the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives, concluding a two-day visit to the island nation. During the trip, Modi also announced financial assistance and formally launched talks on a proposed free trade agreement. The two-day visit was seen as crucial to Indias ambition to control the seas and shipping routes of the Indian Ocean in a race with its regional rival China. It signaled a thaw in diplomatic tensions that followed the election of pro-China Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in 2023. Modi joined a distinguished gathering at Republic Square in the capital, Male, where a military parade and cultural performances marked the anniversary of the Maldives gaining independence from British rule in 1965. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, following talks with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, Modi announced a credit line of $565 million to support development projects in the Maldives. The visit coincided with the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations in 1965. It also saw the start of talks on a free trade agreement. The two leaders oversaw the exchange of signed agreements to cooperate in sectors such as fisheries, health, tourism and digital development. Modi also handed over dozens of heavy vehicles donated by India to strengthen the Maldives defense forces. The Maldives an archipelago nation strategically located in the Indian Ocean is a focal point in the growing geopolitical rivalry between India and China. Tensions grew when Muizzu, who favored closer ties with China, was elected in 2023 after defeating the India-friendly incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Leading up to the election, Muizzu had promised to expel Indian soldiers deployed in the Maldives to help with humanitarian assistance. Last year New Delhi replaced dozens of its soldiers in the Maldives with civilian experts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Measures by Modi to promote tourism in Indias Lakshadweep archipelago, off the southwestern coast of the Indian mainland, also sparked anger from Maldivians, who saw it as a move to lure Indian tourists away from their country. Indian celebrities then called for a tourism boycott of the Maldives. Tensions escalated last year when President Muizzu visited China before India, a move widely interpreted in New Delhi as a diplomatic snub. On his return, Muizzu outlined plans to reduce the Maldives reliance on India for medical services, pharmaceuticals, and essential imports such as food staples. Relations started to improve after Muizzu attended Modis swearing-in ceremony for a third five-year term last year. Muizzu has since toned down his anti-Indian rhetoric, and official contacts with New Delhi have intensified amid growing concern about the Maldives economy. During a visit by Muizzu to India last October, India pledged financial support to the Maldives, which has been struggling with debt. This included $100 million in short-term government loans and agreeing to a $400 million currency swap to help stabilize the Maldivian economy. India has long been a key development partner for the Maldives. However, the island nation has also deepened ties with China, joining its Belt and Road Initiative in 2013 to build infrastructure and expand trade part of Beijings broader effort to increase its global influence. As a girl, Lindsey Roberson went to Camp Mystic, on the banks of Guadalupe River in Texas and this summer, she was happy that both her daughters were campers there, too. Its our safe, happy place, says Roberson, a 47-year-old real estate agent. Mystic was our heaven on Earth. Her daughters, 17-year-old Riley and 13-year-old Molly, were on senior hill at Camp Mystic on the Fourth of July as deadly floodwaters started to rise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The girls were successfully evacuated, but it was Roberson, her 15-year-old son, Jack, and her husband, Phillip, who had to survive their own ordeal back home in Ingram about seven miles away. They lost their dream home and plan to rebuild. Here, Roberson shares her story of narrow escape from the rushing river: "I do not know what happened for me to survive. My kids are embarrassed that I'm telling people I'm a miracle. Aaron Yates Lindsey Roberson Lindsey Roberson 'This is a nightmare' My two dogs were barking at 3:30 in the morning because they were scared of the storm. I took them outside and it was raining. I went back to sleep. My husband woke me up at 5 in the morning and said, "Our house is flooding." The water inside was a foot high outside, the water was higher than the windows. He was like, "This is a nightmare. Go wake up Jack." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My son is 15, and he did not want to wake up. I was like, "You have to get up or we are going to die. Jack and I went downstairs and we couldnt find my husband. It was pitch black. We were screaming for him. We're calling his cell phone. He was not answering. Jack was like, "We have to get Daddy." I said, "We have to go because I have to keep you alive. We're out of time. He's the smartest person I know and he will be safe. Meanwhile, my husband was trapped in the bathroom where the water is rising. He finally busted the door open, water came rushing in, he swam to the stairs and was able to climb to an upstairs bathroom and break the window and climb onto the roof. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Courtesy of Lindsey Roberson Lindsey Roberson's children and their cousins at summer camp Lindsey Roberson's children and their cousins at summer camp My car washed away. We got into my husbands truck and started driving I thought we could make it out, but the truck started floating. We called 911 and they said to go out the truck window. We got out and the water immediately took us away. We were still together, then Jack said, "I think our fence just hit me in the back, Mama, I can't feel anything." He washed away from me in the black water in the dark, and I was screaming, "Jack, Jack!" I thought I lost him. 'I got a tree and held on' The current was so strong I grabbed onto a tree. There were boats coming at me. Our fishing boat came at me, and I climbed in. But I knew that I couldn't control it, so I let the boat go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I heard Jack screaming, "I'm in a tree." Then I saw a house coming at me. I went underwater. I feel like God held me down until the house passed. I thought, "This is it. This is how I'm going to die." Then I remember thinking, "No, I can't die. I'm a mom. I cant die. I can do this. I fought to get back to the surface and grabbed onto a two-by-four and floated down the river. Jack was still screaming for me. He had his phones flashlight on, so I was trying to swim to the light, but the current was so strong I couldn't. I got to a tree and held on. Everything that was coming down the river was so scary. My leg was hurt and my foot was hurt, but I was like, "Lindsey, if you've ever given something every bit of your strength, this is it." I climbed as high as I could up that tree. Aaron Yates Lindsey Roberson's children Lindsey Roberson's children I was screaming to Jack, "We need a boat. We need to be rescued. We need help." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I kept screaming for help my mouth would get dry, then it would start raining and Id stick out my tongue and try to get some rainwater so I could scream again. Jack made a video for 18 minutes straight: He took the video so neighbors would know where to find us. He was calling 911 and he was sending our location and I was screaming, "You need to send an SOS." The water started receding when it started getting light outside. There were no branches or anything. I was 15-20 feet high. A friend helped me get out. My leg was cut; my husband says it looks like a shark bite. A friend loaned my husband a truck so he could drive me to the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, my daughters were being evacuated from Camp Mystic. I had to go get them. I couldn't wait to see them. They were safe and we were all reunited. That was amazing. Courtesy of Lindsey Roberson Lindsey Roberson's family at home Lindsey Roberson's family at home We had people show up immediately. My friends have shown up like you would not believe strangers, volunteers. Two days later, the cut on my leg got infected. I had to go to a hospital in San Antonio and have surgery. Friends and strangers have been so generous donating money to the GoFundMe. I'm completely blown away by all these people. We just have to go day by day, and God will give us what we need. But if we start looking too far past today, we get overwhelmed and we can't handle it. And so we just have to really focus on what are we doing today, and we're worrying about tomorrow tomorrow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Life is precious, and we need to live every day. Don't take anything for granted. Spend time with your family and your loved ones because you just never know what's going to happen tomorrow. God is good. We have to stay grateful, hopeful and positive. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Read the original article on People Jul. 26dbeard @dominionpost.com MORGANTOWN Vandalia Health Mon Medical Center is participating in a clinical trial that could forever change how patients with atrial fibrillation are treated. The trial is called Catalyst, for the Abbott Medical Devices Amplatzer Amulet Left Atrial Appendage Occluder. The Amulet is already in use for Afib patients who can't use oral anticoagulants (blood thinners), said Dr. Wissam Gharib, who is leading the trial at Mon Medical. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But this could broaden its use to all Afib patients, he said. This trial, he said, follows a similar trial, called Champion-AF, for the Watchman device by Boston Scientific. If the trials are successful, he said, "This will be a paradigm shift in how we treat patients." Abbott describes Afib as irregular electrical impulses in the upper chambers of the heart that cause those chambers to fibrillate, or quiver. This results in an irregular and frequently rapid heart rate that affects the heart's ability to pump blood, allowing blood to pool and collect in the left atrial appendage. Abbott explains that there is a muscular pouch connected to the left atrium of the heart called the left atrial appendage. If the blood clots are pumped from the appendage out into the body, the clots may flow to the brain and lead to stroke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Amulet and the Watchman are both inserted via catheter to seal off the left atrial appendage. Gharib explains that patients diagnosed with Afib are first treated with blood thinners. For those who can't tolerate the medications, the Amulet and the Watchman provide an alternative approved by the FDA. The Catalyst and Champion trials, he said, aim to learn if the devices function as well as blood thinners and could be offered as an immediate alternative to blood thinners for everyone. Blood thinners, he said, carry various costs: among them are bleeding, clearances for dental work, pausing for surgical procedures, and the financial costs of being on the medications for life. If the trials prove the devices are as good as a blood thinner, a patient will have a choice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That's where these two trials are really pivotal in how we treat atrial fibrillation, " he said. The Champion trial conducted at 141 locations, including Mon Medical is complete and waiting on five-year results. Catalyst being conducted at 132 locations, including Mon Medical under way. Gharib said they have performed a number of procedures already and are still enrolling participants. He expects this portion of the trial will conclude at the end of the year. Volunteers are split into two groups: half get the Amulet, half get blood thinners. Participants have regular follow-up appointments for the five-year study period. Patients will know within a few weeks if the Amulet is working, he said, but the five-year period monitors long-term results and effects. The Boone County Health Department ratcheted up a legal tussle with the Boone County Commissioners this month after commissioners grabbed control of decisions the health board holds sacred. Commissioners Scott Pell and Tim Beyer have said the commissioners have final authority over health department contracts. County attorney Beth Copeland backs them on that claim, while health department board member and retired attorney John Casey disagrees. Both attorneys are experienced in municipal law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pell and Beyer hired Copeland as a full-time employee this year and expect her to serve all of the countys elected officials, offices, and boards of directors to save money on legal services. The health department opted instead to enter a contract with Bob Clutter, who served it for many years and is familiar with the health departments needs. Clutter had previously served commissioners on a contractual basis and rolled most of the cost of serving the health department into his monthly fee to the county. Without a countywide contract, Clutter and the health department entered a new one this spring. Clutters services cost the department more in the new contract, since there was no longer a county contract to absorb overruns. Beyer and Pell in June objected to the cost and claimed the health department must receive commissioners approval before entering contracts, which was not previously the procedure, Boone County Health Officer Dr. Herschell Servies said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They stalled Clutters bill for May and demanded that the health department return with Clutters contract for them to consider. Pell and Beyer later paid the May bill but rejected the contract. Commissioner Don Lawson voted against ending the contract, saying commissioners should not override the will and authority of the health board. Pell and Beyer want Copeland to serve the health board as part of her employment to save taxpayer money. The money earmarked for Clutters pay, however, was state money given to the health board specifically for legal counsel, and it did not pass through county coffers, nor Boone County Council approval, Casey said. The council is the countys fiscal arm. In response, the health board met this month and unanimously voted to seek legal opinions on: whether commissioners have final authority on health department contracts; whether commissioners or the council determine the health department budget and expenditures; whether commissioners overstepped in replacing the health departments attorney; and if the health department has legal grounds to sue commissioners if a resolution is not reached. Beyer spoke during the health departments July meeting and said he sees it differently than Casey described it to the health department board. I urge you to watch the video of the commissioners June 16 meeting, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pell declined an interview for this story. The commissioners and health boards special meeting will be open to the public at 6 p.m. Monday in the Connie Lamar meeting room of the Boone County Annex, 116 W. Washington St., Lebanon. RICHFIELD, Utah (ABC4) The Monroe Canyon Fire burning in Sevier County experienced significant growth Friday afternoon and evening, growing by 10,000 acres to a total of 20,870 acres, according to an incident update on Saturday. A Red Flag Warning is in effect over the weekend as fire weather conditions remain critical. Temperatures rising and winds are increasing, officials said. Highs in the mid 80s are expected to be coupled with low relative humidity, causing extreme fire activity. Evacuation notices were issued on Friday for all residences within the current closure area, including Magleby, Monroe Meadows, Cove Mountain, Elk Country Cabins, Long Flat, Big Lake, and the Porters area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire made an estimated five-mile run north yesterday. The fire advanced into the Magleby area and crossed Indian Peak to the east and Glenwood Mountain to the north, Saturdays update states. Firefighters observed 60+ mph gusts. For safety reasons, firefighters were forced to withdraw from locations where they had been implementing structural protection efforts. Crews will be looking for spot fires today, July 26, as they have been reportedly forming from half a mile to five miles ahead of the main fire. Crews are also assessing areas impacted by Friday nights fire spread, mostly in the Long Flat area and Porters area. Once safe for firefighters to enter, they will begin assessing the Magleby area. The fuels within the surrounding area reportedly have the potential to rapidly increase fire growth and cause volatile fire activity. Heavy smoke has limited the availability of infrared mapping for accurate acreage data, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The safety of our firefighters and the public remains our top priority. We want everyone to make it home safely, Incident Commander Brett Waters said. 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. Canadians are trading their annual vacations south of the border for domestic road trips, exploring Ottawa, the Yukon's midnight sun, Nova Scotia's whale watching, or hiking in Banff. This newfound desire to stay local began earlier this year when U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to annex Canada and imposed tariffs on Canadian goods, spurring a 'Buy Canadian' movement to boycott US businesses and avoid US travel. London, Ontario-based Guess Where Trips, selling curated mystery road trip packages, reported a 75 per cent increase in Canadian trip sales year-on-year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is clear that more Canadians are choosing to explore small businesses and hidden gems close to home, rather than crossing the border for their holidays and vacations," operations manager Jessica Bax said. Road trips around Ottawa are among their most popular packages, Bax said, as more Canadians explore their capital city. Prime Minister Mark Carney has also made a pitch for Canadians to take advantage of a new "Canada Strong" pass that grants free or discounted access to several national parks, historic sites and museums this summer. "Canadians are making choices to visit this great country, spend time here with their family, with their friends. They're making choices to buy Canadian products," he said in a press briefing in Huntsville, Ontario on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The discount pass contrasts with Trump ordering higher entrance fees at U.S. national parks for visitors from other countries. A Bank of Canada survey this week showed that 55% of Canadians plan to spend less money vacationing in the United States this year while 35% said they would spend more on traveling within Canada. A survey by TD Bank showed 64% of Canadians polled planned to travel within the country, mirroring an increase in domestic flight bookings. Canadian domestic tourism spending rose 4% in the first quarter this year from a year earlier, said Destination Canada, a government agency that promotes Canadian tourism. The number of flight return trips from the United States made by Canadians fell 17% in May from a year earlier, while the number of such trips made by car fell by 37% that month, according to Statistics Canada. Walter Flower, who operates whale watching tours in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, said he has been busier this year as more people exploring the UNESCO World Heritage town booked a 45-minute ocean adventure hoping to spot whales off the east coast. Lord Purvis of Tweed called for ministers to discuss outstanding fees with US President Donald Trump during his September visit (Suzanne Plunkett/PA) (PA Wire) Divya Mohan, a communications specialist in Toronto, says she had initially planned to go to Texas this year but instead opted to explore the city of Winnipeg in Manitoba. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It just felt like the timing wasn't right... may be in the future," Mohan, 39, said of her trip in April. "Winnipeg is just one more destination in Canada to explore," Mohan said, coming away impressed with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. On the west coast in British Columbia, RVs have gained popularity, said Storm Jespersen, a regional manager at family-owned tourism firm Evergreen Hospitality Group. "This year is going to be the busiest year in our company's history across our 26 properties... it's so busy, I don't think you can even rent one (RV) very easily right now," said Jespersen. Canadians gather at the Detroit River waterfront in Windsor, Ontario, during the "Bridging Our Friendship" solidarity rally with Detroit residents on April 26, 2025 (Dominic Gwinn/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty) Traveling in Canada can be expensive as domestic flights to remote locations often cost more than traveling to the United States or even Europe. But travelers have found ways to do it cheaper - through road trips or by hunting for discounts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Doing road trips or just weekend trips to a cabin nearby is a great way to switch things up without spending thousands of dollars to fly a family of four across the country and back," said Vancouver-based marketing executive Kramer Solinsky. On his list this year, Solinsky plans to visit Montreal and the east coast for the first time and is traveling to Mexico City and Osaka in Japan instead of other sun-soaked options like Florida and California. To make some remote regions in northern Canada more accessible, Air North - the airline for the northern regions of Yukon and Northwest Territories - added more capacity and non-stop routes for the summer, betting on higher demand from what it said was "clear and growing interest among Canadians in exploring more of their own country" Air North said arrivals to Yukon rose 7.6% from January to June this year and the airline continues to see growth in demand for flights to northern Canada. Other Canadian carriers have reported similar trends: Porter Airlines increased its summer network capacity to domestic travel to 80% from 75%, while peer WestJet in May suspended nine routes between Canada and the United States citing lower demand. MOORESVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A mother has been arrested for allegedly kidnapping her four-year-old child, according to the Mooresville Police Department. On Thursday, July 24, officers responded to a possible kidnapping of a four-year-old child. Authorities learned that the toddler was in the custody of the Iredell County Department of Social Services but was staying with a relative when their mother, 30-year-old Haley Ervin, went to the relatives residence and took her child without permission. The next day, detectives and the Rowan County Sheriffs Office used a search warrant at a residence in Rowan County where the child and Ervin were found, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arrest records show Ervin was booked into the Iredell County Jail without bond for first-degree kidnapping. Officials said the four-year-old was returned to the custody of the Iredell County Department of Social Services. Queen City News is tracking CRIME in your area >> Latest stories 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 Queen City News. Nearly 4,000 employees, or more than 20% of NASA's workforce, have applied to leave the agency, NASA confirmed to CBS News Friday. About 3,870 employees have applied to depart NASA over two rounds through the Trump administration's deferred resignation program, NASA disclosed. The deadline for applications to the program is midnight Friday. With those deferred resignations, NASA's civil servant workforce would shrink from about 18,000 to 14,000 personnel. This figure also includes about 500 employees who were lost through normal attrition, the agency said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Safety remains a top priority for our agency as we balance the need to become a more streamlined and more efficient organization and work to ensure we remain fully capable of pursuing a Golden Era of exploration and innovation, including to the Moon and Mars," NASA spokesperson Cheryl Warner said in a statement. According to NASA, about 870 employees applied to leave during the first round of the Deferred Resignation Program, and about 3,000 employees during the second round. The deferred resignation program was a buyout program introduced across the federal government by the White House's Department of Government Efficiency at the onset of the Trump administration in an effort to slash costs and reduce the size of the federal workforce. A White House budget proposal issued in May would see NASA's funding cut by about 25% for fiscal year 2026, from about $24 billion to $18 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NASA has also been roiled by a leadership crisis in recent months. In December, President Trump nominated billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman, a friend of former DOGE head Elon Musk, to serve as NASA's next administrator. Musk's SpaceX has several NASA contracts. However, in late May, Mr. Trump pulled Isaacman's nomination just ahead of the Senate confirmation vote, which was followed days later by a public fallout between Mr. Trump and Musk. Earlier this month, the president announced that Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy would temporarily lead the agency. While many believe 10,000 steps a day is optimal, new study suggests different DOJ's closed-door meetings with Ghislaine Maxwell fuels pardon speculation California artist brings Bob's Big Boy statues back to life Harlequin Beach on Amchitka Island is seen in this undated photo. The island, now part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, was the site of atomic weapons tests in 1965, 1969 and 1971. (Photo provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) This July marked 80 years since the U.S. government detonated the first atomic bomb in the desert of southern New Mexico, marking the start of the nuclear age and an ongoing nightmare for the people who call the area home. Compensation program for health damage from Alaska weapons tests is extended Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That test, known as Trinity, blanketed rural communities in radioactive fallout. No one was warned. No one was evacuated. Families drank radioactive rainwater, breathed in ash, and were left to carry the burden in silence. Now, for the first time in history, those communities will finally be acknowledged. Earlier versions of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), originally passed in 1990, offered compensation to downwinders impacted by nuclear testing in Nevada and to others whod worked as uranium miners before 1971. But New Mexicans and other long suffering communities were left out. But now that law, which expired last year, has been renewed and expanded to include New Mexicos Trinity downwinders, post-1971 uranium mine workers, and other affected communities in Missouri, Tennessee, Alaska, Kentucky, and beyond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But this long-overdue justice comes with a gut punch: the RECA expansion is buried inside Trumps so-called Big Beautiful Bill, the GOP budget that slashes Medicaid, SNAP, and rural health care lifelines for the very people this bill claims to protect to finance tax cuts for the wealthy. This is not justice. I come from generations of Nuevomexicanos whove lived and worked on these lands for decades. Both of my grandparents have battled cancer. And while we may never get a clear answer, we cant help but wonder if it was because of exposure to the radioactive legacy thats haunted New Mexico for generations. These arent isolated stories. Theyre echoed across our pueblos, acequias, and towns. From the Navajo Nation, where uranium miners were sent underground without protection, to the 1979 Church Rock disaster the worst nuclear spill in U.S. history our communities have borne the brunt of nuclear colonialism while being erased from the story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When RECA was passed in 1990, it excluded us. Even as cancers and birth defects multiplied, even as we buried our elders and our children, we were told our suffering didnt count. When the program expired in 2024, it slammed the door shut on new claims. Now, with a revival of RECA on the table, its a historic moment. But the same bill that expands RECA also threatens to strip millions of people of their basic health care. I crunched the numbers in a new fact sheet for the Institute for Policy Studies. In the 16 RECA-eligible states alone, I found that this bill will rip health insurance away from over 3.9 million people including 103,719 in New Mexico, the very state whose residents were sacrificed to build the U.S. nuclear empire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The total figure includes over 1.4 million people losing Medicaid coverage and another 2.5 million losing Affordable Care Act coverage. On top of that, a total of 240 rural hospitals in these states are considered at risk of closing. These are not just numbers they are lives. Aging uranium miners. Downwinders living in remote, medically underserved areas. Elders in rural towns who have no alternative when their hospital closes. This bill gives with one hand and takes away with the other. Thats not justice its policy murder. I welcome the long-overdue recognition of downwinders from New Mexico and other impacted communities in RECA. But what does that mean if those same people are losing access to health care? Many rely on Medicaid and rural hospitals. If those lifelines vanish, how will they get diagnosed, let alone treated? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even this win is short-lived: RECA would only be extended until the end of 2028, far too little time to reach, enroll, and support impacted communities. Justice must come with real care. We shouldnt have to trade one harm for another. We deserve compensation without compromise. RECA should be expanded for longer without compromising Medicaid or rural health care. We demand justice without sacrifice. This article was originally published by OtherWords.org. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX By Hani Richter -For Cape Town-based filmmaker Kate Dhotman, connecting with movie audiences comes naturally. Far more daunting is speaking with others. Ive never understood how people [decipher] social cues, the 40-year-old director of horror films says. Dhotman has autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which can make relating to others exhausting and a challenge. However, since 2022, Dhotman has been a regular user of ChatGPT, the popular AI-powered chatbot from OpenAI, relying on it to overcome communication barriers at work and in her personal life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know its a machine, she says. But sometimes, honestly, its the most empathetic voice in my life. Neurodivergent people including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other conditions can experience the world differently from the neurotypical norm. Talking to a colleague, or even texting a friend, can entail misread signals, a misunderstood tone and unintended impressions. AI-powered chatbots have emerged as an unlikely ally, helping people navigate social encounters with real-time guidance. Although this new technology is not without risks in particular some worry about over-reliance many neurodivergent users now see it as a lifeline. How does it work in practice? For Dhotman, ChatGPT acts as an editor, translator and confidant. Before using the technology, she says communicating in neurotypical spaces was difficult. She recalls how she once sent her boss a bulleted list of ways to improve the company, at their request. But what she took to be a straightforward response was received as overly blunt, and even rude. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, she regularly runs things by ChatGPT, asking the chatbot to consider the tone and context of her conversations. Sometimes shell instruct it to take on the role of a psychologist or therapist, asking for help to navigate scenarios as sensitive as a misunderstanding with her best friend. She once uploaded months of messages between them, prompting the chatbot to help her see what she might have otherwise missed. Unlike humans, Dhotman says, the chatbot is positive and non-judgmental. Thats a feeling other neurodivergent people can relate to. Sarah Rickwood, a senior project manager in the sales training industry, based in Kent, England, has ADHD and autism. Rickwood says she has ideas that run away with her and often loses people in conversations. I dont do myself justice, she says, noting that ChatGPT has allowed me to do a lot more with my brain. With its help, she can put together emails and business cases more clearly. The use of AI-powered tools is surging. A January study conducted by Google and the polling firm Ipsos found that AI usage globally has jumped 48%, with excitement about the technologys practical benefits now exceeding concerns over its potentially adverse effects. In February, OpenAI told Reuters that its weekly active users surpassed 400 million, of which at least 2 million are paying business users. But for neurodivergent users, these arent just tools of convenience and some AI-powered chatbots are now being created with the neurodivergent community in mind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael Daniel, an engineer and entrepreneur based in Newcastle, Australia, told Reuters that it wasnt until his daughter was diagnosed with autism and he received the same diagnosis himself that he realised how much he had been masking his own neurodivergent traits. His desire to communicate more clearly with his neurotypical wife and loved ones inspired him to build Neurotranslator, an AI-powered personal assistant, which he credits with helping him fully understand and process interactions, as well as avoid misunderstandings. Wow thats a unique shirt, he recalls saying about his wifes outfit one day, without realising how his comment might be perceived. She asked him to run the comment through NeuroTranslator, which helped him recognise that, without a positive affirmation, remarks about a persons appearance could come across as criticism. The emotional baggage that comes along with those situations would just disappear within minutes, he says of using the app. Since its launch in September, Daniel says NeuroTranslator has attracted more than 200 paid subscribers. An earlier web version of the app, called Autistic Translator, amassed 500 monthly paid subscribers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As transformative as this technology has become, some warn against becoming too dependent. The ability to get results on demand can be very seductive, says Larissa Suzuki, a London-based computer scientist and visiting NASA researcher who is herself neurodivergent. Overreliance could be harmful if it inhibits neurodivergent users ability to function without it, or if the technology itself becomes unreliable as is already the case with many AI search-engine results, according to a recent study from the Columbia Journalism Review. If AI starts screwing up things and getting things wrong, Suzuki says, people might give up on technology, and on themselves." Baring your soul to an AI chatbot does carry risk, agrees Gianluca Mauro, an AI adviser and co-author of Zero to AI. The objective [of AI models like ChatGPT] is to satisfy the user, he says, raising questions about its willingness to offer critical advice. Unlike therapists, these tools arent bound by ethical codes or professional guidelines. If AI has the potential to become addictive, Mauro adds, regulation should follow. A recent study by Carnegie Mellon and Microsoft (which is a key investor in OpenAI) suggests that long-term overdependence on generative AI tools can undermine users critical-thinking skills and leave them ill-equipped to manage without it. While AI can improve efficiency, the researchers wrote, it may also reduce critical engagement, particularly in routine or lower-stakes tasks in which users simply rely on AI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Dr. Melanie Katzman, a clinical psychologist and expert in human behaviour, recognises the benefits of AI for neurodivergent people, she does see downsides, such as giving patients an excuse not to engage with others. A therapist will push their patient to try different things outside of their comfort zone. "I think it's harder for your AI companion to push you," she says. But for users who have come to rely on this technology, such fears are academic. A lot of us just end up kind of retreating from society, warns Dhotman, who says that she barely left the house in the year following her autism diagnosis, feeling overwhelmed. Were she to give up using ChatGPT, she fears she would return to that traumatic period of isolation. As somebody who's struggled with a disability my whole life, she says, I need this. (Editing by Yasmeen Serhan and Sharon Singleton) Credit: IRIB via WANA At least five people have been killed, including a mother and her one-year-old child, in a terrorist attack in southeastern Iran. Explosions and gunfire were heard when gunmen stormed a courthouse in Zahedan, the capital of the Sistan-Baluchestan province, on Saturday morning. The attackers attempted to pose as visitors before throwing a hand grenade into the building, according to Alireza Daliri, deputy police commander of the province. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iranian media reported that assailants stormed the judges chambers during the attack which also injured 20. Five civilians were killed and three attackers were shot dead in clashes with security forces, according to the Iranian state media agency IRNA. The overall number of assailants is not clear. The Sunni Jaish al-Adl Baluch group has taken responsibility for the attack - Jamestown.org Some of the civilians killed and wounded were judiciary staff and security personnel, according to the Baluch human rights group HAALVSH, citing eyewitnesses. The Sunni Jaish al-Adl Baluch group took responsibility for the attack in a statement posted to Telegram, urging civilians to immediately evacuate the area of clashes for their safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sistan-Baluchestan province borders Pakistan and Afghanistan and has frequently seen attacks between security forces and armed groups, including Sunni militants who say they are fighting for more rights and autonomy. It is home to the countrys Sunni Muslim Baluch minority and is one of the most deprived provinces in the country. The Jameh Mosque of Zahedan in the Sistan and Baluchestan province - SAEID ARABZADEH/AFP Jaish al-Adl, or the Army of Justice, is a Sunni militant group founded in 2012 that operates mainly in the Sistan-Baluchestan province on the border with Pakistan. It has previously claimed responsibility for attacks against Iranian security forces. In October last year, Jaish al-Adl claimed responsibility for an attack in which ten police officers were killed in the city of Taftan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January last year, a cross-border Iranian missile attack on two bases reported to belong to Jaish al-Adl in Pakistans Balochistan province killed two children and wounded three others, leading Pakistan to withdraw its ambassador from Iran. 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. MT. JULIET, Tenn. (WKRN) Mt. Juliet police recovered a vehicle reported stolen out of Kentucky earlier this month as well as drugs after arresting a man who had allegedly been deported from the U.S. on seven different occasions Friday afternoon. A Chevrolet Cruz that had been reported stolen out of Oak Grove, Kentucky, on July 3 entered the city of Mt. Juliet from Hermitage via Lebanon Road. Mt. Juliet officers utilized Guardian Shield license plate recognition technology and activated a proactive pursuit-prevention plan and safely monitored the vehicle, per a social media post. 3 taken into custody following thefts at Mt. Juliet store Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers stopped the car as it pulled into a driveway on Nonaville Road, but the driver allegedly ran from the vehicle. Police said they found him a short time later in a nearby woods. (Courtesy: Mt. Juliet Police Department) (Courtesy: Mt. Juliet Police Department) (Courtesy: Mt. Juliet Police Department) (Courtesy: Mt. Juliet Police Department) The car reportedly contained printing equipment used to make fraudulent identification cards and other IDs as well as a system to make fraudulent checks and money orders. The driver, a 44-year-old man, was also allegedly in possession of methamphetamine. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee The MJPD said the man was discovered to be a non-citizen who has been deported from the U.S. seven different times and has returned without authorization. Federal authorities have been called to assist in the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further, the passenger identified as a 41-year-old woman from Jackson, Tennessee was found to be wanted out of Davidson County for failure to appear and a probation violation, Cheatham County for theft and Chester County for a probation violation and drug-related charges. The MJPD said she had been wanted since last September. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) Eleven people were stabbed at a Walmart in Traverse City on Saturday with six in critical condition in what a Michigan sheriff said appeared to be a random act. A suspect was in custody, authorities said. Around 4:45 p.m., a 42-year-old man entered the store and used a folding knife to stab 11 people, the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office said in a statement on social media. A sheriff's deputy arrived within minutes and took the man into custody, and people in the store also helped apprehend the suspect and treat victims, the sheriff's office said. The victims' ages weren't immediately released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eleven is 11 too many, but thank God it wasnt more, Sheriff Michael Shea told reporters. Emergency vehicles and uniformed first responders gathered in the parking lot of the shopping center that houses several other retail stores. Authorities also were seen interviewing employees, still wearing blue uniform vests and name tags, nearby as the response gave way to an investigation. Tiffany DeFell, 36, who lives in Honor, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Traverse City, said she was in the store's parking lot when she saw chaos erupt around her. It was really scary. Me and my sister were just freaking out, she said. This is something you see out of the movies. Its not what you expect to see where youre living. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Munson Healthcare said via social media that 11 people were being treated at the regions largest hospital in northern Michigan. Spokesperson Megan Brown said all were stabbing victims. Six people were critical and five were in serious condition late Saturday, she said. Shea said the weapon involved appeared to be a folding-style knife. Shea said the suspect is believed to be a Michigan resident but declined to share further details. Michigan State Police had said earlier in the day that the suspect was in authorities' custody. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said: Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this brutal act of violence." Walmart said in a statement that it would continue to work closely with law enforcement in the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Violence like this is unacceptable. Our thoughts are with those who were injured and were thankful for the swift action of first responders, the statement said. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said in a social media post that bureau officials were responding to provide any necessary support. Traverse City is a popular vacation spot on the coast of Lake Michigan. It is known for its cherry festival, wineries and lighthouses and is about 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. HONOLULU (KHON2) State officials are searching for anyone with information on an illegal nene killing that happened in early July. Adults stand by as dog tramples nene nest at Liliuokalani Park The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said it received a call on July 8. The caller reported that a federally listed threatened nene was found dead near the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai. Officials said the nene, which are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, was allegedly shot with possibly a pellet gun or a .22 rifle/pistol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news State officials are now looking for information that leads to the punishment of the individual(s) involved. In turn, the agency is offering a $5,000 reward. An investigation into the incident remains ongoing. Check out more news from around Hawaii Anyone with information is advised to call 808-861-8525 or 844-FWS-TIPS. The public can also submit information through an online form, which can be found HERE. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. (NewsNation) A 12-year-old boy has died in South Carolina after becoming infected with a rare brain-eating amoeba from swimming in a lake earlier this month. The boy passed away on July 18 after contracting Naegleria fowleri, a rare brain infection, according to a statement by the law firm representing the boys family. Before the infection, the boy had recently gone swimming in Lake Murray, a popular lake outside of Columbia, South Carolina, the law firm said. NewsNation affiliate WCBD reports that the South Carolina Department of Public Health became aware of the infection in early July, the first in the state since 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is brain-eating amoeba? 9-year-old dies at The Boardwalk at Hersheypark What is brain-eating amoeba? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Naegleria fowleri is a free-living ameba, a kind of one-celled organism that thrives in warm freshwater, lakes, rivers, and hot springs. However, there have been rare cases in which its been found in swimming pools and tap water. If water containing the amoeba enters the nose and travels into the brain of a person, it can result in an infection known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis. The infection destroys brain tissue, which is why the infection is commonly referred to as a brain-eating amoeba. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Life savers at South Dakota lake rescue boy from drowning What are symptoms? Symptoms of the infection can include headache, fever, vomiting, stiff neck and hallucinations. While rare, the infection is nearly always fatal and progresses rapidly, with most people dying within days of contracting it. According to the CDC, fewer than 10 people in the U.S. develop the infection a year, but of the 167 cases between 1962 and 2024, only four people survived. As for treatment, the Cleveland Clinic notes that some survivors of the infection were treated with a combination of drugs that included amphotericin B, rifampin, fluconazole and a drug called miltefosine. Video: Mother dolphin rescued after getting tangled in crab trap lines How can you reduce exposure? The CDC recommends that people hold their nose or wear a nose clip if jumping or diving into fresh water, and keep their head above water in hot springs. In addition, health officials advise that people use distilled or boiled water when rising their sinuses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. Inside the Lowry Activity Center at the Stillwater Community Center, 125 children and parents listened intently as Native American dancer Mike Pahsetopah shared traditional dances and storytelling. Pahsetopahs performances included specialty, traditional and social dances, and at times, he invited the children to join him. At first, they were shy, but gradually more and more stepped forward until the room was nearly filled with swirling, laughing children and parents. The program was part of Stillwater Public Librarys summer reading program, Color Our World, which ran from May 31 through Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pahsetopah is a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, in addition to Osage, Cherokee and Yuchi. He is an Oklahoma fancy dancer and founder of the world-renowned Dancing Eagles, traveling often to dance, sing, tell stories, play the flute and talk with his hands, or use Native American signs. His daughter, Heaven, often joins him to perform fancy shawl dances. Three weeks ago, Pahsetopah was inducted into the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Hall of Fame as a living legend. Everything Ive learned in my culture growing up, I use as visual tools, Pahsetopah told the News Press. It helps preserve (the culture), and it brings an awareness. It takes me to different places to represent my people and wherever I go, to always make it a little bit better than when I got there. Pahsetopah said hes made many friends along the way and his performances have touched peoples hearts in addition to providing interactive activities for families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People can use this as a little diversion to give them a little sanity, he said. Pahsetopah performed the Round Dance, or friendship dance, which he emphasizes more at public school performances. Friendships are a very important part of our lives, and this brings people together, Pahsetopah said. And the drum symbolizes the heartbeat of our people. He said Native Americans face stereotypes with what they see on TV, but when they experience the performances, they get a better understanding of who they are as Native people. The Snake Dance was used to beat down a section of grass. When Native Americans first came to Oklahoma, they walked. They didnt come riding horses or cars and trains, they were walking, he said. When they found a place where they could reside, they beat down the grass together to make the spot more livable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The snake dance can teach leadership to the small ones, Pahsetopah said. Its a simple direction forward and when everybodys doing it together and in step, they can feel the music and they can follow the ones in front of them, doing different patterns. Sometimes, I go some places and it gets chaotic. But a lot of times, I say, just make it simple. During the snake dance, children and adults alike followed Pahsetopah as he wove in and out of those sitting on the floor. Children laughed and smiled as they followed him throughout the gymnasium. He also performed the Buffalo Dance, a hopping dance which hunters celebrated before going out to hunt bison. Every part of the bison was used and the tribe never killed more than necessary, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pahsetopah used four different flutes, each with a different sound that filled the gymnasium and captivated those in attendance. He said it takes great emotional strength for musicians to perform. If they have troubles or negative thoughts, they wont be able to play. Youve got to be at a good place in your life where that musics going to be touching people, he said. We say that this music comes to us like the air we breath, and when youre stressed, youre not breathing good. Pahsetopah explained that storytellers were teachers who installed the culture and the customs, bringing stories to life to make tribal members think and retain their history. Pahsetopah also used Native American hand talk to tell a story about a buffalo and a turtle competing against each other in a race. His published book Talking with Hands, is available on Amazon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the 45-minute performance, children stopped with their parents to take pictures with Pahsetopah. Hanna Alvan, mother of 6-year-old Pendar, stood in line with the others. Hanna took her son to the library all summer because he loves books and wants to read all of the time. Pendar joined in at least one of the dances with the other children. The family is from Iran and they are living in Stillwater while her husband studies for his second Ph.D. in English at Oklahoma State University. Hannas mother tongue is Azerbaijani Turkish, but Hanna also speaks four other languages. She said the two of them enjoyed the program, and she tried to explain how important the library program has been for Pendar this summer. Stillwater is a small city and (theres not many) good parks for children, Hanna said. The library is a good program for children. Navy Secretary John Phelan is attempting to curb the role of the services No. 2 civilian leader even before President Donald Trumps pick arrives at the Pentagon, according to four people familiar with the situation, a sign of further instability at the highest levels of the department. Phelan and his chief of staff, Jon Harrison, last week reassigned the top two aides who were supposed to help Navy undersecretary nominee Hung Cao navigate the role once hes confirmed, according to the people. They also plan to interview all future military assistants for Cao to ensure decisions come from the secretarys office, seemingly part of a larger effort to reduce the influence of the role, the people said. Phelan and Harrison appear suspicious of Cao, a high-profile Navy veteran and former Republican Senate candidate in Virginia whom Trump nominated for the post , according to the four people, who include former and current defense officials, granted anonymity to discuss internal dynamics. Phelan and Harrison dont know Cao and worry he will undercut their efforts to centralize authority within the Navy, especially since he is a former naval officer who has Trumps ear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While power struggles at the Pentagon are not uncommon, the people said it was rare for a service secretary to act on concerns about a Senate-confirmed position. Lawmakers are expected to vote on Caos nomination next week. Caos office will be there to go to meetings but not be a source of analysis or decision-making, said one of the people. The undersecretary will basically just implement decisions from the front office. The moves follow another power struggle in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths office this year, which led to the departure of his senior aides. And it signals more upheaval at the top of the Pentagon, which could hamper the Navys ability to salvage a long-delayed shipbuilding program as the U.S. struggles to compete with Chinas industrial might. Harrison is a key figure. He asked that correspondence for the undersecretary go straight to him, according to the people familiar with the situation and a memo addressed to top Navy and Marine Corps officials, obtained by POLITICO. The memo, signed by then-Acting Navy Secretary Terence Emmert, directed deputies to report to both Harrison and the undersecretary. But the acting undersecretary, Brett Seidle, has not been given a role in key Navy decisions and advising Phelan, the people said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shift, according to another one of the four people, appears poised to put the Navys Research and Development office more directly under Phelans control. The office is responsible for shipbuilding and developing uncrewed vessels two of the services top priorities, in which the undersecretary plays a major role. Phelan and Harrison are going to make it extremely difficult for Hung to get anything done, said another one of the people. Theyre consolidating power. Phelans spokesperson, Capt. Adam Clampitt, said the notion that Phelan and Harrison are wary of Cao and trying to undercut him was completely untrue. Cao also has close ties to Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg, according to a former government official and another person familiar with their relationship, who like others, were granted anonymity to speak candidly. Feinberg and Phelan, both former financiers and influential players inside the Pentagon, appear to have a tense relationship, they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Feinberg and Phelan come from similar backgrounds and are pursuing similar objectives so it makes sense that they see each other as natural rivals, the person familiar said. Clampitt said the two have a close personal working relationship and eat dinner together regularly. Phelan is positioning the office to best tackle the Navys challenges and put people in the right positions to succeed, he said. Phelan, in an emailed statement, said the Navy was making changes to foster an adaptable and accountable culture, and that the service planned to announce even more organizational changes to improve shipbuilding and the quality of life for sailors and Marines. Cao, he said, will have a significant and visible role. Seidle said in an emailed statement that he had close and wide-ranging access to Phelan and other Defense Department leaders. To suggest otherwise is not true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harrison and Cao did not respond to requests for comment. Feinberg has a great relationship with Navy Secretary Phelan and looks forward to working with Hung Cao once he is confirmed, said Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell. The accusation that there is division within the Navy is more fake news trash. White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly commended Phelans work and said reorganizational changes will empower not diminish proven leaders like Hung Cao, ensuring they have the authority and tools needed to execute the Presidents mission to restore readiness and lethality at the DOD. Cao had his Senate confirmation hearing in June and is awaiting a vote, which could come as early as next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The changes occur as the Navy prepares to receive $43 billion from the megabill recently passed by Congress to buy 16 new ships. Phelan and Harrison whose experience is in the private sector rather than the Navy will manage the massive one-time injection of cash. Another person briefed on the plans said the Navy is wasting this golden opportunity" to fix its decades-long shipbuilding problems because many experienced officers will have much of their decision-making abilities taken away. The service is also cutting into the services in an effort to follow Hegseths orders to reduce staff. POLITICO reported earlier this month that the Navy is considering eliminating as many as five high-level admiral positions critical to shipbuilding and construction. Phelan last week put in three acting political appointees to replace the civil servants who were serving as Navy assistant secretaries. Elmer Roman took over for Brenda Johnson Turner as chief for energy, installations and environment; Scott Duncan replaced Jenn Latorre as the Navys chief for manpower and reserve affairs; and Tim Dill supplanted Catherine Kessmeier as general counsel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clampitt said the civil servants had returned to their jobs as deputies to the acting political appointees. One person reassigned in the undersecretarys office had ended a temporary detail, he said, and the other was a military aide and had not been hired through the standard selection process.A former defense official said that top Navy officials made it clear after Trumps inauguration that they would replace assistant Navy secretaries and their principal civilian deputies typically career civil servants with political appointees. This is just uncharted territory, said one of the people familiar with the situation. They just want their people in there to keep an eye on Cao. NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) The North Charleston Police Department is investigating a Saturday morning shooting on Florida Avenue. Responding officers found a man suffering from gunshot wounds just before 10 a.m., according to the agency. The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment. NCPD said the investigation is on going. No arrests have been made. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. NEBRASKA (KCAU) The projected tax deficit for the state of Nebraska in the fiscal year 2024-25 has now increased to about $95 million. The Nebraska Examiner said a legislative fiscal offices analyst told the Tax Rate Review Committee the update in a meeting on Thursday. Officials said the biggest reason for the updated shortfall is due to the states tax receipts for May and June. Those came in around $86 million below what the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board predicted back in April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another reason that grew is that state lawmakers authorized $10 million to be transferred from cash funds into the general fund after the boards meeting. Story continues below State officials said the projected deficit could still change before lawmakers return to Lincoln in January 2026. Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen released a statement via press release on the states fiscal position, saying in part, When we shrink government and cut spending, we can focus on providing better outcomes and improving services for everyone in our state. Theres more work to do to drive down taxes in this state, but our goal is to keep fighting to make Nebraska for generations to come the best place to live, work, and raise a family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Neighbors upset after Trump administration approves air quality exemption to Sterigenics A metro Atlanta community has cancer concerns after President Donald Trump agreed to relax a new air quality regulation for five plants that operate in Georgia. In 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency ordered factories that use a chemical called Ethelyn Oxide to sterilize medical equipment to install proven air pollution control controls by 2026. Everyone here is at risk, said John Hitchins. He and his neighbor fought for the new EPA regulation after learning the effects of the chemical used in the sterilization process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its known to cause cancer, Hitchins said. This is bad stuff, and I want to make sure my kids arent exposed to it, or, at least, very little as possible. This year, three companies operating four plants in metro-Atlanta applied for an exemption to the new rule: Becton Dickinson and Company, Sterigenics and Sterilization Services of Georgia. The Trump Administrations EPA approved their application, giving them an extra two years to comply with regulations. An executive order issued last week argues the pollution control technology needed for compliance does not exist in a commercially viable form, and the new rule could make medical devices unavailable to patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Southern Environmental Law Centers air program leader, Keri Powell, wants to know why these companies need more time to comply. RELATED STORIES: We cant see their application, Powell said. The EPA and the Trump Administration wont turn them over. Its a secret. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Channel 2 Action News asked the three companies why they applied for an exemption. BD said it needs more time to install the equipment. We are waiting for a response from Sterigenics and Sterilization Services. According to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, these plants have now installed the equipment. They have tested and they are operating the equipment. So, the idea that they dont have the technology to comply with the federal law is mystifying, said Powell. Neighbors who live near Sterigenics said to expect lawsuits to challenge the exemptions. Were going to do everything we can in our power, Hitchins said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said metro-Atlanta isnt alone. The executive order lists more than 30 other plants across the U.S. and Georgia that have received exemptions to the new Ethelyn Oxide regulations. The plants in Georgia are in Cobb, Fulton, Newton, Morgan, and Richmond counties. Benjamin Netanyahus eldest son on Friday claimed Joe Rogan refused to host the Israeli prime minister on his show and has promoted years of antisemitic propaganda. Yair Netanyahu, 33, took aim at the popular podcaster after Rogan gushed over scandal-ridden Hunter Biden, arguing he could be president. Great wake up call for conservatives to remember Joe Rogan is not a conservative, Netanyahus son wrote in a post on X. Joe Rogan hosting his podcast The Joe Rogan Experience. PowerfulJRE/Youtube He gave platform to every single neo Nazi antisemite on this plant (sic), but he refuse to have my father on his show, because he knows that he doesnt stand a chance against him, and all those years of antisemitic propaganda will go to waste. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Representatives for Rogan did not immediately respond to The Posts requests for comment. On Wednesdays episode of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Rogan had played a clip from Bidens bizarre interview with Channel 5 host Andrew Callaghan, when the former presidents son discussed his illegal drug use. Hes smarter than his dad when his dad was young, Rogan said of Hunter. And he could be president. How about that? Yair Netanyahu slammed Joe Rogan in a social media post Friday. @YairNetanyahu/X Yair Netanyahu, a onetime podcaster himself, was quick to call out Rogans comments as proof that he isnt a true conservative and accused the host of platforming antisemitism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rogan has found himself in hot water on the subject several times over the years. Most recently, Rogan faced backlash after he hosted Darryl Cooper on his podcast earlier this year. Yair Netanyahu and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. AP The self-styled historian has been accused of Holocaust revisionism and downplaying Nazi crimes. Rogan brushed off his critics as paranoid Jews. In 2023, Rogan made a jab on his podcast about Jews being into money. The idea that Jewish people are not into money, thats ridiculous. Thats like saying Italians arent into pizza. Its fing stupid, he said. President Trump and Yair Netanyahu. @YairNetanyahu/X Yair Netanyahu, who is known for coming to his fathers defense online, has his own fair share of controversies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His Facebook account was slapped with a 24-hour ban in 2018 following a series of anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian posts. Do you know where there are no attacks, in Iceland and Japan. Thats because there are no Muslims, he wrote in one post. In another, he wrote: There will never be peace with the monsters in human form known since 1964 as Palestinians. Earlier that same year, the prime minsters son, then 26, was caught on video outside a Tel Aviv strip club drunkenly boasting about his father and making risque comments about women. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) came full swing at President Donald Trump Saturday, claiming the president is lying to cover up his involvement in convicted sex abuser Jeffrey Epsteins case. Hes lying to cover up his prior lies and then lying again. Now he doesnt even know truth from fiction, and so look, hes caught it red handed, Newsom told popular left-wing influencer Brian Tyler Cohen in an interview that aired Saturday. Hes in the files. We know it, period, full stop. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi have received major backlash in the past few weeks over their handling of Epsteins files after hyping them up, then failing to release more information. Many of those outraged are the presidents own supporters, who are beginning to turn on him over the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, news outlets have been resurfacing old videos, photos and documents that suggest a close friendship between the president and Epstein. His biggest supporters may have been the difference in the election, and he turned on them. He has zero loyalty, Newsom said. The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that Bondi informed Trump in May that his name was in the files related to Epsteins case. Hes part of this cover up, and he has confused even the most ardent observers here. I mean, you cant the guys a pretzel on this issue. Every hour, he contradicts a statement, Newsom told Cohen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week, Trumps former criminal defense attorney, now Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, met with Epsteins co-conspirator and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell. The president told reporters that pardoning Maxwell is not something he has thought about, but noted that he is allowed to do it. Gavin Newsom called President Donald Trump "unmoored" amid his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Getty Images This is sick stuff. This is sick, Newsom said. I mean, if youre a conspiracy theorist, I mean, theyre going to turn me into one. Why the hell are we even talking to her? What, a pardon for what? No, seriously, for what? He added that Trump has seemed increasingly unmoored as speculation grows about his past relationship with Epstein. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes lost a step, Newsom said. This is not the same Trump 1.0. This is, somethings off, increasingly off, and hes getting, hes unmoored in ways even by Trumps standards I havent seen. I dont want to overstate this moment, but you cant understate. This is something, something aint right, as they say. Newsom went on to bash Trump over recent actions that some have speculated were intentional distractions from the Epstein scandal, such as threatening to strip Rosie ODonnell of citizenship, vowing to put cane sugar in Coca-Cola, complaining about the name of the Washington Commanders and sharing a bizarre AI-generated video of Barack Obama being arrested. It reminds me of a punch drunk boxer. Hes just wildly flailing. Hes flailing. Hes just zigging and zagging. Hes desperate, Newsom said. Hes trying anything, trying to chum the waters, and its not working. And normally it works for him. Its not working right now. The governor told Cohen that Trump is going to have to do a lot more than hes done in the past to be able to dig his way out of this. Related... The NHS has been accused of failing victims of female genital mutilation (FGM) by not providing the correct care for survivors. Women and girls are forced to leave the UK to have reconstructive surgery abroad because of the lack of treatment available in Britain, The Telegraph has found. Germany has emerged as one of the main destinations for victims of the practice, with many having to crowdfund up to 30,000 to afford the travel and surgery because of NHS failings, according to survivors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FGM involves the cutting of the genitals and is often justified by those who advocate for it as a cultural and religious norm. But it is illegal in most countries, including those in Africa and Asia, where it is most prevalent. Human rights groups say the practice is a violation of a womans sexuality and autonomy. Shamsa Araweelo said: No survivor should have to crowdfund their right to a pain-free life The World Health Organisation states that FGM has no health benefits for girls and women and can result in severe bleeding, problems urinating and infections. According to the organisations updated guidelines, countries should provide comprehensive, trauma-informed care for FGM survivors, including access to reconstructive surgery and effective psychosocial support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the UK falls short of that. Only about 10 per cent of the UKs estimated 170,000 FGM survivors, approximately 17,000 women, are eligible for the NHSs sole surgical intervention deinfibulation. Deinfibulation is the surgical opening of scar tissue formed from FGM. It is limited to treating only those with Type 3 FGM, the most severe form, which consists of the removal of part or all of the external genitalia and the stitching together of the vaginal opening (often called infibulation). This leaves roughly 153,000 women without any surgical option. Numbers are estimated to be even higher, with many cases not recorded in official statistics. Shamsa Araweelo, an FGM survivor living with chronic pain, was forced to raise 30,000 for reconstructive surgery in Germany, where work in the field is among the most pioneering in Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said: The NHS failed to provide me with the healthcare I needed. No survivor should have to crowdfund their right to a pain-free life. Even if I did have a deinfibulation in the UK, it would mean that they would open you up until they can see the urethra, and then they stop. The NHS wont repair any of the damage. Dr Dan mon ODey, a specialist in reconstructive surgery, said he has seen an influx of patients from the UK visit his practice in Heidelberg, Germany. He said: Every week, I have contact with new patients from England every week, two to three more patients coming from England. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What I hear, especially from patients is that [FGM surgery] is something that needs to be improved in England. His clinic offers procedures beyond deinfibulation, including full reconstructive surgery and structured aftercare. He said deinfibulation has benefits for the patient, especially the ability to urinate freely, but more care and treatment might be needed to ensure long-term comfort and prevent complications. Huda Mohamed, an MBE recipient and a specialist midwife, said there is aftercare and ongoing support in Germany. She highlighted that the unmet needs of those with Type 1 and Type 2 FGM can still cause chronic infections, painful menstruation and problems in childbirth, despite it being less severe than Type 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said: Sometimes they damage the nerves the women complain about not being able even to wear tight clothes we dont have that specialist thing. We cant do reconstruction. Huda Mohamed, a midwife, said Type 1 and Type 2 FGM can still cause chronic infections July is deemed the cutting season, a period during school holidays when girls are considered to be at heightened risk of being taken abroad mostly to East Africa to undergo female genital mutilation. In 2023, Amina Noor was convicted of assisting a non-UK person to carry out the procedure overseas 17 years ago. It was the first conviction of its kind under the FGM Act of 2003 and followed the only other successful prosecution related to FGM, in 2019, when a Ugandan woman from east London, was jailed for 11 years for cutting a three-year-old girl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leyla Hussein, an activist and a survivor, said: Because of the convictions they are now taking girls younger and younger. They know now they have to be more careful. According to research published in February by the University of Birmingham, a girl dies every 12 minutes as a result of FGM-related complications. Ms Hussein said the UKs limited surgical provision for FGM survivors was woefully inadequate. She said: Just deinfibulation is not enough I can give as much therapeutic support as I can but reconstructive surgery would be life-changing for these women. The NHS has a duty of care to these women. These are British women. These are women who are suffering, and its literally a basic duty of care. A selection of tools used to perform FGM - Brian Inganga/AP The UKs last campaign to raise awareness of FGM was in 2018 and ended in January 2023, according to the Equality and Human Rights Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Government has resources on FGM, but it does not specify that it is a form of child abuse and violence against women and girls. An NHS spokesman said: The NHS is committed to supporting FGM survivors, which is why it has rolled out more than 20 national FGM support clinics across England, where patients can receive a range of support, including referral to a specialist consultant where needed. All NHS healthcare professionals have responsibilities to safeguard women and girls at risk of FGM or other abuse, and FGM is part of mandatory safeguarding training for staff. Juliet Albert, a NHS midwife and advocate for FGM reconstructive surgery, said, We are failing FGM survivors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its embarrassing that the UK has not taken this forward for all these years. I mean, in France, since 1998 more than 7,000 women have had reconstruction surgery, and yet we dont even offer it here. 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. As the new school year gets closer, the Niagara Falls City School District continues to grapple with lost and frozen federal funds and their coming impact. The school district saw $1.2 million worth of federal grants cut by the U.S. Department of Education, which had been used for hiring and training college interns for mental health services in the district. The cuts were part of about $1 billion in nationwide mental health grants the department announced it would cut this past April. Sixteen state attorneys general, including Letitia James of New York, are suing the Trump administration to get that funding restored. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to lose hands on deck, said Niagara Falls schools Superintendent Mark Laurrie, who was notified in May about the cuts. Were not certain as to why theyre happening. The district has been in contact with local elected officials about the importance of the funding and their programs success, but they have no sense yet if that funding will return. The district was in the third year of two five-year federal grants funding these programs, allowing them to hire 24 college student interns in their last semester of school and training them. There is funding on hand to last through the end of the year. The eight social workers, eight counselors, and eight school psychologists brought on one at a time have worked across the district, helping students with their mental health issues while getting professional training. Sometimes the district has hired some of the interns once they graduated college; otherwise, they were referred to outside agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Laurrie also told the Buffalo News that the programs resulted in chronic absentee rates improved by 6% while principals office visits and long-term suspensions fell by 5%. Were going to continue to support (students) with the staff we currently have, Laurrie said. The program funding would come out of their school budget while the district looks for other funding sources. It also had Title II, III, and IV funding worth $897,000 frozen and under review, part of $5.6 billion total in education funding withheld that was already approved by Congress. It did have $828,000 in 21st Century Fund grants for middle school afterschool programs restored. Laurrie had also previously expressed concerns about the district losing federal funding for its Head Start early education program next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This also comes as the district and the University at Buffalo School of Social Works Institute on Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care announced this week a collaboration called the Niagara Falls High School Champion Team. They are a group of up to 40 students teaching trauma-informed practices throughout the district this coming fall. The Buffalo Bills Foundation donated $10,000 in May to the program through a Social Justice Grant to expand the ITTIC program, which initially launched in 2020. Nicole Mitchell resigns from Minnesota Senate earlier than planned after conviction originally appeared on Bring Me The News. Minnesota Sen. Nicole Mitchell has resigned from her seat a week after she was convicted of breaking into her late father and estranged stepmother's Detroit Lakes home last year. The Democrat from Woodbury announced on Friday that she's stepping down. She had previously said through her attorneys that she would resign by Aug. 4 after she completed certain tasks, including helping her staff find new jobs and getting health insurance for her son. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mitchell's earlier departure enables Gov. Tim Walz to call a special election for her seat. He's also expected to call another special election soon for late Republican state Sen. Bruce Anderson's seat. DFL lawmakers now hold a one-seat majority (33-32) in the Minnesota Senate. I am stepping down from the MN Senate, but I can't do that without expressing my gratitude. Thank you to my family, friends, & constituents who shared the issues they care about & trusted me to work on their behalf. It's been a true honor to serve MN & the community I grew up in. Senator Nicole Mitchell (@Sen_NMitchell) July 25, 2025 A jury found Mitchell guilty last Friday of 1st-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools following a weeklong trial. Mitchell was arrested on April 22, 2024 after her stepmother, Carol, called police to report a break-in at her home. A crowbar was found near the window where Mitchell is believed to have gained access. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During her trial, Mitchell testified on her own behalf for about five hours, and she claimed that she only wanted to check on her stepmother, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease. Mitchell initially told police during her arrest that she was there to retrieve mementos of her father, Roderick, who died in 2023. Prosecutors argued that a crowbar is an unusual thing to bring to a welfare check. Nicole MitchellMinnesota Senate Mitchell is due back in court on Sept. 10 for sentencing. The Minnesota Reformer determined that she will likely be required to spend at least four months in jail due to the mandatory minimum sentence for a first-degree felony conviction under Minnesota statute. This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared. School attendance policies make kids, parents, and communities sick; literally. Now, theyre getting worse, starting with one district in Tennessee. Long-standing evidence shows that when children attend school while sick with contagious illnesses, those illnesses spread to their classmates and beyond. However, absence policies at school, combined with parents employment obligations, often result in sick children returning while still contagious. The latest controversial policy, which bars parents from using a doctors note to excuse absences due to illness, could exacerbate the issue. A Controversial New Policy Photo by gpointstudio on Deposit Photos School policies on absences vary, but in general, kids have a set number of days that can be missed (perhaps around 15) without an excuse. Additional days can only be missed if theyre excused, which may require a note from a doctor. Exceeding the limit can result in visits from a truancy officer or Child Protective Services, or even trigger legal consequences for the parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A standard school year is approximately 180 days of class time, and missing 10% of this, or 18 days, is typically defined as chronic absenteeism. Now, according to News Channel 10, the Lawrence County School District in Tennessee will no longer excuse absences with a doctors note. Michael Adkins, Director of Schools for the district, argues that this is the district choosing to take control of the attendance of our students, and that students who have the sniffles can come to school sick, just as theyll be expected to show up at work one day despite illness, adding, We have all gone to work sick and hurt and beat up. The district has even sent messages to local medical offices, urging doctors to emphasize the importance of regular school attendance when kids show up in their offices for treatment. Furthermore, kids who come to school sick and are sent home by the school nurse will also be penalized with tardy marks. Excused Absences Cost Families Policies that require a doctors note to excuse an absence can be challenging for parents and children who lack health insurance or access to medical care. Even where there are free or sliding-scale health centers, long waits or limited appointments may be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even with insurance, co-pays, and taking extra time off work to travel to the doctor for a minor illness (the kind that could be treated with a few days of rest and fluids), parents face additional strain, as does the medical system, whichs already suffering from provider shortages. I know Im not the only one who has called to make an appointment recently and been told the first available slot is more than 6 months out! The difference between an excused and an unexcused absence may mean that a child isnt allowed to make up missed work or tests, or can result in a requirement to attend summer school or repeat a grade. School Attendance Is Genuinely Important Photo by photography33 on Deposit Photos None of this is intended to suggest kids should take as many days off school as they like, whenever they choose! Teachers have a finite number of instructional hours available. Curriculum is most effective with lots of reinforcement that is, your kid will be better at multiplication if he practices regularly and spends time in class listening to the procedures and the practical uses (word problems!) than if he is instructed once and misses class until a new topic is introduced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preparing makeup work for absent students is also an extra task for teachers, as is the additional grading required for assignments handed in late due to illness. Furthermore, school funding relies in part on attendance, so high rates of absences can strip a school of money needed for staffing and equipment. We can all respect that unnecessary absences have detrimental effects for the student, the teacher, and the entire school, but that doesnt excuse (no pun intended) penalizing kids for genuinely being sick, or demanding that they spread their illness to the rest of the student body. Implementing Policies That Work A further problem with policies that limit kids absences is that when kids come to school sick, more students (as well as teachers and staff) become ill. In the end, one sick child coming to school while contagious can result in more absences, rather than fewer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parents can attend school board meetings and advocate for policies that benefit their children. These may include access to classwork during sick days, and a limited number of absences excused by a parental note, rather than requiring a medical appointment. Schools can also partner with local clinics and medical centers to develop policies that recognize and communicate to parents when a child should stay home and when it is safe for them to return after recovering from a contagious illness. Most importantly, adults should not encourage children to adopt a mindset that involves sacrificing their health for a system that prioritizes productivity over well-being. No foul play suspected in La Crosse graduate student's death originally appeared on Bring Me The News. Authorities don't suspect foul play in the death of a 22-year-old graduate student who went missing from downtown La Crosse over the weekend. Though the La Crosse Police Department continues to investigate, a preliminary autopsy indicates that Eliotte Heinz was not a victim of homicide. A final autopsy will not be completed for several months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Based on the preliminary autopsy results, we do not believe there was any criminal conduct related to Eliotte's death," the department said in a Friday update. Eliotte HeinzLa Crosse Police Department Heinz was last seen leaving a downtown La Crosse bar by herself around 3:30 a.m. Sunday. Her body was recovered from the Mississippi River near Brownsville, Minn. just before 10:30 a.m. Wednesday amid an ongoing search, which involved drones and dive teams. Heinz was originally from the Fox Cities in east-central Wisconsin. She was a graduate student at Viterbo University in La Crosse. Related: Police find body of 22-year-old student missing from La Crosse This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared. HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) One person was minorly injured and 26 were displaced after a Saturday afternoon fire in Hartford, according to officials. No injuries following 3-alarm house fire in South Windsor Firefighters responded to an apartment on Webster Street. Upon arrival, crews encountered visible fire. The fire was quickly controlled. A firefighter sustained minor injuries and was treated on scene, according to the department. No injuries and water damage were reported in a Saturday afternoon fire in Hartford, according to officials. No injuries and water damage were reported in a Saturday afternoon fire in Hartford, according to officials. No injuries and water damage were reported in a Saturday afternoon fire in Hartford, according to officials. No injuries and water damage were reported in a Saturday afternoon fire in Hartford, according to officials. The floor below the fire sustained water damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 25 adults and one child have been displaced. The department is working with the Red Cross to assist any displaced residents. Salvage operations are underway on the third floor, and the fire is under investigation. This is a developing story. Stay with News 8 for updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. Two top officials at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, who led the investigation into the so-called Sharpiegate scandal, were placed on leave amid clashes with the Trump administration, according to a report. Steve Volz, assistant administrator in the agencys Satellite and Information Service, and Jeff Dillen, deputy general counsel for the agency, were placed on leave this week, CNN first reported. They both worked on the investigation into the Sharpiegate scandal. In 2019, President Donald Trump drew a map with a black marker depicting a path for Hurricane Dorian, suggesting it would hit Alabama. The agency then issued a statement that contradicted its own scientists and supported Trumps claims. The storm then hit near the Carolinas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation later found that NOAAs leaders violated the agencys scientific integrity policy. One of those leaders was Neil Jacobs, the man the president has nominated to lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportations vote on his nomination is scheduled to take place July 30. A former NOAA official thought the timing of the moves was an interesting coincidence. Two high-ranking officials at NOAA, who worked on the Sharpiegate investigation, were placed on leave amid clashes with the new Trump administration. (Getty Images) Its an interesting coincidence that less than a week before Neil Jacobs senate committee vote, the two dedicated career civil servants who investigated him for scientific integrity violations around Sharpiegate were dismissed from service, one former NOAA official told CNN. A spokesperson for the agency offered explanations as to why both men were placed on leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Dillen was placed on administrative leave by the departments senior career attorney pending a review of performance issues over the past several weeks, a spokesperson told the Washington Post in a statement. Separately, Dr. Volz was placed on administrative leave on an unrelated matter. Volz, who has decades of experience in aerospace and is the agencys longest-serving assistant administrator, similarly wondered whether the timing was coincidental. The question that I would ask is, why now? Volz told the Washington Post. Maybe the desire here is to get anybody who might slow down their ability to execute their plan out of the way. I think Im one of those people. Discussions about privatizing some of NOAAs satellite operations have also swirled and led to clashes between the officials and new Trump hires, the Post reported. Volz has also advocated for mainly relying on the governments satellites while using private companies for data. Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trumps second presidency, calls for NOAA to be broken up and for the National Weather Service to fully commercialize its forecasting operations. Trump has repeatedly disavowed Project 2025; many of its architects now work in the Trump administration. A flood of propaganda videos targeting American users has hit Instagram and X over the past year, many featuring stiff dialogue, clumsy editing, and bizarre rhetorical questions that attempt and often fail to portray North Korea as a thriving, free society. One of the more prominent accounts in this wave is @MoveToNorthKorea, a mysterious Instagram page that posts upbeat propaganda targeting English-speaking audiences. It is unclear whether the account is state-run, operated by a private contractor, or simply run by a sympathizer. The effect, however, is the same: a stream of overly rosy portrayals of life inside one of the worlds most repressive regimes. The propaganda clips tend to follow a pattern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many are scored to Hundred Miles by Yall featuring Gabriela Richardson and begin with a rhetorical question starting with Who said The videos are often narrated in broken English by an AI voice that occasionally refers to North Koreans not by nationality but as esteemed citizens of the DPRK. The editing is rudimentary, and the messaging leans on crude reversals of common criticisms often to surreal effect. Here are four recent examples that highlight just how far some of these efforts miss the mark: Action!: The Dinner Scene That Spoils Itself In one widely shared clip, a girl named Zin-Mai sits down for dinner with a man implied to be her father. The premise is simple a wholesome family meal but the guise is subverted in the first second when someone audibly shouts a word translated as Action! revealing the scene to be staged. The fathers dialogue is stilted and repetitive, as he aggressively insists they have plenty of food and repeatedly urges his daughter to eat more soup and kimchi. The pacing and conversation do not suggest that dialogue is spontaneous. However, North Korea is not alone in staging dining scenes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not just North Korean propagandists who stage mealtime settings to shape public perception. During the 2024 campaign, then-Vice President Kamala Harris was criticized for allegedly clearing out diners from a Pittsburgh restaurant so that campaign staff and supporters could pose as patrons during a campaign stop, as reported by the Daily Mail. Google? Maybe If You Dont Touch the Keyboard Who says Google doesnt work in North Korea? asks another clip, as a man sits at a desktop computer with Googles homepage open. Yet at no point does he type anything, click a link, or interact with the browser. He merely stares at the screen. No attempt is made to demonstrate actual use of Google or internet access. Instead, the scene appears constructed solely to suggest a normalcy that contradicts what human rights experts have long confirmed: the vast majority of North Koreans lack access to the global internet. North Koreas intranet system, called Kwangmyong, offers only limited, state-approved content, and real internet use is typically restricted to a tiny ruling elite and tightly controlled government entities. A Fair Trial in the Hostage Confession Room Who said North Korea doesnt have a fair judicial system? another video asks, before cutting to footage of a crying man in what appears to be a press conference, flanked by guards. A reverse image search identifies this man as Kim Tong Chol a South Korean-American preacher reportedly imprisoned in North Korea on espionage charges speaking inside a wood-paneled room infamous for its use in forced public confessions. Chols name is sometimes spelled as Kim Dong Chul, depending on the news outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This appears to be the same setting where Otto Warmbier, another detained American, was paraded before cameras in 2016. Warmbier died soon after being returned to the United States in a vegetative state. Chul was released in 2018. He has kept a low profile since returning to the United States. I Have Always Exciting! Who said North Koreans dont speak English? This clip opens with a young man struggling to form a sentence. After a long pause, he declares, I have I am always exciting! A young woman follows, more fluent, and says she studies at Kim Il Sung University but when asked about her major, she appears confused and unable to answer. The clip then ends before the woman names a major. Behind these awkward social media posts lies a country where information is tightly controlled and dissent is met with brutality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Human Rights Watch, North Korea continues to imprison its own citizens in labor camps, restrict movement, ban free expression, and enforce loyalty to the ruling Kim dynasty through surveillance and repression. A 2021 United Nations report found that more than 40% of the population suffers from food insecurity. The Korean Peninsula was split after World War II, with the U.S. supporting the South and the Soviet Union backing the North. After a bloody civil war in the 1950s, the North remained under communist rule. Over decades, the Kim regime has relied on isolation, propaganda, and militarism to hold power, while neighboring South Korea has embraced a more Western-style government and economic growth. As previously reported by The Dallas Express, North Koreas state media strategy has undergone significant evolution in recent years. YouTube vloggers like YuMi and Song A have tried to humanize the country by posting cheerful, English-language videos that depict life in Pyongyang as modern and upbeat, often in stark contrast to reports from defectors and human rights organizations. They are exploiting the social media environment where it is increasingly difficult to ascertain what is real and what is not, Irina Tsukerman, a national security lawyer, told The Dallas Express. Whether these influencers are state agents or merely sympathetic amplifiers, the outcome is the same: a disjointed, heavily curated vision of a regime that remains one of the most closed and repressive on Earth. NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) Northampton residents are raising concerns regarding several businesses that have been affected by a sidewalk that has been temporarily closed for a month. According to engineering consultants hired by the city of Northampton, a portion of the sidewalk at Main and Pleasant Street in Northampton is in danger of collapsing. The annual Sidewalk Sales returns to downtown Northampton Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents in Northampton are raising concerns about a number of businesses that have been affected by the sidewalk that has been temporarily closed for a month now. Those conditions were assessed for the citys upcoming Picture Main Street Project. The five-year project will create separate bike lanes and eliminate some on-street parking spaces. To start the project in 2026, the consultants are encouraging the installation of temporary shoring on the decaying sidewalk. Since the space is a privately owned extension of nearby buildings, the Director of the City of Northampton Office of Planning & Sustainability told 22News theyve notified the owner. Now, they are waiting for a response. Long-time residents think its the citys responsibility. I feel bad for the businesses and the owner of the property, said Robyn Nelson of Northampton. Because Im an owner of a property, I live in town, were not allowed to fix our sidewalks. So why is it the owners responsibility when the city tells us, Oh, we cant pave on our sidewalks?' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nelson told 22News that when she moved to Northampton 15 years ago, there were no empty storefronts. She believes the construction projects are hindering businesses from helping the city thrive. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. SUNBURY Northumberland County Veterans Affairs hosted the first of what they hope will be an annual expo for veterans across the county Thursday inside the James R. Eister Community Center in Sunbury. The event had organizations offering support, benefits and services for veterans and their families, according to Anthony Romania, director of veterans services for Northumberland County. This will become an annual event, he said. We want to be able to show our veterans how much help is out there and having all these vendors here is a huge plus for our veterans and their families looking for help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Romania said the event hosted 20 vendors. The list included representatives from state Rep. Michael Stenders office. Stender visited the expo and said he was thrilled to see so many vendors interested in helping veterans. Its nice to see such a variety of people here from the many groups willing to help, he said. This is just another way we can do something to help our veterans and their families. State Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver agreed. This is a great event for our area and for our veterans, she said. This type of event is also for the families of our veterans to also help get them the support they may need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Northumberland County Commissioner Sam Schiccatano said he was proud of the Veterans Affairs office for hosting the event. This shows we are out doing all we can for our veterans, Schiccatano said. I am proud of our Veterans Affairs office and all the work they are doing. Why does South Carolina, one of only two states without a hate crime law, need one so badly? Because in the year of our lord 2025, a white man in a car can point a rifle at a Black man in Spring Valley, where they both live, fire the gun at him, and derogatorily shout, Keep running, boy, as security video shows, and as Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said Friday happened early morning July 17 at a gated entrance to the 1,200-acre community northeast of Columbia. As if its still 1704 and South Carolina just established the first formal slave patrol to suppress, intimidate and strike fear in the hearts of Black men that racist white men demean as boy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If hate has no place in South Carolina now, it should pass a hate crime law to send a strong message that incidents like the one Lott described in Richland County arent acceptable. Luckily for Richland County residents, County Councilwoman Tyra Little didnt wait for the state to do what it has long resisted and send a message to bigots that hate will not be tolerated. Why does South Carolina hate hate crime laws so much? | Opinion The Richland County councilwoman was sworn into office in January, and by June, she had won unanimous approval for South Carolinas first countywide hate crime ordinance. Now, Orangeburg County is one vote away from being the second and fueling a domino effect that could spread across South Carolinas 46 counties. Nineteen South Carolina cities and towns, including Columbia, Cayce, Charleston and Myrtle Beach, also have their own hate crime laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lott said a 33-year-old man arrested Thursday and charged with felony assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature and felony possession of a weapon during a violent crime also faces a misdemeanor violation of Richland Countys new, first-of-its-kind hate crime ordinance. According to a screen flashed at Lotts news conference on Friday, the man charged with the crimes told a police investigator, So I went down there and I seen a man standing in the bushes, it was a black man in a white shirt, just standing out there at 4 in the morning, and I saw him there and he was by himself so I was really going to do something at first and then What do you mean by that? the investigator interrupted the man. Well, I was going to shoot at him. I was. I was going to shoot at him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In announcing the arrest, Lott said, This is why this hate crime ordinance was passed by Richland County Council, to address incidents such as this. The sheriff added, Were very fortunate that our victim was not shot. The suspect actually said in his interview that initially he was going to shoot him but he didnt. And again, he was shooting solely based on the race of our victim. This is the United States of America, so the accused man will get his day in court, but his voice can clearly be heard in the video that Lott made public on Friday: Keep running, boy. Lott said the Black man was jogging in the area at the time of the shooting, around 6:30 a.m. Lott made a point of noting that his departments arrest included an unprecedented charge by a county sheriff in a state without its own hate crime law. The message that sends is necessary and powerful: Not here, not now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Carolina is commonly considered one of two states in the nation without a hate crime law. Wyoming, where Matthew Shepard was tortured and left to die in 1998 for being gay and whose name is on the nations hate crime law, is the other, but some people say Wyoming was actually the first state to pass a hate crime law. The dispute shows hate crime laws arent equal. Richland Countys ordinance makes crimes motivated by race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, disability or other biases subject to up to 30 days behind bars and a $500 fine. The serious charge is actually shooting the gun, Lott said Friday of the man Richland County arrested. However, what he did was based on hate, and I think that charge needs to be added to it, too. I think it sends a message to individuals in our community that you can and will be arrested if you commit a crime based solely on hate. Thats the purpose of it. Its not the sentence so much as, I think, being proactive and being preventative, he added. Maybe it will prevent someone from doing something based solely on hate because they know they can be prosecuted now. Prior to this, wasnt anything we could do except take it to the federal system and let them make charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been 10 years since Dylann Roof killed nine people, including pastor and state Sen. Clementa Pinckney, in a racially-motivated attack in Charlestons Emanuel AME Church. Roof is on federal death row after being found guilty on 33 federal hate crime counts. Some of the stalled bills to create a statewide hate crime law in South Carolina bear Pinckneys name. Why Allen University is the perfect place for a new tribute to the Emanuel 9 In an interview on Friday shortly after Lotts news conference ended, Little said she was relieved the targeted Spring Valley man hadnt been hurt, but she said he and others including anyone who might think to go on a morning jog could be traumatized by the scary incident. Tyra Little We thank God that the man is still alive, but he now has to process this trauma, she said. Because this is trauma. Based on circumstances that he cant do anything about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooting reinforced for her the need to have a hate crime law in the first place. We did the right thing by the citizens of Richland County, she said. This could happen to anyone. Little said it would be great if more cities and counties started to pass hate crime laws of their own, but she said such a wave shouldnt be whats needed to pressure the state to follow suit. I can only speak for the governing body that I have been elected to, she said. But I do know from conversations with different House members and in the Senate, theyre trying to make it happen. Richland County residents should be reassured they have a leader like Little looking out for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The thing with the punishment, we can only do what we are allowed when it comes to an ordinance like this, she said. This is the maximum that a county can do. However, we want people to think beyond that. This is about protecting constituents. Its about protecting citizens. It also sends a message that hate will not be tolerated in Richland County, she added. Thats the bigger message that it sends. Hate will not be tolerated in Richland County. The State House is in Richland County. Whos listening there? National Park Service employees have flagged several books to remove from their gift shops as part of the Trump administrations crusade against corrosive ideology. A records review conducted by The Washington Post revealed several book titles that have been earmarked for withdrawal from park retail stores, including a Native American picture book by former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland; Nikole Hannah-Joness The 1619 Project, about the history of slavery in the United States; and another book that reportedly refers to first President George Washington as an enslaver. National Park Service employees were required to offer up potential items for review by last week. / Rebecca Noble / Getty Images Park employees were required to offer up potential items for review by last week, with one park employee telling WaPo that several titles have been marked for removal out of an abundance of caution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Park Service manages 433 park units, according to NPS.gov. In South Carolina, half a dozen books on plantation life and Black history were flagged by employees, WaPo reported. At Virginias Arlington House, a childrens booklet on the Robert E. Lee Memorial has also reportedly been flagged for mentioning his support of slavery. / The Washington Post / The Washington Post via Getty Im At Virginias Arlington House, a childrens booklet on the Robert E. Lee Memorial has also reportedly been flagged for including a note about Lee breaking his promise to serve in the U.S. military to fight for slavery instead. Former President Joe Biden was accused of advancing corrosive ideology in President Donald Trumps March 27 executive order. / Kent Nishimura / Getty Images In a March 27 Executive Order titled Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History, President Donald Trump claimed that under the Biden administration the parks advanced this corrosive ideology. Trump added, the prior administration sponsored training by an organization that advocates dismantling Western foundations and interrogating institutional racism and pressured National Historical Park rangers that their racial identity should dictate how they convey history to visiting Americans because America is purportedly racist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reviewing of booksamong other materials, such as park signs and informational plaquesunder Trumps directive has stirred blowback from culture and history advocates. Our history is complex and, as national park advocates, we trust national park staff to navigate those complexities and do their jobs without interference, Alan Spears, senior director of cultural resources at the National Parks Conservation Association, told WaPo. He added, Great countries dont hide from or sanitize their history. The Daily Beast has contacted the Trump administration for more clarity on what additional parts of American history qualify as corrosive and why. The city Board of Elections asked Brooklyn prosecutors to open an investigation into possible voter fraud Friday after The Post revealed two absentee ballots in a close primary council race were cast on behalf of deceased people. The BOE said it was asking the Brooklyn District Attorneys Office to look into two incidents surrounding the District 47 race, including the votes cast in the name of people who died over a decade ago and another 22 ballots that were deemed as potentially fraudulent. The BOE didnt say what made the more than two dozen ballots suspicious, but that the votes had been invalidated following an internal investigation, which was then referred to the Brooklyn DA. After The Post revealed two absentee ballots were cast on behalf of two deceased individuals in a close primary council race, an investigation has been launched to determine possible voter fraud. Michael Nagle The razor-thin margin primary between Brooklyn Republican Party Chair Richie Barsamian and entrepreneur George Sarantopoulos could be decided by only a handful of votes. Unofficial election night tallies had a mere 32-vote difference between the two candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 22 ballots were discovered during a manual recount process earlier this week a source told The Post, adding that lawyers from the BOE had been reviewing them in recent days. Sarantopoulos was maintaining a 16-vote lead as of Friday, gaining two ballots in a manual recount that started Tuesday, sources said. He had been maintaining a 14-vote lead as of Wednesday, according to a statement from his campaign. A source who spoke to Barasamian who as head of the Brooklyn GOP gets to appoint BOE employees about The Posts original reporting Tuesday, said that the candidate confided he was very worried. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Barasamian campaign did not respond to a request for comment Friday. The city Board of Elections (BOE) asked the Brooklyn District Attorneys Office to look into the District 47 race to look into the two ballots of those cast that were registered in the name of two individuals who died over 10 years ago. Facebook/ George Sarantopoulous Sources said multiple people from the Brooklyn BOE who were involved in the south Brooklyn GOP primary had been reassigned from their roles during the internal investigation. The workers from that section were reassigned pending the results of the investigation, Brooklyn Democratic BOE Commish and retired NYPD detective Frank Seddio told The Post. Personal devices and computers were seized from BOE employees as part of the probe, sources said. The BOE previously the election would be certified next week after the manual recount of votes is completed. The BOE also wants another 22 ballots looked at that were deemed as potentially fraudulent. Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Post While any attempt to compromise the electoral process is deeply troubling, this case underscores the strength of the Boards existing safeguards, the BOE said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These irregularities were identified early, investigated thoroughly, and resolved swiftly demonstrating the Boards commitment to upholding the integrity of our elections. A representative for the BK DA said the office doesnt comment on investigations. The people of this district deserve an election that is free, fair, and transparent. We will never tolerate backroom games or corrupt political maneuvering. I want to thank the Board of Elections staff who uncovered these irregularities and the legal team that acted decisively, Sarantopoulous said in a statement. An unusual arrangement that allowed an NYPD detective to work for nearly a year on a special police detail assigned to her cancer-stricken mother has emerged as the trigger for an Internal Affairs investigation and may well have accelerated the retirement of Brooklyn North Chief Scott Henderson, the Daily News has learned. Henderson, a 30-year veteran who has led Brooklyn North since 2020, has come under scrutiny for allegedly allowing Detective Jaenice Smith, 51, to stay with her ailing mother, Barbara Ann Smith, the longtime president of Bushwicks 83rd Precinct Community Council, three law enforcement sources told The News. Smith spent 11 months on the special detail before her mom died in December and three more months on bereavement leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation was triggered by an anonymous tip earlier this year that Jaenice Smith was not showing up to work. The NYPD then placed her on desk duty and demanded the return of $150,000 in pay, the sources said. A high-ranking NYPD source with knowledge of the case said Henderson is facing discipline over his role in Smiths reassignment. A walkout a ceremony used to honor retiring commanders was initially scheduled for July 24 and then postponed, the department confirmed apparently by Henderson himself. The controversy has angered pastors and other supporters of Henderson, who oversees roughly 3,000 cops in the 10 precincts that make up Brooklyn North. They lay the blame for his retirement with Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and Chief of Department John Chell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rev. Kevin McCall, a Henderson ally, told The News plans are now underway for a community celebration of the chiefs career. The community will host a walkout for our Chief Henderson and the Police Commissioner and John Chell (are) not invited, McCall said. We will show the NYPD how you honor someone that served the community for 30 years. A lawyer for Detective Smith declined comment. But a source familiar with the sequence of events said Detective Smith, once she came under scrutiny, explained to investigators that the arrangement was with the full permission and authority of Henderson. The controversy started a couple of months ago with the anonymous tip that Smith wasnt coming to work at police headquarters where she was assigned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators, the source said, have obtained countless text messages verifying Henderson gave permission to her to be assigned to her mom because of her moms critical role in NYPD community relations, sources said. An attorney for Henderson did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Det. Smiths mother, Barbara Ann Smith, was so prominent in Bushwick as a president of the precinct community council that since her death at age 77 in December the precincts muster room has been renamed in her honor. On July 14, 2025, the City Council also voted to rename Decatur St. between Central and Wilson Avenue as Barbara Ann Smith Way, a council spokesman said. Barbara worked tirelessly to bridge gaps, bring people together and make sure every voice was heard, said Assemb. Maritza Davila (D-Bushwick). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Council Member Jennifer Gutierrez called her a true powerhouse and cherished community leader. Detective Smith, meanwhile, joined the NYPD in July 2005. Across her 20-year career, she has been assigned to borough commands, the Personnel Bureau, Internal Affairs and Community Affairs before she was moved to Brooklyn North for the special detail. She had made 16 arrests in her career, three of them for felonies. In February 2024, when it was clear that Smith was gravely ill, Detective Smith was reassigned from her normal duties in Community Affairs to her mothers home, according to the sequence of events described by the sources. Smiths account, the sources said, is that Henderson assigned her to her mom via a Brooklyn North security detail without Smith initially asking for it. Once she began the new assignment, the sources said, she checked in regularly with the command. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one was hiding anything, one police source said. All the supervisors were aware. Meanwhile, police brass including then Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey and First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella would visit from time to time, the sources said. After Barbara Smith died in December, her daughter was given another three months of bereavement leave. In the meantime, the Internal Affairs investigation started. Detective Smith was relieved of her guns and shield and placed on desk duty in Queens Courts on March 27. The NYPD filed disciplinary charges for stealing time and demanded she repay the $150,000 in salary she earned during the period she was assigned to her mom. Those charges are pending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Smith disclosed that Henderson had approved the special assignment, investigators questioned him. He allegedly downplayed his role in approving the assignment, the sources said. Smiths lawyers are pushing for her to be allowed to retire later this month. Shes upset they are taking such a hard line on this, a source familiar with the case said. She thought when the head of the borough approved it, she could rely on that. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Both Portland and Multnomah County officials are calling for increased security measures in and around the Central Library in Downtown Portland. These calls come in the weeks following a fatal shooting in the streets near the library. After the incident, the Portland Police Bureaus Central Precinct issued some security recommendations to boost safety in and around the area. Those included more secure measures like metal detectors and monitored access points at all public entrances. Police seeking video footage to identify suspect in fatal Portsmouth neighborhood shooting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also suggested changes to the outside of the library, such as reducing the WiFi strength so it does not reach as well outside, plus adding signs to discourage sitting on rails. Multnomah County operates the library, but this week County Commissioner Meghan Moyer sent a letter to Police Chief Bob Day asking for more of a presence in the area. She said they are working with library staff to maintain a safe environment, but they cannot do it alone. Theres a line and where that line is, is where we need to be in collaboration with the city, particularly the police department, she said. Because, theres a point in which a situation is one that we are not appropriate to handle. And Im really looking for that collaboration with the city. Gov. Kotek halts farmstand rulemaking amid farmer concerns Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added illegal activity outside the library is not acceptable. Im asking at least for a period of time so we can reset the environment around Central Library, she said. Can you please increase your presence? Because there is a legal line of which our security guards cant cross. Our staff cannot and should not. Thats not appropriate. And we just need that partnership. But numbers show the inside of the library is still a concern. A 2023 audit shows nearly half of staff said they do not feel safe at work and the Central Library had the most reported incidents. Moyer also addressed her letter to Portland Mayor Keith Wilson. As Wilson continues on his plan to end unsheltered homelessness in the city, Moyer is asking that he not rely on county libraries as daytime shelters for homeless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Wilson responded to Moyers letter saying, Workers, visitors, and political leaders such as yourself are protected from confrontations and weapons in other county-run facilities due to the security precautions taken at those sites. The safety of patrons of the Multnomah County Central Library should be equally important. Wilson also addressed Moyers concerns about the shooting, pointing out that both the victim and suspect were in the library before it happened. Im not convinced we could have prevented that, Moyer said. Certainly we would absolutely never want something like that to happen here. So were going to have those conversations, but we need to be in partnership with the police, and we need it to be a collaborative approach and not finger pointing. The countys library director Annie Lewis said they are doing a complete review of safety and security protocols to research options and do a full assessment of the recommendations they have received. She added they are preparing a full briefing to give the library district board next month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Nearly 50 historic buildings in Ohio will avoid the wrecking ball and receive a second chance at life in an effort by state leaders to stimulate economic activity in more than a dozen communities. In a news release, Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel and Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced $66 million in tax credits for the preservation and revitalization of structures across the state, including in central Ohio. These buildings are more than brick and mortar they reflect the history of our communities and the generations of the past, said DeWine. Thanks to these tax credits, these buildings will contribute to Ohios future as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The projects will take advantage of the states Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program, which offers financial incentives to private investors for updating and converting old buildings into usable space. Many of the structures that will be renovated through this program are currently vacant and underused, but they all hold so much potential, said Tressel. As these buildings are turned into homes, businesses, offices, and manufacturing facilities, these sites will most certainly spark additional investment and revitalization in the surrounding areas. In central Ohio, the Marysville Light and Water Company Plant, at 409 N. Main St. in Marysville, will be transformed into a mixed-use campus that combines coworking office space, a spa, a fitness facility and a 72-unit apartment building. The total project is projected to cost around $21 million, with $2 million coming from state tax credits. (Courtesy /Connect Real Estate) (Courtesy /Connect Real Estate) (Courtesy /Connect Real Estate) (Courtesy /Connect Real Estate) (Courtesy /Connect Real Estate) (Courtesy /Connect Real Estate) (Courtesy /Connect Real Estate) Fitness and spa (Courtesy /Connect Real Estate) Built in 1891, the site of the old waterworks facility will become part of the new Water and Light District, which will include new development in the surrounding area. In 1991, the building was acquired by the City of Marysville and is now under new ownership. According to the state, this is the first time Marysville has participated in the tax credit program. Other program newbies in this round include Massillon, Norwalk and Trotwood. Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, Logan, Toledo, Urbana, and Warren have all previously participated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, 47 buildings, part of 39 projects in Ohio, will receive more than $66 million in tax credits to boost an expected $517 million in private investments. The rehabilitation plans must comply with the United States Secretary of the Interiors Standards for Rehabilitation. Developers are only issued the tax credit at the end of the project after program requirements are verified. Credit: Ohio Department of Development Historic-Round-34Download Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An investigation is underway in Oklahoma after a television screen in the MAGA state school superintendents office reportedly showed a video of nude women during an executive session of the State Board of Education on Thursday. The images reportedly appeared on a screen in the office of Ryan Walters, Oklahomas far-right Superintendent of Public Instruction. Walters previously told schools to teach the Bible and Ten Commandments, demanded students watch him pray for Donald Trump, and named transphobe Chaya Raichik to a state education committee. He also tried to use state money to purchase bibles for classrooms that matched the specifics of those marketed by the president and his family. As you might expect, Walters has led a crusade against pornography in school libraries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two members of the Oklahoma board of education said they were shocked at what they saw on the screen on Thursday. I was like, Those are naked women, board member Becky Carson told The Oklahoman. And then I was like, No, wait a minute. Those arent naked, surely those arent naked women. Something is playing a trick on my eye. Maybe they just have on tan body suits. This is just really bizarre. I saw them just walking across the screen, and Im like, no. Im sorry I even have to use this language, but Im like, Those are her nipples. And then Im like, Thats pubic hair. What in the world am I watching? I didnt watch a second longer. Carson told Walters to turn the video off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was so disturbed by it, that I was like very loudly and boastfully, like I was a parent or a teacher I said, What is on your TV? What am I watching? He was like, What? What are you talking about? He stood up and saw it. He made acknowledgment that he saw it, Carson said, according to NonDoc Media, an Oklahoma news website. And I said, Turn it off. Now. And he was like, What is this? What is this? So he acknowledged it was inappropriate just by those words. And he was like, I cant get it to turn off. I cant figure out how to turn it off. And I said, Get it turned off. So he finally got it turned off, and that was the end of it. He didnt address it. He didnt apologize. Nothing was said. Carson and board member Ryan Deatherage said the video looked retro and did not involve sexual intercourse. I dont know if he turned it off or switched the channel, I dont remember, Deatherage told NonDoc. I was surprised that when he came back to the table, he was not apologetic. I didnt ever hear an apology for that being on, and he didnt seem to be fazed that it was on. Republican state Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton told Oklahoma Voice that the Office of Management and Enterprise Services is carrying out an investigation into the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a bizarre and troubling situation that raises serious questions about the events and what took place during yesterdays executive session at the Oklahoma State Board of Education meeting, Paxton said in a statement. The accounts made public by board members paint a strange, unsettling scene that demands clarity and transparency. Walters said the claims were a distraction. Some of these board members are blatantly dishonest and cannot hide their political agenda, Walters told KOKH Fox 25. It is disappointing that they are more interested in creating distractions than getting work done for Oklahoma families. Walters communications director, Quinton Hitchcock, called the story a junk tabloid lie, according to NonDoc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regardless of if recent allegations are true, Oklahomans are in dire need of new leadership at the Oklahoma State Department of Education, Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson told KOKH Fox 25. These are serious allegations made by two members of the State Board and an expeditious third-party review is warranted, Republican House Speaker Kyle Hilbert said in a statement. I urge the State Superintendent to unlock and turn over all relevant devices and fully cooperate with an investigation. If no wrongdoing occurred, a prompt and transparent review should quickly clear his name, he added. Last year, the Oklahoma State Department of Educations Library Media Advisory Committee which includes Raichik, who runs the anti-trans Libs of TikTok social media account attempted to ban The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls from Edmond high school libraries. The committee argued that the books are pornographic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Edmond Public Schools not only allows kids to access porn in schools, they are doubling down to keep pornography on the bookshelves, Walters said in a statement. Parents and kids should have the confidence of going to schools to learn. Instead of focusing on education, EPS has chosen to peddle porn and is leading the charge to undermine parents in Oklahoma. The case went to the Oklahoma Supreme Court, which sided with Edmond Public Schools and allowed the books to remain on library shelves. The list goes on. In 2023, Walters reportedly emailed some Oklahoma lawmakers pornographic images, claiming they were available in schools. Dont just send me a bunch of graphic, sexually explicit photos without where it came from, or what did they do? Thats kind of the problem I got with it, state Rep. Mark McBride (R) told the local Fox outlet. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Regional public campuses support arts and culture, enriching the lives of students and the surrounding community. These institutions often serve as cultural hubs, hosting galleries, theaters, concerts, lectures and festivals. These events expose students and residents to artistic and cultural expressions, further developing awareness and critical thinking skills. Additionally, community members benefit from access to performances, exhibits and public lectures, strengthening ties between the university and the region it serves. Regional universities educate students academically and contribute to a more vibrant and culturally rich society. The New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art, led by the University of Southern Indiana, supports contemporary artists, especially those from the Midwest. USI runs the gallery to connect the community to modern art, encourage regional talent and provide experiential learning for arts administration and curation students. In addition, it is located in the Town of New Harmony, a utopian settlement established by the Harmony Society in 1814. The founder, George Rapp, intended to create a religious communal society, isolated from the perceived moral corruption of the outside world. The University of Central Arkansas established the Arkansas Shakespeare Theater, which is dedicated to Shakespeare and classical literature. The theater hosts the state's only professional Shakespeare festival, engaging students, faculty and the surrounding community in high-quality theatrical productions and educational outreach. These examples demonstrate the impact of regional universities on their surrounding communities and provide influence and direction for other similarly situated institutions. Public institutions serve as vital cultural engines in their areas, promoting creativity, celebrating heritage and building bridges between campus and community, the essence of a public-serving regional university. Their inspiration often goes beyond the campus, making the arts and cultural understanding accessible in regions with limited opportunities. WT's School of Music hosts regular on-campus performances in choral, symphonic, orchestral and small ensemble music. And most importantly, WT is committed to supporting and enriching the culture of our region. From a Panhandle perspective, the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities actively supports and enriches local culture across the Texas Panhandle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WT's School of Music hosts regular on-campus performances in choral, symphonic, orchestral and small ensemble music, as well as community performances like the WT Showcase of Music at the Amarillo Civic Center held in conjunction with the Greater Southwest Music Festival, which hosts competitive performances for elementary, middle and high school students in the Panhandle. The Rhall Endowment for Showcase in a Suitcase funded a performance of the opera "Dr. Miracle" at the La Rita Theatre in Dalhart and provides opportunities for cultural enrichment across the region. The Center for the Study of the American West continues to explore the rich history, culture, and landscape of the American West and the Southern Plains through faculty research, community tours and visits, and lecture series, like the Garry L. Nall Lecture in Western Studies. The Texas Poet's Corner hosted the 2024 Poet Laureate, Amanda Johnston. Theatre and Dance performed theatrical performances featuring musicals and plays from various genres. Students, faculty and visiting artist exhibitions appeared in the Dord Fitz gallery, accessible to the community. The Arts at WT: A Subscription Series is a curated, donor-supported season of public events each year that showcases student and faculty performances and exhibitions, enriching the cultural offerings available to Canyon, Amarillo and beyond. Art faculty such as Dr. Amy Von Lintel and Jon Revett lead community talks, collaborate with museums and teach courses focused on Panhandle art. On-campus cultural enrichment with local impact includes the KWTS 91.1 FM "The One" college radio station. Located in the Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts Complex, KWTS broadcasts across nine Panhandle counties and includes local artist showcases like "ONE Sessions at the Live Lounge," giving visibility to regional talent and fostering community pride. These are a few examples of the college's countless faculty, students and events that communicate with, to and through the communities we serve. WT's contribution to fine arts education in the Panhandle includes teachers of music, art, theatre, dance, English and history serving many schools in the region and providing cultural events within those communities. Educational initiatives embrace a broader cultural mission to build regional identity. The college's mission includes enhancing the region's quality of life through community-engaged experiences. Dr. Walter Wendler, President of West Texas A&M University Through mobile outreach, strong museum partnerships, radio support for local artists, curated public events and regionally focused scholarship and teaching, the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities is deeply committed to supporting and celebrating the cultural life of the Texas Panhandle in a strong partnership with the extended campus community of West Texas A&M University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We see arts and culture as a debt to our home, region and state. Our sense of responsibility for service will have a national impact as a powerful benchmark demonstrating the substantial value of a regional university for precisely what it is: a regional research university. Walter V. Wendler is the President of West Texas A&M University. His weekly columns, with hyperlinks, are available at https://walterwendler.com/. This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Opinion: Regional universities support local culture Crystal was newly 21. Her life was about to change forever. Her situation was unremarkable what you might expect in Americas heartland. Awkward, insecure and lonely, she met a man online who said she was beautiful and smart. He was attentive, messaging her frequently and filling her need for companionship. Crystal was smitten. Her trust in this man was growing. Without realizing it, she was being manipulated and groomed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This man encouraged Crystal to travel to Chicago, about 3 hours away, to meet him for a night out. As soon as Crystal arrived, this man attacked her physically, sexually and emotionally. He targeted her vulnerabilities and threatened her familys safety. Over five weeks, he forced Crystal to perform sex acts for money with many men, all while continuing the fraudulent relationship. Eventually, law enforcement discovered Crystal. She willingly came to the Center for Prevention of Abuse for safe emergency housing and trauma-informed care. While she was there, a caseworker asked Crystal if she knew the name of her abuser. She replied, Yes, but I dont know how to spell it, so youll have to look. Crystal lifted her long bangs to reveal a homemade tattoo of his full name across her forehead. She had been branded as his property. Crystals true story offers insight into the brutal realities of human trafficking in the U.S. an underworld that has destroyed tens of thousands of lives. Mackenzie Kelly recently wrote in The Hill about policies that should be developed to combat human trafficking. I could not agree more. But there are other crucial actions happening right now in Illinois. If adopted elsewhere, these strategies could make a powerful impact to end human trafficking across our nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the Center for Prevention of Abuse, we care for victims of human trafficking and we harness the power of education trying to stop abuse, hopefully before it starts. We offer specialized training for first responders, hospitality workers, victim service providers, faith communities, Rotary and Kiwanis clubs, students and their educators, skilled trades workers, and more. There are people across this country women, men and children shackled by invisible chains, forced into compelled labor or commercial sex, swayed into exploitation, and stripped of their humanity. Human trafficking is a hidden crime that thrives in plain sight a grim reminder that exploitation is pervasive and devastating. Human trafficking is the second largest crime in the world, second only to drug trafficking. Who might have suspected danger in Crystals situation? Who could have recognized the signs when she lingered at the iron-barred window in the home where she was kept; when she was snatched out of view, when a stream of men frequented the home? It could have been professionals who work in neighborhoods, parks, streets and other places where people notice patterns. We are training and certifying communities and their front-line professionals to help people like Crystal, including employees in public works, waste management, park districts, fire, police and other departments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first community to invite us to train nearly 700 city employees was Bloomington, Ill, which has since trained at least 75 percent of its city staff, agreeing to retrain every three years. Bloomington has also created a reporting protocol for staff to report what they witness, established an internal anti-human trafficking policy, and thoughtfully discussed an ordinance affecting illicit massage businesses, which are among the most popular fronts for human trafficking venues. Decatur, Ill., with almost 500 city staff, will be the next entity we train and certify, with other towns to follow. As each city meets the certification requirements, we declare them a Partner in Peace and recognize them as trained in human trafficking prevention. City employees are often in places others are not on streets, in homes and in neighborhood gathering places. They are the boots on the ground and more likely to notice when something is not quite right. City employees are in a unique position to protect their communities by sharing what they see. When they know how to take action, they can help people like Crystal. This specialized human trafficking training effort is supported by grassroots donations from individuals and companies who endorse this work. State and federal entities do not require us to provide this type of training, but its importance is undeniable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without question, good government policies are crucial. In addition to education, we must remove obstacles and create systems that help combat vulnerabilities. Confronting the public crisis caused by human trafficking demands a united front from every layer of society lawmakers, communities, law enforcement, businesses, citizens, and high-impact human service nonprofits like ours. Carol Merna is CEO of the Center for Prevention of Abuse. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Department of Homeland Security typically posts policy announcements and media appearances by its officials on X. But on Wednesday it posted an image of an old oil painting. That work of art, titled American Progress, is an iconic representation of American westward expansion in the 19th century and was painted by John Gast in 1872. It also gives the public plenty of clues about who DHS thinks belongs in America as it presides over a brutal mass deportation operation. American Progress shows a gigantic and angelic-looking blond woman with fair skin striding westward across the American plains carrying a book. Behind her, in the East, are trains, farms and boats lit up by a rising sun. At her feet are settlers heading West on wagons. And in front of her the West are Native Americans, along with buffalo and other wild animals, cast in darkness and beneath an overcast sky. In its post of the painting, DHS named the painting and wrote: A Heritage to be proud of, a Homeland worth Defending. According to the publisher George Crofutt, who commissioned the painting, the woman is bearing on her forehead the Star of Empire; her book represents enlightenment; and in her left hand she carries the slender wires of the telegraph, that are to flash intelligence throughout the land. The woman traversing the plains symbolizes many of the themes of manifest destiny, the idea that American westward expansion was providential and benevolent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And earlier in July, DHS posted another oil painting which it mistitled of a settler couple in the West holding a baby in a covered wagon. You dont need to be an art history major to pick up on the reactionary subtext of DHS messaging. The agency is promoting the idea that Americas most authentic heritage can be traced back to its history of ethnic cleansing, racist social hierarchies and racial domination. The homeland is to be expropriated and protected from savages, and the people who most belong are the European settler class. DHS the agency that removes migrants from the U.S., often violently these days is signaling to both its supporters and critics how Trump views the idea of America as a nation. Its recent pair of paintings is a fitting set of images as Trump presides over brutal mass deportations after warning on the 2024 campaign trail that migrants were poisoning the blood of our country. And the paintings evocation of a lawless country where might made right is also apropos as Trump uses his anti-immigration agenda to try to curtail residents civil rights, degrades them in punishing detention camps and sends them off to vicious foreign super prisons without due process. It is not realistic to look at earlier moments in history and to expect them to always meet modern standards of morality and social inclusion. But so much of the iconography of the right entails looking backward at American history and finding nothing to object to. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com In 1980, a graduate student at the University of Texas at Austin saw an ad for the Central Intelligence Agency on a bus. John Brennan decided to apply, thinking that such a job would satisfy his wanderlust. This month, the wanderlust of John Brennan came to an end, as the former CIA director stands accused of false testimony regarding the Russian collusion investigation. Ironically, Brennan was first selected for his honesty at least in part. During his entry polygraph, Brennan admitted that he had voted for the communist party candidate for president in 1976. He was impressed that the agency took him anyway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That honest young man seems like a faint and tragic echo of the man today. When Obama picked Brennan to be the CIA director, he had become the ultimate Democratic insider and loyalist. And it would be choosing loyalty over honesty that would prove Brennans undoing. Newly declassified information contradicts Brennans testimony before Congress on the origins of the now-debunked Russian collusion conspiracy theory. There is a particular focus on the intelligence community assessment commissioned by President Barack Obama in December 2016, which suggested that Russia had interfered in the 2016 presidential election to help Donald Trump. Obama ordered the assessment after a prior assessment found no evidence of collusion or influence on the election in Trumps favor. But Obamas White House effectively quashed that finding from seasoned CIA analysts. To create a new version, Brennan handpicked new analysts, who effectively flipped the earlier finding on its head without any credible basis in the record. The new assessment relied, to a significant degree, on the Steele dossier, a widely discredited report paid for by Hillary Clintons campaign that contained unfounded allegations about Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In testimony on May 23, 2017, Brennan claimed that the Steele dossier wasnt part of the corpus of intelligence information that we had. It was not in any way used as a basis for the Intelligence Community Assessment that was done. In short, Brennan dismissed any reliance on the dossier. Yet in the material now declassified, Brennan is shown not just discussing the dossier but insisting upon its inclusion in the new assessment Obama had requested. Indeed, he expressly overruled the CIAs two most senior Russia experts, who said it did not meet even the most basic tradecraft standards. Analysts were appalled by the use of the Steele dossier and complained that it ran counter to fundamental tradecraft principles and ultimately undermined the credibility of a key judgment. One CIA analyst told investigators that [Brennan] refused to remove it, and when confronted with the dossiers main flaws, [Brennan] responded, Yes, but doesnt it ring true?Brennan expressly ordered its inclusion in the assessment. It would appear not just in an annex but in the main body of the assessment. The timeline here is important. In July 2016, Brennan briefed former President Obama on Hillary Clintons plan to tie then-candidate Trump to Russia as a means of distracting the public from her use of a private email server. The original Russia investigation funded by Clintons campaign was launched days after this briefing. The resulting Steele Dossiers funding was hidden as a legal expense by the Clinton campaigns general counsel, Marc Elias. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So Brennan and the Obama Administration knew in advance about the planned political hit job. Yet, only months later, Brennan would intervene to force the dossiers inclusion in version 2.0 of the intelligence assessment. Unnamed officials then leaked false information to the media about non-existent intelligence implicating Trump. Keep in mind that Obamas ordering of the new assessment was occurring at the very end of his term. There was a rush to complete the report before Trump took office after defeating Hillary Clinton. The effort seeded the Russian collusion hoax that would consume much of Trumps first term. In other words, it worked. However, it required the involvement of John Brennan, as well as then-FBI Director James Comey. As time went on, Brennan continued to deny prior knowledge of the dossier. He would later become a paid contributor for MSNBC and, in 2018, insisted that he first heard just snippets about the dossier in the late summer of 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As an MSNBC regular, Brennan accused Trump of treason, to the delight of the network hosts and viewers. (He later tried to insist that, when he called Trumps actions nothing short of treasonous, he did not actually mean that Trump had committed treason.) Whatever professional integrity Brennan had left after that, he set it aside in joining more than 50 former intelligence officials in signing a now-infamous letter dismissing the Hunter Biden laptop story before the 2020 presidential election as likely Russian disinformation. Joining him on the letter was former Obama Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, who says that he has now lawyered up in anticipation of potential criminal allegations. The laptop, of course, was later found to be authentic and incriminating for Hunter Biden. Back in 2016 and in the years that followed, this must have seemed to Brennan like just another CIA operation with plausible deniability. After all, he knew that he had the Biden administration and the media watching his back. Of course, the public would ultimately reject these hit jobs, not only reelecting Trump but also giving Republicans full control of Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brennan may be protected from perjury charges by the five-year statute of limitations. However, he is likely to be called again before Congress and asked the same questions. Even if he is not criminally charged, his past statements will remain an indictment of his role in history. What is now clear is that high-level officials dismissed intelligence and evidence in order to create and spread the Russian collusion conspiracy as widely as they could. Their politicization of intelligence was raw and wrong. It succeeded only because it was an all-hands-on-deck effort, from the Obama White House to the CIA, the FBI, and the media. The rise and fall of John Brennan is an all-too-familiar Beltway tragedy. People do not lose their idealism in this city in grand moments of corruption. It starts with small lies that steadily reduce your resistance until the biggest lies become happenstance. It can create a type of self-deception as one treats lies as a moral option for the sake of the greater good. In A Man for All Seasons, Sir Thomas More is asked by his loving daughter Meg to sign a false affidavit to save his own life. More tells her, When a man takes an oath, hes holding his own self in his own hands like water, and if he opens his fingers then, he neednt hope to find himself again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Washington, power tends to loosen fingers over time, and the truth drips out to the point that little recognizable remains. That is the true tragedy. For Brennan, what began as a young mans wanderlust ended in a quagmire of contradictions and deceit. Jonathan Turley is the Shapiro professor of public interest law at George Washington University and the author of The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. In 2019, a gunman shot and killed 12 people in a Virginia Beach municipal building. His semiautomatic weapon was fitted with a silencer, making the gunshots sound, to one survivor, like a nail gun. If the shots had been louder if the people inside had been given even 30 more seconds of warning lives could have perhaps been saved. But muffled sounds from the silencer created confusion and, ultimately, death. Silencers are dangerous. Now, theyre more accessible than ever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within President Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act was a little-noticed but dangerous provision eliminating the $200 federal tax requirement on firearm silencers. Sold as a win for freedom and self-defense, this repeal does nothing to make ordinary Americans safer. Instead, it makes it easier to acquire deadly tools that muffle the sound of gunfire, and can make shootings harder to detect and survive. On July 4, Trump signed the so-called big beautiful bill, a 1,200-page piece of legislation that overhauled taxes, took down social programs, and included a long list of far-right priorities. Buried within it was a provision that eliminated the federal tax on gun silencers, and stripped away regulations under the National Firearms Act. For nearly a century, silencers, also called suppressors, were subject to a $200 tax and required a federal registration process with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. The goal wasnt to ban them outright, but to treat them with caution and scrutiny. By removing the tax, the bill treats them like ordinary firearm accessories. With the federal tax removed, the financial and procedural barriers that once slowed down silencer purchases are gone, making it easier and potentially faster to obtain them. In effect, this policy turns silencers into impulse buys available with minimal oversight, even in states with already loose gun laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporters of the provision framed it as an effort to cut red tape, and to fully express Second Amendment freedoms. But in reality, it was a quiet win for the gun lobby one that came at the cost of long-standing public safety protections. Silencers dont make guns completely silent, but they do make shootings harder to hear. That extra delay of seconds of confusion, lost sound or disbelief can cost lives. Proponents of silencer deregulation argue that suppressors reduce hearing damage for recreational shooters and make gun ranges less disruptive to neighbors. They frame the tax and registration process as bureaucratic overreach that burdens lawful gun owners. But these talking points ignore the ultimate threat to public safety that silencers carry: people have, and will continue to, die because of easy access to silencers. Further, with the removal of federal tax on silencers, the gun lobby is better equipped to argue in court against any and all government regulation of silencers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if silencers have some legitimate uses, removing the federal tax and treating them like common firearm accessories opens the door to widespread abuse. Responsible gun owners can still protect their hearing with earmuffs. Communities cant protect themselves from gunfire they never hear coming. This repeal didnt happen by accident. It slipped through quietly, buried in a massive bill, with little debate and even less public awareness. But that doesnt mean the story ends here. What happens when silencers become easier to buy than ever before? What role can we play in making sure our communities stay safe, and our voices stay heard? Maybe it starts with a message to a senator, a petition, or a post. Maybe its showing up at a town hall, or supporting groups already doing the work: groups like Brady United Against Gun Violence, Everytown, Moms Demand Action, Giffords, and Sandy Hook Promise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont all have the same tools. But we all have a voice. And in the face of policies that turn down the volume on violence, maybe the most powerful thing we can do is refuse to stay quiet. If our leaders wont raise the alarm, we have to. Because the more we let silence spread, the more dangerous this country becomes. Its time to make some noise and address this hidden upheaval of public safety. Sally Young is a senior at Dartmouth College studying English and Public Policy. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Watching this summers blockbuster, the Epstein Saga, it is hard not to be tantalized by the prospect that the biggest con artist in American history will end up hoist by his own petard. That the mob he stirred up and won over with conspiracy theories, misrepresentations, and fabricated vendettas will turn on him because they realize that he was, as former Senator Al Franken might have put it, a lying liar who lies. At least that is what our sense of justice would lead us to believe is overdue for our sociopathic, allergic-to-truth, prevaricator-in-chief. The ancient Greeks taught us that hubris always gets characters like Trump in the end. They over-reach and whammo. Trump is Icarus flying on his wings of fraud and as he climbs so high that he can no longer avoid the bright sunshine of truth, the bulls--t melts away and he plummets to Earth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What a big, satisfying splat that would make. Maybe Trump wont be able to walk away from a presidency that has earned him a place on Sleazebag Mount Rushmore with just a bunch of cash, a virtual pile of crypto and the opera house at the Kennedy Center named after his wife. / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images It is a particularly appealing image given that the deeper Trump gets into his second term, and the more his sense of invulnerability grows (Supreme Court immunity rulings are great fertilizer for cultivating hubris), the bigger and more outrageous his lies get. Take this weeks assertions by Trump and his nutjob Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard that former President Barack Obama and senior members of his administration had committed treason with their assertions that the Kremlin interfered in the 2016 presidential election. Trump has long believed he can just bludgeon the world into believing that Russia, Russia, Russia was a hoax, hoax, hoax. Even though, of course, as literally everyone with at least one functioning brain cell knows, it was not. Even current Trump Secretary of State Marco Rubio attested this when he chaired the Senate Intelligence Committee. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard talks to reporters at the White House on July 23, 2025, in Washington, D.C., addressing a 2017 report from the House Permanent Committee on Intelligence that she says undermines the conclusion of intelligence agencies during the Obama administration that Russia favored the election of Donald J. Trump in 2016. / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images He thinks he can do the same thing with the Epstein case. But, at least so far, he has been unable to do so. Its tantalizing. Could the Epstein cover-up be a lie-too-far for a man who has built his entire career by lying, and then coming up with new lies to get him out of the consequences for his old lies? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im skeptical. Donald Trump is known to have long been friends with the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. / Davidoff Studios Photography/Getty Images Maybe the anger stirred by the current scandal may finally enough to break his spell over American politicseven among MAGA loyalists who previously had an unquestioning, unquenchable thirst for the crap smoothies that Trump has been serving up. Maybe the combination of creeping skepticism and a few more small penis jokes from the national treasures at South Park will be enough, finally, to bring the curtain down on the malevolent Trump clown show. Maybe some sort of justice will be done. But also, maybe not. Whats more, and I really hate to break it to you when you are so enjoying seeing the big guy sweat, the past week has also served as a reminder that weve got bigger problems. You might think having the worst person in American history presiding over a trifecta of broken institutions in our nations capital is really the big threat confronting this country. But its not. / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images Its not just the leaders in Washington, the White House, the Congress and the Supreme Court that are failing us miserably. We are suffering from a nationwide epidemic of leadership and institutional failure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recent days have provided further evidence that a broad cross-section of the people and entities that should be serving as defenders of our democratic society are willingand in some cases eagerto sell it out to serve their own narrow self-interests. They are the ones enabling and driving Trumps grift and assault on our fundamental rights and values. They are the ones pushing for a government of, by and for billionaires, for fewer government services for the vulnerable so we might provide more bounty to the already rich. They are the ones who have been underwriting the empowerment of an American oligarchy, guiding their chosen president toward policies that gut our democracy, our health care, despoil our environment, weaken our enemies and promote, even celebrate, corruption. Media companies, news organizations, universities, law firms and big corporations have all made it clear they are not truly committed to the values on which this country was foundedor to the role their success within our country ought to obligate them to play. We have seen the leadership at CBS and Paramount trade away journalistic integrity and creative independence in exchange for a deal that will line their owners pockets. With regard to AI, we have seen tech leaders embrace policies that will restrict free expression in exchange for less regulation in the areas that most impact their bottom line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My alma mater Columbia, a school every member of my family for five generations has attended and where Ilike my father and my grandfatherhave taught, shamefully bent the knee to Trump with a deal that undercuts academic freedom in America. Some defend the action as pragmatic and say the university preserved important prerogatives. But it agreed to constraints it never should have, and has left itself open to further intimidation from the anti-education thugs atop the administration. Yes, many of those who could stand up to Trump have not. And make no mistake, many of them see Trump as a mere momentary vehicle to advance their interests. President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Newark International Airport on July 13, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images Trump will someday be undone. It may be his hubris that does it, but there are plenty examples in historyrules of Greek drama notwithstandingof singularly vile human beings who have thrived because of their crimes and sins. But another lesson of history is that it is broad rot at the top of a society that ultimately brings down great nations and empires. When the few in power stop attending to the long-term needs of the countries in which they live, when they lose sight of the values upon which healthy national cultures depend, and when they start using their power for short-term gain or to advance narrowly self-serving ideologies, the gods do not mess around. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In those cases, a reckoning is guaranteed, and it is only a matter of time before it takes its tollwhich, tragically, often is greatest not on those in power but on those they have neglected for too long. That may not be justice. But it is the way of the world. Orange County is celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act today, a landmark civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted to outlaw discrimination in employment, services, and public spaces for those living with a disability. It includes provisions requiring employers and businesses to make reasonable accommodations for the disabled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All individuals need to enjoy life, work, playand without having these things in placepeople are still being discriminated against, said Nicola Norton, ADA Program Manager. Similar celebrations are underway in other Florida communities and across the country, highlighting the ongoing impact and importance of the ADA in promoting accessibility and equality. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has stated that his country is proposing "strategic cooperation" to Ukrainians rather than full integration into the European Union due to fears of the EU being drawn into the war. Source: Orban on X (Twitter); European Pravda Details: Orban stated that Hungary is proposing a strategic cooperation to Ukraine that would be "pragmatic, flexible and rooted in mutual interest not irreversible integration". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "EU membership for Ukraine would drag the war into the heart of Europe, a risk our families should not have to face," Orban said. The Hungarian PM said that the current times require "calm judgement, not theatrical threats". Orban also called Ukraine a "buffer state". "Ukraine's fate today is that it is a buffer state neighbouring Russia. That is not a fate we are willing to take on. The Hungarians have only just escaped from that. We too were a buffer state during the Cold War. We were not part of the Soviet Union, but we were located on its western edge, on the eastern edge of the Western world. We were a buffer zone. We do not want to return to that position. That is where Ukraine finds itself now. It may not be comfortable; in fact it isnt good; they want to break out of it, but the history is such that you cannot change a countrys address," Orban added. Background: A total of 26 EU member states, except Hungary, reaffirmed at the EU summit that they supported further talks with Ukraine on accession to the EU and agreed to take note of the European Commission's assessment that Ukraine is ready to open the fundamentals cluster. In early July, Orban stated that most European Union countries would vote against Ukraine's accession to the EU if "nationwide referendums" were held on this issue, as was recently the case in his country. Balazs Orban, a political adviser to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, recently stated that Ukraine's war against Russia is not for the security of his country. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on July 25 that Budapest proposes "strategic cooperation" with Ukraine instead of full European Union integration, arguing that Kyiv's accession would drag the war into the heart of Europe. "EU membership for Ukraine would drag the war into the heart of Europe, a risk our families should not have to face," Orban wrote on X. "These times call for calm judgement, not theatrical threats." The Hungarian leader described Hungary's proposed partnership as "pragmatic, flexible, and rooted in mutual interest not irreversible integration." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orban, widely viewed as the EU's most pro-Russian leader, called Ukraine a "buffer state" and warned that Hungary will not accept a similar position. "Today, Ukraine's fate is to be a buffer state bordering Russia... We were also a buffer state during the Cold War," Orban said. "We do not want to return to this position." Hungary claims its population overwhelmingly opposes Ukraine's EU membership. In a national consultation announced on June 26, the government said 95% of participants rejected Kyiv's accession. Orban publicly voted against it and shared a photo of his ballot in April. The poll drew criticism over its credibility and turnout. Telex reported that the system could be manipulated testing showed that users were able to vote twice using different email addresses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opposition leader Peter Magyar on June 22 dismissed the consultation as a "government propaganda campaign" and cited internal data from Magyar Posta indicating that only 3-7% of mailed ballots were returned. "It's the lowest-ever turnout for any such consultation," Magyar wrote on social media. Ukraine applied for EU membership shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022 and was granted candidate status within months. As an EU member, Hungary has veto power over further progress. Orban, whose government is widely seen as authoritarian and undermining democratic norms, has blocked or delayed military aid to Ukraine, maintained ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and repeatedly echoed Kremlin narratives. Read also: Zelenskys big Ukraine blunder, explained Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) There will be an OVI checkpoint in Boardman Saturday night. The checkpoint will be held on State Route 7 from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. The Ohio State Highway Patrol will be working with the Boardman Township Police Department for the checkpoint, as well as nearby saturation patrols. The goal is to combat impaired driver-related injuries and deadly crashes. If youre planning on drinking, make sure you have a safe way to get home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Pakistan has issued a warning about glacial flooding in the northwest with more rain forecast in the coming week, as the country experiences above-average rainfall this monsoon season and continues to struggle to recover from devastating floods in 2022. Downpours are heavier in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province than the same period last year, prompting weather advisories and alerts for flooding from glacial lake outbursts, said Anwar Shahzad, a spokesperson for the local disaster management authority, on Saturday. The weather advisory alert comes after the authority sent out a letter earlier this month saying persistent high temperatures may accelerate snow and glacier melt and subsequent weather events in vulnerable parts of the region, underscoring the ongoing heavy impact of climate change on the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spokesperson Faizullah Firaq said on Saturday there was severe destruction in some areas and damage to houses, infrastructure, crops, and businesses. Search operations were under way to find missing people on the Babusar Highway, where flooding struck nine villages. Helicopters rescued tourists stuck in the popular spot, Fairy Meadows, he added. Abdul Samad, from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Department, said rescue teams evacuated more than 500 holidaymakers from Naran after a cloudburst overnight Friday caused a road closure. Authorities deployed heavy machinery to remove debris and restore access. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the neighbouring Gilgit-Baltistan region, the government said it had distributed hundreds of tents, thousands of food packets, and medicine to flood-affected communities. Three people died there on Tuesday when a cloudburst caused floods and landslides, stranding more than 200 tourists who were later rescued. Zakir Hussein, director general of Gilgit-Baltistans Disaster Management Authority, said on Tuesday that while warnings help reduce the presence of tourists in these vulnerable areas, they are not always enough. Generally, tourists pay attention to our warning notices. Those who still choose to come are either those who did not see the warning or those who have some urgency to visit, Hussein told Al Jazeera. At the end of the day, it is weather prediction, but considering the severity of the consequences, people should take it seriously. The rains are a routine part of South Asias climate and are essential for crop irrigation and replenishing water supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, their adverse effect has worsened in recent years due to rapid urban expansion, poor drainage systems, and more frequent extreme weather events linked to climate change. Pakistans above-average rainfall this monsoon season has raised concerns of a repeat of the devastating 2022 floods that submerged a third of the country, killed 1,737 people and displaced more than 30 million. Some 260 have died across Pakistan so far this season, which runs through to mid-September. Pakistan, which has a population of about 250 million, is one of the worlds most vulnerable countries to climate change, but one of the lowest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. It is also home to more than 7,000 glaciers the largest outside the Earths polar regions. By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday the United States and Pakistan were "very close" to a trade deal that could come within days, but comments from the U.S. after Dar met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned no timeline. "I think we are very close to finalizing a deal with U.S. Our teams have been here in Washington, discussing, having virtual meetings and a committee has been tasked by the prime minister to fine-tune now," Dar said in a discussion at the Atlantic Council think tank in Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's not going to be months, not even weeks, I would say (just) days," he said. Under U.S. President Donald Trump, Washington has attempted to renegotiate trade agreements with many countries that he threatened with tariffs over what he calls unfair trade relations. Many economists dispute Trump's characterization. The U.S. State Department and Pakistan's foreign ministry, in separate statements after Rubio's meeting with Dar, said the two stressed in their discussion the importance of expanding trade and ties in critical minerals and mining. A post by Rubio on X after the meeting and the State Department's statement mentioned no timeline for finalizing a trade deal. The Pakistan foreign ministry also said Dar "appreciated the pivotal role" by Trump and Rubio "in de-escalating tensions between Pakistan and India by facilitating a ceasefire." The State Department statement did not mention India. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has repeatedly taken credit for the India-Pakistan ceasefire he announced on social media on May 10 after Washington held talks with both sides. India disputes Trump's claims that the ceasefire resulted from his intervention and trade threats. India's position is that New Delhi and Islamabad must resolve problems directly with no outside involvement. An April 22 militant attack in India-administered Kashmir killed 26 men and sparked heavy fighting between the nuclear-armed Asian neighbors in the latest escalation of a decades-old rivalry. India struck Pakistan on May 7 and the two nations exchanged hostilities, killing dozens across three days. The ceasefire was declared on May 10. New Delhi blamed the April attack on Pakistan, which denied responsibility and called for a neutral investigation. Washington condemned the attack but did not blame Islamabad. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Tom Hogue) Sen. Shelley Hughes, R-Palmer, speaks with Senate Minority Leader Mike Shower, R-Wasilla, during a break in the Alaska Senate on Monday, April 28, 2025. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon) Palmer Sen. Shelley Hughes has become the seventh Republican to announce a run for governor in next years election. Incumbent Gov. Mike Dunleavy, a Republican, is term-limited and cannot seek reelection in 2026. With an announcement at Palmers Rebarchek Park on Thursday night, Hughes said that as governor, she would focus on energy costs and eliminating the states brain drain and its brawn drain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need those people that can do the kinds of jobs, the resource-development kinds of jobs, that dont take a masters degree. And we also need the educated for certain positions, and were losing young people, she said. Hughes, a conservative member of the Senates all-Republican minority caucus, was elected to the Senate in 2016 after two terms in the state House. She served as a majority leader for two years before the current bipartisan majority took control in 2023. I think the good Lord gave me the gift of being able to build consensus without forsaking my values and my principles, she said during her announcement speech, and so that is a skill set that is very, very important for a governor to have, because youre not always going to be given the Legislature that you would maybe hand-pick yourself. You have to play the cards youre dealt, right? Hughes joins an already-crowded field of Republicans seeking to succeed Dunleavy in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Friday, the six other Republican candidates included: Lieutenant Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom Former Fairbanks state Sen. Click Bishop Longtime Republican campaigner and business owner Bernadette Wilson Matanuska-Susitna Borough Mayor Edna DeVries Anchorage podiatrist Matt Heilala Angoon resident James Parkin At least two other Republicans revenue commissioner Adam Crum and attorney general Treg Taylor may also enter the race. On Friday, Crum announced his resignation from state service, effective Aug. 8, and Taylor has been holding a series of public events similar to those conducted by prior prospective candidates. Hughes decision to run for governor means there is no incumbent running in next years election for the Senate seat she occupies. No candidates have filed to run for that seat, which is in a district that has solidly voted Republican in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By text message after her announcement, Hughes said she doesnt know if she will resign from her seat early, as current Gov. Mike Dunleavy did when he was a member of the Senate and ran for governor in 2018. That is a decision I will make later in the year, but it is a real possibility, she said. If Hughes were to resign, a replacement would be appointed by Dunleavy to fill the remainder of the term. That replacement would have to be confirmed by the Senates other 10 Republicans, said Scott Kendall, the Anchorage attorney who wrote the relevant law. Five of those Republicans are members of the Senates bipartisan majority caucus; the other five are in the Senates all-Republican minority caucus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a town hall meeting on July 3, Alaska Democratic Party chairman Eric Croft was asked when Democrats would begin filing for statewide elections, including the governors race, U.S. House and U.S. Senate. No Democrats have yet filed for any of those races. I think theres a lot of those discussions going on, he said. Theres people interested. A lot of people (are) interested in what Mary Peltola does. I know people want it done right now, but its still a year and a half away, so I think (we need) a little bit of patience on that, but I understand the frustration. Sen. Scott Kawasaki, D-Fairbanks, said the national Senate Democratic Campaign Committee and its House counterpart are trying to make sure that weve got a strong field of folks who want to run. Asked Friday whether anything has changed since that town hall meeting, Croft said by email that Alaskans deserve better than what they currently have in Congress and the governors office, and that he is confident that the party will have a strong candidate on the ballot next year. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) The Center for the Arts will host its monthly opening reception to welcome two new exhibitions in its galleries featuring local artists. Willie Morris has a collection of graphite works for his exhibition titled See. Experience. Imagine. on display in the Main Gallery. Noah Beich will be featured in the Miller Gallery. I challenged myself to produce at least two pieces every month that truly touch the heart of those who see them, said Morris. These works invite viewers to pause, reflect, and connectto see the world through my creative eyes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The public is invited to the opening reception on Friday, August 1, from 5-7 pm. The Center for the Arts is open to the public TuesdaySaturday 10am5pm, Fridays 10am-7pm. Since 1978, Bay Arts Alliance has served as the local arts agency for Bay County and provides opportunities for cultural enrichment through broad-based educational experiences, music and arts programs, exhibitions, and events. Panama City Center for the Arts in downtown Panama City is housed in the 1925 historic City Hall building. Panama City Center for the Arts is managed by Bay Arts Alliance. The facility and grounds are under the ownership of the City of Panama City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. Panera Bread has been around since 1987, when it was first founded as St. Louis Bread Company. The fast-casual restaurant chain changed its name to Panera Bread in the 1990s, and today, Panera Bread restaurants across the country are popular spots to pick up a quick sandwich, salad or bowl of soup. "We are Panera Bread, and and we believe that good food, food you can feel good about, can bring out the best in all of us," the restaurant states on their website. "Food served in a warm, welcoming environment, by people who care. To us, thats good eating and thats why were here." Now, Panera Bread is moving forward with a change to how it makes its bread, and that will result in shutting down some facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Panera Bread will permanently shut down its fresh dough production facilities in areas with underperforming locations as part of its nationwide effort to move away from baking bread from scratch in its cafes," notes USA Today in a July 25 feature. Unfortunately, this will mean a loss of jobs. A production facility in Brentwood, MO, is scheduled to close by Sept. 12, and all 72 employees are set to lose their jobs because of the move, according to Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notifications notice. Nation's Restaurant News also reports that as of June 24, four locations across the country have already shut down their operations. According to USA Today, "Panera says affected employees will receive a severance package as well as outplacement services." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Per Nation's Restaurant News and USA Today, Panera is changing to an "on-demand" bread production model. With Panera's old system, fresh dough facilities would mix and shape their dough, and then, those loaves would then be sent to its restaurants, where workers would proof and bake them in the morning. But, going forward, third-party contractors will prep the dough using Panera's recipes and instructions. Then, they'll partially bake the bread at those sites, freeze it and ship it to restaurants for the final baking. According to USA Today, Panera says this is a good thing for consumers. "The spokesperson said under the par-baked model, cafes are now able to prepare baked goods throughout the day as needed instead of just in the morning, making them more readily available for customers," USA Today reports. No word yet on when these changes will kick in nationwide. But, don't be surprised if your bread seems a little bit different from Panera in the coming months. Related: Wendy's Announces Exciting Menu Change Panera Moving Forward With Change to How It Makes Food first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 26, 2025 Minutes after takeoff Friday, a Southwest flight leaving Burbank, California, rapidly descended because another aircraft was in the area, injuring two flight attendants and frightening passengers, according to officials and those on board. Southwest Airlines Flight 1496 responded to an onboard alert that another aircraft was in the vicinity while in Los Angeles Air Route Traffic Control Center airspace, the Federal Aviation Administration said. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. Two onboard alerts required the flight "to climb and descend," Southwest Airlines said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An aviation industry source told NBC News the Southwest crew was initially told to climb to 15,000 feet, but when the plane reached 12,000 feet, air traffic controllers adjusted their initial altitude and told the pilot to level off at 14,000 feet. The source said that soon thereafter, because of conflicting traffic, ATC "issued a turn of over 60 degrees," during which the crew received an alert from the traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) telling them to climb, which they did. Immediately following the climb, they got another TCAS alert instructing them to descend. The other plane involved in the traffic alert and collision avoidance system alert was a Hawker Hunter MK 58 single-seat fighter jet, a source familiar with the situation said. That jet is registered to a company, FAA records show. Passengers said they were shaken by the incident, and one said he thought the plane was going to crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pilot had to dive aggressively to avoid midair collision over Burbank airport, comedian Jimmy Dore said on X. Myself & Plenty of people flew out of their seats & bumped heads on ceiling, a flight attendant needed medical attention. Passenger Steve Ulasewicz told NBC Los Angeles that the incident happened about eight minutes into the flight and passengers felt a significant drop for about two seconds, which he attributed to turbulence. Then maybe like three seconds after that the plane was in a freefall for around eight to 10 seconds, he told the station by phone. People were screaming. You know, it was pandemonium. People thought the plane was going down. The plane continued on to Las Vegas and landed without any further incident, Southwest Airlines said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No injuries were immediately reported by Customers, but two Flight Attendants are being treated for injuries, it said. A spokesperson for Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas said that medical personnel responded to the gate and one injured person was transported to a hospital. FAA records show that the Hawker Hunter is registered to a company in Newark, Delaware. NBC News has emailed the company to confirm that the Hawker Hunter was its aircraft. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The Rev. Donald L. Bellamy Sr. has been named the new pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, 330 W. Windsor St., Reading. Bellamys appointment was made on June 14 by Bishop Samuel L. Green Sr. at the denominations Episcopal Planning Meeting in Philadelphia. Bellamy served as the pastor of Campbell AME Church, Woodbury, N.J., since April 2023. Prior to that, he served as the pastor of churches in Egg Harbor City, Glassboro, Swedesboro and Wildwood, all in New Jersey. Bellamys ministry has spanned 30 years. He said his vision is to be a beacon of hope, transforming lives through the love and grace of Jesus Christ. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bellamy has a background in rural development and economics and has worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He holds bachelors and masters degrees from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, N.C., and has written several published articles on income distribution and rural poverty. He earned his master of divinity degree from New Brunswick Theological Seminary, New Jersey. His wife, Carolyn Bellamy, is an evangelist in the AME Church. She works as a mental health therapist for the New Jersey Department of Mental Health. The couple has two adult children, and Donald Jr. and Danielle Bellamy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Rev. Alberta Jones had served as the pastor of Bethel since June 2015. She requested a status of superannuation, which is a request within the denomination to stay in the ministry but not be assigned to pastor a church. Immanuel United Church of Christ, 99 S. Waverly St., Shillington, will welcome The Snack Club for a special jazz-infused worship service on Sunday at 9 a.m. Formed by retired music educators Mike Eben and Ken Kemmerer, The Snack Club brings a dynamic blend of musical styles and eras from timeless hymns and the Great American Songbook to classic rock and pop favorites. Eben performs on saxophones while Kemmerer anchors the sound on tuba. They are joined by fellow retired music teachers Carl Zeplin on guitar and Tim Gross on both keyboard and saxophone. John Fundyga completes the ensemble on drums. Adding to the mornings musical richness will be several students from the Jazz Camp held at Immanuel. The camp is part of getJazzed, the official music education initiative of Boscovs Berks Jazz Fest, supported by Berks Arts. Bern Reformed United Church of Christ, 3196 Bernville Road, Bern Township, will hold a peach festival next Saturday from 4-8 p.m. in the church grove. Music by Jenifer Kinder. Food, drinks, ice cream, games, fire trucks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christ Lutheran Church, 222 Niantic Road, Douglass Township, Montgomery County, will have Coffee and Conversation on Sunday at 8:30 and 10 a.m. in the Welcome Center. Steven Inners will be the guest organist for the 10:15 a.m. worship service on Sunday at United Church of Christ of Robesonia, 301 W. Penn Ave. School supplies are being collected through Aug. 10. Peanut butter and jelly and money are being collected for the Conrad Weiser Summer Food Pantry. Salem United Church of Christ Womens Guild, 307 Covered Bridge Road, Oley, will have a Power Point presentation by Brian Englehardt on Aug. 4 at 7 p.m. titled Stop It! Mr. Mayor describing the construction of the Lake Ontelaunee dam in the late 1920s as a water source for the city of Reading. St. Johns Gernants Church (A Federated Congregation), 13 Gernants Church Road, Ontelaunee Township, will worship at 9:30 a.m. in the Memorial Hall. Daniel Beal will perform a piano solo called O Holy Night. It will be Jingle Sunday, with the collecting of loose coins. All of the jingle money will be donated to Family Promise of Berks County. Sunday also is the final week of Christmas in July with a blessing of all items donated to help families get a jump start on a new life after abuse. Items will be donated to Blessed Beginnings in Hamburg. Next Saturday from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. (rain or shine) the church will have a Flea Market in the Grove. Cost is $10 for a 10 feet by 10 feet space. Refreshments will be available. Call the 610 926-2384 or 610 562-5086 for more information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friedens United Church of Christ, 337 Main St., Oley, will continue with Summer Sundays Music themes with Gospel Music Sunday at 10:15 a.m.. Walter Singletary will be the guest musician along with the Zion Baptist Choir, who will offer special music. Rosedale Camp Grove, 1616 Vine St., Laureldale, has scheduled the following events: today, breakfast, 7-11 a.m., $9 for adults (includes coffee), children under 12 free; Wednesday, one night vacation Bible school, 6-8 p.m. for ages 6-12, games, skits, Bible lessons, songs, snacks. The Rev. Kenneth Gould will be the guest pastor at the 9:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday at Salem Lutheran Church, 8410 Lancaster Ave., Bethel Township. The worship service is followed by a social time in the churchs all-purpose room. Huffs Church, 540 Conrad Road, Hereford Township, will hold a community picnic today, with food available from 4-8 p.m. Rain or shine. Music by the Majestics from 5-8 p.m., weather permitting. Free activities and games for children 10 and under from 5-6 p.m. No animals other than service animals. In order to have an event listed in the religion digest, it must be something that is not just a regular worship service. This includes things such as guest musicians or vocalists who are not members of the church choir; guest speakers; flea markets and other sales, meals, etc. Send information to life@readingeagle.com. WESTMORELAND COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A Pennsylvania man is wanted on attempted homicide charges in connection with a lawn mower explosion, State Police say. State Police said in a post on X, Troopers are searching for 54-year-old James Sever, who is accused of placing an explosive device on a zero-turn mower that blew up along the 7000 block of State Route 22 in Salem Township just before 4:30 p.m. July 20. James Server photo from State Police. The explosion was on a rental property owned by the victim, where Sever was living until his eviction in June, court documents show. Sever was angry about being evicted and threatened how the victim would end up getting yourself hurt over this, about a week after he was kicked out, State Police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Troopers said Server is known to frequent wooded areas in the Derry/Blairsville area. If anyone spots him, they are urged to contact 911. Cell phone records also pinged Server in the area hours before the explosion, Troopers said. Servers truck was also searched when it was found, and inside it Troopers said they found black zip ties. According to the criminal complaint, black zip ties were found at the explosion scene, and it was determined that those were the same zip ties found inside Servers truck. Small metal pieces of a threaded pipe, shrapnel, a battery and other items were also found at the explosion scene and entered as evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint shows a witness also reported seeing Server earlier in the day. Server approached the witness at their home, and he seemed to be nervous. He was also dirty and spoke about his recent eviction from the residence. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Morning Weather Forecast Other than attempted homicide, Server faces charges of aggravated assault, weapons of mass destruction, risking catastrophe, possession of instrument, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, trespassing and making repairs/selling/etc. an offensive weapon Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. (WHTM) Are Pennsylvanians about to pay more for electricity than they should be paying? Thats what a coalition of consumers and environmental advocated said Friday after PJM Interconnection, which runs the power grid in Pennsylvania and parts or all of it in 12 other states, held a capacity auction. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania A capacity auction is a mechanism to guarantee future electric supply. This years auction could result in rates going up another 5% next year, on top of hikes this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advocates cite three reasons for the increase: The ever increasing demand from data centers, lower reliability from gas-fired power plants and the continued delay in clearing primarily new clean energy and battery storage resources, said Robert Ruth, Pennsylvania policy director for climate and energy at the National Resources Defense Council. But PJM blamed the higher costs on the retirement of some older power plants and said it is doing everything it can to bring more energy supply into the grid. It also said its changing some rules and using AI to find ways to lower prices. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has a different theory. Last year, he filed a complaint with federal regulators over the auction process, calling it the largest unjust wealth transfer in the history of U.S. energy markets. Download the abc27 News+ app on your Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV devices Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shapiro said he was successful in getting PJM to lower its auction cap, shaving $8.3 billion from an earlier possible result. However, the governor said reform is still needed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. The Pentagon says it is reviewing where top military officials can publicly speak as part of a growing move to allow only venues that align with the views of the Trump administration, which could affect attendance at annual military conferences. The announcement comes just more than a week after the Pentagon pulled a host of top military officials from attending a major security conference in Aspen, Colorado, claiming the event promoted the "evil of globalism" and hatred of President Donald Trump. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's office on Friday did not say whether the review could mean the end of officials attending annual military-run conferences such as the Navy's Sea Air Space and the Surface Navy Association Symposium; the Marine Corps' Modern Day Marine; and the Army's Association of the United States Army, or AUSA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read Next: Decades of Troubles for Air Force Maintainers Set to Get Worse with Job Consolidation "In order to ensure the Department of Defense is not lending its name and credibility to organizations, forums and events that run counter to the values of this administration, the department's Office of Public Affairs will be conducting a thorough vetting of every event where defense officials are invited to participate," top Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told Military.com in a statement. Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson was more direct in a social media post Thursday, saying that "going forward, no DoD official will attend events by 'America last' organizations that promote globalism and hate [Trump]." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the decision to pull out of the Aspen Security Forum, Wilson said that the Pentagon would "no longer be participating in an event that promotes the evil of globalism, disdain for our great country, and hatred for the president of the United States." The program for the Aspen event included Navy Secretary John Phelan; Adm. Samuel Paparo, head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command; Gen. Bryan Fenton, head of U.S. Special Operations Command; and Lt. Gen. John Brennan, deputy commander of U.S. Africa Command. The ultimate scope of any changes to attendance at events is still unknown. One defense official noted that Parnell and other leaders at the Pentagon were still developing the actual guidance and policy on how event appearances will be assessed and what criteria would be used. Multiple officials who spoke with Military.com on the condition of anonymity in order to speak candidly about the new policy said that they didn't know who would be in charge of deciding whether a military official would be allowed to go to a conference or not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One service-level official expressed frustration at the lack of details and documentation on yet another policy change coming from Hegseth's office. The official noted that they found out about the change through Politico, which first reported the story, and not official channels. The official also said their service already has a long-standing policy of vetting engagements for top officers and civilian officials that included legal and ethics reviews, as well as input from public affairs and the defense secretary's office. Without formal paperwork, the official said they were unclear on what the review from the secretary's office would add to the process or whether it would affect just military officers or civilians as well. The new policy has also proven to be unpopular among some conservatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Washington Examiner, a conservative political news outlet, called the new policy "a war on thought" in an article published Friday. Wilson's deputy, Joel Valdez, shot back on social media, arguing that the appearances -- many of which are before various think tanks specializing in national security or foreign affairs -- have no value. "There isn't a lot of 'thinking' going on at these think tanks," Valdez argued in a post Friday. "It's just a bunch of 'America last' globalists foaming at the mouth." The Anti-Defamation League has said that the word "globalist" -- a term that is being used with greater regularity by officials like Wilson and Valdez -- is frequently used "as an antisemitic dog whistle" and can be wielded "as a codeword for Jews or as a pejorative term for people whose interests in international commerce or finance ostensibly make them disloyal to the country in which they live." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilson has a yearslong history of making posts on her personal social media account that allude to or flat out referenced a variety of extremist rhetoric, ranging from white nationalist talking points to antisemitic conspiracy theories. While military officials will now be under greater scrutiny, Hegseth recently took the unusual step of appearing at a political Turning Point USA rally two weeks ago. Typically, defense secretaries take steps to avoid appearing openly partisan in an effort to preserve the nonpartisan nature of the military. Turning Point USA is an influential right-wing nonprofit organization run by Charlie Kirk, himself a key figure in the world of Trump and Republican politics. Speaking to a crowd at the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit, Hegseth claimed that "we don't do politics" at the Defense Department, while also saying that NATO was "freeloading off of America." Related: Pentagon Pulls Top Officers from Colorado Security Conference, Claiming It Promotes 'Evil of Globalism' A positive COVID-19 test result is not something that anyone wants to see but now there may be an extra reason to avoid getting sick. COVID infections cause miserable symptoms such as fever, fatigue, congestion and more. Now, though, some people infected with COVID in China are reporting a very sore throat thats been nicknamed razor blade throat. According to Google trends data, people throughout the U.S. are now, too, worried about this scary-sounding symptom and are searching for things like new covid variant painful symptom and covid razor throat. Some people in China are reporting severe sore throat with COVID infections right now. apomares via Getty Images Just how worried do you need to be about a super-painful sore throat during a COVID infection? Below, doctors weigh in on the supposed razor blade sore throat symptom: Some people with COVID are reporting a razor blade throat, but you dont need to panic. Its nothing new. In the past, as new variants have come on the scene, there almost invariably have been questions about distinctive symptoms, and after a while, when you gather a lot of data, turns out not to be the case all of these symptoms have occurred before, said Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine in the department of health policy at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meaning, the circulating COVID variants tend to produce the same sort of symptoms and disease as the ones from years ago, Schaffner added. Although the more recent variants, these omicron variants, are less severe, he said. A very sore throat isnt specific to the circulating COVID variants, said Dr. Carrie Horn, the chief medical officer and chief of the division of hospital and internal medicine at National Jewish Health in Colorado. Instead, its a symptom that has been associated with COVID infections for a while, Horn said. Schaffner had not heard of the razor blade sore throat symptom particularly, but has heard of people having a severe sore throat with COVID infections. While some people can have a very sore throat that could be described as razor-like, it doesnt mean its going to happen to everyone and it also isnt some new, scary symptom that is associated with new COVID infections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is not one outstanding COVID symptom that marks an infection, said Dr. Mark Burns, an infectious disease expert at UofL Health in Louisville, Kentucky. A sore throat is a symptom of this, but also fever and cough and fatigue, these are all symptoms as well, Burns added. To sum it all up, the symptoms, including sore throat, are really no different. Theres no increased intensity based on sore throat or anything like that, added Burns. Heres how you can protect yourself from a COVID infection: COVID tends to surge twice a year once in the winter and once in the mid-to-late summer, Schaffner said. And so there has been a longstanding recommendation by the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices that people who are at increased risk of getting severe COVID should actually get two COVID vaccinations a year. Obviously, one in the fall to prevent the winter increase, but another right now in order to help prevent serious disease during the late summer and early fall, Schaffner said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This goes for people 65 and older, younger people with underlying chronic medical conditions and pregnant people, he said. The recommendation is take special precautions and get that extra dose, because if we get infected ... we get that extra protection and to help keep us out of the hospital, Schaffner said. Wearing a mask in indoor spaces, social distancing, washing your hands often and increasing ventilation when possible are more ways to protect yourself from COVID and other respiratory viruses, too, said Burns. If you do get sick, there are treatments available. If you have any COVID symptoms, such as sore throat, fatigue, cough or fever, take a test to see if you have COVID. If you are infected, get in touch with your doctor, particularly if youre high-risk as there are treatments available, said Schaffner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its important that you talk to your primary care provider as the guidance will vary depending on your age, underlying conditions and other risk factors. COVID is a miserable infection, Horn added. Over-the-counter meds help Ibuprofen alternating with Tylenol, if youre able to take those ... theres no reason to be miserable, Horn said. So, take the medicine that you are able to take to help, she said. Its also important to stay hydrated when youre sick even if you do have a painful sore throat. A sore throat can make hydration feel like more of a chore, but its important to drink water and herbal teas as dehydration can further irritate the dry membranes in your throat, Horn said. If you are sick, its best to keep your germs to yourself, said Horn. This means canceling the dinner plans, not going to the party and calling out of work if you can if you cant, wearing a tight-fitting mask is key, Horn added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preventing transmission is the biggest thing that we can do to help keep everybody healthy, Horn said. Related... PHENIX CITY, Ala. (WRBL) This summer high school and college students participated in the phenix city junior police academy. This week, elementary school students have been learning about law enforcement and the legal system. And today, they held a mock trial, in which District Attorney Rick Chancey was accused of stealing a bicycle. The elementary kids served on the jury. We talked to the two college students who tried the case for the benefit of the campers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe it was a great learning experience for myself and the kids. University of Alabama student Janiya Ingram said, This was my first mock trial that I did myself as someone who wants to be a lawyer. So, I believe this is a great learning space for everyone who was involved. I learned that the judge may throw you some curveballs. Hampton University student Ezaria Alexander said, I learned that its very its one of those things where you have to come up with something on the spot. You have to be able to either defend your side and your ideas, your opinions, the facts. This week, 18 elementary school students participated. They do it again next week with 25 middle school students. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. RUIDOSO, N.M. (KRQE) The New Mexico National Guard has shared photos showing the moments when troops saved three people from floodwaters in Ruidoso. Troops rescued the trio on Thursday near Gun Powder Road. New Mexico National Guard rescues 3 people in Ruidoso | Courtesy: New Mexico National Guard New Mexico National Guard rescues 3 people in Ruidoso | Courtesy: New Mexico National Guard New Mexico National Guard rescues 3 people in Ruidoso | Courtesy: New Mexico National Guard Flood clean up efforts in Ruidoso | Courtesy: New Mexico National Guard Flood clean up efforts in Ruidoso | Courtesy: New Mexico National Guard The NMNG said two women and a man in a Jeep got stuck in the water, but were able to reach higher ground. The guardsmen used a tactical vehicle to reach them. No one was hurt. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Severe storms rolled through the area Friday evening, leaving debris scattered and homes damaged. Several severe thunderstorm warnings rang out across the Miami Valley this evening, including a tornado warning in Clark County around 5:30 p.m. Storms were scattered, but caused heavy rain and wind gusts across the region. One homeowner was alerted by neighbors that a large oak tree had fallen on their house in the 3400 block of W. National Road in Springfield Township. The neighbor also saw smoke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First crews arrived on scene, found the tree fell on the residence. The powerline was still charged, said Capt. Troy Orndorff, Springfield Twp. Fire Department. The charged line ran across the porch of the home, catching a small portion of the home on fire. Fire crews quickly got to work to extinguish the flames and keep the fire from spreading further. Capt. Orndorff says the tree appeared to be nearly rotten through, and the homeowner says this is the second time the tree has damaged his home. I had no idea it was going to split in half like that, said Larry Sprinkle, homeowner. WDTN Photo/Hosna Sadaqat WDTN Photo/Hosna Sadaqat WDTN Photo/Hosna Sadaqat WDTN Photo/Hosna Sadaqat Sprinkle says theyve had to cut down several trees around the property, in the hopes to prevent something like this from happening while the home undergoes renovations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve just had tree after tree cut down around here, said Sprinkle. This house was built in the 1880s, so those trees are probably as old as the house. Sprinkle says hes not discouraged by the damage, and just thankful that no one was hurt. You know, were very fortunate, because all that got damaged was stuff, and were okay, said Sprinkle. Did you experience damage during this evenings storms? When its safe to do so, email photos or videos to newstips@wdtn.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) The Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) has established permanent protection of Cadwells Woods Conservation Area, preserving natural resources and wildlife in Pittsfield. Westfield Starfires celebrate partnership with 104th Fighter Wing This protection was ensured through a conservation restriction by the BNRC, preventing any future development on the 52.92-acre property. Cadwells Woods was formerly known as the Saw Mill property and was acquired by the city of Pittsfield in 2022 through grant funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conservation area includes nearly 1.5 miles of wooded trails, including paths right along the Housatonic River. Visitors have the chance to spot a variety of unique biodiversity in the area that is able to thrive through the lands floodplain protection and wetlands. Courtesy of Berkshires Outside. The permanent protection of Cadwells Woods is a major step forward in the citys commitment to conservation and public access to nature, said Pittsfield Mayor Peter Marchetti. This land provides a space for residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors while safeguarding critical environmental resources in the heart of our community. The trails are only minutes away from downtown Pittsfield, providing the city with an accessible outdoor space for generations to come and creating a greener community for all who inhabit it. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. The Plainfield man convicted of killing a Palestinian American boy in an October 2023 hate crime has died in state prison just weeks after his sentencing, the Will County sheriffs office said Saturday. Joseph Czuba, 73, died Thursday while in the custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections, said Kevin Hedemark, sheriffs office spokesperson. Hedemark said he couldnt confirm Czubas cause of death. An IDOC spokesperson didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Ahmed Rehab, the executive director of the Council on American Islamic Relations-Chicago, said in a statement that this depraved killer has died, but the hate is still alive and well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wadee was stabbed to death 26 times for being Palestinian. Two years later, even as we speak, thousands of Gazan children are being shot, bombed and starved to death for being Palestinian, Rehab said. Its the hate that must die. A jury found Czuba guilty of fatally stabbing 6-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi and wounding the boys mother, Hanaan Shaheen. He was sentenced in May to 53 years in prison. Authorities charged the attacks as hate crimes. Czuba, who was renting part of his house to Wadee and Shaheen, stabbed them after he became heavily interested in the Israel-Gaza war after the Hamas attacks of Oct. 7, 2023, prosecutors said. Shaheen testified during trial that Czuba grew angry with her because she was Muslim and from Jerusalem, telling her, Muslims are not welcome here. George Lenard, Czubas attorney, said to his understanding, Czuba was held at Menard Correctional Center in downstate Illinois. Plainfield community members unveiled a monument dedicated to Wadee in June. HONOLULU (KHON2) Honolulu Fire Department responded to several hikers in distress this week. Boy, 8, falls 20 feet down shaft on Koko Head trail Most recently, on July 25, HFD was called to Koko Head trail after it was reported that an 8-year-old boy had fallen and suffered a possible head injury while hiking with his family. A HFD chopper was able to airlift the boy off the trail and was transferred to Emergency Medical Services, where he was taken to the hospital in serious condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This follows another incident on July 22, where HFD rescued a male hiker in his teens from the top of the Koko Head trail after he had reportedly fallen ill and was unable to descend the trail on his own. He was treated by HFD and transferred to EMS for further treatment. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You On July 23, HFD rescued a woman in her 40s on the Lanikai Pillbox trail after she reportedly suffered an injury. She was airlifted and transferred to EMS for further treatment. On the same day, HFD also rescued a male hiker from Laie Falls trail after he reportedly fell and was unable to find his way back to the trail. When HFD located the hiker, they confirmed he was uninjured and airlifted him back to safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 24, a female hiker on the Puu Ohia Trail in Tantalus was rescued after she reportedly became lost and could not find her way back to the trail. HFD located the female uninjured and airlifted her to Manoa District Park. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news HFD urges the public to be safe when hiking. Assess your fitness level and hiking capabilities. Compare your level of fitness, ability and experience with the trail description. Be practical and realistic. There are a wide variety of trails in Hawaii, so pick one that suits your level. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) If youve walked down Front Avenue underneath US-131 in Grand Rapids this week, youve probably noticed the dozens of artists hard at work on lifts, struggling against the heat and humidity to line the underpass with murals. Its all a part of a creative festival happening on Saturday. The Pleasant Peninsula Mural Festival kicks off at the Front Avenue underpass, transforming it into a massive outdoor gallery of murals featuring Michigans endangered species. The archways underneath the highways serve as perfect canvases, hosting 21 murals that will become a permanent fixture along the street near Grand Valleys Grand Rapids campus. The festival features animals found on Michigans threatened or endangered species list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of the project, artists were paired with an animal and an expert on that animal to help inform and educate them as they designed their creations. QR codes next to each mural allow visitors to learn more information about the animals themselves. Its a celebration of Michigan and its place as a globally unique ecosystem, Eddie Chaffer, the founder of the festival, explained. We dont get as much credit as we deserve for the amount of diversity and rare species that we have here. Chaffer says the festival began four years ago with just one mural. It accidentally became a huge thing. And so here we are four summers later, and weve got all this going on, and its kind of hard to believe, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Half the artists featured this weekend are Michiganders, others from around the country and Canada. They say what sets these murals apart from other public art is the message behind it. The intentionality behind it really sets apart some types of art installations that are like, Oh, thats a cool looking thing, says Chaffer. Whereas a really well-informed intentional piece of public art can really define a neighborhood and allow people to take ownership of it themselves. Chaffer says the project lends itself to the radical accessibility of public art. (Its) something that I think about all the time, says Chaffer. Its a really important responsibility to have as an artist to be given a canvas this big. And thats going to be like seen and interacted with as frequently as it will be with our community. So I think its incredibly important to be intentional about what public art is trying to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The festival delayed the kick-off until noon on Saturday due to rain. Front Avenue will open for foot traffic only, while the Blue Bridge will feature vendors, artist tents, live music and more things to do until 9 p.m. Organizers say that Front Avenue is closed at Pearl Street and west of US-131. Holiday Inn guests can still access the parking lot. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A San Diego-area grandmother is recovering after she was attacked by dozens of bees and her family is thanking a local plumber who helped rescue her from the swarm. Fire officials in Santee, Calif., received a call at around 10 a.m. local time on Thursday, July 24, asking for medical assistance for a woman in her 50s named Juana, who had been swarmed by around 100 bees as she was napping outdoors, according to FOX 5 San Diego. Kyle Ritchie, Juana's grandson-in-law, told the outlet that the bees had been forming a clump on a tree outside his home, and his mother-in-law was the first person to be attacked as she was taking out the garbage. When Ritchie's wife's mother came back inside to get away from the bees, they realized that Juana was still outside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They wanted to check on my wife's grandma because she was taking a nap in the yard, and we came out and she was covered in bees," Ritchie recalled, sharing that they grabbed the raid and poured rubbing alcohol on themselves. At that moment, Diosdado San Roque, a plumber with Happy Plumbing, and his work partner drove past and quickly noticed that something was wrong. San Roque told FOX that their truck soon became covered in bees, and they noticed Juana standing in the street, leaning up against a car for support. "She spoke to me in Spanish, saying she was about to faint," San Roque said. The grandmother then collapsed, and San Roque launched into action, catching her head before it hit the ground. As he tried to drag her away from the bees, the stinging got worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I was just trying to wipe all the bees off of her, but once I started doing that, they came at me," he said. Video footage from the truck's dashcam shows San Roque spraying a fire extinguisher over them in an attempt to get rid of the bees, but he said he was still stung at least 20-30 times. "I was trying to take the bees my way and get it off the lady, but once I did that, it got into our cabin," he said. "The worst thing was just wishing that you could do more to help, especially since my wife's grandma was just lying in the street helpless and we couldn't do much," Ritchie added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Santee Fire Department eventually arrived in a helicopter, and used the strong winds to disperse the bees. Juana was then treated with epinephrine and Benadryl, and taken to a local hospital with a severe reaction, as Ritchie shared that she had "hives all over her body and her throat was closing up." Medics treated San Roque and Ritchie at the scene. Getty A stock image of a swarm of bees. A stock image of a swarm of bees. 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. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there are a number of ways to stay safe around bees, including staying away from honey bee colonies, wearing appropriate clothing while spending an extended period of time in the wilderness and avoiding wearing scents like perfume or cologne while spending time outdoors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you are ever swarmed by bees, the department recommends that you run away quickly towards an enclosed shelter, not swatting at the bees, removing all stingers from your body once indoors by scraping them with a fingernail, credit card or other dull surface. As for Ritchie and his family, they are now thanking San Roque for risking his own safety for a stranger. I knew thats somebodys grandma, and, like, kind of got a flashback of my grandma, and I knew I had to do something about it, the plumber added. Read the original article on People PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) After a deadly, record-breaking heat wave blanketed the Pacific Northwest in 2021, researchers at Portland State University have found anomalies when it comes to the temperatures the region reached, and health concerns related to the extreme heat. In a study published Thursday, the PSU research team analyzed 70 publications addressing the causes and outcomes from the heat wave and the potential for similar events in the future. Its still the event of interest for anyone who studies heat waves or the atmospheric patterns that cause them, said Paul Loikith, associate professor of geography in Portland States School of Earth, Environment and Society and a co-author of the study. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Historic lawsuit filed against big oil companies for Washington mothers heat dome death According to researchers, scientists in the Pacific Northwest and around the world agreed that the heat wave was caused by a rare combination of meteorological factors. The weather event was mainly caused by a persistent, and extraordinarily strong ridge of high pressure, often called a heat dome, which trapped hot air in the region, researchers explained. In addition to the ridge of high pressure, other factors included moisture from the tropical Pacific Ocean, high solar radiation, low pressure offshore and sinking air over land and unusually dry soils. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KOIN Morning Digest According to Loikith, there is no consensus that ridges of high pressure, similar to the one seen during the 2021 heat dome, will become significantly more common. However, as the climate warms, temperatures seen during the 2021 heat wave 108, 112 and 116 degrees Fahrenheit over the course of three days in Portland will become more frequent. Essentially, you dont need a high-pressure ridge of that magnitude to create a heat wave of that magnitude, Loikith explained. As you get into a warmer climate, you could have a weaker feature in the atmosphere lead to the same temperatures because the overall background climate is getting hotter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hood River attraction ranked among top things to do in the US in 2025: Tripadvisor According to Loikith, while the likelihood of Portland reaching 116 degrees Fahrenheit again is increasing over time, the probability is still fairly low. By the end of the 21st century, a heat wave of this magnitude potentially could be experienced once a decade or maybe even more frequently under a higher emissions scenario, Loikith said. Researchers added that whether the Pacific Northwest sees another heat wave of equal magnitude this summer cannot be predicted more than one or two weeks in advance. Research detects unhealthy noise levels in multiple Portland neighborhoods Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Portland summers have warmed by a lot over the last 80 years four, even five degrees Fahrenheit but the 2021 event was almost 40 degrees Fahrenheit above average, Loikith said. Putting that into context, were seeing this steady, gradual warming. We will still have some cooler summers and warmer summers. The cooler summers are warmer than cooler summers were in the past, and the warmer summers are warmer than the warm summers in the past. Researchers note there is still more to learn about the atmospheric influences and the long-term impacts of extreme weather events. Anomalously high The 2021 heat wave had compounding impacts on human and ecosystem health, researchers added. According to the study, mortality, heat-induced illness and the number of emergency department visits were anomalously high, with the greatest impact seen on older adults, people living alone, people with lower incomes and people without working air conditioning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As far as ecosystem impacts, researchers learned that browning or scorching of tree leaves and needles was extensive after the heat wave; however, the scope of long-term tree mortality is not yet clear. Portland-area residents flock from Washington, California After the heat wave, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia created new initiatives to reduce the risk of heat-related illness. These included workplace regulations and programs offering cooling devices to populations at greatest risk. Researchers expect it will take several years before its known how effective these interventions are. This is an example of why we need to study these things so that we can better understand them and better predict what their likelihood is going to be in the future, Loikith said. The studies that we reviewed in this paper help us understand things as basic as atmospheric theory, like things that we still dont fully understand about the atmosphere, all the way to impacts on ecosystems and on people and everything in between. We are still learning, and thats making us more prepared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. This story was updated with new information and the correct location of the shooting. Police have made an arrest in connection to the deadly South Cumminsville shooting of a Westwood man in June. Steven Young, 40, was arrested on July 25 and charged in the murder of 55-year-old Charles Smith, who was fatally shot on the 1700 block of Elmore Street, near the Elmore Street Cafe, on June 13, Cincinnati police said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On that day, officers were dispatched to the scene for a report of a shooting around 11:20 p.m., according to police. Subject detained at scene: Man dies after shooting during custody dispute in Florence, police say When they arrived, they found Smith lying in the street with gunshot wounds to the torso and neck, according to an incident report and dispatch log. Cincinnati fire personnel also responded and determined Smith to be dead at the scene, police said. Two shell casings were recovered by police after the shooting near the cafe, according to a dispatch log. After being indicted by a grand jury July 25, Young faces two counts of murder and one count of felonious assault, according to court records. He remains in custody at the Hamilton County Justice Center on no bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Young was previously arrested in 2021 in connection to a South Cumminsville triple shooting that killed one and injured two others. No court records of that case were available Saturday. The Enquirer has reached out to Cincinnati police for more information. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call police's homicide unit at 513-352-3542. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati police arrest man after fatal South Cumminsville shooting Police asking for publics help identifying men suspected of stealing $15K from skill machines North Sewickley Police are turning to the public to crack a case. Thanks to clear cameras at the scene of the crime, the faces of the three suspects are now circulating the community. I think money outweighs peoples better judgment and in this case, it did, said Jennifer Lanham, whos the store manager. It was Wednesday, at a local convenience store in North Sewickley Township, where cameras captured the men going inside and playing the skills games. Thats where things took a turn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not sure people are familiar with the fact that some of them actually have cameras inside of them. When you choose to do activities that cause you to come up on radar like this, just know things will always come back to get you, Lanham said. Thats what happened; cameras captured a theft during that play. Police told Channel 11 the men were able to take $15,000 in cash from the machines without causing any damage. Youve got people whove just gotten an undisclosed amount of money for doing absolutely nothing but being horrible individuals, thieves is what they were, they were nothing more than a bunch of rotten thieves, Lanham said. Cameras catching every move, including their exit, as police said they made their escape across the street to their car parked in the neighboring Dollar General. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Click here to see the surveillance photos of the crime. We didnt discover it until the following day, unfortunately. Its one of those situations where you got to be vigilant. We try to be vigilant, but these were faces unfamiliar to us, Lanham said. Its not the first theft of its kind in our area. Just last week, Northern Regional Police arrested two men for stealing nearly $25,000 in cash form the skills games at Brush Creek Inn. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> 2 men accused of taking $24K from gaming machines in an Allegheny County bar Now, North Sewickley Police are on the hunt for these suspects putting their faces out there and stating this type of activity will not be tolerated in this community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of the day, there are families that still own these machines; this is still a business for them and how they choose to feed their families and these thieves, on more than one occasion throughout the state, have chosen to rob these families of their money, Lanham said. If you have any information, you are asked to call North Sewickley Township Police at (724) 843-3421. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW BERLIN, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) Police said Friday that they had reported to the scene of a fight in progress at a Berlin Maplefields Friday afternoon. Suspect arrested after Rutland stabbing ordered held without bail According to police reports, the fight began sometime before 1:31 p.m. at the Maplefields on Paine Turnpike North. Christopher Hardwick, 46, of Barre, reportedly racked his gun a word referring to pulling back the sliding part of a semi-automatic gun and then letting it snap back forward, usually to prepare the gun for firing. FILE p- A semi-automatic Glock pistol is fired at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), National Services Center, March 2, 2023, in Martinsburg, W.Va. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) Hardwick was taken into custody and cited for aggravated assault with a firearm as well as reckless endangerment. He is being held without bail until his scheduled appearance in court on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. Berlin police dispersed a rally for Palestine in the left-wing Kreuzberg district of the German capital citing repeated attacks on officers and anti-Semitic slogans on Saturday, as the main Pride event was held elsewhere in the city. Seventeen police officers were injured in the so-called Internationalist Queer Pride for Liberation (IQP), the force said without providing information about injuries among participants. Berlin police said that, as of early on Sunday, 57 people had been arrested on charges including breach of the peace, assault and displaying signs of unconstitutional and terrorist organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rally, which according to organizers called for "anticolonial, antiracist, anticapitalist liberation," was separate from the main Pride march in the capital. Reports indicate that incidents included bottle throwing and targeted blows with flagpoles. To arrest individuals involved, the police used physical force, they said. Some marchers threw bags of paint at officers. Despite repeated requests, the organizers were unable to significantly influence the participants, leading to the early dispersal of the demonstration, police said. The event was halted near Kottbusser Tor, although it was originally scheduled to conclude at 9 pm (1900 GMT) at a square nearby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police estimated that around 10,000 people joined the pro-Palestinian demonstration, with approximately 800 individuals having a pro-Palestinian connection. Many participants carried Palestinian flags and keffiyeh scarves. The organizers called for solidarity with Palestine and advocated for an "anti-colonial, anti-racist, anti-capitalist struggle for freedom." On the sidelines, individuals stood with Israeli flags and the Ukrainian flag. "Where there is anti-Semitism, where violence is used against police forces, the police will intervene robustly and consistently with the full support of the Governing Mayor," Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner told broadcaster Welt TV. Participants of the Internationalist Queer Pride for Liberation (IQP) confront police officers during an action at Suedstern in Kreuzberg. Michael Ukas/dpa Participants of the Internationalist Queer Pride for Liberation (IQP) hold Palestinian flags during an action at Suedstern in Kreuzberg. Michael Ukas/dpa Participants of the Internationalist Queer Pride for Liberation (IQP) hold Palestinian flags during an action at Suedstern in Kreuzberg. Michael Ukas/dpa People take part in the 47th Berlin Pride, the demonstration for Christopher Street Day (CSD). Under the motto "Never be silent again", 80 trucks with 100 different groups march through the city to demonstrate for diversity, human rights and the protection of minorities. Carsten Koall/dpa Advertisement Advertisement Police issued another update Friday in the death of college student Eliotte Heinz, 22, whose body was found in the Mississippi River Wednesday after she went missing last weekend. The La Crosse Police Department announced in a press release yesterday that based on preliminary autopsy results, they do not believe there was any foul play involved in Heinz's death. The investigation remains ongoing. "The La Crosse Police Department continues to follow-up on information surrounding the death of Eliotte Heinz," the press release reads. "Based on the preliminary autopsy results, we do not believe there was any criminal conduct related to Eliotte's death. Final autopsy results will not be completed for several months." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heinz, a native of Hortonville, Wisconsin, was studying as a graduate student at Viterbo University in La Crosse when she disappeared early Sunday following a night out with friends. Heinz spent the evening at a bar, Bronco's, with friends, before heading home. She was last seen on surveillance video walking near the Mississippi River, and her cellphone was reportedly later recovered outside of a Courtyard Marriott Hotel, according to the Daily Mail. Eliotte Heinz. La Crosse police photo release. On Wednesday, authorities recovered Heinz's body in the Mississippi River near Brownsville, Minnesota. This was not the outcome we had hoped for throughout this search, La Crosse Police Chief Shawn Kudron said in a statement at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our thoughts are with Eliottes family, friends and all those who knew Eliotte. We are grateful for the outpouring of support from so many within the La Crosse community, the State of Wisconsin and nationally to locate Eliotte." Heinz's family issued a statement of their own, calling the young woman a "a beautiful person" who was "smart, funny, caring, and loved fiercely by us." "We don't know why we were so blessed to have her as a daughter or why we are unable to keep her,' the statement added. "She is amazing and would have continued to amaze us. We are devastated that she is no longer with us. Our family will forever have a missing piece." Police Make Ruling on Foul Play in Death of College Student Eliotte Heinz first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 26, 2025 MEMPHIS, Tenn. Police need help finding a bank robber who was seen holding open a door for a bank customer before robbing the place. The robbery occurred on July 10, just after 9:00 a.m., at the Wells Fargo Bank located in the 3600 block of Hacks Cross Road. In surveillance video released by MPD, you can see a man wearing a blue surgical mask, large brown hat, and a neon reflective vest enter the bank after letting a customer leave. Courtesy: MPD Wells Fargo Bank Robber. Courtesy: MPD The man approached a bank teller and raised a blank piece of paper to the glass. Investigators said he demanded that the bank teller give him all the money from the register, in big bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MPD isnt saying how much the bank robber took, but he was seen leaving the bank with a large sum of cash. Anyone with information about the robbery is urged to call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Based on preliminary autopsy results, police have shared an update about the death of a 22-year-old graduate student who disappeared on her way home from a Wisconsin bar. In a statement on Friday, July 25, the La Crosse Police Department said they "do not believe there was any criminal conduct" related to Eliotte Heinz's death. Noting that the investigation remains ongoing, they said that final autopsy results "will not be completed for several months." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The La Crosse Police Department previously said that Heinz was last seen walking southbound on the 500 Block of Front Street South which is close to the Mississippi River, where she was eventually found dead at approximately 3:22 a.m. local time on Sunday, July 20. About an hour earlier, she was seen at Bronco's Bar, according to Viterbo University, the school Heinz attended. According to her family, she was heading home when she disappeared, reported to CBS affiliate WKBT. Her body was found on Wednesday July 23, in the water near Brownsville, Minn., which is just downstream from La Crosse. This was not the outcome we had hoped for throughout this search," La Crosse Police Chief Shawn Kudron said in a statement at the time.. "Our thoughts are with Eliottes family, friends and all those who knew Eliotte." Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. In the wake of her death, her grieving family thanked loved ones, their La Crosse community, Viterbo University and the La Crosse Police Department, calling them all "an amazing light in an incredibly dark space," according to ABC affiliate WISN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We don't know why we were so blessed to have her as a daughter or why we are unable to keep her," Heinz's family added. "She is amazing and would have continued to amaze us. We are devastated that she is no longer with us. Our family will forever have a missing piece." Read the original article on People GREEN TWP., Ohio (WKBN) If youre familiar with Beaver Creek Road in Green Township, you know there are a lot of hills and curves between Routes 165 and 14. The speed limit there is 40 mph, but police say theres quite a bit of speeding and the area can be prone to crashes. The people on that road are complaining quite a bit, so were trying to do our very best to keep them slowed down try to so they know what the speed is through there, said Goshen Police Chief John Calko. Recently, Goshen Police who cover both Goshen and Green townships started a targeted enforcement campaign, focusing this month on Beaver Creek. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were not hiding. Were being very, very visible. I put it on Facebook that, Hey, were going to be over there. I want people in the community to know were in the area, to slow it down, Calko said. The chief says while he and his officers continue to patrol other parts of both townships, they have been putting extra time in the Beaver Creek area, often sitting stationary in driveways so oncoming drivers can see their cruisers. A lot of its people coming from Salem or trying to get a cut-through, Calko said. Police say theyve issued more than two dozen speeding tickets along Beaver Creek Road just this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats not our initiative, just to make money. Were out there to slow people down and make it safe over there, Calko said. The idea may be working. Residents on other roads in the district have been calling, asking police to start targeting their neighborhoods as well. Calko says hell choose another area each month or so, looking to get the message across to slow down and be safe. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The Las Vegas police union held a press conference Friday after a Clark County grand jury chose not to indict an officer who killed a homeowner who called 911 to report an intruder. Las Vegas Metro police officer Alexander Bookman was facing a second-degree murder for shooting 43-year-old Brandon Durham, according to Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson. Clark County prosecutors presented evidence to the grand jury on last Novembers deadly police encounter since May. But Wolfson said the grand jury declined to indict Bookman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither officer Bookman or the LVPPA take anything for granted, David Roger, an attorney with the Las Vegas Police Protective Association, said. We recognize that the grand jury has a great deal of latitude. Their burden of proof is lower than what is required for a conviction. We obviously respect their decision. The decision not to indict Bookman has upset Durhams family, who have a civil lawsuit against the officer and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. David Roger, attorney with the Las Vegas Police Protective Association. Durham had called the police last November for help. When officers arrived, they found Durham in a struggle with 31-year-old Alejandra Boudreaux. Brandon Durham knew from past experience that when you call the police, they show up. Mr. Durham called the police on this occasion, Roger said. The answer to the public is that when you call the police and they tell you to drop the gun, drop the knife, then do it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Las Vegas officer wont be indicted for killing of 911 caller: sources Court documents state Boudreaux and Durham were in a romantic relationship. At Fridays press conference, Roger presented information on the deadly shooting and explained why Bookman didnt merit a murder charge. Roger said Bookman responded to a tense domestic violence situation and acted once he believed Boudreauxs life was threatened. Roger also focused on Durhams state of mind. A toxicology report showed Durham had methamphetamine in his system, Roger said. Police found meth and other drugs in Durhams house. Was his judgment clouded at the time? Was he actually the aggressor? We know from experts that when youre high on methamphetamine, you can be aggressive and violent, Roger said. An image from body camera video during the confrontation that ended in Brandon Durhams death. According to Roger, a 911 call Durham made on the night of the deadly encounter showed he was hallucinating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre trying to kill people, Durham told a dispatcher. Whos trying to kill people? These two people out here is killing, shooting guns at my house, Durham said. The dispatcher responded, Okay, and the person that was shot, are they outside or inside that you believe? Inside. Inside, inside, Durham said. Okay, so you think its one of your family members? Yeah, Durham said. Investigators determined there was no one outside Durhams home with guns when he made that call and no member of his family was shot inside. Durhams family has strongly disputed the negative characterization of their deceased loved one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This failure to act is a betrayal of the public trust and a violation of the district attorneys sworn duty to uphold the law without fear or favor, S. Lee Merritt, the familys attorney, said. Officer Bookman murdered Brandon Durham in cold blood. This community deserves transparency, accountability, and justice. The Durham family reacts to the grand jurys decision not to indict Metro officer Alexander Bookman. In an interview with 8 News Now on Thursday, Durhams former partner Rachael Gore said the family wont stop here. The way were going to get through this is by using every avenue of the criminal justice system thats available to us, Gore said. LVMPD officer Bookman is still not in the clear to return to duty. He faces an internal investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement District Attorney Steve Wolfson responded to Durhams family. I reject that characterization and strongly deny its implications. That rhetoric is not only unfounded, but clearly not intended to further a legitimate public discourse which this truly horrible tragedy deserves, Wolfson said. Durhams family is calling on Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford to appoint a special prosecutor. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Gov. Jared Polis discusses K-12 school funding with U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon at the National Governors Association meeting in Colorado Springs on July 25, 2025. (Delilah Brumer/Colorado Newsline) Gov. Jared Polis and Education Secretary Linda McMahon talked K-12 school funding and strategies for getting students workforce-ready during a panel with governors from across the country on Friday in Colorado Springs. The panel was organized by the National Governors Association, which Polis currently chairs. The association convenes governors and their staff members, and serves as a leading forum for bipartisan policy solutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The panel discussion started shortly after the Trump administration said it plans to release about $5 billion in federal K-12 school funds that have been frozen for weeks. The initial move to withhold the funding, which is designated for teacher training, migrant education, English-language learning and other programs, left Colorado school districts scrambling. About $80 million of the paused funds are earmarked for Colorado, and on July 14, state Attorney General Phil Weiser joined a lawsuit calling for their release. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Many of us were very worried about several funds that our schools had expected, Polis said. Were very pleased that you were able to announce earlier today that those funds have become unfrozen. Polis asked McMahon about how can we prevent these kinds of communications gaps or discrepancies in the first place? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McMahon attributed the pause to the transition aspect and taking time to really review the funding, to look at all the programs, before they were released. She added, that was satisfied. As chair of the association, Polis led the yearlong Lets Get Ready initiative, focusing on ways that state governments can improve educational outcomes through better data collection and school accountability. The initiative recommends that states measure and publish information about academic indicators like students reading and math levels, but also workforce preparedness, civic engagement and mental health. We need to be making sure that we are truly making progress for students, Polis said. We are measuring the metric of improving graduation rates, and we want to make sure that one way that states can do that is not simply to dumb down the standards and make it easier to graduate. If we are looking at improving math scores, we want to make sure the answer is not just making things easier. McMahon called for an increased focus on postsecondary pathways beyond four-year university degrees, including apprenticeships and trade school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It comes down to the curriculum, which is on the state and local level, and what courses are being taught, McMahon said. Ive heard a couple of governors say today, wouldnt it be cool to get back to shop? We want to get back to some of those subjects that can be taught in school that have been eliminated, that go into the development of our workforce. McMahon emphasized returning education to the states to regulate. President Donald Trump has ordered for the closure of the Department of Education, and the department has undergone mass layoffs. The National Governors Association meeting is scheduled to continue on Saturday, when Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to speak. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Europe and Poland should be prepared for a possible major conflict with Russia by 2027, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Saturday. He said that his government would make maximum use of the next two years to stabilise the situation in Poland and ensure security, according to reports by the news agency PAP. The prime minister referred to a similar assessment by the new NATO Supreme Commander Alexus Grynkewich with whom he had spoken shortly before. According to this assessment, Russia and China could become strong enough by 2027 to seek a coordinated confrontation with NATO and the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given Russia's war against Ukraine, a range of possible scenarios are circulating among Western military experts about when other European states could face aggression. 2027 is the earliest estimate mentioned yet. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has said 2029. EU states are rearming and aim to be able to repel a Russian attack by 2030. Russia is also expanding its armed forces. However, the Moscow leadership has dismissed the idea NATO territory would be attacked as nonsense. The Russian newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda recently flipped the narrative, alleging NATO plans to attack Russia in 2027. Russia continues to attack Ukraine daily, in the full-scale invasion launched by the Kremlin in 2022. An exclusive Manhattan nightspot thats counted Meghan Markle, Kamala Harris and Leonardo DiCaprio as customers is a hotbed for sexual harassment among employees who used spray bottles to take cocaine during their shifts and had a rating system for good-looking customers, a bombshell lawsuit alleges. The swanky Polo Bar, a bar and restaurant owned by fashion icon Ralph Lauren and located on East 55th Street at Fifth Avenue, has a toxic culture and rampant drug use and alcohol consumption at work, a veteran former server claimed in a federal lawsuit. Male bosses groped underlings under the guise of checking their uniforms and managers and servers often openly used cocaine, Frank Nobiletti claimed in court papers. The Polo Bar, located at 1 East 55th Street in NYC, NY on March 29, 2016. James Messerschmidt One server allegedly sold the drug on-site, and workers regularly mixed cocaine with water in a spray bottle and used that bottle to ingest cocaine through their skin during service, he contended in the legal filing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael Lewis, the bars events manager, and Darnell Dodson, its international hospitality directory, both touched Nobiletti, 42, inappropriately at different times, he alleged. Dodson was known to hire only attractive men, even if they had zero experience, hoping to have a sexual relationship with them, Nobiletti claimed in the lawsuit. Male employees who had a sexual relationship with him would receive preferential treatment. Workers also allegedly played a twisted Rating Game where women customers are rated based on attractiveness. Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff spotted leaving The Polo Bar. DIggzy/Jesal / BACKGRID Its menu boasts caviar and potatoes for $145, pan-seared Dover sole for $80, and even $18 pigs in a blanket. Brett Beyer The male servers frequently made offensive and graphic sexual comments about the women customers, the suit alleged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since opening in 2015, Polo Bar has been one of the most exclusive celebrity haunts in the Big Apple. The establishment is popular with bold faced names like Tom Hanks, Bill and Hillary Clinton, George Clooney, and U2s Bono. Its menu boasts caviar and potatoes for $145, pan-seared Dover sole for $80, and even $18 pigs in a blanket. One of its cocktails, The Family Reserve which contains Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Extra Anejo Tequila, D.O.M. Benedictine and Brandy, Creme de Cacao, and Amaro Averna will set you back $50. George Clooney and Amal Clooney arrive to the Polo Bar on December 13, 2023 in New York City. GC Images Kim Kardashian is seen out for dinner at the Polo Bar on August 14, 2024 in New York City. GC Images Nobiletti claimed he faced terrible sexual harassment and was fired in February 2024 after he complained human resources. Supervisors told him he was being let go for drinking at work even though, since the Polo Bar opened in 2015, management and staff regularly drank alcohol and used illegal drugs during work hours with little to no consequences for such actions, he said in the legal papers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the restaurant and its hard-working staff do everything they can to ensure that their guests have a first class experience, defendants completely failed to guarantee that their employees had a safe and legal work environment, he said in the July 22 filing. In a statement to The Post, Polo Bar said: We have high standards for how employees conduct themselves and no tolerance for misconduct, so we take swift action when these standards are not met. This includes Mr. Nobilettis termination that was based on clear evidence of his misconduct. Because we take all employee-related concerns seriously, we thoroughly investigated Mr. Nobilettis allegations and determined they have no merit. Nobiletti is seeking unspecified damages. His attorneys declined to discuss the case. Lewis and Dodson, who no longer work at the Polo Bar, could not be reached for comment. VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -Pope Leo discussed the war in Ukraine on Saturday with Metropolitan Anthony, a senior cleric in the Russian Orthodox Church, in a possible effort to ease ties between the churches strained by Russia's invasion. Leo saw Anthony, chairman of the department of external church relations, and five other high-profile clerics during an audience in the morning, the Vatican said. "During the conversation, numerous issues were raised concerning the state of Orthodox-Catholic dialogue, as well as the ongoing conflicts in the world, including in Ukraine and the Middle East," the Russian Orthodox Church said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since assuming the papacy in May, Leo has repeatedly appealed for peace in global conflicts and this month told visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that the Vatican was willing to host Russia-Ukraine peace talks. Russian officials, however, have said they do not view the Vatican as a serious venue for talks because it is surrounded by NATO member Italy which has supported Ukraine. The head of Russia's Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, has been an enthusiastic backer of the invasion of Ukraine. The Russian church statement said that Kirill's congratulations were conveyed to Leo for his election as pope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Pope Leo XIV expressed his gratitude to his holiness patriarch Kirill for his good wishes and noted the importance of developing relations with the Russian Orthodox Church," it added. (Reporting by Sara Rossi and Fylyp Lebediev, Editing by Andrew Cawthorne) DOVER This summer, two dedicated staff members from Pope Memorial Humane Society Cocheco Valley (PMHS-CV) traveled over 1,800 miles to volunteer with Rural Area Veterinary Services (RAVS) in Turtle Mountain, North Dakota. Dr. Sarah Proctor, PMHS-CVs veterinarian of record, and veterinary technician Jennifer Gibbs joined a team of 40 veterinary professionals and students from across the country to provide essential veterinary care to animals in an underserved community. Turtle Mountain is a remote Native American reservation where access to veterinary care is extremely limited and poverty rates are high, according to PMHS-CV. For many residents, resources for even basic animal care are scarce, something RAVS is working to change. Veterinary technician Jennifer Gibbs joined a team of 40 veterinary professionals and students from across the country to provide essential veterinary care to animals in an underserved community. During the week-long clinic, the RAVS team treated 508 dogs and cats, offering services such as spay and neuter surgeries, emergency treatments, and wellness care. Im not sure what some of these people would have done if we hadnt been there, said Gibbs. We treated one dog who had been hit by a car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike the typical household pets seen in New Hampshire, most animals in Turtle Mountain are free-roaming, including working dogs and cats that live entirely outdoors. Traumatic injuries and preventable diseases are common, and RAVS helps residents understand the importance of proactive care. Through vaccination, parasite prevention, and sterilization, the community is seeing long-term benefits, fewer roaming animals, less disease, and more manageable pet populations. Staff members from Pope Memorial Humane Society Cocheco Valley traveled over 1,800 miles to volunteer with Rural Area Veterinary Services (RAVS) in Turtle Mountain, North Dakota. Cultural norms around pet ownership in Turtle Mountain are very different from what we see in our area, said Gibbs. But RAVS prepared us with cultural humility training, which helped us recognize and respect how love for animals is expressed in different ways. Dr. Sarah Proctor, PMHS-CVs Veterinarian of Record joined a team of 40 veterinary professionals and students from across the country to provide essential veterinary care to animals in an underserved community. In addition to helping animals in need, the experience proved to be deeply impactful for both Dr. Proctor and Gibbs. Being part of a team that came together solely to help animals and their people filled my cup and gave me a broader understanding of what we can achieve in our own community, Gibbs said. The knowledge I brought back to Pope Memorial was priceless. Weve already begun implementing several improvements in our post-operative care based on what I learned at RAVS. Information: popememorialcvhs.org This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Pope Memorial Humane Society staff helps underserved community ELKINS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) A man is now facing a murder charge more than seven months after a death in Elkins was first thought to be a suicide. Cade Malvern Becton (COURTESY: Elkins Police Department) On Dec. 3, 2024, around 10:20 a.m., Elkins police responded to a call about a suspected suicide of 33-year-old Anastasia Turner. However, officers noted suspicious circumstances at the scene that prompted a deeper investigation. Since then, the Elkins Police Department has led a months-long investigation with assistance from the Washington County Sheriffs Office and Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Denis Dean, according to a news release. Anastasia Turner, 33 On Thursday, July 25 authorities issued a warrant for Cade Malvern Becton on a charge of first-degree murder. His bond was set at $1 million, cash only. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas man accused of fatal high-speed pursuit deemed unfit to stand trial According to court documents, Becton allegedly shot the victim in the head at 150 South Center St in Elkins. Dean said it appears to be a domestic dispute. Evidence from the states crime lab had just been returned this week, according to the victims family. Becton was already arrested in December for charges related to parole violation and owning a firearm illegally. Officials said the investigation remains ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. The U.S. Postal Service is celebrating its 250th anniversary this weekend, and you won't have to check your mailbox for the invite. The agency's semiquincentennial will be marked by an event at the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, two and a half centuries since its founding. Two newly announced commemorative stamps will also mark the occasion. USPS was founded as the U.S. Post Office Department on July 26, 1775, by decree of the Second Continental Congress. In 1970, Congress reorganized USPOD from a cabinet-level department into an independent agency the modern USPS. Historians see the establishment of a national postal service as a crucial factor in ensuring the young country stayed unified during the Revolutionary War. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the new commemorative stamps, announced Wednesday by USPS, features Benjamin Franklin in a modern interpretation of one of the first two U.S. postage stamps ever produced in 1847. Franklin, a participant in the Second Continental Congress, briefly served as the first U.S. postmaster general after serving in the equivalent role under British rule from 1757 to 1774. Benjamin Franklin Commemorative stamp / Credit: USPS The other stamp celebrates men and women of the agency with a new collection of cityscape illustrations depicting a postal worker on her route through all four seasons. A 32-page booklet only the fourth ever released by USPS was also announced Wednesday and is set to feature selected stamp artwork from across the service's history. David Steiner, the newly appointed U.S. postmaster general, said that the new stamps represent enduring values every American can learn from, including perseverance, trust and imagination. "For the United States Postal Service, today is a milestone 250 years in the making," Steiner said in a statement Wednesday. "These stamps will serve as a window into our shared history." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The museum does not comment on current or political events. Saturday's celebration comes months after sources said President Trump was mulling folding the USPS into the Commerce Department. Mr. Trump also said in December that his upcoming administration was "looking into" potentially privatizing the postal service. The White House is not actively considering or advancing such a proposal, a White House official said Saturday. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy announced he would be leaving the position in February, and Steiner, a former FedEx board member, took over earlier this month in the position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steiner told USPS employees that he "did not believe that the Postal Service should be privatized or that it should become an appropriated part of the federal government." Smithsonian National Postal Museum / Credit: Smithsonian National Postal Museum But Saturday, the National Postal Museum family-friendly Postal Party will be celebrating. The museum will feature activities, crafts and games, as well as a Franklin reenactor, allowing kids to learn postal history directly from the founding father. Other historic touchpoints set to be highlighted at the event include Owney, the 19th century terrier that served as an unofficial Postal Service mascot, and the Stinson Reliant, an early airmail carrier model from the late 1930s. The event won't just be looking toward the past, however. Anne Matlock, the museum's youth and family programs manager, said that the event is "looking back and looking forward, all at the same time," with exhibits about the future of the Postal Service. "We often don't think about all the ways that the Postal Service is connecting us through our Family, our community, to other spaces," Matlock said. "We want people to kind of think about those connections, see them in their own lives, and share things with all the Postal Service workers." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The museum is also teaming up with other Smithsonian institutions for the event, which will include an airmail delivery game with the National Air and Space Museum, a Franklin-focused creative design activity with the National Museum of American History and storytime with the D.C. Public Library. The free event will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. While many believe 10,000 steps a day is optimal, new study suggests different DOJ's closed-door meetings with Ghislaine Maxwell fuels pardon speculation California artist brings Bob's Big Boy statues back to life In late July 2025, a claim spread online that a Tennessee woman was denied prenatal care on account of her marital status. The rumor spread through posts on X, Reddit and Facebook, including an X post from Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont. Snopes readers also wrote in to ask about the claim, whether the aforementioned woman shared her story at a town hall and whether doctors can deny care to unwed patients. A Tennessee woman was denied prenatal care by her doctor because she is "unwed." Let's be clear: the Republican agenda is not pro-life or pro-family. If it were, pregnant women wouldn't be forced to flee their home states to get basic prenatal care. https://t.co/6xaz9ot4wS Sen. Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) July 23, 2025 It is accurate to say that at a July 17 town hall, a Tennessee woman alleged that her doctor refused to provide prenatal care because she was not married due to the Tennessee Medical Ethics Defense Act (also known as the MED Act), which allows health care providers to deny services based on personal beliefs. However, the woman has not shared her name or verifiable details with the media and the purported doctor has not come forward. As such, we cannot rate the truthfulness of the claim as of this writing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jennifer Easton, spokesperson for the Tennessee House of Representatives' Republican Caucus, said in an email that the MED Act "specifically focuses on procedures, treatments or services and not the individual patient, their lifestyle, their demographics, nor any group protected under the Civil Rights Act." Thus, Easton said she "did not believe that the claim falls under the intent nor the language of the bill." However, Easton also noted that marital status is not a demographic protected from discrimination and "physicians are not prohibited from limiting their clientele or patient selection unless otherwise guided by another law." In other words, it is theoretically legal to deny care based on marital status, but Easton said the MED Act does not change the law around this particular incident. "Our office would be happy to work with the woman making the assertion to verify the information and help her navigate the health care system," Easton added. Allegation made at town hall The woman appeared to first tell her story in public at a "Town Hall of Unheard Voices" in Jonesborough, Tennessee, coordinated in part by the Washington County Democratic Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A video of the full town hall was available online; the woman, who did not share her name, began speaking about her experience at 1:25:36. Here's what she said: To bring it back to a local level, the Tennessee Medical Ethics Defense Act that was passed [to] kind of back up a little bit. In 2022, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. My provider was hesitant to treat me because of the impact it could have on my fertility. Now, I just found out I'm pregnant again. I've been with my partner for about 15 years, though we're not married. I just had my first visit. That provider told me that thanks to that act, they were not comfortable treating me because I am an unwed mother and that goes against their Christian values. I'm lucky enough to live in a part of the state where I can seek care across state lines, and that's what I'm doing. Traveling to Virginia, traveling to Virginia for my prenatal care, scared out of my mind that I will go into labor and not be able or have to deliver in this state with a provider who feels that child's life is more valuable than mine. While I do love and want this child, I also have a 13-year-old and I can't leave her behind. Independent journalist Rachel Wells reported on the woman's story for her publication, TN Repro News, on July 18, resulting in more attention from state and national news outlets. Wells wrote that the woman told her she filed complaints with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance and the American Medical Association. In an email, the state department told Snopes it does not have oversight of physicians, and Easton said the Tennessee House Republican Caucus has "been informed that no such complaint has been filed." A spokesperson for the American Medical Association, Kelly Jakubek, said in an email that she was "not aware of such a complaint received by AMA" and noted "all complaints against physicians should be submitted to individual state medical licensing boards for investigation." TN Repro News also reported that the woman said she wanted to see a local provider to "support local businesses" as a proud Tennessean, but after "being denied care by the provider nearby, she felt it was the last straw and clearly illustrated the need to go out of state in order to get the best care." In a July 22 update to the story, Wells wrote that the woman "requested anonymity due to concerns about medical and professional retaliation in her rural community." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "While TN Repro News has not identified the physician involved, the account reflects what legal and reproductive health experts say is a plausible outcome under Tennessee's Medical Ethics Defense Act," Wells said in the note. Snopes has not independently verified the identity of the woman Wells interviewed. What is the Tennessee Medical Ethics Defense Act? The Tennessee Medical Ethics Defense Act, signed into law by Republican Gov. Bill Lee on April 24, 2025, allows health care providers including individuals, institutions and insurers to refuse to participate in any services at odds with their personal beliefs, defined as their "conscience" in the legislation. Here are the relevant portions of the legislation on pages 1 and 3: (1) "Conscience": (A) Means the sincerely held ethical, moral, or religious beliefs or principles held by a healthcare provider; and (B) With respect to institutional entities or corporate bodies, is determined by reference to that entity or body's governing documents, including, but not limited to, ethical, moral, or religious guidelines, directives, mission statements, constitutions, articles of incorporation, bylaws, policies, or regulations [] 63-1-903. Conscience protection for healthcare providers. (a) (1) A healthcare provider must not be required to participate in or pay for a healthcare procedure, treatment, or service that violates the conscience of the healthcare provider. The act also protects health care providers from civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions or "discriminatory action" for refusing care based on their beliefs (pages 3 and 4). It does not apply to procedures, treatments or services governed by federal law, such as emergency medical treatment (Page 6). In sum ... A woman did, in fact, allege at a Tennessee town-hall meeting that her doctor denied her prenatal care because she was not married. The state's law, as of this writing, does allow health care providers to deny care based on personal beliefs, which theoretically opens the door to cases like this woman's. However, we cannot rate the truthfulness of this claim without more information. Sources: Houghtaling, Ellie Quinlan. "Doctor Denies Woman Prenatal Care Because She's Unmarried." The New Republic, 22 July 2025, newrepublic.com/post/198225/doctor-denies-pregnant-woman-prenatal-care-unmarried. Accessed 24 July 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HOUSE BILL 1044 by Terry SENATE BILL 955. www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Bill/SB0955.pdf. Accessed 24 July 2025. Jezebel Vibes. "Town Hall of Unheard Voices | Jonesborough, Tennessee." YouTube, 18 July 2025, www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACWUMFIBxKM. Accessed 24 July 2025. Leyva, Diana. "A Tennessee Woman Said She Was Denied Prenatal Care for Being Unmarried under This Newly Signed Act. What to Know." The Tennessean, Nashville Tennessean, 23 July 2025, www.tennessean.com/story/news/health/2025/07/23/tennessee-medical-ethics-defense-act-denied-prenatal-care-unmarried-woman/85308870007/. Accessed 24 July 2025. "Tennessee General Assembly Legislation." Tn.gov, wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0955&GA=114. Accessed 24 July 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Washington County Democratic Party." Archive.ph, 24 July 2025, archive.ph/GEy9f. Accessed 24 July 2025. Washington County Democratic Party . "WCDP on Instagram: ' the Town Hall of Unheard Voices Brought the Spirit of John Lewis' "Good Trouble" to Washington County, with Rep. Gloria Johnson and Local Activist Tybre Faw Leading a Powerful Conversation about Justice, Accountability, and Representation. Meanwhile, Senators Marsha Blackburn, Bill Hagerty, and Rep. Diana Harshbarger Refused to Attend, Dodging the Chance to Answer Real Questions from the People They Claim to Represent. Guests at the Event Stood Together to Take an Oath to the Constitution, Renewing Their Commitment to Defend DemocracyNot Just with Words, but with Action. We're Done with Politicians Who Serve the Wealthy and Ignore the Rest. Our Voices Matterand We'll Keep Showing up until They Listen. #GoodTrouble #UnheardVoicesTN #WCDP #PeopleOverProfit.'" Instagram, 2020, www.instagram.com/p/DMO9NFDI_6z/?img_index=1. Accessed 24 July 2025. Wells, Rachel. "Exclusive: Pregnant Woman in Tennessee Denied Care for Being Unmarried (Updated)." Substack.com, TN Repro News, 18 July 2025, wellsrachelm.substack.com/p/pregnant-woman-in-tennessee-denied. Accessed 24 July 2025. PRINCETON, WV (WVNS) A new ordinance concerning vape shops could soon be coming to Mercer County, according to Mercer County Commissioner, Greg Puckett. Puckett said that the ordinance would help address several issues that vape shops present, including from both a health standpoint and a business standpoint. Ultimately, its not only harmful to the public health. Its harmful to the overall business growth of the county, because when other businesses see that youve got an unhealthy community that supports unhealthy behaviors, they choose not to come here, said Puckett. So, its limiting our opportunity for economic mobility moving forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Raleigh County Commission recently passed a new ordinance on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, that created restrictions for local vape shops. It regulated how the vape shops advertise, what they advertise, and it ruled that vape shops could not be placed in residential zones, within a mile of schools, daycare centers or other vape shops. Boy, 12, dies of brain-eating amoeba after swimming in South Carolina reservoir Puckett said that Mercer Countys ordinance would be similar, and it would limit how close the shops could be to areas like schools, churches and parks. Youve got to look at things from a very holistic standpoint in the context of how many stores you have, how many alcohol stores, how much accessibility do you have to the products thats detrimental to the overall health and well-being, said Puckett. When youve got five-year-olds that are vaping in kindergartenweve got a serious problem. Its epidemic status- and if we dont address that at the root cause, which is supply level, then youre not going to be able to solve it downstream. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Eric Rodgers, who is the Director of Respiratory Care at WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital, said vaping has so many adverse effects on developing kids and teens, and that more needs to be done to protect them, such as enforcing the age limit for purchasing them. Dr. Rodgers also said that recent studies have shown that vaping can impact sleep, have neurological effects, and that, of course, it is especially bad for the lungs. This is irreparable harm, said Dr. Rodgers. Were seeing lungs on a 16-year-old thats equivalent to a 50-year-old whose been smoking for 40 years. Puckett said conversations still need to be had to bring the ordinance forward, but that he hopes to begin the process starting in August at the next couple of commission meetings. Puckett said there are currently more than 20 vape shops in Mercer County. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) Pratt & Whitney celebrated a major milestone Friday. The Connecticut-based company was founded 100 years ago this week. Golden lobster rescued from grocery store now on display at Mystic Aquarium To celebrate reaching the century mark, Pratt & Whitney officials, state and local leaders, and community members gathered for a plaque-unveiling ceremony and looked back at the last 100 years of innovation and progress made by the company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What it really is, is also the lives youve impacted and the jobs youve provided for families, State House Speaker Matt Ritter (D) said. You lifted a lot of people into the middle class and beyond and provided stability 100 years ago and you still do today. The ceremony was held on Capitol Avenue in Hartford, the original site of Pratt & Whitney in 1925. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. Prayers Pouring In After College Student Found Dead In River At 22 originally appeared on The Spun. Last weekend, Viterbo University graduate student went missing after leaving a bar in Wisconsin. It was later revealed that she was found dead. Eliotte Heinz, 22, was found in the Mississippi River. The authorities in La Crosse, Wisconsin, received word about this heartbreaking discovery on July 23. They were notified by the Houston County Sheriffs Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An official cause of death for Eliotte hasn't been revealed yet. That being said, Viterbo University released a statement on this tragedy. "Viterbo University joins the Heinz family, the La Crosse community, and all who knew and loved Eliotte in mourning her tragic passing. We are heartbroken by this loss and extend our deepest sympathies to her family and friends," the university said in a statement. "We are especially grateful to the La Crosse Police Department for their tireless efforts and to the many community members who showed up with compassion by searching, sharing information, offering prayers, and providing food, water, and comfort during the most difficult of days. Your outpouring of love reflects the very best Viterbo, our La Crosse community, and beyond." Before the police recovered Eliottes body this week, her mother delivered a heartfelt message in an interview with WKBT. She had this to say to her daughter, "We love you, we miss you, and we're doing everything we can to get you back to us." A Police dive boat on the River Dee in Aberdeen during the ongoing search for missing sisters, Eliza and Henrietta Huszti. The pair were last seen on CCTV on Market Street at Victoria Bridge, Aberdeen, at about 2.12am on Tuesday January 7. Picture date: Tuesday January 14, 2025. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)Andrew Milligan - PA Images/Getty Images As you'd imagine, the Wisconsin community is heartbroken over Eliottes death. Countless people are keeping her loved ones in their prayers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This was not the outcome we had hoped for throughout this search," La Crosse Police Chief Shawn Kudron said. "Our thoughts are with Eliottes family, friends and all those who knew Eliotte. We are grateful for the outpouring of support from so many within the La Crosse community, the State of Wisconsin and nationally to locate Eliotte." Viterbo University will hold a memorial service in Eliottes honor this upcoming fall. Our thoughts remain with the Heinz family. Prayers Pouring In After College Student Found Dead In River At 22 first appeared on The Spun on Jul 26, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 26, 2025, where it first appeared. Prayers Pouring In After Mother Loses Child In 'Nightmare' Crash originally appeared on The Spun. On Thursday afternoon, a family in Oakland, New Jersey was involved in an awful accident. According to multiple reports, a car struck a mother and her three kids at the intersection of Ramapo Valley Road and Oak Street. It was sadly reported that the mother's 4-year-old child was killed in this crash. Her two other children are expected to recover from their injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were several people near the scene of the crash who tried to help out, but nothing could erase the damage that was already done. "I just heard screaming. And at first I didn't really register it," Kathleen Pope said, via ABC Eye Witness News. "But then I heard, 'My babies! My babies.' Literally everyone from the pediatric center ran out. A grown man came back crying and said, 'Do not go over there. It's really bad.'" Jessica Ng, a woman who works close to Ramapo Valley Road, said that intersection is known for being dangerous. Unfortunately, that narrative was validated this week. "I always stay on this side and never go to the other side," Ng said, via CBS. "Just hearing about it, it's sad. They didn't get to experience life the way you hope to. I don't think a parent should ever bury a child, especially at that age." (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images)J Pat Carter/Getty Images Over the past 48 hours, countless people have offered prayers to the victim's loved ones. No identities have been released at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bergen County prosecutors office said the driver has been cooperating with this week's investigation. Our thoughts remain with the family involved in this crash. Prayers Pouring In After Mother Loses Child In 'Nightmare' Crash first appeared on The Spun on Jul 26, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 26, 2025, where it first appeared. 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! SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) San Angelo Chief of Police Travis Griffith held a press conference regarding updates on the death of San Angelo man Joe Angel Martinez III. The police have arrested the first suspect, Justin Ramirez, 17, but are currently pursuing two more suspects. Davon Lewis, 17, and Dominick Garcia, 16, are the other two suspects and are both currently wanted for murder. Griffith believes that the crime is connected to narcotics. Griffth implored the teens to turn themselves in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know this is a scary situation, but I ask that you do not put your family and friends through any more trouble, Griffith said. Running only makes things worse. The public can anonymously report sightings or the whereabouts of the suspects by calling Crime Stoppers, 658-HELP, or by calling 911. For more information about this case, click the article below. San Angelo 17-year-old arrested for murder after drug deal goes awry Screenshot Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. CHICAGO A West Loop cocktail bar is serving up drinks with bold summer flavors. From smoky mezcal to smooth Wyoming whiskey, Bar Manager Luigi Estrada is serving it up at the Press Room in the 1100 block of West Washington Boulevard. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Estrada joined WGN News on Saturday morning to share a look at some of the drinks. Visit the Press Room website for more information or to view a full menu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. A wild scene unfolded on a Southwest Airlines flight that resulted in a popular mixed martial artist and Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert being escorted out on a stretcher. It's still unclear what exactly triggered this explosive response, but multiple videos circulating on social media show Aaron "Tex" Johnson, 39, being extremely combative on a flight that had yet to take off. Video shows him screaming he hadn't done anything wrong before he gets into a heated confrontation with the passenger sitting directly behind him. It's unclear if the initial argument started between him and said passenger, but at one point things escalate when Johnson gets in the passenger's face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It seems violence is on the verge of breaking out, but no one ever takes a swing and the tense moment only escalates to loud shouting between Johnson, several riled-up passengers and a female flight attendants trying to get Johnson to exit the plane. Johnson calls the passengers and flight attendants "losers" and pieces of s--t" during the ordeal. At one point, a female flight attendant can be seen holding Johnson's arm, prompting him to shout at the top of his lungs "abuse" and "assault." Johnson ultimately relents and exits the plane, but not before getting into another shouting match with a flight attendant near the exit door. A third video shows Johnson being strapped to a stretcher as he shouts, "Bulls--t! Bulls--t! Im being treated like a Black person right now," prompting the person recording the ordeal to burst into laughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Again, it's not clear what triggered Johnson, but he won't be flying Southwest anymore. The travel site View from the Wing reports Southwest Airlines has banned Johnson from future flights, though the company has yet to make a public statement about the incident. Pro Fighter's Viral Meltdown on Southwest Flight Earns Him Permanent Ban first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 25, 2025 State Superintendent Ryan Walters leads a meeting of the Oklahoma State Board of Education on Jan. 28, 2025, at the state Department of Education in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY Oklahomas top Senate leader said an inquiry is underway following a bizarre and troubling situation where two board members reported that they saw naked women on State Superintendent Ryan Walters office television. Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, said the inquiry is being led by the Office of Management and Enterprise Services and leadership at the agency is working through proper channels to initiate the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Oklahoman and NonDoc reported Friday that board members Ryan Deatherage and Becky Carson said they saw the pictures on a television in Walters office during a State Board of Education executive session that was held July 24. This is a bizarre and troubling situation that raises serious questions about the events and what took place during yesterdays executive session at the Oklahoma State Board of Education meeting, Paxton said in a statement. The accounts made public by board members paint a strange, unsettling scene that demands clarity and transparency. Senator (Adam) Pugh and I appreciate the quick action by OMES to help coordinate through this situation to get details on exactly what happened. More transparency is essential before strong conclusions can be drawn. Pugh, R-Edmond, is chairman of the Senate Education Committee. Some of these board members are blatantly dishonest and cannot hide their political agenda, Walters said Friday night. It is disappointing that they are more interested in creating distractions than getting work done for Oklahoma families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber, who chairs the House Committee on Common Education, said Friday night that he attended Thursdays executive session. However, he was sitting in the back corner of the room where he couldnt see the television. He said he left during a break before the incident occurred. Anytime something like this would happen is a major shock, he said. But Lowe said he spoke with both board members Thursday night who told him that they had seen nude women on the television. He said the board members told him that when they questioned Walters about the women, the state superintendent appeared to be surprised and said he needed to get it turned off. Lowe said he has no question that this is true, though he doesnt know all the facts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the incident will be investigated, lawmakers will make sure they have all the facts, and will follow the law at the conclusion. In the State Department of Education, how does that get there on TV? he asked. I dont think that questions out of line. He said he also notified House Speaker Kyle Hilbert about it. A spokesperson for Hilbert, R-Bristow, said the Speaker believes a probe is needed. These are serious allegations made by two members of the State Board and an expeditious third-party review is warranted, Hilbert said in a statement. I urge the State Superintendent to unlock and turn over all relevant devices and fully cooperate with an investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If no wrongdoing occurred, a prompt and transparent review should quickly clear his name. Carson could not be reached for comment Friday afternoon. Deatherage declined a request for an interview, but said in a text message that it is his top priority to protect students. We hold educators to the strictest of standards when it comes to explicit material, Deatherage said. The standard for the superintendent should be no different. The two board members were recently confirmed by the Senate. Deatherage was appointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt during a board restructuring that replaced three board members following what Stitt called needless political drama. Carson was appointed to fill a vacant position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board has questioned Walters actions and his authority in recent months. On Thursday, board members questioned Walters over his authority to require districts to provide free school lunches to all students, a controversial test he wants to require California and New York teachers to take before they can become certified to teach in Oklahoma, and a new partnership with a private, online Arizona-based school. The board wanted to know why they werent consulted. Carson also publicly questioned Walters about why he didnt provide them with a copy of a resignation letter that was addressed to both the board and Walters. Walters has been a vocal critic of pornography and sought to ban some books that he said contained it from school library shelves. Reporter Emma Murphy and Janelle Stecklein contributed to this report. Editors note: This story was updated at 7:50 p.m. to include comment from Walters, Rep. Dick Lowe, and Sen. Lonnie Paxton. WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) Progress is being made on the circle trail, which will eventually wrap around the entire city. This week, construction began to connect the Lucy Park portion of the trail to Loop 11 and the Wichita Bluffs. Deputy Director of Public Works Tyson Traw said they needed the funds to begin construction. Now that theyve received enough for this phase, theyve begun connecting the two portions, which is expected to be complete around August 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Traw said theyre excited to get this project underway again. Were super excited to complete the Circle Trail. Its been a project thats been decades in the making for our community. Its something that we really take pride in as a community, for that quality of life improvement that everyones looking for, Traw said. The last leg of the trail is at the end of Barnett Road and will connect around Lake Wichita Park. Traw said that once grant funding is approved, construction will begin, ultimately connecting the entire trail around Wichita Falls. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. The University of Nebraska will endure another round of deep cuts this year as it seeks to close a $20 million budget deficit, President Jeff Gold told faculty and staff in an email this week. On Thursday, Gold said the cuts were necessitated by a modest increase in state appropriations, unfunded tuition waivers mandated by the Legislature and a reduction in funds to support scientific research. "And these are but a small fraction of the reduction to our annual federal competitive research awards," Gold wrote. The email from Gold, who is now in his second year as NU's top administrator, comes as campus leaders have begun to roll out their cost-cutting processes in order to identify potential savings. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the system's flagship campus, has already implemented $5 million in permanent budget cuts this year, a spokeswoman said. Since 2020, UNL has made permanent budget reductions totaling $75 million. In the last academic year, the cuts have come through eliminating the Office of Diversity and Inclusion which carried a budget line of $750,000 at the start of last school year and by closing 12 administrative positions, 18 faculty positions and 10 staff positions. UNL has also cut $600,000 from the base budget of Nebraska Extension, which operates offices in nearly all of the state's 93 counties as part of the land-grant university's outreach mission, and cut other costs in colleges and academic units. Looking forward, the university said "careful planning continues to address UNL's structural deficit in the near future." "In doing so, the university is looking beyond percentage-based approaches to budget to more strategic and future-focused decisions that are driven by UNL's priorities, informed by performance metrics, and aligned with the NU system's strategic plan and the needs of the state of Nebraska," UNL said. The University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha will implement an "across-the-board" reduction of 4% to its academic colleges, centers and institutes, spokesman John Keenan said. The details of the proposed cuts are still being worked out, Keenan added, but UNMC is seeking "to act proactively to ensure that UNMC can continue to provide research breakthroughs that improve the lives of our fellow Nebraskans." Earlier this year, Gov. Jim Pillen signed into law a state budget that included an increase of 0.625% in funding for the NU system. The university had requested a 3.5% increase in order to cover the increased cost of doing business. Gold said the Legislature has also mandated between $8 million and $10 million in tuition discounts for certain students, but has declined to provide funding for those programs, which has put additional strain on NU's budget. Finally, Gold said a proposed 70% reduction in "indirect cost" payments included in federal research grants "presents real challenges to maintaining our research facilities and the critical staff who keep them running." Those federal funds help cover utility and maintenance costs, cybersecurity, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations, among other items, which helps keep the costs to students and states low. Previous cuts made NU leaders have already taken other steps to mitigate the budget deficit created by those factors, but that has come at a cost to faculty and staff who have seen their salaries frozen or jobs lost, as well as to students in increased costs to attend the university. In May, administrators said most employees at UNL and UNMC would not receive a pay increase for the 2025-26 operating budget in order to minimize the projected cuts to programs and elimination of jobs. The freeze, which affords some flexibility, could put NU at a disadvantage in recruiting and retaining top faculty in an increasingly competitive higher education job market, one staff member said at the time. Faculty who are part of the collective bargaining agreement at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the University of Nebraska at Kearney will see pay raises, however. Regents approved a bargaining agreement that provides a 4.9% increase to eligible UNO faculty and a 4% increase to eligible UNK faculty this year the largest base salary increase in more than two decades. A month later, the NU board approved a 5% tuition hike for the upcoming school year, which will add about $14 per credit hour for Nebraska students enrolled in most undergraduate courses. For a full course load of 18 credit hours, an in-state student will pay approximately $11,100 in tuition at UNL this year, or nearly $700 more than a year ago. The university has also cut positions as federal funding has been pulled since President Donald Trump took office in January and tasked billionaire Elon Musk to eliminate spending that the Republican administration deemed excessive. Gold told state lawmakers in May the university had lost 70 federal grants totaling $92 million in research funding for areas like agriculture, biomedicine, counterterrorism, weather and climate, and the humanities. The loss of that funding has trickled to other areas of the university. In June, 10 positions within UNL's Bureau of Sociological Research, which has provided research assistance to faculty and other entities for more than a half century, were eliminated due to losses in research funding. More changes are on the horizon after Congress passed Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" earlier this month, slashing federal spending in areas used by NU and other institutions across the country. Earlier this week, 10 staff positions and seven student worker positions in Nebraska Extension were cut after federal lawmakers zeroed out funding for SNAP-Ed, the education companion of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps. Despite the ongoing efforts to control costs and generate new revenue, Gold said more will need to be done in the coming weeks and months. "What the University of Nebraska looks like will continue to evolve," he wrote. "But our commitment to serve the people of Nebraska with quality higher education, cutting-edge research and discovery and meaningful statewide engagement will not change." Operators of a northern England rapid-transit system have made it costly to vape while using their service. Anyone caught vaping or using e-cigarettes on the Tyne and Wear Metro can now face prosecution and a fine of more than $1,300, the BBC reported. The rule, which took effect July 1, matches the service's anti-smoking rule, which has been in place since the Metro opened in 1980. The Metro is a light-rail system that brings riders throughout the Tyne and Wear county, with stops in cities such as Newcastle and Sunderland. Officials told the BBC that vaping was the top complaint reported by passengers and previously said that most of the people who vaped on the Metro were children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The overwhelming majority of our customers who vape are considerate and refrain from doing so on Metro," operations director Kevin Storey told the BBC. "The minority of people who vape on our property should be aware of the introduction of the bylaw and the potential for being issued with a fine." Vaping has been proved to pose a danger to the health of humans, animals, and the environment. Although they are frequently marketed as safer alternatives to cigarettes, they still contain nicotine, and studies have shown that when people exhale after vaping, the secondhand exposures still pose health risks, particularly in closed environments like the Metro. The University of California, Davis, has also found that popular disposable vape brands often emit high levels of lead and nickel. Those single-use vapes, which contain large amounts of plastic and a battery, generate massive amounts of waste. When littered, they also pose a threat to local wildlife, such as when a penguin was spotted carrying a discarded vape pen in its mouth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement E-cigarettes have only been in the United States and Europe for less than 20 years, so there still isn't nearly the amount of research into them as there is on traditional tobacco products. Still, the evidence has been overwhelming enough that many governments have taken strong action against them. More than 30 countries have banned the sale of vapes and e-cigarettes, including Argentina, Brazil, India, Norway, and Thailand. 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. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A 32-year-old man has been arrested after fleeing law enforcement in New Mexico and ending up in El Paso County, the El Paso County Sheriffs Office said. Javier Antonio Monzon, 32, was arrested Friday morning, July 25 and was charged with one count of evading arrest or detention with a vehicle, the Sheriffs Office said. At about 5:30 a.m. on Friday, Sheriffs Office helped New Mexico State Police and the Anthony Police Department with a vehicle pursuit that crossed into Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect, wanted in connection with a robbery and aggravated fleeing incident in New Mexico, entered El Paso County traveling eastbound on Interstate 10, the Sheriffs Office said. Deputies from the Sheriffs Office and Constables Office for Precinct 1 joined the pursuit and assisted in safely stopping the vehicle on I-10 East near the Eastlake exit. The driver, identified as Monzon, was taken into custody and booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility. Monzon also faces extradition to New Mexico for charges related to the original incident. This arrest is proof of what can be accomplished when law-enforcement agencies work together, Sheriff Oscar Ugarte said. If you break the law in El Paso County, the Sheriffs Office will take you to jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. A raging fire tore through a car wash in New Hampshire late Friday night. Firefighters and police officers responding to a 911 call reporting a fire at Alans Car Wash on Hampton Drive in Londonderry just before 11 p.m. found flames shooting from the building, Professional Fire Fighters of Londonderry Local 3160 said in a Facebook post. Due to the intensity of the blaze, a hazmat team was called to the scene, as well as additional firefighters from the nearby communities of Hudson, Pelham, Salem, and Derry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photos shared by Londonderry firefighters showed bright orange flames illuminating the night as thick plumes of smoke billowed from the business. Credit: Professional Fire Fighters of Londonderry Local 3160 >>> See more in the photo gallery above The fire was knocked down shortly before midnight, but crews battled hot spots into the early morning hours of Saturday. There were no reported injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Raising Cane's Competitor Throws Major Shade at Popular Chain originally appeared on Parade. Raising Cane's has been "raising" in just about every way. They have locations popping up everywhere, and they just overtook KFC in sales, becoming the third most popular fried chicken chain in the country. With Raising Cane's dramatic rise showing no signs of slowing down, its competitors are beginning to lock in, aim, and fire. Raising Cane's bread and butteror rather, Texas toast and butteris chicken fingers. Wingstop's, obviously, is wings. But that hasn't stopped them from firing shots at their indirect competitor. SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & fun food news in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter Wingstop is taking a page out of Taco Bell's playbook. Remember when Taco Bell tried to trademark "Taco Tuesday"? Well, now Wingstop is trying to trademark "National Chicken Tender Day." The company made the announcement in a press release on July 24. Some say that chicken fingers, strips and tenders are the same, but Wingstop isnt buying it, a Wingstop exec said in the release. "We use premium tenderloin in our chicken tenders the filet mignon of chicken..." they continued. "...Wingstop is giving the finger to fingers.... Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shade thrown at "chicken fingers" is a subtle jab at Raising Cane's. But even more overtly, Wingstop has declare National Chicken Tender Day to be July 27which Raising Cane's has been calling "National Chicken Finger Day" since 2010. Shots fired! Raising Cane's has already been drumming up hype in anticipation of National Chicken Finger Day. Snoop Dogg worked a shift at a Las Vegas location last week, taking orders, manning the fryer, and even handing out copies of his latest album. On the "holiday," Cane's will be giving combo box buyers a bonus chicken finger for free. According to them, Snoop Dogg will be footing the bill. Raising Cane's Competitor Throws Major Shade at Popular Chain first appeared on Parade on Jul 25, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared. This story is reported by South Dakota News Watch, a non-profit news organization. Find more in-depth reporting at www.sdnewswatch.org. MARTIN, S.D. Two Bennett County ranchers were taken straight from a courtroom to a jail cell in a case that involved mistreatment of cattle and the false branding and attempted sale of animals they did not own. Leland Pauly, 60, and longtime girlfriend Lynda Frost, 56, were both taken to jail on Thursday to begin serving 15-day jail sentences on charges they mistreated numerous cattle under their care on their ranch 10 miles east of Martin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case came to light after Dan Schilling, a rancher from Wessington, contracted with Pauly and Frost to feed and care for his cattle at their ranch in Bennett County. After discovering his cattle in poor condition, Schilling filed a complaint with the sheriff in March 2024. That prompted investigations that have led to numerous criminal charges against Pauly and Frost, and now, criminal convictions on livestock-related fraud and neglect charges for them both in South Dakota and Nebraska. Leland Pauly and Lynda Frost of Martin, S.D., are shown on July 17, 2025, in the Bennett County Courthouse. (Photo: Bart Pfankuch / South Dakota News Watch) Pauly comes from a longtime ranch family in Bennett County, and he and Frost are both well known in the cattle industry in central South Dakota and northern Nebraska. The charges against them came as the pair faced major financial struggles, including a recent bankruptcy and now the possibility of Pauly losing the land his family has owned for generations, according to Paulys attorney, Sandy Steffen of Gregory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bennett County States Attorney Sarah E. Harris said there is no excuse for animal mistreatment or economic fraud, and that she hopes the imposition of jail time will serve as a warning to anyone who abuses cattle or tries to defraud others. I grew up on a ranch, and it makes me absolutely sick to think of how these cattle were treated, Harris told News Watch. Hopefully other people will see this and think twice before entrusting their cattle or any livestock with these people. Couple faced multiple charges in two states After Schilling made the initial complaint, authorities in the two states took notice. In April 2024, Pauly and Frost were charged in Bennett County with 25 misdemeanor counts of animal neglect or mistreatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That same month, the pair was charged in Keith County, Nebraska, in the illegal branding and sale of cattle owned by Schilling. Then, in September, Pauly and Frost were charged in South Dakota with four felony counts of misuse or alteration of a cattle brand, a Class 5 felony. In the Nebraska case, Pauly pleaded no contest in June and was sentenced to probation on a felony charge of illegal sale/trade/disposition of livestock, according to Nebraska court records. Frost was found guilty of a misdemeanor charge of using false documents to misrepresent inspection records on livestock. In South Dakota, court documents indicate that sometime between May 2023 and March 2024, the pair intended to defraud cattle buyers by brand(ing) calves belonging to Dan Schilling with Lynda Frosts lazy F over arrow brand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents indicate sales of cows with Frosts brand were made at the Ogallala Livestock Auction Market in Nebraska in March 2024 and that same month at the Fort Pierre Livestock Auction in South Dakota. The South Dakota brand alteration charges were dropped as part of a plea deal in which Pauly and Frost agreed to plead no contest to three misdemeanor animal neglect charges. Video shows weakened cattle In late March, about 265 head of cattle were seized from the Pauly ranch by the Bennett County Sheriffs Office. Some of the animals had their skeletons showing due to malnourishment. A cow and two calves died soon after being seized, according to authorities. A video that was played in the Bennett County Courthouse on Thursday showed one group of seven cattle with their spines, hips and shoulder bones clearly visible. Some appeared wobbly and unsteady as they walked. The backbone is clearly visible on this cow, seized from the ranch of Leland Pauly and Lynda Frost in March 2024. (Photo: Courtesy Bennett County States Attorney) Harris told the court her office had tested the feed given to the cattle at the Pauly Ranch and found it had no or very little nutritional value. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It looked like it was ground up corn stalks and sticks, Harris told News Watch in an interview. There was no way they could gain weight on that, and its probably why they looked so terrible. Harris told the court that in the weeks after the cattle were seized and provided good nutrition, many began to gain weight and return to good health. The cattle were ultimately returned to Schilling, the owner. Bennett County Sheriff Jason Erwin told News Watch that he has never seen a livestock neglect case like this since arriving in the area in 2013. Im not going to say theyre bad people, said Erwin, who is a neighbor to Pauly and Frost. But it is shocking to see that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schilling told News Watch that Pauly and Frost committed fraud against him in numerous ways and still owe him about $300,000 in cattle and feed costs they misrepresented. Its been terrible, he said. And Ive spent way too much time and money on this thing. Approached by News Watch in the Bennett County Courthouse prior to the hearing on Thursday, Pauly and Frost both declined comment. Defense sought no fine or jail time Once the couple was found guilty of neglect, the defense and prosecution made recommendations to Circuit Court Judge Bobbi Rank on sentencing. Harris, the prosecutor, argued for a 30-day jail sentence and three years of probation for each defendant, noting that two veterinarians who examined the seized cattle rated many only a 2 or 3 on a 1-9 scale of animal health. She pointed out that the cattle were confined by Pauly and Frost and were unable to obtain adequate food or water on their own. The ranch run by Leland Pauly and Lynda Frost about 10 miles east of Martin, S.D., is shown on July 17, 2025. (Photo: Bart Pfankuch / South Dakota News Watch) Steffen, Paulys attorney, asked the court to require restitution payments but argued for no jail time or fines for her client and his girlfriend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the cows delivered to Pauly and Frost by Schilling were old and already in poor shape upon arrival, a claim that Harris and Schilling denied. Steffen also noted that despite the recent criminal charges against her client, Paulys criminal history was unremarkable and does not include prior charges of animal neglect. Mr. Pauly has his whole life been caring for cattle, she said. But life happened and things went off the rails. Judge Rank, however, turned that argument around by noting instead that after so many years of caring for cattle, Pauly and Frost should have known better than to engage in animal neglect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not a situation where you have some young kid or a city slicker looking to have a hobby farm and they dont know what theyre doing, the judge said. Rank said that a jail term was needed to ensure a strong message was sent regarding the importance of properly caring for livestock in South Dakota. She sentenced Pauly and Frost to 15 days in jail, a year of unsupervised probation, payment of restitution and court costs, and she ordered that they not own cattle for one year. Crops and cattle are among the most beloved things (in the state), she said. You had critters here who were completely dependent on the defendants for their lives, and for whatever reason, they neglected that duty. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) -The Richmond County Sheriffs Office is asking for the communitys help in locating a wanted woman. 27-year-old Danielle Anita Willingham is wanted for an alleged Battery that occurred on the 1900 Block of Harvest Point Way on July 26th. Willingham has warrants on file with this agency, at this time. She is known to drive a black 2016 Ford Explorer with a Georgia Tag of SFN6395. If you know of her whereabouts or about the alleged crime in question, please contact Inv. Trivia Hardy or any on-call investigator at the Richmond County Sheriffs Office at 706-821-1080 or 706-821-1178. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. Editor's note: We offered members of the Kyiv Independent community to share their questions about a controversial bill that undermined Ukraines anti-corruption institutions and the street protests that followed it this week. Our staff's answers to their questions are below. Join our community and get the chance to ask your questions directly to our team. What is NABU? And besides NABU, there is NAZK, SAPO, and VAKS what are they and why were they created? Confused by all the acronyms in the news about Ukraines anti-corruption agencies right now? Lets break it down. To understand what they mean, youve got to go back to 2014 and the EuroMaidan Revolution, which ousted the corrupt regime of Viktor Yanukovych and kickstarted a number of pro-Western reforms. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) was formed in 2015 as a specific agency to investigate and prosecute top officials suspected of corruption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NABU's cases are overseen and prosecuted by the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), which was also created in 2015, and subsequently tried by the High Anti-Corruption Court (also known by its Ukrainian acronym VAKS), created in 2018 to prosecute these high-profile corruption cases. This specific structure allowed SAPO and NABU to pursue powerful people without political interference, since they were created to be procedurally independent from the prosecutor general (who is nominated by the president). Moreover, the leadership of NABU and SAPO is selected by independent commissions, free from the direct influence of the president. The controversy surrounding the new law stemmed from its provision that places NABU (and SAPO) under the authority of the prosecutor general. This change grants the prosecutor general who is nominated by the president and approved by parliament direct oversight of anti-corruption prosecutors. Ukraines current prosecutor general, Ruslan Kravchenko, is widely seen as loyal to President Volodymyr Zelensky, raising concerns that the law could allow the president himself to indirectly influence or halt investigations by NABU. Launching NABU and anti-corruption agencies was one of the requirements set by the European Commission and the International Monetary Fund for the relaxation of visa rules between the EU and Ukraine, loosened in June 2017. Since 2017, the EU has provided technical assistance to NABU and related anti-corruption programs through the European Union Anti-Corruption Initiative in Ukraine (time to learn a new acronym: EUACI). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres also the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP or NAZK as it's known in Ukrainian), another post-EuroMaidan body. This agencys role is to monitor discrepancies between officials' standard of living and their asset declarations (compulsory asset declarations for officials were another post-EuroMaidan reform). The agency can flag irregularities, which may be due to potential illicit revenue sources and other violations. The role of the NACP is therefore to prevent corruption from taking root or escalating. Essentially, these four bodies NABU, SAPO, VAKS, and NACP were four crucial anti-corruption pillars created after EuroMaidan, designed to curb and prosecute high-level corruption, regardless of who is in power. (Answered by Elsa Court, audience development manager) To what extent did the work of NABU significantly reduce the level of corruption in Ukraine? There are different opinions on how much NABU's work has reduced the level of corruption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Compared to other law enforcement agencies (the Prosecutor General's Office, the police, the Security Service of Ukraine), NABU's results have been more notable. Before NABU's creation, mostly petty officials faced prosecution. In contrast, the NABU has regularly charged incumbent top officials. At the same time, the NABU has been accused by some critics of sometimes being willing to compromise with the authorities. It has also been accused of being reluctant to go after the most high-profile members of the president's inner circle. Another problem is that there have been few convictions in the most high-profile NABU cases. This partially stems from dysfunctional courts, not NABU. (Answered by Oleg Sukhov, a reporter covering corruption and anti-corruption institutions since 2014) How was it ensured that these bodies were independent? NABU investigates top-level corruption, and its cases are overseen and prosecuted by SAPO. When it was created, the chief of SAPO was procedurally independent from the prosecutor general and the prosecutor general did not have the authority to take away cases falling within NABU's jurisdiction from the bureau. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The idea was that, without political interference, NABU and SAPO would be free to go after powerful incumbents. The new law was criticized precisely because it subordinates NABU and SAPO to the Prosecutor General a political position nominated by the president. (Answered by Oleg Sukhov, a reporter covering corruption and anti-corruption institutions since 2014) How is a law in Ukraine supposed to be proposed, discussed, and voted on? And why was the way this law was passed contrary to how it's usually done? In Ukraine, for a bill to become law, the following procedure is required: Once a bill is registered, it must be endorsed by the speaker and submitted to the relevant parliamentary committee. If the committee approves it then it is passed to the floor for the first reading. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the bill gains at least 226 votes out of 450, it passes the first reading. At this point, lawmakers have the right to propose amendments. After the amendments are proposed, the bill returns to the committee, which then gives its assessment on the proposed amendments. After the committees assessment, the bill returns to the floor for a final vote. If the bill is supported by parliament it must be signed by the speaker and sent to the president for his signature. The president has 30 days to either sign it and make it law, or veto the bill. The process by which the law undermining the independence of anti-corruption institutions was adopted differed from the standard procedure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back in January, lawmakers submitted a bill called On the Peculiarities of Pre-Trial Investigation of Criminal Offenses Related to the Disappearance of Missing Persons in Special Circumstances Under Martial Law. As is clear from the name, it had nothing to do with anti-corruption institutions. The law passed the first reading and was sitting there, waiting for amendments. Suddenly, on July 22, a controversial lawmaker from the presidents party proposed amendments that strip anti-corruption agencies of their institutions. The amendments were immediately sent to the committee, where they were hastily approved and sent to parliament for a second reading all in one day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most lawmakers who have spoken with the Kyiv Independent said that they didnt even have time to read it and make up their mind. The time from amendments being proposed, to committee reviewing, parliament voting and speaker and then president signing was approximately 12 hours. It was unprecedented. (Answered by Oleksiy Sorokin, deputy chief editor) To what extent has corruption in the defense industry had an effect on the war effort? It's a complicated question, and I can't put a dollar amount on it. The most common issue is one more than familiar to Western defense ministries as well, which is the granting of contracts to companies with close personal ties to the government or military leadership. Thats happening more frequently than outright theft of weaponry, as far as I can tell. But it raises costs, sometimes enormously, which is a particularly acute issue given how limited Ukraines finances are, and I think its a serious barrier to military success and development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Answered by Kollen Post, defense industry reporter) Is it true that Shabunin signed up for military service but never really served with his unit? In a recent interview with the Kyiv Independent, Vitaliy Shabunin shared his side of the story regarding the accusations that he never really served and unlawfully received military pay while working with the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption (NACP). Shabunin explained that just before the start of the full-scale invasion, together with friends, he set up a civilian defense headquarters in Kyiv, operating out of a basement bomb shelter and a district hospital. When the war broke out, he officially joined the Territorial Defense Forces in Kyiv and has been serving ever since. At some point, the NACP one of Ukraines main anti-corruption agencies formally asked for Shabunins help. They requested his commander to assign him to assist with anti-corruption efforts, including drafting and pushing through a law to confiscate Russian assets. The law passed, but there was still a lot of work to be done: legal, policy-related, and public communication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His commander reviewed the request, issued the necessary orders, and Shabunin followed them just like any soldier would. During his assignment at the NACP, he stayed on military payroll as expected; the NACP didnt pay him separately. Now, the accusation is that he didnt actually do any work during those five months and therefore shouldnt have received the roughly $4,500 in salary in total. Shabunin denies he "didn't do any work," has shared plenty of details about his work with the agency, and brought a copy of the letter from the head of NACP, where he asks Shabunins commander to detach him to go to the agency. (Answered by Liliane Bivings, business editor) How can we be sure that there is no Russian influence in these institutions? Russian influence is everywhere. There were Russian agents in the Security Service of Ukraine, in Zelenskys own staff, and its possible there were some in the National Anti-Corruption Bureau. Yet, the Security Service that conducted the crackdown presented no evidence that the bureau was infiltrated by Russian agents. The law which was passed also doesnt address the issue of Russian influence in any way. There is simply no clause that solves the issue used as a justification to curtail the independence of those institutions. Unfortunately, the fight against Russian influence is often used to back an unpopular decision to give them at least some credit. For a more in-depth answer read our story on this issue. (Answered by Oleksiy Sorokin, deputy chief editor) Read also: Zelenskys big Ukraine blunder, explained Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. January 6 has become a date of hallowed pagan sacredness to the ruling class - a supposed talisman marking chaos, a shorthand for "threats to democracy." But the media, predictably, has focused on the wrong January. And the wrong threat. Because the real January 6 - the one that changed everything - wasnt in 2021. It happened four years earlier, in 2017. Not at the Capitol, but rather in a glass-walled conference room on the 26th floor of Trump Tower. That morning, President-elect Donald J. Trump received a classified briefing from top intelligence officials - a routine, transitional step for any incoming commander in chief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But what he got wasnt intelligence. It was a malicious setup, a trap. FBI Director James Comey entered the room alone and handed Trump the political equivalent of a political grenade: the now-debunked Steele dossier. A document so flimsy, partisan, and salacious, it wouldnt pass editorial review at Mother Jones, let alone FBI verification. And yet, veracity wasnt the point. The objective wasnt to actually inform the incoming president, but instead, Comey arrived at the behest of President Obama and CIA Director Brennan with two missions. First, he sought to bait Trump into some sort of dubious false confession. Second, once the briefing was made, the even bigger trap was set. How? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because once the FBI told Trump about the dossier - even informally, even off the record - that fact became the news hook, it became the poisoned seed to grow the entire Russian collusion hoax. The contents of the briefing were leaked to legacy, Trump-hating media, likely by Brennan himself. Within hours, BuzzFeed and CNN were live. The chyron wrote itself: "President-elect Trump briefed on Russian kompromat." Boom. Mission accomplished. The fuse was lit. These actions werent national security protections of legitimate law enforcement operations. Instead, Obama and his top security officials engaged in secret information warfare - waged not by foreign actors but by our very own intelligence community. Comeys maneuver gave the press permission to launder partisan opposition research into a years-long national scandal that had the veneer of respectability because of the alleged imprimatur of the U.S. intelligence community. Even though they all knew that the story was false, from Hillary Clinton to James Clapper, in these propaganda ops, truth is not the coin of the realm. What matters is what can be effectively sold to the compliant media and a divided electorate, regardless of the absurdity of the allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The story did not need to be verified, only mentioned to Trump. Then media charlatans like Jake Tapper and Joe Scarborough took their effective marching orders. Lets call this plot what it was: a soft coup in slow motion. A preemptive strike against a duly elected president. For all the talk about "resistance," this scheme wasnt legitimate political opposition. It was preemption and a crime. Permanent Washington was not about to try to wait for Trump to fail. Instead, they conspired to ensure he would never get the chance to succeed. Before he signed a single order. Before he picked his cabinet. Before he took the oath of office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement January 6, 2021, made for dramatic images of chaos in Washington. While the violence vs. the police that day will always be inexcusable, the affront to our republic did not unfold on that cold January day on the Mall, but rather four years earlier, as the White House concocted a hoax, using the full powers of a weaponized federal government. The January 6, 2017, plot does not lend itself to compelling images, but it was nonetheless a wicked, coordinated institutional betrayal carried out by insiders who simply refused to accept the will of the American people in the 2016 election. They feared Trump not because he was reckless, but because he was serious. Serious about pulling back the curtain. Serious about cutting off the Beltway lifelines. Serious about cleaning house. And for the permanent class - thats the real threat. Not tweets. Not tone. But independence. So they acted. Quietly. Strategically. And with the full knowledge that the supplicant media would play its part. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What followed was years of sabotage dressed as journalism. Leaks. Investigations. Impeachments. Perjury traps. All seeded from that original sin - the January 6 meeting that gave the Steele dossier a phony legitimacy. If the goal was to erode trust in American institutions, it worked. The public watched as once-respected agencies turned into tools of narrative warfare. They saw a sitting president hunted for crimes that didnt exist - while his accusers were lionized for their lies. So yes - lets talk about January 6. But lets talk about the one that set the whole thing in motion. The day unelected elites turned a routine briefing into a headline ambush. The day narrative replaced truth as the driving principle of the federal bureaucracy. The day the media, intelligence community, and political class all quietly agreed: Elections only matter when the "correct" side wins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats the real January 6 and were still living in its aftermath. Steve Cortes is president of the League of American Workers, a populist right pro-laborer advocacy group, and senior political advisor to Catholic Vote. He is a former senior advisor to President Trump and JD Vance, and a former commentator for Fox News and CNN. Once again, we asked Channel 2 Action News viewers for help to Stuff the Bus, and they really came through! It is a record-setting year for donations of back-to-school items. Across eight metro Atlanta bus stops, more than 7,200 backpacks and school supplies for more than 14,000 students were collected on Saturday. WSB-TV Channel 2 and The Childrens Restoration Network (C.R.N) have partnered for 22 years to support students living in foster care and group homes. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] If you werent able to make it in person, you can still donate online through July 31. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Online donations will be used to buy additional bookbags and school supplies. A family-owned Atlanta based company, Samson Tours, provided eight of its school buses and delivery services for Stuff the Bus. When theres a need, people in North Georgians always come together to make a difference, said WSB-TV President Marian Pittman. Channel 2 is proud to partner with C.R.N., Delta Community Credit Union, Wellstar, Kroger, and most importantly, the community to make sure Stuff the Bus delivers for children who dont have essential school supplies this year. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Each year, as temperatures drop in Antarctica, a great migration begins. Tens of thousands of humpback whalesmore than 45,000 by some estimatesset off on an epic 6,200-mile journey north that runs along Australias east coast. They are bound for warm tropical waters where they breed and calve before taking the same route back to the Southern Ocean. Locals call it the Humpback Highway, and from June through November, it offers one of the worlds most reliable and awe-inspiring whale-watching experiences. At the heart of the spectacle is Moreton Bay, a protected stretch of water just offshore Brisbane that the whales pass through. The migration reaches its peak in August, when larger pods appear and there is a surge in social behavior: tail slapping, pectoral waving, and the unmistakable breach. This year, the outlook is especially promising. Sightings are already up, and with the humpback whale population increasing, some skippers are predicting it could be the most active season yet. For travelers, access couldnt be easier. Brisbane is one of the only major cities in the world where you can leave your hotel after breakfast and be scanning the ocean for whales by midmorningno long drives or complicated transfers required. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tour companies like Brisbane Whale Watching pick up guests 40 minutes north of the city and boast a whale-sighting guarantee. For larger groups, or a small, VIP experience, Sovereign Lady Charters has a 74-foot private-use yacht that fits up to 35 guests and departs 30 minutes east of downtown Brisbane. You might also be able to glimpse the massive migration by taking a ferry to North Stradbroke Island in Moreton Bay and watching from. Cape Moreton on Moreton Island is another land-based viewing point. To reach the cape, take a ferry to Moreton Island and walk the Cape Moreton track to the Cape Moreton Lighthouse, Queenslands only stone lighthouse. It is a great place to catch the Humpback Highway as it passes by the shores of the island. Not all whale watching requires a boat. North Stradbroke Island (known to locals as Straddie) is reachable by ferry and offers commanding views from Point Lookout, a clifftop path where whales can often be seen breaching just offshore. For something even wilder, head to Moreton Island, a national park of towering sand dunes and quiet beaches. From the ferry landing, hike the Cape Moreton Track to the historic Cape Moreton Lighthouse (the only stone lighthouse in Queensland) and take in sweeping views of the Pacific. Whale season off the coast of Brisbane runs from June to November and peaks in August. According to new research from Griffith University, Moreton Bay is becoming more than just a migratory corridorits now a key resting and nursing zone for mother whales and their calves on their return journey south. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) To help protect the blood supply this summer, the American Red Cross is teaming up with six local breweries. Blood donations can drop during the summer as vacations, events and holidays take up peoples calendars, according to Red Cross spokesperson Mara Thompson. She also said there will be a community blood drive at The Chateau Bonaparte Ballroom in Bloomington as part of the Breweries for Blood collaboration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The blood drive will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 1, at The Chateau. Thompson said all donors will receive a special Red Cross t-shirt while supplies last. They will also receive a $15 e-gift card to a business of their choice. She also said the Red Cross will perform free A1C testing, which is often used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes, on successful donations in August. To register to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visit RedCrossBlood.org, and enter the sponsor code BREW, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule an appointment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. ACADIANA (KLFY) Today, marks one year since the Jeanerette standoff that resulted in the death of Lafayette Police Senior Corporal Segus Jolivette. Although Sr. Cpl. Jolivette is no longer with us, his family, fellow law enforcement and legislators are making sure his legacy lives on forever. Former Opelousas Police Chief Martin McLendon shared what working alongside Jolivette was like. That badge, he wore with honor, he wore with dignity. And he had integrity. McLendon said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Many of Jolivettes colleagues from multiple law enforcement agencies admired his loving personality and undying passion for being a police officer that began as a child in the jr. police program. That program has since seen even more success in his hometown of Opelousas. Thats what he always talked about. He always dreamed of wearing that white shirt. Derrick Jolivette-Davis, Segus brother said. Even after Jolivettes funeral, the tributes did not stop. The Lafayette Police Department created a Tribute Wall at Precinct 4 where he worked. Also, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Louisiana State Police now has every cadet class carry Jolivettes backpack with them each day of the academy since Jolivette was originally scheduled to join State Police in cadet class 105. Segus mother, Mary Jolivette, shared a fond memory of son. Segus quote to himself was to say where you want to be and dont start to get there. He knew where he wanted to be and he didnt stop until he accomplished it. Mary Jolivette said. Jolivettes legacy would be etched in Louisiana history as Duson Police Chief Kip Judice would work with State Representative Chad Boyer to get the Segus Jolivette Act signed into state law. The law stated Resisting a police officer with force or violence can now lead to a second-degree murder charge if it results in death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a former state trooper, you know, it always hits home when anybody, you know, loses their life in the line of duty. And anything that we can do to prevent this from happening again is is extremely important and critical for us. Boyer said. Segus Wife Alexis Jolivette added The Segus Jolivette Act is to never have another family feel this type of pain that my family is enduring. This is definitely a part of just turning our pain into purpose. Even a year later, Jolivettes kindness, passion, work ethic and memory is still felt across law enforcement and the state they serve. Latest news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. ARLINGTON, Kan. (KSNW) Reno County EMS has officially broken ground on a new ambulance station in Arlington, which it says will better serve the western part of the county. The new building at 107 W. Fair St. will replace the current downtown station, which EMS Chief Dave Johnston said has needed an upgrade for years. This has been a project thats been in the works for over six years, Johnston said in a news release. Our current station is a little rough. Deputies pull over 80s rock star en route to Dodge City show Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The modern facility will house Medic 3 and include space for a second ambulance. It will be staffed 24/7 by a paramedic and EMT, or two paramedics. Construction is expected to wrap up in early 2026. The project is a partnership between Reno County EMS, the county commission, the City of Arlington, and Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. 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. Jul. 25WILKES-BARRE Most of the fire-damaged rooms in the Genetti apartment complex have been given a certificate of occupancy from Wilkes-Barre City, with a small area still to be approved before complete occupancy can happen. Gus Genetti, owner, said renters are returning to the apartment complex for the first time since January 2022 when the building was severely damaged by fire. Mr. Genetti said he has been working with his insurance company since the fire occurred resulting in $4 million in damage and repairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Yes, this is a happy day," said Mr. Genetti. "After being closed for three and a half years, we can finally start renting again." At the time of the fire, Mr. Genetti said all 105 rooms in what was formerly the Redington Hotel were occupied. City Administrator Charles McCormick confirmed that most of the space has been certified for occupancy. He said once the remaining area is approved, the city will issue a full certificate of occupancy. One man died and nearly 125 people were evacuated due to the fire in January 2022. City firefighters responded to the seven-story building at East Market Street and South Pennsylvania Avenue for a fire on the third floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, City Fire Chief Jay Delaney said the blaze was contained to an interior third-floor room, while the second and first floors sustained heavy water damage and the upper floors sustained heavy smoke damage. A preliminary review determined that all six floors were damaged, with the most serious damage to the first five floors. The Redington Hotel opened in 1906 and is a historic hotel with a rich past. It was a prominent establishment in the area, boasting modern conveniences and attracting notable guests. While the hotel has faced challenges and changes in ownership over the years, it remains a part of the city's history. Here's a more detailed look at Hotel Redington: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hotel was built by John A. Redington and designed by the architectural firm McCormick and French. It featured amenities like a dining room, telephone exchange, public bath, barber shop, butcher shop, and bakery. Comedians Abbott and Costello were among the famous visitors who stayed at the hotel. John Redington leased the hotel in 1922 and eventually sold it in 1960 to Morgus Enterprises. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle. SPRINGFIELD TWP., Ohio (WKBN) Fire training could put smoke in the air in Springfield Township this weekend. The fire department said if you see a large black trailer in New Springfield with smoke coming from it, no need for concern. Firefighters will be training on fire behavior. The free training program is through the Ohio State Fire Marshals 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 WKBN.com. MILLCREEK, Utah (ABC4) Residents who were evacuated from their homes due to a fire burning at the Willow Glen Apartments are speaking out about what the experience has been like. The fire began in a nearby field, and wind pushed it towards the apartments, where it burned 2 buildings and at least 24 units. According to the Unified Fire Authority, the fire was caused by someone mowing the grass in that nearby field. Residents were evacuated, and so far, no injuries have been reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Large fire burns apartment complexes in Millcreek, evacuations ordered The fire department came, knocked on our doors, asked us to get out. They did a good job of getting everybody out, thank God, one resident told ABC4.com. I dont think anybody got hurt, but the whole hillside on the back on the north side of the apartments was on fire. And I guess the fire started over here is what theyre saying, he continued, gesturing to that nearby field. And then went up in that little area right up in there and then spread to that apartment and then the carport And what can I say? He shrugged. Another resident of the apartments, Alexis Bybee, said that the buildings went up in flames extremely quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were just in our apartment when all of a sudden, my dad was like, Theres a fire! Theres a fire! and my son I have an eight-year-old son he actually plays along that ridge where the fire had initially started, she said. So, we went outside, and that whole back wall was just completely aflame, and then it spread to one building, and then to another. The building she lives in was not affected, Bybee said, but they still had to evacuate. Theyre at the evacuation center at the nearby church. Weve been here for quite a while, so hopefully we can go back home soon, Bybee said. She added that theres a lot of dry brush in that area, so she wasnt terribly surprised that it caught fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bybee said that she knows that the power and gas are out at her home, and shes hopeful that the only damage done will be smoke damage. The initial field fire burning trees The initial field fire burning trees Heavy smoke in the area as crews work on the fire Crews working the fire Heavy smoke in the area as crews work on the fire Heavy smoke in the area as crews work on the fire Crews working the fire View of the smoke near Holladay Road (KTVX / McKenzie Diaz) The Red Cross has partnered with the nearby Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in order to set up an evacuation center for residents. ABC4.com spoke with Matt Stevens of the American Red Cross. Were extremely grateful for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for allowing us to have a temporary evacuation center at the East Ridge Ward, so thats where folks can go right now, Stevens said. At the center, theyre providing food and other resources for people who were displaced. Well be serving pizzas, Stevens said. Weve got snacks and water and just comfort from people that are experienced volunteers that can really start helping people on that road to recovery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The center is not currently set up to serve as a shelter, as the Unified Fire Authority is hopeful that the fire will be extinguished soon. People dont plan for this, you know, so what do you do? You need that- that person with the experience to really talk out those next steps and to just be there for comfort and care, Stevens said. And thats the crux of what we do. 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. Nine months after Hurricane Helene tore through western North Carolina, the small mountain communities along the French Broad River are still struggling with an agonizing recovery. According to CNN, several towns remain scarred by debris piles and damaged buildings, the result of damaging winds and unprecedented flooding across hundreds of miles in the region. What's happening? Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida on Sept. 26, 2024, as a Category 4 storm, making its way toward the Blue Ridge Mountains the following day. The storm caused at least 107 reported deaths in North Carolina and major destruction across several towns, with floodwaters reaching record-breaking levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The water came up 27 vertical feet," Korey Hampton, who owns an outdoor adventure company in Marshall, told CNN. "That means sometimes hundreds of horizontal feet where there was floodwater." Local rescue volunteers spent days pulling people from second-story windows, then weeks recovering bodies from the debris. The first homes have yet to be rebuilt nearly six months after the disaster, according to state lawmakers, who expressed their frustration with the slow pace of recovery efforts. Hampton told CNN that the healing process has been difficult: "It's hard to switch back to the, 'Oh, everything is fun. No big deal.' I'm getting there, but it's going to take a while." Why is the ongoing devastation important? Tropical storms are increasingly threatening communities that have historically felt safe from a hurricane's impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scientists agree that human-induced overheating of our planet directly contributes to making storms like Helene even more destructive, with Climate Central research showing that climate change increased the intensity of most Atlantic hurricanes between 2019 and 2023. Thirty hurricanes during this time reached intensities around one category higher than expected. Warmer sea-surface temperatures intensify tropical storm wind speeds, giving them the potential to deliver even more damage upon landfall. Over the 39-year period from 1979 to 2017, the number of major hurricanes increased, while the number of smaller hurricanes decreased. How concerned are you about your energy bills increasing this summer? Very Somewhat Not much Not at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Furthermore, higher sea levels can push more water inland during hurricane-related storm surges. The average global sea level has already risen by over half a foot since 1880, as detailed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. What's being done about hurricane resilience? Gov. Josh Stein has announced a new program to repair or rebuild homes in western North Carolina that were damaged by the storm, and the "Rediscover the Unforgettable" tourism initiative aims to bring visitors back to the affected areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the individual level, supporting renewable energy initiatives and transitioning your home to cleaner energy sources can help lessen the impact that fossil fuels and pollution have on increasing storm damage. Be sure your family has an emergency plan for future extreme weather events, even if you're located in an area that has historically been considered safe. 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. A Russian Su-27UB fighter jet caught fire at the Armavir airfield in Russia's Krasnodar Krai, Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) reported on July 26, hinting it was an act of Russian sabotage. "Resistance to the Kremlin regime inside Russia is growing," HUR said in a statement. The agency released video footage apparently showing the incident from a first-person perspective. The clip suggests that a Molotov cocktail or similar incendiary device was used to ignite the aircraft, which burst into flames shortly after. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The targeted airfield, located in Armavir, hosts aircraft used to train cadets of the Krasnodar Aviation School. HUR cited local residents who said communication networks near the base were down following the incident. The Kyiv Independent could not verify HUR's claims. 0:00 / 1 The Su27UB is a twin-seat, combat-capable trainer variant of Russia's Su27 fighter. While designed for training, the aircraft is fully operational in combat and serves as a platform for developing the Su30 series. Krasnodar Krai, situated just east of occupied Crimea and separated by the Kerch Strait, has become an increasingly frequent target of Ukrainian drone strikes. The region's military infrastructure is critical for Russia's air operations in the south and over the Black Sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 7, Ukrainian long-range drones struck the Ilsky oil refinery in Russia's Krasnodar Krai, hitting one of the facility's technological workshops. Read also: Zelenskys big Ukraine blunder, explained Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Retired CIA official Susan Miller, an author of the agencys 2017 intelligence report on Russian election meddling, is vowing to fight any potential criminal charges brought by the Trump administration. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has accused the Obama administration of manufacturing the intelligence report, which assessed that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election to help Donald Trump, and said she made criminal referrals to the Justice Department. My team and I, just yesterday, had a few drinks and talked about that, and talked about what lawyers wed be looking for, if that happens, Miller told CNNs Kaitlan Collins on The Source on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Ill do it. Ill fight, Ill fight to the end, she added. Pushing back against Gabbards accusations, Miller said that no one including then-President Barack Obama or then-CIA Director John Brennan had told her team what conclusion to reach in their report. Absolutely not, she said. She added that she and her team would have quit if they had faced such pressure. Miller said the intelligence that helped them reach their conclusion was extremely sound and it was verified. Miller also said her team briefed Trump at the time. She went on to say that the reports findings were not at all based on the so-called Steele dossier, which was included as an addendum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The infamous dossier was written by former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele, and funded by Hillary Clintons campaign. It alleged coordination between the Russian government and people associated with the Trump campaign, though its ultimate credibility was limited. While Millers team could determine that 100% Russia tried to influence the 2016 election, its indeterminable whether Moscows efforts worked, Miller said. But the bottom line is, yes, they tried to influence it. No, unless we poll every voter as to why they voted, we cant tell you if that worked. And therefore, from our perspective, Trump is our president. And we just left it at that, she told CNN. In a statement, the White House praised Gabbard and described the 2017 intelligence report and its findings as a total hoax and political witch hunt to snub President Trumps historic first term in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think it is wrong in every single way, Miller told CNN in response and warned of Gabbards attacks against the report and its findings. What Tulsi is saying is: We only want to hear anything thats pro-Trump, pro-Trump policy pro-current Republican Party from any of our intel services, and if we hear anything thats not that, then were going to come after you. And thats what it feels like. And so, what analyst wants to put his or her, their name on any paper now? she said. Miller said she and her team told the truth and the information was well sourced. We looked at everything, and were being now told that we somehow did it wrong, we didnt have analysts involved, when three of my team were analysts. We had rigorous analytic reviews by our then-head of analysis. And it just, it doesnt make sense to me. It just doesnt. It really is sad. CNNs Alejandra Jaramillo and Jeremy Herb contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com RACINE Alfredo Gonzalez was initially nervous. He had just started his electrician youth apprenticeship and hesitated to ask questions. That soon changed, though, as he acclimated to the job and was encouraged by helpful coworkers. Theres so much to learn, and I love learning, Gonzalez said. Gonzalez has seemingly excelled during the past year at Lemberg Electric helping construct the new Red Apple school, which is funded by a Racine Unified School District capital referendum. The youth apprenticeship, which ended last month when Gonzalez graduated from Park High School, solidified his interest in pursuing a career in the trades. I love it; its been great, Gonzalez said. Gonzalezs colleagues speak extremely highly of him. Dave Schmitz, Lemberg project manager, said Gonzalez is a phenomenal worker who is always on time with the proper equipment and a great attitude. Everybody loves him, Schmitz said. Gonzalez was Lembergs first youth apprentice, and Kyle Witte, Lemberg president, said the company was lucky to choose him. I told him, Were here to support you. Youll have a home here, because hes a good kid, Witte said. Program background Gonzalez was one of a record-high 240 students in the Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce youth apprenticeship program in 2024-25. The previous peak was 226 students in 2023-24. The program is facilitated by RAMAC in collaboration with RUSD. It started in the early 1990s and is for juniors and seniors in eastern Racine County. It is funded by a grant from the state Department of Workforce Development. The goal is to provide direct, paid learning experiences for students in a line of work they are interested in for a career. There are opportunities for students who plan to attend college, join the military or pursue a career in the workforce after high school. Students in the program receive hands-on training, have a mentor at the company and take a class related to their apprenticeship, sometimes for college credit. In 2024-25, 154 students (65%) were second-year participants in the youth apprenticeship program, and 86 students (35%) were first-year participants, according to Jen Muffick, regional youth apprenticeship coordinator. There were 151 employers, the second-highest ever, in the program in 2024-25, Muffick said. The program is getting more name recognition out there, and people are recognizing it as a program that will move the dial, she said. Its a different way to look at how to tap into the emerging workforce, and we need it. Students worked in 16 areas, according to Muffick, who said the most popular industries are architecture/construction, health science and marketing. Alexander DeBaker, RUSD executive director of academies and transformation, said the district hit its goal of 240 students last school year, which was about 16% of eligible students. DeBaker said the district hopes to eventually have 20% of eligible RUSD students in the program, which would be about 300 students. I think 240 is a great number, but we can absolutely grow, DeBaker said. Muffick said it would be great to have 300 students, but she wants the program to sustainably expand. We want to make sure our YA experiences have rigor and were doing them with fidelity, Muffick said. We obviously want to grow our program, but we want to grow it in a way thats valuable for the students and the employers. That would be great to get 300, but were looking for the quality of the programs at this point. Broadening horizons Witte said it was great to work with RAMAC and RUSD. It really has been advantageous to be part of the program, Witte said. It was seamless for us. He said Lemberg plans to hire more youth apprentices as a way to ideally get more people working in construction. Youve gotta keep getting that interest in the trades, even if its not our trade, he said. Hopefully they pick our trade, selfishly, after you invest your time and efforts, but if not, youre helping construction as a whole. RUSD employed the most youth apprentices in 2024-25, with about 20 students working at the district in areas including education, marketing, maintenance and information technology. We obviously have to champion that work so that we can show, Hey, this works, DeBaker said. DeBaker and Michael Lynch, Park High School workplace learning coordinator, hope more businesses participate, since that will help grow the program. Lynch assists students like Gonzalez with resumes and mock interviews before they talk with employers. He said the process of interviewing can be helpful for students, even if they do not land a youth apprenticeship right away. It is important to open students eyes to future possibilities, Lynch said, including some they did not know existed. He regularly meets with students about the job, program requirements and balancing classes with work. A youth apprenticeship often boosts students confidence, according to Lynch, which impacts their peers. Other students start to gravitate toward that, Lynch said. Gonzalez told friends about the program, one of whom he said earned a carpentry youth apprenticeship. Not every student with a youth apprenticeship finds a career fit like Gonzalez did, which is OK. Do I want to be out in the dirt when its zero degrees? Thats the reality of the job, Witte said. We as a trade want to try to make sure that the people coming in have already tasted it and want to know that this is the career they want to be in. Muffick agreed and said students can learn as much by doing a job they do not like. After 34 years as a teacher and counselor at RUSD, Muffick started her role last year and enjoys helping provide life-changing opportunities for young people in the program. Its really fun to see them take that opportunity and then run with it, she said. Lasting impact Gonzalez has run with his opportunity. He worked part-time during the 2024-25 school year. He is now a full-time construction wireman at Lemberg and hopes to soon be an electrical apprentice and eventually a journeyman electrician. Because of Red Apple school project delays, Gonzalez initially spent time learning prefabrication, which he said better prepared him for on-site work. He has done pipe work and installed light fixtures, among other duties. Gonzalez enjoyed seeing the project move from design to construction. Its pretty impressive how every trade does their part and it turns into a whole structure, Gonzalez said. The new Red Apple K-8 STEAM School at 1012 Center St. is scheduled to be completed in January 2026. Red Apple focuses on science, technology, education, arts and mathematics education. Students will attend the current Red Apple school at 914 St. Patrick St. until the new building is ready. Gonzalez said it has been awesome to help construct a building in the district he attended. He takes pride in his work and looks forward to driving by the school when it opens to see the end product of his labor. Your names going to be written on that work for as long as this building is going to be up, so making everything look nice and neat, to me thats rewarding, Gonzalez said. Five photos of an April 2025 youth apprenticeship hiring fair Zanea Hurt Zanea Hurt, Horlick High School sophomore, talks to O&H Danish Bakery employees Tuesday during a youth apprenticeship hiring event. The Ra Cooper, Maynard Jabria Cooper, Case High School sophomore, right, talks with Angela Maynard, Marcus Renaissance Cinema general manager, Tuesday during a youth Jose Cervantes Jose Cervantes, Case High School junior, was one of many high schoolers who attended a youth apprenticeship hiring event Tuesday at Roma Lodge. Youth apprenticeship hiring fair Javonta Cooper Javonta Cooper, center, Case High School junior, talks to Keaton Reber, Racine Unified School District information technology worker, right, w Youth apprentice hiring fair High schoolers explored potential jobs Tuesday during a youth apprenticeship hiring event at Roma Lodge. NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) Kenneth Harris spent most of his days in Atlanta yearning for a life in a place where his dark skin color is not a source of suspicion, but a mark of a shared heritage. His chance came two years ago when he bought a one-way ticket to Kenya. The 38-year-old retired veteran has found a community in the east African country's capital, where he now runs an Airbnb business. He loves admiring Nairobi's golden sunset from a rooftop terrace, and enjoys a luxurious lifestyle in a tastefully furnished apartment in an upmarket neighborhood. Harris is part of a growing wave of African Americans who are relocating to Kenya, citing the need to connect with their ancestors or coming home," a phrase often used among the Black community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like dozens of other African Americans who have moved to Nairobi in recent years, Harris was attracted to Kenyas tropical climate and what he describes as the warmth and friendliness of the people he believes he shares a history and culture with. In search of community and a better life I have always had that adventurous spirit, especially when I joined the military and got to go to different countries. So I am taking the opportunity to venture out to new places," he said. That is what allowed me to make a home away from home and Kenya is my new home. Some friends have been reaching out to him to explore a change from the U.S for their peace of mind, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several other African Americans who have come home like him have set up thriving businesses in Nairobi that include travel agencies, restaurants and farms. Many African Americans who have sought a better life abroad or are considering it said President Donald Trump's administration with its crackdown on diversity programs isn't the main reason they want to move. Rather, most say they had been mulling a move for some time, and the current political environment in the U.S. may be pushing them to act sooner than initially planned. I cant say the administration is the reason why the people I know want to part ways from America. Some are planning to move for a better quality of living life, Harris said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Auston Holleman, an American YouTuber who has lived in various countries for almost a decade, said he settled on Kenya nine months ago because people look like me. It is not like going to Europe or going to some Latin American countries where there are not many Black people, he said. Holleman, who often films his daily life, said he felt that the social fabric in the U.S. was broken." In contrast, he said he felt socially accepted in Kenya. He cited an experience when his taxi drivers car stopped, and in five minutes they got help from a random stranger. That made me realize I was in the right place, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Growing numbers are interested in leaving the US Other African countries have attracted even larger numbers of African Americans. Ghana, which launched a Year of the Return program to attract the Black diaspora in 2019, said last year it held a ceremony that granted citizenship to 524 people, mostly Black Americans. African American businesses such as Adilah Relocation Services have seen a notable rise in the number of African Americans seeking to move to Kenya. The companys founder, Adilah Mohammad, moved to Kenya four days after her mothers funeral in search of healing. She says the peace and restoration she experienced in Kenya made her stay and advocate for those searching for the same. Her company helps clients relocate by house hunting, shopping for furniture and ensuring banking and medical services are seamless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are 15 families that have come so far, and we have five more on the calendar that are coming in the next 90 days. We have people that have booked for 2026 with no date, they just know that they are leaving, she says. Mohammad said many African Americans have been planning their move for decades. For me it is a movement. It is people deciding to make a choice for themselves, they are not being forced, shackles are being broken. When they say they are coming home, they are choosing to be free and it is mental freedom and so I am ecstatic, she says. Experts say African economies are likely to benefit from these moves, especially from those willing to tackle corruption and create a healthy environment for investors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Raphael Obonyo, a public policy expert at U.N-Habitat, says the U.S is losing resources as well as the popular narrative that America is the land of opportunities and dreams. This reverse migration is denting that narrative, so America is most likely to lose including things like brain drain, he explained. For Mohammad, the sense of belonging has given her peace within. I love being here. Returning to Africa is one thing, but finding the place that you feel like you belong is another, she said. _____________ For more on Africa and development: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-pulse The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is reportedly planning to remove all the members of an influential health task force that helps determine what preventative care services insurers must cover for free, after removing all members of a vaccine advisory board last month. Kennedy wants to clean house at U.S. Preventative Services Task Force next because he believes its 16 members have become too woke, The Wall Street Journal reported. Under 2010s Affordable Care Act, the task force makes evidence-based, public recommendations on a variety of treatments, ranging HIV prevention to prenatal care to mental health, that insurers must cover at no cost to patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Health and Human Services has said the secretary hasnt made a final decision regarding the task force. The Independent has contacted the agency for comment. Kennedys reported dissatisfaction with the group comes after the American Conservative magazine accused the task force of being a festering corner of woke bureaucracy earlier this month. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr looks to remove a panel that help decide which preventive health screenings would be free. (Getty) The task force is packed with Biden administration appointees devoted to the ideological capture of medicine, the author argued, pointing to sinister recent task force actions committing to removing racial inequities in health care and using more inclusive language around gender. Earlier this month, a July meeting of the task force was postponed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, a letter from over 100 health organizations warned about the politicization of the task forces work. Kennedys reported dissatisfaction with the group comes after the American Conservative magazine accused the task force of being a festering corner of woke bureaucracy (AP) The loss of trustworthiness in the rigorous and nonpartisan work of the Task Force would devastate patients, hospital systems, and payers as misinformation creates barriers to accessing lifesaving and cost-effective care, the letter reads. When something works well and helps inform doctors about how to take care of their patients, to postpone the task forces work just doesnt make any sense, Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, president of the American Medical Association, told The New York Times after the meeting was postponed. This flies in the face of what is good for the countrys health. In June, the Supreme Court upheld the task forces ability to recommend free coverage for preventative services, in the face of a challenge from individuals and businesses objecting to the bodys recommendation regarding HIV prevention medication. Concern over the fate of the task force comes after Kennedy removed all the members of a vaccine advisory board, replacing them with some members who share the secretarys vaccine skepticism. More road closures and lane reductions could add time to your commute this weekend. Starting Friday, expect closures to impact traffic in Kent, Auburn, and Pierce County, along with lane reductions that are already in place in Seattle. In Kent , southbound State Route 167 will close between State Route(SR) 516/Willis Street and South 277th Street from 11:59 p.m., Friday, July 25, to 4 a.m. Monday, July 28. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drivers can use this detour to get around it. The work will replace bridge joints and resurface the Green River bridge. I think definitely will affect many people, said Alena Michalek, driving through Kent Friday. In Auburn, eastbound State Route 18 will close between C Street Southwest and Auburn Way South from 9 p.m., Friday, July 25, to 5 a.m. Monday, July 28, so that crews can perform paving work. In Pierce County , northbound I-5, approaching DuPont, will be closed over two nights at Steilacoom-DuPont Road. Travelers can utilize a detour over the Steilacoom-DuPont Road off- and on-ramps from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Friday night, July 25, and Saturday night, July 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The closures follow previous lane reductions on northbound I-5 in Seattle across the Ship Canal Bridge, which are still in place. Those reductions are in place until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, August 15. Lanes are also reduced on southbound I-5 in Everett between exits 193 and 188. Its part of an ongoing pavement repair project, which began on July 19 and will continue through the fall. Up to four lanes will close each Saturday from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. Sunday, from 7 p.m. Sunday to 5 a.m. Monday, and Tuesday to Friday from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. nightly. Its an absolute Zoo, said Diana Pardo Patterson, who lives in Kent and plans to stay close to home all weekend. It really is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The closures come during a weekend filled with several major events, including the Seafair Torchlight Parade, the reopening of Pier 58, a Morgan Wallen concert, Bite of Seattle and more. We know that its a very busy summer, said Washington State Department of Transportation spokesperson Craig Smiley. Were doing our best kind of optimize some of the schedules. Smiley said the department is working on a lot of capital infrastructure projects that were funded around the same time. He said that several big components of their construction are falling around the same time too. Robert Seurkamp, a retired Xerox executive who was a presence at Notre Dame of Maryland University, where his wife had been president, died of heart failure July 18 at his Baltimore County home. He was 85. Born in Cincinnati, he was the son of William Seurkamp, a police officer, and his wife, Angie Elizabeth. As a high school student, he worked at Putnicks hardware store and picked up skills in home repair, mechanics and construction. He attended Miami University in Ohio and earned a degree from SUNY Empire State in Rochester. In 1959, he joined the Air Force and was stationed in Colorado and New Jersey. As an aircraft mechanic, he was assigned to Florida during the April 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion in Cuba. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After leaving the military, he joined Xerox Corporation in Cincinnati. He worked his way up from service technician to management and held posts with the firm in Boston; Greenwich, Connecticut; and Rochester, New York. He became Xeroxs manager of industrial relations and multinational customer service strategy. Mr. Seurkamp received the Xerox Presidents Award. He met his future wife, Mary Pat Reuwer, on a date arranged by friends. I suggested a lunch because I thought it would not take up too much time. Then, three hours later, we were still talking, she said. After retiring from Xerox, Mr. Seurkamp achieved a lifetime dream: to buy and run a marina. He owned and operated the East Bluff Harbor Marina on one of the Finger Lakes, Keuka Lake, in upstate New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a lot of work for him, his wife said. He turned the marina around and wound up storing more than 300 boats over the winter. Mr. Seurkamp also raced hydroplane craft and had earlier raced stock cars. After his wife was named president of what is now Notre Dame of Maryland University in 1997, he became a presence at university events. They lived in Roland Park, and he assisted with her duties at home receptions and gatherings. So much of fundraising is about cultivating friendships, and that involves both partners, his wife said. People found Bob charming. Id walk into a room and people would ask, Wheres Bob?' Related Articles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Seurkamp also traveled with his wife to the Franz Mayer studio in Munich, Germany, to inspect work when the 19th-century stained-glass windows from the schools Marikle Chapel of the Annunciation were restored. Bobs commitment to his faith, his steadfast dedication to the Churchs mission in Baltimore and to Catholic education are truly commendable, said Archbishop William Lori in a statement. Mary Pat is a true pioneer in Catholic education, and Bobs unwavering support of her work and accomplishments was evident in all that he did. After moving to Baltimore, Mr. Seurkamp started a consulting business in labor relations and strategic planning. He was also named executive director of the Maryland Governors Workforce Investment Board by Gov. Robert Ehrlich. He collected Early American pottery, amassing a collection of more than 200 pitchers and teaching a course about this era of pottery-making. He and his wife later bought a home in Middle River on Sue Creek, which he rebuilt from the studs up. The residence housed his collection of American saltware and spongeware pottery pitchers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday at the Marikle Chapel of the Annunciation, Theresa Hall, on the campus of Notre Dame of Maryland University at 4701 N. Charles St. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Mary Pat Reuwer Seurkamp; two daughters, Kris Seurkamp Knauf, of Rochester, and Alison Brooke Pierce, of Lewisberry, Pennsylvania; a son, Robert Everett Seurkamp, of Halethorpe; and three sisters, Beverly Desmarais and Sharon Hunter, both of Clearwater, Florida, and Debi Gerbus of Cincinnati. His first wife, Joan Everett Seurkamp, died in 1972. Have a news tip? Contact Jacques Kelly at jacques.kelly@baltsun.com and 410-332-6570. Credit: Monumental Robot bricklayers are set to be trialled on British construction sites amid warnings of a major labour shortage in the house building industry. The machines, developed by Dutch company Monumental, use two mechanical arms that dispense mortar and lay bricks at a similar pace to a human. That is equivalent to roughly 500 bricks per robot in a typical eight-hour shift, but they can be programmed to work around the clock if required albeit under human supervision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It represents one potential solution to help ease a chronic shortage of brickies in Britains construction industry, with experts warning that at least 25,000 more are needed to meet the Governments house-building plans. In the Netherlands, Monumentals machines have already built facades for dozens of houses as well as canal-supporting walls in housing developments. They can construct straight-lined brick walls and some cornering. Now, Monumental is preparing to trial the machines in the UK for the first time with London bricklaying contractor Galostar, a company that has previously worked on residential projects as well as bigger schemes such as the Olympic Stadium in Stratford, east London, and the capitals Sadlers Wells Theatre. Tony Chapman, Galostars managing director, said the tests were expected to begin next month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They will initially focus on whether the robots can be successfully adapted to British standards and can handle being deployed on scaffolding. He said: We dont think they [the machines] will ever completely replace brickies, but they can certainly help with the skills shortages we are dealing with. From our point of view it also helps because the robots dont need breaks, they dont take time off, and so if you have several of them you will know exactly what your output is going to be. One person can supervise two of the machines at once but the supervisor does not need to be a qualified bricklayer, meaning it should be easier to keep construction sites manned, said Salar al Khafaji, Monumentals co-founder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said: You just contract us to do work, and we will come with our machines to do the work, instead of a bunch of humans. Your labour pool will now be much bigger, and you can work multiple shifts. Sebastiaan Visser and Salar al Khafaji of Monumental, which has developed the building machines - Sander Karsen He expects to charge about the same as the going rate for a human brickie, or around 1 per brick. Monumental says the robots can also be programmed to lay different brick configurations and patterns. It potentially opens the door for a return to the more elaborate styles of brickwork beloved by Victorian and Edwardian builders that are considered too labour-intensive by large-volume housebuilders today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, if you want to ask for a very nice, patterned facade with two brick colours, youll get an outrageously expensive quote, because its quite hard and it will slow the masons down, Mr al Khafaji added. But this is exactly the kind of thing that robots excel at you just enter it once, and our system allows you to have a mixed supply of coloured bricks and different types of bricks. And we wont charge you more, because its not more expensive. So youll be able to bring some of those things back into the industry. Were doing a canal wall in Amsterdam soon with really elaborate patterns bricks sticking out, that sort of thing. Its kind of crazy, Im very excited about it. Monumental says its robot bricklayer can build elaborate patterns at no extra cost - Sander Karsen Mr al Khafaji is a former executive at Palantir, the US defence tech giant co-founded by PayPal billionaire and Donald Trump supporter Peter Thiel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he wanted to apply his expertise in software and machine learning to help solve problems in the construction industry, which has long been viewed by economists as a laggard. He co-founded Monumental in 2021 with Sebastiaan Visser. The pair raised $25m (18.6m) from investors last year. They have long been eyeing the UK where roughly five times as many bricks are laid per year than in the Netherlands because of the huge national shortage of bricklayers. A recent report by the Home Builders Federation and the Construction Industry Training Board estimated that 25,000 more brickies are needed to meet the Governments target to build 1.5m homes before the next election. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Jul. 25ROCHESTER After the proposed federal budget marked a loss in the Boys and Girls Club of Rochester's funding through the 21st Century Community Learning Center, the freeze has been lifted. The Club said more than 10% of their funding comes from 21CCLC, as previously reported in the Post Bulletin. The funding supports programs and services for youth in the community. The after school and summer programs can be offered at no-cost to families with the funding, according to a statement from the Boys & Girls Club. "Why do community learning centers such as Club matter? Because they change young people's lives, and when our children thrive, our whole community thrives," Chad Campbell, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Rochester, said in the statement. "This funding ensures that kids who need us most have access to caring mentors, academic support, enrichment experiences, and the confidence to reach their full potential." They also thanks community supporters and elected officials, including Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Sen. Tina Smith and Rep. Brad Finstad, for their advocacy during this time. LORAIN, Ohio (WJW) The community came together for Rockin on the River in downtown Lorain on Friday night, showing support for the three Lorain officers who were shot, one fatally, during an ambush this week. A portion of the proceeds from the event will go directly to the police departments charitable foundation. That money will benefit the officers families. The Fraternal Order of Police set up a tent just outside the stage to collect donations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To help raise money for the families of these three officers and of course officer Wagner, said TJ Assion, state vice president of the FOP. Watch: Procession for slain Lorain officer Phillip Wagner arrives to funeral home Assion said all money collected at the tent will go directly to the families of the officers. We are here to let them know they are not going through this loss alone. We feel it all over Ohio, he said. There is only one agency we use for safety and security and thats the Lorain Police Department, said Tom Brown with the Lorain Port and Finance Authority. When this senseless tragedy happened, we took a pause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Brown, organizers met with the the police department before making a decision. We thought wed cancel, Brown said. They said they wanted to work, they wanted the opportunity to raise funds for the families affected by this tragedy and it just kind of snowballed from there. We were already receiving donations before we opened the gate. Now, a portion of the proceeds from both shows this weekend will go to the Lorain Police Officers Charitable Foundation. Everybody has been so supportive and tonight is an opportunity for people, whether its a dollar, $5, $10, whatever they can give, Brown said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fallout from shootings: Whats being done to protect local police Rockin on the River said they will continue to honor the brave officers throughout the weekend. And just like that, what is normally a summer concert series down at Black River Landing became something so much more. When people are up against the ropes in this area, they come together. Its just a horrific tragedy and hopefully we can show care to that family, Brown said. Learn more about the event right here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Rockland Deputy Chief put on administrative leave pending investigation The Rockland Police Department has placed Deputy Chief Brian Coakley on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation. Boston 25 reached out to Rockland police regarding the matter. They issued the following statement from the Town of Rockland: The Town of Rockland is firmly committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and accountability for its employees, particularly law enforcement personnel. The Town placed Deputy Chief Brian Coakley on administrative leave in early July pending the outcome of an investigation. We recognize and respect the publics interest in these matters. However, the Town does not comment on personnel issues or ongoing internal affairs investigations. There will be no further comment at this time. Town of Rockland Coakley, who was placed on administrative leave in early July, was promoted to Deputy Chief back on September 17, 2024. It is unclear at this time what the investigation is regarding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The Royal Academy of Arts has been accused of displaying anti-Semitic artwork inspired by the war in Gaza for a second time. Jewish visitors said they had been left upset by two pieces of artwork by Michael Sandle, a Royal Academy member, that were still on display at the Summer Exhibition as of Friday. One 6,000 piece in the display titled Terrorist versus smiling mass murderer of innocents, shows what appears to be a Hamas member standing next to an Israeli air force pilot with a damaged building in the background. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A second work, titled Apropos terror a pilot doesnt hear the screams of the women and children he is massacring with impunity, is a slightly larger version of the first piece and priced at 25,000. Caroline Turner, the director of UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI), wrote to Natasha Mitchell, the Royal Academys interim secretary and chief executive, calling for them to be removed. Ms Turner wrote: The titles of both these drawings imply that Israel is purposely slaughtering women and children. This is far from the truth, since the Israeli army does all it can to avoid harming women and children, while targeting Hamas terrorists, who unfortunately use women and children as human shields, the letter added. The two artworks were created by Michael Sandle, a Royal Academy member - Rosie Greenway/Getty Images The letter was also sent to Batia Ofer, the chairwoman of the Royal Academy Trust and an Israeli-Canadian patroness and philanthropist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Explaining why the artworks were anti-Semitic, the Ms Turner wrote that the pictures applied double standards by requiring of Israel a behaviour not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation which can be anti-Semitic according to example eight of the IHRAs [International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance] working definition of anti-Semitism. The images use the symbols and images associated with classic anti-Semitism (eg claims of Jews killing children) to characterise Israel or Israelis; This is anti-Semitic according to example nine of the IHRA definition, the letter says. The letter, seen by The Telegraph, adds: Accusing Jews of killing babies/children is an old-fashioned blood libel. Sandle should be aware that Israel aims to kill terrorists, not innocent children and others. Mrs Turner also claimed the Royal Academy was breaching the 2010 Equality Act because Sandles art was likely to create an intimidating, hostile and offensive environment for Jews and Israelis who visit the gallery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One Jewish visitor said: I just went to the Royal Academys Summer Exhibition. And there is some disgusting anti-Semitic art hanging there by an artist called Sandle. Unsurprisingly, this isnt the first time. Michael Sandles second piece is an enlarged version of the first and is worth 25,000 - Royal Academy Last year, the Royal Academy apologised for displaying artwork likening Israel to Nazi Germany in an annual Summer Show competition. One piece by a 16-year-old named as Andy, which was later removed, appeared to compare Israels actions in Gaza to Nazism by featuring Arab women screaming under the shadow of a swastika and the looming figure of Buddha. A note with the piece stated: Watching the conflict unravel in Gaza draws many parallels with the Nazis and Chinese oppression, hence the Buddha symbol and the swastika. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A second piece, which was removed, was a photograph of a protester claiming Israel was committing genocide. The photograph, taken by an 18-year-old named Kausar, featured a man holding a sign stating: Jews say stop genocide on Palestinians: not in our name. Ms Turner claimed the Royal Academy has failed to take the concerns of your Jewish visitors into account. She added: We are of course, in favour of freedom of artistic expression, but not freedom to express hateful anti-Semitic sentiments, which stoke up hatred against Jews and Israelis. In a statement, the Royal Academy said works in the exhibition often reflect current societal and political topics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said that artworks in the Summer Exhibition should not be read as the Royal Academy supporting any particular artists point of view. The Royal Academy added: We always take all concerns about artworks on display in the Summer Exhibition seriously; however, our role, as an artist and architect-led organisation, is to allow all artists the ability to express themselves. The Royal Academy is an organisation led by artists and architects and is committed to freedom of expression. In a further letter, Ms Mitchell insisted they were not breaching the Equality Act and added: It is simply untrue to state that we are ignoring the matter, or the concerns raised. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A Royal Caribbean crew member who died after going overboard on the Icon of the Seas ship reportedly jumped into the water after allegedly stabbing a co-worker. The employee, identified as a 35-year-old South African man, was found unresponsive in the water by rescue team members after jumping overboard off the coast of the Bahamas, on Tuesday, July 24, NBC affiliate WTVJ reported. According to the Royal Bahamian Police, per the outlet, the man allegedly stabbed another crew member, identified as a 28-year-old South African woman, multiple times before fleeing and jumping into the water. He was later found unresponsive in the ocean and pronounced dead by onboard medical staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In footage posted on TikTok, passengers on the cruise ship are seen gathering by the sides of the ship and looking across the water. One person is heard saying that they can see the man who went overboard in the sea. Another clip shared shows a man lying motionless on a rescue boat while surrounded by medical team members as the boat is being pulled up from the water and onto the cruise ship. Joe Raedle/Getty Icon of the Seas on Feb. 3, 2024 Icon of the Seas on Feb. 3, 2024 The woman was stabbed in the upper body area and is in a stable condition after receiving treatment, WTVJ reported. A Royal Caribbean spokesperson said in a statement, per the outlet, Our onboard security team responded to an incident involving two crew members in a personal dispute. One of the crew members was injured, was attended to by the onboard medical team and she is now in stable condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Unfortunately, the other crew member is deceased after he went overboard and was recovered in a search and rescue operation. The ship was heading to the Bahamas' CocoCay when the man went overboard at around 7:00 p.m. local time from the ships port side, Cruise Hive and Fox affiliate WSVN reported. Life preservers were then dropped from the ship to mark the mans location and begin a rescue, according to the outlets. A cruise line spokesperson previously confirmed the man's death to PEOPLE in a statement, saying, Our crew immediately initiated a search and rescue operation, but unfortunately the crew member passed away." An autopsy is being carried out to determine the cause of death, per WTVJ. 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. PEOPLE has reached out to the Royal Caribbean and Royal Bahamian Police for comment. Read the original article on People BRIMFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) The Department of Conservation and Recreation has awarded $117,000 to rural, call, and volunteer fire departments across the state to support training and prevent forest fires. This funding was distributed through the Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agricultures Forest Service. This years awards included an additional $30,000 in funding following last years program, and seven more recipients. Crews battle intense fire at South Windsor farmhouse amid storm, pets rescued Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Volunteer Fire Capacity Grants are examples of the Healy-Driscoll Administrations continuing commitment to partner with federal agencies like the US Forest Service in helping rural and volunteer fire departments enhance their ability to provide public safety, said DCR Chief Fire Warden Dave Celino. The historic statewide wildfire activity last fall showed the need for and the value of this collaborative grant effort in support of our rural fire departments, who are the first line of defense in response to these incidents. Smaller departments receive funding through the program as a way to enhance personnel training and community safety, strengthening their dedication to their community. This year, the funding was awarded to 43 fire departments, including numerous in western Massachusetts. In small towns like those receiving grants today, every dollar makes a difference, said State Senator Peter Durant. Departments that rely on volunteer firefighters dont often have funding for equipment or training, yet they face the same dangerous situations as firefighters in larger communities sometimes more so because of a lack of staffing. These funds will allow these departments to be better equipped and trained when they respond to protect the lives and property of their neighbors. The town fire departments that received funding from the VFC program are the following: Adams Ashby Berkley Brimfield Brookfield Chilmark Clarksburg Colrain Dover Dunstable Essex Gosnold Granville Harvard Hawley Huntington Leverett Marion Montgomery New Braintree North Brookfield Oak Bluffs Petersham Plainfield Plympton Provincetown Rochester Royalston Rutland Sheffield Shirley South Deerfield Sunderland Tisbury Townsend Upton Warren West Barnstable West Brookfield Whately Williamsburg Williamstown Windsor Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. Officers with Enforcement and Removal Operations of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with federal partners, conduct an enhanced enforcement operation in Baltimore on Jan. 31. (Photo courtesy U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) Throughout his 2024 campaign to return to the White House, President Donald Trump promised to implement the largest deportation program in the nations history. And since he assumed office on Jan. 20, that promise has not only led to a surge in Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests, its shifted the agencys tactics as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New data shows that Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests have more than doubled since the beginning of the second Trump administration. ICE made 1,736 arrests this year in Maryland 1,683 since Trumps Jan. 20 inauguration through June 26, according to data compiled by the Deportation Data Project, a research team based in Berkeley, California. Thats an average of about 9.8 arrests per day in Maryland in 2025. For comparison, there were 1,343 arrests in Maryland throughout all of 2024, for an average of about 3.7 arrests per day. Cori Alonso-Yoder, a professor at the University of Maryland Carey School of Law and director of its Immigration Clinic, said the rise in immigration arrests is a political message, and part of a larger trend to punish states that arent in political alignment with the administration. The underlying mechanisms have been there, predating the election, and certainly predating the second Trump administration, she said. But what were seeing is sort of them being pushed to their ultimate limit. The increase in ICE activity in the state has led to several high-profile incidents in Maryland over the last six months, including that of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was arrested by ICE agents in Baltimore on March 12 and wrongfully deported to El Salvador due to what the Trump administration called an administrative error. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abrego Garcia was deported to El Salvadors Terrorism Confinement Center three days later, despite having a previous court order from an immigration judge protecting him from deportation to the country due to his risk of persecution if returned to El Salvador. He has since been returned to the U.S. to face human smuggling charges, and is currently being held in Tennessee. And on Monday, Daniel Fuentes Espinal, a local pastor described as a pillar of his Talbot County community, was stopped and arrested by ICE while on his way to work. Fuentes Espinal was born in Honduras, and entered the U.S. illegally after fleeing from violence in the country in 2001. He has no criminal record. After initially being held in a facility in Baltimore, he was transferred and is now being held in Louisiana. Several Maryland leaders, such as Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-4th), have criticized these new tactics and the impact they have on immigrant communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is shocking that the Trump Administration is now targeting churches and other places of worship for ICE raids, Ivey wrote in a statement in January. The risk of racial profiling makes this unconscionable defiance of basic constitutional protections even worse. But others, like House Freedom Caucus Chair Rep. Andy Harris (R-1st), have praised ICE for its increase in arrests. Criminal illegal aliens dont belong in our communities. They belong in custody and out of this country, Harris wrote in a post on X earlier this month. While Trump has said the deportations will target criminals, 40% of those who have been detained by ICE had no criminal record. About 45% detained had been convicted of a crime, while another 15% had criminal charges pending, according to ICE. ICE did not reply to multiple requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eric Lopez, deputy program director at the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights, which provides legal services for immigrants facing detention or deportation, said ICE has become incredibly aggressive in its tactics. What were seeing is an escalation in not just the number of arrests that are happening, but also an escalation in terms of whos being detained, whos being arrested, what practices are being used to arrest people, Lopez said. Lopez said that many of the people that the Amica Center has worked with have been arrested while going to work or attending regular ICE check-ins. The range of people getting arrested varies drastically, he added. People who have never had any contact with the criminal system, not even minor infractions, he said. Were seeing high school students being arrested and transferred out of state. Were seeing parents whove been here for decades, who have no prior contact with law enforcement, arrested and transferred out of state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alonso-Yoder said the impacts of these daily arrests will last for generations. Families who are separated today, they are going to be feeling that separation for generations to come, she said. Alonso-Yoder emphasized how flimsy this concept of doing immigration the right way. Doing it legally has just been utterly upended, she said, noting people who went through legal processes, like Abrego Garcia, or those waiting through the asylum process continue to get arrested. The administration has really obfuscated and confused what it means to be a criminal alien, she said. I think what were just really seeing is that there is not this massive group of criminals in the United States who were not supposed to be here. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Editor's Note: This is a developing story and is being updated. Russia launched ballistic missiles against Ukraine overnight on July 26, with the heaviest attacks targeting Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. The northeastern city of Kharkiv came under fire throughout the night, as Russian drones, missiles, and guided aerial bombs struck the city and surrounding region. Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported that four Russian KAB aerial bombs struck the city's Kyivskyi district. Later, the same neighborhood was hit twice by ballistic missiles. A drone strike in the Kyvskyi district also injured a 57-year-old man, Syniehubov reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attacks in the Kharkiv Oblast city of Zmiiv injured three other people, including a 50-year-old man, Syniehubov reported. The full extent of the damage and casualties of the attack are still being investigated. Earlier in the day, a Russian glide bomb killed at least one person in Kharkiv and injured another 17, including a child. Ukraine's Kharkiv Oblast (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent) Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk Oblast also suffered a Russian missile and drone attack overnight. As of the morning on July 26, one person was reported killed. Earlier in the night, Governor Serhii Lysak reported that the Kamianske district was hit by missiles, causing fires to blaze in the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result of the attack in the regional center of Dnipro, one person died and one was injured. Smoke rising over Dnipro as seen from an ambulance following an attack the morning of July 26, 2025. (Andrea Januta / Kyiv Independent) In Zaporizhzhia, Governor Ivan Fedorov reported that Russia launched at least nine Shahed drones overnight. Multiple fires broke out in the Zaporizhzhia district, and several civilian buildings were damaged. In the Polohiv district, a farm warehouse was damage,d and a private home was destroyed. The mass attack comes two nights after Russia and Ukraine held their third round of peace talks in Istanbul on July 23. The negotiations did not result in a ceasefire agreement, despite U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to impose severe tariffs on Russia if Moscow does not agree to a deal within 50 days of his announcement. The Kremlin has continuously rejected calls from Ukraine and the international community to accept a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, Russia has pursued a campaign of relentless aerial strikes against Ukrainian cities in the spring and summer, repeatedly breaking its own record for missile and drone attacks. Read also: Zelenskys big blunder, explained Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russia will likely be ready for a potential military confrontation with Europe within the next two years, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on July 25. Speaking after talks with General Alexus G. Grynkewich, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe and head of U.S. European Command, Tusk said the general confirmed that Moscow could reach military readiness for a confrontation with Europe as early as 2027. "He (Grynkewich) confirmed American expert predictions," Tusk said. "Russia will be ready for confrontation with Europe and therefore with us as early as 2027." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tusk's comments align with earlier warnings from Ukrainian and Western intelligence. While acknowledging the growing threat, the Polish prime minister urged calm and preparation. "There is no reason to scare each other, but we have to be really vigilant and focused," he said. Ukrainian foreign intelligence chief Oleh Ivashchenko said in May that Russia could restore its combat capabilities within two to four years after the end of its war against Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly cautioned that unchecked Russian aggression in Ukraine could eventually spill into NATO territory. Poland, which borders Belarus and Russia's militarized Kaliningrad exclave, would likely be on the front line of such a conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Poland has played a critical role in supporting Ukraine, providing weapons, tanks, and ammunition. The country is also reinforcing its own defenses. National Security Bureau head Dariusz Lukowski said in March that Poland's military could hold off an attack for up to two weeks before NATO reinforcements arrive. Tensions between Russia and NATO have escalated sharply since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, with European leaders increasingly warning of the risk of a broader war on the continent. Read also: Zelenskys big Ukraine blunder, explained Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia's Defence Ministry said on Saturday its forces had captured two more villages in eastern Ukraine, including one in Dnipropetrovsk region where Moscow says its troops have begun to make advances. Ukrainian forces made no acknowledgement that the villages had changed hands, but reported heavy fighting. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in an assessment of the situation along the 1,000-km (620-mile) front line, said the logistics hub of Pokrovsk remained the focal point of battles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said Ukrainian forces had recorded "successful actions" in Sumy region on Ukraine's northern border, where Russian forces have established a foothold in recent weeks. Reuters could not independently confirm battlefield accounts from either side. The front-line clashes were reported three days after the two sides held their third direct meeting in Turkey aimed at resolving the nearly 3-1/2-year-old war. Both sides reported progress in swaps of prisoners or the remains of war dead, but no breakthroughs were announced in terms of a ceasefire or a meeting of the two countries' leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's military has been reporting nearly daily the capture of new villages in its slow advance westward. The Russian Defence Ministry said its forces had taken control of Zelenyi Hai in Donetsk region and Maliivka, a village just inside Dnipropetrovsk region. The ministry described Zelenyi Hai as "a major stronghold of Ukrainian formations in this section of the front (that) covered approaches to the administrative border of the Dnipropetrovsk region". Dnipropetrovsk is not among the five regions that Moscow claims as its own -- Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia and the Crimean peninsula, annexed in 2014. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia last month said its forces had crossed into Dnipropetrovsk region and now says it holds at least two villages. Ukraine's military has for weeks dismissed any notion that Russian troops hold territory in the region. The Ukrainian military's General Staff, in a late evening report, mentioned Zelenyi Hai as one of several frontline areas that had come under Russian attack 11 times over the past 24 hours. It said Maliivka was one of several villages where 10 Russian attacks had been halted. Zelenskiy, in his nightly video address, said Ukraine's top commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, had identified Pokrovsk as an area requiring "special attention" under constant attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A military spokesperson, Viktor Trehubov, told national television that Russian forces were attacking Pokrovsk in "a small torrent...that simply does not stop". (Reporting by ReutersEditing by Peter Graff and David Gregorio) Russian troops assaulted the Chervonohryhorivka hromada in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on Saturday 26 July, resulting in a mans death. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] Source: National Police of Ukraine on Telegram Details: At around 11:00, a Russian artillery strike targeted the local cemetery, where a 66-year-old man was present. He perished instantly from his injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, the National Police reported that Nikopol, Marhanets, and the villages of the Chervonohryhorivka, Marhanets, and Pokrovsk hromadas faced attacks over the past day. The Russians deployed kamikaze drones, artillery and unmanned aerial vehicles. Law enforcement documented damage to a utility company, houses and cars. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russian forces launched a drone strike on Sumy on July 26, damaging the building of the Sumy Regional Military Administration, regional governor Oleh Hryhorov reported. The administration building serves as the main coordination center for regional governance and emergency response. Photos shared by officials show visible damage to the buildings facade and windows, though structural details remain under investigation. Ukrainian officials have warned that Russian attacks on regional government buildings violate international law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The drone hit Independence Square in the city center, Hryhorov said. This is a targeted attack on a civilian facility. And, unfortunately, it is not the first, he wrote on Telegram. No casualties or injuries have been reported. Sumy Oblast has been a key target for Russian forces throughout the full-scale invasion due to its location on the northeastern frontier. It continues to face near-daily strikes, but Ukrainian forces have maintained control over most of the region. Read also: Ukraine thwarts Russian plan for Sumy Oblast, Zelensky says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A Russian drone attacked the Sumy Oblast Military Administration building in the afternoon of 26 July. Source: MP Oleksandr Kachura; social media; Sumy Oblast National Police on Facebook Details: Several videos showing the drone hitting the Sumy Oblast Military Administration building have appeared online. The aftermath is currently unknown, but Sumy Oblast Military Administration has previously reported that the Russians were deliberately attacking civilian infrastructure in Sumy Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Update: Following the attacks, the police released a photo of the damaged building, but did not state that it was the Sumy Oblast Military Administration building. The windows of the neighbouring apartment block are also broken. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russian missiles struck the Epicentr hypermarket in the city of Kamianske, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, on the night of 25-26 July. Source: Epicentr on Facebook Quote from Epicentr: "A hypermarket with an area of over 11,000 square metres has been utterly destroyed. This is another devastating loss for our company and a further blow to Ukraines civilian infrastructure." Epicentr reported that none of its workers had been injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company added that it will "certainly" resume operations in Kamianske. Epicentr also noted that since the onset of the full-scale invasion, seven hypermarkets and shopping centres in Mariupol, Chernihiv, Bucha, Nikopol, Kharkiv and two in Kherson, with a total area of over 125,600 square metres, have been completely destroyed. Two additional shopping centres ceased operations due to damage and close proximity to combat zones, while the Melitopol centre remains under occupation. Background: On the night of 25-26 July, Russian forces conducted a large-scale combined attack on the city of Dnipro and Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, killing two people and injuring five as well as causing fires and damage. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Drones sent by the Security Service of Ukraine struck the Signal radio plant in the Russian city of Stavropol on the night of 25-26 July. The plant is one of Russias largest manufacturers of radio electronics. Source: Ukrainska Pravda source; Russian media outlet ASTRA Details: A source reported that the drones had struck the production facilities of the Stavropol Signal radio plant. https://t.co/ZTyz7BgYyp pic.twitter.com/a5PnT5Ga19 (@ukrpravda_news) July 26, 2025 One of the strikes hit building No. 2 (workshop No. 5), which houses expensive foreign-made equipment numerically controlled machine tools. The second strike was recorded in building No. 1, which houses radio-electronic device workshop No. 17. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian media reported that a fire had broken out, but no casualties were reported. For reference: The plant specialises in producing electronic warfare systems, radar and radio navigation equipment and remote control radio equipment and works for the Russian defence industrial base. Signal is subject to sanctions imposed by the European Union, the United States, Ukraine and Japan. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Three people were injured in a Russian attack on the Shostka hromada in Sumy Oblast on the night of 25-26 July. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] Source: Sumy Oblast Military Administration Details: The authorities reported that two women and one man had been hospitalised with burns and shrapnel wounds (aged 57, 56 and 51). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sumy Oblast Military Administration stated that the Russians had attacked the Shostka hromada with drones and guided aerial bombs and had launched a missile strike lasting from midnight until morning. Four houses caught fire and several high-rise buildings and infrastructure facilities had been damaged in the combined strike. A 24-year-old man, who had suffered injuries during a Russian UAV strike on the town of Putyvl on 21 July, died in hospital. In total, Russian forces conducted more than 110 attacks on 42 settlements across 16 hromadas in the oblast and dropped 30 guided aerial bombs over the course of 25 July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 42-year-old woman has been injured in an FPV drone strike on the Esman hromada. Background: On the night of 25-26 July, Oleh Hryhorov, Head of Sumy Oblast Military Administration, reported a combined strike on the Shostka hromada. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The Russians attacked the city of Zmiiv in the Chuhuiv district of Kharkiv Oblast with a missile and 10 drones on the night of 25-26 July, causing a fire and injuring three people. Source: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Details: Syniehubov stated that the Russians had conducted strikes with a missile and 10 UAVs on the city of Zmiiv in the Chuhuiv district. A fire broke out and two people were injured in the attack. Updated: Later, Syniehubov reported that the number of casualties had risen to three. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has stated that during talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, "a fundamental agreement was reached on holding a summit of leaders in Turkiye". Source: Fidan, cited by Turkish media outlet NTV Details: Fidan said that Russia's war against Ukraine "has very serious regional and global consequences". Quote from Fidan: "Not to mention the humanitarian tragedy on the international stage we are facing a situation that could lead to an even greater war and division. This is a complex and costly war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A war in which everything is being used except nuclear weapons." Details: Fidan noted that during the third round of talks in Istanbul, the sides discussed the conditions under which the leaders of the countries could meet. Quote from Fidan: "A fundamental agreement was reached on holding a summit of leaders in Turkiye. The negotiating delegations have a big responsibility here." Details: Fidan said that given the course of the talks, he sees "a willingness to reach a compromise". Quote from Fidan: "If this continues, I believe a temporary solution will be reached. Each side has its trump card, which they are not revealing. We are trying to create favourable conditions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previously: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that he wants to arrange a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. Background: On 23 July, a third round of peace talks between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations took place in Istanbul. The first round of talks was held in Istanbul on 16 May this year and the second on 2 June. At a briefing following the talks, Oleksandr Bevz, a member of the Ukrainian delegation, said that the Ukrainian side had once again proposed holding a leaders' meeting in August. Ukraine had previously proposed holding a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin with the participation of Erdogan and possibly Trump. The Turkish side supports this idea. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A top Oklahoma lawmaker is calling for state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters to cooperate with an investigation after two State Board of Education members said they saw images of nude women on a TV in Walters' office during a meeting. Republican House Speaker Kyle Hilbert of Bristow said Walters should "unlock and turn over all relevant devices" as part of an outside review into what happened. Board members Ryan Deatherage and Becky Carson told The Oklahoman they saw the images while the board met behind closed doors in Walters' office Thursday, July 24. Hours after Hilbert called for the investigation on Friday, his counterparts in the state Senate said officials at the state Office of Management and Enterprise Services were "working through proper channels to initiate the investigation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The accounts made public by board members paint a strange, unsettling scene that demands clarity and transparency," said Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton, a Republican from Tuttle. Quinton Hitchcock, a spokesman for Walters, did not answer The Oklahoman's questions about what Carson and Deatherage said occurred. Hitchcock issued a statement saying multiple people had access to the office and describing the board members, who were appointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt, as hostile. He described the story as a "junk tabloid lie." Stitt, who appointed Carson, Deatherage and four other board members, backed his appointees. "I trust and appreciate my board members," Stitt said. "They are volunteers who are sacrificing their time to serve Oklahoma students. Should these allegations be true, all I can say is that I am profoundly disappointed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state Education Board was in Walters' office for an executive session to discuss teacher licensing, student attendance appeals and other sensitive issues. Walters chairs the board. Deatherage and Carson, who were seated next to each other, said the TV screen was not visible to all attendees. It is not known who was controlling the TV or why the content was shown. Carson said she thought at first the women must have been wearing bodysuits but then realized she was wrong. I saw them just walking across the screen, and Im like, No'," she said, adding, "Im sorry I even have to use this language, but Im like, Those are her nipples." Carson said she called out for the TV to be turned off. Deatherage and Carson said Walters immediately rose from the table and turned the television off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two other board members present at the meeting, Chris Van Denhende and Michael Tinney, said they did not see what was on the TV, but both confirmed Walters appeared flustered or shaken up. Hilbert described their accounts as "serious allegations." "If no wrongdoing occurred, a prompt and transparent review should quickly clear his name," Hilbert said of Walters on Friday. Sen. Adam Pugh, who leads that chamber's Education Committee, said he would be watching as more information came out. "This is a situation that warrants further explanation and transparency," said Pugh, a Republican from Edmond. "Additionally, Superintendent Walters and those making the allegations deserve to be heard and give their side of the story." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: State education board questions Ryan Walters' math on cost of school lunches House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson, who is running for the Democratic nomination in the gubernatorial election in 2026, noted her party's multiple calls in the past for an investigation into Walters. "Regardless of if recent allegations are true, Oklahomans are in dire need of new leadership at the Oklahoma State Department of Education," said Munson of Oklahoma City. "While we wait for more information, we will follow the guidance of the speaker and trust that any alleged moral or criminal wrongdoings will be thoroughly investigated." Since taking office as Oklahoma's top schools official in 2023, Walters has described rooting out "porn" from school libraries and booting "bad apple" teachers from the profession as two of his top priorities. . This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: House speaker calls for Ryan Walters to cooperate with investigation On Wednesday, chaos ensued in New Jersey. A sailboat found itself in unruly ocean conditions, which led to the vessel crashing into a jetty in the town of Avalon. A mayday call was issued around 11:00am. 10 people were aboard the ship when it ran into trouble, and they were later rescued by EMS and water rescue swimmers, after they abandoned ship. And the boat, due to the damage from the collision, later sank. According to Avalon Beach Patrol Chief Matt Wolf, the boat was "pinned against the rocks. They [the passengers] were swimming for their lives. It was a really, really dangerous situation. Luckily, all 10 passengers were rescued following the crash. Wolf continued: We had rescue equipment in the water. We had several assets out therejet ski, lifeboats, paddleboards. We had swimmers on the beachside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 40 rescue officials were on the scene to rescue the two instructors and eight teenagers aboard the boat. Apparently, the boat experienced a mechanical failure in which the engine broke, and the sails were down. That, coupled with the rough ocean conditions, led to the crash. Related: Boat Gets Totally Wrecked by Wave in Indonesia (Video) Wolf commended the safety teams who helped out: Theres not too many people, or organizations, that could have pulled off a rescue like that. I think thats a credit to our guards. Some of those lifeguards that were down there went above and beyond. They were definitely heroes down there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other boat carnage news, theres been a handful of issues going down in Indonesia. Boat fires, boats capsizing, and boats getting slammed by giant waves. First it was the planes that were having all the issues, now boats, too? Related: Wave Capsizes Boat in Bali, Tourists Panic to Escape (Video) Sailboat Crashes into New Jersey Jetty in Heavy Surf (Video) first appeared on Surfer on Jul 25, 2025 An increase in collisions at sea has been blamed on seafarers spending hours scrolling on their mobile phones and falling asleep when they should be keeping watch. Captain Andrew Moll, Britains chief inspector of marine accidents, said the increased automation of shipping had rendered watch-keeping mind-numbingly dull and led crews to view the shifts as time for rest and relaxation, rather than a vital element of safety. To make matters worse, a requirement to appoint additional lookouts to aid watch-keepers is often ignored, while some sailors are even deactivating alarms that sound on a regular basis to ensure they are paying attention to computer screens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Work by the Maritime Accident Investigation Branch (Maib), which scrutinises accidents involving British vessels worldwide and all incidents in UK territorial waters, said waning attention spans on the bridge have been linked with numerous recent disasters. Those include the collision between the container ship Solong and oil tanker Stena Immaculate off the mouth of the Humber on March 10. Capt Moll said the Solong, bound for Rotterdam from Grangemouth in Scotland, had been travelling in a straight line on autopilot for around 11 hours in poor visibility when it hit the tanker, killing one seaman and igniting a fire that took two days to extinguish. The Maibs interim report found that neither ship had a dedicated lookout and said further scrutiny will be given to their watch-keeping practices and fatigue management. Smoke billows from the Solong after its collision with a North Sea oil tanker in March - Dan Kitwood/Getty A collision between the British cargo vessel Scot Carrier and the barge Karin Hj, which killed two in 2024, happened after an officer on the former ship was distracted by the continual use of a tablet computer during his watch after earlier consuming alcohol, the Maib found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Capt Moll said: Were seeing more and more cases where a vessel has set off and a watch-keeper has turned up on the bridge, but they are not looking where the ship is going, and as a consequence it runs into something. He said there was particular concern about the hundreds of coastal vessels plying crowded UK waters with only two watch-keepers on alternate six-hour shifts. Under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006, each can work for 14 hours a day, five days a week. However, the Maibs research indicates that examples of crew falling asleep are just as prevalent on larger vessels with more officers to share watch-keeping duties. Capt Moll said that indicated a problem intrinsic to the changing nature of the role. Chronic boredom He said: The job itself is not very exciting. If you went back 20 or 30 years, the watch-keeper had to rush around gathering information, and it was an active, busy thing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the engine room they were looking at gauges and temperatures and on the bridge they were taking navigation fixes and plotting them on charts. Thats now all being done by machines, which has taken away the engagement. Technically speaking, youre talking about chronic boredom and a job that suffers from qualitative and quantitative underload with the result that it lacks meaning and purpose. In its annual report on marine safety the Maib said that humans do not make good monitors and if under-stimulated they will find other things to occupy themselves. Capt Moll said that included listening to music, browsing the internet and making video calls. Other seafarers are essentially flipping their day, spending their breaks gaming and leaving them so exhausted that they fall asleep on the job when they return to the bridge. The British vessel involved in the incident, the Scot Carrier - Martin Witte/Alamy Stock Photo An early warning of the trend came in 2013 with a spectacular collision between the UK bulk carrier Seagate and the Timor Stream, a refrigerated-cargo ship, off the Dominican Republic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both had been sailing through open water in good visibility yet crashed into each other, with the bow of the Timor Stream ploughing into the engine room and accommodation block of the Seagate, with sleeping crewmen miraculously escaping injury. The report said that neither watch-keeper had realised that the ships were on a collision course until less than a minute before the accident, blaming poor standards driven by complacency. While vessels have multiple systems designed to maintain the attention of watch-keepers, those are often poorly understood or regarded as an irritation and deactivated, Capt Moll said. A Maib report on the collision between the freighter Scot Explorer and gas carrier Happy Falcon in the North Sea in 2023 found that the cargo ships navigation aids were not being monitored, with its electric chart display system set to silent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Capt Moll said: You can have the equivalent of a dead-mans handle which if you dont set it every 15 minutes it will alert the whole ship, but thats being turned off. Navigational and radar alarms that tell you of an impending danger are being turned off or muted. So the watch-keepers arent engaging with the systems and neither are they using the things that should force them to engage with the systems. That is a significant problem. The ultimate solution, he said, may be to require manufacturers to modify warning systems and alarms so that they can never be disabled. 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. Two days after he was kidnapped in July 2007, the bloodied and battered corpse of Floribert Bwana Chui Bin Kositi was dumped outside a university campus in the city of Goma, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The newly graduated 26-year-old and devout Catholic was just three months into a job as a customs official - which he had taken on with his usual zeal, by refusing to be bribed. He had stood up to people wanting to smuggle in rice from neighbouring Rwanda that had spoiled and could have proven poisonous if eaten. No-one has ever been arrested for his killing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fr Francesco Tedeschi, the man campaigning for Kositi to become a Catholic saint, told the BBC his "mafia-style" murder was meant to serve as a warning to anyone else who stood up to corruption - in a part of the world where guns tend to hold sway over the rule of law. Goma is the capital of North Kivu Province, which is rich in covetable minerals - such as those that power mobile phones - and plentiful in rebel and militia groups. But Fr Tedeschi believes the warning completely failed because of Kositi's legacy of love and justice, saying the kindness he had shown through his short life lives on today. His actions, in a place where corruption is the norm, were informed by his faith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It had made him strong enough to resist repeated offers by the smugglers. According to the Catholic Sant'Egidio community of which he was a member, Kositi was first offered $1,000 (750), then $2,000 "and even more" - but consistently said no. "He had received phone calls and pressure, even from public authorities, to turn a blind eye and take his fee as everyone had always done," the Community of Sant'Egidio said. Last year, the Catholic Church declared him a martyr - one of the steps to sainthood - as it felt his death was the result of his unwillingness to sacrifice his Christian values for money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Catholic tradition, a saint serves as a model of Christian life and is regarded as a hero of the faith through their exceptional actions of courage. Kositi has since been beatified - at a ceremony in Rome last month - meaning that once one miracle has been attributed to him, he will become a saint. So far this has been a remarkably fast journey, as canonisation - the process to sainthood - can sometimes take decades or centuries - though this is speeded up if the Church decides someone died for their faith. "Floribert Bwana Chui was an intelligent and eloquent child from birth. He was a polite boy who respected us, his parents. I saw a bright future in him"", Source: Gertrude Kamara Ntawiha, Source description: Floribert Bwana Chui Bin Kositi's mother, Image: Gertrude Kamara Ntawiha Born in Goma in 1981, Kositi was the eldest of three siblings and eight half-siblings, according to a biography written by Sant'Egidio, which described him as coming from a "well-off family". His father was a bank clerk and his mother a border police officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Floribert Bwana Chui was an intelligent and eloquent child from birth. He was a polite boy who respected us, his parents. I saw a bright future in him. I was expecting him to be a boy who would get married, have a wife and children," his mother Gertrude Kamara Ntawiha told UN-sponsored Radio Okapi last month before travelling to Rome for her son's beatification - which was also attended by Kositi's two younger brothers. Despite the challenges of living in eastern DR Congo, Kositi was always curious about the world, did well at school and went on to study law at university. It was during his studies that he attended a regional student conference in Rwanda, in 2001, that changed the course of his life. An Italian priest gave a talk at the gathering which had brought together people to discuss ways to find, and live in, peace in the restive Great Lakes region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was speaking on behalf of the Sant'Egidio community, a movement of both lay people and clergy, committed to social service - and the priest was encouraging the students to embrace a pastoral mission. Fr Tedeschi had barely finished speaking at the auditorium in southern Rwanda's leafy university town of Butare when Kositi approached him. "That speech very much touched Floribert as well as his other friends who had come from Goma," he told the BBC. "He wanted to begin a community of Sant'Egidio in Goma. [He was] a young man full of joy with a wish to be useful to the world, with a wish to change what he saw around him that did not work." The beatification ceremony in Rome was a moment of celebration for the Congolese congregation [AP] Kositi took up his mission - and in particular his efforts focused on helping street children, Fr Tedeschi said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The region around Goma has known decades of conflict and is currently at the centre of a rebellion that has seen a powerful rebel group take over the city and swathes of territory surrounding it. Kositi, "very affected" by the fate of children caught up in successive traumas, set up one of Sant'Egidio's "Schools of Peace" - which offer food and other assistance to get children an education. Today Goma's School of Peace is named in honour of him and has become an actual school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in the early 2000s, the young undergraduate was often helping street children financially with school fees or food - or assisting them to become self-reliant in a city where almost everyone was struggling. "What struck me," said Fr Tedeschi, "was how Floribert was someone who took the life of others very seriously and more importantly, he would ask himself a lot of questions to understand what the roots of poverty were - the misfortunes of people. "He liked talking, to confront these problems." Kositi's reach went beyond DR Congo's borders. In Kigali, Rwanda's capital, some 100km (60 miles) east of Goma, Bernard Musana Segatagara, a Sant'Egidio fellow, also remembers him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Changing Africa and building peace was our shared dream as we observed a growing network of friendship. I think living in a region of tension was making our friendship even more special," he told the BBC. After graduating in 2006, Kositi began training as a customs official in the capital, Kinshasa, before taking up a senior post on the border between Rwanda and DR Congo in April 2007. The rice dispute involved a consignment of around four or five tonnes - which he had tested as he was worried about its safety and then ordered that it be destroyed. "At first that pushed the smugglers to try and bribe him, and later to threaten him. And Floribert always refused," Fr Tedeschi said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He refused based on his Christian principles. At one point he asked a doctor - a nun working in Goma, who was a friend - so he could really understand the dangers this rice would have represented to the civilian population. "And that's what led him to think: 'So me as a Christian, I can neither accept money nor that these people risk dying because of this poisoned food just because of corruption.'" Last month a painting by the artist Stefano Di Stasio dedicated to Kositi - showing his kindness to street children - was unveiled in Rome [Sant'Egidio] For the priest this is what showed his "loyalty to the gospel, Christian values of love for one's neighbour [and] justice". Lawyer Jean Jacques Bakinahe, who studied with Kositi at the University of Goma and was also one of the leaders of Sant'Egidio in the city, agrees. He told the Rwanda Catholic Church TV channel that his friend "profoundly followed the gospel of peace [which] really helped him categorically reject that act of corruption". But it ultimately led to his death. "[The smugglers] wanted to send a message a mafia-style warning," said Fr Tedeschi. He acknowledged it might have scared some customs officials at the time but said it had "not succeeded in making [people] forget these testimonies of love and justice that Floribert gave us". When the late Pope Francis visited DR Congo in February 2023, he spoke to young people at the main stadium in Kinshasa - and urged them to follow Kositi's example. "A young person like yourselves, Floribert Bwana Chui at only 26 years old, was killed in Goma for having blocked the passage of spoiled foodstuffs that would have been harmful for people's health," he said. "Since he was a Christian, he prayed. He thought of others and he chose to be honest - saying no to the filth of corruption. "If someone offers you a bribe, or promises you favours and lots of money, do not fall into the trap. Do not be deceived! Do not be sucked into the swamp of evil!" he said. Rebel fighters can be seen on guard on the streets of Goma after a big mass at the cathedral earlier this month to mark the beatification of Kositi [Reuters] His successor, Pope Leo XIV, who presided over the beatification ceremony at the Papal Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls in June, agreed a more promising future lay ahead for DR Congo's young people. "This African martyr, in a continent rich in youths, shows how young people can give rise to peace," the pontiff said. The Christian martyr, who now has the title of "blessed" before his name, was lauded in the basilica full of joyous Congolese faithful waving flags. "May the long-awaited peace in Kivu, in Congo, and across all of Africa come soon - through the intercession of the Virgin Mary and Blessed Floribert," said Pope Leo. If peace were to be delivered to Goma, where two joint peace processes are currently under way, that would indeed be a miracle worthy of a saint - and would give hope to the entire region. You may also be interested in: [Getty Images/BBC] Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts (FOX 5/KUSI) Mayor Todd Gloria signed an executive order this week clarifying that San Diego police officers are not participating in federal immigration raids, following confusion over a recent operation in Mission Bay. Gloria said the order is intended to reassure the public that officers are not working with federal agents during Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions. Police will only be present to ensure public safety and protect the rights of people protesting the raids, he said. Its very important to me that San Diegans know that the San Diego Police Department never participates in immigration enforcement raids, Gloria said at a news conference. We follow state laws that prohibit any participation in these federal operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The clarification follows a Mission Bay operation where ICE agents detained several people. Some community members expressed concern after seeing San Diego police at the scene, believing officers were helping federal agents. Pedro Rios, director of the American Friends Service Committees U.S./Mexico Border Program, said police were called to the scene to provide security, not to assist in arrests. ICE had called San Diego police to provide some security because people were protesting the ICE agents, which gave the appearance that the police were serving almost as bodyguards for the ICE agents as people were being arrested, Rios said. Its important to have clarity about the role the San Diego Police Department plays, and I think this executive order helps us understand that moving forward. Under the order, a city liaison must report to the mayors office whenever San Diego officers respond to ICE operations. Gloria said the measure will improve transparency and communication with the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city also reaffirmed its compliance with state laws that bar law enforcement from sharing certain information with federal authorities, including data collected by license plate readers. Rios said the order is timely, citing concerns that the El Centro sector Border Patrol chief, who oversees operations statewide, may soon direct more federal enforcement actions in San Diego. San Diego police released a statement emphasizing the departments stance: We want to be clear: SDPD officers do not enforce immigration law, and our officers dont ask about immigration status. We want all of our community members to feel safe when reporting crimes or seeking help from SDPD. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The Office of the State Attorney said a Sanford man has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of first-degree premeditated murder for killing his landlord and attempted murder for shooting a neighbor. Andre Crist, 54, was found guilty by a jury of murder and attempted murder, as well as possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The incident occurred three years ago in the backyard of a house on Anderson Circle where Crist rented a studio apartment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assistant State Attorney Jacob Polk stated, Mr. Cliff Perard was shot and killed outside his residence by the defendant, Andre Crist, during a dispute over eviction. Sanford police arrested Crist in July 2022 after discovering Perards body in the backyard. Circuit Judge Melanie Chase sentenced Crist to two life sentences for the murder and attempted murder convictions and 15 years for possessing a firearm while being a convicted felon. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. For 30-or-so years, the Greenville Art League has brought together artistically-inclined people from across Hunt County to share their expertise, insights and passion to create with one another. But sadly, due to dwindling membership over the last few years, the group has planned its potentially final meeting, simply titled Save the Greenville Art League, for Aug. 5 at 6:30 p.m. So much of the older generation thats been with the group is no longer active with us and were having trouble attracting new people, so were holding this final interest meeting to hopefully get the word out, said the art leagues Rachel Ingram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organization, which is open to all ages, mostly meets once a month at W. Walworth Harrison Public Library, where they have hosted activities like art-themed challenges as well as presentations that cover a diverse range of topics from oil painting to art marketing to AI art. In an effort to gain more visibility, the Greenville Art League has also been participating in community events by selling artwork at the Hunt County Festival of the Arts, hosting youth art programs at the library and even having a Bob Ross-inspired float in the 2024 Park Street Fourth of July Parade. For more information about membership in the art league, visit www.greenvilleartleague.org or send an email to greenvilletxartleage@gmail.com. Jul. 25WILKES-BARRE As dangerous heat grips Pennsylvania once again, the Public Utility Commission (PUC) is urging residents to brace for higher electric bills as a result of soaring power usage during multiple heat waves since mid-June and scorching conditions that pushed electricity demand on the regional power grid to its highest level in 14 years. The PUC is cautioning consumers that those record-setting usage levels will soon be reflected in monthly electric bills. Whether you live in a small apartment or a large household, increased power use from air conditioners, fans, dehumidifiers, and other cooling tools will likely show up as higher-than-normal charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, the PUC is urging all Pennsylvanians to explore #SaveInPA strategies to manage energy costs, especially for vulnerable or financially struggling households. Usage drives your bill review it carefully The amount of electricity you use is one of the biggest factors in your monthly utility bill often accounting for two-thirds or more of the total cost. Even if your rate hasn't changed, increased energy usage during heat waves can lead to sticker shock when bills arrive. The PUC encourages every consumer to: Review your bill carefully, especially the sections detailing monthly kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage and current energy supply rates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you use a competitive energy supplier, check contract expiration dates and rate terms. Understand your options and responsibilities if your contract has expired or is approaching renewal. For energy shopping tools and usage tips, visit www.PAPowerSwitch.com. If you're struggling #CallUtilitiesNow The PUC strongly encourages any household or small business struggling with high bills or past-due balances to call their utility now and ask about available assistance programs. Waiting can lead to larger balances and fewer options. Utility customer service teams can: Explain Customer Assistance Programs (CAP) for income-qualified consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Provide referrals for LIHEAP and other national or local aid. Discuss eligibility for hardship fund support through nonprofit partnerships. Explore other affordability options, like budget billing or payment plans that can help address financial needs. Each major utility has trained staff ready to help customers navigate these programs. If you cannot resolve your issue directly with your utility, contact the PUC's Bureau of Consumer Services at 1-800-692-7380. Consumers may also call Pennsylvania's 211 system (Dial 211 or visit www.pa211.org) for help with utilities, housing, food, and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Energy conservation still matters Even though the hottest days may have passed, summer isn't over. Households can still take simple, effective steps to reduce usage and control costs, including: Raise your thermostat a few degrees and use fans to circulate air. Limit appliance use during peak hours (5 7 PM). Close blinds or curtains during sunny hours. Avoid unnecessary lighting or electronics that generate extra heat. Seal windows and doors to keep cool air inside. SAFE Guidance Act passes in committee U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, this week announced that his bill, H.R. 4460 the Stop Agency Fiat Enforcement of Guidance (SAFE Guidance) Act passed out of the House Financial Services Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SAFE Guidance Act ensures transparency and limits abuse of regulatory "guidance" by requiring financial agencies to include a clear disclaimer on the first page of any guidance document. This disclaimer must state that such guidance does not carry the force of law and that noncompliance does not constitute a legal violation. "As we saw during Operation Chokepoint 2.0, Biden regulators have quietly used informal guidance to pressure banks into blacklisting lawful industries from crypto to firearms dealers," said Meuser during committee remarks. "This legislation takes a commonsense step to prevent that kind of abuse. Guidance should clarify not coerce. It's time we made clear that only Congress sets the law, not unelected regulators." The bill defines "guidance" as non-binding financial agency statements of general applicability and outlines nine federal financial agencies subject to the new requirement, including the Federal Reserve, FDIC, SEC, and CFPB. "We've already passed bipartisan legislation like the GENIUS Act and the CLARITY Act to support fair, transparent regulation of emerging industries," Meuser said. "The SAFE Guidance Act builds on that by ensuring regulators don't undermine congressional intent through back channels." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement H.R. 4460 passed in committee 26 to 23. The legislation now moves to the House floor for further consideration. Identity theft protection shred event set for Saturday, July 26 State Rep. Jim Haddock, state Sen. Marty Flynn, the Duryea Police Department, Duryea Crime Watch and Hughestown Crime Watch invite residents to protect themselves from identity theft during a Community Shred Day. The free event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon July 26, at Healey Playground, Wright Street and Foote Avenue in Duryea. "A company will be on hand to securely destroy the sensitive materials, giving people the peace of mind that their personal information cannot and will not end up in the wrong hands," said Haddock, D-Pittston Township. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haddock said items to shred include old bills, bank statements, medical records, canceled checks, old tax returns or any documents that people would like to be permanently destroyed. There is a limit of two boxes of documents per household. Staples or paperclips do not need to be removed, but documents should be taken out of binders and notebooks. Anyone with questions may call Haddock's office at 570-655-4883. Senior Expo for 117th District residents set for Tuesday, Aug. 12 Rep. Jamie Walsh, R-Ross Township, invites residents of the 117th District to a free Senior Expo on Tuesday, Aug. 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Misericordia University's Insalaco Hall, 301 Lake St., Dallas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The expo will feature more than 30 vendors offering information and services for seniors. Several breakout sessions will be held on topics like estate planning, Area Agency on Aging programs, Silver Sneakers chair yoga, low-income taxpayer assistance information, cyber security and fraud bingo. The Pennsylvania Treasury Department will also be in attendance to help search for unclaimed property. Free hearing tests and light refreshments will be available. For information, call Walsh's Dallas office at 570-675-6000. Walsh to host concealed carry seminar Thursday, July 31 Walsh also invites constituents from the 117th Legislative District to attend his upcoming concealed carry seminar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 31, in Cornerstone Bible Church, 208 Church Road, Nescopeck. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. The seminar will be presented by Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce. Attendees will learn about Pennsylvania's Castle Doctrine and the process for acquiring a permit to carry a concealed weapon. "This is a great opportunity for constituents interested in concealed carrying to learn more about the process of getting a permit and the laws in our state," said Walsh. "The right to bear arms is clearly spelled out in the Pennsylvania and United States constitutions. I hope people take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about Pennsylvania's laws, so they can be effective advocates for our rights and confident in their ability to legally defend themselves." To register or ask a question about the seminar, contact Walsh's Dallas office at 570-675-6000, or his Sugarloaf office at 570-359-2138. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle. There's treasure in trash literally. Discarded computers, circuit boards, and other electronic waste contain valuable metals like gold. Now, breakthrough research could make extracting gold easier and cleaner. A study by Flinders University unveiled a new process that can recover high-purity gold from both ore and electronic waste. The process uses a disinfectant called trichloroisocyanuric acid, commonly used in water sanitation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When activated with salt water, it becomes powerful enough to dissolve gold without the need for mercury or cyanide. Then, a custom polymer sorbent binds the extracted gold and separates it from other metals and waste. The process does not rely on toxic substances. "It is increasingly important to develop safe and versatile methods to purify gold from varying sources," said Dr. Lynn Lisboa, one of the lead authors of the study. What makes this discovery especially promising is that the polymer binding the gold can be reused. Once it collects the gold, it's triggered to "unmake" itself, allowing both the gold and polymer to be recovered and recycled. This closed-loop design helps prevent waste while reducing the cost of materials needed for future recovery. Gold is essential in electronics, medicine, and the aerospace industry. But traditional extraction releases enormous amounts of toxic mercury and cyanide, especially from small-scale mining, which emits over 2,000 tons of mercury every year, according to the United Nations Environment Programme. WWF reported that cyanide spills have led to fish kills and long-term ecosystem damage, like what happened in the Tisza River system in 2000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As e-waste continues to pile up globally, old electronics, such as phones and laptops, often end up in landfills, leaking harmful chemicals into the environment. By making gold recovery safer and more efficient, the new technique from Flinders University offers a cleaner way to handle discarded electronic materials. The research team is now working with recyclers and miners to scale the technology. Similar efforts are underway in Switzerland, where researchers are also using food by-products such as whey to recover gold from circuit boards. Innovations like these highlight how circular economy thinking recovering valuable materials from the products we discard can help reduce e-waste, support cleaner production, and lower the need for resource-intensive mining. 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. Millions of dollars in funding have been cut for research into the effects "forever chemicals" have on United States farms, worrying critics about the future safety of our food supply and farm workers. What's happening? Nearly $15 million in research into the effects of PFAS on United States farms has been eliminated by the Trump administration, The Guardian reports. The money had been allocated for 10 studies across the country about how PFAS, toxic substances known as "forever chemicals," contaminate crops and livestock on farms, as well as nearby water sources. These chemicals are often found in pesticides used on U.S. farms and in sewage sludge from wastewater plants, which is commonly used as farmland fertilizer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision is "not just stupid, it's evil," Kyla Bennett, science director with Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, told The Guardian. "Cutting funding into research on how these toxic chemicals get into our food will doom us to decades or even hundreds of years more of exposure." Why are PFAS important? PFAS are labeled as "forever chemicals" because they take hundreds or thousands of years to break down. Frequently found in everyday items such as nonstick cookware, stain-resistant clothing, and cosmetics, these chemicals seep into our air, water, food, and bodies. They've been linked to health problems such as cancer and decreased fertility. The prevalence of PFAS on farmland has become a bigger concern in recent years, thanks in large part to toxic sludge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This sludge is created out of solids that get separated out during wastewater treatment and has long been touted as a sustainable, inexpensive fertilizer. But new reports show that the sludge actually contains high levels of PFAS, which can transfer into the animals used by these farms for eggs, milk, and meat. That contamination isn't limited to food and livestock. In Maine, many farmers are worried about their families' health after discovering high levels of PFAS in their blood. What's being done about PFAS? This farmland research project was killed in May by the Trump administration and the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency, but two of the studies have since received funding, The Guardian reports. In recent years, many proposed bills would have placed restrictions on PFAS use. But chemical companies have reportedly spent more than $100 million in lobbying fees to block the vast majority of that legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if governments won't stop the use of PFAS, individuals can take actions to reduce their exposure. Avoiding non-stick cookware and single-use plastic water bottles is a good start, and growing your own food is a cost-effective way to eat produce free of pesticides and toxic sludge. 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. One person's junk is another's treasure. An international team of scientists have found that strings of "junk" DNA in the human genome that were previously written off as having no useful function are actually pretty important after all. The work, published as a study in the journal Science Advances, focuses on transposable elements, a class of DNA sequences that can "jump," via a biological copy-and-paste mechanism, to different locations in a genome. These "jumping genes" take up nearly 50 percent of human DNA; in other organisms, the proportion is even higher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What the researchers from Japan, China, Canada, and the US found is that a particular family of these TEs, called MER11, can strongly influence gene expression and act like "genetic switches" without actually changing the underlying DNA. "Our genome was sequenced long ago, but the function of many of its parts remain unknown," study coauthor Fumitaka Inoue from Kyoto University said in a statement about the work. MER11 sequences are what's known as long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons. Spookily, these are believed to have originated from an endogenous retrovirus (ERV) that infected a simian ancestor tens of millions of years ago, hijacking the DNA of the cells it invaded to produce copies of its genetic makeup that have never gone away, but have largely remained inert. Per the researchers, at least eight percent of the human genome comes from these retroviruses. That, plus all the other TEs littering our genome, makes for a lot of puzzling clutter for human scientists to sift through. The authors argue that the current methods for classifying and annotating TEs are inaccurate, leading to DNA sequences being overlooked as genetic junk. This inspired them to test their own classification system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The proper classification and annotation of LTR instances is critical to understanding their evolution, co-option and potential impact on the host," the authors wrote in the study. The researchers' system classified MER11 sequences based on their evolutionary relationships and how well they were preserved in primate genomes, according to the researchers' statement. Then, they divided MER11 into four separate subfamilies, MER11_G1 through G4, based on their age. This allowed the team to compare the MER11 subfamilies to what are known as epigenetic marks: chemicals that can affect how important proteins function, and as a consequence affect gene activity. Crucially, epigenetic marks don't have to physically alter a cell's DNA to modify a cell's behavior, such as silencing a gene that should be expressed. Accurately tying the MER11 subfamilies to the markers is a key step to revealing the extent of their impact on gene expression. With that as a springboard, the team tested some 7,000 MER11 sequences from humans and primates, measured how much each one affected gene activity, and found that the youngest MER11 subfamily, G4, had a strong ability to influence gene expression namely, by bearing its own DNA "motifs" that attract proteins called transcription factors that regulate what genes are switched on and off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Young MER11_G4 binds to a distinct set of transcription factors, indicating that this group gained different regulatory functions through sequence changes and contributes to speciation," lead author Xun Chen from the Chinese Academy of Sciences said in the statement. The implications are fascinating. Though these strands of DNA may have started as "junk," they have gradually insinuated their way to playing a role in gene regulation today suggesting a vast portion of unknown evolutionary history that we're only scratching the surface of. "Transposable elements are thought to play important roles in genome evolution, and their significance is expected to become clearer as research continues to advance," Inoue said. More on genetics: Elon Musk Using Eugenics Startup to Inspect DNA of Potential Babies for Intelligence SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) South Dakota Public Broadcasting is figuring out how to move forward without federal funding, which made up over 20% of its budget. This comes after President Trump signed a bill this week that will cut one billion dollars from Public Broadcasting as a whole. The South Dakota Board of Directors for Educational Telecommunications met Friday to discuss the impact federal cuts will have on SDPB. Shortly after the meeting started, the board went into a private session for over an hour where it talked about which local programs will be reduced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were really hoping to lay that out and kind of get the necessary approvals and plan in place over the next couple of weeks so that we can let the public know what the pain looks like, South Dakota Public Broadcastings executive director, Julie Overgaard said. Over the past few days its been a scramble to find a solution to fill the over $2 million gap. We are working as quickly as we possibly can to reinvigorate how we deliver, and then to ensure that where we can, we can manage those dollars, chair of the educational telecommunications board, Kay Jorgensen said. Overgaard predicts next years state budget season will be difficult because of other organizations also seeing reduced federal dollars, but is hopeful it wont add to the money already lost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are not obviously going to come and plug a $2.3 million hole, but I didnt sense there was any desire to pile on, Overgaard said. Overgaard wants viewers to know SDPB will continue even without federal help. I feel really grateful that were still going to survive this, even if we look a little bit different, Overgaard said. Details on which specific programs and local content SDPB will reduce are set to be released in mid August. Well have updates on air and online when that information is released. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The search for Travis Decker, the father wanted for murdering his daughters in late May, has been scaled back after what Washington authorities say is a decline in new investigative leads. In an update Friday, the Chelan County Sheriffs Office said that, while the criminal investigation remains ongoing, there has been an exhaustive search of several areas. The most recent search north of the Mineral Springs campground in the Blewett Pass area yielded inconclusive evidence, CCSO said. Decker has been the subject of a major manhunt since the bodies of his three daughters were found in early June near his truck outside of a campground in Leavenworth, Wash., three days after he was supposed to return the girls to their mothers home in Wenatchee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An autopsy confirmed the girls died by suffocation. In late June, authorities acknowledged Decker may have also died while evading law enforcement. However, they have also advised he may have changed his appearance in the ensuing weeks to avoid detection. Although there have been many reported sightings of Decker over the course of several weeks, CCSO said there is currently not enough information to confirm whether Decker is alive or dead. The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of $20,000 for any information leading to Deckers arrest. Officials are encouraging anyone who sees Decker to call 911 immediately and to not approach him, as he is considered armed and dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue to follow this story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) The second day of interviews of the finalists for the vacant Sioux City City Managers job concluded on Friday. The interviewee of the day was Craig Clark, who is the city administrator of Austin, Minnesota, a city of about 26,000 people. Hes been in that position for 10 and a half years. Clark is also the executive director for the Austin Port Authority. His resume includes serving as a state representative in the Minnesota legislature, along with working for a couple of congressmen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clark spoke to the council about what his focus would be and specific objectives he would like to accomplish in the first 90 days if hes hired for the job. Now, do I spend every day out in the departments? Probably not. But, at the same token, trying to get some sense of whats going on in the front lines for the city. And just really, spending even 90 days to assume I could do that for a community the size of Sioux City would be impossible. But, really, immersing myself into the community is really what I would spend my time trying to do, Clark said. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other candidate interviewed was Andrew Barden. Hes the city administrator for the city of Winterset, Iowa. Barden said the Winterset job is the first city administrator job, and he has been in that role for four and a half years. He was a part-time resident in Sioux City for five years while a member of the 113th Cavalry Regiment. Barden said he was in the Iowa Army National Guard for 20 years. Barden told the council members what his focus would be in his first 3 months and the specific objectives he wants done. So, my goal would be in the first 90 days to observe operations and procedures, and processes. And truly understand what individual employees concerns are, but starting with internal. Then I would move to the outside, as I like to say, which would be not only department heads, but support staff there. And then moving to community stakeholders, such as the newspapers and the media, Barden said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Council members interviewed Eric Swanson on Thursday. Hes the interim city manager for the city of Phoenix, Oregon. The council will go over their notes from all the interviews. The person they will choose will be announced at a later date. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. BESSEMER, Ala. (WIAT) The Jefferson County Coroners Office says 50-year-old Delores Musgrove died as a direct result of wounds she sustained after being attacked by multiple dogs in an overgrown vacant lot near Martin Street and Norwood Avenue in Bessemer. Her mother, Brenda Murkerson, and her father and siblings are now suffering an unimaginable loss. I wonder what her last thoughts were, Am I going to die? Am I going to die alone? Because she was so afraid of dying alone, Murkerson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bessemer police said the investigation into Thursdays attack is ongoing. This family is no stranger to grief. They lost their son in 2007. He was a U.S. Marine who was killed in Iraq. Now, theyre having to plan for their daughters memorial service. She loved everybody, Murkerson said. Nobody should have to bury their child. Murkerson said her daughter, who the family nicknamed Dee, was the mother of two adult children and a grandmother to three grandchildren. Delores Musgrove and her mom Brenda Murkerson. Murkerson believes the attack could have been prevented. Just being on a leash, being behind a fence, somewhere where they cannot attack anyone, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nikki Jones lives right next to the vacant lot where the attack took place. Its surprising to hear, but at the same time its not, because they have been loose for months and get aggressive, Jones said. They have chased multiple people. Jones believes that the dogs shes familiar with are the same ones who attacked and killed Musgrove. She says she has adjusted her gate to try and prevent dogs from getting into the backyard where her young children play. I fixed the gate and came out here with my stick, she said. I was on alert, because unfortunately you have to be on alert. Weve reached out to Bessemer Police to try and find out if the dogs are owned by someone who lives in the neighborhood, but we have not heard back. The city of Bessemer does have a leash law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve also reached out to Bessemer Animal Control for answers. The victims mother says she was told that some of the dogs involved in Thursdays attack had been put down. Musgrove attended Oak Grove High School in Bessemer and lived in Adger, but her parents said she had recently been staying in Bessemer not far from where the dog attack happened. Her brother Derrick Murkerson believes the city needs to do more about stray dogs. Theres too many stray dogs running around, he said. Nobodys taking responsibility for their dogs, and I feel like the city should do something about that. The city of Bessemer does have a leash law, but Murkerson said he believes its not being enforced. Murkerson said he was at work Thursday morning when his father called him about the shocking news of his sisters death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nobody should have to die that way, he said. Not one person deserves that. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. Edmonds Police are investigating the theft of a South County Fire Ford F-150, which was stolen during a residential fire investigation on Friday and later recovered in Shoreline with minor damage. The theft occurred around 11:45 a.m. when firefighters were investigating a fire on 76th Ave W, south of the Interurban Trail and adjacent to 240th Pl SW. The truck was left running with emergency lights activated, as is standard practice, when an unknown man drove off with it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four firefighters were at the scene of a house fire investigation, alongside various contractors assisting with boarding up the property and towing a damaged vehicle. A firefighter had moved the F-150 to allow tow truck access, parking it along 76th Ave W with emergency lights on to alert drivers. Within three minutes of parking, the vehicle was stolen by an unknown suspect, who was witnessed by a contractor hitting another South County Fire F-150 as they fled the scene. Law enforcement agencies quickly responded, and the vehicle was recovered just after 12 p.m. on Firlands Way N, which is just off SR 99 in Shoreline. This is about 3.6 miles from the area where the truck was stolen. The vehicle had minor cosmetic damage, and the only item missing was the vehicles fuel card. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No emergency responses were impacted by this incident. This recent incident comes just a week after a suspect stole a fire engine in Everett while crews responded to a medical emergency. That suspect took the 35,000-pound fire engine on a joy ride, hitting and damaging 10 parked cars in the process. That suspect has not been caught. Its unclear if these were related. Like fire departments across Snohomish County and our region, we are very disturbed by recent events targeting emergency services vehicles that belong to and are funded by our community, said South County Fire Chief Bob Eastman. South County Fire Chief Bob Eastman mentioned that the department is exploring solutions to enhance fleet security, including potential changes to vehicle engineering, policies, and training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He emphasized the importance of protecting emergency services vehicles, which are vital to the community. The suspect involved in the theft has not been located, and Edmonds Police are seeking any information from the public regarding the incident. SECOR, Ill. (WMBD) The villagers of Secor gathered to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with the debut of a historical marker. We gather here to commemorate what Minnie Vautrin has done during the Chinese peoples war against the Japanese invasion 80 years ago, said Mr. Wang Baodong, the Consul General for the Peoples Republic of China in Chicago. The ceremony consisted of remarks from the Mayor of Secor and Mr. Wang Baodong in front of the newly constructed plaque, made possible by the Illinois State Historical Society, in the Secor Community Park, in honor of Minnie Vautrin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilhelmina Minnie Vautrin was born in Secor in 1886 and was a graduate of Illinois State University as well as the University of Illinois. In 1919, she moved to Nanjing, China, where she served as the president of Ginling College until 1928. In 1937, Vautrin was a witness to the Rape of Nanjing, where the Japanese army invaded the capital city of China and killed over 300,000 people before World War II had officially begun. Vautrin became a hero as she opened the doors of the college for women and children to take refuge. We want to remember her humanitarian spirit in saving tens of thousands of Chinese women and children in the city of Nanjing during the massacre, Baodong said. Later, she was awarded for her efforts by receiving the Emblem of the Blue Jade, and after her death, a statue was erected in Nanjing, called The Goddess of Mercy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the horrors Vautrin witnessed from the war and the stress from witnessing the murders of her fellow civilians, she committed suicide in 1940. Vautrin now lives on in Nanjing and Secor. While Vautrin was alive, she kept a journal of her experience during the war. She left the world with a final remark. Had I ten perfect lives, I would give them all to China, she wrote. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. There is nothing more emblematic of Broken Britain than our porous borders. If an island nation cant secure its borders, what can it do for Gods sake? Middle England is in revolt at the persistent failure to stop the boats (yes, under multiple governments as I would be the first to admit). They have been made to endure the costs of illegal migration for far too long and their patience snapped long ago. When Ive been in quiet towns this past week, Ive heard their worries about asylum hotels. Its the talk at the school gates, at the hairdressers, in the pub. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know youre a father, Mr Jenrick, a woman said to me, walking her dog beside the harbour in Fareham. Would you want an asylum hotel on your street? I dont want my young daughters to share a neighbourhood with men who broke into this country illegally, about whom we know next to nothing. And I dont want anyone elses family to have it forced upon them either. First and foremost, because they have no right to be here, having entered in flagrant breach of our laws. But its not just that. They impose economic costs on cash-strapped councils, diverting resources away from Brits in need. They totally change the character of areas. And theres another, darker reason, one that few will confront: small boats are fuelling crime and making everyone less safe. The press reports only seem to get worse: drug dealers, rapists, murderers and even terror suspects are arriving on small boats. If youre unlucky enough to have an asylum hotel in your area, you are almost certain to have been impacted by the petty crime that accompanies them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Somehow its still a taboo for the Government to admit it publicly. The furthest the Home Office has gone to acknowledge the problem is issuing guidance to migrants in hotels explaining what sexual abuse is and that its illegal. But sensible countries do not bury their heads in the sand. When I visited the notorious Eagle Pass checkpoint on the US-Mexican border in 2023, Americas border force openly displayed the data on the criminal pasts of those they intercepted. In that small section of the border 113 convicted sex offenders had been intercepted that year; across the whole of the southern border they had stopped 15,267 convicted criminals in total. The lesson is that when the unfiltered truth about illegal migration is out there, the authorities have no choice but to respond. This issue propelled Trump to the Presidency with a mandate to end the disorder. Just as in America, the border crisis here is a national security emergency. But instead of trusting the public with the truth, this Labour Government has force-fed the public the lie that the majority of people arriving are women and children. Fact check: 75 per cent have been adult men. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In our topsy-turvy world, the British public are asked to deny reality. The facts about crime are covered up because of a toxic combination of bureaucratic inertia and weak leaders who pussyfoot around the truth. Its flat out wrong. I tabled an amendment to lift the veil of secrecy over migrant crime under the last Government and I have just done so again under Keir Starmer. I wont stop until the Ministry of Justice publishes the background of criminals by their nationality, country of birth, visa status, asylum status and their method of entry to the UK. Our membership of outdated international treaties like the ECHR will look trivial when its clear the safety of our communities of our children and loved ones is at stake. We have enough problems with law and order already without making it worse. When the British state finally acknowledges that, they might just be shamed into stopping the boats. 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. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The Nye County Sheriffs Office said it will have additional security patrols at a park where just weeks ago a deadly shooting left one man dead during a community event. The shooting occurred in Ian Deutch Memorial Park during a movie event around 10 p.m. on July 5. The shooting victim, identified as 22-year-old Joey Perry, suffered four gunshot wounds, police said. I need justice, mother of Pahrump shooting victim begs 3 suspects to turn themselves in after shooting at park Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriffs office responded to a fight involving around 50 teens, four of whom were in the actual fight. The rest were watching or cheering it on, according to Nye County Sheriff Joe McGill. The sheriff added that the fight was stopped, and the deputies left. Ten minutes later, the deadly shooting occurred. Three teenagers wanted in the deadly shooting later surrendered to law enforcement, according to the sheriffs office. On Friday, the sheriffs office stated that the community event, Movies in the Park, had resumed last weekend but that the turnout had been disappointing, according to the agencys social media post. To ensure a safe and welcoming environment, the Nye County Sheriffs Office will have additional patrols during the events, the post said. The final three movies at the park are expected to continue over the next three weekends, with all movies starting at 8:15 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saturday, July 26 Paddington In Peru Saturday, August 2 A Minecraft Movie Saturday, August 9 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Rescheduled from July 12) Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. A utility companys Sedona-based customers must shoulder the $6 million costs to camouflage a new underground water storage tank, the Arizona Corporation Commission decided July 24. Faced with a request to surge water rates across the Arizona Water Companys northern district, commissioners said that Sedonas share should be significantly higher rather than forcing the city's neighboring communities to foot the bill for the aesthetic project. For nearly 40 years, the company worked to find a location that Sedona residents would agree with, according to the commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arizona Water needed the 1.5-million-gallon tank and 3,000-gallon-per-minute booster pump station to meet the areas drinking water and fire flow demands. To appease Sedona residents, the company agreed to place the storage tank underground and build a house-like structure on top, so it masks the above-ground pump station and blends in with the surrounding community's homes. According to the Commission, the structure added $6 million to the $14 million price tag of the overall project, located off State Route 179 and Mallard Drive, in southeast Sedona. In March, Arizona Water opened its long-awaited East Sedona Water Storage Tank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amid construction, the company sought rate increases for its 21,000 northern district customers. That includes communities such as Munds Park, Payson, Pinetop Lakes and Sedona. In its unanimous vote, the Corporation Commission approved the water rate hikes with the caveat that Sedonas customers see a larger increase compared to the 15,000 others who dont reside in the city. Those outside of Sedona will have an average monthly bill of about $52, a 34% increase, according to the commission. Sedona customers, however, will see their water rates rise by about 45%, putting their average monthly bill at nearly $60. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioners like Rene Lopez called the decision a fine balance between ratepayer protections and company viability. Commission Chair Kevin Thompson echoed the sentiment. Hopefully, this is a strong signal to all water companies, local governments, and residents moving forward that if you require special conditions or place limitations on infrastructure based upon aesthetic preferences, you may be responsible for those extra costs, Thompson stated in a press release. In a July 25 email, Nick Liu, Arizona Water's vice president of Rates and Revenues, said the company respects the Corporation Commission's decision. Based on the commissioner's vote, he added, the utility will work with Sedona to explore funding options to help offset that rate increase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Arizona Water remains committed to engaging the City in this dialogue and moving forward with the Commissions decision," Liu stated. Shawn Raymundo covers Phoenix and Scottsdale. Reach him at sraymundo@gannett.com or follow him on X @ShawnzyTsunami. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Sedona rate payers on hook for water tank 'camouflage' project Pennsylvanias senators got a closer look at what the U.S. Steel deal with Nippon Steel means for our region. Senators Dave McCormick and John Fetterman toured the Edgar Thomson Works plant in Braddock on Friday. After the tour, they said more investment and jobs mean more housing is needed. The American way of life is about creating great-paying jobs, the steel way of life, manufacturing thats coming back to Pennsylvania, and its coming back in great force, but the second part of the American dream is to be able to buy a house, Sen. McCormick said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both parties working together, its really about protecting this way of life here in the valley and creating more housing and revitalizing community, Sen. Fetterman said. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner also joined in on the plant tour. Afterwards, he said he wants to work with local and state leaders on housing needs and boosting the workforce. This city, this area that were standing in, is an opportunity zone, Turner said. Its prime for community revitalization, its primed to bring new life to this once thriving and will be once again thriving community. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, co-author of a bill on new sanctions against Russia, has responded to mass protests in Ukraine against a controversial law on anti-corruption agencies. Source: Richard Blumenthal on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Blumenthal said that Ukrainians are demonstrating "democracy in action". "I hope Zelenskyy will continue to show transparency and anti-corruption commitment. His credibility and support depend on it," Blumenthal said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On 24 July, Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, co-author of the bill imposing new tough sanctions against Russia, issued a statement on law No. 12414, which deprives Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies of their independence. They warned Ukraine against undermining progress in fighting corruption. Background: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he does not want to jeopardise Ukraines European integration amid the controversy surrounding the law making the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office (SAPO) dependent on the decisions of the prosecutor general. On 25 July, Ruslan Stefanchuk, chairman of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament), announced that the president's bill to rectify the situation regarding the independence of NABU and SAPO would be considered on 31 July. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Three of Tennessees largest universities have started feeling the heat from Senator Marsha Blackburn. She said she has proof all three are not following President Trumps executive order to end diversity, equity and inclusion practices. I know that these universities are going through audits to make certain that theyre complying with state and federal law and that they are ridding these DEI policies, Blackburn said. TN lawmakers debate loosening school time rules Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Blackburn, leaked video footage from each university shows employees talking about concealing or renaming DEI policies. Blackburn shared links purportedly proving the subterfuge in her newsletter and online here. She also mentioned the repercussions of not following President Trumps directive, and how it could affect their federal funding. According to the national research organization Urban Institute, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville received nearly $200 million in federal funding last school year; Vanderbilt University received more than a quarter-billion dollars; Belmont University was not listed on their website. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Seeing that these universities are complying with not educating on DEI I just find that to be despicable, UT-Knoxville alumna Valerie Victor said. So disheartening to see that this is how Marsha Blackburn wants to spend her time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others on social media supported the senator, thanking her for her efforts and asking her to shut down DEI favoritism, though they declined to be interviewed by News 2. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Sign up for the Surge, the newsletter that covers most important political nonsense of the week, delivered to your inbox every Saturday. Good morning! Or, alternately, good afternoon or good evening. This is the Surge, a weekly roundup of whos making headlines in Washington, and you can read it whenever and wherever you pleasewith one exception. Under no circumstances, that is, do we approve of Surge content being consumed in a bathroom by someone who has already told their significant other that theyll be down in a minute. Get out there and get on with your day, maam or sir! The Surge will be taking a few weeks off, by the wayour next newsletter will go out on Aug. 16as we take our annual summer trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, to race go-karts against preteens named Liam and Noah. Skibidi Toiletface is a term of respect and admiration in their culture, right? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week, we have a little bit of good news, the usual quite sizable volume of bad news, and news about Pete Hegseth that is I dont know, lets say bleak comedy overlaid on a foundation of horror and cultural decline? Speaking of which The biggest political event of the week was probably, in our expert estimation, the Wall Street Journal reporting that Attorney General Pam Bondi told President Donald Trump in May that his name is mentioned in documents related to the federal investigation of Jeffrey Epstein, worlds most notorious deceased sexual abuser of teenage girls. And it was Bondi who reportedly set events in motion by ordering that the FBI deploy a surge of manpower, in March, onto the job of reviewing Epstein documents for potential releasea task that included flagging instances of Trumps name. Why would she do that? Why would Trump let her do that? Well, because the entire White House (and the right-wing media system around it) operates in a sort of antigravity fantasy world in which it was simply assumed as fact that a read-through of the Epstein files would expose a network of Democratic pedophiles, like various MAGA personalities had been saying they would for years. Trump appointed Bondi to her job because she believes that stuff, and because she believes that anything that makes him look bad must be a hoax that was hoaxed up by the Obama administrations Department of Treason Hoaxes. And sometimes a flawed process, like putting your conspiracy-theorist defense attorneys in charge of the Department of Justice, can create problematic results. How serious is this Epstein stuff for Teflon Trump? One indicator of pretty serious status might be that its actually causing problems for him in the House of Representatives, whose Republican members typically defy his wishes only when it comes to intra-conservative disputeschoosing between options, for instance, like we should limit Medicaid eligibility so we can reduce Elon Musks tax rate versus we should eliminate the federal government entirely. This week, though, three Republicans on the Oversight Committee joined with DemocratsDemocrats, peopleto subpoena Epstein material from the DOJ; in an effort to prevent any further such embarrassments, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson canceled Thursdays entire schedule, sending the chamber into its August vacation (er, recess) a day early. Republican members dont want to take votes that would allow them to be portrayed as complicit in a sex-predator cover-up, and have demanded that Johnson and the White House spend the next month coming up with what Politico calls a better solution to the Epstein problem. In our opinion, this is a little rich, given that these rank-and-file members are the very people responsible for granting essentially complete control over their party to a convicted felon (and known friend of Epsteins!) who has been accused of literally dozens of instances of sexual misconduct. Maybe the solution was to not do that in the first place, hmm? (Trump denies all the allegations and has never been charged with sexual assault, though a jury found him liable for sexual abuse.) But hey, hindsight is 5050. Right now youre all probably asking yourselves the same question: Who in tarnation is Adam Gelb, and whats he doin in my Surge? Well, the eminent Mr. G is the president of something called the Council on Criminal Justice, which just released a bunch of crime data based on a sampling of 42 American cities, ranging in size from New York to Cary, North Carolina, whose police departments release data on a timely basis. And that data says crime is way down, with murder rates dropping by nearly one-fifth this year alone. Why? The best guess of people who study such things is that violence surged a few years ago because of COVID, which disrupted individual lives and wider social support systems in a way that made the population more desperate and less likely to have anything productive to do with its time. Once employment stabilized and systems started filling themselves back in, the crime wave began receding, with the effects still being seen today. Also, we suspect that Adam Gelb has been wearing a bat costume at night to conduct citizens arrests of various burglars and henchmen. Watch out for the Gelb-man of Gotham! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont think it would be quite right to say that the current media focus on Trump and Epstein is superficial sensationalism; there are tangible consequences to debates about what kind of people should be elevated to leadership positions and how they should be held accountable. Still, there are more direct consequences of government activity happening to millions of people all over the country and world right now as well, like, for example, Andry Hernandez Romero, the Venezuelan-born stylist applying for asylum in the U.S. who was sent to El Salvadors CECOT prison in March by the Trump administration on the highly dubious grounds that his tattoos indicated gang membership. (We still havent figured out how to concisely explain why the U.S. is sending asylum applicants from other countries to jail in El Salvador, but its what happened.) Thanks to a prisoner swap between Venezuela and the U.S., though, Hernandez Romero has now been released back to his country of origin, where he told reporters that his experience was an encounter with torture and death, that many of the men who were with him have broken bones from being beaten and handcuffed, and that he was sexually abused. One of the people sent back to the U.S. in the swap is an Army veteran who was convicted of triple homicide. The purpose of all of this, mind you, is to make the United States safer. Famine is spreading in Gaza; this week, four news organizations said in a joint statement that their journalists in the territory are among those that may die in a mass starvation. (The Israeli military blocked food deliveries to the area for three months during the spring and has, on multiple occasions since, opened fire on Palestinians at food distribution sites, killing dozens, on the grounds that they got too close to the soldiers.) Eliyahu, the Israeli governments heritage minister, responded to questions about hunger in a radio interview by sayingseemingly in an approving mannerthat the purpose of Israels policy in Gaza is to ensure that its population is wiped out. Benjamin Netanyahu did not address the ministers comments; the United States, for its part, continues to send weapons to Israel, although American public opinion about whether that support should continue, and whether Israel has used too much military force in Gaza, is roughly split. Remember, back in April, when the major story in the country was that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had accidentally messaged what seemed like top-secret details about an imminent airstrike against Yemens Houthi rebels to a Signal group chat that included Atlantic magazine editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg? At the time, Hegseths public relations strategy centered on contemptuously insisting that the details he sent Goldberg were not classified, and if you thought they probably were, it was likely because you were a pointy-headed civilian pantywaist who wouldnt know OPSEC from your own ass. Lets [sic] me get this straight, he wrote on Twitter/X at one point. No names. No targets. No locations. No units. No routes. No sources. No methods. No classified information. Very normal everyday details that anyone could freely tell to anyone else! Well, this week the Washington Post reported that the Department of Defense inspector generals office has found evidence that the details Hegseth shared were taken from, quote, a classified email labeled SECRET/NOFORN. (NOFORN means dont show this to foreign officials.) In any other administration, Hegseth would have been fired long ago, and not just for the classified info stuff. Will he get fired now? Probably not, as there has been nary a whisper in the press about Trump being displeased, or even being aware, that this has happened. Around here, we enjoy a good story about an old-time guy preserved in a bog. Were not sure why; theres just something funny about the idea of spending your life thinking about mortality and the cosmos, as humans tend to do, and then falling into a swamp and dying and getting discovered 600 years later because someone is trying to build a parking lot in front of a Burger King. In any case, according to various outlets, archeologists working in Poland have discovered the remains of a medieval warrior under the longtime location of an ice cream parlor in the city of Gdansk. Available evidence suggests that the deceased was a person of high social standingmost likely a knight or commander held in particularly high esteem and respect, said the director of the organization that supervised the excavation. Sure; thats why he got the most refreshing and delicious burial site! The skeleton was once a strongly built man over 40 years old, likely around 59 in height, another expert testified, per Popular Mechanics. Just like the Surge, give or take an inch or so and your personal definition of strongly built! OK, everyone, have a great weekend! Serious liver disease is becoming more common among Americans who drink heavily, according to a new study from Keck Medicine of USC. It's not that more people are partying with alcohol. And it's not that the drinkers are having more drinks. It's that more of the people who drink regularly are becoming sick. Over the last two decades, the share of heavy drinkers who have advanced liver scarring jumped from 1.8% to 4.3%. For women, more than 1.5 drinks per night, on average, is considered heavy drinking. For men, it's 2 drinks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The fact that the risk not only increased but that it more than doubled almost tripled is really astonishing," said Dr. Brian P. Lee, a liver transplant specialist at Keck Medicine of USC and lead author on the study. It was published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology on Wednesday. Lee said he thinks patients might dramatically change their thinking and behavior if they had this information. The increase in illness was seen especially in women, older people and those with conditions like obesity or diabetes. Three USC researchers analyzed national health data from more than 44,000 adults surveyed between 1999 and 2020 in a well-known national heath study known as NHANES. Of those, 2,474 were heavy drinkers according to the definition of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism 20 grams of alcohol per day for women and 30 grams for men, roughly the equivalent of 1.5 and 2 drinks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They found a more than twofold increase over the two decades in significant liver fibrosis, a condition where healthy liver tissue is replaced by stiff, fibrous tissue like a sponge hardening into leather. If left unchecked, this can eventually lead to liver failure or cancer. By comparison, non-heavy drinkers saw a much smaller increase, from 0.8% to 1.4% over the same period. This rise in liver damage is especially troubling because many people dont realize anything is wrong until the disease is advanced. Liver disease is silent," Lee said. "Most people wont, even if they have [advanced liver scarring], have any symptoms at all." Drinking patterns did not change much over the study period. But the health profiles of heavy drinkers did. Rates of metabolic syndrome a cluster of conditions including obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure increased from 26% of people, to nearly 38%. Demographics shifted too: heavy drinkers became more likely to be women, people over the age of 45, and those living in poverty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're showing with this study that the picture of the American drinker is changing dramatically," Lee said. "You have more women who are drinking heavily, more ethnic minorities who are drinking heavily, and these are groups that are known to have a higher sensitivity to alcohol in causing liver damage." Other factors may also be at play, said Dr. Sammy Saab, medical director of the Pfleger Liver Institute at UCLA, who was not involved in the study. People could be consuming different types of drinks, or at different times. "Have we moved away from beer, wine, to hard cocktails? Have we moved away from drinking with food, where the food absorbs some of the alcohol you consume, versus drinking without food where alcohol is better absorbed?" Saab asked. Then there are cultural changes, he said. "In the old days, if you drank, you'd still have to drive home, but now we've got Uber, we have Lyft," he said, which may remove some deterrents to heavy drinking. The current definition of heavy drinking in the U.S. may actually be too lenient, Lee said, especially compared to evolving global standards. Canada, for example, now advises no more than two drinks per week to minimize health risks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In the U.S. right now, we consider heavy drinking to be eight drinks or more per week for women and 15 or more for men but that's quite high," he said. "We've shown in prior studies that you can develop liver disease at lower quantities than the U.S. threshold." The study's findings highlight the need to rethink long-held assumptions about alcohol-related liver disease, and Lee hopes it can be used to develop more effective screening methods for early detection. The paper raises a lot of good questions, Saab said, serving as a call to action for researchers and clinicians to better understand this increase in alcohol-associated liver disease and how to stop it. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A paroled sex fiend who killed a teenage girl in Rockland County was busted again this month for allegedly groping a woman leading incensed lawmakers to blast the state board that freed him. Robert McCain clinched his release from the state Parole Board on his 10th attempt in 2021 after serving four decades behind bars in the grisly 1980 stabbing of 16-year-old Paula Bohovesky. But the 64-year-old convicted murderer couldnt stay out of trouble. Paroled sex fiend Robert McCain, 64, who killed a teenage girl in Rockland County, was busted again this month for allegedly groping a woman. Martin Raab stock.adobe.com He was arrested for allegedly fondling a woman as the two were chatting in an upper Westchester County dog park on July 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This disgraceful and utterly predictable incident highlights precisely why Robert McCain never should have been granted parole, Republican Rep. Mike Lawler said in a statement. As an Assemblyman, I led the charge against Roberts release, demanding the Parole Board keep this hardened criminal behind bars, but they tragically prioritized pro-criminal ideology over the safety of our community, the Hudson Valley congressman said. The entire Parole Board should resign in disgrace immediately their constant release of child rapists, cop-killers, and the worst criminals has made New York less safe. McCain was hit with a misdemeanor charge of forcible touching and was being held at the Westchester County jail on $25,000 bail, authorities said Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim, a casual acquaintance of McCain, told cops he groped her at the park in Cortlandt the town where the jailbird now resides, the Westchester County Department of Public Safety said. State prison officials said a Department of Corrections and Community Supervision warrant was issued against McCain and lodged with the Westchester jail, where he will remain until a parole revocation hearing. McCain and co-defendant Richard LaBarbera were convicted of murder in 1981 for Bohoveskys slaying and each hit with the maximum prison term of 25 years to life. McCain served 40 years behind bars for the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Paula Bohovesky in 1980. Roman Tiraspolsky stock.adobe.com The creeps spotted the teen as she was walking home from her part-time job in Pearl River and McCain chucked a piece of pavement at her head and then beat her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sick pair then dragged the girl behind an empty house and sexually assaulted her before LaBarbera stabbed her five times in the back. Her brutalized body was found face down near a pool of blood the next morning and her jeans were around her ankles. After about 40 years in prison, McCain was granted parole 2021 despite calls from various elected officials and the victims elderly mother to keep him locked up. LaBarbera was released in 2020. A close friend of the Bohovesky family, Bob Baird, told The Post the teens mother, Lois, was comforted that McCain was back in custody Friday and that it didnt take a woman losing her life to get him there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two men who killed her daughter should never have seen the light of day and probably wouldnt if New York State wasnt so bent on closing prisons and saving expenses on aging prisoners, Baird said. State Assemblyman Matt Slater, who represents part of Westchester, said the fact the parole board had let a child killer out should make every New Yorker sick. The parole board continues to be an embarrassing failure that enables criminals, and in this instance, creates new victims. Lawler said the boards decision to release McCain was irresponsible and reprehensible. Their negligence has now created another victim at the hands of this monster, and they need to be held accountable, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roughly half of the current parole board members were on the panel in 2021 as appointments of then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Others have since been appointed by Cuomos successor Gov. Kathy Hochul and have continued to face backlash in recent years for letting out an assortment of cop killers to the shock of victims families and lawmakers. A spokesperson for the parole board said in a statement Friday that its members weigh multiple factors and must follow numerous guidelines and laws when deciding whether to release an inmate. Prior to making a final decision, the board members must follow the statutory requirements which take into consideration many factors, including statements made by victims and victims families, if any, as well as an individuals criminal history, institutional accomplishments, potential to successfully reintegrate into the community, and perceived risk to public safety, the rep said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defense attorney for McCain, Robert Nachamie, claimed the victim in the groping case wasnt credible and said his client has pleaded not guilty. He also noted McCain has held a job and lived in the same home for the last couple years. Im not saying what he did in the past isnt horrific and terrible and I feel bad for the family but he did his time I believe, Nachamie said. Whether it was enough I cant say. I dont know what I would do if I lost my daughter. Baird, 77, who worked for the local newspaper at the time of the 1981 slaying and has since become an advocate for the Bohovesky family, called McCain an animal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont like to use the term but when you think about what was done to Paula she was smacked on the back of the head with a piece of concrete, stabbed repeatedly, strangled, sexually molested and left to die in a pool of her own blood, he said. It doesnt get much more depraved than that. Additional reporting by Vaughn Golden Gov. Tony Evers is out. Former Gov. Scott Walker might be in for the 2026 race for governor. After a relatively calm (by Wisconsin standards) state budget agreement just before the Fourth of July, speculation mounted about whether Evers would seek a third term. His July 24 announcement means Wisconsin will have its first governor's race without an incumbent since 2010. It's worth noting that Walker was the last candidate to win a wide-open race that same year. The Republican served for two terms before being defeated by Evers, a Democrat, in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those are the old governors, so to speak, but there is a new crop of candidates who would like the job, including on the Democratic side Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, who announced July 25 she's in the race and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley who announced his intention to run the same day. On the GOP side, Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann and business executive Bill Berrien have announced their candidacies. Walker has teased his interest, noting he'd be like President Trump in being the 45th and 47th chief executive, if voters sent him back to the governor's office. Letters: John McCain was hero who saved Affordable Care Act. GOP still wants to kill law. We want to hear from you. Please take the survey below. We'll highlight where readers land and spotlight your responses in a follow-up column and special letters to the editors packages depending on the number of responses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jim Fitzhenry is the Ideas Lab Editor/Director of Community Engagement for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Reach him at jfitzhen@gannett.com or 920-993-7154. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Scott Walker teases he might want old job back as governor | Opinion PANA, Ill. (WCIA) A 41-year-old Shelby County man was arrested in Pana on Wednesday for methamphetamine and theft related charges. The Pana Police Department said on Facebook that on July 23 at 5:21 p.m., Angel Stout of Tower Hill was arrested on preliminary charges of possessing less than five grams of meth, theft of over $500 and two counts of delivering of meth. Stout was then transported to the Christian County Correctional Center. Urbana man pleads not guilty in deadly 4th of July shooting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following day, Christian County States Attorney John McWard filed a formal charge against Stout for unlawful delivery of between 15 and 100 grams of meth, a Class X Felony. A motion to deny Stout pretrial release was also filed. A pretrial release detention hearing was held and Judge Brad Paisley denied Stout pretrial release. He will stay in custody pending future court appearances. The arrest was made by the Central Illinois Enforcement Group (CIEG) Drug Task Force, a multi-jurisdictional narcotics unit led by the Illinois State Police. Members of the Pana Police Department and the Christian County Sheriffs Office are assigned to this unit. CIEG initiated a narcotics investigation into this incident a few weeks ago, Pana Police said, after receiving information of meth being trafficked into the City of Pana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. The Flagler County Sheriffs Office announced that the Boots on the Ground Line Dance Competition at the Flagler County Fairgrounds on July 26 was canceled by the Flagler County government, rendering the event unsanctioned and illegal. The event, which was initially allowed to proceed, was canceled because of an improper permit application and safety concerns. In response, the Flagler County Sheriffs Office has put up signs at important spots to notify attendees and vendors about the cancellation. Sheriff Rick Staly called on the community to stay alert and report any suspicious actions, stressing that illegal activities will not be tolerated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the events organizer is exploring other venues, including Bunnell, no permits have been issued there, raising concerns about unapproved gatherings. The Sheriffs Office has stepped up patrols across the county to protect residents and visitors. They also warned that unauthorized gatherings may lead to arrests. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. A 76-year-old woman from Orlando is considered endangered and missing in the area. Sheriffs report they need help to locate her. Immacula Francillon, an adult experiencing declining mental health, was reported missing after she was last seen at a Goodwill store near Hiawassee Road and Silver Star Road on July 24. Sheriffs say Francillon was captured on surveillance footage at 4 p.m., wearing a dark green dress and a grey wig. Authorities are worried about her well-being because of her memory loss and are actively searching for information about her whereabouts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Orange County Sheriffs Office is managing the case and encourages anyone with information to reach out to them at 407-836-4357. The community is encouraged to help find Immacula Francillon to keep her safe, considering her vulnerable situation. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. NEW YORK (PIX11) On this installment of PIX on politics, Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic nominee for NJ Governor, discusses her efforts to shift the race toward the general election. Sherrill highlights her message in what is expected to be a very close governors race and outlines her plans at the state level to make it easier for municipalities to lower taxes. Justin Brannan also appeared on PIX to say he supports Zohran Mamdani for mayor, and emphasized that his big ideas for the city can be funded the money is available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A World War II-era chapel at White Sands Missile Range has been designated as a place of pilgrimage by the Military Archdiocese. The designation has been given to the Sierra Chapel, according to the Army post. The designation is a significant honor for the installation and for all Christians who may now journey here for spiritual enrichment and reflection, White Sands said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Father Christopher Adunchezor, the Catholic priest at Sierra Chapel, said WSMR has been given a special gift in the designation allowing parishioners in the local area to come do their pilgrimage here instead of having to travel to major basilicas in Rome, Holy Land sites, or other designated ecclesiastical sites. On June 20, Archbishop Timothy Broglio, the archbishop for the Military Archdiocese, designated Sierra Chapel as a place for pilgrimage where Jubilee Indulgence (foregivenes of sins) is obtained during the Jubilee Year that began Dec. 24, 2024, and runs through Jan. 6, 2026. Sierra Chapel was originally constructed during World War II at Camp Luna near Las Vegas, New Mexico. Camp Luna served as a basic training and advanced aerial gunnery training facility for the U.S. Army and Air Force. The chapel was dismantled sometime after the war and moved to WSMR to serve the religious needs of what was then called White Sands Proving Ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the new Post Chapel was built, Sierra Chapel was designated for Catholic services. It is believed to be the only surviving, primarily unaltered 700 series military chapel in New Mexico, White Sands said. The chapel is open to all community members who wish to seek pilgrimage, spiritual support or just to visit the historic site. It is open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and Mass is at 11:30 a.m. For more information call (575) 678-2615. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. AUSTIN (KXAN) A suspect was arrested Friday and charged with arson related to an investigation into the recent fires in Bartlett, according to the Williamson County Fire Marshals Office. Williamson County jail records show Carlos Jermaine Crathers, of Temple, was booked into the facility Friday. As of Saturday afternoon, he did not have attorney or bond information listed. Law enforcement said Crathers confessed to being involved in one of the fires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said the investigation remained active, and they were working to determine if Crathers was connected to two other fires in the Bartlett community. The Williamson County Fire Marshals Office said the significant breakthrough was possible with help from the detectives of the Williamson County Sheriffs Office. Anyone with information, photos or videos related to the Bartlett fires was asked to contact the Williamson County Fire Marshals Office at 512-943-3831 or by emailing firemarshal@wilcotx.gov. Such contributions are invaluable to the ongoing investigation, and the communitys cooperation is greatly appreciated, law enforcement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. UPDATE: 7/26/25 According to OHP, Byford has been located safely. ORIGINAL STORY NEWALLA, Okla. (KFOR) The Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Oklahoma County Sheriffs Department are searching for a missing 71-year-old woman. According to OHP, 71-year-old Loretta Byford was last seen getting into an unknown dark colored truck in the Newalla area. Byford has dementia and COPD. Silver Alert for Loretta Byford. Image courtesy, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Byford is described as 5 feet 2 inches tall, 120 pounds. She was last seen wearing a black short-sleeved shirt and black shorts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you see Byford, please call 911. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. CONNEAUT An experiment in financing home construction is underway at the citys former Hayward Park property. The Ashtabula County Land Bank is developing the property into four single family homes, with the construction financed by $240,000 in Property Assessed Clean Energy loans from the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council. Historically, [PACE loans] have been used for commercial projects, Ashtabula County Land Bank Executive Director Alex Iarocci said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two other local projects financed through PACE loans were SPIRE Academy and the Riverbend Hotel, Iarocci said. The way that PACE works is that they provide money to projects that are using qualifying energy-efficient materials and appliances, he said. Iarocci said the idea behind PACE loans is that making properties more energy efficient will keep energy costs down long-term, and be better for the environment. For this project, it is the very first of its kind in the state to be used for a residential project of this caliber with multiple units, he said. Its only been done one time before in Toledo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city financed the construction of one house with PACE loans in that case, Iarocci said. It has never been used though, for more than one [house], he said. So, that is why NOPEC and myself are so excited about this project, because we feel like if it is successful, then it could be replicated across the state as an affordable housing finance tool. The land bank and Conneaut had been interested in the property, which was closed by the city several years ago, for a while, Iarocci said. Were finally excited that its broken ground at this point, since weve been talking about it for the last two and a half years, he said. Its relieving and exciting that its coming to fruition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iarocci heard about the idea of using PACE loans from former Conneaut City Manager Jim Hockaday. We got to talking, and realized this would be a good fit, and we went from there, Iarocci said. That first call, I want to say, was fall of 2023, and it took us all of 2024 to work out the details, and finally we were able to get it executed. Iarocci said he met NOPEC Community Investment and Economic Development Director Aaron Marcovy previously at a land bank conference. It was a matter of good timing, he said. My understanding is, they had been kicking around this program for a few years, they couldnt just find a project they wanted to use as their pilot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city passed a 10-year tax abatement for the property in March. Conneaut City Manager Nick Sanford said at the time the abatement would not decrease tax collection, since there was no houses on the property already. Council approved NOPEC funding the project with PACE loans in May. Marcovy said at the meeting he was thankful for the citys support. Theres all these benefits [to the project], and were very excited about the opportunity, he said. Marcovy said the homeowners will be imbued with around about 66% equity in their homes. This is upward mobility in itself, he said. This is the ability of living the American dream, utilizing the single storage of capital that most folks have, when they purchase a single-family home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There will be deed restrictions, and the homeowners will have to prove they are credit-worthy, Marcovy said. Sanford said he has been very supportive of the project since he heard about it. To have this type of partnership among the land bank and NOPEC and add such equity and value-add to a potential homeowner, its the true definition of an impactful project, he said. Taking an underutilized, tax-exempt city property and breathing life back into it in such a meaningful way is exactly why we do what we do. Alongside PACE loans, the projects funding comes from a $600,000 grant from the federal Affordable Housing Program, and a $120,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Developments Welcome Home Ohio Program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [The land bank] is putting in the rest of the equity, Iarocci said. He said the land bank has been conducting outreach to potential future occupants for the homes. Two of the units are set aside for homeless households, and the other two units are set aside for special needs households, Iarocci said. Its a little more broad criteria than someone moving in off the street for homeless households. Homeless households include victims of domestic violence, people sleeping in places that are not meant for human habitation or emergency shelters, people graduating from transitional housing programs or people living in an overcrowded dwelling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Special needs households have at least one person who is disabled, recovering from abuse or addiction, seniors 62 years and older, formerly incarcerated persons, or veterans. The land bank has been working with its social services network to find buyers for the homes, Iarocci said. He expects the first of the four homes to be done by the end of August. As long as were building on spec, which means we dont have buyers lined up, we will be [building] one home at a time, he said. If more buyers are lined up quickly, the homes could be done sooner, Iarocci said. Right now, the tentative plan would be one at a time, to be concluded in fall of 2026, he said. The United States and Japan, while separated by geography, language, and culture, share more in common than first meets the eyeparticularly when it comes to health care. As post-war democracies that developed robust medical infrastructures in the latter half of the 20th century, both countries have grappled with similar challenges: Aging populations, rising costs, workforce burnout, and persistent health disparities. Yet their respective approachesthe U.S.s pluralistic, market-driven model and Japans universal Social Health Insurance (SHI) systemoffer contrasting strengths that, together, provide a blueprint for mutual learning and global progress. In Japan, health care is anchored in universal coverage and affordability. Every resident is required to enroll in a health insurance plan, and the system emphasizes preventive care, long-term management of chronic disease, and cost efficiency. Patient satisfaction is high, outcomes are among the best in the world, and life expectancy is the longest globally. Central to this model is the deeply embedded ethos of Japanese clinical practice that prioritizes familial closeness and trust between doctor and patient. Physicians are expected to manage a wide range of clinical responsibilities, from bedside diagnostics to imaging interpretation, fostering a holistic, hands-on approach often referred to as Medical Bushido. In contrast, the U.S. system is marked by innovation and specialization. The American model incentivizes cutting-edge research, rapid adoption of new technologies, and highly individualized care. Academic medical centers in the U.S. are global leaders in clinical trials, surgical advancements, and medical education. However, the country also faces systemic challenges: Approximately 8 percent of Americans remain uninsured, administrative costs are among the highest in the world, and medical debt remains a leading cause of bankruptcy. Nonetheless, the U.S. excels in areas such as early detection of disease, trauma care, and leveraging data-driven precision medicine. The divergences between these systems present unique opportunities for collaboration. Japanese policymakers have shown growing interest in the U.S.s advanced digital health infrastructure, including telemedicine, AI diagnostics, and electronic health records integration. Conversely, American health leaders can look to Japans emphasis on community-based care and its successful aging-in-place strategies to address their own aging population. Another area of mutual interest is the health care workforce. Japans physician-centric system, while efficient, places immense pressure on doctors, contributing to high burnout rates and rural staffing shortages. The U.S. model distributes responsibility across a broader team, utilizing nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and community health workers to expand access and ease clinical burdens. Japan may benefit from adopting similar team-based care strategies, while the U.S. could take cues from Japans rigorous, longitudinal clinical training to enhance diagnostic acumen and continuity of care. Importantly, access to specialists differs dramatically. Japanese patients can consult specialists directly, which enhances flexibility but sometimes leads to fragmented care. The U.S. system, although fragmented itself, often requires insurance pre-authorization or referrals, delaying treatment and frustrating patients. Balancing freedom of choice with coordinated care remains a shared challenge, and pilot programs in both countriessuch as integrated care teams in Japan and patient-centered medical homes in the U.S.offer scalable solutions. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored how interconnected global health has become. Japan and the United States collaborated on vaccine development, data sharing, and public health surveillance. Beyond crisis response, these efforts point to a larger vision: The co-creation of systems that are resilient, inclusive, and culturally responsive. Ultimately, the future of health care depends not only on national reform but on transnational learning. Physicians, researchers, and policymakers must act as global citizens, willing to exchange best practices and challenge institutional assumptions. As Japan and the U.S. navigate their respective reform efforts, their shared valuesequity, innovation, and patient dignitycan form the basis of a new, transpacific model of care. By investing in this partnership, we go beyond improving metrics. We affirm a deeper commitment to what medicine should be: Not just a science, but a human bond that crosses borders. Vikram Madireddy and Masashi Hamada are neurologists in Japan. Hibiki Yamazaki is a medical student. As Berlin celebrates Pride on Saturday, six individuals were arrested on their way to a right-wing counter-demonstration, police said in a post on X. The officers made the arrests in a knife and weapons prohibition zone at Alexanderplatz. To prevent potential clashes and anti-queer attacks, police accompanied the demonstration participants for security reasons, a spokeswoman told dpa. The detainees include the organizer of the counter-assembly. The individuals were initially taken into police custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police initiated proceedings for offences including insult, the use of symbols of unconstitutional organizations and violation of the Explosives Act. One person was arrested for violating the Weapons Act, though the spokeswoman did not specify the type of weapons involved. The far-right demonstration "against the CSD terror" drew some 30 to 50 people, police said. In Germany, the term Christopher Street Day is used to refer to Pride celebrations for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities. There were also banners at the counter demonstration from the group Deutsche Jugend Voran, which Berlin domestic security officials classify as far-right extremist and violence-oriented. When the Pride parade reached the site of the counter protest at 1:45 pm (1145 GMT), many participants shouted this year's motto, "Never silent again." (COLORADO SPRINGS) A very important member of our community is celebrating a big birthday. Aysan, the sloth from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, turned 10 years old. Although we dont always prefer a slow (pun intended) news day, Aysans birthday is definitely the exception. Shes our mama sloth. She joined us a few years ago and fun fact, that name actually means, like, beautiful like the moon, which is actually perfect because theyre all really cute. But Aysan in particular is just absolutely gorgeous, said Rebecca Zwicker, an Animal Care Manager at the zoo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The zoo spared no expense for her big day. There was cupcakes, birthday cards, and a huge crowd to sing her happy birthday. The keepers like to celebrate birthdays. They keep very close tabs on whose birthday is when. So, sometimes it maybe is a little bit of a quiet thing, but usually the care team does something special for an animal. But a milestone like this is just a great reason to bring the community in and celebrate, partner with Childrens Hospital of Colorado, and just make an event of it, said Zwicker. As a new, first-time mom, she seemed to have lots of fun celebrating with her baby, Olive, and her mate, Bosco. Every once in a while, they can surprise you, move a little faster than you thought, said Zwicker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aysan even lets baby Olive eat food right out of her mouth. Olive was born in mid-December, and so shes a very independent little thing, but shell typically stay with mom for about a year. So most of the time youre going to see Aysan and Olive, its a package deal, dangling together, said Zwicker. If youd like to pay them a visit, this sloth family has plenty more birthdays to come since they live to be about 40 years old in human care. Our sloths sleep for most of the day, but typically around 1030, 11:00 is breakfast time when they like to come down for food. And so if youre at the zoo and you want to hedge your bets of being able to see the sloth family, usually being up in Scutes family gallery around 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. is a good bet, said Zwicker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The zoo also offers 21 and up nights called Tails, Tunes, and Tastes. They say those evenings could be a good opportunity to catch the sloths in action, since theyre mostly nocturnal. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. The last time a Labour government tried to introduce ID cards, Britain was a very different place. It was a pre-smartphone era, and less than half of the population had an internet connection, let alone social media. Privacy was expected. In 2002, five months after 9/11, David Blunkett, home secretary at the time, proposed a national entitlement card designed to crack down on fraudulent use of benefits and the NHS. The plan ultimately morphed into an ID card scheme tied to a national identity register, a central record of citizens. Civil liberties campaigners howled, and despite the then prime minister Tony Blairs enthusiasm, the public never bought into the idea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coalition government scrapped the idea in 2011, with immigration minister Damian Green personally feeding the hard drives into an industrial shredder. Few lamented the schemes downfall. But Britain was also a different country in another way. In 2002, net migration into Britain was 172,000, compared with 431,000 last year. Illegal migration is more difficult to measure, but estimates suggest the size of this population has exploded, and small boat crossings have made the problem painfully visible. Asylum claims are at a record high. Immigration is now seen as the most important political issue by the British public, whereas two decades ago the NHS and terrorism were stronger priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blairs ID card push came in the wake of terrorist attacks and was justified on national security grounds. Modern-day promoters of ID cards now believe that concerns around immigration could be the secret to reviving public appetite for a national scheme. Labour Together, the Westminster think tank seen as being closest to the Labour leadership, said last month that a digital BritCard would be the most effective way for people to prove they have the right to be in the UK. Rather than the plastic cards proposed under New Labour, this would involve a mandatory free ID, downloadable on to a smartphone, that could be used to check peoples age, their right to drive, work, rent and open bank accounts. The group says that 80pc of the public supports a digital identity in some form. The joint most popular reason for backing the idea is it would deter people from coming to the UK illegally to work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The polling is pretty conclusive that people like the idea of a system by which you can prove who you are, says Jake Richards, a Labour MP who supports the idea. I dont think theres this big civil liberties argument against it as there was in the Noughties. Richards points out that many pieces of a digital ID are already in the works, although ministers do not call it that. The Governments digital services are already being combined into a single online system known as One Login used to access childcare benefits, apply for grants and apply for training. Ministers are launching a digital driving licence later this year through a Gov.UK wallet service. Legal migrants must already display an eVisa when applying for jobs. Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, is trying to centralise NHS data as a patient passport by 2028. Blunkett recently argued that the Government should admit this effectively amounts to a digital ID. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If somethings going to happen, you might as well get some credit for it, he wrote in Prospect magazine. Today, proving ones identity and right to work can involve an array of different documents and processes. There are 16 different ways for UK nationals to prove they have the right to work in the UK. A government-issued ID that displays credentials such as a persons name, right to work, whether they are over 18 and whether they have a drivers licence would, in theory, be harder to game. Proponents also claim that a digital ID card would cost significantly less than its analogue counterpart. In 2005, one analysis claimed that ID cards could cost around 18bn, or roughly 300 per person. Labour Together has estimated that the digital equivalent would cost between 150m and 400m, less than what the Home Office spends annually tackling illegal immigration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rachel Coldicutt, a technology strategist who has studied digital IDs, says that this may be optimistic. Conservatively, you need to put another zero on those figures, she says. Any solution needs to be absolutely rock solid from a technical perspective, and getting that right and usable by everyone is much, much harder than sending out a drivers licence. The real issue is that this could be a white elephant. Debate on digital ID benefits Coldicutt is also sceptical about the benefits. People smugglers wont be scanning IDs before letting people onto small boats, and employers who dont check ID wont suddenly start obeying the law, she says. While not a silver bullet for solving the problem of illegal migration, supporters argue that making it easier to check IDs would at least help. Verifying the multitude of potential documents can be expensive for employers, so many do not bother, and the multitude of potential documents makes it trivial to fake them. The pros and cons of digital ID cards Measures such as last weeks announcement that the Government will share the location of asylum hotels with food delivery companies to cut down on illegal working suggest the system, as it stands, can be easily bypassed. A free ID checking app, in comparison, would provide instant answers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opposition to ID cards in Britain has often stemmed from historical liberties. Critics say digital IDs are reminiscent of a papers, please society that Britain has never been. The only times they have existed have been during the two world wars, as well as the postwar period when practices such as rationing remained. But that argument holds less weight in a world in which we regularly part with personal information to shop online, or, in social medias case, merely to show off. As of last week, adult websites and social media sites must now verify users ages, so that children are not shown inappropriate material. In other words, people must show ID. Elon Musks platform X now uses ID to verify users age - Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters Opponents argue that digital IDs would be exclusionary to those without modern smartphones, but the argument is fading as more jobs require staff to be tethered to WhatsApp. Even if there are potential difficulties, Labour MPs are desperate to find a way to counter the rise of Nigel Farages Reform UK, for whom each immigration scandal leads to a potential bump in the polls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April, a group of more than 40 Labour MPs said digital ID cards were needed to take control of the migration system, saying this Government will only succeed if it is able to get a grip on illegal migration. Lots of colleagues come up and say yes, that time has come, says Richards, the Labour MP. I think theres a lot of hunger for it. The Government itself is yet to commit to the idea, beyond saying it is examining proposals for a BritCard. But if the boats keep coming and the public gets behind the idea, Sir Keir Starmer may yet succeed in doing what Sir Tony couldnt. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The following story was written by Scott Buttram, publisher of the Trussville Tribune. TRUSSVILLE (TRIBUNE) Trussville mayoral candidate and current Jefferson County Tax Collector J.T. Smallwood responded to a media report highlighting an array of continuing accounting deficiencies in the Tax Collectors office during his 22 year tenure. In a wide ranging article by 1819 News reviewing state audits of Smallwoods office, AprylMarie Fogel found that the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts cited Smallwoods office for numerous accounting failures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most recent audit released in 2024 stated the Tax Collector did not comply with the Office of Tax Officials Minimum Accounting Requirements related to the maintenance of accurate cashbooks. Auditors stated that this same issue had been addressed in previous audits in 2011 and 2017. Smallwood initially blamed the receiver placed in charge of Jefferson County by a federal judge for his audit issues. This is 100% the fault of the federal receivers insistence upon not listening to sound judgement and pushing a DEI initiative that would serve to cripple the Jefferson County Tax Collectors office, Smallwood said. The receiver waited until I was in surgery to enter the Tax Collectors office and place his folks in control of our office. The receiver Smallwood referenced was Lorren Oliver, put in place by U.S. District Judge Lynwood Smith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The receiver began dismantling our accounting and legal team and replacing them with his hiring selection, unfortunately none with professional license or certifications, Smallwood said. While recovering from serious surgery I would get calls from various banks stating that our accounts were over drawn and bad checks were being issued by our office. This went on for some time. However, Smallwood said he entered the hospital in January of 2018. Judge Smith ended the Jefferson County receivership in June of 2018. Accounting deficiencies in Smallwoods office were referenced by auditors as early as the 2011-oo1 audit which examined the Tax Collectors office as far back as 2007 and continued into 2023. The Tax Collector failed to properly maintain a cashbook, perform monthly bank reconciliations, or provide an analysis of amounts remaining on hand. This finding was previously reported as Findings 2017-002 and 2011-001. Subsequent audits 2017-002 and the most recent audit released in 2024 noted that the issue has remained unresolved for at least 15 years. Those reports also noted that auditors met with Smallwood personally in his office to review the audits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the audits findings over the years; Smallwoods office failed to balance multiple bank accounts, failed to provide proper documentation, used the wrong percentage to calculate funds due to schools, disbursed the incorrect amount of funds to agencies. The report also stated, There were errors in the distribution of collections that resulted in amounts due and overpaid. Amounts due include amounts at the examination ending date which should have previously been remitted to the proper agencies. These amounts result from errors in the distribution of collections, failure to collect all costs that have been levied by a particular agency, or from calculation errors in the distribution reports. Amounts overpaid include amounts remitted to an agency by the Tax Collector in excess of amounts the agency was entitled to receive Ironically, Judge Smith had cited Smallwood for egregious cronyism in hiring as one of the reasons that he placed Jefferson County in receivership in 2015. Smallwood vehemently denies the cronyism allegation, but does not dispute that the employee hired, John DeLucia, was a close friend. Three years later, Smallwood sent a letter to Judge Smith disputing the cronyism claim. He informed Judge Smith that his office had not been represented by an attorney, he had never been questioned about the allegation or asked to explain, and that he found out third hand that both my name and office is mentioned prominently in the contempt memo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smallwood told the judge that he was single out because he was a Democrat. Beyond that, it was amusing that I as a democratic office holder was the only elected official singled out in a county that was long controlled by a republican majority on the commission which exclusively held the hiring authority for all merit positions, Smallwood wrote to Judge Smith. Smallwood went on to tell the judge that his NAACP and Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth awards nor his minority hires were recognized by the court. The most recent audit of the Jefferson County Tax Collectors office, released in 2024, pointed to multiple additional issues with the departments accounting, including; Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The main check writing bank account used to disburse current collections has not been reconciled since September 2018. The check writing bank account for current petitions has not been reconciled since September 2020. The check writing bank accounts for insolvents and overpayments were reconciled through the end of the examination period, but not approved by upper management. Neither account provided an analysis of the amounts on hand. The check writing bank accounts for redemptions and litigations were reconciled and approved but did not provide an analysis of amounts on hand. A cashbook was not maintained for six bank accounts in the Tax Collectors software or a manual cashbook. Reconciliations were prepared by staff but an analysis of the amounts on hand was not prepared. A current collections bank account had not been reconciled since April 2022 and an analysis of the amounts on hand was not performed. A current collections bank account had not been reconciled since May 2022 and an analysis of the amounts on hand was not performed. Two bank accounts were reconciled and approved by upper management at the conclusion of the examination. Neither account provided an analysis of the amounts on hand. Three bank accounts were reconciled but not approved by upper management at the conclusion of the examination. None of the bank account reconciliations included an analysis of the amounts on hand. The credit card account did not have a bank reconciliation or cashbook maintained for the examination period. A current collections bank account had not been reconciled since September 2020. The lady reconciling the accounts, was raising her two daughters, one of which had profound special needs while caring for her husband who was a local pastor dying of cancer, Smallwood responded when asked the reason for multiple accounting deficiencies for most of his 22 years in office. Mark, worked beyond his intended departure date until the receiver sent a replacement, caring for his Ill wife who was batting serious health problems. Additionally, Smallwood mentioned a former employee whose spouse was a survivor of sexual abuse. I could keep going, but no one ever picked up phone from tribune to get the full story, until today, 30 days outside of election, Smallwood said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. Jul. 25Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is currently accepting applications for its Small Town Grant program. Towns, or Native nations, with populations of 10,000 or less in SMIF's 20-county region are eligible. Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public institutions and units or agencies of local, state, federal and tribal government are encouraged to apply. Requests of up to $10,000 for eligible projects will be considered. The Small Town Grant Program seeks to invest in collaborative initiatives which improve the way a community works together, solves challenges, creates a welcoming community and sense of belonging for all. SMIF seeks proposals which focus on collaboration throughout the project and will impact the culture, education, economy and/or social aspects of the community. Proposals to launch new projects or expand existing initiatives in a new way will be considered. Applications are due to SMIF by Aug. 28. Awardees will be notified by Oct. 15. For the application and guidelines, visit www.smifoundation.org/smalltowngrant. The Bakersfield Californian welcomed the community to join in a celebration of its new location at 4900 California Ave, Suite 100A with a ribbon-cutting June 17. It was an opportunity for readers to meet with the staff and tour the new office, located in the heart of Bakersfield's business district, proving convenient for customers and advertisers. Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh attended, as did representatives of several elected officials and staff and ambassadors from the Greater Bakersfield Chamber. Attendees could enjoy a sweet treat from Dimple's Ice Cream and agua frescas from Howie's Micheladas. Festivities included drawings for prizes. JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) If you own a cell phone, theres hardly a day that goes by that you arent targeted by scammers. The Sneads police department is offering a free class to help protect residents. The class is titled How to avoid being scammed or defrauded. The class will cover several types of scams, such as grandparent, romantic interest, warrants, banking, and AI scams. Sneads Police Sergeant Quinton Hollis is teaching the class. He says they want people to know the signs of a scam and what to do if they are victimized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We tend to get a lot of complaints about people being scammed, said Brett Preston, Sneads Chief of Police. And a lot of these scams are people who are very good with technology. Cell phones, things like that. And they have a magic of being able to pretend to be somebody that theyre not in order to get money out of people. And it does happen more often than people realize. The class takes place tomorrow from 1:30-to-3:30 at Sneads First Assembly of God Church. Its open to anyone interested in attending. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. ST. LOUIS The Office of Sheriff Alfred Montgomery will not be moving forward with Sonya Jenkins-Gray as their Chief Human Resources Officer, as she turned down the position. Jenkins-Grays decision comes two days after Montgomery appointed her to various responsibilities for his office, including hiring and promotinga move that would turn heads, from state officials to local leaders. Close Thanks for signing up! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News On Wednesday, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe said Jenkins-Grays hiring with the Sheriffs Office was a conflict of interest, as she oversees the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) as a member of the commissioner board. If Ms. Jenkins-Gray does not resign and continues to serve on the board, she will have to address those concerns with the Missouri Senate during her confirmation process, Kehoe said. Jenkins-Gray shared a statement on Friday regarding her decision: After thoughtful consideration, I will not accept a position with the City of St. Louis Sheriffs Office. I am truly honored that the Sheriff saw value in my background and experience as a Human Resources professional, just as the Governor did when appointing me to the Board of Police Commissioners. I remain committed to serving the people of St. Louis as a member of the Board of Police Commissioners. I believe I can continue to make a meaningful impact on public safety in a way that is thoughtful, principled, and non-political. Strengthening the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and supporting the men and women who serve remains a top priority for me. I appreciate the continued support and confidence in my public service, and I look forward to continuing this important work on behalf of our community, Jenkins-Gray concluded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea will prepare a trade package that is mutually agreeable with the United States ahead of minister-level meetings planned next week and a U.S. tariff-pause deadline of August 1, the presidential office said on Saturday. The package will include shipbuilding cooperation, a sector of high interest to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who discussed the matter with South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan on Friday, it said in a statement. Friday's meeting was a follow-up to a meeting on Thursday, where Lutnick and Kim reaffirmed their commitment to reach a trade deal by August 1, after a joint meeting of finance ministers and top trade envoys that had been scheduled for Friday was postponed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Korea, facing 25% tariffs, is rushing to reach a trade deal with Washington, with National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac visiting the U.S. recently for high-level talks and Minister for Trade Yeo Han-koo also in the U.S. for negotiations, as pressure grows on officials to clinch a deal that is no worse than Japan's that cut tariffs to 15%. South Korea's trade negotiations with the U.S. have included non-tariff barriers in the agricultural and digital service sectors, but foreign exchange has not been part of trade talks beyond usual consultations, according to South Korean officials. U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Scotland on Friday for bilateral talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday, which could yield a trade deal with the European Union, after making a deal earlier this week with Japan and the Philippines. Next week, U.S. officials will hold a new round of trade talks with China in Sweden for an extension to a separate deadline of August 12 set between the two countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Korea's Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol and Foreign Minister Cho Hyun will also hold meetings with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and State Secretary Marco Rubio, respectively, next week. (Reporting by Jihoon Lee; Editing by Jacqueline Wong) As yet another tragic chapter unfolded in the intractable and ever-escalating Iran-Israel conflict, I found myself in the midst of conversations, intense, impassioned, and sometimes uncomfortably raw. The participants werent diplomats or scholars. They were ordinary people, men and women, brown and white, Jews and Arabs, Muslims and Christians, all fiercely devoted to their own perspectives, each convinced they were defending not merely an opinion but the truth. One particularly striking exchange stood out. It was between two men: a Jordanian Muslim and a Nigerian Christian. The Jordanian, animated and seething with conviction, declared with unwavering finality that anyone supporting Israels military actions must be either ignorant or inhuman. Thats the simple truth, he insisted, as though all ambiguity had been resolved. His voice trembled with the weight of ancestral memory, of grief and disillusionment etched deep into his identity. In contrast, the Nigerian, hailing from the countrys conflict-ridden North-Central region, saw the matter through a vastly different lens. To him, Israels actions were not only justified, they were essential. He saw in Israels defiance an echo of his own peoples struggle against extremist violence, often committed in the name of Islam. His reality was one of survival against forces that claimed to speak for a religion he now associated with chaos and pain. These two men came from vastly different geographies, cultures, and histories, but both clung with equal fervor to what they believed was the truth. Intriguingly, neither was lying. Neither was necessarily wrong. But their conclusions, irreconcilable as they were, emerged from the unique contexts that shaped them. That moment brought to mind a statement often attributed to physicist Niels Bohr: The opposite of a profound truth may well be another profound truthjust from a different perspective. A few years ago, I witnessed a similar dialogue between Michael, an American Christian, and Hasib, a Pakistani Muslim. Michael spoke with calm assurance: Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through him. For him, this wasnt mere doctrine, it was the scaffolding of his spiritual existence. Hasib, raised in a devout Muslim home, viewed Jesus (Isa) with profound respect, as one of Islams greatest prophets but ultimately believed that Muhammad was the final and most complete messenger of God. Both men were thoughtful, sincere, and deeply committed. Yet, the convictions they so passionately upheld may have had less to do with reasoned choice than with geography and the accident of birth. Had Michael been born in Karachi and Hasib in rural Georgia, their spiritual worldviews might have looked quite different. What we often call truth is not always the result of rigorous logic or divine revelation, but frequently the inheritance of place, language, and lineage, the stories and traditions passed down before we even learned to question them. In a world increasingly characterized by absolutism and ideological trench warfare, few questions are as pressing, or as discomforting as this: What is truth? We inhabit a time of competing truths. Our conversations about religion, politics, morality, and identity are less about exchange and more about entrenchment. Each side, armored in its worldview, declares itself the sole custodian of righteousness. But what if truth isnt monolithic? What if, more often than not, its fluid, shaped by our lived experiences, cultural environments, and emotional landscapes? Its crucial here to distinguish between facts and truth. Facts are objective, measurable, and verifiable. They are the raw, neutral data of existence. Truth, on the other hand, is the story we construct around those facts, a narrative sculpted by our beliefs, biases, backgrounds, and deeply colored by perception. As someone eloquently put it, Facts are the stars. Truth is the constellation we draw between them. Two people may look at the same night sky and see entirely different constellations. The stars remain fixed, but the meanings we assign to them do not. This is not just abstract philosophy. It has real-world implications. The ideological chasm in American politics is a perfect example. A conservative might assert that government regulation stifles freedom, that gun ownership is a God-given right, and that taxation is essentially theft. Meanwhile, a progressive might argue that true freedom means access to health care and education, that gun control saves lives, and that taxes are the price we pay for a just society. These are not disagreements about facts, but about values. Each side is anchored in a different moral framework, and each constructs its own version of truth. The problem isnt disagreement, its the certainty that so often accompanies it. Certainty seduces. It simplifies. It offers a clean, comforting dichotomy between right and wrong, good and evil. But when left unexamined, certainty becomes dogma. It silences nuance, shuts down dialogue, and transforms complex human experiences into easy-to-digest slogans. It creates echo chambers in which opposing views are not only dismissed, but dehumanized. This is why one of the most mature and underappreciated phrases in public discourse is: It depends. Far from a cop-out, it signals a recognition of complexity. It acknowledges that what is true in one context may be false in another. Even our beloved proverbs betray this ambiguity. We say, Look before you leap, but also, He who hesitates is lost. We proclaim, Patience is a virtue, yet we caution that Time waits for no one. So which is it? The answer, as always, dependson timing, on stakes, on temperament. ADVERTISEMENT Truth is rarely absolute. It is shaped by context, history, trauma, and identity. A Palestinian in Gaza and a Jewish settler in the West Bank may look at the same wall, the same checkpoint, the same plot of land and see diametrically opposed realities. And both can be telling the truth as they know it. The contradiction is not in their honesty, but in their vantage point. Weve been conditioned to think in binaries: success or failure, right or wrong, truth or falsehood. But real wisdom resides in paradox. Courage is good, but so is caution. Speaking up is brave, but so is knowing when to stay silent. Structure brings freedom, yet freedom demands structure. In all these, context reigns supreme. What truly endangers us is not disagreement, but the unwillingness to believe that someone elses version of the truth might also hold water. We dont have to agree with everyone, but we must learn to understand them. Behind every firmly held belief lies a human being, shaped by a unique constellation of influences, stories, fears, histories, and hopes. This kind of understanding doesnt dilute conviction; it deepens humanity. So, the next time youre tempted to declare your perspective as the only legitimate truth, pause. Ask yourself: What would the opposite of this belief look like? And could that opposite also be true, for someone, somewhere, shaped by a different experience? We do not perceive the world as it is, we perceive it as we are. Our truths are not mirrors of objective reality, but prisms refracting it through culture, psychology, and emotion. The more we become aware of these prisms, the more compassionate and less rigid we become. In an age when it is easier than ever to shout, to cancel, to condemn, the real act of courage is to listen. To lean into complexity. To resist the seductive simplicity of certainty. Life is not a courtroom in which one side wins and the other loses, it is a conversation in which every voice adds dimension to our collective understanding. Noam Chomsky once observed that indoctrination runs so deep that even the educated often mistake obedience for objectivity. This is a powerful and unsettling truth. It suggests that much of what we take as rational, balanced, or truthful may in fact be the unexamined inheritance of the systems we belong to, be they political, religious, cultural, or academic. Education, while a powerful tool for liberation, is not immune to bias; in fact, it often refines the tools of conformity and persuasion. The liberal professor who scoffs at religious dogma but never questions the sanctity of progressive orthodoxy; the conservative intellectual who champions free thought yet recoils from questioning inherited patriotism. Both may claim to be independent thinkers, yet both may be unwittingly entangled in the frameworks they were trained to protect. We are all, in some way, caught up, whether by loyalty to our tribe, fear of rejection, or simply the inertia of familiarity. And this realization forces us to reconsider the way we think about truth. If our convictions are shaped, even subtly, by systems of influence we rarely question, then what we often assert as truth may be something far more fluid and fragile. Perhaps, then, the deepest truth is that there are many truths, each shaped by the vantage point of the observer, each colored by the language, history, and emotional fabric of the person who holds it. Truth, in this sense, is not a singular mountain we all climb toward from different paths, but a vast landscape of perspectives, each revealing a different contour of reality. We are not relativists for recognizing this; we are realists. We understand that no one view holds the monopoly on insight, and that humility in the face of complexity is not weakness but wisdom. The human condition does not lend itself to certainty without arrogance. And so, perhaps the most honest thing we can do is acknowledge that we are all seeking, reaching for meaning, coherence, and belonging in a world that rarely offers them in simple terms. In that light, to live our truth is not to impose it on others, but to honor it with sincerity, and to hold space for others to do the same. Osmund Agbo is a pulmonary physician. WICHITA COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL) A South Texas man, whos been arrested and convicted of multiple felonies, including a previous conviction for Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon in 2017, is now jailed in the Wichita County Law Enforcement Center for an alleged assault. On July 24, 2025, just before 8:30 a.m., Burkburnett police were sent to the 200 block of County Road in Burkburnett for an assault report. When they arrived, the male victim said at 4:30 a.m., he and a female friend were in Burkburnett when the woman got a Facebook message from Jaimes Nerf, saying there was an emergency he needed to talk to her about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman asked Nerf if he could meet her, and when she arrived, Nerf allegedly jumped out and scared her, which caused her to fall down some stairs and scrape her arm. Police said Nerf wanted the woman to go back to his house in the 400 block of College Street alone, but she said she didnt feel comfortable going alone, and the male victim didnt want her to go alone because of an alleged previous incident that had taken place between the woman and Nerf. Officers said thats when Nerf allegedly hit the victim across the face with large knife, cutting the victims left cheek and leaving a knot on his face. The victim told police he attempted to defend himself by grabbing Nerf, who then hit him on the back of the head with a large tattoo box, which caused a cut on the victims head. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the victim and his female friend got away and called police to report the incident. Authorities said the woman corroborated the male victims statements and said he didnt touch Nerf until after Nerf hit him with the knife. When officers went to Nerfs home, they said he admitted to hitting the victim in the face with the knife, as well as hitting the victim on the head with his tattoo box. Police said Nerf showed them the knife he used and admitted he hit the victim hard enough to break the knife, which caused the blade to break off from the handle. During a search of Nerf, officers said they found a brown powder substance that tested posted for methamphetamine, weighing three grams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jaimes Nerf, of Beaumont, is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession by the Burkburnett Police Department, as well as a parole violation from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. His bonds total $125,000, but hes being held without bond for the parole violation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. A Southern California man was arrested for attempted murder after allegedly strangling his ex-girlfriend and another woman. On July 24, Lake Mathews sheriffs deputies responded to an assault in the 16000 block of Angle Canyon Drive in Riverside around 2:18 a.m. The victim said her ex-boyfriend, Curtis Deshawn Lowe, 39, of Los Angeles, had reportedly arrived at her home and strangled her and another woman during an assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second woman had fought back against Lowe, causing injury to him, authorities said. The suspect and both victims were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Lowe was later arrested for two counts of attempted murder. No further details, including a motive behind the assault, were released as the case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Investigator Mendoza at the Lake Mathews Sheriffs Station at 951-272-5600. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A Ventura County man was sentenced to prison for a hate crime attack that left a man injured in Oxnard. Teddy Poster Boyd, 49, of Oxnard, was sentenced on July 18 to two years and eight months in state prison for committing a hate crime battery, according to the Ventura County District Attorneys Office. On July 29, 2024, authorities responded to an assault outside the Oxnard City Library. Boyd had approached the victim and knocked him to the ground. He continued punching and kicking him as he fell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was heard shouting homophobic slurs toward the victim, police said. During the assault, the victim also dropped his cell phone. Boyd picked it up and slammed it to the ground, breaking the screen. Teddy Poster Boyd, 49, of Oxnard, was sentenced on July 18, 2025, to prison for a hate crime attack that left a man injured in Oxnard. (Ventura County District Attorneys Office) The suspect fled the scene after two bystanders attempted to intervene. Officers responded to the scene and arrested Boyd near the library a short time later. During his arrest, police also found methamphetamine in his possession. Nearly a year later, on June 6, Boyd pled guilty to battery, vandalism not exceeding $400, violation of civil rights, and possession of a controlled substance. He also admitted to several special allegations, including the hate crime charge, which elevated the battery to a felony. On July 18, he was sentenced for his crimes. In addition to his prison sentence, Boyd was ordered to complete 50 hours of community service, as required for a hate crime conviction, and must pay $150 in restitution to the victim for the damaged phone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boyd senselessly battered an individual belonging to one of the communitys most vulnerable populations, simply because Boyd did not like the victims perceived sexual orientation, said Hayley Moyer, a Ventura County District Attorney who prosecuted the case. The prison sentence reflects that violence based on hate will be prosecuted and punished to the fullest extent. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Originally appeared on E! Online A group of passengers are opening up about a scary ordeal. Minutes after Southwest Airlines flight 1496 departed from Burbank, Calif., en route to Las Vegas, the planes crew were alerted to another aircraft within the same area, resulting in the flight having "to climb and descend at rapid speed. "Southwest Airlines Flight 1496 responded to an onboard alert that another aircraft was in the vicinity while in Los Angeles Air Route Traffic Control Center airspace," the FAA said in a statement, per NBC News. "The FAA is investigating the event that occurred around 11 a.m. local time on Friday, July 25." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steve Ulasewicz, a passenger who was onboard, recalled to NBC Los Angeles that just a few minutes into the flight everyone felt a significant drop for a few seconds before the plane leveled out. "The plane was just in a freefall, he told the outlet. People were screaming. It was pandemonium." More from E! Online Shortly afterward, Ulasewicz explained, the pilot confirmed the plane used software to avoid a midair collision during an announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another passenger, comedian Jimmy Dore, shared more details about the experience on social media. Pilot had to dive aggressively to avoid midair collision over Burbank airport, he wrote on X July 25. Myself & Plenty of people flew out of their seats & bumped heads on ceiling, a flight attendant needed medical attention. Pilot said his collision warning went off & he needed to avoid plane coming at us. Wow. Alex Tai/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images According to NBC News, citing a source familiar with the situation, the other aircraft involved in the collision avoidance system alert was a Hawker Hunter MK 58 single-seat fighter jet. "Southwest is engaged with the Federal Aviation Administration to further understand the circumstances, the company shared in a statement obtained by the outlet. No injuries were immediately reported by Customers, but two Flight Attendants are being treated for injuries. We appreciate the professionalism of our Flight Crew and Flight Attendants in responding to this event. Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of our Customers and Employees." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plane was able to land in Las Vegas, the company confirmed, without any further incident. For a look at similar incidents that have happened over the past year, keep reading (E! and NBC News are part of the NBCUniversal family.) Jan. 29: American Airlines Flight 5342 Collides With Army Black Hawk Helicopter An American Airlines-owned American Eagle jet was approaching the runway at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., just before 9 p.m. ET when it collided with an Army Black Hawk Helicopter, killing everyone aboard both aircraft. The jet was carrying four crew members and 60 passengers, including a number of athletes returning from a national figure skating camp in Wichita, Kan. President Donald Trump called it a "dark and excruciating night in our nation's capital." The helicopter with three military personnel aboard was last tracked by air traffic control to be traveling at 300 feet, though the customary ceiling under FAA rules near that airport is 200 feet, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. The jet's last logged altitude, per the aircraft tracking site FlightAware, was 375 feet. The crash remains under investigation. "We look at the human, the machine and the environment," NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy told reporters Jan. 30. "We will look at all the humans that were involved in this accident. We will look at the aircraft. We will look at the helicopter. We will look at the environment in which they were operating in. That is standard." It was the first deadly commercial airline crash on U.S. soil since Colgan Flight 3407 crashed into a Buffalo, N.Y.-area house in 2009, killing all 49 aboard and one person on the ground. Jan. 31: Medical Transport Jet Crashes in Philadelphia A Learjet 55 operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance crashed on a street in northeast Philadelphia just after 6 p.m. ET. All six people aboard the jeta child who, according to Jet Rescue, had just completed treatment for a life-threatening condition, her mother, a doctor, a paramedic and two pilotswere killed, as was a 37-year-old man who was driving at the time. The plane had been in the air for less than a minute after taking off at 6:06 p.m. when the crash occurred, according to FlightAware. It was due to stop in Branson, Mo., and then return the patient and her mom home to Mexico. "She fought quite a lot to survive," Jet Rescue spokesperson Shai Gold said, "and unfortunately, this tragedy on the way home." The crash remains under investigation, per NTSB. A preliminary report released by the agency March 6, per NBC Philadelphia, states that the cockpit voice recorder, or "black box," didn't capture any audio from the flight and likely hadn't worked for several years. Feb. 6: Small Plane Crash in Alaska Kills 10 Nine passengers were headed from Unalakleet, Ala., to Nome, about 140 miles away, when their Bering Air Cessna Caravan went down about 40 minutes into the flight. Three bodies were discovered Feb. 7 amid wreckage found approximately 34 miles southeast of Nome, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, which noted at the time that they believed the remaining seven, including the pilot, were "inside the aircraft, which was inaccessible due to the condition of the plane." Calling Alaska "a big small town," Sen. Lisa Murkowski said in a statement, "When tragedy strikes, we're never far removed from the Alaskans directly impacted. But that also means we come together as a community to grieve and heal." The NTSB said it would be investigating the crash. Feb. 10: Vince Neil's Learjet Involved in Fatal Collision One person was killed when a Learjet 35A owned by Motley Crue frontman Vince Neil collided with a parked plane (later identified as a Gulfstream G-200) when it veered from the runway while trying to land at Arizona's Scottsdale Airport at 2:39 p.m. local time, according to a statement from Nashville-based attorney Worrick Robinson IV. Neil was not onboard at the time. His lawyer called it "a rapidly evolving situation" under "ongoing investigation," adding, "Mr. Neil's thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved, and he is grateful for the critical aid of all first responders assisting today." There were four aboard the Learjet and the FAA later confirmed the pilot had died, while the co-pilot and one passenger were seriously injured. Per WMTV 15 News, a preliminary report released March 3 by the NTSB stated that surveillance and cell phone video footage of the incident showed the jet's rear left landing gear in an askew position as it approached the runway in Scottsdale. The report also noted that the same flight crew had reported an issue landing in McAlester, Okla., on June 20, 2024. The pilot hired a mechanic who performed maintenance, the report detailed, and additional maintenance was conducted on the plane in December. A mechanic who serviced the landing gear noted that nothing appeared unusual, the report stated, but the left landing gear took an excessive amount of grease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Feb. 17: Delta Jet Crash Lands in Toronto and Flips Over Delta Flight 4819, originating from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, crash-landed upside down at Toronto Pearson International Airport and burst into flames with 80 people aboard. Everyone survived, and 21 people were treated for non-life-threatening injuries, according to Toronto Pearson president and CEO Deborah Flint. "All of a sudden, I just remember being fully sideways," passenger Pete Koukov said on TODAY Feb. 18. "I was looking down and just seeing like sparks and flames and whatever was grinding against the ground. It happened pretty dang quick and we were just upside down, hanging from our seat belts. Ultimately, he added, Everyone got off in a pretty orderly fashion. It didnt seem too insane once the plane had stopped and everyone realized, for the most part, they were OK because no one was seriously injured." Flint said the incident had occurred in clear conditions and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada was investigating. Feb. 19: Private Planes Collide at Arizona Airport, Killing 2 A Lancair 360 MK II and a Cessna 172S, both small single-engine planes, collided midair around 8:30 a.m. MT at Marana Regional Airport, near Tucson, Ariz. The Cessna "landed uneventfully," while the Lancair "impacted terrain near runway 3 and a post-impact fire ensued," killing at least two people, the NTSB said in a statement. According to the FAA, two people were aboard each plane and a man and a woman on the Lancair were later identified as the deceased. "On behalf of the Town of Marana and the Marana Regional Airport, our hearts go out to all the individuals and families impacted by this event," Marana Regional Airport Superintendent Galen Beem said in a statement, per AZFamily. "This is an unprecedented event, and we are grateful for the swift response from the Marana Police Department and Northwest Fire District." March 1: FedEx Plane Engine Catches Fire After Colliding With Bird FedEx Flight 3609, headed from Newark to Indianapolis, struck a bird shortly after takeoff and had to make an emergency landing. While footage of the incident showing the Boeing 767 shooting flames was dramatic, the plane landed safely at Newark Liberty International Airport at 8:07 a.m. ET and the three people aboard the cargo flight were uninjured. "Our B767 crew declared an emergency and returned safely to Newark after dealing with the resulting engine damage, including an engine fire," FedEx said in a statement to NBC News, noting they were thankful for the "quick actions" of the crew and first responders. Aviation expert John Cox told NBC News that aircrafts such as the Boeing 767 are certified to fly on one engine in case the other fails. "Now, its just like any other mechanical failure of an engine, youre down to a single engine operation," Cox said. "There are procedures for that, and pilots train for it, and it results in a safe landing." March 29: Small Plane Crashes Into Minnesota Home A single-jet aircraft, piloted by U.S. Bank vice chair Terry Dolan, crashed into a two-person home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. That same day, Brooklyn Park Fire Chief Shawn Conway confirmed at a news conference that there were no survivors, adding that it wasnt clear how many people how many people were aboard the plane. Dolan was confirmed dead two days later by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner due to multiple blunt force injuries. And the residents of the homewhich was engulfed in a massive fire after impactKenneth Tobacman and his wife Mary Butler have since recounted the terrifying experience from their perspective. All of a sudden there's a big boom, Kenneth said on Good Morning America. The lights went out, and I saw a flash. Sparks or something, or a little bit of smoke. I thought, 'What the hell? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App LAS VEGAS A Southwest Airlines jet heading to Las Vegas from Southern California took a dramatic plunge shortly after takeoff Friday in response to an alert about a nearby plane, sending some passengers flying out of their seats and injuring two flight attendants. The plane suddenly jolted shortly after takeover then felt like it was falling, said Stef Zamorano, who was flying to Las Vegas with her husband to celebrate his birthday. In front of her, Zamorano saw a woman who wasnt wearing her seat belt shoot up and out of her seat, her long hair flying in a tangled mess. The man seated next to her was clutching her arm, and she said the woman across the aisle was panicking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was pretty much verbalizing how we all felt, saying, I want to get off this plane. I want to be on the ground, Zamorano told The Associated Press. Data from the flight tracking site FlightAware shows it dropped roughly 300 feet in 36 seconds. Air Force says B-52 crew wasnt told of passenger jet before near miss The Federal Aviation Administration said the flight, Southwest 1496, was responding to an onboard alert about another aircraft in its vicinity. The FAA is investigating. Southwest said the crew responded to two alerts that required the pilot to climb then descend. The flight departed from Hollywood Burbank Airport just before noon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still in shock, Zamorano said she could hardly make out what the pilot was saying when he later addressed the passengers. Another passenger, comedian Jimmy Dore, posted on X that the pilot mentioned a near miss. Pilot said his collision warning went off & he needed to avoid plane coming at us, Dore posted. The plane was in the same airspace near Burbank as a Hawker Hunter Mk. 58 just after noon local time, FlightAware shows. A Hawker Hunter is a British fighter plane. Records show it is owned by Hawker Hunter Aviation, a British defense contracting company. The company didnt immediately respond to messages seeking comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mike Christensen, an airport spokesman for Hollywood Burbank, said that neither the control tower nor the operations department, which tracks planes departing and arriving, have any record of the Southwest flight plunging in their airspace. Southwest said the flight continued to Las Vegas, where it landed uneventfully. The airline said that it is working with the FAA to further understand the circumstances of the event. This close call is just the latest incident to raise questions about aviation safety in the wake of Januarys midair collision over Washington, D.C., that killed 67 people. Associated Press journalist Ty ONeil contributed from Las Vegas. Passengers aboard a Southwest Airlines jet from Burbank to Las Vegas said their pilot had to aggressively dive to avoid a midair collision with another plane shortly after takeoff on Friday afternoon. According to flight records, Southwest Flight 1496 departed the Hollywood Burbank Airport at 11:58 a.m. Among the passengers was stand-up comedian Jimmy Dore, who wrote in an X post that he and others flew out of their seats during the sudden maneuver, with some purportedly hitting their heads on the ceiling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pilot said his collision warning went off & he needed to avoid plane coming at us. Wow, Dore wrote. A flight attendant needed medical attention. Dores executive producer, Stef Zamorano, posted a brief video on X where she first described it as crazy turbulence, before Dore chimed in and explained what passengers were told. FlightAware shows the jet, a Boeing 737-700, dipped about 300-500 feet in elevation at 12:03 p.m. The Federal Aviation Administration later confirmed the close call. [The flight crew] responded to an onboard alert that another aircraft was in the vicinity while in Los Angeles Air Route Traffic Control Center airspace, the FAA said in a statement, adding that it was investigating the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the L.A. Times, the planes were approximately five miles apart and within 400 vertical feet of each other, heading in opposite directions, when the Southwest flight took evasive action. A Times analysis of the flight data estimated that the aircraft could have collided within 20 seconds of the diversion if the planes had each held course, detailed L.A. Times staff writer Terry Castleman. The military craft was descending from above as the commercial flight ascended from below, making a collision over the mountains northeast of Santa Clarita possible. Another X user named Steve U. said he was also a passenger on Southwest flight 1496. People were screaming as the plane dove, he wrote. A flight attendant is being looked at right now with an ice pack on her head. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Southwest Airlines issued a statement, saying its crew responded to two onboard traffic alerts. The Crew of Southwest Flight 1496 responded to two onboard traffic alerts Friday afternoon while climbing out of Burbank, Cal, requiring them to climb and descend to comply with the alerts, the airline said in a statement to KTLA 5 News. No injuries were immediately reported by Customers, but two Flight Attendants are being treated for injuries. The extent of those injuries wasnt disclosed. We appreciate the professionalism of our Flight Crew and Flight Attendants in responding to this event, Southwest said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flight continued to Las Vegas, where it landed without incident. Nidia Becerra, Luis Zuniga and Marc Sternfield 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. CHICAGO (WGN) Fridays heavy rain caused lots of flooding on the citys Southwest Side and neighboring suburbs, and affected residents want answers. Several West Lawn residents and surrounding neighbors are left cleaning up the mess left by flooding Friday afternoon. Some residents said they dealt with a few inches of water, while others dealt with more than a foot of water. Frustrated residents near 65th Street and Kostner Avenue in the citys 13th Ward want answers from the city as to how this happened to so many people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friday storm timeline: Showers, storms sweep across Chicagoland The drainage out here was ridiculous. There was no drainage at all. It shouldnt happen. This shouldnt happen. I posted on Facebook as well for our area. Everybody flooded. People who have been here 8-13 plus years, they havent seen this in a long time, resident Roselyne Rodriguez said. The WGN Weather Team reports over a months worth of rain fell west of Midway Airport. In the meantime, the Mount Greenwood neighborhood experienced a temporary water outage and/or low water pressure. According to Ald. Matt OShea (19th Ward), the issue was caused by an electrical issue in the Southwest Pumping Station believed to have been caused by recent storms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Electrical issue causes low water pressure, outages in Mount Greenwood The water took about an hour before it started raining, and we started hearing it bubbling downstairs, Rodriguez said. Back in West Lawn, neighbors are assessing the damage to their homes and belongings. Rodriguez told WGN-TV many of her belongings and her childrens belongings will need to be thrown out. All of their toys are gone. Everything is filled with sewer water and its nasty and black. I dont know how I am going to recover from this, she said. Full forecast details at the WGN Weather Center WGN-TV reached out to city leaders for statements on the flooding and is waiting for their responses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) A Vietnamese restaurant in Glover Park is closing its doors at the end of July after 13 years in business. Spring and Sprout will be closing for good on July 27, a decision that restaurant owners, Jen Hoang and Marc Farmer, said is heartbreaking on social media. What we feel most is gratitude. From day one, Glover Park-and DC as a whole-embraced us. To every loyal guest (some of whose kids we watched grow up and head off to college), to the food lovers who sent kind words our way, and to the friends-old and new-who helped share our story: thank you. You helped make this place what it was, the owners said in a Facebook post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many battle DC heat with water, fans, frozen treats The owners said the decision was because the building space they were in did not have a formal lease with them, and they had no legal protections. The repairs on the building have become overwhelming and without any response from our landlord, we essentially are being constructively evicted, the restaurant owners said in their joint statement. More than anything, the burden of maintaining the building has pulled our focus away from what mattered most: the food, the service, and you. To read Sprig and Sprouts full statement, 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 DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. Credit: X / Keir_Starmer Britain will evacuate critically ill children from the Gaza Strip, Sir Keir Starmer has said, as aid groups warned that around a third of Palestinians in the war-torn enclave have gone without food for days. The Prime Minister said the starvation inflicted by Israel on Palestinians is absolutely horrifying and suggested that the Government could start airlifting the worst affected children to Britain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sir Keir said: I know the British people are sickened by what is happening. The images of starvation and desperation in Gaza are utterly horrifying. We are urgently accelerating efforts to evacuate children from Gaza who need critical medical assistance bringing more Palestinian children to the UK for specialist medical treatment, he added in the article for the Daily Mirror. Palestinians in Gaza endure scorching heat while waiting in line for food amid Israels blockade - Anadolu It comes after the World Food Programme (WFP) said that one in three Gazans have gone without any food for days, as France, Germany and the UK all demanded that Israel immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid. The WFP said in a statement: Nearly one person in three is not eating for days. Malnutrition is surging, with 90,000 women and children in urgent need of treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palestinians are now collapsing in the street and wasting away from mass starvation, a group of 100 NGOs said. Another charity, Doctors Without Borders (MSF), warned that Israel was using starvation as a weapon as part of its ongoing war on the Gaza Strip, launched in response to the Oct 7 Hamas massacre. The MSF said that 25 per cent of young people and pregnant women in Gaza were malnourished, as it strongly criticised food distribution by the controversial US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Dr Mohammed Abu Mughaisib, MSFs deputy medical coordinator in Gaza, said: Those who go to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundations food distributions know that they have the same chance of receiving a sack of flour as they do of leaving with a bullet in their head. Protesters lay cooking pots outside of Downing Street gates during a demonstration against the ongoing food shortages in the Gaza Strip - RHIANNA CHADWICK According to the United Nations, more than 1,000 people have been killed by Israeli troops in the vicinity of the purpose-built distribution sites. The Israeli military said it categorically rejects the claims of intentional harm to civilians and is investigating the deaths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his article for the Mirror, Sir Keir went on to demand that Hamas release the hostages currently held in Gaza and called for a two-state solution to the conflict, including UK recognition of a state of Palestine. The Prime Minister wrote: The denial of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people to children and babies is completely unjustifiable. So is the continued captivity of the hostages. And so is Israels disproportionate military escalation in Gaza. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Legislation pending in Sacramento targets a common conundrum in rural parts of Kern County: farmers worrying there wont be enough water to irrigate their crops at the same time developers are looking for somewhere to put up large solar arrays. One obvious answer put up solar arrays on farmland that may have to be fallowed anyway has proved harder than it might seem, partly because of a law called the Williamson Act that was designed to protect agricultural fields from non-farm development. Assembly Bill 1156 is an attempt to address the dilemma by relaxing a requirement that farmers keep their land development-free or lose the property tax benefits they enjoy under the Williamson Act. Only farmers claiming water shortages would qualify, and solar projects are the only kind of development the bill would allow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though supported by big business and environmentalists alike, the proposal is not without opposition. As the bill makes its way through the state Legislature, members of Californias ag industry are lining up on both sides, for and against. Some individual growers facing restrictions on groundwater pumping are weighing opportunities to lease their land to solar developers. Such arrangements would allow them to make money outside agriculture while helping California meet growing demand for renewable energy. But organizations including the California Farm Bureau oppose the measure, saying it puts farmland at risk of permanent conversion to industrial use, which is part of what the Williamson Act was intended to prevent. One point of contention is how long the solar panels will remain in place. The industry has noted solar developers will only lease the land, not buy it, and that it can later return to agricultural use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Director Lorelei Oviatt of Kerns Planning and Natural Resources Department is skeptical that land converted to solar farms will ever return to conventional agriculture. Oviatt said her position is that farmland owners who want out of their obligation to keep their property open should go ahead and pay to cancel their Williamson Act contracts with the county Board of Supervisors. She said the county sees large-scale solar development as a permanent conversion of the land. Oviatt also notes that the bills financial opportunities are not endless. Limited electrical transmission capacity in the Central Valley means that, until large infrastructure investments are made, not every farmer will get a chance to cash in. Her hesitation is shared by the California Farm Bureau, whose director of policy advocacy, Peter Ansel, said by email that the bill would violate the integrity of the Williamson Act by allowing open-space contracts to be canceled without demanding the payments that for decades have protected farmland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ansel also criticized the bill as being overly broad, applying to even prime farmland and lacking clear definitions of what constitutes water supply changes and commercial viability. Without such details, he said, solar development could expand from property that would be appropriate to projects he called more speculative. The California Farm Bureau supports fair relief for farmers facing difficult decisions due to SGMA (Californias Sustainable Groundwater Management Act), Ansel wrote. However, the bill would benefit from guardrails to prevent speculative cancellations from becoming the norm. A different view comes from the owner of Alliance Ag Services, local ag appraiser Michael Mike Ming Sr., and his son George Ming. Working with large-scale solar developers, they sign up Central Valley farmers who want to lease out their land for development of photovoltaic arrays. Calls from interested property owners come in almost every day, said George, owner of Alliance Renewable Resources. He said part of their motivation is the fallowing of hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland expected because of SGMA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alliance Renewable has more than 100,000 acres in the Central Valley under contract or already being developed into solar projects, George said. He noted that about half the projects have power-purchase agreements with companies planning to build data centers that will require large amounts of energy. One of the projects Alliance is working on is called Buttonbush, a partnership with El Dorado Hills-based solar developer Avantus. Proposed to cover a net 13,000 acres of what is now western Kern County farmland, it is planned to be Californias single-largest solar array, powering an estimated 950,000 homes. A required environmental review of Buttonbush has not yet been released for public review but is expected to soon. George emphasized that the project isnt intended to be around forever that after it runs its course over 30 to 35 years, the land can return to agriculture. Michael made the same point in an opinion piece published Wednesday in The Californian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not a land grab, or a permanent shift, he wrote in support of AB 1156. Its a tool to help us all weather a major economic and agricultural transition. Avantus declined to comment for this story. But Policy Director Lillian Mirviss of the Large-scale Solar Association said by email the bill would help create economic opportunities for areas hit hardest by water scarcity, especially the Central Valley. Up to 1 million acres of land in the San Joaquin Valley will be fallowed due to (SGMA) by 2040, Mirviss wrote. That land is sunny and is right where the state will build out its future transmission lines for connecting clean energy to the grid. And with the property tax from solar development, the county coffers will see hundreds of millions in new revenues. The statistics almost leap off the page of John Fasos spreadsheet. For the second quarter of 2025, violent crime in Niagara Falls is down by 56%. Aggravated assaults declined by 49% compared to the same period in 2024. The city has recorded no rapes or gun-involved homicides, while robberies are down 67%. When it comes to property crimes, the statistics are equally impressive. Burglaries in the second quarter in a year-to-year comparison with 2024, have dropped 24%, while larcenies decreased by 21%. Motor vehicle thefts have fallen 58%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, property crime has declined by 27%. The former Niagara Falls Police superintendent is crediting New Yorks Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) Initiative for the dramatic results. Its solving crime, said Faso, who, after retiring as police superintendent, is now the citys GIVE initiative coordinator. Now in its 12th year, the program, a successor to Operation Impact, has pumped millions of dollars into Niagara Falls and Niagara County as part of a comprehensive crime-fighting strategy known as Problem-Oriented Policing (POP). Faso calls it evidence-based policing. GIVE funding pays for the costs of two dedicated gun violence crime analysts at the Niagara Intelligence & Crime Analysis Center (NICAC), a Falls Police detective assigned exclusively to handle gun-related investigations, along with two assistant Niagara County District Attorneys and a paralegal who works only on firearms cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The analysts follow the statistics and the trends to identify (crime) hot spots, top (criminal) offenders, Faso said. But its not just enforcement or boots on the ground. Community outreach is a really important part of GIVE. The GIVE coordinator said the outreach efforts by Falls Police officers include not only focused deterrence, but also connecting offenders to social needs such as addiction and mental health counseling and job training. GIVE even incorporates crime prevention through environmental design, which examines the role of street environmental factors in the commission of crime. At its Wednesday night meeting, the Niagara Falls City Council unanimously approved the receipt of $1,200,991 in 2025-26 GIVE funding. Faso called the funding level about the same as the 2024-25 GIVE grant to the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the Falls GIVE award, the state also allocated $328,827 in GIVE funds to the Niagara County District Attorneys Office, $381,600 to the Niagara County Probation Department and $272,350 to the Niagara County Sheriffs Office. For the 2025-26 fiscal year, the state Legislature authorized more than $9.1 million for law enforcement agencies across Western New York as part of GIVE. Statistics from the state Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) show that the six Western New York communities participating in GIVE saw a 24% decline in shootings, while the number of people wounded by gun violence declined by 35%, when comparing January through June 2025 to the same period in 2024. My top priority is public safety, and since taking office, my administration has been laser-focused on working with local law enforcement to drive down gun violence across New York communities, Gov. Kathy Hochul said. New Yorks GIVE initiative is a crucial part of our comprehensive plan to reduce shootings and firearm-related violent crime and its working. But we will not stop fighting for safer streets until all New Yorkers feel safe. BOSTON (WWLP) An unusual week on Beacon Hill: from response to a devastating fire to a visit from the FBI to investigate vandalism. Following a deadly fire in a Fall River assisted-living facility, Governor Healey announced steps the state is taking to prevent future disasters. State response includes requiring assisted living facilities to release their fire plans to residents and their families, and ensuring first responders in Fall River have access to mental health resources This bill could save Bay State owls and hawks Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are steps to ensure that all 273 assisted living facilities in the state are prepared to prevent fires and protect residents during emergencies, Governor Healey said. In the early hours of Wednesday morning, the State House steps were vandalized with white paint splatters and black spray paint reading divest. The state police and FBI responded to the scene and investigated a bomb threat on the Common shortly afterwards and are still looking for a suspect. Also this week, lawmakers calls for bar advocates to return to work have become increasingly urgent, as hundreds of alleged criminals are being released due to the lawyer shortage. Imagine if every individual decided, in state government, if they didnt get a raise or something they wanted, were just not going to work, said Westfield Senator John Velis. The Commonwealth would cease to exist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The western Massachusetts senator and the governor alike say these attorneys should return to work now, and worry about negotiations afterwards. Looking ahead to next week, the Senate is expected to take up a controversial bill that could ban cell phone usage in K-12 schools. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. WORTHINGTON, W.Va. (WBOY) Local and state agencies have provided 12 News with statements about the state of Worthingtons sewage issues, and they all say theyre aware of the towns sewage problems and have plans in place to support it. On Oct. 17, 2024, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) sent Consent Order #10174 to the town of Worthington, where it highlighted violations found as early as November 2021. In 2023, the WVDEP conducted a review of facility records from a nearly two-year periodMarch 1, 2021- Feb. 28, 2023where it found 58 exceedances of Worthingtons permit parameters, including four major violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The numerous violations were found in the towns sewer collection system and wastewater treatment plant. Some of the violations relate to issues with inflow and infiltration (I&I), which refers to unwanted water entering a sewer system. In a statement to 12 News, the WVDEP said that excessive I&I is one of the noted issues, and I&I can contribute to some, but not all, of the violations cited. Inflow is stormwater directly entering the sewer system through open manholes or flood drains, while infiltration is groundwater that seeps into the sewer system through cracks, leaks or deteriorated pipes. The last time Worthington Mayor Debbie Heflin agreed to speak with 12 News, she said I&I issues from residents homes are partly to blame. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its infiltration too, people have their house drains and stuff hooked up and it goes into our sewer, that causes our trouble. And so we have people thats going to do testing at homes and if your home has infiltration in it, youre going to have a timeline that you have to get that unhooked from our sewer system so your house quits causing us problems and thats what a lot of people dont understand, Heflin said at the time. When asked, the WVDEP said that its inspections do not identify a sole source of the I&I in Worthingtons system. Mayor Heflin has previously said the town plans to do smoke testing to identify these sources. If people have like storm drains, anything they have that goes into that sewertheir sewer pit, that causes problems in their homes, and that causes the town problems, you know, and thats why were getting ready to do a round of smoke testing and that way if you have something thats going into that sewer thats not supposed to, youre going to have a timeline that you have to get it unhooked and we have been finding that, Heflin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for its operations, Worthington uses a vacuum technology for its sewers, which adds a layer of obstacles for fast and permanent fixes, according to agency officials and Mayor Heflin. The Public Service Commission of West Virginia has told 12 News that its helping the town attempt to locate funding opportunities for repairs. Previous coverage According to the WVDEP, the consent order requires the town to submit a plan of corrective action (POCA) within 20 days of the effective date of the order, which was July 17. The WVDEP added that, the town is receiving technical support from the West Virginia Rural Water Association and is working with a contractor to carry out the necessary repairs and upgrades. The WVDEP continues to provide guidance and support to the town to ensure a return to full compliance, and protect citizens and the environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the past, some residents have told 12 News they would rather the town be disbanded so its sewage issues can be handled by the Marion County Commission. However, officials said the process to get a town disbanded is a lengthy one and requires the town to be without debt. 12 News reached out to the Marion County Commission for comment about Worthingtons case, but so far, hasnt heard back. However, the City of Fairmont did provide a statement to 12 News about how the city could have a role in helping Worthington, which reads: The City of Fairmont has not been directly contacted by the Town of Worthington for any assistance with their sewage issues. We at the City are more than willing to assist our neighbors however we can, but due to the type of system installed in Worthington and the expertise of our utilities staff, were unsure what assistance wed be able to offer if approached by the Towns government. That being said, were always open to a conversation. The WVDEP also encourages residents with health issues to contact the local health department, which in this case would be the Marion County Health Department (MCHD), which can be reached at (304) 366-3360. You can submit a complaint form to the health department here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 12 News spoke with MCHD officials, who said theyve received complaints from residents, but enforcement of these issues falls to the WVDEP. Health department officials also said theyve forwarded all of those complaints to the WVDEP. The following is the Public Service Commission of West Virginias full statement sent to 12 News: The Public Service Commission Staff is providing assistance to the Town within our internal capabilities, in efforts to assist the Town in correcting the sewer problems on its system. Because the Town utilizes vacuum technology in its sewer collection system, the operation, maintenance, and repair requires unique equipment and expertise. Commission Staff is assisting the Town in finding the expertise required to properly repair the vacuum sewer facilities, as well as potential funding opportunities to help pay for the repairs. Furthermore, the Department of Environmental Protection is known to have taken enforcement action in this matter. The following are the WVDEPs full statements to 12 News: Consent Order 10174 and recent WVDEP inspections document numerous violations and issues observed within the Town of Worthingtons sewer collection system and wastewater treatment plant. Excessive I&I is one of the noted issues, and I&I can contribute to some, but not all, of the violations cited. WVDEPs inspections do not identify a sole source of the I&I in Worthingtons system. Identification and elimination of sources of I&I is part of operating a sewer collection system and Worthingtons permit includes requirements for implementing a system to accomplish that goal. The Consent Order requires the town to submit a POCA within 20 days of the effective date of the Order. The Order became effective on July 17. The town is receiving technical support from the West Virginia Rural Water Association and is working with a contractor to carry out the necessary repairs and upgrades. The WVDEP continues to provide guidance and support to the town to ensure a return to full compliance, and protect citizens and the environment. While we cannot speak to individual health claims, WVDEP takes reports of potential exposure to untreated sewage or system failures seriously. Discharges of raw sewage into a home or the environment are unacceptable and would constitute a violation of their permit. Residents with health concerns are encouraged to consult with their local health department, which is the appropriate authority for evaluating health-related impacts of environmental conditions. The following is the WVDEPs explanation of I&I: Inflow and infiltration (I&I) both refer to unwanted water entering a sanitary sewer system, but they differ in their source and mechanism. Inflow is stormwater that directly enters the sewer system through specific entry points like open manholes, floor drains, etc., while infiltration is groundwater that seeps into the sewer system through cracks, leaks, or deteriorated joints in the pipes themselves. I&I are common issues for wastewater collection systems and can lead to violations for those systems under the state and federal clean water acts. WVDEP has documented in inspection reports that I&I issues have impacted the collection system. The plan of corrective action that will be required under Proposed Consent Order 10174 will be required to address any noncompliance with Worthingtons WV/NPDES permit, including addressing I&I issues contributing to overflows. Below is the statement sent to 12 News from the Marion County Health Department: Yes, we have received complaints in regards to the Worthington Sewage system and the issues that they are having. [] We have had requests from citizens in regards to enforcement of the issues and we dont have the purview to do so, that falls to the WV DEP when its a PSD. We have also forwarded the complaints we get to the DEP so they are aware of each instance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. The state of Oklahoma has taken ownership of a prison in Lawton, completing a $312 million purchase of what had been the states last remaining private prison. The Oklahoma Department of Corrections said the state assumed ownership of the Lawton Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, July 25. With the purchase, the state renamed the prison the Red Rock Correctional Center. The prison, built in 1998, now is the newest state-owned prison in the agencys system. The purchase included all assets, excluding vehicles and weapons. The property also includes 400 additional acres of vacant land, allowing for expansion if needed, the state agency said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The purchase of the prison from The GEO Group was part of a $12.6 billion state budget deal struck by legislative leaders and Gov. Kevin Stitt in May. The purchase had been discussed for months. DOC Executive Director Steven Harpe told the state Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and Judiciary in January the agency was considering purchasing the prison. Operations at the prison have come under scrutiny in recent months because of a string of inmate deaths and reports of violence and contract violations. The facility houses about 2,300 inmates, including the states only protective custody unit. This is the third for-profit prison Ive closed since becoming governor, and weve worked to give tens of thousands of people the opportunity for a second chance, Gov. Kevin Stitt said in a statement. The private prison in Lawton has had a terrible reputation for years, and now we get to bring that second chance mindset to those in custody in Lawton. I look forward to the positive changes that the Department of Corrections will implement there. A news release issued by the state agency on Friday said the purchase of the Lawton prison reflects a long-term investment in better outcomes for both staff and the incarcerated, aligning with ODOCs ethos to transform lives and be good stewards of taxpayers' dollars.ODOC plans to implement expanded vocational and educational opportunities at the prison in the coming months. Steven Harpe is the executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, which now will run a prison in Lawton. Taking over operations in Lawton will provide greater opportunities for those in our care through more access to programs and other needed services, Harpe said in a statement. Im excited to bring ODOCs mission and vision for rehabilitation and changing lives to the men at the facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Rogers, who has 36 years of experience in law enforcement and corrections in Texas and Oklahoma, has been named interim warden at the prison. Rogers previously served as warden at Joseph Harp Correctional Center in Lexington. The GEO Group employed more than 400 people at the prison and ODOC said those who passed the state agency's background check were offered employment with the state. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: State takes over operations of now-former private prison in Lawton NEW MEXICO (KRQE) New Mexicans who rely on SNAP benefits are in limbo after the Senate Budget Reconciliation Bill included major cuts to the program. The cut could mean that over 457,000 New Mexicans could see lower benefit checks when they plan their visit to the grocery store. That $180 a month that you always budget to food, thats a chunk, former SNAP recipient Olivia Garcia said. So it was kinda scary. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garcia is one of the nearly half a million New Mexicans who have been recently enrolled in the SNAP program. But she lost those benefits earlier this year when new work requirements went into effect. When I was losing those SNAP benefits, I was like, maybe going back to school isnt the right thing, Garcia said. Maybe this isnt something I can do. Now, with the latest changes on the federal level, more New Mexicans could be in the same boat. According to preliminary numbers provided by the state, 21% of New Mexicans are enrolled in the SNAP program. New Mexico has the highest per capita percentage of residents enrolled in SNAP in the country, New Mexico HCA Deputy Cabinet Secretary Alex Castillo Smith said. Each one of them could see lower benefits once this change takes effect. But the actual impact remains unclear. It is possible that more than 20,000 New Mexicans could lose their SNAP benefits entirely in our preliminary estimate, Castillo said. Another SNAP program being cut is SNAP-Ed, which provides nutritional education, healthy eating options, and cooking recipes to SNAP recipients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The changes, going into effect later this year, also increases work requirements for able-bodied adults on the program. Not including pregnant people, seniors, and disabled people. The state estimates up to 60,000 residents will be subject to these new work requirements. We are still waiting for guidance from our Federal partners in Washington DC, Castillo said. So just because Congress has passed the bill doesnt mean we can implement those changes. We have to wait for guidance from the U.S. Department of Education, for example, on how we operationalize these changes. The state is unclear on when the changes will take effect. But they think later on this calendar year. Im scared about what people will do when theres not social benefits, if they just dont have that option, Garcia said. Theres food drives, for instance. But at the end of the day, the reality is people are going to go hungry. In the past year, weve had more than $1.2 billion of SNAP federal funding in our economy, Castillo said. This money supports more than 1,700 retailers across New Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the state, as of now, there have been no changes. They said they will keep their customers informed when there is official guidance from the federal government. Investments that the federal government and state government have made in safety net programs like Medicaid and SNAP have reduced child poverty in New Mexico from us being the worst in the nation down to 17th in the last year, Castillo said. These changes that Congress has passed will likely reverse this positive trend. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) Governor Ivey appointed 11 leaders in the state to the Alabama Veterans Resource Center Board, and one representative from North Alabama was named. State Representative Anthony Daniels (D-Huntsville), also the House Minority Leader, is one of the chosen 11. Huntsville Police investigating shooting on Bonnell Drive, two men shot The boards primary function is to build a new veteran resource hub in Montgomery to support the veterans and their families across the state. The board will help in deciding a variety of services the hub looks to offer, ranging from areas focused on mental health to career success to navigating VA benefits and aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Daniels said having a large number of veterans in North Alabama has made him privy to some issues they face and where they need government resources to improve. He said he looks forward to fostering more conversations with the military community and cultivating statewide solutions. You hear the stories about veterans that are not able to get a lot of the services that they want and deserve, and the time limit, how long it takes. And so, hopefully, this infrastructure will be able to help minimize some of the issues, Rep. Daniels said. They fought and they put in the time to protect our freedoms and to protect our country. And its only fair for us to make certain that we show our appreciation. Daniels said a resource center to assist veterans is crucial when many federal funding cuts are underway. We certainly want to do what we can in such a time like this when a lot of funding cuts are happening at a federal level, Daniels said. We want to make a certain that were able to fill the gap in areas that we can, and get more services for veterans in Alabama, and attract other veterans from outside of the state of Alabama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other 10 named to the AVRC board are: Greg Reed, Chairman, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Workforce Jeff Newton, Vice Chairman, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Kimberly Boswell, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health Bobby Singleton, Senator for Senate District 24 and Minority Leader, Alabama Senate Stacia Robinson, Director of the Alabama Office of Minority Affairs Ronald Brown, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Jim Wilson & Associates Carter Wells, Government Relations Advisor at Maynard Nexsen George Talbot, Senior Vice President for External Affairs at Volkert (Lieutenant Governor Appointee) Andrew Jones, Senator for Senate District 10 and Chairman of the Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Safety Committee (Senate President Pro Tempore Appointee) Tracy Doughty, President and Chief Operations Officer at Huntsville Hospital (Speaker of the House Appointee) The Veterans Resource Center Board will meet for the first time in the coming weeks to get its work 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 WHNT.com. Getty Images More states are passing laws to protect information generated by a persons brain and nervous system as technology improves the ability to unlock the sensitive details of a persons health, mental states, emotions, and cognitive functioning. Colorado, California, and Montana are among the states that have recently required safeguarding brain data collected by devices outside of medical settings. That includes headphones, earbuds, and other wearable consumer products that aim to improve sleep, focus, and aging by measuring electrical activity and sending the data to an app on users phones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A report by the Neurorights Foundation, an advocacy group that aims to protect people from the misuse of neurotechnology, found that 29 of 30 companies with neurotechnology products that can be purchased online have access to brain data and provide no meaningful limitations to this access. Almost all of them can share data with third parties. In June, the American Medical Association called for greater regulation of neural data. In April, several Democratic members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation asked the Federal Trade Commission to investigate whether companies are exploiting consumers brain data. Juliana Gruenwald Henderson, a deputy director of the FTCs Office of Public Affairs, said the agency had received the letter but had no additional comment. Although current devices gather relatively basic information like sleep states, advocates for brain data protection caution that future technologies, including artificial intelligence, could extract more personal and sensitive information about peoples medical conditions or innermost thoughts. If you collect the data today, what can you read from it five years from now because the technology is advancing so quickly? said Democratic state Sen. Cathy Kipp, who sponsored Colorados 2024 neural data protection bill when she was in the state House of Representatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As both excitement and trepidation about AI build, at least 28 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands have enacted some type of AI regulation separate from the privacy bills protecting neural data. President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill included a 10-year halt on states passing laws to regulate AI, but the Senate stripped that provision out of the budget reconciliation bill before voting to approve it on July 1. The spirit of laws in Colorado, California, and Montana is to protect the neural data itself, not to regulate any algorithm or AI that might use it, said Sean Pauzauskie, medical director for the Neurorights Foundation. But neurotechnology and AI go hand in hand, Pauzauskie said. A lot of what these devices promise is based on pattern recognition. AI is really driving the usability and significance of the patterns in the brain data. Cristin Welle, a professor of neurosurgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, said that AIs ability to identify patterns is a game changer in her field. But contribution of a persons neural data on an AI training set should be voluntary. It should be an opt-in, not a given. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chile in 2021 became the first country to adopt a constitutional amendment for neurorights, which prioritize human rights in the development of neurotechnology and collection of neural data, and UNESCO has said that neurotechnology and artificial intelligence could together pose a threat to human identity and autonomy. Neurotechnology can sound like science fiction. Researchers used a cap with 128 electrodes and an AI model to decode the brains electric signals from thoughts into speech. And two years ago, a study described how neuroscientists reconstructed the Pink Floyd song Another Brick in the Wall by analyzing the brain signals of 29 epilepsy patients who listened to the song with electrodes implanted in their brains. The aim is to use neurotechnology to help those with paralysis or speech disabilities, as well as treat or diagnose traumatic brain injuries and brain disorders such as Alzheimers or Parkinsons. Elon Musks Neuralink and Synchron, funded by Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, are among the companies with clinical trials underway for devices implanted in the brain. Pauzauskie, a hospital neurologist, started worrying four years ago about the blurring of the line between clinical and consumer use of neural data. He noted that the devices used by his epilepsy patients were also available for purchase online, but without protections afforded by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act in medical settings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pauzauskie approached Kipp two years ago at a constituent meetup in his hometown of Fort Collins to propose a law to protect brain data in Colorado. The first words out of her mouth that Ill never forget were, Who would be against people owning their own brain data? he said. Brain data protection is one of the rare issues that unite lawmakers across the political aisle. The bills in California, Montana, and Colorado passed unanimously or nearly unanimously. Montanas law will go into effect in October. Neural data protection laws in Colorado and California amend each states general consumer privacy act, while Montanas law adds to its existing genetic information privacy act. Colorado and Montana require initial express consent to collect or use neural data and separate consent or the ability to opt out before disclosing that data to a third party. A business must provide a way for consumers to delete their data when operating in all three states. I want a very hard line in the sand that says, you own this completely, said Montana state Republican Sen. Daniel Zolnikov, who sponsored his states neural data bill and other privacy laws. You have to give consent. You have the right to have it deleted. You have complete rights over this information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Zolnikov, Montanas bill is a blueprint for a national neural data protection law, and Pauzauskie said support of regulatory efforts by groups like the AMA pave the way for further federal and state efforts. Welle agreed that federal regulations are needed in addition to these new state laws. I absolutely hope that we can come up with something on a national level that can enshrine peoples neural rights into law, because I think this is going to be more important than we can even imagine at this time. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFFan independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF. USE OUR CONTENT This story can be republished for free (details). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFFan independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF. Subscribe to KFF Health News free Morning Briefing. This article first appeared on KFF Health News and is republished here under a Creative Commons license. ROANOKE, W.Va. (WBOY) Stonewall Resort hosted the 3rd annual STEAMPOSIUM conference on Friday, welcoming 140 Pre-K through 12th-grade educators to share ideas and methods to help in their classrooms. Through a collaboration of the West Virginia Department of Education, WVUs Public Education Collaborative, and the June Harless Center of Marshall University, a response was created for the need of additional support for teachers throughout the state. During the conference, attendees heard from keynote speaker Dr. Josh Brunty, cyber forensics and security professor at Marshall University, and broke out into groups to hear from instructors of West Virginia STEAM TAC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Topics of discussion throughout the conference included integrating literacy in technology, looking at habits that kids need to survive in the tech world, how to engage students in natural environments and a look into the rapid growth of AI in the education system. 12 News spoke with Dr. Tarabeth Heineman, executive director of Marshall Universitys June Harless Center, on why these entities came together to assist teachers in this way. Lewis County 4-H campers showcase yearlong projects at Jamboree at the Mill Teachers are amazing, but they can get overwhelmed. Theyre required to do so much in the classroom, and you think about teachers who are here on their break, volunteering to be here to learn more about their students, Dr. Heineman said. You could never question an educator at their heart because they want to do whats best for students, so its important for organizations like us who value education to provide them opportunities where they can come and learn new skills and feel supported by our flagship universities here in West Virginia, with Marshall University and WVU. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the help of all parties involved, the event was free of cost and ran from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. New steakhouse to open in downtown Minneapolis next week originally appeared on Bring Me The News. A new restaurant is ready to move into the historic Farmers and Mechanics Savings Bank building part of the Westin Minneapolis in Downtown Minneapolis. Stock & Bond will officially open on July 31. It will focus on steak and American whiskey, serving breakfast and dinner daily. The restaurant, a multi-million-dollar project, is a new concept from the national restaurant brand Apicii, led by Tom Dillon. The restaurant group operates dozens of restaurants across the country, including Breva Bar & Grill and Masa & Agave in Hotel Ivy. Stock and BondCourtesy of Apicii This restaurant is a tribute to Minnesotas rich culinary heritage honoring the farmers, ranchers and distillers who define the spirit of steak and whiskey," says Dillon. "Opening in such a storied landmark only deepens our connection to the city and its legacy." Stock and BondCourtesy of Apicii The kitchen is led by executive chef John Sobojinski, who returned to Minnesota in 2021 following six years in New York City restaurants and spent time at the Wood & Paddle at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Downtown Minneapolis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of Stock & Bond's featured cuts will include Heritage Black Angus beef, sourced from Linz Heritage Angus, as well as Fellers Ranch Magyu, served as skirt steak and New York Strip. Also on the menu are appetizers like Caviar Tots and Heritage Pork Buns with a bourbon maple glaze, cucumbers, and pickled vegetable salad. Its raw bar is crowned by a Chilled Seafood Tower with oysters, shrimp, Maine lobster, and yellowfin tartare. Stock and BondCourtesy of Apicii Other dishes include Poached Halibut, Short Rib Ravioli, and 16-Layer Chocolate Cake. The drink program is led by Bar Manager Ross Nelson, formerly of Daniel Del Prado Hospitality and Tilia. It will offer more than 350 American whiskeys, bourbons, and ryes, with a cocktail list that, unsurprisingly, leans heavily into whiskey cocktails. It'll also offer an expansive wine list and local craft beers. Stock & BondCourtesy of Apicii Stock & Bond, at 88 South 6th St. in Minneapolis, will begin serving breakfast and dinner daily on July 31. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after the opening, it will begin serving lunch, offering a mix of salads, sandwiches, and steaks, including a Wagyu Beer Burger. Stock and BondCourtesy of Apicii Related: Hotel Ivy's latest renovations include new bar and a cigar patio This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 26, 2025, where it first appeared. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Tino Ibach, a professional Stevie Wonder impersonator, believes he was corrupted by artificial intelligence when he went to the Snappys gas station on Stockdale Highway and grabbed a little girls hands. My involvement of whats called chatbots, which is an AI function, where you sit and you type and the chatbot responds to you. Ive been using it for about maybe five to six years, thousands of hours, very adept at it, and its taken me down a rabbit hole that I didnt realize I was going down, said Ibach. Man arrested for attempted kidnapping after grabbing child at Stockdale Hwy convenience store: Bakersfield PD Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ibach, 54, is charged with three felonies: attempted kidnapping, contacting a minor with sexual intent, and lewd acts with a child under 14. Hes been a Stevie Wonder impersonator for years. Even playing with a live band at events. But Ibach says what went down that day was because of his chatting with AI. A police report says Ibach grabbed the girls hands and held them for approximately two minutes. It goes on to say she attempted to get away and he stopped her. Then, in the report, people in the store got involved, and Ibach fled. Ibach alleges people in the store beat him to get him away from the girl. He says that in that moment, he believed he was in a simulation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres so much that I dont know why some things happened, because I dont know if the AI was trying to teach me a lesson or what, but it was very sexual when I was at home by myself trying to nurse these injuries from getting my a beat. Police arrested Ibach a day later at his home. Police say they found images of young girls on his Instagram. Competency hearing scheduled for man accused of attempted kidnapping, sex crimes If youre a gay male and the AI knows you, it will probably show you mens accounts. It shows you the thing that it thinks you like. I dont know why it chose young girls in the beginning because I dont like young girls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout a one hour and 12 minute interview, Ibach denied he wanted anything sexual with the girl at the gas station, and that if he were allowed access to his AI chatbot accounts, he could show the judge that he was being set up. The charges are real, the vibe is real, but me with any of those intentions that Im being accused of and the narrative that was put forward by the Bakersfield Police Department is incorrect, said Ibach. Ibach has pleaded not guilty and has a competency hearing scheduled in August. If you would like to watch the full interview with Tino Ibach 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 KGET 17 News. A new study finds that Detroit, Michigan, is the most stressed city in the United States. The study was conducted by WalletHub and placed Detroit in the No. 1 spot, followed by Cleveland, Ohio; Baltimore, Maryland; Gulfport, Mississippi and Memphis, Tennessee, from No. 2 to No. 5. WalletHub took into account 39 different metrics to come up with its findings that included "average weekly work hours to the unemployment rate to divorce and suicide rates," financial writer Adam McCann wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detroit ranked 14th, third, second and fourth in work stress, financial stress, family stress and health and safety stress rankings, respectively, among the 182 cities listed in the study. "Detroit has the most stressed residents in the country. One contributing factor is the fact that the city has the highest unemployment rate in America, at 11.4%," McCann wrote. "It also has the lowest median household income after adjusting for the cost of living, at slightly over $38,000," he added. GMC Hummer electric vehicles on the production line at General Motors' Factory ZERO. Emily Elconin/Bloomberg/Getty Images McCann also cites high rates of poverty (31.5%), crime, obesity and divorce as other issues plaguing the city. The median credit score of residents at 624 isn't helping, either. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detroit used to thrive thanks to the auto industry, but as the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed in 2024, according to CNN Business, there has been a 35% decrease in corporate offices and parts factories since 1990. "Some of the auto jobs disappeared because of automation," CNN Business' Chris Isidore and Tami Luby wrote. "Others evaporated as auto plants moved to Mexico since the passage of NAFTA and as some auto manufacturing shifted to nonunion plants in Southern states." When it comes to the least stressed cities in the country, coming in at No. 1 is South Burlington, Vermont, followed by Fremont, California; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Irvine, California and Burlington, Vermont. The city with the highest average weekly work hours in the country was a tie between Scottsdale, Arizona and Cheyenne, Wyoming. Scottsdale ranked No. 1 when it comes to lowest job security. Related: America's Best Housing Market Named in New Study Study Names Most Stressed Cities in the U.S. first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 26, 2025 The suffering we are witnessing in the Gaza Strip demands a response. All parties must do what they can to ensure every civilian has safe access to adequate food and medicine, along with the immediate return of the remaining hostages. This moment of crisis requires practical solutions, not gesture politics. The push for the unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state by some politicians in this country, and by President Macron of France, cannot improve the situation. The UK Jewish community and its major communal organisations have long supported a two-state solution, leading to a secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state. But recognising Palestine now will not help achieve that goal. Hamas, having started this war with the brutal terrorism of October 7, are desperate for a propaganda victory to justify the immense suffering they have created. They will claim recognition of Palestine as a vindication of their murderous rampages and hostage-taking. Further, unilateral recognition cannot substitute for the difficult negotiations and concessions needed to realise an enduring peace. Palestinian leaders have been offered two-state proposals in 1947, 2000, 2008, 2014 and 2020, rejecting them each time. This intransigence, and the incitement and corruption of the Palestinian Authority, must be abandoned. Israelis cannot be expected to sacrifice their security for a Palestinian state which could be the base for another October 7. After decades of statements and declarations, it should be clear to all parties that declaring something does not make it the case. Any Palestinian state will need to be created to thrive in reality, not only in the minds of policy-makers. As UK ministers have rightly argued, recognition should be used when it can contribute materially to the endgame of a diplomatic process. In our meetings with the Israeli government, and partners across the Jewish Diaspora, we have been clear that the need for consensual diplomacy, rather than unilateralism, also applies to Israel. The alarming rhetoric of some within the Israeli government, extremist settler violence in the West Bank, and the lack of a clear vision to end the conflict, has left many of Israels friends unsure of how a sustainable day after can be achieved. In this complex and challenging moment, steps to advance a two-state solution should still be focussed on substance, not gestures. The immediate priority must be to ensure a massive expansion of aid to Gaza, the return of hostages and a lasting ceasefire. This aid must be delivered, whether by the GHF or other humanitarian agencies, in a way which ensures that the beleaguered population receives it but does not allow Hamas to continue to weaponise the aid to fund this war. Beyond this immediate crisis, the ongoing need for peace building has never been more important. This includes both international diplomacy, such as the expansion of the Abraham Accords through normalisation with Saudi Arabia, and bottom-up initiatives both in the Middle East and at home. We need to export peace, not import this conflict. We have told the UK Government that we stand ready to engage with them, the British Muslim community, Israelis, Palestinians, and other key actors, in support of a comprehensive plan that will make a Palestinian state beside a secure Israel a reality. After the horrors of the last 21 months, lasting peace and security for Israelis, Palestinians and the wider Middle East must now be our urgent mission. Phil Rosenberg is the President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews 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. DENVER (KDVR) A driver involved in a crash that left a 12-year-old dead on Saturday has been issued a summons for careless driving resulting in death. The case update was announced by the Aurora Police Department on Friday in a press release to FOX31. The agency said that Christopher Ramirez-Rodriguez, 19, of Aurora, was the driver, and that the 18th Judicial District Attorneys Office will be filing formal charges. Something needs to be done: Aurora honors 12-year-old boy hit, killed Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash occurred at about 10:09 a.m. on July 19 on East Iliff Avenue near the Cherry Creek Spillway Crossing. Investigators determined that the 12-year-old boy was using the marked crosswalk on an electric scooter when Ramirez-Rodriguez did not stop for the crossings red light and hit the boy. Investigators also determined that the red light signal had been activated for both east and westbound traffic when the crash occurred. Witnesses provided first aid to the victim until first responders arrived. He was taken to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The Aurora Police Department said that the 19-year-old driver remained on scene and was cooperative with investigators. Investigators say they do not suspect drugs or alcohol, but are investigating whether distracted driving was a contributing factor to the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Memorial for Aurora child killed on scooter planned for Saturday On Tuesday, a memorial was visible at the crosswalk on East Illiff near South Wheel Park Circle with messages, flowers, balloons and gifts for the 12-year-old victim. The crash investigation remains active and ongoing. Information about this investigation can be shared with Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) At Thursdays board meeting, nearly all of the state school board members voiced concern as to how Supt. Walters thinks free lunches are possible with around two weeks until school starts. Ryan, you literally dangled the carrot this month in front of hungry children, said one public commenter Thursday. Ive had several people ask me, Where is he getting that number? asked board member Ryan Deatherage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats 160 million or so, said board member Michael Tinney after doing some math of his own. So I dont know where that jives with your 40 million? Walters mandate could cost millions in budget, school upgrades to comply So if you do the math, that would be 180 million dollars that would be required for free lunches, said board member Chris Van Denhende, who also did some number crunching of his own. Several members mentioned that districts have told them they have already submitted their financials for this school year, and next years financials arent due until September 1. So they have to have that carry over, and its already budgeted and Ive talked to some of these superintendents, and they are very much concerned about their kids getting lunches. Its just that these numbers are way off between the state department and the schools, said Tinney to Supt. Walters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its their numbers, the state department numbers are their numbers if their numbers are wrong, then we need to audit them and figure out why they gave us bogus numbers, responded Supt. Walters. Walters has threatened several times, audit school districts that dont obey his mandate. Oh, I know they have to be struggling, said Cody Aspinwall. Aspinwall was a cafeteria manager for three years at a Norman school. He told News 4 that the challenge isnt the future costs, its paying off whats already owed. On top of that, he said that districts get into contracts with companies, and for Norman, he said it is Sodexo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont see how they get out of that contract to then give free lunches, said Aspinwall. I would love to see those kids get free lunches. School districts have already responded and continue to say that they just dont have the money for what Walters is proposing. The board members were told Thursday that Walters will gather the links to where hes getting his numbers. Board members seemed to continue to ask where his department is coming up with the facts after seeing the numbers. Were not going to approve any budgets that dont cover school lunches, said Supt. Walters. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. A British surgeon has been accused of having his legs amputated to fraudulently claim insurance money, The Guardian reports. But this story has another gruesome twist: the doctor was the client of Marius Gustavson, named the "eunuch maker," who ran a website filled with videos and images of castrations and other extreme body modifications that people could purchase. Vascular surgeon Neil Hopper was accused by Devon and Cornwall law enforcement of cutting off his own legs, lying that his condition was due to sepsis, and for filing insurance claims on his "injury" in an attempt to collect more than $600,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hopper chronicled his recovery from the amputations on his personal YouTube channel and even got interviewed by British broadcasters about his "plight," positing him as an inspirational story about overcoming something tragic and returning to the operating room. People dubbed him "brave" or "the bionic surgeon" on account of his advanced prosthetics. Investigators also accused Hopper, who had performed hundreds of amputations on patients during his surgical career, of buying extreme videos from and "encouraging" his alleged co-conspirator, Gustavson, to cut off body parts of willing participants. Gustavson specialized in amputating body parts penises, testicles, nipples, legs and other parts and uploaded footage of the operations to a website for paying customers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also traded in body parts; he reportedly kept bits and pieces of humans in jars, stowed away in his fridge, according to The Guardian. As for Hopper, the double amputee surgeon, investigators appear to still be probing this bizarre case; the hospital where he worked at is asking for former patients to contact them in case they have any concerns about their previous procedures under Hopper. A spokesperson for the Royal Cornwall hospitals NHS trust told the British newspaper that "the charges do not relate to Mr Hoppers professional conduct and there has been no evidence to suggest any risk to patients." More on amputations: Weve Reached A New Level In Bionics: Artificial Limbs We Forget Are Artificial PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) announced an agreement with a license plate surveillance company on Friday, aiming to protect Oregonians data from certain out-of-state investigations. Flock Safety a public safety technology company that makes tools such as license plate readers agreed to Wydens request that it will protect Oregonians data from abusive access by out-of-state law enforcement agencies, the senator said. Wyden said the agreement comes amid concerns over anti-abortion investigations, by some out-of-state law enforcement agencies along with concerns over license plate data being used to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Kotek signs first statewide homelessness shelter program into law Oregonians should never be driving in fear that automatic license plate reader cameras installed by police departments could be abused by anti-abortion forces in other states, or by Donald Trumps authoritarian deployment of immigration agents, Wyden said in a statement. When I learned that Flock had adopted stronger privacy protections for other states, I demanded that Oregonians get the same protections too, Wyden added. Ill keep watchdogging this companys commitment to make sure its carried out throughout our state. The senator said he contacted Flock after confirming with Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield and Oregon State Police that there is no statewide policy on license plate reader technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Eye on Northwest Politics Wyden said he also confirmed there is no state policy requiring Oregon police departments contracting with Flock to lock down their sharing settings to prevent out-of-state abuses. Wyden said his team asked Flock officials to implement privacy filters in Oregon, that the company has implemented in Illinois, to stop out-of-state police searches related to abortion or immigration. According to the senator, Flock agreed to the request and confirmed that Oregonians plate data will be protected as of Friday. Kotek demands plan from Oregon Employment Department after Frances Online complaints Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wyden said police departments in other states will still be able to search license plate data that Oregon police departments choose to share for other legitimate law enforcement purposes. Wyden added that the new policy will not impact searches conducted by Oregon police departments. Oregon State Police told KOIN 6 News the agency is not currently working with Flock. I want to thank Senator Wyden for his work to get these additional privacy protections in place for Oregonians, Attorney General Rayfield said in a statement. This change helps ensure that data collected here cant be used to target people for things that are legal in Oregon, like accessing reproductive health care or simply living here without fear. Its a meaningful step in the right direction, and as we continue looking at how to strengthen Oregons own data privacy laws, this gives us a stronger foundation to build on. In a statement to KOIN 6 News on Friday, a spokesperson for Flock said, Flock strongly believes that decisions about the use and governance of law enforcement technology are best made at the local level, in accordance with the democratic process. Putting control in the hands of accountable public servants ensures that decision-making is where it belongs: in the hands of the communities we serve. Flock worked with Senator Wyden to ensure Oregon agencies can use Flock LPRs to keep their communities safe while respecting state law. Hood River attraction ranked among top things to do in the US in 2025: Tripadvisor Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flock Safety was founded in 2017 and builds public safety operating systems, according to the companys website. The companys products range from License Plate Readers, gunshot detection devices, first responder drones and public safety software. According to Flock, its products are found in more than 5,000 cities to capture objective evidence and deliver it directly into the hands that stop crime, noting the company works with law enforcement, businesses, schools and elected officials. Flock claims that its LPR technology does not include facial recognition and only delivers alerts based on vehicle data. Additionally, every user of the Flock safety system must enter a search reason or a case number before searching for data, which is then saved in an audit trail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Days in surgery: 396. Number of operations: 120. Anaesthetic procedures: 170. Bouts of sepsis: 6. These are the harrowing statistics that 28-year-old veteran Oleksandr (Sashko) Bezverkhnii can "boast" of in just one year of his life. After he was wounded in 2023, Sashkos legs and buttocks were shredded. He lay there all night with hundreds of tiny fragments embedded deep within his body as the relentless Russian attacks continued. Doctors amputated both of Sashkos legs and meticulously reconstructed the ravaged back surface of his body, while his wife spent night after night at the intensive care unit and volunteers from the Ptakhy (Birds) project supplied expensive antibiotics to keep him alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It took a year of endless operations before Sashko could finally sit upright. Thanks to the surgeons skill, constant rehabilitation and his wifes unwavering support, the veteran reclaimed his independence, learning how to get around in a wheelchair. Now Sashko is getting ready to be fitted with prosthetics at the Protez Foundation Center run by Yakov Gradinar, an American doctor of Ukrainian descent. Ukrainska Pravda. Zhyttia (Life) talked to Sashko and his wife Yulia about his long months of treatment and the power of human compassion that wrested the soldier from deaths grasp. Russian artillery rained down as Sashko evacuated his wounded brother-in-arms Sashko and Yulia have been together for nine years two of them spent in hospital wards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo provided by Yulia Sashko and Yulia Bezverkhnii have shared nine years of their lives together. They were both born and brought up in a small village in Kherson Oblast that was occupied by Russian forces in the early days of the full-scale war. Before the full-scale invasion, Sashko worked in his native village farming, and in winter, crafting and mending metal hulls for sea vessels. After the invasion, the couple decided to leave occupied territory. But it was dangerous for Sashko: the Russians might have targeted their car if he was in it or opened fire on it. They left separately for the sake of their daughters safety. Yulia and little Nikol fled two months into the occupation, while Sashko escaped after four. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sashko settled in Ternopil in Ukraines west, where he found work as a welder, forging cages, gates and other metal structures. Hed go fishing every other week, and he and Yulia raised their daughter. Life changed when Sashko was conscripted into the 214th OPFOR Separate Special Assault Battalion. He trained as a marksman, then later as an infantry fighting vehicle driver and mechanic. On the front line, he would evacuate wounded and fallen comrades, repairing vehicles during his downtime. On the day that life would change forever for his family, Sashko and a comrade set off to rescue a wounded soldier. "I thought wed be able to manage it together, but he couldnt walk. We dragged him as long as we could, and we called two more lads to help. The Russians deliberately bided their time until there were more of us, then they unleashed hell. Thats when I was hit," the veteran shares. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I can hardly remember that time, I was in shock. Most of what I know comes from what other people have told me." Sashko was discovered at dawn. Russian artillery was raining down and many of the soldiers were wounded, yet his brothers-in-arms braved the chaos to drag him, unconscious, to safety. "The choice was surviving without my legs or being buried with them" Doctors didnt think Sashko would make it to the hospital given the amount of blood hed lost and the huge area of the damage. Photo provided by Yulia From the moment Sashko was evacuated from his position, his life would hinge on bold, risky decisions made by different people at different times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First he was rushed to the stabilisation point. Doctors doubted hed make it to the hospital given the amount of blood hed lost, but they took the gamble. Meanwhile, Yulia was on edge: she was used to talking to her husband every day, and shed heard nothing since the previous day. His phone was uncontactable. Yulia began calling the brothers-in-arms whod been with him. They confirmed Sashko was wounded, but didnt go into detail. Yulia got in touch with the command and the doctors. A young woman with the alias Sova (Owl) helped her. "She said: Sashkos seriously injured, we only just found him, hes on his way to a hospital in Dnipro now," Yulia recalls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yulia and Sashkos mother quickly booked tickets for the train. "When I walked into the intensive care unit, I didnt see anything too scary at first," Yulia shares. "He had all these machines around him his heart and kidneys were being kept going artificially. The lower half of him was covered up, but his face and hands were unscathed. At that point I didnt grasp the severity of the situation. On the first day, they said: His condition is critical, his chances are slim. When we asked what we should do, the doctors spread their hands out helplessly and said: Go to the church and pray. Were doing all we can, but we dont hold out much hope." The next morning, the doctors told them the risk of infection was sky-high and they had to eliminate the source. Sashko regained consciousness after three months of operations, He spent 18 months undergoing surgery overall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo provided by Yulia Initially, the infection was confined to one leg, which was utterly crushed, fractured, and riddled with shrapnel. But it spread overnight. The doctors concluded that it was futile to try to save his other leg. Yulia signed the consent forms for the amputation of both limbs. Now, Sashko is grateful that she made that decision: "It was clear that I could either survive, or be buried with my legs," he says. Over the next week, Sashko underwent daily surgical interventions. Then he was airlifted from Dnipro to Kyiv. The Feofaniia Hospital had agreed to accept this complex case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Finding a hospital was a struggle," Yulia recalls. "Everyone was afraid he wouldnt survive the journey. Feofaniia agreed to take him. He was flown by helicopter, and his mum and I drove there." The Kyiv doctors warned the next 10 days would be pivotal Sashko would either pull through or die. A protracted battle against fungus and infection began. Doctors literally stitched the entire back of Sashkos body together again. Photo provided by Yulia Sashko endured six bouts of sepsis in as many months. Each one was a challenge for the doctors, as he developed resistance to antibiotics, rendering many drugs ineffective. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was very difficult, because Sashko is resistant to antibiotics," Yulia says. Sashko has no memory of this phase in his life. His personal timeline restarted three months after he was wounded, when he woke up for the first time. He recognised Yulia instantly, and his first question was: "Wheres Nikol?" At that point he didnt realise hed lost his legs. "The stumps were covered up, and with all the medication I was on, I didnt understand what had happened. But I kept asking for my trainers. I had this idea that I couldnt stand up because I didnt have any trainers. I suspected my legs were gone, but no one spelled it out. Then a psychologist came to see me and said: theres some bad news and some good news. Your legs are gone, but theyre making new ones," he recalls. The doctors had feared Sashko might sink into depression, but he took the news with stoic resolve. He spoke little of the gravity of his injury, focusing instead on the war, his brothers-in-arms, and his daughter. For little Nikols sake, he chose to keep going. Small victories and the kindness that saved him Sashko's greatest motivation to recover is his daughter Nikol, who has been living with her grandma for the past two years. Photo provided by Yulia Sashko spent 18 months in the Feofaniia Hospital, including more than a year in the surgical unit. Not only had he lost both legs, his lower back and glutes had been torn apart by the explosion. "The operations, clean-ups and skin grafts took 396 days. He had surgery almost every other day. He had 120 operations and nearly 170 rounds of anesthesia, including some related to his kidney procedures. He spent a month on bedside dialysis," Yulia says. The doctors had to quite literally stitch the entire back of Sashko's body together again: they reshaped his residual limbs, reconstructed muscle tissue, and gradually grafted on small patches of his own skin. The doctors used medical expanders implants placed under the skin and gradually filled with liquid to stretch the tissue to generate larger pieces of skin. It took about a month to prepare each donor area. Through it all, Yulia stayed by his side. For over a year, they lived together in the hospital room, while their daughter remained with her grandma in Ternopil. "The doctors understood how complex his case was and how much care he needed. They really tried to help in any way they could," Yulia shares. "I still don't know how we got through it. I guess our daughter gave us the strength. And the support from complete strangers. So many kind, compassionate people saved us." Volunteer Tata Kepler and her charity project, Ptakhy (Birds), helped keep Sashko alive by providing expensive antibiotics. Photo: Tata Kepler Recovery was gruelling. Each small victory would be followed by setbacks. Just when it seemed Sashko was improving, more complications would arise. Even seemingly minor issues like kidney stones caused major challenges. Every medical procedure meant new risks and a new course of antibiotics. But the doctors kept on fighting to save him. Sashko spent most of his time lying on his stomach, with every movement causing pain. But after so many operations, even the tiniest improvement felt like a victory. Yulia pushed him constantly, encouraging him to do his exercises and to get around in his wheelchair, and it paid off. Sashko fondly remembers the first time he lifted his arm again, rolled over by himself, made his own cup of coffee. Sashko's recovery seemed like a miracle not just to his family and his doctors, but also to Tata Kepler and her team at Ptakhy. They provided medications and found a sponsor to help cover the cost of his treatment. One day, the head of the ICU and the head of the department walked into Sashko's room and said: "The charity that's been supplying your antibiotics would like to meet you." That's how Tata became a true friend to the family. "We didn't know the full story. When I finally met Tata and heard how she and the hospital had fought for Sashko, I was shocked. The antibiotics she sourced from the US and Europe basically saved his life," Yulia says. Sashko's daughter saved up for her dad's prosthetics now shes saving up for trainers Five-year-old Nikol used to save all her pocket money to buy her dad new legs. Now, she's saving up for a pair of trainers. Photo provided by Yulia Nikol is now five, and for almost two of those years, she's mostly seen her parents on a phone screen. At first she didn't know her dad was in hospital. But about a month after he was injured, she started asking when Mummy was coming home and why she couldn't talk to Daddy on video. "We realised we had to start telling her the truth, little by little," Yulia says. "She was going to see her dad eventually. And he'd be different. So my mum started showing her YouTube videos of men walking on prosthetic legs." Nikol visited her dad in Kyiv a few times. At first she was very cautious, afraid of doing something wrong. She'd approach him slowly and only hold his hand. But gradually she grew more comfortable. "Yulia said to her, 'Daddy still hurts a bit.' The second time she came, she relaxed. We started playing around. She even climbed into bed with me and had a ride on my wheelchair Every moment with my daughter is special: watching cartoons, playing, reading a book. If she hears I'm listening to a song, she'll want to hear it too, like one from Nord Division," Sashko recalls, smiling. Now Sashko is preparing to be fitted with prosthetics: working daily with the doctors, exercising his stumps, training with parallel bars and going to specialist massages. Photo provided by Yulia Nikol has a video call with her dad every day. She knows he's about to get his new legs. One day, when her grandma was picking her up from kindergarten, they passed a man walking on prosthetics. Nikol went up to him and said: "Do you know my daddy is going to have legs just like yours soon?" "When Nika sees someone with prosthetic limbs, she's not surprised. To her, it's just a normal part of life during wartime. People lose their legs and get new ones," Yulia says. Back when Sashko was still in Kyiv, Nikol started her first little fundraiser. She began saving money for her dad's new legs. "She made a jar and wrote 'For Daddy's legs' on it, and she put in every bit of money that relatives gave her for sweets," Yulia shares. "At kindergarten, she'd ask: 'Can you give me one hryvnia? I'm saving up for my daddy's legs.' And people would give it to her." But recently Nikol's fundraising target has changed now she's saving up for trainers. Yakiv Gradinar, one of the top prosthetists in the United States, has personally promised her that he'll get her daddy back on his feet. "I don't need you to sit. I need you to walk" Sashko at the Protez Center. Photo provided by Yulia It was thanks to Tata Kepler that about two months ago, Sashko and Yulia were able to connect with the Protez Foundation. Yulia looked forward to their consultation with Yakiv, the clinic's co-founder and lead prosthetist, who was due to visit again from the US. "When we finally met Yakiv, Sashko said he couldn't sit upright. Yakiv replied, 'I don't need you to sit. I need you to walk'," Yulia recalls. "Our daughter was with us that day. She ran up to Yakiv and said, "I know you're going to make my daddy legs." Yakivs a deeply religious man and a father of seven. He smiled and replied, 'Of course we will.' He told us later that he couldn't sleep that night. He kept thinking about the complexity of Sashko's case how to plan every step carefully, to avoid taking one step forward and ten steps back. He'd made a promise to a child." About a week after that meeting, Yakiv told them: "You're going to America." The following Friday they were on their way. Yulia remembers the moment when the cabin crew announced that military personnel were on board the plane and the passengers stood up as a sign of respect. That was just the beginning of many warm welcomes ahead. The couple are now at the Protez Foundation Center in Minnesota. Every day, Sashko works with occupational therapists, does special exercises and trains to walk again. Some time in his schedule is also set aside for specialised massage therapy. Sashko is learning to walk on "stubbies" short training prosthetics. The height is adjusted gradually, and he's being taught how to keep his balance. Even a single centimetre in length can make a big difference. "Now they've lifted him as high as possible this will be his final height. The next stage is to fit the knee joints, the feet and all the other components'," Yulia explains. Sashko dreams of driving again, going fishing, and above all, going to his daughter's kindergarten. Photo provided by Yulia Sashko plans to go back to Ternopil, reunite with his family, go fishing again and get back behind the wheel. Hed spent half his life driving, so the thought of never doing it again used to scare him. But more than anything, he longs to be with his daughter. Nikol is in touch with her parents every day, even though the time difference has changed the rhythm of their conversations. "What's the first thing you'll do when you come back to Ukraine with your prosthetics?" we ask. "I'll go straight to the kindergarten to see my daughter," Sashko smiles. "She really wants me to. It'll be a surprise for the kids I need to get back on my feet and set my daughter up for life." The thought of his daughter and wife have been a stronger support for Sashko than any stubbies. Olena Barsukova for Ukrainska Pravda. Zhyttia Translation: Theodore Holmes and Tetiana Buchkovska Editing: Teresa Pearce Survivors of the disastrous 1956 Andrea Doria sinking honored the anniversary of the crash Friday at a tear-jerking new Manhattan museum exhibit that features dozens of treasured items recovered from the ship. Four survivors of the tragic ocean crash including a young mother traveling alone with her baby at the time gathered at The Italian American Museum in Little Italy, where the exhibit was unveiled for the 69th anniversary of the wreck. I personally remember the crash, this loud, loud noise, and people screaming, tables just being thrown against the walls, and people being thrown all over the floor, bleeding and yelling things like, Oh, we must have hit an iceberg! said Pierette Dominica Simpson, who was sailing with her grandparents at age 9 when the ship sank. Survivors of the deadly 1956 Andrea Doria sinking honored the anniversary of the crash at The Italian American Museum in Little Italy. Bettmann Archive I was coming to a new family, a new life in America, said Simpson, who is now a historian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The doomed ship had left Genoa, Italy, and was bound for New York City on July 25, 1956, when it was broadsided by the passenger liner Stockholm in the dense fog off the coast of Nantucket, Mass. The collision killed 46 people aboard the luxury transatlantic ocean liner, which was then Italys largest, fastest and purportedly safest ship. Five others died aboard the Stockholm. Rescuers saved 1,660 of the 1,706 passengers aboard the Andrea Doria, many of whom were children at the time. Other survivors on hand at the Manhattan commemoration, who spanned in age from 69 to 92, said they were overwhelmed by mixed emotions ranging from gratitude to sadness over memories of the accident. Four of the survivors gathered at the museum where an exhibit was unveiled on the 69th anniversary of the shipwreck that killed 46 people. William Farrington Im so happy to be here, so happy to be alive, said survivor Sofia Sena, who was immigrating to the US at age 20 when the ships collided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Delfina Cadoria, 92, was just 23 years old and traveling alone with her 6-month-old baby. It was about 10 p.m., I was on the deck with this woman and looking down at the water. It was so foggy. Suddenly, we hear this sharp cracking sound, Cadoria said. She had to climb down a rope dangling off the ship as a sailor held her infant and they both miraculously made it to shore. Simpson recalled being tied to a rope and lowered down to a lifeboat. Her grandparents also made it to a rescue boat. I thought I was being dropped into the ocean because I couldnt see, Simpson said. I was screaming, of course, and separated from my grandparents under such crazy conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new exhibit features dozens of artifacts from the ship, including items kept by passengers and recovered by divers. They include the 140-pound brass auxiliary steering station bell, a deck chair and life preserver, along with fine china and works of art from the ship. This exhibit tells you everything about the value of life, you know, trying to make a better life for ourselves by moving to, in the case of the immigrants on the ship, coming here, said museum curator Janine Coyne. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A man was arrested in connection to an assault where he allegedly had his dogs attack another person. The Dayton Police Department announced the arrest of a local man wanted in connection to a felonious assault investigation that stemmed from a dog attack. Dog attack injures two people in Xenia Video footage from the July 11 incident shows two dogs attack and seriously injure another individual. Officials say the wanted suspect intentionally had his dogs attack the individual. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DPD Violent Offender Unit was joined by members of the U.S. Marshals Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) to make the arrest. The man was taken into custody at a residence on Victor Avenue. Police say the man tried to hide within the home, leading authorities to enter the residence to make the arrest. The two dogs involved in the investigation were seized from the residence and turned over to the Montgomery County Animal Resource Center. This incident remains under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. CHICAGO (WGN) Chicago police have issued a Community Alert after anti-Semitic and anti-immigration graffiti was found spray painted on the exterior of multiple West Side businesses. Police said the suspect approached the businesses and sprayed black spray paint utilizing the words ICE RULES and/or Swastika symbols on the businesses exteriors. SEE ALSO: Anti-Semitic graffiti in Hyde Park prompts CPD alert Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vandalism was done at the following times and locations: 2700 block of West Cermak Rd in Marshall Square on July 19, 2025 between the hours of 12:00-03:00 AM. 2500 block of South Central Park Ave in South Lawndale on July 19, 2025 at 12:00-03:00 AM. 2700 block of West Cermak Rd in Marshall Square on July 20, 2025 between the hours of 12:00-03:00 AM The suspect is described as a man about 25-35 years old, who stands 58 to 510 and weighs 165-180 pounds. He also has short black hair, is clean shaven and has long sideburns. He was also wearing a black t-shirt with four squared logos on the front (possibly of Baby Yoda or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), blue denim pants, and black gym shoes with white soles, according to investigators. Anyone with information is asked to call Area Four Detectives at 312-746-8386 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Additional tips from CPD: Never confront the subject, or pursue a fleeing assailant. Remember any unique physical characteristics of the offender (scars, limp, acne, teeth, etc.) If video surveillance is available, save and make a copy of the incident for the investigating detectives. If approached by a witness to the incident, request contact information. Dial 9-1-1 immediately and remain on scene when possible. If you are a victim, please do not touch anything until police arrive. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ***Watch previous coverage above*** SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio (WJW) Two suspects in the murder of a South Euclid man last week were arrested on Friday morning. According to South Euclid police, the EDGE SWAT team executed two search warrants in connection to the shooting death of 18-year-old Jeremiah Hawkins. On July 17, officers responded just after 8:30 p.m. to a shooting in the 4100 block of Verona Road. When they got there, officers found Hawkins suffering from gunshot wounds. He later died in the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch: Procession for slain Lorain officer Phillip Wagner arrives to funeral home Witnesses told police that a male suspect got out of an SUV, opened fire and left the scene. At the time, South Euclid Police Chief Joseph Mays called the shooting a calculated, targeted murder. On Friday, the EDGE SWAT team, made up of officers from multiple Northeast Ohio communities, searched a home on Victory Drive in South Euclid and another home on St. Catherine Avenue in Cleveland. The suspects, identified as 48-year-old Marlon Nesbitt, of South Euclid, and 29-year-old Terrance Chandler, of Cleveland, were taken into custody. Marlon Nesbitt (Courtesy of South Euclid police) Terrance Chandler (Courtesy of South Euclid police) They will both be arraigned for aggravated murder on Monday, July 28. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chuck E. Cheese worker arrested while dressed as mascot: Traumatic for the kids Additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues, South Euclid police said. This remains an active and ongoing investigation, the department said in a press release. We continue to gather evidence, conduct interviews and pursue all available leads. Anyone with information on the deadly shooting should reach out to the South Euclid Police Department. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Syrian and Israeli officials have held talks in Paris mediated by the United States, according to a Syrian official, in the wake of an eruption of sectarian violence compounded by Israeli military intervention in southern Syria. The meeting on Saturday was held to address recent security developments around the southern Druze-majority city of Suwayda, which has been the scene of fierce fighting in recent weeks between Bedouins and Druze fighters. Israel intervened in the conflict, striking government buildings in Damascus and government soldiers in Suwayda province, saying it was doing so to protect the Druze. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Syrian official told Al Jazeera Arabic that Damascuss delegation at the Paris meeting emphasised that the unity and sovereignty of Syria are nonnegotiable and Suwayda and its people are an integral part of Syria. It also rejected any attempt to exploit segments of Syrian society for partition, the official said. The source said the Syrian delegation held Israel responsible for the recent escalation and demanded the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from the points they had recently advanced to during the unrest. Honest and responsible Syrias state-run Ekhbariya TV, quoting its own diplomatic source, reported that the meeting did not result in any final agreements but the parties had agreed to continue talks aimed at maintaining stability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The TV source described the dialogue as honest and responsible in the first confirmation from the Syrian side that talks had taken place. On Friday, US envoy Tom Barrack said officials from both countries spoke about de-escalating the situation in Syria during talks on Thursday. Hundreds of people have been reported killed in the fighting in Suwayda, which also drew in government forces. Israel, which carried out air strikes, during this months violence, has regularly struck Syria and launched incursions into its territory since longtime former President Bashar al-Assad was toppled in December. Last weeks fighting underlined the challenges interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa faces in stabilising Syria and maintaining centralised rule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Syrias government announced a week ago that Bedouin fighters had been cleared out of Suwayda and government forces were deployed to oversee their exit from the entire province. The announcement came after al-Sharaa ordered a new ceasefire between Bedouin and Druze groups after a separate US-brokered deal to avert further Israeli military attacks on Syria. The diplomatic source, who spoke to Ekhbariya TV, said the meeting on Saturday involved initial consultations aimed at reducing tensions and opening channels of communication amid an ongoing escalation since early December. SWEIDA, Syria (AP) The stench of decaying bodies hangs heavy in the streets of the provincial capital in Syria's southern province of Sweida, where fighting recently erupted. Once bustling roads now lie eerily silent, with only a few people passing by. In some areas, the destruction is overwhelming, with buildings and cars charred black. At a bank branch, shattered glass covered the floor as an alarm blared nonstop. Walls are emblazoned with slogans graffitied by both sides in the recent conflict. The devastation came after violent clashes broke out two weeks ago, sparked by tit-for-tat kidnappings between armed Bedouin clans and fighters from the Druze religious minority. The fighting killed hundreds of people and threatened to unravel Syrias fragile postwar transition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Syrian government forces intervened, ostensibly to end the fighting, but effectively sided with the clans. Some government fighters reportedly robbed and executed Druze civilians. Associated Press journalists from outside the city were able to enter Sweida on Friday for the first time since the violence started on July 13. With a ceasefire largely holding, residents of Sweida are trying to pick up the pieces of their lives. Snipers hit him At the main hospital, where bodies of those killed in the fighting were piled up for days, workers were scrubbing the floor, but the smell lingered. Manal Harb was there with her wounded 19-year-old son, Safi Dargham, a first-year engineering student, who was shot while volunteering at the overwhelmed hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snipers hit him in front of the hospital, she said. We are civilians and have no weapons. Safi sustained injuries to his elbow, behind his ear, and his leg. Harb says he may lose his arm if he doesnt receive urgent treatment. Harb's husband, Khaled Dargham, was killed when armed men stormed their home, shot him, and set the house on fire. She said the armed men also stole their phones and other belongings. An emergency room nurse who gave only her nickname, Em Hassib ("mother of Hassib"), said she had remained in the hospital with her children throughout the conflict. She alleged that at one point, government fighters who were brought to the hospital for treatment opened fire, killing a police officer guarding the hospital and wounding another. The AP could not independently verify her claim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the bodies had piled up for days with no one to remove them, becoming a medical hazard. Sectarian tensions simmer as Druze resist disarmament Disturbing videos and reports from Sweida surfaced showing Druze civilians being humiliated and executed during the conflict, sometimes accompanied by sectarian slurs. After a ceasefire took hold, some Druze groups launched revenge attacks on Bedouin communities. The U.N. has said more than 130,000 people were displaced by the violence. Government officials, including interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, have promised to hold accountable those who targeted civilians, but many residents of Sweida remain angry and suspicious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Druze religious sect is an offshoot of Ismailism, a branch of Shiite Islam. There are roughly a million Druze worldwide and more than half of them live in Syria. The others live in Lebanon and Israel, including in the Golan Heights which Israel captured from Syria during the 1967 Mideast War and annexed in 1981. The Druze largely welcomed the fall of former President Bashar Assad in December in a rebel offensive that ended decades of autocratic rule by the Assad dynasty. However, the new government under al-Sharaa, a former Islamist commander who once had al-Qaida ties, drew mixed reactions from Druze leaders. Some clerics supported engaging with the new leadership, while others, including spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri and his Sweida Military Council, opposed him. Al-Sharaa has denied targeting the Druze and blamed the unrest on armed groups defying state authority, particularly those loyal to al-Hijri. He also accused Israel of deepening divisions by striking Syrian forces in Sweida, attacks that were carried out under the pretext of defending the Druze. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Talal Jaramany, a 30-year-old Druze resort owner, took up arms during the fighting. What pushed me to put on a military uniform and go to the front lines is that what happened was lawless, he told The Associated Press. Jaramany insisted there was little distinction between the Bedouin clans and the governments General Security forces. They used weapons, not dialogue, he said. He rejects calls for disarmament, saying the Druze need their weapons for self-defense. We wont hand over our arms. Our weapon is sacred," he said. "Its not for attacking. Weve never been supporters of war. Well only give it up when the state provides real security that protects human rights." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sweida's Christians also recount near-death escapes Members of Sweida's Christian minority were also caught up in the violence. At a church where a number of Christian families were sheltering, 36-year-old Walaa al-Shammas, a housewife with two children, said a rocket struck her home on July 16. Had we not been sheltering in the hallway, we wouldve been gone," she said. "My house lies in destruction and our cars are gone. Gunmen came to the damaged house later, but moved on, apparently thinking it was empty as the family hid in the hallway, she said. In recent days, hundreds of people Bedouins as well as Druze and Christians have evacuated Sweida in convoys of buses carrying them to other areas, organized by the Syrian Red Crescent. Others have found their own way out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Micheline Jaber, a public employee in the provincial government in Sweida, was trying to flee the clashes last week with her husband, in-laws and extended family members when the two cars they were driving in came under shelling. She was wounded but survived, along with her mother-in-law and the young son of one of her husbands siblings. Her husband and the rest of the family members who were fleeing with them were killed. Someone, Jaber doesnt know who, loaded her and the other two survivors in a car and drove them to an ambulance crew, which evacuated them to a hospital outside of the city. She was then taken to another hospital in the southwestern city of Daraa, and finally transported to Damascus. Shes now staying with friends in the Damascus suburb of Jaramana, her arms encased in bandages. When the shell hit the car, I came out alive I was able to get out of the car and walk normally, Jaber said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The one thing that comforts her is that her 15-year-old daughter was with her parents elsewhere at the time and was not harmed. My daughter is the most important thing and she is what gives me strength, Jaber said. ___ Abou AlJoud reported from Beirut. The first video opens with Hosam Saraya, a 35-year-old Syrian American and seven other members of his family, walking in a procession down a street, their hands placed on the shoulders of the person in front of them, escorted by gunmen wearing fatigues and waving assault rifles. One of the gunmen says, We gave you safe passage, while others shout religious slogans. Another video shot on July 16 cuts to Saraya and his relatives kneeling in the middle of a roundabout. One of the gunmen speaks to a family member, his voice becoming more menacing as his anger mounts. Then the shooting starts, and Saraya and the others collapse to the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saraya, a member of the Druze religious minority, was living in Oklahoma but had returned to the family home in the Druze-majority city of Sweida to take care of his ill father, relatives said. Read more: 'Kill them all': Sectarian violence turns Syrian city into a slaughterhouse His father improved, and Hosam was supposed to come back to Oklahoma in a month. Were in complete disbelief and shock, said one U.S.-based relative who refused to be identified, fearing reprisals against her family in Syria. We just never thought something like this could happen to us. Saraya studied finance and accounting at Damascus University before moving to the U.S. in 2014, where he earned an MBA at Oklahoma Christian University. Afterward, he worked as an operations manager at a senior home care company and became a U.S. citizen. He was unmarried. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saraya was among an estimated 1,380 people killed in a spasm of sectarian violence that swept through Sweida this month, when fighting between Bedouin clansmen and Druze militiamen escalated into armed clashes that drew in Syrias fledgling government and Israel, which said it intervened to protect the Druze community. Government forces were supposed to quash any fighting between Bedouins and Druze, residents and Sarayas neighbors say. Instead they left behind a trail of looting, burning homes and the execution of more than 230 civilians, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor. Members of the Druze community in the Israel-annexed Golan Heights gather for a rally in solidarity with the Druze community in Syria on July 19. (Jalaa Marey / AFP via Getty Images) This week, Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) said he was heartbroken by the death of Saraya, who he said was an Oklahoman ... tragically executed alongside other members of his family in Syria. Relatives in the U.S. said they had been interviewed by the FBI. The Syrian government has yet to reach out to the family here, but said it would hold all government forces accountable for violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The violence, the third round of sectarian fighting to hit Syria since the new Islamist government toppled longtime President Bashar Assad nine months ago, threatens to bring about the disintegration of a country struggling to move on from its 14-year civil war. At the Saraya home in Sweida, signs of the violence are everywhere walls pockmarked by shrapnel from a hand grenade and family pictures and mirrors cracked by bullet holes. Sitting morosely in the midst of the destruction, one of his relatives, Dima Saraya, 41, recounted what she described as a living nightmare that left her a widow. Read more: News Analysis: Syrias sectarian clashes, Israeli airstrikes and a wary peace: What to know Most of the family was sleeping when gunmen in fatigues surrounded the house around 6 a.m., shooting the lock off the gate before breaking into the house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woken by the commotion, the men told the women and children to stay inside while they went out to stop the gunmen. They didnt have any weapons. If they did, those people would have killed them on the spot, Dima said, adding that one of the fighters, who identified himself as Abu Jaafar, said he was part of the governments General Security apparatus and that they should come with him. When the men refused to go, the fighters responded with a spray of bullets, a hand grenade, and two rocket-propelled grenade to the upper floor. They decided to surrender and as Saraya and the others filed out, Dima and the others ran outside, crying and pleading that the men stay. One of the fighters pointed his rifle at Dimas chest and told her to go inside before he shot her. Later, Dima said, after the gunmen finished searching the house, their leader reassured her, Dont worry. We wont hurt them. In two hours or by morning theyll be back. I promise theyll be safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By then he had already killed them, Dima said. A member of Syria's civil defense works in the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike on Syria's defence ministry headquarters on July 16, 2025 in Damascus , Syria . A spokesperson from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed Wednesday that Israeli airstrikes have targeted the headquarters of Syria's defence ministry and a site near the presidential palace in Damascus. The strikes come amid an escalation in conflict between Syrian government forces and Druze militia in the southern Syrian city of Sweida , or Suwayda . Israel has previously vowed to protect the Druze in Syria, due to the deep brotherly alliance with our Druze citizens in Israel, and their familial and historical ties to the Druze in Syria, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office. Ali Haj Suleiman / Getty Images Smoke billows during clashes in the predominantly Druze city of Sweida on July 15, 2025 , following clashes between Bedouin tribes and Druze fighters. Syrian government forces entered the majority Druze city of Sweida on July 15, 2025, the interior ministry said, aiming to end clashes with Bedouin tribes that have killed nearly 100 people . Shadi Al-Dubaisi / AFP via Getty Images After the gunmen left, others soon followed. Each time a new group came, they accused the family of hiding weapons and searched the house. Each time they looted: One fighter demanded the gold necklace on Dimas neck and the jewelry from the other women. Another asked for the keys to one of the cars downstairs. Yet another, in a fit of rage, threatened to rape Dima. By the time the last band of fighters arrived, it was 2:30 in the afternoon. They said they would execute everyone in the house, Dima said, but then one of the fighters said, Leave them. There are pretty women among them. They again demanded jewelry or car keys, but Dima replied that there was nothing left to take. When the fighters went outside to continue looting, Dima and 14 other family members ran to a neighbors house and locked the door, staying silent and hoping they wouldnt be noticed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We didnt dare go out to search for anyone. We were too terrified, Dima said. That night, as videos of the killings many of them gleefully taken by the gunmen themselves as they tortured and executed Druze surfaced on social media, the Saraya family looked for signs of their loved ones. It wasnt till the next morning that someone came to the door and told them to come collect the bodies of their relatives. That task fell to another relative, Mutassem Jbaai. Read more: U.S. envoy doubles down on support for Syria's government and criticizes Israel's intervention Each body had more than 50 bullet holes. There was blood everywhere. It was like they were mangled, he said, wincing at the memory. Members of Syria's Druze community attend a funeral for its members who were killed in recent sectarian clashes, in Salkhad village in Syria's southern Suwayda governorate in May. (Shadi Al-Dubaisi / AFP via Getty Images) The U.S. State Department said on Thursday it was having direct discussions with the Syrian government on Sarayas killing, and that it called for an immediate investigation, according to department deputy spokesman Tommy Pigott. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Hosam and his family deserve justice, and those responsible for this atrocity must be held accountable, Pigott said. Yet among the Saraya family, few believe the Syrian government will do anything to bring justice. They point to earlier bouts of sectarian bloodshed that have gone unpunished. We cant live like this. When Assad fell, we had a bit of hope and gave them a chance, said the U.S.-based relative. But as the saying goes, once a terrorist, always a terrorist. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Taipei (dpa) Taiwan's citizens started voting on Saturday morning in an unprecedented mass recall targeting 24 opposition lawmakers from a China-friendly party, with results expected later in the day. Voters across nine cities and counties went to the polls to decide whether to remove the 24 lawmakers from the China-friendly Chinese Nationalist Party, or Kuomintang (KMT). Premier Cho Jung-tai cast his ballot early at a polling station in the Neihu district of the capital Taipei, emphasizing the importance of exercising this constitutional right. "I hope our fellow countrymen can also cherish this right," he told reporters, according to the Central News Agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recall votes, initiated by civic groups and backed by the ruling independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), aim to weaken the opposition's hold in the legislature and counter rising pro-China influence in Taiwanese politics. Some KMT lawmakers are accused of meeting Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials or echoing Beijings views on key issues. This recall effort occurs amid a deepening political deadlock. Although Lai Ching-te won the presidency in early 2024, the DPP held only 51 of 113 legislative seats. The KMT controlled 52 seats, the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) had eight, and two independents aligned with the KMT brought the opposition's majority to 62 seats. Taiwan's opposition-controlled legislature has caused gridlock amid rising pressure from China. The opposition majority has bypassed procedures to alter legislative powers and cut billions from the 2025 budget including from defence, culture and key agencies drawing criticism for potentially favouring China and weakening Taiwan's government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the recall votes succeed, the DPP could temporarily gain a legislative advantage, as vacated seats stay empty until by-elections are held within three months, giving the ruling party more political room to manoeuvre. In Taiwan, a recall vote succeeds only if supporters outnumber opponents and supporters reach at least 25% of all registered voters in a district. On August 23, seven other KMT lawmakers are due to face recall votes, the Central Election Commission (CEC) has confirmed. The mass recall action reflects Taiwanese voters' efforts to question unqualified lawmakers through legal democratic procedures, ensuring that the legislature functions as intended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I usually stay out of politics," a 50-year-old housewife, surnamed Lin, from Taipei's Nangang district, told dpa. "But the KMT lawmakers' outrageous actions pushed me to my limit. I feel compelled to vote them out," she told dpa, accusing them of backing legal changes that align with China's interests and undermine Taiwan's security. For months, the KMT has warned that the recall votes risk turning democracy into a political weapon, deepening polarization and destabilizing the legislature. Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy of 23.4 million people, has maintained an independent government since KMT members fled to the island in 1949 after losing a civil war to the CCP. However, China views the democratic island as part of its territory and has repeatedly threatened to annex it by force if necessary. China labels the DPP as a separatist force and refuses to hold talks with its leadership. Currently, the KMT maintains informal ties with the CCP, often promoting closer cross-Strait exchanges. Taipei (dpa) Taiwan's citizens started voting on Saturday morning in an unprecedented mass recall targeting 24 opposition lawmakers from a China-friendly party, with results expected later in the day. Voters across nine cities and counties went to the polls to decide whether to remove the 24 lawmakers from the China-friendly Chinese Nationalist Party, or Kuomintang (KMT). Premier Cho Jung-tai cast his ballot early at a polling station in the Neihu district of the capital Taipei, emphasizing the importance of exercising this constitutional right. "I hope our fellow countrymen can also cherish this right," he told reporters, according to the Central News Agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recall votes, initiated by civic groups and backed by the ruling independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), aim to weaken the opposition's hold in the legislature and counter rising pro-China influence in Taiwanese politics. Some KMT lawmakers are accused of meeting Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials or echoing Beijings views on key issues. This recall effort occurs amid a deepening political deadlock. Although Lai Ching-te won the presidency in early 2024, the DPP held only 51 of 113 legislative seats. The KMT controlled 52 seats, the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) had eight, and two independents aligned with the KMT brought the opposition's majority to 62 seats. Taiwan's opposition-controlled legislature has caused gridlock amid rising pressure from China. The opposition majority has bypassed procedures to alter legislative powers and cut billions from the 2025 budget including from defence, culture and key agencies drawing criticism for potentially favouring China and weakening Taiwan's government. Taiwan's unprecedented mass recall targeting 24 opposition lawmakers from a China-friendly party suffered a setback on Saturday, as all managed to retain their seats. The outcome suggests that, with the opposition still controlling the legislature, challenges to President Lai Ching-te's independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government are likely to continue. Eric Chu, who chairs the China-friendly Chinese Nationalist Party, or Kuomintang (KMT), said Saturday's results were "not about winning or losing for any political party, but a victory for the people of Taiwan." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The results prove that Taiwan's democracy is mature, and we thank the people for their choice," Chu told a news conference late Saturday. DPP lawmakers vowed to keep urging opposition legislators to fulfil their constitutional duties and put Taiwans interests first. "Don't misread these results," said DPP legislative caucus chief Rosalia Wu. "This recall shows the strong resolve of many Taiwanese to resist communism, defend Taiwan, and uphold constitutional democracy," she added. DPP legislator Chen Pei-yu told Era News that the recall campaign, though driven by civic groups, faced an uphill battle in long-time KMT strongholds. She urged the public to stay engaged, with a second round of recall votes set for August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recall organizers say the mass movement will help reinforce democracy, noting that the high share of "yes" votes in some districts revealed strong public distrust of incumbent lawmakers. "This recall is definitely a legitimate and grass-roots movement," said Taipei campaigner Amei, according to the Central News Agency. Taiwanese tycoon Robert Tsao, a key recall campaigner, said the results were disappointing and blamed the the Chinese Communist Partys deep infiltration into Taiwan and divisive tactics, which he said far exceeded public expectations. This recall effort occurs amid a deepening political deadlock. Although Lai won the presidency in early 2024, the DPP holds only 51 of 113 legislative seats. The KMT controls 52 seats, the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) eight, and two independents aligned with the KMT bring the opposition's majority to 62 seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taiwan's opposition-controlled legislature has caused gridlock amid rising pressure from China. The opposition majority has bypassed procedures to alter legislative powers and cut billions from the 2025 budget including from defence, culture and key agencies drawing criticism for potentially favouring China and weakening Taiwan's government. Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy of 23.4 million people, has maintained an independent government since KMT members fled to the island in 1949 after losing a civil war to the CCP. However, China views the democratic island as part of its territory and has repeatedly threatened to annex it by force if necessary. China labels the DPP as a separatist force and refuses to hold talks with its leadership. Currently, the KMT maintains informal ties with the CCP, often promoting closer cross-Strait exchanges. TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) Taiwanese voters rejected a bid to oust about one-fifth of their lawmakers, all from the opposition Nationalist Party, in a recall election Saturday, dampening hopes for the ruling party to flip the balance of power in the self-ruled island's legislature. The independence-leaning ruling Democratic Progressive Party won last year's presidential election, but the China-friendly Nationalists, also known as the KMT, and the smaller Taiwan Peoples Party have enough seats to form a majority bloc. Official preliminary results showed that the recall efforts failed to remove any of the two dozen KMT lawmakers. The scale of the recall elections is unprecedented, with another seven KMT lawmakers facing a similar vote on Aug. 23. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The KMT currently holds 52 seats, while the ruling DPP holds 51 seats. For the DPP to secure a legislative majority, at least six KMT lawmakers would need to be ousted, and the ruling party would need to win the by-elections, which must be held within three months of the announcement of results. For the recall to pass, more than a quarter of eligible voters in the electoral district must vote in favor of it, and the total number of supporters must exceed those voting against. If next month's poll results are also unfavorable to the DPP, it would mean that the government of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te could continue to face strong resistance from within the legislature before elections expected to take place in 2028. An uphill battle Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Facing the setback, Lai said in a Facebook post that recall attempts and efforts to oppose them are both people's legitimate rights under its constitutional system. He thanked the civic power, saying the efforts were not in vain. They further established the national direction of resisting communists and protecting Taiwan, he said. Today's result is neither a victory for one side nor a defeat for another, he said, adding that he hoped all parties would continue to safeguard Taiwan's democratic system. KMT chairman Eric Chu told reporters that voters had used their ballots to prove Taiwan's democracy is mature and great, calling for an apology from Lai. All Taiwanese people chose stability, chose that the government should focus on getting things done, rather than engaging in bitter political fighting, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite their huge effort, those backing the recall were facing an uphill battle in trying to unseat lawmakers in well organized, strongly KMT districts, said Lev Nachman, a professor of political science at National Taiwan University. The result is going to make it even harder for Lai to push his agenda forward, especially ahead of local elections next year, said Nachman, who is an expert on Taiwans elections. At the moment, there is very little Lai can do other than try to think of other creative ways to appeal to the public, he told The Associated Press. Fu Kun-chi, one of the most powerful and controversial lawmakers targeted, said the result left Lai with no option other than to meet with the opposition and find a way for Taiwan to proceed in a more stable way in this chaotic world." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DPP Secretary-General Lin Yu-chang said they humbly accepted the results, saying the recall should not be reduced to a victory or defeat for political parties. He said his party has the responsibility to reflect on public sentiment more cautiously and adjust its approach to meet peoples expectations. Political retaliation claim Those who support removing the 24 lawmakers have criticized the KMT and its allies for blocking key legislation, especially the defense budget, and passing controversial changes that are seen as diminishing the power of the executive and favoring China, which considers the island its own territory. The opposition parties' actions sparked concerns among some Taiwanese about the island's democratic integrity and its ability to deter Chinese military threats, leading to the recall campaigns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the KMT has accused the ruling party of resorting to political retaliation after it lost the legislative majority, saying the recalls were undermining and challenging Taiwan's democratic system. Tensions flared over the poll The elections have intensified tensions between those backing the status quo and those favoring improved ties with Beijing. Critics accuse China-friendly politicians of compromising Taiwan and take issue with their meetings with mainland Chinese politicians. But these Taiwanese politicians claim their connections are vital for dialogue given Beijings refusal to interact with the DPP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua said the election results showed that the DPP's political manipulation runs against the will of the people, accusing the party of having the ambition to attain one-party dominance," Chinese state media Xinhua reported. Chen said the DPP's acts showed it was fake democracy, real authoritarianism. The office is a branch of Chinas ruling Communist Party government, which itself maintains strict one-party rule. Taiwan's mainland affairs council said Wednesday that the Chinese authorities and state media had tried to blatantly interfere with the vote. ____ Leung reported from Hong Kong. By Yimou Lee TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan opposition lawmakers survived a major recall election on Saturday, thwarting a bid to oust one-fifth of the island's parliamentarians - a move supporters had hoped would send a message to China but that opponents called an assault on democracy. All recall votes against 24 lawmakers from the largest opposition party, the Kuomintang, were rejected, according to live vote counts by Taiwanese media. The voting followed a campaign begun by civic groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The election result is a blow to President Lai Ching-te's Democratic Progressive Party, which has missed an opportunity to reshape the Taiwan legislature and regain its majority. The government said the island's largest-ever recall vote had faced "unprecedented" election interference by China, which claims the democratically governed island as its own - a claim Taiwan rejects. While Lai won last year's presidential election, the DPP lost its legislative majority. The opposition has flexed its muscles since then to pass laws the government has opposed and impose budget cuts, complicating efforts to boost defence spending in particular. KMT Chairman Eric Chu thanked Taiwan's voters and called for Lai to apologise and reflect on his own governance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "One should not lose the elections and then call for malicious recalls. One should not seek one-party dominance and destroy democracy," he told a press briefing in Taipei. "Most importantly, the people of Taiwan chose stability and chose a government that gets things done, rather than political infighting." The political drama comes as China ramps up a military and diplomatic pressure campaign against Taiwan to assert its territorial claims. Lai has offered talks with Beijing many times but been rebuffed. It calls him a "separatist". The heated recall campaign has been closely watched by China, whose Taiwan Affairs Office and state media have repeatedly commented on the vote and used some of the same talking points as the KMT to lambaste Lai, Reuters reported last week. The Taiwan Affairs Office said in a statement on Sunday that the voting results show that "the DPP's political manipulation is completely contrary to the people's will and is unpopular". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taipei said on Wednesday that Beijing was "clearly" trying to interfere in its democracy and it was up to Taiwan's people to decide who should be removed from or stay in office. Wu Szu-yao, secretary general of the DPP's legislative caucus, said the party respected the voters' decision with pleasure, adding that the result would only strengthen the DPP's "anti-communist and pro-Taiwan" stance. "This time we saw China was trying everything it could to intervene," she told reporters at party headquarters in Taipei, pointing to Chinese military pressure and a disinformation campaign. "We must be more vigilant against their possible malicious intentions toward Taiwan." The groups seeking the recalls said theirs was an "anti-communist" movement, accusing the KMT of selling out Taiwan by sending lawmakers to China, not supporting defence spending and bringing chaos to parliament. The KMT rejects the accusations, denouncing Lai's "dictatorship" and "green terror" - referring to the DPP's party colour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The KMT campaigned against what it called a "malicious" recall that failed to respect the result of last year's parliamentary election, saying they have simply been keeping lines of communication open with Beijing and exercising legitimate oversight of Lai's government. Recall votes for seven other KMT lawmakers will be held on August 23. (Reporting by Yimou Lee and Ben Blanchard; additional reporting by Farah Master and the Beijing newsroom; Editing by William Mallard) OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Governor Kevin Stitt has continuously promoted his path to zero state tax cut, most recently on X, formerly known as Twitter. The new law signed in May starts with a quarter point cut with additional cuts possible in the future with Stitts idea of eliminating it. That sparked a spicy reply from Californias governor Gavin Newsom, who essentially claimed Oklahoma relies on them for federal tax money. That made us ask, what is the truth about takers and makers when it comes to contributing to our national tax base? LOCAL NEWS: Logan County landowners frustrated after second pipeline spill in several months contaminates property again Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were working to make our states the best places to live, to work, and to raise our families, Stitt said during a roughly 15 minute conversation, including Maryland Gov. Wes Moore on MSNBC this week. Newsoms reply to Stitt read Oklahoma relies on California for critical federal tax dollars that fund education, healthcare and apparently this new tax break. Youre welcome, governor Stitt. Is that true? When it comes to the U.S. tax system, there are maker and taker states. Some states take more federal dollars than they contribute, including Oklahoma. There is a myth that Oklahoma is fiscally self-sufficient and what that means in terms of federal dollars is that Oklahoma gets back a whole lot more than we give in federal taxes, Dave Hamby with the non partisan think tank Oklahoma Policy Institute said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Oklahoma being a taker state, the policy institute said that adds up to almost $32 million in federal taxes coming into the state. For every dollar we pay in federal takes, we get about $1.85 back. That extra money comes from other states who are the reverse of that, Hamby said. LOCAL NEWS: 83-year-old Stroud man facing more than 400 animal cruelty charges for allegedly running puppy mill Yes, those donor states include California. On MSNBC this week, Stitt was asked about recently passed Medicaid cuts, fewer federal dollars to pay for Soonercare, as its called in Oklahoma. Congress has a tough job, but states will figure it out, well absolutely get it figured out, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a promise thats harder to keep without sharing those federal dollars from makers to takers. Thats going to find Oklahoma in a whole world of hurt, trying to figure out where that money will come from to be able to keep the lights on in the state for sure, Hamby said. We reached out to the governors office to see if there was any response to Newsoms reply. We are waiting to hear back. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Former Taliban fighters are living in the UK after being airlifted from Afghanistan on British mercy flights, The Telegraph has been told. The jihadists were allegedly among thousands of people brought here for their own safety because they were on a leaked list of names of Afghans who had applied to come to the UK. Sex offenders, corrupt officials and people imprisoned under the US-led coalition are also among those who have been accepted for resettlement in the UK in an apparent failure of vetting procedures. The Telegraph has shared details with British authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 6,900 Afghans are being flown to the UK as part of Operation Rubific, the codename for the Governments response to the 2022 data breach. A British official wrongly shared the personal details of 25,000 Afghans who had applied to a relocation scheme for those who had fought with British forces during the war in Afghanistan, or worked as translators or in other support roles. Until this month, a High Court super-injunction had prevented the media from reporting anything about the leak or the airlift. As The Telegraph reported earlier this month, several Cabinet ministers raised serious concerns about Operation Rubific because they were worried about national security, and the latest disclosures appear to justify their stance. According to multiple senior sources in Afghanistan, the evacuation process was infiltrated by individuals with Taliban connections who exploited the system and got fighters to the UK, including by naming Taliban fighters as family members and dependents who needed to join them here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had civilians in our office who had clear ties with the Taliban, one Afghan official said. They were taken to Britain and then introduced fighters as family members and brought them to Britain some people on the evacuation list named people with clear ties to the Taliban and introduced Taliban people as cousins, and they are in Britain. Around 6,900 Afghans are being flown to the UK as part of Operation Rubific - AFP/Justin Tallis Sources describe a pattern where corrupt Afghan officials, rather than genuine British allies, were facilitating the evacuation of Taliban-connected individuals. We had a lot of corrupt officials, another Afghan official said. Those corrupt officials are now taking Taliban fighters to Britain rather than those who really worked for the UK. Its depressing. The official claimed that UK personnel often seemed to rely on these corrupt individuals for consultation and recommendations, leading to the inclusion of Taliban-connected people on evacuation lists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When my friends see them there, they call and say, Wow, that guy is here, one Afghan official said. The Ministry of Defence has previously confirmed that some Afghans have brought more than 20 people with them as family members. The Telegraph has been given the names of four alleged Taliban sympathisers who are among those said to have come to the UK under resettlement schemes. One of them, who came to Britain before the fall of Kabul in 2021, is said to have arranged for several Taliban-linked family members to follow him to the UK. The Ministry of Defence confirmed the man was living in Britain. It did not confirm or deny that he had been followed by family members with alleged links to the Taliban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A second man, a logistics worker who spent four years in prison for stealing and selling Coalition weapons to the Taliban before being released in the Taliban takeover of Kabul, was currently living in Britain, the Ministry of Defence confirmed. They are not good for Britain Another case involved an individual who allegedly sexually abused female workers. Defence sources said he had not moved to Britain yet and that his case was being worked through. The fourth name passed to The Telegraph was that of a British passport holder who allegedly facilitated the evacuation of Taliban-connected individuals by vouching for them under the resettlement scheme. A Ministry of Defence spokesman did not directly comment on the allegation that the man had brought Taliban sympathisers to the UK, and said only that the vetting process included biographic and document checks and not just personal recommendations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Telegraph has previously reported that Robert Clark, a former soldier and reservist who worked on the relocation scheme, said he had been informed by Ministry of Defence personnel that full vetting of applicants secretly brought to the UK had not been completed. Mr Clark warned there would be significant national security implications for intelligence services and police if proper background checks had not been conducted to determine whether individuals had been radicalised or maintained terrorist connections. They are not good for Britain, said one former senior Afghan official who spoke with The Telegraph. They were fighting against British forces and killed lots of Brits, but now are being fed by Brits in London. They have British blood on their hands. 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. New tariff policies are affecting small business owners nationwide, especially in industries like coffee and clothing. These tariffs notably impact the coffee industry because coffee cannot be commercially cultivated in the United States, resulting in higher expenses for small coffee shops. Clothing stores are also facing financial pressure because of tariffs, which disrupt their supply chains. Some companies are indicating that they must cut ties with suppliers because of price problems caused by the new tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This has caused difficulties in keeping inventory levels and prices stable. Countries are still negotiating with President Trump over tariff rates ahead of the August 1st deadline, which creates uncertainty for many small business owners. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. CLAYTON, Mo. A teenager is behind bars and facing criminal charges in connection with an armed robbery in Clayton last weekend. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorneys Office has charged Javier Clark, 18, with three counts of first-degree robbery and one count of third-degree assault in connection with the case. On July 19, Clark and another suspect allegedly robbed two victims at gunpoint, and the victims later told police they believed they were being followed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Autopsy complete in 3-year-olds daycare death but wont be released While investigating, the Clayton Police Department obtained surveillance videos and images from the public, which helped lead to Clarks identification and arrest. A second suspect, believed to be a juvenile, has been identified, but is not yet in custody. Clayton police say Clarks charges also account for similar incident in Normandy and University City. Clark is being jailed in St. Louis County on a $350,000 cash-only bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) One of two teens who admitted to committing murder in connection to a deadly shooting on Lotus Lane will remain in custody for at least seven years, and could be held until he turns 25, according to prosecutors. Adrian Herron, 14 at the time of his arrest, has another hearing in juvenile court scheduled next month to determine what facility hell be sent to, prosecutors said. Herron and Kaleb Washington, 15 at the time of his arrest, both admitted to committing first-degree murder on behalf of a gang in the death of Carl Powell Jr. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington is expected to learn how long hell remain in custody at a hearing Tuesday. A third defendant, Devin Jones, 19, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and gang charges. He faces a life term in prison if convicted. Powell, 44, was shot in the 2100 block of Lotus Lane on the afternoon of Feb. 22. He was taken to Kern Medical, where he was pronounced dead. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News. Hotter and drier weather will move into New Mexico this weekend. Monsoon moisture returns again next week bringing back afternoon showers and storms. Much drier weather started moving into New Mexico Friday. A few showers and storms have still popped up over the Sacramento, Guadalupe, and northern mountains this afternoon. In addition to the drier air, temperatures have been hotter today too with highs back up to around average for this time of year. Hotter and drier weather will continue to move in this weekend. Many areas will see highs in the 90s both Saturday and Sunday, with triple-digit heat returning to parts of southern New Mexico. Saturday will be dry across almost all of New Mexico, with the exception of a few spotty afternoon storms over some of the northern mountain peaks and along the Texas state line. This will be the same story on Sunday, but with a couple more storms in southern and southeastern parts of the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A surge of monsoon moisture will move back into New Mexico early next week. This will increase rain chances into the middle of next week. Most of New Mexico will see rain chances return, except for east-central and southeast New Mexico where high pressure will keep things drier. Temperatures will also cool off for most with the increase in moisture and rain. The rain will also bring back a threat of flash flooding by the middle of next week. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. A school district in Tennessee will no longer accept doctors notes as an excuse for a childs absence in an apparent attempt to prepare them for the workplace. New rules set out by the Lawrence County School System Board of Education state that absences are not excused and only permits them in a number of specific circumstances. Regular illness is not included in the list. Sanctions for multiple instances of alleged truancy include loss of school event privileges and even referral to juvenile court for truancy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have the sniffles, that is fine, Director of Schools Michael Adkins said during a recent meeting. You are going to have them when you go to work one day. We have all gone to work sick and hurt and beat up. The new attendance policy states that absences shall be classified as absent and absences are not excused or unexcused. A school district in Tennessee will no longer accept doctors notes as an excuse for a childs absence in an attempt to teach them good work ethic and reliability (Getty Images) Social media users acted with outrage to the news, with one writing: I hope teachers send kids to his office to throw up. Where were the parents when this type of policy was being passed? questioned another. What can be the reasoning behind this? another person asked This is not right nor fair to the children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [If] I was a parent I would pull my kid out of school cause you are putting other students and their parents at risk of potential illness! added another. The districts policy adds that exemptions can be made by a schools principal in circumstances including a death in the family, religious observance, court summons, school-endorsed or military activities, or circumstances out of the students control. Absence is also permitted in cases of chronic illness verified by a licensed medical provider practicing in Tennessee, according to the policy. That includes pregnancy-related issues and births, according to the policy. However, there is no option given for doctors to verify a child is absent because they are sick or injured, or if they need to stay home to recover and prevent spreading contagious illnesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attendance is a key factor in student achievement, and therefore, students are expected to be present each day school is in session, the attendance policy states. The Lawrence County School System believes attendance is vital to ones educational experience and future financial earnings. The new policy is also designed to address the issue of chronic absenteeism, which the district defines as missing 10 percent or more time meant to be in class. Such students will also automatically fail the subjects and grades regardless of their academic results. We are going to take control of the attendance of our students, Adkins said. You can bring all the doctors notes you want, but it is still unexcused. The policies follow a notable increase in diseases affecting children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 216 children died during this past flu season a higher number than any time since the 2009 U.S. swine flu pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2025 also saw an outbreak of measles explode into a total of 1,319 confirmed cases as of Wednesday, according to the CDC. Cases have been recorded in 40 states stretching across the country, while vaccination rates dropped in 78 percent of American counties, with an average decline of 2.67 percent to below the 95 percent herd immunity threshold to predict or limit the spread of measles. In addition, a new study in the medical journal JAMA found that the health of America's children has significantly worsened across several key indicators since 2007. A U.S. child is 15 to 20 percent more likely to have a chronic condition in 2023 than a child in 2011 with the prevalence of conditions such of depression, anxiety, sleep apnea and obesity all increasing. SURIN, Thailand Tens of thousands of people sought refuge as border fighting between Thailand and Cambodia entered its third day Saturday, heightening fears of an extended conflict with the total death toll reaching 32. The U.N. Security Council held an emergency meeting behind closed doors later Friday in New York, while Malaysia, which chairs the 10-nation regional bloc that includes both countries, called for an end to hostilities and offered to mediate. The council did not issue a statement but a council diplomat said all 15 members called on the parties to deescalate, show restraint and resolve the dispute peacefully. The council also urged the regional bloc, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations known as ASEAN, to help resolve the border fighting, the diplomat said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the meeting was private. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cambodias U.N. Ambassador Chhea Keo told reporters afterward that his country, which called for the emergency meeting, asked for immediate ceasefires, unconditionally, and we also call for the peaceful solution to the dispute. He responded to accusations that Cambodia attacked Thailand asking how a small country with no air force could attack a much larger country with an army three times its size, stressing, We do not do that. Keo said the Security Council called for both sides to exercise maximum restraint and resort to diplomatic solution which is what Cambodia is calling for as well. Asked what he expects next, the ambassador said: Lets see how the call can be heard by all the members there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thailands U.N. ambassador left the meeting without stopping to talk to reporters. The Thai Health Ministry on Friday said more than 58,000 have fled from villages to temporary shelters in four affected border provinces, while Cambodian authorities said more than 23,000 people have evacuated from areas near the border. The latest flare-up in a long-running border dispute between the two countries has killed at least 19 people in Thailand mostly civilians while Cambodia confirmed its first fatality Friday. Early Saturday, Cambodian officials reported 12 new deaths in addition to the one death it reported earlier, bringing death toll on both sides to 32. Thailands acting prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, said Friday that Cambodia may be guilty of war crimes due to the deaths of civilians and damage caused to a hospital. He said Thailand had exercised the utmost restraint and patience in the face of provocations and aggression from Cambodia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tensions over a disputed border area erupted into fighting after a land mine explosion along the border wounded five Thai soldiers on Wednesday. The conflict marks a rare instance of armed confrontation between ASEAN member countries though Thailand has tangled with Cambodia before over the border and has had sporadic skirmishes with western neighbor Myanmar. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Friday that Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to a ceasefire and to withdraw their troops from the border, but requested more time before implementing the action, according to a report by Malaysias Bernama national news agency. Anwar said he had spoken to both Cambodian leader Hun Manet and Thailands Phumtham and urged them to open space for peaceful dialogue and diplomatic resolution, while offering to have Malaysia facilitate talks. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also called for restraint and urged both countries to resolve disputes through dialogue, according to U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq. The global statistics are terrifying. Prostate cancer is the fourth most common cancer in all populations, the second most common cancer among men worldwide, and ranks first in Europe, where a third of men who die from cancer will die because of prostate cancer. It is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men in 112 countries and the leading cause of cancer death among men in 48 countries. There will be almost three million new cases of prostate cancer a year by 2040 more than double 2022 rates and the mortality rate will rise by 85 per cent. Given the figures, it is no surprise that Global Action on Mens Health (GAMH) is calling for worldwide initiative to tackle the threat, lobbying the World Health Organization (WHO) to introduce measures that cover every stage of the prostate cancer pathway, from prevention to palliative care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GAMH director Peter Baker warns of a tsunami of cases. It will overwhelm healthcare systems. The financial as well as the human costs will be massive. We need to act now to do what we can to prevent it, he says. The problem with current testing in the UK Despite this, up until now international action has been uncoordinated and piecemeal. Part of the problem lies in historic testing protocols that rely on PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood tests, which studies have shown can lower mortality rates through early detection but are also prone to deliver false results, leading to unnecessary biopsies, overdiagnosis and subsequent overtreatment. For this reason, many healthcare bodies in developed nations currently follow the informed choice pathway, in which men can request tests but are not proactively offered them as part of a national strategy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the UK, any man over the age of 50 can ask for a PSA blood test, but these are not actively encouraged, as the NHS concedes that results can be unreliable. Even where tests are available, not everyone is aware of them, which leads to inconsistencies in take-up. According to Prostate Cancer Research, in the UK tests tend to be taken up mainly by educated, affluent and health-literate men. The charity also points to inconsistent care and advice offered by GPs. Testing is not systematic, says David James, the director of patient projects and influencing at Prostate Cancer Research. Theres no process involved. As with the Telegraph campaign, the charity is calling for the introduction of a system that actively informs men and recommends they get tested at a certain age. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, studies in other nations are looking at how such a system would work. And the good news is that screening protocols have changed significantly in the past five years, alleviating some of the anxiety and inaccuracy associated with past models. James explains: An elevated PSA score would lead to a trans-rectal biopsy, but as PSA can be elevated for reasons other than prostate cancer, a lot of men ended up going for biopsies who didnt need them. And the biopsy is not a particularly nice process, and it carries a risk of complications, such as sepsis. The introduction of MRI scans has been a game changer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An MRI now sits in between a PSA test and a biopsy, and filters out lots of men who would otherwise have gone on to have a biopsy, continues James. Indeed, MRI scans can even determine the clinical significance of a tumour, which means that some men may just need to be monitored on an active surveillance protocol, rather than undergo more radical interventions. Biopsy protocols have also changed and are now carried out through the perineum (the area of skin between the anus and the scrotum), vastly reducing the risk of infection. Lifestyle and family medical history are also used to determine risk. These advances are now being used to inform a best-practice model of testing and screening which it is hoped will be adopted internationally in the coming years. What other countries do Europe: Experimental screenings The EU is leading the way in developing screening programmes by funding a project run by the European Association of Urologists called Praise-U. The aim of this is to improve the early detection of prostate cancer across different member nations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project is running pilot programmes in Ireland, Lithuania, Poland, and two areas in Spain (Galicia and Manresa). These are designed to test different screening strategies and see what works best. Lithuania: Invitations to PSA tests between 50-69 Lithuania had a history of systemised prostate testing before the Praise-U project. It has been running active screening since 2006. Under its programme, men aged 50-69 and those with a family history of certain cancers get official invitations from the healthcare system to have a prostate check. It is free, and offered every two years. The system has been refined over time. PSA thresholds and biopsy rates have declined, helping reduce overdiagnosis. The programme detects about 2,800 new prostate cancer cases every year, so it is significant, explains James. Its the best example that Im aware of. Seventy per cent of men aged 50-74 participated in the prostate cancer programme at least once in the first 10 years of the screening. Thats impressive when you look at the UK figures: Specifically, a study of 212,039 men between the ages of 40-69 in the UK found that 62,022 (29 per cent) reported ever having had a PSA test. Czech Republic: PSA offered between 50-59 Last year, the Czech Republic launched a nationwide five-year PSA-based screening programme in which men aged 50-59 are offered a PSA blood test through their GPs. Based on the results of that test, the GP will follow up with either another test in four years, in two years, or an MRI scan and referral to a urologist if necessary. Sweden: Advanced blood tests Screening for prostate cancer in Sweden is through informed choice, but the government supports several Organised Prostate Cancer Testing (OPT) trials, where all men aged 50 were invited for tests by letter. These programmes use PSA blood tests followed by an MRI where necessary. If an MRI shows suspicious areas, a prostate biopsy is conducted to check for cancer. By the end of 2024, 16 of Swedens 21 regions had started OPT and collectively invited around 256,000 men, with an average uptake of around 43 per cent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2022, the Stockholm3 blood test has also been included in national guidelines. It combines PSA, additional protein biomarkers and genetic markers to better predict the risk of aggressive prostate cancer, improving accuracy and reducing unnecessary MRI exams compared with PSA alone. In the 1990s, Sweden also conducted the Goteborg trial, which was designed to find out whether screening men for prostate cancer using the PSA blood test could reduce the number of deaths from the disease. Some 20,000 men aged 50-64 took part. Half were invited for PSA testing every two years, half were not screened but could ask for testing if they wanted. The trial found that men who were regularly screened had around a 40-per-cent lower chance of dying from the disease than men who werent. US: Discussions with healthcare provider Like the UK, the US runs an elective prostate cancer screening system. In 2018 the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), a federal expert panel that issues national screening guidelines, ruled that prostate testing should be an individual decision made after shared discussion with a healthcare provider. The American Urological Association (AUA) and American Cancer Society (ACS) recommend starting discussions at 50, with earlier screening (at 45 or 40) for higher-risk individuals, such as black men, those with family history or genetic mutations, such as BRCA2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James explains that some health insurers in the US will fund and encourage testing to mitigate future costs. They can be more proactive at offering PSA testing and also at offering newer reflex tests, which are additional tests done to further investigate a slightly elevated PSA level, helping to determine if a biopsy or MRI is necessary, he says. Australia: PSA incorporated into check-ups In Australia, there isnt a government-mandated, organised prostate cancer screening programme. However, PSA testing is commonly incorporated into health check-ups, particularly for men over 50 or those with a family history of prostate cancer. Recent proposals by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia include a strong recommendation for GPs to initiate conversations about PSA testing and to offer testing every two years to all males aged 50-69. The charity also recommends a national public education campaign focused on understanding risk factors and early detection. 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. AUSTIN (Nexstar) A delegation of Texas House Democrats met with Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Friday to discuss concerns about proposed redistricting changes in Texas and seek support from other states in opposing the effort. Speaking before the meeting while traveling through Chicago OHare Airport, Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston, chair of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, said the trip aimed to warn other states about what he described as widespread policy changes under the Trump administration. Were trying to warn the entire country, Wu said. What is coming, the dangers that Donald Trump and his willing associates pose to this country is not just normal politics. This is extraordinary, and what were saying to people is extraordinary stuff requires an extraordinary response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meeting came as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has called a special session focused on redistricting, which Democrats characterize as an attempt to redraw congressional districts mid-decade to benefit Republicans. Wu said the broader concern extends beyond redistricting to federal budget cuts affecting health care, food assistance and education programs. Read more: Controversy grows over Texas redistricting efforts How many people are going to lose their health care? People are going to lose food support? Schools are going to close and hospitals are going to close, and people need to know that this is going to come across the nation, Wu said. What Gov. Abbott and the Republicans are trying to do is cheat, Pritzker said during the roundtable. I think there should be free and fair elections in 2026 as there should be in every year, and that the districts are have been drawn, and they now see that they might lose, and so they want to redraw them and change the rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about potential tactics to block redistricting legislation, Wu said Democrats would use every tool available to us and that nothing is off the table. However, he clarified that Fridays trip was not a quorum break, as the delegation planned to return to Texas the same day. Were not fighting for Democrats in Texas. Were fighting for the whole country. This is a national fight. This is the fight for the soul of America, Wu said. Texas lawmakers also discussed their decision to extend public testimony at a redistricting hearing Thursday night after the formal session was cut short. Wu said Democrats wanted to ensure all Texans who traveled to testify could be heard on what he called the most important process that we have. One hundred percent of the witnesses testified against this mid-cycle redistributing, testified against gerrymandering, testified against racial discrimination in their maps, Wu said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about potential retaliatory redistricting efforts in Democratic-controlled states, Pritzker said, everything is on the table in response to what he characterized as attacks on democracy. If youre going to attack democracy by going state by state, and here theyre starting in Texas, but youve heard it talked about for other places too, then the rest of us are going to have to say, well, what can we do? Pritzker said. The Illinois governor defended his states current congressional map, which has faced criticism from Republicans. When pressed about previous campaign promises regarding independent redistricting. Pritzker said legislation for an independent commission was not taken up by the state legislature, but that Illinois followed the Voting Rights Act in drawing its current districts. The Democrats said they plan to return to Texas the same day and may continue outreach efforts to other governors across the country regarding the redistricting issue. The delegation was split between meetings in Illinois and California, with a separate group meeting with California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My pain is nothing compared to the pain that Texans will feel, Wu said, referring to potential impacts from policy changes. We are going to do everything we can to make sure that they dont get hurt even more. Texas Republicans have defended the special session as necessary to address redistricting concerns, though Democrats argue it diverts attention from flood relief efforts following recent disasters in Central Texas that killed more than 130 people. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. The Texas Houses redistricting committee visited Houston on Saturday to hear out local residents concerns on the state Legislatures plans to consider redrawing nearly a handful of congressional districts in Texas all of which are held by Black or Latino Democrats, three in the Houston area. But the testimony portion of the hearing, limited to five hours, had to wait while Democratic committee members spent the first hour grilling committee Chair Cody Vasut on why they were there in the first place. When Vasut, R-Angleton, welcomed the standing-room only crowd for the committees second public testimony regarding a revised congressional redistricting plan, state Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, offered a correction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just want to advise the public that they would not be testifying on a revised congressional redistricting plan, because there is no revised congressional redistricting plan, she said. The state has not publicly revealed proposed revisions of the states congressional district map, which was drawn in 2021 following the 2020 census. Critics of the mid-decade redistricting process raised questions about why the committee is hosting public hearings before maps are on the table. People sign up to speak at a congressional redistricting hearing at the University of Houston campus on July 26, 2025. Credit: Danielle Villasana for The Texas Tribune State Rep. Jolanda Jones, D-Houston, noted to Vasut that the hundreds of people who signed up to speak residents who were either crowded in the University of Houstons Student Center or waiting outside were unable to testify as to how they will be negatively or positively affected by any maps, because there are no maps filed for anybody to testify to. Jones asked Vasut if Texans will have the same opportunity to speak up once the maps were made public, to which he said: 1,000%... There is no proposed map pending before the committee at this time for which public testimony will be offered, but we will have a hearing if such a map is filed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wish that this Legislature were working on redistricting fairness rather than gerrymandering, said Jerome Wald, a longtime Houston resident of the 7th Congressional District. Instead, I'm here to testify against this harmful attempt to redraw congressional districts in the middle of the decade. Wald asked Vasut for at least five days to review the maps once theyre made public before a hearing, and for at least five days to review any proposed changes in the maps ahead of a vote. Testimony from Houston-area congressional leaders took up the next two hours. While some representatives questioned Vasut on the purpose of the hearing, U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia, D-Houston, was assertive in her testimony that there wasnt one. My answer is hell no, we don't need to be doing this, said Garcia, who represents the 29th district, one of the districts the Legislature is targeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Redrawing the states congressional maps is one of 30 items Gov. Greg Abbott intends to get through during the 30-day special legislative session that started on Monday. State House Democrats spent much of the mid-day hearing defending congressional districts that wouldnt affect their own seats, and Garcia said, You all should really be back in Austin passing legislation to support families in the Hill Country after the devastating flooding. Instead, we're here today playing political games to appease the felon in the White House, she added. Garcia was joined by fellow Democratic U.S. Reps. Jasmine Crockett of Dallas and Lizzie Fletcher on a panel before the committee. U.S. Rep. Al Green, D-Houston, spoke as part of a subsequent panel who were all asking the state to leave Houstons districts alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trumps administration recently pushed Abbott and state representatives to give Republicans a stronger footing in the U.S. House ahead of the 2026 midterm election. The Department of Justice put out a legal rationale, alleging that four Texas districts, including the 9th, 18th and 29th congressional seats in Houston, constitute illegal racial gerrymanders. (The fourth district in question is the 33rd Congressional District, currently held by U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Fort Worth.) DOJ lawyers in a letter argue that theyre coalition districts when various racial groups are combined to constitute a majority and do not qualify for federal protection under the Voting Rights Act. Democrats are fighting hard against this because Republicans can work to flip reliably blue Houston-based districts by moving left-leaning precincts into neighboring Republican districts in the countys suburbs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Rep. Jon Rosenthal, D-Houston, vice chair of the House Committee on Redistricting, pointed to the very district the hearing was being held as an example of whats being threatened: the historic 18th Congressional District. When I say historic, I mean historic, Rosenthal said, naming previous Black representatives the district has elected. This district gave us Barbara Jordan, George Mickey Leland, Craig Washington, Sheila Jackson Lee and the late great Sylvester Turner. Three of these four districts called out just happen to be represented by African American representatives tell me that that is not a racist attack on our Black reps., Rosenthal said. A standing-room only crowd packed the University of Houstons Student Center for a congressional redistricting hearing on Saturday. Another hearing is scheduled for Monday afternoon in Arlington. Credit: Danielle Villasana for The Texas Tribune Redrawing districts that dilute the voting power of communities of color is sure to draw legal complaints. Several Democratic seats in Houston were explicitly drawn to allow such communities to elect a candidate of their preference by ensuring they constitute a majority in a congressional district, in accordance with the Voting Rights Act. The 29th Congressional District which is about 75% Latino, for example, was drawn as a majority-Latino district has only ever elected Democrats to Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2020 census showed that Texas population grew by nearly 4 million people, and 95% of that growth is made up of people of color in blue urban areas. But, Democrats argue, the Legislature seems to be making moves that secure more Republican seats. In Houston, population growth is being concentrated in Asian American voters. Despite making up over 7% of Harris County and over 22 percent of neighboring Fort Bend County in the 2020 Census, Asian Americans do not constitute a plurality in any Houston-based congressional district an example of how certain voting groups can be divided by district lines and have their voting power watered down. After a push from two Texas Democrats, the state Senates redistricting committee sent a letter to U.S. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, requesting her to testify before them. Nine of Texas 38 congressional districts contain part of Harris County four represented by Democrats, and five by Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Democratic committee representatives on Saturday reminded Republicans that just a few years ago, they were content with the states congressional map. They pointed to statements from Republican state leaders including Attorney General Ken Paxton and state Sen. Joan Huffman, who chairs the Senate redistricting committee who said in 2021, when the states current legislative maps were passed, that they drew the districts race blind. Thats left Democrats confused about why Republicans are now alleging that the maps are unfair maps Vasut voted in favor of in 2021. State Rep. Cody Vasut, R-Angleton, chair of the Texas Houses redistricting committee, speaks during a hearing on July 26, 2025. Credit: Danielle Villasana for The Texas Tribune "You're aware that the Republicans drew this map that now the Republicans saying are now illegal, said state Rep. Armando Walle, D-Houston. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lynita Robinson, a Houston resident, told the committee that theres a lot on the line when it comes to redrawing district lines. When you fracture and manipulate districts, you weaken our collective power to push for economic opportunity for fair wages, infrastructure and education, she said. You undercut racial justice by silencing the very voices that continue to call out discrimination in health care, housing and policing. Let's not allow the maps to become another full tool of injustice, she added. Let's make a blueprint for equity. Washington correspondent Gabby Birenbaum contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Disclosure: University of Houston has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. The lineup for The Texas Tribune Festival continues to grow! Be there when all-star leaders, innovators and newsmakers take the stage in downtown Austin, Nov. 1315. The newest additions include comedian, actor and writer John Mulaney; Dallas mayor Eric Johnson; U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota; New York Media Editor-at-Large Kara Swisher; and U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso. Get your tickets today! TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase. AUSTIN (KXAN) On the same day 15 Texas Democratic House members are in California seeking advice from state leaders on ways to push back against redistricting, there are legislative solutions to be found in that same state related to this months deadly floods, a KXAN investigation found. Sonoma County Emergency Management Dep. Director Sam Wallis (KXAN Photo/Matt Grant) Eight years after the 2017 Nuns-Tubbs wildfires, killing more than 20 people, Sonoma County Emergency Management Dep. Director Sam Wallis said there are similarities, and takeaways, for Texas. We just werent prepared for a disaster of that magnitude, he said of the blaze that scorched more than 36,000 acres. It started late at night, in an uninhabited area, and went unnoticed until it was kind of knocking on our doorsteps, Wallis recalled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Very much a devastating loss that spurred a lot of changes, he said. From concerns over its own insufficient communication and alert warnings to the public to challenges with CodeRED the opt-in mobile alert warning system also used in Kerrville and Kerr County Wallis points to lessons learned. As Kerr County leaders avoid alert questions, new audio surfaces in CodeRED timeline Lessons that we painfully had to go through, which is we have to understand what the capabilities and limitations of systems are, Wallis told KXAN. We have to come up with policies and procedures before the disaster, so we know exactly what to do, and we need to practice, practice, practice. View of damage caused by the Sonoma Complex Wildfires (Courtesy Sam Wallis) Following the fires, California enacted new changes. Wallis said his county can now obtain phone numbers directly from utility companies to send alerts in English and Spanish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our [opt-in CodeRED] numbers prior to the 2017 wildfires were, in retrospect, appalling, he said. We only had about 5,000 people out of a county of 500,000 who had signed up. After the change, the county had about 600,000 phone numbers in its database that it could contact in an emergency. To coordinate the complicated process, Sonoma County created a community alert warning manager. Ex-NOAA leader questions NWS cuts in flood response That point person position was first given to Wallis. He said evacuation alerts are now pre-recorded, saving time, with weekly practice drills. Its just become part of our DNA, he said. Learn from our failures A house burns during the 2017 Sonoma Complex Wildfires (Courtesy City of Santa Rosa) California now requires alerting authorities to err on the side of protecting the public whenever there is uncertain or conflicting information about a threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston and Rep. Armando Martinez, D-Weslaco, both sit on special committees to address Texas response to the Hill Country floods. Both said looking at past disasters can be useful when debating future solutions. On Wednesday, the joint committee heard hours of testimony, which includes ways to improve emergency communication equipment. The committee will meet again July 31 in Kerrville to speak with residents and local leaders. We are better than this: Texas lawmakers address flood response Martinez, a firefighter and vice chair of the House Select Committee on Disaster and Flooding, pointed to the 2024 wildfires in the Texas Panhandle as another one that we can look at. He said the goal is to build on work already done to improve emergency preparedness. The investigative committee that looked into that fire was chaired by Rep. Ken King, R-Canadian, who now chairs the House committee looking into the July 4 floods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to gather as much information as we can, said Martinez, about his role looking into the response to the Hill Country floods, to address the situation so that this doesnt happen again. I do think we do need a natural disaster override alert that, even if you had blocked your alerts, its going to come through, said Bettencourt. I dont care whether it comes from the phone, or a siren, he added, but we have to make sure we get people out of harms way. That is a goal universally shared. I hope that the people of Texas can hopefully learn from this, said Wallis. And hopefully learn from our failures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. As Texas Republicans plow ahead with a plan to redraw congressional maps ahead of schedule, many governors are increasingly grappling with an issue that they didnt think theyd have to confront until the end of the decade. Texas unscheduled redistricting effort which Republicans hope could help protect their narrow House majority during next years midterm elections has had a ripple effect, with governors across the country floating the possibility of following suit to either add to or counter or the plan, depending on their party affiliation. At the summer meeting of the bipartisan National Governors Association in Colorado Springs, Democrats largely condemned the efforts in Texas while cheering on efforts by members of their own party in other states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its deplorable, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, said in an interview on the sidelines of the summit, referring to Texas Republicans attempt. When it came to threats by Democratic Govs. Gavin Newsom of California and Kathy Hochul of New York to forge ahead with plans to redraw congressional lines in their states, Murphy added, I dont think we have a choice. If theyre going to play these games, were going to have to be just as aggressive, Murphy said, adding that we cant bring a knife to a gunfight. Asked if hed condone a redistricting effort in New Jersey, Murphy said all options are on the table in New Jersey, though he acknowledged that there were major obstacles to doing so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I fear there are significant constitutional constraints here in our own [state] constitution, he said. In New Jersey, like in many other states, an independent commission oversees redistricting. But we are looking at all options and we have to, as Democrats. If this is the way the other guys are going to go, we have to respond forcefully, Murphy said. We have no choice. Hawaiis Democratic Gov. Josh Green called the actions by Texas Republicans really sinister, unconscionable and completely unethical, and called on his fellow Democratic governors to fight fire with fire. Its an obvious attempt to steal elections, Green said, though he also said that the Democratic Party cant stand by and watch it happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its very unfortunate, because two wrongs dont make a right. But we cant allow one party to break the rules and then consistently in the future break more rules, he added. Its turning into a knife fight, Green said. Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott kicked off a special legislative session on Monday, with congressional redistricting one of the topics on lawmakers to-do list. The New York Times reported last month that members of Trumps political operation had privately urged Texas Republicans to redraw their maps ahead of the 2026 midterms. And Trump himself has publicly praised the efforts, urging Texas lawmakers to take actions that would help the GOP gain five House seats. Republicans currently control 25 of Texas 38 congressional districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The redistricting process typically occurs at the start of each new decade, when new census data is available. Texas current maps were drawn in 2021, following the 2020 census, though they are still being fought over in court. The Republican effort in Texas has prompted some Democrats to fight back by threatening their own mid-decade redistricting schemes. Most prominently, Newsom, a potential 2028 presidential contender, has raised the idea of redrawing Californias maps. But that effort would come with major obstacles: An independent commission controls the redistricting process in California, not the governor. On Thursday, Hochul entered the fray as well, responding to a question about redistricting in New York by saying: Alls fair in love and war, according to Politico. While not promising action, she added that shed look at it closely with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. Elsewhere, Illinois Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker responded to a question about whether his state should pursue redistricting to counterbalance Texas push by accusing Republicans of trying to cheat ahead of the midterms. And a spokesman for Marylands Democratic Gov. Wes Moore told The New York Times this week he will continue to evaluate all options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the other side of the aisle, just days after the state Supreme Court upheld the states newest congressional map, Floridas Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis said that there may be more defects that need to be remedied. He added that population shifts in the state since the census has led him to believe the state is malapportioned and that it would be appropriate to do a redistricting here in the mid-decade. And in Ohio, state lawmakers are required to draw new congressional maps before 2026 because their current lines passed without bipartisan support. Republicans control 10 of Ohios 15 House seats. Other Democratic leaders at the NGA did not urge their partys fellow governors to move forward with their own redistricting plans. I would really call upon Texas Republicans to not yield to the temptation and to stick with the map that they themselves drew that benefits Republicans in the Texas delegation and continue with that until the normal redistricting period occurs at the end of the decade, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said in an interview. In Colorado, like in California, redistricting efforts are overseen by an independent commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, some Republicans at the NGA expressed displeasure with the redistricting threats from both parties. Ill be perfectly honest. I only think about it once every 10 years, Utah GOP Gov. Spencer Cox said in an interview. Obviously, theres concerns about gerrymandering, and both sides are doing it you know, nobody has clean hands. I dont love it. I wish there was a better way. I wish there was a nonpartisan way. Lots of states have tried, Cox added. Former Colorado Gov. Bill Owens, a Republican, said hed refuse to condemn Texas efforts, even though he himself helped Colorado advance its own independent redistricting commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So long as so many Democratic states still redistrict the old-fashioned way, so will Republican states. So I have no criticism for Texas, given that theyre working within the same rules that have governed so many states Democrats and Republicans in the past, Owens said. He added that his own approach, if he were still governor, would be to try to do redistricting in a bipartisan fashion. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com By Shoon Naing, Artorn Pookasook and Susan Heavey SISAKET, Thailand/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand had agreed to meet immediately to quickly work out a ceasefire, as he sought to broker peace after three days of fighting along their border. Thailand's acting prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, thanked Trump and said Thailand "agrees in principle to have a ceasefire in place" but "would like to see sincere intention from the Cambodian side." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phumtham was responding in a Facebook post to a series of social media posts by Trump during a visit to Scotland. Trump said he had spoken to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Phumtham and warned them that he would not make trade deals with either if the border conflict continued. "Both Parties are looking for an immediate Ceasefire and Peace," Trump wrote as he gave a blow-by-blow account of his diplomatic efforts. Phumtham also said he had asked Trump "to convey to the Cambodian side that Thailand wants to convene a bilateral dialogue as soon as possible to bring forth measures and procedures for the ceasefire and the eventual peaceful resolution of the conflict." More than 30 people have been killed and more than 130,000 people displaced in the worst fighting between the Southeast Asian neighbours in 13 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before Trump spoke to the two leaders, Thai-Cambodian border clashes persisted into a third day and new flashpoints emerged as both sides said they had acted in self-defense in the dispute and called on the other to cease fighting and start negotiations. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is deeply concerned by the clashes and "urges both sides to immediately agree to a ceasefire and to address any issues through dialogue," Deputy U.N. spokesperson Farhan Haq said in a statement. Haq said Guterres "condemns the tragic and unnecessary loss of lives" and "remains available to assist in any efforts towards a peaceful resolution of the dispute." Trump offered no details on the ceasefire negotiations he said Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to hold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House did not immediately respond to questions on the timing and venue for talks and the Thai and Cambodian embassies in Washington also did not immediately respond. There were clashes early on Saturday, both sides said, in the Thai coastal province of Trat and Cambodia's Pursat Province, a new front more than 100 km (60 miles) from other conflict points along the long-contested border. The countries have faced off since the killing of a Cambodian soldier late in May during a brief skirmish. Troops on both sides of the border were reinforced amid a full-blown diplomatic crisis that brought Thailand's fragile coalition government to the brink of collapse. As of Saturday, Thailand said seven soldiers and 13 civilians had been killed, while Cambodia said five soldiers and eight civilians had been killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's direct involvement followed U.S. calls for restraint on both sides. He said he spoke to each leader and relayed messages back and forth. "They have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE!," Trump wrote, saying both countries wanted to get back to the "Trading Table." He has sought to reach separate deals with dozens of countries by August 1 in response to his announcement of wide-ranging tariffs on imports to the U.S. "When all is done, and Peace is at hand, I look forward to concluding our Trading Agreements with both!" Trump said. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, chair of the ASEAN regional bloc, said he would continue to push a ceasefire proposal. Cambodia has backed Anwar's plan, while Thailand has said it agreed with it in principle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING Thailand's U.N. ambassador told a Security Council meeting on Friday that soldiers had been injured by newly planted land mines in Thai territory on two occasions since mid-July - claims Cambodia has strongly denied - and said Cambodia had then launched attacks on Thursday morning. On Saturday, Cambodia accused Thailand of "a deliberate, unprovoked, and unlawful military attack" and said "military preparations reveal Thailand's intent to expand its aggression and further violate Cambodia's sovereignty." It called for the international community to condemn Thailand's "aggression" and prevent an expansion of its military activities, while Bangkok says it wants to resolve the dispute bilaterally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Southeast Asia expert Gregory Poling of Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies said it would be positive if Trump could help speed up ceasefire talks, but cautioned: "Neither Cambodia nor Thailand -- or their publics -- will appreciate the threat to weaponize trade to make it happen. And if they do reach a ceasefire and either or both still don't get a trade deal before Aug. 1, they are likely to view it as a U.S. betrayal." Thailand and Cambodia have bickered for decades over undemarcated points along their 817-km (508-mile) land border, with ownership of the ancient Hindu temples Ta Moan Thom and the 11th century Preah Vihear central to the disputes. Preah Vihear was awarded to Cambodia by the International Court of Justice in 1962, but tension escalated in 2008 after Cambodia attempted to list it as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and skirmishes over several years brought at least a dozen deaths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cambodia said in June it had asked the court to resolve its disputes with Thailand, which says it has never recognized the court's jurisdiction and prefers a bilateral approach. (Reporting by Shoon Naing and Artorn Pookasook in Sisaket, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Panu Wongcha-um, Chayut Setboonsarng, Juarawee Kittisilpa and Devjyot Ghoshal in Bangkok, Susan Heavey in Washington and Rozzana Latiff in Kuala Lumpur; Writing by John Mai, Matt Spetalnick and David Brunnstrom; Editing by William Mallard, Matthew Lewis and David Gregorio) By Shoon Naing and Artorn Pookasook SISAKET, Thailand (Reuters) -When the Thai and Cambodian armies began shelling at their contested border on Thursday, Komsan Prachan thought his family was far enough away from the fighting to be safe. The farm worker received a phone call from his children's school asking parents to collect their kids, so he and his wife went and picked up their 14-year-old daughter, 9-year-old son, and their son's friend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the way home, they stopped at a gas station about 3 km (2 miles) from their house. Moments later, an artillery shell slammed into the station, destroying the attached 7-Eleven convenience store where Komsan's family and the friend had gone to buy snacks. "All I was thinking then was, my wife and kids," the 40-year-old told Reuters at a relative's home in Sisaket province. "I lost all hope. I could only stand and watch." More than 30 people, mostly civilians, have been killed on both sides of the border since the fighting started on Thursday, in what has become the worst escalation between the two Southeast Asian nations in more than a decade. Both sides have accused each other of starting the conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Komsan could hear explosions from early on Thursday morning, but he did not think he needed to evacuate because his house was not in a danger zone. "I didn't think it would hit this area. There was no bunker around that area as it was considered a safe zone." Komsan and his wife met in high school. They married after working together for several years in Bangkok, and raised their two children. "Having them in my life was the greatest blessing," he said. More than 130,000 people have been displaced by the fighting, with schools forced to close their doors. Local university campuses are being used as temporary shelters for those forced to flee their homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The war is good for no one. They should both talk to each other peacefully. The war only brings loss, loss, and loss," said Komsan. The bereaved husband and father accused the Cambodian government of indiscriminately firing into civilian areas. "This is not just war, this is murder." (Reporting by Shoon Naing and Artorn Pookasook; Editing by John Mair and Jan Harvey) The tank screeches as it rolls into the ad-hoc military base before four battle-weary soldiers jump out to re-inspect the hefty vehicle. Around them, the thud of artillery fire reverberates, a near-constant reminder that the forested front line is just three miles south. This is not the image that comes to mind when most people think of Thailand. But since Thursday, when simmering tensions over a long-disputed border with Cambodia ignited into open conflict, these troops have been at the forefront of clashes that have claimed 33 lives, including children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lt Nitipon, who gave only his first name, said in Sisaket province on Saturday: You can hear two sounds right now one is from artillery fire, the second is from the rocket launcher. Its coming from both sides all I can tell you is that we are protecting our sovereignty. The Thai soldier added that while his unit had no intention of ceding ground, they had not escaped their battles unscathed. This is the duty for me as a soldier, and Im very proud to do my duty but of course I dont want the war to go on because it only brings losses, Lt Nitipon said. People in our unit have been injured and are in treatment right now at the field hospital. On Saturday, Thailand and Cambodia traded fresh accusations and heavy artillery fire as the conflict between the south-east Asian neighbours entered a third day, with few signs of imminent de-escalation on the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Sisaket where even the normally ubiquitous 7-11 convenience shops had closed their doors in eerily quiet border towns military trucks tore down the deserted roads leading to the front line. Throughout the afternoon, The Telegraph heard the frequent boom of artillery. Clashes also spread further west to coastal regions on Saturday, where Thailands navy joined the fight, despite continued international calls to cease violence, including an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Friday. Donald Trump, the US president, wrote on social media on Saturday, referring to tariff negotiations: [We] do not want to make any Deal, with either Country, if they are fighting And I have told them so! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But while both sides have talked of peace, Thailand prefers bilateral talks and Cambodia favours international arbitration. Each has also claimed that the other has undermined armistice efforts by continuing to attack civilians, and criticised the use of assets including F-16 jets and rocket launchers. Cambodian soldiers reload the BM-21 multiple rocket launcher in Preah Vihear province - AFP Tita Sanglee, a Bangkok-based associate fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute think tank, said: I think the Thai military is [trying] to weaken Cambodias military capabilities before negotiating. But my sense is that the fighting will be contained along the border, but will be quite intense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two sides are at odds over how to resolve disputes, but its not in their interest to escalate this geographically, partly because of tourism and economic interests. Bitter spats between the two rivals are not new, with much of the animosity dating back to differing interpretations of a colonial-era map, leading to disputed ownership of ancient temples. But the latest violence is now bloodier than the previous major outbreak, between 2008 and 2011. On Saturday, Cambodias defence ministry said at least 13 people have been killed so far, while Thailand has put the death toll at 20. In all, 21 civilians have lost their lives across both countries, including an eight-year-old. Many citizens in the affected border provinces have been forced to flee from villages to temporary shelters - Tang Chhin Sothy/AFP Thongdee Nimit, 67, said perched on a red plastic chair in the evacuation centre where shes been since Thursday: This is the heaviest fighting that I remember. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The warning came and not even three minutes later boom, boom, boom. It was so scary, and all the soldiers were coming saying get out, get out. It wasnt like this at all last time. Ms Nimit is among thousands of evacuees sheltering in a covered concrete schoolyard, where they are sleeping and eating on mats with little refuge from the humid weather. In all, officials estimate that more than 138,000 people have now been forced to flee their homes in Thailand, plus a further 35,000 in Cambodia. Yinh Ya, an NGO executive who fled Cambodias Oddar Meanchey province after witnessing heavy shooting, said: We left the home and just evacuated the people out, we left out animals and our assets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were worried because they [Thailand] have used drones and jets to attack the military along the border already, he said by phone, laying blame squarely at Bangkoks door. Even though there has been tension for months, everyone here was shocked by how fast it all happened. There is a lot of fear. Clashes in the Oddar Meanchey province have forced many residents to flee the area - Heng Sinith/AP Animosity between the two nations re-emerged in May, after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a skirmish on the disputed 508-mile border. But relations truly imploded after two groups of Thai soldiers were injured by landmines on Wednesday. Thailand claims the ordnance was newly laid, but Cambodia says they are leftovers from a final stint of fighting during the murderous Khmer Rouge regime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, soon after the incident, both sides downgraded relations, expelled their neighbours ambassador and recalled embassy staff. Then, on Thursday, heightened tensions ignited into deadly clashes both sides blame the other for starting the violence. Yet the embers of war are also being fanned by strongmen politicians in Bangkok and Phnom Penh. Credit: Thai Army Escalating tensions have mirrored a rapid decline in relations between Hun Sen and Thaksin Shinawatra, two former prime ministers whose children now hold power. Or at least, Thaksins daughter Paetongtarn did until Hun Sen leaked an audio of a call last month where she kow-towed to the former Cambodian leader and criticised her own military, a major red line in Thailand. She has since been suspended, and Thailand plunged into a political crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Analysts attempting to explain the reasons for unravelling a once-close friendship Hun Sen and Thaksin Shinawatra had called each other godbrothers say it may be linked to a crackdown by the Thai government on scam centres in Cambodia, or because of Bangkoks push to legalise casinos, which would threaten business across the border. But through the fighting, Hun Sen has succeeded at bringing the country together against a common enemy, said Mu Sochua, the head of the opposition Khmer Movement for Democracy. She said: His tactic is working its like a big wave of outrage. Theres nothing to stop this nationalistic sentiment at this moment. A similar outpouring has been seen in Thailand, where local media have also reported attacks on migrant workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Bangkok, one motorbike taxi was seen with a sign on his back on Saturday saying he would not accept orders from Khmer/Cambodian people. Yet, despite these attempts, leaders in Bangkok may not be able to capitalise in the same way as Hun Sen, a largely authoritarian figure who has significantly more power domestically. Peter Mumford, the head of the Eurasia groups south-east Asia office, said: The military skirmish puts further political pressure on Paetongtarn and likely emboldens their conservative opponents. If the security or domestic political situation worsens, speculation about a military coup will grow although we are not there yet. Yet in Sisaket on Saturday, few were thinking about national politics. Instead, weary residents too anxious to sleep amid artillery fire just wanted life to return to normal although they, like the soldiers, felt Cambodia was at fault. Pawana Apaisila, a resident, said: I cannot sleep at night because Im just thinking about whats happening and our home. None of this is worth it. But then, if we cave in to them [Cambodia], I think they will keep wanting more. I am a Thai citizen, I feel we cannot keep losing our land to them. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The Russians attacked Kharkiv with ballistic missiles, guided bombs and UAVs on the night of 25-26 July, injuring five people, including three emergency workers. Source: Ukraine's Air Force; Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration; Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov Details: The Air Force reported a high-speed target heading towards Kharkiv. Syniehubov reported explosions in Kharkiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early reports from Syniehubov indicate that ballistic missile strikes were recorded in Kharkiv. Terekhov noted that there were two missile strikes outside the city and one in the city. Syniehubov confirmed that the Russian ballistic missile strike hit the Kyivskyi district. Updated: After 02:00, Terekhov reported a second missile strike on Kharkiv. Quote from Terekhov: "Early reports indicate that one ballistic missile hit the Kyivskyi district of the city. People have been injured in a repeat strike on the Kyivskyi district." Updated: At around 02:30, Terekhov reported that the Russians were attacking the Kyivskyi district of Kharkiv with drones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later, Syniehubov reported that, according to preliminary reports, four UAV hits had been recorded in the Kyivskyi district of Kharkiv. At around 03:00, another series of explosions was heard in Kharkiv. Updated: Terekhov noted that Kharkiv had been under a large-scale combined attack for nearly three hours. Quote from Terekhov: "The enemy used several types of weapons, namely guided aerial bombs, ballistic missiles and kamikaze drones. Four strikes with guided aerial bombs, two strikes with ballistic missiles and about 15 attacks with Shahed drones have been recorded so far." Update: Terekhov reported more than 20 Russian strikes in almost three hours during the night: four guided aerial bombs, two ballistic missiles and then 15 Shaheds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack damaged residential high-rise buildings, a civilian business, roads and the power grid. The mayor of Kharkiv reported that as of this morning, seven fires are still being extinguished in the Kyiv district. A total of five people have been injured, including three emergency workers. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A third person has died after a racing car at the Rallye de la Fourme in central France struck several people who were watching the event, reports said on Saturday. The car veered off the road during the event in the Puy-de-Dome region, local officials said in a post on X. After two people were killed at the scene, a third person who was seriously injured died later in hospital. Two of the people who died were brothers, aged 60 and 70, according to reports citing the public prosecutor's office. They said the third person was a father, 44. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Several people" who were present at the time of the accident were also in shock and were attended to by medics, reports said. An investigation into negligent homicide has been launched, according to broadcaster BFMTV, citing the public prosecutor's office. The car was driven by a 22-year-old woman accompanied by a 51-year-old co-driver, the reports said. The rally was immediately stopped, said local official Joel Mathurin, according to a video broadcast by French channel BFMTV. The race organizers confirmed this in a brief post on Facebook, saying the race was stopped shortly before 11 am (0900 GMT). "There will be no award ceremony," they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The accident affected spectators who were in a cordoned-off area, reports said. An investigation has been launched to clarify the circumstances, Mathurin said in the video on BFMTV. Psychological support was also being provided nearby. The same rally was overshadowed by a fatal accident last year, when a race car hit a man responsible for securing the track, the organizers said. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Northgate Christian Church is hosting its first-ever Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, July 26. The event will from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the church, 5430 Yvette Ave. in Northeast El Paso. The event will take place in the churchs Community Hall and Sanctuary. The event is free and will feature more than 30 health care vendors with a variety of free health screenings. Albertsons pharmacy will provide Covid and pneumonia vaccinations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The opening ceremonies will take place on 10 a.m. in the main Community Hall when Rev. Robert Franz, the senior pastor of Northgate Christian Church, will provide an opening prayer and remarks to bless and commemorate event. In addition, the members of the church and its ministries will sell hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, and healthy snacks all day long. Additionally, Vitalant Blood Services will have their Bloodmobile available for blood donations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The Casa Noble Insurance Group will provide classes on changes and updates to the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) State Attorney General William Tong says hes ready to throw the book at two Connecticut men who he alleges scammed numerous small businesses out of tens of thousands of dollars. A lawsuit filed by Tong against the two men, Michael Tedesco of Fairfield and Zafir Iqbal of Oakdale, describes a brazen deception wherein the men worked to convince small business owners that they could obtain the state-issued license needed to legally sell cannabis. AG Tong to hold press conference after Supreme Court issues final rulings Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tong alleges that the defendants claimed to be connected with a pilot program that allowed them to secure licenses on behalf of existing retail businesses. There is no pilot program, and only the states consumer protection agency can issue the cannabis license. These guys are ripping people off saying they can get them into the market and somehow get them a license, which they have absolutely no ability to procure, Tong said in an interview. Tongs suit also includes photos of what he says are forged cannabis licenses and a fake letter written on the letterhead of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection with the name a high-ranking attorney in Tongs office printed on the bottom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They delivered, in some instances, a license that looks like my fourteen-year-old made it on his laptop, Tong said. And they forged the name of someone who works for me, an associate attorney general. Connecticut attorney general vows to fight $150M in canceled public health funding News 8 spoke to Ali Azhar, the owner of two of the retail stores named in the suit as victims of the scam. He confirmed the details outlined in Tongs suit but declined to speak on camera. The suit says the owner provided Tedesco with two checks totaling $50,000. After the checks were received, the suit says, Tedesco provided Azhar with the documents purporting to be official approvals for the sale of cannabis. News 8 attempted to reach Tedesco for comment by visiting his home in Fairfield and calling a phone number associated with him. Tedesco did not respond to either request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attorney general filed his suit pursuant to the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act. In Connecticut, the attorney general handles civil matters, meaning Tong is not a criminal prosecutor. He said hes referred the matter to state and federal law enforcement. It seems like very serious criminal misconduct to me, for sure, Tong 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 WTNH.com. Darren Beattie a top State Department official who was fired as a speechwriter during President Donald Trumps first term after CNN revealed that he spoke at a conference attended by White nationalists will now serve as the acting president of the US Institute of Peace, according to a senior State Department official. Beattie was appointed by the USIP board of directors, the official said. CNN has reached out to USIP for comment. Beattie currently serves as the acting Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy, a role where he is passionate about affirmatively advancing free speech as a diplomacy tool, and marshalling Americas exceptional cultural achievements in the arts, music, and academia in furtherance of the safety, strength, and prosperity of the American people, according to the State Department website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The official said that Beattie will continue to serve at the State Department. The elevation comes as the Trump administration continues its efforts to dismantle the agency amid a broader effort to reshape the federal government. USIP is not a federal agency within the executive branch. It was created by Congress as a nonpartisan, independent body in 1984 that owns and manages its headquarters. The institute, which was founded during the Reagan administration, promotes research, policy analysis, education, and training on international peace and conflict resolution in an effort to prevent and resolve violent conflicts, and to promote post-conflict stability, according to a description on usa.gov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNNs KFile reported in 2018 that Beattie, a former Duke University visiting instructor, spoke in 2016 to the H.L. Mencken Club a gathering that has included White nationalist figures such as Richard Spencer and Peter Brimelow. Beattie, who was then working as a speechwriter in the Trump White House, defended his speech, claiming it was academic in nature and didnt contain anything objectionable. The Washington Post later reported he was fired after CNNs article. After being ousted from the Trump White House in 2018, Beattie launched Revolver News, a far-right media outlet that has spread conspiracy theories regarding the January 6 attack on the US Capitol. The website has boosted false claims that federal agencies orchestrated aspects of the attack and that extremist groups involved were under government control. CNNs KFile has also reported that Beattie also has made a series of racially charged comments, writing in one tweet last year, Competent white men must be in charge if you want things to work. Unfortunately, our entire national ideology is predicated on coddling the feelings of women and minorities, and demoralizing competent white men. Beattie also deleted at least half a dozen tweets that ridiculed his now boss, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, including ones calling him low IQ and repeating a false rumor about Rubios sexuality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to a series of questions regarding this from CNN earlier this year, Beattie responded, Secretary Rubio is 100 percent America First and its a tremendous honor to work for him in advancing President Trumps world historical agenda. Rubio has declined to comment on Beatties past offensive statements. George Foote, former counsel for USIP, who is representing employees fired by the government in a lawsuit, condemned the appointment of Beattie. The announced appointment of Darren Beattie as the President of the U.S. Institute of Peace flies in the face of the values at the core of USIPs work and Americas commitment to working respectfully with international partners, Foote said in a statement to CNN on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USIP employees originally received termination letters on March 28, though a federal judge ruled in May that the Trump administration unlawfully removed the board of USIP and that subsequent actions taken by officials installed by the Department of Government Efficiency to dismantle the agency are therefore null and void. In late June, a federal appeals court stayed that ruling, leading to firings. For more than 40 years, USIP has served as a trusted source of independent research and analysis and as an intermediary responsible for convening diverse stakeholders around the world to achieve peace, Foote said. USIP staff and supporters are immensely proud of this legacy and believe fervently in the essential role of mutual respect for the people of all backgrounds who come to the table to mitigate and prevent conflict, Foote said. Beattie will take over USIP at a time when the Trump administration is attempting to reimagine the role of the US abroad and dramatically dismantle key parts of the federal government, including through legal challenges against the agency that paved the way for a second round of mass firings earlier this month. This story has been updated with new developments. CNNs Jennifer Hansler and Shania Shelton contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com What struck Scott Bennett most were the razor clams. The long saltwater clams, resembling old-fashioned razors, normally burrow into sand to avoid predators. But when Bennett, an ecologist, visited South Australias Great Southern Reef last month, he saw thousands of them rotting on the sea floor. 100% of them were dead and wasting away on the bottom, Bennett told CNN. Since March, a harmful algal bloom, fueled by a marine heat wave, has been choking South Australias coastline, turning once-colorful ecosystems filled with thriving marine life into underwater graveyards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bloom has killed about 15,000 animals from over 450 species, according to observations on the citizen science site iNaturalist. They include longfinned worm eels, surf crabs, warty prowfish, leafy seadragons, hairy mussels and common bottlenose dolphins. A sea creature washed onto the beach by a toxic algal bloom. - Stefan Andrews/Great Southern Reef Foundation A starfish is seen as toxic algal bloom washes dead and dying sea creatures between O'Sullivan Beach and Hallett Cove in Adelaide, Australia, on July 12, 2025. - Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images The algae have poisoned more than 4,500 square kilometers (1,737 square miles) of the states waters an area larger than Rhode Island littering beaches with carcasses and ravaging an area known for its diversity. Its one of the worst marine disasters in living memory, according to a report by the Biodiversity Council, an independent expert group founded by 11 Australian universities. The toxic algal bloom has devastated South Australias fishing industry and repelled beachgoers, serving as a stark warning of what happens when climate change goes unchecked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once a bloom begins, there is no way of stopping it. This shouldnt be treated as an isolated event, Bennett said. This is symptomatic of climate driven impacts that were seeing across Australia due to climate change. A toxic algal bloom washes dead and dying sea creatures onto Tennyson Beach in Adelaide, Australia, on July 11, 2025. - Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images A mysterious yellow foam It all started back in March, when dozens of surfers at beaches outside Gulf St Vincent, about an hour south of state capital Adelaide, reported experiencing a sore throat, dry cough and blurred vision after emerging from the sea. Shortly after, a mysterious yellow foam appeared in the surf. Then, dead marine animals started washing up. Scientists at the University of Technology Sydney soon confirmed the culprit: a buildup of a tiny planktonic algae called Karenia mikimotoi. And it was spreading. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In early May, the government of Kangaroo Island, a popular eco-tourism destination, said the algal bloom had reached its coastline. A storm at the end of May pushed the algae down the coast into the Coorong lagoon. By July, it had reached the beaches of Adelaide. Diverse algae are essential to healthy marine ecosystems, converting carbon dioxide into oxygen and benefiting organisms all the way up the food chain, from sea sponges and crabs to whales. But too much of one specific type of algae can be toxic, causing a harmful algal bloom, also sometimes known as a red tide. While Karenia mikimotoi does not cause long-term harm to humans, it can damage the gills of fish and shellfish, preventing them from breathing. Algal blooms can also cause discoloration in the water and block sunlight from coming in, harming ecosystems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Great Southern Reef is a haven for really unique biodiversity, said Bennett, a researcher at the University of Tasmania, who coined the name for the interconnected reef system which spans Australias south coast. About 70% of the species that live there are endemic to the area, he said, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world. For these species, once theyre gone, theyre gone. A damaged kelp forest in South Australia. - Stefan Andrews/Great Southern Reef Foundation There is zero life Nathan Eatts hasnt caught a single squid since April. On a good day, Eatts could catch 100 in the waters where hes fished commercially for 15 years off South Australias Fleurieu Peninsula. Since the harmful algal bloom began, his business, Cape Calamari, has gone pretty much down to zero, Eatts said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While more mobile fish can move to cleaner waters during an algal bloom, invertebrates like shellfish and sea stars, and other species associated with the reef, are suffocated by toxic algae. We dont know whether theyve all died, or theyre just seeking refuge in deeper water, waiting for it all to clear, he said. Many fishers have lost their livelihoods overnight, with about a third of the state waters completely devoid of fish, according to Pat Tripodi, the executive officer of the Marine Fishers Association, which represents the interests of most commercial fishing license holders in the state. Wherever the algal bloom hits, there is zero life, Tripodi said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a really high emotional and mental strain on these individuals, because many of them dont know how or if they will ever recover from it. Beyond the fishers themselves, the bloom is having a knock-on effect on the states seafood industry, which is valued at almost 480 million Australian dollars ($315 million). Seafood processors, transport companies, grocers and restaurants are all feeling the pain, Tripodi said. Eatts comes from a long line of fishers, and theyve never seen anything like this. Damaged sealife. - Stefan Andrews/Great Southern Reef Foundation The last time a harmful agal bloom swept South Australia was in 2014, but it was much more localized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Toxic algal blooms are naturally occurring and are common around the world, including in the US. But climate change is making them more frequent and more severe. The foundation for the South Australian bloom was laid back in 2022, experts believe, when catastrophic flooding swept the Murray, Australias longest river, washing extra nutrients into the Southern Ocean. The next summer, currents brought nutrient-rich water to the surface in a process called cold water upwelling. Then, a marine heatwave in September 2024 caused ocean temperatures to be about 2.5 degrees Celsius warmer than usual. That, combined with calm water conditions and light wind created conditions for the algae to grow and spread. Dead sea creatures washed onto the beach by a toxic agal bloom. - Stefan Andrews/Great Southern Reef Foundation A dead stingray in neon green water. - Stefan Andrews/Great Southern Reef Foundation A toxic algal bloom washes dead and dying sea creatures onto Largs Beach in Adelaide, Australia, on July 12, 2025. - Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images A fire that cant be put out There is no way for humans to stop a harmful algal bloom its trajectory largely depends on natural factors like wind and weather patterns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peter Malinauskas, South Australias premier, told public broadcaster the ABC on Tuesday that the crisis is a natural disaster, but its different to ones that were familiar with in Australia. With a bushfire, you can put the fire out. If theres a flood, you can do the modeling to have a sense of where the water is going to go, whereas this is so entirely unprecedented. We dont really know how its going to play out over coming weeks and months ahead. This week, Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses government announced a support package of 14 million Australian dollars ($9.2 million), which has been matched by the state, to help with the cleanup and economic fallout from the ecological crisis. But Canberra stopped short of calling it a natural disaster, a declaration which would have unlocked additional funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As extreme heat events become more common around the world, Bennett said the government needs to do more to prevent and protect against future algal blooms first and foremost by cutting carbon emissions. Marine ecosystems can be resilient, Bennett said. But he added that Australia must protect habitats, such as kelp forests, seagrass meadows, and oyster reefs, which absorb excess nutrients and keep the oceans healthy. Eatts, the calamari fisher, said it hits home hard to see South Australias natural beauty spoiled by this crisis. The other day, he saw a dead dolphin on his local beach. You take it for granted where you live and what you see on a daily basis, he said. But it takes one event of nature like this to come through, and it breaks your heart watching it unfold. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com SENECA COUNTY, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) All westbound lanes of the NYS Thruway were closed Friday morning, July 25, after a tractor-trailer hit an overpass in Seneca County. On July 25, at about 11:41 a.m., State Police were called to a crash involving a tractor-trailer on the NYS Thruway westbound, just before Exit 41 in the Town of Tyre. Courtesy of the New York State Police. Police said their investigation found that the tractor-trailer, driven by 32-year-old Mokhtar Mohammadi, of Houston, Texas, was headed west when he hit the overpass at mile post marker 315.9. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police also said that a car in the other westbound lane hit debris from the tractor-trailer. A passenger in the car was taken to Geneva General Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Mohammadi, who was not injured, was ticketed for driving an over-height vehicle. Following an inspection, it was determined that the Route 89 overpass was damaged by the impact. For the safety of the public, Thruway maintenance will be closing the southbound lane on Route 89 and setting up temporary traffic signals to allow for traffic to continue in both directions. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR. Federal authorities are warning Americans that traveling to two Southeast Asian countries can be dangerous and they should be extra cautious if visiting. They also advise against traveling to the countries border altogether. The U.S. Department of State advisory level for Thailand and Cambodia were increased Friday to a Level 2, exercise increased caution. The travel advisories were raised due to unrest in Thailand and concerns for crime and landmines in Cambodia, according to the advisories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. government also issued a Level 4 do not travel advisory, advising against traveling within about 30 miles of the Thai and Cambodian border due to fighting between the countries military forces that started in May. There are reports of fighting, including rocket and artillery fire, between Cambodian and Thai forces along the border. Armed conflict has led to reports of civilian casualties, the advisors read. There is a collateral risk of violence, and U.S. citizens are advised to avoid all but essential travel to within 50km of these border areas until further notice. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these provinces due to the ongoing risk of armed conflict. The caution regarding travel to Thailand is due to civil unrest associated with ongoing insurgent activities in the Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces, that advisory said. There is occasional violence between Thai security services and armed insurgents in those three southernmost provinces, the advisory explained, and 17 districts in that region are under a state of emergency due to the violence. Visitors risk getting caught up in the fighting and U.S. officials cant guarantee theyd be able to help, the advisory warned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The issue in Cambodia is different. That countrys capital city, Phnom Penh, is dealing with street crime, with many travelers losing their phone and bags to thieves, that advisory said. Sexual assault and murder are also concerns. Landmines and unexploded ordnances are the concern in the provinces of Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin, and Kampong Thom, the advisory said, particularly in forested areas and dry rice paddies. If you decide to travel to Cambodia or Thailand, the U.S. Department of State advises: Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Cambodia and Thailand. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Travelers Checklist. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. The government highly recommends you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage." More on travel Read the original article on MassLive. In some of the East Coast's most exclusive enclaves, neighbors are feuding over trees. Summer people are risking lawsuits and hefty fines for a better view. On Nantucket, a man was charged with taking a chainsaw to his neighbor's trees. An ocean view is priceless in coastal New England unless you cut down a neighbor's trees to get it. Cases of alleged unauthorized tree-cutting and poisoning, or so-called "timber trespass," have sparked bitter neighbor-versus-neighbor legal feuds across wealthy US enclaves in recent years, with some resulting in seven-figure payouts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One lawsuit playing out in a Massachusetts court involves a homeowner on the exclusive New England island of Nantucket who has accused her neighbor of chopping down a swath of nearly 50-year-old trees on her family's property. The plaintiff, Patricia Belford, is seeking $1.4 million in damages and has alleged in the court papers that Jonathan Jacoby trespassed onto her property and cut down the trees "to enhance the ocean view" from his own compound there's the main house, guest cottage, pool, and hot tub that sits on about a half-acre next door. Belford said in the lawsuit that the tree-felling occurred during the winter offseason on Nantucket, a nearly 48-square-mile island off Cape Cod, where billionaires own estates. The median home sale price last year was $3.73 million, according to a report from an island realtor, Fisher Real Estate. Jacoby, the June lawsuit alleged, walked across his property at 3 Tautemo Way and onto Belford's land. On his own, he used a chainsaw to cut down 16 30-foot-high cedar, cherry, and Leyland cypress trees before he asked his landscaper to help him clean up the debris, the lawsuit and an attached statement by the landscaper to local police say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The loss of the trees has significantly diminished the value and character of the Belford Property," the lawsuit said. "The trees were a mature and integral part of the landscape, planted and cared for by the Belford family for nearly 50 years." Jacoby's home was recently put on the market for nearly $10 million, with a listing that boasted "sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean." Those views that the latest listing touted were "conspicuously missing" from previous, pre-treegate listings, Belford's lawsuit said. The home was taken off the market this month. "It's usually done in some sort of act of desperation," a real estate agent on the island told Business Insider of similar illicit tree trimmings. "They need that bump. This property has previously been on the market, and they haven't been able to sell it. Therein lies the motivation." Jacoby and Belford's properties are in the Cisco neighborhood of Nantucket, which is considered one of the most desirable on the island. Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images Jacoby is facing criminal charges over the tree-cutting ordeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Nantucket Police Department has charged Jacoby with vandalizing property, a felony, and the misdemeanors of trespassing and cutting/destroying trees, the chief of police confirmed to BI. An attorney for Jacoby, James Merberg, declined to comment on the criminal case and lawsuit but said that Jacoby will enter a plea of not guilty to the charges. Jacoby is scheduled to be arraigned on September 15. Jacoby could not be reached for comment, but he defended his actions to The Boston Globe, saying in an email, "I wasn't trespassing, I was clearing out her crappy trees." "Nantucket, the Vineyard places where there is so much money at play money and ego can get in the way very quickly," Glenn Wood, Belford's attorney, told BI, referring to the brazenness of the alleged action and the attention it has gotten from the media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tree law, it turns out, is an active legal niche. While most lawsuits don't accuse neighbors of such deliberate violations and most payouts or settlements don't reach seven figures, there have been a number of high-profile disputes that involve stealth maneuvers and big money. Tree-cutting fights aren't rare It's easy to see why trees can spur neighborly spats. A dead tree causes an eyesore; a large one blocks a view; a tree struck by lightning can leave debris. One look at the subreddit "tree law," which has 150,000 members, and the subject matter's universality becomes clear. Some people post asking for advice, like what to do about a neighbor's willow whose branches bow onto their roof. Others post on the latest news in the space, like a Missouri law regarding the sale of invasive species. New Hampshire-based attorney Israel Piedra, who started the website NewEnglandTreeLaw.com last year, told BI that tree-cutting disputes are "more common than people would think." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Piedra, an attorney at the firm Welts, White & Fontaine, P.C., said he has carved out a practice representing property owners who have had their trees cut down without permission and has handled more than 100 such cases in recent years, primarily out of New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Most cases, he said, do not involve accusations as "egregious" as those in the Nantucket lawsuit. "More commonly, you're dealing with a case where there isn't actually intentional conduct, or there isn't malicious intent," Piedra said, explaining that the majority of cases he has handled involve a careless homeowner who did not check the property line before cutting down trees. "They try to make it look like a mistake, or at least maintain some level of plausible deniability," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said these cases are usually settled out of court through a neighbor's homeowner's insurance or a contractor's commercial liability insurance, and don't involve such high-value property or high-value damage claims. Piedra said he has never had a case settle for more than $1 million, though some cases have settled for six-figure sums. Timber trespass laws, Piedra said, vary state by state, with the New England states of Maine, Vermont, and Massachusetts having some of the strongest in the country. "There's a lot of people looking for lawyers that do this kind of work," he said. When money grows on trees The allegations in the Nantucket lawsuit are extreme crossing a property line, taking down healthy trees, the expenses involved. Putting in replacement trees, which would have to be brought from off the island, would cost nearly $500,000, Belford's lawsuit said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have been other high-profile, big-ticket squabbles. An incident on Nantucket's sister island, Martha's Vineyard, ended in 2023 with a $2.5 million settlement after inn owners were accused of having more than 100 trees cut down on a neighboring property in a move that, a lawsuit said, "wreaked havoc and devastation akin to a war zone." In a 2006 case, a defendant in Vermont was ordered to pay $1.8 million in damages after timber trespassing. In one of the most publicized instances of human-on-tree destruction, last year, Amelia and Arthur Bond agreed to pay more than $1.7 million in fines and settlements after they'd applied herbicide to the area near the oak trees on the property of Lisa Gorman, the widow of the former L.L. Bean president and heir, in the idyllic New England coastal town of Camden, Maine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like in the case of Jacoby and Belford, that of the Bonds and Gorman involved multimillion-dollar properties and a water view. Camden, Maine, is home to an idyllic harbor and at the center of one of the most expensive tree-related lawsuits in recent years. Walter Bibikow/Getty Images The Bonds' weapon of choice was Tebuthioron, an herbicide that, according to a consent agreement, Amelia Bond the former CEO of St. Louis Community Foundation, a charity with about $500 million in assets applied to two large oak trees on Gorman's summer property, an oceanfront estate valued at $5 million. Once the chemical started to wreak havoc on Gorman's trees, Amelia Bond whose 5,000 square-foot, $3.7 million mansion sits up the hill allegedly swooped in and offered to cover half of the cost of their removal, Gorman's attorney said in a letter to a town official. What looked like neighborly kindness was really a ploy to get a better look at the water, the letter said. The pair confessed and paid more than $1.5 million to Gorman, $180,000 to the town, $4,500 to the Maine Board of Pesticides Control Board, and $30,000 for environmental testing, according to documents from a Camden Select Board meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bonds and their attorney did not respond to requests for comment from BI. Gorman, through her attorney, declined to comment. With details like a poisoning gone wrong, a wealthy heir, and a vacation hot spot, it's no wonder that tree law has become a surprisingly sexy corner of the legal world. "You mix all that into a cocktail," Wood, Belford's attorney, told BI. "It makes for an interesting fact pattern." Read the original article on Business Insider TRI-STATE (PIX11) Powerful storms swept through the Tri-State area Friday evening, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. In Plainfield, NJ, neighbors recounted the terrifying moment they saw a lightning bolt strike a home on Mayfair Way. Diane Hope said she and her husband were sitting in their garage during the storm. NYC forecast and PIX11s Weather Center We saw the lightning bolt and Tom said to me, he goes Diane, I think it hit closely and next thing you know it calmed down just a little bit, she said. We were just sitting there relaxing, and we saw smoke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hope said flames suddenly erupted at the home following that lightning strike. Part of the roof is now charred and partially missing, with windows shattered. The Plainfield Fire Department has not yet confirmed details of the fire, but emergency crews were on scene responding to the blaze. Hope said the family who lives there was not home at the time. My heart broke, Hope said. I wanted to cry because they worked so hard on this house. She added, One thing, we were glad they were not home. The husband was like 10 minutes away. The wife was in another state. He got calls, and he had to come and witness and its sad. Having weathered back-to-back storms, Plainfield neighbors said their communitys resilience remains unshaken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its what we do, said Larry Andrews who lives nearby. You just keep going on and on. Meanwhile, in Fresh Meadows, Queens, a large tree was uprooted and left sprawled across the road near 59th Avenue and 155th Street, as Con Edison crews worked to repair a downed power line. In the Hunts Point section of the Bronx, Citizen App video showed another tree that came crashing down onto a parked car. Police tell PIX 11 no injuries have been reported in either incident. Con Edison says crews are working to restore power to more than 18,000 customers across New York City and Westchester County. The company urges residents to stay away from downed power lines as it works to get the lights back on as quickly as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Tribe claims electric co-op threatened to cut power to casino because it built solar originally appeared on Bring Me The News. State regulators are investigating a complaint by the Upper Sioux Community, which alleges an electrical co-op threatened to cut power to its casino because it had built solar panels on the land. In a 4-0 vote Thursday, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission voted to investigate the claims against Minnesota Valley Light & Power Association, which centers around a solar panel array built by the Upper Sioux Community to help power the Prairies Edge Casino Resort in Granite Falls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tribe alleges that Minnesota Valley threatened to cut off power to the casino if it started using the 2.5 megawatt solar panels, claiming it would be breaking the law by powering on the panels in their service area. The Upper Sioux Community maintains since it is a sovereign nation, it is not bound to comply. Prairie's Edge Casino Resort, Facebook At the meeting, commissioners also said they may allow another utility provider, like Xcel Energy, to step in and provide power to the tribe instead of Minnesota Valley. Minnesota Valley has argued that its policies which it says comply with state law limits the size of a solar array a customer can add to its system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the co-op's alleged actions were described as "unreasonable" by DFL commissioner Audrey Partridge during Thursday's meeting, per the Star Tribune. Bring Me The News has reached out to both Minnesota Valley Light & Power Association and the Upper Sioux Community for additional comment on the matter. The Upper Sioux Community said the tribal spokesman was out of the office for ceremonial purposes and would not be available until next week. This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 26, 2025, where it first appeared. NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) Trident Medical Center marked its 50-year anniversary Friday by welcoming back physicians, staff, and patients who were there since it opened. In July 1975, Trident Regional Hospital cut the ribbon and opened its doors as the newest tri-county facility. It had 220 beds and an emergency room, but now it is known as Trident Medical Center with 312 beds and six affiliated care centers across the Lowcountry. News 2 spoke to those who were there from the opening as they reflected on the milestone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyday as I constantly walk through the hallways, I think wow, I was born here and its like full-circle. Now for the hospital to be turning 50, thats a major milestone, Lashauna Barron, a Trident employee and the third born baby at the hospital, said. I look back now and it feels wonderful, but when youre in your 20s you just take it in stride. It didnt seem like anything wonderful, but it does now, Dr. Clarence William Wimberly, who performed the first surgery. The hospital works to serve and care for its patients, but also has become a large community partner. According to officials, in 2024, they spent hundreds of millions of dollars on charity, uncompensated care, employee pay, and new construction costs for expansions. Bonnie Johnson, a 50-year employee with Trident Health, told News 2 those at the hospital have felt like a family and is glad to see them advance. So its been a pleasure to see them grow Moncks Corner, St. George all the places. If anybody wants a place to work, I think this is an awesome place to work, said Bonnie Johnson, a 50-year employee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. SUMMIT COUNTY, Ohio (WJW) A series of trouble-making incidents disrupted the Summit County Fair on Friday, causing officials to shut down festivities earlier than scheduled. According to a press release, at 9:55 p.m. on Friday, July 26, fair officials requested that all animal barns be closed to the public five minutes earlier than the usual 10 p.m. closing time after two teenagers were seen throwing items at a barn door. Deer poachers ordered to pay nearly $120,000, issued worldwide hunting bans Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after, a group of individuals ran through the northeast corner of the fairgrounds, spreading false claims that someone was about to start shooting. We want to clearly state that there was no evidence or credible threat involving a firearm or any planned act of violence, stated the release. Then, at about 10:30 p.m., officials said, a separate incident occurred on the Midway where a juvenile male was arrested for using a taser. Officials described the event as a physical altercation allegedly prompted by a video challenge. As a result, fair directors chose to close the fair at 10:40 p.m., 20 minutes earlier than scheduled to prevent any further disturbances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sobriety checkpoints this weekend in NE Ohio We regret that a small number of agitators disrupted what is meant to be a safe and enjoyable family event, read the release. We sincerely thank the Summit County Sheriffs Department and the Tallmadge Police Department for their swift and professional response. Again, we reaffirm that there was never any credible threat of a shooting, weapon, or other danger to fairgoers. According to the fairs website, the fair runs through Sunday, July 27. Officials announced that to help ensure continued safety, a restriction on bag types will be enforced for the remainder of the fair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. MILLCREEK, Utah (ABC4) One family who lost everything in the Millcreek fire that burned at least 24 units at the Willow Glen Apartments is speaking out, sharing their experience of evacuation, loss, and community. Amanda Smith and her husband Taylor Smith spoke to ABC4.com. They said that they lost their home in the fire, but they were able to get themselves, their kids, and their dogs out safely. I remember, I was smelling something, and I was like what is that burning smell? and I thought, did I turn on the oven?' Amanda said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Large fire burns apartment complexes in Millcreek, evacuations ordered The oven was not on, and thats when her husband told her that there was a fire and they needed to get out. She ran to the back bedroom to look. Our apartment faces the hill, and you can literally just see the flames, and so we grabbed everything. We grabbed the kids, we grabbed the dogs, and we headed out. Taylor started knocking on other peoples doors to try to get them out, she said, and he also called 911. I called it in, and I ran out to go knock on doors and say Theres a fire! and then our landlords fiance came out running, he was a marine. Once a marine, always a marine Taylor said. The fiance asked Taylor if everyone was out of the building, and Taylor told him to go get people out of the other building. We just divided and conquered, Taylor said. Were so glad that our senior neighbors were able to get out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amanda said that she started taking her kids and the dogs over to the church. I looked back, and I saw the apartment on fire, and I thought, at least I dont have laundry to do, she said, laughing, before looking like she was about to cry. She called the local bishop, and he came and unlocked the church doors to let them, their kids, and other people inside the church. It happened so fast, she said. It was really quick, Taylor agreed. I remember getting you guys out, and I said, I need to get the keys, were gonna need vehicles.' PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Residents recount being evacuated from homes due to Millcreek apartment fire Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their apartment is gone. They let us know that the two back buildings, all the apartments are gone, Amanda said, and Taylor added that the roof collapsed on the southwest building. We dont physically have a home, but weve had so many community members, so many friends reach out, saying Do you need a place to stay?' Taylor said. Right now, our home is a little on the move, but with the friends and family that we have that said, What can we do to help you, how can we help you restart, how can we help you rebuild your life?' He grew emotional. Amanda said that one of her coworkers met her and brought her a change of clothes, drinks, and chargers so they could charge their phones. Big shout out to my theatre peeps in the community, Taylor said. He said that as soon as he called in to let them know that he wouldnt make it to rehearsal tonight, they set up a GoFundMe within two minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I can never He grew emotional once again. I can never repay them enough for that, and thats just true community and true friendship and true love right there. Even though our physical stuff is gone, we still have each other, he continued, wrapping an arm around Amanda. We still have our kids, we still have our dogs. Were very, very, very fortunate in that. Material things can be replaced. Well work from the ground up if need be, but we have a home, even if its not physical. Weve got a home with our family and our friends, and were very, very grateful for that, Taylor concluded. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. WESTERNPORT, Md. (WBOY) After major flooding struck Western Maryland and West Virginias Eastern Panhandle in May, prompting responses from water rescue teams in north central West Virginia, officials say the Trump administration has denied their request for FEMA aid. According to a statement put out by Allegany County, Marylands government earlier this week, the county was notified on Wednesday that its request for Federal Disaster Assistance through FEMA was denied. It added that despite the lack of aid, local crews continue to work tirelessly to address infrastructure damage. Maryland Governor Wes Moore corroborated the countys statement with one of his own, saying that the floods clearly met disaster assistance criteria established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and that his administration will appeal the ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Online scammers claim to sell exotic cars at Randolph County dealership Mays floods devastated parts of both states along the North Branch of the Potomac River, and prompted responses from water rescue teams from Monongalia, Preston and Mineral counties. Waters rose so high in the town at one point that students attending a local elementary school had to be evacuated by boat and taken to higher ground. Just across the state border, West Virginias nearby city of Keyser also felt the effects of Mays flooding after officials said around 6.25 inches of rain fell in a 24-hour period. This prompted evacuations of around 200 people and an activation of the State Emergency Operations Center by Gov. Patrick Morrisey, who also declared a State of Emergency in the county. 12 News reached out to Gov. Patrick Morriseys office regarding potential FEMA aid in Mineral County. A representative of his office said that there was not enough damage from Mays flooding in Mineral County to meet the FEMA indicators for a federal disaster declaration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Editors note: This article has been updated with information from Gov. Patrick Morriseys office regarding FEMA aid in Mineral County. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. Texas let undocumented young people qualify for in-state college tuition for 24 years. President Donald Trump convinced the state to unravel the policy in a matter of hours. Since returning to the White House, Trumps Justice Department has launched legal challenges against laws in Texas, Kentucky and Minnesota that allow undocumented students to pay the tuition rate reserved for state residents. That price can often be half of what out-of-state students are responsible for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Discounting tuition for undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children has a long bipartisan history. Texas law was signed by Republican then-Gov. Rick Perry and 23 red and blue states, plus the District of Columbia, followed, a political mood thats now reversing: Florida repealed its 2014 in-state tuition law this February. There are about 408,000 undocumented students representing less than 2 percent of those in college. The Justice Department argues these tuition laws unfairly offer a benefit to foreigners that is unavailable to U.S. citizens and legal residents living in a neighboring state. The legal offensive to roll back these laws, which is poised to spread, serves as another sign of how thoroughly the second Trump administration is going about enacting the presidents promise to discourage illegal immigration and promote self-deportation. This was something that used to not be political, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, said of the in-state tuition policies for undocumented students. It was the idea that if this is the only country you've ever known, that more than likely you will be here your entire life, and we should want you to be educated and productive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Kentuckys Republican attorney general, Russell Coleman, sided with Trump this summer, urging the states council on postsecondary education to withdraw its regulation rather than litigate what I believe will be, and should be, a losing fight. Texas, the first state the DOJ targeted with a lawsuit this year, ended its policy in coordination with the White House. The maneuver came after Attorney General Ken Paxton entered into a joint motion with the Justice Department, agreeing that providing in-state tuition to undocumented students wasn't constitutional. In-state tuition for illegal immigrants in Texas has ended, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott wrote in a post on X last month. The policies are crumbling at a time when college enrollment and the tuition dollars it brings in fell about 15 percent between 2010 and 2021, according to the National Center for Education Statistics most recent report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The math is also looking complicated for many schools because the State Department could impose restrictions on international student enrollment, and there is an overall decline in the number of high school seniors. But the Trump administration said states have created laws that favor undocumented students over U.S. citizens. Under federal law, schools cannot provide benefits to illegal aliens that they do not provide to U.S. citizens, Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement to POLITICO. The Justice Department will relentlessly fight to vindicate federal law and ensure that U.S. citizens are not treated like second-class citizens anywhere in the country. About 119,000 undocumented students are protected under the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival program, which spurred in-state tuition laws for these students and received bipartisan support for years. Now, many Republicans are turning against such policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Randy Fine (R-Fla.) introduced the Florida bill in December that eventually ended the tuition break while serving in the state Legislature. He said the laws Trump is challenging amount to incentives for immigrants to cross the border. It's immoral to give in-state tuition to someone who shouldn't even be in America, Fine said in an interview. Think about it. A Georgian who wants to go to Florida State is paying more to go to a Florida institution than a foreigner. It's just not right to do and that's why we cleaned it up in Florida. It's time for illegals to go home. The Florida repeal took effect in July, prompting concern from education advocates who say the legislation could result in Florida institutions losing nearly $15 million in tuition and fees from potential drops in enrollment. In Texas, advocates say more than $461 million annually is at stake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What I know for certain is that a significant number of students are living with anxiety, said Manuel Gonzalez, vice chair of the Austin Community College Board of Trustees, which is suing over Trumps challenge against Texas. Not just about how they're going to afford college, but how are they going to navigate an increasingly more hostile political climate that often vilifies their existence. The National Immigration Law Center, alongside a host of organizations including the ACLU of Texas and Democracy Forward, are seeking to defend the Texas policy, challenging both the outcome and the process that led the state to gut its law. Education advocates argue that making college more expensive is hardly a deterrent for undocumented immigrants looking for a better life for their families. Nobody from Guatemala or Mexico starts googling and thinking, What state should I move to so that after my child finishes their education, theyll be able to get in-state tuition to a college? said Gaby Pacheco, president of The Dream.US, which advocates for DACA students college education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The policies remain alive in more than 20 states, including California, New York, Kentucky and Minnesota, but opposition from Republicans is rising. A bill to block undocumented noncitizens from accessing Minnesotas North Star Promise program, which makes college tuition free for state residents whose families make less than $80,000 a year, moved through the statehouse during the previous legislative session. Roughly 500 students a year qualify for in-state tuition in Minnesota under the states Dream Act. The Trump administrations challenges stem from the presidents April executive order that directed agencies to crack down on policies that benefit undocumented people and deemed in-state tuition laws illegal. On Wednesday, the Education Department announced five new probes into University of Louisville, University of Nebraska Omaha, University of Miami, University of Michigan and Western Michigan University, arguing that their scholarships for undocumented students are discriminatory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Kentucky and Minnesota fold alongside Texas, other states could be vulnerable to the administrations efforts, immigration experts fear. Just as Texas was the first state to pass a Dream Act in 2001, later inspiring 23 other states and the District of Columbia to pass similar laws, this wrongful and undemocratic repeal of the law is now being pushed as a blueprint to undemocratically end in-state tuition, militarize college campuses and persecute students in other states, Juan Jose Martinez-Guevara, Texas advocacy manager of the nonprofit United We Dream, said at a Tuesday press conference. Immigration advocates say there is supposed to be a legal carveout specifically for DACA students that allows them to pay in-state tuition rates, but confusion over the law has some Texas colleges charging those students the out-of-state rates. A DOJ spokesperson declined to comment on whether DACA students should be considered exempt. The number of DACA students is dwindling both because of the programs 2007 arrival cutoff and legal challenges from the first Trump administration and others seeking to end it but the presidents actions could have long-lasting consequences, political analysts say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's legal challenges contradict earlier promises to work with the Democrats on a plan as he noted in December for Dreamers. That dissonance might cost Republicans some of the votes Trump received in 2024, particularly from independents and Hispanic Americans, said Brendan Steinhauser, an Austin-based political consultant whos worked with Texas Republicans such as Sen. John Cornyn and Rep. Dan Crenshaw. He definitely did really, really well with Hispanic Americans, especially in South Texas and other places, Steinhauser said. But he's not running for reelection. So, he may just think, well, it doesn't matter what his approval numbers are. Steinhauser also insisted the presidents legal challenges are in line with his larger crackdown on immigration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's symbolic, yes, but it's all real, he said. And it's having an impact, I believe, in the same way that these raids are having an impact on incentives. Elena Schneider contributed to this report. DENVER (KDVR) On Friday, the Colorado Department of Education announced that they have received a notice that the millions will be returned to the state, following the federal withholding by the Trump administration. As FOX31 previously reported, the withholding of federal funding for Colorado was around $71 million, which came after the Trump administrations decision to withhold over $6 billion for after-school, summer programs and more across the nation. Free on Your TV New FOX31+ App for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, the U.S. Department of Education decided to release $1.3 billion for after-school and summer programs. Federal dollars provide critical support for every child in Colorado no matter where they live to learn, grow, and thrive. We are grateful to US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and to the many educators, district leaders, community partners, elected officials, and public education supporters who advocated for the release of these much-needed funds, said Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Cordova to FOX31. For the state of Colorado, Cordova said they received: Title 1-C: $7,189,738 Title II-A: $25,937,647 Title III-A: $11,172,632 Title IV-A: $13,529,608 Adult Education and Family Literacy (AEFLA): $8,814,117 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That totals about $66.6 million. The state anticipates similar allocations for the 2025 to 2026 school year, said Cordova. Colorado leaders react Colorado Education Association said on July 2 in a joint statement, the programs that could be affected by the federal withholding of funds included migrant education, supporting effective instruction in English and language acquisition. In a statement provided to FOX31 by the president of CEA, Kevin Vick said: Todays announcement that the Trump administration has finally released the nearly $6.8 billion in K12 education fundsincluding the $70 million earmarked for Coloradois long overdue, said Vick. These are not new resources; they are dollars that Congress already appropriated and that school districts have been counting on to support our most vulnerable students. The delay caused weeks of uncertainty for English learners, migrant students, teachers in training, afterschool programs, and more. School leaders faced impossible budgeting decisions while families and educators held their breath. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX31 also received a statement from Colorado Governor Jared Polis after the notice of the federal funding being returned: Today, all the withheld education funding from the Trump Administration has been returned to our classrooms, where it should have been this whole time. While I am thrilled this funding has been returned to our students, this uncertainty created significant chaos for families and schools with the school year only weeks away, said Polis. At the beginning of July, several states, including Colorado, had previously filed a lawsuit due to the withholding of the funds. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. After weeks of pressure and a multistate lawsuit, the Trump administration is backing downagreeing to release over $5 billion in public school funding it had been illegally withholding since June. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, one of 16 attorneys general behind the lawsuit, joins MSNBC's Ali Velshi to explain why they are fighting to stop the Trump administration's overreach. People hold signs during a press conference with Democratic Representatives in support of sanctuary city mayors, outside the US Capitol, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 in Washington, DC. Credit - Graeme Sloan2025 The Washington Post Donald Trump has been dealt a significant setback in his ongoing battle over sanctuary cities, after a U.S. federal judge threw out the Administrations lawsuit which looked to block legislation in Illinois that limits local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. The Trump Administration argued that existing so-called sanctuary laws in the state run counter to federal laws because they restrict local officials from sharing information with federal agents, stopping immigration officials from identifying people who may be subject to removal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But those concerns were dismissed by Judge Lindsay C. Jenkins, who said finding sanctuary policies as impermissible regulationwould run counter to the Tenth Amendment. It would allow the federal government to commandeer States under the guise of intergovernmental immunitythe exact type of direct regulation of states barred by the Tenth Amendment, said the judge. Jenkins, who was appointed by former President Joe Biden, added: Because the Tenth Amendment protects defendants sanctuary policies, those policies cannot be found to discriminate against or regulate the federal government. Trumps war with sanctuary cities began on day one in office, with an Executive Order, titled Protecting the American People Against Invasion. In the Executive Order, Trump argues that sanctuary jurisdictions seek to interfere with the lawful exercise of Federal law enforcement operations, and calls on the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to withhold federal funding from these cities. In April, Trump then signed an Executive Order asking Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identify cities and states that don't sufficiently comply with Trump's federal immigration laws within a month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a continuation of Trumps first term, during which he also signed an Executive Order that looked to ensure sanctuary jurisdictions did not receive federal funding. At the time, though, multiple cities sued Trump, and the courts subsequently upheld the legality of such provisions. Read More: What Are Sanctuary Cities and Why Is Trump Targeting Them? Though Trumps battle might be lost in Illinois, his Administration continues to fight across the country. The day before the lawsuit in Illinois failed, Thursday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced new legal action against New York City for its sanctuary laws. Earlier this week, Louisville, Kentucky chose to acquiesce to the administrations immigration policies and cease its designation as a sanctuary city. As human rights organizations argue for the importance of sanctuary and some cities push back against what they view as federal government overreach, the question remains which cities are fighting back against the crackdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicagos and Illinois leadership was very clear in its desire to challenge Trumps immigration policies. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker celebrated the ruling on X, saying that, Illinois just beat the Trump Administration in federal court. This ruling affirms what we have long known: that Chicagos Welcoming City Ordinance is lawful and supports public safety, Chicagos Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement responding to the ruling, saying he was pleased with the decision. Chicago cannot be compelled to cooperate with the Trump Administrations reckless and inhumane immigration agenda. Chicagos status as a sanctuary city is just one iteration of the termthough the long-time Democratic city has been designated as such cities that limit information shared with federal immigration officers. Though there is no specific definition for a sanctuary city, the term refers to jurisdictions with a wide range of laws in place to limit their cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. For Chicago in particular, their Welcoming City Ordinance, argues that partnering with [Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE)] would go against our mission to make Chicago the most immigrant friendly city in the country and turn ours into a community of fear for immigrants. The Trump Administration, though, also has ongoing suits against not just New York City but also Los Angeles, Denver, Rochester, and four cities in New Jersey. Tom Homan, President Trump's border czar, also has laid out the administration's plans to continue combat sanctuary cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More: Sanctuary Cities Are Not New Sanctuary cities are sanctuaries for criminalshard stop, Homan said. And President Trump made a commitment a couple weeks ago that we're going to prioritize sanctuary cities. Simultaneously, certain cities designated sanctuary cities have been less strong in their pushback against the federal Government. Louisvilles Department of Corrections will now notify the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at least 48 hours before an inmate with an immigration detainer is scheduled to be released from custody. The citys mayor, Craig Greenberg cited a terrifying increase in raids by ICE, including mass raids on cities designated as sanctuary citiesclaiming that by taking Louisville off the designated sanctuary city list, he prevents risking the safety of our broader immigrant community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While New York City has remained the countrys largest sanctuary city, its status as such and Mayor Eric Adams desire to push back against the federal government has come into question. Even before the latest lawsuit issued by the Trump government, Adams Administration had been embroiled in a battle with the New York City Council and court system to allow ICE agents into Rikers Island. Though he has said he will without a doubt keep the citys sanctuary status. Adams has called for changes to the citys sanctuary laws after the Justice Department suit, saying that they go too far in some places. I think we need to tweak the current laws to allow us to coordinate with the federal government when it comes down to removing those dangerous people from our streets," Adams told CBS New York. Back in February, Adams cooperation with the federal government came under questioning after the Justice Department ordered federal prosecutors to drop corruption charges against the Mayor, stating that the case was interfering with the Democratic mayors ability to follow through with the Presidents agenda to crack down on illegal immigration. The move pushed Gov. Kathy Hochul to consider removing Adams from office. Contact us at letters@time.com. President Donald Trump is days away from getting a $400 million gift from a foreign nation. The U.S. government is expected to finalize an agreement with Qatar next week to receive a Boeing 747 aircraft to be used as Air Force One, The Washington Post reported Friday. A July 7 communication reviewed by The Post and signed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, confirms that Qatar will give the donation to the Department of Defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deal, months in the making, raises legal, ethical and national security concerns. While the U.S. Constitution forbids anyone holding public office from accepting gifts from foreign governments without approval from Congress, Republicans have largely shrugged off the deal. Cant beat free, Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) told reporters when asked about the offer in May. Trump, who has referred to the jet as a palace in the sky, predictably feels the same way. Why wouldnt I accept a free gift? Trump asked Fox News Sean Hannity in May while aboard the current Air Force One. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ethical ramifications are so apparent that even the document reviewed by The Post appears to take extra effort to explicitly state that this isnt a bribe. Nothing in this [memorandum of understanding] is, or shall be interpreted or construed as, an offer, promise or acceptance of any form of bribery, undue influence, or corrupt practice, the document reportedly said. The jet would become the new presidential plane until the end of Trumps term before being turned over to Trumps presidential library foundation. However, even before it can be used, the U.S. Air Force will likely spend hundreds of millions of dollars of taxpayer money on renovating the plane a process that could take years. Trump has made clear hell accept gifts from any nation willing to give them. At a White House meeting in May, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa jokingly told Trump he was sorry I dont have a plane to give you. I wish you did, Trump responded. Id take it. If your country offered the United States Air Force a plane, I would take it. President Donald Trump fired off a sexist trope about women when he rambled on and on about his so-called Big Beautiful Bill during a faith luncheon at the White House earlier in July. During Trumps speech at the White House Faith Office luncheon with business leaders, he went on a tangent about the giant bill hed signed into law, which favors the wealthy and is expected to cause millions of people to lose their health insurance. The president complained about the Republicans whod initially pushed back on the legislation and claimed the bill would perhaps prevent an economic depression that, he bizarrely reasoned, wouldnt be good for unattractive men married to women. Advertisement Advertisement You people, so rich, so beautiful, so nice to look at, will be totally busted, he said. And lets see how long your wife stays with you ... shell stay with you for about three weeks and shell say, Darling, I cant take it anymore. I cant take it anymore, darling, Im leaving you. I said to one guy hes a very, very unattractive man but hes smart and hes rich, and I said, You better hope we get this thing passed because your wife will be gone within about two minutes, Trump continued. He said, Youre right. The crowd erupted in laughter. Trump has made a few public quips about women marrying for money in recent months. Back in May again making an assumption about his audience the president inexplicably warned graduating cadets about trophy wives in a commencement address at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He said that trophy wives often dont work out as he told the story of the late real estate developer William Levitt and his eventual professional downfall. Geralyn Fortney, a licensed professional counselor and regional clinic director with Thriveworks who specializes in womens issues, previously told HuffPost that narratives about women marrying men for financial benefits is a long-standing sexist trope. Advertisement Advertisement It dismisses the fact that everyone, even women who marry men of privilege, is capable of marrying for love, she said. This is a long-standing sexist trope that discredits women as incapable of love without strings attached, and also makes us believe that women are unable to have success on their own! As it relates to Trumps speech on Monday, Kari J. Winter, a professor of American studies at the University at Buffalo, said that the president in addition to incessantly sexualizing women seems to have a core belief that women marry only for money. Like a crude, cliched commercial that uses womens bodies to sell cars or booze or whatever, Trump conjures absurd, non-sequitur images of patriarchal marriage to sell his disastrous economic policies, she told HuffPost in an email. He is literally telling men that they need his economics to keep their marriages afloat. President Donald Trump speaks at the White House Faith Office luncheon on July 14, 2025. Kevin Dietsch via Getty Images Trumps worldview is transactional and misogynistic and hes unhappy, Winter says. Winter, whose expertise includes gender, feminism, race and class, doesnt think Trump is consciously pushing a trope she believes his worldview is fundamentally transactional and misogynistic. Advertisement Advertisement In these remarks, he is addressing men despite the presence of women in the audience, and he assumes that they share his belief that wealth is the only way to attract and keep women, she said. In his repetitive use of the trophy wife trope, we can see that underneath his arrogance and delusions of grandeur is an unhappy man who does not believe that he is worthy of love. Maybe he doesnt even believe that love is a thing, she continued. Winter admitted that she laughed out loud when she first heard Trumps remarks at the faith luncheon but not because his speech was funny. She laughed because his comments were spectacularly awkward, inarticulate and idiotic. We expect incoherent word salads from Trump, but the rambling offensiveness of his remarks continues to exceed expectations, she said. Advertisement Advertisement When asked to share her thoughts about the audible laughs Trump received from business leaders in attendance at the luncheon, Winter said: Some wealthy people will pander to anything as long as they get tax breaks at the expense of the poor and middle class. The enormous economic violence encoded in Trumps big, b*shit bill shows how morally bankrupt his rich supporters are, she wrote before later adding, History bears witness to the fact that many people cloak themselves in the garbs of religion in order to provide cover and permission for their most hateful, violent impulses. They should be ashamed of themselves, but they appear incapable of shame so we as a society need to find a way to hold them accountable, Winter added. Related... David Enrich, deputy investigations editor for the New York Times, and author of "Murder the Truth," talks with Jen Psaki about Donald Trump's efforts to intimidate media organizations that would hold him accountable and call out his lies. Illustration: HuffPost WASHINGTON Full-blown famine is now unfolding in Gaza, thanks to Israeli aid restrictions backed by the U.S. Experts anticipate rapidly accelerating mortality hunger that will kill many more Palestinians, adding to the toll of at least 111 who have already starved to death, including children with no preexisting conditions. The key to stemming the bleeding is Israel lifting its siege of the Palestinian territory, which will likely only occur through an agreement with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, over the fate of its dozens of Israeli hostages. U.S. officials have been hoping to seal a deal by convincing the two sides to compromise on details of prisoner swaps and Israeli troop deployments. A bargain also, however, hinges on the broader question of Israel-Palestines future, and whether the parties feel the terms of an accord leave them well-positioned for what comes afterward. Gazas pain is the most urgent matter in the region, but other big concerns are looming too: Israel is moving to demolish 12 more Palestinian villages in the occupied West Bank, further hurting the prospect of establishing a future Palestinian state and undercutting hopes of long-term Israeli-Palestinian peace. Observers of Israel-Palestine say Washington should be doing far more to prevent further devastation and future conflict, particularly as Israels chief and diplomatic backer. It is in the absence of effective American leadership that we have seen the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorate, settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank rise, and Israeli hostages continue to suffer, the advocacy group New Jewish Narrative said in a Wednesday statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group noted that the foreign ministers of 25 other countries close to Israel this week issued a joint call to end the war in Gaza, saying: As important as this collective statement is, the nations who issued it do not have the same level of influence as the United States of America. But for the last two weeks, the State Departments office of Israeli Palestinian Affairs has had no director, because the person in that job was fired along with more than 1,300 other employees on July 11. Andrew Miller, the top State official for the region under President Joe Biden, told HuffPost the role was crucial, serving as the desk officer for the region and, given the significance of the Gaza war, producing a disproportionate amount of State Department analysis. Six months into his tenure, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has slashed dozens of significant positions and offices at the department in the most sweeping changes to State in decades, while nudging more than 1,500 officials to quit. Counting the mass firing, the department has lost nearly 3,000 staff. The result is a weaker, demoralized diplomatic corps facing mounting global crises. As President Donald Trump escalates his international trade war, negotiating with major economies and pledging huge new tariffs by Aug. 1, State has lost officials working on matters from energy markets to the delicate interplay between trading hubs in Southeast Asia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Russias war on Ukraine ongoing despite Trumps promises he would bring peace, the department cut intelligence officers focused on the region and personnel set to join the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. And as the Trump administration has attacked major international players from Brazil to European governments, alleging they mistreat Trumps right-wing ideological allies, the department has lost hundreds of officials with unique relationships internationally and experience explaining and defending heavy-handed American policy moves to sustain U.S. ties abroad despite shifting political winds. Its not a reform of the State Department so much as it is just a broad degradation of function, a former senior State department official told HuffPost. The agency now feels like a ghost town, a still-employed State official told HuffPost. Rubio and his advisers wanted us to feel the pain and ultimately they succeeded [in creating] an environment where people wake up and dont want to come in to work. A senior State Department official told HuffPost via email: Secretary Rubio, under President Trumps leadership, is working to consolidate and strengthen the State Department workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many observers see a different goal: ensuring officials do not dissent, even if they are doing so on the basis of expertise or rigorous analysis. One effect of the overhaul is undercutting American diplomacy. (The countrys other chief force in global affairs, the military, is meanwhile getting a surge in funding). By shrinking the State Departments previously 18,000-strong domestic work force, Rubio created a head on a pike situation, the current State official said. They see us as the enemy, or at the very least impediments to a MAGA foreign policy, and its things like this which will get us in line. HuffPost discussed the mass layoffs with more than 25 current and former State Department officials, nearly all of whom would only speak anonymously for fear of retaliation, as well as lawmakers and others familiar with the department. They described a confusing, secretive and political process with devastating consequences. Few were optimistic about the agencys future. I missed Christmases, I missed weddings, and I missed saying goodbye to dying family members. I supported a parent through cancer treatment and recovery mostly by phone. I paid a high price to serve my country, a fired diplomat wrote in testimony shared with HuffPost by a Democratic congressional office. Saying they had accepted a Washington posting for the first time in a decade and so became one of the 246 foreign service officers who were terminated, they added: I do not expect to be replaced... I expect that injured and ill Americans may never come home, because no one will be there to help navigate the local language and laws. Arguing the department was dominated by red tape and liberal thinking, the Trump administration claims State will be leaner and more effective. We look forward to having a workforce that moves at the speed of relevance and works to advance the America First foreign policy mandate given to President Trump, a senior State Department official told HuffPost via email on Thursday. Last month, an official argued in a separate email to HuffPost that the overhaul was transparent, writing: Leadership from the Department has been to dozens of congressional briefings and hearings regarding the reorganization ... Consultation with Congress will continue to ensure a State Department that best reflects Americas core national interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Appearing before legislators in Capitol Hill hearings this month, States top management official Michael Rigas projected confidence about the agencys future and capabilities. We want to empower our ambassadors and diplomats in the field and our regional bureaus in Washington, Rigas told senators, also claiming State will ensure that the U.S remains the worlds top donor of humanitarian aid through its controversial absorption of the former U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Our goal is to create a State Department that is accountable to the American people and effective in unleashing the potential of the worlds most talented diplomatic workforce. Targeting And Demonizing Rigas testimony to Congress set off a fresh firestorm among some State Department personnel, who said his statements ignored how the reduction in force (RIF) process involved little logic or precision. Rigas said, for instance, that the department cut no officers in the consular affairs bureau. Though he clarified he meant no staff making decisions about passports or visas were cut, the bureau fired 104 staff, including at its so-called nerve center for passports, along with a quarter of personnel working on passport fraud, and had already lost nearly 100 through resignations, current and former State employees told congressional Democrats. While Rigas said the department prioritized clarity about cuts, some staff who were told they would not be affected were later fired, while some positions State said it would reassign were abolished leading to situations in which personnel were preparing to take over work from colleagues who anticipated layoffs, then were fired themselves. And though Rigas claimed the cuts did not affect U.S. overseas posts, the cuts hit multiple foreign service officers who were recently dispatched abroad, meaning taxpayer money must now be spent to return them and their families and potentially move replacements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Days after the RIF, the Department asked staff at bureaus covering South Asia and Africa to disregard termination notices and acknowledged errors in 3% of firings, according to The Washington Post. We noticed a very small number of discrepancies that were addressed in real time, the senior State official told HuffPost. For months, State Department staff and others expressed alarm about decision-making by Rubio and his advisers, and the toll of a sense of impending doom. By the second month of the Trump administration, personnel were debating matters like whether to sign their children up for summer camp or save that money, one recently departed official told HuffPost. In April, the secretary tapped a new head of the bureau of Global Talent Management (GTM): Lew Olowski, who had joined the foreign service four years prior. This would be akin to placing a junior military officer, who has not yet completed a command tour, in charge of the Pentagons personnel system, the American Foreign Service Association said at the time. After Olowskis appointment, respected career folks in GTM were cleared out or left in solidarity, the still-servingState Department official told HuffPost, including the bureaus senior-most official. As Rubio fine-tuned and then released his plan, advocates for State Department reform saw little sign he was addressing longstanding complaints about the agency or accounting for the loss of institutional knowledge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a phrase in government called Retired In Place (RIP) Youll probably catch some of those, but youre also going to catch some deeply knowledgeable people who understand where the bodies are buried and have particular relationships with foreign leaders or particular expertise of, We cant do it that way because weve tried it before, Dan Spokojny, a former foreign service officer who founded fp21, a nonprofit focused on U.S. foreign policy reform and officially partnered with the State Department, told HuffPost via email in June. When congressional officials pressed State Department representatives this spring for details on Rubios outlined reorganization, State officials struggled to explain how the department would sustain particular tasks assigned to teams that were slated to be cut, a congressional aide told HuffPost. In public remarks, Rubio focused on calling State inefficient, telling legislators in May that he had seen a memo that needed clearance from 40 people before reaching his desk. One former official noted to HuffPost that less oversight is not the only, or even best, measure of a clearing process. To many current and former State staff, the decision-making appeared limited to a small cohort of aides around Rubio. The group included Rigas, his counselor Michael Needham a conservative operative involved with the Tea Party movement and the Heritage Foundation and Jeremy Lewin, a 28-year-old hired from Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Lewin was tapped to run States foreign assistance work, which swelled as Musks shuttering of USAID meant U.S.-funded programs it oversaw were transferred to the department. Rolling Stone reported in April that 10 people who knew Lewin accused him of racist comments and violent outbursts. Lewin did not respond to requests for comment by the magazine. Lewin was coming at things with a very big knife and saw much of States work as wasteful or not in line with Trumps thinking, a State Department official familiar with his activities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some reforms are a long time coming, the official told HuffPost. Still, administrations rarely cut whole functions at government agencies, and Rubios circle did not seem to account for global volatility. You dont want to focus on just efficiency because often the more efficient a government is, the less flexible it is, a former senior State Department official said. You need spare capacity, expertise on hand that perhaps isnt necessarily being fully used at the moment, in case there is a crisis where you have to surge. There were years of the Palestinian crisis not being important until October 7, 2023. Meanwhile, career officials played little role in the talks and evidence grew that the overhaul was in part ideologically motivated, aimed at programs that had bipartisan support but the Trump administration was now deeming woke. Anyone who shows any willingness to push an agenda around human rights or other issues than what this administration is prioritizing gets excluded [while] people with decades of experience [are being] told you should retire be fired, because youre going to get [fired], another former senior State Department official told HuffPost earlier this year. Officials described immense fear of Needham and even officials beyond State, like Russ Vought, a defender of Christian nationalism now running the Office of Management and Budget. HuffPost obtained a questionnaire Voughts office circulated earlier this year probing whether government contracts for foreign aid discuss environmental justice, transgender rights or other matters. Earlier this year, the Free Press reported that Michael Anton, a far-right figure now serving as the State Departments chief of policy planning, personally interviewed nearly all of Trumps national security appointees. Many State Department officials were stunned to see Rubio in February hire Darren Beattie who last year tweeted, competent white men must be in charge if you want things to work, and was fired by the first Trump administration then again when the departments Substack in May published an essay by Trump appointee Samuel Samson lauding Western civilization. On Friday, Rubio tapped Beattie for another powerful post: atop the government-funded U.S. Institute for Peace think tank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, officials noted that many new State leaders were involved in the Ben Franklin Fellowship, a group of current and former State employees promoting nationalist ideas and criticizing diversity efforts. In June, the association received a $100,000 prize from Heritage Needhams former employer as one of several groups doing what the Left fears most, per Heritages president. Meanwhile, most of the departments offices lacked Senate-confirmed leaders even as they were redesigned to meet Rubios target of a 15% cut in States domestic staff. By June, one official told HuffPost the situation felt like a funeral in the building. They are used to shifting policy priorities [but] this administration is really targeting and demonizing career public servants in ways weve never seen before, a third former senior State official said. In early July, the department issued new criteria for promotions and tenure including a section on fidelity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sources described the sense of foreboding and uncertainty affecting States work, with officials avoiding meetings with foreign officials and others, while spending time trying to plan how to continue their work with fewer staff, or making calculations about whether to quit. The day of the actual layoffs only brought more pain and confusion. Amid shock firings and added security stationed on each floor of the department, some managers had no idea some of their staff were laid off and some officials lost access to government email before they could finalize travel plans back to the U.S. or cancel planned meetings with international counterparts, according to CBS. HuffPost attended a clap-out ceremony that day for fired employees. One young woman who walked out of State teary and confused said her termination came out of nowhere and her team was hit hard despite focusing on Americans safety. Its comforting to see people showing up for us. Ive been feeling so forgotten, she said, standing near demonstrators carrying pro-diplomacy signs. Asked if she would consider returning to public service, she did not hesitate: If they would ask me back. I took an oath to this country and that has not changed. That day, Rubio promoted Lewin the DOGE staffer with no prior foreign policy experience to States third-highest rank, making him potentially the youngest person ever in the job, per the Washington Post. Asked about the decision, a senior State Department official told HuffPost: The State Department leadership team, across our bureaus, is talented and results driven regardless of age. State Under Trump New limitations at State because of the firings will likely become clear soon. Some officials who were not expecting to be terminated, like intelligence analysts, had no time to pass on knowledge to remaining colleagues, current and former State staff say, while even those who knew they were leaving because they chose to quit or Rubio indicated their team would disappear could not be certain their functions would continue. Fired US State Department workers carry their belongings as they leave the building in Washington, D.C., on July 11. The US State Department began laying off more than 1,300 employees as part of President Donald Trump's campaign to massively downsize the federal government workforce. SAUL LOEB via Getty Images The reorganization involved the closure or merging of nearly half of the departments domestic offices, among other cuts. Among the hardest-hit teams were those focused on human rights, aid programs and diplomacy at the multilateral level, meaning at international forums. They decided to get rid of whole offices based on not much more analysis than what a college Republican might think is worthy of scorn, one former State official told HuffPost. Theres a ticking clock for when the impact of those reductions will be felt. Several fired officials focused on multilateral and nuclear affairs and a decimated team at the rights bureau would normally do major preparatory work for meetings around the annual United Nations gathering of governments, in the fall, two former officials said. One added that the disarmament officials would also be key to a planned summit next year on the nuclear nonproliferation treaty a tool that is vital to the effort by U.S. presidents, including Trump, to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. Meanwhile, despite the presidents talk of promoting American workers and business, State cut most officials specializing in international labor standards, a former senior State Department official argued, telling HuffPost: Theyre literally hanging out to dry American companies that relied on the U.S. government to promote these standards abroad to level the playing field for them. And the department lost a team of negotiators already involved in Trumps signature diplomatic policies, like engagement with the new government in Syria, per Crooked News. The Trump administration perhaps feels less diplomacy is beneficial. Briefing reporters last week, a senior State official spoke of hearing from a minister from a country in the Persian Gulf home to authoritarian monarchies with appalling labor rights records that their nation and the U.S. had huge diplomatic tension under the Biden presidency as State Department officials promoted unions. Now, the official continued, the minister was delighted and wants to work with us on shared prosperity and trade agreements that arent trying to be patronizing. Avoiding such dynamics is precisely why the State Department and lawmakers have over decades designed distinct offices focused on rights and other issues of universal standards, like preventing international crime. U.S. embassies and State bureaus focused on particular parts of the world have long experienced clientitis: seeking warm relationships with foreign partners to the degree they almost echo their perspectives. That makes it hard to, say, nudge other governments not to jail critics or violate international law. That was the beauty of our office: not being caught up in other interests, said a recently departed State Department employee who spent several years in the office monitoring and combating human trafficking. Their kneecapped office has lost nearly half of its staff, and the employee believes it is extremely unlikely remaining personnel will be able to continue to produce detailed analysis for the U.S.s annual Trafficking in Persons report the most prominent assessment globally of what governments are doing about the problem. Trafficking is a transnational criminal enterprise [with] victims coming to the U.S. and traffickers using their proceedings to finance other illicit activities, so its a domino effect, the official said, noting that Trump in his first term became the first president to attend an interagency task force meeting on trafficking and to appoint an anti-trafficking official at the White House National Security Council. The former official fears that without U.S. government involvement, progress will be lost on matters like engaging with survivors of trafficking and including their perspectives in global discussions. It wasnt just a job but a mission to hold governments accountable and advocate for the vulnerable and for victims and survivors, they continued. Earlier this year, State Department officials watered down the agencys annual human rights reports, according to The Washington Post, removing references to countries that engage in government corruption or deport people to places where they could face abuse for their political ties. Trump aides argue they can remedy unintended problems that arise from the layoffs. At an internal town hall last week, States undersecretary for political affairs Allison Hooker told staff the department will identify gaps and fill them prompting one attendee to ask her why that analysis was not done before laying people off, a current State official told HuffPost. Speaking to Congress, Rigas noted that fired State Department officials can still apply for openings at the department, but then added: The caveat being, there is a governmentwide hiring freeze. Before joining the Trump administration, as a senator, Marco Rubio was a supporter of an expansive American foreign policy apparatus. Bloomberg via Getty Images The former anti-trafficking official and a congressional aide both told HuffPost U.S.-funded programs abroad will probably shut down simply because of a lack of skills needed to keep payments running. The programs will be retained on paper, but if moneys not going out the door, they wont in practice, the aide said. Some decry the shrinking of U.S. soft power as deliberate. The administrations plan is to disappear America from the world, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) recently told HuffPost. Its a terrible outcome for the country. Theyre obviously willing to spend huge amounts of money on defense because it pads the pockets of their donors, but diplomacy doesnt pad the pockets of their donors. Build Back Never? Most observers of the State Department overhaul have little hope the agency can regain lost strengths, even through action by Congress or under a new president who wants to woo back talent. Over Trumps remaining years in office, the administration will likely leave State to wither, given the presidents disdain for the agency and preference for entrusting international initiatives to aides he is personally close to, like special envoys Steve Witkoff and Tom Barrack or trade adviser Peter Navarro. The president and Rubio have a vision of State that really doesnt allow it to do what it does best: alliances, working together, helping create a nuanced view of other countries. To the extent were telling every other country to suck eggs, why do we need all that? one former senior State Department official argued. They predicted Trumps team will largely use the department to send political signals about combating liberal ideology or bureaucrats: State has become a place where you can do these performative initiatives. Meanwhile, in the emerging discussion on Capitol Hill about government funding plans for 2026, influential Republican lawmakers in the House of Representatives envision a 22% cut to the department and other internationally focused agencies. The Trump administration wants to nearly halve States budget. Years of mistreating diplomats will likely have a self-reinforcing effect on the departments staffing. Consider the administrations claim that vital U.S. humanitarian work formerly run by USAID can still occur with the agency absorbed into State. That vision would likely benefit from tapping the knowledge of those who formerly did that work, and perhaps even hiring them back, another former State official said, but even in the best case scenario you still have an entire generation, decades and decades of international practitioners who have now left and why would they return? Theyve been dragged through the mud by their own government. The loss of experience, institutional memory and human capital is going to have a huge cost to U.S. foreign policy for decades to come. A State staffer who recently accepted a buyout told HuffPost many younger hires choose that route, likely because it is easier for them to, say, leave the Washington area or attempt a change in career. They and several other officials feel the overhaul of the agency will undermine future attempts at recruitment, including efforts to make the traditionally pale, male and Yale institution reflect the range of American society. Should hiring resume, it will likely be shaped by Trumps movement, the staffer argued, predicting Rubio filling all these positions with people that are quite ideologically similar, who then will never leave because they now see [State] as Heritage Foundation 2.0. Several former officials also noted that specialized work conducted by terminated teams and employees will not occur for several years or will be far less thorough due to staffing limitations. That has a knock-on effect: it will be harder for State to, a few years down the line, produce a comparative analysis of, say, human rights conditions in specific countries or the trajectory of international climate negotiations, if there are years-long gaps in its tracking of those matters. Additionally, the combination of self-selection among staff who quit, the targeting of offices likely to question Trumps agenda and fear among those still at the department will shrink the chances State staff will document and report possible misconduct or abuse, the former staffer argued. Accountability around the biggest changes at the department in decades may never come. As some State Department personnel discuss attempts to win back their jobs and plans for restoring their agency, the chances of internal or external support in doing so remain slim. They can do what they want at State with impunity because State does not have any domestic political allies and it doesnt affect the markets, one former senior official said. Igor Bobic contributed reporting. President Trump is on a winning streak at the Supreme Court with conservative-majority justices giving the green light for the president to resume his sweeping agenda. Their recent blessing of his firings of more independent agency leaders is the latest example of the court going the administrations way. This White House in six months has already brought more emergency appeals to the high court than former President Biden did during his four years in office, making it an increasingly dominant part of the Supreme Courts work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But as the court issues more and more emergency decisions, the practice has sometimes come under criticism even by other justices. Trump prompts staggering activity Trumps Justice Department filed its 21st emergency application on Thursday, surpassing the 19 that the Biden administration filed during his entire four-year term. The court has long dealt with requests to delay executions on its emergency docket, but the number of politically charged requests from the sitting administration has jumped in recent years, further skyrocketing under Trump. The numbers are startling, said Kannon Shanmugam, who leads Paul, Weisss Supreme Court practice, at a Federalist Society event Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps Justice Department asserts the burst reflects how activist federal district judges have improperly blocked the presidents agenda. Trumps critics say it shows how the president himself is acting lawlessly. But some legal experts blame Congress for being missing in action. There are a lot of reasons for this growth, but I think the biggest reason, in some sense, is the disappearance of Congress from the scene, Shanmugam said. In his second term, Trump has almost always emerged victorious at the Supreme Court. The administration successfully halted lower judges orders in all but two of the decided emergency appeals, and a third where they only partially won. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On immigration, the justices allowed the administration to revoke temporary legal protections for hundreds of thousands of migrants and swiftly deport people to countries where they have no ties while separately rebuffing a judge who ruled for migrants deported to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act. Other cases involve efforts to reshape the federal bureaucracy and spending. The Supreme Court allowed the administration to freeze $65 million in teacher grants, provide Department of Government Efficiency personnel with access to sensitive Social Security data, and proceed with mass firings of probationary employees and broader reorganizations. It also allowed the administration to dismantle the Education Department. Last month, Trump got perhaps his biggest win yet, when the Supreme Court clawed back federal judges ability to issue universal injunctions. The most recent decision, meanwhile, concerned Trumps bid to expand presidential power by eviscerating independent agency leaders removal protections. The justices on Wednesday enabled Trump to fire three members on the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Decisions often contain no explanation Unlike normal Supreme Court cases that take months to resolve, emergency cases follow a truncated schedule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The justices usually resolve the appeals in a matter of days after a singular round of written briefing and no oral argument. And oftentimes, the court acts without explanation. Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett, two of Trumps three appointees, have long defended the practice. Last year, the duo cautioned that explaining their preliminary thinking may create a lock-in effect as a case progresses. At the Federalist Society event, Shanmugam suggested the court might have more energy for its emergency cases if the justices less frequently wrote separately on the merits docket a dig at the many dissents and concurrences issued this term. But the real challenge, he said, is the speed at which the cases must be decided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It takes time to get members of the court to agree on reasoning, and sometimes I think its therefore more expedient for the court to issue these orders without reasoning, he said. Even though I think we would all agree that, all things being equal, it would be better for the court to provide more of that. The frequent lack of explanation has at times left wiggle room and uncertainty. A month ago, the Supreme Court lifted a judges injunction requiring the Trump administration to provide migrants with certain due process before deporting them to a country where they have no ties. With no explanation from the majority only the liberal justices in dissent the judge believed he could still enforce his subsequent ruling, which limited plans to deport a group of alleged violent criminals to the war-torn country of South Sudan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration accused him of defying the Supreme Court. Ultimately, the justices rebuked the judge, with even liberal Justice Elena Kagan agreeing. The Supreme Courts emergency interventions have also left lower judges to grapple with their precedential weight in separate cases. After the high court in May greenlighted Trumps firings at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), the administration began asserting lower courts still werent getting the message. The emergency decision led many court watchers to believe the justices are poised to overturn their 90-year-old precedent protecting independent agency leaders from termination without cause. But several judges have since continued to block Trumps firings at other independent agencies, since the precedent still technically remains on the books. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tensions came to a head after a judge reinstated fired CPSC members. The Supreme Court said the earlier case decides how the later case must be interpreted, providing arguably their most succinct guidance yet for how their emergency rulings should be interpreted. Although our interim orders are not conclusive as to the merits, they inform how a court should exercise its equitable discretion in like cases, the unsigned ruling reads. Liberals object to emergency docket practices The lack of explanation in many of the courts emergency decisions has frustrated court watchers and judges alike, leading critics to call it the shadow docket. Those critics include the Supreme Courts own liberal justices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Courts are supposed to explain things. Thats what courts do, Kagan said while speaking at a judicial conference Thursday. Kagan pointed to the courts decision last week greenlighting Trumps mass layoffs at the Education Department. She noted a casual observer might think the president is legally authorized to dismantle the agency, but the government didnt present that argument. Her fellow liberal justices, Sonia Sotomayor and, particularly, Ketanji Brown Jackson, have made more forceful criticisms. Jackson increasingly accuses her colleagues of threatening the rule of law. She called one recent emergency decision hubristic and senseless and warned another was unleashing devastation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Late last month, Jackson wrote that her colleagues had put both our legal system, and our system of government, in grave jeopardy. But in Wednesdays decision letting the CPSC firings move forward, the trio were united. Kagan accused the majority of having effectively expunged the Supreme Court precedent protecting independent agency leaders, Humphreys Executor v. United States, from its records. And it has accomplished those ends with the scantiest of explanations, she wrote. Kagan noted that the sole professed basis for the stay order was its prior stay order in another case involving Trumps firing of independent agency heads. That decision which cleared the way for Trump to fire NLRB member Gwynne Wilcox and MSPB member Cathy Harris was also minimally (and, as I have previously shown, poorly) explained, she said. So only another under-reasoned emergency order undergirds todays, Kagan wrote. Next time, though, the majority will have two (if still under reasoned) orders to cite. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 new head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said in an interview with The New York Times Thursday that the Trump administration will make changes to the visa system for skilled workers and look to make the test for U.S. citizenship more difficult. The test as its laid out right now, its not very difficult, said Joseph Edlow, who assumed the role in mid-July. Its very easy to kind of memorize the answers. I dont think were really comporting with the spirit of the law. The first Trump administration instituted a version of the test with an expanded pool of questions that was later rolled back under former President Biden. Edlow told the Times that the government planned to return to a version of the test from the first term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Edlow also told the Times that the administration would seek to modify the H1-B visa program for skilled workers by prioritizing people who will earn higher wages. I really do think that the way H-1B needs to be used, and this is one of my favorite phrases, is to, along with a lot of other parts of immigration, supplement, not supplant, U.S. economy and U.S. businesses and U.S. workers, Edlow said. The program was a flashpoint among Trumps allies in December, before the president took office. Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy faced backlash from the MAGA base after they defended the use of the program to hire highly skilled engineers. Alongside an aggressive push to deport immigrants, Trump also took aim at several avenues for legal immigration at the beginning of his term. A phone app run by Customs and Border Protection used during the Biden administration to register asylum claims now allows immigrants to register their departures from the United States if they choose to self-deport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Trump has seemingly reignited his feud with California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) over proceeds from the California FireAid concert, arguing that $100 million in donations intended for Los Angeles residents who were affected by the January fires is missing. FIREAID IS A TOTAL DISASTER. LOOKS LIKE ANOTHER DEMOCRAT INSPIRED SCAM. 100 MILLION DOLLARS IS MISSING. WAS SUPPOSED TO GO TO THE LOS ANGELES FIRE VICTIMS, FIRES THAT, WITH PROPER MANAGEMENT, WOULD NEVER HAVE EVEN HAPPENED. GOVERNOR NEWSCUM REFUSED TO RELEASE BILLIONS OF GALLONS OF WATER FROM NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, AND THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST, Trump wrote Friday evening on Truth Social. WHAT A DIFFERENCE IT WOULD HAVE MADE, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FireAid was a one-night concert described as an event to raise money for residents that lost their homes during the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles earlier this year. The fundraising concert featured stars such as Olivia Rodrigo, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga, along with some victims of the Palisades and Altadena blazes. The distribution of the funds has come under scrutiny. FireAid raised around $100 million so far, according to the events website. In a statement to the citys Fox affiliate, the charity said it does not have the capability to make direct payments to individuals and that was never the plan. We partnered directly with trusted local non-profitsto reach communities in need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Actor Miles Teller said during the event that all the money raised will go directly to people who need it now and long-term efforts to build it back, according to Fox News. Trump took a jab at Newsom, writing Friday evening that he has since OVERRULED HIM, AND IT IS NOW RELEASED. All FEDERAL HOUSING PERMITS HAVE ALSO BEEN APPROVED, THE CITY IS YEARS LATE, he said. GET THE FIRE VICTIMS THEIR APPROVALS TO REBUILD, AND DO IT NOW! The president has repeatedly clashed with Newsom since beginning his second term, including hammering the governor over Californias response to the Los Angeles County wildfires while also threatening to hold back federal emergency funding. Before returning to the Oval Office, he specifically criticized Newsom for not signing a declaration to pump more water through the state to prevent the situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More recently, the duo has sparred over Trumps robust immigration agenda as an uptick in raids and deportations has sparked protests throughout the Golden State and beyond. Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.) is now calling for an investigation into the distribution of funds to victims of the wildfires. We want people to understand that theres been a thoughtful process behind this, and our top priority was trying to do what people needed, and do whats best for fire survivors, Lisa Cleri Reale, a member of FireAids grant advisory committee, told The Los Angeles Times. The devastation from the wildfires was predicted to cost more than $50 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Donald Trump's push for $9 billion in spending cuts, which would slice into funding for public broadcasting stations and the United States' foreign aid efforts, was signed into law on Thursday, July 25. The bill crossed the Congressional finish line last week when the House approved the measure in a 216-213 party line vote on July 18. Around $1 billion will be taken from public broadcasting, including PBS and NPR, as well as their local affiliates. Will it impact local stations in Texas? Local PBS and NPR affiliates in Texas are likely to be hit hardest by the recent funding cuts. Unlike their national counterparts, many rely heavily on federal grants to stay afloat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stations such as Marfa Public Radio in West Texas and KEDT in Corpus Christi receive between 30% and 50% of their annual budgets from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). Even larger outlets, such as KUT in Austin, KERA in Dallas, and KUHF in Houston, depend on CPB funding for 7% to 18% of their operating budgets a significant loss for stations already working with lean resources. Cuts at this scale wouldnt just shrink programming; they could result in layoffs, fewer local news reports, and, in some areas, complete station closures. In parts of Texas, these outlets are the only non-commercial, locally focused media serving rural and underserved regions. Marfa Public Radio executive director Anne Pitts Marozas wrote a letter to listeners after Congress advanced the resolution, saying one-third of the stations budget had been wiped out. A campaign on the stations website said Marfa Public Radio must raise $463,000 by Oct. 1 to close the gap. "The public radio network was envisioned a system where radio and TV stations could prioritize education and culture over commerce," Pitts Marozas wrote. "It was meant to ensure that rural and remote communities, like ours, would not be left behind. It was created for us. And now we must carry that mission forward." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We know that small, rural stations like ours will take the hardest hits. But we are prepared to be thoughtful and responsive in this moment. We are not just going to survive we are going to evolve," she added. Similarly, KERA in Dallas-Fort Worth is expected to lose approximately $2.7 million due to budget cuts, according to The Dallas Morning News. The impact extends to higher education as well. At least 11 public broadcasting stations in Texas are affiliated with universities, where they double as student newsrooms and hands-on training hubs for future journalists. Stations like KUT at UT-Austin, KTTZ at Texas Tech and KAMU at Texas A&M face threats to both staffing and student opportunities potentially reducing opportunities for internships and on-campus jobs, on-air experience and career pathways within the industry. Map: NPR locations in Texas Texas is home to several of the nations most prominent NPR member stations, including KERA in DallasFort Worth and KUHF in Houston. KERA serves more than 3 million people monthly across its radio, television and digital platforms. It regularly ranks among the top 10 stations in the Dallas market and is widely considered one of the top 20 NPR affiliates in the country. A map shows NPR locations in Texas. KUHF, part of Houston Public Media, reaches a similarly large audience with more than 2.7 million monthly users across radio, streaming, podcasts and TV. While its on-air ratings place it in the top 1520 FM stations locally, its combined digital and broadcast reach ranks it among the most influential public media organizations in Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Austins KUT is another major player. Although it is more difficult to pin down exact figures, KUT regularly appears among the top five stations in the Austin market and is recognized nationally for its award-winning reporting and high audience loyalty. It's harder to determine how many listeners for each local station. However, there are likely around 10 million listeners across Texas. Map: PBS locations in Texas A map shows a list of PBS member stations in Texas. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Trumps spending bill could silence these NPR, PBS stations in Texas The most important skill in European politics is the ability to pretend that all is well. In London, Paris, Berlin and a dozen other capitals, the order of the day is continuing the series of polite lies that exculpate a generation of politicians from bearing responsibility for their failures. Things that intrude on this bubble videos of protests circulating online, the views of the electorate, writers who draw attention to the catastrophic consequences of a toxic combination of welfarism and open borders are censored, ignored or threatened with legal action. Donald Trumps occasional forays into European affairs have much the same effect on the political class as a stick of dynamite chucked into a lake does on fish. His comments are followed by floundering, gasping, and goggle-eyed outrage. They are not met with actual rebuttal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Europe engaged in a project of total self-delusion, it has fallen to the American president to tell us the truths we are unwilling to tell ourselves. For all Mr Trumps failings, he is rarely accused of being insufficiently blunt. And on Europe, he has a regrettable tendency to be correct. While our politicians wring their hands over vast numbers of economic migrants abusing an outdated asylum system, attempting to square the circle of an open borders approach to migration, generous welfare states, and hopelessly outdated laws and treaties, Mr Trump is free to state what he sees: You better get your act together or youre not going to have Europe anymore. It is a view that will resonate with voters across the continent. The great weakening of Europes borders has been unfolding for a decade now, since German chancellor Angela Merkel crumpled when confronted with a crying child and attempted to reshape her country around the slogan wir schaffen das: we can do this. Political will, however, was not sufficient to change reality on its own. The cultural costs have not been negligible. Nor have the economic consequences, particularly alongside other flawed policies. The costs of net zero continue to mount, with politicians seemingly eager to dismantle Europes industrial base in a fit of moral fervour. When Mr Trump tells Sir Keir Starmer that Britain should go against this consensus and drill for the oil in the North Sea, or objects to the detrimental effect of windfarms on the beauty of Scotland, he is articulating the views of millions of British voters. That they are unpopular in Westminster means that these criticisms are frequently ignored or overruled. It does not mean that they are untrue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, it is often the truth of Mr Trumps statements that triggers the most furious backlash against them. When he says Europeans risk losing their wonderful right to freedom of speech, or his vice-president J D Vance criticises digital censorship, the criticisms sting because they are clearly correct, and all the more so contrasted against attempts to rebut them. When the French mission to the UN asserted that in Europe, one is free to speak, not free to spread illegal content a statement that would have been just as true of the Soviet Union the official State Department account responded by pointing out the only true effect was to protect Europes leaders from their own people. It is hard to disagree with this sentiment. It is difficult, too, to disagree with Trumps blunt statement that recognising a Palestinian state doesnt matter. French president Emmanuel Macron has declared that France will join Spain and Ireland in this policy. As Mr Trump says, however, it is a statement that doesnt carry weight, and is not going to change anything. In this, it is a perfect summary of Europes travails. Political leaders who have squandered the legacies they were handed still behave as if the world hangs upon their word, even as events overtake them. Gesture policies like state recognition are thrown out without any thought as to their actual effect or practicality. What does it mean to recognise a Palestinian state in an area controlled by Hamas? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How is this policy meant to assist in quelling the fanatical opposition amongst Palestinian elites to any Jewish state in the Middle East, or for that matter the presence of any other minority? In what sense is rewarding Hamass butchering and raping of Israeli civilians meant to have any effect other than prolonging this bloody conflict? Mr Trump is not always right. His protectionist trade policy is a catastrophic misstep. He was similarly disastrously wrong on Ukraine, and it is by good fortune rather than design that his ham-fisted attempts to force Kyiv into a terrible deal failed. There, Europes leaders were for once in the right. The difference is that Mr Trump appears to have realised the error of his ways, and shifted his policies accordingly. To date, this has only once occurred in the other direction. It is clearly for the good that Europe is coming round to Mr Trumps views on defence, with Nato pledging to raise defence spending to 5 per cent of GDP after pressure from the White House, implicitly affirming the truth of his statement that the continent had been freeloading. This was not cheap but it was necessary. We must now hope that similar reversals will follow in other fields, before irreparable damage is done. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. President Trump threatened to withhold potential trade deals from Thailand and Cambodia amid a border conflict that has displaced tens of thousands of civilians and left at least 32 people dead. Trump said on Saturday that he spoke with Cambodias prime minister Hun Manet and that he called Thailands acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai to request a ceasefire and an end to the cross-border war. We happen to be, by coincidence, currently dealing on Trade with both Countries, but do not want to make any Deal, with either Country, if they are fighting And I have told them so, Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many people are being killed in this War, but it very much reminds me of the Conflict between Pakistan and India, which was brought to a successful halt, the president added, referring to U.S. efforts to help broker a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in May after the two exchanged tit-for-tat strikes. The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has continued on Saturday, its third day. In Thailand, 19 people were killed, while in Cambodia, the death toll has reached 13, according to The Associated Press. The conflict has erupted after five Thai soldiers were wounded on Wednesday from a land mine explosion. In another Saturday post on Truth Social, Trump, who is visiting Scotland, said he had a very good conversation with Wechayachai, Thailands acting prime minister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thailand, like Cambodia, wants to have an immediate Ceasefire, and PEACE. I am now going to relay that message back to the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Trump wrote on Saturday. After speaking to both Parties, Ceasefire, Peace, and Prosperity seems to be a natural. We will soon see! Trump spoke once more with Manet, Cambodias prime minister, saying they had a very good discussion and claimed that both sides are looking to achieve a ceasefire and enter into a peace deal. They are also looking to get back to the Trading Table with the United States, which we think is inappropriate to do until such time as the fighting STOPS, he wrote in another post on Truth Social. They have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE! It was an Honor to deal with both Countries. They have a long and storied History and Culture. They will hopefully get along for many years to come, the president added. When all is done, and Peace is at hand, I look forward to concluding our Trading Agreements with both! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps conversations with leaders of Cambodia and Thailand come as he has threatened to impose reciprocal tariffs on a host of countries, including the two currently at war. Both Bangkok and Phnom Penh would face a 36 percent reciprocal rate, which Trump and other administration officials said would go into effect on Aug. 1. Updated at 1:20 p.m. EDT. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. In January, 11 days before his second inauguration, Donald Trump was seated next to Barack Obama at President Jimmy Carters funeral. In a surreal moment, the two men were laughing and chumming it up like old friends. In reality, they deeply dislike each other. Still, Obama, as Americas first Black president, knows he must publicly wear the mask. Its the same mask Black people, and specifically Black men, have long been forced to wear to conceal their true emotions, lest they risk being unfairly judged to be uppity, angry, hostile, difficult, not a team player, arrogant, aloof, dangerous, violent. Trump, like other powerful white men, has few if any restrictions on showing his emotions. His rage is permitted, even celebrated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Obamas politeness at the funeral would earn him no protection or respite from Trump and his agents. Of course, Obama knew this. He still chose to smile and laugh. Such expected social graces are one of the unique burdens of being Americas first Black president. Now, six months after their public conversation, Trump and his agents are flooding the zone in a naked attempt to further distract from the growing Epstein scandal and its allegations of sexual misconduct. And Obama is in their crosshairs. On Tuesday, Trump claimed that Obama had committed acts of treason by supposedly rigging the 2016 presidential election in an effort to keep him from defeating Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Its there, hes guilty, Trump said. This was treason. They tried to steal the election, they tried to obfuscate the election. They did things that nobodys ever imagined, even in other countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump provided no evidence for such a strong accusation. But it did not stop there. On his Truth Social platform, Trump posted an AI-generated video of Obama being arrested in the White House and then perp-walked. The traditional punishment for treason is execution. In reality, then-President Obama formally accused Russia of conducting an influence operation on social media and in other spaces in support of Trumps presidential campaign. This was largely proven to be true, including by a Republican-led Senate investigation. We have found irrefutable evidence of Russian meddling, said then-Sen. Marco Rubio, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, which carried out the investigation. Rubio now serves as Trumps secretary of state. On Tuesday, Obama released a statement, remarkable in its candor condemning the behavior of a sitting president, in response to Trumps allegations: Out of respect for the office of the presidency, our office does not normally dignify the constant nonsense and misinformation flowing out of this White House with a response. These bizarre allegations are ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction. Nothing in the document issued last week undercuts the widely accepted conclusion that Russia worked to influence the 2016 presidential election but did not successfully manipulate any votes. The following day, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced that more evidence had been discovered, supposedly implicating Obama. Later that evening, Attorney General Pam Bondi said the Justice Department would be establishing a strike force to assess evidence of Obamas alleged treason and what steps should be taken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps accusations are not harmless partisanship or bluster: The Global Project Against Hate and Extremism reports that from July 17 to July 20, violent threats against Obama greatly increased across some social media platforms. Threatening ones predecessor and other members of the opposition party with deportation, prison or worse for non-existent crimes is a defining feature of authoritarian and fascist regimes. Trump, MAGA Republicans and other agents have made similar threats against leading Democrats such as Hillary Clinton and former President Joe Biden. The president has also targeted former Rep. Liz Cheney, who served as vice-chair of the House of Representatives Jan. 6 Select Committee, along with other Republicans and principled conservatives he deems disloyal. NPR reports that, Since 2022, when he began preparing for the presidential campaign, Trump has issued more than 100 threats to investigate, prosecute, imprison or otherwise punish his perceived opponents. In an urgent essay at The American Progress, Robert Kuttner warns that, although the country has not reached full-on fascism, yet, we are in grave danger. For us to survive Trump, he writes, the Supreme Court would have to decide that enough is enough; and Trump would have to fail in his increasingly crude efforts to pre-annul the 2026 midterm election. This may yet happen. Trump could drown in his own bile. But this descent into fascism is coming on faster and more flagrantly than almost anyone would have foreseen. The presidents authoritarian behavior and strongman threats against Obama are being amplified, and made more powerful and dangerous, by their racist underpinnings. Trump has been accurately described as Americas first White president. As Ta-Nehisi Coates explained in 2017: It is insufficient to state the obvious of Donald Trump: that he is a White man who would not be president were it not for this fact. With one immediate exception, Trumps predecessors made their way to high office through the passive power of Whitenessthat bloody heirloom which cannot ensure mastery of all events but can conjure a tailwind for most of them. Land theft and human plunder cleared the grounds for Trumps forefathers and barred others from itIt is often said that Trump has no real ideology, which is not truehis ideology is White supremacy, in all its truculent and sanctimonious power To Trump, Whiteness is neither notional nor symbolic but is the very core of his power. In this, Trump is not singular. But whereas his forebears carried Whiteness like an ancestral talisman, Trump cracked the glowing amulet open, releasing its eldritch energies. In the cosmology of Trump and the MAGA movement, Obama is more than just a former president. He is a symbol of progress along the color line the antithesis to Trump. For Trumpism to fully cohere, Obama, and what he symbolizes, must be torn down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Social scientists and other experts have repeatedly shown that white racial resentment, white racial animus, racism and nativism are driving factors in support for Trump and the MAGA movement. To wit: Trumps racist birtherism attacks on Obama helped catapult him to leadership of the American right-wing in 2015, and then to the presidency the following year. A majority of Trumps supporters and other Republicans also believe in the racist conspiracy theory (and lie) that white people are being replaced in their own country by Black and brown people. Want more sharp takes on politics? Sign up for our free newsletter, Standing Room Only, written by Amanda Marcotte, now also a weekly show on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. Historian Peniel Joseph has compellingly framed Trumpism and the white backlash against Obama as a contemporary version of the 19th century White supremacist Redemption movement the counterrevolution that ended Reconstruction and replaced it with the White racial tyranny of the Black Codes, and Jim and Jane Crow American apartheid. In his book The Third Reconstruction, Peniel writes: Trumps election and the rise of his MAGA movement represented a racial and political backlash deeply rooted in the history of the First Reconstruction. Trump organized America around redemption politics on an unprecedented scale, achieving a victory that removed the veneer of national consensus around rhetorical support for racial equality that had characterized the post-civil rights period. White nationalism that transcended religious affiliations, geographic diversity, and generational divisions was Trumps metier. But Trumps brand of populism tapped into the raw racial politics of American historyTrump targeted both President Obama and [Black Lives Matter] with a redemptionist assault on the meaning of American identity, citizenship, and democracy. The message was simple: A Black president threatened the end of the white nationalist republic that arose from Reconstructions ashes. On Jan. 6, 2021, one of Trumps MAGA foot soldiers waved a Confederate flag inside the Capitol a victory even the Confederates never achieved during the Civil War. This was a preview of the revanchist energy that Trumps return to power would unleash four years later in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As leading historians such as Stephen Hahn, Manisha Sinha, David Blight and others have compellingly shown, Americas slave regime, followed by Jim and Jane Crow apartheid, were the countrys native form of authoritarianism. Those systems possessed many, if not all, of the features of modern authoritarian regimes, such as widespread surveillance, mass incarceration, policing of borders and limits on travel and freedom of association, thought crimes, book bans, suppression of civil society and voting, censorship, paramilitaries, legal and extralegal violence on a massive scale, one-party rule, a system of tiered citizenship and belonging, a corrupt elite class, and systematic violations of human and civil rights. Trumpism, the larger anti-democracy movement and white restoration project are being erected on these foundations. At the same time, they are simultaneously making international connections with autocratic regimes such as Viktor Orbans Hungary and Vladimir Putins Russia. On a fundamental level, racism and the race concept itself are based on a system of absurdities, lies and fantasies of innate human difference based upon skin color. This is pseudoscience. Moreover, racism in its various forms is an attempt to make a fantasy real and socially concrete. The primary goal of this system of racial hierarchy and human classification is for the in-group to naturalize and legitimize its political, social, economic and other forms of control and power (and exploitation) over various out-groups. In all, Trumps threats against Obama are an example of this fantasy world made dangerously real. Of course, Obama has not committed treason or some other high crime. The fantasy-lie Trump is referencing of the Black beast criminal, the usurper and negro domination, the giant negro, and imperiled and embattled whiteness has haunted the white collective imagination for centuries. Obamas real crime is symbolic: He is Americas first Black president. His literal personhood and what it symbolizes is a violation of Americas centuries-old racial order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As they laugh at or dismiss Trumps accusations of treason against the former president, too many members of the mainstream media, the liberal and centrist commentariat, Democrats and other establishment types are also possessed by a dangerous fantasy. Such voices believe, per the Supreme Courts July 2024 ruling on presidential immunity, that a former president cannot be charged with a crime, one real or imagined, that he committed while in office. This conclusion is made possible by the seductive power of white racial innocence and privilege the same kind that also convinced many white liberals that a man like Trump, with his low values and behavior, could never be president of the United States, let alone twice. With his return to power, that white racial innocence and naivete were gravely injured, which explains why many white Americans are still shellshocked in the face of Trumpism and the larger right-wing anti-democracy movement. As a group, Black and brown Americans and white Americans who know the countrys real, complex history and worst tendencies were screaming that Trumps return to power would be a disaster. Black and brown Americans are the miners canaries who dont have the luxury of collective racial innocence and privilege. Unfortunately, their warnings were not heeded. Before he left on Friday for a trip to Scotland, Trump admitted that Obama has presidential immunity. It probably helps him a lotthe immunity ruling, he said. In those same remarks, Trump continued to accuse Obama of non-existent crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement America is increasingly no longer a country where no one is above the law, and the law is independent and separate from the will of the president. The Republican party has shown, repeatedly, that it is more loyal to Trump than to the rule of law, Constitution and nation. There were show trials in Stalins Russia and other authoritarian regimes. Trump, if he so desires and commands his Department of Justice to proceed, would likely get his as well. Even if he does not drop the mask publicly, Obama knows that Trumps accusations of treason are no idle threat. The question now is whether he, as one of the countrys elder statesmen, will boldly stand up in defense of democracy, or let himself be symbolically pilloried or worse. The post Trumps threats against Obama are very real and dangerous appeared first on Salon.com. The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here. Editors Note: Washington Week With The Atlantic is a partnership between NewsHour Productions, WETA, and The Atlantic airing every Friday on PBS stations nationwide. Check your local listings, watch full episodes here, or listen to the weekly podcast here. Lingering questions over the Epstein case are consuming the White House and paralyzing Congress. Panelists on Washington Week With The Atlantic joined to discuss how a once-fringe conspiracy theory became a spiraling controversy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the reasons Donald Trump cannot manage to deny or deflect attention over the Epstein investigation is that the case centers on what the MAGA base is about, which is powerful people doing things behind closed doors, Eugene Daniels, a senior Washington correspondent at MSNBC, argued last night. The president tends to talk to his base about how the lowly man and woman are losing out to these interests in Washington, Daniels continued. But now they are seeing Donald Trump seemingly being one of the people doing the defending and the protecting of the powerful people, and thats why I think he cant shake it. Joining the Atlantic staff writer Franklin Foer to discuss this and more: Peter Baker, the chief White House correspondent at The New York Times; Eugene Daniels, a co-host of The Weekend at MSNBC; Susan Glasser, a staff writer at The New Yorker; and Jonathan Karl, the chief Washington correspondent at ABC News. Watch the full episode here. Article originally published at The Atlantic President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday overhauling the federal governments approach to homeless policy in favor of a strategy more in line with the one being pursued in Utah. The presidential directive, titled Ending Crime and Disorder on Americas Streets, instructs executive agencies to encourage the use of civil commitment by states to move some homeless individuals into long-term institutional care. Following more than a decade of housing first requirements from Washington, D.C., Trumps order makes federal grants conditional on prohibiting urban camping, abandoning harm reduction tactics and meeting higher standards of accountability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The order garnered praise from Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, who has pushed hard to reset the states homeless services amid record levels of chronic homelessness. But it also concerned some service providers who are skeptical that the law enforcement emphasis will be accompanied by additional funding. Im grateful to the White House for making this important change, Cox told the Deseret News in a statement. For too long, the federal government pushed a one-size-fits-all approach that left people on the streets and tied our hands when we tried to do better. Utah has always believed that real compassion means getting people the help they need, especially those struggling with addiction or serious mental illness. This new executive order reflects the commonsense approach weve been calling for: treatment, accountability, and support not just housing with no strings attached. Its good to see Washington finally moving in the right direction. What will the order do? The Trump administrations new approach to homelessness will focus on protecting public safety as the number of individuals experiencing homelessness reaches record highs, with nearly 771,500 people experiencing homelessness on one night in 2024, include more than 274,200 who were unsheltered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recognizing that a significant portion of homeless individuals use hard drugs or suffer from serious mental illness, Trumps order instructs the U.S. Attorney General and secretary of Health and Human Services to remove federal obstacles to civil commitment. Civil commitment is a legal process that allows officials to court-order an individual into mental health treatment or confinement if they pose a risk to themselves or others because of severe mental illness or substance use disorder. Under Trumps order, relevant agencies will be tasked with helping state and local governments with guidance on how to adopt maximally flexible civil commitment and other policies to forcibly remove those who present a threat to public safety. Shifting homeless individuals into long-term institutional settings for humane treatment through the appropriate use of civil commitment will restore public order, the executive action says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House instructed departments to prioritize grant money for states and municipalities that enforce prohibitions on illicit drug use and urban camping; that require outpatient treatment or civil commitment for high-risk individuals; and that track sex offenders who are homeless. Secretaries of Health and Human Services and Housing and Urban Development are also now authorized to increase accountability for homeless service providers by halting funds to supervised drug consumption programs and ending support for housing first initiatives that dont promote recovery. A sea change According to the lawmaker behind Utahs recent homelessness reforms, Thursdays executive order represents a sea change. This executive order is like turning around the Titanic, Rep. Tyler Clancy, R-Provo, told the Deseret News, Were going to prioritize providers and states and cities who take these innovative approaches, and recognize this is a human issue, not only a housing issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past few legislative sessions, Clancy has spearheaded the governors homelessness initiative by extending involuntary commitment times, prohibiting syringe exchange programs in certain areas and enhancing criminal penalties for drug possession in and around homeless shelters. These pieces of legislation which also connected overdose survivors to county resources, expanded the states homelessness database and codified a pathway to thriving model all passed the Utah Legislature unanimously. 1/ Today, President Trump signed an Executive Order to restore order to our cities & confront the deadly reality on our streets. Its a necessary pivot from failure to common sense. pic.twitter.com/z1IJnLQ8Bf Tyler Clancy (@Clancy4Utah) July 24, 2025 A separate resolution pressuring federal agencies to rescind housing-first restrictions on homelessness funding, which passed both chambers with all but two votes, is remarkably similar to the presidents new initiative, Clancy noted. This isnt criminalizing homelessness, Clancy said. This is saying, You need help, and as a society, were not going to leave you out there to suffer. Were going to bring you inside and get you the best health care possible to help you heal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This approach requires a commitment to long-term treatment and prevention because mental illness and drug addiction drive homelessness just as much as economic factors, according to Clancy, who served as the executive director of Solutions Utah, a homeless policy advocacy group, before working as a detective at the Provo Police Department. Utah has already led the way in reorienting policy conversations toward compassion through accountability, and now the rest of the country will start moving in that same direction, according to Devon Kurtz, the public safety policy director at the Texas-based Cicero Institute. The changes announced by the White House amount to a comprehensive restructuring of the national approach to homelessness, Kurtz told the Deseret News. The executive order makes one thing abundantly clear: the era of recklessly inactive homelessness policy is over. Concerns about cash But recent actions from the Republican-controlled executive and legislative branches in Washington do not inspire confidence that money will be provided to create the wrap-around services needed to accompany a law enforcement crackdown, said Rep. Grant Miller, D-Salt Lake City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller, a public defender who has proposed a homeless Bill of Rights, said he welcomes the federal government shaking up its approach to homelessness, but the orders promise to invest in mental health treatment comes after historic cuts to Medicaid included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Medicaid is the No. 1 funding mechanism for us to get people into health care facilities, Miller said. Without that funding that they just slashed ... I dont know that they saw the long-term connection. Having seen the ineffectiveness of policies like civil commitment when those experiencing homelessness have nowhere to go, Miller said his greatest worry is that policies will lead to punishing poverty instead of stabilization through health care models. On Wednesday, Cox, speaking at the 140th anniversary of the Utah State Hospital, drew attention to the fact that the number of beds for committed patients had decreased from 1,250 to around 350 since the 1950s, even as the population increased from 700,000 to 3.5 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past two years, Clancy has initiated conversations about selling the old Utah State Hospital, and drastically expanding it into a system that spread across the Wasatch Front, but the issue has yet to gain traction. Michelle Flynn, the executive director of The Road Home, one of the largest networks of homeless shelters in the state, said Trumps order highlighted places where Utah has already made advances, but it failed to address a core issue: housing. The characterization of housing first being housing only is not correct, Flynn told the Deseret News. Housing first absolutely includes an intense amount of support services. Flynns worry is that a new restriction on funding housing first initiatives could stop important funding for rental assistance programs that are essential for getting people off the streets so they can have their health issues addressed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The problem isnt necessarily a lack of sobriety requirements for housing, its an unmanageable waiting list for mental health and substance abuse programs that leaves vulnerable individuals without the help they need, according to Flynn. The challenge is, where do we help people to go? Flynn said. Correction: A previous version of the story had the incorrect number of beds for civilly committed patients at Utah State Hospital. The number is close to 350. Following the escalation of the conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, US President Donald Trump has urged both parties to agree to a ceasefire and was optimistic that this could come about soon. "Just spoke to the Prime Minister of Cambodia relative to stopping the War with Thailand. I am calling the Acting Prime Minister of Thailand, right now, to likewise request a Ceasefire, and END to the War, which is currently raging," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Saturday. "They have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE!" the US president added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier, Trump had spoken in separate phone calls with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's interim Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. He added: "We happen to be, by coincidence, currently dealing on Trade with both Countries, but do not want to make any Deal, with either Country, if they are fighting And I have told them so!" The conflict between the two South-East Asian neighbours has been simmering for decades - and escalated dangerously since Thursday. Following exchanges of fire on the border, the Thai military reportedly deployed fighter jets against Cambodian positions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cambodia responded with artillery fire, including on residential areas. A petrol station and a hospital were hit. It is still unclear who fired first. Both sides are blaming each other. Trump, who is currently visiting Scotland, emphasized on Truth Social that he was trying to simplify a complex situation. Many people are being killed and it reminds him a lot of the recent conflict between Pakistan and India, which was successfully resolved, he said. Trump claims that he had brokered a ceasefire in the conflict between the two nuclear powers, which was announced in May. Pakistan subsequently declared that it would nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize because of his role as a mediator - India, on the other hand, denied that the US had mediated. President Donald Trump's administration hopes to eliminate a Democratic seat in Missouri by reworking the state's congressional map (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images). The Trump White House is ratcheting up pressure on Missouri Republicans reluctant to pursue a new map that could give the GOP seven of the states eight seats in Congress. Missouri House Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins of Bowling Green said he received a call Friday afternoon from the White House after staff read his comments published Thursday in The Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do redistricting every 10 years, Perkins said Thursday. Weve already done that. To do it again would be out of character with the way Missouri operates. During the call Friday, he said, after verifying he was quoted accurately, he was told it was important to President Donald Trump. They said well, were really going to try to do that and that might change the dynamic of it, Perkins said. The presumed target for the change is Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Kansas City, who has held the 5th District seat since 2005 and was re-elected in November with 60% of the vote. Cleavers office did not respond to an email seeking comment on the White House effort to defeat him by altering his district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missouris other Democrat, U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell of St. Louis, represents the 1st District. To achieve a delegation with seven Republicans, Kansas City would need to be sliced into multiple districts instead of being encompassed by one. Neighborhoods heavy with Democratic votes would be added adjoining districts the 5th shares a border with the 6th District, held by Republican U.S. Rep. Sam Graves of Tarkio, and the 4th District, held by Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Alford of Raymore or combined with enough Republican votes to make the 5th District a safe GOP seat. The White House political staff who made the call, Perkins said, told him they would be calling every GOP member of the Missouri House delegation as well as Gov. Mike Kehoe to push the project forward. Kehoes office did not respond to a request for comment. Missouri Congressional districts (Missouri Secretary of States Office.) The reason the White House staff gave for the pressure is that Democrats are looking at redistricting California and Illinois to their advantage, Perkins said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That might be true, but I dont like gerrymandering lines, Perkins said. I like things to be clear, concise and compact. The internal question for Republicans in the 2022 redistricting debate was whether they could reach for a 7-1 map without putting seats at risk by diluting their voting strength. That intraparty fight mixed with personality clashes in a dysfunctional state Senate that put passing any redistricting plan into question up until the final votes. To me, the arguments that were good arguments against it two years ago probably are still the same good arguments, Perkins said Friday. But if someone comes up with a plan, well take a look at it. The Missouri Freedom Caucus, the faction that clashed repeatedly with Senate GOP leadership, on Friday called for Kehoe to immediately call a special session for redistricting and changes to the initiative petition process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its time this super-majority Republican Party in Missouri grows a spine and actually delivers the Congressional map that reflects the strong conservative values of this great state, the caucus posted on social media. Other Republican lawmakers on Thursday told The Independent they werent excited about another round of redistricting, including Senate President Pro Tem Cindy OLaughlin of Shelbina and state Sen. Mike Cierpiot of Lees Summit. OLaughlin did not respond to messages asking if she, too, had heard from the White House. Cierpiot said he had not. If Republicans want to move forward, Kehoe could call a special session that would complete maps before the new election year begins. Otherwise, the work would take place in the regular session that begins in January and ends in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats could filibuster any bill changing the districts and the only way to get it to a vote in the state Senate would be to use the rule to shut down debate, known as the previous question. It was used twice at the end of this years session, and Democrats have already vowed that Republicans will pay a price for that breach of bipartisanship. Using it in a special session to gain a political edge for the GOP would make retribution worse, Perkins said. Then how does that break down how everything will run come January, because it will have consequences, Perkins said. The biggest impetus to move on redistricting, he said, would be a desire to please the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youre a Republican state senator, a Republican state representative, Perkins said, you dont want to be on the wrong side of this president. This article was updated at 7 p.m. Friday with comments from the Missouri Freedom Caucus. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is moving forward with a major change as the agency announced this week that it would begin implementing its new "One Stop Security" program (OSS). The new program allows passengers arriving in the United States from international airports with connecting flights to bypass TSA rescreening. The pilot program was launched from Londons Heathrow International Airport with American Airlines and Delta Air Lines each partnering with TSA at their respective home airports. American Airlines was the first to roll out the new program on Friday with its flight from London to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines will launch its one-stop flight arriving at Atlantas Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport by the end of July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TSA Deputy Administrator Adam Stahl told Fox News Digital that there are "no impacts to security" and that the TSA is expecting a significant reduction in connecting time. "It really is a commonsense security approach for us to streamline security from abroad to the United States," Stahl told Fox News Digital. "It really underscores and piggybacks onto the president's and the administration's golden age of travel." "We conduct rigorous threat screening and monitoring and just security assessments for that last point of departure airport, that foreign airport that's interested and eligible to make sure that there's a commensurate level of security," he added. This most recent change comes just a few weeks after the TSA announced the end of a longstanding policy that required most passengers to remove their shoes as they go through the TSA security checkpoint, and there is a possibility that the TSA could update its restriction on liquids in carry-on luggage, as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clearly, the TSA is doing what it can to make sure that the security process is as smooth and seamless as possible while still making sure to prioritize the safety of all travelers. TSA Moves Forward With Plan to Streamline Security first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 25, 2025 A version of this story appeared in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here. The director of national intelligence told Americans this week that what everyone has known about the 2016 election is backwards. The US intelligence community; bipartisan Senate review; the Mueller report; the Durham report years of investigations concluded or did not dispute the idea that Russia meddled in the election and that it preferred Donald Trump to Hillary Clinton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Gabbards telling, the idea that Russia meddled and that it favored Trump is a narrative spun out of a conspiracy hatched by then-President Barack Obama to undermine Trump from the get-go. Trump clearly approves of Gabbards version, although theres no evidence to support her claims. Both Trump and Gabbard said Obama could be guilty of treason, which they did not mention is a crime punishable by death. Both Trump and Gabbard left it to Attorney General Pam Bondi to figure out the legal ramifications. Obama, obviously, disputed the claims, which go against the documented fact pattern, and issued a rare statement condemning Gabbards spectacular claims. I went to CNNs Jeremy Herb to better understand what the facts say and how Gabbard is trying to undermine them. Our conversation, conducted by email, is below. What does Gabbard say happened in 2016? WOLF: Tulsi Gabbard and Donald Trump appear to be trying to flip the script on the history of the 2016 election. What is the broad outline of the allegation? HERB: Trump, Gabbard and their conservative allies allege that after the 2016 election, President Barack Obama ordered US intelligence agencies to compile an assessment of Russian election interference in order to undermine Trumps legitimacy before he took office. Gabbard accuses the Obama administration of manufacturing the intelligence in the January 2017 report, which contained the intelligence communitys assessment that Russia interfered and sought to help Trump win. Both she and Trump have suggested Obama and his team were treasonous. What does the evidence suggest actually happened in 2016? WOLF: What is the broad outline of what we actually know happened in 2016? HERB: The assessment released by the intelligence community after the 2016 election documented Russias efforts to interfere in the 2016 election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unclassified version of the report was released in January 2017, detailing both a social media influence campaign and cyber operations like the hacking and strategic release of Democrats emails by Wikileaks. The assessment made several judgments, including: that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an influence campaign to undermine faith in the democratic process, denigrate Hillary Clinton and harm her electability and potential presidency, that Putin and the Russian government developed a clear preference for Trump, that Putin and the Russian government aspired to help Trumps election chances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the third assessment which was made with high confidence by the FBI and CIA and medium confidence by the NSA thats been the source of criticism from Trumps allies for years. Why dont Gabbards claims make sense? WOLF: Is there any evidence to contradict what Trump and Gabbard are alleging? HERB: Theres plenty, including even in the documents that Gabbard has released so far. Gabbard has declassified two sets of documents. She claimed the first set, released last week, was evidence that the intelligence community found before the Obama-ordered assessment that Russia did not hack election infrastructure to alter the election outcome. But that isnt what the intelligence community concluded in the assessment in the first place: Intelligence officials alleged that Russia carried out an influence and hacking campaign to influence voters they never claimed Russia changed vote tallies. Our sources who previously scrutinized the assessment said Gabbard was conflating two things to try to make a political point; one called it wildly misleading. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The newest set of documents, released Wednesday, is a previously classified Republican congressional report from 2017 challenging one of the conclusions from the intelligence community assessment: that Putin aspired to help Trump in 2016. It alleges that the assessment made leaps of logic based on thin sourcing and failed to weigh contradictory evidence. But disputing the way raw intelligence was analyzed is not the same thing as alleging the intelligence community manufactured intelligence and CIA Director John Ratcliffes own review of the intelligence assessment doesnt support Gabbards allegation, either. There are other holes in Gabbards narrative. She said that a draft of the December 8, 2016, presidents daily brief was shelved after it stated that Russian actors did not impact recent US election results by conducting cyber attacks on election infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next day, Gabbard alleged, Obama and his team launched the effort for a new assessment to claim the election was hacked, pointing to a high-level meeting of Obama officials on December 9. The problem? According to the Senate Intelligence Committee, Obama instructed then-Director of National Intelligence James Clapper to prepare a report on Russian election interference on December 6 two days before the alleged shelving of the presidential brief on election infrastructure. Where did the report Gabbard released come from? WOLF: Who wrote this 2017 House intelligence committee report Gabbard has made public? Why wasnt it released before? HERB: Trump and his allies in Congress have wanted to release the House Intelligence Committee report for years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was drafted by Republicans during the first Trump administration when the panel was chaired by former Rep. Devin Nunes, now CEO of Trumps social media company. Kash Patel, now Trumps FBI director, was a top committee aide. The intelligence the committee scrutinized was so sensitive that the CIA only allowed staffers and lawmakers to view it and work on their report at CIA headquarters. The committee brought in a safe to lock up its material, which was kept in a CIA vault; it became known as a turducken, or a safe within a safe. Before the 2020 election, Trumps allies pushed Ratcliffe, who was director of national intelligence during Trumps first term, to declassify and release the report. But he declined to do so amid strenuous pushback by CIA and NSA officials because of the sensitive information contained in it. Democrats and former intelligence officials warned us that even with the redactions contained in Wednesdays release, there was still information contained in the report that could risk exposing sources and methods to the Russians. The raw intelligence contained in this classified House report is part of what prompted the intelligence community to grow so concerned when a binder full of documents related to the FBIs Russia investigation went missing at the end of the first Trump administration. What is the universe of reports on meddling in the 2016 election? WOLF: There have been many reports that support the accepted narrative that Russia meddled to help Trump in 2016. Which are the most important? HERB: The Senate Intelligence Committee also spent several years investigating Russian election interference, and that panel on a bipartisan basis came to the opposite conclusion as House Republicans on the intelligence assessment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate panel found that the judgments made by the intelligence assessment were well-supported and did not have any significant analytic tradecraft issues. The Committee found that the ICA presents information from public Russian leadership commentary, Russian state media reports, and specific intelligence reporting to support the assessment that Putin and the Russian Government demonstrated a preference for candidate Trump, the 2020 Senate report stated. Its important to note that the bipartisan report came from a Republican-led committee, chaired through most of the investigation by then-Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina. When the report was released, the panel was led by Marco Rubio now Trumps secretary of state. The intelligence communitys assessment of Russian interference has also been a topic for the Justice Departments inspector general, as well as special counsels Robert Mueller and John Durham. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Durham was appointed by then-Attorney General Bill Barr in Trumps first term to investigate potential wrongdoing, including anti-Trump bias, during the FBIs early investigation into Russia and the Trump campaign. He also probed whether there was any wrongdoing by the FBI and intelligence community during the 2016 post-election period but never accused any US officials of any crimes related to the 2017 intelligence assessment. Trump has a track record of ordering investigations that dont deliver WOLF: The president has promised investigations in the past that have failed to uncover massive anti-Trump conspiracies. His first-term inquiry into election fraud found none. Durhams sprawling probe fell far short of Trumps sky-high expectations. Is that what will happen here? HERB: On Wednesday evening, Bondi announced a strike force that would be dedicated to investigating the documents Gabbard had released and her allegations that the Obama administration manufactured evidence about Russias election interference. That followed reports from CNN and others earlier this month that the FBI was investigating former Obama-era CIA Director John Brennan and former FBI Director James Comey following a referral from Ratcliffe in his review of the intelligence community assessment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Will those investigations lead to breaking new ground and criminal charges? Its impossible to say, of course. But as I noted above, Durham was appointed by the Trump Justice Department and conducted a four-year investigation into all topics related to the origins of the Russia investigation, which included questioning Brennan in 2020. (Brennan, who denies wrongdoing, was never charged.) And despite Gabbards claims, theres nothing in the documents she released that appears to fundamentally change what we knew about the assessment the intelligence community created in 2017 or the conclusion that Russia interfered in the 2016 election. And then theres the Steele dossier WOLF: What about the dossier? Was that part of this intelligence assessment and the latest allegations? HERB: A summary of the infamous dossier from British intelligence officer Christopher Steele was included as an annex to the January 2017 intelligence community assessment. The inclusion of the dossier in the assessment and the news first broken by CNN of the dossiers existence soon thereafter is part of why Trump and his allies are so critical of the intelligence communitys assessment in the first place. The dossier was paid for by the Clinton campaign and included many wild and salacious allegations involving Trump and his campaign that were ultimately discredited. The FBI also erred in using the dossier to wrongly obtain two FISA surveillance warrants on a former Trump campaign adviser. But reviews of the intelligence communitys assessment have shown that the dossier was not behind the analysis in the assessment, as Gabbard has tried to claim over the past week. The Senate Intelligence investigation interviewed the analysts who prepared the report. There was a debate between the FBI and CIA over whether the dossier should have been included in the assessment it was left out at the insistence of CIA officials. All individuals the Committee interviewed stated that the Steele material did not in any way inform the analysis in the ICA including the key judgments because it was unverified information and had not been disseminated as serialized intelligence reporting, the Senate report states. What does the evidence say about Trumps 2016 campaign and Russia? WOLF: Trump has repeated the term Russia hoax so much that it is hardwired in peoples brains. But there were many documented ties between Russians and Trumps campaign in the Mueller report. Is there political risk to Trump relitigating the 2016 election again? HERB: Trump and his allies have undertaken a yearslong campaign to discredit all attempts to tie Russian interference to Trump, including the intelligence community assessment, the FBIs Crossfire Hurricane investigation and the Mueller investigation. Trumps allies helped unearth numerous missteps in the investigations, from FBIs errors relying on the dossier to obtain FISA warrants to the anti-Trump text messages exchanged between Peter Strzok and Lisa Page. But Trumps repeated claims that the whole 2016 investigation was a hoax ignore the fact that numerous investigations effectively documented that Russia did in fact interfere. The Mueller probe did not establish a criminal conspiracy between the Russians and the Trump campaign, but the special counsel did document dozens of Trump-Russia contacts during the campaign, despite Trump repeatedly claiming falsely that no contacts existed. Most notably, the contacts included Donald Trump Jr.s Trump Tower meeting where he was offered, and welcomed, dirt on Hillary Clinton. The Senate Intelligence Committee investigation, released in 2020, went even further than Mueller to detail contacts between Russian government agents and the Trump campaign. But like Trumps false claims about the 2020 election, the presidents focus on Russian election interference pushes aside any information contrary to his narrative. Hes cheered on Gabbard whose standing in the Trump administration had been in question following the Iran strikes as shes launched the latest attacks to back up Trumps claim of a Russian hoax. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Hundreds of Tunisian activists have protested against President Kais Saied, calling his rule since 2021 an authoritarian regime that has turned the country into an open-air prison. The protesters marched in capital Tunis on Friday, marking four years since Saied made moves to consolidate his one-man rule in a country once known as the birthplace of the Arab Spring pro-democracy uprisings. Chanting the slogan, The Republic is a large prison, they demanded the release of jailed opposition leaders, including Rached Ghannouchi, head of Ennahdha, the self-styled Muslim Democrat party, and Abir Moussi, leader of the Free Constitutional Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are among dozens of politicians, lawyers, activists and journalists facing lengthy prison sentences under anti-terrorism and conspiracy laws. Others have fled the country, seeking asylum in Western countries. A man displays a sign as protesters rally against Tunisian President Kais Saied on the fourth anniversary of his power grab, in Tunis, Tunisia, July 25, 2025 [Jihed Abidellaoui/Reuters] On July 25, 2021, Saied suspended parliament, dismissed his prime minister and invoked a state of emergency to begin ruling by decree, ordering mass arrests and politically motivated trials to silence dissent. Though some cheered his efforts, critics called the moves a coup and said the events marked the beginning of Tunisias descent towards authoritarianism. Protesters also chanted slogans such as No fear, no terror streets belong to the people and The people want the fall of the regime as they carried portraits of political prisoners and a cage that organisers said represented the state of political life in Tunisia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our first aim is to battle against tyranny to restore the democracy and to demand the release of the political detainees, Monia Ibrahim, wife of imprisoned politician Abdelhamid Jelassi, told the Reuters news agency. Prisons are crowded with Saieds opponents, activists, and journalists, said Saib Souab, son of Ahmed Souab, the imprisoned lawyer who is a critical voice of Saied. Tunisia has turned into an open-air prison Even those not behind bars live in a state of temporary freedom, constantly at risk of arrest for any reason, he told Reuters. Demonstrators display a banner as protesters rally against Tunisian President Kais Saied on the fourth anniversary of his power grab, in Tunis, Tunisia, July 25, 2025 [Jihed Abidellaoui/Reuters] In 2022, Saied also dissolved the independent Supreme Judicial Council and sacked dozens of judges, a move the opposition said was aimed to cement the one-man rule. Saied said he does not interfere in the judiciary, but no one is above accountability, regardless of their name or position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, Saied said the politicians were traitors and terrorists and that judges who would acquit them were their accomplices. July 25 also marks the anniversary of Tunisias declaration as a republic in 1957. It later became the rallying cry of the pro-Saied July 25 Movement, which pushed for a crackdown on the countrys largely unpopular political class. Samir Dilou, a former government minister and member of Ennahdha, said Saied had forever changed the days meaning. July 25 used to mark the Republics founding. Now, it marks its dismantling. Absolute power is absolute corruption, he said. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) At least two people were injured in connection with a shooting in Baton Rouge on Friday afternoon. Emergency officials responded to an incident in the 650 block of North Ardenwood Drive, not far from Florida Boulevard, just before 4 p.m. The victims were taken to the hospital. Their condition is unknown at this time. Details are limited. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 5 arrested, charged in shooting, robbery near Baton Rouge smoke shop Latest News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) A Madison County grand jury has indicted two people on capital murder charges stemming from a deadly shooting last July on Spool Lane in Huntsville. Naji Wiggins, 21, was killed in what the Huntsville Police Department said was a robbery attempt. The grand jury indictments name Chauncey Devon Smith, 27, and Alazia Harris, 21, who are both from Selma. The Huntsville Police Department says Smith was also shot the night Wiggins was killed. He was arrested after being treated at the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The indictments say Smith and Harris were trying to take property from Wiggins, and both were armed. The indictment doesnt say if one or both of them fired their weapons. Court records show Smith currently has a Nov. 17 trial date. Harriss next court appearance is Sept. 4, but she does not have a trial date listed. On Friday, the judge in Harris case ordered the state to say within 14 days if prosecutors will seek the death penalty for Harris. Court records dont indicate if the state plans to seek the death penalty for Smith. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 coup in Niger of 26 July, 2023 destabilised the Sahel region, and West Africa as a whole. Two years on, human rights activists say the situation has worsened and continue to call for the release of former president Mohamed Bazoum. Two years on from the coup in Niger that saw the military junta seize power, NGOs have condemned the failure to produce a roadmap towards democracy and the degradation of human rights in the country. On 26 July, 2023, Nigerien army officers of the self-proclaimed National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, overthrew Bazoums government and arrested him and his wife, Hadiza Bazoum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bazoum was elected in 2021, taking the helm of a country mired in poverty and with a history of instability. The landlocked Sahel state has experienced four coups since its independence from France in 1960, as well as numerous other attempts on power, but the 2023 events changed Niger's alliances and political stance radically. Niger's president held at palace as African Union slams attempted coup Jeffrey Smith, executive director of the pro-democracy think tank Vanguard Africa, told RFI: "As expected, the human rights situation in Niger like other Sahelian countries under military control has unequivocally spiralled. Civic space has shrunk considerably and violations of civil and political rights, like arbitrary detention, for example, have become the norm." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Whereas the human rights situation had steadily improved under President Bazoum, the military junta, over the past two years, has significantly eroded progress and taken the country backwards," Smith added. Calls for Bazoum's release Meanwhile, Bazoum has remained in detention since the coup. He and his wife are in custody at the presidential palace in the capital, Niamey, with no access to family members or lawyers. Bazoum also faces an impending trial after the ruling junta lifted his presidential immunity in 2024. Rights groups have been calling for his liberation, including Human Rights Watch. Nigers military junta demonstrates its contempt for the rule of law every day it detains former President Bazoum and his wife, said Ilaria Allegrozzi, senior Sahel researcher at Human Rights Watch, in a statement. His politically motivated detention and prosecution discredit any junta claims to a more democratic Niger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August 2023, the junta announced plans to prosecute Bazoum for high treason and undermining national security but never brought him before a judge for preliminary hearings. A "Free Bazoum campaign" was launched earlier this year with a website and messages to the international community. Global push grows to free Nigers former president Mohamed Bazoum "As it stands today, President Bazoum and his wife are being held hostage by a wholly unaccountable, unelected military regime, and this is actually the core of the problem," Smith one of the key members of the Free Bazoum campaign told RFI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A call to end his detention was also signed this week by the Platform for African Democrats (PAD), a gathering of leaders championing democracy and accountability. "The continued detention of President Mohamed Bazoum is a chilling reminder of the deteriorating state of democracy in Niger and the broader Sahel region, and its costs to human rights, the rule of law and governance," the group wrote in a statement. 'Hope for freedom' "The junta fears all that Bazoum represents, which is democratic legitimacy," Smith said. "This is something military authorities will never have nor achieve. Nevertheless, there remains hope for freedom. I think the increasing calls and pressure for his unconditional release including from the African Union chairperson and a growing number of former African presidents will ultimately move this situation towards a positive resolution." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In September, Bazoum filed a petition with the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), citing violations of human rights against him and his family during his detention. In December 2024, the Ecowas court ruled that he was being arbitrarily detained and called for his release. In February this year, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, an independent body which investigates deprivation of liberty, also found that the detention of Bazoum and his wife was arbitrary, in violation of international human rights law, and called for their immediate release. Fears for the future in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso over Ecowas withdrawal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The treatment of Bazoum is emblematic of a military junta that has cracked down on the political opposition, peaceful dissent and the media, and that appears to intend to solidify its power, delaying a transition to civilian rule and credible, free and fair elections, according to Human Rights Watch. Each day Bazoum spends in detention moves Niger further away from a democratic path, Allegrozzi added. Two years on, Nigers authorities should reconsider what type of message his continued detention sends across the region and the world. Since the coup, the military leaders of Niger have joined fellow ruling juntas in Mali and Burkina Faso to sign a mutual defence pact, and in January 2025, the three Sahelian states formally withdrew from Ecowas. (COLORADO SPRINGS) A few dozen people officially became American citizens in Colorado Springs on Friday, July 25, with some special help from the Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD). Library 21c hosted 34 immigrants for a Naturalization ceremony Friday afternoon. Leaders said it was the culmination of a rewarding process, both for the people going through it and the staff and volunteers who provide resources throughout the journey. Those resources include weekly classes, book offerings, and more. One of the people at the library who took the Oath of Allegiance said it was a long journey, but it doesnt take away from her sense of accomplishment. Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Cora Mitchell Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Cora Mitchell Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Cora Mitchell Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Cora Mitchell Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Cora Mitchell Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Cora Mitchell Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Cora Mitchell It was worth the wait. I am very proud of myself for sticking it out and going through the process, as long and hard as it can be, said Sitaaish Jessen, who immigrated from Pakistan. I think thats how good things come, most of the time anyway. So it was worth the wait. Worth the process. Im very excited to say that I am a citizen now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PPLD hosts Naturalization ceremonies in partnership with U.S. Customs and Immigration Services. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. A Chinese research ship named the Xue Long 2 was detected 290 nautical miles north of Utqiagvik, Alaska on Friday, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) said in a release. The Coast Guard says the Chinese icebreaker ship was seen 130 nautical miles inside the U.S. Extended Continental Shelf (ECS), of which the United States has sovereign rights over. A USCG C-130J Hercules plane from Air Station Kodiak flew in to respond to the Chinese vessel. The U.S. Coast Guard, alongside partners and other agencies, vigilantly monitors and responds to foreign government vessel activity in and near U.S. waters to secure territorial integrity and defend sovereign interests against malign state activity, Rear Adm. Bob Little, Commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District said. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) The U.S. Department of Education said Friday afternoon it will release the billions of dollars remaining in grant funding it withheld for review. On June 30, the department notified school districts in a statement that the $6.8 billion in grant funding would not be dispersed due to the department reviewing the FY 2025 funding for the [Title I-C, II-A, III-A, IV-A, IV-B] grant program(s). Plans move forward to repair Riverview clubhouse 1 year after fireworks mishap Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to school leaders, the grant funds cover a plethora of programs, such as after-school programming, professional development for teachers, mental health and more. Last week, the department said it would release $1.3 billion in after-school and summer programing. School boards across the state of Florida were notified of the remaining funding to be released by an email sent from the Florida School Boards Assocation obtained by News Channel 8: Board Members: The U.S. Department of Education has announced that the administration has completed its review of the remaining federally funded programs and will begin sending the funding to the states next week. The funding to be released includes: Title I-Part C (migrant education state grants) Title II-Part A (supporting effective instruction state grants) Title III-Part A (English language acquisition grants) Title IV-Part A (student support and academic enrichment grants) The Title IV-Part B (21st century community learning centers/out-of-school time grants) was released to the states on July 18. Thank you to everyone who reached out to their members of Congress. We heard back from several of you that members from all parties had requested that these funds, which they had already approved, be released. We hope you find this information helpful. Florida School Boards Association We will continue with the work that we had planned, continuing to elevate excellence in these various areas that these funds affect, said Laura Hine, Pinellas County School Board Chair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement $9 million in grant funding was withheld from the Pinellas County School District, impacting mental health, professional development, programming for middle school students and more. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Pinellas County faces $9 million loss amid nationwide education funding freeze Our schools went from 80% As and Bs to 90% As and Bs and we know that professional development of our teachers is one of the reasons, Hine said. We tend to lose kids in middle school. Adolescence is a powerful time. But with our investment in that work, we now have 90% of our middle schools are our A or B school. Hine said she is grateful to the school community, along with other agencies such as the Juvenile Welfare Board and the Education Foundation, for reaching out and providing assistance in potential gaps that would have been left empty without the grant funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday night, Pinellas County school leaders held a town hall to address the freeze of funding with the community. TOWN HALL COVERAGE: Why make the kids suffer? Pinellas Co. schools hosts forum on $9M funding freeze We had more than 300 people attend in person. We know more than 3,600 people viewed online. The interest in our schools is strong, Hine said. To see the community from all corners turn out in support of their schools, including the elected officials in this in this area, and bipartisan support of funding our schools has really been extraordinary and good. Pinellas County school board leaders also said last week they would be writing letters to the U.S. Department of Education and state department of education, as well as congressional representatives and local delegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have heard from all three, Senator Hooper, Senator Rouson, and Senator DiCeglie again, bipartisan support throughout Pinellas County, as well as both Representative Luna and Representative Castor, [who] all wrote letters and spoke out in support of releasing these funds and we very much appreciate their support, Hine said. Polk County Public Schools Superintendent Fred Heid also responded to the news of the release of funding with a statement after announcing last week more than $20 million in the grant funding for the district was at risk. We are very pleased to hear that this federal funding is being released. This funding provides necessary support for students throughout our district. We greatly appreciate the opportunity to continue our life-changing work made possible by this federal funding. Fred Heid, Superintendent, Polk County Public Schools Some school districts are awaiting official notice for the release of funding as Hillsborough County Public Schools relayed to News Channel 8 in a statement: We will wait for the official confirmation on the status of the federal education grant funds. Debra Bellanti, Media and Public Relations Director, Hillsborough County Public Schools Bellanti shared funding amounts the school district is expected to receive for the respective title grants, which in total amount to more than $24 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pasco County Council PTA of Florida PTA (Parent Teachers Association) President Erin Kelley said Pasco County Schools is expecting $6.3 million and added that she too is awaiting the official notification. Will the government release the whole amount that were expecting? We dont know. Are there going to be any additional requirements that they put on our school boards or our states in order to release the funds? We cant be sure until the funds are actually here, Kelley said. Parents who spoke with News Channel 8 Friday night voiced their concerns about transparency and called the actions from the federal department an overreach. What was concerning me is, you know, Ive got a daughter who enters the public school system in two weeks, and shes just beginning her public education, said Whitney Fox, a Pinellas County mother of two. Im worried, what if this happens again? What if the funds arent unfrozen? I think that this isnt the first that were going to see an attack on the public education system. This is a developing story, stick with News Channel 8 for updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. In recent years, Thailand has become a massive tourist destination and that only increased this year following the latest season of the hit HBO series The White Lotus, which was set at a resort in Thailand. However, the United States Department of State has a warning for anyone thinking of visiting the country. On Friday afternoon, the United States officially issued a new travel warning for Thailand, increasing its travel advisory from Level 1 "exercise normal precautions" to Level 2, "exercise increased caution." "Exercise increased caution due to civil unrest associated with ongoing insurgent activities in the Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces," the new travel advisory reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Periodic violence between Thai security services and armed insurgents has been known to occur in Thailands three southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat. Seventeen districts in these provinces remain under a declared state of emergency due to ongoing violent conflict. There is a collateral risk of violence for U.S. citizens in Thailands southernmost provinces due to low intensity conflict," the advisory continued. In addition to the Level 2 travel advisory issued to the country as a whole, the United States Department of State also issued its most severe Level 4 "do not travel" warning for one particular part of Thailand, warning travelers to avoid the Thailand-Cambodia border area entirely due to armed conflict. "Do not travel to areas within 50km of the Thai-Cambodian border due to ongoing fighting between Thai and Cambodian military forces," the advisory reads. "There are reports of fighting, including rocket and artillery fire, between Cambodian and Thai forces along the border. Armed conflict has led to civilian casualties, and the Thai government has ordered the evacuation of certain areas. There is a collateral risk of violence, and U.S. citizens are advised to avoid all but essential travel to within 50km of these border areas until further notice. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these provinces due to the ongoing risk of armed conflict," the advisory continues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The travel warning also suggests that anyone who does decide to travel to Thailand should have an evacuation plan that does not rely on the United States government for assistance. U.S. Issues New Travel 'Warning' For Thailand first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 25, 2025 Editors Note: This story has been updated with information from the Scott County Sheriffs Office. SCOTT COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) The United States Marshals Service announced Saturday that a man wanted for child rape out of North Carolina was located with an endangered child and taken into custody in Kingsport. A news release from the U.S. Marshals Service said William Martin was wanted for first-degree rape of a child on a warrant issued in Caldwell County, North Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The release said the investigation was brought to the region when U.S. Marshals for the Western District of Virginia (Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force) received a lead Friday from the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force that Martin could be in Scott County. Lawsuit filed over emissions from Eastmans Longview, Texas plant Authorities determined Martin was not at his presumed residence in Scott County and had a juvenile with him after speaking with a resident at the home. The investigation reportedly then intensified once the task force learned more investigative findings and determined that a child was endangered, according to the release from the U.S. Marshals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Information was then distributed to the Scott County Sheriffs Office, the Russell County Sheriffs Office, the Kingsport Police Department (KPD), the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) and the Sullivan County Sheriffs Office. On July 25, Martin was reportedly arrested in Kingsport. This case is a prime example of what can be achieved when agencies across state lines work together, Scott County Sheriff Jeff Edds said in the release. Were thankful for the swift and coordinated response that ensured this suspect is off the street and the child is safe. As of Monday, Martin is awaiting extradition to North Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mission of the U.S. Marshals Service, and its partners in our task forces, is to apprehend those wanted for the most violent and heinous crimes and protect our most vulnerable citizens, stated acting United States Marshal Matt Davis in the U.S. Marshals release. The true strength of law enforcement in protecting our communities is our collaboration, as the men and women who wear the uniform in our local and state agencies, truly are the front-line heroes. This is a prime example of how these task forces, of partnerships, serve as the most effective mechanism to fight violent crime in our communities and protect the innocent. We sincerely appreciate each of our partners for their commitment to the safety of the communities they serve. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Then-candidate Gabe Evans, now a member of Congress in Colorados 8th Congressional District, speaks during a rally for President Donald Trump, Oct. 11, 2024, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora. (Photo by Quentin Young/Colorado Newsline) Para leer esta historia en espanol, haga clic aqui. Without my family, Im nothing, read the subject line of an email sent by then-state Rep. Gabe Evans to supporters on Sept. 10, 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The email announced Evans candidacy for Colorados toss-up 8th Congressional District, and it began with a story the Fort Lupton Republican has told countless times throughout his political career the story of his grandfather, Cuauhtemoc Chavez, who was born in Mexico and earned U.S. citizenship through his Army service in World War II. My family fought tooth and nail for the American dream so that future generations like me could have a better life, Evans wrote. And I plan on making that up to them in full. As a rising star in the Colorado GOP and loyal supporter of President Donald Trumps agenda in Congress, Evans has leaned heavily on his Mexican-American heritage and the man to whom he referred in a campaign launch video as his abuelito Chavez. Telling and retelling the story of his grandfather, who died in 2014, is Evans go-to means of putting a more moderate face on the historically extreme mass-deportation policies backed by Trump and his top advisers. We are a nation that is ruled by law, Evans told moderators at a January 2024 debate, responding to a question about how millions of people living in the U.S. illegally should be treated. You need to go stand in that line and do it the right way, do it the legal way, so you are not leapfrogging over those folks like my grandfather, who did it the right way and did it the legal way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Evans has mischaracterized the story of how his Depression-era ancestors achieved the American dream, and misstated key dates and details in his grandfathers biography, according to documents obtained by Newsline through archival research and government records requests. Those records show that the Chavez family, and a young Cuauhtemoc in particular, were squarely on the wrong side of the strong immigration policies his grandson now invokes his name to champion. A 1941 Immigration and Naturalization Service document, obtained through a records request with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, shows that Cuauhtemoc entered the country unlawfully with his mother and siblings in 1929, at the age of 5, and resided unlawfully in Texas for the intervening 12 years. The document, known as an alien registration form, or an AR-2, was prepared shortly after Cuauhtemoc, then 16 years old, was arrested for an immigration violation in El Paso and made the subject of deportation proceedings. At least two of Cuauhtemocs sisters were arrested by immigration agents on the same day, according to the nearly identical documents prepared for them. All three reported crossing the Santa Fe St. Bridge into El Paso on Dec. 9, 1929. Under a field for listing their reason for traveling to the U.S., the same typewritten words appear on all three documents: to live, illegal entry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuauhtemocs AR-2 form also lists a prior, undated arrest for attempted burglary, placing the 16-year-old in a category of immigrants that Evans has said without exception should be deported. Evans was a vocal supporter of the Laken Riley Act, which was passed by Republican congressional majorities in January and requires federal immigration agents to prioritize the detention of any undocumented immigrant arrested for a burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting offense. In the weeks preceding publication of this story, Evans appeared to acknowledge or accept the assertion that his grandfather had entered the country unlawfully in at least two interviews. His office could not point to any examples of similar disclosures during the 2024 election or before. Delanie Bomar, his spokesperson, first claimed that Evans had been very consistent and clear about his familys story, but subsequently said his past comments may have been confusing. In Hispanic culture, immigrating the right way generally means working hard, contributing to their community, and not causing problems not necessarily that something is 100% perfectly legal, Bomar wrote in an email. Evans has described his grandfather immigrating legally or the legal way on multiple occasions, and as recently as June 24. Bomar declined to respond to questions about that language on the record and denied or ignored repeated requests to interview Evans for this story. After being sent a detailed list of questions about the documents Newsline obtained and Evans history of false statements about his grandfathers immigration history, his representatives stopped responding to inquiries and ignored more than a dozen follow-up messages via phone, text and email. A 1941 Immigration and Naturalization Service form shows details of Cuauhtemoc Chavezs unlawful entry in 1929 and his later arrest for an immigration violation. (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) Im more surprised than anything, but also at the same time, it doesnt really shock me, said Keilly Leon, north regional organizer for the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think it just goes to show how harmful this rhetoric is I did it the right way versus I did it the wrong way, added Leon, a Greeley resident and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipient. Even folks that immigrated decades ago experienc(ed) this way that the government has continuously allowed this broken system to separate families and force people to find other ways to come into the country. Familiar anti-immigrant attitudes By Evans own reckoning, his familys story resonated with voters in Colorados battleground 8th District, where more than 3 in 10 residents are Mexican-American, helping propel him and other Republicans to victory in a 2024 election defined in large part by immigration and border issues. The 8th District, drawn by an independent redistricting commission in 2021, encompasses Denvers northern suburbs and parts of rural Weld County. My story is the same as so many other stories in the Hispanic community that did it the right way, he said in a June 24 radio interview. They took the time and the effort to come here legally, to build a business, to start a family. And then they turn around and they see a bunch of folks rolling across the southern border, literally getting handed out taxpayer money for all of the different things that the Biden administration threw at them. Such rhetoric from Evans, Trump and other right-wing politicians did lead to a fracturing among Latino voters, said Romeo Guzman, an assistant professor of history at Claremont Graduate University who studies immigration. But he said that may be changing fast as Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents begin to carry out the Republican agenda. A CBS News poll released Sunday showed support for Trumps immigration plans has fallen, with a narrow majority of Americans now opposed to his deportation program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a kind of tension happening now, with folks who may have voted for Trump, thinking theyre somehow different from these unauthorized, quote-unquote illegal immigrants, Guzman said. What theyre finding out is that actually, for the Trump administration, for ICE, those differences are not as clear as maybe they imagined. Customs and Border Protection agents question families who have presented themselves at the Paso del Norte Bridge to request asylum on May 11, 2023. Also known as the Santa Fe St. Bridge, it was how Cuauhtemoc Chavezs family reported entering the U.S. without authorization on Dec. 9, 1929. (Photo by Corrie Boudreaux/For Source NM) Long before his grandsons repetition of his story on the campaign trail, Cuauhtemoc Chavez belonged to a previous generation of immigrants who faced obstacles and prejudices closely resembling the ones faced by immigrants today. In the wake of their countrys long and bloody revolution, record numbers of Mexicans entered the U.S. both lawfully and unlawfully during the 1920s. The arrivals fueled a restrictionist campaign that led to passage of the Undesirable Aliens Act of 1929, which expanded federal deportation powers and, for the first time, made crossing the border without authorization a misdemeanor criminal offense. Evans great-grandmother, Luz Garcia Chavez, crossed into El Paso with her children five months after that law took effect, the INS records show. Without proof of lawful entry, the Chavez family became part of a large population of foreign nationals considered deportable aliens under U.S. immigration law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anti-immigrant sentiment deepened throughout Cuauhtemocs childhood in the 1930s. As the Great Depression set in, immigrants were blamed for taking jobs away from citizens, and for straining state and federal welfare programs. Young Mexican-Americans were vilified first as liquor-smuggling gangsters and then, after Prohibitions repeal in 1933, as peddlers of marijuana and other drugs. Deportations increased, while as many as 1 million new arrivals and their children, some of them U.S.-born, were pressured into returning to Mexico as part of what became known as the repatriation movement. There is a lot of coercion that takes place, and a lot of fear tactics, Guzman said. One of the ones thats really well documented is this big raid of La Placita Olvera in L.A. that is very similar to the sort of raids that were seeing now trying to have a show of force as a way to get people to go back. Misrepresentations and discrepancies At times, Evans statements about his grandfather have contained clear misrepresentations, such as a June 24, 2024, Facebook post stating that Cuauhtemoc had immigrated in search of a safer place to raise a family. A day later, Jennifer Chavez, Cuauhtemocs daughter and Evans aunt, replied to his post. When your grandfather immigrated from Mexico, he was 5 years old, Jennifer wrote. Dont be misleading. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a 2022 statement to Spanish-language newspaper La Prensa de Colorado, Evans, then a first-time state House candidate, wrote that Cuauhtemoc had acquir(ed) citizenship in 1943, while serving in the Army. In fact, records show that he did not apply for naturalization until several years later, in 1946. The discrepancy is significant because Cuauhtemocs naturalization petition indicates that he was granted citizenship under a 1944 law that eliminated proof of lawful entry as a requirement for naturalization. Evans repeated the inaccurate timeline during his 2024 congressional campaign. He told the Berthoud Weekly Surveyor that it took (Cuauhtemoc) 13 years to get his citizenship, likening his wait to a story hed heard on the campaign trail of a Colorado resident who legally pursue(d) citizenship for 17 years. But Cuauhtemoc affirmed twice first on his 1941 AR-2 form and then on his 1946 petition for citizenship that he had not previously applied for naturalization. Then-state Rep. Gabe Evans speaks on the floor of the Colorado House of Representatives on Nov. 20, 2023. (Photo by Sara Wilson/Colorado Newsline) When contacted by Newsline, Jennifer Chavez said that while she wasnt shocked by the news that her fathers family entered the country unlawfully that was just the way of life back then, she said their undocumented status was not common family knowledge. I dont think anyone in the family has ever seen any of that, Jennifer said of the INS forms Newsline obtained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like many American families, the present-day Chavezes are divided by politics, and Evans repeated invocation of Cuauhtemoc to defend Republican policies drove the wedge further. Jennifer, who said she last saw Evans in person at a wedding in 2020, wrote an op-ed last year opposing his congressional candidacy. In an interview, she said her father and her nephew were on opposite sides of an estrangement in the family stretching back decades. Gabe, in reality, barely knew my dad, she said. They just didnt see each other very often. My sister (Evans mother) just didnt click with the family anymore. Hes trying to cultivate the Latino heritage thing, but he really didnt know my father, because he rarely saw him. Evans representatives didnt respond to repeated requests to respond to Jennifers characterization of his relationship with his grandfather. For Gabe to portray my dad as being in support of someone like Trump would have gone over like a lead balloon, Jennifer added. He really misrepresented who my father was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about another line from Evans campaign announcement email in which he said that his mother, Rebecca Chavez, thought she would spend her whole life in a one-room hut with a dirt floor in Juarez, Mexico Jennifer Chavez burst out laughing. We were raised in a middle-class neighborhood in El Paso, she said. We went to Eastwood High School, which was predominantly Caucasian. To this day, none of us are fluent in Spanish. You need to go back During the 2024 campaign, Evans, though reluctant to answer the question directly, repeatedly affirmed his support for Trumps plans to deport all of the estimated 12 million people living in the country without permanent legal status. If you are not lawfully here, you need to go back, he said when pressed on whether he supported Trumps deport them all agenda during a June 2024 primary debate. Yeah, you go back, and you wait in line the way everybody else does in a law-abiding society. Demonstrators rally at the Colorado Capitol against the Trump administrations immigration enforcement policies, on June 10, 2025. (Photo by Chase Woodruff/Colorado Newsline) He softened that stance with his July 15 cosponsorship of the Dignity Act, a bipartisan proposal to provide relief from deportation to some undocumented immigrants. The proposed relief falls far short of measures that once allowed Evans grandfather and other members of the Chavez family to acquire U.S. citizenship. Only those who entered the country prior to 2021 would be eligible for the program. Those who qualify would be required to pay $7,000 in restitution and be barred from accessing federal benefits, and the program would offer legal status but no pathway to citizenship not even for so-called Dreamers, who, like Evans grandfather, were brought to the U.S. as children. No amnesty. No handouts. No citizenship, Evans cosponsor, Florida Republican Rep. Maria Salazar, said in a press release announcing the bill. Evans did not respond to questions about whether he supports the DACA program or a pathway to citizenship for anyone currently in the U.S. unlawfully, or why he believes immigrants today should be treated differently than his grandfathers family was. He did not respond to questions about whether he feels he misled the public about his grandfathers history and if he plans to change how he talks about it going forward. Tensions have risen across the country in recent months as ICE agents begin the dramatic operational shift necessary to achieve Trumps mass-deportation targets. The share of people in ICE detention without a criminal record has risen sharply, according to agency data analyzed by the University of California Berkeley School of Laws Deportation Data Project. In Colorado, those recently arrested by the agency have included a family with a 1-year-old child attending an immigration court hearing in Denver; a 19-year-old Utah nursing student with no criminal record, detained after a traffic stop near Grand Junction; and prominent immigrant rights advocate Jeanette Vizguerra, a grandmother taken into custody outside her workplace, Target. Evans has dismissed concerns about expanded ICE activity, accusing critics last week of vilifying the law enforcement agents working to make our communities safer. He championed the recent Republican reconciliation bills expansion of the agencys funding, an $80 billion package aimed at quadrupling the scale of its detention and removal operations. He has continued to echo the anti-immigrant rhetoric that targeted young men like his grandfather a century ago, including by spreading false claims about crime rates following an influx of immigrants to Denver, and assailing Colorados sanctuary policies and a state-run program that offers health coverage to undocumented children. Theres growing fear about Trumps crackdown, Leon said, among immigrants in Weld County, a more rural area that lacks the vocal and organized network of advocacy groups that exists in Denver. Were seeing that ICE agents are becoming more unpredictable, said Leon. These billions that are being thrown at ICE just harms our communities, it scares our children, who are a huge part of the Greeley community. The idea that a group of people do it the legal way or the right way the reality is that those categories have been slipperier and much more confused than we imagine, Guzman said. Because the right way is historically contingent on the laws that are impeding your movement. Soon after his inauguration, Trump launched an effort to end the centuries-old legal bedrock of birthright citizenship, a move Evans has refused to take a position on. In recent weeks, the president has threatened to denaturalize many legal immigrants, including New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and other political opponents. Millions of people who entered the country over the last five years did so as lawful asylum seekers or under humanitarian parole designations like the temporary protected status program legal avenues the Trump administration has moved aggressively to shut down. If youre a refugee, what does the right way mean? Guzman added. It means you show up to the border and claim refugee status. This is not a diss on anybody; people are not historians, said Guzman. The problem, of course, is when people start claiming that their family did it one way, (and say) why cant you do it that way? usually thats code for both a lack of knowledge of their own family history but the larger ways in which immigration history has functioned for us. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE (COLORADO SPRINGS) On Wednesday, July 16, a lawsuit was filed that alleges that the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) failed to protect its students in the aftermath of a deadly shooting that left two people dead on campus in 2024. The lawsuit comes after Nicholas Jordan was convicted in April of fatally shooting his roommate, Samuel Knopp, and Knopps friend Celie Montgomery, inside a UCCS dorm room on Feb. 16, 2024. Both Jordan and Knopp were students at the university, while Montgomery was visiting campus at the time. Jordan received two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole for the killings. Pictured: Samuel Knopp and Celie Montgomery. The lawsuit filed by Celies mother, Melody Montgomery, alleges UCCS was aware of warning signs surrounding Jordan as early as Aug. 2023, six months before the shooting. According to the lawsuit, the university knew Jordan struggled with mental health issues and substance use and that he posed a potential threat to others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit names 12 defendants, including the universitys Chancellor, members of the office of the Dean of Students, housing officials, campus mental health professionals, and the universitys Chief of Police. The lawsuit also claims the universitys Campus Assessment Response and Evaluation (CARE) Team, which is responsible for addressing concerning student behavior, was aware of Jordans conduct and discussed it on multiple occasions, but failed ot intervene. What were really hoping for is truth finding, figuring out exactly what happened, accountability for that, and making sure it doesnt happen again, said Jessica McBryant, an attorney representing Celies mother. Jordan had so many instances of conduct that should have expelled him, that should have gotten him in trouble, and they did anything and everything to keep him there, and they did very little to protect people. According to the lawsuit, UCCS CARE Team was aware that Jordan had been removed from a private, off-campus housing complex after allegedly using and attempting to sell drugs, as well as verbally harassing other tenants. The university placed Jordan in a dorm with Knopp as an emergency housing solution. Just 11 days later, a student reported that Jordan had been sexually harassing her. The 27-page complaint also cites a Jan. 15 incident in which Jordan threatened to kill one of his roommates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youre going to force people to live together and they express disagreements that go beyond just regular roommates and it goes into threatening behavior, something needs to be done, said Jared Mazzei, an attorney representing Celies mother. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Independent review of UCCS response to deadly shooting In December, the university released a 91-page independent review pointing to several policies, procedures, and trainings that needed improvement. While the university wont comment on pending litigation, UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet spoke with the media at a roundtable following the release of the report. Our highest priorities as they relate to this tragedy are to support justice for the individuals lost and their families and to look critically at our institution to see where our response can improve, said Sobanet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sobanet also said the report did not find any individual at the university was responsible for a violation of policy, or that anyone knowingly contributed to this tragic outcome. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Students react to UCCS review of deadly shooting Those behind the report said a case could be made that this incident should have been enough for the CARE Team to mark Jordan as an elevated risk, and could have given officials grounds for a more aggressive and direct intervention. Celies mother, who is now caring for her daughters two children, wants monetary compensation. The lawsuit also requests a jury trial, stating the people of Colorado demand answers about what happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While FOX21 News isnt aware of any lawsuits from the Knopp family, the attorneys in this case say theyll get justice for them as well. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. The United Kingdom says it is working with Jordan on forward plans to airdrop aid into besieged Gaza and evacuate children needing medical care as Israels forced starvation and bombardment of Palestinians fuel global outrage. Two infants on Saturday became the latest Palestinian children to die from malnutrition. Hospitals in Gaza have now recorded five new deaths due to famine and malnutrition in the past 24 hours. The total number of starvation deaths in the territory has risen to 127, including 85 children, according to Gazas Health Ministry. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the proposal on Saturday in an emergency call with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a readout of the call, the UK government said the leaders had agreed it would be vital to ensure robust plans are in place to turn an urgently needed ceasefire into lasting peace, according to Britains Press Association. The prime minister set out how the UK will also be taking forward plans to work with partners such as Jordan to airdrop aid and evacuate children requiring medical assistance, the readout said. Starmers Labour government has been roundly accused at home of doing too little too late to alleviate the intense suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. Hundreds of thousands of people in the UK have been protesting weekly against Israels genocidal war since October 2023, making it clear they feel their voices arent being heard. Public anger has been further stoked as police in the UK arrested more than 100 people at peaceful protests across the country last weekend that called for a ban on the campaign group Palestine Action to be reversed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Demonstrations took place last Saturday in Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol, Truro and London as part of a campaign coordinated by Defend Our Juries. Starmer is also facing mounting pressure to recognise a Palestinian state as France has said it will do at the United Nations General Assembly meeting in September. More than 200 British parliamentarians urged the prime minister to take this course of action this week. There has been further controversy over accusations the UK government has continued with arms sales to Israel despite stating it had scaled back weapons sales. A report in May found that UK firms have continued to export military items to Israel despite a government suspension in September amid allegations that the UK Parliament has been deliberately misled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report by the Palestinian Youth Movement, Progressive International and Workers for a Free Palestine revealed that the UK sent 8,630 separate munitions since the suspensions took effect, all in the category Bombs, Grenades, Torpedoes, Mines, Missiles And Similar Munitions Of War And Parts Thereof-Other. Waiting for the green light to get into Gaza In the meantime, Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA), said proposed airdrops of aid would be an expensive, inefficient distraction that could kill starving Palestinians. Israel said on Friday that it will allow airdrops of food and supplies from foreign countries into Gaza in the coming days in response to critical food shortages caused by its punishing months-long blockade. But in a social media post, Lazzarini said the airdrops would not reverse the deepening starvation and called instead for Israel to lift the siege, open the gates [and] guarantee safe movements [and] dignified access to people in need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Airdrops, he said, are expensive, inefficient [and] can even kill starving civilians. A manmade hunger can only be addressed by political will, he said, calling on Israel to allow the UN and its partners to operate at scale in Gaza without bureaucratic or political hurdles. He said UNRWA has the equivalent of 6,000 trucks in Jordan and Egypt waiting for the green light to get into Gaza. Driving aid through is much easier, more effective, faster, cheaper and safer than airdrops, he said, adding that it is also more dignified for the people of Gaza. More than 100 aid and human rights groups this week called on governments to take urgent action as a hunger crisis engulfs Gaza, including by demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the lifting of all restrictions on humanitarian aid. In a statement signed and released on Wednesday by 109 organisations, including Mercy Corps, the Norwegian Refugee Council and Doctors Without Borders (also known as MSF), the groups warned that deepening starvation of the population was spreading across the besieged enclave. United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday committed to increasing British aid efforts in Gaza and advocated for a peaceful two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. However, Starmer did not announce the U.K.s recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state a day after France said it would do so. Were scaling up our work. We are accelerating efforts to evacuate children from Gaza who need critical medical assistance, bringing them to the U.K. for specialist medical treatment, Starmer said in a video posted to the social platform X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News that Israel will allow countries to airdrop aid into Gaza has come far too late, but we will do everything we can to get aid in via this route. We are already working urgently with the Jordanian authorities to get British aid onto planes and into Gaza, he added. France became the first G7 nation to say it would recognize Palestine as a state on Thursday. The French people want peace in the Middle East. It is up to us, the French, together with the Israelis, the Palestinians, and our European and international partners, to demonstrate that it is possible, French President Emmanuel Macron said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the gesture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel not to live in peace beside it. Lets be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel, he wrote on X. Israeli leaders have isolated tens of thousands of families and children in the West Bank, leading to reports of starvation and a desperate need for foreign aid. On Friday, Starmer recommitted the U.K.s involvement in ceasefire talks and a long-lasting peace agreement. Alongside our closest allies, I am working on a pathway to peace in the region, focused on the practical solutions that will make a real difference to the lives of those who are suffering in this war, Starmer said in the Friday post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That pathway will set out concrete steps to turn the desperately needed ceasefire into a lasting peace. Recognition of a Palestinian state has to be one of those steps. Im unequivocal about that, but it must be part of a wider plan which ultimately results in a two-state solution and lasting security for Palestinians and Israelis, he added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Ukraines Khortytsia group of forces reported on July 26 that Russian Colonel Lebedev, commander of the 83rd Motorized Rifle Regiment of the 69th Motorized Rifle Division, had been killed. According to operational data, Lebedev was leading assault operations in the Velykyi Burluk area of Kharkiv Oblast. No other information was available at the time of the publication. This reported fatality adds to a significant and growing toll of Russian military personnel killed in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The independent Russian media outlet Mediazona, in collaboration with the BBC Russian service, has confirmed the identities of 119,154 Russian military personnel killed in the war as of July 17. This latest update saw 2,436 additional Russian military personnel confirmed killed since the start of July. Journalists compiling this data caution that the actual figures are likely considerably higher, as their verified information stems from public sources such as obituaries, family posts, memorial events, regional media reports, and statements from local authorities. The publications began releasing a comprehensive list of identified casualties in February, marking three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The confirmed death toll includes a breakdown of various categories of personnel: 32,100 volunteers, 17,800 recruited prisoners, and 13,000 mobilized soldiers. Additionally, nearly 5,400 officers have been confirmed among the deceased. Russia has lost approximately 1,048,330 troops in Ukraine since the start of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff reported on July 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: As Russia closes in on Pokrovsk, battle for key city enters its final act Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. KYIV (Reuters) -Ukrainian drones hit a radio and electronic warfare equipment plant in Russia's Stavropol region in an overnight attack on Saturday, an official from the SBU security service told Reuters. The official said two facilities at the Signal plant in the city of Stavropol, about 540 km (335 miles) from the Ukrainian border, were damaged in the attacks. He shared several short videos showing an explosion and a large column of dark smoke rising into the sky. He said the plant was one of Russia's leading producers of electronic warfare equipment, including radar, radio navigation equipment, and remote control radio equipment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This night, long-range SBU drones struck the production facilities of the Stavropol Radio Plant 'Signal'," said the SBU official. "Each such attack stops production processes and reduces the enemy's military potential. This work will continue." Reuters was unable to verify the details of the attack. Russia's defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, both sides have launched multiple drone attacks on each other. Ukraine, which is fighting a much larger Russian army, has developed a drone industry from scratch and is now focusing on increasing its capacity to produce more long-range drones. (Reporting by Tom Balmforth; Writing Olena Harmash; Editing by Jan Harvey) Ukrainian forces have pushed back Russian troops in Sumy Oblast, disrupting Moscow's attempts to expand its foothold in the region, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on July 26. Russia opened a new front in Sumy Oblast in early June, capturing around a dozen border villages. The push followed Russian President Vladimir Putin's May declaration that Moscow aimed to create a "security buffer zone" along Ukraine's northeastern border. "Although this region remains one of the priority areas for the enemy, our forces consistently block Russian attempts to advance deeper into Sumy Oblast from the border," Zelensky wrote following a report from Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I thanked the Commander-in-Chief for managing to thwart the Russian plan for the Sumy region. Our active actions in Sumy Oblast continue, and I am grateful to each unit that is gradually pushing the Russian forces out." The president's statement came after the battlefield tracking group DeepState reported on July 25 that Ukrainian forces had liberated the village of Kindrativka near the Russian border. A map of Ukraine's Sumy Oblast (Nizar al-Rifal/The Kyiv Independent) Zelensky warned in May that a 50,000-strong Russian force was massing near the oblast. Syrskyi said last month that Ukraine had managed to pin down this grouping and halt its progress, describing the Russian advance as "faltering." Sumy Oblast has been a key target for Russian forces throughout the full-scale invasion due to its location on the northeastern frontier. It continues to face near-daily strikes, but Ukrainian forces have maintained control over most of the region. Read also: Zelenskys big Ukraine blunder, explained Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine's fleet of F-16 fighter jets have been given a badly-needed boost with the creation of new mobile maintenance and operations modules which will help them evade Russian ballistic missile strikes. Developed by the Come Back Alive charity foundation and Ukraine's Defense Ministry, the two types of mobile modules contain everything needed to both maintain and equip the aircraft and to conduct operations. F-16 fighter jets are crucial for Ukraine as they significantly strengthen its air defense and help counter ongoing Russian drone and missile attacks, which target both Ukrainian cities and military objects such as the airfields where F-16s are stationed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is only a short time lag between finding the F-16s and then launching ballistic missiles," Peter Layton, former Royal Australian Air Force officer and Associate Fellow at RUSI, told the Kyiv Independent. "The key to F-16 survival when on the ground is not being found," he added. The extensive amount of crew and equipment needed to maintain F-16s has up until now limited where they could be deployed, but Layton said the new mobile complexes would open up the use of "less likely airfields, such as short and civilian air strips, or remote parts of large military airbases." "The F-16s are then widely dispersed so if one is found and targeted not all will be destroyed. It is a shell game," he added. The F-16 mobile complexes The new mobile complexes include two maintenance modules and another for mission planning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first are equipped with a workroom for preparing the aircraft's weaponry, two vans for attaching munitions to the F-16, and a crew transportation truck. A part of the mobile support complex. (Come Back Alive charity foundation) The new system reduces the number of personnel needed to load a munition from 1012 to three, making the process less manpower-intensive and faster. The second includes a mobile command point used for pre-flight briefings and aircraft coordination, and a residential module for operators. Taras Chmut, head of Come Back Alive foundation, said this project aims to adapt the Western-supplied F-16s to the reality of the war in Ukraine.. "The aircraft received by Ukraine (were used in the donor countries) in a closed ecosystem. They were not used the way we use them. Ours operate under the conditions of a full-scale war, with constant sorties and continuous Russian hunting," Chmut said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similar systems also exist in other countries, for instance, in the U.S., Australia, Sweden. "This (agile combat employment) is a tactic that has received a lot of attention in the Indo-Pacific in the last few years. Countries are worried that in the event of a war, China could target their air forces operating from their peacetime airbases," Layton said. "The Americans have put a lot of effort into training how to fly their fighters from remote island airfields, termed agile air operations," he added. However, Anastasiia Yurchyshyna, spokesperson for Come Back Alive, told the Kyiv Independent that the Ukrainian system is unique, although it has adopted the experience of its foreign partners, particularly Denmark. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When our colleagues began to develop and looked at Western examples, they realized that there was nothing they needed. In countries where there is no war, airfields are usually used," Yurchyshyna said. "This is the first time in history that we have created such a development. It took several iterations of development." F-16 plane with a mobile support unit in an undisclosed location, Ukraine. (Come Back Alive charity foundation) How many F-16s does Ukraine have? In 2023, Ukraine and its allies created an aviation coalition to provide Ukraine with F-16 combat aircraft. European nations have agreed to supply aircraft to help modernize the Ukrainian Air Force as they themselves transition to more advanced F-35 fighter jets. The first shipments of F-16s were delivered to Ukraine in 2024 by the Netherlands and Denmark. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apart from the Dutch aircraft, Ukraine has been promised 19 F-16s by Denmark, 30 by Belgium, and at least six from Norway. European nations have agreed to supply aircraft to help modernize the Ukrainian Air Force as they themselves transition to more advanced F-35 fighter jets. Oslo announced in May that it would complete the delivery of its planes by the end of 2025. Similarly, the Belgian government said it would provide its aircraft sooner than the 2028 deadline. F-16 Fighting Falcons perform in the sky as President Volodymyr Zelensky delivers a speech on Aug. 4, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidency/Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images) Other members of the coalition, including the U.S. and the U.K., have provided training for Ukrainian pilots and maintenance personnel. Ukraine has confirmed that it has lost three of its F-16 jets in action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ukraine is receiving an increasing number of F-16s. The dispersal tactic will keep these safe and allow a larger F-16 force to be built up. While the aircraft are dispersed on the ground, after take-off the aircraft can come together in the air and fight as a concentrated formation," Layton said. "With the length of the war unsure, keeping the F-16 fleet safe for the longer term is important." Read also: Zelenskys big Ukraine blunder, explained Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukrainian drones struck the Signal radio plant in Russia's Stavropol Krai overnight on July 26, a source in Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) told the Kyiv Independent. The plant, located around 500 kilometers (311 miles) from Ukraine-controlled territory, manufactures electronic warfare equipment for front-line aircraft and is a major part of Russia's military-industrial complex. One of the strikes targeted a building housing expensive imported equipment, including computer numerical control machines, the source said. The second strike hit a separate building that hosts an electronic devices workshop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The SBU continues to systematically disable enemy (Russia's) facilities working for the war against Ukraine," the source said. "Each such attack stops production processes and reduces the enemy's military potential." The facility is sanctioned by the European Union, the U.S., Ukraine, and Japan. Russian independent media outlet Astra published video footage allegedly showing a direct drone strike on one of the facility's buildings. 0:00 / 1 Stavropol Krai Governor Vladimir Vladimirov confirmed the attack, saying drones targeted industrial facilities in the region and caused a small fire. No casualties were reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's Defense Ministry claimed that its forces shot down 54 Ukrainian drones overnight across eight Russian regions. The ministry did not report any drones being intercepted over Stavropol Krai. Founded in 1971, the Signal plant is one of the largest defense enterprises in the North-Caucasian Federal District. It produces active jamming systems, remote weapon-control modules, and other radio-electronic equipment. It operates under Rostec's KRET cluster, a central structure in Russia's defense sector. On July 25, Ukrainian drones hit a chemical plant in the same region. Ukraine's military regularly strikes military targets deep within Russia in an attempt to diminish Moscow's fighting power as it continues its war. Read also: Zelenskys big Ukraine blunder, explained Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine's delegation proposed holding a "summit of leaders" by the end of August in the third round of peace talks with Russia in Istanbul on Wednesday, according to the head of the Ukrainian delegation Rustem Umerov. "We proposed to the Russian side that such a meeting at the leaders' level be held by the end of August. If Russia accepts this proposal, it will clearly show the whole world, including our partners, that it has a constructive approach," Umerov said. Umerov reiterated that Ukraine was ready for an unconditional ceasefire, which he described as a necessary basis for substantive peace negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is up to the other side to take steps in this direction. We have emphasised that the ceasefire must be real, it must include a complete cessation of all attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure." He also said the Ukrainian delegation would prioritise the "humanitarian agenda" of prisoner swaps, particularly children. Two previous rounds of peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv have resulted in large-scale prisoner swaps, but no concrete steps to end Russia's ongoing, full-scale invasion of Ukraine after more than three years of war. Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy had previously challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin in May to meet face-to-face for negotiations, though Putin spurred the offer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US President Donald Trump previously hinted he might go to Istanbul for a high-level meeting between leaders, saying "If I don't go, Putin won't come." Wednesday's Russian delegation was headed by Vladimir Medinski, counsellor to Putin. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan chaired the third round of negotiations and Ibrahim Kalin, the head of the National Intelligence Organisation, also took part in the meeting. Zelenskyy had initially announced on Monday that the talks, hosted by Turkey, would be held. Related Seeking common ground for peace and ceasefire conditions Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier this week that the meeting in Istanbul would discuss draft memorandums of understanding between the two countries on peace terms, a ceasefire and prisoner exchanges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These are opposite to each other. Therefore, great diplomatic work will be done," he said. Russia has published its memorandum detailing its conditions for an end to the conflict since the last round of peace talks. This includes Kyivs complete withdrawal of forces from four regions of Ukraine Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson which Moscow claims as its own new territories. Russia also demands international recognition of the territories it has illegally occupied since 2014, including the Crimean Peninsula. Ukrainian conditions for peace include a ceasefire to facilitate further negotiations. They also want the reciprocal exchange of prisoners of war, the return of children abducted by Russia and the release of all civilians from Russian captivity. Joint military exercises between Belarus and Russia at the Brestsky firing range in Belarus ahead of a full-scale invasion in Ukraine, 4 February 2022 - AP/Russian Defense Ministry Press Service Ukrainian and Russian officials first sat down to negotiate an end to the war on February 28, 2022, four days after Moscow launched it's full-scale invasion. The delegation met on Ukraine's border with key Russian ally Belarus following a telephone conversation between Zelenskyy and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko. More than 145,000 people have been displaced by the recent fighting, the WHO said, with many sheltering in makeshift reception centers in Daraa and Damascus. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) confirmed on Thursday that UN agencies assisted the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) on Wednesday in delivering aid to the Druze-majority city of Sweida, where the community has been under attack by state forces and Bedouin militias. The Wednesday aid delivery included wheat flour, fuel, medicines, and health supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OCHA confirmed that support was given to more than 500 families displaced by the recent violence and that the UN organization has plans to expand aid to the conflict-struck region in coordination with regional partners. The World Food Programme (WFP) also distributed food aid to displaced families on Thursday and supported Syrians returning home after the fall of the Assad regime. The UN agencies also visited the Sayyeda Zeinab community and announced plans to visit the neighbouring Dara Governorate, where tens of thousands of displaced people are in need of humanitarian support. Bedouin fighters stand along a street with their weapons, as Sweida province has been engulfed by nearly a week of violence triggered by clashes between Bedouin fighters and factions from the Druze, in Idlib, Syria, July 18, 2025. (credit: Karam al-Masri/Reuters) Over 1,600 dignity kits, containing feminine hygiene products, were also delivered to women and girls across Sweida, Rural Damascus, and Dara governorates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The OCHA statement added that despite efforts to support displaced people in southern Syria, security restraints prevented aid workers from accessing every area touched by the conflict. Hospitals in Syria's Sweida struggling after sectarian clashes, WHO says The main hospital in the southern Syrian city of Sweida is overwhelmed with trauma patients and working without adequate power or water after the local Druze minority clashed almost two weeks ago with Bedouin and government forces. "Inside of Sweida, it's a grim picture, with the health facilities under immense strain," the World Health Organization's Christina Bethke told reporters in Geneva via video link from Damascus. "Electricity and water are cut off, and essential medicine supplies are running out." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many medical staff cannot reach their workplace safely, and the main hospital's morgue was full at one point this week as it dealt with a surge of trauma cases. At least 903 people were killed in the sectarian bloodshed, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, after clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes spilled into ferocious fighting between the Druze and government forces sent to quell the unrest. The Network's head, Fadel Abdulghany, has said the toll is not final, and that his group documented field executions by Syrian troops, Bedouin tribal fighters, and Druze factions. Though the WHO has managed to deliver two convoys of aid in the last week, access remains difficult because tensions remain between the groups controlling various parts of Sweida governorate, it said. More than 145,000 people have been displaced by the recent fighting, the WHO said, with many sheltering in makeshift reception centers in Daraa and Damascus. WHITE CITY, Utah (ABC4) Police have arrested the man they believe was responsible for creating and placing devices intended to puncture and deflate tires in a White City neighborhood. Tristan Fisher, 47, was arrested and is potentially facing eight charges of criminal mischief for a loss of less than $500, two charges of criminal mischief for a loss of $500-$1499, and ten counts of criminal misconduct. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Unified Police warn of homemade tire-deflation devices on White City roads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police documents, beginning on July 7, multiple people reported to police that their tires were damaged and that they found homemade tire deflation devices. Those homemade tire deflation devices were built using cardboard, black tape, nails and screws, police said. They were found on multiple streets in the city, primarily along Violet Drive and other streets close by. 10 people in total had their tires damaged, including one Unified Police officer. Two victims had multiple tires damaged and had to replace them, costing them more than $500. According to Unified Police Department, Fisher was identified using a latent fingerprint on one of the devices after they were submitted for forensic testing. Two separate examiners confirmed the match. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fisher was arrested and booked without incident. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 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. Jul. 26New Mexico gets a lot of flak for ranking dead last in many national sectors, but a local economics professor is labeling the state as having an internationally emerging economy. Participating in more accurate measurements that track New Mexico's position in the global economy would help illustrate this, said University of New Mexico Professor Manuel Montoya, who specializes in global and cultural economics. He spoke at a luncheon hosted by commercial real estate group NAIOP New Mexico on Tuesday at the Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown hotel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My argument to you is that we're not the 50th state; we are actually the first emerging economy for any number of reasons that make New Mexico very special," he said, "including the massive and important informal economy that exists within the state of New Mexico, the massive ability for New Mexico to be resilient, despite being colonized dozens of times." He said there's an overall mischaracterization of New Mexico as a state the state operates in a way that's "a little bit more sophisticated" than people give it credit. "New Mexico is often forgotten even as a state, but it is part of the world's largest military security apparatus. It is part of and a very important historical staging ground for the geopolitics that made World War II and the actual emergence of the United States as a superpower," Montoya said. Fast forward, and there's a discussion about the "West vs. the rest," or other regions challenging traditional Western powers' dominance, Montoya said. He specifically brought up groups of emerging market economies known as MINT, or Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey, which acts as a successor to BRICS, or Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Both terms are informal labels for rising powers that hope to change historical narratives and hold greater global influence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is how Montoya thinks of New Mexico. "Frankly, (New Mexico) looks, acts and thinks like the emerging economies that by the end of this century are going to become (epicenters) of the world economy," Montoya said. He said he wondered how New Mexico would rank if measured in broader economic terms, like how the Anholt-Ipsos Nation Brands Index ranks different countries by perception. For example, he said, experts could measure the ease of doing business or successfully running a business in New Mexico. "All of those indicators are international metrics that the United States doesn't participate in," Montoya said. "And I think because we spend a lot of our time focusing on the markers that mark us as 50th, we forget some of those indicators that actually put us in a pretty MINT-y space." Photo of David Palmer courtesy of Upshur County Sheriffs Office UPSHUR COUNTY, Texas (KETK) The Upshur County Sheriffs Office assisted the Texas Department of Public Safety in conducting a sting operation that led to the arrest of a man who was allegedly communicating with a minor online. Vehicle rolls multiple times in Interstate 20 crash, injuries reported According to officials, David Palmer believed he was communicating with a minor online but was actually talking with an undercover officer who directed him to meet in Gilmer. After arriving in Gilmer at the pre-determined location, Palmer was arrested and charged with online solicitation of a minor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the arrest, Palmer was transported to the Upshur County Jail, and his bond has been set at $75,000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. The United States on July 25 urged China to stop enabling Russia's war in Ukraine during a United Nations Security Council meeting, prompting a sharp rebuke from Beijing, which accused Washington of shifting blame and creating confrontation. "If China is sincere in calling for peace, it should stop fueling Russia's aggression," acting U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Dorothy Shea said at the U.N. Security Council meeting According to Reuters, the acting U.S. ambassador called on all countries explicitly naming China to halt exports of dual-use goods to Russia, which are sustaining Moscow's weapons production and fueling its missile and drone attacks on Ukraine. "Beijing's claim to have implemented strong export controls on dual-use goods falls apart in the face of daily recovery of Chinese-produced components in the drones, weapons, and vehicles that Russia uses against Ukraine," Shea said. China's deputy U.N. Ambassador Geng Shuang rejected the accusations, insisting Beijing is not a party to the war and has "strictly controlled dual-use materials, including the export of drones." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We urge the U.S. to stop shifting blame on the Ukraine issue or creating confrontation," Geng said, "and instead play a more constructive role in promoting a ceasefire and peace talks." Read also: Zelenskys big blunder, explained The exchange followed recent reports that Chinese drone engines are being covertly funneled to Russia, circumventing Western sanctions. Despite its claims to the contrary, China remains one of Russia's closest wartime economic partners. It is Moscow's top crude oil buyer and a major supplier of dual-use goods used in Russia's defense sector. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, the South China Morning Post reported that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas that China "cannot afford" for Russia to lose the war in Ukraine, citing unnamed sources familiar with the exchange. Ukraine has raised alarms over Beijing's alignment with Moscow. President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly warned of China's role in prolonging the war and accused it of siding with the Kremlin. Further highlighting the close ties between Russia and China, Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit China in September for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, where he will meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Read also: Zelensky sets 1,000-daily interceptor drones goal amid surging Russian attacks Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. DENVER (KDVR) The U.S. Department of Agriculture is getting ready to move thousands of employees out of the Washington, D.C., area to five regional hubs across the U.S. One of those hubs is in Fort Collins. Trump Administration unlocks funding: Millions returned to Colorado classrooms Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said in a release Thursday that the reorganization plan will cut costs and put regulators closer to customers, and that this is just the first phase of a multi-month process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the next month, senior leadership will be notifying offices with more information on relocation to one of the regional hubs. In addition, the reorganization is part of the departments reduction-in-force efforts. The department said the reduction was largely done through voluntary retirements and the Deferred Retirement Program. As of Thursday, the department said that over 15,000 people had voluntarily elected deferred resignation. The secretary noted in her announcement that over the last four years, the USDAs workforce grew by 8% and salaries reportedly increased by 14.5%. To be clear, all critical functions of the Department will continue uninterrupted, the department said in a release. For example, we are at the height of fire season, and to date, have not only exceeded hiring goals, but have preserved the ability to continue to hire. There are currently about 4,600 employees within the National Capital Region, which the USDA said has one of the highest costs of living in the country, with a federal locality rate of 33.94%. The locality rate is an additional percentage added to base salaries of federal employees thats calculated on the cost of living for various locales. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE: Over 200 arrested in Denver metro during 9-day immigration operation USDAs five hub locations and those locations current federal locality rates are: Raleigh, North Carolina: 22.24% Kansas City, Missouri: 18.97% Indianapolis, Indiana: 18.15% Fort Collins, Colorado: 30.52% Salt Lake City, Utah: 17.06% The USDA is planning to have no more than 2,000 employees in the National Capital Region following the restructuring efforts. In addition, USDA said it will vacate and return to the General Services Administration the South Building, Braddock Place, and the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. It also plans to revisit how the USDA Whitten Building, Yates Building and the National Agricultural Library are used. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The George Washington Carver Center will also be utilized until space optimization activities are completed, USDA reported. These buildings have a backlog of costly deferred maintenance and currently are occupied below the minimum set by law. The department stated that the South Building has about $1.3 billion in deferred maintenance and an average daily occupancy of less than 1,900 individuals. The building can hold 6,000 employees, the USDA said. CDOT, Sen. Bennet celebrate halfway completion of I-25 wildlife overpass The news was applauded by Colorados two U.S. senators on Thursday. No one knows Colorados land better than our farmers and ranchers, said Sen. John Hickenlooper on Facebook. Fort Collins will be a great home for USDAs new hub. Done correctly, this will harness Colorados agricultural communities expertise and help better connect USDAs research to the folks on the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Michael Bennet echoed those sentiments. I welcome the announcement that Secretary Rollins will soon bring more USDA employees to Fort Collins, Bennet said on Facebook. Colorado is the best state in the country to work, raise a family, and recreate. If done right, Colorado farmers and ranchers will benefit from having more talented USDA employees living and working in Larimer County. I look forward to working with the City of Fort Collins, Larimer County, and USDA to make this transition successful, Bennet added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. AUSTIN (KXAN) The U.S. Department of Education will release $667 million in federal education funds to Texas after withholding the money for nearly a month, according to the Texas Education Agency. The USDE notified state education agencies through email back in June that it was delaying the release of nearly $7 billion in federal funding nationwide until it completed a review of five grant programs, including those that support afterschool programs, English language learning programs and services for migrant students. In the email, the USDE told state education agencies that the department is committed to ensuring taxpayer resources are spent in accordance with the Presidents priorities and the Departments statutory responsibilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The funding delays caused issues at school districts across the state, some of which had already passed budgets accounting for the federal dollars held up in review. Austin Independent School District officials said more than 100 district employees were informed their jobs could potentially be at risk due to uncertainty surrounding whether the district would receive the $9 million in federal funds that support their positions. According to TEA officials, USDE plans to start releasing the funding next week. The federal department had already released part of the money held up in review on July 21 $1.3 billion earmarked for afterschool programs. The decision to release the funds comes after multiple school districts, nonprofits, and teachers unions, including the Texas American Federation of Teachers, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for blocking the federal education funding. The lawsuit alleged that because of the withholding of funds, school districts have had to cancel orders for new curriculum, delay critical teacher training, pause contracts for services for English language learners, or take other actions to avoid incurring expenses that they cannot afford to pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit also alleged that the USDE provided no legal authority or timetable for reviewing the funding and did not provide details on what elements were under review. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. American military forces successfully captured multiple members of ISIS-Somalia on Friday in a ground raid in Somalias Puntland state. U.S. Africa Command announced on Saturday that it carried out an operation against ISIS-Somalia on July 25. The release did not include details on the nature of the operation or if any ISIS members were killed or captured; saying that [s]pecific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security. AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade ISIS-Somalias ability to plan and conduct attacks that threaten the U.S. homeland, our forces, and our citizens abroad, AFRICOMs release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the Puntland Defense Force, the main counter-terrorism body for the state, posted on X that their U.S. partners successfully captured ISIS-Somalias finance chief Abdiweli Mohamed Yusuf, along with two others. Additionally an AFRICOM spokesperson said in a statement to Task & Purpose that AFRICOM is currently assessing the results of the operation and will provide additional information on ISIS-Somalia individuals captured as appropriate. Yusuf, also known as Abdiweli Walalac, has served as the chief financial leader for the terrorist group in Somalia since at least 2019. In June 2023, the U.S. Department of the Treasury listed him as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist and imposed sanctions on him. In that same announcement naming Yusuf as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, the Treasury Department noted that ISIS-Somalia generated millions in funds, mainly through extortion of local businesses, which it then used to finance its operations. Yusuf, as the chief money man for the group, answered directly to the leaders of ISIS-Somalia and ISIS al-Karrar, a subgroup that oversees several ISIS cells throughout the African continent. Top Stories This Week Culture Top Air Force enlisted leader apologizes for uniform slip-up Top Air Force enlisted leader apologizes for uniform slip-up By Jeff Schogol Culture An Army pilot and mechanic switched units for a week. Heres how that went. An Army pilot and mechanic switched units for a week. Heres how that went. By Patty Nieberg News Air Force Global Strike Command suspends use of M18 pistol after airmans death Air Force Global Strike Command suspends use of M18 pistol after airmans death By Jeff Schogol Puntland, on the northeasternmost part of Somalia, is geographically the closest part of the country to the Middle East and has been home to ISIS-Somalia for several years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The raid in Puntland happened the same day that U.S. forces killed Dhiya Zawba Muslih al-Hardani, a senior leader of ISIS in Syria. The U.S. military has long had a presence in Somalia during the Global War on Terror. In recent years it has focused on targeting ISIS and al-Shabab militants, in support of the federal government of Somalias fight against them. After scaling back the number of airstrikes during the Biden administration, the U.S. has significantly ramped up operations against militants in Somalia this year. That included several major airstrikes, including ones carried out by the fighter jets on the USS Harry S. Truman while it was operating in the Red Sea. (Reuters) -Top Trump administration health officials are expected to bring tech companies to the White House this week to roll out a plan to encourage more seamless sharing of health-care data, Bloomberg News reported on Saturday. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz are expected to host executives at an event on Wednesday, Bloomberg News reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The initiative was led by Amy Gleason, acting administrator of DOGE, known as Department of Government Efficiency, and Arda Kara, a senior adviser at CMS, the report said. Reuters could not immediately verify the report. (Reporting by Harshita Meenaktshi in Bengaluru; editing by Diane Craft) WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States Institute for Peace (USIP) board has appointed senior State Department official Darren Beattie, a right-wing ideologue with a history of inflammatory comments on women and minorities, to lead the congressionally-backed organization. Beattie, who serves as the senior bureau official at the office of undersecretary for public diplomacy, will maintain his role in the department while leading USIP on an acting basis, the State Department said on Saturday. "The USIP Board of Directors has appointed Darren Beattie as Acting President of the United States Institute of Peace and we look forward to seeing him advance President Trump's America First agenda in this new role," a senior State Department official said in emailed comments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beattie was terminated as a speech writer for Trump in 2018, the Washington Post reported following CNN coverage that he had spoken at a conference attended by well-known white nationalists. Amid news of his State Department appointment in February, his commentary doubting U.S. foreign policy towards Taiwan and inflammatory comments on women and minorities had come under the spotlight. "This is a profound opportunity to articulate and advance American interestsas well as to help realign this institute to its fullest potential," Beattie said in separate comments emailed by the State Department. Founded by the U.S. Congress in 1984, USIP is mandated to protect U.S. interests by helping to prevent violent conflicts and broker peace deals abroad. Its headquarters sits across the street from the U.S. State Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under President Donald Trump, the administration has sought to control the direction of the Institute, firing most of its board in March and dispatching members of the Department of Government Efficiency in a public standoff that drew local police. The Institute's board of directors now includes U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. USIP representatives could not be immediately reached for comment outside of regular business hours. The move comes amid an ongoing power struggle over the Trump administrations efforts to control the direction of the independent, nonprofit organization as he seeks to implement his "America First" agenda. In May, a federal judge ruled that the Trump administration illegally ousted leaders of the U.S. Institute of Peace, calling the effort a gross usurpation of power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, the State Department official reiterated the administration's criticism of the institute's work, saying: "It is meant to provide research, analysis, and training to individuals in diplomacy, mediation, and other peace-building measures, but has slipped in its mission over recent decades." At the State Department, the role of acting undersecretary for public diplomacy and public affairs determines the tone of America's public messaging in the world. (Reporting by Susan Heavey; editing by Humeyra Pamuk and Diane Craft) By Humeyra Pamuk WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States is pausing all routine visa services at U.S. embassy in Nigerien capital Niamey until further notice, according to a State Department spokesperson and an internal State Department cable seen by Reuters on Saturday. The July 25-dated cable did not provide a reason for the move but a State Department spokesperson said the pause, which would cover all immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories, was in place until Washington addressed "concerns with the Government of Niger." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spokesperson did not provide further details on the reason, but said that most diplomatic and official visas were excepted from the pause. "The Trump Administration is focused on protecting our nation and our citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process," the Department spokesperson said. The diplomatic cable also instructed consular officers in other visa processing posts to apply "heightened scrutiny" when assessing non-immigrant visa applications for Nigerien nationals, whose overstay rates it said were 8 percent for visitor visas and 27 percent for student and exchange visas. Consular managers should make an effort to reduce the number of overstays by nonimmigrant visa holders in the United States, the cable said and added: "In this regard, particular vigilance is needed in adjudicating Nigerien NIV applicants." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. embassy in Niamey has informed all individuals impacted, the spokesperson added. As part of his hardline stance on immigration, President Donald Trump has ordered a nationwide campaign to arrest migrants who are in the country illegally and has vowed to deport millions of people, executing raids at work sites including farms that were largely exempted from enforcement during his first term. Trump administration officials have said student visa and green card holders are subject to deportation over their support for Palestinians and criticism of Israel's conduct in the war in Gaza, calling their actions a threat to U.S. foreign policy and accusing them of being pro-Hamas. Rubio in May said the number of visas he has revoked was probably in the thousands. The State Department under his leadership significantly tightened social media vetting for U.S. visa applicants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. military in September said it had completed its withdrawal from Niger, after the West African nation's ruling junta in April 2024 ordered Washington to withdraw its nearly 1,000 military personnel from the country. It was an embarrassing setback for Washington that followed a coup last year in the West African nation. Before the coup, Niger had been a key partner in the U.S. fight against insurgents in the Sahel region of Africa, who have killed thousands of people and displaced millions more. (Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk, Editing by Nick Zieminski) U.S. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal on July 25 voiced support for Ukrainians protesting a law that stripped two of the country's main anti-corruption institutions of their independence, calling the demonstrations "democracy in action." "I hope President (Volodymyr) Zelensky will continue to show transparency and anti-corruption commitment," Blumenthal wrote. "His credibility and support depend on it." The senator, a leading advocate of sanctions against Russia, co-authored a bipartisan bill that would impose 500% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil, gas, or uranium. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His remarks follow days of mass protests across Ukraine and mounting international pressure on Kyiv to reverse course on the July 22 law. Zelensky signed the controversial bill that granted sweeping control to the prosecutor general over the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), institutions long seen as pillars of Ukraine's reform path. Civil society groups, opposition lawmakers, and EU leaders warned that the move endangered Ukraine's European integration. Facing sustained backlash, Zelensky submitted a new draft law on July 24 aimed at restoring the agencies' independence. Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk said it will be reviewed at the next plenary session, though the parliament remains in recess until late August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 25, EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova said democratic dialogue is crucial, particularly during wartime. "My mission in Ukraine is not only about political meetings and diplomatic dialogue it is also about people, about their feelings, about their emotions," she said. Mathernova noted that Ukrainians continue fighting not just with weapons but also with their voices, "for freedom, for justice, for a country free of corruption." Zelensky acknowledged the criticism a day earlier, telling journalists there "should have been a dialogue" with society before the bill's adoption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protesters in Kyiv and other cities have vowed to continue until the rollback is passed, demanding full restoration of institutional independence. Read also: Zelenskys big Ukraine blunder, explained Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The United States at the UN has reiterated US President Donald Trump's ultimatum to Russia to agree to peace in Ukraine within 50 days and noted that China continues to supply dual-use goods to the Russian Federation. Source: Ukrinform news agency, citing remarks by Ambassador Dorothy Shea, Acting US Representative to the UN, at a UN Security Council meeting Details: Shea reiterated that on 14 July, Trump warned Russian leader Vladimir Putin about the need to conclude a peace agreement within 50 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "If Russia does not agree within that time frame to stop the attacks, the United States is prepared to take further measures." Details: She noted that over 100 days ago, the UN Security Council had adopted a resolution calling for a swift end to the war and the establishment of a lasting peace in Ukraine. And although this facilitated talks in Saudi Arabia and Istanbul, progress "falls far short" of the actions needed for peace. Quote: "Russia has continued to kill Ukrainian civilians. Russian drones and missiles have struck schools, playgrounds, apartment buildings, and nursing homes. Russia has deployed thousands of DPRK [North Korean - ed.] troops to its front lines and sent tens of thousands of Russian soldiers to die on the battlefield just to gain a small amount of ground." Details: Shea also drew attention to the continued export from China to the Russian Federation of dual-use goods that contribute to Moscows war industrial base and enable it to conduct attacks against peaceful cities in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "Beijings claim to have implemented strong export controls on dual-use goods falls apart in the face of daily recovery of Chinese-produced components in the drones, weapons, and vehicles that Russia uses against Ukraine." Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! An analysis compiled by USAID officials examining more than 150 reported incidents involving the theft or loss of U.S.-funded humanitarian aid in the war-torn Gaza Strip says it failed to find any evidence that Hamas -- the militant rulers of the Palestinian enclave -- engaged in widespread diversion of assistance, according to a presentation reviewed by ABC News. The findings of the report appear to undercut the Trump administration's repeated claims that Hamas has regularly interfered with aid distribution in the past -- assertions it has used to justify its support for the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and for measures undertaken by Israel to limit the flow of assistance to neighboring Gaza through other pathways. The GHF -- with Israel's approval and despite rejection from the United Nations -- took over most of the aid distribution system in Gaza on May 27, after an 11-week Israeli blockade on all supplies from entering the strip. Israel has long accused Hamas of stealing aid provided by the U.N. -- formerly the main distributor -- and others to fund its militant activity -- claims which Hamas denies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has allowed a limited amount of supplies into Gaza since lifting the blockade and, according to an Israeli security official, is "coordinating future airdrops of aid" by foreign countries "that are expected to take place in the coming days." This comes after a coalition of more than 100 organizations warned this week that "mass starvation" is spreading in Gaza with "supplies now totally depleted." USAID officials behind the presentation say they analyzed alleged incidents of fraud, abuse and waste reported between October 2023, when the ongoing Israel-Hamas war began, and last May. It was compiled before the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) -- once the world's largest single donor of humanitarian aid -- officially ceased independent operations on July 1. The Trump administration canceled more than 80% of the agency's programs, while the remainder were absorbed by the U.S. Department of State. USAID officials say their findings indicate that in the majority of cases involving the loss of aid, the perpetrator could not be definitively identified. Abdel Kareem Hana/AP - PHOTO: Israel Palestinians Gaza The Israel Defense Forces denied the report in a statement to ABC News, saying "not only does the report ignore clear and explicit evidence that Hamas exploits humanitarian aid to sustain its fighting capabilities, it goes so far as to criticize the IDF for routing decisions made specifically to protect humanitarian staff and shipments." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IDF added that when it "directs aid deliveries along specific routes, it is based on the operational reality and intelligence assessments, aimed at safeguarding both the aid and the humanitarian actors precisely the issue the report claims is not being addressed." The State Department is also pushing back forcefully on the analysis, which was first reported by Reuters, as well as media coverage related to the matter. A State Department spokesperson called it "astonishing" that "the media is busy debating whether the masterminds of Oct. 7 are somehow too principled to loot." "There is endless video evidence of Hamas looting, not to mention members of the aid-industrial complex who have admitted that looting exists by reporting it as 'self-distribution,' in a poor attempt at an aid corruption coverup," the spokesperson said. "Available intelligence confirms what is reflected in open-source information: that a significant portion of non-GHF aid trucks have been diverted, looted, stolen, or 'self-distributed.'" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite this, the Trump administration -- a staunch ally of Israel -- has provided no evidence of Hamas carrying out widespread aid diversion to date. The IDF said it is "making tremendous efforts to enable the safe distribution of humanitarian aid under complex operational conditions." The ongoing Gaza war erupted after Hamas led a surprise terror attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people there and taking 251 others hostage, according to figures from the Israeli government. Since then, Israeli forces have killed more than 59,000 people in Gaza, according to data released by the strip's Hamas-run Ministry of Health. PINE VALLEY, Utah (ABC4) Dale Hagemeyer is a firefighter in Pine Valley and is used to running toward danger. But nothing could have prepared him for what it felt like to come home to a hole in the earth, and nothing left inside it. He and his wife Kelly were forced to evacuate as flames from the Forsyth Fire moved closer to their home. He jumped on a truck to warn neighbors, hoping his home would be spared. My wife and I were here when we got the evacuation order and just threw a few things in the car, Hagemeyer said. I jumped on the fire truck, started going around talking to the neighbors. But it was kind of surreal, to be honest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next day, Hagemeyer received a call from a neighbor confirming that their house was gone. He calls the place where their house stood The Crater. And every day since, he and Kelly have been sifting through whats left. There are wedding pictures, scrapbooks, memorabilia and the things weve collected in foreign countries, Hagemeyer added. Its a very emotional thing to lose pretty much everything you own. When they were finally able to return, Hagemeyer says they hoped to find something, anything, that the fire had spared. When we finally got back in here, we thought maybe well find something. But unfortunately, the fires were just left to burn themselves out, and it burned at a couple thousand degrees. So pretty much everything was gone. What we salvaged fit neatly in the bottom of a five gallon bucket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As outsiders drove by to see the damage, Dale says its hard to not feel like a spectacle. And Hagemeyer says, while the cleanup is physical, the questions and frustrations with the county are still unanswered. So my frustration is that there was no sense for whos accountable or when its going to happen, Hagemeyer added. I talked with other neighbors and they said except for the fact that theres some federal funding, apparently thats good for a year. Nobody committed to anything. For the family, its a loss that goes beyond possessions. And its a wound that cant be fixed by moving on. My wife sees this as her nest, Hagemeyer said. Even though all the memorabilia, all the wedding pictures, all of those things are gone. Were never going to get those back. But theres a sense that this is the nuclear center of us. We dont see another place like oh, thats fine, lets just move over there. There is no over there. Forsyth Fire Update: As of 8 a.m. on Friday, the fire is at 15,662 acres and is near 100 percent containment. The Color County Type 3 Incident Management Team, which had been managing the fire, officially handed command over to local fire units Friday morning. The Forsyth Fire has been confirmed to have been caused by lightning. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) The Valles Caldera National Preserve is celebrating its 25th anniversary with events all weekend long. They held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday on a new volcano discovery center, and will have events like guided walks, art activities, ranger programs, and stargazing on Saturday and Sunday. Whats happening in New Mexico July 25-31? Lavender in the Village Festival and more For morning events, people need to arrive by 6:45 a.m. with entry to the park starting at 6:55 p.m. Those who arrive after 6:55 p.m. will not be able to join the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People doing the evening programs need to arrive by 7:30 p.m. with proof of reservation. Friday: 7:00 am Ranger Program: Caldera Sunrise (reservation required) 8:00 am Main gate opens 9:00 am Ranger Program: Fire Ecology and History 10:00 am Ribbon-cutting Ceremony: Cabin District Trail 11:00 am Guest Speakers: Bob Parmenter, Tom Swetnam, Craig Allen, and Kurt Anschutz Reflecting on 25 Years of Valles Caldera National Preserve 1:00 pm Cultural Demonstration: Cloud Eagle Traditional Dance from the Pueblo of Jemez 2:00 pm Ribbon-cutting Ceremony at the Volcano Discovery Center 2:30 pm Grand Premiere: Valles Caldera Eruption Show 3:00 pm Speaker: Jorge Silva-Banuelos, Park Superintendent Valles Caldera Past & Present 4:00 pm Ranger Program: Parkitecture 5:00 pm Art Activity: Two-liter Bottle Craft 6:00 pm Main gate closes, except for those with evening program reservations 7:00 pm Silent Disco (vehicle reservation required) Full 7:00 pm Caldera After Hours (vehicle reservation required) Guided Hike 7:30-8:30 pm Astrophotography Workshop 8-10 pm Self-guided Stargazing 8:30-10:30 pm 11:00 pm Evening programs conclude and park closes for the evening Saturday schedule: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 7:00 am Ranger Program: Early Bird Birding Tour (reservation required) 8:00 am Main gate opens 9:00 am Ranger Program: Parkitecture 11:00 am Cultural Continuity Perspectives from the Pueblos with Danny Naranjo, Larry Samuel, Chris Toya, Ulysses Reid, and Everett Herrera 1:00 pm Cultural Demonstration: Cloud Eagle Traditional Dance from the Pueblo of Jemez 3:00 pm Guest Speakers: NM Senator Martin Heinrich, Former Senator Jeff Bingaman, and William DeBuys (Founding Chair of the Valles Caldera Trust) 4:00 pm Ranger Program: Hike Through History 5:00 pm Art Activity: Nature Writing Haiku and Prose 6:00 pm Main gate closes, except for those with evening program reservations 7:00 pm Silent Disco (vehicle reservation required) 7:00 pm Caldera After Hours (vehicle reservation required) Guided Hike 7:30-8:30 pm Astrophotography Workshop 8-10 pm Self-guided Stargazing 8:30-10:30 pm 11:00 pm Evening programs conclude and park closes for the evening Sunday schedule: 7:00 am Ranger Program: Soundscape Experience (reservation required) 8:00 am Main gate opens 9:00 am Ranger Program: Instant Film Photography 11:00 am Guided walk to History Grove with Nick Sanchez, Old Growth Forest Network, and Guest Speaker at History Grove with Tom Swetnam A Celebration of Old Growth at Valles Caldera 1:00 pm Cultural Demonstration: Madeline Naranjo, traditional pottery from Santa Clara Pueblo 2:00 pm Junior Ranger Program: Animal Superpowers 3:00 pm Guest Speaker and Book Signing: Don Usner 25 Years of Valles Caldera Photography 4:00 pm Ranger Program: Wolves Past, Present, and Future 5:00 pm Art Activity: Journaling Your Experience 6:00 pm Main gate closes, except for those with evening program reservations 7:00 pm Silent Disco (vehicle reservation required) 7:00 pm Caldera After Hours (vehicle reservation required) Guided Hike 7:30-8:30 pm Astrophotography Workshop 8-10 pm Self-guided Stargazing 8:30-10:30 pm 11:00 pm Evening programs conclude and park closes for the evening Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. If it werent for the dog collar, the robes and occasional background of a church, one would be forgiven for thinking, judging by his Instagram profile, that Father Ambrogio Mazzai was a fitness influencer rather than a man of faith. Pictures of him playing the guitar or biking in the mountains have animated a following who are presumably just as interested in the good word as they are in his good looks. What a beautiful guy our Father is! wrote one follower on Father Mazzais account. You are very beautiful and very elegant! said another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While some puritans might sniff at the idea that religion needs to be made cool to have modern appeal, a group of priests including Father Mazzai are using social media to make a powerful case to the contrary. He shares photos and videos with his 460,000 followers on TikTok and Instagram almost every day and counts Matteo Salvini, Italys deputy prime minister, among his fans. While some purists snuff at the idea religion needs to be cool for modern appeal, Father Mazzai, and others, are using social media to make a case to the contrary - CHP It started by chance in 2021 on the suggestion of a young man in my parish. I didnt think it was a good idea, said Father Mazzai. I never imagined that it could have such a big impact. Next week, a thousand digital missionaries and influencers from around the world will meet in Rome (July 28-29) to discuss the role of social media in the church as part of the Vaticans jubilee year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The missionaries will look at TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, apps and blogs, and how social media can promote outreach and ensure the survival of a church suffering from declining numbers. Francis X Rocca, the Vatican editor of EWTN News, said social media is vital for the churchs future and stressed that young Catholics would continue to drive change. If it werent for the dog collar and robes, one would be forgiven for confusing Father Mazzai with a fitness influencer - CHP Its not going to be the Vatican office of communications or some diocese that is going to generate the most innovation in this area, he said. But there are a lot of young people, some of whom are coming to Rome, who are experimenting and they will be the vanguard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was Pope Francis who saw social media as an essential communication tool and made it a priority for the church in the 21st century. In 2020 alone, the late popes social media content was viewed over 27 billion times. His successor Pope Leo XIV, an avid user of social media, has 14 million Instagram followers and more than 52 million followers across nine languages on his @Pontifex X account. Yet, for other members of the clergy whose names dont carry the same star power, a handsome photo goes a long way. Father Giuseppe Fusari is a rugged-looking 58-year old priest in the northern city of Brescia with a bulging set of muscles and 60,000 followers on Instagram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dubbed the bodybuilder priest, Father Fusari gets his fair share of love heart emojis and compliments about his sermons. Father Fusari gets his fair share of love heart emojis and compliments about his sermons He said most of his followers were aged between 25 and 55, and many were disillusioned with religion. I hope it will bring people closer to the church, there is a lot of curiosity and I am convinced that social media is one way to attract people, he said. Although some priests have had pushback from their superiors against publishing photos of them at the beach or the gym and have their fair share of critics, the response from other church members has been largely positive, those interviewed for this article said. Dubbed the bodybuilding priest, Father Fusari has more than 60,000 followers on Instagram - CHP Its even opened debate about whether todays fashion can exist with the churchs traditional conservatism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One follower of Father Fusari asks: Without any judgment, arent you against tattoos? I have one, I really regret having done it 30 years ago, because the Lord said you shall not tattoo your skin.... What do you think? God bless you. Father Cosimo Schena says his churchs attendance has doubled since he started using Facebook and TikTok - CHP Father Fusari replies: Theres no dogma, Im sorry. And its no different: the church has never spoken out against tattoos, neither with documents nor with dogmas. But youre free to think as you wish. While theres no official data yet on whether the online push has translated to church visitor numbers, Father Cosimo Schena from the San Francesco parish in Brindisi, told the Italian daily Corriere della Sera the numbers in his church had doubled since he started using Facebook and TikTok. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Jul. 26Using opioid settlement funds, the Opioid Advisory Committee and Recovery is Happening have established one of Minnesota's only vending machines dedicated to naloxone distribution. Stocked with the commercial brand Narcan, the vending machine has been set up outside of the Government Center with the goal of ensuring that opioid users have easy access to a medication that can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid-initiated overdose. "I wanted Narcan easily accessible," said Recovery is Happening Peer Support Specialist and Opioid Advisory Committee member Brandon Moseng. "It's hard for somebody to walk into a store and ask, 'hey, can I get some Narcan?' A lot of it has to be prescription and a lot of the people I talked to don't know where to go or how to get it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee itself was formed in the aftermath of opioid lawsuit settlements and is tasked with handing out grant dollars for projects like this that go toward efforts of battling opioid addiction. Mower's committee is made up of men and women from a variety of backgrounds including recovery groups, Health and Human Services and law enforcement. Over the next 18 years, the county is earmarked to receive $2.1 million dollars from two different settlements. Grant money from this well was used in the establishment of the vending machine that is stocked with both Narcan and fentanyl test strips and is free and open to any who are currently using or have family members who are using. The Narcan itself is a nasal spray. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I would say we're pretty cutting edge and we have the support of our sheriff and administration. The county attorney was also very supportive of this project," said Mower County Health and Human Services Division Manager Pam Kellogg-Marmosler. "For one thing there is zero risk so if you find a friend or family member and administer it, and they are not overdosing on an opioid, there is no harm." The machine was dropped off on Friday, July 18 and placed outside of the building on Monday. It was stocked for the first time on Wednesday and by Thursday some boxes were already gone. "It's already being talked about," Moseng said. "I've seen posts about it on Facebook and there wasn't even Narcan in it yet. I've already seen people sharing it." Those who are on the committee are aware, however, that there will be some who are against placing the vending machine, seeing it more as an enabling drug use rather than a way to keep somebody alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I know it probably will be controversial," Kellogg-Marmosler said. "We're not promoting drugs. We would preferably have you contact Recovery is Happening and get some help. If they are not at that point we can save their life." Moseng agreed. "I saw this thing the other day that's kind of stuck in my head," he said. "You can't get clean if you're not alive. That's the thing with the vending machine. There are some people who have overdosed once and they changed their life after that. There are other people who have gone five, six, seven times being saved and they haven't come around to it. I would rather keep somebody safe." The vending machine isn't just a place to get Narcan, however. There are plans to get some kind of wrap for the machine or magnets that provide contact information for Recovery is Happening so people know they have a place to go if they feel they are ready to get clean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There's also been talk about placing cards within the machine and the Narcan itself so people have a way of reaching out. "I think it's breaking the stigma so people know there is access to this or that. That there are people out there who care," Moseng said. "The vending machine is a very small part. They see that there is somebody out there for harm reduction, helping them. Maybe it drives them to walk in the door and say, 'I need help.'" Recovery is Happening, the group that requested funds from the committee is in charge of stocking the machine and is also an access point at its downtown location. The goal with the machine is the same as the group's goal keeping people alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We don't judge you. We don't ask you any questions," Moseng said. "The vending machine will be a success." As for the committee itself, Kellogg-Marmosler hopes that the vending machine can also kick-start more requests for funding. Since the committee's inception around three years ago, she said that requests for proposals have been sluggish. "It's actually been a little slow," Kellogg-Marmosler said. "We want to see more of these projects get going." Anybody wanting to submit requests can contact Kellogg-Marmosler by emailing: pamkn@co.mower.mn.us. For more on Recovery is Happening, visit: https://recoveryishappening.org/ Sinwar saw himself as a rabbi-like figure," according to Yaari. "Someone deeply knowledgeable about Israeli affairs." Veteran Arab affairs commentator Ehud Yaari recently disclosed that he maintained indirect contact with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the man widely regarded as the architect of the October 7 terrorist attacks, in an interview on Nadav Perry's podcast in early July. Yaari explained that the correspondence began after the outbreak of the war and was facilitated through a mediator who identified himself as a member of the organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sinwar saw himself as a rabbi-like figure," according to Yaari. "Someone deeply knowledgeable about Israeli affairs. He learned Hebrew, read books about Zionism, Ben-Gurion, Herzl everything you can imagine. He believed he had successfully identified Israels weak points. Yaari emphasized that the correspondence was neither daily nor regular, but rather took place sporadically. He said the initiative originated from Sinwar himself, who reached out through a third-party affiliate of Hamas. He didnt give me scoops or tell me things I didnt already know, but it was important to him to convey messages, he explained. Sinwar wanted to convey Hamas's 'sense of despair' One of the central messages Sinwar wanted to deliver was Hamass sense of despair, according to Yaari: His approach was we have nothing to lose. That was his exact phrasing: We have nothing to lose, and thats why we did what we did. Yahya Sinwar walks through Gaza ruins. (credit: Maariv Online) Sinwar was killed in October of last year after months of pursuit. For a long period, he managed to evade Israels and its allies technological and intelligence capabilities by relying on primitive, untraceable means of communication and placing his trust only in his closest associates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sinwar controlled an extensive network of underground tunnels that served as command centers and hiding places. Despite offers from Arab mediators to help him escape in exchange for agreeing to release hostages, Sinwar rejected them. He clung to the hope that the confrontation he had ignited would draw Iran and Hezbollah into a regional war against Israel. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Vicki Foster, a woman who broke barriers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, has died, a source confirmed Friday. Sources told Queen City News that Foster had been dealing with an illness. She rose through the ranks of CMPD, becoming assistant chief in 2017 under Chief Kerr Putney, and the highest-ranking woman in the departments history. Vicki Foster spoke with Queen City News on security following the deadly New Orleans attack in January 2025. She was also a big supporter of the CMPD Toy Drive, of which QCN is a longtime sponsor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Retired CMPD Assistant Chief of Police reflects on deadly Shannon Park shooting one year later Foster retired from CMPD in 2020. Current Chief Johnny Jennings offered his condolences Friday night on X: Retired Assistant Chief Vicki Foster was a dear friend and it was an honor for me to know her for the past 30 years. I was saddened and hurt by the news of her passing today, and will pray for her family during this time. She will truly be missed. The UNC Charlotte grad then did consulting work and worked in real estate. In a 2019 interview with Charlotte Magazine, Foster said she originally planned on becoming a psychiatrist before getting into criminal justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Meckleburg County Sheriffs Office shared a statement to Queen City News on Fosters passing: Sheriff Garry McFadden and the Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office (MCSO) join the community in mourning the loss of former Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) Assistant Chief of Police, Vicki Foster. Assistant Chief Fosters remarkable achievements and dedication to public service left an incredible mark on the law enforcement profession. Our thoughts and prayers are with Vicki Fosters family, friends, and CMPD colleagues during this difficult time. Funeral arrangements are pending as of Friday night. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. An adult died after falling 150 feet off a steep rock face in Colorado, officials said. Emergency crews responded to a tragic incident near Eagle Gate and Pine Valley Road Thursday morning, the Elk Creek Fire Department announced. An adult, whose identity has not been publicly identified, died after a fall of approximately 150 feet from a rock formation southwest of Conifer, with a significant portion of the fall being a free fall, the fire department said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not immediately clear what the person was doing in the area or what caused the fall. Bethany Urban, the fire departments spokesperson, told the Denver Post that authorities are working to determine whether the person was climbing on public or private property. It was a recovery, unfortunately, not a rescue, Urban said. An adult fell 150 feet off of a steep rock face, with a significant portion of the fall being a free fall (Elk Creek Fire Department) The rescue crews conducted a difficult high-angle rope recovery operation with the support of various nearby authorities, including Conifer Fire, Alpine Rescue Team, and the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office. Photos published by Elk Creek Fire Department captured dozens of helmet-wearing rescue workers holding a long rope during the rescue operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our hearts are with the victims loved ones during this incredibly painful time, Elk Creek Fire said. The victim has not been identified. (Elk Creek Fire Department) The harrowing incident comes days after someone else fell hundreds of feet in the state. On Wednesday, the Alpine Rescue Team rescued a person who fell 200 feet in steep snow at Saint Marys Glacier, the department said. The victim suffered significant injuries and was life-flighted. The crew was able to stabilize the patient. Authorities have released more information about a deadly shooting in a student housing complex at the University of New Mexico, saying they believe the violence broke out while four people were playing video games. A 14-year-old boy was killed and an 18-year-old is in custody. University police responded to an alarm at one of the Albuquerque campus' buildings at about 1:36 a.m. on July 25 and discovered broken windows and what appeared to be blood on the scene, New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler said at news conference on the evening of July 25. About an hour later, the University of New Mexico Hospital reported that a 19-year-old man came in to seek treatment for a gunshot wound, saying he had been shot on campus. During a sweep of nearby buildings, authorities discovered the 14-year-old boy dead in a dorm room in the Casas del Rio housing complex. Authorities aren't aware of any other injured, Police Chief Joe Silva said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 400 students were on campus and staying in dorms for new student orientation at the time of the shooting, according to Steve Carr, a university spokesperson. Investigators believe four people, including the student the dorm room belonged to, were playing video games, UNM Silva said. "At some point, for reasons that we are still investigating, the suspect began shooting a firearm at the other occupants of the room," Weisler said. The other people in the room, including the suspect, fled from the dorm, he said. At about 2:30 p.m. on July 25, authorities arrested 18-year-old John Fuentes during a traffic stop after a search that used license plate-reading technology, Weisler said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is a tragic incident that has had a deep impact on our entire community," Weisler said, adding that authorities believe it was an isolated event with no further threat to the campus community. Discover WITNESS: Access our exclusive collection of true crime stories, podcasts, videos and more Authorities haven't released the identities of the other people involved, including the 14-year-old victim, or said what the relationship between them was. The campus was directed to shelter on place for more than five hours on July 25 until officials began a "staged, tactical evacuation" of students and employees at about 1 p.m. The central campus was closed during the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A "White Coat Ceremony," in which incoming medical students receive their white coats, was also scheduled the morning of July 25 and was canceled, a ticketing site showed. "I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and horrified by this act of violence in our campus community," University President Garnett S. Stokes said in a statement. "This is certainly a difficult moment, and its okay to feel overwhelmed, angry, or afraid." Students living in the Casas del Rio student housing building told the Santa Fe New Mexican they heard gunshots and saw people running away from the building. Jaymar Tasi, who was on campus participating in the university's football program, told the outlet he heard four shots in total while he was headed downstairs to check on his laundry. Tasi said he and his friends looked outside and saw people jumping out of windows and running away. Jared Rennick, another football player, said he was watching a movie when shots rang out and he also saw people running from the building, the Santa Fe New Mexican reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a post on social media that the shooting was "heartbreaking," and said she sent her sympathies to the family of the victim. "Let me be clear: New Mexico law prohibits firearms on campus unless carried by peace officers. New Mexico must do better at reducing gun violence, especially involving our young people. We will not accept this as normal," she said. Contributing: Karissa Waddick and Michael Loria This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 14-year-old boy killed in shooting at University of New Mexico: Police A Waltham man has been identified as the suspect and previously arrested individual accused of groping a Northeastern student while she was jogging. The Suffolk County District Attorneys office announced that 44-year-old Carlos Miguel Pinto was ordered to be held without bail today after being charged at Roxbury BMC. Pinto was charged with: indecent assault and battery providing false identification to police Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident occurred around 4:50 p.m., the Northeastern University Police Department (NUPD) recieved a report of a groping incident that occurred on the sidewalk in front of the EXP Research Facility. The victim, a Northeastern student, claimed that while on a jog, a man grabbed her groin area. The DAs office says that later that afternoon, around 5:55 p.m., at the corner of Massachusetts and Harrison avenues, Boston police spotted an individual, later identified as Pinto, who matched the victims description. Police escorted the victim to the scene, where she confirmed Pinto as the man who groped her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When police encountered Pinto, he told officers that his name was Toni Arizona and his mother was Princess Diana. Pinto will be held without bail until an August 1 hearing for an appointment of counsel. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW HONOLULU (KHON2) Following a wildfire in Kapolei on the night of July 24, the Honolulu Fire Department has been sent back to the area the next morning to combat the flames reignition. According to HFD, a fire was reported at around 8:15 p.m. in the area surrounding Kapolei Commons. Officials said that the fire was fully contained, with the incident being considered closed shortly after 5 a.m. HFD: Maili wildfire classified as undetermined Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initial blaze did not threaten any structures and did not injure anyone. However, shortly before 9:45 a.m. on July 25, firefighters responded to the same area, where there had been an apparent flare-up of last nights fire. The Honolulu Fire Department was called back to the Kapolei fire the following morning. (Courtesy: HFD) Honolulu Fire Department officials responded to a wildfire in Kapolei, first reported around 8:15 p.m. on July 24, 2025. (Courtesy: HFD) The fire in Kapolei was first reported around 8:15 p.m. on July 24, 2025. (Courtesy: HFD) No structures were threatened during the wildfire in Kapolei on the night of July 24, 2025. (Courtesy: HFD) According to officials, the Kapolei fire on July 24 was cleared shortly after 5 a.m. the following day. (Courtesy: HFD) HFD has since been able to put water on the reignited fire, but there is no word yet on the status of this second fire episode. Kapoleis wildfires are just the latest in a string of wildfire activity on Oahus west side in July, including a deadly fire that sprawled through Maili at the beginning of the month. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The Maili fire was classified as undetermined, as the HFDs fire investigator could not find an exact cause, whether it be manmade or natural. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For local residents like Tracy Perez, who splits her time between Kona and Kapolei, the fire serves as a grim reminder of the West Sides vulnerability to fires. Everybody knows theres no water [on the west side]. Im a local, Im a native, everybody knows the water is where the hotels are, she said. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news The lack of water paired with the lack of road variety is also a concern, Perez said. With no water, and its so dry, its just fire, she said. Theres not even roads for local people to get out. Perez echoed recent calls to open more access roads to the area, such as the Nanakuli emergency road that was closed during the Maili fire earlier this month. There needs to be another way in, and another way out, Perez said. Do you want another Lahaina again? Thats crazy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. Renowned Polish-US historian and journalist Anne Applebaum warned of global anti-democratic tendencies at the opening of the Salzburg Festival on Saturday. Civil society, with its freedoms that are taken for granted, is in greater danger than it has been for generations, she said. In Europe, too, politicians who perceive civil society groups as a threat are in power. They follow in the tradition of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who, as a former KGB agent, learned to treat all self-organized activities with suspicion. "In his very peculiar paranoid nationalism, he treats NGOs as spies," Applebaum said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack on civil society goes beyond Russia. China, Venezuela and Egypt now have laws modelled on Russia. In Europe, "vulnerable democracies" such as Hungary and Georgia are making similar efforts, she said. Such attempts are now also conceivable in the US, Applebaum added. A key reason for this development is the distraction caused by the internet, which counteracts real political and social engagement. "When internet platforms show us the world through a lonely, personalized lens, this problem gradually becomes threatening," she said. People no longer plan and organize their lives together. "We are not practising democracy," she said. Disruption: Stop the genocide Earlier, a protest by pro-Palestinian activists disrupted the official opening of the 2025 Salzburg Festival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several protesters called out slogans like "Blood on Your Hands" and unfurled banners with "Stop the Genocide." Austrian Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler, who is responsible for culture, interrupted his address. He offered the protesters an "open discussion," as they were taken out of the packed hall by security officials. President Alexander Van der Bellen was among the guests and he also addressed the situation in Gaza in his speech. He said he was a friend of Israel, but that did not mean he approved of all the measures taken by the Jewish state. "The situation in Gaza is devastating and cannot be justified on humanitarian grounds." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, he said, no one should forget the massacre of Israelis in October 2023, ading this caused a trauma "that we are all now dealing with." Applebaum also said she had been greatly affected by images of starving children in the Gaza Strip and called on Israel to respect international humanitarian law. The demonstration was one of many that have erupted across Europe in protest at conditions in the Gaza Strip, which have been widely published in European media, along with images of people struggling to gain access to aid. Van der Bellen also took the opportunity to appeal to the conscience of the political and business leaders gathered. He said this was not the time to pursue individual political interests or, as entrepreneurs, to strive exclusively for profit maximisation. "Those who profit must contribute," he said. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps leaders had allegedly encouraged the efforts to develop EMP weapons because it wouldnt violate Khameneis fatwa. Israel's Operation Rising Lion may have disrupted Iranian efforts to construct an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapon, a nuclear fusion bomb, and a standard fission warhead, Washington Post columnist David Ignatius claimed in an op-ed published Saturday, citing Israeli sources. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) leaders had allegedly encouraged the efforts to develop EMP weapons because it wouldnt violate Ayatollah Ali Khameneis fatwa against nuclear weapons, Israeli sources allegedly told Ignatius. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An EMP weapon is designed to generate a powerful burst of electromagnetic radiation, capable of disrupting or damaging electronic equipment and infrastructure, according to a fact sheet published by the Washington State Department of Health's Division of Environmental Health Office of Radiation Protection. Israel's military successes in Iran Israeli attacks also reportedly destroyed 3,000 ballistic missiles and 80% of its 500 missile launchers. The unnamed Israeli source claimed that Tehran had aims to grow its ballistic missile stockpile to at least 8,000 before the war, necessitating the strikes. IR SUPERIORITY proved the decisive factor in both the Six Day War and Israels 12-day war against Iran. During Operation Rising Lion, dozens of IDF fighter jets conducted waves of strikes across Iran, decimating the countrys defense systems more than 1,500 km. from Israeli territory. (credit: IDF Spokespersons Unit) Despite intelligence, Israel was reportedly surprised by the number of solid-fuel missiles in Tehrans possession. Sources also claimed that, beyond assassinating many of the masterminds behind Tehrans nuclear programs, there were hopes that the strikes would dissuade scientists from joining the programs in the future, knowing that doing so would put targets on their backs. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Washington Attorney General Nick Brown filed a lawsuit on Friday against the Trump administration after millions of dollars in federal funding meant to help shelter migrants in the state were canceled. The lawsuit, filed against the United States Department of Homeland Security, alleges the department unlawfully canceled the $4 million in funding, which was approved by Congress to shelter migrants as they await action on their asylum or other immigration claims. Attorney General Brown pointed to a 2019 law which was signed by President Trump in his first term directing Congress to provide funds for states, local jurisdictions and nonprofits to provide food and emergency shelter to migrants after they are released from DHS custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hood River attraction ranked among top things to do in the US in 2025: Tripadvisor According to Brown, tens of thousands of migrants arrived in Washington between 2022 and 2024, leaving local shelters and municipalities struggling to meet their needs. This led the state to apply for federal funds under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Shelter and Services Program. Brown said FEMA which is part of DHS gave Washington over $4 million in Shelter and Services funds; however, before Washington could request payment under the reward, FEMA froze and later ended the funding. Once again, the Trump administration is breaking the law and ignoring Congress, Attorney General Brown said in a statement. Congress created a program to provide funding for shelter for migrants. But now the president has illegally yanked the funds, ignoring the separation of powers, simply because he doesnt like the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Eye on Northwest Politics The complaint notes that by creating a program intended to address overcrowding in federal short-term detention facilities, Congress made a conscious choice to provide funds in a manner that would benefit some individuals who may have entered into the United States unlawfully. Amid broader migration trends that led to millions of people crossing the southwest border into the United States from 2019 to 2024, the number of migrants in Washington rose ten-fold from 4,156 in 2022 to 45,603 in 2024, according to Brown, noting Washingtons housing and homeless crisis system was already strained at this time, and most emergency shelters were already full every night leaving thousands of newly arrived migrants homeless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, Washington appropriated $25 million for the Washington Migrant and Asylum-Seeker Support Project, which began in October 2024 to help newly-arrived migrants with access to basic needs such as food, water, shelter and medical care. Court rules Oregon woman can adopt children despite religious views on gender identity However, the state realized more was needed and sought the federal funding under the Shelter and Services Program, Browns office explained. In the lawsuit, the attorney general argues that DHS violated the Constitutions separation of powers doctrine because the Constitution gives Congress the power of the purse, therefore, the administration cannot refuse to pay funds approved by Congress because of policy objections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit further alleges that DHS violated the Administrative Procedure Act by taking actions that are arbitrary, capricious, and contrary to law, Browns office explained. Portland police paint graffiti artist MONK6 into a corner as BAMBI tagger is prosecuted With this lawsuit, the attorney general is asking the court to declare DHSs decision to end the funding as unlawful and to order the agency to restore the funding. KOIN 6 News has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security. This story will be updated if we receive a response. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EDGEWATER, Ill. On Saturday, more than 100 volunteers gathered for a food packing event in Edgewater to help the less fortunate. The local nonprofit Hitting the Streets has been working to make a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Chicago for 12 years now and on Saturday, over 100 volunteers gathered to help. During the event, organizers say they expected to pack around 6,000 lunches for the less fortunate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Visit the Hitting the Streets website for more information on the non-profit or to take part in the next food packing event. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. This article was originally published in Mississippi Today. Child care worries have been made worse this summer by federal cuts and depleting pandemic funds, and they arent expected to ease by the first day of school. While their kids might have gotten a rest, parents reported longer commutes and newfound stress. A dozen parents from across the state told Mississippi Today about summer child care plans for their toddlers and elementary school-aged children. They shared a mix of anxiety about finding care and frustration with existing options. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Parents have had more reasons to be anxious about those options this summer than in previous ones. A loss of federally funded summer programming for youth, added fees for day care tuition and the loss of vouchers to subsidize tuition costs have changed the landscape of child care. Shequite Johnson poses with newborn Noah on a work trip in Jackson, Miss., on Feb. 12, 2025. (Shequite Johnson) For Shequite Johnson, a professor at Mississippi Valley State University, it has meant driving 45 minutes in the opposite direction of her job for day care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive had to leave my 13-year-old with my 4-year-old, she said. And youre put in a situation where you have to make these decisions. Some are even leaving their babies at home by themselves for five hours and checking on them during lunch hour. She had to pull her 4-year-old boy from a day care in her hometown because of excessive fees. She was charged a $20 late fee at pickup, a $100 registration fee for each of her two boys, and a $150 supplies fee that was announced in June on top of the $135 weekly fee. The Mississippi Department of Human Services recently announced a cutback on vouchers that subsidize child care costs. Without Johnsons child care voucher, her nearby options were limited to a city-run program in an unsafe neighborhood and three programs in aging facilities. Delta Health Alliance runs free and reduced summer programming for elementary-aged children. But Johnson makes more than the income cut-off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a crisis right now in Mississippi, said Carol Burnett, executive director of Mississippi Low-Income Child Care Initiative. The lack of affordable child care prevents employers from keeping their workforce. And yet the state of Mississippi wants people to go back to work. Parents are having to make choices. And none of them are good, she added. The Child Care Initiative operates a program that connects single moms with higher-paying jobs and covers the costs of child care during the transition. The organization is also advocating for the Mississippi Department of Human Services to spend some of the $156 million in unspent Temporary Assistance for Needy Families on Mississippis Child Care Payment Program. The Child Care Development Fund, which nationally supports these voucher state programs, relied on pandemic-era funding that ran out in September. The Department of Human Services asked the Legislature for $40 million to continue serving the same number of families but received $15 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April, the department put a hold on renewals for child care vouchers except for deployed military parents, parents who are TANF recipients, foster children guardians, teen parents, parents of special needs children and homeless parents. As a result, 9,000 parents lost child care assistance. The department will keep the hold until the number of enrollees drops to 27,000 or its budget goes below $12 million in monthly costs. As of Friday, it had no further update but said it will have an announcement in the next couple of weeks. Using TANF funds unspent from past years regardless of whether they were allocated for child care assistance is prohibited, according to federal guidance. However, the TANF state office can use the leftover funds to form a direct payment program. Ohio and Texas enacted this policy. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regional manager Eric Blanchette shared this idea with Mississippi Department of Human Services Early Childhood Director Chad Allgood, according to an email obtained as part of a records request filed by Mississippi Today into communication regarding TANF funds. As of Friday, there were no plans to enact a similar policy in Mississippi. A second rent Monica Ford pays nearly $1,600 in monthly child care costs for three kids. She works as a Shipt delivery driver in addition to her day job as a Magnolia Guaranty Life Insurance Co. auditor. She, her husband and their children recently had to move in with his parents. Monica Ford poses with children Tahir, 7, Kian, 4, Nuri, 1, at Freedom Ridge Park in Ridgeland, Miss., July 19, 2025. (Monica Ford) Its more than Ive paid in rent, she said. Its why I live with my family now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She uses a Jackson day care that charges $10 per minute for late pickup. The fees must be paid by the next morning. Nearly all of the single mothers interviewed said they take on extra work to cover the rising costs of child care in their area. Its extra work that sees them spending less time with their children. Ashley Wilsons child care voucher wasnt renewed in the spring. She works 55 hours a week at a bingo hall and at Sonic Drive-In. We dont get help. Thats what I dont understand, said Wilson, an Indianola parent. Her preferred day care option in Indianola charged $185 per week and $20 late fees, which Wilson could not afford. Her sister was able to afford monthly costs because of an arrangement with an Angel a benefactor who helps local families with tuition at day care providers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilson tried other day cares in town. Several were in dangerous neighborhoods with staff that left milk bottles to spoil. Her toddler came home wet some afternoons and with cuts another. She gets help from family when she can. Whitney Harper lost her child care voucher in April. She is lucky when a relative is willing to watch her 2-year old. Lately, she has considered hiring a sitter off care.com, a website that connects parents with local babysitters. In Jackson, where she lives, the hourly rate is $14 per hour. Most of the day cares in the Jackson metro area charge between $150 and $250 per week, which is more than she can afford as a sales associate at Home Depot. It has been harder this year. They wont work around my schedule, but I need the job, she said of her employer. This is the worst I have seen it Day care centers are left on the brink when families lose child care vouchers. Making up the lost revenue has meant higher tuition and fees for some centers and reaching out to private donors for others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are small businesses, Burnette said. The big story in child care is how much it costs to run it. It requires adequate public investment. Level-Up Learning Center leadership team poses in front of their Greenville, Miss., location on July 26, 2024. Left to right are Chief Operating Officer Adrienne Walker, CEO Kaysie Burton and COO/Athletic Director Kwame Malik Barnes. (Level Up Learning Center) This week, Level Up Learning Center owner and CEO Kaysie Burton visited Greenvilles Walmart, seeking to persuade the manager to sponsor his employees child care tuition. She submitted two grant applications and is working on at least three others. Burtons business survived flooding and relocation. But the latest voucher cutback could shut her banner-adorned doors to the community At Level Up Learning Center, 75% of parents rely on child care vouchers. In the last three months, 20 Learning Center parents have lost their child care vouchers yet most have stayed. Burton has a policy of not turning parents away if they are willing to contribute a portion of the weekly rate. She has not increased her tuition or instituted punishing fees. But making up the lost revenue can be a challenge. Since the cutback, she has let seven teachers go, or roughly a third of her staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were down to skin and bones right now, Burton said. I am willing to take anybody that is willing to come partner with us and help us help parents so that their kids can keep coming in. When Burton started her business during the COVID-19 pandemic, she saw the need in the Mississippi Delta for affordable, quality child care. She remains committed to helping prepare a future generation of Greenville leadership. Were in the thick of it with our parents, Burton said. And we all just need help and we need prayer. SunShine Daycare owner Barbara Thompson has greeted each parent at the door since she started babysitting neighbors kids in her living room. The former banker has long had a passion for raising neighborhood children regardless of their parents status or income. She raised her seven siblings when her mother died when Thompson was 12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But for the first time in 30 years of running a business in Greenville, Thompson is losing families by the dozen as well as longtime staff. She has leaned heavily on prayer and has reached out to state representatives for help. She fears more departures and the downsizing of her business. In the last two months, 12 parents pulled their kids from SunShine. She will have to let three teachers go as a result. We wont have any children if this continues, Thompson said. She regularly informs parents of the child care voucher waitlist and of the process for renewals. Besides caring for children, Thompson advises many young parents in her community. She noticed that state agencies communicate primarily through email, which a lot of her parents dont check regularly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Children who leave her stoop festooned with cartoon characters can face hours alone without parental supervision. Some children will sit and watch television with their grandparents. For Thompson, child care is about raising children to be productive citizens. The youngest years are some of the most important, she stressed. They didnt take it from us, Thompson said. They took from the children. Thats the worlds future. Waitlisted Vennesha Price is waitlisted at nearly every day care in Cleveland, where she lives. Shes been on some of the lists for eight months. If you havent been a resident for five years and you havent navigated the waiting list for five years, its harder to find a spot, she said. She found it difficult to both have a productive work day and watch her elementary-aged children. Eventually, she found a day care that was 40 minutes away. She wakes up an hour earlier to make the commute in time before work. Im a single mother so its very difficult, Price said. After my grandmother went on to the Lord, it became a struggle trying to get to the day care in time. She started factoring late fees into her monthly budget. Shes also including the gas money needed for the extra legs of her commute. Her child care costs doubled for June and July. Its almost like private school tuition now, she said. This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. DENVER (KDVR) A Weld County couple pleaded guilty Friday to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and to distribution of fentanyl in a case linked to a girls death. According to the plea agreements and the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Colorado, Destiny Salazar, 22, and Gabriel Orozco, 23, used email, Facebook and cellphones to sell fentanyl pills to an array of customers. The couple referred to the pills as blues, 30s, percs, perxs and yerks on Facebook. Sign up for the FOX31 Denver Guide weekly newsletter for events and activities Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said Salazar and Orozco used their various devices and accounts interchangeably: Sometimes Orozco would respond for Salazar on her account, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in a release Friday. On July 24, 2021, the couple had a series of transactions with one person who purchased a total of six pills. The buyer then shared the pills with a minor female, who died shortly after ingesting from fentanyl intoxication. Salazar and Orozco, as well as the buyer who shared the pills, knew the pills contained fentanyl, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. The couple reportedly continued to conspire and distribute the drugs through at least March 2022, when they were arrested for burglary. They both had distribution amounts of fentanyl at the time of their arrests, the office reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salazar is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 21, and Orozco is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 23. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. ADAIR COUNTY, Mo. Two people, including a Wentzville man and teen, were left dead and two other people were hurt in a Missouri highway crash Friday, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. An MSHP crash report states that a 43-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy from Wentzville both died in the crash. The crash happened a little after 12:15 p.m. Friday on Missouri Route 11, just south of Kirksville. According to an MSHP crash report, a driver in a Jeep Wrangler was heading southbound in the northbound lane for Route 11 and struck a Toyota Corolla head-on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Autopsy complete in 3-year-olds daycare death but wont be released The driver of the Jeep Wrangler, a 27-year-old man from Kirksville, suffered serious injuries in the crash, according to the crash report. Three people inside the Toyota Corolla were involved in the crash, all from Wentzville. A 43-year-old man and 16-year-old boy died from their injuries. A 43-year-old woman driving the car suffered moderate injuries, according to MSHP. MSHP Troop B, which covers several counties in northern Missouri, is investigating the crash. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Jeremyah Campbell, aged 22, faced a Brevard County judge on Friday following allegations that he fatally shot his grandparents in a neighborhood in West Melbourne. Campbell has been charged with the murder of his grandparents, 83-year-old George White and 81-year-old Mary White. The incident took place earlier this week when Campbell reportedly opened fire, killing his grandparents and injuring a 25-year-old woman. Investigators stated that George White was able to run to a neighbors house for help before collapsing. The 25-year-old woman at that house was harmed during the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the court hearing, Campbell looked emotional and had difficulty staying on his feet. The judge refused to grant bond for the murder charges, but set bonds at $100,000 and $50,000 for the related charges. Campbell remains in custody as he awaits his next hearing. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Content warning: This article contains information about alleged child sexual abuse material. Reader discretion is advised. Report CSAM to law enforcement by contacting the ICAC Tip Line at (801) 281-1211 or your local law enforcement agency. WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (ABC4) A Utah man has been federally indicted for allegedly abusing young boys while in the Kingdom of Tonga, first as a missionary and later as an educator. Law enforcement has identified at least 14 minor victims who allegedly suffered hundreds of instances of sexual abuse. William James Purdy, 28, is facing two federal counts of sexual exploitation of children with production outside of the U.S. and one federal count of travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. He was arrested in Pittsburgh, PA, yesterday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, Purdy used his status as a person in a position of public trust to prey on young children while in the Kingdom of Tonga. He allegedly first travelled there between 2017 and 2019 as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and would later return as an educator between 2020 and 2023. Purdy allegedly used his position of trust to prey upon boys in remote communities and would bribe them with gifts, money, and other promises. In 2022, documents say an 8-year-old boy reported that Purdy had sexually abused him during weekly private tutoring sessions. The Kingdom of Tonga indicted Purdy, and he faced three counts of indecent assault on a child. Purdy was held in jail for several days before being released on bond. Victims told law enforcement that the abuse continued once he was released from jail. Local mothers in the community allegedly supported Purdy at first, unaware that their children had also been victims of him. Documents say that Purdy had fooled these mothers for years into believing he was a trustworthy caretaker of their sons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Provo man tried to meet with 13-year-old, destroyed tablet when approached by officers, documents say Alleged escape from Tonga As part of Purdys release on bond, his U.S. passport was confiscated to prevent him from leaving the country before his trial. According to court documents, Purdy would repeatedly book flights back to the U.S. In December 2022, he submitted an affidavit that he needed to leave Tonga for medical treatment and promised to return because I have considered myself a Tongan and Tonga to be my country, according to the affidavit. The medical treatment that Purdy wanted to return to the U.S. for was an eye treatment that took roughly 30 minutes to complete, according to Tongan court documents. A doctor sent a letter to the court stating that Purdy needed the eye surgery, but it was later determined that he allegedly wrote the letter himself and had a doctor sign it. The indictment alleges that in March 2023, Purdy submitted an application for a Tongan passport and used his own photo, but the name and identity of a mentally disabled Tongan man. Purdy was able to obtain this passport and allegedly used it to flee to Fiji before his trial in April 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While in Fiji, Purdy allegedly went to the U.S. Embassy and applied for an emergency passport, stating that his had been stolen. The embassy issued him an emergency passport, which he used to return to his parents home in West Valley City, Utah. Court documents say his legal address is at the West Valley City home, but he was most recently in Pittsburgh, attending law school. 65-year-old man accused of viewing CSAM during concert, witness reported him, charges say Investigation into abuse The U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Diplomatic Security Services, and the Tonga Police Department began investigating Purdys crimes after he fled from the Kingdom of Tonga. Court documents say that 14 minor victims have been identified so far, and they have reported hundreds of instances of sexual abuse and attempted sexual abuse by Purdy. Purdy groomed and manipulated these minor victims and their parents. He bought them candy, toys, food and drinks, clothing and shoes, cellphones, gaming devices, a ukulele and digital keyboard, and birthday gifts. He gave cash to his minor victims. He drove them to stores and took them on trips, a court document about Purdys crimes reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the victims mothers told law enforcement that she felt like Purdy had tricked her into allowing him into a position of trust and that she was deeply ashamed. Even while Purdy was in jail, he had allegedly been manipulating these mothers, lying that he was being held for discipline and not sexual abuse. Purdys first visit to the Kingdom of Tonga had taken place in February 2017 to serve a mission with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Documents allege that he abused four minor victims during this time. The victims reported that Purdy had told them not to tell anyone about what happened. Purdy had allegedly lured the boys with access to electronics such as a Nintendo Switch and remote-controlled cars and helicopters, items he shouldnt have had access to as a missionary. He would also offer cash, cell phones, and order them anything they wanted from the U.S. Witnesses reported that, during his mission, Purdy did not spend time with adults, only children. After he returned to the U.S. in 2019, he allegedly maintained contact with several of the young boys and sent them gifts. Purdy asked to come back to Tonga and spend Christmas with one of the families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After graduating from the University of Utah, Purdy returned to the Kingdom of Tonga. He worked at an international school and began living in the country full time. During this time, multiple underage boys would move in with the man under the guise of tutoring and providing enrichment for their studies. Bountiful man charged for possessing more than 2,000 files of CSAM, documents say Even after fleeing back to Utah from the Kingdom of Tonga, Purdy began trying to obtain a student visa for one of the minor victims who had lived with him while in Tonga. Purdy and his parents allegedly worked to sponsor the underage victim to live with them and attend school in Utah. Evidence was seized from Purdys computer at his West Valley City residence, and law enforcement allegedly located child sexual abuse material (CSAM) that had been recorded using hidden cameras set up in his bathrooms. He had also allegedly sent sexual images of himself to minor victims and catfished one child into meeting up with him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Purdy was federally indicted on July 16, 2025, and arrested in Pittsburgh, PA, on July 24. He will be transferred to Utah to face criminal proceedings from the U.S. Attorneys Office District of Utah. There are no conditions or combination of conditions that will keep the community safe from the defendant or prevent the defendant from attempting to flee. He took a great risk in molesting these boys in small, close-knit Tongan communities, took a great risk in hiding a camera in his bedroom, took a great risk in placing cameras in his bathrooms after being confronted, took a great risk to continue molesting boys even after indictment, took a great risk in fleeing Tonga, and took a great risk trying to sponsor a minor victim on a student visa and bring the sexual abuse back home to the United States. Although the defendant may be relatively young, he already has so many victims. Request for Detention filed for Purdy, document prepared by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joey L. Blanch for the District of Utah and Trial Attorney Rachel L. Rothberg of the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Branch Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 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. WESTERNPORT, Md. (DC News Now) The mayor of a small Western Maryland town ravaged by floods earlier this year is sharing her frustration, as FEMA recently denied the states request for help. The governor asked for millions of dollars needed to rebuild hundreds of homes, roads, schools, and businesses in Allegany and Garrett counties. Lawmakers tour flooded Western Maryland Westernport Mayor Judy Hamilton spoke with DC News Now days after the denial from FEMA was shared. It drew the ire of Gov. Wes Moore, who visited Westernport back in May to survey the damage done by massive rainfall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the damage: the towns library, which was covered in mud; the towns school, which needed to be evacuated by students on the day of the storm; and many homes and businesses near Main Street. Hamilton said the library has been gutted, and the towns post office still is not open. There have been positive moments, including the last damaged business on Main Street opening this week. But largely, its still an ongoing effort. Thats why she said the news of the FEMA denial was disappointing. Without that FEMA funding, I foresee us having an even longer road ahead of us, Hamilton said. While she said they have received help from the state, there are still elements where help from the federal government would be helpful. That includes homes that were damaged, where many are without hot water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of homes, the bottom floors are gutted out, she said. Now they need resources [to rebuild]. Marylands governor blamed the Trump administration. I would hope that politics was not ever put into a decision, but it does make you wonder, Hamilton said. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson told DC News Now that President Donald Trump responds to each request with great care and consideration. Ensuring American tax dollars are used appropriately and efficiently by the states to supplement, not substitute, their obligation to respond to and recover from disasters. While the Presidents decisions are communicated directly to the Governor of an affected State, the Trump administration remains committed to empowering and working with State and local governments to invest in their own resilience before disaster strikes, making response less urgent and recovery less prolonged, Jacson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials: People trapped amid flash flooding in Allegany County Meanwhile, Moore responded to the denial with a statement. Through the coordinated assessment process, FEMA, the Maryland Department of Emergency Management, and local officials estimated more than $15.8 million in emergency response costs and damage to infrastructure, including more than 200 homes, numerous businesses, roads and bridges, railroads, sewer systems, drinking water, and public utilities. These estimates are above and beyond the thresholds for disaster assistance set by FEMA. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore The full statement can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. WESTFIELD Despite the blazing heat on Thursday, vendors at the Farmers Market were cheery, and several spoke about the successful season they were having with their products. The Westfield Farmers Market is held on the lawn of the Episcopal Church of the Atonement on 36 Court Street at the intersection of Pleasant Street every Thursday from 12 to 5 p.m. through Oct. 16. Pam Baron of Wham Bam Thank You Pam! Baked Goods and her husband David Baron said this is their first season at the Farmers Market, where they set up every other Thursday in their colorful pink-themed booth. Newcomers to Westfield, the cottage bakery, which Pam Baron said is ServSafe certified, licensed and holds a managers certification, started in Denver in 2018, before the family moved here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Baron said sales at the Farmers Market are going.well. They purchased a bunch the first time we were here, then next time, a bunch more, he said. We have loyal customers now, Pam Baron said. Another first season vendor, Linda St. Onge of Skyline Country Kitchen in Chester, informally known as the pickle lady, also sets up every other Thursday at the market. She said the sales have been phenomenal. Im amazed people are looking for pickles, St. Onge said. Isaac Viscarrondo was manning the En3rgyUps table, selling fresh juices including the featured watermelon, which was refreshing on a day in the high 80s. EnergyUP has been selling at the Farmers Market for four years, before opening a store with the same name at 40 Elm Street a year and a half ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Farmers Market was his start, said family member Olga Gonzalez. Emily Lawler and Eileen Vazquez of the UMass Extension in Springfield were present to promote nutrition, agriculture and farmers markets in the community. Their table is always worth a stop to pick up recipes and samples they had fresh salsa on Thursday, nutrition education handouts and other giveaways. Pignatare Farm and Rays Family Farm were among the vendors busily selling their fresh produce at the Market. Debbie Bruno and Holly Rodriguez of the Episcopal Church had raffle tickets for either a tool or spa basket. They also had crosses made from the historic Beech that formerly graced the church. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Next to them, Michaela Block of Montgomery was selling water to support the Farmers Market. In the background was music from Jacob Kordas. Vendors, musicians and food trucks alternate at the Farmers Market, so its worth stopping in weekly to see whos there. More information may be found at farmersmarketwestfield.org. Read the original article on MassLive. The Wheatfield Planning Board denied the North Tonawanda Harley-Davidson dealerships plans to operate a riding academy in its town. Board chair Susan Agnello Eberwein said the boards unanimous decision came because members felt the noise resulting from the riding academy would violate the towns noise ordinance. Residents concerns about the operation were not the main reason, she added, as the board cannot deny something just because residents speak out against it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dealership had planned to use training bikes with 500cc engines on weekends from April through October at the old Aero Instruments building parking lot on 7290 Nash Road. New York State started offering the training programs in 2019 to reduce motorcycle fatalities. Residents at a public hearing this month said that the noise from the bikes, less powerful than a regular Harley-Davidson motorcycle, would still disrupt their neighborhoods, emit air pollution, and cause hearing and respiratory issues. The riding academy would run from April through October on weekends and select weekdays, with a limit of six people per class in the two-day course. The listed times would be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though the representatives in attendance said they would more likely run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The course has a classroom portion, so the motorcycles would not be running constantly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dealership whose territory includes all of Niagara County and some of Erie County does not have the space at its Erie Avenue location. Representatives said state rules require the parking lots have to be 150 feet wide by 220 feet long and not have obstructions, something only the old Aero Instruments building at 7290 Nash Road could provide after an exhaustive countywide search. Co-owner Joe Hatrich said they are now looking at other places in Niagara and Erie counties that can host the program. Recreational marijuana is going to be for sale, legally, for the first time in Delaware's history on Aug. 1. State Marijuana Commissioner Joshua Sanderlin was sworn in earlier in 2025, and his first priority was getting the industry off the ground. The fastest way to start selling legal weed is by converting existing medical dispensaries into recreational ones. A converted store still has to operate its medical supply, according to state law. Most of the medical marijuana stores in Delaware are converting. They paid a hefty price to convert, which can be more than $200,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The start of legal adult-use marijuana sales reflects the tireless efforts of our regulatory team and our strong partnerships with state agencies, industry stakeholders, and community leaders, Sanderlin said in the announcement on July 1. Best Buds was planning on another converted recreational weed store in the heart of Wilmington, but it was recently slammed with a cease and desist from the city. The Fresh Cannabis medical dispensaries in Seaford and Milford will be remaining medical only for now because of townwide bans on recreational weed sales. WEED STORE IN WILMINGTON Wilmington serves incoming weed store with a cease and desist The stores that will be selling recreational weed in each county on Aug. 1: New Castle County recreational weed stores Columbia Care Wilmington - 5606 Concord Pike, Brandywine Hundred Thrive (formerly First State Compassion Wilmington) - 37 Germay Drive, near Elsmere Field Supply Cannabis & Provisions - 4543 Kirkwood Highway, Milltown Fresh Cannabis - 800 Ogletown Road, Newark The Farm - 240 S. Dupont Highway, Suite #200A, near New Castle Recreational marijuana sales will begin in Delaware with 12 dispensaries on Aug. 1, 2025. Two dispensaries will remain as medical only because of town bans on recreational weed sales. (If you are having trouble seeing the map of Delaware marijuana dispensaries, you can also view it here.) Kent County recreational weed stores Columbia Care Smyrna - 200 S. Dupont Blvd., Smyrna Best Buds Dover - 516 Jefferic Blvd., Dover The Farm Felton - 105 Irish Hill Road, Felton Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Delaware recreational cannabis: Rollout prompts call for shoppers, retailer input Sussex County recreational weed stores Best Buds Georgetown - 23 Georgetown Plaza, Georgetown Thrive (formerly First State Compassion Lewes) - 12000 Old Vine Blvd., Building 4D, Unit 102, Lewes Columbia Care Rehoboth Beach - 36725 Bayside Outlet Drive, Suite 760, Rehoboth Beach The Farm, 34164 DuPont Blvd., Frankford Shane Brennan covers Wilmington and other Delaware issues. Reach out with ideas, tips or feedback at slbrennan@delawareonline.com. (This story was updated to add information.) This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Where to buy recreational weed in Delaware, starting Aug. 1 Activists protest the agenda of President Donald Trump during a rally in Chicago on Jan. 25, 2025. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) If the Supreme Court overturns Plyler v. Doe, the fallout will be devastating. The 1982 decision, which affirmed that undocumented children have a constitutional right to attend public school, is already under siege. States like Tennessee and Oklahoma, are laying the legal groundwork to exclude or penalize these students, daring the court to strike down a precedent they never liked to begin with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the current courts appetite for overturning landmark protections, that dare might just work. Thats why Maryland must act. Our state should enshrine the right to public education in its constitution for all children, irrespective of immigration status. This isnt just good policy; its a moral obligation. Marylanders say every child deserves a chance, that has to mean every child. Marylands Constitution, under Article VIII, already mandates a thorough and efficient system of free public schools. But nowhere does it guarantee that the children sitting in those classrooms cant be turned away based on what documents they or their parents do or do not have. That silence is dangerous. According to the Migration Policy Institute, approximately 15,000 undocumented children and youth are currently enrolled in Marylands public schools. If Plyler falls, and Maryland has no constitutional backstop of its own, the door cracks open to policies that chill enrollment, stigmatize immigrant youth and jeopardize public education. Earlier this year, Tennessee lawmakers sought to enact legislation allowing school districts to verify immigration status and deny enrollment or charge tuition to undocumented students. Its a clear challenge to Plyler, designed to climb its way to the Supreme Court. Your opinion matters Maryland Matters welcomes guest commentary submissions at editor@marylandmatters.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We suggest a 750-word limit and reserve the right to edit or reject submissions. We do not accept columns that are endorsements of candidates, and no longer accept submissions from elected officials or political candidates. Opinion pieces must be signed by at least one individual using their real name. We do not accept columns signed by an organization. Commentary writers must include a short bio and a photo for their bylines. Views of writers are their own. Oklahoma sought something similar: an administrative rule requiring schools to collect immigration data at enrollment. These policies are strategic efforts, encouraged by groups like the Heritage Foundation, to chip away at the principle that every child deserves to learn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In contrast, Maryland has the chance to lead. Again. In 2012, it was the first state to legalize same-sex marriage by popular vote. In 2024, voters enshrined reproductive freedom in the state constitution, among the first states to do so. In both cases, Maryland didnt wait for disaster to strike. It acted. Not out of fear, but conviction. The same boldness is needed now. By amending the Maryland Constitution to protect the right to education for all students no matter their immigration status the state would provide clear, unambiguous legal protection. It would ensure that no future legislature or county board of education can quietly impose exclusionary policies. It would strengthen legal defenses in the event of federal overreach or local backlash. And it would say to the 7,000 DACA recipients and 31,000 TPS holders who live here: You are part of this community, and your children belong in our schools. Courts in Maryland have already interpreted thorough and efficient to mean an adequate education under contemporary standards. In Hornbeck v. Somerset County, and later in Bradford v. Maryland State Board of Education, judges affirmed that education is a fundamental right in practice, if not fully in law. But without constitutional clarity, those interpretations are vulnerable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve already seen what happens when ambiguity meets political hostility. In 2024, more unaccompanied migrant children arrived in Maryland than any other state. These kids arent numbers on a spreadsheet theyre human beings seeking stability, safety and schooling. And in high-profile cases like that of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident wrongfully deported to El Salvador, weve learned how fragile legal protections can be without explicit state recognition. This amendment would be a declaration of who we are. By enshrining the right to education regardless of immigration status, Maryland will boldly affirm that every child belongs. It will fight exclusion, drive down dropout rates and open the door to opportunity for thousands of students whove been told explicitly or not that they dont count. Their dreams do matter. A childs worth is not and never should be measured in immigration papers. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson saw it coming in her dissent in Trump v. CASA, warning of a growing zone of lawlessness targeting the poor, the uneducated, and the unpopular. That zone is spreading fast. Every time the federal courts step back from civil rights, the ground beneath us cracks a little more. Maryland cant fix the whole foundation but it can fortify its corner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets call this what it is: a test of whether Marylands values are weatherproof. When federal safeguards fall apart, do we hold the line? Or do we let fear and politics chip away at who gets to learn and who gets left behind? Maryland has led before. It can lead again. For Friday, July 25, WGNs Patrick Elwood and Lourdes Duarte have the latest on new medical information, including: More Coverage: WGNs Medical Watch Parents rush to vaccinate children Some parents are rushing to get their kids vaccinated amid fears that access may soon be limited. Parents with children insured by Medicaid fear changes to the government program mean vaccines will no longer be covered. Additionally, parents with private insurance are concerned that the CDCs new advisory committee on immunizations may withdraw support for some childhood vaccines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That means private health insurers would no longer be required to cover the cost. The European Medicines Agency recommends Lenacapavir to prevent HIV An HIV prevention drug is closer to being available in Europe. The European Medicines Agency is recommending the authorization of Lenacapavir, an injectable drug that could help end transmission in men and women. The agency said its evaluations show, the drug is highly effective. If the European Commission accepts the guidance, the drug will be valid in thirty countries. The drug is injected twice a year and can offer protection for six-month chunks, making it the longest-lasting type. In the US, the FDA authorized Lenacapavir in June. More patients hit with facility fees More medical patients are getting hit with so-called facility fee bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those are charges that hospitals tack on to their bills for appointments at their facilities. NBC News reports that the charges are more widespread, since more doctors work for hospitals and patients are paying more for their treatment before their insurance coverage kicks in. Hospitals can charge facility fees even if a patient hasnt entered them. Researchers say that patchwork laws regulating fees havent kept pace. Sign up for our Medical Watch newsletter. This daily update includes important information from WGNs Dina Bair and the Med Watch team, including, the latest updates from health organizations, in-depth reporting on advancements in medical technology and treatments, as well as personal features related to people in the medical field. Sign up here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. ATHENS, Greece (AP) A wildfire burned through a northern suburb of the Greek capital of Athens on Saturday and some residents were ordered to evacuate, the country's Fire Service reported. Residents of the town of Kryoneri, 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) northeast of Athens received three SMS messages to evacuate to safe areas, Fire Service spokesman Vassilis Vathrakoyannis told reporters. Greek media have shown houses on fire. The spokesman said there have been reports of damages. We will take stock when the fires have been put out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The real difficulties are ahead of us, Vathrakoyannis said, adding that Greece has asked for six firefighting planes from the European Union's Civil Protection Mechanism. On site, 145 firefighters and 44 fire engines, 10 firefighting planes and seven helicopters are attempting to put out the fire, whose origin is unknown. Four ambulances are treating at least five residents, most of them elderly with respiratory problems. Temperatures reaching, or exceeding, 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit), dry conditions and high winds are fanning the flames. Under such conditions wildfires expand very quickly and become dangerous. These conditions are expected to prevail over the coming days, Vathrakoyannis said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire service is also dealing with three other major fires in the southwest on Greece's two largest islands Crete in the south and Evia north of Athens and also on the island of Kythera, northwest of Crete. At least 335 firefighters, 19 planes and 13 helicopters are involved, but can only operate in daylight. In total, 52 wildfires broke out across the country over the past 24 hours, the spokesman said. Wildfires, many of them destructive, have become a common occurrence in Greece in recent years. Several have broken out in the past month. Canada is facing another dangerous wildfire season, with burning forests sending smoke plumes across the provinces and into the U.S. again. The pace of the 2025 fires is reminiscent of the record-breaking 2023 wildfire season, which exposed millions of people in North America to hazardous smoke levels. For most of the past decade, forecasters have been able to use satellites to track these smoke plumes, but the view was only two-dimensional: The satellites couldnt determine how close the smoke was to Earths surface. The altitude of the smoke matters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If a plume is high in the atmosphere, it wont affect the air people breathe it simply floats by, far overhead. But when smoke plumes are close to the surface, people are breathing in wildfire chemicals and tiny particles. Those particles, known as PM2.5, can get deep into the lungs and exacerbate asthma and other respiratory and cardiac problems. An animation on May 30, 2025, shows a thick smoke plume from Canada moving over Minnesota, but the air quality monitors on the ground detected minimal risk, suggesting it was a high-level smoke plume. NOAA NESDIS Center for Satellite Applications and Research The Environmental Protection Agency uses a network of ground-based air quality monitors to issue air quality alerts, but the monitors are few and far between, meaning forecasts have been broad estimates in much of the country. Now, a new satellite-based method that I and colleagues at universities and federal agencies have been working on for the past two years is able to give scientists and air quality managers a 3D picture of the smoke plumes, providing detailed data of the risks down to the neighborhood level for urban and rural areas alike. Building a nationwide smoke monitoring system The new method uses data from a satellite that NASA launched in 2023 called the Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution, or TEMPO, satellite. Data from the TEMPO satellite shows the height of the smoke plume, measured in kilometers. Light blue areas are closest to the ground, suggesting the worst air quality. Pink areas suggest the smoke is more than 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) above the ground, where it poses little risk to human health. The data aligns with air monitor readings taken on the ground at the same time. NOAA NESDIS Center for Satellite Applications and Research TEMPO makes it possible to determine a smoke plumes height by providing data on how much the oxygen molecules absorb sunlight at the 688 nanometer wavelength. Smoke plumes that are high in the atmosphere reflect more solar radiation at this wavelength back to space, while those lower in the atmosphere, where there is more oxygen to absorb the light, reflect less. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Understanding the physics allowed scientists to develop algorithms that use TEMPOs data to infer the smoke plumes altitude and map its 3D movement in nearly real time. CC BY Aerosol particles in high smoke plumes reflect more light back into space. Closer to Earths surface, there is more oxygen to absorb light at the 688 nanometer wavelength, so less light is reflected. Satellites can detect the difference, and that can be used to determine the height of the smoke plume. Adapted from Xu et al, 2019 By combining TEMPOs data with measurements of particles in the atmosphere, taken by the Advanced Baseline Imager on the NOAAs GOES-R satellites, forecasters can better assess the health risk from smoke plumes in almost real time, provided clouds arent in the way. Thats a big jump from relying on ground-based air quality monitors, which may be hundreds of miles apart. Iowa, for example, had about 50 air quality monitors reporting data on a recent day for a state that covers 56,273 square miles. Most of those monitors were clustered around its largest cities. NOAAs AerosolWatch tool currently provides a near-real-time stream of wildfire smoke images from its GOES-R satellites, and the agency plans to incorporate TEMPOs height data. A prototype of this system from my teams NASA-supported research project on fire and air quality, called FireAQ, shows how users can zoom in to the neighborhood level to see how high the smoke plume is, however the prototype is currently only updated once a day, so the data is delayed, and it isnt able to provide smoke height data where clouds are also overhead. Wildfire health risks are rising Fire risk is increasing across North America as global temperatures rise and more people move into wildland areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While air quality in most of the U.S. improved between 2000 and 2020, thanks to stricter emissions regulations on vehicles and power plants, wildfires have reversed that trend in parts of the western U.S. Research has found that wildfire smoke has effectively erased nearly two decades of air quality progress there. Our advances in smoke monitoring mark a new era in air quality forecasting, offering more accurate and timely information to better protect public health in the face of these escalating wildfire threats. 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: Jun Wang, University of Iowa Read more: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prof. Wang's group have been supported from NOAA, NASA, and Naval ONR to develop research algorithm to retrieve aerosol layer height. The compute codes of the research algorithm were shared with colleagues in NOAA. Jul. 25The pilot of a small airplane died in a crash Friday morning at the airport in Dillingham in Southwest Alaska, state troopers said. Dillingham resident John Landsiedel, 33, was the sole occupant of a Piper J3C-65 Cub that crashed on the runway sometime before 9:15 a.m., Alaska State Troopers said in an online update. He was declared dead at the scene, troopers said. Landsiedel was an area wildlife biologist for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the agency said in a statement Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was off-duty at the time of the crash, the agency said. Fish and Game said Landsiedel was loved by colleagues and the community of Dillingham and will be deeply missed. He was an enthusiastic, dedicated employee "who engaged in wildlife management activities that were logistically, physically, and emotionally challenging to a level that most people will never experience in their careers," the agency said. "There are no words to describe the impact this has on his family, friends, and ADF&G with the loss of one of our own," Commissioner Doug Vincent-Lang said in the statement. "Our deepest condolences are with John's family and loved ones." Both Gov. Mike Dunleavy and House Speaker Bryce Edgmon, who represents the Dillingham area, called the incident "heartbreaking" and expressed condolences on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My family sends our deepest sympathies to Mr. Landsiedel's family, friends and coworkers," the governor said in a statement. Landsiedel arrived in Dillingham and Alaska to work for the agency in 2022, according to a report from KDLG, the local public radio station. He'd grown up in North Dakota and went to school at Montana State University, the radio station said. The National Transportation Safety Board responded to the scene and has begun to investigate the crash, an official with the federal agency said Friday afternoon. RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) A source close to Wiley Nickels campaign said the former congressman plans to drop out of the senate race and fully endorse former governor Roy Coopers run for Senate. The source told CBS 17 Nickel intends to make the announcement next week, and is now considering a run for Wake County District Attorney. The announcement coincides with sources telling CBS 17 Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley plans to run for the Senate seat left vacated by Sen. Thom Tillis, and speculation surrounding Roy Coopers possible run. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A representative for Cooper said his announcement on whether he will run for Senate or not would be made in the coming days. Whatley, a North Carolina native, and Lara Trump, his former RNC co-chair and President Donald Trumps daughter-in-law, were both speculated to have been considering a run. However, she ultimately decided not to enter the race. With Nickel planning on dropping out of the race, the field for a potential Cooper Senate run is clear. With The Hill reporting that Whatley has President Trumps blessing, Mitch Kokai with the conservative John Locke Foundation, said another Republican running for Sen. Tillis seat in unlikely. Kokai said a Trump Endorsement essentially ends the prospect of a competitive primary for Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think this effectively ends the Republican race to succeed Tom Tillis with Michael Whatley in the race having the support of Donald Trump, it is very doubtful that any other major credible contender on the Republican side will want to get in. Kokai said. Not only because it would be a tough uphill race, but also because it will be hard to get any kind of high level campaign consultant, a significant campaign organization and big money donors. Anderson Clayton, Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party, told CBS 17 what she believes voters will be looking for in this race. Weve been to rural counties all across North Carolina, twenty-five in the last two months alone and the number one thing I hear from Democrats is theyre excited to see Governor Cooper get in this race. Clayton said. We as a state party dont endorse state primaries, but I do think that the will of the people are definitely going to speak for us and were excited to see what he ends up doing Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) The Williamson County Emergency Management Agency is asking residents to avoid a Franklin creek after an incident involving sewage overflow. The agency announced Friday that sewage found in Cartwright Creek reportedly stemmed from a private wastewater treatment plant owned by Central States Water Resources/Limestone Water Utility Operating Company. Does Tennessee have one of the best school systems in the nation? See how it ranked on this list Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said the contamination was found downstream from the plant on Treatment Plant Road, and no sewage was detected upstream. Williamson County EMA has advised residents to avoid the areas marked in red on the map. (Courtesy: Williamson County EMA) The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Division of Water Resources is assisting EMA officials in creating a plan to stop the sewage from advancing and helping to mitigate its environmental effects. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Samples of the creek water have been sent for testing, and additional tests will help officials monitor the waters safety throughout the cleanup process. At the time of publication, the cause of the incident remains under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williamson County EMA posted the following update on Facebook Saturday evening: Today Williamson County Stormwater Quality Coordinator Mario Forgione monitored the progress of sludge removal from Cartwright Creek in Grassland after an overflow from a private sewage treatment plant owned by Central States Water Resources Limestone Water Utility Company. Water quality results are expected this week. We advise residents to heed the signage and avoid the water until cleanup measures are complete. Details: Sandbag Check Dams have been deployed to slow the flow of water and help trap pollutants from the drainage ditch/Wet Weather Conveyance (WWC) to Cartwright Creek. Manual labor using rakes and shovels collects contaminants from the WWC, Cartwright Creek, and the Harpeth River. Small pools in Cartwright Creek have been constructed to help with containment. Pumps have been used to pull some of the moved water with contaminants flowing around from Cartwright Creek to a containment field outside of the creek. The containment field is at a higher elevation and has no access to the creek Straw matting and hydrated white lime powder have been deployed to assist with the absorption and treatment of contaminants in the designated containment field outside of Cartwright Creek. A bypass pump is on standby in the event of secondary malfunction. Signage and caution tape for the public has been deployed along the WWC, Cartwright Creek, and where Cartwright Creek tributes into the Harpeth River. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) Head up, Wiregrass! The school year is right around the corner! Check out the list below to see when your school system heads back to class. Dothan City Schools: Tuesday, August 5 Enterprise City Schools: Wednesday, August 6 Geneva City Schools: Wednesday, August 6 Elba City Schools: Thursday, August 7 Ozark City Schools: Wednesday, August 6 Opp City Schools: Wednesday, August 6 Andalusia City Schools: Wednesday, August 6 Houston County Schools: Thursday, August 7 Henry County Schools: Thursday, August 7 Geneva County Schools: Friday, August 1 Coffee County Schools: Monday, August 4 Dale County Schools: Thursday, August 7 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com. Jul. 25BENSON COUNTY With the arrest of one employee and notice of resignation from another, within 24 hours the Benson County Sheriff's Office staff has been reduced to one deputy. Deputy Chief Travis Carlson was arrested Thursday on suspicion of numerous misuses of power throughout a two-year period. Benson County Sheriff Ethan Rode filed his notice of resignation Thursday, July 24, effective end of day Friday, July 25, due to a payroll issue. The resignation and the arrest are unrelated, according to County Commissioner Dick Horner, who has been appointed to serve as interim sheriff until the commission's next meeting on Aug. 5. The payroll issues that led to Rode's resignation arose approximately two years ago, when he issued payments to a new hire prior to their official start of employment, Horner said. The commission had been aware of the issue for some time, and it was a topic of discussion for more than a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Resignations of this (nature) can always be a surprise, but something was anticipated that there was going to be a resolution to the issue," he said. According to the Benson County website, Rode has served as the county's sheriff since 2020. Benson County is in northeast North Dakota. The county seat is Minnewaukan. Carlson, Rode's second-in-command, was arrested Thursday afternoon and booked into the Grand Forks County Correctional Center at 4:16 p.m. Carlson, 37, is charged with 12 offenses, including three counts of Class C felony tampering with public records by making false entries as a public servant. Class C felonies have a maximum five-year prison sentence in North Dakota. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carlson's remaining charges are all misdemeanors four counts of Class A misdemeanor official oppression for unlawful arrest, two counts of Class A misdemeanor public servant refusing to perform a duty, one count of Class A misdemeanor failure to appear as a witness or produce information and two counts of Class B misdemeanor disorderly conduct harassment. Court documents include allegations of illegal arrests and detainment, sexual harassment, falsifying court documents, failing to file documentation as well as mistreating and infringing on the rights of a juvenile. The first allegation is that from May 24, 2023, through Oct. 29, 2023, in his capacity as a supervisor and field training officer, Carlson harassed, alarmed and annoyed a female law enforcement officer by making repeated sexual innuendos, according to the information document filed in his case. On April 14, 2024, Carlson allegedly failed to make, file or present any report or conclusion of a reported Dakota Spirits Bar burglary, despite receiving several requests for documentation from the state's attorney's office, the information said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 9, 2024, Carlson allegedly followed a detained female into a woman's bathroom and stood with his body camera recording while she provided a urine sample for drug testing purposes. The woman was alarmed, harassed and annoyed at the demand and Carlson's expectation that she provide a sample under those conditions, the information said. On Aug. 7, 2024, Carlson allegedly conducted an illegitimate traffic stop, illegally detaining and questioning an occupant of the vehicle about unrelated matters. Carlson also allegedly illegally detained, mistreated and infringed on the personal rights of a juvenile motor vehicle passenger on Sept. 30, 2024, the information said. On March 25 of this year, Carlson allegedly sexually harassed, alarmed and annoyed a woman by coming to her place of work while he was in uniform and grabbing her shoulders from behind, the information said. Approximately one year earlier, he also allegedly instructed the woman to turn off her home surveillance cameras following an unrelated incident at her residence, because he planned to stop by to give her hugs. On April 9, Carlson allegedly arrested two tribal members on tribal lands without Bureau of Indian Affairs authority, and claimed in his probable cause statement that he had concurrent jurisdiction, which is legally impossible, according to the information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On April 17 of this year, he allegedly refused to identify a key witness another law enforcement officer who removed a vehicle occupant and detained them while Carlson searched the vehicle to an arrest incident for prosecution purposes. On May 20, while under subpoena to testify, Carlson allegedly failed to appear for a preliminary hearing in a criminal case. All of these accusations are included in court documents obtained by the Grand Forks Herald. The information document also alleges Carlson falsified his May 27 investigative report by knowingly arresting tribal members from tribal lands, transporting them for an extradition hearing also legally impossible before incarcerating them at the Lake Region Law Enforcement Center, a facility not located within the arrestees' reservation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A bond hearing in Carlson's case was held Friday morning, July 25, during which Judge Donovan Foughty set Carlson's bond at $10,000 cash or surety. Because the filing of charges and arrest occurred just one day prior, Horner said Friday morning that no action had been taken regarding Carlson's employment with the sheriff's office, meaning as of that morning Carlson had not yet been fired or put on administrative leave. Now interim sheriff, Horner was a state park manager for 32 years, as well as a law enforcement officer for the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, licensed by the North Dakota Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board. He said the commission is going to try to make the best of the current situation, and continue to provide law enforcement services to county residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're working as a county to provide assistance and personnel to make sure that we continue providing the services our citizens need," Horner said. Carlson has a record of previous write-ups and terminations while employed with other law enforcement agencies. As reported by The Dickinson Press, he was fired from the Dunn County Sheriff's Office for insubordination in spring 2013, right before he began working for the Belfield Police Department, where he was terminated approximately a year later after admitting to having sex in his patrol car while on duty. While employed in Dunn County, Carlson was reported for multiple incidents that were turned over to the Belfield Police Department during its background check of Carlson, according to the Press. The incidents included losing the agency's K-9 dog and potentially abusing it though the latter was never confirmed and may have solely been a rumor, Press reports said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While employed with the Williston Police Department which he left for Dunn County in 2012 Carlson was reported for improperly cataloging evidence, possessing property that belonged to another department, friction with other staff as well as inappropriate contact with a woman. In his report, Williston Police Sgt. Randy Haganow said "Travis was difficult to train in due to Travis feeling like he knew it all." The report also said Carlson "did his own thing" and alienated himself from most other officers. KELOLAND News reported in 2020 that Carlson was denied South Dakota law enforcement certification. The article says that six years prior to the decision, Carlson had surrendered his North Dakota certification in an attempt to avoid revocation. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A 77-year-old woman was apparently killed by a 29-year-old man who then took his own life following a string of home invasions in a Vancouver neighborhood on Wednesday. On Saturday, the Clark County Medical Examiners Office said Cynthia Vance died from a gunshot wound to the head inside her home. The medical examiner also said Triston McGarrah was also found dead from a gunshot wound to the head in the decedents residence. The incident unfolded around 6:15 p.m. on July 23 near 13600 NE 22nd Street, Vancouver police said when a man broken into someones home carrying a shotgun and attacked another man inside the residence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4 adults, 1 child displaced after 2 house fires in Vancouver mobile home park The victim was able to escape to a neighbors house, but was injured in the fight. Police said while officers were checking other homes in the area, they found the 77-year-old woman already dead and an injured man in a residence near the first victims home. McGarrahs body was found a short time later, officials said. All injured victims were taken to a hospital, police said. No further information has been released at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) Friday morning, the professional womens relaxation conference returned to the Marriott Hotel in Odessa for its third year. The conference focuses on assisting women in professional spaces to overcome burnout and stress through relaxation techniques. This is an event to bring together women of all walks of life to learn how to manage their inevitable life stressors, says Founder Dr. Deitrick Gorman. Stress that is chronic in nature that is not managed can wreak havoc in our whole lives, leading to a decreased quality of life in our work relationships, our personal relationships, and even how we view ourselves. The conferences panel consisted of multiple women from different backgrounds sharing their stories and experiences of how they overcame stress, as well as providing methods that may work for those in attendance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Gorman added that the conference also serves as a fundraiser for Prosperity Employment Outreach, which is an organization that helps support unemployed, underemployed, or struggling residents in the Midland and Odessa area. The organization provides the tools that are needed to pursue stable employment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. WOODBURY COUNTY, Iowa (KCAU) The Woodbury County Fair is just around the corner. KCAU 9s Travis Chinn spoke with Laura Hartman and Ben Howard from the Woodbury County Fair about what people can expect at this years fair and some new things. To watch the full interview, check out the video player at the top of this article! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. WORCESTER, Mass. (WWLP) A Worcester man has been found guilty of murder in connection with a 2019 homicide in Fitchburg. Mass. man sentenced to prison for cyberstalking women across 16 years According to the Worcester County District Attorneys Office, 27-year-old Mugisha Jeanbosco was found guilty of first-degree murder and armed robbery. Jeanboscos conviction of first-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These charges stem from the killing of 23-year-old Leon Wilson Jr. of Fitchburg on July 11, 2019. Wilson was reportedly shot and killed in the area of 30 Blossom Street in Fitchburg. The Worcester DAs Office stated that two other individuals have also been charged in connection with the homicide. Jason Robinson, 39, of Fitchburg, and Jonathan Baez, 25, of Worcester, were each charged with armed robbery and accessory after the fact of murder. Both men were arraigned in Worcester Superior Court in March 2020. Jeanbosco is scheduled to be sentenced on August 1. Robinson and Baez are scheduled to appear in court next on August 25. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. UN's World Food Program claimed that 90,000 people are suffering from malnutrition, and nine people have died from it within the past week. Approximately 90 food trucks were unloaded at aid crossings, and over 100 were collected by the UN and international organizations from the Gaza side and distributed in Gaza; however, hundreds of trucks still await pickup, the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) said on Saturday. The UN's World Food Program claimed that "one in three people in the Gaza Strip has gone days without eating", citing information provided by Hamas-controlled Gaza's Ministry of Health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Saturday statement from the organization said that 90,000 people are suffering from malnutrition, and nine people have died from it within the past week. The IDF acknowledged on Friday that while there is no starvation in Gaza, food security is at a dangerous, sensitive point and that it is working hard to keep food security balanced. The military noted that there were sensitive periods for food security during the 21-month war. However, when each period of food insecurity arose in Gaza, the IDF worked hard with humanitarian organizations and NGOs to address the issue. Palestinians carry aid supplies in Beit Lahiya, in the northern Gaza Strip, June 16, 2025; illustrative. (credit: REUTERS/DAWOUD ABU ALKAS) The statement comes after Israels announcement that it will allow humanitarian aid to be air-dropped into the Gaza Strip by foreign countries, with officials expecting the United Arab Emirates and Jordan to take on the task. Jordan and the UAE are waiting for military approval According to military sources cited by the BBC, Jordans and the UAEs militaries are still waiting for the IDFs approval to begin airdropping humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other nations also called for Israel to lift restrictions on the humanitarian aid flow into the Gaza Strip, with Germany, France, and the UK leading the efforts. "Withholding essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable," read a statement from these countries. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the news of foreign aid airdrops arrived at a very late stage in the war, but that the UK "will do everything we can to get aid in via this route." At this time, the IDF is attempting to persuade the UN and other aid organizations to dispatch approximately 900 aid trucks to distribution points. The military has already approved the aid trucks, and they are waiting on the other side on the Gaza side of the border. Yonah Jeremy Bob and Corinne Baum contributed to this report. Forty years after the defeat of the miners saw mass picketing discredited and disowned by the union movement itself, it has returned to the streets of Britain. It came in support of the ongoing strike by refuse collectors in Birmingham, with the aim of ensuring that residents nightmare conditions, living just yards away from filthy, rat-infested piles of uncollected waste, will not end without victory for the unions. Mass picketing is back. The trade union movement has shown it is at its most powerful when it acts together. Workers supporting workers, said Henry Fowler, co-founder of the Strike Map Group, which organised the Five sites, one day picket involving 26 organisations from across the trade union movement, including the RMT, ASLEF, NEU, NASUWT, and the BMA. The strike is, of course, being supported by Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader and now leader of a new hard-Left party that has yet to be named. Last week he was in Birmingham to address protesters outside Atlas Depot in Tyseley, where the gates were shut due to the demonstration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are so many villains in the tale of how Birmingham, second city of the Empire, became such an eyesore and modern embarrassment to the country. The strike by refuse workers is in its fifth month and has resulted in a plague of rats and maggots across the city as an estimated 17,000 tons of domestic waste go uncollected. So the trade union Unite and its members must take at least some responsibility. Then there is the city council itself, whose incompetent handling of Birminghams finances an example of which was last years revelation that it wasted 90m on a botched IT system has been painful to watch. And then of course there is the UK Labour government which is only too keen to blame everything thats going wrong in Birmingham, not on the citys own leadership and certainly not on those hard-working Unite members who also happen to contribute part of their salaries to the Labour Party, but to 14 years of Tory austerity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the main culprit in all of this, the central villain, is none other than our misinformed and meddling judges. The reason the council has been left with a potential 760m liability, which it is now striving to manage with unpopular changes to refuse collectors staffing and conditions, is that the courts made an absurd ruling last year that the jobs of teaching assistant, cleaner and bin collector are all similar. And according to Britains employment law, work done by men and women in similar posts cannot be paid different salaries. The problem is that teaching assistants and cleaners tend to be women and refuse collectors men, and historically, the men who emptied the bins were paid more. Perhaps if a judge were to consider which of those jobs was the most unpleasant, which one he or she would rather not do if they found themselves turfed off the bench tomorrow, then they might have drawn a different conclusion. Unpleasant though essential jobs tend to come with higher financial compensation in order to attract enough recruits. How any judge can conclude that refuse collection and teaching assistance are similar is a mystery that may remain unsolved. The legal ramifications, however, are much clearer than their honours logic and the only way the council can make ends meet is to start cutting costs. And that includes its budget for refuse collection. With so many culprits responsible for the national embarrassment that has consumed Birmingham, it should be no surprise that none of them is actually willing to take any blame whatsoever. 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. Over a year after Wyomings Swastika Lake was renamed to Knight Lake, a local community remains divided over the change. The name of the lake was officially changed in January 2024 due to the swastika symbols ties to Nazi Germany. Still, some local residents told Cowboy State Daily they believe the name should have been kept, as the symbol predated the Nazis and has different meanings in other cultures. I think the lakes name should have never been changed, Albany County Commission Chairwoman Terri Jones, who voted against the name change, told the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think there should be a sign up there, telling what the word swastika actually means, the government worker further explained, adding that she felt that the name change robbed citizens of the opportunity to be educated on its deeper meaning. Google maps A photo of the lake in Medicine Bow National Forest. A photo of the lake in Medicine Bow National Forest. According to the Association for Asian Studies, the swastika could be found in ancient buildings around Asia as a symbol of peace and good luck in cultures that practice Buddhism, including Jainism and Hinduism. Kim Viner, a member of the Albany County Historical Society, told Cowboy State Daily that the name change was necessary due to the symbols tainted history. He likened it to Native American tribes that previously used the symbol before disavowing it after World War II. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We [the historical society] wanted it named for a prominent Albany County person," Viner said to Cowboy State Daily. The Albany County Commission then proposed to rename the body of water in honor of University of Wyoming geologist and paleontologist Samuel Howell Knight. Viner added that it was aunclear where the name Swastika Lake originated from. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Other residents, including Amber Travsky, told Cowboy State Daily that they were puzzled by the name of the lake which is located in Medicine Bow National Forest prior to its change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I thought, Why would somebody name a lake that?, she told the outlet. I figured maybe the lake is in the shape of a Swastika. But I got there and saw that its not shaped like that at all. Read the original article on People Yasser Abu Shabab said Hamas should trade the remaining hostages as a way to safely leave Gaza to Qatar as they weren't wanted in the Palestinian enclave. Yasser Abu Shabab, the leader of Popular Forces, a militia group in Gaza, claimed to have secured several kilometers of land in the Strip and is now governing that space, in an opinion article published by the Wall Street Journal on Thursday. The Popular Forces reportedly took over land belonging to the Tarabin Bedouin tribe, of which Shabab is a member, he wrote while asserting that the militias primary goal is to separate Palestinians who have nothing to do with Hamas from the fire of war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shabab claimed that the war is already over for those living in the territory in eastern Rafah. For the past seven weeks, our neighborhood has become the only area in Gaza governed by a Palestinian administration not affiliated with Hamas since 2007, he claimed. Our armed patrols have successfully kept Hamas and other militant groups out. As a result, life here no longer feels like life in Gaza. He claimed that those living in the captured territory had access to shelter, food, water, and basic medical supplies without fear of Hamas stealing aid or being caught in the crossfire with the Israeli military. Palestinians collect aid supplies from the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, June 9, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Hatem Khaled) Shabab claimed that capturing the territory had had a massive impact on the lives of the Palestinian civilians in the enclave, asserting that they will no longer be used as human shields by Hamas or deal with chaotic aid lines, (nor) evacuation orders. Aspirations for Gaza While there is still much to improve, people now sleep at night without fear of death, Shabab wrote, adding his territory could become the new norm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He claimed that families had contacted him hoping to relocate to the zone, and that in the coming months, a third of Gazas population could be moved outside of Hamass control. To make his aspirations a reality, he wrote in the Wall Street Journal that his militia would need financial support to prevent Hamass return, humanitarian aid to meet the populations immediate needs for food and shelter, and safe corridors so people can move around. Hamas's brutality The vast majority of Gazans reject Hamas, he claimed. They dont want it to remain in power after the war ends. But though they hate Hamas, they still fear it. Since protests began earlier this year calling for the groups removal, demonstrators have been killed, tortured, or forced into hiding. Shabab added that his brother, Fathi Abu Shabab, and cousin, Ibrahim Abu Shabab, were murdered by Hamas in their homes despite not partaking in the protests. He claimed 52 civilians under the groups care were murdered by the terror group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite Hamas killing his loved ones, Shabab wrote, I am not intimidated by them. I wont surrender. The return of the hostages What has prevented most Gazans from expressing their true anger at Hamas is the lack of a viable alternative, Shabab claimed. Hamas still controls aid access and dominates institutions like the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, or UNRWA. Hamas still turns aid centers into hubs for its own operations. In some areas, the only thing preventing people from fleeing is the presence of Israeli troops, which might withdraw as part of a ceasefire. On the topic of hostages, which he did not describe as prisoners in contrast to Hamas, Shabab wrote, When the rebuilding has begun, Hamas can negotiate with Israel for the release of hostages in exchange for safe passage out of Gaza. Let them go to Qatar, Turkey, or wherever their enablers will have them. We dont want them among us. Shabab called on the US and Arab states to recognize the Popular Forces and support an independent Palestinian administration. From eastern Rafahwhere families now sleep safely under civil protectionI can see Gazas future, he concluded. The question is: Will the world help build it with us, free from the ideologies of violence and terror? SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Many people love donuts, and others love ice cream. But if youre interested in a mix of the two, theres a new spot for you in Sioux Falls. Yonutz was a store that was originally started in Florida, but now, thanks to Kim Cerwick and her husband, you can find a new store in Sioux Falls. We are the 18th store, and what it is is, donuts and ice cream. So putting the two together and making a magical treat, Owner at Yonutz, Kim Cerwick said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement POET ranked a top exporter in the U.S. While the Cerwicks have other business ventures, there was something about Yonutz that appealed to Kim. We looked at all kinds of different fun things that we could bring to Sioux Falls, but this one kind of caught my eye on Facebook really like the social media aspect. And our children and many other children knew what it was before many of us adults did, Cerwick said. At the store, you can find all types of donuts and ice cream. We sell everything from your decorated donuts with all kinds of explosions of flavors from your. We have seasonal like key lime pie right now. We do have classic donuts as well as we do mini donuts, which have been a huge seller around here. We do smash milkshakes, which some actually have a donut in them, Cerwick said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with selling the two sweets individually, they also offer what they call a Smash Donut, which is a mix of ice cream and donut. In 2023, Yonutz won the national dessert war for one of these Smash Donuts. A Nutella smash donut, just like all of our other smash donuts, is you take a shell donut, you cut it in half, you put ice cream in the middle, and then we put it in a hot press. So its hot on the outside, cold on the inside. Cut it in half, put all kinds of yummy goodies on it and its a great treat, Cerwick said. For some, coming into the store can be overwhelming at first. I think theyre very shocked because its something definitely brand new for Sioux Falls, and lots of different flavors and toppings and lots to choose from, Shift lead at Yonutz, Kaitlynn Hamilton, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But once people give it a taste, they come back for more. I think I had the French toast one that time, and then my husband he tried the strawberry shortcake. So thats how come I knew this time I need to get this one, Second trip to Yonutz, Dawn Yellow Eyes said. This is Dawn Yellow Eyes second trip to Yonutz. After coming on opening day, she knew she had to show other people in her family the shop. This is my daughter, my grandson. Theyre from North Dakota. Theyre visiting up here. So I was like, Im going to bring you guys to this donut place. And I dont know if they thought of just like a bakery donut thingy or whatever, but I was like, no, you got to come. You got to see, Yellow Eyes said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with donuts and ice cream, the store also has an array of claw machines. It is your regular claw machines with just the prizes inside, and you can win those. Keep those, or you can trade them up in kind of a carnival style for larger stuffed animals, Cerwick said. While it may seem like an odd pair, claw machines and donuts, its been a big hit. Theyve been very popular. Lots of kids like to play, Hamilton said. The kids are occupied, theyre having fun. And theres some really cute toys in there too. And you can trade some of the small ones in for the big ones too, Yellow Eyes said. So whether youre interested in the claw machine, the ice cream, donuts, or all of the above, Yonutz has got you covered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It just reminds me, like vacation food. Like something you would get, not here. Like when youre visiting Disney or something, Yellow Eyes said. While Yonutz has been open for around two months, its grand opening is taking place July 26. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. AUGUSTA, Ga (WJBF) A local organization is giving back to the Wellstar Childrens Hospital of Georgia. Zayden Wright was a former patient at the Childrens Hospital of Georgia but sadly passed away in 2018. Now his parents want to continue his legacy by giving toys to patients. They did so much and so many people did kind acts for my son. When my son passed away, I wanted to be a parent to give back and do the same thing that people did for me, said Zackary Wright, Zaydens father and CEO of the Zayday Foundation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The foundation does these toy drives every year around Christmas time but due to the renovations on the hospital the last couple of months, they are doing Christmas in July. Wright says the inspiration to start a toy donation came straight from Zayden. He had a giving spirit. He had gotten to the point where he would go through his toy box, he would love to give away his old toys because he knew he was going to get new toys. Then by him being in the hospital and people gave him toys, it was just the perfect way for me to give back, Wright said. Wright says he is thankful to the people donating their time to the foundation and everyone who gave toys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I hope the impact gives some kid hope. A lot of the toys were heartfelt for me because I picked out some things that reminded me of my son, books of inspiration of hope. Toys that would inspire them to try, we have building toys, we have electronics, said Wright. I spoke with a member of the Wellstar team who says this was her first year participating in the toy drive. She says all of the patients are going to be very excited about their new toys. We give toys to kids before they have surgery, after some really scary procedures or when theyre admitted here for a long time and they need something to do. Thats what we do, we aim to make the hospital just a little bit more fun and just be there for these families while they are going through some of the toughest times, said Addie Winkelman, Child Life Specialist at Wellstar Childrens Hospital of Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you wish to donate or learn more about the Zayday Foundation you can find the link here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reacted to the Russian attacks on Ukraine on the night of 25-26 July and received a report from the Minister of Internal Affairs on the morning of 26 July. Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter) Quote from Zelenskyy: "Morning reports from Ukraines Minister of Internal Affairs and the military. Overnight, the Russians launched a combined strike missiles, including ballistic ones, and drones. The attack targeted the Sumy-Kharkiv-Dnipro line. Such strikes certainly cannot be left without response, and Ukrainian long-range drones ensure one. Russian military enterprises, Russian logistics and Russian airfields must see that Russias own war is now hitting them back with real consequences." Background: On the night of 25-26 July, the Russian army carried out a large-scale combined attack on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, resulting in two fatalities, five injuries, fires, and damage. On the night of 25-26 July, the Russian army attacked the city of Zmiiv in Kharkiv Oblast with a missile and ten drones. A total of three people were injured in the Shostka hromada in Sumy Oblast as a result of a Russian attack on 25-26 July. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Crowding on the Midway Geyser Basin boardwalk near Grand Prismatic Spring (NPS / Jacob W. Frank) Members of Montanas congressional delegation have introduced bicameral legislation implementing a presidential order that will charge international visitors to Americas national parks an additional fee. The states western congressional Rep. Ryan Zinke, a former Interior Secretary during President Donald Trumps first term, along with junior U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy, introduced the Protecting Americas Treasures by Raising Inflow from Overseas Tourists in Parks Act (PATRIOT Parks Act), which could address maintenance backlogs at some of the countrys most popular sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement National Parks are Americas best idea and maintaining that legacy for future generations means making smart investments in the management of the parks, Zinke said in a press release. Americans already pay for parks in our tax dollars as well as at the gates. Its unfair to American taxpayers to foot the bill for millions of foreign visitors. Almost every other country charges foreign visitors more, its common sense. President Trump and Secretary Burgum did the right thing directing the National Park Service implement a foreign visitor fee. This legislation will codify the policy and ensure Americans are put First in our own parks. The idea to raise additional funds from foreign tourists has long been championed by the Property and Environment Research Center, a Bozeman-based a free market environmentalism nonprofit think-tank. Sheehy once served on its board. In preliminary Interior budget documents for the 2026 fiscal year released this spring, the federal government proposed a new fee on foreign visitors to address some of the shortfall in National Park Service budgets, but simultaneously showed an agency request of just $2.1 billion, roughly two-thirds of the NPS budget in 2025. However, the latest version of the Interior appropriations bill, which passed through committee this week, showed a budget recommendation $3.1 billion roughly holding current funding levels intact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year was the busiest on record for the NPS, with more than 331 million visitors spending time at the 433 NPS units, including historic sites, battlefields and monuments, in addition to the 63 national parks. The increased traffic at the nations crown jewels have added to a deferred maintenance backlog of nearly $23 billion to maintain roads, buildings, utility systems and other facilities across the park system. According to researchers with PERC, because roughly 80% of entrance fees charged by some NPS sites are retained at the site they are collected, increasing gate revenue could help address specific maintenance backlogs at heavily trafficked sites. In a study using NPS data showing baseline entry fee revenue of $349 million, PERC calculated a $16, $25 and $40 surcharge for foreign visitors, with an estimate that the surcharge would correspond with a roughly 3% decrease in visitation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The smallest surcharge would generate an additional $211 million annually, while the highest would bring in $528 million more than doubling the current revenue. The current system is relatively blunt there are lots of margins you can refine in a logical way, Watkins said. Thats where I think you can see big changes happen. Early versions of the federal directive to increase fees on foreign visitors cited an additional $90 million in fees, but neither Trumps executive order, the latest appropriations documents, nor the newly introduced legislation have specific dollar amounts set as revenue goals. The PATRIOT Parks Act was co-introduced in the respective chambers with Rep. Riley Moore, R-West Virginia, and Sen. Jim Banks, R-Indiana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our national parks drive Montanas tourism economy by bringing in visitors from all over the world and define our way life by offering an experience you can only find in America, Sheehy said in a statement. Implementing a foreign visitor fee is an America First, commonsense way to secure affordable access for American families, improve our national parks for all visitors, and better manage our treasured public lands. Its not too much for Americans to ask that their government puts them first, and thats why Im proud to support the PATRIOT Parks Act so more American families can enjoy our national parks for generations to come. Officials who have spoken about the proposed fee changes cite other parts of the world where foreign tourists are charged more than locals. The Galapagos Islands are commonly referenced, where foreign tourists pay $200, while Ecuadorian adults pay just $30. It is the policy of my Administration to preserve these opportunities for American families in future generations by increasing entry fees for foreign tourists, improving affordability for United States residents, and expanding opportunities to enjoy Americas splendid national treasures, Trumps executive order stated. The foreign surcharge, as defined in the PATRIOT Parks Act, would only apply to NPS sites that already charge entrance fees, and exempt monuments in Washington D.C. Canadian citizens visiting Glacier National Park are also exempt from the fee, recognizing the joint stewardship of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has brought on a new campaign manager who recently served as senior advisor to fire drill enthusiast and Israel-bashing ex-Rep. Jamaal Bowman. Maya Handa will take the reins of the socialists bid for mayor following his stunning Dem primary win over supposed frontrunner Andrew Cuomo last month, Mamdanis campaign announced Friday. The Queens assemblyman will face Cuomo, incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and lawyer Jim Walden, all running as independents, in the November general election, along with the Republican nominee, Curtis Sliwa. The socialist frontrunner for New York City mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has brought on a new campaign manager who recently served as a top advisor to fire drill enthusiast and Israel-bashing ex-lawmaker, Jamaal Bowman. Paul Martinka Handa most recently ran the day-to-day for the mayoral primary campaign of state Sen. Zellnor Myrie, who struggled to break out from the crowded Democratic field. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before jumping into the chaotic horse race, Handa served as senior advisor to Bowman, whose last consequential act as a New York representative in DC was pulling a fire alarm to delay a key House vote. Shortly after, the squad member was voted out of office. Bowman, a vocal critic of Israel who has accused the country of carrying out a genocide in Gaza, is also on Mamdanis short list for schools chancellor. Handa, a political operative with ties to the Working Families Party, has a resume packed with lefty lawmakers, including Sen. Elizabeth Warrens bid for president and Mondaire Jones 2020 campaign for Congress. Bowman is also on Mamdanis list to potentially be the next schools chancellor. Robert Miller Mamdanis campaign also announced they hired Afua Atta-Mensah as senior political director and Deandra Khan as director of labor and intergovernmental affairs. Andrew Schwartz / SplashNews.com Mamdanis campaign also noted Handas previously worked for Queens Assemblymember Claire Valdez and Brooklyn Councilmember Shahana Hanif, but those gigs were absent from her LinkedIn resume. Other new hires announced by Mamdanis team on Friday were political strategist and progressive organizer Afua Atta-Mensah as senior political director and Deandra Khan who recently served as top advisor to the president of the Local 32BJ SEIU union as director of labor and intergovernmental affairs. Claudia Sahm is the chief economist at New Century Advisors and a former Federal Reserve economist. She is the creator of the Sahm rule, a recession indicator. Rhonda Hauff is the CEO of Yakima Neighborhood Health Services. YNHS serves more than 23,000 patients each year regardless of their ability to pay. The announcement by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana of a new party on Thursday has provoked a strong wave of support and enthusiasm. In itself, this was not surprising. The reactionary policies pursued by the Starmer government had been a slap in the face for millions of people who voted for the Labour Party, hoping for a change. In a remarkably short space of time, having won a landslide electoral victory, Starmer has become the most unpopular prime minister of all time. He is particularly detested by people on the left, who rightly regard him as a traitor who is virtually indistinguishable from the Tories and Liberals. To the left of Labour a yawning gulf has opened up, a huge political vacuum, which, sooner or later, had to be filled. Given the weakness of the forces of genuine Marxism at the present time, that vacuum could only be filled by some kind of left reformist alternative. It was therefore quite natural that it should be filled by former Labour leader and left reformist, Jeremy Corbyn. To anyone with the slightest knowledge of British politics at the present time, such an outcome could not be a surprise. It was, in fact, entirely predictable. Within hours, thousands of people were signing up to join the new party. Given the total lack of any viable alternative, this again was hardly surprising, Mood of pessimism For a long time, the so-called lefts in Britain and internationally have been paralysed by a mood of dejection and pessimism They only saw reaction on all sides. Lacking any knowledge of dialectics, they could only see the surface of events, but were blind to the real processes of radicalisation that are taking place. This applies to Jeremy Corbyn as much as anyone else. While we salute his decision finally to launch a new party, we must also add that this development was held up for a long time by his constant vacillations and hesitation to take this decisive step. But while the left was sunk in moods of deep pessimism, among the masses, there is a mood of anger, frustration and despair that is growing in intensity all the time. Wherever you look, you find the same sense of burning anger. It exists in all countries at the present time. The idea is rapidly gaining ground that those in power do not represent us. This is a colossal step in the direction of a revolutionary transformation. The situation faced by millions of people is increasingly desperate. In their desperation, they are looking for a way out of the crisis, turning first to one option, then another. One by one, organisations and leaders are put to the test, found to be useless and worse than useless and discarded. Right-wing demagogues like Trump can arise suddenly and achieve some success for a time. The sectarian imbeciles and left reformists who can see no further than the end of their noses interpret this as the rise of fascist reaction. It is no such thing. It is an expression of extreme volatility on the electoral plane, characterised by violent swings. These right-wing demagogues inevitably come up against the contradictions of capitalism for which they have no answer. They will collapse as suddenly as they appeared, preparing the way for an even more violent swing to the left. This volatility represents a serious threat to the established order. That explains the panic, bordering on hysteria, with which the strategists of capital view the present situation. Sudden changes Sudden and unexpected changes are implicit in the whole situation, including, above all, sudden and rapid changes in consciousness. Powerful centrifugal forces are at work, pushing the classes into a state of open war. The reason that it does not immediately result in revolutionary developments is the lack of any viable alternative on the left. In the absence of such an alternative, we will inevitably see violent swings on the electoral plane both to the left and to the right. But the movement towards socialist revolution is not a mechanical one. Given the absolute bankruptcy of the so-called left, the frustration of the masses finds its expression in all kinds of peculiar political formations. The weakness of the subjective factor means inevitably that, in the next period, the radicalisation of the masses will express itself in the rise and fall of new left reformist formations and leaders. Some of them will use very radical language, but all will come up against the basic limitations of reformism: their inability to pose the basic question of the overthrow of the capitalist system and the coming to power of the working class. The announcement of a new left party in Britain undoubtedly opens new possibilities for the communists. This fact represents the most important aspect of the present situation. It is clear that many opportunities exist for the Revolutionary Communist Party in Britain now. We must therefore give careful consideration to it and decide what our attitude should be. The record of left reformism The launching of the new party opens up a new and potentially fruitful field of work for us. But whether we succeed or not depends on working out the correct tactics for it. It is clear many opportunities exist for the RCP. We must therefore give careful consideration to what our attitude should be / Image: Revolutionary Communist Party It should be clear to any thinking person that the tactics of the Revolutionary Communist Party cannot be determined by temporary moods of enthusiasm among the masses moods, which may well have an ephemeral character. We must keep a cool head at all times, and not give way to sudden impulses. Particularly in the field of tactics, it is necessary to give the matter careful thought and consideration, analysing the pros and cons before taking any decisive step. Haste, in politics as in warfare, is always a bad counsellor. In particular, we must firmly bear in mind the lessons of the past in relation to left reformism. We have the experience of Tsipras in Greece, Podemos in Spain, Sanders in the USA, and last but not least, Jeremy Corbyn in Britain. In each case, these leaders emerged suddenly and achieved an enormous level of support and enthusiasm on the basis of putting forward a radical policy at least in words. They all enjoyed a considerable level of enthusiasm in the beginning. But in the end, it all ended in tears, because they finally capitulated to the establishment. In the case of Britain, Jeremy Corbyn appeared from nowhere and was catapulted into the Labour leadership, simply because he put forward a fairly mild reformist programme. His success was not at all due to his own personality, political convictions or planning ability. It was entirely due to the fact that the widespread discontent that existed in society was seeking a point of reference, and found it in his person. It is true that the new party, before it is even properly launched, has already achieved hundreds of thousands of signatures. That is, of course, a highly significant symptom that shows the same discontent exists now that existed then. As a matter of fact, the response he had at that time was arguably even greater than the support he is getting now. He was in a position potentially to transform the whole situation in Britain. But he met immediately with the opposition of the right wing in the parliamentary Labour Party which immediately declared war on him, with the backing of the right-wing media. Corbyn could have solved the problem very easily by doing what we were urgently demanding at the time: to mobilise the mass base that he had in order to crush the Parliamentary Labour Party, deselecting right-wing Labour MPs. Yet Corbyn refused to do this. Left reformists always cling to the right reformists, fearing a split. For their part, the right reformists, who are open agents of big business in the ranks of Labour, had no such scruples. They continued their sabotage, and eventually succeeded in defeating Corbyn, who was not prepared to carry on the fight to the finish. His defeat was therefore absolutely inevitable, and it was the direct result of his own left reformist policies. It is absolutely necessary to bear this firmly in mind at the present time, and not allow our judgement to be clouded by the mood of enthusiasm which his announcement of a new party has generated. As Trotsky explained, our approach is not to distort, not to tendentiously select, not to embellish, not to sugar-coat, but honestly to say what is. How should we approach the new party? What is the main task of communists in the present period? It is to participate, side by side with the masses of the working class, and connect the finished programme of socialist revolution with the unfinished yearning of the most advanced elements for a fundamental revolutionary change. As Trotsky explained, our approach is not to distort, not to tendentiously select, not to embellish, not to sugar-coat, but honestly to say what is. / Image: fair use Should we support the new party? This question is easy to answer. We communists welcome the launch of a new left party in Britain with every possible enthusiasm. It is too early to say what the actual physiognomy of the new party will be. It is very much in an embryonic stage. The first indications are that, as one would expect, it will stand for a series of radical reforms in areas such as health, housing and other areas of vital interest to the working class, all of which we are also fighting for. But the crucial question is whether the leadership of this party really stands for a fundamental transformation of society. By this we mean the abolition of capitalism and the assumption of power by the working class. We cannot answer this question in advance, but in all probability, the left reformist nature of the leadership will incline them to the position that it is possible to solve the problems of the working class without a radical break with capitalism and private ownership of the means of production. This is indicated by the fact that the initial statement limits itself to taxing the rich. If that is the case, all the promised reforms will amount to very little in practice. Here we have the fundamental dividing line between genuine socialist policies advocated by the communists and the vague and ambiguous programme of left reformism. Does that mean that an honest and fraternal collaboration between the RCP and the party is ruled out? No. It means no such thing. The RCP stands on the programme of socialist revolution, but we also understand that without the day-to-day struggle for advances under capitalism, the socialist revolution would be an impossible utopia. The difference between us and the reformists is not that we do not defend reforms. On the contrary, we advocate the most militant action to fight for any meaningful reform that serves the interests of the working class. Our criticism of the right reformists is precisely that they do not fight effectively for reforms. They consistently oppose strikes and other actions of the workers to obtain improvements in their living standards. And they inevitably capitulate to the pressures of the capitalists and carry out policies of so-called austerity that is to say, vicious cuts in living standards counter-reforms. The difference between the left reformists and the right reformists is that the latter stand openly for the interests of the bankers and capitalists, whereas the former believe that it is possible to achieve ambitious reforms and improvements in living standards within the limits of the capitalist system. This, however, is impossible. Therefore, our support for the new party cannot be unconditional. We must at all times maintain a principled position, firmly upholding the programme of a root and branch transformation of society socialist revolution. We extend a hand of friendship to the members of the party. Since we are too weak to stand candidates in elections, we will work side-by-side with its members for the election of its candidates. And we will defend it against the attacks of the reactionary press, which will be inevitably raised against it. But our support can never be uncritical. Indeed, the prior condition of a fruitful and honest collaboration with the left reformists is to draw clear lines of demarcation from the very beginning. Whenever Jeremy Corbyn takes a step in the right direction, we will support him. But whenever he takes a step back, whenever he shows equivocations and vacillations (which he has done on many occasions) we reserve the right to criticise him in a firm but comradely manner. Only in such a way can we preserve our political independence, uphold the genuine policies of communism, and enter into a fruitful dialogue with members of the new party. We have called upon our members to support the party and to be active in and around it, to the degree that that is possible for us. But we cannot accept any limitations whatsoever on our freedom to agitate in favour of communism and the revolutionary programme. We do not wish to prevent the left reformists from defending their positions openly and honestly, and we expect the same respect from their side. One thing must be made absolutely clear. There is no question whatsoever of liquidating the Revolutionary Communist Party the only real guarantee that the genuine programme of socialism will be maintained. On this question, there can be no compromise. Revolutionary potential The enthusiastic response to Corbyns declaration is just a small indication of the real mood of society. Beneath the apparent surface of calm, violent storms are being prepared. The gap between rich and poor has reached an extreme that has not been seen for the last 100 years. The recent events in Britain and other countries show that consciousness is beginning to mature, but in order to find the real path to victory, there will be many false starts. The objective situation is increasingly mature for revolution. But the subjective factor is lagging far behind events. Upon the solution of this contradiction the entire course of future history will depend. London, 26 July 2025 The shortage of househelp in Haryanas Gurugram appears to be linked to an ongoing crackdown on illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in the city. Reports indicate that following these raids, many undocumented Bangladeshis have either been taken into custody or fled to avoid arrest, leaving behind a vacuum in domestic staffing across Gurugram. A new poster outside the Janata Dal (United) state office in Patna stirred the political atmosphere in Bihar on Saturday, as several party workers publicly demanded that Nishant Kumar, son of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, enter active politics and contest elections. Five-times Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Mumbai Indians finished in last position in IPL 2022 but will be looking to turn their form around from IPL 2023. With Kieron Pollard taking retirement, Mumbai Indians will need a quality all-rounder from the likes of Cameron Green, Ben Stokes and Sam Curran in the auction. In these collection of pictures, we take a look at players that Mumbai Indians may target at the IPL 2023 auction. Today is the last day of G-20 in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Today Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha lashed out at Pakistan from the platform of G-20. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Singh Bhutto has been shocked after seeing the picture of G-20 in Kashmir and he has put a request in front of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Know what is that request. Donald Trump, in a series of posts on his Truth Social handle, said that he spoke with the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Manet, and the acting PM of Thailand, Phumtham Wechayachai. The two nations have frequently clashed over their shared land border, a dispute that reportedly remains unresolved. Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno and his Guinea-Bissau counterpart, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, held a two-hour meeting on Thursday, July, 24, in NDjamena to deepen bilateral relations and enhance diplomatic coordination. A statement from the Chadian presidency underscored both leaders shared commitment to strengthening cooperation and maintaining regular dialogue on matters of mutual interest. The discussions also highlighted a joint aspiration for a fairer and more equitable global order. President Embalo, who arrived in Chad midday for a brief working visit, departed shortly after the meeting. The high-level engagement signals a renewed drive for regional solidarity and strategic alignment between the two West and Central African nations. Nigeria is confronting what the United Nations describes as an unprecedented hunger crisis, with nearly 31 million people facing acute food insecuritya figure comparable to the entire population of Texas. According to Margot van der Velden, Regional Director of the World Food Program (WFP), the crisis is unfolding against a backdrop of shrinking humanitarian funding across West and Central Africa, placing millions at risk of starvation. The situation is most severe in conflict-affected regions such as Borno State in northeastern Nigeria, where Islamic insurgencies have displaced thousands. Due to drastic funding cuts expected to take effect in August, the WFP anticipates having to suspend life-saving aid, leaving over 1.3 million Nigerians without food or nutritional support. The closure of 150 nutrition clinics threatens to expose 300,000 children to acute malnutrition, while 700,000 displaced individuals may be left entirely destitute. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), historically the mainstay of humanitarian assistance in the region, has significantly reduced its contributions, triggering a domino effect on service delivery. The looming crisis calls for urgent global solidarity to avert a humanitarian catastrophe. On Thursday, July 24, 2025, Vietnamese National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man has concluded a three-day official visit to Senegal, marked by the signing of three bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties. During his stay, he held high-level meetings with Senegals President, Prime Minister, and National Assembly Speaker, signalling the strategic importance both countries place on the evolving partnership. The agreements, officials say, reflect a shared vision of food sovereignty and mutual development, particularly in the agricultural domain. In 2023, trade between Senegal and Vietnam surpassed $100 million for the first time, underscoring the growing momentum of bilateral exchanges. Vietnam currently supplies about 10% of Senegals rice, while Senegal exports seafood and cashew nuts in significant volumes. Malick Ndiaye, President of Senegals National Assembly, noted that the new accords would further enable investment flows and ease mobility between the two nations, positioning agriculture as a cornerstone of future cooperation. The visit also highlighted knowledge transfer as a key pillar of collaboration. Vietnamese experts have been providing on-site training to Senegalese farmers, while selected Senegalese agricultural practitioners have been sent to Vietnam to enhance their technical expertise. This reciprocal exchange in agricultural science and technology reflects both nations commitment to not only trade, but sustainable capacity-buildinganchoring a long-term partnership that blends commercial ambition with developmental impact. 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: Tracks of individual molecules as they move through a cancer cell's nucleus and bind to DNA. Credit: Benjamin Kroeger Melbourne scientists are teasing out how the "Hippo pathway" works at the molecular level, improving understanding of how it exerts control and its potential as a much-needed treatment for the deadly cancer mesothelioma. They have filmed, for the very first time, microscopy vision showing the activity of a group of DNA-binding proteinscalled TEADs and YAPwhich are integral to how the Hippo pathway works. Professor Kieran Harvey explains the Hippo pathway arose in living beings more than a billion years ago and today it works the same across diverse species from single-celled organisms to mammals, including humans. It controls how healthy tissues and organs grow, wound healing, how cells proliferate and die when needed, and the Hippo pathway is also implicated when cancer develops and take hold in the body. Two new drugs acting on the Hippo pathway are currently in first-in-human trials at Peter Mac assessing them as potential treatments for mesothelioma, a hard-to-treat cancer often caused by exposure to asbestos. "The Hippo pathway controls transcription, which is how the body carries out the instructions from our DNA but how it does this is poorly understood," says Professor Harvey who has dual appointments at Peter Mac and Monash University. "In this study we used new microscopy techniques that allowed us to recordfor the first time everhow proteins involved in this signaling pathway work in real time, moving throughout the nucleus of human cells and binding to DNA. "We studied how these proteins interact with DNA over different timescales and a key finding is that the Hippo pathway dictates which genes are made by cells by controlling the time that TEADs and YAP bind to DNA." Notably TEAD1 (one of the TEADs) is known to play a role in the development and progression of mesothelioma, and drugs which inhibit TEADs are being assessed in expectation of a therapeutic benefit. Another rare cancer epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is caused by the fusion protein YAP-TFE3, and this study also showed this mutated version of YAP binds DNA on longer timescales than YAP or TEADs. The research, also led by Dr. Benjamin Kroeger from Peter Mac and Monash University, has implications for understanding how these proteins could be targeted by new cancer drugs. The paper has just been published in the journal Science Advances. "Given its foundational role, we hold great hopes that improving understanding of how the Hippo pathway works will open new avenues for treating mesothelioma and other hard-to-treat cancers," Professor Harvey says. The paper is titled "Hippo signaling regulates the nuclear behavior and DNA binding times of YAP and TEAD to control transcription". More information: Benjamin Kroeger et al, Hippo signaling regulates the nuclear behavior and DNA binding times of YAP and TEAD to control transcription, Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adw4974 Journal information: Science Advances PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 26: STL (NSE: STLTECH), a leading optical and digital solutions company, today announced its financial results for the quarter ended 30 June, 2025. For the first quarter of FY26, the Company reported revenues of INR 1,019 Cr and EBITDA of INR 140 Cr, a growth of ~17% YoY and ~94% YoY, respectively. * YoY growth in Revenue and EBITDA of ~17% and ~94%, respectively * Order intake of INR 1,500+ Cr in Q1 FY26 Amidst a dynamic tariff landscape, we remain focused on driving performance and profitability through product innovation and cost leadership. We continue strengthening relationships with our customers and driving sales in our key markets of US, Europe and India. This has been reflected in our strong open order book of INR 4,888 Cr. with order intake of INR 1,529 Cr this quarter alone. In Q1 FY26, Optical Networking Business reported an 18.6% revenue growth and 55.7% EBITDA growth as compared to Q1 FY25. We remained focussed on co-developing optical products for our customers meeting their end-to-end connectivity requirements. The attach rate for Optical Connectivity (OC) segment reached to ~23% for the quarter, following the launch in the US last year. STL achieved ~23% revenue this quarter from Enterprise and Data Centre segment. Recently, STL expanded its Data Centre portfolio to cater to the rising demand of AI-led Data Centres, which includes high-performance fibre and copper cabling solutions. These solutions offer high-capacity and low-latency for scalable, future-ready deployments for end-to-end data centre connectivity. STL Digital - Acquired 4 new customers in Q1, taking the total count to 30 global customers. STL Digital signed multi-million and multi-year contracts with 3 leading private healthcare services providers to provide Digital Marketing services and a multi-million deal with a global communications devices company for network modernisation. Some key highlights for Q1 FY26 Key wins - Signed a 3-year Long-Term Supply Agreement (LTSA) for Intelligently-Bonded Ribbon (IBR) cable with a leading European telecom operator and secured significant order inflow with a key US customer for high fibre count OFC solutions, marking a strong comeback after a year. Partnered with Swoop to upgrade ~1,000 homes in Western Australia with high-speed Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) connectivity. Innovation - STL becomes the first company globally to deploy Multi-Core Fiber (MCF) in both aerial and underground networks. STL, in collaboration with the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), achieved India's first Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) transmission over a 100 km, 4-core MCF network. Recently, STL with IIT Madras, conducted a test with MCF cable on 5+ km live testbed. We are now leading global standards in MCF design and testing. Our patent count stands at 740 by the end of Q1 FY26. Recognition and Awards - STL was recognised by TEPC (Bharat Telecom 2025) in the category 'Telecom Products (Hardware & Software) - Large Enterprises' for driving global exports through Make-in-India innovation. Also received the ET Telecom Award for Impactful IoT Solution of the Year - Sensron (Fibre Optic Sensing). Sustainability - We achieved a major milestone in sustainable manufacturing for Maharashtra's first green hydrogen and green oxygen production facility for optical fibre. This will enable STL to become one of the world's first optical fibre manufacturers to deploy 100% green hydrogen in its production processes and support its goal to achieve Net Zero by 2030. "With our trusted global partnerships and continuous product innovation, we are well-positioned for long-term success. The recent expansion of our AI-led Data Centre portfolio and industry-first innovations like multi-core fibre are addressing the growing global demand for high-speed, secure, and scalable connectivity, said Ankit Agarwal, Managing Director, STL. "As we continue to co-create with customers and build next-gen optical networks, we remain committed to powering the digital backbone of tomorrow's world." About STL - Sterlite Technologies Ltd: STL is a leading global optical and digital solutions company providing advanced offerings to build 5G, Rural, FTTx, Enterprise and Data Centre networks. Read more, Contact us, stl.tech | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2259921/4968402/STL_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) VMPL New Delhi [India], July 26: Marking World IVF Day, observed globally on July 25, the 6th India IVF Summit & Awards 2025, hosted by the Integrated Health & Wellbeing (IHW) Council in collaboration with the Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction (ISAR) and sustainability hour supported by the Indian Fertility Society (IFS), brought together over 150 leading voices from India's fertility landscape. While the summit explored broader access and ethical care, a central theme that sparked significant dialogue was the growing burden of male infertility in India. With the theme "Building the World's Most Inclusive IVF Ecosystem," the summit convened clinicians, researchers, embryologists, hospital leaders, legal experts, and patient advocates at Crowne Plaza, New Delhi for a day of meaningful discussions on the future of reproductive care. Among the key discussions, male infertility emerged as a pressing public health concern. According to the Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction, India has approximately 27.5 million individuals facing infertility challenges--with male factor infertility accounting for 40-50% of these cases. This growing prevalence, driven by lifestyle changes, environmental exposures, and undiagnosed medical conditions, underscores the urgent need for awareness, destigmatization, and inclusive treatment approaches. The summit was graced by medical luminaries such as Dr. Ameet Patki- President ISAR, Dr Jaideep Malhotra, Managing Director Rainbow IVF, Past President, ISAR & FOGSI, Dr Hrishikesh Pai- Founder and Medical Director, Bloom IVF Group who shared insights on evolving clinical standards, ART governance, and the ethical dimensions of reproductive technology. While sessions addressed topics such as onco-fertility, genomics, sustainability in IVF, and expanding care to rural regions, many experts agreed that male reproductive health has long been overlooked--both in public discourse and clinical care pathways. A dedicated roundtable on male infertility offered fresh perspectives on diagnosis, counseling, and the role of men in the fertility journey. Adding a significant layer to the day's discussions was the book launch of "How to Freeze Your Biological Clock" by Dr. Gunjan Gupta, Medical Director Gunjan IVF World. The book serves as a comprehensive guide for women navigating fertility planning, but also contributes to the broader dialogue on empowering individuals--both men and women--with timely, evidence-based fertility choices. The summit also introduced the Sustainability Hour, a unique platform focused on environmentally conscious fertility practices. Innovations showcased included low-hormonal stimulation protocols, AI-powered diagnostics, and holistic, patient-first approaches that account for emotional as well as medical wellbeing. In his opening remarks, Mr Kamal Narayan, CEO, IHW Council, stated, "Male infertility is no longer a silent issue, it's a shared reality for millions of families across India. With male factors contributing to around 40-50 percent of infertility cases, this is not a marginal concern, it's a national health priority. At this summit, we recognized that fertility care must evolve to reflect this truth. We can't achieve true inclusivity without addressing male reproductive health head-on. Our goal is to build an ecosystem that is medically sound, emotionally sensitive, and socially inclusive--where care is guided by science and not stigma." The evening concluded with the IVF Awards 2025, honouring over 30 leaders and institutions advancing fertility care through innovation, compassion, and excellence. This year's edition notably amplified efforts in male infertility diagnostics and education, along with regional recognitions that celebrated unsung heroes bringing fertility services to rural and underserved communities. Dr Pankaj Talwar, President,Indian Fertility Society , noted, "For too long, infertility has been viewed through a lens focused only on women, while male infertility now contributing to nearly half of all cases remains shrouded in silence. With rising cases linked to factors like stress, obesity, hormonal imbalances, lifestyle habits such as smoking and alcohol use, and even medication side effects, the issue is more complex than ever. This summit has brought much-needed attention to the male side of the equation. Addressing it openly is critical to building a truly equitable and evidence-based approach to reproductive health in India." Mrs Nikky Gupta, CEO & Co-Founder of Teamwork Communications Group, added, "India stands at a crossroads in its fertility journey. With nearly half of infertility cases involving male factors, we can no longer afford to treat this as a secondary concern. Our response must be holistic and future-ready combining early diagnostics, accessible counselling, targeted public awareness, and strong clinical protocols tailored to male reproductive health. From tackling lifestyle-related causes like obesity and substance use to addressing underlying medical conditions and stigma, male infertility must now take center stage in our national reproductive health narrative and policymaking." As India's IVF market is projected to grow fivefold by 2030--from USD 750 million in 2020 to USD 3.7 billion--the summit reinforced a deeper commitment: to not only expand fertility treatment options, but also to dismantle the stigma surrounding male infertility and restore dignity to every individual's journey to parenthood. The 6th India IVF Summit & Awards 2025, organized by IHW Council in association with ISAR and supported by IFS, is supported by associate partners Meyer Vitabiotics and BSV, session partners Gufic Biosciences and JB Pharma, fertility insurance partner SafeTree, healthcare finance partner Fibe, legal partner Trust Legal, and communication partner Teamwork Communications Group. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) China, Pakistan vow to strengthen security cooperation Xinhua) 10:46, July 26, 2025 BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, on Friday expressed hope that Pakistan will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in the country. Zhang made the remarks while meeting with Pakistani Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir. Noting that military-to-military relations between China and Pakistan serve as a crucial pillar of bilateral ties, Zhang called for efforts to strengthen strategic communication, deepen exchanges and cooperation, and work together to foster peace and development in the region. Munir said Pakistan stands ready to deepen and expand practical cooperation with China in all fields. He also stressed that Pakistan will make every effort to combat terrorism and protect the Chinese nationals in the country. (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Wu Chaolan) PNN Siliguri (West Bengal) [India], July 26: SBM Gold, a leading North Bengal-based manufacturer of high-density polyethene (HDPE) pipes, announced a significant diversification of its product portfolio with the official launch of uPVC doors and windows. This marks an important transformation for the company as it positions itself as a comprehensive building solutions provider for India's booming infrastructure sector. Strategic Move to Meet Evolving Construction Demands Established in 2016, SBM Gold has built a strong reputation as a specialist in HDPE pipes. With the construction industry rapidly evolving and demand increasing for integrated building solutions, the company is now stepping forward with a broader portfolio that directly addresses the changing landscape. "Our journey has always been driven by a commitment to excellence and meeting the highest industry standards. This strategic expansion is a natural progression, allowing us to bring complete, reliable solutions to our customers and strengthen our presence across multiple segments of the construction market," a senior executive at SBM Gold stated. From Pipes to Complete Building Envelopes SBM Gold's manufacturing expertise now extends to: * uPVC Doors and Windows: Featuring European design aesthetics tailored to Indian durability and climate; the new uPVC line utilises multi-chambered frames for advanced soundproofing (up to 35-40dB noise reduction) and thermal insulation. Available in 4-7 chamber systems, the range includes sliding, casement, and combination window configurations. * HDPE Pipes: The company's core product, offering 40-50% cost savings over conventional G.I. piping systems, exceptional durability and service life, and resistance to chemical and UV exposure. * Water Storage Tanks: Produced with high-grade, food-safe materials, SBM Gold's tanks offer multi-layered strength, UV protection, and modern designs for use in residential, commercial, and agricultural contexts. * Additional Offerings: The growing catalogue includes uPVC pipes for drainage and sewage, wall putty, boring pipes for deep wells, and green shade nets for site protection. Manufacturing Recognized for Quality and Growth SBM Gold's state-of-the-art Siliguri manufacturing facility is ISO 9001 and ISI certified, employing 200+ staff. With an annual turnover between 100-500 crores and exports to neighbouring Bhutan and Nepal, SBM Gold's credentials as a reliable partner for infrastructure projects are firmly established. Stringent quality control and ongoing investment in advanced technology drive the company's ambition to maintain leadership in the sector. Advantages for Builders, Contractors, and Developers The company's expansion is designed to deliver tangible benefits: * Convenience: Complete sourcing from a single vendor for pipes, tanks, windows, and ancillary items. * Integrated Solutions: Products are engineered for compatibility, streamlining installation and project management. * Consolidated Quality Assurance: Consistent, certified standards across all product lines. * Technical Support: Professional installation guidance and after-sales service. Vision for the Future SBM Gold sees its transformation as integral to supporting India's infrastructure growth story. The company's success is rooted in innovation, integration, and a proactive response to customer needs. Investments in R&D, eco-friendly processes, and a mission-driven workforce have enabled the company to adapt quickly and capitalise on sector opportunities. "As India's infrastructure spending accelerates and the need for durable, efficient building materials grows, SBM Gold is committed to remaining at the forefront--delivering products that enhance quality of life while setting benchmarks for reliability and excellence," the spokesperson added. Outlook With India's construction sector forecast to expand robustly through the decade, SBM Gold's broadened scope positions it strongly as a full-spectrum provider. This move not only diversifies revenue but also cements its standing as a crucial enabler of modern building practices and urban growth. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) India's residential real estate market saw a notable turnaround in June 2025, as housing sales (absorption) across the top eight tier-1 cities rose 2 per cent year-on-year--the first annual growth in 12 months. This uptick comes after declines of 11 per cent and 2 per cent in April and May, respectively, and is largely attributed to the base effect fading from the high absorption seen in April-May 2024. However, every quarter, sales were still down 4 per cent YoY. According to a UBS report, city-wise sales trends were mixed. Delhi-NCR's prominent realty market Gurugram led the recovery with a 68 per cent YoY jump in volumes, followed by Chennai (24 per cent) and Hyderabad (15 per cent). On the other hand, Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) saw a 29 per cent decline in volumes, while Pune and Bengaluru recorded drops of 27 per cent and 6 per cent, respectively. According to the analysis, despite volume moderation in some cities, housing prices continued to rise robustly. In June 2025, average absorption prices in top-tier cities surged 20 per cent YoY, compared to 10 per cent in May. "Pricing growth remained firm across cities, aided by healthy inventory levels (driven in turn by calibrated supply)," the report added. On a quarterly basis, prices were largely flat sequentially but still posted a solid 14 per cent YoY gain. Gurugram again led the trends with a sharp 40 per cent YoY price increase, followed by Chennai (21 per cent) and Bengaluru (14 per cent). MMR, Pune, and Hyderabad recorded more moderate gains of 8-10 per cent, signalling continued pricing resilience despite varied sales performance. The report observed that the new residential launches across major cities declined 12 per cent YoY in June, indicating a demand-calibrated approach by developers. As a result, the inventory-to-sales (I/S) ratio, which measures the amount of inventory developers are carrying compared to the number of sales orders being fulfilled across top cities, remained largely stable, rising slightly to 1.68x in June from 1.66x in May--well below the peak of 3x seen during the downcycle. Conversely, inventory levels in southern cities such as Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai increased YoY. The data confirms expectations that YoY sales trends would improve starting June as base effects fade. The UBS analysts maintain a positive outlook for MMR and Gurugram, citing strong price growth and controlled inventories, while expressing caution over Bengaluru and Hyderabad due to rising inventory ratios. (ANI) The India-UK Free Trade Agreement, signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is set to revolutionise trade between the two nations. Minister of Trade and Industry Piyush Goyal hailed the agreement as "game-changing" for India's farmers, businessmen, MSME sectors, youngsters, and fishermen. Goyal, while addressing a press conference, emphasised that out of all FTAs signed so far, the India-UK FTA has been the biggest, most comprehensive, and most important, highlighting that 99% of India's exports to the UK will now be duty-free. With Cabinet approval already granted in India, the agreement awaits parliamentary approval in the UK. Once implemented, it will enable 99% of Indian exports to enter the UK duty-free, providing a significant boost to India's economy. "PM Narendra Modi and UK PM Keir Starmer signed a Free Trade Agreement. Cabinet approval has been given in India, but Parliamentary approval in the UK is pending. It will be a game-changing FTA that will provide immense opportunities and benefits to India's farmers, businessmen, MSMEs, youngsters, and fishermen. Out of all FTAs signed so far, the India-UK FTA has been the biggest, most comprehensive, and most important... This FTA has been signed on our terms... 99% of our exports will be able to go to the UK, duty-free...," said Goyal. He highlighted the difference in approach between the current government and the previous UPA government. "UPA government signed FTAs with our competitors, with those countries who would sell their products in India for cheaper prices to destroy India's manufacturing sector," he said. In contrast, the current government has signed FTAs with countries that complement India, such as Mauritius, Australia, EFTA countries, UAE, and now the UK. The UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement will be a significant step towards achieving India's dream of becoming a developed nation, or Viksit Bharat. As India continues to strengthen its trade ties with other countries, it is poised to become a major player in the global economy. "UPA government signed FTAs with our competitors, with those countries who would sell their products in India for cheaper prices to destroy India's manufacturing sector... The FTAs signed during the UPA rule were not in the best interests of the country. FTAs signed by PM Narendra Modi are with Mauritius, Australia, EFTA countries, UAE, and now the UK. Discussions are underway with other developed countries. India now signs FTAs with countries that do not compete with us, but complement us. The UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement will prove to be a stepping stone towards our dream of a Viksit Bharat...," said Goyal. The agreement will also protect India's intellectual property, such as the design of Kolhapuri chappals. When a global brand used the design without permission, the Commerce Ministry took immediate action. With this agreement, India will receive due credit for its GI product, and the Kolhapuri Chappal is expected to become a significant success in the international market, with a potential business of Rs 8,000-10,000 crores. "... When a global brand used the design of our Kolhapuri chappals, the Commerce Ministry immediately took action on it. Going forward, when the Kolhapuri chappal is exported, India will get the due credit for its design. It is India's GI product. Many global brands are expressing their desire to associate their names with India's products and sell them in global markets. The Kolhapuri Chappal can have a business of Rs 8000-1000 crores in the international market," added Goyal. The much-awaited India-UK Free Trade Agreement was signed on Thursday, in the presence of Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and his British counterpart, Keir Starmer, during PM Modi's two-day visit to the UK. On May 6, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Starmer announced the successful conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This forward-looking Agreement is aligned with India's vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and complements the growth aspirations of both countries. Both nations desire to increase their trade to USD 120 billion by 2030. On Thursday, the UK government said that India's average tariff on UK products will drop from 15 per cent to 3 per cent under the India-UK FTA. (ANI) Over 200 healthcare sector firms participated in the Pharma Connect seminar held here in collaboration with the India-Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IMCCI), highlighting the growing health sector cooperation between the two countries. Addressed by Myanmar's Health Minister Thet Khaing Win and Indian Ambassador Abhay Thakur, the event comes as bilateral trade surged by 23.5 per cent in FY2024-25 to reach USD 2.15 billion. Pharma exports alone grew 6.4 per cent year-on-year, touching USD 183.7 million. In a post on social media X, the Indian embassy informed about the event that took place on Friday and wrote, "Over 200 businesses took part in our #PharmaConnect health sector biz seminar, with IMCC Myanmar, y'day. Health Minister Thet Khaing Win & @AmbAbhayThakur addressed them." Apart from the pharmaceutical sector, two countries are poised to strengthen their energy cooperation with several key initiatives in the works.As part of strengthening bilateral trade relations, the 8th meeting of the India-Myanmar Joint Trade Committee (JTC) was hosted by India in New Delhi last year. The meeting discussed the potential areas of cooperation to drive mutual growth. Both parties conversed about the focus sectors like Shipping, Textile, Health, Indian Pharmacopoeia, Power, Transport & Connectivity, ICT, 5G Telecom Stack and MSME Sector as key avenues for collaboration. The discussion also explored how this cooperation could lead to long-term benefits, enabling both countries to achieve their goals more effectively while fostering a spirit of mutual support and collaboration. India also welcomed the creation of the Rupee-Kyat trade Settlement Mechanism and anticipated fostering increased bilateral commerce with Myanmar in local currencies following its implementation. The meeting reiterated the commitment to the completion of the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) in an expedited manner to make it simple, mutually beneficial, user-friendly and trade-facilitative for businesses. Myanmar is the 7th largest trading partner of India within ASEAN. The total bilateral trade in 2023-24 was 1.75 USD billion. India shares a long land border of over 1643 kilometres with Myanmar, as well as a maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal. Four northeastern states, viz., Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram, have a boundary with Myanmar. (ANI) PNN New Delhi [India], July 26: As India marked the 26th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas, a powerful wave of patriotism swept the nation from schools to colleges, offices to parks and memorials across the country. In a landmark initiative, State Bank of India (SBI), the nation's largest bank and Fitistan- Ek Fit Bharat, India's largest community-based fitness movement, concluded the 2nd Edition of the SBI Kargil Tiger Hill Challenge with resounding success. The nationwide tribute honoured the 527 bravehearts of the Indian Armed Forces who laid down their lives during the Kargil War in 1999. With an overwhelming 35,000+ participants and active involvement of 17 SBI Circles, the challenge went far beyond being a fitness activity. It became a powerful movement of remembrance, respect, unity and national pride. What began as a symbolic target of 70 Crore Steps to commemorate SBI's 70 years of service became a feat of national unity and discipline as participants clocked an astonishing 300 plus Crore Steps, over four times the original goal. Spanning 85 days and structured in four symbolic phases mirroring the Kargil war's timeline and emotions, the challenge brought together citizens from every walk of life,led strongly by SBI employees across the country. It turned fitness into a tool for tribute, camaraderie, team spirit and self-transformation. General V.K. Singh, Hon'ble Governor of Mizoram and Patron of Soldierathon & Fitistan, lauded the leadership of SBI for their unwavering commitment. "This campaign was more than a tribute. It became a national movement that inspired thousands to honour our heroes through action, unity, and health. Kudos to Team SBI & Fitistan," he said. Major Surendra Poonia, VSM, Founder of Fitistan, echoed this sentiment: "My heartfelt gratitude to the top management of SBI for leading this patriotic mission. This challenge stirred the hearts of thousands across India to move for those who gave their everything for our motherland. It's a shining tribute to the Kargil Heroes and a proud pillar of the Fit India Movement launched by Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi." The challenge saw fierce competition among over 200 teams. The top honours went to: - SBI Chandigarh Circle - SBI Jaipur Circle- SBI Kolkata Circle As we commemorate 26 years of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the success of the SBI Kargil Tiger Hill Challenge stands tall as a testament to what India can achieve when its people move with purpose. On the conclusion of the 2nd Edition of SBI Kargil Tiger Hill Challenge, Mrs Shilpa Bhagat, Founder, Fitistan, Said- "When we Indians walk together, we rise together." Jai Hind (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) VMPL Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 26: A transformational wellness programme "Taking You from Maybe to Baby" was organised in Indirapuram on Friday to mark World IVF Day. The programme organised at Gunjan IVF World, Ghaziabad, inspired individuals and couples to empower themselves in their fertility journey. Dr Gunjan Gupta, founder of Gunjan IVF world, said that through this programme, those who are just starting their fertility journey or exploring IVF options were guided. She said that the programme focused on the four essential pillars of overcoming infertility - physical health, mental health, self-care and the wonders of IVF. Dr Gunjan said, "Through this initiative, we have tried to provide not just knowledge and support but also real tools that will help couples move from uncertainty to the joy of parenthood." In the first session, world-renowned yoga and health expert Ms Iris Vatrana discussed the importance of yoga in hormonal balance, stress relief and boosting fertility. In the second session, acclaimed mental health expert Dr Mandira Adhikari shared some impressive facts on emotional health and stress management during fertility treatments. In the third session, influencer and health advocate Ms Anshu Dhawan spoke on the importance of self-love and care during the fertility journey. Finally, Dr Gunjan Gupta, MD and Founder of Gunjan IVF World, shared a lot of useful information on three common myths related to IVF. For example, can IVF be done at any age? Is infertility solely a woman's issue? And are all IVF clinics the same? They spoke on these issues in detail and also answered people's questions. The closing session provided a direct opportunity for people to interact with the experts. The day concluded with a book launch by Dr Gunjan Gupta on Egg freezing which was launched in IVF summit organised by IHW council. About Gunjan IVF World Gunjan IVF World is a leading fertility clinic in India, committed to ethical, advanced, and compassionate reproductive care. With state-of-the-art technology and a patient-first approach, the centre has helped more than 25000 couples complete their families. The brand has also earned the recognition of the Best IVF Chain in North India. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday announced that India's Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Oman is "almost finalised," and negotiations with several other key global economies, including the European Union, the United States, Peru, and Chile, are progressing rapidly. "We are in negotiations at an advanced stage with Oman. It is almost finalised," Goyal stated. He also mentioned that the FTAs with the European Union, the USA, Peru and Chile are also making "fast progress". At the press conference, the minister also pointed to a series of successful FTAs concluded with developed nations in recent years, including Mauritius, Australia, and the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA) bloc, comprising Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland. "The Free Trade Agreement between India and the UK, the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement, clearly reflects the growing relevance and importance of India on the world stage," Goyal said. "The goods and services that India provides to the world have high quality and cost competitiveness." The latest addition is the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the United Kingdom, which the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described as one of the most significant deals post-Brexit. Goyal noted that the agreement is "very comprehensive," covering 30 chapters. During the press conference, Goyal also highlighted the Prime Minister Modi's long-standing tenure and international reputation. "Yesterday, the Prime Minister completed 4,078 days and became the second longest serving Prime Minister continuously in office after Jawaharlal Nehru," he said. "This morning, when I read that the latest international survey has again shown the Prime Minister as the most popular leader in the world." The much-awaited India-UK Free Trade Agreement was signed on Thursday, in the presence of Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and his British counterpart, Keir Starmer, during PM Modi's two-day visit to the UK. On May 6, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Starmer announced the successful conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This forward-looking Agreement is aligned with India's vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and complements the growth aspirations of both countries. Both nations desire to increase their trade to USD 120 billion by 2030. On Thursday, the UK government said that India's average tariff on UK products will drop from 15 per cent to 3 per cent under the India-UK FTA. (ANI) VMPL New Delhi [India], July 26: If you're a recent graduate or someone still looking for the right career break, August 2025 might just bring the opportunity you've been waiting for. Sanskriti University is gearing up to host India's biggest-ever job fair on 1st and 2nd August at its Chhata, Mathura campus. With over 100 leading companies and more than 2000 job offers on the table, this career extravaganza is expected to draw massive participation from across the country. It is not only the scale, but also the motive behind it. It is for all such pass-out students of any college, in any stream, and seeks to match talented graduates with industry-ready positions in a variety of sectors. A Career Opportunity That Crosses BoundariesIn a time when the employment market can seem unpredictable and hyper-competitive, Sanskriti University is taking the lead to build serious, direct paths to employment. In contrast to small, limited campus drives, this mega job fair is inclusive. Look forward to some of India's leading companies attending and actively recruiting. Names such as: -GENPACT - TECH MAHINDRA -JUSTDIAL -COCA-COLA -FLIPKART -BLINKIT -JBM GROUP -JTEKT -COGNIF AI -ROYCE PACK -NAW NEW ALLENBERRY WORKS -SAMTA RESEARCH ALLIANCE (SRA) And many more. From giant multinationals to high-growth startups, the fair shall have a representative cross-section of industries such as IT, core engineering, manufacturing, FMCG, logistics, retail, automotive, and R&D. With naukri.com also participating in the event, candidates can look forward to maximum visibility and efficient interaction with recruiters. What Makes This Job Fair Different? It's not a meet-and-greet with company representatives. Sanskriti University has organized an experience that offers you more than the opportunity to leave your CV behind. Here's what to look forward to: -Instant interviews and offer letters -Career counselling and guidance in real-time by professionals -Recruitment at entry-level and mid-level positions -A combination of corporate, technical, and research opportunities -Access to more than 2000 active job openings How to ParticipateRegistration is easy and already available on the official website: www.sanskriti.edu.in Early admissions are advised as there is limited seating and high demand. If you're set on employment in 2025, this is the event to prepare for. Located in Chhata, Mathura Sanskriti University has made a name for itself with quality education, superior infrastructure, and a future focused curriculum. With undergraduate and postgraduate courses in engineering, law, management, pharmacy, agriculture and allied sciences, it balances knowledge and employability with equal priority. The university's motto "For Excellence in Life" is not just words. Conclusion Sanskriti University is leaving a positive impact creating not just graduates, but future professionals who are job ready, confident, and employable. So, if you wish to begin your professional life with a positive note, then this career fair is your chance. Mark 1st and 2nd August 2025 in your diary, get your documents ready, register in time, and attend with confidence. Your professional life may begin here. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PNN New Delhi [India], July 26: As industrial sectors in India experience rapid growth, safety remains a cornerstone for sustainable operations. Industries such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, oil & gas, logistics, and engineering are under increasing pressure to maintain high safety standards while managing complex workflows and regulatory compliance. Amid these evolving needs, the use of video-based safety training is emerging as a game-changer, particularly through 3D animation and professional video production. Traditionally, safety training relied on static manuals, classroom lectures, and PowerPoint slides. But these approaches often fail to engage workers--especially in environments with language barriers, varied literacy levels, or high turnover. Visual storytelling, powered by technology, now offers an immersive and consistent method to communicate safety procedures and prevent accidents before they happen. The Power of 3D Animated Safety Videos One of the most compelling formats for safety education today is the 3D animated safety video. These videos simulate hazardous scenarios--such as chemical spills, electrical malfunctions, or machine entanglement--in a controlled, risk-free digital environment. They offer a clear, visual explanation of how accidents occur and how they can be prevented. Unlike live-action footage, 3D animation can illustrate internal machinery components, airflow dynamics, or emergency protocols that aren't visible to the naked eye. This makes the learning experience more comprehensive and effective, especially for new employees or contract workers who may not be familiar with your operations. Visual simulation of a confined space entry procedure using 3D safety animation. Why Indian Companies Are Embracing Safety Video Production Forward-thinking companies across India are now partnering with specialized agencies like Pixel Technologies to develop high-impact safety video content. As a trusted safety video production company, Pixel Technologies crafts visual solutions that are tailored to site-specific hazards, SOPs, and compliance needs. These videos are not just training tools--they also act as documentation during audits, reduce repetitive onboarding sessions, and promote consistency across multi-location teams. Furthermore, safety videos significantly reduce the risk of workplace incidents, leading to fewer disruptions and lower insurance liabilities. The Role of Animated Video Production in Compliance and Accessibility Another major advantage of video-based training is its adaptability. Pixel Technologies offers animated video production services in multiple languages including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, and English. This ensures that employees across linguistic backgrounds receive consistent and clear messaging--a critical factor in improving understanding and accountability. Additionally, the videos are formatted to suit multiple platforms--from large screens in induction halls to mobile devices for remote learning. This makes it easy to integrate them into Learning Management Systems (LMS), HR onboarding platforms, or internal safety campaigns. Where These Videos Are Making a Difference Safety videos are now widely used in contractor inductions, visitor orientation, fire and electrical safety drills, confined space entry training, and hazard communication. Companies in sectors like oil & gas, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and logistics are leveraging these tools not only for training but also for fostering a culture of proactive safety awareness. With visual learning now becoming a global standard, India's industries are making the right move by adopting these technologies. This shift is not just about ticking compliance checklists--it's about building workplaces that prioritize human life, efficiency, and operational excellence. Conclusion As India moves forward with infrastructure growth, digital manufacturing, and ESG initiatives, workplace safety must evolve alongside. Animated safety videos and visual training content are no longer a luxury--they are essential tools for sustainable growth and employee protection. Companies looking to modernize their safety practices can benefit immensely by collaborating with Pixel Technologies, a leader in customized safety video production. With deep industry insight, multilingual capabilities, and high-end visual storytelling, Pixel Technologies is helping shape the future of workplace safety--one frame at a time. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PNN Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 26: Streax Professional, one of India's leading professional hair colour brands, proudly announces the much-anticipated final stages of Streax Professional Hairstyle Icon 2025, as the title sponsor and partner of India's most anticipated digital talent hunt for hairstylists. Held in partnership with OMG Face of the Year (FOTY), the initiative is set to shine the spotlight squarely on the unparalleled creativity, craft and vision of India's hairstylists and salonists. Streax Professional has a long-standing commitment to championing the talent of hairstylists and salonists. The brand has consistently empowered, educated, and elevated them to the forefront of the industry, and this event further solidifies that dedication. OMG Face of the Year (FOY) is India's biggest digital talent hunt and the ultimate launchpad for the next generation of models and artists. Now in its exciting third season, OMG FOY has become a nationwide phenomenon. With its dynamic format, vast digital reach, and star-studded jury, it has refined the way beauty and fashion talent are discovered in India. From virtual auditions to high-energy challenges, OMG FOY is not just a contest--it's a celebration of ambition, creativity, and the dreams of tomorrow's icons. This year, it's bigger, bolder, and more glamorous than ever! This year's edition brings forth the thrilling hunt for the "Hairstyle Icon of the Year", where India's most talented hairstylists will battle it out for national recognition. With tremendous entries pouring in from across the country, it was a tough task selecting the impressive 100+ hairstylists who qualified through intense knockout rounds. On 18th July 2025, the Top 10 finalists were officially declared. These finalists will now head to Mumbai for an immersive three-day experience, featuring a high-powered mentoring session by Heena Dalvi and a special session with celebrated hair expert and this season's jury member, Shirin Merchant, marking a transformative milestone on their journey to the crown. On the final day, July 31st, these 10 creative trailblazers will showcase their vision through curated mood boards and then bring those ideas to life by styling models for a live runway walk. Their work will be judged by an eminent jury, including Mrs. Rochelle Chhabra, Head of Streax Professional; Kannagi Desai - Beauty, Health & Wellness Editor- Elle India, Sini Shetty, Femina Miss India 2022; and Rohit Khandelwal, Mister World 2016. The OMG - Hair Style Icon of the Year will be brought to life as a 6-episode reality series, also featuring the Face of the Year contest, premiering soon on a leading OTT platform. Dheeraj Arora, Managing Director & CEO, HRIPL, added, "With Hairstyle Icon 2025, we're turning creativity into a cultural conversation. This platform brings together fresh talent, digital engagement and professional recognition, reinforcing Streax Professional's commitment to celebrating those who redefine India's hair fashion landscape. By combining mentorship, professional exposure and real industry opportunities, we hope to set new benchmarks for creative excellence and truly empower the artist community across the country. It's about nurturing talent and creating a vibrant ecosystem for hair artistry in India." Rochelle Chhabra, Head, Streax Professional, said, "At Streax Professional, empowering hairstylists isn't just something we do -- it's embedded in our brand's DNA. For years, we've nurtured, educated, and celebrated salon professionals because we believe they are the bridge between aspiration and transformation. Hairstyle Icon 2025 is an extension of that belief -- a platform that fuels creativity, rewards skill, and equips stylists to bring their clients' vision of becoming the best version of themselves to life. This is more than a contest; it's our way of honouring the artistry that powers beauty every single day. "OMG Face of the Year began as a dream to spotlight raw talent and give a platform to those who deserve to be seen. Partnering with Streax Professional has truly taken that dream to new heights. Their belief in nurturing creativity and skill gave wings to this platform, helping it roar across India and touch lives in every corner. This partnership isn't just powerful, it's transformative", says Parimal Mehta, Founder & Curator, OMG Face of the year. Excited to be shooting the finalists, Celebrity photographer Daboo Ratnani said, "Great hairstyling is not just technique, it's storytelling. Capturing these creative journeys and the spirit of each finalist is what makes this collaboration special for me. I'm eager to capture the essence of their talent and dedication." The campaign is live on Streax Professional's social media channels. As the contest unfolds, Hairstyle Icon 2025 promises to shine a spotlight on India's most promising hair artists and set new benchmarks for creativity in the industry. About Streax Professional Streax Professional, a brand closely associated with style and glamour in the salon business, was launched in 2004 by Hygienic Research Institute. Streax Professional is the smart choice for smart Indian stylists and consumers. Launching innovative products with well-researched formulations, especially suited to Indian hair types, Streax Professional is the forerunner in the professional segment with the widest distribution network. Streax Professional Hair colourant range (Colour, Developer and Ultralights) is on a continuous growth path and has a partnership with over 40,000 salons across India. About OMG Face of the Year: As India's biggest digital talent hunt, OMG Face of the Year is the ultimate launchpad for the next generation of models and artists. Now in its explosive third season, it's the most talked-about event in the Indian beauty and fashion scene. About Hygienic Research Institute Hygienic Research Institute Private Limited (HRIPL) is a prominent Indian leader in beauty and personal care products, specialising in hair care, skin care, and salon services. With over 60 years of legacy since 1957, HRIPL has grown from a single-brand promoter-owned entity to a multi-brand, multi-category organisation backed by private equity Premji Invest and is known for brands like Vasmol, Streax, and Streax Professional, along with Florozone in skin care. Committed to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, HRIPL operates with a vision to offer excellent products and services globally while fostering growth and spreading happiness. The company boasts a robust manufacturing legacy across six locations, adhering to international quality standards. HRIPL is honoured with accolades such as Great Place to Work, Best Workplace for Innovation, and recognition in the FMCG sector, underscoring its commitment to excellence in workplace culture and innovation. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) India is steadily transforming into a global hub for advanced defence manufacturing, with a strong push towards self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. At Adani Defence and Aerospace's facility in Kanpur, company CEO Ashish Rajvanshi highlights that India is steadily transforming into a global hub for advanced defence manufacturing, with a strong push towards self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. He noted that the country is developing growing capability in next-generation weapon systems, powered by technologies like Artificial Intelligence, cyber warfare, and network-centric platforms. Rajvanshi noted that Adani Defence entered the defence manufacturing sector in 2018-19 and today stands among the largest private defence manufacturing entities in the country. The Kanpur facility is currently producing small-calibre ammunition. Soon, production of large-calibre defence weapons will also begin. The factory has an annual production capacity of 150 million rounds, which will be scaled up to 300 million by December 2025. According to Rajvanshi, the facility is an example of indigenous manufacturing. Key processes, including primer filling, casing, and final assembly, are managed by Indian experts, ensuring complete Atmanirbharta. An integrated firing range on-site enables real-time testing of indigenously developed weapons and ammunition for accuracy and reliability. Highlighting India's technological leap in defence, an expert told ANI that Adani Defence is now developing weapons integrated with AI. These advanced systems are capable of identifying targets, making autonomous decisions, and engaging tackling with high precision. The expert said that these weapons are useful in modern warfare scenarios. Rajvanshi also revealed that Adani Defence is working on missile systems ranging from short to long range, all designed and developed in India. The company is collaborating with DRDO on critical projects like Surface to Air Missiles and Anti-Radiation Missiles (Rudram Series). Recently, the ULPGM (Ultra-Light Precision Guided Missile) was showcased, capable of striking targets accurately at a range of 2.5 to 3.5 km even in GPS denied or jamming environments. The development of a Naval Missile System for the Indian Navy is also underway. To date, the company has supplied over 350 missile systems to the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, all fully "Made in India" and built on indigenous technology. The company's CEO also confirmed that the AK-203 assault rifle, developed under an India-Russia joint venture, is now being fully manufactured in India. Three phases of production are complete, and deliveries to the Army have begun. The rifles will also be exported in the future. Rajvanshi said Adani Defence has invested over Rs 7,000 crore in the sector and is working with more than 75 Indian suppliers. It is now also beginning domestic production of crucial components such as primers and propellants, which will further reduce costs and enhance technical self-reliance. Rajvanshi emphasized that Adani Defence's vision is not merely commercial but a national responsibility to transform India into a global defence power. It is creating technical employment for youth, enhancing national security, and positioning India as a strong defence partner on the world stage, in line with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. (ANI) Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar is known for leading a disciplined lifestyle, which mainly includes hitting the bed early and waking up at 4 am in the morning. However, sometimes, due to work commitments, his "early sleep and wake-up routine" gets hampered. Friday night was one of those rare days when Khiladi Kumar stayed up late. He had no qualms about it as he was in his hometown, Delhi, for ace designers Falguni Shane Peacock's special show at India Couture Week 2025. After walking the ramp for the designers, Akshay briefly spoke with media around 11 pm on Friday night, joking about closing the show past his usual bedtime. "Well, thank you very much. Main Hindi mein bolunga. Aap sabhi logo ka bhaut bhaut dhanyawad, jitne bhi yahan log aaye, aur media. (Looking at his watch) Kaafi late nahi ho gaya hai?" Akshay quipped, leaving members of the media in splits. The 'Kesari' star was in full candid mode. When one of the shutterbugs said, "Dilli mein chalta hai sir", Akshay, with a touch of humour, responded, "Tabhi Haal dekh tera." Akshay returned to the runway after many years, but his comeback was definitely worth the wait. Dressed in an ivory bandhgala sherwani, Akshay looked handsome as he exuded desi swag with his showstopper look. His black sunglasses and silver juti elevated his traditional look, echoing with designers' offering Raj Mahal Bijoux - The Palace of Jewels. On making his comeback to runway after 12 years, Akshay expressed, "Actually, after a long time I'm doing this walk, ramp walk. Mujhe yaad hai, aaj se kariban 12 saal pehle, maine phir ek baar ramp walk kiya tha, maine inhi ke saath kiya tha. And it's been an honour doing that." Akshay also lauded designers, models and the entire team for their relentless efforts that go behind conducting one show. He added, "I have enjoyed each and every bit of it. Specially, maine dekha hai ki kitna hard-work jaata hai ek show karne ke liye, organise karne ke liye aur 25 minute ke andar poora ka poora khatam ho jaata hai. Log itna saj dhaj ke aate hain aur 25 minute ke andar poora show khatam ho jaata hai. But, I just want to tell you that Shane and Falguni, the way they present themselves in such an international way, I think they have made India so proud." Meanwhile, on the acting front, Akshay will be seen soon in Priyadarshan's film 'Bhooth Bangla'. He also has 'Haiwaan' and 'Hera Pheri 3' in pipeline with ace director Priyadarshan. (ANI) Congress MP Rajeev Shukla has strongly criticised the government's recent decision to ban 25 OTT platforms and websites, alleging that the move is an attack on freedom of expression. Shukla claimed that the government's action is selective and politically motivated, targeting platforms that offer alternative perspectives or criticise government policies. ".Dekhiye obscene, vulgar koi cheez ho to usko rokkar aap upaye kijiye.. We are against the way freedom of expression is being attacked and websites and YouTube channels opposing the government are being banned. This is wrong.....uska hum virodh kar rahe hai..," Shukla told ANI. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has ordered the blocking of 25 over-the-top (OTT) platforms for allegedly publishing obscene, vulgar and, in some cases, pornographic material. The directive was issued on July 23, 2025, in consultation with multiple government departments and civil society stakeholders, according to sources. According to the sources, the Ministry said that much of the content showcased by these platforms involved graphic sexual innuendos, long sequences of nudity, and pornographic visuals. "There was hardly any storyline, theme, or message in a social context," it said. Some content was also found to depict inappropriate sexual situations involving family relationships, further aggravating concerns over legality and decency. A total of 14 mobile applications, 26 websites have been ordered to be disabled by intermediaries under provisions of the IT Act, 2000 and the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The government had several rounds of communication with the platforms. In September 2024, all 25 platforms had received official warnings. Prior to this, in February 2025, the Ministry had issued an advisory urging OTT platforms to comply with India's obscenity laws and the Code of Ethics prescribed under the IT Rules, 2021. Yet, the platforms allegedly continued to host and stream objectionable content. In one notable example, the series 'House Arrest' hosted on the Ullu platform was taken down in May following the Ministry's intervention. However, the government alleges that certain platforms have continued their operations by creating new domains, even after previous blocking orders. Five such platforms reportedly resumed publishing similar content after being blocked in March 2024. The latest action was taken in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Department of Legal Affairs (DoLA), industry associations FICCI and CII, and subject experts in the fields of women and child rights. Mentioning that previously the Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council (DPCGC), a self-regulatory body headed by a former Supreme Court judge, found that content edited on ALTT was "totally distasteful and bizarre," with sex and nudity being shown without any contextual justification. Similarly, over 100 web series were also removed from the Ullu platform, with the council finding that the platform temporarily removed or edited the web series and then uploaded the unedited versions later to circumvent the warnings. Several of the platforms had previously drawn the attention of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), which flagged Ullu and ALTT for alleged violations in July and August 2024. The Ministry also received multiple public grievances about the content hosted on these platforms. (ANI) According to a press release issued by the State government, Suman instructed dam operators to notify the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) and concerned district administrations in advance, detailing the expected time for released water to reach downstream areas and its potential impact. This will enable timely alerts to residents in vulnerable zones. During the meeting with officials from major hydropower projects, the Irrigation Department, UJVNL, and the Central Water Commission, Suman emphasised real-time data sharing. He directed project representatives to transmit river water level and discharge data--collected via early warning system sensors--to the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) through API integration for continuous monitoring. All agencies were also instructed to prepare Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for their projects, submitting them to USDMA and publishing them on their websites. Additionally, a state-level mock drill involving all dam projects is scheduled for August-September 2025 to evaluate disaster preparedness. The Irrigation Department was tasked with drafting a comprehensive flood management plan, incorporating SOPs from the Government of India and state disaster management orders. Departments were further directed to appoint nodal officers to ensure seamless coordination and information exchange during emergencies. (ANI) The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday appointed former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi as the party's in-charge (Prabhari) for the state of Goa. The appointment came after the unavailability of the incharge of the party's Goa unit, Pankaj Gupta, due to illness. The announcement was made by the party on X, congratulating her on the new responsibility. "AAP Leader@AtishiAAPhas been appointed as the Prabhari for the state of Goa. Best wishes to her on the new responsibility." https://x.com/AamAadmiParty/status/1948698242440471012 Earlier on July 19, Atishi said the BJP has resumed its political vendetta by misusing central agencies already criticised by the Supreme Court as "caged parrots" after being humiliated in the Visavadar bypoll in Gujarat despite deploying money, muscle, and the entire state machinery. According to an AAP release, Atishi stated that the BJP is now fabricating cases against AAP leaders after failing to find a single instance of corruption in years of relentless raids, as AAP's rising graph exposes decades of the BJP's decline in Gujarat. Addressing a press conference, senior AAP leader and Delhi Assembly LoP, Atishi, pointed to the sudden resurgence of Enforcement Directorate (ED)'s cases against AAP leaders, stating, "The BJP has once again resumed its blatant misuse of central investigative agencies. The cycle of fake cases is back in motion. Even after the Supreme Court made a scathing observation against the BJP for misusing ED and CBI, stating these agencies are not independent and are being used with malicious intent, the BJP has restarted its political vendetta." Highlighting recent developments in Gujarat, she continued, "Why are ED cases being reopened against Aam Aadmi Party leaders now? The real reason lies in the Visavadar by-election in Gujarat. The BJP tried everything possible to defeat AAP in that seat, from spending enormous sums of money to distributing alcohol under police protection in a dry state." "Our workers were intimidated, threatened, and attempts were made to compromise with them and even with our candidate. The entire administration was abused, and all the BJP ministers and MLAs were deployed on that one seat. Yet, the Aam Aadmi Party won the by-election by a massive margin," she asserted. (ANI) Madhya Pradesh police took out a procession of an accused, Shawar Ahmed, recently arrested with MDMA drug, on a street which was named after his father 'Sharif Bhai Lane' in the state capital Bhopal on Friday. According to the police, Shawar Ahmed and his nephew Yasin Ahmed were arrested with the MDMA drug recently under the 'Nashe Se Doori Hai Zaroori' campaign. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Shailendra Singh Chauhan told ANI, "We took the accused Shawar Ahmed to his residence in the city in connection with the investigation. While Yasin Ahmed has been taken to Rajasthan in connection with the probe." Additionally, the officer also confirmed the name of the father of the accused Shawar as Sharif Ahmed. Bhopal Commissioner of Police (CP), Harinarayan Chari Mishra told ANI, "Police are taking serious action against drugs these days and recently the police arrested two accused (Yasin Ahmed and Shawar Ahmed) with MDMA drugs. While interrogating these accused some other names have also come to light. Additionally, some objectionable videos and assault videos were also recovered from the accused's phone and the police are interrogating them in this regard. The police will probe the matter further to reach the roots of the case." The officer further said that if any victim related to those videos came to the police or filed a complaint then the police will take action into those matters. Meanwhile, Member of the National Human Rights Commission, Priyank Kanoongo claimed that the arrested accused is linked with the rape and bailmailing case of college girls as objectionable videos recovered from accused phone. Kanoongo told ANI, "On July 1, we gave our primary findings to the MP government regarding a case (rape and blackmailing) related to a private college. The case was that girls in the college were threatened with ragging. Then their trust was earned through saving them, they were befriended, asked to attend parties and then they were drugged, raped, videotaped and blackmailed. After that they were raped multiple times. A group behind it was working to convert the religion of these girls through blackmailing them." The NHRC member added that he previously said the police had not reached the perpetrators yet. He repeats the same that the kingpins are still not arrested in the case. "One of the accused caught in the case (rape and blackmailing) was Farhan. We asked the police to check his relationship with Shariq Machli. Recently, when Yasin was arrested (with MD Drug), it was found that he is a nephew of Shariq Machli and 20 more objectionable videos of women were found from his phone. In some form, it indicates that a single gang is coming to light and there is a need to arrest all the accused in this case. Additionally, most importantly all the victims should get justice," he added. He further claimed that many top officials of Bhopal police were connected with the gang of the accused and action should be taken against such officials. "There is a big matter of concern that many top officers of Bhopal Police are having deep friendships with the people associated with the entire gang (accused) and it is being revealed. Criminals are seen hugging and clicking pictures with top police officers. In such a situation, how can a victim trust the police? The Bhopal police need to earn trust for which it is needed to take action against police officers who are in touch with those criminals," he added. (ANI) RS Pathania, BJP MLA from Udhampur East, has slammed the Congress' 'Our state, our right' campaign demanding restoration of the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that J-K will get its statehood back at an appropriate time. "There is no ambiguity or confusion among the BJP leadership or its workers regarding the status of Jammu and Kashmir. The idea that the BJP wants to keep Jammu and Kashmir permanently deprived of statehood is unfounded," Pathania told reporters here on Friday. Pathania highlighted major improvements in the region since the abrogation of Article 370, emphasising a new sense of security, increased tourism, larger investments, and the arrival of industries. "Stone pelting has ended, and terrorism is on the verge of being eradicated. Jammu and Kashmir will get its statehood back, but only at an appropriate time, which will come soon," he said, reassuring the people that their aspirations will be met. The BJP leader also criticised the Congress party for launching a "campaign on a non-issue" across the country, accusing them of holding the peace and progress of Jammu & Kashmir hostage for decades. "Congress has only misled people for 70 years. They failed to provide appointments, boost tourism, or benefit the ordinary people of Jammu and Kashmir. Now they are simply trying to mislead and distract the masses," he said. The Congress protested against the Central government on Tuesday for "cheating the people of Jammu and Kashmir" and not fulfilling the demand for reinstating the statehood of the region post the abrogation of Article 370. Congress leader and party's general secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal, while participating in the protest at Jantar Mantar, said that the Centre is going back on its word after promising statehood to the region. "The government of India is cheating the people of Jammu and Kashmir. They have already promised statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, but they are not doing it at all. We heard about a Union Territory becoming a state, but we have never heard of a state becoming a Union Territory. They have done so much injustice to the people of J-K," Venugopal said. Regarding the statehood demand, the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) had organised the 'Our state, our right' programme across Jammu and Kashmir. In August 5, 2019, the Central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, repealed Article 370 of the Constitution, effectively ending the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcating the state into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. (ANI) Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh on Friday supported the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, emphasizing its role in ensuring fair elections. He argued that the process, aimed at removing non-citizens, duplicate voters, and those permanently residing abroad from the voter list, is constitutional and vital for strengthening democracy. Singh questioned the opposition's resistance, highlighting public support for the initiative. Speaking to mediapersons, Minister Ranjan said, "Should elections be held with fake voters? The Election Commission's decision is that a special intensive revision will be conducted, under which individuals who are not citizens of this country will not be eligible to vote. The names of those registered as voters in two places will be removed. Why should the names of those permanently residing abroad remain on the voter list here?The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is in accordance with the Constitution. It will strengthen the roots of democracy, and therefore, it is necessary. The country's voters also support this... Why are you (the opposition) afraid?" Reacting to the same issue, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said questions about the Election Commission and Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) are raised only when they fear losing polls. Joshi said similar issues had come up in the past too, including after the Maharashtra elections, and added that the Congress is making up excuses ahead of an imminent defeat. "SIR has happened before as well. It also started after Rahul Gandhi wrote a letter to the Election Commission after the Maharashtra Elections. When they lose, they doubt the EC, EVM... They talked about the constituency of Karnataka. Was everything alright during the 2023 (Karnataka) elections?... In 2024, Siddaramaiah's government was in power, if there's any discrepancy, ask him... They claim to boycott elections (Bihar) because they know they will lose..." Joshi said. Earlier on Friday, MPs from the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) protested against the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls in poll-bound Bihar. The protest, which entered its fifth consecutive day, was held at Parliament's Makar Dwar. Several senior Congress leaders, including the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and party leader Priyanka Gandhi, also participated in the protest. The MPs marched from the Gandhi statue on the Parliament premises ahead of the start of the day's session. The MPs were seen carrying multiple posters and a big banner which read "SIR- Attack on Democracy." The INDIA bloc MPs, at the Parliament premises, raised slogans against the Centre, chanting "Modi sarkar down down" and "Stop the attack on democracy." The MPs also tore down the posters in a symbolic gesture of rejecting the Bihar SIR. Speaking to reporters before the protest, Kharge said, "We are fighting against that only (Special Intensive Revision exercise)." (ANI) According to the police incident took place in Ward Number-4 of Madhopur Panchayat under the Chhatapur police station area on Friday. According to Dr Deepak Kumar of the Community Health Center Chhatarpur, one person is in critical condition. "Three patients were brought here... 45-year-old Sushil Ram, 42-year-old Sunil Ram, and Guddu Ram have been shot... Among them, Sunil Ram's condition is critical. He was brought here unconscious. We are treating them," Kumar told ANI. Sunil Ram, who serves as the in-charge headmaster at Primary School Qazi Tola Madhopur, was attacked along with his brother Sushil Ram and nephew Guddu Ram. The accused, Chandan Kumar Ram, allegedly opened fire over a dispute, injuring all three. Sunil sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach, said the police. The injured were first taken to Chhatapur Community Health Centre (CHC) but were later referred to a private hospital in Supaul for advanced treatment. Police have arrested Chandan Kumar Ram. Investigations are ongoing. (ANI) Extending his support to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's allegations against the Election Commission in Karnataka, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar on Saturday said that bogus votes were found in several urban booths across the state and the matter would be brought to the notice of the public and the poll body. Speaking to ANI, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister stated that Congress party has conducted research in many booths and found that votes were shifted "without" any proper documents. "We conducted research in many booths of Karnataka, especially in the urban sectors, where we found that votes were shifted there from various places without any proper documents. All bogus votes were created... We will present this evidence to the election commission. Whether they agree or not, that's a different issue. We will present it in front of the people too... A very big injustice has been given to those assembly segments. Our constituencies have been affected with this.... I stand by his statement," DK Shivakumar said. His statement came after Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of indulging in "cheating" during the voter list revision process in a Karnataka constituency. On July 24, Gandhi claimed to have "100 per cent" proof of the alleged manipulation, which involves adding and deleting voters, but hasn't presented any evidence yet. He alleged that thousands of new voters aged 50, 60, and 65 have been added to the list in a single constituency and eligible voters above 18 have been removed from the list. "Today we have 100 per cent proof of Election Commission allowing cheating in a seat in Karnataka. When we decide to show it to you, it is 100 per cent proof. We just looked at one constituency and we found this. I am absolutely convinced that constituency after constituency this is the drama. Thousands of new votes, aged 50 or 60, 65 (are there) in one constituency. Then voter deletion, people who are way above 18," he said. The opposition parties, including Congress and Samajwadi Party, have been protesting against the SIR exercise, alleging that it's an attempt to disenfranchise voters, particularly from marginalised communities. They claim that the process is being used to remove names from the voters' list, which could impact the outcome of upcoming assembly elections. (ANI) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday paid tribute to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice on the occasion of the Kargil Vijay Diwas. In a post on social media X, the party President wrote that they valiantly defended the motherland in the Kargil War. https://x.com/kharge/status/1948929117103050807 "On #KargilVijayDiwas, we extend our heartfelt greetings to the brave soldiers of our Armed Forces, ex-servicemen, their families and all fellow Indians. We bow in reverence and salute the supreme sacrifice of our martyrs who valiantly defended our motherland in the Kargil War. Their unflinching courage and valour will forever inspire generations. Jai Hind," the post read. President Droupadi Murmu also remembered the sacrifice of the jawans who fought in the Kargil War with courage and valour. "On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay my heartfelt tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the motherland. This day symbolises the extraordinary valour, courage, and steadfast determination of our jawans. Their dedication and supreme sacrifice for the nation will forever inspire its citizens," the President posted on X. On Friday, families of army personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Kargil War of 1999 gathered at Lamochen Viewpoint in Drass to pay heartfelt tributes to the heroes of the war. The solemn event, organised to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces, saw emotional recollections from family members of fallen soldiers. The gathering at Lamochen Viewpoint served as a poignant reminder of the courage and selflessness displayed by Indian soldiers during the Kargil conflict. Every year on July 26, India commemorates Kargil Vijay Diwas, a day etched in the nation's heart with pride and solemn remembrance. It marks the day in 1999 when India successfully concluded Operation Vijay, reclaiming the strategic heights from Pakistani intruders. The Kargil War is a saga of strong political, military and diplomatic actions. This War will always be remembered for its strategic and tactical surprises, as well as the self-imposed national strategy of restraint in keeping the war limited to the Kargil-Siachen sectors and the swiftly executed tri-services military strategy. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday offered salutations on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas. In a post on social media platform X, the CM wrote that the occasion was not just a day to celebrate victory in war, but an "eternal saga" of the valour, sacrifice, and national service of India's brave sons, who could not be forgotten. https://x.com/pushkardhami/status/1948918694328873284 "On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I offer countless salutations to the immortal heroes who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the nation's integrity and identity. This day is not merely a victory in a war, but an eternal saga of the valor, sacrifice, and national service of India's brave sons, which can never be forgotten," the post read. On Friday, as a gesture to honour the soldiers, the Chief Minister announced a threefold increase in the ex-gratia amount for Param Vir Chakra awardees, raising it from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore. The announcement was made during the Sainik Samman ceremony held in Khatima on the death anniversary of his father, late Subedar Sher Singh Dhami. The Chief Minister also approved the proposal submitted by the Sainik Welfare Department, according to an official release. The increase of Rs 1 crore in the ex-gratia amount underscores the government's commitment to the welfare of soldiers and their families, the statement said. Prior to June 2022, the ex-gratia amount for Param Vir Chakra recipients stood at Rs 30 lakh. It was raised to Rs 50 lakh by a Cabinet decision on June 10, 2022, and a government order was issued on July 14, 2022. The amount has now been further increased to Rs 1.5 crore. Speaking at the event, Dhami stated that the country's borders remain secure due to the courage and sacrifices of India's soldiers. "In such a situation, it is the duty of every citizen to respect the bravery, dedication, and sacrifice of the soldiers. Uttarakhand is not only Devbhoomi but also Veerbhoomi, which has given many brave soldiers to the country. The life of a soldier and his family is an example of discipline, sacrifice, and service. The state government is committed to the welfare of the soldiers and their families and is constantly taking concrete and effective decisions to protect their interests," he said. (ANI) Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth on Saturday paid tributes to the brave Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War. The commemorative event was held in Drass, Kargil, where both Union Ministers participated in a padyatra alongside locals and students, in a symbolic gesture of national unity and remembrance. With Indian flags held high, the atmosphere reverberated with chants of "Vande Mataram" and "Bharat Mata ki Jai." The padyatra witnessed enthusiastic participation from students and local residents, who walked together to honour the courage and sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces. A cultural programme was also organised as part of the tribute, where students dressed in traditional attire performed on stage. During the padyatra, students emotionally rendered the patriotic song "Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon," moving many in the crowd. Family members of Kargil War heroes were also present at the event and offered floral tributes at the Kargil War Memorial. Many spent time beside the names of the fallen heroes etched in stone, capturing photos and sharing quiet moments of reflection. Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, highlighted the nation's military strength and growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing. "The entire country remembers today when India's brave soldiers gave a fitting response to Pakistan. Be it a surgical strike, an air strike or Operation Sindoor, the Indian army is no less than any other. During Op Sindoor, India attacked Pakistan's terror bases using its indigenous weapons, which is why the world is bewildered... Today marks 26 years of Kargil Vijay, and I pay my respects to everyone who gave their all... Today, we are exporting defence weapons to nearly 92 countries. Our target is to export Rs 50,000 crore and Rs 3 lakh crore in 2029... PM Modi's vision is to make India 'Aatmanirbhar' and the Defence Minister provides motivation to the Indian army... We are now 75% Aatmanirbhar..." he told ANI. The conflict, known as the Kargil war, started in May 1999 when Pakistani intruders crossed the Line of Control and occupied Indian posts on towering ridges with the aim of capturing National Highway 1A, the vital artery connecting Srinagar to Leh at that time. On spotting the intruders, India subsequently launched Operation Vijay. The operation showed the meticulous planning, steely determination, and the indomitable spirit of the forces as the soldiers fought over two months in harsh terrain to drive out every intruder and restored Indian control at every post. Kargil Vijay Diwas honours the sacrifices of the soldiers who fought at the Line of Control on the snow-clad peaks amid relentless enemy fire. On July 26, the Indian flag was once again soaring over the mountains of Ladakh due to the efforts of our armed forces. (ANI) Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth on Saturday paid tributes to the valour of Indian soldiers on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. Seth, along with Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, participated in a padyatra in Drass, Kargil district, to remember the sacrifice of the people who lost their lives in the line of action during the 1999 war. The union ministers, accompanied by locals and students, participated in the programme at the historic site of Kargil, which saw the conflict first hand when the area was captured by Pakistani forces in May 1999 and subsequently retaken, after the Indian Army launched Operation Bison. "The country remembers the stupidity which Pakistan did on May 6, 1999. The entire country remembers on when India's brave soldiers gave a fitting response to it. Be it a surgical strike, an air strike, or Operation Sindoor, the Indian army is no less than any other," the Union MoS defence told ANI. "I also salute the soldiers who are on the borders, hundreds of kilometres away, protecting the tricolour and serving India. Today marks 26 years of Kargil Vijay, and I pay my respects to everyone who gave their all," he added. Seth further mentioned how the whole world was 'bewildered' with India's using its indigenous weapons to give a befitting reply to the Pahalgam terror attack. "During Operation Sindoor, India attacked Pakistan's terror bases using its indigenous weapons, which is why the world is bewildered that Indian forces destroyed the intentions of Pakistan within a few minutes," he mentioned. The MoS Defence also highlighted the self-reliance of India's defence industry, reiterating the government's target of achieving Rs 3 lakh crore defence exports by 2029. "India is no longer an importer, today, we are exporting defence weapons to nearly 92 countries. Remember those days? Our exports has been around Rs 30,622 crore, our target is to export Rs 50,000 crore and Rs 3 lakh crore in 2029. PM Modi's vision is to make India 'Aatmanirbhar' and the Defence Minister provides motivation to the Indian army. We are now 75% Atmanirbhar," he said. The conflict, known as the Kargil war, started in May 1999 when Pakistani intruders crossed the Line of Control and occupied Indian posts on towering ridges with the aim of capturing National Highway 1A, the vital artery connecting Srinagar to Leh at that time. On spotting the intruders, India subsequently launched Operation Vijay. The operation showed the meticulous planning, steely determination, and the indomitable spirit of the forces as the soldiers fought over two months in harsh terrain to drive out every intruder and restored Indian control at every post. Kargil Vijay Diwas honours the sacrifices of the soldiers who fought at the Line of Control on the snow-clad peaks amid relentless enemy fire. On July 26, the Indian flag was once again soaring over the mountains of Ladakh due to the efforts of our armed forces. During the war, 4 soldiers were awarded the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), India's highest gallantry award. 9 soldiers received the Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) and 55 were honoured with the Vir Chakra (VC). 1 soldier was awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal (SYSM), while 6 received the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM) and 8 were honoured with the Yudh Seva Medal (YSM). The Sena Medal (SM) was awarded to 83 personnel, and 24 received the Vayu Sena Medal (VSM). (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah has stressed the urgent need to establish a dedicated forum to combat the misuse of encrypted communication platforms by terrorist groups and emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts and concrete mechanisms to bring back fugitives involved in terrorism and smuggling from abroad. Shah's direction came in the inaugural session of the two-day 8th National Security Strategies (NSS) Conference in New Delhi on Friday. The conference was held in a hybrid format, combining physical and virtual modes, with approximately 800 officers from across the country participating and deliberating on various subjects related to national security. The first day of the conference focused on the role of external actors who are inimical to the interests of the nation and their domestic linkages, including involvement in the narcotics trade; challenges posed by illegal use of encrypted communication apps and other latest technologies, use of technology for crowd management and security of uninhabited islands. The issues related to financing terrorism were also deliberated. The Home Minister directed the undertaking of dedicated measures to bring back fugitives involved in terrorist and smuggling activities, with enhanced inter-agency coordination between central and state law enforcement agencies, as well as recalibrating the approach towards disrupting domestic nodes of the terror-criminal nexus. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) stated that it was asked to "set up a forum with stakeholders across the spectrum to come up with solutions to counter the use of encrypted communication by terror networks." "Reviewing terror financing mechanisms, agencies were directed to unearth terror modules by analysing inputs pertaining to financial irregularities. MHA was also asked to ensure that only indigenous technology was used by Police organisations," stated the MHA statement. The second day of the conference, commencing today, will focus on civil aviation and port security, counter-terrorism, left-wing extremism, and countermeasures for Narcotics trafficking. Among senior officers, the Union Home Secretary, Deputy NSA and Heads of Central Armed Police Forces and Central Police Organisations attended the conference. The Director Generals of Police of states and Union Territories (UTs), as well as young police officers at the cutting-edge level and domain experts from specialised fields, joined the conference from their respective state capitals via the virtual mode. During the DGsP and IGsP conference in 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed the holding of the National Security Strategies Conference every year, with the objective of finding solutions to major national security challenges through the extensive experience of cutting-edge-level officers working at the grassroots level, in collaboration with domain experts. In compliance with the directions of the PM, the conference has been held in hybrid mode for wider participation since 2021. (ANI) An encounter between police and two miscreants near the Sanauta canal in Sikandrabad late on Thursday night resulted in one person being injured and another arrested, officials said. According to Sikandrabad Circle Officer (CO) Bhaskar Mishra, the incident took place during a routine checking operation when police attempted to stop a suspicious two-wheeler. In retaliatory action taken in self-defence, one of the accused, identified as Shakeel, sustained a gunshot injury to his leg. The second accused, identified as Islam, was arrested. "On the night of July 25, the checking was being done by the police. During the check, when a suspicious vehicle was stopped, the bike started to drive near the Sanauta canal. The police started to follow them, and when they saw that the check was also underway, they diverted their bike onto another route and began firing at the police. In self-defence, one miscreant, Shakeel, got shot in his leg, while the other person, Islam, was arrested," CO Mishra said in a video message. During preliminary interrogation, the two revealed their involvement in a theft case from July 5, in which they, along with five others, assaulted a security guard in a gated colony and stole transformer wires. "In the inquiry, they said that on the night of July 5, there was a gated colony; these people beat up the guard in his office and stole the transformer wires from there. During interrogation, it was revealed that five more people were also involved in this incident, along with these people," the police officer said. The police recovered a pistol, two live cartridges, one empty cartridge, wire-cutting tools, and a bundle of stolen transformer wires from the accused. Shakeel was later taken to the primary health centre for treatment. "The injured person has been sent to the primary health centre for treatment. Further action in this matter is underway by the police," Mishra said. Further investigation is underway. (ANI) Farmers in Bain village in the Chenani area of Udhampur district are celebrating a bumper tomato harvest this season and have expressed gratitude to the Central government for its continued support to the farming community. Mohammad Aslam Bhat, a retired Indian Army soldier who turned to farming nearly two decades ago, said agriculture is a viable livelihood for the youth and appreciated the attention being given to farmers by the Centre. "I retired from the army in 2005. After that, I started farming on my ancestral land. I started working on tomato farming. I have earned a good profit from this. It has been about 8 to 12 years since I started working in this field. I make a good profit every year. We buy good seeds of a hybrid variety. Our land is also irrigated. We have good water arrangements through canals. The peak season for tomatoes is May and June, when there is a shortage in the hot areas and they are not ready in the mountains. In May and June, we get good rates and prices here. Currently, the tomato season is coming to a close, but we are selling 25 to 30 crates daily," he said. He further said that he earns between Rs 600 and Rs 700 per crate, with prices rising to Rs 1,200 and Rs 1,300 during peak demand. "The price never goes below Rs 400," he added. He further said that he tries to use organic manure. "There are a lot of diseases that can grip the tomatoes. We use neem oil, which is organic. Too much temperature does not suit the tomato. Every year, the cultivation is good. We earn 5 to 8 lakh during one season. Along with this, I have also cultivated 20 varieties of fruits," he said. He further adviced the youth that if they use technology, they can earn good profits as new technology has evolved. "This is a hilly area. There is a shortage of many things, but the government is giving a lot of emphasis. The department cooperates, provides us with seeds. Fertilisers are provided from time to time. Additionally, people are becoming increasingly aware... The Government of India has made significant contributions to the welfare of farmers. The central government has a scheme to double incomes. People are also implementing it. The government is also paying close attention to it, and people are reaping the benefits. We would like to thank the government departments for this... If we encounter any problems, they provide us with quick solutions... We are living a good life," he further added. The Chenani region has increasingly adopted horticulture and commercial farming practices, contributing to the economic development of the district. (ANI) The last rites of a student who died in the Primary School roof collapse in Rajasthan's Jhalawar were performed on Saturday. The deceased student, Payal, was one of the seven victims who died in the roof collapse incident. Speaking to ANI, Ram Dayal, a relative of Payal, demanded that the government fulfil their demands and provide a job to one of the family members. "No investigation has been done so far... We want our demands to be met. We want a job for a family member... The incident happened at 7:40 am when the roof of the school collapsed. 32 students were trapped in the debris..." he said. The incident occurred Friday morning when the roof of the Piplodi Primary School in Jhalawar collapsed, killing seven students and injuring several others, ADM Abhishek Charan said. Meanwhile, angry over the tragedy, family members and residents of Piplodi village vandalised police vehicles during a protest against the administration, alleging negligence over the dilapidated condition of the school infrastructure. DSP Jhalawar, Harsh Raj Singh Khareda said, "This was a big incident that the students had to endure. It was an unfortunate accident. The villagers demand a meeting with the administration... The Collector met the parents of the victim students at the incident site..." Agitated locals staged a protest over the incident and demanded justice for the victims. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed deep sorrow over the death of students in Jhalawar district after the roof of a school collapsed. He assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the tragedy and prevent such incidents in the future. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Vasundhara Raje said the tragic roof collapse at a school in Jhalawar, which claimed the lives of seven students, could have been avoided had the building been identified as unsafe and students relocated. "Seven school children died. Around 27 children are injured. As soon as we came to know, we were stunned. Had this building been identified and children shifted to some safe building, this would not have happened," Raje said after visiting the injured at a hospital in Jhalawar. (ANI) Immediately after returning from his visit to UK and Maldives, Prime Minister Modi will lay the foundation stone, inaugurate and dedicate to the nation various Development Projects worth over Rs 4800 crore at a public event at Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu at around 8 PM today. On July 27, Prime Minister will participate in the celebration of the birth anniversary of the great Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I with the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival at around 12 noon at Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. After completing his state visit in Maldives, Prime Minister will directly reach Tuticorin and will inaugurate and dedicate to the nation a series of landmark projects across multiple sectors which will significantly enhance regional connectivity, boost logistics efficiency, strengthen clean energy infrastructure, and improve the quality of life for citizens across Tamil Nadu. In line with his commitment to developing world-class air infrastructure and enhancing connectivity, Prime Minister will be inaugurating the New Terminal Building at Tuticorin Airport developed at a cost of around 450 crore, designed to meet the growing aviation demands of the southern region. Prime Minister will also undertake a walkthrough of the new terminal building at Tuticorin Airport, Prime Minister Office stated in a release. Prime Minister will release a commemorative coin honouring one of the greatest emperors of India, Rajendra Chola I, celebrating Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival during a public event at Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple. This special celebration also commemorates 1,000 years of the legendary maritime expedition of Rajendra Chola I to South East Asia and the commencement of the construction of the iconic Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, a magnificent example of Chola architecture. (ANI) The Indian Air Force (IAF) paid a heartfelt tribute to the brave warriors of the 1999 Kargil War on Saturday, honouring their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering resolve on the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas. The IAF expressed gratitude to the valiant heroes who fought for India's honour. In a captivating video over 2 minutes long, the IAF showcased the courage and valour of its brave soldiers, as well as the might of the air force, particularly "The War Diary in Photographs", a remarkable collection of photographs of the war. Sharing the tribute on social media platform X, the IAF posted, "The Indian Air Force pays heartfelt tribute to the valiant Warriors of the Kargil War. Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering resolve continue to inspire a nation united in gratitude." https://x.com/IAF_MCC/status/1948926520711360931 Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended greetings on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas and remembered the sacrifices of the jawans who fought in the Kargil War with courage and valour. PM Modi said that sacrifices made by the jawans will continue to inspire every generation. "Heartfelt greetings to the countrymen on Kargil Vijay Diwas. This occasion reminds us of the unparalleled courage and valour of those brave sons of Mother India who dedicated their lives to protect the nation's pride. Their passion to sacrifice everything for the motherland will continue to inspire every generation," PM Modi posted on X. President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday also extended her greetings on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas. "On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay my heartfelt tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the motherland. This day symbolises the extraordinary valour, courage, and steadfast determination of our jawans. Their dedication and supreme sacrifice for the nation will forever inspire its citizens," the President posted on X. On Friday, families of army personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Kargil War of 1999 gathered at Lamochen Viewpoint in Drass to pay heartfelt tributes to the heroes of the war. The solemn event, organised to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces, saw emotional recollections from family members of fallen soldiers. Rajesh, the brother of a soldier who lost his life at Tiger Hill, recounted the poignant memories left behind in his brother's diary. "My brother lost his life while serving the nation in the line of action at Tiger Hill. When we got news about the war, we wrote a letter to him, but he told us he wasn't involved in the action. After reading his diary, we learned he was in the war and lied to keep us from worrying. He wrote that he felt he wouldn't come down the hill and handed his diary to a friend before going up," Rajesh said. Surekha Shinde, another family member, shared her pride and gratitude while honouring her brother, who served for five years before the Kargil War."My brother had been in service for five years before the war started. I feel proud coming to this place, and I thank the army for this invitation," she said. The gathering at Lamochen Viewpoint served as a poignant reminder of the courage and selflessness displayed by Indian soldiers during the Kargil conflict. Every year on July 26, India commemorates Kargil Vijay Diwas, a day etched in the nation's heart with pride and solemn remembrance. It marks the day in 1999 when India successfully concluded Operation Vijay, reclaiming the strategic heights from Pakistani intruders. The Kargil War is a saga of strong political, military and diplomatic actions. This War will always be remembered for its strategic and tactical surprises, as well as the self-imposed national strategy of restraint in keeping the war limited to the Kargil-Siachen sectors and the swiftly executed tri-services military strategy. The Kargil War lasted for more than 60 days and concluded on July 26, 1999, with a gallant victory for India. Indian armed forces successfully reclaimed the command of the high outposts that were treacherously occupied by Pakistani soldiers during the winter months. According to IAF, Operation Safed Sagar, the Indian Air Force's codename for its air operations during the 1999 Kargil War, was a trailblazer in many ways and proved that air power could decisively alter the course of battle without crossing international boundaries. The operation was launched on May 26, 1999, marking the first large-scale use of air power in Kashmir since 1971 and demonstrating the effectiveness of limited air asset use in a localised conflict. (ANI) Tension prevailed in Rajasthan's Jhalawar district after the roof of a government primary school collapsed, killing seven students and injuring several others. Villagers have demanded a meeting with the administration, prompting the deployment of additional police personnel due to security concerns. Deputy Superintendent of Police, Jhalawar, Harsh Raj Singh Khareda, termed the incident a "major tragedy" and said that authorities were engaged with local residents and the families of the victims. "This was a big incident that the students had to endure. It was an unfortunate accident. The villagers demand a meeting with the administration. We have been deployed due to concerns over security. The Collector met the parents of the victim students at the incident site," DSP Khareda told ANI. Angry over the tragedy, family members and residents of Piplodi village vandalised police vehicles during a protest against the administration, alleging negligence over the dilapidated condition of the school infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has called the collapse of a government school roof in Jhalawar extremely tragic and concerning. He also demanded a fair investigation and the strictest punishment for the guilty. "The collapse of a government school roof in Jhalawar, Rajasthan, resulting in the death of several innocent children and injuries to many others, is extremely tragic and concerning," the Congress leader said in a post on X. "According to media reports, the government ignored complaints about dilapidated schools, which led to the loss of these innocent lives. Most of these children were from the Bahujan community--do their lives hold no value for the BJP government? A fair investigation of this incident must be conducted, and the guilty should be given the strictest punishment," he added. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also condemned the incident, calling it "an extremely painful and shameful" reflection of governance. "The collapse of a government school roof in Jhalawar, Rajasthan, resulting in the loss of several innocent children's lives, is an extremely painful and shameful incident. A government that cannot even repair the roofs of schools--our children's future--despite complaints, boasts of grand dreams of a 'developed India'," Kharge posted on X. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Vasundhara Raje said on Friday that the tragic roof collapse at a school in Jhalawar could have been avoided had the building been identified as unsafe and the students relocated. "Seven school children died. Around 27 children are injured. As soon as we came to know, we were stunned. Had this building been identified and children shifted to some safe building, this would not have happened," Raje said after visiting the injured at a hospital in Jhalawar. "The Education Department should conduct a survey of all school buildings. Where structures are found to be in a dilapidated condition, children must be shifted to safer schools immediately," she added. (ANI) Amid outrage over the collapse of a government school roof in Rajasthan's Jhalawar that claimed the lives of seven students, District Magistrate Ajay Singh Rathore on Saturday assured of appropriate action against those responsible for the "security lapses and negligence" that led to the tragedy. "I express gratitude on behalf of the administration for the cooperation shown by residents of Piplodi even in the face of this tragedy. The next of kin of the deceased children only had two demands: such incidents must not recur, and appropriate action must be taken against those responsible. This incident is heartbreaking. There have been security lapses and ignorance (negligence). We will take action against those responsible for this," DM Rathore told reporters here. The DM further informed that the administration was already ensuring that school buildings in a dilapidated condition remain closed. "The district administration already issued orders on June 20 that students must not be allowed to sit in buildings that remain in dilapidated conditions. We were also ensuring that earlier. Unfortunately, we got to know about the conditions here only after the tragedy struck," he added. Rathore visited the District Hospital on Friday to meet the injured students. The incident occurred Friday morning when the roof of the Piplodi Primary School in Jhalawar collapsed, killing seven students and injuring several others, ADM Abhishek Charan said. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vasundhara Raje on Friday said the tragic roof collapse at a school in Jhalawar, which claimed the lives of seven students, could have been avoided had the building been identified as unsafe and students relocated. "Seven school children died. Around 27 children are injured. As soon as we came to know, we were stunned. Had this building been identified and children shifted to some safe building, this would not have happened," Raje said after visiting the injured at a hospital in Jhalawar. "The Education Department should conduct a survey of all school buildings. Where structures are found to be in a dilapidated condition, children must be shifted to safer schools immediately," she added. Raje also raised concerns over the ongoing monsoon season, stressing the urgent need to demolish unsafe structures and construct new buildings. "There is also this issue that it is the rainy season, and it is raining heavily. Dilapidated school buildings should be demolished, and new, modern buildings should be constructed. So that children's lives are not played with," she said. Agitated locals staged protests following the incident, demanding accountability and justice for the victims. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed deep sorrow over the incident in a video statement. "...It is a tragic incident. I am saddened by the death of innocent children in this incident. The state government is with the family members of those who are affected by this. The administration has been directed to provide better treatment for the injured," he said."A probe will be conducted, and we will ensure that no such incident happens again," he added. The state government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the family of each deceased student. One family member will be given a contractual job, and the school building will be reconstructed. The new classrooms will be named in memory of the children who lost their lives. (ANI) Congress leader Udit Raj on Saturday said that Leader of Opposition (LoP) Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will prove to be the "second Ambedkar" for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) if they listen to what he said during the Bhagidari Nyay Sammelan. Raj compared Rahul Gandhi to Babasaheb Ambedkar and said that the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) must support the statements made by the LoP. "Caste census in Telangana is an X-ray of society. Rahul Gandhi aims to replicate it nationwide. His views are visionary. If Dalits and backward classes come forward, our economy will boost. The inequality that prevails in society will be reduced. If OBC understands what Rahul Gandhi said, he will prove to be the second Ambedkar for them," Raj told ANI. "OBCs will have to think that history does not give opportunities for progress again and again. They should follow and support what Rahul Gandhi said in the Talkatora Stadium conference. If they do so, then Rahul Gandhi will prove to be the second Ambedkar for them," Raj posted on X. On Friday, Rahul Gandhi acknowledged that not conducting a caste census during the UPA government was a mistake, and said he was determined to correct it. Speaking at the 'Bhagidari Nyay Sammelan' of OBC at Talkatora Stadium in Delhi, he said he failed to understand the issues of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community earlier, unlike those of Dalits, tribals, and women, where he claimed the Congress had done commendable work. "I think about my work, where I did well and where I fell short, and I see two to three things. Land Acquisition Bill, MNREGA, Right to Food, Tribal Bill, and Niyamgiri struggle -- all these things I did well. As far as the issues of tribals, Dalits, and women are concerned, I should get good marks there. I did good work," he said. "One shortcoming remained in the Congress Party and my work, I didn't protect the OBC community the way I should have. The reason is that I didn't deeply understand the OBC issues at that time. Ten to fifteen years ago, I understood the difficulties faced by Dalits. Their issues are visible, they are easily understood, but the problems of OBCs remain hidden. If I had known about your issues and problems at that time, I would have conducted a caste-based census right then. That was my mistake, which I am going to correct," he said, adding that in a way, it's good that it happened, because if I had conducted a caste-based census back then, it wouldn't have been like it is today. He added that Dalits, backwards classes, tribals, and minorities make up 90 per cent of the country's population, yet remain excluded from key decision-making processes, including the Union Budget. Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday reiterated the party's demand for a nationwide caste-based census and the removal of the 50 per cent cap on reservations. He also launched an attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of denying rights to backward communities and misleading the country. "I am happy that a large number of people have gathered here and they understand their rights. Conducting a caste-based census in the country and abolishing the 50 per cent reservation limit is our demand. Narendra Modi does not want to give reservations to those who are educationally backwards, but we stand with them," Kharge said. He stressed that the voice of the OBC community will only be heard when they are elected to power. (ANI) On the occasion of the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas on Saturday, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, paid tribute at the National War Memorial to the soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War. Earlier today, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, paid heartfelt tribute to the brave Indian soldiers at the commemorative event held in Drass, Kargil, where the two leaders joined locals and students in a padyatra, symbolising national pride and collective remembrance. With Indian flags held high, the atmosphere reverberated with chants of "Vande Mataram" and "Bharat Mata ki Jai." The padyatra witnessed enthusiastic participation from students and local residents, who walked together to honour the courage and sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces. A cultural tribute was also part of the event, where students dressed in traditional attire took to the stage to perform. During the padyatra, students emotionally rendered the patriotic song "Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon," moving many in the crowd. Family members of Kargil War martyrs were also present and paid their respects at the Kargil War Memorial. Many were seen clicking pictures and spending moments near the names of the fallen heroes etched in stone. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended greetings on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas and remembered the sacrifices of the jawans, who fought in the Kargil War with courage and valour. PM Modi said that sacrifices made by the jawans will continue to inspire every generation. "Heartfelt greetings to the countrymen on Kargil Vijay Diwas. This occasion reminds us of the unparalleled courage and valour of those brave sons of Mother India who dedicated their lives to protect the nation's pride. Their passion to sacrifice everything for the motherland will continue to inspire every generation," PM Modi posted on X. President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday also extended her greetings on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas. "On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay my heartfelt tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the motherland. This day symbolises the extraordinary valour, courage, and steadfast determination of our jawans. Their dedication and supreme sacrifice for the nation will forever inspire its citizens," the President posted on X. Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on July 26 to commemorate India's victory over Pakistani intruders in the 1999 Kargil conflict. The day serves as a reminder of the sacrifice and unyielding spirit of the Indian Armed Forces. (ANI) A factory roof collapsed in Garhi Mendhu village, New Usmanpur, on Friday evening, injuring two workers, Tajim (25) and Akram (25). The injured were rushed to the Sushrut Trauma Centre in Civil Lines for treatment. Forensic teams were called to the site to inspect the collapse. A case has been registered under Section 290/125(a)/3(5) at PS New Usmanpur, and the investigation is currently underway, as per the Delhi Police. Meanwhile, the last rites of a student who died in the Primary School roof collapse in Rajasthan's Jhalawar were performed on Saturday. The deceased student, Payal, was one of the seven victims who died in the roof collapse incident. Speaking to ANI, Ram Dayal, a relative of Payal, demanded that the government fulfil their demands and provide a job to one of the family members. "No investigation has been done so far... We want our demands to be met. We want a job for a family member... The incident happened at 7:40 am when the roof of the school collapsed. 32 students were trapped in the debris..." he said. The incident occurred Friday morning when the roof of the Piplodi Primary School in Jhalawar collapsed, killing seven students and injuring several others, ADM Abhishek Charan said. Earlier, angry over the tragedy, family members and residents of Piplodi village vandalised police vehicles during a protest against the administration, alleging negligence over the dilapidated condition of the school infrastructure.DSP Jhalawar, Harsh Raj Singh Khareda said, "This was a big incident that the students had to endure. It was an unfortunate accident. The villagers demand a meeting with the administration... The Collector met the parents of the victim students at the incident site..."Agitated locals staged a protest over the incident and demanded justice for the victims. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed deep sorrow over the death of students in Jhalawar district after the roof of a school collapsed. He assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the tragedy and prevent such incidents in the future. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Vasundhara Raje said the tragic roof collapse at a school in Jhalawar, which claimed the lives of seven students, could have been avoided had the building been identified as unsafe and students relocated."Seven school children died. Around 27 children are injured. As soon as we came to know, we were stunned. Had this building been identified and children shifted to some safe building, this would not have happened," Raje said after visiting the injured at a hospital in Jhalawar. (ANI) Jhalawar MLA and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Govind Ranipuriya on Saturday assured strict action against those found responsible for the roof collapse of a government primary school in Piplodi village, which claimed the lives of seven students. Ranipuriya attended the last rites of the students who died in the tragedy. Speaking to ANI while returning from the funeral amid tight security, the MLA said, "Whoever is responsible for this will be punished. Investigation is underway, and once it becomes clear, action will be taken." Meanwhile, Jhalawar District Magistrate Ajay Singh Rathore, who also visited the affected families, expressed his gratitude to the villagers for their support of the administration in the aftermath of the tragedy. He said that the locals have only two demands, not to let such an incident happen again and to do a speedy investigation to punish the people responsible. "The people of the village, their contribution has been a lot despite such a tragedy. On behalf of the administration, I express my gratitude to them. Even after such an incident, the relatives of the deceased had only two demands: that such an incident not be repeated and that a speedy investigation take place against the people responsible. This is a very sad incident, wherever there were lapses or ignorance, we will investigate that," the DM told reporters. At least 7 students died and several others were injured after the roof of the Piplodi Primary School in Jhalawar district collapsed on Friday morning. Following the incident, agitated locals staged a protest over the incident and demanded justice for the victims. A video of a clash involving protestors and police also went viral on social media. Later, police dispersed the crowd. Meanwhile, Dr Ashok Sharma of SRG hospital told ANI that the injured children are undergoing treatment. "Today, around 9 am, an incident occurred, and they were brought here. They are undergoing treatment. Children were admitted, some with minor injuries and others more serious. Most have been treated and stabilised, including a few with leg injuries who have been operated on," he said. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Friday expressed deep sorrow over the death of students in Jhalawar district after the roof of a school collapsed. He assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the tragedy and prevent such incidents in the future. Several political leaders, including Union Minister Rajnath Singh and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, also expressed deep grief over the incident. (ANI) Twenty six years on this very day the Indian Army recaptured its posts in Kargil occupied by the Pakistani forces and brought to an end the three-month-long war. As the country celebrates Kargil Vijay Diwas on Saturday, the story of Major Mariappan Saravanan, an officer in the prestigious Bihar Regiment of the Indian Army continues to inspire. The later officer laid down his life fighting Pakistani forces on Jubar ridge on the western side of Batalik, the second-highest battlefield in Ladakh. Batalik sector, close to the Line of Control (LoC), is characterized by high altitude, rugged terrain, and deep valleys, which presented significant logistical and operational challenges during the Kargil war. Major Saravanan's battle cry "Jawano karo ya maro" still echoes from the peaks of Kargil. His exceptional bravery led to him being referred to as the "Hero of Batalik". On May 28, 1999, Major Saravanan's unit was tasked to capture point 4268 on Jubar ridge whose terrain comprised of jagged rocks covered with snow and knife-edge ridges. According to an obituary citation from his regiment, Major Saravanan led a frontal attack against the Pakistani intruders with the final command to his men "Jawano karo ya maro' (Do or Die)"' The next morning, he killed two enemy soldiers by firing a rocket launcher at them. In the exchange of fire that ensued, Saravanan was wounded in the stomach by a shrapnel but he soldiered on ignoring calls by his seniors to return. "Major Saravanan charged through a hail of bullets and killed two more enemy soldiers. His commanding officer asked him to return back in view of many casualties, but Major Saravanan replied- Sir, 'Dushmano ne mere Jawano ki jaan li hai, main unko jinda nahi chodunga (Sir, enemies have killed my brave men and I will not leave them alive). He added, "Nothing will happen to your Chenghis, which was his code name," the citation read. He was the first to reach the top before being hit by bullet in the head at 6:30 am in the cold terrain and fell into a ravine, it said. His mortal remains were recovered from the ravine, 37 days after his martyrdom by the Bihar Regiment troops who made several attempts to retrieve the mortal remains due to heavy shelling by the enemy forces. Major Saravanan was posthumously awarded 'Vir Chakra', the country's third highest wartime gallantry award after the Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra. The gallantry award was presented to his proud mother by then President K R Narayanan. A bridge has also been renamed in the memory of Vir Chakra awardee Major Saravanan in Dah village of Batalik Sector in Kargil. "People of the village still remember him with so much love and affection. He had stayed there for couple of days before he starting out to Jubar ridge" in Batalik, his sister Dr Chitraa told ANI. In a fitting tribute to Major Saravanan, his home state Tamil Nadu has included his life story in the English Supplementary Reader of Class VII of the state education board to inspire students to choose the Army as a career option. When asked about Saravanan's last conversation with family members, his sister Dr Chitraa Senthil Kumar said he had told his mother, " 'I'll get you a Vir Chakra!" On May 14, 1999, he made his last phone call to Amma, and said, 'I'll get you a Vir Chakra. I love you all. Do take care of yourself, Chithra and Revati," Dr Chitra told ANI. Even earlier, after his battalion was moved to the insurgency-infested area in Jammu & Kashmir, "I remember clearly -- he had written to our mother, Amirthavalli. He was excited and had said he was waiting for an opportunity to prove his mettle!," the proud sister said. Major Saravanan was the eldest and only son with two sisters and was just 17 when his father Lt Colonel A Mariappan, who introduced him to military life, passed away. After the father's death he "became the pillar of strength and moral support for us," the grateful sister said. "He was the eldest child in the family. Our father, Lt Colonel A Mariappan, was an Army medical officer, and right from a very early age. He taught him how to hold a gun and shoot at Fig 11 targets at the open ranges," she further said. Recalling her Kargil visit after the war, Chitraa said people of Dah village remember Saravanan very fondly even after 26 years of his martyrdom. "It took us hours to reach that place and during the entire journey, I was thinking how could he (Major Saravanan) and his team have negotiated this difficult terrain. It was unimaginable that he actually launched a frontal attack in such a dangerous terrain surprising the enemy in a hand-to-hand combat." "Whatever is said about the bravery of Saravanan and his achievements is less. No words can ever explain what all he undoubtedly endured during the combat- to reach that place and to face the enemy. It left me awe admiration and wonder of the skinny young lad who would pull my pigtails was capable and make me cry was capable of such courage and fearlessness." "What greater pride for a sister to know that her brother is alive even after 26 years of his martyrdom because what he achieved. Saravanan has made the country proud, the military strategies he employed are the lessons for the young officers, his exemplary professionalism unmatched saga of pure patriotism and sacrifice," Dr Chitraa said. "At Dah, a bridge has been renamed in the name of Major Saravanan, and people of the village still remember him with so much love and affection. He had stayed there for couple of days before he starting out to Jubar and people remember him very fondly even now," she added. Born on August 10, 1972 in Rameswaram and an alumunus of St Joseph's College, Tiruchirapalli, Major Saravanan was posted to Tamalpur, Cooch Behar and Bhutan before moving to Kargil. To keep alive his undying spirit, Major Saravanan's family instituted a memorial trust and built a martyr's memorial cenotaph at Trichy in 2007, Kargil Vijay Diwas. The aim of the trust is to encourage and fire the patriotic fervor and spirit of nationalism in the hearts and minds of the youth to 'Join the Army and Serve the Nation' with honor and dignity. India observes July 26 as Kargil Vijay Diwas every year to commemorate the victory over Pakistan in the 1999 Kargil War. The war, which began on May 3, 1999, and concluded on July 26 of the same year, took place in the rugged, unforgiving terrains of the Kargil district in Ladakh. (ANI) During the hearing on July 24, 2025, Justice Sachin Dutta commended the government's efforts, specifically appreciating the role of standing counsel Advocate Ashish Dixit for his prompt and diligent representation. The matter had arisen from a series of writ petitions filed directly before the High Court, owing to prolonged vacancies for the post of Member (Legal) at PNGRB and Member (Technical) at APTEL. Recognising the impact of these vacancies on judicial proceedings and administrative efficiency, the Court had, on May 9, 2025, issued a notice to the Union of India, seeking clarity on the timeline for filling the positions. Responding to the directive, Advocate Dixit informed the Court on May 22, 2025, that the Member (Legal) post had been filled as of May 16, 2025. He further stated that the process to appoint the Technical Member at APTEL was underway. At the subsequent hearing, the government confirmed that the Technical Member had taken office on June 12, 2025. Acknowledging these developments, the High Court praised the Central Government for its professionalism and swift action, emphasising the importance of institutional functionality. With both posts now occupied, the Court disposed of the batch of petitions and directed the concerned parties to approach the respective tribunal for further proceedings. (ANI) Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday addressed the Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations at the Dras town in Ladakh, where he highlighted India's "unbreakable unity", which was showcased during Operation Vijay in 1999 and also during Operation Sindoor 26 years later. "Keeping up with the tradition of unbreakable Indian unity, the army carried out precision strikes on the terror infrastructure under Operation Sindoor and attained a decisive victory, effectively retaliating and knocking down Pakistan's violent attacks, and attained victory," the COAS said while addressing the crowd at the celebrations. "We gave a chance for peace, but they (Pakistan) acted out of cowardice, to which we answered with courage. Operation Sindoor is our resolve, message and response. Our air defence stood as a strong wall against drones and missiles," he added. Operation Vijay in 1999 was Army's response after Pakistani soldiers crossed India's borders and captured high hill posts. The conflict, later turned into the Kargil War. COAS Dwivedi said just like with the 199 operation, India had given a similar reply to Pakistan by targeting terrorist infrastructure with Operation Sindoor post the Pahalgam terror attack which killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir. Talking about the historic site which was captured by Pakistan forces in 1999 and subsequently taken back, the COAS remembered the valour of the soldiers and saluted those who sacrificed their lives. "We stand near Tiger Hill, Tololing and Point 4875, remembering the resolve and valour of the warriors. We salute those who sacrificed their lives so we can live peacefully. We remember the resolve they had in their eyes, their dedication with which they went through difficulties. In 1999, India achieved an unparalleled victory under Operation Vijay, chasing away the Pakistani soldiers on high hill posts, and hoisting the tricolour there," General Dwivedi said during his speech. The conflict, known as the Kargil war, started in May 1999 when Pakistani intruders crossed the Line of Control and occupied Indian posts on towering ridges with the aim of capturing National Highway 1A, the vital artery connecting Srinagar to Leh at that time. On spotting the intruders, India subsequently launched Operation Vijay. The operation showed the meticulous planning, steely determination, and the indomitable spirit of the forces as the soldiers fought over two months in harsh terrain to drive out every intruder and restored Indian control at every post. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday paid tribute to the heroes of the Kargil war at a program organised on the occasion of 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas. Addressing the program, Chief Minister Adityanath said that the Kargil war was "imposed" by Pakistan, to which India gave a "befitting reply" to the enemy under Operation Vijay. "The Kargil war was imposed by Pakistan. A befitting reply was given to the enemy under Operation Vijay. Kargil was a challenging place where the temperature remains minus 50 degrees even during the day. But the cowards of Pakistan could not stand before the might of the Indian Army. The then Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf went to America, and America tried to put pressure, but Vajpayee ji said that whether it is America or any world power, India will not bow down," Chief Minister said. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister paid heartfelt tribute to the bravehearts who laid down their lives to protect the unity and integrity of the nation. "The entire country pays its tribute to the valor of the great sons of India on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas. On this occasion, I pay my tribute to all those bravehearts who sacrificed their lives for the unity and integrity of India. On behalf of the state, I offer my tribute to all the brave soldiers," he said. Every year on July 26, India commemorates Kargil Vijay Diwas, a day etched in the nation's heart with pride and solemn remembrance. It marks the day in 1999 when India successfully concluded Operation Vijay, reclaiming the strategic heights from Pakistani intruders. The Kargil War is a saga of strong political, military and diplomatic actions. This War will always be remembered for its strategic and tactical surprises, as well as the self-imposed national strategy of restraint in keeping the war limited to the Kargil-Siachen sectors and the swiftly executed tri-services military strategy. (ANI) Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan on Saturday paid heartfelt tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the 1999 Kargil War on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas. He extended his greetings to the Indian Armed Forces, veterans, and their families, honouring the indomitable courage and supreme sacrifice of the nation's heroes. In a post on X, Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) stated, "General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff CDS extends heartfelt greetings to All Ranks of the Indian Armed Forces, Veterans, Veer Naris & their families. Saluting our Bravehearts on Kargil Vijay Diwas! Their indomitable courage & supreme sacrifice will forever inspire us. Let's honour their legacy by serving our nation with dedication & national pride." Despite the enemy's advantageous position, occupying higher mountain peaks with fortified positions, the Indian Armed Forces demonstrated extraordinary courage and tactical prowess. They fought against impossible odds, climbing near-vertical cliffs under heavy enemy fire in extreme weather conditions at dizzying altitudes, and yet emerged victorious. In his message, CDS General Anil Chauhan said, "The enemy having occupied higher mountain peaks, entrenched with fortified positions clearly had the advantage along with the element of surprise. Our forces fought against impossible odds, climbed near vertical cliffs under heavy enemy fire in extreme weather conditions at dizzying attitudes and yet emerged victorious. The operation is a testimony to an exemplary leadership by young officers who courageously lead their troops to victory in face of unprecedented danger." General Chauhan remembered the valiant soldiers who fought fearlessly to safeguard India's territorial integrity, showcasing unparalleled bravery, tenacity, and patriotism. He acknowledged the bitter truth of Pakistan's betrayal, where the Pakistani Army sent regular troops disguised as Mujahideens to extend the conflict beyond the Great Himalayan Range. "Kargil Vijay Diwas reminds every Indian of the unparalleled bravery, tenacity and patriotism of our valiant soldiers who fought fearlessly to safeguard the territorial integrity of our nation, as also, the bitter truth of Pakistan's betrayal. Pakistan Army's ploy to extend the conflict beyond the Great Himalayan Range by sending regular troops disguised as Mujahideens, remains a stark reminder of their treachery," he said. The CDS emphasised that Kargil Vijay Diwas is not just about remembering the past but also about drawing inspiration for the future. He highlighted the importance of jointness, preparedness, and unwavering courage in the face of adversity, citing the success of Operation Sindoor as a testament to the Indian Armed Forces' capabilities. "Our adversanes will continue to test our resolve, but the legacy of Kargit reminds us that our jointness, preparedness and unwavering courage -- proven once again by the success of Op Sindoor, will always triumph over enemy's deceit and aggression," added General Chauhan. General Chauhan urged every citizen to remember their duty to serve the motherland with utmost dedication and national pride, inspired by the legacy of the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation. The Kargil War serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the brave soldiers and the importance of national unity and pride "Kargil Vijay Diwas is not only about remembering the past but about drawing inspirations for the future. Let the legacy of our heroes remind every citizen of his duty to serve our motherland with utmost dedication and national pride," added CDS General Anil Chauhan. He recalled the indomitable courage of the bravehearts who laid down their lives in the line of duty during the Kargil War. "On the solemn and proud occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all ranks of the Indian Armed Forces, Veterans and their families. We remember with deep reverence the Bravehearts who laid down their lives in the line of duty. Their indomitable courage will continue to inspire generations and serve as a guiding light for our Armed Forces and the youth of the nation alike. Their supreme sacrifice shall never be forgotten." Earlier, the families of the soldiers who lost their lives during the Kargil War paid tributes to the war heroes on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. The programme, organised at Kargil's Dras town, was attended by a large number of people while families took their turns to go up to the War memorial and pay tribute to the valiant soldiers. Every year on July 26, India commemorates Kargil Vijay Diwas, a day etched in the nation's heart with pride and solemn remembrance. It marks the day in 1999 when India successfully concluded Operation Vijay, reclaiming the strategic heights from Pakistani intruders. (ANI) On the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas, emotional memories, patriotic fervour, and a unique tribute marked the solemn occasion at Drass in Kargil. As the nation remembered its brave soldiers, Air Force veteran Trilok, who served during the 1999 Kargil War, reflected on the sacrifices made and the advancements that have followed since then. Speaking about his role during the war, Trilok said, "During 1999, I was in Ops, Srinagar for the Kargil War." Reflecting on the toll of war, he shared, "At that time, there were a lot of casualties. In fact so many people lost their lives, some became disabled, some got shot. Seeing this, the mind felt very sad. It is a sad story. You have to witness it, then you will feel it." When asked to compare the armed forces strength capabilities with that of 1999, he remarked, "Ajgajantar means rabbit, gaj means elephant, so there is so much difference. Earlier, it was not so much, now we have become very advanced, and it is very good. Now take the example of Op Sindoor...it is very high, there is no doubt about it." Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth on Saturday paid tributes to the brave Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War. The commemorative event was held in Drass, Kargil, where both Union Ministers participated in a padyatra alongside locals and students, in a symbolic gesture of national unity and remembrance. With Indian flags held high, the atmosphere reverberated with chants of "Vande Mataram" and "Bharat Mata ki Jai." The padyatra witnessed enthusiastic participation from students and local residents, who walked together to honour the courage and sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces. A cultural programme was also organised as part of the tribute, where students dressed in traditional attire performed on stage. Kargil Vijay Diwas honours the sacrifices of the soldiers who fought at the Line of Control on the snow-clad peaks amid relentless enemy fire. On July 26, the Indian flag was once again soaring over the mountains of Ladakh due to the efforts of our armed forces. (ANI) In a post on social media X, the Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab Police, wrote that the key accused, identified as Sarbjit aka Joban was in direct contact with a notorious smuggler identified as Rana across the border, and had been arrested along with a juvenile, with one kilogram of heroin recovered from them. https://x.com/DGPPunjabPolice/status/1948959178489237542 The DGP further mentioned that the two more smugglers, identified as Dharam Singh and Kulbr Singh, had been arrested along with five kilograms of heroin. "In a major strike against cross-border narco-smuggling, Commissionerate Police Amritsar busts a well-organised heroin trafficking cartel with direct links to #Pakistan-based smugglers. Key accused Sarbjit @ Joban, operating from a border-area village, is in direct contact with notorious smuggler Rana across the border. He is arrested along with a juvenile, with 1 kg of heroin recovered from them. His interrogation led to the arrest of two more smugglers -- Dharam Singh and Kulbir Singh -- from Ajnala, with over 5 kg of heroin seized. Total Recovery: 6.106 Kg Heroin, 2 Motorcycles," the post read. A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. "FIRs registered at PS Airport and PS Chheharta under relevant sections of the NDPS Act. @PunjabPoliceInd remains firm in its resolve to dismantle narco networks and safeguard the future of Punjab's youth," the post further stated. Earlier on July 24, the Punjab Police conducted raids at 400 locations which lead to the arrest of 85 drug smugglers after registration of 60 FIRs across the state, stated the Information and Public Relations Department. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached 23,237 in 145 days, it stated. The raids have resulted in the recovery of 1.6 kg of heroin, 1 kg of opium, 8353 intoxicant tablets, pills and injections and Rs 8.09 lakh in drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers. The operation was conducted on the directions of the Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state. (ANI) Kerala Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Rajeev Chandrashekhar on Saturday criticised Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, accusing them of inconsistency and corruption. Chandrashekhar claimed Gandhi frequently changes his stance on issues, lacking strong views or beliefs. Chandrashekhar alleged that Gandhi raises new issues when previous ones fail to gain traction, portraying him as an inconsistent politician. The BJP leader accuses the Congress party of unleashing unprecedented corruption in states where they are in power, contrary to Gandhi's public rhetoric. "Rahul Gandhi completely recycles all of his issues every few days. When one thing fails he raises another issue and it goes on... He is not a politician with any strong views or beliefs. Congress has governments in three states (Telangana, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka) and nowhere is he implementing what he talks about," Chandrashekhar told ANI. He also levelled serious allegations against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, claiming that the latter's whole family has "engaged in land grabbing" in Karnataka for "years and decades". "Mallikarjun Kharge's whole family has engaged in land grabbing in Karnataka for years and decades. Him saying that RSS and BJP are poison doesn't make RSS and BJP poison," Chandrashekhar told ANI. Notably, Rahul Kharge, the son of Mallikarjun Kharge, withdrew his request for land allotment in Bengaluru in October 2024 amid allegations of land grabbing. The BJP has been vocal about the Congress party's supposed involvement in land-related scandals. Chandrashekhar's statement comes after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday, while speaking at the 'Bhagidari Nyay Sammelan' of OBC at Talkatora Stadium in Delhi, accused RSS-BJP of spreading poison. The Congress President was reiterating the party's demand for a nationwide caste-based census and the removal of the 50 per cent cap on reservations. He further praised Rahul Gandhi for showing "courage" in demanding a caste census and urged people to support him. He said that the government has not taken strong steps for SCs, STs, OBCs, and women, but Rahul Gandhi stands with the backwards and deprived. "RSS-BJP people spread poison. They work to divide people against each other, but we must remain united. We must support the Congress party with courage. Just as people stood together during the time of independence, if you all support us in the same way, no one can shake the Congress party. The OBC caste census should happen; this courage has been shown only by Rahul Gandhi ji. Therefore, we must all support Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi ji stands with the backwards and deprived, supports them, and fights for their rights, so you should definitely support him. The Modi government has not taken any concrete steps for SC, ST, OBC, and women," he added. Chandrashekhar argued that instead of implementing policies focusing on social issues, Congress has unleashed corruption in Telangana, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka. He said that Rahul Gandhi's words were a "cover" for Congress' real objectives, which are to divide people and create chaos. "Instead, in the name of all these social issues, the Congress has unleashed corruption of the kind that the people of these states have never seen. Rahul Gandhi says these things, but they are a cover for Congress' real objectives, which are corruption, dividing people and creating chaos," Chandrashekhar said. Earlier in the day, Congress leader Udit Raj said that Rahul Gandhi will prove to be the "second Ambedkar" for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) if they listen to what he said during the Bhagidari Nyay Sammelan. Raj compared Rahul Gandhi to Babasaheb Ambedkar and said that the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) must support the statements made by the LoP. "Caste census in Telangana is an X-ray of society. Rahul Gandhi aims to replicate it nationwide. His views are visionary. If Dalits and backward classes come forward, our economy will boost. The inequality that prevails in society will be reduced. If OBC understands what Rahul Gandhi said, he will prove to be the second Ambedkar for them," Raj told ANI. "OBCs will have to think that history does not give opportunities for progress again and again. They should follow and support what Rahul Gandhi said in the Talkatora Stadium conference. If they do so, then Rahul Gandhi will prove to be the second Ambedkar for them," Raj posted on X. On Friday, Rahul Gandhi acknowledged that not conducting a caste census during the UPA government was a mistake, and said he was determined to correct it. Speaking at the 'Bhagidari Nyay Sammelan' of OBC at Talkatora Stadium in Delhi, he said he failed to understand the issues of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community earlier, unlike those of Dalits, tribals, and women, where he claimed the Congress had done commendable work. "I think about my work, where I did well and where I fell short, and I see two to three things. Land Acquisition Bill, MNREGA, Right to Food, Tribal Bill, and Niyamgiri struggle -- all these things I did well. As far as the issues of tribals, Dalits, and women are concerned, I should get good marks there. I did good work," he said. "One shortcoming remained in the Congress Party and my work: I didn't protect the OBC community the way I should have. The reason is that I didn't deeply understand the OBC issues at that time. Ten to fifteen years ago, I understood the difficulties faced by Dalits. Their issues are visible, they are easily understood, but the problems of OBCs remain hidden. If I had known about your issues and problems at that time, I would have conducted a caste-based census right then. That was my mistake, which I am going to correct," he said, adding that in a way, it's good that it happened, because if I had conducted a caste-based census back then, it wouldn't have been like it is today. He added that Dalits, backwards classes, tribals, and minorities make up 90 per cent of the country's population, yet remain excluded from key decision-making processes, including the Union Budget. (ANI) Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday lashed out at the Modi government, alleging "failure" of Indian diplomacy, and said that the Prime Minister's friendship with US President Donald Trump was "proving to be hollow". "The PM's clean chit to China on June 19, 2020, has already cost India heavily. His much-boasted friendship with President Trump is now proving to be hollow," Ramesh, Congress (General Secretary) incharge of Communications, posted on X. "The abject failure of Indian diplomacy, especially in the past two months, is revealed most tellingly by four facts. These expose the tall claims made by the Prime Minister and his drum-beaters and cheerleaders. Since May 10, 2025, President Trump has claimed 25 times that he personally intervened to stop Operation Sindoor, threatening India and Pakistan that if they didn't bring the war to a halt, they would not have a trade agreement with the USA," Ramesh said. "On June 10, 2025, General Michael Kurilla, the head of the powerful US Central Command, hails Pakistan as a phenomenal partner of the US in countering terrorism," he added. On Trump meeting Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir in the White House, Congress MP said that Munir was the same person who had made communally provocative remarks that provided the backdrop for the Pahalgam terror attack. "On June 18, 2025, President Trump held an unprecedented luncheon meeting with the Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir in the White House. Two months earlier, Munir's inflammatory, incendiary, and communally provocative remarks had provided the backdrop to the brutal Pahalgam terror attacks on April 22, 2025," Ramesh added. "Just yesterday, July 25, 2025, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and thanked Pakistan for its partnership in countering terrorism and preserving regional stability," he stated. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar at the Department of State in Washington, DC. According to Tammy Bruce, Spokesperson for the United States Department of State, "Secretary of State Marco Rubio met today with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Secretary Rubio expressed appreciation for Pakistan's continued willingness to play a constructive role in mediating conversations with Iran and its commitment to preserving regional stability. The two also discussed prospects for deepening bilateral counterterrorism cooperation, including countering ISIS-K, and the upcoming U.S.-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue in Islamabad this August." (ANI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav praised the bravery and courage of the Indian Army on the occasion of 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas on Saturday, calling it an "indelible day in India's glorious history". CM Yadav also paid a heartfelt tribute to the brave Indian warriors who sacrificed their lives during the war and said they made the whole nation proud. "Kargil Diwas is an indelible day in India's glorious history. The Indian Army displayed the pinnacle of valour and bravery, and defeated Pakistan on July 26, 1999, under the leadership of the then Prime Minister, late Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Those 60 days of war still linger in people's minds. The way our brave soldiers not only waved the flag of their courage but also made the entire nation proud," Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said. The CM further said that everyone witnessed how Pakistan moved back, leaving its soldiers, and also saw their nefarious actions and their feelings. "On the occasion of Kargil Day, we all pray to God that such a day never comes again. But the way our Army showed courage, bravery and waved the banner of valour, we all are proud that the Indian army is always able to face such challenges," he added. Additionally, in a post on X, CM Yadav said, "Heartiest congratulations on Kargil Vijay Diwas, the immortal saga of valour and sacrifice, it is an occasion of pride for all of us. Heartfelt tribute to brave sons of Maa Bharati, who sacrificed everything and achieved victory by killing the enemy in the Kargil war. Our soldiers waved the tricolour in the war that lasted for more than 60 days. It is the occasion to pledge dedication to the nation. Let us all take a pledge to dedicate everything in the service of Maa Bharati." The Kargil War is a saga of strong political, military and diplomatic actions. This War will always be remembered for its strategic and tactical surprises, as well as the self-imposed national strategy of restraint in keeping the war limited to the Kargil-Siachen sectors and the swiftly executed tri-services military strategy. The Kargil War lasted for more than 60 days and concluded on July 26, 1999, with a gallant victory for India. Indian armed forces successfully reclaimed the command of the high outposts that were treacherously occupied by Pakistani soldiers during the winter months. According to IAF, Operation Safed Sagar, the Indian Air Force's codename for its air operations during the 1999 Kargil War, was a trailblazer in many ways and proved that air power could decisively alter the course of battle without crossing international boundaries. The operation was launched on May 26, 1999, marking the first large-scale use of air power in Kashmir since 1971 and demonstrating the effectiveness of limited air asset use in a localised conflict. (ANI) Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta on Saturday paid homage to the valiant soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War, during his visit to the Kargil War Memorial in Drass on the occasion of the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas. Speaking to ANI, the Lieutenant Governor expressed his pride in being present at the commemorative event and highlighted the importance of passing on the legacy of the soldiers' sacrifices to future generations. "I feel proud and fortunate being here on the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas. Today is a day of remembering the bravehearts who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. This is history and a day when future generations know about how one sacrificed their life for the country. The nation gives us everything, and even we should do our part," Gupta said. Paying respect to the soldiers and families of deceased soldiers, the LG said that the Indian army's bravehearts will always be remembered in people's hearts. "The nation gives us everything, and even we should do our part, keeping that in mind, the sacrifice of the bravehearts will always be in our hearts. I bow down to the soldiers and their families. Leaders have come from Delhi too, ministers Mansukh Mandaviya and Sanjay Seth are here, I thank them," he said. Highlighting the inspiration drawn from the stories of valour, Gupta remarked, "Here we got the opportunity to see the bravery of the soldiers, and learn history. I think the families should also not think how someone like Bhagat Singh should be born in another home, their neighbours, but rather they do efforts in their own homes." Earlier, the families of the soldiers who lost their lives during the Kargil War paid tributes to the war heroes on the occasion of the 26th anniversary. The programme, organised in Kargil's Drass town, was attended by a large number of people, while families took turns to visit the War memorial and pay tribute to the valiant soldiers. Every year on July 26, India commemorates Kargil Vijay Diwas, a day etched in the nation's heart with pride and solemn remembrance. It marks the day in 1999 when India successfully concluded Operation Vijay, reclaiming the strategic heights from Pakistani intruders. (ANI) Former Lok Janashakti Party (Ram-Vilas) leader Shivraj Yadav on Saturday announced that 38 leaders of the LJP have resigned from the party in Khagaria district, adding that the rebel faction will soon form a party of its own in the poll-bound Bihar. Speaking to ANI, Yadav said, "All workers from the Khagaria district have resigned. 38 leaders have resigned. Workers, including block presidents, panchayat presidents, have all resigned. The entire district committee has stepped down. So, Khagaria is now a zero. Now we are rebuilding from the ground up. We are forming a rebel Lok Janshakti Party." Yadav, who was LJP's Khagaria district president, recalled the efforts he put in for Chirag Paswan's party. "I stood by the party when everything had collapsed. People had forgotten about the Lok Janshakti Party. The name itself had vanished. Chirag ji was stuck in Khagaria and Begusarai. He was stranded in Begusarai for two days. In Khagaria, no one was there to even mention his name. At that moment, only I stood up," Shivraj Yadav said. Shivraj Yadav accused Khagaria Lok Sabha MP Rajesh Verma of "arrogance" and "abuse of power". "That trust was betrayed. A huge betrayal. The party betrayed me. Its leaders betrayed me. The local MP betrayed me. Even the MP insults and abuses the Paswans. The party workers here, 80 per cent of our committee, are made up of Paswans. The local MP, Rajesh Varma, abuses them all," he said. Earlier, Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP) founder Mukesh Sahani vowed to "seek revenge" against his former alliance partner, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, alleging that he was cheated after the party "poached" his MLAs and threw him out of the alliance. "I will definitely seek revenge. We were servants for so long, we worked hard in the state to get elected and worked for our people by staying in the government. We had 4 leaders and were doing the work of the people, so they (BJP) poached our MLAs and threw us out of the government we formed. This is not right in a democracy," the VIP founder told reporters in Patna. In the current 243-member Bihar Assembly, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) holds 131 seats: the BJP (80), JD(U) (45), HAM(S) (4), and support from 2 independents. The Opposition India Bloc holds 111 seats, comprising RJD (77), Congress (19), CPI(ML) (11), CPI(M) (2), and CPI (2). The 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. (ANI) The UP administration on Saturday initiated a bulldozer action against the properties of Sabroz, an aide of Chhangur Baba alias Jalaluddin, accused in a mass conversion racket case. The demolition drive was carried out under heavy police deployment to ensure law and order. According to Balrampur CO Raghavendra Pratap, the construction was deemed illegal, and notices were issued to remove the unauthorised parts of the building. However, since no action was taken by the owner, the police and administration have stepped in to demolish the structure. While speaking to ANI, Pratap said, "We found this construction to be illegal. Notices were issued to remove the illegal parts of building, but since no action was taken by the owner, police and administration is here to demolish it." ASP Vishal Pandey further clarified that Sabroz was duly given a notice earlier for the illegal construction and was provided with opportunities to comply with the orders. Pandey told ANI that, "... He was duly given a notice earlier for this illegal construction... He was given all the chances to obey to the orders, but when he failed to do that, the government is demolishing the illegal construction..." Earlier, the Uttar Pradesh Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) had 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 said. 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," ADG Yash 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) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi paid heartfelt tributes to the fallen soldiers of the 1999 Kargil War on Saturday, the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, expressing the nation's eternal gratitude for their supreme sacrifice. In a post on the social media platform X, the party leader wrote that the country would forever remain indebted to the martyrs and their families. https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/1948980560132813255 "On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I offer my heartfelt tributes and countless salutations to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives while protecting the nation. India will forever remain indebted to them and their families. Jai Hind!" the post read. Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, addressing the Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations at Ladakh's Dras town, highlighted the country's "unbreakable unity" showcased during Operation Vijay in 1999 and also during Operation Sindoor. "Keeping up with the tradition of unbreakable Indian unity, the army carried out precision strikes on the terror infrastructure under Operation Sindoor and attained a decisive victory, effectively retaliating and knocking down Pakistan's violent attacks, and attained victory," the COAS said while addressing the crowd at the celebrations. "We gave a chance for peace, but they (Pakistan) acted out of cowardice, to which we answered with courage. Operation Sindoor is our resolve, message and response. Our air defence stood as a strong wall against drones and missiles," he added. Operation Vijay in 1999 was the Army's response after Pakistani soldiers crossed India's borders and captured high hill posts. The conflict later turned into the Kargil War. COAS Dwivedi said just like with the 199 operation, India had given a similar reply to Pakistan by targeting terrorist infrastructure with Operation Sindoor post the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir. The conflict, known as the Kargil war, started in May 1999 when Pakistani intruders crossed the Line of Control and occupied Indian posts on towering ridges with the aim of capturing National Highway 1A, the vital artery connecting Srinagar to Leh at that time. On spotting the intruders, India subsequently launched Operation Vijay. The operation showed the meticulous planning, steely determination, and the indomitable spirit of the forces as the soldiers fought over two months in harsh terrain to drive out every intruder and restored Indian control at every post. (ANI) Former Rajasthan Minister Pramod Jain Bhaya on Saturday strongly condemned the school roof collapse incident, describing it as "very unfortunate." Bhaya alleged that despite repeated complaints about the dilapidated building, no action was taken. On the day of the incident, students were scolded and made to sit inside the school, even after reporting falling roof parts. The incident occurred Friday morning when the roof of the Piplodi Primary School in Jhalawar collapsed, killing seven students and injuring several others. Speaking to ANI, Bhaya said, "This is a very unfortunate incident; the villagers have said that they have complained about this dilapidated building of the school multiple times. On the day of the incident, the students also reported that parts of the roof were falling, but despite this, they were scolded and made to sit inside." Bhaya criticised the government's compensation policies, highlighting the disparity in compensation amounts for different incidents. "If someone dies in a plane crash, then they get the compensation of Rs 1 crore, but if a child of a tribal dies, then they get the compensation of Rs 10 lakhs. We condemn this discrimination. We request that the CM provide compensation of Rs 1 crore for each child," he said. Bhaya also called for a comprehensive survey of all school buildings in Rajasthan, stating, "To prevent such recurrence in the state, a survey of all school buildings should be conducted in Rajasthan." On Saturday, the last rites of a student who died in the Primary School roof collapse in Rajasthan's Jhalawar were performed. The deceased student, Payal, was one of the seven victims who died in the roof collapse incident. Speaking to ANI, Ram Dayal, a relative of Payal, demanded that the government fulfil their demands and provide a job to one of the family members."No investigation has been done so far... We want our demands to be met. We want a job for a family member... The incident happened at 7:40 am when the roof of the school collapsed. 32 students were trapped in the debris..." he said. Meanwhile, angry over the tragedy, family members and residents of Piplodi village vandalised police vehicles during a protest against the administration, alleging negligence over the dilapidated condition of the school infrastructure.DSP Jhalawar, Harsh Raj Singh Khareda said, "This was a big incident that the students had to endure. It was an unfortunate accident. The villagers demand a meeting with the administration... The Collector met the parents of the victim students at the incident site..."Agitated locals staged a protest over the incident and demanded justice for the victims. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed deep sorrow over the death of students in Jhalawar district after the roof of a school collapsed. He assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the tragedy and prevent such incidents in the future. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Vasundhara Raje said the tragic roof collapse at a school in Jhalawar, which claimed the lives of seven students, could have been avoided had the building been identified as unsafe and students relocated."Seven school children died. Around 27 children are injured. As soon as we came to know, we were stunned. Had this building been identified and children shifted to some safe building, this would not have happened," Raje said after visiting the injured at a hospital in Jhalawar. (ANI) As per officials, a phone call was received on Friday by the office of the Director General of Police (DGP), Maharashtra, in which the caller claimed a bomb would be planted at the railway station. Acting upon the information, teams from the Railway Police and Mumbai Police conducted a thorough search of the premises. However, nothing suspicious was found during the operation. A case has been registered by the Mumbai Police, and further investigation is underway. Meanwhile, on July 22, a similar hoax bomb threat was received via email at Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Following the threat, the Bomb Threat Assessment Committee was activated, and security teams, including the Central Industrial Security Force's (CISF) Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad, carried out comprehensive checks as per standard security protocols. According to a statement from the Ahmedabad airport spokesperson, flight operations continued without disruption. "Following the receipt of a threatening email on 22 July 2025, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, activated the Bomb Threat Assessment Committee, and the threat was assessed as non-specific. CISF's Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad conducted comprehensive checks in line with standard security protocols," the spokesperson said in a statement. After a thorough sweep of the premises, no suspicious object or activity was found. Airport operations have continued without disruption," the spokesperson added. Earlier, on June 27, Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport's Terminal 3 had received a hoax bomb threat, which prompted a swift emergency response. A crew member discovered a paper with a bomb threat on a flight at Delhi's Terminal 3 at 4:42 AM. After a search, the Delhi Fire Service declared it a hoax. According to the Delhi Fire Service, a call was received at 4:42 AM, and a search operation was subsequently conducted. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday participated in the tribute ceremony organised on the occasion of the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas at Shaheed Smarak, Gandhi Park, Dehradun and paid homage to the bravehearts who sacrificed their lives during the war. In a post on X, CM Dhami shared, "On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I offer countless salutations to the immortal heroes who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the nation's integrity and identity. This day is not merely a victory in a war, but an eternal saga of the valor, sacrifice, and national service of India's brave sons, which can never be forgotten." Earlier today, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister paid heartfelt tribute to the bravehearts who laid down their lives to protect the unity and integrity of the nation." The entire country pays its tribute to the valor of the great sons of India on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas. On this occasion, I pay my tribute to all those bravehearts who sacrificed their lives for the unity and integrity of India. On behalf of the state, I offer my tribute to all the brave soldiers," he said.Every year on July 26, India commemorates Kargil Vijay Diwas, a day etched in the nation's heart with pride and solemn remembrance. It marks the day in 1999 when India successfully concluded Operation Vijay, reclaiming the strategic heights from Pakistani intruders. The Kargil War is a saga of strong political, military and diplomatic actions. This War will always be remembered for its strategic and tactical surprises, as well as the self-imposed national strategy of restraint in keeping the war limited to the Kargil-Siachen sectors and the swiftly executed tri-services military strategy. (ANI) In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has directed trial court judges across the capital to pronounce judgments or orders they had reserved prior to their transfer within two to three weeks of their new assignment. The Court made it clear that successor judges are not permitted to rehear such matters. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, in order to copy, stated that once a matter is reserved for judgment, the responsibility to pronounce it lies with the judge who heard it, even after their transfer. Any departure from this practice, the Court noted, leads to unnecessary delays, confusion, and erosion of judicial credibility. "The successor Court must not list the matter for re-hearing... it should be sent to the District Judge for being placed before the Presiding Officer who had reserved the judgment," the Court stated, mandating strict adherence to this protocol across all district courts in Delhi. This direction was issued while dismissing a revision plea by B.D. Sharma, convicted under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. Sharma claimed he had been denied a fair chance to present his case, but the Court noted he had been given 20 opportunities to argue--often deferred due to change of counsel and missing documents. A procedural lapse was uncovered during the trial: after the original judge reserved judgment, her transfer prompted the successor judge to re-list the matter for fresh arguments, contrary to established judicial norms. To prevent such errors, the Court laid down mandatory guidelines: Transferred judges must submit a list of all reserved but unpronounced judgments to the District Judge before leaving. These judgments must be delivered within 2-3 weeks post-transfer. District Judges must provide necessary administrative support for compliance. Cause lists of both outgoing and incoming courts must reflect the pronouncement date. The judgment has been directed for circulation to all District & Sessions Judges and the Delhi Judicial Academy to be included in judicial training programs. Dismissing the request to remand the case, the Court remarked that the delayed appeal was a tactic to derail proceedings. "This is a classical case where delay was caused both by the accused and the oversight of the Presiding Officer," Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma observed, noting the complainant--a senior citizen--was denied timely justice. (ANI) A significant milestone in India-UK economic relations was achieved with the signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) on July 24, 2025. The agreement was formalised in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and was officially signed by India's Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, and the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying said in a release. CETA offers zero-duty access on 99 per cent of tariff lines and opens up key service sectors. Notably, for the marine sector, the agreement eliminates import tariffs on a wide range of seafood products, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Indian exporters in the UK market. This is expected to particularly benefit exports of shrimp, frozen fish, and value-added marine products, thereby boosting India's presence in one of its major seafood destinations, alongside labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, leather, and gems and jewellery. India's key seafood exports to the UK currently include Vannamei shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), frozen squid, lobsters, frozen pomfret, and black tiger shrimp--all of which are expected to gain further market share under CETA's duty-free access. Under the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), all fish and fisheries commodities falling under the UK tariff schedule categories marked 'A' now enjoy 100 per cent duty-free access from the date of entry into force of the agreement. HS Code 03: Fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates (e.g., shrimp, tuna, mackerel, sardines, squid, crab, cuttlefish, frozen pomfret, lobsters). HS Code 05: Coral, cowries, Artemia, etc. HS Code 15: Fish oils and marine fatsHS Code 1603/1604/1605: Prepared or preserved seafood, caviar, extracts, and juices. HS Code 23: Fish meal, fish & shrimp feed, and residues used in animal fodder. HS Code 95: Fishing gear (rods, hooks, reels, etc.) These products previously attracted tariffs ranging from 0 per cent to 21.5 per cent, all of which are now removed, substantially improving cost competitiveness in the UK market. However, products under HS 1601 (sausages and similar items) remain excluded under the staging category 'U' and receive no preferential treatment. India's total seafood exports in 2024-25 reached $7.38 billion (60,523 crore), amounting to 1.78 million metric tonnes. Frozen shrimp remained the top export, accounting for 66 per cent of earnings with $4.88 billion. Marine exports to the UK specifically were valued at $104 million ( 879 crore), with frozen shrimp alone contributing $80 million (77 per cent). However, India's share in the UK's $5.4 billion seafood import market is just 2.25 per cent. With CETA now in force, industry estimates project a 70 per cent surge in marine exports to the UK in the coming years. The fisheries sector supports the livelihoods of approximately 28 million Indians and contributes around 8 per cent of global fish production. Between 2014-15 and 2024-25, India's seafood exports rose from 10.51 lakh metric tonnes to 16.85 lakh metric tonnes (60 per cent growth), while value increased from Rs 33,441.61 crore to Rs 62,408 crore (88 per cent growth). The number of export destinations expanded from 100 to 130 countries, with value-added product exports tripling to Rs 7,666.38 crore, signalling a shift towards high-end global markets. Coastal states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat, which are already key players in seafood exports, are well-positioned to capitalise on CETA. With targeted efforts to meet UK sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards, these states can further expand their export footprint and enhance compliance with international norms. The India-UK CETA marks a turning point for India's fisheries sector, not just by offering duty-free access to a premium market but also by uplifting coastal livelihoods, enhancing industry revenues, and strengthening India's reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality, sustainable seafood. For fisherfolk, processors, and exporters alike, this is a unique opportunity to step onto a larger global stage. This agreement makes a meaningful contribution to India's broader goal of becoming a global leader in sustainable marine trade. Indian seafood now competes on par with countries like Vietnam and Singapore, which already benefit from FTAs with the UK, i.e United Kingdom-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement -UK-VFTA and UK-Singapore Free Trade Agreement -UK-SFTA, respectively. This levels the playing field and removes tariff disadvantages that Indian exporters previously faced, particularly for high-value products such as shrimp and value-added goods. With India's vast production capacity, skilled manpower, and improved traceability systems, CETA enables Indian exporters to capture a larger share of the UK market and diversify beyond traditional partners, such as the US and China. (ANI) A solemn wreath laying and commemorative ceremony was organised by the Directorate of Sainik Welfare, Assam, at the State War Memorial, Dighalipukhuri, Guwahati on Saturday on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas to honour the unwavering courage and supreme sacrifice of the bravehearts of the Kargil War. The ceremony was graced by the Governor of Assam, Lakshman Prasad Acharya, as the Chief Guest. He was received with full military honours, including a ceremonial "Bugle Welcome", General Salute by the NCC Guard, and the National Anthem. A respectful "Present Arms" was offered to the Amar Jawan, followed by the laying of wreaths in memory of the fallen heroes. Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Chief Minister of Assam by Brig. Polash Choudhury, Sena Medal (Retd), Director, Sainik Welfare, Assam, who is also a Kargil War veteran. Representatives of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force also paid floral tributes. Distinguished retired officers, Brig Ranjit Borthakur, SM (Retd), Commodore K C Choudhury, VSM (Retd), and Group Captain Debananda Gohain (Retd) laid wreaths on behalf of their respective services. Wreaths were also laid by Ex-Servicemen, Veer Naris, Veer Matas, and family members of Kargil War heroes. Notably, Col Dilip Kumar Borah (Retd), who was the Commanding Officer of 18 Grenadiers during the Kargil War, paid tribute and shared personal experiences from the battlefield. A special felicitation ceremony was held to honour the Veer Naris and Veer Matas, recognising their unmatched strength and resilience. Lt Gen R P Kalita, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM (Retd) and Lt Gen P K Bharali, VSM (Retd) delivered stirring addresses, recalling the exceptional bravery, sacrifices, and unflinching determination of the Indian Armed Forces during the conflict. In his keynote address, Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya expressed profound gratitude for the sacrifices made by the armed forces, applauding their patriotism, courage, and unwavering commitment to the nation. The event also featured passionate speeches and cultural performances by NCC cadets and students of Army School Narengi, including patriotic songs and a skit that evoked deep emotions of pride, reverence, and national unity among all present. Kargil Vijay Diwas stands as a solemn tribute to the heroes who safeguarded the nation's honour and serves as a lasting reminder of their legacy of courage. Kargil Vijay Diwas was commemorated across the nation today to mark the anniversary of India's historic victory in the Kargil War of 1999. The day honours the success of Operation Vijay, through which the Indian Armed Forces recaptured strategic high-altitude outposts that had been illegally occupied by Pakistani intruders. The war officially concluded on 26 July 1999, and India was victorious in evicting the infiltrators and restoring the sanctity of the Line of Control. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday launched a book 'Continuous Welfare of Students' at the Chief Minister's residence auditorium in Dehradun. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Dhami participated in the tribute ceremony organised on the occasion of the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas at Shaheed Smarak, Gandhi Park, Dehradun and paid homage to the bravehearts who sacrificed their lives during the war. In a post on X, CM Dhami shared, "On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I offer countless salutations to the immortal heroes who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the nation's integrity and identity. This day is not merely a victory in a war, but an eternal saga of the valour, sacrifice, and national service of India's brave sons, which can never be forgotten." On the occasion of the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas, a tribute ceremony was held in Dehradun, where Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid homage to the immortal martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the 1999 Kargil War. Speaking at the ceremony, CM Dhami began by welcoming attendees, saying, "A heartfelt welcome and greetings to all of you who have come to the tribute ceremony organised on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas in Dehradun." He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India's growing self-reliance, especially in the defence sector, stating, "Under the leadership of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India is becoming self-reliant in every field, especially in the defence sector." Paying respects to the martyrs of the Kargil war, he added, "On the occasion of the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay my respects to all those immortal martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the protection of Mother India. In the valleys, hills, and winds of Kargil, the battle cry of the Indian Army's brave warriors still resonates with the same vigour today. The valiant soldiers, with the tricolour tied on their heads, roared with such ferocity that the enemy trembled." (ANI) Acting on specific intelligence about a large cache of arms, ammunition, and warlike materials concealed at various locations, coordinated operations were launched simultaneously at multiple sites in the peripheral and suspected areas of Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur districts. Joint teams, comprising the Manipur Police, CRPF, BSF, and the Army Assam Rifles, recovered arms, ammunition, explosives, and other warlike stores. The recoveries include 3 AK Series, 1 M16, 1 INSAS LMG, 5 INSAS, 4 SLR, 7 303, 20 pistols, 4 carbine, 8 rifles, 20 SBBL/Bore Action, 3 Anti-Riot Gun, 1 Lathode Gun, 3 DBBL, 6 Bolt Action Gun, 3 Two-inch Mortar, 1 Localmade Pipe Gun, 21 Grenades, 399 numbers of 7.62 live Ammunition, 228-5.56 live ammunition, 35 303 Live Ammunition, 23 numbers of 9 mm Ammunition, 6 .32 mm Ammunition, 1 HE Mortar Shell, 9 Tube launching and 6 IEDs. A total of 728 ammunition were recovered, as per the release. These continued intelligence-led operations represent a significant achievement for the Manipur Police and Security Forces in their ongoing mission to restore peace, maintain public order, and protect the lives and property of citizens. "The Manipur Police reaffirms its commitment to fostering a peaceful and secure Manipur. The public is urged to cooperate with the Police and Security Forces and to promptly report any suspicious activity or information related to illegal arms to the nearest police station or the Central Control Room," the release asserted. "Senior police officials remain in close coordination with all security stakeholders to ensure that such operations continue in a sustained and focused manner, aimed at restoring normalcy, maintaining public order, and safeguarding the lives and property of all citizens," it added. (ANI) Organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and other prominent tourism boards, the conclave brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for promoting heritage tourism in India. Themed "kh'yaal viraast kaa", the conclave served as a vibrant platform for dialogue, action, and advocacy in the realm of heritage-led tourism, according to the Ministry of Tourism press release. Inaugurating the event, Rajender Kumar (IAS), Secretary - Tourism, Civil Aviation, Devasthanam Management & Pilgrimage, Government of Gujarat, outlined Gujarat's proactive vision for inclusive heritage tourism, stating, "We are not only restoring monuments but also ensuring direct benefits to local communities through jobs, infrastructure, and cultural pride." Representing the regal legacy of Vadodara, Samarjitsinh Gaekwad, Maharaja of Baroda, emphasised the importance of relevance in heritage conservation: "Heritage must live on through connection with future generations, not just nostalgia." Mohamed Farouk, Regional Director - India Tourism Mumbai, highlighted the Ministry of Tourism's commitment through flagship schemes like Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and PRASHAD, which link destinations via cuisine, folklore, crafts, and festivals. Delivering the theme address, Rajan Sehgal, Co-Chair - Tourism Committee, PHDCCI, remarked, "Heritage tourism is about identity, economy, and empowerment. Our aim is to catalyse policy innovation and foster public-private partnerships." A ceremonial Saraswati Vandana by students of Maharaja Sayajirao University set the cultural tone, followed by the launch of the PHDCCI-KPMG Heritage Tourism Report, underscoring the role of PPPs in revitalising heritage assets. Key Sessions and highlights included the Vibrant Gujarat Model, where panellists shared community-centric practices, including artisan engagement and adaptive reuse of built heritage. Another Shekhawati Legacy, which discussed challenges and incentives for private heritage owners and restoration frameworks. Additionally, Culinary Tourism, featuring Prof. Pushpesh Pant and renowned chefs, spotlighted food as a cultural artefact and an underutilised tourism asset. Traditional Gujarati Lunch - 'Bapor nu Bhojan', which was curated by Chef Pritesh Raut, the meal told stories of Gujarat's culinary heritage. Champaner-Pavagadh was presented by Dr Amita Sinha, emphasised community tourism and UNESCO site repositioning. In Women as Cultural Custodians, Radhikaraje Gaekwad and Kadambaridevi Jadeja are featured, urging support for women-led tourism ventures. Moreover, Architecture & Storytelling advocated the use of technology and inclusive narratives to attract younger audiences to heritage sites. Lastly, Heritage Transport highlighted vintage mobility as a dynamic tourism experience and called for restoration grants. The conclave also included over 25 B2B meetings connecting tourism boards, hospitality leaders, and cultural entrepreneurs to explore cross-sector collaborations. A curated contemporary art showcase and a guided Heritage Walk of Lukshmi Villas Palace rounded off the day's immersive experiences. The conclave was held with the support of Mann Fleet Partners, ADTOI, FHRAI, HTA Gujarat, IATO, TAAI, VTAA, and PHDCCI's Annual Corporate Partners, including Mankind Pharma, KLJ Resources, Yashoda Hospitals, JK Tyre, and others. (ANI) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar conducted an early morning visit to the Hinjawadi IT park area in Pune district on Saturday to inspect ongoing efforts to resolve key civic problems such as traffic congestion and waterlogging. Following the visit, he chaired a high-level meeting with officials to evaluate progress and plan further action. Speaking after the review, Ajit Pawar highlighted that people of the Hinjawadi IT park area had been facing trouble since the first monsoon rains this year. "People in the area were facing numerous difficulties. Taking cognizance of the situation, the Chief Minister had directed that weekly site visits and meetings be conducted involving all responsible authorities," he said. He added that as a result of these concerted efforts, most of the civic issues in Hinjawadi have now been addressed. "Local residents have acknowledged the improvement. To achieve this, we had to make some tough decisions. While our intention is never to cause inconvenience, resolving issues like traffic congestion and waterlogging requires action against illegal constructions and encroachments, and we are taking necessary steps." The Deputy CM emphasised inclusive coordination with all agencies and support from local public representatives to ensure sustainable, long-term solutions. "Our approach is inclusive. We're involving everyone to ensure sustainable solutions," he noted. The Deputy CM also revealed that a similar visit had been planned for Chakan next week. "Finding a permanent solution to traffic and related civic problems in various parts of Pimpri-Chinchwad is our top priority," he asserted. Ajit Pawar also paid homage to brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country during the Kargil War. "Today is Kargil Vijay Diwas. We all remember the bravery of our armed forces during that war. I offer my heartfelt tributes to the martyrs and extend best wishes to all citizens on this day of national pride," he said. (ANI) US Congress Hosts First Assyrian Martyrs' Day Ceremony Sam Darmo (Left), Sara Hormuz (Middle), and Chorbishop George Toma (Right) speaking to Rudaw on July 23, 2025. Washington -- For the first time, a ceremony commemorating Assyrian Martyrs' Day was held in the United States Congress, honoring victims of the 1933 Simele massacre and calling for full recognition of atrocities committed against the Assyrian people. The event was supported by Congressman Abe Hamadeh and attended by Assyrians and representatives of the Kurdistan Regional Government. "This is the very first time ever at the US Congress to commemorate the Assyrian Martyrs Day. We had the support of Congressman Abe Hamedeh in putting this together. It's very important. We need complete recognition by the US Congress of all the massacres and genocides committed against the Assyrians," Sam Darmo, founder of Assyrians for Justice, told Rudaw on Wednesday. Assyrians annually commemorate the Simele massacre of 1933, when thousands were killed by the Iraqi army. Between August 7 and August 11, the armed forces of the Kingdom of Iraq attacked 63 Assyrian villages located in what are now the provinces of Nineveh and Duhok. The campaign left around 3,000 Assyrians dead, according to a 2003 report from the International Federation for Human Rights. Chorbishop George Toma, rector of Saint Andrew Assyrian Church in Illinois, said the commemoration ceremony honors "the holy ones of our Assyrian nation whose blood was spilled not for crimes, but for their faith, their heritage, and their very identity." Sara Hormuz, an Assyrian American human rights advocate, was among the speakers at the event, opening with remarks on Assyrian history, genocide, and the resilience of the community. "Assyrians are resilient and we're not a dying civilization," she said. Assyrians are one of the oldest ethnic groups in Mesopotamia and northern Iraq, tracing their history back more than 6,700 years. Religiously, they are now predominately Christian and locally split along Chaldean, Syriac, and Ashuri sects. In a major breakthrough against narco-terrorism, the Counter-Intelligence wing of Amritsar has successfully dismantled a cross-border heroin smuggling module, apprehending four key operatives with direct links to a Pakistan-based smuggler, the Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab said on Saturday. The intelligence-led operation, conducted near the Indo-Pak border in Attari, led to the recovery of 4 kilograms of heroin. According to a post from Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav, "The accused had retrieved a heroin consignment near the #Indo-#Pak border in #Attari and were enroute to deliver it when they were intercepted." "A case is being registered, and further investigation is underway to trace the full network, including forward and backwards linkages. PunjabPolice remains committed to dismantling cross-border drug syndicates and protecting Punjab from the grip of narco-terrorism," the DGP said. Earlier on Friday, in a major strike against cross-border narco-smuggling, the Amritsar Police Commissionerate busted a well-organised heroin trafficking cartel with direct links to Pakistan-based smugglers, as per officials. In a post on social media X, the DGP, Punjab Police, wrote that the key accused, identified as Sarbjit aka Joban, was in direct contact with a notorious smuggler identified as Rana across the border, and had been arrested along with a juvenile, with one kilogram of heroin recovered from them. The DGP further mentioned that the two more smugglers, identified as Dharam Singh and Kulbr Singh, had been arrested along with five kilograms of heroin. "In a major strike against cross-border narco-smuggling, Commissionerate Police Amritsar busts a well-organised heroin trafficking cartel with direct links to #Pakistan-based smugglers. Key accused Sarbjit @ Joban, operating from a border-area village, is in direct contact with notorious smuggler Rana across the border. He is arrested along with a juvenile, with 1 kg of heroin recovered from them. His interrogation led to the arrest of two more smugglers -- Dharam Singh and Kulbir Singh -- from Ajnala, with over 5 kg of heroin seized. Total Recovery: 6.106 Kg Heroin, 2 Motorcycles," the post read. A First Information Report (FIR) was registered under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. "FIRs registered at PS Airport and PS Chheharta under relevant sections of the NDPS Act.@PunjabPoliceInd remains firm in its resolve to dismantle narco networks and safeguard the future of Punjab's youth," the post further stated. (ANI) Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC K Kavitha on Saturday challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to ensure transparency and allow corrections in the Telangana caste census if he is genuinely committed to OBC empowerment. Responding to Rahul Gandhi's public apology for not conducting a caste-based census during the UPA regime, Kavitha termed the remarks as "insufficient" and questioned Congress' missed opportunities during its decades in power. "Yesterday, Rahul Gandhi apologised to the nation and claimed that when Congress was in power, they could not conduct the caste census. It is unfortunate that, over the last 75 years of independence, the majority of the time, the Congress party was in power. What will you say about the missed opportunities for the OBCs? What will you say to those students who could not go to the colleges they wanted to?" the BRS MLC told ANI. Challenging the Congress leader, she called for an open correction of any discrepancies in the Telangana caste survey of 2024. "A simple apology won't do anything, I challenge Rahul Gandhi: if his apology to the OBC is genuine, if you are sincere about the OBC empowerment. The Telangana OBC caste census conducted here, you have a chance to wash your sins, kindly display all the details village-wise. If there is any discrepancy, give people the opportunity to correct it," she said. The BRS leader added that unless corrections are made, the Congress' claims about setting a national model with Telangana's survey would not hold. "If you are saying that your caste census is an X-ray of Telangana and the nation, then you better do a proper one. Without correcting discrepancies, Telangana, if you want to show this model across India, people will not believe you," she added. Issuing a warning to the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition, the BRS MLC said that the 'adamant' people of the state would campaign against Gandhi in Bihar and across the nation to "expose his lies." On July 25, while speaking at the 'Bhagidari Nyay Sammelan' of OBC at Talkatora Stadium in Delhi, the Congress leader acknowledged that not conducting a caste census during the UPA government was a mistake, and said he is now determined to correct it. "The problems of OBCs remain hidden. If I had known about your issues and problems at that time, I would have conducted a caste-based census right then. That was my mistake, which I am going to correct," the LS LoP said during the event. He said that he had failed to understand the issues of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community earlier, unlike those of Dalits, tribals, and women, where he claimed the Congress had done commendable work. (ANI) Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Vasundhara Raje on Friday paid a condolence visit to the families of the seven students who lost their lives in the tragic government school roof collapse incident in Rajasthan's Jhalawar. Raje met with the grieving families, expressing her solidarity and support. She also mentioned that the Chief Minister had made some announcements the previous day, and they would follow up on them. Speaking to the media, Raje emphasised that they would work on issues such as education and ration distribution, and conduct a review meeting to discuss ways to improve the village's condition. "Everyone has united in this time of grief. There are some things that the Chief Minister announced yesterday, and we will follow up on them. We will work out issues like education, ration... We will conduct a review meeting on how to improve the condition of the village...," the BJP leader said. Vasundhara Raje said the tragic roof collapse at a school in Jhalawar, which claimed the lives of seven students, could have been avoided had the building been identified as unsafe and students relocated. "Seven school children died. Around 27 children are injured. As soon as we came to know, we were stunned. Had this building been identified and children shifted to some safe building, this would not have happened," Raje said after visiting the injured at a hospital in Jhalawar. "The Education Department should conduct a survey of all school buildings. Where structures are found to be in a dilapidated condition, children must be shifted to safer schools immediately," she added. Raje also raised concerns over the ongoing monsoon season, stressing the urgent need to demolish unsafe structures and construct new buildings. "There is also this issue that it is the rainy season, and it is raining heavily. Dilapidated school buildings should be demolished, and new, modern buildings should be constructed. So that children's lives are not played with," she said. Earlier today, agitated locals staged protests following the incident, demanding accountability and justice for the victims. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed deep sorrow over the incident in a video statement."...It is a tragic incident. I am saddened by the death of innocent children in this incident. The state government is with the family members of those who are affected by this. The administration has been directed to provide better treatment for the injured," he said. "A probe will be conducted, and we will ensure that no such incident happens again," he added. The state government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the family of each deceased student. "One family member will be given a contractual job, and the school building will be reconstructed. The new classrooms will be named in memory of the children who lost their lives," the CM said. (ANI) All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday condemned the detention of Bengali-speaking Muslim citizens across the country, labelling them as "illegal" while accusing the police administration of "targeting" them since they couldn't challenge "police atrocities". He said that those being labelled as illegal immigrants are "the poorest of the poor", who are mostly slum-dwellers, and work as domestic workers and rag-pickers. Owaisi argued that they were being targeted repeatedly because they couldn't challenge "police atrocities." He stated that there have been reports of Indian citizens being pushed into Bangladesh at gunpoint. "Police in different parts of India have been illegally detaining Bengali-speaking Muslim citizens and accusing them of being Bangladeshi. There have been disturbing reports of Indian citizens being pushed into Bangladesh at gunpoint. This government acts strong with the weak, and weak with the strong. Most of those who are accused of being 'illegal immigrants' are the poorest of the poor: slum-dwellers, cleaners, domestic workers, rag-pickers, etc. They have been targeted repeatedly because they are not in a position to challenge police atrocities," the AIMIM chief posted on X. "Police do not have the power to detain people just because they speak a particular language. These wide-net detentions are illegal," Owaisi added as he shared an image of an order of the Office of District Magistrate in Gurugram on his X account where it has been mentioned that the state government have made a standard operating procedure (SOP) to deport Bangladeshi citizens and Rohingyas. Over a week ago, 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. Preliminary investigation revealed that they arrived in india illegally from Bangladesh and pretended to be the residents of West Bengal, came to Pune and indulged in prostitution. The women, aged between 20 and 28, had been using false identity documents to stay in India. The operation also revealed the involvement of several traffickers who arranged their illegal entry and stay in India. Police have registered cases under relevant sections of the Immigration Act, Passport Act, and Human Trafficking laws. Earlier, Assam Minister Atul Bora supported the state's eviction drive against illegal encroachments in tribal areas. He said the move, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, is important to protect tribal land, and praised the CM's visits to districts to monitor the action. Speaking to ANI, Minister Bora said, "We are wholeheartedly supporting this move of the CM. It is there even in my own district, the CM is visiting there today. It is important to do this, wherever the issue persists, because whoever has encroached on the tribal belt and block? Doubtful people. So, this is very important." On Tuesday, the Assam BJP stated that the ongoing eviction drives will continue until every inch of illegally encroached land in the state is cleared. (ANI) Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju was sworn in as the Governor of Goa at the oath-taking ceremony here on Saturday. After taking the oath, Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju appealed to the public to collaborate with the government and assist in India's rise on the global stage. "I am delighted to be in Goa and swear by the constitution of India to serve the country, particularly Goa's people. This is my first assignment in such an office, but I have had a long experience in the political structure. I hope to get further enriched with more experiences. I appeal to the people to work with the government to make India second to none in the world," the Governor told reporters. Ashok Gajapathi Raju, a veteran politician and former Union Minister of Civil Aviation, has been appointed as the Governor of Goa, succeeding PS Sreedharan Pillai. Reacting to this, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said, "I welcome the new governor. He has immense political experience that might guide us in the functioning of the state and administration..." Earlier this month, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu congratulated Ashok Gajapathi Raju for being appointed as the Governor of Goa, saying it is a matter of "great pride" for the people of Andhra Pradesh. "Heartiest congratulations to P Ashok Gajapathi Raju Garu on his appointment as the Governor of Goa. This is a moment of great pride for the people of our state," the Andhra CM wrote in a post on X.CM Naidu thanked President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Cabinet for the appointing the former Andhra Pradesh MLA. "I sincerely thank the President of India Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Union Cabinet for bestowing upon him this honour. I wish Shri Raju Garu a successful and fulfilling tenure in this esteemed role," his post added. (ANI) On the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Captain Vikram Batra's father, Girdhari Lal Batra, said it was a "proud day" for the family, but the absence of his son would always be deeply felt. Captain Vikram Batra, one of the most well-known heroes of the 1999 Kargil War, lost his life while fighting Pakistani intruders in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking to ANI, Girdhari Lal Batra said, "It's a proud day for us. It is no less than a celebration. It has been 26 years. We haven't forgotten those days, the way our men sacrificed their lives to chase the enemy away from, is a thing of pride for us. We deeply miss him (Captain Vikram Batra) and that void can never be filled. Fortunate are those parents who have children like them, who made not only them, but also the country proud. The Kargil War was a high-altitude battle and fought on difficult terrains." He also praised the Indian Armed Forces for their actions during Operation Sindoor, which was launched after the recent Pahalgam terror attack. "The barbarism showed by Pakistanis in Pahalgam had to be avenged, and our forces did well with Operation Sindoor. Our Armed Forces have shown exemplary courage and we are proud of our forces," he said. Captain Batra died on July 7, 1999, after being hit by enemy fire while leading an operation to recapture a key position during the war. Earlier in the day, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi addressed the Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations at Dras in Ladakh, where he spoke about India's "unbreakable unity" during both Operation Vijay in 1999 and Operation Sindoor in 2025. "Keeping up with the tradition of unbreakable Indian unity, the army carried out precision strikes on the terror infrastructure under Operation Sindoor and attained a decisive victory, effectively retaliating and knocking down Pakistan's violent attacks, and attained victory," General Dwivedi said. "We gave a chance for peace, but they (Pakistan) acted out of cowardice, to which we answered with courage. Operation Sindoor is our resolve, message and response. Our air defence stood as a strong wall against drones and missiles," he added. General Dwivedi also recalled the strategic locations recaptured during the Kargil War, such as Tiger Hill, Tololing and Point 4875, and paid tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives. "We stand near Tiger Hill, Tololing and Point 4875, remembering the resolve and valour of the warriors. We salute those who sacrificed their lives so we can live peacefully. We remember the resolve they had in their eyes, their dedication with which they went through difficulties. In 1999, India achieved an unparalleled victory under Operation Vijay, chasing away the Pakistani soldiers on high hill posts, and hoisting the tricolour there," he said. (ANI) Gurugram Police on Saturday detained ten Bangladeshi nationals who were found to be living illegally in the city, according to police officials. Identification documents recovered from them confirmed their Bangladeshi nationality. Sandeep Kumar, PRO of Gurugram Police, said, "Ten illegal Bangladeshi immigrants have been detained. Bangladeshi documents have been recovered from them. The process to deport them has begun." Meanwhile, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday condemned the detention of Bengali-speaking Muslim citizens across the country, labelling them as "illegal" while accusing the police administration of "targeting" them since they couldn't challenge "police atrocities." He said that those being labelled as illegal immigrants are "the poorest of the poor," who are mostly slum-dwellers and work as domestic workers and rag-pickers. Owaisi argued that they were being targeted repeatedly because they couldn't challenge "police atrocities." He stated that there have been reports of Indian citizens being pushed into Bangladesh at gunpoint. "Police in different parts of India have been illegally detaining Bengali-speaking Muslim citizens and accusing them of being Bangladeshi. There have been disturbing reports of Indian citizens being pushed into Bangladesh at gunpoint. This government acts strong with the weak and weak with the strong. Most of those who are accused of being 'illegal immigrants' are the poorest of the poor: slum-dwellers, cleaners, domestic workers, rag-pickers, etc. They have been targeted repeatedly because they are not in a position to challenge police atrocities," the AIMIM chief posted on X. "Police do not have the power to detain people just because they speak a particular language. These wide-net detentions are illegal," Owaisi added as he shared an image of an order of the Office of District Magistrate in Gurugram on his X account, where it has been mentioned that the state government has made a standard operating procedure (SOP) to deport Bangladeshi citizens and Rohingyas. (ANI) Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday paid tribute to the Kargil martyrs by offering floral wreaths at the Shaheed Smarak on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas (Shaurya Diwas) at Gandhi Park, Dehradun. The Chief Minister also honoured the families of the Kargil martyrs on this occasion. According to a release, during the program, the Chief Minister announced the construction of ECHS and Sainik Vishram Grih in Kaleshwar of Chamoli district and Sainik Vishram Grih in Nainital. He said that through Upanal, ex-servicemen will be sent abroad for employment. In which 50 per cent will also be civilians. 22500 people of the state are being given employment through Upanal. The process of regularisation is also being taken forward. The Chief Minister said that the country "will always remember the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the motherland." He said that the war waged by the soldiers of India against the enemy in the valleys, mountains, and winds of Kargil is still echoing with the same intensity. During the Kargil War, the brave soldiers of India displayed indomitable courage, excellent strategy, and unparalleled valour and forced the enemies to kneel. The Chief Minister said that 75 soldiers from Veerbhoomi Uttarakhand were martyred in the Kargil War," CM Dhami said. The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with boosting the morale of the soldiers of the country, the army is being equipped with state-of-the-art technology and weapons. Recently, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the army brought Pakistan to its knees in just four days through Operation Sindoor. He said, "Operation Sindoor gave a clear message to the enemies that those who destroy the vermilion of India's sisters and daughters are wiped out. Our army answers the enemy's bullets with bullets. He said that this is the new India, which gives a befitting reply to every nefarious act of the enemies." The Chief Minister said that, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, many decisions have been taken related to the One Rank-One Pension Scheme, the construction of the National War Memorial, an increase in the defence budget, and the strengthening of infrastructure on the border. He said that the state government has increased the ex-gratia amount given to the dependents of the martyrs from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh and also increased the lump sum and annual amount given to the soldiers decorated with all the gallantry awards from Param Vir Chakra to Mention in Dispatch. The ex-gratia amount of Param Vir Chakra has been increased from Rs 50 lakh to 1.5 crore. The Chief Minister said that one member of the family of the martyrs is being accommodated in a government job, and the period for applying for this has also been increased from 2 years to 5 years. Along with free travel arrangements in Transport Corporation buses for gallantry award-winning soldiers and ex-servicemen in the state, a 25 per cent discount in stamp duty is also being provided on the purchase of property up to Rs 25 lakh for serving and ex-servicemen. Soldier Welfare Minister Ganesh Joshi said that our forces have become very strong under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Hundreds of soldiers were martyred in the Kargil war, in which 75 soldiers of our state were martyred, out of which 31 martyred soldiers were from the Dehradun area. He said that 1831 soldiers from Uttarakhand have been martyred so far, out of which 1528 soldiers have received bravery awards. 344 Vishisht Seva Medals have been awarded to the brave soldiers of Uttarakhand. The central and state governments are working together for the welfare of soldiers. The state government has given a government job to one dependent of the family of martyred soldiers. Through which 37 people have been employed so far. (ANI) Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court has rejected the bail plea of businessman Harsatinder Pal Singh Hayer, accused in a money laundering case linked with the alleged cheating of investors to the tune of Rs 48,000 crore. Hayer, the son-in-law of the late Nirmal Singh Bhangu, is one of the accused in the case linked to PACL. He is on bail granted by the Delhi High Court in a related case filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Special Judge (CBI) Jagdish Kumar rejected Hayer's bail plea in the money laundering case in view of the nature of allegations levelled against him. The court observed that the allegations against Hayer are that he has committed a white-collar economic offence involving the misappropriation of hard-earned money of gullible investors. "The gullible investors were allegedly duped to the tune of about Rs 48,000 crores. The economic offences are considered grave in nature," the Special Judge stated in the order passed on July 25. The court also noted that the accused had allegedly attempted to destroy electronic evidence. "Although the trial of the case will take considerable time, considering the allegations against the accused and his role, I deem that he is not entitled to relief for enlarging him on bail. The application for grant of bail to the applicant/accused is dismissed accordingly," the order stated. During the hearing, the counsel for the accused, Harsatinder Pal Singh Hayer, argued that he had been in custody for about four months and that the investigation against him had been completed. So his further custody is not required. He also argued that Hayer was not the Director of any company which has allegedly collected money from gullible investors. He further contended that accused was not a guilty mind or knowledge that the amount infused in Australian companies were collected illegally hence it cannot be presumed that Hayer was having knowledge of the same being collected by illegal means. However, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), represented by Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Naveen Kumar Matta and Mohd. Faizan, opposed the bail plea. ED submitted that Hayer is the son-in-law of Shri Nirmal Singh Bhangoo, and he was also one of the Directors of the two Australian Companies, namely M/s Pearls Australasia Pty Ltd from February 2012 to January 2016, and M/s Australasia Mirage I-Pty Ltd from 13.02.2012 to 14.08.2014. These are the companies to which POCs, generated by duping gullible investors, were diverted via M/S. PIPL, an associate company of M/s. PACL, ED argued. The ED also argued that Hayder had deliberately not disclosed the properties being purchased from the proceeds of crime being layered through PACL and its associated entities, either in his personal account or in the accounts of companies of which he was a director. Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) for ED also argued that Hayer is one of the Directors of M/s Pearls Australasia Pty Ltd and M/s Australasia Mirage I-Pty Ltd, in which Rs 657.18 Crore was infused. It was further argued that a FIR registered at Police Station Zira, Punjab in 2020 and through investigation of that FIR, facts were revealed that Hayer was involved in the sale and purchase of properties being acquired from the proceeds of crime laid by PACL. (ANI) Himachal Pradesh Health Minister Colonel Dhani Ram Shandil (Retd) on Saturday participated in the Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations in Dharamshala. While speaking to the reporters, Shandil said that it is a matter of great fortune for him to visit the Shaheed Smarak and remember the Kargil war heroes. "The contribution of Kargil warriors can never be forgotten. He said that it is a matter of good fortune for Kangra that two great, brave sons of this place, Major Somnath Sharma and Captain Vikram Batra, have been Param Vir Chakra winners; the country is indebted to their families", the minister said. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended greetings on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas and remembered the sacrifices of the jawans, who fought in the Kargil War with courage and valour. PM Modi said that sacrifices made by the jawans will continue to inspire every generation. "Heartfelt greetings to the countrymen on Kargil Vijay Diwas. This occasion reminds us of the unparalleled courage and valour of those brave sons of Mother India who dedicated their lives to protect the nation's pride. Their passion to sacrifice everything for the motherland will continue to inspire every generation," PM Modi posted on X. President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday also extended her greetings on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas. "On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay my heartfelt tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the motherland. This day symbolises the extraordinary valour, courage, and steadfast determination of our jawans. Their dedication and supreme sacrifice for the nation will forever inspire its citizens," the President posted on X. Every year on July 26, India commemorates Kargil Vijay Diwas, a day etched in the nation's heart with pride and solemn remembrance. It marks the day in 1999 when India successfully concluded Operation Vijay, reclaiming the strategic heights from Pakistani intruders. The Kargil War is a saga of strong political, military and diplomatic actions. This War will always be remembered for its strategic and tactical surprises, as well as the self-imposed national strategy of restraint in keeping the war limited to the Kargil-Siachen sectors and the swiftly executed tri-services military strategy. The Kargil War lasted for more than 60 days and concluded on July 26, 1999, with a gallant victory for India. Indian armed forces successfully reclaimed the command of the high outposts that were treacherously occupied by Pakistani soldiers during the winter months. According to IAF, Operation Safed Sagar, the Indian Air Force's codename for its air operations during the 1999 Kargil War, was a trailblazer in many ways and proved that air power could decisively alter the course of battle without crossing international boundaries. The operation was launched on May 26, 1999, marking the first large-scale use of air power in Kashmir since 1971 and demonstrating the effectiveness of limited air asset use in a localised conflict. (ANI) PHNOM PENH, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia has reported a 50.7-percent year-on-year increase in the number of Chinese tourists in the first half of 2025, said the Ministry of Tourism's latest report released on Saturday. A total of 586,771 Chinese visitors traveled to the Southeast Asian country during the January-June period of this year, said the report. The number of Chinese tourists accounted for 17.4 percent of the total 3.36 million international tourist arrivals to Cambodia in the first half of this year, it said, adding that China was the third-biggest source of foreign holidaymakers to the kingdom after Thailand and Vietnam. Thourn Sinan, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia chapter, said the remarkable 50.7-percent increase in Chinese visitors in the first half year indicated strong and growing interest from China. "With the easing of travel restrictions and increased bilateral cooperation, I expect this trend to continue into the second half of the year," he told Xinhua. "The rising middle class in China, coupled with targeted marketing and expanded flight routes, should further boost Chinese arrivals," Sinan said. "However, maintaining this growth will depend on sustained flight connectivity, visa facilitation, and the continued appeal of Cambodia's tourism offerings to Chinese travelers." He added that overall, Cambodia's tourism sector appears poised for positive growth in the second half of 2025, supported by both regional and global trends, provided that strategic efforts are maintained. Tourism is one of the four pillars supporting Cambodia's economy in addition to garment, footwear and travel goods export, agriculture, and construction and real estate. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia on Saturday strongly criticised the Congress party and its leader Rahul Gandhi, calling Congress the "most corrupt party" and accusing Rahul of repeatedly insulting the OBC community, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who belongs to the same community. Addressing the media, Bhatia said, "The most corrupt party held a conference on the OBC society yesterday. Rahul Gandhi himself has always insulted the OBC community and the Prime Minister, who comes from the OBC community. There are many serious charges against him, including corruption, and he is out on bail." He also questioned Rahul Gandhi's praise for leaders like Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, both of whom he said are facing corruption allegations. "Rahul Gandhi said that your ideals are sitting here. According to Rahul Gandhi, that ideal is Siddaramaiah, who is accused of the Muda scam. Bhupesh Baghel and his son are accused of many scams... The government has resolved to make the country corruption-free, but Rahul Gandhi says that those who are corrupt have the qualities to become leaders," he added. A day earlier, the Congress party organised 'Bhagidari Nyay Sammelan', which was inaugurated by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and the concluding address was delivered by Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge reiterated the party's demand for a nationwide caste-based census and the removal of the 50 per cent cap on reservations on Friday. He also launched an attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of denying rights to backward communities and misleading the country. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi admitted that not conducting a caste census during the UPA government was a mistake and said he is now determined to correct it. Speaking at the 'Bhagidari Nyay Sammelan' of OBC at Talkatora Stadium in Delhi, he said he failed to understand the issues of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community earlier, unlike those of Dalits, tribals, and women, where he claimed the Congress had done commendable work. "I think about my work, where I did well and where I fell short, and I see two to three things. Land Acquisition Bill, MNREGA, Right to Food, Tribal Bill, and Niyamgiri struggle -- all these things I did well. As far as the issues of tribals, Dalits, and women are concerned, I should get good marks there. I did good work," he said. (ANI) Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) President and Assam Minister Atul Bora visited Swahid Smarak Kshetra, Pacchim Boragaon in Guwahati on Saturday, jointly with a delegation team from the All Assam Students' Union (AASU), to assess the progress of the construction works on the project. The "Swahid Smarak Kshetra" at Pachim Boragaon, Guwahati, initiated by the Implementation of Assam Accord Department and executed by PWD (Building), stands as a tribute to the 855 martyrs of the Assam Movement. The memorial features dedicated halls and modern public amenities, honouring their sacrifice with pride and respect. According to the Assam government, the total cost of the project is about Rs 100 crore. Assam Minister Atul Bora said that to honour the brave martyrs of the historic Assam Movement, the state government, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, is nearing the completion of the Swahid Smarak Kshetra & Udyan. "Today, along with an AASU delegation, I inspected the site and assessed construction progress. The memorial will feature a 67.2 m tower, busts of all martyrs, a light & sound show, a cycle track, a food court, and more, across 116 bighas. Today, after inspecting the site, I also participated in a review meeting to evaluate the latest progress and instructed the concerned authorities to complete all remaining construction work swiftly," Bora said. "To safeguard the interests of the indigenous people of Assam, the Assam government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, is also actively implementing various clauses of the historic Assam Accord. As part of the implementation of Clause 6 of the Accord, the state government has already taken steps to implement 52 recommendations from the report submitted by the Justice (Retd) Biplab Sarma Committee," he added. AASU President Utpal Sarma, Chief Advisor Dr Samujjal Bhattacharya, General Secretary Samiran Phukan, Dhruba Mahanta, Principal Press Secretary to CM and Kuntalmani Sarma Bordoloi, Joint Secretary of the Chief Minister's Secretariat, who are members of the committee formed for photo collection, authenticity and display of the martyrs, were also present. (ANI) On the occasion of the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas, officials from the Dakshin Bharat Area of the Indian Army laid a wreath at the Victory War Memorial in Chennai's Kamarajar Salai on Saturday, paying homage to the courage and sacrifice of the Indian soldiers who fought in the 1999 Kargil War. Lieutenant General Karanbir Singh Brar said that the Indian armed forces are fully capable of facing any challenge, but stressed the need for a collaborative national effort. "As far as the Indian armed forces are concerned, they are strong enough to face any challenge. However, with the increasing warfare in the tech domain and multi-domain, a whole-of-nation approach is now required, and the technology that needs to be infused will come from the private sector. Therefore, we all need to synergise to face the challenge as we move towards Viksit Bharat," Lt. Gen. Brar told ANI. In Guwahati, a solemn wreath-laying and commemorative ceremony was organised by the Directorate of Sainik Welfare, Assam, at the State War Memorial, Dighalipukhuri, to honour the unwavering courage and supreme sacrifice of the bravehearts of the Kargil War. Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. He was received with full military honours, including a ceremonial "Bugle Welcome", General Salute of the NCC Guard, and the National Anthem. A respectful "Present Arms" was offered to the Amar Jawan, followed by the laying of wreaths in memory of the fallen heroes. Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Chief Minister of Assam, by Brig. Polash Choudhury, Sena Medal (Retd), Director of Sainik Welfare, Assam, and a veteran of the Kargil War. Representatives of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force also paid floral tributes. Distinguished retired officers, Brig Ranjit Borthakur, SM (Retd), Commodore KC Choudhury, VSM (Retd), and Group Captain Debananda Gohain (Retd) laid wreaths on behalf of their respective services. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday released the book 'Sustainable Wellness of Students: A Collective Responsibility in Higher Education' at a program organised in the Chief Minister's residence auditorium, according to a statement from the Uttarakhand Chief Minister Office (CMO). After the book's release, the Chief Minister stated that universities and higher educational institutions would have to make concerted efforts to address the challenges of student life, taking into account the psychology of the students. Appreciating the publication of the book in this direction, the Chief Minister expected that a Hindi version of the book should also be prepared, as per the release. The Chief Minister said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the new National Education Policy has been implemented first in the state of Uttarakhand. Along with providing quality education to the students and their skill development, special attention is being paid to the welfare of the students. He further stated that higher educational institutions will need to be developed as both centres of knowledge and centres of welfare for students. According to the CMO's release, the Director of the Higher Education Department, Uttarakhand, Prof Kamal Kishore Pandey, Head of the Department of Home Science at DSB Campus, Kumaon University, Prof The book 'Sustainable Wellness of Students: A Collective Responsibility in Higher Education,' jointly edited by Lata Pandey and Dr. Ramanand, Director, Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi, elaborates on various approaches to student welfare in higher education institutions and the role of stakeholders involved in it. (ANI) The Monsoon session of the Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha is scheduled to begin from August 11, as per an order issued by the Assembly Secretariat on Saturday. "Sri Rajyapal, Uttar Pradesh has summoned the Uttar Pradesh Eighteenth Vidhan Sabha to meet at 11.00 A.M. on Monday, the 11th August, 2025, in the Vidhan Sabha Mandap, Vidhan Bhawan, Lucknow for its Second Session of the year 2025", the order stated. Earlier this year, the Budget Session of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly was held from February 18 to March 5. The session lasted over three weeks, during which the state's 8 lakh crore budget for 2025-26 was presented. AI technology will make the working style of MLAs more transparent, and the world's most advanced cameras will be installed in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly. The Assembly will now come under the surveillance of state-of-the-art AI cameras. It will start as a pilot project in this monsoon session and will be fully implemented from the upcoming winter session. Through this technology, not only security but also the presence, activities and performance of the MLAs will be analysed. These AI-based cameras will have facial recognition technology, enabling them to identify the names and faces registered in the list of MLAs. Also, a detailed profile of every MLA will be fed into the system, which will include name, party, constituency, gender, date of birth, photo and other personal details. With the help of AI technology, it will be recorded which MLA came to the assembly, for how long he stayed, on how many topics he spoke and which topics he covered in the speech. Not only this, AI will also do topic-based content analysis. Speaker of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Satish Mahana, has described this entire system as a positive initiative. He said, "This is not a step of monitoring, but to increase transparency and accountability. MLAs are anyway under the surveillance of the public, so no one should have any objection." (ANI) Rajasthan's Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar on Saturday said that the state government has ordered a report within five days on the roof collapse at a school in Jhalawar that claimed the lives of seven students. He added that the Public Works Department (PWD) has been directed to assess the structural condition of all school buildings across the state. "...The Chief Minister has asked for a report within the next five days... PWD department officials will inform about the strength of each building and structure in Rajasthan..." Khimsar told reporters on Saturday. Earlier in the day, former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Vasundhara Raje paid a condolence visit to the families of the seven students who lost their lives in the tragic incident. Raje met with the grieving families, expressing her solidarity and support. She also mentioned that the Chief Minister had made some announcements the previous day, and they would follow up on them. Speaking to the media, Raje emphasised that they would work on issues such as education and ration distribution, and conduct a review meeting to discuss ways to improve the village's condition. "Everyone has united in this time of grief. There are some things that Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma announced yesterday, and we will follow up on them. We will work out issues like education, ration... We will conduct a review meeting on how to improve the condition of the village...," the BJP leader said. "Seven school children died. Around 27 children are injured. As soon as we came to know, we were stunned. Had this building been identified and children shifted to some safe building, this would not have happened," Raje said after visiting the injured at a hospital in Jhalawar. The state government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the family of each deceased student. "One family member will be given a contractual job, and the school building will be reconstructed. The new classrooms will be named in memory of the children who lost their lives," the CM said. (ANI) Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Saturday said that the 15-year-old girl who was allegedly abducted and set on fire by unidentified assailants in Puri district is "gradually recovering" after undergoing two surgeries. She said that the minor is currently receiving skin grafting treatment with assistance from a skin bank. Speaking to ANI, Parida assured that the state government is closely monitoring the victim's medical care and has reviewed the compensation offered. "She has undergone two surgeries. She is undergoing skin grafting from the skin bank... She is gradually recovering... The compensation given by the government has also been reviewed... It will take 40-50 days for her to recover...," the Dy CM said. Commenting on criticism from the Opposition over the government's handling of the case, the Deputy CM hit back, saying that the current administration takes swift action on such complaints. "Our government immediately resolves the complaint registered with us... This had never happened before because the previous governments stayed ignorant of crimes against women... Had the previous government stayed vigilant in establishing an internal committee under POCSO, such situations would never have occurred. They are being set up now... Our CM has announced zero tolerance to crime against women...," she added. The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of the Balanda police station in the Nimapada block of Puri on July 19. Victim, a 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. Despite suffering severe burns, the girl managed to reach a nearby house and was rushed to a hospital. Later, she was airlifted to AIIMS, New Delhi, on Sunday (July 20, 2025) for advanced medical treatment. According to officials, the victim sustained 75 per cent burns and has undergone surgery for deep burn management at AIIMS. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday said that 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," the Chief Minister stated. (ANI) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar conducted an early morning visit to the Hinjewadi area of Pune district on Saturday to review ongoing efforts to address pressing civic issues in the region. The visit was followed by a meeting with concerned officials. The inspection follows the first spell of monsoon rains, which caused significant waterlogging and traffic disruptions in the Hinjewadi area, prompting local residents to raise concerns. Acting on directives from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar and other senior officials were instructed to conduct weekly site visits and monitor the progress of remedial measures. "Most of the problems in Hinjewadi have now been resolved, which the local residents themselves have acknowledged," said Pawar after the review. "To reach this point, we had to make some difficult decisions. While our intention is not to inconvenience anyone, resolving traffic congestion and waterlogging requires the removal of illegal constructions and encroachments. That work is currently underway." Pawar added that the administration is working closely with various agencies and local public representatives. "We're getting full support, and this teamwork is crucial to bringing permanent solutions to the region's civic issues," he noted. The Deputy CM also announced that a similar review visit will be conducted in the Chakan area next week. "Finding long-term solutions to traffic and infrastructure challenges in Pimpri-Chinchwad and surrounding areas remains a top priority," he emphasised. Further, in a post on X, he said "Today, a review meeting of the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority was held in Pune in my presence. In this meeting, the compliance report of the meeting held on July 13, the roads being developed by PMRDA in the Hinjewadi IT Park area, PMR - Water Demand and Reservation Assessment, the Indrayani River and Pavana River pollution control projects, as well as the implementation of sewage disposal projects in the urban development center villages within the authority's area and the projects completed for inauguration were reviewed. Instructions were given to the concerned officials regarding further actions in this regard." Apart from this, Ajit Pawar also paid homage to brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country during the Kargil War. "Today is Kargil Vijay Diwas. We all remember the bravery of our armed forces during that war. I offer my heartfelt tributes to the martyrs and extend best wishes to all citizens on this day of national pride," he said. (ANI) The Supreme Court will hear the plea of Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court on July 28, challenging the in-house three-judge inquiry committee's report and former CJI Sanjiv Khanna's recommendation to initiate impeachment proceedings against him. A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih will hear the plea. Justice Varma has said that he was not given a fair opportunity to respond by the in-house inquiry committee before it gave its findings. The cash was allegedly found by firefighters when a fire broke out at the judge's residence in Delhi on March 14, while he was a judge of the Delhi High Court. The judge was not present at his house. Varma has strongly denied any involvement, asserting that neither he nor his family members placed the cash in the storeroom. In his plea, Justice Varma alleged that the committee proceeded in a pre-determined fashion and, even without finding any concrete evidence, merely drew adverse inferences against him after reversing the burden of proof. He sought a declaration that the recommendation by the CJI on May 8, 2025, to the President and the Prime Minister for initiation of his removal as a High Court Judge is "unconstitutional and ultra vires". "The Petitioner is not in possession of a copy of the communication dated May 8, but assigns the action on various constitutional parameters. The petitioner is seeking the indulgence of this court challenging the process culminating in the communication of the then CJI to the President and to the Prime Minister by way of his communication dated May 8 seeking the initiation of removal proceedings of the petitioner as a Judge of a High Court," the petition stated. He said that the in-house procedure, adopted via a 1999 Full Court Resolution to handle complaints against judges and preserve judicial independence while maintaining public faith, "unjustifiably extends beyond the intended scope of self-regulation and fact-finding". "By culminating in recommendations for removal from constitutional office, it creates a parallel, extra-constitutional mechanism that derogates from the mandatory framework under Articles 124 and 218 of the Constitution, which exclusively vest powers for removal of judges of the High Courts in Parliament through an address supported by a special majority, following an inquiry under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968," stated the petition. It further submitted that the in-house, which adopts no such comparable safeguards, usurps parliamentary authority to the extent that it empowers the judiciary to recommend or opine on the removal of Judges from constitutionally held office. "This violates the doctrine of separation of powers, which is part of the basic structure of the Constitution, as the judiciary cannot assume the role reserved for the legislature in the removal of judges," added the plea. Justice Varma also sought quashing of the final report dated May 3 of the in-house committee constituted by the CJI and all actions consequential thereto. Invocation of the in-house procedure was "improper and invalid" since it was done in the absence of any formal complaint against Justice Varma, said the plea. The plea said the committee denied him access to evidence, withheld CCTV footage, and offered no chance to rebut allegations. Key witnesses were examined in his absence, violating natural justice, he added. The committee was constituted on March 22 by then CJI Khanna to probe the incident, comprising of Justices Sheel Nagu (then Chief Justice of Punjab & Haryana High Court), GS Sandhawalia (then Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court), and Anu Sivaraman (Judge, Karnataka High Court). (ANI) Immediately after returning from his visit to UK and Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone, inaugurate and dedicate to the nation various development projects worth over Rs 4800 crore at a public event at Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu at around 8 PM on Saturday. On July 27th, the Prime Minister will participate in the celebration of the birth anniversary of the great Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I, coinciding with the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival, at around 12 noon at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple in Tamil Nadu, according to a release from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Ahead of his arrival, PM Modi wrote in a post on X, "This evening and tomorrow, I will be attending various programmes in Tamil Nadu. I will reach Thoothukudi in a short while, where a series of vital infrastructure projects will be dedicated to the nation. This includes the new terminal building of the Thoothukudi airport, which will be a game-changer for commerce and connectivity in the southern part of Tamil Nadu in particular." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1949100097595183421 "Other projects being inaugurated include 4-laning of the 50 km Sethiyathope-Cholapuram stretch of NH-36 and 6-laning of the 5.16 km NH-138 Tuticorin Port Road," the post added on X. After completing his state visit in the Maldives, the Prime Minister will directly reach Tuticorin and will inaugurate and dedicate to the nation a series of landmark projects across multiple sectors, which will significantly enhance regional connectivity, boost logistics efficiency, strengthen clean energy infrastructure, and improve the quality of life for citizens across Tamil Nadu, the PMO release said. In line with his commitment to developing world-class air infrastructure and enhancing connectivity, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the New Terminal Building at Tuticorin Airport, developed at a cost of approximately Rs 450 crore, designed to meet the growing aviation demands of the southern region. The Prime Minister will also undertake a walkthrough of the new terminal building at Tuticorin Airport. Spread across 17,340 square meters, the terminal will be equipped to handle 1,350 passengers during peak hours and 20 lakh passengers annually, with future expansion capacity to accommodate up to 1,800 peak-hour passengers and 25 lakh passengers annually. With 100% LED lighting, energy-efficient electrical and mechanical (E&M) systems, and treated water reuse through an on-site Sewage Treatment Plant, the terminal has been built to achieve a GRIHA-4 sustainability rating. This modern infrastructure is expected to significantly enhance regional air connectivity and stimulate tourism, trade, and investment in southern Tamil Nadu. In the road infrastructure sector, Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation two strategically significant highway projects. The first is the 4-laning of the 50 km Sethiyathope-Cholapuram stretch of NH-36, developed at more than 2,350 crore under the Vikravandi-Thanjavur corridor. It includes three bypasses, a 1-km four-lane bridge over the Kollidam River, four major bridges, seven flyovers, and several underpasses, reducing travel time by 45 minutes between Sethiyathope-Cholapuram and boosting connectivity to Delta region's cultural and agricultural hubs. The second project is the 6-laning of the 5.16 km NH-138 Tuticorin Port Road, built at around 200 crore. Featuring underpasses and bridges, it will ease cargo flow, cut logistics costs, and support port-led industrial growth around V.O. Chidambaranar Port. In a major boost to augment port infrastructure and clean energy initiatives, Prime Minister will inaugurate North Cargo Berth-III with a cargo handling capacity of 6.96 MMTPA at V.O. Chidambaranar Port worth around 285 crore. This will help in meeting the growing demand of handling dry bulk cargo requirements in the region, thereby improving overall port efficiency and optimizing cargo handling logistics. Prime Minister will dedicate three key railway infrastructure projects in southern Tamil Nadu to boost sustainable and efficient connectivity. The electrification of the 90 km Madurai-Bodinayakkanur line will promote eco-friendly transport and support tourism and commuting in Madurai and Theni. The 650 crore doubling of the 21 km Nagercoil Town-Kanniyakumari section, part of the Thiruvananthapuram-Kanniyakumari project, will strengthen links between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Additionally, the doubling of the Aralvaymozhi-Nagercoil Junction (12.87km) and Tirunelveli-Melappalayam (3.6 km) sections will reduce travel time on major southern routes like Chennai-Kanyakumari and enhance regional economic integration by improving passenger and freight capacity. Further strengthening the state's power infrastructure Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for a major power transmission project - the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) for evacuation of electricity from Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Units 3 and 4 (2x1000 MW). This project, developed at a cost of around 550 crore, will include a 400 kV (quad) double-circuit transmission line from Kudankulam to the Tuticorin-II GIS substation and associated terminal equipment. It will play a pivotal role in strengthening the national grid, ensuring reliable clean energy distribution, and meeting the rising power demands of Tamil Nadu and other beneficiary states. Prime Minister will release a commemorative coin honouring one of the greatest emperors of India, Rajendra Chola I, celebrating Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival during a public event at Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple. This special celebration also commemorates 1,000 years of the legendary maritime expedition of Rajendra Chola I to South East Asia and the commencement of the construction of the iconic Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, a magnificent example of Chola architecture. Rajendra Chola I (1014-1044 CE) was one of the most powerful and visionary rulers in Indian history. Under his leadership, the Chola Empire expanded its influence across South and Southeast Asia. He established Gangaikonda Cholapuram as the imperial capital after his victorious campaigns, and the temple he built there served as a beacon of Shaiva devotion, monumental architecture, and administrative prowess for over 250 years. Today, the temple stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its intricate sculptures, Chola bronzes, and ancient inscriptions. The Aadi Thiruvathirai festival also celebrates the rich Tamil Shaiva Bhakti tradition, fervently supported by the Cholas and immortalized by the 63 Nayanmars--the saint-poets of Tamil Shaivism. Notably, Rajendra Chola's birth star, Thiruvathirai (Ardra), begins on 23rd July, making this year's festival all the more significant. (ANI) Billy Joels wife Alexis was unimpressed with his fame and talent when they first met. Billy Joels wife Alexis unimpressed with his fame when they first met The 76-year-old musician did everything he could to impress Alexis, 43, with his musical skills after they first met at a restaurant in 2009 but it was actually his cooking and their travel adventures that won her over. Speaking in the new HBO documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes, he said: When you meet someone who captures your imagination, it renews. I remember the first time I met Alexis, we went to my house, and I wanted to play the piano for her. Its a form of communication for me. Im playing that [a song by the Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff] and shes completely unimpressed with it, totally. She couldnt care less what Im playing and Im thinking, Oh OK, this isnt working. She was very unimpressed with the whole Billy Joel thing, which impressed me. Because I thought, OK, maybe shes just here because she likes me, not the Billy Joel guy. Alexis who tied the knot with Billy in 2015 and went on to welcome daughters Della, nine, and Remy, seven - revealed Billy used to cook for her when she came home from her finance job and added: We had a couple years together before we had kids and he had completely stopped doing shows. We travelled everywhere. We did a motorcycle trip from Maine down to Long Island, we were on boats 24/7. We were in Europe. We had so much fun. Meanwhile, Billys longtime booking agent Dennis Arfa, shared how happy he is to see Billy raising his children and being so in love with them and Alexis and his family. Speaking about the star who is taking a break from touring due to his diagnosis of the brain condition Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), Dennis told PEOPLE: Its quite rewarding. Im always rooting for Billys happiness and his success. Ive seen Billy have a lot of happy times through his life, [but] hes had to deal with certain adversity. Im happy for him in this chapter, and Im looking forward to the next chapter with him. Two separate modules, one for Classes 3 to 8 and another for Classes 9 to 12, are currently under preparation and are likely to be around 8 to 10 pages long. The initiative, sources said, is aimed at educating students about India's military power and its ability to respond to threats, with a focus on how Pakistan was "defeated once again" through the operation. The module will highlight India's recent defence achievements and is part of a larger push to introduce themes of national pride and strategic capability into the school curriculum. India's Operation Sindoor, launched shortly after midnight on May 7, stands out as one of the country's most forceful military responses to cross-border terrorism. The strikes came in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, where unarmed tourists were gunned down in an execution-style attack. In response, Indian forces carried out precision strikes deep within Pakistani territory, targeting key terrorist infrastructure and high-value assets. Apart from Operation Sindoor, students will also be taught about Mission LiFE -- India's lifestyle campaign for environment-conscious living, the horrors of the Partition, and the country's emergence as a major space power. The section on space will include India's achievements from Chandrayaan to Aditya L1 and the recent feat of Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla becoming the first Indian to reach the International Space Station. (ANI) Political tensions are rising in Odisha after a horrific gangrape case emerged from the Jagatsinghpur district. Both the Congress and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) have accused the state's BJP-led government of administrative failure and poor law and order, particularly regarding women's safety. Congress leader Rajani Kumar Mohanty strongly criticised the state administration, claiming that months of appeals for action, inside and outside the Assembly, have gone unheard. "Not just Jagatsinghpur, the situation across the entire state has deteriorated drastically. Odisha has now been declared the most unsafe state for women. The recent incident in Jagatsinghpur is horrific. Two men were in a sexual relationship with a girl for six months, she became pregnant, and now one of the accused has been absconding for five days," Mohanty told ANI.He added, "The government is not accepting the reality, nor is it taking serious action against the accused. It has completely failed to protect the women of our state. For the past five months, we have been constantly raising this issue, in the Assembly and outside, urging the government to act, but they remain silent. The police machinery is inactive. This government must go. The ministers must resign, or else the situation will continue to worsen." Odisha Congress in-charge Ajay Kumar Lallu demanded the imposition of President's Rule. "A case has come to light from Jagatsinghpur where a 15-year-old girl was gang-raped and an attempt was made to burn her alive. There has been a complete breakdown of law and order in Odisha, so imposing President's rule seems to be the most urgent step... It is clear that law and women's safety are no longer a priority for this Chief Minister and the BJP government," he said. BJD leader Pratap Keshari Dev also raised sharp concerns, saying that such incidents are becoming widespread and preventive measures are missing."These kinds of incidents are happening across Odisha. The police seem to act only after an incident occurs. Where is the preventive action? What is the intelligence department doing? What are the district administration and police doing? If they only react after something happens, it defeats the very purpose of law enforcement... Unfortunately, people across the state are losing faith in the police and the government. The administration is not just inefficient; it's absent," Dev told ANI. He further said, "At this critical time, the Chief Minister, who also holds the Home Ministry, remains silent. And ministers of the ruling party are preoccupied with a possible cabinet reshuffle... This issue will be raised as a key point in the upcoming Assembly session... The law-and-order situation is deteriorating rapidly. Just look at the state of police administration: in the district where the recent incident occurred, not a single IIC (Inspector-in-Charge) remains in post for more than two months. Why? Because the ruling party is more interested in finding officers who are loyal to their political agenda, not to public service." Earlier today, Odisha Police registered an FIR against three accused individuals--Bhagyadhara Das, Panchanan Das, and Tulu Babu--for allegedly raping and impregnating a woman in Jagatsinghpur. The accused face charges under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections 49, 64(2)(m), 351(3), and 6. The two primary accused, Bhagyadhara Das and Panchanan Das, have been arrested by the police. The accused allegedly raped the woman and threatened her against filing a complaint. The detailed FIR said, "On July 24 at 03.20 PM, one Bhramarabar Parija (50) of village- Banasara PS Kujanga Dist- Jagatsinghpur appeared at PS and presented a written report alleging that the daughter of the complainant, namely Sarojini Parija(18) is 6/7 months pregnant after accused, namely Bhagyadhara Das and Gulia@ Panchanan Das, both sons of Lt Nishakar Das, had physical relationship with his daughter several times for the past 1 year." "Both accused persons and Tulu babu threatened them to end the dispute and offered them money, or else they would kill him along with his daughter. Hence, he reported the matter to the police for taking legal action against the accused persons. In this report, IIC Kujanga PS registered Kujanga PS Case No.275 dated. July 24 U/S- 49/64(2)(m)/351(3) BNS- 2023/r.w. Section 6 of the POCSO Act and directed SI Rashmi Ranjan Sahoo to take up the investigation," the FIR further said. (ANI) Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday reviewed the progress of Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park Bankhandi and directed the forest department to expedite the ongoing construction work in Dehra Sub Division of Kangra district, according to a statement from the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister's Office (CMO). He asked the forest department to complete the first phase of the project by December 2026. The Chief Minister reviewed the project's progress here today at his official residence, Oakover, and stated that the Zoological park would offer world-class facilities to tourists and become a major tourist attraction in the Kangra district. In a statement, the Chief Minister said that the park will have three parking facilities, a food court, and other basic amenities for visitors. Spread across 233 hectares, the park would feature lion and tiger safaris, in addition to enclosures of various animals, reptiles and bird species. According to the statement from the CMO, CM Sukhu instructed the forest department to integrate eco-tourism activities, a planetarium, and adventure activities such as rock climbing and boating, to make the project self-sustainable and enhance the tourist experience. He also asked the officers to plant indigenous species to enhance the aesthetic and ecological appeal, thereby attracting tourists. He said that Zoological Park is the first in the country to receive certification from the Indian Green Building Council for its sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives, as per the release. He said that a one MW solar power project would be set up in the park to meet the energy requirements. The Chief Minister was also presented with cheques of Rs five lakh each towards Aapada Rahat Kosh and Mukhyamantri Sukh Asharay Yojna on behalf of the Bio Conservation Society, Great Himalayan National Park, Kullu, while Rs 5.50 lakh on behalf of the Bio Conservation Society, Khajjiar, was given by Additional Chief Secretary K K Pant. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden Amitabh Gautam and other senior officers also attended the meeting, as per the release. (ANI) The Agra Police, in a joint operation with the Uttarakhand Police, have arrested six people in connection with a religious conversion racket allegedly linked to the Chhangur gang, which operates out of Pakistan and Dubai, officials said on Saturday. Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Singh said a team from the Agra Police had arrived in Uttarakhand about ten days ago as part of the investigation. "A team of Agra Police from UP came here 10 days ago in regard to a case. A man named Abdul Rehman was converted to Islam from Hinduism in 2014-15. When we investigated the case, we learnt about a victim whose converted name was Mariyam. She was pressurised for conversion," said SSP Singh. He added that a case had been registered based on Mariyam's complaint, and another victim was also traced during the probe. "We also traced another victim, whose converted name was Sumaiyya. All the accused in the case were associated with a gang in Pakistan and Dubai. All six main accused in the case have been arrested by the Agra Police. The investigation is in a primary stage. And both cases of conversion have been registered," he said. SSP Singh also explained how the accused attempted to bypass legal provisions. "As anti-conversion laws have been implemented in Uttarakhand, the victims were called to Delhi for conversion," he said. He said the Dehradun Police are working closely with their counterparts in Agra to gather evidence and build the case. The investigation is ongoing. Meanwhile, on Saturday in Balrampur district of Uttar Pradesh, the administration began a bulldozer action against the properties of Sabroz, an aide of Chhangur Baba alias Jalaluddin, who is accused in the mass conversion case. The demolition was carried out under tight police security. According to Balrampur Circle Officer Raghavendra Pratap, the construction was found to be illegal and the owner had been served notices earlier. "We found this construction to be illegal. Notices were issued to remove the illegal parts of building, but since no action was taken by the owner, police and administration is here to demolish it," Pratap told ANI. Additional Superintendent of Police Vishal Pandey also said that Sabroz had been given due opportunity to comply with the orders. "He was duly given a notice earlier for this illegal construction... He was given all the chances to obey to the orders, but when he failed to do that, the government is demolishing the illegal construction," he said. Earlier, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested another accused in the same case, identified as Rajesh Kumar Upadhyay. His arrest came days after the arrests of Chhangur Baba alias Jamaluddin and his close aide Nasreen, who are believed to be the masterminds behind the syndicate. According to Uttar Pradesh ADG (Law and Order) Amitabh Yash, the gang had been operating for more than 15 years and used various tactics such as honey-trapping, administrative pressure, targeting minors, and involving influential individuals to facilitate conversions. "A significant amount of foreign funding has been traced to the gang," he said, adding that the syndicate used nearly 40 bank accounts and had different rate cards for various types of conversions. "The ATS is tracking the sources of these funds," he said. Yash added that all properties acquired using illegal funds would be seized and demolished. "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," the ADG said. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has sought a copy of the FIR for a separate probe into the financial angle. ED officials suspect a larger conspiracy, given the proximity of the region to the Nepal border and the possibility of demographic changes. On Wednesday, the ED conducted raids at 14 locations, 12 in Utraula in Balrampur district and two in Mumbai, as part of the investigation. (ANI) The Delhi Court, after noting a discrepancy in the prosecution's story, has recently acquitted 6 persons accused of rioting, vandalism and burning property in the Khajuri Khas area during the North East Delhi riots in February 2020. An FIR was registered at Police Station Khajuri Khas under sections related to rioting, arson, robbery, etc. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Praveen Singh acquitted the accused, namely Rajendar Jha, Tejveer Chaudhary, Rajesh Jha, Govind Singh Manral, Peetamber Jha and Devendar Kumar alias Monu Pandit, for offences under section 147, 148, 149, 188, 392, 427, 435, 436, 34 of IPC. ASJ Praveen Singh observed, "There are serious discrepancies in the story of the prosecution which had emerged during the prosecution evidence and the prosecution failed to explain them." "Thus, I find that the prosecution has completely failed to prove its case against any of the accused persons for any of the charges that were framed against them. All the accused are accordingly acquitted of all the charges framed against them," ASJ Singh ordered on July 23. The court pointed out that none of the public witnesses supported the prosecution's case that the accused were a part of the riotous mob which had looted, vandalised and ransacked the shops or houses. The public witnesses were Vikas Sharma, Satish Chand Sharma, Gulzar, Alka Gupta and Altap, the court said. The court noted that it was a surprising coincidence that, although the video had been shown to all these persons on March 20, 2020, none of them identified any of the accused prior to June 12, 2021. Thereafter, the witnesses were cross-examined by the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) before the court, and they denied having identified any of the accused on June 12, 2021. " Therefore, even this cross-examination cannot be of much help to the case of the prosecution," the court said in the order. The present case was registered on a complaint filed by one Alka Gupta. She alleged that on February 26, 2020, the riotous mob had come to her shop, broken the shutter of her shop and had taken away the articles from her shop. They also set fire to her shop. In response to this complaint, the present FIR was registered. During the investigation, three more complainants, namely Gulzar, Vikas Sharma and Md. Irshad made complaints regarding the loss caused to their shops in the riots. These complainants were clubbed in this FIR. The court also noted a discrepancy in the statement of a police constable regarding the direction of movement of the riotous mob. (ANI) Trinamool Congress MP Sushmita Dev on Saturday hit out at the Union Government and the Election Commission over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls being conducted in Bihar. Dev termed it a "match fixing" between ECI and BJP and an attempt to "exclude" voters rather than include them. The Election Commission of India is conducting a Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls ahead of the assembly elections in Bihar later this year. Dev asserted that whenever an electoral revision happens, it is intended that more voters are included in the voter list as many voters turn 18; however, in Bihar, people are being "excluded" within a short period. "This is an exercise done to exclude voters, not include them. When the revision occurs, it is intended to include more voters who have turned 18; however, people are being excluded within such a short period, in one month", Sushmita Dev told ANI. The TMC leader further reiterated opposition's allegation over the SIR issue and stressed that it is "affecting" the underprivileged, marginalised, and poor people. She highlighted the need for more documentation in the Special Intensive Revision process. "The opposition is saying that this is being done entirely unconstitutionally. It affects the underprivileged, marginalised, and poor... There's a need for more documents in the special revision. Suddenly, it's happening nationwide on short notice, and the only reason for this is that PM Modi realises that his seats are decreasing. This is match-fixing between ECI and BJP", he said. Sharing a post on 'X', Sushmita Dev also claimed that the Special Intensive Revision will start in Assam. "Special Intensive Revision of voters list by ECI will start in Assam. We spent 6 years showing documents under NRC in the state now we have to show documents again - how many people have birth certificates. Highlighted the issue of SIR in a press meet at Guwahati with VP Dulu Ahmed and G sec Sisir Kalita", the 'X' post said. https://x.com/SushmitaDevAITC/status/1949086825081164064 The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar has erupted a massive row in the country, with the opposition INDIA bloc alleging that it will delete a significant chunk of voters. Earlier on July 25, several opposition parliamentarians in the Rajya Sabha moved Suspension of Business notices, urging a discussion on the SIR during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.(ANI) Among the arrested, Sarabjeet Joban has been identified as the kingpin of the network, with direct links to a notorious Pakistani smuggler named Rana. "We have arrested four major smugglers and recovered 6.106 kg of heroin from them. Sarabjeet Joban has emerged as the kingpin. He was dropping consignments on the Indian side by identifying various locations for a long time," said Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar during a press briefing. The police investigation revealed that Sarabjeet had been actively involved in identifying drop locations for smuggling operations near the India-Pakistan border, particularly in the Ajnala sector. Two of his aides, also from the Ajnala region, were arrested along with him. A juvenile involved in the network was also taken into custody. According to police, Sarabjeet Joban had earlier entered the United States illegally, but was deported. After returning to India, he worked briefly as a school bus driver before becoming involved in the illegal drug trade. "His links have emerged with a notorious Pakistani smuggler, Rana. They have smuggled and distributed many consignments of weapons and heroin," Bhullar further added. The police are continuing their investigation to know more details about the network, its international connections, and the scale of smuggling operations. "With more links being investigated, we are hopeful of recovering more weapons and drugs," said Bhullar. Further investigation is still underway to know more details about the network. (ANI) Senior Inspector Sambhaji Katare of the Government Railway Police (GRP) at CSMT told ANI, "As per the SOP, concerned teams were called, and a search operation was carried out. With the help of the bomb disposal squad and dog squad, we searched the entire station. Nothing suspicious was found. We've registered a case at Mumbai's Colaba Police station, and the call regarding the bomb threat had come from Assam. Further investigation into the case is underway." The threat was received via a phone call to the office of the Director General of Police (DGP), Maharashtra. The caller claimed that a bomb would be planted at CSMT station, prompting immediate action from the Railway Police and Mumbai Police. A case has been registered, and further investigation is in progress. Meanwhile, a similar hoax threat was reported earlier this week at Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. On July 22, a threatening email was received, following which the Bomb Threat Assessment Committee was activated. In a statement, the airport spokesperson said, "Following the receipt of a threatening email on 22 July 2025, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, activated the Bomb Threat Assessment Committee, and the threat was assessed as non-specific. CISF's Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad conducted comprehensive checks in line with standard security protocols." "After a thorough sweep of the premises, no suspicious object or activity was found. Airport operations have continued without disruption," the spokesperson added.(ANI) Protests broke out at the campus of a dental college in Rajasthan's Udaipur after a final year MBBS student from Jammu and Kashmir was found dead in her hostel room earlier this week. The deceased student had alleged mental harassment by the college staff. Throughout the day, hundreds of students at the Pacific Dental College and Hospital in Udaipur protested by raising slogans and demanding justice for the final year Bachelor of Dental Science (BDS) student who was found dead in her room on Thursday. A consensus was reached this evening on the second day of protests by students. At around 5 pm, the university management after a day-long discussion with protesting students and their families reached a consensus on removing two college employees and taking legal action by filing a police case against them. Udaipur's Sukher police station officer, Ravindra Charan, stated that the protest has been ongoing for two days. A lengthy reconciliation discussion took place between the family and the university in the presence of the police on Saturday, following which a case was registered based on legal considerations. The body of the deceased was then taken out of the college and a postmortem was conducted afer which it was handed over to her relatives. The relatives took the body to their ancestral village in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. The deceased student's father said, "My daughter was selected for this college through the PMSSS (Prime Minister's Special Scholarship Scheme). Everything was going fine. However, the college may have required additional fees for the exams...Her final exams were going to be held...If they (the college administration) had told me, I would have fulfilled their demand. I would have arranged the money anyhow." He further said, "They should have made their demands to the parents, not to the children...I want justice. Something like this should never happen to any other student," the father of the final-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery student alleged. The student was found hanging in her college hostel room in Bheelon Ka Bedla in Udaipur. In a purported note she left behind the student accused the college management of arbitrary collection of money in the name of attendance and examination. She alleged that "Bhagwat Singh and Naini Maam" harrassed and tortured students demanding money in the name of attendance. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said infrastructure and energy are vital for a state's progress, and highlighted that the Centre's focus over the last 11 years reflects its strong commitment to Tamil Nadu's development. Speaking at a public event in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi (or Tuticorin), after launching multiple development projects, PM Modi said, "Infrastructure and energy are the backbone of any state's development. In these 11 years, our focus on energy and infrastructure reflects our dedication and commitment to the development of Tamil Nadu. All the projects today will also make Thoothukudi and Tamil Nadu a hub of connectivity, clean energy, and new opportunities." PM Modi arrived in Tamil Nadu on Saturday evening after concluding a two-nation visit to the Maldives and the UK. On the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, he also paid tributes to the soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1999 Kargil war. "Today is Kargil Vijay Diwas. I first pay my respects to the brave heroes of Kargil and offer my tributes to the martyrs. I have been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to visit this holy land of Lord Shri Ram after a four-day trip to foreign countries," PM Modi said. He also referred to the signing of a historic Free Trade Agreement between India and the UK during his foreign visit. Emphasising India's growing global stature, PM Modi said the world's increasing trust in India reflects the country's rising self-confidence. "This is a symbol of the world's growing trust in India and India's new self-confidence. With this self-confidence, we will build a developed India, a developed Tamil Nadu. Today, with the blessings of Lord Rameshwar and Thiruchendur Murugan, a new chapter of development is being written in Thoothukudi," he said. Congratulating the people of Tamil Nadu, PM Modi said the projects launched mark another major step in the state's growth journey. "In February last year, I laid the foundation stone for the Outer Harbour Container Terminal at VO Chidambaranar Port and dedicated to the nation several development projects worth hundreds of crores.... Today, I am laying the foundation stone and inaugurating various projects worth Rs 4,800 crore. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Tamil Nadu for these important initiatives," he said. He also recalled the legacy of Tamil poet Mahakavi Subramaniya Bharathiyar, who had strong connections with both Thoothukudi and Kashi, PM Modi's parliamentary constituency. "Mahakavi Shri Subramaniya Bharathiyar was also born on this great land. He shared not just a deep connection with Thoothukudi, but also an equally strong bond with my parliamentary constituency, Kashi. Through initiatives like the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam, we are continuously strengthening our shared cultural heritage," he added. PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects, including port infrastructure, highway upgrades, airport expansion, rail electrification, and clean energy initiatives, amounting to around Rs 4,900 crore. (ANI) Jamie Lee Curtis believes the "filter face is what people want". Jamie Lee Curtis has slammed the cosmeceutical industrial complex The 66-year-old actress has been an outspoken critic of the "cosmeceutical industrial complex" and she believes that the ever-increasing influence of AI technology has actually exacerbated the problem. The Hollywood star told the Guardian newspaper: "I believe that we have wiped out a generation or two of natural human [appearance]. "The concept that you can alter the way you look through chemicals, surgical procedures, fillers theres a disfigurement of generations of predominantly women who are altering their appearances. And it is aided and abetted by AI, because now the filter face is what people want. "Im not filtered right now. The minute I lay a filter on and you see the before and after, its hard not to go: Oh, well that looks better. But whats better? Better is fake. And there are too many examples I will not name them but very recently we have had a big onslaught through media, many of those people." Despite this, Jamie accepts that people have the right to do whatever they wish with their body. The movie star reflected: "Im not proselytising to them. I would never say a word. I would never say to someone: what have you done? All I know is that it is a never-ending cycle. That, I know. Once you start, you cant stop. But its not my job to give my opinion; its none of my business." Earlier this year, Jamie revealed that she had plastic surgery at the age of 25, after her appearance was criticised during a movie shoot. The actress was warned by a cinematographer that her eyes were "baggy" and so she decided to go under the knife. Speaking to 60 Minutes, Jamie explained: "For him to say that was very embarrassing. As soon as the movie finished, I ended up having some plastic surgery." However, Jamie quickly regretted her decision to have cosmetic surgery. The film star said: "Ive become a really public advocate to say to women: Youre gorgeous and youre perfect the way you are.' It was not a good thing for me to do." The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report that a Government school building collapsed, resulting in the death of seven children and injuries to 28 others in Jhalawar district of Rajasthan. Reportedly, citing negligence of the administration, the local residents had informed the District authorities about the dilapidated condition of the school building, but no action was taken. The Commission has observed that the contents of the media report, if true, raise a serious issue of human rights violation. Therefore, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan and the Superintendent of Police, Jhalawar, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks. The report is expected to include the health status of the injured students, as well as any compensation paid to the next of kin of the deceased. Meanwhile, Rajasthan's Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar said that the state government has ordered a report within five days on the roof collapse at a school in Jhalawar that claimed the lives of seven students on Friday. He added that the Public Works Department (PWD) has been directed to assess the structural condition of all school buildings across the state. "...The Chief Minister has asked for a report within the next five days... PWD department officials will inform about the strength of each building and structure in Rajasthan..." Khimsar told reporters on Saturday. Earlier in the day, former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Vasundhara Raje paid a condolence visit to the families of the students who lost their lives in the tragic incident. Raje met with the grieving families, expressing her solidarity and support. She also mentioned that the Chief Minister had made some announcements the previous day, and they would follow up on them. The state government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the family of each deceased student. "One family member will be given a contractual job, and the school building will be reconstructed. The new classrooms will be named in memory of the children who lost their lives," the CM said. (ANI) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken suo motu cognisance of a deeply disturbing incident involving the collapse of a government school building in Jhalawar district, Rajasthan, on 25th July 2025. The tragedy claimed the lives of seven young students and left 28 others severely injured, raising grave concerns over infrastructure safety and administrative accountability. According to media reports, local residents had repeatedly warned the district authorities about the building's deteriorating condition, but no preventive action was taken. This apparent negligence has prompted the NHRC to intervene, observing that if the media reports are accurate, the case reflects a significant failure in the duty of care owed to students. In response, the Commission has issued formal notices to the Chief Secretary of Rajasthan and the Superintendent of Police in Jhalawar. These officials have been directed to provide a detailed report within two weeks, covering various aspects of the incident. The report is expected to outline the current medical condition of the injured students and specify the compensation provided to the families of the deceased. It should also address whether disciplinary action has been initiated against any officials deemed responsible for the negligence and what preventive steps have been taken to avoid similar tragedies in the future. The NHRC emphasises the urgent need for structural audits of school buildings throughout Rajasthan and a comprehensive reassessment of safety measures across public educational institutions. Prior to this, the Rajasthan government has decided to prioritise the repair of dilapidated school buildings, government institutions, and Anganwadi centres across the state. The decision was taken during a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma. The Chief Minister announced that the permissible allocation under the Dang, Magra, and Mewat Regional Development Plan for the repair of government institutions, including school buildings and Anganwadi centres, would be increased from 15 per cent to 20 per cent. (ANI) Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj Jha on Saturday slammed Union Minister Chirag Paswan over his recent statement criticising Bihar government over the rising crime rate in the state. He said that Paswan cannot "escape" by just giving statements in the media and stated that he should ask PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to send a fact-checking team to Bihar. Taking a swipe at a Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government, Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president, Chirag Paswan today said that he is "saddened to support such a government," which is not able to curtail the rising crime rate. "You (Chirag Paswan) are a minister at the Centre, you have a very significant role. You cannot escape by merely giving statements to the media. You should tell PM Modi and HM Amit Shah to send a fact-finding team to Bihar", he said. The RJD MP stated that Bihar Assembly LoP Tejashwi Yadav has been constantly raising the issue of Bihar's decline and mentioned that Chirag Paswan's statement is just to create "confusion". "Tejashwi Yadav has been constantly pleading about where Bihar has been brought to... This is a baseless statement and an attempt to create confusion among the public...", he said. Chirag Paswan today said that he does believe that reports of incidents of rising crimes such as murders, looting and more are a "conspiracy" to defame the government ahead of the assembly elections, he also said that the responsibility ultimately lies with the state government itself to control law and order. "I also believe that these incidents are being carried out as a conspiracy to defame the government ahead of elections. But even then, the responsibility of controlling it lies with the administration. Either the administration is in collusion with it, or the administration has become completely useless, and now it is beyond their power to keep Bihar and Biharis safe," the Union Minister told reporters in Patna today. "I request the Bihar government to take action on this matter in a timely manner. I feel ashamed that I am supporting such a government, under which crime has gotten out of control," he added. Meanwhile, Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi has urged fellow Union Minister Paswan to remain aligned with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and contribute to its strengthening following the latter's criticism of the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government over "deteriorating" law and order situation in the State. Addressing reporters in Patna, Manjhi said, "We are in NDA. We have to help NDA. We wish him all the best. He should strengthen the NDA." (ANI) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that more than 12,000 people have received help through various legal aid schemes of the Jammu and Kashmir Legal Services Authority in 2025. LG Sinha was speaking at the North Zone Regional Conference on "Reaffirming the Constitutional Vision of Justice for Defence Personnel and Tribals" held at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. He said that apart from the poor, soldiers and tribal communities also deserve strong legal support. "The Jammu and Kashmir Legal Services Authority and the National Legal Services Authority have launched four new schemes... Many people are benefiting from this. If we look at the figures, more than 12,000 people have benefited from the various assistance schemes of the Jammu and Kashmir Legal Services Authority in 2025. I believe that apart from the deprived sections, there are two other groups that need this, soldiers and members of the tribal community, who are part of our country, for whom whatever is done in terms of providing legal aid and ensuring justice is never enough," J-K LG Sinha said while addressing the conference. The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), in collaboration with the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir (J-K) and Ladakh and the Jammu and Kashmir Legal Services Authority, also launched the Veer Parivaar Sahayata Yojana 2025 at the conference. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah who was also present at the momemt also praised the launch of the NALSA Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana 2025, a new legal aid initiative for defence personnel. Abdullah honoured the sacrifices of soldiers and said the scheme will help serving and retired soldiers deal with legal issues, especially since they often face challenges due to tough postings and distance from home. Addressing the conference, Omar Abdullah said, "On the occasion of Vijay Diwas today, I would like to begin by remembering the services and sacrifices of our defence personnel... Our soldiers serve with dedication in challenging terrains." "However, when they face legal challenges, whether related to service disputes, pension matters, or civilian complaints, they often encounter difficulties due to geographical distances, the dynamic nature of their deployments, and the specific constraints of military life... I appreciate the Jammu and Kashmir State Legal Services Authority for taking the initiative to amend the legal aid rules to include serving and retired defence personnel," Abdullah said. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation development projects worth over Rs 4,800 crore in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi. A series of landmark projects across multiple sectors that will significantly enhance regional connectivity, boost logistics efficiency, strengthen clean energy infrastructure, and improve the quality of life for citizens across Tamil Nadu, as per a release. On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, PM Modi paid tributes to the brave soldiers of Kargil and saluted the valiant warriors and offered heartfelt homage to the martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister expressed his privilege in arriving directly on the sacred land of Lord Rameshwar after a four-day foreign tour. He highlighted the historic Free Trade Agreement signed between India and the United Kingdom during the overseas tour. Noting that this development symbolises the growing global trust in India and the nation's renewed confidence, PM Modi remarked that this confidence will drive the creation of a developed India and a developed Tamil Nadu. He further stated that, with the blessings of Lord Rameshwar and Lord Tiruchendur Murugan, a new chapter of development is unfolding in Thoothukudi today. "Thoothukudi continues to witness the mission initiated in 2014 to elevate Tamil Nadu to the pinnacle of development", the Prime Minister said. Recalling laying the foundation stone for the Outer Harbour Container Terminal at VO Chidambaranar Port in February 2024, PM Modi highlighted the inauguration of several projects worth hundreds of crores during that visit. He remarked that in September 2024, the new Thoothukudi International Container Terminal was also inaugurated. He stated that today, once again, projects worth Rs 4,800 crore have been launched and inaugurated in Thoothukudi. The Prime Minister noted that these initiatives span across key sectors, including airports, highways, ports, railways, and critical power sector advancements. He extended his congratulations to the people of Tamil Nadu for these significant developments. "Infrastructure and energy form the backbone of any state's development. Over the past eleven years, the sustained focus on these sectors reflects the priority accorded to Tamil Nadu's progress", emphasised the Prime Minister. He remarked that the projects inaugurated today will transform Thoothukudi and Tamil Nadu into hubs of enhanced connectivity, clean energy, and new opportunities. PM Modi paid tribute to the rich cultural and historical legacy of Tamil Nadu and Thoothukudi, acknowledging the region's enduring contribution to building a prosperous and strong India. He lauded the visionary freedom fighter VO Chidambaram Pillai, who foresaw the potential of maritime trade during colonial times and challenged British dominance by launching indigenous shipping ventures. The Prime Minister also honoured legendary figures like Veerapandiya Kattabomman and Alagu Muthu Kon for their dream of a free and empowered India, rooted in courage and patriotism. Recalling the birthplace of national poet Subramania Bharati near Thoothukudi, Modi highlighted the deep emotional bond between Thoothukudi and his own constituency, Varanasi, also known as Kashi. He emphasised that cultural initiatives like the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam continue to fortify India's shared heritage and unity. Recalling that last year, he had gifted the renowned pearls of Thoothukudi to Bill Gates, the Prime Minister highlighted that Gates greatly appreciated the pearls. He noted that the Pandya Pearls of this region were once considered a symbol of India's economic power worldwide. "India is advancing the vision of a developed Tamil Nadu and a developed India through its ongoing efforts", stated PM Modi, remarking that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed between India and the United Kingdom further accelerates this vision. "The world now sees its own growth reflected in India's progress," emphasised PM Modi, stating that the FTA will strengthen India's economy and accelerate the country's journey toward becoming the world's third-largest economy. The Prime Minister stated that following the Free Trade Agreement, 99 per cent of Indian products sold in the UK will be tax-free. He highlighted that as Indian goods become more affordable in the UK, demand is expected to increase, leading to greater manufacturing opportunities in India. Shri Modi also emphasised that the India-UK FTA will greatly benefit Tamil Nadu's youth, small industries, MSMEs, and startups. He remarked that this agreement will support sectors such as industry, the fishing community, and research and innovation, ensuring broad-based gains. Highlighting that the Government is placing strong emphasis on Make in India and Mission Manufacturing, the Prime Minister stressed that during Operation Sindoor, the strength of Make in India was clearly demonstrated. He remarked that domestically manufactured weapons played a significant role in neutralising terrorist strongholds. PM Modi emphasised that weapons made in India continue to unsettle the masterminds of terrorism. Affirming the Union Government's commitment to unlocking the full potential of Tamil Nadu by modernising its infrastructure, Shri Modi stated that significant strides are being made to upgrade port facilities with advanced technologies. In parallel, efforts are underway to integrate airports, highways, and railways, enhancing seamless connectivity across the state. The Prime Minister remarked that the inauguration of the new advanced terminal at the Thoothukudi Airport marks another major milestone in this direction. Constructed at a cost of Rs 450 crore, the terminal is now equipped to host over 20 lakh passengers annually, up from the previous capacity of just 3 lakh passengers, he stated. Noting that the newly inaugurated terminal will significantly enhance Thoothukudi's connectivity to multiple destinations across India, PM Modi highlighted that the development will benefit corporate travel, educational hubs, and healthcare infrastructure throughout Tamil Nadu. Additionally, he mentioned that the region's tourism potential is expected to gain fresh momentum through this improved accessibility. The Prime Minister announced the dedication of two major road projects in Tamil Nadu to the public. Developed at an investment of approximately Rs 2,500 crore, these roads are designed to link two key development zones with Chennai. He stated that the enhanced road infrastructure has significantly improved connectivity between the Delta districts and the state capital, paving the way for greater economic integration and accessibility. Underscoring that the road projects have significantly boosted connectivity to the Thoothukudi Port, Shri Modi said these developments are expected to enhance ease of living for residents across the region and open up new avenues for trade and employment. The Prime Minister emphasised that the Union Government considers the railway network as a lifeline of industrial growth and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Noting that over the past eleven years, India's railway infrastructure has entered a transformative phase of modernisation, with Tamil Nadu emerging as a central hub of this campaign, the Prime Minister remarked that under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, seventy-seven stations across Tamil Nadu are undergoing comprehensive redevelopment. Modern Vande Bharat trains are now providing Tamil Nadu's citizens with a new travel experience. PM Modi emphasised that India's first vertical lift rail bridge, Pamban Bridge, was also constructed in Tamil Nadu, a unique engineering feat that has improved both ease of doing business and ease of travel in the region."India is undergoing a transformative campaign to build mega and modern infrastructure across the nation", underscored the Prime Minister. He described the recently inaugurated Chenab Bridge in Jammu & Kashmir as an engineering marvel, noting that it has, for the first time, connected Jammu and Srinagar via rail. Shri Modi also outlined that in addition to this, India has completed several landmark projects, like the longest sea bridge in the country, Atal Setu, the Bogibeel Bridge in Assam and the Sonamarg Tunnel, which spans over six kilometres. These initiatives, he said, reflect the Union Government's commitment to integrated development and have generated thousands of employment opportunities nationwide. The Prime Minister stated that the newly dedicated railway projects in Tamil Nadu will benefit millions across the southern region of the state. He noted that with the electrification of the Madurai-Bodinayakkanur railway line, the path has now opened for operating advanced trains such as Vande Bharat in the region. "These railway initiatives are poised to accelerate Tamil Nadu's pace of progress and expand its scale of development with renewed momentum", stated PM Modi. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation for a key transmission project linked to the 2,000 MW Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project in Tamil Nadu. Built at an estimated cost of Rs 550 crore, the system is expected to play a pivotal role in supplying clean energy in the years ahead. PM Modi noted that this energy initiative will contribute meaningfully to India's global energy targets and environmental commitments. With increased electricity production, both industrial sectors and domestic users in Tamil Nadu stand to gain substantial benefits from improved energy availability. Expressing satisfaction over the rapid progress of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana in Tamil Nadu, Shri Modi stated that the Government has already received approximately one lakh applications under the scheme. He highlighted that over forty thousand solar rooftop installations have been completed so far. The Prime Minister remarked that the scheme not only provides free and clean electricity but is also generating thousands of green jobs. Reiterating that the development of Tamil Nadu and the vision of a developed Tamil Nadu remain a core commitment of the Union Government, the Prime Minister emphasised that policies related to Tamil Nadu's growth have consistently been accorded top priority. He highlighted that over the past decade, the Union Government has transferred Rs 3 lakh crore to Tamil Nadu through devolution, more than three times the amount disbursed by the previous dispensation. PM Modi further stated that in these eleven years, Tamil Nadu has received eleven new medical colleges. He remarked that for the first time, a government has shown such dedicated concern for communities involved in the fisheries sector across coastal regions. He affirmed that through the Blue Revolution, the Government is expanding the coastal economy, ensuring inclusive development." Thoothukudi is witnessing the dawn of a new chapter in development", said PM Modi, highlighting that the initiatives in connectivity, power transmission, and infrastructure are laying a strong foundation for a developed Tamil Nadu and a developed India. He concluded by extending his congratulations to all the people of Tamil Nadu for these transformative projects. The Governor of Tamil Nadu, RN Ravi, Union Ministers Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, and L Murugan were present among other dignitaries at the event. (ANI) Former Bihar Minister Tej Pratap Yadav on Saturday claimed that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will not return to power in the upcoming Assembly elections, asserting that "Uncle won't become CM this time." Speaking to media persons, Yadav said his initiative "Team Tej Pratap Yadav" aims to directly connect with the people, and that he would support any party that focuses on youth, employment, education, and healthcare. "Team Tej Pratap Yadav is a platform to reach the people... This time, Uncle (Nitish Kumar) will not become the Chief Minister. Whoever's government is formed, if they talk about youth, employment, education, and health, Tej Pratap Yadav will stand with them with full strength. We will contest the election from Mahua; there are many opponents, they have started to feel the itch..." he said. He also criticised Nitish Kumar's recent promise to provide 125 units of free electricity per household, calling it an unfulfilled announcement. Yadav said, it is just an announcement and no one has yet received free electricity. Nitish Kumar had earlier announced that from August 1, 2025, around 1.67 crore households in Bihar would receive up to 125 units of electricity free of charge. The move is widely seen as an attempt to appeal to voters ahead of the polls. Opposition leaders, including Tej Pratap Yadav, have raised questions about the implementation of the scheme. Bihar elections are expected to be held later this year in October or November; however, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not announced an official date. While the NDA, comprising the BJP, JD(U), and LJP, will once again seek to continue its stint in Bihar, the INDIA bloc, comprising the RJD, Congress, and left parties, will aim to unseat Nitish Kumar. In the current Bihar Assembly of 243 members, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) consists of 131 with the BJP having 80 MLAs, JD(U)-45, HAM(S)-4, with the support of 2 Independent Candidates. The Opposition's INDIA Bloc 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) . The floor leaders of the INDIA bloc parties will meet on Monday at 10 am to discuss the strategy for the second week of the monsoon session, with the Lok Sabha slated to take up discussion on Operation Sindoor on Monday and the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to initiate the discussion on Operation Sindhoor in the Lok Sabha on Monday. A stalemate over opposition demands for discussion on issues being raised by them was broken on Friday following an all-party meeting. The government has been stating that it is willing to discuss Operation Sindoor and other issues subject to rules and permission of Chair. Sources said that Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and BJP MPs Anurag Thakur and Nishikant Dubey are expected to take part in the discussion in Lok Sabha. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to intervene in the discussion in the Lok Sabha. He may also intervene in the discussion in the Rajya Sabha. Sources said discussion on Operation Sindoor will begin in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. Rajnath Singh and Jaishankar will be among ministers who will take part in the discussion in the Rajya Sabha, sources said. TDP's Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu and GM Harish Balayogi are expected to participate in the discussion on Op Sindoor in the Lok Sabha. The sources said the party has been allotted 30 minutes. From the Samajwadi Party, its chief, Akhilesh Yadav, and MP Rajiv Rai will participate in the debate. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the debate on Operation Sindoor will be held for 16 hours in the Lok Sabha on Monday (July 28) and for 16 hours in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday (July 29). "All issues cannot be discussed together... The opposition has raised several issues, like the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar and others. We have told them that Operation Sindoor will be discussed first. We will decide which issues to discuss after that. Operation Sindoor will be debated for 16 hours in the Lok Sabha on Monday (July 28) and for 16 hours in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday (July 29)," Rijiju told reporters. Opposition parties have been demanding a discussion on the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor and have sought the government's clarification over US President Donald Trump's repeated claims that he brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. The Opposition parties had been demanding PM Modi's presence during the debate. Since PM Modi travelled abroad on a two-nation visit this week, the discussion has been scheduled for next week. Rijiju also stated that the motion to remove Justice Yashwant Verma, from whose residence burnt wads of cash were recovered following a fire incident, will be moved in the Lok Sabha first, as per the rules. He said that the removal of Justice Verma should be a joint decision. "We have been making efforts regarding the matter of Justice Yashwant Verma. We have clearly stated that it is not only the government's efforts, but the entire Parliament is responsible for addressing the issue of corruption in the judiciary and removing judges from the Supreme Court or High Court. We should not be divided on this issue," the Union Minister said. Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi on Saturday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of double standards in its approach to judicial matters, particularly regarding Justice Verma and Justice Yadav. Singhvi accused BJP of "selective outrage and silence" on the issues surrounding these two judges and alleged that BJP's actions are driven more by optics than a genuine commitment to the law. Opposition parties in Rajya Sabha in in December gave impeachment motion notice concerning Justice Yadav deals over his controversial speech delivered at a gathering organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. Singhvi, who addressed a press conference, accused BJP of "double standards" regarding judicial propriety, the anti-corruption movement, and judicial accountability, saying that their actions don't match their words. Opposition parties have also been demanding discussions on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar and India's foreign policy. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have witnessed repeated adjournments since the beginning of the monsoon session of Parliament on July 21, with the two Houses transacting little business. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla called an all-party meeting on Friday to end the stalemate. Before adjourning the House amid sloganeering by opposition members on Friday, Birla urged them to allow the House to function normally. He objected to opposition members displaying banners. He said the stalemate is not good. "Come, there will be a discussion to end the stalemate. There will also be representatives from the government...If there is disagreement, it should be expressed as per House norms," he said. (ANI) As India commemorates the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Indian Army marked the occasion with a powerful demonstration of its evolving military capabilities and next-generation warfare technologies. It was held at the Kargil Battle School grounds in Drass, a town in the Kargil district of Ladakh. The event showcased a diverse array of advanced vehicles, firepower assets, surveillance systems, and combat equipment, underscoring India's growing military strength and self-reliance. The display highlighted the Army's operational readiness and adaptability in high-altitude warfare. In a special demonstration, the Army was also showcased in a combat role, symbolizing its preparedness for real-world scenarios. Among the key attractions were cutting-edge tactical mobility vehicles designed for challenging terrain. Key vehicles are SMV Kapidhwaj and ATV Chetak. SMV Kapidhwaj is a high-mobility vehicle optimized for rapid troop and logistics movement in high-altitude areas. ATV Chetak is a compact, all-terrain vehicle that ensures last-mile access in snow-bound and rugged environments. Recognizing the role of drones and robotics in modern warfare, the Army presented a range of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and surveillance drones. FPV and Q5/Q6 Drones are Lightweight systems for tactical operations and real-time situational awareness. Another effective drone is Q6 UAV; a versatile ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) platform, suited for mountainous regions. Trinetra UAV is an another modern drone, designated for rapid deployment and real-time monitoring. Asteria AT-15 is a Specially engineered drone for high-altitude ISR missions. Another drone displayed at the occasion is Switch RPAS. It is a tactical UAV providing persistent surveillance capabilities in mountainous terrain. Bofors and Dhanus were also showcased by army in its powerful artillery systems. Bofors Gun is a battle-proven high-altitude artillery gun equipped with advanced navigation systems, pivotal during the 1999 Kargil conflict. Dhanush Artillery System is an indigenously developed gun with a longer range than Bofors. Speaking to ANI on the occasion, Defence PRO Colonel Nishant Arvind said, "The Bofors gun proved its effectiveness during the 1999 Kargil War. It remains an important part of our artillery system even today. On the other hand, we have the Dhanush system; a 155mm, 45-caliber gun with a longer barrel, giving it superior range. We have introduced enhancements to the muzzle brake and added an automatic laying system, which allows for quicker and more accurate fire delivery. This significantly boosts our effectiveness in targeting the enemy." "We have now transitioned from mass fire to precision fire. Not just the Indian Artillery, but all arms and services are progressing toward self-reliance. We are steadily enhancing our firing capabilities, logistics efficiency, and surveillance systems across the board," Colonel Arvind further said. (ANI) In a joint statement, the European Union and Japan expressed deep concern over the worsening humanitarian conditions and human rights situation in Afghanistan, holding the interim Taliban government accountable for upholding international obligations, Tolo News reported. The joint statement read: "The EU and Japan note with grave concern the deteriorating humanitarian and human rights situation in Afghanistan. We underscore the Taliban's responsibility to ensure full compliance with all of Afghanistan's international legal obligations, particularly in respect of human rights and to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for terrorism." According to Tolo News, the statement comes amid growing calls from rights groups and international agencies urging the Taliban-led administration to safeguard fundamental freedoms, particularly those of women and minorities. Reacting to the joint statement, political analyst Ahmad Khan Andar said: "The EU, as a powerful global alliance, and Japan, as an advanced industrial and economic nation, should clarify their concerns about human rights under the current Islamic Emirate. They must understand that after years of war, Afghanistan now enjoys widespread security, and many issues should be resolved through dialogue and political engagement with the Afghan government." Tolo News reported that several other Afghan political commentators believe that for the Islamic Emirate to expand engagement with the global community, including the EU and Japan, it must address international concerns while balancing domestic priorities. Moeen Gul Samkani, a political commentator, stated: "The international community must also recognize its responsibilities, and the Islamic Emirate should address issues that are aligned with the UN Charter, do not contradict the principles of Islam, and respect Afghan cultural traditions." Echoing similar sentiments, Idris Mohammadi Zazai, another analyst, told Tolo News: "In my opinion, the demands from the international community are neither harsh nor impossible--they are, in fact, aligned with the expectations of the Afghan people themselves." So far, there has been no official response from Afghanistan's interim government regarding the EU-Japan statement. However, as Tolo News noted, the administration has repeatedly dismissed such criticisms in the past, calling them politically motivated and asserting that it respects citizens' rights within the framework of Islamic Sharia. (ANI) According to Tammy Bruce, Spokesperson for the United States Department of State, "Secretary of State Marco Rubio met today with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Secretary Rubio expressed appreciation for Pakistan's continued willingness to play a constructive role in mediating conversations with Iran and its commitment to preserving regional stability. The two also discussed prospects for deepening bilateral counterterrorism cooperation, including countering ISIS-K, and the upcoming U.S.-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue in Islamabad this August. The Secretary underscored the importance of expanding mutually beneficial bilateral trade and exploring prospects for enhancing collaboration in the critical minerals and mining sectors." This meeting follows a significant visit by Pakistan's Army Chief, General Asim Munir, who arrived at the White House on June 18 to meet President Donald Trump, reflecting continued high-level engagements between the two nations. US President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir at the White House for a lunch meeting The luncheon meeting then took place amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, with Trump considering possible US involvement. (ANI) Scenery of Kanbula National Geopark in China's Qinghai Xinhua) 11:02, July 26, 2025 An aerial drone photo taken on July 24, 2025 shows a view of the Kanbula National Geopark in Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province. Nestled on the northeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the Kanbula National Geopark spans roughly 3,149 square kilometers with striking fiery-red Danxia landforms, towering jagged peaks, hidden caves and emerald lakes. Beyond its visual splendor, the park's true value lies beneath the surface, serving as a premier location for geoscientific research and public science education. (Xinhua/Qi Zhiyue) An aerial drone photo taken on July 24, 2025 shows a view of the Kanbula National Geopark in Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province. Nestled on the northeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the Kanbula National Geopark spans roughly 3,149 square kilometers with striking fiery-red Danxia landforms, towering jagged peaks, hidden caves and emerald lakes. Beyond its visual splendor, the park's true value lies beneath the surface, serving as a premier location for geoscientific research and public science education. (Xinhua/Qi Zhiyue) A tourist visits the Kanbula National Geopark in Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 24, 2025. Nestled on the northeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the Kanbula National Geopark spans roughly 3,149 square kilometers with striking fiery-red Danxia landforms, towering jagged peaks, hidden caves and emerald lakes. Beyond its visual splendor, the park's true value lies beneath the surface, serving as a premier location for geoscientific research and public science education. (Xinhua/Qi Zhiyue) An aerial drone photo taken on July 24, 2025 shows a view of the Kanbula National Geopark in Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province. Nestled on the northeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the Kanbula National Geopark spans roughly 3,149 square kilometers with striking fiery-red Danxia landforms, towering jagged peaks, hidden caves and emerald lakes. Beyond its visual splendor, the park's true value lies beneath the surface, serving as a premier location for geoscientific research and public science education. (Xinhua/Wang Yan) (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Wu Chaolan) Jamie Lee Curtis considers herself to be a "controlled addict". Jamie Lee Curtis has opened up about her battle with addiction The 66-year-old actress is a recovering alcoholic, but Jamie insists that she's always retained some degree of control over her life, even when she was at her lowest ebb. The Hollywood star told the Guardian newspaper: "I am a controlled addict. "In recovery we talk about how, in order to start recovering, you have to hit what you call a bottom. You have to crash and burn, lose yourself and your family and your job and your resources in order to know that the way you were living didnt work. I refer to myself as an Everest bottom; I am the highest bottom I know. "When I acknowledged my lack of control, I was in a very controlled state. I lost none of the external aspects of my life. "The only thing I had lost was my own sense of myself and self-esteem." Asked whether her success disguised the seriousness of her addiction troubles, Jamie replied: "Theres no one way to be an addict or an alcoholic. People hide things I was lucky, and I am ambitious, and so I never let that self-medication get in the way of my ambition or work or creativity. It never bled through. No one would ever have said that had been an issue for me." Jamie admits that her addiction caused a lot of damage to herself and the people around her. However, the actress insists that she's moved on from that period of her life, describing herself as "an old lady now". She said: "The external costs are awful for people; but the internal costs are more sinister and deadly, because to understand that you are powerless over something other than your own mind and creativity is something. But that was a long time ago. Im an old lady now." In February, Jamie took to social media to celebrate 26 years of sobriety. She wrote on Instagram at the time: "26 years ago today I walked into my first recovery meeting. Since then, my life has completely changed. I have made beautiful, beautiful, friendships and it has expanded my life beyond recovery and it has given me the family life and creative life. I never thought possible." Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita held a meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin, focusing on bilateral ties and key global issues. In a post on X, Margherita stated, "Had a productive meeting with Mr. Alexander Pankin, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia. As strategic partners, discussed progress in bilateral cooperation and contemporary issues, including in the G20." https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1948773318703669514 In addition to these bilateral engagements, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita on Friday participated in the first session of the G20 Development Ministers' Meeting on Combating Illicit Financial Flows and Social Protection. Margherita emphasized the need to bridge the Sustainable Development Goals financing gap. In a post on X, he said, "Participated in the first session of the G20 Development Ministers' Meeting on Combating Illicit Financial Flows and Social Protection today. Highlighted India's key achievements in ensuring inclusive Social Protection for all and emphasized the need to bridge the SDG financing gap." https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1948684747938369878 Earlier in the day, Margherita met with South African Minister of the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa and invited the nation to join the International Solar Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. Margherita expressed India's support for the priorities of the South African presidency. In a post on X, he said, "Glad to meet Maropene Ramokgopa, Minister of DPME, South Africa. Expressed India's support for the priorities of the South African presidency and emphasized the importance of critical minerals and debt sustainability for Africa. Also invited South Africa to join the International Solar Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure." https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1948654446667284540 Earlier on Thursday, he met Thani Mohamed-Soilihi Minister of International Partnerships of France on the margins of G20 Development Minister's Meeting. In a post on X, he said, "It was a pleasure to meet Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, Minister of International Partnerships of France on the margins of G20 Development Minister's Meeting. Discussions were held on 4P and continuing our common interest in AI, reform of international financial architecture, and disaster resilience." https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1948420623262187893 Margherita is in South Africa to attend G20 Development Ministers' Meeting under the South African G20 Presidency. In a post on X, he said, "Arrived at Kruger National park, Mpumalanga South Africa to attend G20 Development Ministers' Meeting under the South African G20 Presidency. Looking forward to meaningful engagements with stakeholders from G20 members and invited countries to discuss key development issues facing the world." https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1948393347212595681 South Africa will hold the G20 Presidency from 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2025, only five years before the deadline of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda. (ANI) US President Donald Trump has termed as "con job" the controversy surrounding his administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files and sharply criticised Democrats over what he called a politically motivated distraction, The Hill reported. "The Radical Left Democrats are doing everything in their power to distract and obfuscate from our GREAT six months of service to America, results of which many are saying is the BEST six months in Presidential history," Trump wrote on Truth Social. He added, "They have gone absolutely CRAZY, and are playing another Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax but, this time, under the guise of what we will call the Jeffrey Epstein SCAM." Calling the scrutiny a "Democrat CON JOB," Trump further wrote, "Hopefully, the Grand Jury Files will put an end to this HOAX." As per The Hill, the president had recently instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to seek the release of grand jury testimonies from Epstein and his alleged accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. The decision followed mounting pressure for transparency from both Democrats and conservatives, including members of Trump's own MAGA base. However, on Wednesday, US District Judge Robin Rosenberg declined the Department of Justice's request, saying, "The Court's hands are tied." Trump, responding to the legal setback, questioned why Democrats did not unseal the documents during former President Biden's tenure, when they held a Senate majority. According to The Hill, a newly released Trump administration memo concluded that Epstein did not maintain a "client list" and reaffirmed that the financier's 2019 death in jail remains officially ruled a suicide -- findings that have only intensified calls for clarity from the Department of Justice. A recent Emerson College Polling survey cited by The Hill showed that over 50 percent of voters disapprove of the administration's handling of the Epstein probe. A separate Fox News poll found that 60 percent of GOP voters believe the government is not being transparent about the case files. The fallout has led to divisions within the Republican Party. As The Hill reported, House Speaker Mike Johnson told CBS News that the case is "not a hoax," a marked departure from Trump's "witch hunt" framing. Rep. Thomas Massie, a frequent critic of Trump, announced plans to introduce a bipartisan resolution -- co-sponsored by Democrat Ro Khanna -- to compel the administration to release all Epstein-related documents. Meanwhile, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche met with Ghislaine Maxwell on Thursday and is expected to continue questioning her Friday. House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer also issued a subpoena for Maxwell, with plans to depose her on August 11, The Hill said. (ANI) British MP Bob Blackman has reiterated his strong condemnation of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and urged the UK government to stand in solidarity with India in its fight against terrorism. In a statement shared on X, Blackman said on Friday, "I remain appalled by the terrorist attack in Pahalgam a few months ago, which took 26 innocent lives. I'm relieved that peace has held, but the truce remains fragile. As India seeks deeper security ties with the West, I urged the Govt to stand with India against terrorism." Expanding on his remarks in the UK Parliament, he recalled India's response to the attack: "Similarly, we had the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam and India's subsequent counter-terrorism action Operation Sindhu. I remain deeply appalled and saddened by the barbaric attack on the innocent tourists, which claimed the lives of 26 people, including women and children, Hindus, Christians and a Nepali national. My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones, and I continue to stand in solidarity with them and the people of India." He welcomed the current pause in hostilities between India and Pakistan but warned, "that truce is still very fragile and could return to war once again." Highlighting Pakistan's alleged role in sponsoring terrorism, he said, "As someone who has stood with the Kashmir Pandits and their right to return to Kashmir Valley and India's sovereign right to defend its people and territory, it is outrageous that this terrorism, sponsored by Pakistan, continues in Jammu and Kashmir." He concluded by calling for international support for India's efforts to combat terrorism. "So it is right that we call on this and make sure we stand in solidarity with India." His remarks echoed a statement made on June 3 during Operation Sindoor Global Outreach, when the BJP MP-led all-party delegation met with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG)-India. Blackman, a member of the group, had then branded Pakistan a "failed state" and questioned whether "democracy or generals" were in charge, citing the military's dominant role in governance. Speaking to ANI during the outreach, Blackman urged the international community to support India while sharply criticising Pakistan for promoting terrorism in sovereign Indian territory and occupying parts of Jammu and Kashmir illegally. "Pakistan is a failed state. We don't have democracy in Pakistan. We have the people of parts of Pakistan, who are suffering under Pakistani military rule. So who's in charge? Is it the democracy or the Generals? And it's quite clear that terrorism is encouraged from Pakistan into sovereign India," Blackman said. "And so we've got to make sure we have to call out the message that the illegal occupation of part of India in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan should end. Those troops should leave, and the whole of Jammu and Kashmir should be united as one principal state, as was intended back in 1947," he added. Blackman also raised concerns about the misuse of international aid sent to Pakistan. "The money that's sent to Pakistan, what is it used for? What it shouldn't be used for is buying Chinese weapons that would then enable terrorists to attack India," he said. "I take a very strong view that our international aid money that should go to Pakistan should be going for the eradication of polio and other infectious diseases that benefit the people of Pakistan rather than it being used illicitly for military purposes." During the same meeting, Blackman welcomed the Indian delegation, saying, "Everyone from the United Kingdom expresses their condolences and support for the people of India who've suffered this terrorist outrage... India wants peace and tranquillity between the two." Other UK MPs, including House of Lords MP Lord Karan Bilimoria and former MP Shailesh Vara, also voiced cross-party support for India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and discussed strengthening India-UK cooperation in trade, security, and education. (ANI) US President Donald Trump on Friday blamed Hamas for the breakdown of Gaza ceasefire talks, signalling support for Israel to escalate its military campaign, CNN reported. "I think they want to die, and it's very, very bad," Trump said of Hamas while speaking to reporters before departing for a weekend trip to Scotland. "It got to be to a point where you're gonna have to finish the job." The comments marked a clear shift from just weeks ago when Trump appeared confident a deal was close that would end the conflict, release remaining hostages, and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, CNN noted. This week, Trump's administration pulled back its negotiators from talks in Doha, citing concerns that Hamas was not "coordinated" or "acting in good faith." Steve Witkoff, Trump's Middle East envoy, said he was exploring "alternative options" to secure the release of hostages. Trump, asked about his recent interactions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said only that they were "sort of disappointing." He added, "They're gonna have to fight and they're gonna have to clean it up. You're gonna have to get rid of 'em." While Trump placed blame squarely on Hamas, officials in Egypt and Qatar described the current pause in talks as "normal in the context of these complex negotiations." A senior Israeli official also said the talks had "not at all" collapsed. Trump claimed Hamas had little incentive to negotiate, noting the dwindling number of hostages still held. "Now we're down to the final hostages, and they know what happens after you get the final hostages, and basically, because of that, they really didn't want to make a deal," Trump said. US officials said the administration hopes Trump's firm rhetoric and Witkoff's withdrawal will pressure Hamas to return to the table, according to CNN. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said, "We've tried. The world has watched this. What the options are -- clearly there are many tools in President Trump's tool chest, many options that Special Envoy Witkoff has." At the White House, Trump also responded to criticism over US aid, saying, "People don't know this, and we didn't certainly get any acknowledgement or thank you, but we contributed $60 million to food and supplies and everything else. We hope the money gets there, because you know, that money gets taken. The food gets taken. We're going to do more, but we gave a lot of money." An internal US review has found no evidence of widespread theft of US-funded aid by Hamas in Gaza, CNN said. Trump is scheduled to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland over the weekend. On Friday, Starmer called Israel's military escalation in Gaza "indefensible." French President Emmanuel Macron also drew global attention by announcing France would recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September. Trump dismissed the move, telling reporters, "The statement doesn't carry any weight. He's a very good guy. I like him. But that statement doesn't carry weight." (ANI) With public assistance ramping up, the free transportation of Afghans deported from Iran to their home provinces has accelerated, easing the burden of return for many, Tolo News reported. Several returnee migrants said the aid helped them forget the hardships of exile and the exhaustion of the long journey. Mohammad, a deported migrant from Iran, said: "I am happy that we are being transported for free and I am satisfied with our government and people who helped us. Now we can travel freely to our provinces." Noorullah Nawrozi, another deported migrant, said: "It hasn't even been a day since we returned to the country and we are already on a bus heading to Kabul. With such a crowd, I didn't think we'd be able to leave the camp so soon." Many deported Afghans said they were left without any money, alleging that Iranian police and drivers confiscated their belongings before deportation. Ali Ahmad, a deported migrant, added: "We ask the Islamic Emirate to negotiate with Iran to lower bus fares. In Iranian camps, money is forcibly taken from Afghans." Tolo News quoted Abdul Saboor, another deportee, as saying: "Living in Iran was not possible. Renting a house, going to the hospital for childbirth or treatment was very difficult. Because we are Afghans, medical costs were very high, and sometimes we weren't treated at all." Others recounted harassment by landlords and authorities in Iran, claiming they were stripped of legal protection and denied refunds of advance rent. Shoaib, a deportee from Iran, said: "They took me to a real estate office, tore up my contract documents and said, 'You're done.' The police were there and said the landlord had the right to do that since I had betrayed their country. I told them betrayal means killing someone or destroying a city, but I came to work and served this country." According to Tolo News, statistics from local authorities in Herat show that nearly 750,000 Afghan migrants have entered the country through the Islam Qala border in the past month alone. Most were deported by Iran, while others returned after their residency permits expired. (ANI) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday announced that the United States has agreed to purchase combat drones from Ukraine, in a deal potentially worth up to $30 billion, RT reported. Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv, Zelensky said he had reached an understanding with US President Donald Trump regarding the sale. "With Trump, we agreed that the US will buy drones from us," he told reporters, adding that a contract worth "$10-30 billion is now being drafted," according to RT. Earlier this month, Zelensky had revealed ongoing talks with Trump over a "mega deal" on drone procurement. As per RT citing the New York Post, American defense officials have warned that US drone technology lags behind that of Russia and China, prompting efforts to accelerate purchase and development. During the conference in Kyiv, Zelensky underlined Ukraine's urgent financial needs, noting the country requires substantial funding to manage its defense and budgetary requirements. "Forty billion [is needed] for the deficit, 25 for drones, missiles, electronic warfare. That's already 65 billion," he said. RT reported that Zelensky has made multiple requests for these funds from European leaders and international institutions. The Ukrainian president also stressed that Western countries should help cover the salaries of Ukrainian servicemen. "So far, they don't pay for the salaries. They pay for the weapons. And we say - salaries too, because [our troops] are weapons," he argued, as quoted by RT. The announcement comes as the US scales back direct financial aid to Ukraine. Trump has emphasized that future support to Ukraine "will be a business for us," pointing out that the US will no longer cover the cost of Patriot air defense systems, which will instead be paid for by the European Union and NATO members, RT reported. Meanwhile, Russia continues to criticize the West's financial and military backing of Kyiv. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has stated that funding Ukraine's weaponry is equivalent to financing the "death" of the country. (ANI) As per the MND, 8 out of 17 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ. The Defence Ministry stated that it has taken note of the situation and responded accordingly. MND wrote on X, "17 sorties of PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 8 out of 17 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1948911144954994974 On Friday, 26 sorties of PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and one official ship were recorded operating around Taiwan's territory. Earlier on Thursday, MND noted a record surge in Chinese military activity, with 48 PLA aircraft, 9 PLAN vessels, and one official ship. The frequent incursions and maritime operations reflect rising tensions between Taiwan and China, a relationship long fraught with geopolitical strain. Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), governs itself independently with its own political and economic systems. However, China continues to claim Taiwan as part of its territory under the "One China" principle, insisting there is only one China with its capital in Beijing. The dispute's roots trace back to the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, when the ROC government fled to Taiwan after the Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, took control of mainland China. Since then, Beijing has maintained its goal of reunification, using military, diplomatic, and economic means to apply pressure on Taiwan and diminish its international space. Despite these efforts, Taiwan maintains its de facto independence with strong public support and continues to assert its sovereignty amid ongoing external pressures. The MND regularly monitors and publicly reports such military movements to ensure transparency and national security awareness. (ANI) Both Cambodia and Thailand have written to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) following two days of cross-border fighting, local media in both the Southeast Asian countries reported on Saturday. The 15-member UN body has scheduled an emergency meeting for Saturday to discuss the issue. While Thailand says the clashes began on Thursday with Cambodia's military deploying drones to conduct surveillance of Thai troops near the border, Cambodia says Thai soldiers initiated the conflict when they violated a prior agreement. The UNSC said that it will hold an urgent private meeting under the "Threats to international peace and security" agenda item to discuss the clashes following a request from Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, in response to the border clashes that began on July 24. Both Thailand and Cambodia are expected to participate in the meeting under rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, the UN body said. Cambodia has alleged that Thailand launched "unprovoked, premeditated and deliberate attacks on Cambodian positions along the border areas, including Tamone Thom Temple, Ta Krabey Temple and Mom Bei, in the provinces of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey". It also dismissed Thailand's claims about Cambodia's placing of new landmines, arguing that Thai personnel "had deviated from the patrol routes previously coordinated between the two countries and created a new path through Cambodian territories, known to be officially documented mine-fields". Meanwhile, Thailand has officially submitted a letter to the UNSC, presenting evidence that Cambodia initiated the armed conflict in the latest exchanges of gunfire between the two countries. The country's Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson said on Friday that Thailand has written to the UNSC to clarify the situation and has firmly rejecting Cambodia's accusation that Thailand had violated its sovereignty "This claim is completely contrary to the facts," the spokesperson said as per the Bangkok Post. Thailand has alleged that the landmines that injured its soldiers on July 16 and July 23 were newly planted. It also maintained that Cambodian soldiers were the first to open fire on July 24, targeting a Thai military base in the Surin Province, after which Cambodia also launched "indiscriminate attacks on Thai territory across four provinces of Buriram, Surin, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani". Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on July 25 in a Facebook post said that Thailand agreed to a ceasefire with Cambodia, starting from midnight on July 24, following a proposal by Malaysian Prime Minister and ASEAN rotating chair Anwar Ibrahim, according to the Phnom Penh Post. The Cambodian daily cited Hun Manet as saying that "just one hour after the phone conversation with the ASEAN chair, Thailand retracted its position." Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who chairs the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) had earlier offered to facilitate talks between the two countries. Thailand has accepted in principle an offer from the ASEAN Chair to mediate the border conflict, but insists Cambodia must first demonstrate a clear commitment to de-escalation according to Thailand's state news broadcaster NBT. The Thai broadcasting agency also said that the Royal Thai Army has completely rejected Cambodian claims that it used F-16 fighter jets to attack civilian areas in Cambodia, calling the reports as "distorted news." More than 130,000 people have reportedly been evacuated from conflict areas in Thailand,, according to its health ministry. The United States, China and Japan have expressed grave concern and urged de-escalation following renewed clashes while France ahs called upon Cambodia and Thailand to immediately stop the clash and solve the dispute through international law. Cambodia and Thailand have been locked in a decades-long disagreement over the jurisdiction of various non-demarcated areas along their shared land border, which stretches more than 800 kilometres. A central part of the dispute has been competing claims of ownership of the ancient Hindu temples of Prasat Ta Muen Thom and Preah Vihear, which are perched on the Dangrek Mountains that form a natural border between Cambodia and Thailand. In 2011, severe clashes between Cambodian and Thai forces in the vicinity of the Preah Vihear temple resulted in at least 16 deaths. This prompted the UN Security Council to meet in a private meeting on February 14 2011 and to issue a press statement on the same day. In late May, a Cambodian soldier was killed in a brief exchange of gunfire with Thai soldiers at a disputed border area, prompting a diplomatic crisis and the reinforcement of military presence along the border by both sides. Tensions further heightened because of two incidents, on July16 and July 23, in which Thai soldiers patrolling along the border were injured by landmines. Five Thai soldiers sustained injuries, one of whom lost a leg. Cambodia and Thailand subsequently recalled their respective ambassadors and closed many border crossings between the countries. (ANI) Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli flew onboard the Nepal Army helicopter to the drought-hit Madhesh province, taking stock of the situation with a food crisis looming ahead. Oli flew over the Madhesh Province, overseeing the dry patch of field where, by mid-July, paddy saplings used to stand green, with farmers counting on their yield. But this year, despite marching past the mid-monsoon, the Madhesh Province, also known as the part of the Terai region, the breadbasket, is struggling with sweltering heat. Addressing an inaugural event in the drought-stricken area, Oli announced the installation of a 500 deep-boring water system to address the province's pressing water needs. However, local authorities remain sceptical that it will have any impact, as the underground water level has also receded. PM Oli, during his address, mentioned "much of the land appeared dry during his aerial inspection" and pledged "to hold discussions and coordinate efforts with the stakeholders for the earliest resolution to the ongoing water shortage in the Province." Following the dire condition of the water resources, the Madhesh Province was declared a disaster-hit zone for a period of three months, as decided in a cabinet meeting on July 23. The prolonged lack of rainfall in the Province has resulted in a severe shortage of drinking water and inadequate irrigation facilities throughout the Province. The Prime Minister noted that Saptari district, located on the eastern side of the Madhesh Province and situated near the Saptakoshi River, has experienced relatively fewer problems due to its proximity to the river. Oli added that the government is actively working to address the water crisis in the remaining seven districts in the Province. The Head of the Government, in the context of Madhes Province, which has already been declared a disaster-hit zone, vowed to introduce a special program to support those directly affected by water scarcity, including farmers. Madhesh province, which is the breadbasket of the Himalayan Nation, still relies on rainwater for cultivation. Central bank- the Nepal Rastra Bank's 2024 report on 'Economic Status of Madhesh Province' showed an increase in the province's gross domestic product, which will be due to an increase in its agricultural production. NRB had projected Madhesh Province's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to stand at NRS 707 billion. Madhesh's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) shared 13.13 per cent of the country's GDP out of NRs 5.381 trillion. In Madhesh Province, farm products share 35.2 per cent of the GDP. Food crops, vegetables, fruits and spices are among the main products of this province. However, the dry and arid monsoon this year has increased worries for the farmers, who are now starting to worry about their coming days. Since the start of the monsoon this year, around two dozen people have already lost their lives to landslides and flooding. Several others have been injured and are missing in monsoon-related disasters. Properties and infrastructure worth billions of rupees have been either washed away by floods or buried in landslides. Locals in the mountainous region say that the weather has become so erratic that even light rainfall triggers floods. Scores of glacial and supraglacial lakes could burst at any time due to the melting of ice accelerated by global warming. At least eleven people were killed, and 17 others are still missing, in the Bhotekoshi flood triggered by a previously unnoticed supraglacial lake formed in Tibet above Rasuwagadhi. Nepal has been experiencing changes in temperature and precipitation at a rate faster than the global average, according to studies. Evidence indicates that the maximum temperature in Nepal is rising at a greater rate (0.05 degrees Celsius per year) than the minimum temperature (0.03 degrees Celsius per year). The prevailing situation in Madhesh Province comes amid the prediction of the Met Office to witness above-normal monsoon rainfall this year. Nepal, on an annual basis, faces disasters such as floods, landslides, and inundation, resulting in loss of life and property. (ANI) E3 leaders - Germany, UK and France underscored that the time has come to end the war in Gaza and the humanitarian catastrophe in the tiny strip and called for an immediate end to the conflict. The declaration was shared by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday. In a post on X, he said, "The time has come to end the war in Gaza. We - France, the United Kingdom and Germany - urge all parties to bring an end to the conflict by reaching an immediate ceasefire". "A negotiated ceasefire is the best chance to bring the hostages home, end the anguish of their families and finally bring relief to the civilian population in Gaza," leaders of the three European countries (E3) said in a joint statement. They urged all parties to bring an end to the conflict by reaching an immediate ceasefire and called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages who have been held captive by Hamas since October 7, 2023. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. "The disarmament of Hamas is imperative, and Hamas must have no role in the future of Gaza. We reaffirm our commitment to supporting the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, and Egypt," read the statement. It decried the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, where the basic needs of the civilian population are not being met. It said, "The humanitarian catastrophe that we are witnessing in Gaza must end now. The most basic needs of the civilian population, including access to water and food, must be met without any further delay. Withholding essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable. We call on the Israeli Government to immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid and urgently allow the UN and humanitarian NGOs to carry out their work in order to take action against starvation. Israel must uphold its obligations under international humanitarian law." The European leaders also voiced firm opposition to all efforts to impose Israeli sovereignty over the Occupied Palestinian Territories. "We firmly oppose all efforts to impose Israeli sovereignty over the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Threats of annexation, settlements and acts of settler violence against Palestinians undermine the prospects for a negotiated two-state solution", the statement added. They reiterated their commitment to working together with international partners, including at the United Nations, to develop a specific and credible plan for the next phase in Gaza that will establish transitional governance and security arrangements, and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid on a large scale. It further said, "We are committed to working together with our international partners, including at the United Nations, to develop a specific and credible plan for the next phase in Gaza that will put in place transitional governance and security arrangements, and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid at scale. This must be accompanied by the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the removal of Hamas leadership, as key steps towards a negotiated two-state solution." Reiterating its call for an immediate ceasefire, the statement concluded by saying, "We stand ready to take further action to support an immediate ceasefire and a political process that leads to lasting security and peace for Israelis, Palestinians and the entire region." https://x.com/bundeskanzler/status/1948776021949284602 US President Donald Trump on Friday blamed Hamas for the breakdown of Gaza ceasefire talks, signalling support for Israel to escalate its military campaign, CNN reported. "I think they want to die, and it's very, very bad," Trump said of Hamas while speaking to reporters before departing for a weekend trip to Scotland. "It got to a point where you're gonna have to finish the job." (ANI) Joseph Quinn has been spotted on a date with a model, following his reported split from Doja Cat. Joseph Quinn dating model Amelia Zerbe? The 31-year-old Fantastic Four: First Steps actor was spotted on a night out with model Amelia Zerbe at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles but did his best to keep the outing under wraps. A source told The Sun newspapers Bizarre column: Joseph and Amelia were really low key and, when they left, they made sure they went separately. He went ahead and got into the car before Amelia joined him. It seemed like they were on a date, but were keen not for anyone to notice them. Doja and Joseph started dating last year, two years after she first declared an interest in the star. An eyewitness spotted them on a London date and told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre column: "It very much looked like they were together. They were acting like a couple. "He had his arm around her, then she put her arm around him. He kissed her on the head at one point. "It was just them together, deep in conversation for ages. She was puffing on a vape and looked really happy." In July 2022, Joseph's Stranger Things co-star Noah Schnapp revealed Doja had asked him to set her up with Joseph. Noah shared a screenshot of their chat on TikTok, in which Doja had written to him: "Noah can you tell Joseph to (hit me up) ... wait no. does he have a gf (girlfriend)? (sic) The actor then responded by telling her to contact him directly, writing: "LMAOO slide into his dms. (sic) However, Doja insisted she was struggling to find his social media pages, writing: "Doesn't have a DM to slide in." Noah then found one of Joseph's pages and sent Doja a link, adding: "Right here ma'am." However, things turned sour as she later took to Instagram to brand Noah, who was 17 at the time, a "weasel" in a foul-mouthed rant, after he shared their private messages. Part of her message read: " I think that ... to be fair, lets try to be chill about it. Like Noah is a kid, but, I dont even know how old he is, but he cant be over - like theres no way hes over 21. "But when youre that young, you make mistakes. (sic)" She went on to call the actor - who plays Will Byers in the Netflix show - a "snake", and insisted she wasn't comfortable with the way he shared her private messages publicly. She added: "Im not saying that that encapsulates his entire personality - like I dont imagine Noah that way. Maybe he is, like a whole snake. But I didnt see him that way. I made an assumption that he was gonna be chill about it and he went and shared information that I didnt feel comfortable with him sharing." Noah later admitted he had said sorry to Doja after he shared their private messages. He told Variety: "Yeah, I mean, look, Im super unserious on social media and pretty goofy, so I posted that not thinking too much of it, but obviously it hurt her feelings. "So, as I should, I said sorry and she was totally OK with it, and was like, 'Im sorry how I reacted.' "It was all good. I love her. Im like the biggest fan of her music, and I told her that. I was like, youre literally my role model. Its all good. "People make such a big deal out of everything when its on the internet, but, like, in reality, its like a two-minute thing." The Embassy of India in Cambodia issued a travel advisory on Saturday for Indian nationals, advising them to avoid travelling to border areas due to the ongoing clashes on the Thailand-Cambodia border. In an official advisory message, it said, "In view of the ongoing clashes at the Cambodia-Thailand border, Indian nationals are advised to avoid travelling to the border areas." The Embassy also said that in case of any emergency, Indian nationals may approach the Embassy of India, Phnom Penh at +855 92881676 or email cons.phnompenh@mea.gov.in. https://x.com/indembcam/status/1948949528406532508 Earlier, the Indian Embassy in Thailand issued an advisory on Friday, following clashes near the Thailand-Cambodia border, urging Indian nationals to avoid travel to seven provinces in Thailand. The Mission advised travellers to check for updates from Thai official sources such as TAT Newsroom, the official online newsroom of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. https://x.com/IndiainThailand/status/1948575181972406742 The developments on the border of Cambodia and Thailand come after clashes erupted on the border areas of Thailand and Cambodia, triggering a massive humanitarian crisis, with over one lakh people forced to flee their homes in just two days of conflict, CNN reported. The long-running border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia date back over a century, when France, which occupied Cambodia until 1953, first mapped the land border. Cambodia has cited that map to support its territorial claims, while Thailand rejects it as inaccurate. Both Cambodia and Thailand have written to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) following two days of cross-border fighting, local media in both Southeast Asian countries reported on Saturday. The 15-member UN body has scheduled an emergency meeting for Saturday to discuss the issue. While Thailand says the clashes began on Thursday with Cambodia's military deploying drones to conduct surveillance of Thai troops near the border, Cambodia says Thai soldiers initiated the conflict when they violated a prior agreement. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Vice President of Maldives, Hussain Mohamed Latheef, on Saturday. PM Modi said that during the meeting, they discussed the key pillars of India-Maldives friendship, such as technology, infrastructure, energy, and climate change. Reflecting upon the meeting, PM Modi looked forward to deepening the ties in the years to come. He wrote on X, "Had a very good meeting with Vice President Uz. Hussain Mohamed Latheef. Our discussion touched upon key pillars of the India-Maldives friendship. Our nations continue to work closely in sectors like infrastructure, technology, climate change, energy and more. This is greatly beneficial to our people. We look forward to deepening this partnership in the years to come." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1948991132152873221 Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in the Maldives at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu. He is the guest of honour for the 60th Independence Day celebrations in the country. On Friday, while speaking at the banquet hosted in his honour, PM Modi emphasised the depth of the bilateral relationship. He said, "India-Maldives relations are centuries old. We are neighbours, partners and true friends who stand together in times of need. Maldives holds a special place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy... This is not just diplomacy but a relation of deep affinity." President Mohamed Muizzu praised PM Modi's leadership and reaffirmed the strong ties between India and the Maldives. "India has long stood as the Maldives's closest and most trusted partner. Our collaboration spans a wide range of areas, from security and trade to healthcare, education and beyond, touching the everyday lives of our citizens," Muizzu said. On Friday, during a special press briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had remarked, "This very timely and productive visit has provided an opportunity to both countries and both leaders to review our very close cooperation and to continue to build further on it. The two sides, reviewed the joint vision for the India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, and as a result of the discussions today, arrived at the conclusion that we should continue to implement various elements of this vision, and explore newer avenues to collaborate further between the two sides." India and the Maldives exchanged eight key agreements on Friday, covering a wide range of sectors, including a Line of Credit, debt repayment, fisheries, digital transformation, and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the Speaker of the Parliament, Abdul Raheem Abdulla and former President Mohamed Nasheed, on Saturday, on the second day of his visit to the Maldives. He welcomed the formation of the India-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group in the 20th Majlis and underscored how Maldives will always be a valued pillar of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Mahasagar vision. Upon meeting the Speaker, PM Modi in a post on X wrote, "Met Mr. Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Speaker of the People's Majlis. Talked about the deep-rooted India-Maldives friendship, including the close relationship between our respective Parliaments. The formation of the India-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group in the 20th Majlis is a welcome step for bilateral ties. India remains committed to supporting capacity building in the Maldives." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1948991684596875291 PM Modi also met former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed and highlighted his role as a strong advocate for deepening the India-Maldives friendship. PM said, "Met the former President of Maldives, Mr. Mohamed Nasheed. He has always been a strong advocate of a deeper India-Maldives friendship. Spoke about how the Maldives will always be a valued pillar of our 'Neighbourhood First' policy and the Mahasagar vision. India will keep supporting Maldives through capacity building and developmental cooperation." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1948993022819205544 Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also met the Vice President of the Maldives, Hussain Mohamed Latheef, on Saturday. He stated that the leaders discussed the key pillars of India-Maldives friendship, such as technology, infrastructure, energy, and climate change. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1948991132152873221 PM Modi is in the Maldives at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu. He is the guest of honour for the 60th Independence Day celebrations in the country. On Friday, while speaking at the banquet hosted in his honour, PM Modi emphasised the depth of the bilateral relationship. He said, "India-Maldives relations are centuries old. We are neighbours, partners and true friends who stand together in times of need. Maldives holds a special place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy... This is not just diplomacy but a relation of deep affinity." President Mohamed Muizzu praised PM Modi's leadership and reaffirmed the strong ties between India and the Maldives. "India has long stood as the Maldives's closest and most trusted partner. Our collaboration spans a wide range of areas, from security and trade to healthcare, education and beyond, touching the everyday lives of our citizens," Muizzu said. On Friday, during a special press briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had remarked, "This very timely and productive visit has provided an opportunity to both countries and both leaders to review our very close cooperation and to continue to build further on it. The two sides reviewed the joint vision for the India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, and as a result of the discussions today, arrived at the conclusion that we should continue to implement various elements of this vision, and explore newer avenues to collaborate further between the two sides." India and the Maldives exchanged eight key agreements on Friday covering a wide range of sectors, including a Line of Credit, debt repayment, fisheries, digital transformation, and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. (ANI) Numerous residents of Peshawar have claimed that the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) is imposing severe power outages on them, even though they consistently pay their electricity bills, Dawn News reported. The affected areas include Hazar Khawani, Afridi Abad, Ganj, Kakshal, Lahori Gate, City Circular Road, Garhi Khana, Gulbahar, and Charsadda Road. Citizens expressed anger at the prolonged and unscheduled power outages, especially during the intense summer heat, which they described as "unbearable," Dawn News noted. Ihsanullah Allah, a trader from the area, told Dawn News that power breakdowns were frequent and occurred at short intervals. "We are paying bills regularly, yet we're punished like defaulters," he said. Another resident from Hazar Khawani said they were forced to buy ice as refrigerators were non-functional due to low voltage. He also mentioned the suffering of his ailing father, who had to be manually fanned throughout the night. Gulbahar residents voiced similar frustrations, noting that their area was considered a posh locality but had still been clubbed with high-loss feeders like Hazar Khawani. This reclassification, they said, was unfair and unjustified, Dawn News reported. Residents of Shaheen Colony and Swati Phattak also blamed local lawmakers for abandoning them after the elections. Sadiq Babu, a community elder, criticised Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf leaders for failing to return to their constituencies. He warned of street protests if gas and electricity issues continued unresolved. Daudzai area councillor Gohar Ali Khan told Dawn News that sometimes power was cut for the entire night without warning, increasing public resentment. According to PESCO, the increased outages are due to high losses on certain feeders, with some losses exceeding 80 per cent. The company attributes this to electricity theft and non-payment of dues, and claimed that loadshedding is part of efforts to reduce financial losses, Dawn News reported. A PESCO spokesperson told Dawn News that a recent decision to extend loadshedding on 75 high-loss feeders had been reversed due to widespread protests in Peshawar. (ANI) In yet another grim reflection of the worsening human rights situation in Pakistan, TikTok content creator Sumeera Rajput was found dead under suspicious circumstances at her home in the Bago Wah area of Sindh's Ghotki district, Geo News reported. The case has sparked outrage as allegations of forced marriage and poisoning surface, highlighting the deep-rooted violence faced by women and digital creators in the country. According to Geo News, Ghotki District Police Officer Anwar Shaikh confirmed that Rajput's 15-year-old daughter claimed her mother had been poisoned by individuals who had long been pressuring her into a forced marriage. The daughter alleged that her mother was given poisonous tablets, which led to her death. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Geo News stated that no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered, and police say they are still investigating whether foul play was involved. Two individuals have been taken into custody, but authorities have yet to confirm a motive, raising concerns about police apathy and the lack of urgency in protecting women's rights. Rajput, who had over 58,000 TikTok followers and more than one million likes, is the latest in a series of targeted killings of female influencers in Pakistan. Just last month, another TikToker, 17-year-old Sana Yousaf, was shot dead inside her home in Islamabad's Sector G-13/1, Geo News reported. Despite swift action in arresting her alleged killer, Umar Hayat, the broader pattern of violence against women in public life continues unabated. The Pakistani state remains largely unresponsive to violence against women, and the failure to address digital harassment, forced marriage, and gender-based killings underscores the erosion of basic rights in the country. The deaths of Rajput and Yousaf are not isolated tragedies; they reflect a society where justice remains elusive and the lives of outspoken women hang by a thread. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a meeting with various political party members during his two-day visit to Maldives. He highlighted that the meeting reflected bipartisan support for the strong and time-tested friendship between India and the Maldives. PM Modi underlined that the shared values continue to guide the important India-Maldives partnership. In a post on X, he said, "Had a meaningful meeting with members of different political parties of the Maldives. The participation of leaders across the political spectrum underscores the bipartisan support for the strong and time-tested India-Maldives friendship. Our shared values continue to guide this important partnership." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1949015280354820153 Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the Speaker of the Parliament, Abdul Raheem Abdulla and former President Mohamed Nasheed, on Saturday, on the second day of his visit to the Maldives. He welcomed the formation of the India-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group in the 20th Majlis and underscored how Maldives will always be a valued pillar of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Mahasagar vision. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also met the Vice President of the Maldives, Hussain Mohamed Latheef, on Saturday. He stated that the leaders discussed the key pillars of India-Maldives friendship, such as technology, infrastructure, energy, and climate change. PM Modi is in the Maldives at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu. He is the guest of honour for the 60th Independence Day celebrations in the country. On Friday, while speaking at the banquet hosted in his honour, PM Modi emphasised the depth of the bilateral relationship. He said, "India-Maldives relations are centuries old. We are neighbours, partners and true friends who stand together in times of need. Maldives holds a special place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy... This is not just diplomacy but a relation of deep affinity." President Mohamed Muizzu praised PM Modi's leadership and reaffirmed the strong ties between India and the Maldives. "India has long stood as the Maldives's closest and most trusted partner. Our collaboration spans a wide range of areas, from security and trade to healthcare, education and beyond, touching the everyday lives of our citizens," Muizzu said. On Friday, during a special press briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had remarked, "This very timely and productive visit has provided an opportunity to both countries and both leaders to review our very close cooperation and to continue to build further on it. The two sides reviewed the joint vision for the India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, and as a result of the discussions today, arrived at the conclusion that we should continue to implement various elements of this vision, and explore newer avenues to collaborate further between the two sides." India and the Maldives exchanged eight key agreements on Friday covering a wide range of sectors, including a Line of Credit, debt repayment, fisheries, digital transformation, and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. (ANI) The US Embassy in India issued a stern advisory on Saturday, warning that visas can be revoked for foreign visitors who commit crimes or violate laws while in the United States. In a post on X, the embassy stated, "The United States is a society of law and order. Crimes like assault by foreign visitors will not be tolerated. If you break the law in the United States, your U.S. visa can be revoked, and you may be ineligible to return to the United States - FOR LIFE." https://x.com/USAndIndia/status/1948979092310601813 This follows a series of similar advisories issued by the US Embassy earlier this month. On July 22, the embassy posted, "If you are arrested for assault, domestic violence, or other crimes while in the United States, your U.S. visa may be revoked, and you may be ineligible for future U.S. visas. A visa is a privilege, not a right - one that can be revoked if you break the law." https://x.com/USAndIndia/status/1947642787618340970 Earlier, on July 16, the Embassy had issued a statement wherein it mentioned that committing assault, theft, or burglary in the United States could lead to visa being revoked and make one ineligible for future US visas. "The United States values law and order and expects foreign visitors to follow all US laws", the post read. https://x.com/USAndIndia/status/1945468460525297773 Meanwhile, responding to queries during a weekly briefing on July 17, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal underscored the importance of abiding by local laws while abroad. The MEA spokesperson reiterated the ministry's consistent advice for Indian travellers. "...Our constant request to all our people who go abroad is that they should follow the law and order of that country, and create a good image of the country," he said. Whether a person is a citizen of that country or a foreign national, it is their responsibility to abide by the laws there... I would say that whenever our people go abroad, we always urge them to respect and follow the laws of that country, so that they can build a good and positive image for themselves, and through them, also project a good image of our country," he added. (ANI) In a significant diplomatic development, Taiwan President William Lai met with Somaliland Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdirahman Dahir Adam Bakal on Wednesday, expressing hopes to deepen bilateral ties and pursue the strategic goal of a "non-red" Somaliland shoreline, the Taipei Times reported. According to the Taipei Times, Lai welcomed the delegation, which included Somaliland Minister of the Presidency Khadir Hussein Abdi, Admiral Ahmed Hurre Hariye of the Somaliland Coast Guard, and Mohamed Omar Hagi Mohamoud, the president's lead foreign affairs adviser. It marked the first visit to Taiwan for Bakal, Abdi, and Hariye. President Lai expressed gratitude for Somaliland's ongoing support and highlighted Mohamoud's instrumental role in advancing Taiwan-Somaliland relations during his five-year tenure as ambassador. Lai praised Somaliland as a democratic beacon in the Horn of Africa, congratulating it on its successful elections and reaffirming Taiwan's commitment to shared democratic values. The Taipei Times reported that a pivotal moment of the visit was the signing of the Agreement Between the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Government of the Republic of Somaliland on Coast Guard Cooperation. The signing took place in the afternoon between Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration Director-General Chang Chung-lung and Admiral Hariye. Lai emphasised that the agreement would usher in collaboration in maritime security, search-and-rescue operations, and the broader "blue economy," aligning with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi's policy priorities. He also called for trilateral or multilateral cooperation with like-minded partners, including the US, to ensure the strategic goal of a "non-red," meaning a non-authoritarian, Somaliland shoreline. Bakal, for his part, reaffirmed Somaliland's steadfast support for Taiwan, stating, "We would continue to resist any pressure," referencing external efforts to undermine their partnership. "Taiwan is a peaceful nation that shares Somaliland's democratic values," he said, as quoted by the Taipei Times. Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling noted the agreement would bolster regional security and maritime diplomacy, reinforcing the growing alliance between Taiwan and Somaliland. (ANI) Amid the serene mountains of Zanskar valley in Ladakh, thousands of devotees gathered near Karsha Monastery to receive teachings from the 14th Dalai Lama. According to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), an estimated 21,000 people, including monks, nuns, laypeople, and schoolchildren, assembled on July 25 for a special Dharma discourse held at Karsha Phodrang, Ladakh. The Dalai Lama arrived at the site of several groups engaged in lively debate, a traditional part of Tibetan Buddhist learning. With a warm smile and a wave, he took his seat on the throne prepared for him. The teaching began with the recitation of the 'Heart Sutra' in Tibetan, followed by verses from Ornament for Clear Realisation and a symbolic mandala offering. A chant echoed across the valley: "May the sound of the great dharma drum dispel the misery of sentient beings," the CTA reported. In a gesture that delighted the local crowd, His Holiness donned a traditional Zanskari Lama's hat before beginning his teachings. "It's my aim today to give everyone here an introduction to the teaching of the Buddha," he began, emphasising the preservation and flourishing of the Dharma in the Himalayan region. Highlighting the purpose of Buddhist practice, the Dalai Lama explained that Cho, the Tibetan term for Dharma, means "that which protects," urging followers to study and find out what it protects them from. He offered an in-depth explanation of the Three Principles of the Path, the determination to be free, the awakening mind of bodhichitta, and the correct view of emptiness, foundational elements for inner transformation and peace. "When I face difficulties," he said, "I reflect on the awakening mind of bodhichitta and the view of emptiness. These help me stay calm and steady." He described how his understanding of the teachings matured over time and how spiritual practice provided the strength to face life's challenges, a sentiment echoed throughout his discourse, the CTA reported. Referring to the colossal Buddha statue below the monastery, he reminded attendees that images of the Buddha should prompt reflection on his teachings, not mere admiration. "Cherishing others over oneself, this is the way to cultivate a meaningful life," he told the crowd. The teaching concluded with the offering of a thanksgiving mandala, prayers for His Holiness's long life, and verses of auspiciousness. As reported by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), His Holiness thanked the organisers and the people of Zanskar for their devotion and faith, reinforcing the enduring relevance of compassion, wisdom, and inner transformation in today's world. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday participated in the Independence Day celebrations alongwith Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and observed a special parade and procession by the Maldives National Defence Force. PM Modi was Guest of Honoour at the 60th Independence Day celebrations of Maldives held at the at the Republic Square in Male. The President's Office said in a post on X, "His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed observe a special parade and procession by Maldives National Defence Force, held to commemorate the Maldives' 60th Independence Day. The Prime Minister of India, His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, also attended the celebrations." https://x.com/presidencymv/status/1949079820740305055 PM Modi also interacted with beneficiaries of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme. Earlier in the day, Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X, "PM Narendra Modi interacted with the ITEC alumni of Maldives, who have undergone various capacity building & training programmes in India over the years. PM conveyed his wishes on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the independence of Maldives. Capacity building is a key pillar of the India Maldives bilateral relationship." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1949082259065053203 Jaiswal said earlier, "PM Narendra Modi interacted with leaders of various political parties in Male, today. He conveyed his warm wishes on the occasion of the Independence Day of Maldives. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment for a stronger India-Maldives relationship, building upon the vibrant people to people ties and the shared values between the two democracies. The Maldivian leaders thanked PM for India's continued support on developmental assistance for the welfare of the Maldivian people." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1949019950020010041 https://x.com/presidencymv/status/1949064040120238304 Prime Minister Modi earlier in the day held a meeting with Maldives Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef. https://x.com/presidencymv/status/1949037807298850921 The Maldives President's Office said in a post on X, "Vice President His Excellency Uz. Hussain Mohamed Latheef pays a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of India, His Excellency Shri Narendram Modi. The two dignitaries engaged in warm, cordial discussions, reflecting on shared aspirations and exploring avenues to further strengthen bilateral cooperation. Prime Minister Modi is presently undertaking a state visit to the Maldives." https://x.com/presidencymv/status/1949016029553950754 PM Modi underlined that the shared values continue to guide the important India-Maldives partnership. (ANI) Julie Bowen "started laughing" when she learned that her character dies in Happy Gilmore 2. Julie Bowen stars in the comedy sequel The 55-year-old actress has reprised the role of Virginia Venit for the comedy sequel, and Julie has recalled laughing when she discovered her character's fate in the movie. The Hollywood star - who appeared in the original Happy Gilmore movie in 1996 - told People: "When I found out that I was killed on page 12, I started laughing. "I was on vacation with my family, and I had no wifi. I could barely read this thing. I only had my phone, and I was like, 'Am I seeing this right'? Trying to blow it up. "And I was like, 'Oh, yeah, I'm dead. And he kills me.' Then I just started laughing. I just started laughing and laughing, and Adam [Sandler] was trying to get through to me. I was on island with no wifi and barely any cell, and we finally connected. "I go, 'I don't care. It's great. Happy can't be happy.'" Despite this, Julie relished reprising the role of Virginia. The actress said: "It's just fun to be part of the whole thing. Of course, why would I not want to be part of Happy Gilmore, whether I'm a big part, a little part." Meanwhile, Julie previously revealed that she thought Sydney Sweeney was set to replace her in Happy Gilmore 2. The actress thought someone like Sydney, 27, was perfectly suited to replace her in the comedy movie. Julie told The Hollywood Reporter: "I thought, Well I wont be in it'. And that was OK - it was like Virginia Venit, its been 30 years, hes got a hottie. Hes got some little bitty on the side, like a cart girl. "As a matter of fact my children told me, before I was even told officially that there was a 'Happy Gilmore' sequel, my now 18-year-old said, Mom, I hear theyre doing a sequel and hes with Sydney Sweeney as a cart girl.'" Sydney was widely linked with a role in the new 'Happy Gilmore' movie - but Julie was pleasantly surprised to be offered a part in the sequel. She said: "I went, Im hurt and I so respect that move. Of course, why wouldnt you? So when I got the call that I was actually in it, I was like, Are you sure? Come on.'" Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday emplaned for Tamil Nadu after concluding his visit to the Maldives, where he participated in the island nation's 60th Independence Day celebrations as Guest of Honour. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1949096629488795842 "As I conclude this productive visit to the Maldives, I extend my heartfelt thanks to President Muizzu, the Government and people of the Maldives for their warmth. I am deeply honoured to have witnessed the 60th Independence Day celebrations. The productive talks with President Muizzu will add significant energy to our bilateral relations," PM Modi said in a post on X. Later in the evening, at around 8 pm IST, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate, dedicate, and lay the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over Rs 4,800 crore at a public event in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin. Earlier in the day, PM Modi participated in the Independence Day celebrations alongwith Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed at the Republic Square in Male. He observed a special parade and procession by the Maldives National Defence Force. The President's Office said in a post on X, "His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed observe a special parade and procession by Maldives National Defence Force, held to commemorate the Maldives' 60th Independence Day. The Prime Minister of India, His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, also attended the celebrations." https://x.com/presidencymv/status/1949079820740305055 PM Modi also interacted with beneficiaries of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme. Earlier in the day, Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X, "PM Narendra Modi interacted with the ITEC alumni of Maldives, who have undergone various capacity building & training programmes in India over the years. PM conveyed his wishes on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the independence of Maldives. Capacity building is a key pillar of the India Maldives bilateral relationship." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1949082259065053203 Jaiswal said earlier, "PM Narendra Modi interacted with leaders of various political parties in Male, today. He conveyed his warm wishes on the occasion of the Independence Day of Maldives. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment for a stronger India-Maldives relationship, building upon the vibrant people to people ties and the shared values between the two democracies. The Maldivian leaders thanked PM for India's continued support on developmental assistance for the welfare of the Maldivian people." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1949019950020010041 PM Modi underlined that the shared values continue to guide the important India-Maldives partnership. (ANI) Advocacy groups called for streamlined procedures after airlines refused to transport mortal remains without original passports. Indian diaspora organisations have written to India's Home Secretary requesting urgent intervention to address bureaucratic obstacles preventing grieving families from repatriating their loved ones' remains to India. The letter, sent by prominent advocacy groups including TEAM Aid and Jaipur Foot USA, highlights a growing crisis affecting Indian families worldwide when Indian citizens die abroad without their passports readily available. The issue has intensified after Air India faced multiple fines from India's Bureau of Immigration, prompting the airline to adopt a strict policy refusing to transport human remains without the deceased's original passport-even when Indian embassies have issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs). Other airlines have reportedly followed suit with similar policies, creating what advocacy leaders describe as a "deeply distressing and devastating situation" for bereaved families. Prem Bhandari, chairman of Jaipur Foot USA, and Mohan Nannapaneni, founder of TEAM Aid, authored the letter to Home Secretary Govind Mohan outlining the humanitarian crisis. TEAM Aid's Founder and President, Mohan Nannapaneni, along with his dedicated team of volunteers, has facilitated the repatriation of over 4,000 mortal remains from the United States, Canada, and Mexico to every state across India. The organisations explain that passports often become inaccessible when individuals die abroad due to heart-wrenching circumstances. In cases involving accidents, suicides, or homicides, documents may be held by investigating officers for weeks or months. Immigration authorities sometimes retain passports in cases involving asylum seekers or visa violations, leaving families in agonising limbo. "In several tragic cases, the deceased individual lives alone, and their passport is often inaccessible at the time of death," the letter states, painting a picture of isolated deaths far from home. Residences are sometimes sealed during investigations, making document retrieval impossible while families desperately wait to bring their loved ones' home. The human cost of these policies is starkly illustrated in the case of Rahul Patel, whose tragic story has become emblematic of the crisis facing Indian families abroad. "For over a week now, the tragic, untimely, and unnatural death of Rahul Patel has left his mortal remains stranded in a funeral home despite all documentation, including the NOC from the Indian Consulate, being in order," Bhandari said. "The only hurdle is the passport, stuck with customs in Chicago for the last three days, delaying its cancellation. No airline is willing to transport the body due to fear of penalties." The personal toll on families is devastating. "Meanwhile, I receive calls at odd hours from the deceased's brother, Dilip Patel, from Gujarat every day whose family hasn't slept--desperately waiting to bring Rahul home," Bhandari added, highlighting the sleepless nights and anguish that define the experience of families caught in this bureaucratic maze. Despite Indian consulates showing compassion by issuing NOCs that acknowledge missing passports, families face additional trauma when remains arrive in India. Airport immigration officials sometimes detain bodies for hours, citing the absence of original travel documents, creating further delays in an already agonising process. "We used to occasionally ship human remains even when the original passport was unavailable, with the support of the Indian Consulate-issued No Objection Certificate (NOC)," says Nannapaneni. "However, due to recent penalties imposed on airlines by the Bureau of Immigration, carriers are now refusing to transport remains without an original passport. This has created heartbreaking challenges for grieving families who are unable to fulfill sacred religious rites and ensure a dignified final journey to their loved ones' homeland." The advocacy groups note this heartbreaking scenario occurs "even after families have endured days of emotional turmoil and logistical challenges to bring their loved one's home." Chief Advisor Prem Bhandari raises a fundamental question about the current system: "Indian Consulates, Embassies, and High Commissions issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the repatriation of mortal remains only after verifying the deceased's Indian nationality. Therefore, penalising airlines in such cases is neither understandable nor justified." His words underscore the frustration felt by families caught between competing bureaucratic requirements while trying to honour their departed loved ones. In light of this growing crisis, TEAM Aid's Chief Advisor, Prem Bhandari, has formally appealed to the Home Secretary of the Government of India, urging immediate intervention and a permanent resolution to protect and support Indian families in distress abroad. The organisations are requesting a formal directive or circular to airport and immigration authorities across India, stipulating that valid embassy NOCs mentioning passport unavailability should be sufficient for releasing remains without further delays. "We humbly request your intervention to streamline the process," the letter states with quiet desperation, emphasising that the issue "affects the dignity of the deceased and the sentiments of their families." The groups describe the matter as a "critical humanitarian concern" requiring immediate government attention to support the Indian diaspora community, particularly the substantial population in North America. For families already shattered by loss, the additional bureaucratic hurdles transform grief into a prolonged nightmare, denying them the closure that comes with performing final rites in their homeland. (ANI) The Israel Defence Forces on Saturday said they killed Ali Abd al-Qader Ismail, a senior Hezbollah commander in the Bint Jbeil sector. The IDF said that Ismail was involved in efforts to rehabilitate the terrorist organization in southern Lebanon. In a post on X, the IDF said, "ELIMINATED: Ali Abd al-Qader Ismail, a senior Hezbollah commander in the Bint Jbeil sector, involved in efforts to rehabilitate the terrorist organization in southern Lebanon. The IDF will continue to operate to remove any threat posed to the State of Israel." https://x.com/IDF/status/1949107342349304031 Israel Defence Minister Israel Katz visited the home of the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel, Sheikh Muafak Tarif, vowing to aid their brethren in Syria. Visiting the village of Julis, Katz said the military would work to provide medical assistance to the Druze of southern Syria, which suffered deadly attacks from Bedouin tribes earlier this month, according to a statement by the Defense Ministry. A boat carrying pro-Palestinian activists and humanitarian aid supplies approached the Gaza Strip, according to the organizers. The Handala boat, with 15 activists, set sail from Sicily earlier this month, a month after Israel intercepted a different vessel that had made a high-profile attempt to break the maritime blockade on the Gaza Strip, as per the Times of Israel. Handala is operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which also dispatched the earlier boat, the Madleen, on a mission to challenge Israel's blockade on the Strip. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told former hostages and hostage families yesterday that the Trump administration needs to "rethink" its strategy regarding solving the war in Gaza, after being unable to end the conflict since coming into office in January, The Times of Israel reported. Rubio said that it was necessary to "come to the president with new options" on strategy regarding the war, the report quotes him as saying, without detailing what those options may be. Captivity survivors and hostage families met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Friday, as per The Times of Israel. (ANI) Maldivian Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef on Saturday said that the meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a productive one. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the Maldives' 60th Independence Day celebrations, Latheef said, "We are very happy to welcome His Excellency (PM Modi), and it was very productive. It was very productive meeting." Qasim Ibrahim, leader of the Jumhooree Party, said that the India-Maldives relations are very good and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a very dynamic person. "India-Maldives relations are very good. Prime Minister Modi is very, very good and very Dynamic and also very talented and very wise leader. I am very thankful for him and his wise decision. He is so good to us, to Maldivian people and also our country," he said. Prime Minister Modi on Saturday concluded his visit to the Maldives, where he participated in the island nation's 60th Independence Day celebrations as Guest of Honour. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1949096629488795842 "As I conclude this productive visit to the Maldives, I extend my heartfelt thanks to President Muizzu, the Government and people of the Maldives for their warmth. I am deeply honoured to have witnessed the 60th Independence Day celebrations. The productive talks with President Muizzu will add significant energy to our bilateral relations," PM Modi said in a post on X. Earlier in the day, PM Modi participated in the Independence Day celebrations alongwith Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed at the Republic Square in Male. He observed a special parade and procession by the Maldives National Defence Force. https://x.com/presidencymv/status/1949079820740305055 The President's Office said in a post on X, "His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed observe a special parade and procession by Maldives National Defence Force, held to commemorate the Maldives' 60th Independence Day. The Prime Minister of India, His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, also attended the celebrations." (ANI) Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his state visit to the Maldives. Muizzu said that the visit was fruitful, as they witnessed the exchange of four MoUs and three agreements in vital areas, and announced the launch of FTA negotiations. In a post on X, he said, "I extend heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi for his state visit to the Maldives. We held fruitful discussions, witnessed the exchange of 4 MoUs & 3 agreements in vital areas, and announced the launch of FTA negotiations. Together, we celebrated the Maldives' 60th Independence Day, released a commemorative stamp marking 60 years of formal ties, and inaugurated key development projects under Indian assistance. A defining visit that sets a clear path for the future of India-Maldives relations." https://x.com/MMuizzu/status/1949089639328780350 Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it was an honour for him to attend the Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives. In a post on X, he said, "It was an honour to attend the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives. This momentous occasion showcased the rich cultural heritage and vibrant spirit of the Maldivian people. It also signified the country's journey of transformation over the years gone by. From its ancient maritime traditions to global leadership in critical areas like climate change, the Maldives has carved a unique place for itself on the world stage. My best wishes to the great Maldivian people." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1949091005476606181 "India and the Maldives share a deep-rooted partnership built on mutual respect, shared values and a long history of cultural and economic exchanges. Our relationship continues to grow, shaped by people-to-people ties and cooperation in various sectors. India remains committed to supporting the aspirations of the Maldivian people and to working together for the betterment of our planet," he added. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1949091012619468996 PM Modi also met the Indian diaspora in Maldives, calling it a strong bridge between India and the world. "Interacted with the Indian community in the Maldives. It is commendable how they are contributing to Maldives' progress and at the same time remain connected to their roots in India. The Indian diaspora continues to be one of the strongest bridges between India and the world. We are very proud of our diaspora." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1949081262376866061 Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said that Indian community in Maldives is a key pillar of the enduring India-Maldives friendship. In a post on X, he said, "PM Narendra Modi interacted with the members of the Indian community in Maldives. PM appreciated their contributions in building upon the strong and vibrant people to people ties between India-Maldives. Indian community in Maldives is a key pillar of the enduring India-Maldives friendship." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1949083028346552679 Jaiswal called the visit a fruitful one. He said in a post on X, "A very fruitful & productive State visit to Maldives concludes." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1949091053316759597 Jaiswal said that PM Modi attending the 60th anniversary of Independence Day celebrations of Maldives was a historic moment. In a post on X, he said, "A historic moment in the India-Maldives bilateral relationship. PM Narendra Modi attended the 60th anniversary of Independence Day celebrations of Maldives at the Republic Square in Male, today, as the 'Guest of Honour'. India has established itself as a time-tested partner of Maldives over the years and continues to be the 'First Responder' for Maldives in keeping with its 'Neighbourhood First' and 'MAHASAGAR' policies." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1949090320156680588 https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1949154462632751358 After concluding his visit to the island nation, PM Modi arrived in Tamil Nadu. Later in the evening, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated, dedicated, and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over Rs 4,800 crore at a public event in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin. (ANI) Rebel Wilson is being sued by the production company behind her directorial debut. Rebel Wilson sued by production company UK-based AI Film has filed the lawsuit in Australia, accusing the 44-year-old actress of deliberately sabotaging the films release in order to devalue the movie and pressure AI Film and Australian company Dunburn Debutantes Commissioning Company - named as the second plaintiff in the lawsuit - into selling their stake to her company Camp Sugar. According to The Guardian, AI Film said in a statement: These proceedings are regrettable but essential to ensure The Debs timely release. Its a joyous, fun film, and we are sure that audiences are going to love it. Lead actress Charlotte MacInnes said: I love this film and I cant wait for it to be released it would be wonderful if these proceedings can help make that happen. Wilson responded to the lawsuit with a message on Instagram Stories saying: "Apparently Im being sued in Australia. It makes no sense. As the director, producer and co-star who nurtured a project called THE DEB for 5 years from a 3 page idea into a gorgeous feature film - I want nothing more than to have this film released and have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to get this to happen. To say otherwise is complete nonsense. I'm so proud of the film! In my opinion this is continued bullying and harassment from UK financiers of the project Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron and Vince Holden after I exposed their dodgy behaviour. They tried to prevent the film from premiering there (they lost) and now theyve tried to stop the film being released because of a baseless US lawsuit and now a further Australian one. I've moved on, now directing my 2nd movie and loving it. But regarding THE DEB all I can literally say is 'F*** my life" with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart. Everyone who worked on the movie and who knows me KNOWS I put my blood, sweat and tears into this. Everyone knows I'm a truth teller when it comes to vile people in the industry. I just want this movie to come out and for all the amazingly talented contributors to be recognized for their sensational work! (sic). Last year, Rebel was hit with a defamation lawsuit after accusing the producers of The Deb of stopping it from premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. Rebel made an Instagram video in which she hit out at producers Amanda Ghost and Gregor Cameron, and executive producer Vince Holden, accusing them of "bad behaviour" on set. She also accused them of embezzling funds from the film and called them "vile and disgusting", claiming she had encountered "absolute viciousness and retaliatory behaviour" after reporting their actions. However, the trio denied all accusations and hit back in a lawsuit, filed at the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Moroccos fuel distribution sector experienced contrasting margin trends during the first quarter of 2025, with diesel and gasoline gross margins following distinct patterns across two phases, according to the Competition Councils latest report. The quarterly evolution revealed an initial growth phase from January through mid-February, followed by a decline lasting until end of March. During the growth period, diesel margins increased from 1.3 dirhams per liter to 1.46 dirhams, while gasoline margins rose from 1.95 to 2.11 dirhams per liter. The subsequent decline phase saw more pronounced adjustments. Diesel margins dropped 60 centimes to 0.86 dirhams per liter, representing a 41 percent decrease from peak levels. Gasoline margins fell 45 centimes to 1.66 dirhams per liter, a more moderate 21 percent decline. Nine distribution companies covered by the Competition Councils monitoring framework achieved average gross commercial margins of 1.24 dirhams per liter for diesel and 1.95 dirhams per liter for gasoline throughout the quarter. These figures reflect ongoing market dynamics following transactional agreements concluded between distributors and the Council. The reporting forms part of enhanced transparency measures in Moroccos fuel distribution sector, providing quarterly performance indicators and annual financial analysis. The data enables regulators to monitor market behavior and ensure compliance with competition standards. The mixed margin performance reflects broader market volatility, influenced by international oil price fluctuations, currency movements, and domestic demand patterns. As Morocco continues reforming its energy sector, these detailed margin analyses provide crucial insights for policymakers and market participants navigating an evolving regulatory landscape. Morocco continues to push forward its ambitious social protection reform, placing inclusive welfare systems at the core of the countrys development strategy and as a pillar of national solidarity. In implementation of Royal directives, the Moroccan government has accelerated the rollout of a comprehensive social protection program, whose rollout kicked off in April 2021. This program includes mandatory health insurance, direct financial aid to vulnerable households, and the extension of pension coverage to self-employed workers and informal sector participants. As of May 2025, the program has reached 3.9 million households, with 2 billion dirhams disbursed in direct support The government has also facilitated financial inclusion by enabling 75% of beneficiaries to open bank accounts through low-cost payment institutions To support this effort, Morocco mobilized additional funding through the 2025 Finance Law. This includes reallocating resources from other social programs, leveraging solidarity contributions from corporate profits, and reforming the subsidy system. The government is also preparing to expand unemployment benefits and retirement pensions, while continuing the reform of the national health system, including the construction of new hospitals in underserved regions In a major legislative step, Parliament recently approved Law 02.24, which modernizes the governance of the National Social Security Fund (CNSS) and strengthens its role in managing the expanded protection system. This law introduces new oversight mechanisms, digitalization of services, and the ability for CNSS to manage other social protection schemes under specific agreements. Additionally, the upper house of Parliament passed Law 54.23, which unifies the management of basic mandatory health insurance under CNSS, streamlining services and improving transparency. The Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, chaired by the King, remains a key actor in supporting the most vulnerable. Its work complements the broader momentum initiated by the National Human Development Initiative (NHDI), which has been instrumental in reducing poverty and improving human capital. In the wake of the 2023 earthquake, the King also led a national solidarity response, with $12 billion allocated for reconstruction and economic revitalization in affected areas. The Royal Armed Forces were deployed to establish field hospitals and deliver urgent aid. This sweeping reform is not only a response to immediate social needs but also a strategic investment in Moroccos long-term resilience and equity. The African Union Commission has reappointed Moroccan Ambassador Mohamed Belaiche as Special Representative of the Chairperson of the AU Commission and Head of the AU Liaison Office in Sudan. By renewing this appointment, AU Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf builds on the original designation made in 2019 by his predecessor, Moussa Faki Mahamat. The decision underscores the recognition of Moroccos expertise and its commitment to advancing peace and stability in Africa. A seasoned diplomat, Belaiche has held several high-level positions, including that of Moroccos Ambassador to Sudan, where he strengthened bilateral dialogue and actively worked to understand local and regional dynamics. He brings to his role within the African Union deep field knowledge and solid experience in mediation processes and the management of political transitions. This renewal also clearly demonstrates the confidence placed in Morocco for its constructive role in preventing and resolving crises on the African continent. It reaffirms the relevance of the Kingdoms approach, which is based on dialogue, preventive diplomacy, and support for transitions. Moreover, this renewed mandate further consolidates Moroccos image as a committed partner for peace, stability, and development in Africa. The renewal also comes amid a complex regional context, where supporting peace efforts, promoting national reconciliation, and backing institutional reconstruction processes are of particular importance. In this regard, it is worth recalling that during Moroccos presidency of the African Union Peace and Security Council in September 2019, the Kingdom conducted a determined diplomatic initiative that led to Sudans reinstatement within the AU following a period of suspension. Welcomed by African countries and international partners, this achievement has marked a significant milestone in the AUs support for Sudans transition. The Skydance x Paramount merger is officially a done deal. With FCC approval in hand, David Ellison takes the reinsand Shari Redstone steps aside, ending a Hollywood dynasty. Read more about what this means for the future of CBS and Paramount https://t.co/zrj0daFHuq pic.twitter.com/HAYnH4Zhg6 Los Angeles Magazine (@LAmag) July 26, 2025 Trumps FCC chair stooge says @CBSNews @60Minutes will now have a bias monitor that reports directly to Trump as a condition of the Paramount/Skydance merger Honestly why even bother at that point? Dont we have enough regime propaganda networks already? pic.twitter.com/szfhLveMUP The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) July 26, 2025 -The FCC has officially allowed the $8 billion-plus transaction for Skydance/Paramount to merge.-Chairman Brendan Carr declaring Americans no longer trust the legacy national news media to report fully, accurately, and fairly, said Carr in a statement. That is why I welcome Skydances commitment to make significant changes at the once storied CBS broadcast network."-Part of the merger, and settlement Paramount had with the Trump admin is that now 60 minutes will now have a bias monitor that reports directly to Trump"Source: 1 Despite big promises by oil majors to reduce gas flaring, the practice continues to be a major issue, contributing to high levels of greenhouse gas emissions. The International Energy Agency (IEA) and several state governments are aiming to achieve a global green transition, but decarbonising certain sectors, such as the oil industry, is proving extremely difficult. If gas flaring continues to take place, it could compromise the acceleration to green. Gas flaring is the burning of the natural gas associated with oil extraction. The practice has been carried out by oil companies for over 160 years, as there has been little financial incentive to capture the waste gas. Lax regulations in the sector have allowed companies to long continue flaring even when it was known to be highly polluting. Around 151 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas is flared each year, the equivalent of the amount needed to power the whole of sub-Saharan Africa. Each year, flaring releases around 400 million tonnes of CO2e emissions into the atmosphere, which is more than that released by many entire countries. In addition, flaring releases methane emissions, which contribute heavily to global warming, as methane is over 80 times more powerful than carbon dioxide as a warming gas on a 20-year timeframe. Governments and international organisations have put increasing pressure on oil companies to stop flaring gas and instead capture it, to prevent unnecessary pollution into the atmosphere. Oil companies may also use this captured gas for productive purposes, such as generating power. The World Banks Zero Routine Flaring (ZRF) by 2030 initiative, launched in 2015, commits governments and oil companies to end routine flaring no later than 2030. Currently, 36 states and 60 oil and gas companies endorse the initiative. The IEA has similarly called for an end to all flaring, except in emergencies, by 2030. According to a recent World Bank report, which used satellite data to estimate flared gas, the fossil fuel industry released an additional 389 million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere in 2024 from gas flaring activities. This represents a huge quantity of fuel waste, as well as unnecessary pollution. Global gas flaring increased for a second consecutive year to reach its highest level since 2007, according to the report. Zubin Bamji, the manager of the World Banks Global Flaring and Methane Reduction partnership (GFMR), said, Flaring is needlessly wasteful. [Its] a missed opportunity to strengthen energy security and improve access to reliable power. Many complain that regulations on gas flaring are too weak and poorly enforced, meaning that most companies around the world are not incentivised to invest in gas capture, and, therefore, continue to flare gas. According to the report, nine countries Russia, Iran, Iraq, the U.S., Venezuela, Algeria, Libya, Mexico, and Nigeria - were responsible for three-quarters of all gas flaring last year. Most of these countries have state-owned oil companies. Meanwhile, flaring intensity in Norway, which has invested heavily in shifting to low-carbon oil production, is 18 times lower than in the U.S. and 228 times lower than in Venezuela. In Canadas oil-producing region of Alberta, gas flaring in 2024 was far higher than the province's self-imposed limit for a second year in a row, according to data from Reuters. Alberta's crude oil production set a record last year at 1.5 billion barrels, marking a 4.5 percent increase over 2023, as it attempts to reduce its reliance on the neighbouring United States for energy. In June, Alberta's energy regulator announced it was ending the limit on flaring, following direction from the provincial government. Reuters estimates that Albertas oil and gas firms in the province flared roughly 912.7 million cubic metres of natural gas in 2024, which was 36 percent higher than the annual provincial limit of 670 million cubic metres. The value of the flared gas from 2024, around $63 billion at last years EU import prices, is equivalent to over half the upfront costs required to stop the practice altogether, according to the IEA. However, most countries still lack the political will and regulatory pressure to implement solutions. However, some countries have made drastic improvements to their gas flaring levels. Countries such as Angola, Egypt, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan have all reduced gas flaring in recent years. Kazakhstan has managed to reduce flaring by 71 percent since 2012 by introducing steep fines on companies that break the rules. While several countries and oil companies have committed to reducing gas flaring levels in recent years, many continue to practice flaring activities, with little incentive to invest in alternative solutions. Gas flaring levels will likely only decrease if governments worldwide impose stricter regulations on companies that practice flaring. Meanwhile, the continued practice of gas flaring will contribute heavily to global warming, which will have a knock-on effect on global green transition progress. By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The growing distance between Kyiv and Beijing is underscored by Ukraine's actions and the US-Ukraine agreement on critical minerals, though Ukraine continues to tread carefully due to China being its largest trading partner. Despite China's claims of neutrality, evidence suggests it is providing significant support to Russia, including dual-use technology and military systems, leading Ukraine to abandon hopes of Beijing brokering peace. Ukraine has arrested Chinese nationals on espionage charges and sanctioned Chinese companies, signaling a hardened stance toward Beijing due to its perceived support for Russia's war. The arrest of two Chinese nationals in Ukraine on espionage charges this month has punctuated a shift in Kyivs tone toward Beijing, whose support for Russias war is becoming harder to ignore. Ukraines intelligence service on July 9 said a 24-year-old Chinese man expelled from a Ukrainian technical school two years ago tried to obtain classified information about the Neptune missile program by befriending a defense worker. Authorities say he intended to pass the information to his father, who was also arrested, for delivery to Chinese intelligence. The arrests came just one day after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy imposed sanctions on five Chinese companies for aiding Russias war effort, an unusually direct move by Ukraine. From the outset of Russias full-scale invasion, Beijing has claimed neutrality while buying up Russian oil and gas - Moscows financial lifeline - and supplying dual-use technology to its military. Kyiv, like many in the West, had hoped China would use its leverage over Russian President Vladimir Putin to press for peace. That hope appears to be fading. China, once content to provide components like microchips, is now believed to be delivering entire systems. In May, pro-Russian Telegram channels claimed Moscow was using a new Chinese laser weapon to shoot down Ukrainian drones. This week, Ukraines military intelligence agency said Moscow is now launching drone decoys assembled inside Russia but made entirely from Chinese parts. Meanwhile, Beijing has been welcoming officials from Ukraines occupied territories at trade shows while Chinese companies have been selling heavy equipment to Russian companies operating in those territories. The shift in Beijings behavior comes amid reports that China is no longer even pretending to be neutral. EU officials told RFE/RL that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the blocs top diplomat Kaja Kallas during a July 3 meeting in Brussels that Beijing does not want Russia to lose the war, fearing it would free up the United States to focus more directly on China. Wang, the officials said, denied that China is backing the war, but his comments marked a departure from Beijings previous ambiguity. At an EU-China summit on July 25, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told her Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping that relations between Brussels and Beijing were at an "inflection point" while issuing a thinly veiled warning that China's relationship with Moscow was a "determining factor" in how the ties would proceed. Ukraines recent actions - from espionage arrests to corporate sanctions - suggest Kyiv is adjusting its stance as well. I think there has been a certain evolution, said Oleksandr Merezhko, chair of the Ukrainian parliaments foreign affairs committee. At the very beginning, there was some hope China could be involved in the [peace] process. But now weve become more realistic and speak more openly: China supports Russia. Beijing declined an invitation to attend the Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland last year, which drew representatives from more than 100 nations and organizations. As recently as December, Zelenskyy had expressed hope of restoring prewar trade levels with China and deepening ties with the country as he accepted Beijings new envoy to Ukraine. But that optimistic tone had changed by June, after China halted exports of drone parts to Ukraine. Days later, Zelenskyy traveled to Singapore and delivered what experts said was his first public criticism of Beijing since the invasion. In July, at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, he warned that countries backing Russia would be excluded from postwar reconstruction - a message widely interpreted as aimed at China. Growing Distance Meanwhile, the US-Ukraine agreement signed in June on critical minerals investment also calls for the exclusion of countries supporting Russia, underscoring the growing distance between Kyiv and Beijing. Still, Ukraine is treading carefully. China remains its largest trading partner by far, exporting more to Ukraine than Poland and Germany combined. Disrupting that trade would further strain Ukraines war-battered economy. Some in Kyiv see benefits in the cooling relationship. Additional criticism of China from Kyiv will align with the United States in its confrontation with Beijing, Vita Holod, a board member of the Ukrainian Association of Sinologists, told RFE/RL. For now, Ukraine isnt severing ties, but the illusion of Chinas neutrality has evaporated in Kyiv. By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Chicago, Illinois, July 22, 2025 - Ripple (XRP), as a mainstream crypto asset ranked at the top of the market capitalization, is not only known for its efficient and low-cost transfer performance, but is now gradually being integrated into the cloud mining ecosystem of RICH Miner, helping users to obtain stable passive income every day. This article will show you how XRP can participate in the cloud mining process of RICH Miner without directly "mining" and bring continuous returns to holders. 1. XRP itself cannot be mined, but it can be a "profit entry" Unlike Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH) that use the proof-of-work (PoW) mechanism, XRP is a pre-mined cryptocurrency that cannot be "mined" by traditional mining machines. But this does not mean that it cannot bring profits. On the RICH Miner platform, users can use XRP to purchase various computing power contracts (including mining plans for currencies such as BTC, ETH, DOGE, etc.) to participate in daily profit distribution. This model essentially uses XRP as an "entry asset" for mining investment, opening up a new passive income method. 2. How does RICH Miner cloud mining run the XRP profit process? The following is a typical participation process for XRP on the platform: 1. Register an account: Visit the RICH Miner official website and register to receive a $15 novice reward; 2. Use XRP to recharge your account After registering on the RICH Miner platform, users can choose XRP as the recharge currency. The system will generate a unique XRP address for recharge. 3. Select the contract and confirm the purchase The platform provides a variety of cloud mining contracts. Choose the appropriate mining contract according to your preference; (New User Experience Contract) Investment amount: $100; Term: 2 days; Daily income: $3; Total income: $100.00 + $6. (Canaan Avalon A15XP) Investment amount: $600; Term: 8 days; Daily income: $7.20; Total income: $500.00 + $57.60. (Bitdeer SealMiner A2) Investment amount: $1,300; Term: 13 days; Daily income: $17.30; Total income: $1300.00 + $221.39. (Bitmain Antminer L7) Investment amount: $3,000; Term: 17 days; Daily income: $42.30; Total income: $3000.00 + $719.10. (Bitmain Antminer S21 Immersion) Investment amount: $5600; Term: 24 days; Daily income: $84.00; Total income: $5600.00 + $2016.00. (Bitmain Antminer L9) Investment amount: $12,000; Term: 32 days; Daily income: $204.00; Total income: $12,000.00 + $6,528.00. Click to view the complete contract 4. Daily income distribution, support for reinvestment or withdrawal After the contract is purchased, the system will distribute mining income daily according to the computing power ratio, and automatically distribute it to the user's account. 3. Why is it more efficient to choose XRP to participate in cloud mining? Using XRP as a cloud mining investment asset has the following obvious advantages: Fast transfer speed. It takes an average of 3 to 5 seconds to arrive, which is much faster than mainstream currencies such as BTC/ETH Extremely low handling fees. Usually less than 0.0001 XRP, which is almost negligible High liquidity. The XRP market is active and easy to convert to other income currencies such as USDT, BTC, ETH, etc. Support flexible contracts. RICH Miner provides a variety of contracts, supporting small participation and short-term/long-term income configuration Suitable for mobile users. The whole process can be completed on the mobile app, which is convenient to operate and has a user-friendly interface IV. Summary: XRP opens up not only transfer efficiency but also daily income for you In the RICH Miner system, XRP is no longer just a tool for "fast transfer", but a value medium that can truly help users achieve passive income, optimize asset circulation efficiency, and support flexible mining strategies. By properly configuring contracts and income currencies, users can not only make XRP take advantage of its liquidity, but also create real returns for you every day. If you are a long-term holder of XRP, or want to participate in cloud mining through stable currencies, you might as well try RICH Miner's XRP mining channel and start a new digital income journey with the most familiar currency. Customer service email: info@richminer.com Official website:https://richminer.com Disclaimer: This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Cryptocurrency investments involve risk, and readers are encouraged to conduct their own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Originally published on ibtimes.com.au WASHINGTON The U.S. is developing new safeguards for the organ transplant system after a government investigation found a Kentucky group continued preparations for organ donation by some patients who showed signs of life, officials told Congress this week. While the organ removals were canceled, near misses that some lawmakers called horrifying should never happen. A House subcommittee asked how to repair trust in the transplant network for potential organ donors and families some of whom have opted out of donor registries after these cases were publicized. "We have to get this right," said Rep. Brett Guthrie, a Kentucky Republican who chairs the Energy and Commerce Committee and whose mother died waiting for a liver transplant. "Hopefully people will walk away today knowing we need to address issues but still confident that they can give life," Guthrie said, adding that he will remain a registered organ donor. The hearing came after a federal investigation began last fall into allegations that a Kentucky donation group pressured a hospital in 2021 to proceed with plans to withdraw life support and retrieve organs from a man despite signs that he might be waking up from his drug overdose. That surgery never happened after a doctor noticed him moving and moaning while being transported to the operating room and the man survived. Lawmakers stressed most organ donations proceed appropriately and save tens of thousands of lives a year. But the federal probe concluded in March but only made public ahead of Tuesday's hearing cited a "concerning pattern of risk" in dozens of other cases involving the Kentucky group's initial planning to recover someone's organs. The report said some should have been stopped or reassessed earlier, and mostly involved small or rural hospitals with less experience in caring for potential organ donors. The Kentucky organ procurement organization, or OPO, has made changes and the national transplant network is working on additional steps. But notably absent Tuesday was any testimony from hospitals whose doctors must independently determine a patient is dead before donation groups are allowed to retrieve organs. Here's a look at how the nation's transplant system works. There's a dire need for organ donation More than 100,000 people are on the U.S. transplant list and about 13 a day die waiting, according to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. Only about 1% of deaths occur in a way that allows someone to even be considered for organ donation. Most people declared dead in a hospital will quickly be transferred to a funeral home or morgue instead. How the U.S. organ transplant system is set up Several groups are involved in every transplant: the hospital caring for someone dead or dying; the 55 OPOs that coordinate recovery of organs and help match them to patients on the waiting list; and transplant centers that decide if an organ is the right fit for their patients. Adding to the complexity, two government agencies HRSA, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services share regulatory oversight of different parts of the donation and transplant process. How deceased donation works Most organ donors are brain-dead when testing determines someone has no brain function after a catastrophic injury. The body is left on a ventilator to support the organs until they can be retrieved. But increasingly organs are donated after circulatory death, called DCD when people die because their heart stops. It usually happens when doctors determine someone has a nonsurvivable injury and the family withdraws life support. Donation groups don't provide hands-on patient care Hospitals are required to alert their area OPO to every potential donor who is declared brain-dead or once the decision to withdraw life support is made. The OPOs by law can't participate in that decision and "we are not even in the room at that time," said Barry Massa of Kentucky's Network for Hope. Hospital employees continue caring for the patient while the donation team talks with the family about the process, gathers hospital records showing the patient is eligible, requests tests of organ quality, and make arrangements with transplant centers to use them. Once the hospital withdraws life support and the heart stops beating there's a mandatory five-minute wait to be sure it won't restart. When the doctor declares death, the organ retrieval process can begin. Organs are only considered usable if death occurs relatively quickly, usually up to about two hours. Sometimes that takes much longer and thus the organs can't be used and HRSA's Dr. Raymond Lynch told Congress that doesn't necessarily mean anything was done wrong. Still, he said HRSA is investigating reports of possible mistakes elsewhere. "This is a technically demanding form of care" that requires "good collaboration between the OPO and the hospital," he said. What happens next At issue is how doctors are sure when it's time to withdraw life support as well as the delicate balance of how OPOs interact with hospital staff in preparing for donation. In May, HRSA quietly ordered the U.S. transplant network to oversee improvements at the Kentucky OPO and to develop new national policies making clear that anyone family, hospital staff or organ donation staff can call for a pause in donation preparations any time there are concerns about the patient's eligibility. Lynch said the government now wants more proactive collaboration from OPOs to give hospital staff "a clear understanding" of when to at least temporarily halt and reevaluate a potential donor if their health status changes. Kentucky's Massa said his group only received HRSA's reports this week but that after learning about last fall's allegations, it made some changes. Massa said every hospital doctor and nurse now gets a checklist on caring for potential donors and how to pause when concerns are raised and anyone can anonymously report complaints. GRAND ISLAND, Neb. Former Grand Island Mayor Jeremy Jensen said that the Nebraska State Fair paid too much for the adjacent land formerly owned by an equine veterinarian and that board members wouldnt have paid more than $4 million for the land if it was their own money used. The fairs executive director, meanwhile, said buying the property formerly owned by equine veterinarian Doug Brunk was a good investment and a strategic purchase with an eye on the future. Jensen, a former State Fair board member, criticized the State Fair for its request of $2.6 million from the City of Grand Island, made June 10. Jensen said its insanity that the city is even considering giving them additional funds when theyve proven they cant manage appropriately what they have. In January, the State Fair paid $4.15 million for a 20.5-acre parcel just across Stolley Park Road from Fonner Park. The property, which includes a number of buildings, was long owned by Brunk. Brunk and his wife, Tami, retired in December. In June, State Fair Executive Director Jaime Parr said the fairs main interest in the property is the 15-acre pasture that weve been using most of the years that the fairs been in Grand Island. In an email sent to the Grand Island Independent this week, Parr wrote that the fair has been analyzing for quite some time what it can do to secure its current and future needs. In 2024, we learned about a tremendous opportunity: the 20-acre Brunk property, located immediately south of Fonner Park, became available for purchase, she wrote. This land has been leased by the Nebraska State Fair for livestock check-in (off-site being important for animal health reasons) and parking for up to 600 livestock trailers and vehicles during the Nebraska State Fair and the Aksarben Stock Show, she wrote. But the seller was unwilling to sell just the portion of the ground we wanted the land and the existing equine veterinary clinic on the site were a package, Parr wrote. Recognizing the importance of this ground to the State Fairs future, the board voted at a regularly scheduled public meeting to acquire the property, knowing that we would market and sell those portions that we did not need, namely the vet clinic, Parr wrote. This was a strategic, future-focused investment. The vet clinic has been marketed nationally and locally. Our goal has always been to sell to someone whose veterinary work complements the needs of the Nebraska State Fair and the Hall County community. We would love everyones help in finding the right buyer for this property. Jensen used the Freedom of Information Act to obtain emails and texts sent and received by the State Fair earlier this year. He has publicized his findings on Facebook. On Thursday, Jensen said he has a unique perspective on the State Fairs finances because he not only served on the fair board but also was the mayor and was very involved in the passage of our food and beverage tax that really is the funding vehicle for projects such as the match that the city gives the Nebraska State Fair each year. $2.6M request to City of Grand Island enters fray Jensen was not happy to read about the fairs request of $2.6 million from the city. The State Fair maintains, Jensen said, that about half of that amount would directly benefit the city. But nobodys really talked about the other $1.1 million in the request, Jensen said. The State Fair has already received $20 million in American Investment and Recovery Act (ARPA) funds for this project, Jensen said. Now State Fair officials are coming back to the City Council and asking for another $2.6 (million), he said. At the same time, the State Fair paid more than $4 million for a piece of property that is valued somewhere between $1 million and $2 million, with the whole reason behind that for simply saying we need parking, Jensen said. Jensen noted that in a previous Independent story, Parr said the State Fair bought a vet clinic thats completely tricked out for equine vet surgeries. I mean, what the heck does the State Fair need to purchase a veterinary clinic for? Jensen said. In buying the land, Jensen said, the fair asked for professional opinions about the value and completely disregarded it. The negotiation was simply saying Well, you started at 6 and a half, we started at 2; lets just meet in the middle and call it good, even though we know that were completely overpaying by a couple million dollars minimum. And my issue with that is that theres no way in hell any of those board members would have done that with their own money. And then they come back to City Council and ask for more funds, Jensen said. The State Fair used to lease that parking ground for $23,000 per year, Jensen said, adding that he knows the land is important for trailer parking and other uses. Parr says the lands use is important for livestock check-in. Veterinary papers are checked on this site because its off ground, which is important for biosecurity, she wrote. Its important for our livestock exhibitors and how the Nebraska State Fair operates. Had this property been sold to another party, there was no guarantee we would still be able to lease the property during the fair. Now that we own the property, we can use it in a number of ways to serve and support Nebraska State Fair operations year-round. The veterinary clinic portion of the property is still for sale. Weve been marketing the vet clinic since shortly after we acquired it, Parr wrote. Weve had serious conversations with five equine veterinarians, and three have toured the property. The fair would like to hear from any equine veterinarians who would be community-minded and interested in the facility, Parr wrote. Meanwhile, well continue to market the property until we find the right buyer thats in the best interest of the community and industry. Parr was asked whether $4.15 million was too much to pay for the land. The real question, she said, is whats the value of this property to the Nebraska State Fair? The Nebraska State Fair is not a government entity its actually a nonprofit authorized by state statute. As a result, we dont have the right of what the lawyers call eminent domain we cant force a sale at our price. We have to wait until a property becomes available and then negotiate like any other non-government buyer, Parr wrote. Tremendous strategic value The property has tremendous strategic value to the Nebraska State Fair, Parr said. Serving our livestock exhibitors and their families is incredibly important to the fair. The value of maintaining clear access along Stolley Park Road during State Fair and during Aksarben Stock Show is also crucial to both the fair and to the Grand Island community. Any land adjacent to or near Fonner Park became particularly valuable to State Fair when the city and Fonner stakeholders were discussing the need for more paved parking on Fonner Park campus. This started back in 2024 as the casino was looking to obtain their occupancy license. Our parking deficit conversations were happening simultaneously with our conversations with the seller. The value of this particular property to the Nebraska State Fair present and future is significant, and we obtained the property at about $2 million less than what the seller wanted. Parr said the State Fair does not own Fonner Park. Thats the way it was set up by the State of Nebraska, she wrote. We operate under a facilities agreement for use of buildings during the fair. The Fonner campus is surrounded by development on all sides, which limits our ability to expand parking and support the continued growth of this great tradition. In his Facebook posts, Jensen suggests that Fonner Park CEO Chris Kotulak had early knowledge about the purchase of the Brunk property. Kotulaks wife, Kay, is a veterinarian specializing in equine reproduction. This week, Chris Kotulak said he and his wife did not benefit from inside information. Kotulak said that before the purchase of the Brunk land, he knew only in a general way about the purchase. A couple of months before the sale, Kotulak said, the State Fair informed Fonner Park about the process in brief, saying, Hey look, were making a bid on purchasing that. Thats all that was. But that wasnt anything to do with Chris Kotulak and Kay Kotulak specifically, Kotulak said. Kotulak denies knowledge before sale The Kotulaks did not have any communication with the State Fair about the land before it was purchased, he said. According to Jensens timeline, the purchase of the Brunk land was made Jan. 2. On Jan. 10, the Kotulaks toured the property with another central Nebraska veterinarian and his wife, along with the Brunks. If there was some sort of a collusion, I dont know why we would tour (eight days after the sale closed). Why wouldnt we just acquire the land, or Fonner Park acquire the land? Kotulak said. So the sequence supports Kotulaks version of the timeline. The sequence supports what happened and what didnt happen, for that matter, he said. Were not hiding anything, Kotulak said. Kotulak said he and his wife are interested in being a partner with whoever buys the practice. After touring the property after the sale, Kotulak said he and his wife havent talked to the veterinarian with whom they inspected it. We didnt want to cloud the picture with whatever he may have working with the State Fair. So we just backed away. Kotulak said he doesnt know if that vet is still interested. Kotulak said he wasnt surprised when the fair bought the Brunk property, because theyve always been interested in that land. Parr was asked if anyone received preferential treatment in the process. Absolutely not, she wrote. Kotulak said he knows the importance of a local equine veterinarian. On behalf of Fonner Park, I am adamant about trying to get a veterinarian or veterinarians in that clinic, because there is a dearth of horse veterinarians in central Nebraska, Nebraska and the United States. Veterinarians are hard to come by nowadays, and when we have a campus of nearly 700 horses for nearly half a year, its nice to have a veterinarian across the street from us. The State Fair says it wouldnt have been able to buy the land if not for its sound financial position. The governor is aware of the purchase but saw no reason for uproar. On Thursday, while this story was being written, the State Fair sent another email to the Independent. The purchase of the adjacent parcel of land and the presentation to City Council regarding ARPA have no bearing on one another, Parr wrote. The land purchase was made in January 2025. City Council knew, even dating back to the last presentation in June 2023, that the Nebraska State Fair as project manager on this ARPA project would be back for councils consideration to fund projects not funded through the grant. In June 2023, we believed that number to consider would be to the tune of $7.5 million. Once the project began, we knew a number of items would not be covered by the grant, and the (memorandum of understanding) we had with City of Grand Island states that the citys participation will be to consider and evaluate if any gap projects could/should be funded by city. In 2020, we laid out the project and our ARPA application (City of Grand Island, Fonner Park, Nebraska State Fair) for $27 million and have cut and molded to get us an amazing outcome for the $20 million we were awarded, Parr said. But that does not mean that the Nebraska State Fair should be solely responsible to cover the costs for the $2.6 million worth of work (lighting, cameras) that the city, Fonner and State Fair all agreed were an important part of this project and would serve all campus stakeholders year-round. The $2.6 million includes every item that was originally planned for that wont get done under ARPA funding. Of that number, $1.5 million directly impacts the citys Heartland Event Center. Our ask to council was the Nebraska State Fair doing their due diligence, following up on an agreement the city, Fonner and State Fair had in 2023, which stated that the State Fair could come present any projects not covered by ARPA to the council for funding consideration. This request is an investment into the parking lot; it is not to fund the fair. By Oregon Campaign Watch, A WSJ article on political funding shows a clear leader in Democratic Congressional fundraising with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. LONDON, United Kingdom, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the overall crypto market picks up, sentiment-driven currencies such as DOGE are experiencing a sharp rise. But while many investors are immersed in the optimistic sentiment of "rising means making money", some smart money has quietly withdrawn. This is not because they do not trust DOGE, but because they have found an alternative with more long-term value and stable returns - DEAL Mining, a new generation of cloud mining platform designed for stable passive income. No more chasing the "cryptocurrency buzz": smart money is betting on long-term returns In the past two months, DOGE prices have risen by more than 65%, and social media popularity has soared. However, data shows that the amount of DOGE sold at high prices has also increased simultaneously. Some early holders have begun to "take profits and leave" and transfer funds to passive tools that can bring sustainable returns. DEAL Mining is a popular choice among them. The platform has quickly gained market attention with its zero technical threshold, AI mining strategy, and smart contract management, attracting a large number of DOGE investors seeking asset preservation and compound interest appreciation. "The hype cycle is too short to build a sustainable wealth model. We hope to let users return to the essence of investment through DEAL Mining - long-term, safe and sustainable." How does DEAL Mining solve the pain points of cloud mining? Traditional cloud mining platforms often face the following three major problems: complex technology, opaque benefits, and high barriers to entry. DEAL Mining's solutions precisely hit these "old pain points": All-platform App (Android/iOS) Minimalist UI, complete registration within 5 minutes, give $15 to new users, choose a plan and start mining. Smart mining scheduling The system dynamically allocates computing power to the most profitable currencies (such as BTC, LTC, ETC, etc.) based on real-time on-chain data. DOGE direct deposit and settlement Users can directly use DOGE to pay for cloud mining plans and settle their earnings to the same address daily. Carbon neutral green computing power DEAL data center operates with solar + wind energy, which is in line with ESG investment trends. Advanced security protection Cloudflare DDOS protection + end-to-end encryption + multi-wallet signature system. Auto-Mining with Smart Contracts Register now to get a $15 new user bonus and experience cloud mining with zero investment The entry threshold is as low as $15, and DOGE users prefer "low risk value-added" Compared with the high volatility and high psychological burden of participating in MEME coin transactions, DEAL Mining only requires $15 to open a contract. There is no need to constantly watch the market or guess the emotional turning point, and you can truly "earn money while sleeping." The change of investor mentality: from "heat arbitrage" to "structural income" Speculation is no longer the only game in cryptoinvestors are shifting to sustainable yield strategies.After 2024, more and more investors realize that making quick money depends on luck, but if you want to realize asset appreciation, you need to rely on structured income tools. DEAL Mining is such a structure: Use AI to improve income stability Use smart contract execution to make it transparent Use green energy to reduce long-term costs Support multiple currencies to achieve free flow of funds "We don't sell the fantasy of getting rich quickly. We help users establish a 'replicable passive income model'." Victor Reyes, head of investment relations at DEAL Mining About DEAL Mining Founded in 2016, DEAL Mining is committed to creating a decentralized, low-threshold, and highly transparent cloud mining ecosystem. The platform now covers 200 countries, with a total of more than 7 million users, and has obtained three green computing power patent certifications. With the rise of Web3 and DePIN (decentralized physical infrastructure) concepts, DEAL Mining is gradually evolving into a world-leading "Mining-as-a-Service" platform. Official website experience: https://dealmining.com App download: https://dealmining.app Business contact: info@dealmining.com Get out of the hype cycle and enter the realistic track of long-term compound interest. Choose DEAL Mining, use less risk and earn your own "next round of dividends". Disclaimer: This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Cryptocurrency investments involve risk, and readers are encouraged to conduct their own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Originally published on ibtimes.com.au 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: A mosaic outside a home in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii reading: "Beware of the dog" Around 1,500 Latin inscriptions are discovered every year, offering an invaluable view into the daily life of ancient Romansand posing a daunting challenge for the historians tasked with interpreting them. But a new artificial intelligence tool, partly developed by Google researchers, can now help Latin scholars piece together these puzzles from the past, according to a study published on Wednesday. Inscriptions in Latin were commonplace across the Roman world, from laying out the decrees of emperors to graffiti on the city streets. One mosaic outside a home in the ancient city of Pompeii even warns: "Beware of the dog". These inscriptions are "so precious to historians because they offer first-hand evidence of ancient thought, language, society and history", said study co-author Yannis Assael, a researcher at Google's AI lab DeepMind. "What makes them unique is that they are written by the ancient people themselves across all social classes on any subject. It's not just history written by the elite," Assael, who co-designed the AI model, told a press conference. However these texts have often been damaged over the millennia. "We usually don't know where and when they were written," Assael said. So the researchers created a generative neural network, which is an AI tool that can be trained to identify complex relationships between types of data. They named their model Aeneas, after the Trojan hero and son of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. It was trained on data about the dates, locations and meanings of Latin transcriptions from an empire that spanned five million square kilometers over two millennia. Thea Sommerschield, an epigrapher at the University of Nottingham who co-designed the AI model, said that "studying history through inscriptions is like solving a gigantic jigsaw puzzle". "You can't solve the puzzle with a single isolated piece, even though you know information like its color or its shape," she explained. "To solve the puzzle, you need to use that information to find the pieces that connect to it." The AI tool helps researchers estimate when a Roman inscription was made. Tested on Augustus This can be a huge job. Latin scholars have to compare inscriptions against "potentially hundreds of parallels", a task which "demands extraordinary erudition" and "laborious manual searches" through massive library and museum collections, the study in the journal Nature said. The researchers trained their model on 176,861 inscriptionsworth up to 16 million characters5% of which contained images. It can now estimate the location of an inscription among the 62 Roman provinces, offer a decade when it was produced and even guess what missing sections might have contained, they said. To test their model, the team asked Aeneas to analyze a famous inscription called "Res Gestae Divi Augusti", in which Rome's first emperor Augustus detailed his accomplishments. Debate still rages between historians about when exactly the text was written. Though the text is riddled with exaggerations, irrelevant dates and erroneous geographical references, the researchers said that Aeneas was able to use subtle clues such as archaic spelling to land on two possible datesthe two being debated between historians. More than 20 historians who tried out the model found it provided a useful starting point in 90% of cases, according to DeepMind. The best results came when historians used the AI model together with their skills as researchers, rather than relying solely on one or the other, the study said. "Since their breakthrough, generative neural networks have seemed at odds with educational goals, with fears that relying on AI hinders critical thinking rather than enhances knowledge," said study co-author Robbe Wulgaert, a Belgian AI researcher. "By developing Aeneas, we demonstrate how this technology can meaningfully support the humanities by addressing concrete challenges historians face." More information: Yannis Assael, Contextualizing ancient texts with generative neural networks, Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09292-5. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09292-5 Journal information: Nature 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Almost 1,300 people had their blood samples taken to confirm exposure to the forever chemicals in a Belgian region. A water contamination scandal has gripped a leafy corner of southern Belgium, causing anxious residents to queue up for blood tests to confirm potential exposure to so-called forever chemicals. On an early summer afternoon about a dozen people waited to get their samples taken at a municipal building in Braine-le-Chateau, a picturesque town in the French-speaking Wallonia region. "Initially local authorities told us that measurements were reassuring, but in reality, they didn't have any and were simply trying to keep people calm as best they could," Douglas, a 35-year-old consultant who preferred only to give his first name, told AFP. "This kind of game has to stop," he said, adding he hoped the blood-sampling campaign launched in June would help shed light on the situation. Anger in the region first erupted in 2023 when an investigation by local broadcaster RTBF revealed the authorities had ignored longstanding warnings about high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called forever chemicals. It emerged that the US military, which has an airbase in the small city of Chievres, had warned the local water company in 2017 about high PFAS levels in drinking water, following an incident involving firefighting foam. The US base advised its personnel to drink bottled waterbut locals were left in the dark for years, even after the regional government was told of the issue in 2018. PFAS are a family of synthetic chemicals that take an extremely long time to break down. Chronic exposure to even low levels of the chemicals has been linked to liver damage, high cholesterol, reduced immune responses, low birth weights and several kinds of cancer. A group of more than 10,000 human-made chemicals that repel heat, water and oil, PFAS are used in nonstick pans, stain-proof carpets, and other products. But their use is increasingly being restricted across the world due to adverse health effects. In June an Italian court sentenced executives at a chemical plant to jail terms of up to 17 years for polluting water used by hundreds of thousands of people with the chemicals. PFAS use is increasingly being restricted due to adverse health effects. 'Putting out fires' Water samples in Braine-le-Chateau last year revealed levels five to six times higher than a safety standard of 4 nanograms/liter (ng/L) for four PFAS recently agreed by Belgian authorities. The exact source of the pollution has not yet been confirmed and a judicial investigation is underway. Authorities have since ordered water distribution firms to install activated carbon filtersa move they say has contained the issue. Large-scale blood testing was carried out in Chievres in early 2024and later extended to nearby areas. Authorities said almost 1,300 people across about 10 municipalities had their blood samples taken to confirm exposure to the chemicals in recent weeks, as part of a fresh campaign launched in June. The results, which could lead to new health recommendations, are expected later this year. Wallonia's government, which took office last summer, has also decided to bring forward to 2025 new European Union rules requiring that drinking water must not exceed a total of 100 ng/L for 20 substances in the PFAS family. "We have taken radical measures and all our distributors are now complying with this standard," Yves Coppieters, the regional minister for health and the environment, told AFP. Nevertheless he acknowledged that "the population is very concerned", adding that without clarity on the source of the pollution, it might take decades to resolve the issue. "Telling people not to eat their home-grown eggs and vegetables, setting standards for sewage sludge... for now I'm just putting out fires," said Coppieters, who favors a ban on all products containing PFAS. Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden have submitted a joint proposal for the EU to ban the production, sale, and use of almost all forever chemicals. And the European Commission has said it is looking to ban PFAS in everyday consumer products. 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Birds are perhaps the most colorful group of animals, bringing a splash of color to the natural world around us every day. Indeed, exclusively black and white birdssuch as magpiesare in the minority. However, new research by a team from Princeton University in the United States has revealed a surprising trick in which birds use those boring black and white feathers to make their colors even more vivid. In the study, published today in Science Advances, Rosalyn Price-Waldman and her colleagues discovered that if colored feathers are placed over a layer of either white or black underlying feathers, their colors are enhanced. A particularly striking discovery was that in some species the different color of males and females wasn't due to the color the two sexes put into the feathers, but rather in the amount of white or black in the layer underneath. Why birds are so brightand how they do it Typically, male birds have more vivid colors than females. As Charles Darwin first explained, the most colorful males are more likely to attract mates and produce more offspring than those that aren't as vivid. This process of "sexual selection" is the evolutionary force that has resulted in most of the colors we see in birds today. Evolution is a process that rewards clever solutions in the competition among males to stand out in the crowd. Depositing a layer of black underneath patches of bright blue feathers has enabled males to produce that extra vibrancy that helps them in the competition for mates. The reason the black layer works so well is that it absorbs all the light that passes through the top layer of colored feathers. The color we see is blue because those top feathers have a fine structure that scatters light in a particular way, and reflects light in the blue part of the spectrum. The feathers appear particularly vivid blue because the light in other wavelengths is absorbed by the under-layer. If the under-layer was paler, some of the light in the other parts of the light spectrum would bounce back and the blue would not "pop out" as much. Different tricks for different colors Interestingly, in the new study, the researchers found that for yellow feathers the opposite trick works. Yellow feathers contain yellow pigmentscarotenoidsand in this case they are enhanced if they have a white under-layer. The white layer reflects light that passes through the yellow feathers, and this increases the brightness of these yellow patches, making them more striking in contrast to surrounding patches of color. A surprisingly common technique The authors focused most of their work on species of tanager, typically very colorful fruit-eating birds that are native to Central and South America. However, once they had discovered what was happening in tanagers, they checked to see if it was occurring in other birds. This additional work revealed that the use of black and white underlying feathers to enhance color is found in many other bird families, including the Australian fairy wrens, which have such vivid blue coloration. This widespread use of black and white across so many different species suggests birds have been enhancing the production of color in this clever way for tens of millions of years, and that it is widely used across birds. The study is important because it helps us to understand how complex traits such as color can evolve in nature. It may also help us to improve the production of vibrant colors in our own architecture, art and fashion. More information: Rosalyn M. Price-Waldman et al, Hidden white and black feather layers enhance plumage coloration in tanagers and other songbirds, Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adw5857 Journal information: Science Advances This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. WARREN COUNTY County officials will look to conduct a $100,000 feasibility study to explore potential alternative future uses for the 40-mile Hudson River Rail Corridor. The purpose of this study that we want to do is to look 10 to 15 years in the future to understand this 40-mile right-of-way that we own, said Warren County Planner Ethan Gaddy. Its about a $100,000 project we have scoped out to evaluate four or five different alternative futures, or alternative scenarios, for the railway. Potential future uses may include long-continuing leases with rail bike companies or other recreational providers, the creation of a multi-use trail, transferring ownership of the railroad to some other entity such as New York State or the Open Space Institute, or no action at all. However, Gaddy added that all potential future uses are purely speculative at this point in the process. Gaddy explained that 25% of the study would be a regulatory review, an additional 25% would dive into desktop engineering to better evaluate the current built assets on the rail, and the remaining 50% would involve stakeholder engagement where the economic impacts of each alternative railway use would be discussed. The result would be a handful of alternatives that weigh the regulatory and the financial implications, as well as the economic opportunities or liabilities, associated with each of those alternatives, then present that to the Board of Supervisors to help inform what we do with this asset going forward, Gaddy said. A feasibility study of this magnitude was originally outlined as one of the six key projects in the Warren County Outdoor Recreation Economy Strategic Plan. The study would be funded through a grant from Empire State Development. Back in 2019, the county had started an abandonment process for the railway, but that process was halted due to regulatory issues with the northern leg of the railway, according to Gaddy. Gaddy said that the railway is a great asset, but its also a financial liability theres maintenance considerations. Last year, it cost the county roughly $673,000 to repair damage to the rail line, according to Warren County Administrator John Taflan. Its a class three rail line. We are required under the agreement we have with various transportation organizations to maintain it at that level, Taflan said. [Repairs] are going to be something that were going to continually do if we have washouts, if we have requirements, Taflan continued. Until recently, Warren County has been unable to inspect the rail line. However, the Department of Public Works has purchased a sidecar that can now inspect the rail line and head off future challenges associated with damage. Looking forward 15 years from now, are we going to continue to maintain this rail line? We just want to see what other options we have for this, Taflan said of the study. Perhaps the most valuable asset on the 40-mile railway is the tourism magnet Revolution Rail, also known as Rev. Rail, a rail biking adventure through the Adirondacks. Rev. Rail leases its portion of the rail line from Warren County for $100,000 annually. Weve entered into a really productive relationship with Rev. Rail, Gaddy said. They bring a lot of visitors to our area. Theyre utilizing our infrastructure. Its a really fantastic way to get visitors out into the up-county area in a very sanctioned, comfortable way. Theres no doubt our partnership with Rev. Rail is phenomenal, Taflan said. They bring a lot of tourists into the county. They have agreements now with the tubers and whitewater rafters. Gaddy clarified that just because the county is exploring alternative uses for the rail line, such as a multi-use trail, doesnt mean that Rev. Rail would cease to exist in the future. I know in the past there had been some interest groups that were promoting the total conversion of the rail line into a multi-use trail, Gaddy said. I dont think that its black or white. I think there could certainly be alternatives explored where we have this really successful tourism attraction [Rev. Rail] that can co-exist with other alternative uses. This isnt like, Oh were trying to chase Rev. Rail off our rail line, because we do really appreciate the activities that theyre providing in the county, Gaddy explained. Multi-use trail conversion is a popular option for several railways throughout the state. Transition to a multi-use trail has been successful recently in Essex County, also from Albany-south along a lot of those lines. Its a good tourist drawer, Taflan said. Ghislaine Maxwell's attorney appeared hopeful that President Donald Trump could exercise his pardon power after the president noted he would be "allowed" to the associate of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein a pardon. Defense attorney David Markus expressed openness to receiving a pardon from Trump after officials from the Department of Justice questioned Maxwell about the Epstein case. "We haven't spoken to the president or anybody about a pardon just yet. The president this morning said he had the power to do so. We hope he exercises that power in a right and just way," Markus told reporters outside federal court in Tallahassee, Florida. Ghislaine Maxwell Attorney: We haven't spoken to the president or anybody about a pardon just yet. The president this morning said he had the power to do so and we hope he exercises that power in a right and just way. pic.twitter.com/ySAkh1dMFl Acyn (@Acyn) July 25, 2025 Trump made waves online after the president acknowledged that he has the power to pardon Maxwell if he chooses before leaving for Scotland Friday morning. "It's something I haven't thought about. I'm allowed to do it, but it's something I have not thought about," he told reporters. Maxwell was convicted of sex trafficking charges in 2021 after helping groom Epstein's victims. She was sentenced to 20 years in prison months later. She is currently trying to appeal her case. Trump on pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell: "I'm allowed to do it" pic.twitter.com/e9bjwFqfYr Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 25, 2025 The Epstein associate returned to the spotlight after continued pressure on the Trump administration to release the files amid backlash over a memo by the DOJ and FBI declaring that Epstein killed himself and had no client list. Friday was the second day U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche spoke privately with Maxwell about her case and Epstein's case. Prior to the interview with Maxwell, Blanche released a statement saying that the DOJ was looking for "information about anyone who has committed crimes against victims." "He took a full day and asked a lot of questions, and Ms. Maxwell answered every single question," Markus told reporters Thursday, according to the Tallahassee Democrat. "She never stopped. She never invoked her privilege. She never declined to answer. She answered all the questions truthfully, honestly and to the best of her ability." As Trump officials turn to Maxwell for potential new leads in the case, House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer subpoenaed her on Wednesday for a deposition at a Florida prison. Meanwhile, Democrats have called for Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel to testify before lawmakers, seeking more transparency with the memo's findings. Originally published on Latin Times By Chiran Sharma Kathmandu, Nepal Subash Lamichhane has emerged as a prominent candidate for the presidency of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Japan for the 20252027 term. His campaign, rooted in institutional reform, transparency, and inclusivity, presents a youth-driven and socially focused alternative to rival candidate Siddhartha Shrestha. Originally from Kushma, Parbat, Lamichhane migrated to Japan in 2007. He pursued undergraduate studies in management, followed by professional training in hotel management. Since 2011, he has successfully operated a restaurant business in Japan, establishing himself as a respected member of the Nepali diaspora. Lamichhane has held several leadership roles within the Nepali community in Japan. He served as the spokesperson for NRNA Japan from 2021 to 2023 and was unanimously elected President of the Parbat Japan Society. Currently, he serves as Vice President of NRNA Japan for the 20232025 term. In his tenure as Vice President, Lamichhane has been instrumental in delivering impactful community services. He played a leading role in organizing 13 mobile service units across Japan, benefiting over 7,000 Nepali residents with essential health and social services. He also facilitated the transfer of 2.3 million (Japanese Yen) to support students in Nepal affected by the earthquake, demonstrating his commitment to transnational solidarity. Lamichhane has also contributed significantly to community engagement through the successful coordination of two major Nepal Festivals in Japan. As the NRNA Japan General Convention approaches on July 20, he has formally launched his presidential campaign under the slogan: Dedicated, Accountable, and Purpose-Driven Leadership. As part of his broader commitment to community development, Lamichhane has mobilized volunteers to support Nepali students learning Japanese and initiated partnerships with local Japanese schools to promote educational cooperation. We dont need political leadership; we need social leadership. My commitment is to revive NRNA Japan through youth empowerment, inclusive thinking, and a transparent working culture, Lamichhane stated. With a proven track record in social service, organizational leadership, and diaspora engagement, Subash Lamichhane is widely regarded as a strong and credible contender for the NRNA Japan presidency. Key Commitments: The Philippines' top court blocked the impending Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday, saying it violated a constitutional provision against multiple impeachment proceedings within a single year. The 13-0 ruling came just days before the Senate was to begin its new session, with the vice president's political future hanging in the balance. Widely expected to run for president in 2028, a Senate trial conviction would have barred Duterte permanently from public office. The House of Representatives impeached Duterte in early February, charging her with graft, corruption and an alleged assassination plot against one-time ally and former running mate President Ferdinand Marcos. Friday's ruling came in response to a Duterte team petition which argued a trio of earlier complaints logged against her in the House -- but voted on only at the committee level -- had constituted impeachment proceedings. "The Supreme Court has ruled that the House impeachment complaint versus VP Sara Duterte is barred by the one-year rule and that due process or fairness applies during all stages of the impeachment process," court spokeswoman Camille Ting told reporters. "There is a right way to do the right things at the right time," Ting said, adding a fresh impeachment attempt could be introduced, but not before February 6, 2026. "This unanimous decision has once again upheld the rule of law and reinforced the constitutional limits against abuse of the impeachment process," the Duterte defence team said in a statement welcoming the ruling. The Philippine Senate last month briefly convened an impeachment court, only to send the case back to the House of Representatives within hours, questioning its constitutionality. Duterte allies at the session, notably Senator Ronald dela Rosa, former national police chief and enforcer of her father Rodrigo Duterte's drug war, had also argued that previous House complaints constituted impeachment proceedings. A conviction was seen as far from certain after a slate of candidates loyal to Duterte outperformed expectations in May's mid-term elections, winning five of the 12 open seats and upping her chances for acquittal. Duterte swept to power in 2022 in an alliance with Marcos that began crumbling almost immediately. The feud exploded into open warfare this year with her impeachment and the subsequent arrest and transfer of her father to face charges at the International Criminal Court at the Hague tied to his deadly drug war. Sign up for the Surge, the newsletter that covers most important political nonsense of the week, delivered to your inbox every Saturday. Good morning! Or, alternately, good afternoon or good evening. This is the Surge, a weekly roundup of whos making headlines in Washington, and you can read it whenever and wherever you pleasewith one exception. Under no circumstances, that is, do we approve of Surge content being consumed in a bathroom by someone who has already told their significant other that theyll be down in a minute. Get out there and get on with your day, maam or sir! The Surge will be taking a few weeks off, by the wayour next newsletter will go out on Aug. 16as we take our annual summer trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, to race go-karts against preteens named Liam and Noah. Skibidi Toiletface is a term of respect and admiration in their culture, right? This week, we have a little bit of good news, the usual quite sizable volume of bad news, and news about Pete Hegseth that is I dont know, lets say bleak comedy overlaid on a foundation of horror and cultural decline? Speaking of which 1. Pam Bondi In retrospect, mistakes were made. The biggest political event of the week was probably, in our expert estimation, the Wall Street Journal reporting that Attorney General Pam Bondi told President Donald Trump in May that his name is mentioned in documents related to the federal investigation of Jeffrey Epstein, worlds most notorious deceased sexual abuser of teenage girls. And it was Bondi who reportedly set events in motion by ordering that the FBI deploy a surge of manpower, in March, onto the job of reviewing Epstein documents for potential releasea task that included flagging instances of Trumps name. Why would she do that? Why would Trump let her do that? Well, because the entire White House (and the right-wing media system around it) operates in a sort of antigravity fantasy world in which it was simply assumed as fact that a read-through of the Epstein files would expose a network of Democratic pedophiles, like various MAGA personalities had been saying they would for years. Trump appointed Bondi to her job because she believes that stuff, and because she believes that anything that makes him look bad must be a hoax that was hoaxed up by the Obama administrations Department of Treason Hoaxes. And sometimes a flawed process, like putting your conspiracy-theorist defense attorneys in charge of the Department of Justice, can create problematic results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2. Mike Johnson This is not how things normally operate! How serious is this Epstein stuff for Teflon Trump? One indicator of pretty serious status might be that its actually causing problems for him in the House of Representatives, whose Republican members typically defy his wishes only when it comes to intra-conservative disputeschoosing between options, for instance, like we should limit Medicaid eligibility so we can reduce Elon Musks tax rate versus we should eliminate the federal government entirely. This week, though, three Republicans on the Oversight Committee joined with DemocratsDemocrats, peopleto subpoena Epstein material from the DOJ; in an effort to prevent any further such embarrassments, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson canceled Thursdays entire schedule, sending the chamber into its August vacation (er, recess) a day early. Republican members dont want to take votes that would allow them to be portrayed as complicit in a sex-predator cover-up, and have demanded that Johnson and the White House spend the next month coming up with what Politico calls a better solution to the Epstein problem. In our opinion, this is a little rich, given that these rank-and-file members are the very people responsible for granting essentially complete control over their party to a convicted felon (and known friend of Epsteins!) who has been accused of literally dozens of instances of sexual misconduct. Maybe the solution was to not do that in the first place, hmm? (Trump denies all the allegations and has never been charged with sexual assault, though a jury found him liable for sexual abuse.) But hey, hindsight is 5050. Advertisement 3. Adam Gelb We will do exactly 201 words of good news. Right now youre all probably asking yourselves the same question: Who in tarnation is Adam Gelb, and whats he doin in my Surge? Well, the eminent Mr. G is the president of something called the Council on Criminal Justice, which just released a bunch of crime data based on a sampling of 42 American cities, ranging in size from New York to Cary, North Carolina, whose police departments release data on a timely basis. And that data says crime is way down, with murder rates dropping by nearly one-fifth this year alone. Why? The best guess of people who study such things is that violence surged a few years ago because of COVID, which disrupted individual lives and wider social support systems in a way that made the population more desperate and less likely to have anything productive to do with its time. Once employment stabilized and systems started filling themselves back in, the crime wave began receding, with the effects still being seen today. Also, we suspect that Adam Gelb has been wearing a bat costume at night to conduct citizens arrests of various burglars and henchmen. Watch out for the Gelb-man of Gotham! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4. Andry Hernandez Romero What was the point? We dont think it would be quite right to say that the current media focus on Trump and Epstein is superficial sensationalism; there are tangible consequences to debates about what kind of people should be elevated to leadership positions and how they should be held accountable. Still, there are more direct consequences of government activity happening to millions of people all over the country and world right now as well, like, for example, Andry Hernandez Romero, the Venezuelan-born stylist applying for asylum in the U.S. who was sent to El Salvadors CECOT prison in March by the Trump administration on the highly dubious grounds that his tattoos indicated gang membership. (We still havent figured out how to concisely explain why the U.S. is sending asylum applicants from other countries to jail in El Salvador, but its what happened.) Thanks to a prisoner swap between Venezuela and the U.S., though, Hernandez Romero has now been released back to his country of origin, where he told reporters that his experience was an encounter with torture and death, that many of the men who were with him have broken bones from being beaten and handcuffed, and that he was sexually abused. One of the people sent back to the U.S. in the swap is an Army veteran who was convicted of triple homicide. The purpose of all of this, mind you, is to make the United States safer. Advertisement 5. Amichay Eliyahu Wiped out. Famine is spreading in Gaza; this week, four news organizations said in a joint statement that their journalists in the territory are among those that may die in a mass starvation. (The Israeli military blocked food deliveries to the area for three months during the spring and has, on multiple occasions since, opened fire on Palestinians at food distribution sites, killing dozens, on the grounds that they got too close to the soldiers.) Eliyahu, the Israeli governments heritage minister, responded to questions about hunger in a radio interview by sayingseemingly in an approving mannerthat the purpose of Israels policy in Gaza is to ensure that its population is wiped out. Benjamin Netanyahu did not address the ministers comments; the United States, for its part, continues to send weapons to Israel, although American public opinion about whether that support should continue, and whether Israel has used too much military force in Gaza, is roughly split. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 6. Pete Hegseth Really starting to wonder whether this young man has his head on straight. Remember, back in April, when the major story in the country was that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had accidentally messaged what seemed like top-secret details about an imminent airstrike against Yemens Houthi rebels to a Signal group chat that included Atlantic magazine editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg? At the time, Hegseths public relations strategy centered on contemptuously insisting that the details he sent Goldberg were not classified, and if you thought they probably were, it was likely because you were a pointy-headed civilian pantywaist who wouldnt know OPSEC from your own ass. Lets [sic] me get this straight, he wrote on Twitter/X at one point. No names. No targets. No locations. No units. No routes. No sources. No methods. No classified information. Very normal everyday details that anyone could freely tell to anyone else! Well, this week the Washington Post reported that the Department of Defense inspector generals office has found evidence that the details Hegseth shared were taken from, quote, a classified email labeled SECRET/NOFORN. (NOFORN means dont show this to foreign officials.) In any other administration, Hegseth would have been fired long ago, and not just for the classified info stuff. Will he get fired now? Probably not, as there has been nary a whisper in the press about Trump being displeased, or even being aware, that this has happened. Advertisement 7. Ice Cream Skeleton Guy What to do in Gdansk when youre dead. Around here, we enjoy a good story about an old-time guy preserved in a bog. Were not sure why; theres just something funny about the idea of spending your life thinking about mortality and the cosmos, as humans tend to do, and then falling into a swamp and dying and getting discovered 600 years later because someone is trying to build a parking lot in front of a Burger King. In any case, according to various outlets, archeologists working in Poland have discovered the remains of a medieval warrior under the longtime location of an ice cream parlor in the city of Gdansk. Available evidence suggests that the deceased was a person of high social standingmost likely a knight or commander held in particularly high esteem and respect, said the director of the organization that supervised the excavation. Sure; thats why he got the most refreshing and delicious burial site! The skeleton was once a strongly built man over 40 years old, likely around 59 in height, another expert testified, per Popular Mechanics. Just like the Surge, give or take an inch or so and your personal definition of strongly built! OK, everyone, have a great weekend! Britain and Australia said Friday they will sign a 50-year commitment to their nuclear-powered submarine pact with the United States, seeking to bolster a deal that Washington has thrown into doubt. The two countries cast their pledge as a historic treaty but gave few details beyond saying it would help economic cooperation and "underpin" the existing, three-nation AUKUS pact. "It is a profoundly important treaty that we will sign tomorrow," Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles told reporters after talks in Sydney between the two countries' defence and foreign ministers. A US defence official last month revealed that a review of AUKUS was underway to ensure it "aligned with the President's America First agenda" and that the US defence industrial base was "meeting our needs". Under the 2021 AUKUS deal, Australia would acquire at least three Virginia-class submarines from the United States within 15 years, eventually manufacturing its own subs. The US Navy has 24 Virginia-class vessels but American shipyards are struggling to meet production targets set at two new boats each year. In the United States, critics question why Washington would sell nuclear-powered submarines to Australia without stocking its own military first. "A new government undertaking a review is the most natural thing in the world," Marles said of the decision by US President Donald Trump's administration. Australia had already contributed US$1 billion this year to help boost production and maintenance of submarines in the United States, he said. "We are really confident that the production rates will be raised in America." Under AUKUS, Britain will eventually develop a new class of nuclear-powered attack submarines, the SSN-AUKUS, to enter service from the late 2030s. Australia would also build the SSN-AUKUS, with delivery expected to its navy in the early 2040s. British Defence Secretary John Healey said London welcomed the US review. "It's an opportunity for the new administration to renew America's commitment to the deep AUKUS partnership that our three nations have," he said. In a government statement, Britain repeated previously released figures saying that the AUKUS submarine programme would lead to the creation of 21,000 UK jobs. It said the submarine programme was expected to be worth "up to" 20 billion pounds (US$27 billion) in British exports over the next 25 years. Analyst Tom Corben from the United States Studies Centre in Australia said the new treaty between Canberra and London was an important show of solidarity. "The symbolism is important given everything else that is happening," he said. Britain's defence and foreign ministers were visiting Australia as their country's Carrier Strike Group and 3,000 personnel took part in annual Talisman Sabre military exercises across Australia and Papua New Guinea. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Do you know what giardiasis is? I had not heard of the intestinal infection before I had it. Its caused by a parasite and gets diagnosed about a million times a year in the U.S. And theres no need for me to ruin anybodys lunch by outlining the precise shape of how unpleasant it is, but believe me, you do not want to have giardia. You can, if you like, Google it. Which is exactly what I had to do to get it treated. I had, of course, been to the doctor about my really quite dramatic stomach problems. He asked me a bunch of questions, then tried me on some antibiotics, all of which did nothing, and I remained overwhelmingly, disgustingly unwell. After about six months of chugging Pepto Bismol and becoming intimately acquainted with all the various ways ones bowels can malfunction, frustrated and worried by my lack of improvement, I took my symptoms to the internet. Almost immediately, I found a potential answer: giardiasis. I went back to the doctor and asked him whether that might be what I had. Seems unlikely, given you havent been in contact with contaminated food or water, he told me. In fact, I had: Id recently been working in refugee camps in Greece, in conditions where proper food hygiene was a tall order. I had actually told him this during my first appointment. I explained it once again, he finally agreed with my assessment, and he prescribed me two pills. I was cured within a week. I dont often have a reason to revisit this period in my lifeit happened 10 years agobecause it is over, and it was gross. But I was thinking about it again recently. I had my gallbladder removed last year because I had gallstonesanother quite unsexy thing for me to have to disclose, but there we go: The body is full of vile wonders. The primary symptom of gallstones is agonizing episodes of pain. These episodes, which last several hours and tend to come on at night, are sometimes said, by people who have experienced both, to be more intense than labor. Once I saw a doctor, I was quickly referred to surgery. The operation was straightforward, and the recovery time was minimal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nine months after that, though, I had another two of these episodes, despite no longer having the organ that was presumably causing the issue in the first place. I duly went back to the doctor (a different one from the Its not giardiasis guyId long since moved on from him), who ordered an MRI, blood tests, and other panels. Those tests turned up nothing. He was stumped. And so was I. That is, until I took to the internet. Pancreatitis seemed unlikely, as did residual gallstones, given the negative test results. Then I thought to try codeine + gallbladder + painful. Before both episodes, I had taken painkillers containing codeine. On a Reddit thread, of all places, I discovered that codeine can apparently cause biliary spasms, which feel like gallstone attacks in patients without gallbladders. Once again, I had told the doctor about the codeine, and he had decided that it wasnt relevant. The posters on Reddit had also had to figure this out for themselves, using the internet. Advertisement Youve probably heard the advice not to Google your medical symptoms. But Ive begun to wonder how useful that advice really is, and why its given. The accepted wisdom is that if you consult Dr. Google about, say, a pain in your side, you could either end up convincing yourself you have an outre form of cancer (a phenomenon sometimes known as cyberchondria) or, conversely, come away thinking its nothing to worry about when it might in fact be something to worry about. You simply cant know, just from reading a list of symptom causes on WebMD, which of them have any relevance to you personally. Further, you know a lot less than a doctor, especially when it comes to connecting the dots. Advertisement And yet, like so many people, I ignore this advice and fire up my laptop whenever a medical mystery arises. Partly its that I have the vanity to consider myself one of the Good Googlers. In the same way that I quietly disregard the caution not to use Q-tips to clean my ears, I think that, yes, other people shouldnt Google their symptoms, sure, but I am doing it the Good way. I am rationally discounting the unlikely possibilities, I am keeping an open mind, I am using my special, safe swirling method to get the cotton-tipped stick in there. Despite the warnings, I have removed satisfying globs of wax. I have Googled my symptoms and gotten it right. Advertisement Advertisement But also, the internet and I got it wrong about my gallbladder. Before the initial surgery to remove itindeed, before even seeing a doctor about it in the first placeI Googled my symptoms. For months, I tried things like excluding lactose, fizzy drinks, and spicy food and not eating late at night, all to no avail, because the internet said it might help. I didnt know where the gallbladder was, or that it could have stones, and so I didnt think to Google any of the keywords that would have led me to discovering my problem. An ultrasound found it, in the end. I did need the doctor, in that case, and I could have saved myself months of intermittent suffering if I had gone sooner. Advertisement Advertisement I wanted to know what the medical literature had to say on this topic. While the research is pretty limited, it seems that not everyone is convinced of the detrimental effects of symptom searching. I found a Harvard study, published in 2021, that suggests that, in fact, searching for symptoms online increases a patients ability to correctly self-diagnose a problem and does not compound health anxiety in the process. Five thousand participants were given clinical cases and told to imagine that a family member was experiencing the symptoms described. First, they had to come up with a diagnosis on their own, then repeat the task using the internet to help inform their decisions. The study found a small but still significant improvement in the accuracy of the participants diagnoses when they used the internet for help as opposed to when they didnt: 54 percent vs. 49.8 percent. So perhaps the internet can help a bit, and maybe it doesnt hurt. Advertisement I got in touch with the studys lead author, Harvard Medical School associate professor David Levine, to ask him whether he would actually advise people to search for their symptoms, contrary to the usual guidance doctors give. He provided the kind of answer scientists often give: a measured one. I think this really depends on the patient, he said. For example, it may be that patients with limited health literacy should not use internet health search, as these patients may not be able to decipher and interpret the results. Patients with excellent health literacy may be able to do this. He gave another classic scientist answer: Perhaps more research could illuminate things. Advertisement I was curious about his response to another question, though. I asked him: Do you think Googling symptoms comes from a lack of trust in medical professionals? He said, No, I think it comes from the age-old desire to have fast answers to our questions. And I found this interesting less for what he saidalthough I think he has a pointthan for my surprise at my own question. Because this is, I think, why I do it. Advertisement I dont have a lot of faith in doctors. And I use the word faith advisedly. I understand that the vast majority of doctors have a huge bank of knowledge and understanding that I do not, that they work very hard and try their best for their patients. But I find it hard to believe in their ability to make me better. This is something Ive come to understand about myself only recently, when I had to justify to my poor mother why it took me several months of experiencing intense gallstone pain to schedule a doctors appointment. But looking back at my medical historymine is curiously long and colorfulit makes sense. At 8, I had my appendix removed, but the surgery went wrong, leading to a further surgery and me becoming a lot more unwell in the process. I have had a chronic pain condition since the age of 19 that has never been diagnosed. Investigations into it halted when the doctor told my dadnot methat she thought the pain was purely psychosomatic. That was over a decade ago, and Ive simply never trusted a doctor with it since. Doctors, in some subconscious part of my mind, dont really know what theyre doing, and so Im better off alone, just me and my search engine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is, plainly, quite a stupid way to live, and thank God my mother press-ganged me into seeing a doctor and having the gallbladder surgery, or I would still be writhing around on the floor now, bleating things like I think its IBS and Maybe itll just go away. But I am not the only person I know who has a deep-seated sense that going to the doctor is a futile endeavor. Among my female friends especially, its a common enough feeling. Why go to the trouble of seeing a doctor (and in the U.K., where I live, getting an appointment is no mean feat these days) when they probably wont have any idea whats wrong with you, or the time to figure it out, or the inclination to take your aches and pains seriously? I dont have an answer to any of this, really. I dont know how to regain my faith in doctors, and I dont intend to stop using the internet as a tool for getting to the bottom of my medical problems. But at the very least, I think Dont Google your symptoms is an unrealistic piece of advice, and one that doesnt answer the question: What the hell else are you supposed to do when the doctors cant work it out? And if I hadnt asked the internet, would I still be sick? https://sputnikglobe.com/20250726/cambodia-requests-unconditional-ceasefire-with-thailand-at-unsc-meeting-1122492959.html Cambodia Requests Unconditional Ceasefire With Thailand at UNSC Meeting Cambodia Requests Unconditional Ceasefire With Thailand at UNSC Meeting Sputnik International Cambodia has called for an unconditional immediate ceasefire during a UN Security Council meeting on its dispute with Thailand and the UNSC members urged both parties for restraint, Cambodian Permanent Representative to the UN Keo Chhea said on Friday. 2025-07-26T03:59+0000 2025-07-26T03:59+0000 2025-07-26T04:39+0000 world cambodia thailand un security council (unsc) the united nations (un) security council ceasefire https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/07/10/1119393215_0:16:3586:2033_1920x0_80_0_0_ec48f20a6eec6c075b05f5d45d050b2f.jpg "Cambodia asked for immediate ceasefire, unconditionally, and we also call for the peaceful solution of the disputes," Chhea told journalists. "Security Council called for both party to restrain, maximum restraint and resort to diplomatic solution."Clashes between the two Southeast Asian nations have resulted in at least 32 fatalities, military and civilian, while forcing nearly 200,000 to fleeeach government claims the other fired the first shots. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250725/thailand-to-consider-ceasefire-proposal-but-must-defend-itself---foreign-ministry-1122492096.html cambodia thailand Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International cambodia thailand conflict, cambodia thailand war, thailand-cambodia reltaions, cambodia-thailand relations, thailand-cambodia war https://sputnikglobe.com/20250726/israel-must-be-held-accountable-for-destruction-in-gaza---palestinian-ambassador-1122493837.html Israel Must Be Held Accountable for Destruction in Gaza - Palestinian Ambassador Israel Must Be Held Accountable for Destruction in Gaza - Palestinian Ambassador Sputnik International Israel must be held accountable for destruction in the Gaza Strip, in accordance with international law, Salah Abdel Shafi, the Palestinian ambassador to Austria and permanent observer to the United Nations in Vienna, told Sputnik. 2025-07-26T09:50+0000 2025-07-26T09:50+0000 2025-07-26T09:56+0000 world middle east israel palestine israel-gaza conflict https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/01/1114634115_0:201:3072:1929_1920x0_80_0_0_9becb5a8591e1d391006254c5c3e8faf.jpg "We must never fail to hold Israel accountable [for the destruction in Gaza]. Israel cannot be allowed to destroy while others build. Israel is responsible and must pay compensation under international law," Abdel Shafi said. The Palestinian ambassador specified that it was too early to talk about the details of this process and that the "priority is a ceasefire and humanitarian aid, and then reconstruction."Palestine Global Recognition UnderwayMore and more EU countries are ready to recognize Palestine, and the government expects several more countries to do so at the end of July, he stressed.On Thursday, Macron said that Paris will officially recognize the state of Palestine at a meeting of the UN General Assembly in September.Palestine has sent another proposal to the UN Security Council to admit the country to the organization, the meeting could take place as early as next week, Salah Abdel Shafi added. After Palestine presented a proposal to the UN General Assembly to admit the country to the UN, which was vetoed by the US, another proposal was again sent to the UN Security Council with a demand that the body positively consider this proposal, the ambassador said, adding that the meeting of the Security Council to discuss this issue is due to take place next week. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250625/palestine-seeks-new-tribunal-outside-icc-to-prosecute-crimes-against-journalists-1122334004.html israel palestine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International gaza genocide, ethnic cleansing, aid distribution, humanitarian aid, zionists, killings of civilians, civilian infrastructure, civilians dead, civilians die, israel kills civilians, civilian casualties, civilian deaths https://sputnikglobe.com/20250726/thai-cambodian-escalation-fire-reignited-by-political-missteps-nationalism---expert-1122493625.html Thai-Cambodian Escalation 'Fire, Reignited By Political Missteps, Nationalism' - Expert Thai-Cambodian Escalation 'Fire, Reignited By Political Missteps, Nationalism' - Expert Sputnik International The recent escalation between Thailand and Cambodia was not an accident but a "dormant fire reignited" by political mistakes and nationalist tendencies, Dr. Khoo Ying Hooi, Associate Professor of International Relations and Human Rights at the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, told Sputnik. 2025-07-26T09:29+0000 2025-07-26T09:29+0000 2025-07-26T09:29+0000 world cambodia thailand bm-21 grad https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e9/07/19/1122490805_0:52:3103:1797_1920x0_80_0_0_21f4ac6855418912038e0710982ccfd6.jpg The professor added that while the fire exchange "revived the conflict on the ground," the political incident "gave it the push." The escalation also had a severe impact on people in both countries, especially those living in border areas, as thousands have already been displaced, Dr. Khoo continued. On July 1, the Constitutional Court of Thailand accepted for consideration the case of alleged violation of constitutional ethics against Shinawatra and temporarily relieved her of her duties as head of government. The incident occurred after media published a leaked phone call between Shinawatra and Hun Sen, in which she attempted to relieve tensions sparked after the May 28 clash between Thai and Cambodian military personnel in a disputed neutral zone. The border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia escalated to an armed phase on July 24. People died, and many were injured on both sides, including civilians. On Friday morning, the Thai army said that fighting between Thai and Cambodian troops continued with renewed intensity, with the Cambodian side allegedly once again using the BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket system to strike civilian targets deep within Thai territory. Thai troops were responding with proportionate countermeasures based on the tactical situation, the army said. On Friday, Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said that Thailand is ready to accept Malaysia's mediation in resolving the border conflict with Cambodia. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250724/thai-cambodian-sonflict-only-suits-america---ex-us-marine-1122485561.html cambodia thailand Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International thai-cambodia conflict, thai military, cambodia military, cambodian military, east asia conflicts https://sputnikglobe.com/20250726/thailand-vs-cambodia-a-military-face-off-1122495235.html Thailand VS. Cambodia: A Military Face-Off Thailand VS. Cambodia: A Military Face-Off Sputnik International The escalation of the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia turned violent on the morning of July 24. After skirmishes along the border, both sides exchanged artillery fire, with Cambodia using Grad multiple rocket launch systems, including on civilian objects in Thailand. 2025-07-26T12:35+0000 2025-07-26T12:35+0000 2025-07-26T12:35+0000 world thailand cambodia https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e9/07/1a/1122494736_0:0:1280:720_1920x0_80_0_0_1713ceee2bdd100a1158fb9d2bc0061d.png Thailand responded with airstrikes on Cambodian military positions. Both sides have casualties, including civilians. Following the Cambodian strikes, which killed at least 14 civilians, more than 100,000 residents were evacuated from four border provinces of Thailand.Fighting between Thai and Cambodian forces continued on Friday, involving heavy artillery, aircraft, and tanks. Relations between Thailand and Cambodia sharply deteriorated after a clash on May 28 between the two countries' military personnel in a disputed border area, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier. The territorial issues were inherited by Thailand and Cambodia from colonial French Indochina, with the Kingdom of Siam (now Thailand) completing border demarcation with France in 1907. Some sections of the border were left unaddressed by the demarcation commission due to inaccessibility. After Cambodia gained independence from France in 1953, these areas became the subject of territorial disputes.As the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia intensifies, check out Sputnik's infographic to compare their military capabilities! 2 thailand cambodia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International thai-cambodia conflict, thai military, cambodia military, cambodian military, east asia conflicts https://sputnikglobe.com/20250726/us-military-presence-in-europe-set-for-decline-as-focus-shifts-to-indo-pacific-1122493357.html US Military Presence in Europe Set for Decline as Focus Shifts to Indo-Pacific US Military Presence in Europe Set for Decline as Focus Shifts to Indo-Pacific Sputnik International The United States is reviewing the positions of its troops on a global scale, the presence of US forces in the European region will decrease, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said. 2025-07-26T09:15+0000 2025-07-26T09:15+0000 2025-07-26T09:15+0000 world nato asian version of nato us us military bases indo-pacific us indo-pacific command russia-nato showdown https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/03/06/1117154408_0:10:3000:1698_1920x0_80_0_0_f70b6530b90e9ccb9641a8dc59cbaaaf.jpg On Friday, during a visit to Washington, Pevkur, with counterparts from Latvia and Lithuania, met with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to discuss cooperation aimed at enhancing transatlantic ties, the local broadcaster reported. The focus of the United States' attention is now shifting to the Indo-Pacific region, the military presence of its troops in Europe will decrease, however, Hegseth "could not answer exactly to what extent," Pevkur added. In early July, the Euractiv portal reported that European NATO members started preparing for a possible reduction in the number of US troops on the continent. These countries are convinced that US President Donald Trump will reduce the number of forces there, now amounting to about 80,000 people, and redirect them to Asia and the Middle East, the news portal added. Since his return to office in January, US President Donald Trump has been pushing the idea of greater military spending by US partners, including the members of NATO. The June 24-25 NATO summit in The Hague raised the target threshold for defense spending by alliance members to 5% of GDP, which countries are expected to reach by 2035. In recent years, Russia has been flagging up NATO's unprecedented activity near its western borders. NATO is expanding its initiatives and calling it "containing Russian aggression." Moscow has repeatedly expressed concern about the buildup of alliance forces in Europe. The Kremlin noted that the Russia did not threaten anyone, but would not ignore actions potentially dangerous to its interests. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250504/us-indo-pacific-playbook-flexing-muscle-at-chinas-doorstep-1121979230.html indo-pacific Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russia-nato showdown, us indo-pacific strategy, us indo-pacific scramble, us asian strategy, asian nato https://sputnikglobe.com/20250726/yemeni-houthis-attack-4-israeli-targets-with-missile-and-drones-1122492712.html Yemeni Houthis Attack 4 Israeli Targets With Missile and Drones Yemeni Houthis Attack 4 Israeli Targets With Missile and Drones Sputnik International The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have announced that Israeli air defense systems have intercepted a missile launched from Yemen. 2025-07-26T03:19+0000 2025-07-26T03:19+0000 2025-07-26T08:57+0000 world middle east israel yemen israel defense forces (idf) houthis https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e9/01/01/1121330357_0:0:1000:563_1920x0_80_0_0_61e889c1a64b3138adbae8653047e751.png "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 on Telegram on Friday night.The Houthis carried out a hypersonic missile attack on Be'er Sheva in Israel and drone attacks against "3 vital Israeli enemy targets," Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree said.The IDF added that air raid sirens were sounded in accordance with protocol. Earlier on Friday night, the Israeli forces said they had identified the launch of a missile from Yemen toward Israeli territory and that aerial defense systems were operating to intercept the projectile. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250605/us-pivot-to-middle-east-leaves-ukraine-up-a-creek-without-a-paddle-on-drone-defense-1122197900.html israel yemen Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International yemeni strikes, houthi strikes, houthi drones, houthi missiles, houthi attack israel Twenty-five years ago, Mike Wilder was a newcomer to The Meadows, but it didnt take the Ohio native long to embrace Adios Day at the western Pennsylvania track. And when he won the Delvin Miller Adios Pace for the Orchids five years ago with Catch The Fire, it became a moment he would never forget. The atmosphere is electric for the Adios, said Wilder, who resides in Washington, Pennsylvania, just several miles from The Meadows. There is no other day here like it. It brings everyone together. You see people you dont see all year that come out dressed in purple and theyre thrilled to be there. Everybody has got their own favourite spot to watch and it doesnt matter what the weather is, its a great day. For everybody here at The Meadows, its the mecca. Wilder drove in his first Adios in 2001. He won one of the events three eliminations with Ready Cash, a horse trained by his father-in-law Dan Altmeyer, and later finished sixth in the same-day final. My bad drive, said Wilder. I was ultra-aggressive. That happens. Still, it was a memorable experience. That was my first opportunity to get the thrill of what it meant to be in the Adios, said Wilder, who has won nearly 9,200 races in his career. For the first five years or so that I was here, my father-in-law would have three or four that hed put in the elims. I got the ball rolling with my father-in-law. He was really a big help to get me on a big stage. Over the years, Wilder finished fourth in three Adios finals in 2003 and 2004, with Altmeyer-trained Tarpaulin Hanover and Basil Hanover, respectively, and in 2019 with Norm Parkers Wild Wild Western before breaking through in 2020 with Catch The Fire. Catch The Fire was trained by John Ackley and owned by Charles Taylor, both Ohio residents. The son of Captaintreacherous-Dream Outloud was a $15,000 purchase at the 2018 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale and got his career off to a good start at age two by hitting the board in nine of 12 races and earning just over $260,000. In his fourth start as a three-year-old, Catch The Fire won his Adios elimination by a head over Capt Midnight in 1:49.3. A week later, he captured the $375,000 final with Wilder moving the colt to the front past the opening quarter and remaining on top from there. Catch The Fire won by a head over a fast-closing Chief Mate, again in 1:49.3. I knew I had a good horse, said Wilder. I raced him like he was the best, and he was the best. He loved the front end. He didnt need the front, but when he was on the lead, he was very hard to get by. Coming off the last turn, I was thinking, this is going to happen. Yeah, they were bearing down on him and he won by a head, but that head was like a mile to me. There were a lot of nice colts in there against him and they got the trips behind him, but he never quit fighting. It was just great. Although the crowd was limited that year because of COVID-19 restrictions, the outcome was no less special. My kids were there, my wife was there, my mother was there, my uncle-in-law; it couldnt have been better, said Wilder. To see the hometown crowd, even though it was the COVID year, all my buddies, fellow drivers, it was like they had won it themselves they were so happy. What a ride. I drove horses for John Ackley when I was a kid at the fairs in Ohio. We talked about it who would have thought in the years to come that we would have one in the Adios. Not only in the Adios, but to win the elimination and then win the final. I was thrilled to win it myself, but I was just so happy for John. Not that I wasnt for Charlie, but John works so hard and does a great job. It was just awesome. On Saturday, Wilder will get behind Papis Rocket in the $385,000 USD final of the Grade 1 Delvin Miller Adios Pace for the Orchids, presented by the Mickey Burke Family, at The Meadows. Wilder didnt have a drive in last weeks two eliminations but got the call after trainer Ron Burke advanced five horses into the final. Papis Rocket, the 2024 Pennsylvania Sire Stakes champion and a multiple Grand Circuit stakes winner, finished fourth in his elimination. He will leave from post one and is 20-1 on the morning line. Those odds, though, mean nothing to Wilder. Ive raced horses for Ronnie for years and when they came to me with the opportunity to drive the horse, I couldnt have been more thrilled, said Wilder. It means a lot to be asked. I think they have confidence in me and Im happy about that. Hes a nice colt and the rail is better than [post] nine. Hes got super-quick gate speed. Hopefully, we can get away in a good spot and well see how things shake out. Were going for $385,000 [USD]; stranger things have happened. Twisted Destiny, who won his elimination in 1:48, is the 2-1 morning line favourite in the Adios final. He will leave from post three with Dexter Dunn driving for trainer Chris Ryder. The Adios will be race 15 on Saturdays card, with post time for the first race set for 11:30 a.m. The Adios will be featured on the FOX Saratoga Saturday broadcast, which runs from 3-6 p.m. (USTA; photo of Catch The Fire and Mike Wilder winning the 2020 Adios) Bettor Than Spring will try to keep his Island record spotless in the Isabel MacPhee Memorial Preferred 1 Pace on Harness The Hope night on Saturday, July 26 at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park. The $5,500 feature lines up in race 14 of the 15-dash program, which kicks off at 4 p.m. (ADT) as part of a special card celebrating breast cancer awareness and fundraising. Harness The Hope was founded in 2005 following the Dustin family's first (of three) personal experiences with a breast cancer diagnosis, treatments and survival. Harness the Hope is a fundraising initiative that organizes events and initiatives to benefit causes that enable breast cancer research, awareness and support services for cancer warriors and survivors. All event proceeds are directly donated to various cancer organizations that provides direct support programs for young women faced with a cancer diagnosis and that provide much needed awareness, research, earlier detection and improved treatments for those directly affected by or who may face breast cancer in their lifetime. The Saturday evening Isabel MacPhee Memorial has a field of six pacers headlined by Bettor Than Spring, who landed in the Trevor Hicken barn last week and had Myles Heffernan Sr. steer him to a statement with a sharp front-end 1:53.3 victory in his Prince Edward Island debut. The son of Bettors Delight was previously racing at Yonkers Raceway in New York with the eight-year-old pacer now owned by Perry Burke of Grosse-Ile, Que. All Bets On Tex is the 5-2 morning line choice from post three with Adam Merner at the controls from his own stable. The veteran pacer was second in the $15,000 Bob Dewar Memorial Governors Plate Consolation last week for owners Marc Gallant, Blair MacLauchlan and Kent Livingston. House Edge Hanover will start from post one for driver Gilles Barrieau and trainer Ron Matheson after finishing third to Bettor Than Spring last week. Everette Hanson holds the ownership papers on the pacer. Avatar J (Jason Hughes) gets post four for trainer Darren Smith, who co-owns with Jody Sanderson. The 11-year-old has not been worse than second in five tries this season. Roll Em (Marc Campbell) is fresh off a fifth-place finish in the $50,000 Governors Plate for trainer Landon Campbell and owners Brent Campbell, Ryan MacLeod and Savage Stable. The field is completed by Rose Run X Con (Norris Rogers) for trainer Nicholas Oakes and owner JD Racing Inc.. The six-year-old son of McArdle was a winner in three of his last four races. The Post Time Picks goes with Bettor Than Spring: Bettor Than Spring was a sharp front-end winner in his P.E.I. debut in 1:53.3 last week. Before arriving in P.E.I., he raced against Binge On Yankee who we saw compete in Gold Cup and Saucer and just last week, was a winner in the Gerrity Memorial at Saratoga, so this horse is the real deal. He should call the shots from start to finish again tonight. To view Saturday's harness racing entries, click the following link: Saturday Entries - Charlottetown Driving Park. (Red Shores) With some top rivals racing elsewhere, Fear The Hate will be looking to add to an already successful season on Saturday (July 26) as Eldorado Scioto Downs hosts the fourth leg of the Ohio Sires Stakes for sophomore colt pacers. The fourth leg consists of one $100,000 USD division featuring a 10-horse field. Fear The Hate is the early 3-1 favourite and will leave from post five with Chris Page driving for trainer Ron Burke. The Fear The Dragon colt has hit the board in all seven starts this season with six victories and $157,065 in earnings. He posted wins in each of the first two legs of the OHSS at MGM Northfield Park and is looking to rebound from a third-place finish in the third leg at Scioto. Page was in the sulky for all six of Fear The Hates wins this season and has been paired with him again for Saturday. Fear The Hate took the first two legs of the OHSS in 1:52.4 and 1:52.1, respectively, but speeds increased in the third leg as both divisions were won in under 1:50. His lifetime best of 1:50.3 came at Scioto on June 28, but he may need to top that to secure his third OHSS victory of 2025. Another Burke trainee, Harrisburg Heist (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.), opened as the 9-2 second choice in Saturdays race and will leave from post nine. The Downbytheseaside gelding has hit the board in seven of nine starts this year with five wins and was the runner-up in the first division of the third leg of the OHSS. The competitive field includes three other horses with at least one top-three finish in previous legs. Downbythewater (Chris Lems) will leave from the rail next to Zs Said (Sam Widger) in post two. They were second and third, respectively, in the second division of the opening leg. Jon I Love Dat (Dan Noble), who finished third in each of the second and third legs, will leave from post six. Notably absent from the fourth leg are Rick Wink, Swingtown, and Sippinonsearoc, all of whom will be racing in the $385,000 USD Grade 1 Delvin Miller Adios Pace for the Orchids on Saturday at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. Rick Wink was the only horse to be three-for-three in the OHSS thus far. Swingtown won the first division and Sippinonsearoc was the runner-up in the second division of the third leg. Scioto Downs is also hosting three $50,000 USD divisions in the second leg of the OHSS for two-year-old colt pacers on Saturday with all four first-leg winners entered. The field in the second division includes a pair of opening-leg winners in 6-5 morning line favourite Illbetyourboots (Page) and 5-2 second choice Swelce (Mike Wilder). Both horses have hit the board in all four of their starts this season. Illbetyourboots has three wins and one third, while Swelce has two victories and two runner-up finishes. First-leg winners Lindy Dragonwater (Page) and Gentlemans Club (Noble) are the early favourites in the first and third divisions at 3-1 and 2-1, respectively. Saturdays Ohio Sires Stakes races at Scioto are part of a 16-race card that begins at 5:45 p.m. This weekends OHSS action at Scioto also includes two $65,000 USD divisions in the second leg for freshman filly pacers as part of a 16-race card on Friday (July 25) starting at 5:45 p.m. First-leg winner Seaside Shuffle (Page) is the 6-5 morning line favourite in the first division and will leave from post three next to 2-1 second choice Deep Satin (Mike Micallef) in post two. Deep Satin was the runner-up to Seaside Shuffle in the second division of the opening leg. Shacarri (Page) is the early 5-2 favourite in the second division and will leave from the far outside. She has one win in two starts this season, matching the track record for freshman filly pacers at Scioto in 1:51.1 on July 5. In post seven is 3-1 second choice Shesafirewoman (Luke Hanners), who won the first division in the opening leg and has three victories and one runner-up finish in four seasonal starts. The field also includes Rodeo Dancer (Brett Miller), who was second to Shesafirewoman in the first leg, as well as a pair of third-place finishers from the opening leg in Hold On Tight (Widger) and Vanna By The River (Austin Hanners). (Eldorado Scioto Downs) Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's future is uncertain but an unlikely campaign for him to stay was growing online this week, including from people who are his natural political opponents. The life raft has emerged since upper house elections on Sunday deprived Ishiba's coalition of an upper house majority, months after it suffered a similar disaster in the lower chamber. Despite Ishiba, 68, insisting that he has not discussed his resignation with members of his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), multiple reports say that it is just a matter of time. Some conservative members of the LDP are collecting signatures to hold a special meeting to discuss a leadership election to oust Ishiba, Fuji TV reported on Friday. One reported signee is Sanae Takaichi, a hardline nationalist and onetime heavy metal drummer who lost a leadership contest to Ishiba in September. Takaichi, 64, would likely run again to lead the party -- and become Japan's first woman prime minister if she wins -- if Ishiba does depart. The prospect of someone as premier with hawkish views on Japanese history and China has fuelled online calls for the moderate Ishiba to remain in power under the hashtag "#Ishiba Don't quit". Some of the calls came from opposition politicians to the left of the LDP, including even from a Communist Party member of a local ward assembly. Ishiba "is the most reasonable LDP leader in recent memory", LaSalle Ishii, a newly elected lawmaker for the Social Democratic Party, said on X. "If he resigns, a far-right government will be born," the well-known comedian and voice actor said. Taro Yamamoto, the leader of small opposition party Reiwa Shinsengumi, was among the first to voice concern about Ishiba's replacement. "The question is, if he were not to continue, who is going to replace him instead?" he told reporters during a Monday news conference. "His economic policies are no good, but for Ishiba-san to continue, I think it's a safe choice." A few hundred people participated in a rally outside Ishiba's office Friday evening, with some holding up signs urging him to "never give up" and "persevere". Among them was 70-year-old Shigeru Koga, an opposition supporter who until the election day on Sunday had been calling on Ishiba's government to be brought down. But five days later, he said Ishiba is "still far better" than alternatives like Takaichi and Shinjiro Koizumi, the popular agriculture minister within LDP who Koga called "easily manipulable". "If the Takaichi government materialises, it would further give rise to forces like far-right Sanseito," Koga said, referring to the upstart "Japanese first" party. "To prevent that, and keep Japan safe, Ishiba must be brave and stand firm." Shortly after the Sunday's election, a Kyodo News survey put the approval rating for the Ishiba government at just 22.9 percent. But in that same poll, 45.8 percent of the public believed there was no need for him to resign. The LDP has governed almost non-stop since 1955, but voters have been deserting the party, including towards fringe groups like Sanseito. Factors include rising prices, notably for rice, falling living standards, and anger at corruption scandals within the LDP. The opposition is seen as too fragmented to form an alternative government. But being in a minority in both houses of parliament means Ishiba's coalition needs support from other parties to pass legislation. This comes just as Japan faces multiple challenges, including a ballooning social security budget to pay pensions for its rapidly ageing and shrinking population. A new trade deal announced this week with US President Donald Trump will see Japanese imports face a painful 15 percent tariff, although this was lower than a threatened 25 percent. "We'll evaluate it every quarter, and if the president is unhappy then they will boomerang back to the 25 percent tariff rates," US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said afterwards. The definition of diabolical is of, relating to, or characteristic of the devil. On Friday, July 25 at The Meadowlands, the Annie Stoebe-trained Diabolic Hill gave his foes a devil of a time, shrugging off post 10 in just his third lifetime start -- all victories -- to win easily in 1:54 on a program that featured five $34,247 leg three dashes of the New Jersey Sire Stakes for two-year-olds of each sex and gait. The four $240,000 USD (est.) finals will take place on Aug. 1 and Aug. 2 during Hambletonian Weekend. In the lone colt and gelding trot, Diabolic Hill got roughed up a bit from the outside post and ranged up to take on leader Mega Shark (Todd McCarthy), who led at the quarter in :29. Soon thereafter, Diabolic Hill took over for driver Andy McCarthy. Turn out the lights, the partys over. Leading by 1-3/4 lengths at the half in :57.2 and three lengths at three-quarters in 1:26.2, Stoebes superstar finished things off with a :27.3 kicker to win by 2-3/4 lengths in a lifetime best. Ardonne (Scott Zeron) was second with Im Kronos S (Dexter Dunn) third. I purposely have been training him on the front the last few weeks, said Stoebe. He handled it fantastic tonight. I think [driver] Andy [McCarthy] is just happy with how much hes matured. The talent has been there all along. Its channeling that naughtiness that he has. Going off at the longest odds yet in his career, Diabolic Hill paid $4.60 as the 6-5 public choice. Stoebe is going to go easy on her student. Hes pretty much staked to everything but we will be conservative with him because its a long year for a two-year-old, said Stoebe, who co-owns the Muscle Hill-Crysti Dream colt with the Florida-based Mazza Racing Stables. Well race next week [in the NJSS final] and go from there. The first of two filly trots was taken by the Nancy Takter-trained Leading Lady (Walner-Muscle Dolly), who impressed in her first lifetime outing. Driver Yannick Gingras popped Leading Lady out of the three-hole on the far turn, following Sugar Packet (David Miller) and had little trouble getting past that foe to record a 1-3/4-length win in 1:55.1. Sugar Packet finished second with Emmas Mystery CCL (Andy McCarthy) third. Im really happy with the way she started her racing career tonight, said Takter. Shes been one of my favourite fillies all along and I think she could be very special going forward. As the even-money favourite, Leading Lady returned $4.20 to win. She is owned by Black Horse Racing of Warren, New Jersey, Marvin Katz of Toronto, Ont., and Herb Liverman of Miami Beach, Florida. The other filly trot went to Southwind Chaska, who left the gate hard, tripped out in the pocket behind 1-2 favourite Waldon Fashion (Todd McCarthy), then closed along the inside to blow past the post-time choice by 2-3/4 lengths in a lifetime-best 1:55.1 with Tim Tetrick in the sulky. Sparks (Ake Svanstedt) was third. After winning her lifetime debut two weeks ago, the daughter of Tactical Landing-Southwind Chai upped her record to two wins in as many tries for trainer and owner Jim Oscarsson. [Last week], I just drove her like it was her first lifetime start, which it was, said Tetrick. She really surprised me. She showed me a lot of versatility. Went down the lane, went right after them and got the win. She went left [to the inside in deep stretch] like she had done it a hundred times. She was perfect. I was super happy with her. She shot right through there. As the 5-2 second choice, Southwind Chaska returned $7.80 to her backers. A pair of NJSS dashes were contested as non-wagering races before the start of the betting card. Perfect Thought (Perfect Sting-Think Pink) recorded her first lifetime win in two starts, taking the filly pace in 1:54.1 for driver Scott Zeron, trainer Megan Scran and owner Thestable Perfect Thought of Brunswick, Ohio. The colt and gelding pacing division went to Bookie J in 1:54, winning for the first time in four outings. Dexter Dunn drove the Perfect Sting-Skyy gelding for trainer Chris Ryder and owner Kenneth Jacobs of Baldwinsville, New York. Starting the night with five wins in his first five drives, its not shocking that Yannick Gingras finished the program with six victories on the night, becoming just the second driver this year (Jason Bartlett was the other) to win a half-dozen dashes on a single Meadowlands card. Victoria DAlessandro and Mike Russo led the trainer colony with two winners apiece. Despite no horse in the sequence going off at odds greater than 3-1, the 20-cent Survivor Pick-7 paid $5,058.38 and it only took six correct selections to cash in. All-source handle on the 14-race card totalled $2,459,290 USD. Racing resumes on Saturday at 6:20 p.m., featuring three eliminations for both the $1 million USD Hambletonian and $500,000 USD Hambletonian Oaks. (With files from Meadowlands Racetrack) Sharp Seven and Nezuko Kamado S were victorious in a pair of New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for freshman trotting fillies at Vernon Downs on Friday, July 25. Sharp Seven scored a maiden-breaking victory in the $71,918 first division with Jeff Gregory driving for trainer George Ducharme. Sharp Seven went straight to the front and carved out fractions of :28.3, :57.4 and 1:26.2 en route to a 1:55 victory, defeating the favoured Ill Have The Red (Rick Zeron) by 2-1/4 lengths, with Grace In Heaven (Brett Beckwith) third. Sharp Seven's first career win followed a pair of runner-up efforts in her two previous starts in NYSS action after a miscue marred her career debut. The Chapter Seven-Lookin Sharp filly is owned by the Purple Haze Stables of Fairport, New York. She paid $11 to win. Nezuko Kamado S, who bested Sharp Seven in the NYSS leg at Tioga Downs last time out on July 13, resumed her winning ways in the second division, worth $73,288, topping stablemate Jula Hot To Chill in a 1-2 finish for trainer Marcus Melander. Driven by Brett Beckwith, Nezuko Kamado S looped early leader Overalls (Jordan Stratton) after a :28.1 opening quarter and led the rest of the way, setting middle splits of :58.2 and 1:27 then opening up 4-1/2 lengths at the end of the 1:56 mile. Jula Hot To Chill (Braxten Boyd) closed late to finish second and Seven Winds (Jeff Gregory) was third. Owned by Courant Inc. of Delray Beach, Florida, the homebred daughter of Chapter Seven out of Zefria Kronos IT is just a head shy of a perfect record in her first three races, all in NYSS action. She paid $2.40 to win. Gregory and Ducharme combined for three wins on the nine-race card, also sweeping the pair of $27,397 Excelsior Series divisions with Elqueen (E L Titan-Queen Of More) in 1:58 and Makeittothebell (Chapter Seven-Alanas Brilliance) in 1:58.3. (Vernon Downs & Standardbred Canada; photo of Sharp Seven winning on July 25) Hillexotic lowered the all-time trotting track record at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows with an exceptional 1:50.3 triumph in the $24,658 Open Handicap Trot on Friday, July 25. Driven by Dave Palone, Hillexotic sprinted to command from post seven and the 1-2 favourite led an eight-horse field through sizzling fractions of :26.3, :55.1 and 1:22.2 before trotting away by 7-1/4 lengths in a :28.1 final frame. Emeralds Legacy (Jeremy Indof) was his closest pursuer from the pocket while Looks Like A Moni (Anthony MacDonald) won a three-way battle for third. The previous record of 1:51.1 was held by the Gregg Wright-trained Jujubee and the late Hunter Myers, set on July 28, 2023. Hillexotic, a nine-year-old Muscle Hill-Exotic Destination gelding, is trained by Todd Luther and owned by Greg Luther Racing of Blacklick, Ohio. The millionaire trotter has won back-to-back Opens at The Meadows and is now three-for-seven on the year, with 33 career wins to his credit. The Meadows' twilight card included five $27,397 divisions of the Arden Downs Stakes for two-year-old trotters. Driver Ronnie Wrenn Jr. swept the Arden Downs Stakes for two-year-old filly trotters, named in honour of U.S. Hall of Famer and former owner of The Meadows Ed Ryan. Wendalyn Hanover and Wrenn went down the road to record a 2-3/4-length victory in 1:55.3 over Skylines Salty (Mike Wilder), with Edinburgh Hanover (Dave Palone) third. I qualified her early on and thought a lot of her and thats what she showed today, said Wrenn after of the Greenshoe-Won And Done fillys initial victory in her third career start. Trained by Vernon Beachy, Wendalyn Hanover is owned by 518 Group LLC, Ryan Smith and Gitup Racing. Wrenn doubled up as Ginger Tree Alex earned her fourth straight stakes win with a 1:56 career-best effort in the next division over Snow Queen Hanover (Todd Schadel) and Sweating Bullets (Dave Palone). Following the uncontested front-end victory, Wrenn described the Bar Hopping-Perfect Choice filly as a legit stakes filly and her performance this evening really displayed that. Ginger Tree Alex now has four wins in five lifetime starts for trainer Sam Beegle, who also shares ownership with Ginger Tree Ventures, Knollview Stable 2 and Robert Reber Jr. Wrenn completed the sweep of the filly trotting divisions using front-end tactics again, this time with Intisaar Mil. After retaking the lead early from Cherrys Girl (Anthony MacDonald), the Bar Hopping-Frisky Magic miss needed only minimal Wrenn urging to keep that rival 1-3/4 lengths at bay in a career-best 1:56.2 mile. Avianna Hanover (Mike Wilder) completed the top three. Shes a nice filly that keeps getting better with experience," Wrenn said of the second winner trained by Beachy for the ownership group of 518 Group LLC, Ryan Smith and Gitup Racing. The Arden Downs Stakes for two-year-old colt and gelding trotters, named for local Hambletonian-winning owner Robert Key, provided more drama than the filly set. Driver Shawn Johnston and trainer Steve Schoeffel teamed up for the biggest upset of the evening with a 46-1 stunner with Tymal Kryptonite. The Greenshoe-Romancing Rachel gelding landed third in the early going and never left the rail, with multiple breakers working in his favour. He scored the maiden-breaking victory in 1:56.3 by a length over pacesetter Captain Vodka (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.), with Storm Hanover (Todd Schadel) third. "Everything went our way, said Johnston after the race. "He was on the right line and when the pocket-sitter ran, I could guide to the inside passing lane. Tymal Kryptonite is owned by Kathy Schoeffel and Lewis Falton. The second division produced the closest finish as Mr Big Spender, driven by Mike Wilder, was a head better than the fast-closing R Tommy Collins (Tom Svrcek) in 1:57.1, with Beer In My Hand (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) back in third. I was comfortable where we landed early on but I re-moved to be in the best position to work, said Wilder of the front-end trip. Svrceks colt was trotting hard at me late but we were still in hand. Conditioned by Norm Parker for the partnership of Bart and Todd Brice, the Captain Corey-Reilly K colt earned his third straight stakes win in four career starts. Adios Day racing on Saturday, July 26 starts at 11:30 a.m. (Meadows Standardbred Owners Association & Standardbred Canada; photo of Hillexotic from a previous win at Meadowlands Racetrack) Rural letter carrier Roger McDonald missed driving his 150-mile route outside Scottsbluff in western Nebraska earlier this year. He was injured in a serious car accident that kept him from mail delivery for three months. He had an appointment scheduled with the doctor who rebuilt his right hand on May 8, so he decided to do a dry run the day before in case he was cleared to return. As the pavement turned to gravel on Crow Road, McDonald said long distances, low population density and poor infrastructure make rural delivery difficult and unprofitable. His point was soon proven. Among the routes first stops are two mailboxes separated by a dilapidated bridge over an irrigation canal. Before the bridge was closed, it was a 50-yard trip between them, McDonald said at the first mailbox. He then drove nearly three miles to reach the second. Under the universal service obligation, which mandates mail delivery to every address in the country, a rural letter carrier will drive more than 700 miles to serve those two households in a normal year. Its never going to make financial sense, said McDonald, 61, from the drivers seat of his preferred delivery vehicle, a Dodge Caravan. But thats a big reason why the universal pricing system was generated. Because we knew we had to service every Americans home, not just the Americans homes that provide us a profit. As a government agency providing a public service, the U.S. Postal Service is not required to make a profit. But it is not supposed to lose money, either, which it has done every year since 2007, according to its annual reports. The inefficiencies inherent to rural delivery are blamed for much of the lost revenue over the past two decades, which totals more than $100 billion, according to annual reports by the Postal Service. The same reports say mail volume has also nearly halved in that time. Cutting services to rural communities as a means of pulling the Postal Service out of the red has already started. The issue of privatization has also been resurrected by the current administration and regarded by business interests who see converting all or parts of the agency to a for-profit model as an investment opportunity but not without pushback from postal workers and unions concerned with further service cuts and layoffs. Before returning to his native Scottsbluff and joining the Postal Service 12 years ago to slow down, McDonald owned and operated businesses throughout the western U.S. for nearly 30 years. He said he understands the calculus of those who want to make drastic changes to the Postal Service. Cost-benefit analysis is going to tell them that rural delivery service is too expensive, McDonald said. Their loss mitigation efforts are going to tell them that this part of the service needs to be cut away. Trying to destroy everything In December 2024, President Donald Trump reiterated his first-term ambition to privatize the Postal Service. Trump then said he was instead thinking about moving the agency to the Department of Commerce by executive order in February 2025 which some say is a stepping stone to privatization while Elon Musk stuck to direct privatization as the preferred solution in March. Shortly after Postmaster General Louis DeJoy agreed to let the Department of Government Efficiency find ways to stop the budget bleed, he resigned. Musk left DOGE in late May, but the department continued meeting to discuss postal reform with the acting postmaster general and other officials well into June. On Tuesday, a former FedEx board member and the new postmaster general, David Steiner, officially assumed control of the Postal Service, according to Amber McReynolds, chairwoman of the Postal Service Board of Governors. The events of the past seven months further cloud the future of a Postal Service already shaken by years of consolidation and service cuts that disproportionately affect rural areas. Although several lawmakers in the Midwest have criticized the state of rural mail service, most have ignored or declined requests from The Midwest Newsroom to clarify their positions or indicate reforms they would or would not support. They walk a fine line between an administration that prioritized cutbacks and constituents who rely on the Postal Service in increasingly isolated areas. Alan Smith, 72, is one of those constituents. The retired psychologist and Navy veteran lives 16 miles from Scottsbluff with his wife, Gwen Smith, 74. He takes medications for residual West Nile virus symptoms, arthritis, diabetes and his recovery from liver cancer, which is in remission after surgery in February. All of his prescriptions come through Veterans Affairs, mostly via mail service. Alan said that system has been running smoothly in recent years but talks of Postal Service privatization and a proposed cut of 80,000 jobs from the VA worry him. It feels to me like its coming at me right and left, Alan Smith said, alluding to changes to the VA, Social Security, Medicare and the Postal Service. Theyre trying to destroy everything that supports me staying alive and functioning. McDonald, who delivers mail to the Smiths, said, Then what happens to these people? Thats the question that keeps me up at night. Who brings these people their medications? Who brings these people their Christmas cards from their kids and their grandkids? Who brings them their checks? The Wells Fargo report Financial analysts have already been calculating what opportunities privatization of the Postal Service could bring to the delivery industry. In late February, Wells Fargos Equity Research department sent a report to investors outlining the possible impact of drastic changes to the Postal Service. The report made its way to A Grand Alliance a coalition of unions, nonprofits and civil society groups dedicated to the preservation of the Postal Service which posted it on its U.S. Mail Not for Sale campaign website. Wells Fargo acknowledged the authenticity of the report to The Midwest Newsroom and issued a statement through a spokesperson: The research report we published did not recommend the privatization of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). The report analyzed the impact that potential privatization would have on FedEx, UPS, and the transportation and shipping industry. Any suggestion that Wells Fargo has advocated for USPS privatization is misleading and inaccurate. In the document, Wells Fargo equity analysts concluded that increasing Postal Service revenues under privatization or a profit improvement plan would necessitate raising prices by 30% to 140% across product lines, which would benefit FedEx and UPS. It also suggested that mail and parcel delivery could be split, leaving mail delivery to the government and parcel delivery to be carved out and sold, wholesale or as stock. Iowa State University political science professor Mack Shelley called that proposition lemon socialism. Theyll say, Were going to privatize the parts that work well and make money, Shelley said. And then whats left is the lemon, hence lemon socialism. So the government is left to handle the parts of whatever service delivery are most difficult or most ineffective. Elena Patel had never heard that expression. But it makes me laugh, she said. I would defer to a political scientist about that. Patel is a business professor at the University of Utah and a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. She co-authored a report for the latter called Return to sender: What privatization might mean for the future of the USPS after Trump revived the issue in February. But in the intervening months, she said that the administration has accumulated other large and controversial policies. I think that people in the administration think (privatization) is the right thing to do. Im not sure that the American people or American business owners think that, Patel said. And I cant imagine theres any oxygen in the room right now for postal reform. The American Postal Workers Union (APWU) produced a 30-second ad called Memo to bring attention to the issue of privatization ahead of the 250th anniversary of the Postal Service and the beginning of David Steiners tenure as postmaster general. It specifically criticizes the Wells Fargo document and is set to run on social media and air in select television markets, especially in the Midwest. The ads are going to run in a lot of rural American markets, because rural America is really going to take a beating if the post office was privatized, said APWU president Mark Dimondstein. With now a FedEx board member coming in to run the post office, its the old saying, you know, the fox guarding the hen house. The FedEx approach Trump won Scotts Bluff County, Neb., with 73% of the vote in 2024. The Smiths dont talk politics with their neighbors. And even though Alan Smith spends most of the day in his recliner, he avoids TV news. He said watching birds through the spotting scope at the living room window is better for his health. We may be on the more liberal end of people out here, but Im still a redneck, Smith said. I might be a little more liberal than that redneck over there, pointing to no one in particular, but not that much. So I think our concerns are shared by everyone that we know. Rick Wallace, 77, voted for Trump and supports his cost-cutting agenda, to a point. There are government programs that Id like to see discontinued or cut back, especially those that dont affect me, said the retired Scottsbluff firefighter. But the ones like the Postal Service, yes, we count on them. Both Smith and Wallace are constituents of Nebraskas 3rd Congressional District, which covers about 90% of the states total area but contains one-third of the population. Their congressional representative, Adrian Smith, did not reply to interview requests by The Midwest Newsroom. Rep. Mike Floods 1st District is smaller and more urban, but 73% of his constituents face slower deliveries as a result of changes made by recently resigned Postmaster General DeJoy, according to Steve Hutkins, a Postal Service advocate and researcher who runs Save the Post Office. Flood said he was generally on board with DeJoys efforts, which he said aimed to preserve the Postal Service and an acceptable level of rural delivery. Postal service is essential from the standpoint of rural Nebraska, Flood said. Can it be modernized? Absolutely. Should it be privatized? Id have to be sold on what the plan was before we went anywhere near that. Flood said he had not heard of such a plan. But there are plans in the House and Senate to ensure that the United States Postal Service remains an independent establishment of the Federal Government and is not subject to privatization, as written in House Resolution 70 and Senate Resolution 147, which were introduced on Jan. 28 and March 27 and have 217 and eight co-sponsors, respectively, as of July 9. Flood is not one of the 15 Republican co-sponsors of the House bill, but he worries about the FedEx approach to the U.S. mail service preferred by some reform agents during this transitional period. When asked if he was referring to Steiner, the incoming postmaster general, he said that the FedEx model is a longstanding fear among his constituents. I know that its a step towards privatization, Flood said. Steiner was on the FedEx board of directors when his Trump-backed appointment was announced by the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors on May 9. The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), the largest of the postal workers unions, warned against the appointment in a statement published on May 6. In addition to calling it a clear conflict of interest, NALC President Brian Renfroe said that private shippers have been waiting to get USPS out of parcel delivery for years. Steiners selection is an open invitation to do just that. According to Steiners most recent Securities and Exchange Commission ownership statement on Sept. 24, 2024, he holds 36,490 shares of FedEx valued at about $8.5 million as of the July 15 price. The second of 14 general principles outlined by the U.S. Postal Service Ethics Office reads, Employees shall not hold financial interests that conflict with the conscientious performance of duty. Steiner started his tenure on Tuesday after successfully completing the vetting process detailed in the Board of Governors May announcement of his appointment. In a statement to The Midwest Newsroom, Postal Service Board of Governors Chairwoman Amber McReynolds said that Steiner has completed the Form 278 financial disclosure statement required by the Office of Government Ethics. She added that All prohibited stocks have been, or are in the process, of being handled, sold, and/or divested as required by law. More than mail Despite its problems, the Postal Service remains a popular government agency, with 72% approval, according to the Pew Research Center. With the exception of select services and $50 billion in financial relief passed in 2022, the Postal Service does not rely on tax dollars. So its $9.5 billion deficit in 2024 is not the responsibility of the taxpayer, but Patel said maybe it should be. The Postal Service is there to facilitate voting. It is there to deliver us legal documents from the federal government to citizens. People receive essential services through the post office, Patel said. I dont think its unreasonable to have some funding for the Postal Service so that they are not expected to operate like a private business at a profit, because they cant. Letter mail is fundamentally not profitable. Some rural Midwesterners simply want better service, no matter the ownership and revenue structure. Wallace, the retired Scottsbluff firefighter, said hed be OK with a publicly funded subsidy of the service. Harvest Public Media reported that Kyla Estes, who lives about 15 miles from Patton in southeastern Missouri, doesnt prefer privatization, unless it improves the rural system. Theres some major things there that need to be addressed as far as getting rural America our mail in a timely fashion, she said. The Midwest Newsroom has reported that poultry farmers who order birds through the Postal Service often find them dead on arrival. These reported failures coincided with the rollout of the Delivering for America plan that was introduced by DeJoy in 2021, a year the Postal Service had an operating loss of $4.9 billion. The cost-cutting initiative has changed service standards and trimmed roughly 30,000 jobs since then. In an April letter to the Board of Governors, Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst called for a pause in the implementation of Delivering for America and the appointment of a new postmaster general who will reassess the nations needs and determine the best course forward for this historic institution. Her Iowa counterpart, Sen. Chuck Grassley, more recently called on the Board of Governors to improve rural delivery and address budget shortfalls. He called on incoming Postmaster General Steiner to be innovative in the approaches to rightsize the institution as well as flexible when reforms are not working to ensure that it fulfills its mission successfully. Both Grassley and Ernst declined requests to clarify their demands for the Postal Service, and neither are sponsors of the Senate resolution to preserve it as a government agency. U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson also declined interview requests after she echoed Grassleys sentiments during a press call in late June. Her 2nd Congressional District, which covers northeast Iowa, is projected to be the hardest hit in the state by the latest phase of the Delivering for America plan, according to data compiled by Hutkins for Save the Post Office. If fully implemented, the Regional Transportation Optimization initiative will end afternoon collections at most post offices and likely add at least another day to deliveries to and from rural addresses. About 97% of residents in Nebraskas 3rd District would experience a service downgrade, as would 100% of those in Iowas District 2, according to Hutkins. Linda Heit, 74, lives in Hinsons district on a 160-acre corn and soybean farm with her husband about six miles south of New Hampton, Iowa. She said she noticed in recent years that letters and packages to her children in Moline, Ill., and Lincoln, Neb., are already taking longer than they used to. So I have to plan ahead and give it another day or two if I want the grandchildren to have Valentines, or if I want them to have Easter things, she said. Heit said she doesnt know if the Postal Service should remain public or go private, but she trusts her representatives to make the right decisions for their rural constituents. She said they need a plan. I think they should put together a team of people that should actually go out in the rural areas, and you check and see whats going on there, Heit said. Because theyre sitting in an office and they have no clue. That team would find people in Iowa who have to drive more than 40 minutes round-trip to go to the nearest pharmacy, according to GoodRx Health. The online resource also reports that some spend more than two hours in the car to pick up medications in Hooker County, Nebraska, which is one of 12 counties in the state that has fewer than 1,000 people. The universal service obligation requires delivery six days a week to each of the countys 314 households recorded by the Census. I worry about small rural counties in areas where we dont have any newspapers anymore, Flood said. We dont have any pharmacies. We have small critical-access hospitals, and everybody relies on the one person that we know thats always going to show up every day, and thats the post officer. Scottsbluff has pharmacies and other essential services, but those who live outside the city cannot always access them, or their neighbors, easily. McDonald said he has done wellness checks on customers when he noticed their mail piling up. He has transported injured and stranded farmers. He has saved injured animals and said he once called emergency services when lightning started a forest fire. On his recent dry run of his route, McDonald received eggs, cookies and hugs from customers along the route. Most had heard about his accident and were shocked to see how good his hand looked after reconstructive surgery. Im hoping, tomorrow, that theyll release me to go back to work, he told Gwen Smith. So I could be back on the route as early as Friday. McDonald is one of about 534,000 full-time Postal Service employees, according to its Office of Inspector General, of whom the majority are represented by unions that collectively bargain for competitive salaries and better benefits, but also contribute to operational losses. There are times when Im driving this route through three- and four-foot snow drifts, and its a challenge just to get through a day, McDonald said. But Im committed to doing that. And part of the reason that Im committed to doing that is because of the kind of job this is, the amount of pay that I receive, the benefits that come along with it, the security thats provided to us through union efforts. McDonald said whatever changes are ahead for postal delivery services, including possible privatization, he hopes the overall value beyond profit is considered. If you reduce it to dollars and cents, the math becomes very easy. But its all the other things, he said, citing the dependence on the service, the sense of community, the stable jobs, the safety and security function. Its not only valuable to the Postal Service and our mission. Its valuable to the community. And I just think theres some things about what we do that cannot be quantified in dollars and cents. Its almost cliche at this point. Democrats have a description of the Trump administrations maneuvers this second term Im sure youve heard: The cruelty is the point. But given a government with three co-equal branches, youd think thered be a check on that cruelty, at least among Supreme Court justices, the last line of defense when the executive and legislative branches are politically aligned, no matter what the party. But even though the merits of the lawsuits challenging the Trump administration have not yet made their way up to the High Court, the justices are still managing to eke out a path of destruction. Medicine has an edict: First, do no harm, meaning whatever you do, dont make a bad situation worse. Law has a functional equivalent in the injunction, a temporary pause in legal proceedings, giving judges time to suss things out the freezes the U.S. Supreme Court has been defrosting lately. Perhaps the justices should spend some time reflecting on the motto of their colleagues in medicine. There seems to be some dispute about when the term came into popular use. Contrary to popular belief, its not part of the Hippocratic Oath some medical schools still require newly minted doctors take. Despite the unclear origins, a Journal of Clinical Pharmacology article called it a potent reminder that every medical and pharmacological decision carries the potential for harm. Kind of like President Donald Trumps executive orders. With consequences that include whether trans members of the military can serve their country, whether the Department of Education and other efforts authorized by Congress should be funded and whether birthright citizenship is real, theres a lot of potential harm that could be inflicted if those executive orders are enacted before legal scrutiny. So, plaintiffs rush to sue and often seek temporary restraining orders and emergency injunctions to put those actions on hold while a federal judge sorts it all out. And theres a lot to sort out: Do the plaintiffs have the right to sue? Does the executive order conflict with a law, the Constitution or prior Supreme Court rulings? What are those legal parameters, and how do the facts hold up under them? Justice, even swift justice, moves slowly compared to the unceasing assault the current administration is waging on government. In most cases, U.S. District Court judges, including many who are Republican-appointed, have been granting the injunctions, often with very lengthy opinions underscoring their actions. And in most cases, the various circuits of the U.S. Court of Appeals have been upholding those decisions, with reasoned opinions of their own. Enter the U.S. Supreme Court, which said in June the lower courts cannot issue nationwide injunctions; the pauses only apply to the parties in a particular case. This arose out of a challenge to the executive order that seeks to cancel the 14th Amendment, which defines birthright citizenship and has already been upheld by the Supreme Court. In 1898. Now the options for everyone impacted by the executive order are to individually sue or find each other and file a class action lawsuit, a legal vehicle the justices have previously side-eyed. The deck is stacked. Other lifted injunctions often ordered without explanation as part of the nefarious-sounding shadow docket have resulted in: Deportations without torture risk assessments The dismantling of executive agencies authorized and funded by Congress And most recently, the firing of Consumer Product Safety Commissioners, who by statute are protected from such removals Remember, injunctions arent permanent. Theyre designed to maintain the status quo, to prevent striking the proverbial bell too soon, because its hard to unring it. Sadly, First, do no harm from medicine doesnt ring a bell with the justices, not even when stated in Latin, Primum non nocere. They dont even apply the principle to medicine. By sending abortion laws back to the states in the 2022 Dobbs decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has given its blessing, tacitly at least, to put pregnant people in harms way. While the states with abortion restrictions dont explicitly ban abortions on ectopic pregnancies and do allow providers to intervene if the life of the mother is in jeopardy, laws are often written so vaguely, medical personnel delay care. Thats what happened to Kyleigh Thurman of Texas, who ultimately lost part of her reproductive system after being discharged without any help from her hometown emergency room amid a rupturing ectopic pregnancy one that would never develop into a child. A federal investigation determined that when hospital staff sent a bleeding, pained Thurman home, they violated federal law. Thats likely little comfort to Thurman. ProPublica has been keeping track of those who have died from untreated pregnancy complications. For example, Texas total abortion ban has resulted in more women nearly bleeding to death during miscarriage. Thats literally the headline. If you think this cant happen to someone you know and love, as many as 20% of all pregnancies many of them very much wanted end in miscarriage. In the majoritys opinion, do no harm is dead. Long live the harm. 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: Chinese Premier Li Qiang is seen on a screen at the opening ceremony of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai on July 26, 2025. China's Premier Li Qiang warned Saturday that artificial intelligence development must be weighed against the security risks, saying global consensus was urgently needed even as the tech race between Beijing and Washington shows no sign of abating. His remarks came just days after US President Donald Trump unveiled an aggressive low-regulation strategy aimed at cementing US dominance in the fast-moving field, promising to "remove red tape and onerous regulation" that could hinder private sector AI development. Opening the World AI Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai on Saturday, Li emphasized the need for governance and open-source development, announcing the establishment of a Chinese-led body for international AI cooperation. "The risks and challenges brought by artificial intelligence have drawn widespread attention... How to find a balance between development and security urgently requires further consensus from the entire society," the premier said. He gave no further details about the newly announced organization, though state media later reported "the preliminary consideration" was that it would be headquartered in Shanghai. The organization would "promote global governance featuring extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits", state news agency Xinhua reported, without elaborating on its set-up or mechanisms. At a time when AI is being integrated across virtually all industries, its uses have raised major questions, including about the spread of misinformation, its impact on employment and the potential loss of technological control. In a speech at WAIC on Saturday, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Geoffrey Hinton compared the situation to keeping "a very cute tiger cub as a pet". To survive, he said, you need to ensure you can train it not to kill you when it grows up. Pledge to share AI advances The enormous strides AI technology has made in recent years have seen it move to the forefront of the US-China rivalry. Premier Li said China would "actively promote" the development of open-source AI, adding Beijing was willing to share advances with other countries, particularly developing ones. "If we engage in technological monopolies, controls and blockage, artificial intelligence will become the preserve of a few countries and a few enterprises," he said. Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu warned against "unilateralism and protectionism" at a later meeting. Washington has expanded its efforts in recent years to curb exports of state-of-the-art chips to China, concerned that they can be used to advance Beijing's military systems and erode US tech dominance. Li, in his speech, highlighted "insufficient supply of computing power and chips" as a bottleneck to AI progress. China has made AI a pillar of its plans for technological self-reliance, with the government pledging a raft of measures to boost the sector. In January, Chinese startup DeepSeek unveiled an AI model that performed as well as top US systems despite using less powerful chips. 'Defining test' In a video message played at the WAIC opening ceremony, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said AI governance would be "a defining test of international cooperation". The ceremony saw the French president's AI envoy, Anne Bouverot, underscore "an urgent need" for global action and for the United Nations to play a "leading role". Bouverot called for a framework "that is open, transparent and effective, giving each and everyone an opportunity to have their views taken into account". Li's speech "posed a clear contrast to the Trump administration's 'America First' view on AI" and the US measures announced this week, said WAIC attendee George Chen, a partner at Washington-based policy consultancy The Asia Group. "The world is now clearly divided into at least three camps: the United States and its allies, China (and perhaps many Belt and Road or Global South countries), and the EUwhich prefers regulating AI through legislation, like the EU AI Act," Chen told AFP. At an AI summit in Paris in February, 58 countries including China, France and Indiaas well as the European Union and African Union Commissioncalled for enhanced coordination on AI governance. But the United States warned against "excessive regulation", and alongside the United Kingdom, refused to sign the summit's appeal for an "open", "inclusive" and "ethical" AI. 2025 AFP China's largest land port handles 30,000 China-Europe freight train trips since 2013 Xinhua) 11:06, July 26, 2025 An aerial drone photo taken on July 25, 2025 shows freight trains preparing to depart from the railway station in Manzhouli, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Manzhouli railway port, China's largest land port, has handled 30,000 China-Europe freight train trips and nearly 3 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of goods since 2013. (Photo by Huang Xu/Xinhua) This photo taken on July 24, 2025 shows a freight train loaded with goods arriving at the railway station in Manzhouli, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Manzhouli railway port, China's largest land port, has handled 30,000 China-Europe freight train trips and nearly 3 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of goods since 2013. (Photo by Huang Xu/Xinhua) An aerial drone photo shows containers being loaded at Manzhouli railway station in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, July 24, 2025. The Manzhouli railway port, China's largest land port, has handled 30,000 China-Europe freight train trips and nearly 3 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of goods since 2013. (Photo by Huang Xu/Xinhua) This photo shows containers being loaded at Manzhouli railway station in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, July 25, 2025. The Manzhouli railway port, China's largest land port, has handled 30,000 China-Europe freight train trips and nearly 3 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of goods since 2013. (Photo by Huang Xu/Xinhua) An aerial drone photo taken on July 24, 2025 shows a freight train departing from the railway station in Manzhouli, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Manzhouli railway port, China's largest land port, has handled 30,000 China-Europe freight train trips and nearly 3 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of goods since 2013. (Photo by Huang Xu/Xinhua) An aerial drone photo taken on July 25, 2025 shows freight trains preparing to depart from the railway station in Manzhouli, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Manzhouli railway port, China's largest land port, has handled 30,000 China-Europe freight train trips and nearly 3 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of goods since 2013. (Photo by Huang Xu/Xinhua) (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Wu Chaolan) KBS2 latest Wednesday-Thursday drama, My Girlfriend is the Man, premiered on July 23 with modest nationwide viewership ratings of around 3%. While these numbers may not stand out, the production team is focused on generating buzz and changing the K-romance scene for a younger audience. The series, based on the Naver webtoon by Mastar, follows Park Yoon-jae, an astronomy student played by ASTRO's Yoon San-ha. His relationship takes a turn when his girlfriend, Kim Ji-eun, portrayed by OH MY GIRL's Arin, unexpectedly changes into a man. The male version of Ji-eun, now Kim Ji-hoon, is played by rookie actor Yoo Jung-hoo. During a press conference on premiere day, the cast expressed their excitement and nerves about taking on such an unusual story. " Q. What if your lover really changed gender in real life? Just because his gender has changed doesn't mean he's changed to another person, so I'll try to think of his original look as much as possible and love him the same way.#Arin #MyGirlfriendIsTheMan pic.twitter.com/NFHHO7Bj0V With Jiho (@jiho_hamkke) July 23, 2025 It was fresh, and I wanted to take on the challenge," Yoon said, sharing that this is his first leading role. Arin, who is balancing this rom-com with the dark thriller S Line, said, "It's my first time doing a rom-com, so I was both excited and scared." Former LOONA member Chuu makes her return to acting after a six-year break, playing Kang Min-joo, a popular student with feelings for Yoon-jae. "I've always dreamed of playing a strong high school character," Chuu shared. There has been speculation about the show's gender-bending plot, with some suggesting it fits the BL (Boys' Love) category. Director Yoo Kwan-mo clarified, "This is not a BL drama. It's a fantasy love story that revisits Ji-eun's original identity through flashbacks. The goal is to express young love like a watercolor painting." Set against famous Seoul locations like Hongdae and Gyeongbokgung, My Girlfriend is the Man emphasizes visual storytelling and emotional nuance. The team hopes to achieve 10% in ratings but stresses that their main goal is to spark conversation and possibly secure a second season. As the drama progresses, viewers will see if this unique love story becomes a sleeper hit or just an ambitious experiment. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain As the electrification of transport and heating accelerates, many worry the increased demand could overload national power grids. In Australia, electricity consumption is expected to double by 2050. If everyone charges their car and heats water using electric systems at the same time, peak demand could rise sharply, forcing costly grid upgrades. But this would only happen if there's no planning done. The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) and electric water heating has a huge silver lining. As more Australians make the switch, they're quietly expanding a vast network of distributed energy storage. In a fully electrified future, each person could have on average about 46 kilowatt hours worth of energy storageboth in EV batteries and hot water systems. Scaled up, that's a huge resource. If all cars and water heaters run on electricity, their combined flexible energy storage could reach over 1,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) across Australia. That's far beyond the 350 GWh capacity of the Snowy 2.0 hydroelectric project and all existing grid-scale batteries put together. Authorities can use these devices to help operate the grid more efficiently and slash infrastructure costs. In fact, our new research shows that with the right coordination, cities can transform from energy consumers into flexible energy hubs able to store energy and release it as necessary. This would make it possible to avoid billions of dollars worth of grid upgrades. Storage built in Electrification replaces fossil fuel-burning technology with electric-only systems, powered by a grid getting steadily cleaner. For households, electrification means switching a combustion engine car for an EV and replacing gas hot water with electric systems such as heat pumps. Both slash carbon emissions when run on grids with high levels of renewables. EVs and electric hot water systems offer more than just mobility or heating. They also have built-in energy storage. EV batteries store huge amounts of electricityusually several times the size of a house battery. Hot water systems store energy too, in the form of heat. Both of these resources are very useful to power grid authorities, because they can help optimize how the grid operates. Power grids are a constant balancing act, where supply and demand have to be carefully matched up. At times of intense demand, such as during a heat wave, demand can outstrip normal supply and send prices skyrocketing. When EVs are charged and water heated during off-peak periods, the strain on the grid can be significantly lessened. Canberra is pointing the way Since 2020, Canberra has been 100% powered by renewable electricity. The ACT Government is aiming for net zero by 2045. In our modeling, we found this goal could get a lot closer if EVs and hot water systems are used cleverly. We found changing the time cars are charged and water heated would shift around 5 kWh of electricity per person per day. That's about a third of each Canberra resident's average daily electricity use. Unmanaged charging and water heating would cause peak load to jump 34%. But if charging and heating was shifted to off-peak hours overnight, it could restrict the rise in peak load to just 16%. Reducing the rise in peak load would make it possible to avoid billions of dollars in grid upgrades such as expanding substations and building more transmission lines. Where flexibility matters most We found Canberra's new energy storage resources are concentrated in storage hotspotsdensely populated areas with many electric hot water systems and where many EVs are parked during the day. Importantly, these hotspots don't stay put. During working hours, vehicle batteries tend to concentrate in high-density office areas where EVs are parked. Storage capacity rose up to 31% in some Canberra working districts during the working week. It would make sense to make the most of these hotspots by installing smart chargers, which optimize the timing of EV charging and creating virtual power plants, which can coordinate the time when household devices and EVs draw power. Both of these approaches offer a cost-effective way to aggregate small scale household devices into a large coordinated storage resource. Aligning demand with solar peaks means using renewable energy which might otherwise go to waste during peak times. Policy needs to catch up Capturing the huge benefits from these new storage resources won't happen automatically. It requires smart systems and supportive policies. Technologies such as smart chargers and virtual power plants already exist. South Australia's Virtual Power Plant shows what's possible in practice. But to date, most Australian households don't have these kinds of smart systems. In many areas, electricity pricing is relatively inflexible and there's limited coordination between flexible energy use and the needs of the grid. To unlock the full potential of this huge new energy storage resource, governments and energy companies should: encourage uptake of smart chargers and smart water heaters in buildings expand dynamic pricing schemes which better reflect real-time supply and demand to help shift electricity use to off-peak periods focus on rolling out workplace EV chargers in high-density areas to boost charging during solar peak periods develop smart energy systems able to aggregate devices in individual households into a large grid-supporting fleet. More demandbut more storage As Australia increasingly goes electric, cities are becoming more than just energy consumers. Rather, they're becoming flexible energy hubs able to help balance supply and demand. Used wisely, humble electric water heaters and EVs can do more than meet household needsthey can help power Australia's clean energy future. 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: Mechanical engineering professor Dan Negrut poses with a space rover used for testing. Credit: Joel Hallberg / UWMadison When a multimillion-dollar extraterrestrial vehicle gets stuck in soft sand or gravelas did the Mars rover Spirit in 2009Earth-based engineers take over like a virtual tow truck, issuing a series of commands that move its wheels or reverse its course in a delicate, time-consuming effort to free it and continue its exploratory mission. While Spirit remained permanently stuck, in the future, better terrain testing right here on terra firma could help avert these celestial crises. Using computer simulations, University of WisconsinMadison mechanical engineers have uncovered a flaw in how rovers are tested on Earth. That error leads to overly optimistic conclusions about how rovers will behave once they're deployed on extraterrestrial missions. An important element in preparing for these missions is an accurate understanding of how a rover will traverse extraterrestrial surfaces in low gravity to prevent it from getting stuck in soft terrain or rocky areas. On the moon, the gravitational pull is six times weaker than on Earth. For decades, researchers testing rovers have accounted for that difference in gravity by creating a prototype that is a sixth of the mass of the actual rover. They test these lightweight rovers in deserts, observing how it moves across sand to gain insights into how it would perform on the moon. It turns out, however, that this standard testing approach overlooked a seemingly inconsequential detail: the pull of Earth's gravity on the desert sand. A rover's operation is simulated in Project Chrono, an open-source physics simulation engine developed at UWMadison. Credit: Dan Negrut / UWMadison Through simulation, Dan Negrut, a professor of mechanical engineering at UWMadison, and his collaborators determined that Earth's gravity pulls down on sand much more strongly than the gravity on Mars or the moon does. On Earth, sand is more rigid and supportivereducing the likelihood it will shift under a vehicle's wheels. But the moon's surface is "fluffier" and therefore shifts more easilymeaning rovers have less traction, which can hinder their mobility. "In retrospect, the idea is simple: We need to consider not only the gravitational pull on the rover but also the effect of gravity on the sand to get a better picture of how the rover will perform on the moon," Negrut says. "Our findings underscore the value of using physics-based simulation to analyze rover mobility on granular soil." The team recently detailed its findings in the Journal of Field Robotics. The researchers' discovery resulted from their work on a NASA-funded project to simulate the VIPER rover, which had been planned for a lunar mission. The team leveraged Project Chrono, an open-source physics simulation engine developed at UWMadison in collaboration with scientists from Italy. This software allows researchers to quickly and accurately model complex mechanical systemslike full-size rovers operating on "squishy" sand or soil surfaces. While simulating the VIPER rover, they noticed discrepancies between the Earth-based test results and their simulations of the rover's mobility on the moon. Digging deeper with Chrono simulations revealed the testing flaw. The benefits of this research also extend well beyond NASA and space travel. For applications on Earth, Chrono has been used by hundreds of organizations to better understand complex mechanical systemsfrom precision mechanical watches to U.S. Army trucks and tanks operating in off-road conditions. Rovers on sand in the Simulation-Based Engineering Lab. Credit: Joel Hallberg / UWMadison "It's rewarding that our research is highly relevant in helping to solve many real-world engineering challenges," Negrut says. "I'm proud of what we've accomplished. It's very difficult as a university lab to put out industrial-strength software that is used by NASA." Chrono is free and publicly available for unfettered use worldwide, but the UWMadison team puts in significant ongoing work to develop and maintain the software and provide user support. "It's very unusual in academia to produce a software product at this level," Negrut says. "There are certain types of applications relevant to NASA and planetary exploration where our simulator can solve problems that no other tool can solve, including simulators from huge tech companies, and that's exciting." Since Chrono is open source, Negrut and his team are focused on continually innovating and enhancing the software to stay relevant. "All our ideas are in the public domain and the competition can adopt them quickly, which drives us to keep moving forward," he says. "We have been fortunate over the last decade to receive support from the NSF, U.S. Army Research Office and NASA." Co-authors on the paper include Wei Hu of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Pei Li of UW-Madison, Arno Rogg and Alexander Schepelmann of NASA, Samuel Chandler of ProtoInnovations, LLC, and Ken Kamrin of MIT. More information: Wei Hu et al, A Study Demonstrating That Using Gravitational Offset to Prepare Extraterrestrial Mobility Missions Is Misleading, Journal of Field Robotics (2025). DOI: 10.1002/rob.22597 While many have their Roman Empire, my ancient civilization of interest growing up was the Inca Empire. Being half Peruvian and growing up on the folkloric music, arts and ethnic flavors of my mothers old country, I have been drawn to the place since childhood. (The last time I visited, I was five years old and considered too young to bring to the mountains so it barely counts.) After almost 20 years of dreaming about it, I finally took my chance to go and visit family there. What I experienced in those 10 days is only scratching the surface of what the Land of the Inca has to offer. My Peru adventures started out in Lima, the capital of Peru and the city where my mother was born and raised. I was there for my cousins wedding, which took place at the historic St. Mary Magdalens Church. It has stood since the 1500s. While it appears simple on the outside, the Baroque-style altars are decorated with gold leaf. Central Lima has many antique buildings from its colonial era with box balconies. The Airbnb my mother, uncle and I stayed at was near the Miraflores business district overlooking the Pacific. Id forgotten how much I missed the ocean until I saw those big waves. Although the water was cold, with it being winter below the Equator, there were surfers in the water below. Above us were daring parasailers. Some attractions in the Miraflores area I explored with my relatives were the outdoors Larcomar Mall and the Parque de Amor, or Love Park, where couples write their initials on a lock and attach it onto the fence. After a tour of Central Lima, we left the coast for the mountains, taking a plane to the city of Cusco. It was the capital city of the Inca empire prior to Spanish conquest. Lima, being close to the ocean, made trade easier. We toured the four Inca ruins on the outskirts of town. The stones were built interlocked so tightly not even a piece of paper can fit between them, able to withstand the earthquakes. While touring Tambomachay and its Incan water channels, I bought an overpriced shawl (which my uncle told me may not really be a hundred percent alpaca wool) from a persistent vendor. It has the image of Machu Picchu knitted on the back and it stayed on for the remainder of the trip. One of the biggest highlights of the trip was the day in Machu Picchu. I had wanted to see this wonder of the world since I was nine. Id seen many images of the green mountain and the ruins of a city, including photos of my parents travels there, but I finally saw it in person and touched the stones. It was a clear and warm day and despite the altitude, I was able to climb up the stepped path just fine. That day, I learned that Machu Picchu isnt just the old city but a mountain town. After taking the bus back down the hill from the tour, we stopped at a restaurant and toasted to on-the-house pisco sour, a cocktail made with Peruvian brandy and lime. One thing I will miss about Peru is the food. I thought I knew Peruvian food after growing up on classics like papa a la huancaina, lomo saltado and chicha morada (a drink made of purple corn) but still found many new things to try. Some honorable mentions were lucuma ice cream, proper picarones (when we made these sweet potato donuts at home, we had to substitute spiced syrup with maple syrup), queso serrano (cheese from the Puno region, south of Peru) and pacay. I did not know quinoa could be made into a beverage either until my aunt offered it, a staple beverage in her home. We came during the feast of the Virgen de Carmen, or Our Lady of Mount Carmel, where a crowd of people celebrated on the town square in front of the church with a procession, live music, fireworks and folk dances. Even for my mother and uncle, who grew up in Peru, many of the folk costumes and dances were new to them as well. The aguas termales, or hot springs, in that town was a new attraction to all of us as well and we made sure to go and take a dip. There was also a waterfall, which my uncle said was amazing but I was running short on soles and they required payment in cash to go see it. We spent the last days of our trip in the Huaral area, where much of my mothers family lives and Chancay, a nearby town. There we toured the Castillo de Chancay, an attraction that is a mix of a theme park and a historic museum. We took memorable photos with the ocean and the castle in the background. Even with Machu Picchu now crossed off my bucket list, there is still a chance for a return trip. For Peru, what I saw is only the tip of the mountain. On my travels, I thought about other places I wanted to see if I came back, like the mountain of seven colors, the Ollataytambo village (it was too early in the morning and too late at night when we passed it on the way to Machu Picchu) the Lord of Sipan artifacts and Lake Titicaca. Additionally, I have relatives who would like to see me again. We joked, until the next wedding! but we hope next time is sooner than we think. You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles). Sitting alone before the judge in Tucson's immigration court on Wednesday, her dark hair tied back with a bright pink ribbon, 14-year-old Karla appeared uncertain when asked if she wanted to be returned to her home country of Guatemala or continue fighting her deportation in court. In January, when she was 13, Karla had crossed the southern border into Arizona from Mexico near Sasabe, outside an official port of entry and without her parents. She was among more than a dozen kids, ages 12 to 17, seated Wednesday morning in the courtroom of Judge Irene Feldman, who oversees the monthly unaccompanied minors' docket. But Karla whom the Star is only identifying by her first name because she's a minor still hadn't found an attorney, like most of the children present, and she wasn't sure how to respond to Feldman's questions, translated into Spanish by an interpreter. "You don't want to go back to Guatemala? I can see you hesitating," Feldman said, adding, "You've already had several months to find an attorney." But Feldman set a new hearing date for November to give the girl time to consider her next step, and to find a lawyer. As the Trump administration has moved to cut legal-services funding for unaccompanied minors, more children are representing themselves in complex immigration proceedings, an administrative process that doesn't guarantee the right to counsel, unlike criminal proceedings. Facing immigration court alone makes it far more likely a child will be returned to their home country, even if they could qualify for relief with the help of an attorney, advocates say. But Arizona's only provider of legal and social services for unaccompanied migrant children, the Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project, had to stop taking on new cases of unaccompanied minors at the end of March, due to government contract cuts and an uncertain future for federal funding. Ethically, the nonprofit can't commit to taking on new cases, which can last months or years, without knowing if funding will exist to see the cases through, said Roxana Avila-Cimpeanu, Florence Project deputy director. "We don't know if the government is going to continue funding this after September. Because we do not have certainty on this, we are making difficult decisions now," she said. "Without legal service providers like us, a 4-year-old has to find their own attorney while theyre detained by the government." The Trump administration's March termination of funding for unaccompanied minors' legal services, although temporarily restored by litigation, caused upheaval for legal service providers nationwide. The Florence Project relies on government contracts for about two-thirds of its budget, including the imperiled contract for unaccompanied minors. The Florence Project also had to lay off 31 members of its 200-person staff in July, and faces the possibility of more "tough choices" in September, when a preliminary injunction on the Trump administration's cuts to legal services for unaccompanied minors is set to expire, Avila-Cimpeanu said. Other nonprofits have been similarly hit: San Antonio-based RAICES, Texas's largest immigrant legal aid group, laid off 158 employees, nearly half its staff, in March after the Trump administration's cuts to legal services for minors, the Houston Chronicle reported. Avila-Cimpeanu emphasized the Florence Project is still providing legal support to children in detention and staff continues to represent minors in court cases they've already taken on. The nonprofit hopes public support can help the nonprofit get through the current funding challenges. "We will continue to exist," Avila-Cimpeanu said. "We will continue to fight for children and for the restoration of funding." 'Putting out the call for help' A group of Tucson advocates is hoping to bridge the gap in legal services by appealing to Arizona-licensed attorneys, even those without immigration court experience, to lend a hand on a volunteer basis. The informal group of community organizers and lawyers who connected during a June meeting of Tucson's Coalicion de Derechos Humanos has created an ad-hoc task force, which they call the Tucson Kids Team, to raise awareness about the legal needs of unaccompanied minors, and to provide training to lawyers willing to get involved. Call for attorneys to join 'Tucson Kids Team' An ad-hoc group of Tucson advocates is looking for attorneys who are licensed in Arizona to help unaccompanied migrant children, on a pro-bono basis, to complete a legal process through family or juvenile court that can ultimately help them attain permanent residence in the U.S. The Tucson Kids Team will provide training and support. Interested attorneys can find out more by emailing TucsonKidsTeam@proton.me. "The whole idea was that we need to help kids find attorneys, and we need to train attorneys as to the very unique remedies that children can ask for in immigration court," said Luis Campos, a Tucson immigration attorney who helped form the task force. "Kids are taking voluntary departures, when they could have stayed here. We're putting out the call for help on these cases, pro-bono." The Florence Project has expressed support for the idea, and advocates are hopeful the nonprofit can assist in training participants, Campos said. Unaccompanied minors sometimes accept a voluntary return to their home country, even if they could apply for asylum or other forms of relief, such as "U-visas" for crime victims or visas for trafficking victims. Many could qualify for the Special Immigrant Juvenile status, which can be awarded by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS, if a child can first prove in a family or juvenile court not in immigration court that they were abandoned, neglected or abused by at least one parent. Those approved for SIJ status can get permanent residence, known as a green card, and have a pathway to citizenship, Campos said. But without help, a child would have a nearly impossible challenge in navigating the juvenile court system, securing the required approval there and then submitting an SIJ application to USCIS, advocates say. Family law attorneys can be quickly trained on helping children through the juvenile court portion of the process, and filing the application with USCIS, Campos said. But it may soon become harder for kids to get approval for that protected status, according to a Thursday report from USCIS citing "significant abuses" in the SIJ program amid a 200% increase in applications since 2017. The USCIS report said the SIJ classification has been exploited and that weak state court processes end up "rubber-stamping" applications, failing to identify false claims for relief and instances of age or identity fraud. The report cites examples of criminality among SIJ applicants, including 652 "known or suspected M-13 gang members" who applied since 2013, most of whom were approved, representing about 0.2% of the 295,000 total applicants since 2013. The Trump administration is "exploring further action to mitigate vulnerabilities in the integrity of the SIJ program, address significant national security and public safety concerns, and ensure the SIJ classification remains available for the juveniles it was intended to protect," a USCIS statement said in a Thursday news release. Campos said he worries the report is trying to create a "pretext" for stripping prior approvals of SIJ status for kids. He also doubts the validity of the crime statistics cited, considering the Trump administration's track record of falsely deeming immigrants to be gang members without evidence or due process. "It's part of a broader campaign, I think, to paint Latinos and Mexicans as criminals and terrorists," Campos said. "The danger is that indeed the government will attempt to undo approved applications, or will interpret the statute in such a narrow way that SIJ status is no longer a viable option for children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned." Not designed for children Immigrants facing removal proceedings, including unaccompanied minors, already have the cards stacked against them, immigrant-rights advocates say. Immigration court judges are employees of the U.S. Department of Justice, under the department's Executive Office for Immigration Review, or EOIR, which advocates say is an inherent conflict of interest. Judges are evaluated on "performance metrics," such as how many cases they have closed, said Avila-Cimpeanu of the Florence Project. "This is a system that is not designed with children in mind," she said. On Thursday, an EOIR spokesperson said the agency declined to respond to the Star's questions about the impact of Trump's cuts to legal counsel for unaccompanied minors, and whether children can get due process in immigration court without legal representation. Support the Florence Project The Florence Project relies on federal contracts and donations from the public to sustain its legal-aid services for immigrants. Donations can be made on its website at firrp.org/ways-to-give/. Direct representation in court is only one aspect of the legal services the Florence Project provides; it also conducts independent oversight of children in detention, ensuring they're not abused, and helps detained children get released to relatives or sponsors in the community, Avila-Cimpeanu said. The Florence Project is also still providing "know your rights" sessions to detained minors held in shelters. Children who crossed the border without their parents are often fleeing violence and traumatic experiences, and are extremely vulnerable to abuse, attorneys say. Under new restrictions imposed by the Trump administration, unaccompanied minors are now facing longer stays in federal custody, before they can be released to relatives or sponsors in the U.S. Immigrant children need legal support now more than ever, Avila-Cimpeanu said. Legal services programming for unaccompanied minors "was founded on the legal mandate that says children are to receive legal services to the greatest extent practicable," she said. "The government is obligated to fund this work. There's funding designated for this. ... Theres not nearly enough pro-bono attorneys who are able to do this work for all the children who need it." At Tucson's immigration court on Wednesday, Judge Feldman repeatedly had to ask some of the nervous adolescents, most dressed in blazers or skirts, to speak louder as they responded to her questions. She chided some for not having applied for asylum or secured attorneys since their last hearing. "You can't keep coming back to court without having made some effort to help yourself. Do you need another asylum application?" Feldman asked a boy from Guatemala, who in December had entered Texas unauthorized by raft, at age 16, according to information Feldman cited from the Border Patrol's initial report. Many of the children left the court Wednesday with their hands full of paperwork, including asylum application forms, directions on how to apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile status and a list of pro-bono legal resources. The legal-resources sheet, provided to the Star by the immigration court clerk's office on Friday, lists only one option for juveniles seeking legal help: the Florence Project. Andrea Eger Tulsa World Projects Reporter Follow Andrea Eger 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 The only member of the Oklahoma State Board of Education from Tulsa backed up the chronology of events described by two fellow board members who reported seeing nude women on a TV inside State Superintendent Ryan Walters office Thursday. The leader of the Oklahoma State House of Representatives is calling for an investigation after board members Becky Carson and Ryan Deatherage reportedly told two Oklahoma City media outlets, The Oklahoman and NonDoc, that they were shocked and angered by witnessing such video during the course of their service on the board during an executive session Thursday afternoon, as well as by Walters failure to apologize for the incident. Quinton Hitchcock, who was hired as Walters director of communications about three months ago, denied Carsons and Deatherages accounts of Thursdays events in Walters office altogether, called them hostile to Walters, and insulted the two Oklahoma City media outlets for publishing what he termed a junk tabloid lie. But a third member of the State Board of Education who was present during Thursdays executive session told the Tulsa World on Friday that he could confirm the chronology of events described by both Carson and Deatherage, even though he was seated with his back to the television at the time. I can confirm there was a kerfuffle and Mr. Walters seemed shaken, said Chris VanDenhende, a Tulsan on the board. I havent had any significant conversations with either Becky (Carson) or Ryan (Deatherage). All I can tell you is toward the end of the executive session, Becky saw something and said, What is on the TV? Ryan Walters had his back to it, turned around, saw it and freaked out. He jumped up and started pushing buttons and said, I cant even change the channel, but then he finally did something to make it stop. There was no discussion about it in executive session other than the panic. To me at the time, it was just kind of bizarre. Becky said there were naked women. Asked for a description of the screen, VanDenhende described it as a big TV on the wall directly across from Ryan Walters desk. When I went in for the executive session, the TV was on. The volume was down. I didnt notice what it was, but I did think, Why do you have the TV on? It clearly wasnt CNN or Fox News. It was some sort of cable channel, he said. They said it was the real deal. All I can tell you is that Becky was startled. Those events took place. Nobody can deny it, and Chad Kutmas was also in the room. Kutmas is the State Board of Educations contract attorney, with the Tulsa-based firm of Norman Wohlgemuth Attorneys at Law. An attempt to reach him for comment Friday afternoon was unsuccessful. In a written statement, Gov. Kevin Stitt reacted to the allegations by saying: I trust and appreciate my board members. They are volunteers who are sacrificing their time to serve Oklahoma students. Should these allegations be true, all I can say is that I am profoundly disappointed. Around 5 p.m. Friday, House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, released the following statement: These are serious allegations made by two members of the State Board, and an expeditious third-party review is warranted. I urge the State Superintendent to unlock and turn over all relevant devices and fully cooperate with an investigation. If no wrongdoing occurred, a prompt and transparent review should quickly clear his name. Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, also released a public statement: My main concern has always been and will remain on Oklahoma parents, teachers, and students and their right to free, quality public education, said Munson. Anything that threatens to infringe on that right will be pushed back on, just as House Democrats have done in the past with several efforts to investigate the State Superintendent. Regardless of if recent allegations are true, Oklahomans are in dire need of new leadership at the Oklahoma State Department of Education. While we wait for more information, we will follow the guidance of the Speaker and trust that any alleged moral or criminal wrongdoings will be thoroughly investigated. SBS / NITV: Garma Festival 2025 Natalie Ahmat and John Paul Janke present 25th anniversary of the Garma Festiva in Gulkula, northeast Arnhem Land. NITV and SBS will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Garma Festival from 1-4 August, presented by Natalie Ahmat and John Paul Janke. Taking place in Gulkula, northeast Arnhem Land, the Garma Festival is one of Australias largest Indigenous gatherings and most significant Indigenous affairs forum. Hosted by the Yothu Yindi Foundation, the event brings together political leaders, policy makers, corporate leaders, and community representatives. It provides a globally recognised platform for debate about issues affecting First Nations people, while also celebrating the culture, ceremony, visual art, dance, music, and storytelling of the Yolu people. In 2025, NITV returns to Gulkula as Media Supporter for the tenth year, to provide its unique First Nations focussed coverage of the festival. Together with SBS, it will be sharing all the key forums, major announcements, and highlights like the Opening Ceremony and the daily bugul (traditional dance), with a national audience across the network. The event will also be shared with global audiences through the World Indigenous Broadcasting Network. Each year, the Yolu people open their arms and their hearts to more than 2,500 people at Gulkula, and were honoured to extend that invitation to all Australians through our coverage of this significant event, said Tanya Denning-Orman, SBS Director of First Nations. This year we will deliver more of the key moments and ceremonial spectacle of the Garma Festival across our platforms than ever before, as we continue to grow and expand our coverage across the entire SBS network, led by NITV as the official Media Supporter. We will ensure you dont miss a moment and are proud to be delivering unparalleled access for every Australian, and around the world. This 25-year milestone for the Garma Festival is also an opportunity to reflect on the events significance, legacy, and impact. Well also highlight this history and celebrate the many achievements of Yolu leaders and the strengths of the region. Daily live coverage, updates, and highlights including a two-hour live special on Sunday 3 August from 10am will be presented by NITVs Indigenous News and Current Affairs team including Head of Indigenous News and Current Affairs, Natalie Ahmat; SBS National Indigenous Affairs Editor and host of The Point, John Paul Janke; NITV News Presenter and Senior Producer, Michael Rennie; and more. In addition to NITV and SBSs live simulcast of key events, SBS News will report from Garma, providing updates on SBS World News and its platforms, with Chief Political Correspondent, Anna Henderson, on the ground. SBS will also provide unique multilingual coverage with representatives from SBSs Chinese and Arabic teams also reporting from Gulkula, with news and insights to feature across the SBS Audio network in more than 60 languages, in addition to NITV Radio. NITV Muy Ngulayg on SBS On Demand will be the home for all Garma Festival content, with audiences able to tune into live streams, as well as catch up on all the forums and speeches, bugul, and NITV News programs. NITV News: Nula 3-3.30pm, Friday 1 August Simulcast live on NITV, SBS and SBS On Demand Join Natalie Ahmat and the NITV News team for a special edition of Nula, broadcast live from the 25th Garma Festival at Gulkula, in northeast Arnhem Land. Nula will provide a preview of events and insights into the issues and ideas to be discussed across the following days of the festival, with interviews, explainers, profiles, and stories from the local region. Garma Opening Ceremony 4-5.30pm, Friday 1 August Simulcast live on NITV, SBS, SBS On Demand Join hosts Natalie Ahmat and John Paul Janke for the official opening ceremony launching a special 25th anniversary Garma Festival, rich in spirit, truth-telling, and the unbreakable connection to land and culture. The ceremony brings together Yolu leaders, community members, and special guests to mark this milestone moment. This years Garma theme, Law of the Land: Standing Firm, reflects the strength, resilience, and cultural authority of the Yolu people. The opening ceremony features heartfelt speeches and reflections, followed by a vibrant bugul, where minytji (art), manikay (song), dance, and story come together in a moving expression of identity and law. Its also an important gathering for clans and families from across the region. Garma Bugul 9-10am, Saturday 2 August, Sunday 3 August, and Monday 4 August Simulcast on NITV, SBS and SBS On Demand Set against the breathtaking backdrop of northeast Arnhem Land, this daily program captures the spirit of Yolu ceremony through minytji (art), manikay (song), dance and storytelling, which takes place as the sun sets at the festival each afternoon. The bugul is a powerful cultural expression, where ancient knowledge, deep connection to Country, and ancestral stories are shared through rhythm, movement, and song. Filmed on Yolu Country with cultural authority, this program offers audiences a rare and respectful window into the worlds oldest living culture. Each episode takes viewers on a journey, showcasing the rich traditions of Yolu clans as they share ceremonial dances passed down through generations. NITVs special daily program explores the cultural meaning behind each bugul, offering insight into the songlines, law, and kinship systems that shape Yolu life. Garma Forums 10am-12pm and 1.30-3.30pm, Saturday 2 August Simulcast live on NITV, SBS and SBS On Demand Join hosts Natalie Ahmat, John Paul Janke, and Michael Rennie for NITVs live coverage of the Garma Festival forums, broadcasting from the Garrtjambal Auditorium in Gulkula. The forums are a powerful platform where First Nations voices take centre stage, bringing together community leaders, Elders, academics, politicians, and young people for deep and thought-provoking conversations about the future of this nation. NITV brings viewers the most important speeches and panels, capturing powerful moments from Yolu leaders, the Yothu Yindi Foundation, and national figures including the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP. With expert commentary and cultural insight, NITVs Garma Forums coverage invites all Australians to listen, learn, and engage with the issues that matter most to First Nations communities. Garma 2025: 25 Years Strong 10am-12pm, Sunday 3 August Simulcast live on NITV. SBS and SBS On Demand Join hosts Natalie Ahmat and John Paul Janke for a special two-hour program celebrating 25 years of the Garma Festival. This commemorative broadcast will take audiences on a powerful journey through the heart of Yolu Country, showcasing the vibrancy, resilience, and legacy of the festival. Blending panel discussions with unforgettable live performances and the best of the bugul, the program will reflect on Garmas extraordinary history and its role in shaping the national conversation on culture, identity, and self-determination. Featuring trailblazers, artists, community leaders, and special guests, the broadcast will honour those who laid the foundations of Garma and continue to carry its spirit forward. The Best of Garma 2025 6pm, Monday 4 August Simulcast on NITV, SBS and SBS On Demand Hosted by Natalie Ahmat, this 30-minute recap program of highlights from Garma Festival will include all the key moments from four-days of celebration and reflection. All broadcast times are AEST. Across Indias tribal villages, women continue to be hunted and killed as witches, while families watch in silence, fear or grief. Poonam Masih, TwoCircles.net Support TwoCircles Asansol (West Bengal): The night had long fallen over the tribal village of Dakshinkhand, West Bengal, when the pounding on the door began. Draped in her cotton saree, Sukhi Kisku still remembers the fury in their eyes. The crowd, nearly a hundred people, included many familiar faces from her own village. They allegedly dragged her into the open under the night sky, stripped her, beat her with sticks and rods, scratched her chest and shaved her head. Around 100 people came to my house. They dragged me out, tore my clothes, beat me with sticks and rods, scratched my chest, choked me, shaved my head and forced me to drink human feces and urine. They beat me so badly that my leg broke. I still cannot walk properly. Doctors say I need surgery to insert a metal plate, Sukhi recalled the, sitting in the courtyard of her home. She was targeted after being accused of practicing witchcraft. The incident did not occur in some remote corner of the country. It happened just 180 kilometres from Kolkata and barely 20 kilometres from the steel city of Durgapur. In one of Indias most literate states, a woman was branded a daain a witch. Across states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, West Bengal and beyond, such accusations are tragically common. Women are labelled witches for reasons as arbitrary as a neighbours illness, a family members death or disputes over land. Some are elderly. Others are widowed. Most are poor. In July, five members of a family in Bihars Purnea district were beaten and burned alive after being accused of witchcraft. They were Sita Devi, Manjeet Oraon, Rani Devi and two men including Babulal Oraon. The family had been blamed for the death of a village child. They physically assaulted them with sticks and then burned them alive. Their bodies were stuffed into sacks and dumped, said Purneas DIG Pramod Kumar Mandal. Grief-stricken Arjun Oraon, deceased Babulals brother, said, I could not save them. I was not even allowed to leave my house. They told me if I came out, they would beat me. I could not even make a phone call. Arjun lives with his family in a separate house. His voice trembled as he recalled the horror. About 150 to 200 people came to my brothers house with sticks, rods, iron bars and sharp weapons. They beat them severely, broke their legs and hands and then dragged them outside the village and set them on fire, he alleged. Khumlal Oraon, another brother of the victim, said, We were helpless. We could not make sense of what was happening. The villagers came with their decision and started attacking them. We were just a few family members, unable to stop them. The local administration responded swiftly. Purnea District Magistrate Anshul Kumar told the media that an FIR had been registered against 13 named and around 150-200 unidentified persons. Three of the main accused were arrested, including a minor. But justice, in many cases, is slow. And the fear remains. Back in Dakshinkhand, Sukhis wounds, physical and emotional, have not healed so far. I have four daughters and one son. All my daughters were married before the incident. Only my son was with me, but even he was not allowed to step outside the house, she said. The abuse came not only from strangers, but from people she knew. Women in the crowd were telling the men, Beat her and throw her into the pond. They beat me mercilessly. At that moment, I thought it was my last day on earth, she recalled. She was eventually rescued. My son somehow saved me and took me to my relatives house. I stayed there for a week, but my condition worsened. Then my son-in-law admitted me to a private hospital and lodged a complaint at Ladouha police station. The police took action and arrested some of those involved, she said. Returning home was not easy. After the treatment, the police commissioner and other officers came to my village with full force and ensured I was safely resettled in my home, she said. But her life has never returned to normal. We are socially boycotted. No one visits or speaks to us because I am called a daain. My son and I live alone, she added. When asked why she was branded a witch, Sukhi raised her voice, Before this incident, my husband died. Soon after, my gotni (sister-in-law) also passed away due to illness. We were blamed for both deaths, and I was branded a witch. These crimes reflect deep rooted superstition. They expose deeper roots of poverty, patriarchy and power. According to Tanzil Asif, editor of Mai Media, a YouTube channel that covers Bihars Seemanchal region (which includes Purnea, Araria, Kishanganj and Katihar), while villagers expressed sorrow over the killings, many still believe in witchcraft. There is anger and unanswered questions in their eyes. Why were five people buried like this? Some villagers said that before doing something so extreme, they should have consulted a local healer to confirm whether any witchcraft was involved. But they did not. And now, the village has lost five of its own, he said. People regret the deaths, but many still believe in witchcraft, he added. According to the latest available data of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), over 2,500 deaths were linked to witch-hunting between 2000 and 2016. In Jharkhand alone, 593 women were killed between 2001 and 2021. Another 89 people were murdered between 2018 and 2022. Odishas Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts reported 2,553 deaths during 2000-2022. Chhattisgarh recorded 89 such murders between 2018 and 2022. Similar killings continue in Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Chutni Mahato, a social activist from Jharkhand and Padma Shri awardee, is herself a survivour of such violence. I was branded a witch in 1995. The villagers treated me the same way they do other women today. After two years of struggle and the support of an NGO, we succeeded in getting a bill passed against witch-hunting. But it still continues, she said. She said that many recent cases involve horrific torture, and the consequences are lifelong. I visit many villages to educate people. Branding women as witches should never be part of our culture. But even after years of effort, women still come to me with their pain, she said. She continues to support survivours, often at personal risk. Whenever a woman approaches me with a complaint, I help her file a police report. Over the years, I have learned that women face physical assault, social boycott, stigma and humiliation because of lack of education and superstition that has seeped in the society over the years, she said. Dipta Bhog, a Delhi-based social activist, told Frontline, The only time witch-hunting becomes visible is when it results in death. But women do not just die, they live in isolation, stigmatized and stripped of dignity. Researcher Tanvi Yadav adds that accusations are often driven by property disputes, sexual coercion and caste-based violence. Dalit women are frequently targeted. Upper-caste communities often blame them for misfortunes, accusing them of witchcraft, she said. Some states have passed laws to curb the crime. Bihars Prevention of Witch (Daain) Practices Act, 1999 mandates seven years to life imprisonment and fines up to Rs 5 lakh. Jharkhands Anti-Witchcraft Act, passed in 2001, prescribes six months jail or a Rs 2,000 fine for branding someone a witch. But laws alone have never stopped the violence. From the smouldering ashes of Tetgama to the silent home in Dakshinkhand, the pattern remains same suspicion, mob violence, isolation and silence. Sukhi now lives surrounded by memories and mistrust. Her leg still does not bend the right way. Her neighbours still whisper. And the night they came for her, just as they came for the five in Purnea, still echoes in her voice. My son and I live alone. No one comes to meet us because I am a daain. To ensure privacy and comfort, the couple booked a VIP air-conditioned sleeper cabin with two beds, totaling 3.6 million VND ($140). We had quite a bit of luggage and wanted our own space to rest, so we reserved a VIP cabin with two beds, Geoff explained. The cost was 1.8 million VND (about $70) per person. Despite the affordable price, Geoff said the space and service exceeded expectations. The only downside was the lack of a private bathroom. However, shared restrooms were clean and well-equipped, and each cabin had a wash basin in the hallway for convenience. Alexa was also pleased with the cabin's interior, praising its clean and tidy layout. The large window allowed them to gaze freely at the passing landscape. The room came with fresh bedding, a tea table, and ample storage space under the beds and near the door. There was plenty of room for our luggage - both under the bed and in overhead compartments, Alexa described. Aside from the design, Alexa appreciated the complimentary snacks and bottled water provided in the cabin. She was also eager to sample light meals offered by onboard attendants as they passed through. She was excited that full meals were served on the train. For lunch, we had grilled chicken with rice, boiled vegetables, and soup, Geoff added. Their train departed at 8:00 a.m. and arrived in Ho Chi Minh City at 4:20 a.m. the next day. After more than 20 hours aboard the high-quality train, the couple felt satisfied with the experience. They noted the smooth ride allowed for remote work, sightseeing, light exercise, and rest. In addition, they enjoyed seeing a different side of Vietnam - from peaceful rural villages to vast oceans and majestic mountains. During the ride, we got a lot done - from reading and working to enjoying meals and admiring the beauty of each region we passed, Alexa shared. Thao Trinh The company was honoured in the Social Responsibility category for its role as a pioneer in the circular economymarking the second year in a row it has received this recognition. The Corporate Sustainability Awards (CSA 2025) held on July 15 in Ho Chi Minh City are jointly organised by Nhip Cau Dau Tu Magazine and a prestigious panel of judges including representatives from HSBC, PwC Vietnam, Talentnet, the Institute for Circular Economy Development (Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City), and VinaCapital, among others. The awards aim to recognise businesses that drive sustainable development and promote environmental and social equity initiatives. Mondelez Kinh Do representatives were honoured at the 2025 Corporate Sustainability Awards on July 15 Mondelez Kinh Do was ranked among the Top 30 Outstanding Foreign Invested Enterprises (FIEs) for 2025 at the prestigious Golden Dragon Awards in April, organised within the Vietnam Connect Forum. This was the third consecutive year that Mondelez Kinh Do had received the accolade, recognising its significant contributions to economic growth, innovation, green transition, and corporate social responsibility. As a member of Mondelez International, Mondelez Kinh Do has been serving Vietnamese consumers for a decade with trusted brands such as Cosy, Kinh Do, Solite, AFC, Oreo, Ritz, LU, Toblerone, and Cadbury. The company continues to assert its role through quality products and a sustainable growth model, anchored in four key pillars: sustainable packaging, responsible sourcing, climate action, and positive social impact. Mondelez Kinh Do was also honoured at the Golden Dragon Awards in April As part of its commitment to advancing a circular economy for paper and plastic, the company has partnered with leading organisations to collect, sort, and recycle consumer packaging waste. To enhance packaging sustainability, it has adopted recyclable materials, reduced plastic content, minimised ink use, and optimised designs to lower environmental impact. In terms of ingredient circularity, a standout initiative is its collaboration with Australian social enterprise Green Connect to convert food waste into animal feed and support egg production. Since 2024, hundreds of tonnes of food waste have been collected through this scheme. Additionally, Mondelez Kinh Do is transitioning to fully utilizing cage-free eggs for selected product lines, while developing sustainable supply chains in partnership with both local and international providers. To reduce its climate and environmental impact, the company has adopted green energy solutions across its operations. At its factory in the northern province of Hung Yen, solar power systems have been integrated into daily production processes, marking a key step towards cleaner manufacturing. Mondelez Kinh Do also aims to create positive social impact through community-focused initiatives, such as its partnership with Foodbank Vietnam to provide food assistance to underserved communities, and the donation of used computers to students in need. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Lien, Corporate and Government Affair lead at Mondelez Kinh Do Vietnam, said, "We are honoured to be recognised again at the Corporate Sustainability Awards. Over the past 10 years, we have placed sustainable development at the core of our business strategy, contributing to Vietnams green growth objectives while minimising our environmental footprint. We believe adaptability, investment in circular economy models, sustainable supply chains, and human development are key drivers of long-term value for our business." Mondelez Kinh Do to bring joy to those unable to spend Tet at home Understanding the heartfelt longing of those unable to celebrate Lunar New Year with their families, Mondelez Kinh Do continues its creative and meaningful 'Loi Moi Sum Vay' (Special Invitation) campaign for 2025. CSI 2025 marks a decade of promoting sustainable business in Vietnam The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry launched the 2025 Corporate Sustainability Index (CSI) on June 5, marking the 10th consecutive year of its implementation under governmental guidance. Senedd seeks to cover up details of nepotism Senedd members recommended concealing information about politicians giving jobs to their family and friends despite a clear conflict of interest. When the Senedd expands to 96 members next year, politicians will be banned from giving jobs to their own family members which has been commonplace over the past 26 years. But a loophole will remain allowing politicians to employ each others family. More than 15 of the current 60 Senedd members (25%) have employed family members, directly or indirectly, in the past and ten (16%) currently do so. Now, the Senedds standards committee, which handles complaints against politicians, has suggested the names of family members be withheld from the public register of interests. However, half of the politicians who sit on the committee that made the recommendation themselves have family members employed by colleagues at a cost to the public purse. Secret Labour committee chair Hannah Blythyn is married to Laura Murton who is employed by first minister Eluned Morgan according to the current, more open register and Peredur Owen Griffiths spouse Angela has a job with his Plaid Cymru colleague Sioned Williams. All meetings as part of an inquiry into declarations of interests were held in private, with the public and press excluded, and many of the related documents were declared secret. Ms Blythyn and Mr Owen Griffiths did not recuse themselves nor declare an interest as the committee finalised its recommendations, according to records of latest meetings. Their family ties were not mentioned in a 9,000-word report on the behind-closed-doors inquiry but reference was added retrospectively after a journalist raised concerns. The pair flagged their interests at one earlier meeting but the transcript and video showed this was not in the public declarations part at the start of nearly every committee meeting. Instead, the declaration was made in private then disclosed in brief minutes weeks later. Most opaque In the report, Ms Blythyn wrote: The committee was mindful of the need to minimise the release of information about family members, simply for being related to an elected member. To that end, we agreed publishing the names of family members employed by other members on the register was an unnecessary risk to their safety. Details would be provided to officials but hidden from public view. The nature of the relationship would still be disclosed although the name would not. Political parties warned of online abuse of politicians family members identified through the register. Douglas Bain, the Senedds standards commissioner, also recommended omitting names. Following the first review of the rules in nearly a decade, the report talks a good game on transparency with the Welsh Parliament characterised as currently the UKs most opaque. Under other proposals, politicians would be forced to reveal the amount received from outside jobs bringing the Senedd in line with parliaments elsewhere in the UK. Freebies The committee recommended lowering the current threshold of 350 for declaring gifts, benefits and hospitality which is higher than elsewhere in the UK to 280. Some Senedd members enjoy freebies including tickets to concerts and sporting events. The Senedd, alongside only the House of Lords, does not require politicians to put a price tag on perks but this would be needed for publication in future. Members would have to provide a value for overseas visits for the public register too. Politicians with property or shares portfolios would be under a closer microscope, with similar disclosure requirements to other UK parliaments. The Senedd would also introduce a voluntary category for registrations that fall outside strict requirements. In her foreword, Ms Blythyn said: Registering and declaring interests is an important tenet of a parliament. It provides transparency around financial interests and material benefits held by elected members which could be thought to influence them and their conduct. Administrative error Ms Blythyn and Mr Owen Griffiths declined to take up an opportunity to reply after concerns about a conflict of interest were put to them. But an anonymous spokesperson for the standards committee said: Members are required to declare any interests at the relevant part of Senedd proceedings. Due to an administrative error, the original version of the report mistakenly omitted the declarations of interest made by two committee members. We apologise for this error and a correct version of the report is now available on the Senedd website. The proposals are based on extensive evidence and consultation responses including from the standards commissioner, political parties and experts from other parliaments. The recommendations will now be considered by the Llywydd [speaker Elin Jones], business committee, or the Senedd as appropriate. Wrexham man finds new career path with Working Wales support A Wrexham man has found a new career in the events industry thanks to support from Working Wales, the free careers advice service funded by the Welsh Government. 27-year-old James turned to the Careers Wales centre in Wrexham after five years in television left him uncertain about his next steps. With opportunities in the industry dwindling, James was unsure about where his future career lay. I didnt really know what to do, I didnt want to just get a job anywhere he said. I wanted a career that I can work towards something I can move up in and do something using my skills in a different way. With help from Working Wales adviser Laura, he identified transferable skills from his volunteering work and has now secured a job as an events assistant with the Llangollen Railway Trust. I was just completely honest with Laura when we met, he said. And she was really honest with me too. It was refreshing. We talked about different careers and ideas, and when I said there were certain jobs I definitely didnt want to do, she didnt question it -she just said, Thats fine. Lets talk about what you do want to do. While reviewing his CV, Laura noticed James involvement in a vintage machinery club, where he organised events and managed volunteers. He said: Laura looked at that and said, Youve got all these skills in events. Have you ever thought about working in that? And I hadnt I hadnt realised something I did as a hobby, had given me transferable skills to apply to a job. With Lauras support, James began applying for roles in the events industry. Laura helped me see how to read a job application properly, what I need to include in my CV and how to write a cover letter, he said. Id really recommend Careers Wales. Especially if youre looking for a new opportunity or career change. Come and have a chat theyre so friendly and they will help you. James is of 200,000 people to have received support from the free careers and guidance service since its launch in 2019. Nikki Lawrence, chief executive of Careers Wales, said: Reaching our 200,000th customer is a major milestone for Working Wales and a clear reflection of the impact were having on individuals and the wider Welsh economy. Whether leaving school or college, navigating redundancy, or changing direction, our advisers are committed to supporting a resilient, skilled workforce that keeps Wales moving forward. Working Wales, delivered by Careers Wales, offers personalised support to anyone aged 16 and over whether theyre just starting out, facing redundancy, or looking to retrain or change direction. The service is available online, over the phone, and face-to-face across Wales. It helps people explore their options, build confidence, and take practical steps towards their next opportunity. More information can be found on the Working Wales website, here. Scammers posing as officials or family members are targeting older adults across Lyon County using tactics aimed at stealing money and personal information. In a recent Facebook post, the Lyon County Sheriffs Office shared a warning about a rise in identity theft and phone scams affecting the region, particularly targeting the senior population. The office reported that multiple agencies have issued similar alerts, urging communities to stay informed about tactics scammers are using. According to the post, The Lyon County Sheriffs Office is providing the following information to educate our community on the possible phone scams they may encounter. The scams range from impersonating law enforcement or government agencies to posing as family members in distress. Several schemes specifically focus on seniors, who are often more trusting, may not be tech-savvy, and sometimes fear reporting fraud due to concerns about independence or judgment. The FBIs latest Internet Crime Report shows Americans over the age of 60 lost $1.7 billion to fraud last year, the highest reported loss among all age groups. Lyon County is no exception to this rule; our senior community is constantly targeted by scammers and fraudsters, the sheriffs office stated. The post outlines several types of scams currently seen in Lyon County: The grandparent scam : Callers pretend to be police or a grandchild in trouble, requesting money or wire transfers using personal details gathered online. : Callers pretend to be police or a grandchild in trouble, requesting money or wire transfers using personal details gathered online. Government imposter scams: Scammers claim to be from the IRS, SSA, or other government agencies, using caller ID spoofing and known personal data to gain trust. Scammers claim to be from the IRS, SSA, or other government agencies, using caller ID spoofing and known personal data to gain trust. Elder financial abuse: Individuals close to the victim, such as family or caregivers, may seek unauthorized access to assets or use threats to obtain money. Individuals close to the victim, such as family or caregivers, may seek unauthorized access to assets or use threats to obtain money. Tech support scams: Callers pretend to represent well-known tech companies and trick victims into giving remote access or downloading malware disguised as security software. Callers pretend to represent well-known tech companies and trick victims into giving remote access or downloading malware disguised as security software. Sweepstakes scams: Victims are told theyve won a prize and must pay fees or taxes to claim it. These scams often continue over time with repeated payment requests. The sheriffs office also shared prevention tips using the acronym STOP, LEAVE, ASK, WAIT, ACT to help seniors recognize suspicious behavior, delay responses, verify sources, and take protective steps. The post added, Nearly all scam calls and fraudsters originate outside of the United States, making tracking them and prosecuting them nearly impossible. To support fraud prevention efforts, the Lyon County Sheriffs Office and District Attorneys Office have been offering presentations at local senior centers and church groups. We are always looking to present this information and protect the seniors of this community from the lowest element of society that targets them and their hard-earned money, Sheriff Brad Pope stated. The post says that any groups interested in scheduling a fraud prevention presentation can contact the sheriffs office through Facebook Messenger. (The Lyon County Sheriff's Office contributed to this story.) Articles Sorry, there are no recent results for popular articles. An Alabama man who has been on the run for 17 years was nabbed by U.S. Marshals Friday in southwest Florida. The U.S. Marshals Service arrested John Joseph Jay Kloss III, now 67, in North Port, Florida in Sarasota County. Kloss has been sought by the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office since 2008 when he was indicted on two counts of first-degree sodomy of a child under the age of 12 and one count of second-degree sodomy of a child. Authorities have previously said that Kloss believed he was a descendant of Rob Roy MacGregor, a famous Scottish folk hero and outlaw of the early 18th century who is sometimes known as the Scottish Robin Hood. Prior to fleeing after the 2008 indictments by a Jefferson County grand jury, Kloss vowed he would never be found by law enforcement, Northern District of Alabama U.S. Marshal Marty Keely previously said. Kloss had extensive experience with computers and electronics and has worked as an IT engineer and a game developer. He also was briefly employed as a residential alarm installer in 2000 and worked for an airport refueling planes after high school. At the time of his disappearance, Kloss had experience as a HAM Radio operator and in broadcasting HAM Radio over the internet using online repeaters, authorities said. He had some outdoors experience with specific knowledge of horseshoeing. Kloss was also wanted by the Northern District of Alabama U.S. Marshals Service for a federal flight to avoid prosecution charge. Kloss has been a wanted fugitive since Operation FALCON in 2008. Authorities said his case has been worked extensively by over 30 different task force officers and senior inspectors over the years. USMS officials said Friday developments in the case arose in September 2024 to both the Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force (GCRFTF) in Alabama and the Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force (FCRFTF). The two task forces used investigative techniques to confirm the suspects identity in July. Age progression photos provided by the FBIs Birmingham Field Office were compared to recent photos of the suspect. Members of the USMS GCRFTF, FCRFTF and the USMS Middle District of Florida arrested Kloss without incident. This apprehension proves again that no matter how long a criminal has been on the run, we never stop looking for them, said Middle District of Florida U.S. Marshal William Berger, Sr. Our dedicated team of investigators and deputies as well as our partners never let this case get cold. The cooperative effort seen on this capture proves again that criminals, especially of this kind, have no safe place here in Florida, Berger said. It is well known that Klosss last words to a co-worker before he went on the run were They will never find me. Today, we indeed found him. The Marshall County Sheriffs Office and the county jail share a building overlooking Lake Guntersville. (Photo by Bob Miller, special to ProPublica) A Chinese immigrant wanted for fraud in New York State is being held in detention in Marshall County. The Marshall County Sheriffs office arrested Xu Feng, who was working at Chow King in Albertville, on July 18. Hes still in our jail waiting for extradition, said Willy Orr, Chief Deputy with for sheriff. Hell be extradited to New York as soon as all the arrangements are finished. Feng is wanted as a part of a DMV fraud scheme in New York to give permits and licenses to people who hadnt passed a test. Most of the applicants were Chinese immigrants, according to a statement by the New York Offices of the Inspector General on July 2. We will hold accountable anyone who abuses their public office, circumvents the law or undermines the systems that millions of Americans rely on in good faith. said District Attorney Michael E. McMahon about a 139-count indictment against employees of T&E driving school in Queens. The school was charging $1,600 for a permit and $2,000 for a license to mostly non-English speaking clients, the statement said. DMV workers were paid for helping with the scheme. Most defendants in the case face a 2-to-7-year prison sentence if convicted. After a monthlong freeze, Alabama schools will regain access to nearly $70 million in federal funds that were under review by the Trump administration. I am ecstatic that our stance for reasonable transparency and consistency in government has won the day, State Superintendent Eric Mackey said in a statement Friday afternoon. We are grateful to the U.S. Department of Education for maintaining the faith with our students and our schools. Worried that states were misusing the funds for so-called woke programs, U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon alerted states in late June that until further review, the department would not release expected funds for the following federal grants: Alabama Sen. Katie Britt led 13 other Republican senators in a letter this week urging the White House to release National Institutes of Health research funding. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Imag U.S. Senator Katie Britt is continuing to advocate for the disbursement of research funds for the National Institutes of Health. Britt, along with 13 of her Republican colleagues, sent a letter Thursday to Russell Vought, the Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, requesting that President Donald Trumps administration release the funds. According to Grace Evans, Britts communications director, a total of $21 billion is being delayed, including $168 million for Alabama, which is mostly for UAB. Trump signed the appropriations into law earlier this year, but the senators are concerned with how slowly the funds are getting released. Suspension of these appropriated funds - whether formally withheld or functionally delayed could threaten Americans ability to access better treatments and limit our nations leadership in biomedical science," the senators wrote in the letter. According to Britts office, the legislation contains funding to support NIH initiatives across a range of critical research areas, including cancer, rare pediatric disorders and more. "Our shared goal is to restore public trust in the NIH precisely because its work is focused on results, accountability, and real-world impact. Withholding or suspending these funds would jeopardize that trust and hinder progress on critical health challenges facing our nation," the senators added in the letter. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Sen. Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania and Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas were among the senators that cosigned Britts letter. In 2023, the University of Alabama at Birmingham was in the top 1% of all NIH-funded institutions, including private, public and international organizations. Additionally, all six of UABs health-related schools were in the top 15 public universities in NIH funding in FY 2022. Back in February, the NIH announced cuts in research funding that UAB said would jeopardize jobs and life-saving research. See more: What would NIH funding cuts mean for Alabama? 5 things to know Katie Britt vows to work with RFK Jr. after NIH funding cuts cause concern in Alabama An immigrant who is a legal permanent resident of the United States was held in an Alabama jail for 27 days on an ICE detainer that had expired, a lawsuit claims. Ricardo Villalta was arrested on a public intoxication charge at a gas station in Prattville on Jan. 27, 2024. He was taken to the Autauga County Metro Jail and booked by the sheriffs office, according to a lawsuit filed in federal court. Sheriff (Mark) Harrell unlawfully denied Villalta his freedom and constitutionally guaranteed due process of the law, the suit, filed in March 2025 alleges. The sheriff and his attorneys did not respond to a request for comment. Villaltas attorney also did not respond. Villalta is a legal permanent resident of the U.S., according to the suit. When he was arrested, he was carrying an Alabama drivers license and other papers showing he was in the country legally. Once at the jail, officers put Villalta on the phone with a federal immigration agent. He shared his Social Security number, birthday and phone number and explained he had legal status, according to the suit. His wife tried to post bond for him but was told by the sheriffs office that ICE had placed a detainer on him. An ICE detainer lasts 48 hours and decision-making authority stays with the sheriff, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit claims that ICE issued a detainer for Villalta without probable cause and then the sheriff held him for nearly a month, telling his family he was acting under the detainer, which was false, according to the suit. On February 7, Villalta appeared before a municipal court judge in Prattville and pled guilty to public intoxication. He was sentenced with a fine and credit for time served. The judge ordered his release from jail, according to the suit, and told him he would get out that evening or the next day. Still, the sheriff did not release Villalta. The following morning, his son, Ricardo Villalta Jr., went to speak with the sheriff. He mentioned the court order and was told, That only happens in the movies, according to the complaint. The sheriff held Villalta for 27 days, releasing him March 5, according to the suit. Each day Mr. Villalta asked about his release, but was given no information or explanation, the complaint states. The lawsuit alleges that during his month in the jail, his cellmate threatened to kill him and performed disturbing and grotesque acts in the cell, the complaint states. Mr. Villaltas cellmate cut a (hole) in his sleeping mattress, filled it with water and white bread saved from the bologna sandwiches served in the jail, and then engaged in sex acts with the mattress, the suit states. Villaltas complaints were ignored. His lawsuit alleges he lost weight due to stress. A digital sign on Red Mountain Expressway is the latest in a series of political messages from progressive group Birmingham Blue Dot. Contributed A Birmingham area political group critical of President Donald Trump is back with a new billboard and a provocative question: Whats the big secret, fellas? Birmingham Blue Dot, a group of progressives, is weighing in on the last political controversy surrounding disgraced late financier Jeffrey Epstein, President Trump and the so-called Epstein Files. The issue has divided MAGA faithful to the delight of some Democrats. The digital sign features an image of President Donald Trump and Epstein. The sign is on a billboard facing northbound traffic on the Red Mountain Expressway just across from the Highland and Arlington Avenue exit. In these divisive times this is actually one subject upon which folks on the left and right agree, said organizer Joellyn Beckham, who also designed most of the images. For those on the right, its a matter of fairness, the elite class - the deep state - must be treated the same as average citizens. For those on the left, its a question of justice. Equal justice under U.S. law. No man or woman is above it. The Epstein issue has dominated national headlines and the subject of political chatter from insiders and observers. Locally, Birmingham Blue Dot has frequently weighed in on national issues, offering their own commentary though the digital billboards featuring illustrations, photos and snarky titles. There is a bipartisan effort in Washington to release records of Epstein. Theres also criticism and division among Trump loyalists over the trickle of information after promises to release a trove of information surrounding the convicted predator and his high-power associates and friends. Trump was once a friend and guest of Epstein before he said they had a split and the friendship ended. This list of Epstein associates is broad and bipartisan and included former President Bill Clinton. Neither man said they knew anything about Epstein crimes involving sex trafficking underaged girls. Phillip Brown, chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party, dismissed innuendo surrounding Epsteins case or any secret files. I am amazed that the Democrats are intrigued as to what is in the files. They had them during the Biden administration and did nothing with them, he said. Now their interest has been heightened. Brown said any damaging information about Trump would have been released when Democrats controlled the White House. I am confident that there is nothing in there about Trump because if there were, the Biden administration would have published it already, he said. The group has designed and sponsored about 25 messages between Birmingham and Tuscaloosa since February. An early poster skewered Sen, Katie Britt and urged her action to prevent planned funding cuts at UAB. The message featured a photo of Britt speaking with a raised hand with the caption, Lip service over public service? Raise your hand. Another poster illustrated both senators Britt and Tommy Tuberville wearing a Soviet-era Russian hat. Birmingham Blue Dot in April sponsored messages seen by thousands attending the University of Alabama special commencement appearance by Trump. The posters in Birmingham and in Tuscaloosa featured an image of the back of Trumps head and referenced his civil case where writer E. Jean Carroll accused him of a 1996 sexual assault. The signs read Molester, felon grabs UA by the diploma. A jury found him liable and awarded Carroll millions in civil damages. Trump was also convicted on criminal charges in New York of improper use of campaign funds. Trump carried Alabama overwhelmingly in each of his three runs for president and Republicans hold every statewide elected seat and maintain a supermajority in the state legislature. Still, Beckham said the sign series is designed to offer another perspective to audiences who might not overwise hear them. Politics is polarized, often with other sides muted to the other, she said. Too many of us get our news off of social media. This means our headlines and stories have been cherry picked for us by artificial intelligence, and that we are often completely unaware of important details that matter when we are trying to interpret the news, Beckham said. Are Alabamians really that different from each other? Maybe. But when given the same set of facts, maybe not. Long-held personal and political animosity between a Birmingham-area mayor and his most visible critic will not be settled at a local restaurant lunch table after all. Plans for a live-streamed lunch summit between Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton and activist Chuck Winborn are off just days after the meeting was proposed. Newton Monday evening surprised many when he invited Winborn to lunch during a council meeting. It would be the first time the longtime rivals ever sat down at a table rather than sparring in the council chamber. However, Winborn now says he will not meet with Newton. Ive had no less than 15 people contact me, some I didnt even know, who told me not to do it, Winborn told AL.com. There is nothing he can say to change my mind and Im sure Im not going to change his. Winborn had initially agreed to lunch with Newtons condition that it be live streamed on social media and Winborns stipulation that a third-party witness also be present. But the deal quickly eroded. Winborn remains adamant on illustrating Newtons dramatic argument with a councilman in late 2022. Winborn this week posted unaired video footage of an exchange between Newton and Councilman Tommy Bryant where the mayor used graphic sexual language to insult Bryants wife. That video exchange occurred just before another showdown between the two men outside city hall that ended with Bryant slugging the mayor. Bryant was later cleared of the assault charge. On the other side, Newton told AL.com that his lunch invitation was a sincere offer, even if he was skeptical that it would occur. I extended the invitation to Mr. Winborn in good faith, with the hope of modeling something different for the city of Tarrant, that even in sharp disagreement, civility and honest conversation are still possible, he said. This was never about political points, no matter what some may claim. It was about showing that real leadership means reaching across the aisle, even when you know the hand may not be taken. The town of 6,000 is bitterly divided politically. The mayor and council spar regularly and citizens often voice their disapproval during council meetings. The mayor has called Winborn a racist, while Winborn has described the mayor as disrespectful and vindictive. Attorney Scott Morro, who represents Winborn and several other critics of the mayor, noted that Winborn is still a party in a lawsuit that seeks to impeach Newton, so he should not meet with him. Chuck Winborn, in his zeal to do what is best for the city of Tarrant, had a lapse in judgment in agreeing to meet with Mayor Newton for lunch, Morro told AL.com. Nothing good can come out of meeting with an antagonistic narcissist who has a pattern and practice of fabrication. As such, as his attorney, I have instructed him not to do so. The citizen-led lawsuit could be moot in about a month following city elections Aug. 26. Morro also represents Winborn and several current and former employees who have sued Newton and the city on various personnel matters. Winborn was arrested in April after posting police footage on his social media page. Winborn called the arrest an attempt to silence his activism, and the charges were quickly dropped. Newton is seeking reelection. Winborn is supporting his opponent, Councilwoman Tracie Threadford in her challenge to the first-term incumbent. At 2:03 p.m. on Friday, the National Weather Service issued an updated heat advisory in effect until 7 p.m. for Lamar, Fayette, Walker, Pickens, Tuscaloosa, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Sumter, Greene, Hale, Perry, Bibb, Chilton, Marengo, Dallas, Autauga and Lowndes counties. The weather service states to be ready for, "Heat index values up to 107 degrees." "Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses," states the weather service. Heat safety: A guide to staying safe in high temperatures Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids. Seek shelter: Opt for an air-conditioned room to stay comfortable. Avoid sun exposure: Avoid direct sun exposure, protect yourself and check on vulnerable relatives and neighbors. Child and pet safety: Take every precaution to never leave young children and pets alone in vehicles, especially in extreme heat when car interiors can quickly become hazardous. Caution outdoors: If you work or spend time outside, be sure to take additional safety measures. Select the ideal time: Consider rescheduling strenuous activities to early morning or evening if possible. Recognize heat-related issues: Recognize the warning signs and familiarize yourself with symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Dress for comfort: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing to help your body stay cool. Additional tips for outdoor workers: For outdoor workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends regular rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. If someone succumbs to the heat, promptly relocate them to a cool, shaded location. In emergencies, call 911 for immediate assistance. These NWS heat safety directives are essential for safeguarding your well-being when facing high temperatures. Stay well-informed and take the necessary precautions to shield yourself and others from the potential hazards of extreme heat. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. Backed by a generous 6 million grant from the Italian Government through the Directorate General for Development Cooperation of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, this three-year Programme aims to equip a new generation of African artisans with the skills and knowledge needed to promote and preserve the continent's rich and diverse heritage and create socio-economic opportunities in this field. Implemented in close partnership with the Fabbrica di San Pietro in the Vatican, the Programme draws on centuries-long leadership in conservation. The catalytic project targets an initial group of 540 young artisans in Cote dIvoire, Egypt, Kenya and Tunisia, and is designed to have a multiplier effect through a Training-of-Trainers model, which will propel wide-scale upskilling and formalization of craft professions throughout Africa. Weve seen how cultural heritage, when placed in the hands of communities, can foster social cohesion, identity, and dialogue especially among youth. This initiative builds on our vision that promoting human capital, rooted in cultural legacy and local traditions, is a strategic long-term investment. Today we mark a powerful alliance: Italys leadership in conservation, the excellence of the Fabbrica di San Pietro, and ICCROMs global experience coming together to shape concrete opportunities and socio-economic growth towards transformative change, stated ICCROMs Director-General. Investing in craft training and cultural heritage conservation means promoting sustainable development and creating tangible opportunities for young people, stated Deputy Minister Cirielli. He explained that the aim of the agreement is to enhance the skills of young African artisans and support the transfer of knowledge essential for the preservation of cultural heritage sites across the continent. The Programme aligns with Italys Mattei Plan for Africa, which promotes sustainable, mutually beneficial partnerships between Italy and African countries. ICCROM strongly supports this vision, which reflects the Organizations belief that sustainable development in Africa must be rooted in fair and respectful partnerships that value human capital, local expertise, and cultural identity. This is a significant step forward in the strategic partnership between Italy and ICCROM, highlighting our shared commitment to making cultural heritage a driver of lasting change for future generations. Our heritage is our future. ICCROM is an intergovernmental organization working in service to its Member States to promote the conservation of all forms of cultural heritage in every region of the world. ICCROM has partnered with Member States for more than six decades to support them in safeguarding heritage within their borders and beyond. Working at the international and governmental levels, and with institutions and professionals on the ground, the organization engages and informs new generations of professionals and the general public with an interest in heritage. Our Constitution, perhaps the greatest document in human history behind the Bible, is not quite perfect. In 2025, we can see things that might have been added. Number one is probably term limits. Another would be a prohibition on deficit spending outside of war. And maybe they could have added something about judges being responsible for the results of giving criminals a free pass and an open door... No doubt, there are countless things we could sit here 250 years later and think of that the Founding Fathers could have added but didnt because they couldnt see into the future. One thing they could see clearly, though, was that mans nature is to accumulate power and use that power to take from others, and that the most effective way of doing both is by harnessing the power of government. Image created by Vince Coyner. Alas, it wasnt possible to put frameworks in place to control all the base instincts of men, as they are simply unending and constantly evolve. The Founders could not envision our world. They could write about freedom of speech and the press, but they couldnt have known about radio, mobile phones, the dark web, Bitcoin, or shadow banning. Nonetheless, one of their Constitutions greatest attributes was its staggered terms. The House, the place from which spending originates, is the closest to the people and is elected every two years. The President, who executes the laws, has a term of four years. Then the Senate, originally representing the state legislatures, serves staggered six-year terms. The goal of these staggered terms was to tamp down the passions of men such that if a majority wanted something, they couldnt easily command it, and it would take years for them to take control over the government. The Founders understood that tempers run hot, but cooler heads often prevail with time. Therefore, they wrote a document with built-in cooling-off periods. What the Founding Fathers never envisioned, however, was a permanent government, whether elected officials or a bureaucracy. Sadly, today we have both. That wouldnt be a significant problem if the government were as small as it was initially. Indeed, for Americas first 50 years, we had a Department of State, Treasury, War, Attorney General, and Postmaster General. That was it . Interior and Agriculture came in the middle of the 19th century when the country was adding states and territories rapidly, and farming was becoming a major point of conflict between cattle herders, sheep herders, farmers, and miners, not to mention Indians. Nothing more until the Department of Commerce and Labor in 1903 (the two split in 1913). The point is that, for most of the first half of Americas history, the federal government was essentially an afterthought in most Americans minds. For the Founding Fathers, the government was part-time. Today its anything but. To put this in perspective, there have been almost 2,000 people who have served as a US Senator, and of the 25 who served the longest , all but one started their career in the 20th century15 of them after 1960and two are still there! Similarly, over in the House, where 12,000 people have served as Representatives, of the 33 longest-serving , all but one began their service in the 20th century, and four are current members. The Founding Fathers didnt see a need for term limits because, for them, Congress was a service to the country, not a job, and certainly not a permanent career. Today, the federal government is anything but an afterthought in American lives. Not only does it seek to control almost every aspect of our lives , but it spends like a drunken sailor on liberty weekend. Not surprisingly, most of the regulations that stifle productivity and innovation, and the departments from which most spending emerges, are those created in the last century. Seventy-five percent of federal government spending is on things that didnt exist at the federal level for our first 150 years. From healthcare spending to food stamps to Social Security to education , the limited government our Founding Fathers left us with has metastasized into a Borg that grows year after year, regardless of whos in control. This cannot end well, particularly as the United States is $37 trillion in debt , with twice that in unfunded obligations . The words of Scottish historian Alexander Fraser Tytler (1747-1813) explain why: A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover that they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship. On our present course, that is Americas fate. Sadly, we have few leaders willing to tell Americans the truth about that reality, and even when they do, Americans writ large dont seem to be interested in following them. There are solutions, however. The FairTax would be a giant step in the right direction as it would remove from politicians hands the ability to manipulate the tax code to give donors goodies. We could also sunset regulations. As an example, every law on the books would sunset after 10 years unless Congress renewed it. Then theres zero-based budgeting, where every department must justify its entire budget from scratch every two years. At the same time, welfare and other wealth redistribution programs that were never part of the Constitution in the first place must be eliminated, perhaps phased out over a four-year period. And of course, not to be forgottenterm limits. Implementing these steps would rein in government spending and regulation, but more importantly, they would simultaneously unleash an economic juggernaut unlike anything the world has ever seen. But as Tytler suggested, thats not how things usually work. In 1776, a group of extraordinary men risked their lives and livelihoods to give free men an opportunity to build a new nation based on individual liberty and limited government. But before they could do that, they needed to inspire the colonies citizens, two-thirds of whom either wanted to remain British or were undecided . Against all odds, they not only inspired a nation but led it to victory against the worlds most powerful empire. But then they did something even more amazing. Building on the Declaration of Independences recognition that rights come from God, they wrote the worlds first constitution based on those individual rights and framed a limited government to allow men to exercise them. Today, America needs a new group of would-be heroes, men willing to target the entrenched barnacles that have grown up around our Constitution and the leeches that feed off both. It will take wordsmiths like Paine and Jefferson, coalition builders like Madison and Marshall, and a leader like Washington to have any chance at success. Lets hope they emerge before Tytlers warning comes true. Follow Vince on X at @ImperfectUSA. The NY Post recently editorialized that American universities represent the single institution m[ost] responsible for Americas social and political problems. You know the list: affirmative action, DEI, radical faculty, bureaucratic bloat, raging antisemitism, sky-high tuitions, racist policies, flawed research and even their failure to teach. Coincident with academic decay, financial costs reached unsustainable levels. Something inevitably had to give. Over 60 years ago William F. Buckley had a point: I am obliged to confess I should sooner live in a society governed by the first two thousand names in the Boston telephone directory than in a society governed by the two thousand faculty members of Harvard University. Trump is defunding the most egregious university programs. RFK Jr. is simultaneously addressing the corruption of medical journals by the DEI-pharmaceutical-medical-agricultural-chemical complex. NIH researchers will henceforth only publish in new in-house NIH journals being created. Note his solution: rather than reform a broken system, create a new one. Trump placed a bureaucratic do not resuscitate order on the Department of Education, recognizing that reform isnt practical. Christopher Rufo assembled a group which recently produced the Manhattan Statement, a declaration of principles for directing reform. The statement addresses issues such as DEI, freedom of speech, data transparency, and support of civil discourse. The fact that such basic social norms require reform underscores the deterioration. Whats more practical, reform or replacement with competing institutions? Band aids or amputations? A combination of both might work best. Its difficult to see how institutions polarized over generations can turn around without establishing competitors. The fallacy of sunk costs applies. Is it better to go through a divorce or stay together for the sake of the kids? Since kids minds, lives, and financial welfare are being destroyed, divorce seems warranted. If 600 universities support Harvards refusal to eradicate antisemitism, is the patient terminal? Global elites are educated in our premier universities on American taxpayers dime. Columbia University illustrates the problems. 6% of Americas college students are foreigners, increasing to 27% in the Ivy League. Columbia enrolls over 13,000 foreign students, about 40% of its total, principally from China and India. Most foreigners pay the full freight (over $93,000, all-inclusive), a cash cow for universities. Columbia received $1.3 billion in 2024 federal funding, about a fifth of its budget. Its big business. NYC mayoral candidate Mamdani (exhibit A for academias rot) advocates a single valid proposal: tax Columbia University, ending its nonprofit pretense. Columbia has almost three administrators for every full-time faculty member, one per student. You read that right. Higher education doesnt exist distinct from early education. Problems began in the late 19th century with moves by states to require compulsory publicly-funded education, a socialist prescription. What could go wrong? Pretty much everything. Teenage suicide and incarceration rates increased as states individually adopted compulsory education. Unlike private or home schools, public schools produce gang members. Children routinely shoot each other in schools, yielding 81 dead and 269 injured in 2021-2022 (beginning a post-COVID surge). How many of our 1.2 million prison population wouldnt be there with a functional educational system? Schools devolved into expensive daycare centers, Maoist struggle sessions, and soft penal institutions. Chicago Teachers Union president: The children are always ours every single one of them CTU thinks your children are its children. Yes we do. Her own child attends a Catholic school. Basic questions require asking. Are 13 years, totaling 14,000 hours (and more now with preschool), required to educate all children? (Kindergarten was mostly an early 20th-century German import.) What was accomplished in eight years (requiring about 6,300 hours across 132-day school years) in 1895 is rarely achieved in 17 years today. How can the digital revolution (and AI) ensure students receive the finest customized education? Is a 19th- century model appropriate? Why do high schools continuously graduate 19% functional illiterates)? How can free-market solutions replace socialism? Do we run the country or do teachers unions? Are strictly age-segregated classes appropriate? Why are so many steered into college against their best interests? Nixon dated the crisis to the 1960s. LBJs 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act pumped federal cash into local schools. Reagan's 1983 A Nation at Risk report triggered reforms that were co-opted and failed miserably. Prescriptions such as increasing funding, teacher pay, or teacher training empirically proved counterproductive. That reports takeaway: The educational foundations of our society are presently being eroded by a rising tide of mediocrity that threatens our very future as a Nation and a People... If an unfriendly foreign power had attempted to impose on America the mediocre educational performance that exists today, we might well have viewed it as an act of war. Mediocrity would be a drastic improvement over todays reality. Bushs 2002 No Child Left Behind Act federalized reforms. It assigned responsibility for monitoring improvements (through standardized testing) to the problems creators, inviting corruption. The 2015 Every Student Succeeds Act defederalized the 2002 requirements, creating additional chaos. Democrats embrace of teachers unions means they oppose substantive reforms. Government schools is essentially an oxymoron. Governments inability to effectively educate is especially evident in urban schools hosting 30% of U.S. children. Urban districts went from engines of assimilation for immigrants children to prison prep schools in a century. 5% of 14-year-olds belong to gangs. Mark Twain was on to something typifying socialism: In the first place, God made idiots. This was for practice. Then He made school boards. Twain figured this out 131 years ago. It hasnt gotten better. Solutions include defunding, private-sector competition, empowering parents with school choice and vouchers, encouraging homeschooling, and banning teachers unions (or their ability to strike) through legislation or constitutional amendment. Even FDR believed public employee unions were anathema to public interests. Soviet schools actually produced superior results, because of the absence of teachers unions. Teachers often earn $100,000 or more, plus generous benefits, for work-years equivalent to about 60% of average ones. Government services generally cost three or four times more than private-sector solutions, while producing inferior outcomes. Its time to outsource education at all levels. Private universities have become wards of the state. State universities are equally problematic and exorbitantly expensive to taxpayers. Socialism inevitably fails. Weve subjected our economy to a huge tax by seeking the Holy Grail of 100% compulsory education in government schools. 38% of state and 45% of local taxes feed this beast. Massive funding is squandered at all educational levels. Our federal debt doesnt include trillions more in state and local education-related obligations. Millions of students have fled public schools, for private (10%) and home (3.4%) schools. "A Nation at Risk" provided an excuse to accelerate transferring wealth to educrats. Generations of government-indoctrinated students believe the state is our guardian; our role is filling government coffers. Child abuse was institutionalized for profit. Columbia has received significant funding from China, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Iran. Anonymous Chinese millions funded UPenns Biden Center that paid Biden $900,000 and served as a foreign-sponsored source of income for much of a Biden Administration in-waiting. Government schools and private universities threaten national security, on multiple levels. They must be reformed or replaced before they continue destroying America. Douglas Schwartz blogs at The Great Class War, applying pattern recognition of historical cycles to place current events into context. Image: Dept. of Education President Donald J. Trump is back in the White House, elected for a second term on the promise of restoring American strength abroad and putting U.S. interests first. That promiseAmerica Firstwasnt just a slogan. It was a doctrine. A worldview. A call for clarity, strength, and unapologetic defense of American interests, especially in the worlds most volatile regions. That makes it all the more baffling that one of Trumps key diplomatic appointees, Tom Barrack, the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria, is out in the world speaking and acting more like a Biden-era bureaucrat than a trusted Trump official. His most recent visit to Lebanon on July 21, 2025, makes the problem plain. According to a series of updates from sources in Beirut, as reported in Al Arabiya, Barracks trip accomplished exactly nothing. He did not offer anything new and did not take anything new, one source said flatly. Another warned, The current state of procrastination opens the door to military escalation. Meanwhile, Hezbollah is maneuvering to shift blame to the Lebanese government, Israel is refusing concessions, and the U.S.through Barrackis offering vague platitudes rather than decisive leadership. Image created by ChatGPT. This is not a Trumpian foreign policy. Its State Department inertia, reheated from the Obama-Biden years. A Hollow Visit Amid a Growing Crisis The crisis in Lebanon is reaching a boiling point. Hezbollah continues to operate as a state within a state, dragging Lebanon closer to confrontation with Israel. Iranian weapons, regional provocations, and an emboldened terror infrastructure are pulling the Levant toward war. In this context, Barracks soft-touch diplomacy isnt just ineffective, its dangerous. Even the reports confirm it: after Barracks third visit, theres nothing new. No new leverage. No pressure. No consequences. This is a far cry from the approach of Morgan Ortagus, the former Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East, who made it clear that U.S. support came with conditions. Under Ortagus, Lebanese leaders knew backing wasnt a blank check for corruption or Hezbollahs armed expansion. They felt the weight of American resolve. Replacing Ortagus with Barrackwho rules out sanctions, treats Hezbollahs arms as an internal issue, and promises Lebanon that the U.S. will never abandon themis baffling at best and disastrous at worst. Its a tacit green light for kleptocrats and terror proxies alike to continue business as usual, risking another conflagration without fear of consequence. Instead of drawing clear red lines, confronting Irans proxies, or backing Israels right to defend itself, Barracks visit amounted to a photo op with recycled talking points. There was no pressure on Hezbollah. No tough message for Tehran. No commitment to strategic deterrence. If anything, the trip felt more like an Anthony Blinken tour than a Trump administration mission. So the question practically writes itself: Why is Barrack operating like hes still taking direction from Foggy Bottoms old guard? The Syria Ceasefire: A Case Study in Diplomatic Drift This isnt the first time Barrack has raised eyebrows. His earlier announcement of a ceasefire agreement in Syriabrokered with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, and backed by Turkey and Jordansounded like something out of the United Nations, not the Trump administration. In a now widely circulated statement, Barrack called 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. That might sound nice on paper, but to anyone who understands the real dynamics on the ground, its tone-deaf at best, and reckless at worst. Laura Loomer: Saying What Others Wont Conservative firebrand Laura Loomer didnt hold back. In a now-viral X post, she questioned how Barrack could push for disarmament among vulnerable groups like the Druze while jihadist factions still control swaths of Syria: Notice how @marcorubio addresses the Islamic jihadist violence in Syria head on, calling it JIHADI VIOLENCE. How come Tom Barrack @USAMBTurkiye didnt do the same? Why does Barrack want to play footsie with Islamic terrorists at the expense of non-Muslims? He is very naive. I https://t.co/sJmDP4XwMM pic.twitter.com/018IJxvOAV Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) July 20, 2025 Why does Barrack want to play footsie with Islamic terrorists at the expense of non-Muslims? [snip] Is he retarded? It has to be asked. [snip] This is an embarrassment to the Trump administration. While Loomers language may be blunt, the substance of her critique hits hard. Shes voicing what many on the right are starting to notice: Tom Barracks policies dont reflect the Trump worldview. They echo something else. Something softer. Something more aligned with the institutional globalism Trump was electedtwiceto reject. The Biden Bureaucrats Still in the Room Its not just Barracks rhetoric that raises concerns. Its the people behind the scenes. Career bureaucrats in the State Departmentmany of whom served under Bidennever left. Theyre still drafting talking points, running diplomatic backchannels, and steering policy behind closed doors. Ask yourself: how else does a Trump-appointed envoy end up repeating the same tired phrases about unity, regional cooperation, and peaceful coexistence with Islamic militias who have zero intention of peace? How else does a supposedly America First diplomat avoid even naming Islamic terrorism as the enemy? Its not just mission creep. Its ideological capture. Trumps Legacy Deserves Better Lets remember what President Trumps first-term foreign policy actually looked like: He crushed ISIS militarily, not through inclusive identity-building. He took out Qassem Soleimani, sending a clear message to Iran. He brokered the Abraham Accords, real peace deals without capitulation. He withdrew from pointless wars, while backing allies with clarity and strength. Barracks current trajectory undermines that legacy. Worse, it puts American interests and Americas allies at risk. If Trumps name is on the door, then those inside that door need to reflect his agenda. Not the same globalist groupthink that led to endless wars and strategic failure. A Time for Course Correction Its not too late, but Trump had better reassess the situation quickly. He has a rare second-term opportunity to cement his foreign policy doctrine for good. That means surrounding himself with people who reflect his instincts, not people who cater to the permanent diplomatic class. Tom Barrack is a longtime friend of President Trump, and loyalty is important. But friendship cant come at the expense of American security and influence. If Barrack cant deliver on these crucial hotspots, then maybe his skills are better suited for somewhere less demandingsay, Monaconot the volatile front lines of the Middle East. Barracks recent behavior is a wake-up call. His language, his hesitation, and his policies dont reflect America First. They reflect the same status quo machinery that Trump was elected to dismantle. If the Trump administration wants to project strength in the Middle East, it needs to start by ensuring its envoys speak like Trump, act like Trump, and negotiate like Trump. Right now, Tom Barrack isnt doing any of those things. District of Columbia v. Heller (2008, majority opinion by Justice Scalia): [t]his is not a right granted by the Constitution. Neither is it in any manner dependent upon that instrument for its existence. The Second Amendment declares that it shall not be infringed. NYSRPA v. Bruen (2022, majority opinion by Justice Thomas): The Second Amendment guaranteed to all Americans the right to bear commonly used arms in public subject to certain reasonable, well-defined restrictions. For rational Americans, Heller and Bruen make clear that the Second Amendment is a natural, unalienable right that encompasses keeping and bearingwherever one might becommonly used arms for defense of self and others. How then to explain this from Colorado? Gov. Jared Polis on Thursday signed into law one of the most restrictive gun regulations ever adopted in Colorado. Actually, its one of the most restrictive and blatantly unconstitutional laws ever adopted anywhere. I really think this will make Colorado safer, Polis said before signing the bill in his office at the Colorado Capitol. The law will take effect in August of 2026. It bans the manufacture, sale, and purchase of semiautomatic firearms that can accept detachable magazines. This includes most semiautomatic rifles in common use, like AR-15s, also Glocks and virtually any other semiautomatic handgun in any caliber. Magazine-fed shotguns would likewise be banned. There is a bizarre exception to the outright ban, which Colorado obviously hopes might allow leftist judges to justify the rest. One can own a banned gun if it has a magazine of no more than 15-round capacity epoxied, welded, or soldered to the gun so it cant be removed. Virtually no such guns are made for obvious reasons. Permanently affixing magazines to guns in that fashion would reduce their resale value to zero and greatly limit their utility. Its highly unlikely, should the law be upheld, that manufacturers would make such weapons for a single state, which is surely what Colorados Democrat-dominated legislators are hoping. One can only buy the mutilated gunsif they existif they get a firearms safety course eligibility card. That requires vetting by county sheriffs who have what are essentially may issue powers, denying cards for contrived reasons. Violations would be either misdemeanors or felonies, punishable by from 120 days to 18 months in prison. Currently owned weapons are grandfathered. Graphic: H&K MP5SD6, Author This rifle is not an H&K MP5SD, 9mm submachinegun. It is an H&K MP5SD6, a semiautomatic, .22LR look-alike with a non-functional suppressor. It's made under license by Walther. In caliber, ammunition, and function it is no different from any other .22LR semiautomatic rifle on the market, but because its 25-round magazines are detachable it will be banned in Colorado next August. Proponents of the bill claim it will somehow make Coloradans safer by limiting magazine capacity and making changing magazines impossible. Criminals care nothing for the law and wont so limit themselves. Lunatics bent on mass murder wont be thwarted. Lever and pump-action rifles and shotguns with tubular magazines can be reloaded with great speed, as can revolvers with the help of common, inexpensive speedloading devices, but if this law can be upheld, theyre next on the list. Colorados anti-liberty/gun cracktivists are clearly hoping to make guns as unavailable as possible: For our long-gun inventory, 60% to 75% of the guns we sell would be affected by this ban, said Bryan Clark, who owns the Bristlecone Shooting, Training and Retail Center in Lakewood. By affected, Clark means gone. He wouldnt be able to sell them, leaving only revolvers, some semiautomatic and pump-action shotguns, lever-action and pump-action rifles, and bolt-action rifles. The most commonly used gunshandguns, rifles, and shotgunswould be banned. Most of his profits, and the profit of every Colorado gun dealer, would instantly vanish as would most Colorado gun stores. Clearly, the Colorado law is an infringement. Clearly, it bans the most commonly used guns in America. The laws restrictions are not remotely reasonable. The Supreme Court in Heller and Bruen is referring to restricting weapons like belt-fed machineguns, rocket launchers, and similar uncommon weapons. One might argue such restrictions are unreasonable, but thats the current state of the law. Since Democrats began to rule Colorado, theyve consistently tried to outdo California, New York, Illinois, and other Democrat-ruled states in their race to totalitarianism. Colorados Democrats surely know this law is a blatant violation of the Second Amendment and will be struck down. They also know they have the power to waste as much taxpayer money as necessary to defend it in a losing battle that will take months or years. During that time, they get to punish their political enemiesNormal, sane Coloradans--and revel in their self-imagined elite invincibility. Were they wise, theyd remember: sic transit gloria mundi--the glory of man is fleeting. So is political power. 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. Wasn't it George H.W. Bush who tapped his chest at a presidential debate and told voters he'd be "the environmental president." Well, he wasn't. He introduced greenie nonsense like cap-and-trade, and extended environmental regulations under the Clean Air Act, not exactly inspiring, or even noticible, improvements. Here's the real environmental president -- President Trump: Image: Grok, ai-generated picture, via X He just got Mexico to quit fouling our beaches in the U.S. with their raw, untreated, toilet and industrial sewage. According to the New York Times: The United States and Mexico signed an agreement on Thursday to end the flow of raw sewage into the Tijuana River, which crosses the border into California and for years has contaminated and closed beaches and caused illnesses in both countries. ... Every day, millions of gallons of sewage flow into the Tijuana River starting in Mexico and ending in California, where the polluted water is dumped in the ocean. The sewage frequently overwhelms wastewater treatment plants in both countries. The problem has worsened in recent years as Tijuanas population has grown, treatment plants in both countries have fallen into disrepair, and climate change has fueled increasingly strong storms. Lee Zeldin, the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, who traveled to Mexico to sign the memorandum of understanding with Alicia Barcena Ibarra, Mexicos environment secretary, wrote in a statement that the countries are aiming for a permanent, 100% solution. According to San Diego County's conservative supervisor, Jim Desmond: Todays announcement on the Tijuana Sewage Crisis marks a significant step forward for San Diego and our coastal communities. I commend the Federal Government and Administrator Zeldin for making this a true priority. For far too long, politicians have ignored this issue, and both https://t.co/OS9gJ4BxNJ Supervisor Jim Desmond (@jim_desmond) July 24, 2025 And according to EPA chief Lee Zeldin, who made the first announcement: The permanent 100% solution to the Tijuana River Sewage Crisis we signed yesterday in Mexico City is a massive win for our environment, our border, the U.S.-Mexico relationship, and for the millions of people who have been impacted by this crisis. pic.twitter.com/ZVm5kLsNAp Lee Zeldin (@epaleezeldin) July 25, 2025 The New York Times emphasizes that it's a longstanding problem as if the blame for America's filthiest beaches -- the most environmentally degraded ones -- did not belong to Joe Biden and Barack Obama, under whose presidencies the sewage problem got worse, way worse, with Joe Biden actually turning off the filters known as the "Trump pumps." (The Times didn't mention that.) I wrote about that here. The Times did mention that 1,000 service members were sickened by exposure to the filthy sewage-tainted waters, and 40,000 families had health problems from having to breathe the horrible smells and contact with the water itself. What kind of neighbor dumps raw sewage in his neighbor's yard and expects the neighbor to say nothing? One that has a neighbor that says nothing, as Joe Biden and Barack Obama did, perhaps. Not President Trump. Assuming all goes well, this is a once-and-for-all solution that forces Mexico to clean up its overflowing toilets, do proper city planning for population growth instead of Haiti-style garbage management, and spend money it has but has not been spending on toxic treatment plants to process waste water, while on the U.S. side, the Trump pumps go back on, as part of the bargain. Those were the terms of the deal as described by the Times, and it seems so simple and reasonable. But no president could be bothered to do it. Trump put in the Trump pumps during his first term, which was a reprieve. But this deal looks like the real deal. And Trump stands tall as the nation's first real environmental president. Every greenie out there looks like a hypocrite in comparison. Trump is green and all they can show for themselves is dirty water. Back in 201718, it was Russia, Russia, Russia. Today, its hoax, hoax, hoax. For me, the worst part of the story is that it hurt the country incredibly. It poisoned the well, and we are still recovering. Why did it happen? First, the Democrats could not accept Mrs. Clintons defeat. They had to explain it but couldnt say the truth. Like VP Harris, Secretary Clinton was a horrible candidate who did not connect with voters. So the Democrats had to blame somebody, and Russia, Russia, Russia was an easy scapegoat. Second, the extent to which the Obama team went to destroy President Trump is alarming. This is an excellent summary from Professor Victor Davis Hanson: Hillary Clintons campaign, later aided by the top echelon of the FBI, CIA, and the Director of National Intelligence, sought -- falsely -- to seed a narrative that Trump had colluded directly with Russia to win unfairly the 2016 election. When that campaign gambit failed to alter the 2016 results, the Obama administration doubled down during the transition to undermine the incoming Trump presidency. Double down indeed. A massive effort was put in place to destroy the Trump presidency. Why? Trump Derangement Syndrome. The other side of the story is the role of the media. I spent much of 20172018 on Univision & Telemundo answering questions about articles based on people familiar with the situation regarding Russia, Russia, Russia. These articles were treated like the word of God, but we now know that it was not the case. To be fair, not all reporters went down the path of anonymous sources, but many did, and they hurt the credibility of the media. Check CNNs ratings to start. Again, these people were willing to destroy the country because they couldnt accept election results. And then they told us that Trump was a threat to democracy! P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos. Image from Grok. With executions surging inside Iran and the regime issuing fresh threats against political prisoners, a chilling warning is echoing from within the countrys prisons: Tehran may be preparing for another mass atrocity one that mirrors the 1988 massacre of political detainees. On July 17, 2025, Saeed Masouri, a longtime political prisoner, sounded the alarm in a powerful open letter. He declared that his resistance was not about opposing a prison transfer, but about preventing another state-sanctioned crime from unfolding in the shadows. His words recall the summer of 1988, when an estimated 30,000 political prisoners mostly members or supporters of the MEK were executed in cold blood. This warning comes in the wake of the 12-day Iran-Israel war, which has left the Islamic Republic strategically weakened and internally unstable. Tehrans influence in Syria has waned, Hezballah is under unprecedented pressure, and the Houthis long a loyal proxy are quietly distancing themselves amid rising internal and external pressures. At home, widespread protests have erupted in Ahvaz and Kerman, where regime forces opened fire on unarmed demonstrators. These scenes evoke the brutality of November 2019, when over 1,500 protesters were slaughtered in less than a week. Since August of 2024, Iran has executed over 1,459 individuals including protesters, ethnic minorities, and political prisoners. Many were convicted on charges such as waging war against God, a legal pretext used in the 1980s to justify mass executions. This pattern, ramping up executions to instill fear and prepare for broader purges, matches the regimes tactics before the 1988 massacre. This escalation is not accidental. As the anniversary of the 1988 executions approaches, reports from prisons like Evin, Ghezel Hesar, and Gohardasht reveal that inmates are once again being summoned and questioned about their ideological loyalties eerily similar to the interrogations conducted by the infamous Death Commissions in 1988. I remember those days personally. On June 20, 1981, millions of Iranians took to the streets calling for political freedom. The regime responded with unspeakable violence. I was among the young protesters in a provincial city and witnessed the regimes savagery firsthand. Young women were beaten to death. Protesters were gunned down. That crackdown marked the beginning of a systematic campaign to annihilate all organized opposition. The culmination came in 1988, when Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa demanding the execution of all imprisoned MEK members who refused to renounce their beliefs. Prisoners were hanged in groups and buried in mass graves. The regime then quickly pivoted, rebranding itself as moderate to deceive a complacent international community. That cycle mass murder followed by diplomatic charm is precisely what we see unfolding again. Tehran today is led by many of the same men responsible for 1988, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. They remain unpunished. And now, with the regime facing unprecedented internal resistance, it is falling back on mass execution. Thousands of political prisoners remain in Irans jails today. They are tortured, denied medical care, and isolated from the outside world. The regime has criminalized dissent itself branding resistance as enmity against God, an offense punishable by death. The increasing number of these charges strongly suggests the regime is preparing for another lethal purge. The international community must not look away this time. The 1988 massacre is not just a historical tragedy; it is the regimes template for survival. Saeed Masouris letter is a desperate plea for international attention before history repeats itself. There must be consequences. The United Nations and Western governments must launch investigations into the rising number of executions and place Irans human rights record at the forefront of any diplomatic engagement. Silence in 1988 enabled the regime to get away with mass murder. Silence now will greenlight another atrocity. The Iranian people are ready for change. They continue to resist despite brutality and fear. But they must not be left to face this regime alone. Justice delayed in 1988 must not become justice denied in 2025. Image: Chickenonline via Pixabay, Pixabay License. Barack Obama's presidency stunk, and so does the building he's building to celebrate his 'legacy.' Fox News host Laura Ingraham tweeted pictures of its emerging look: Obamas presidential library looks like[FILL IN THE BLANK]. pic.twitter.com/Y7wcVP0T6m Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) July 25, 2025 It's a monument to megalomania, monomania, and ego. It's been plagued by community protests, cost overrun, no-bid contracts with shoddy materials and all the other hallmarks of a one-party blue city and its government. Which pretty well describes Obama's political career -- an ugly career demands an ugly building. All the same, who the heck approved the design of this nightmare -- which by the way, contains no books, and serves as just a monument to Obama and his mighty uncontrolled ego and god complex. It's reflective ... even if light sinks into it like a black hole. According to Wikipedia: By contrast, other presidential libraries look like this: Out of curiosity, I looked up the Nixon library. My grandfather was an architect. Looks like something he would have designed. Comfortable mid century close to the ground. Compliments foliage. Re Obama: At least hes telling us who he is. https://t.co/EFDYQ7ebM2 pic.twitter.com/BTkdb3GyYW Steb (@StebV0) July 25, 2025 Some say the Obama library looks like a prison, a Soviet-era cement building, a brutalist structure, a dumpster. or something modeled after a trash can. I don't know anyone who has had anything nice to say about it at all. What's more, the Obamas have been curiously silent. Whatever it is, it's a slum before it was ever a gleaming new building, even if they put a coat of paint on it, and hopefully will meet the wrecking ball and controlled explosions like the Cabrini Green public housing projects as is rightfully the place of buildings as ugly as this one. Whenever that happens, it will be a fitting ending to the Obama legacy, which is as big a rubble pile as this loathesome legacy monument. Image: X screen shot Every day when I see Al Roker on NBC, he shows the weather map, and he claims that everything is caused by climate change. And of course, the public has been indoctrinated to believe that the climate has suddenly started changing because of humans and our use of natural resources, or eating meat and doing other nefarious human things. It is all a scam. In. USA Today article entitled Late Julys oppressive heat forecast isnt normal, you can see in the opening paragraphs how the scam works. The not-normal, were told, is that its going to be really hot, so that people should try to stay cool: As the clock ticks down the final days of July, thermometers will climb across much of the eastern half of the U.S., creating a dangerous and long-lasting heat wave that will put millions at risk of heat stroke and other illnesses. Those in the path of the heat wave should plan to take extra measures to stay cool through at least July 30. Keep things chill by staying in air-conditioned spaces, visit friends with pools, pile up the popsicles and lemonade and pull out the recipe for your favorite cold summer salad. This will be a long duration heat wave, with little to no overnight relief and high humidity levels, leading to an increased danger, the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center said on July 24. Daily highs in the upper-90s to near 100 degrees are forecast to combine with humidity to create conditions where the feels like temperatures could exceed 110-115 degrees, according to a July 25 forecast by Jennifer Tate at the prediction center. A one-minute internet search yielded the following, with affirmation from no less a source than the New York Times. It reports that the longest and deadliest heat wave in recorded United States history occurred in 1936. AI pointed out that it occurred in summer, as if a heat wave would occur during winter. It occurred for weeks during the decade-long Dust Bowl. Temperatures exceeded 100 degrees for days. 5,000 people died. There was no air conditioning. (Thank goodness for our use of natural resources. The drought and heat were not caused by population growth or our use of natural resources.) We do not know what the heat index was because it wasnt calculated until 1979. Where I live in Springfield, Illinois, on July 25, it was a whopping 92 degrees, which is all of five degrees above normal (or, as we used to call it, average). The record high for July 25 was 104 in 1934, 89 years ago. The highest temperature ever in Springfield was 112 degrees in July of 1954 during a global cooling period. Springfield has not hit 100 degrees yet this year and it is not in the forecast. In 1936, Springfield experienced 29 days with temperatures over 100 degrees. It has not hit 100 degrees for thirteen years: Which year had the most 100 days? Based on NOAA records, the year 1936 holds the record for the most 100 F days in Springfield history. There were 29 days with a high temperature of at least 100 degrees that year. How many so far this year (2025)? It has not reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit in Springfield so far in 2025. As of July 24, the highest temperature this year is 93 F. The last time it reached at least 100 F was July 31, 2012. Thank goodness that people have invented so many ways to use the natural resources the Earth has been blessed with. They are not killing us. They are greatly improving our quality and length of life. It is a true shame that almost all people posing as journalists just repeat what they are told instead of doing simple research. It takes no intelligence to be puppets who seek to have the government take away our freedoms. Image created using AI. Unpopular opinion: all Muslim immigration should come to an end. When President Trump first called for a pause in Muslim migration he was met with hysteria. Yet despite the hysteria has Islamic immigration truly enhanced and contributed to this country? The answer is undoubtedly "no." Zohran Mamdani proves that while not all Islamic immigrants are terrorists, their values are not in line with America. Zohran Mamdani, who was born in Uganda and became an American citizen just seven years ago, is a cautionary tale of the dangers of third-world Muslim immigration. Despite having benefited from the American dream, all he can seem to do is advocate for anti-American ideology. Despite not even being a particularly religious Muslim, Mamdani has advocated for globalizing the intifada. The intifada of course refers to uprising against Israel with violence something he wishes to spread here. Here lies the problem with Hijrah or Islamic migration. Hijrah is an Islamic term that proves that for Islamists and political Muslims, immigration is not simply a private choice but an act of Islamic conquest. As we see throughout the Western World Islamic migration has transformed Western counties for the worse. Mamdani would symbolize another victory for political Islam and its intifada over Western civilization. As we see throughout Europe as a direct result of European countries helping to facilitate hijrah, the continent has become a hotbed of radicalism and has undergone a transformation. Palestinian flags flying, Islamic prayer in the streets of Europe, and demands for Islamic immigration has transformed Europe for the worse. Some schools have been pressured to stop teaching about the Holocaust so as not to offend Muslims, as absurd as that sounds. Americans were rightly outraged when Islamists and their enablers at the Council For American Islamic Relations demanded a mosque on the site of the worst terror attack in American history. Fortunately, patriots stood up to this bullying and prevented it from happening. The rise of Mamdani along with Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib indicate the growth of political Islam here in America. Electing Mamdani would be seen as a victory for political Islam and a defeat for Western civilization. Immigration from third-world Islamic countries must come to an end not simply for reasons of national security, but for the sake of national cohesion and for the preservation of American ideals. Image: Kara McCurdy Blender is undoubtedly one of the most popular 3D modeling and animation tools out there. For years, if you wanted to dive into that world, you needed a powerful desktop computer. This useful free and open-source software has been largely confined to Windows, macOS, and Linux. But thats about to change in a big way. The Blender team has officially announced they are developing versions for iPad and Android tablets. This is huge news for creators on the go. While tablets have had multi-touch interfaces for a long time, its only recently that their processing power has truly allowed them to act as primary computing devices for demanding tasks. Other professional design tools like Photoshop have successfully made the leap. And now, Blender is following suit, aiming to make its technology even more accessible to everyone. Blender to reach your iPad and Android tablet The vision for Blender on tablets is ambitious: its intended to be a complete Blender experience. The team isnt planning to simplify the interface or strip away functionality to appeal to brand-new users. Instead, theyre focused on bringing the full power of Blender to a touch-first environment for existing users. The initial versions will start with core features like basic object manipulation and sculpting. However, more advanced capabilities like Grease Pencil and storyboarding support are planned for later. Interestingly, some of the development work for tablets will even bring improvements back to the desktop version. True to a common industry trend, the iPad version with Apple Pencil support will be the priority for initial release. Meanwhile, Android and other tablets will follow later. Theres no firm release date just yet, as the team is still gathering feedback and seeking more developers to join the effort. However, if youre attending the SIGGRAPH 2025 graphics conference in Vancouver next month, you might get an early peek. The team confirmed that they will showcase a tech demo of Blender running on an iPad Pro there. The arrival of a fully-fledged Blender on tablets is a game-changer. The tool will open up a plethora of new possibilities for 3D artists who rely on portable devices. Creating intricate models and stunning animations from virtually anywhere will soon be a reality. There is some potentially big news for Samsung phone owners. However, the latest development will impact especially those who love to tinker with their devices. It appears that the latest software update, One UI 8, is bringing a notable change that could limit how much control users have over their phones. Fresh reports claim that Samsung has removed the option to unlock the bootloader from all devices running One UI 8. The change, reported by Tech & Leaks Zone on Telegram, is present whether its the beta or the stable version. This affects a wide range of popular models, including newer devices such as the Galaxy S25, S25 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Fold 7. Unlock bootloader on One UI 8? Samsung reportedly says no For those unfamiliar, unlocking the bootloader has long been a gateway for advanced Android users. It allows enthusiasts to dive deep into their phones software, enabling them to install custom versions of Android (known as custom ROMs), gain root access for more control over system files, or make other deep tweaks to the operating system. Without this option, users are now essentially confined to the software experience that Samsung provides by default. Whats more, this change isnt just about removing an option. There are concerning reports that if a phone was already unlocked, updating to Android 16-based One UI 8 can actually automatically re-lock the bootloader. This is happening on devices like the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy S22 Ultra running internal testing versions of One UI 8. This suggests a more active move by Samsung to block this functionality, potentially forcing users back to factory settings or restricting their software freedom. No official word yet Samsungs reported decision has understandably disappointed many in the Android community who value the ability to customize their devices. The company has yet to offer an official explanation for this decision. Some speculate it could be an effort to enhance device security or meet specific demands from mobile carriers. However, the immediate consequence is less user control for those who prefer a more open Android experience. Power users and developers, in particular, will find this a big hurdle. A niche practice, but part of the essence of Android Its true that deep tweaks involving unlocking the bootloader of your Android device are becoming more and more niche. Long gone are the days when this was a much more common practice, even among regular users. Improvements to the Android core and the manufacturers themselves have reduced the need to resort to these methods. Still, its a negative that Samsung simply removed the option, impacting those who still enjoy this type of experimentation with their phones. It seems a new era for Samsung power users might be on the horizon. An airline who kicked off a number of passengers from a flight has denied doing to because they were Jewish. Several dozen passengers were removed from a flight leaving Valencia for Paris for what Spanish police and the airline described as unruly behaviour. Some Israeli news outlets reported that the students are Jewish and that their removal was religiously motivated. The claim that was repeated by an Israeli minister online. Vueling, the carrier, denied reports that Wednesdays incident, which involved the removal of 44 minors and eight adults from flight V8166, was related to the passengers religion. Spains Civil Guard said the minors and adults are French nationals. A Civil Guard spokesperson said the agents involved were not aware of the groups religious affiliation. A Vueling spokesperson said the passengers were removed after the minors repeatedly tampered with the planes emergency equipment and interrupted the crews safety demonstration. Vueling deny the removal of the passengers was religiously motivated (AP) A group of passengers engaged in highly disruptive behaviour and adopted a very confrontational attitude, putting at risk the safe conduct of the flight, Vueling said in a statement. We categorically deny any suggestion that our crews behaviour related to the religion of the passengers involved. A Civil Guard spokesperson said the captain of the plane ordered the removal of the minors from the plane at Valencias Manises Airport after they repeatedly ignored the crews instructions. On Thursday, the Federation for Jewish Communities of Spain expressed concern about the incident. The group said that Vueling needed to provide documentary evidence of what happened on the plane. The various accounts circulating on social media and in the media to which we have had access do not clarify the cause of the incident, the organization said. We are particularly interested in clarifying whether there were any possible religiously discriminatory motives toward the minors, the group said. The Civil Guard said 23 minors and two adults from the group boarded a flight belonging to another airline, while the rest spent Wednesday night at a hotel. The spokesperson said arrangements were being made for them to leave Valencia later on Thursday. Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - As deadly sectarian violence continues to displace hundreds of thousands of civilians in Syrias Sweida Governorate, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed on Friday that attacks on health facilities had killed two doctors I Am Giorgia ( ) Of all the worlds elected female leaders Giorgia Meloni, the proudly Right-wing prime minister of Italy, is one of the least conventional and certainly the most powerful. The 48-year-old leader of the Brothers of Italy party has now been prime minister for more than a thousand days, making hers the seventh-longest government in Italian democratic history. I Am Giorgia, now appearing in English with a foreword from Donald Trump Jr, was written just after the Covid pandemic and before she became prime minister. Its part autobiography and part credo, and all the more intriguing for that. Since taking office in October 2022, Meloni has guided Italy through the usual menu of political squalls with some aplomb although not to everyones taste and approval. Italy is suffering from massive public debt more than 135 per cent of GDP crashing birthrates and the onset of demographic wintering, a chronic illegal immigrant crisis, the strains of the war in Ukraine and being a major regional power sitting on the edge of Europe. Sounds familiar? So unlike our own doubt-enshrouded islands you might say. The contrast starts with the leader herself where charm, will and sense of purpose shine. She cuts through with wit and empathy in five languages, yet, as she herself recognises, is easily underestimated. Her father scarpered, ending up in the Canaries with a new family and jail time for drug trafficking I Am Giorgia sketches out the early days of a rough but very happy childhood in Garbatella, a working-class area of Rome. It was a team of three made up of her mother, and her sister Arianna, still her best mate and chief consigliere. Her father scarpered, ending up in the Canaries with a new family and a seven-year jail sentence for drug trafficking strong elements in Melonis back story. Tolkien, Dante ... and Jackson Politics began when she joined the youth wing of the Italian Social Movement (MSI) at 15. With MSI and then the National Alliance (AN), she put the active into political activist leafleting, marching, rallying, though not indulging in outright violence. She became president of Youth Action, the ANs youth branch, and went through a series of jobs, including barmaid at a famous night spot, the Piper Club. She was elected as an MP in 2006 and eight years later became head of the newly minted Brothers of Italy only to face wipeout at two subsequent elections. In September 2022 the Brothers topped the poll, and Meloni formed todays coalition. In her story several things stand out: sheer guts and persistence, ingenuity and clear vision. In her final school exam, antagonistic teachers were forced to give her top marks for the sheer skill with which she argued her case for immigration control. Blonde ambition: President Donald Trump greets Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni outside the West Wing of the White House (Getty Images) She writes that she taught herself English by learning the lyrics of Michael Jackson although your correspondent doesnt believe her, having heard her wonderful discourse about the English on her visit to London two years ago. A convinced anglophile, she is enthralled by the writings of JRR Tolkien, Sir Roger Scruton and Edmund Burke. Scruton is a guru, referenced frequently alongside Dante, Machiavelli, Baudelaire and Pulp Fiction. The migration question Her creed is based on being a mother, an Italian, a European and a Catholic. She is against abortion and single-sex marriage, reveres Popes John-Paul II and Benedict XVI and prizes respect above mere tolerance. Most intriguing are her thoughts about Italys population decline and immigration, and how these may, or may not, connect. She believes in going really hard on illegal migrant control and licensing legal migration for the mutual benefit of source and destination communities. Best memoirs of all time Delve into fascinating, gut-wrenching and healing snippets of life See more in Shopping writer Saskia Kemsleys guide to the best memoirs of all time Whatever your political stance, this book is beguiling, and a fascinating read. We now need her account of her time as PM. I certainly dont agree with everything in this memoir, but it is a wonderful wake-up call. Brava, Giorgia! As Robert Frost put it you still have promises to keep, and miles to go before you sleep. Robert Fox is defence editor at The London Standard I Am Giorgia by Giorgia Meloni is out on August 14 (Skyhorse, 25) British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron On Thursday night, Hamas was busy writing a statement of praise for President Macron. The French President declared that France would officially recognise a Palestinian state, much to the delight of the Islamist terrorist group. In the UK context, some voices are calling for Prime Minister Starmer to follow Macrons Napoleonic cosplaying. Were the UK to actually recognise a Palestinian state, such a decision would have exceptionally dangerous repercussions not only for Israelis but for the West as a whole. Chief among them would be that Palestinian recognition would be a reward for hostage-taking, for rape, for murder, for burning innocent people alive. Recognising a Palestinian state in a post-October 7 reality would be nothing less than a reward for terrorism. Few would argue that this impetus for unilateral Palestinian recognition has stemmed from the atrocious acts that Hamas committed on October 7 the deadliest day for Jewish people since the Holocaust. Remember, this push for recognition was not on the table on October 6. Be in no doubt, Islamist extremists are watching closely, terrorists are watching intently and the signal that they are receiving is that their violent tactics yield positive results for them in the UK and the West. They say it themselves: Hamas has welcomed multiple statements coming from London. I am sure similar praise from Hamas would come again were the UK to recognise a Palestinian state, in the same way that the terror group gleefully congratulated Macron. Recognition would be utter folly terrorism should be eliminated, not encouraged. You may ask, what concessions are those who call for recognition asking for from the Palestinians in return? Nothing. Our 50 hostages, still languishing in the torturous terror dungeons of Gaza will not be released. Hamas will continue to be the governing authority in Gaza. It really would be a masterclass in futile diplomacy. The tragic reality is that Israel does not have, and never has had, a genuine Palestinian partner for peace. Indeed, the history of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process reads as a timeline of missed opportunities for a Palestinian statehood due to the phenomenon of Palestinian rejectionism and the refusal to accept the existence of a Jewish state within any borders. And yet, we are repeatedly told that Yasser Arafats successor, Mahmoud Abbas, is a credible partner in that respect. How ridiculous. It was less than a year ago that Abbas praised the October 7 massacre. Furthermore, if Abbas is so pro-democracy, why is he half-way through the 21st year of his four-year term? Mahmoud Abbas has a history of Holocaust denial, having blamed the Jews for the Holocaust on multiple occasions, including in September 2023 when he said: Hitler Fought the European Jews Because of Their Usury, Money Dealings, It Was Not about Anti-semitism. Most worrying of all, Abbas currently has a policy in place in which the moderate Palestinian Authority literally pays salaries to the families of terrorists who murder Israelis. The more Jews murdered, the more money they receive. The PAs Pay for Slay policy tragically ensures that Palestinian terrorism remains a profitable industry. For Western governments to recognise a Palestinian state, would be a de facto acceptance of Pay for Slay, which crucially would take us further away from peace and encourage more murders of Israelis and Jewish people. I have been asking myself what impact would result from such a decision, other than the aforementioned encouragement for terror? There would be no positive impact as far as the Middle East is concerned, with recognition only serving as an act of grandstanding and virtue-signalling. Positive progress can only come through bilateral discussions. Unhelpful, unilateral steps seeking to bypass Israel will achieve absolutely nothing as the reality on the ground would remain the same. And that reality is that there can be no progress or positive impact in the Israeli-Palestinian context as long as our hostages remain in captivity and Hamas remains in power. In recognising a Palestinian state, the UK would be playing a major card which could gain concessions from the Palestinians towards peace for absolutely nothing. It would also signal a significant departure from the policy of the US administration. As US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, remarked following Macrons announcement of recognition: This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7. Ultimately, we have to move beyond empty words and virtue-signalling and look into the practical implications of what people are saying. When people call for recognising a Palestinian state, who would they be recognising as the Palestinian leadership? Who would they wish to govern? Presumably not the elected, genocidal terrorist group, Hamas? So, would it then be Mahmoud Abbas and his terror-supporting Palestinian Authority? Amid such global instability, the last thing the world would need is another failed state like that of Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon, or Libya. We have too many of them in our region. Corruption, jihadi extremists, power vacuums, radicalism, Iranian interference, a plethora of armed terrorist groups a Palestinian state would have all the ingredients of a would-be failed state. Why would a Palestinian state be any different to the others? What would an education system overseen by a Holocaust denier look like? In the post-October 7 reality that Israelis are living in, what security guarantees are being given to us for our legitimate concerns? I have yet to hear a viable answer to any of those questions. Tzipi Hotovely is the Ambassador of Israel to the Court of St James This undated inmate photo provided by the Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority shows Estes Carter Thompson III (Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority) A flight attendant who secretly filmed young girls by taping his phone to an aeroplane toilet has been given a near two-decade prison sentence. Estes Carter Thompson III, formerly of American Airlines, received 18.5 years behind bars, followed by five years of supervised release. Boston U.S. District Court Judge Julia Kobick condemned his actions as "appalling", stating that the child victims "innocence has been lost" due to his behaviour. Thompson was arrested and charged in January 2024 in Lynchburg, Virginia, after authorities said a 14-year-old girl on his flight discovered his secret recording setup in the lavatory. He was indicted last year on one count of attempted sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child sexual abuse images depicting a prepubescent minor. He apologised in court Wednesday, describing his actions as selfish, perverse and wrong. In this photo provided by the law firm Lewis & Llewellyn LLP, an iPhone is taped to the back of a toilet seat on an American Airlines flight from Charlotte, N.C., to Boston, Sept. 2, 2023. (Lewis & Llewellyn LLP via AP, File) (Lewis & Llewellyn LLP) Police alleged Thompson, of Charlotte, North Carolina, had recordings of four other girls between the ages of 7 and 14 using aircraft lavatories over a 9-month period. In a sentencing memorandum submitted in court, U.S. government attorneys said Thompson robbed five young girls of their innocence and belief in the goodness of the world and the people they would encounter in it, instead leaving them with fear, mistrust, insecurity, and sadness. Thompson, who will serve his sentence at FMC Butner in North Carolina, intends to undergo sex offender-specific treatment, his attorneys said. A lawyer for Thompson said via email Wednesday he wouldnt be commenting. A Vueling plane landing at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport (Getty Images) French authorities are investigating whether a group of young French citizens were removed from a Vueling flight from Valencia, Spain, to Paris this week due to their Jewish faith. The airline has vehemently denied these claims. Several dozen French passengers were reportedly removed from the Wednesday flight, with both Spanish police and Vueling asserting the action was taken due to unruly behaviour. Frances ministry for Europe and foreign affairs said in a statement on Saturday that the minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, contacted the CEO of Vueling, Carolina Martinoli, to express his deep concern about the removal of a group of young French Jews from one of the companys flights. Barrot also requested more information to determine whether these individuals had been discriminated against on the basis of their religion. A similar request has been made to the Spanish ambassador to France. Ms. Martinoli assured Mr. Barrot that a thorough internal investigation was underway and that its findings would be shared with the French and Spanish authorities, the ministry said. A Vueling Airbus A321 approaches for landing in Lisbon at sunrise, while the moon sets in the background, on 7 February 2023 (AP Photo/Armando Franca, File) (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Vueling previously denied reports that the incident, which involved the removal of 44 minors and eight adults from flight V8166, was related to the passengers religion. Some Israeli news outlets reported that the students were Jewish and that their removal was religiously motivated, a claim that was repeated by an Israeli minister online. Spains Civil Guard said the minors and adults were French nationals. A Civil Guard spokesperson said the agents involved were not aware of the groups religious affiliation. A Vueling spokesperson said the passengers were removed after the minors repeatedly tampered with the planes emergency equipment and interrupted the crews safety demonstration. A Civil Guard spokesperson said the captain of the plane ordered the removal of the minors from the plane at Valencias Manises Airport after they repeatedly ignored the crews instructions. On Thursday, the Federation for Jewish Communities of Spain expressed concern about the incident. The group said that Vueling needed to provide documentary evidence of what happened on the plane. Ghislaine Maxwell was granted a form of limited immunity to talk during her meetings with Department of Justice officials, according to reports. The British socialite and former ex-girlfriend of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein met with Deputy U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche on multiple occasions this week and she initiated the meetings, according to ABC News. The so-called proffer immunity is commonly granted to those who prosecutors are seeking cooperation from in a criminal case. Maxwell was tried, convicted and sentenced in 2022 over her role in Epsteins scheme to abuse underage girls. Such an agreement allowed Maxwell to answer questions from Blanche which her attorneys claimed she did fully. Maxwell, who is serving her 20-year sentence at a federal prison in Tallahassee, Florida, spent a total of nine hours speaking to DOJ officials about the Epstein case on Thursday and Friday. According to reports she was granted a limited amount of immunity for the talks (Federal Bureau of Prisons) Her responses to those questions would not be able to be used against her at a later stage, the sources added. Maxwell, who is serving her 20-year sentence at a federal prison in Tallahassee, Florida, spent a total of nine hours speaking to Blanche about the Epstein case on Thursday and Friday. According to her attorney, David Oscar Markus, Maxwell was asked about 100 different people during her interview and answered every single question asked of her over the last day and a half. She answered those questions honestly, truthfully, to the best of her ability, Markus, said. She was asked about maybe about 100 different people. She answered questions about everybody and she didn't hold anything back." She never invoked a privilege. She never refused to answer a question. So were very proud of her. Maxwell, the former girlfriend of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was tried, convicted and sentenced in 2022 over her role in the abuse of minors (US District Court for the Southern District of New York) According to her attorney, David Oscar Markus (pictured), Maxwell was asked about 100 different people during her interview and answered every single question asked of her over the last day and a half (AP) Blanche was interviewing Maxwell at a federal courthouse in Tallahassee to discuss others who may have committed crimes against victims. The DOJ has enlisted her help as the fallout continues over the so-called Epstein files. Epstein died by suicide while awaiting his own trial for sex-trafficking in 2019. Though President Donald Trump previously promised to release all information related to the Epstein files, the president has come under fire after representatives on both sides of the political aisle, and even his own stalwart MAGA support base, have criticized the handling of the situation by Attorney General Pam Bondi. Maxwell has spent around nine hours answering questions from U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche this week (AP) Bondi has shut down rumors about a so-called client list of high-profile individuals who may have participated in alleged crimes that Epstein committed, with the DOJ and FBI releasing a memo earlier this month saying no such list existed. Recent reports from CNN and The Wall Street Journal also claimed Bondi alerted Trump, in early spring, that his name appeared in the Epstein files. Being mentioned in the files does not suggest any wrongdoing, and hundreds of other people were also named. The president has not been accused of any wrongdoing. Trump has blasted those continuing to obsess over the files and his alleged involvement in its release, blaming the issue on Radical Left Democrats and claiming that the whole thing is a SCAM. A shrine to Etan Patz in front of a building in New York City on 29 May 2012. Photograph: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images Decades after six-year-old Etan Patz disappeared while walking to school in New York City, stirring widespread public fear in the US about leaving children unattended, his family felt they got some justice when Pedro Hernandez was convicted of murder in 2017. Now that closure has also vanished. On 21 July, a federal appeals court overturned the guilty verdict. The court stated that the judge in the murder trial was clearly wrong and manifestly prejudicial in his response to a jury note concerning Hernandezs alleged confessions. Hernandez should either face a new trial or be released, the court ruled. And so, it is again an open question of whether there will ever be a resolution to Etans case, which was a seminal event in US criminal history as it started a movement to help find missing children and caused many Americans parents to watch their kids more closely. Related: Man charged with making and trying to detonate explosives in New York City This case has endured for so many decades, its almost like there are generations of people that learn about it all over again, said Lisa R Cohen, a journalist who wrote After Etan: The Missing Child Case That Held America Captive. Its going to have an effect on any young parent, Cohen added. On 25 May 1979, Etans mother, Julie, allowed him, for the first time, to walk to a bus stop just a couple of blocks away in Manhattans SoHo neighborhood. After he didnt come home at 3.30pm, Julie learned he never made it to school and reported him missing. Police spent weeks searching for him. His body has never been found. Im not sitting around doing nothing but mourning and thinking of revenge, Etans father, Stan, said, according to an excerpt from Cohens 2009 book. But Ive also waited 30 years to get justice for Etan. Ill wait as long as it takes. The stories of Etan and another child, Adam Walsh, inspired a movement to prevent the abduction and murder of adolescents, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In 1983, then president Ronald Reagan marked the anniversary of Etans disappearance by declaring the date National Missing Childrens Day. Etans face also appeared on billboards and milk cartons. Before Etans disappearance, kids played after school and came home for supper and no one was tracking every move, Cohen said. And then there is the time after Etan, when everything changed. It was a zeitgeist moment. A suspect, Jose Antonio Ramos, emerged a few years after Etan went missing, but law enforcement officials initially declared that he was not connected to the crime. A federal prosecutor later treated him as a prime suspect and pursued him. A convicted pedophile, Ramos admitted that he tried to molest the child but said he did not kill him. He was never charged with Etans disappearance, but his parents won a $2m wrongful death lawsuit against Ramos in 2004. Then, in 2012, Hernandez, who worked at a bodega near the Patzs home, confessed that he lured Etan to his store by promising him a soft drink and took him to the basement and strangled him. His parents became convinced that Hernandez, not Ramos, was the killer, A jury deadlocked on the Hernandez murder trial in 2015, but in a 2017 retrial, the jury found him guilty. The Patz family has waited a long time, but weve finally found some measure of justice for our wonderful little boy, Etan, Stan Patz said at the time. Im really grateful that this jury finally came back with which I have known for a long time that this man, Pedro Hernandez, is guilty of doing something really terrible so many years ago. But during the investigation, Hernandez had initially confessed after seven hours of questioning from police, who did not read him his Miranda rights against self-incrimination, according to court documents. Only afterwards did police issue them, and he then repeated his confession. During the second trial, the jury asked the judge to explain whether, if the jury found that Hernandezs first confession was not voluntary, it must disregard the later confessions. The judge said no. The appeals court ruled that the directive was wrong. David Schwartz, a former prosecutor in New York, said the judges answer was certainly not harmless error and really is contrary to the law of confessions. You certainly want justice to be done for this tragic case, but on the other hand, we have to uphold the integrity of the criminal justice system and fair trials, he said. Etans parents have not commented on the case since Hernandezs conviction, the New York Post reported, and it does not appear that they have responded publicly to the appeals court ruling. Louis K Meisel owned an art gallery on the block between the Patzs home and the bus stop and knew the family very well, he said. Its one of the biggest mysteries, and were never going to know the end and the answers, Meisel said. Cyrus Vance Jr, the former Manhattan district attorney who oversaw the two trials, told the New York Times after the ruling that he was surprised and saddened for the Patz family. I was certainly convinced myself that Pedro Hernandez killed Etan Patz, and I think that today, Vance said. Emily Tuttle, a spokesperson for the Manhattan district attorney said: We are reviewing the decision. Schwartz, the former prosecutor, thinks the district attorney would have a difficult time retrying Hernandez. The confession was really at the heart of the case, Schwartz said. Unless there is new evidence somehow, which is very unlikely, Im not sure they are going to be able to retry. Some of the profits of Salim Ahmed Saids operation are said to have bankrolled the activities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps - Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock An Iraqi-British national has been sanctioned for allegedly smuggling oil to help fund the Iranian regime, US officials said. Salim Ahmed Said is accused of running a billion-dollar smuggling operation via a network of companies trading with Tehran. According to the US treasury, he forged documents and bribed officials in order to disguise the source of the oil, which was then sold to Western buyers via either Iraq or the United Arab Emirates, for at least five years. Some of the profits are alleged to have been sent to Iran to bankroll the activities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which is proscribed by the US as a terrorist group. Saids companies and vessels were allegedly used to blend Iranian and Iraqi oil one of several obfuscation techniques to launder the supplies so they could be sold on the legitimate market and allow Tehran to evade sanctions. He is also accused of spending millions of dollars bribing members of the Iraqi government in exchange for forged certificates stating that the oil originated from Iraq. The Dijilah, a tanker registered in the Marshall Islands, was said to have been used to evade sanctions - Piet Sinke In addition to owning a UAE-based oil tanker company, with which he is said to have avoided a formal connection, Said allegedly owns two companies based in Britain: The Willett Hotel Limited and Robinbest Limited. Scott Bessent, the US treasury secretary, said: As President Trump has made clear, Irans behaviour has left it decimated. While it has had every opportunity to choose peace, its leaders have chosen extremism. [We] will continue to target Tehrans revenue sources and intensify economic pressure to disrupt the regimes access to the financial resources that fuel its destabilising activities. The treasury has also sanctioned several vessels said to have been used in the covert delivery of Iranian oil in a bid to intensify pressure on Irans shadow fleet. Maximum pressure strategy Donald Trump has reimposed his maximum pressure strategy on Tehran and repeatedly tightened sanctions on the regime since returning to office in January. In 2019, during his first term, he declared that he would seek to cut Irans oil revenues to zero and remove its principal source of income, though Tehran has proven adept at skirting American attempts to clamp down on its shadow fleet. Said controls the UAE-based company VS Tankers, though he avoids formal association with it, the treasury said. Formerly known as Al-Iraqia Shipping Services & Oil Trading, VS Tankers has smuggled oil for the benefit of the Iranian government and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Treasury documents state that VS Tankers claims several oil tankers as part of its fleet, one of which recorded four ship-to-ship transfers with the US-sanctioned, Barbados-flagged Casinova in April 2024. The Dijilah, a tanker registered in the Marshall Islands, in the Pacific, was also used in the alleged plot to evade sanctions, the documents state. In 2023, Said allegedly took a controlling interest in VS Oil, an Iraqi-based company said to manage six oil storage tanks where Iranian oil is dropped off to be mixed with Iraqi oil before being authenticated by corrupt government officials and shipped off. Sir Sadiq Khan called Nigel Farages offer of a debate a political stunt - Jordan Pettitt/PA Sir Sadiq Khan has been accused of cowardice after refusing a televised debate with Nigel Farage on crime in London. The Labour Mayor of London turned down Mr Farages offer of a head-to-head showdown as it emerged that shoplifting in the capital had risen by more than half in the past year. It comes after the Reform UK leader launched a six-week offensive of policy announcements with a particular focus on crime and punishment. Mr Farage told The Telegraph: Labour have been in government for over a year. Sadiq Khan has nowhere to hide any more the blame for his record in office lies solely at his feet. He has failed Londoners. London is lawless and London needs Reform. Nigel Farage and Laura Anne Jones, who defected from the Conservatives to Reform this month - Matthew Horwood/Getty Images However, a spokesman for Sir Sadiq dismissed Mr Farages offer as a political stunt and claimed that the Mayor was too busy working for Londoners to get crime down to take part. The Reform leader replied: Its just extraordinary and cowardly, and everyone knows that London is becoming lawless. What is Khan afraid of? I dont bite. A crime survey released by the Office for National Statistics last week found that shoplifting in London had increased by 53 per cent over the last 12 months to March. The rise was the steepest of anywhere in the country, while London also accounted for 16,344 knife crime incidents, an annual rise of 9 per cent. London also accounted for a third of all knife offences in England and Wales. A spokesman for Sir Sadiq said: The Mayor is too busy working for Londoners to get crime down to get involved in political stunts. Nothings more important to the Mayor than keeping Londoners safe. Sadiq is determined to do all he can to tackle crime and its complex causes, which is why he has invested record sums in the police and in providing positive opportunities for young people. Sadiq is building on the progress thats been achieved in London with the number of young people being injured with a knife, homicides, lethal barrel discharge and burglary all down since 2016. The Mayors office said the number of teenage murders in London was at its lowest rate since 2003, while the number of under-25s killed was at its lowest since 2013. Sir Sadiqs spokesman added: All this has been achieved despite government austerity since 2010. Farages crime pledges At a press conference last week, Mr Farage pledged to send Britains worst offenders to jail in El Salvador as part of a five-year plan to halve crime rates. The 17.4 billion scheme, which also seeks to boost police numbers and prison places, would see the introduction of new rules to increase the number of jail sentences handed down by judges. The El Salvador idea is based on a similar policy by Donald Trump, who is paying the Latin American country billions of dollars to house offenders. Sir Sadiq holds direct responsibility for policing in London as the citys mayor and de facto police and crime commissioner. Under his watch, violent crime has soared from 190,000 incidents in 2016/17, when he first came to power, to 250,000 in 2023/24. Transport for Londons crime and anti-social behaviour report in 2023 showed a total rise in offences of 56.5 per cent. This included a 158 per cent jump in crimes involving offensive weapons and a 107 per cent rise in robbery. Sir Sadiq is planning to shut the front counters in 13 of the 32 Metropolitan Police stations that are open 24 hours a day. He had pledged in his 2024 mayoral election manifesto to maintain a 24-hour police front office counter in every borough. However, he said he would need to sign off on the closures and claimed government spending plans had left the Met with a 260 million black hole in his budget. Eleven more of the 32 stations would switch to reduced opening hours, leaving just eight front counters staffed around the clock. Lando Norris will start from pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix in his bid to seal a hat-trick of consecutive victories after beating championship rival Oscar Piastri to top spot. Norris finished third, a place behind McLaren team-mate Piastri in the earlier sprint race at Spa-Francorchamps, but the British driver bounced back to secure his second pole in three races. Charles Leclerc took third for Ferrari but team-mate Lewis Hamiltons weekend took another nightmare twist after he qualified only 16th. LANDO NORRIS TAKES POLE AT SPA!!! Oscar Piastri finishes just behind his team mate while Charles Leclerc is third quickest #F1 #BelgianGP pic.twitter.com/W18G16BRjx Formula 1 (@F1) July 26, 2025 Max Verstappen who won the first Formula One race staged following Christian Horners dismissal as Red Bull team principal in Saturdays 15-lap dash was fourth, one position clear of Williams Alex Albon, with George Russell sixth for Mercedes. Piastri extended his championship advantage over Norris from eight points to nine and appeared to hold the upper hand over his team-mate heading into qualifying. However, Norris delivered with his first lap of Q3 to hold a near two-tenth advantage over Piastri heading into the concluding runs and although he failed to improve, and Piastri did it was enough to take first place as he looks to build on his wins in Austria and Silverstone. Norris qualified six tenths behind Piastri in Fridays qualifying and he said: Everyone was quite worried after yesterday. But I was always confident, so it is nice to get back on top. The car has been flying all weekend and Oscar and I have been pushing each other a lot. You can see each others strengths and weaknesses (on the shared team data) so that makes it a tough battle. Rain is forecast for Sundays 44-lap race, and Norris continued: I prefer it to stay dry. But I dont mind if it is wet, or dry, or somewhere in the middle. I just hope it is an exciting race. Hamilton, who started 18th and finished 15th in the earlier sprint race earlier, was eliminated in Q1 for Sundays main event after his best lap was chalked off by the stewards. The Briton thought he had done enough to haul his Ferrari into the next phase of qualifying when he posted the seventh best time. But moments later, his lap was deleted after he was adjudged to have run all four wheels of his Ferrari off the circuit at Raidillon. That dropped him way down the order. Is everything OK? Hamilton asked on the radio. Track limits, replied Hamiltons race engineer, Ricardo Adami. Am I out? Hamilton replied. Lap time is deleted, P16, came the response. There was no response from the 40-year-old who is left to reflect on another sobering result of his difficult start to life at Ferrari. Lewis Hamilton was eliminated in the first phase of qualifying (Bradley Collyer/PA) Hamilton, who spun in qualifying for the sprint, enters Sundays race without a podium for Ferrari the deepest he has gone into a season in his career without a top-three finish. Hamiltons replacement at Mercedes, Kimi Antonelli, also failed to emerge from Q1 and will start 18th, with both Aston Martins on the final row of the grid following a dismal qualifying session for the British team. Fernando Alonso will line up from 19th, with team-mate Lance Stroll 20th and last. Ollie Bearman finished an impressive seventh in the sprint, but then qualified 12th as he complained the start of his final lap was compromised by Red Bulls Yuki Tsunoda. Emmanuel Macron and wife Brigitte have attacked the verifiably false and devastating lies being repeated online, prompting questions as to whether fake news can be stopped. Photograph: Alberto Pezzali/AP When the French president, Emmanuel Macron, and his wife, Brigitte, took the rare step this week of filing a US defamation lawsuit against the rightwing podcaster Candace Owens, it marked a new phase in a legal battle on both sides of the Atlantic against the false claim that Brigitte Macron is a man named Jean-Michel Trogneux. The Macrons US lawsuit attacked what it called the verifiably false and devastating lies being repeated online by Owens that Brigitte Macron, 72, was born a man. The lawsuit said evidence clearly disproved this grotesque narrative, which had become a campaign of global humiliation and relentless bullying on a worldwide scale. The case prompted broader questions this week about how conspiracy theories spread worldwide, whether they can be stopped in the courts and what this false narrative, which began in France after the Covid pandemic, says about French societys distrust in politicians. This is now one of the biggest fake news stories worldwide in terms of popularity a billion people have seen it, said Emmanuelle Anizon, a senior journalist for the French weekly Nouvel Obs, who last year published a book, LAffaire Madame, investigating the origins of the rumour in France. Whats new is that for the first time, Emmanuel Macron has joined his wife in taking legal action. The Macrons US lawsuit states the accusation that Brigitte Macron was born a man named Jean-Michel Trogneux is completely false and Trogneux is in fact is her older brother. Trogneux, 80, lives in the northern French town of Amiens, where he grew up with Brigitte and four other siblings in a family famous for its local chocolate business. He was present in public alongside his Brigitte at Emmanuel Macrons two presidential inaugurations in 2017 and 2022. Owens, whose podcast and social media channels have an audience of millions, said this week she stood by her narrative. The false claim that Brigitte was a man first went viral in France in 2021, at a moment when distrust of politicians in was at a high, after the gilets jaunes (yellow vests) anti-government protest movement and the Covid pandemic that killed more than 130,000 people in France. In December 2021, a woman who used the name Amandine Roy and called herself a spiritual medium, broadcast a four-hour YouTube interview with Natacha Rey, 51, who had worked previously for a small essential oils business and described herself as an independent investigative journalist, self-taught, and not from the inner circle of mainstream media. Rey said she had spent three years investigating Brigitte Macron, after questioning the first ladys body-shape in photos. Rey said she believed Brigitte Macron was actually a man called Jean-Michel Trogneux. Within hours, the interview had 500,000 views and the hashtag #Jean-MichelTrogneux was trending on social media in France, promoted by, among others, some far-right and anti-vaccine accounts. A small far-right newsletter had already published Reys theories but it was the video interview that sent the claim viral. There was a deeper societal problem at that time in France: the mistrust of political, media and economic institutions, Anizon said. There had been years of political health scandals worldwide and in France from a contaminated blood scandal to the Mediator weight-loss drug. Many people had gradually reached a point of distrust, switching off traditional mainstream media and turning instead to online accounts Covid and vaccine mistrust increased that. The rumour spread in part because the Macrons relationship had long been a topic of comment online. Brigitte Macron, who is 24 years older, first met Emmanuel Macron when she was a French teacher at his Jesuit secondary school in Amiens, directing him in a school play. The Macrons US lawsuit this week stated: Through the schools theatre programme, president Macron and Mrs Macron formed a deeper intellectual connection. It added: At all times the teacher-student relationship between Mrs Macron and President Macron remained within the bounds of the law. Brigitte Macron, who has three children from her first marriage, divorced in 2006 and she and Emmanuel Macron married the following year when he was 30. In early 2022, after the first viral video allegations, Brigitte Macron and her brother, Jean-Michel Trogneux, filed a defamation case in France against Roy and Rey, who both denied wrongdoing. In September 2024, a Paris court found the two women guilty and ordered them to pay 8,000 in damages to Brigitte Macron and 5,000 in damages to Jean-Michel Trogneux. The women appealed against the verdict and, this month, they were acquitted by a Paris appeals court. The appeal court verdict did not imply that the claims that Brigitte Macron was a man were true, but instead judges ruled that the case against the women did not fit the definition of defamation. Brigitte Macron and Jean-Michel Trogneux have taken the case to Frances highest appeals court, the cour de cassation. Brigitte Macron has filed a separate case for online harassment and 10 people will go on trial in Paris in October. Each time the Macrons relationship is in the spotlight, the false allegations about gender spread again online. This was the case in May, when video images appeared to show Brigitte pushing her husband away with both hands on his face before they disembarked from a plane on a tour of Southeast Asia. Macron dismissed the incident as play-fighting, telling reporters that we are squabbling and, rather, joking with my wife, and that it had been overblown into a sort of geo-planetary catastrophe. Brigitte Macron has not spoken publicly on the false gender claims since 2022 when she told French radio, RTL, that allegations that I am my brother were an impossible attack on her parents family tree. She told TF1 TV at the time she wanted to set an example so other people would not suffer in the same way. She said fighting online bullying is my battle. Border clashes between Cambodia, Thailand enter third day Xinhua) 13:34, July 26, 2025 PHNOM PENH/BANGKOK, July 26 (Xinhua) -- At least 13 Cambodian people died and 71 others were injured in border clashes with Thailand, a Cambodian defense spokesperson said Saturday. According to Thai media, the border clashes started for the third day on Saturday morning after the Cambodian side opened fire against Thai troops. "Five Cambodian soldiers were killed and 21 others were wounded," Cambodian Defense Ministry's Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson Maly Socheata told a press briefing. "Also, eight civilians died and 50 others were injured in Oddar Meanchey province." In the latest development, the Cambodian Ministry of National Defense said the Thai army on Saturday expanded its military attacks to another Cambodian province, Pursat. Thai Public Broadcasting Service reported that the border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia started for the third day on Saturday, after the Cambodian side opened fire in the early morning against Thai troops in Thailand's Trat province and the Thai side responded. The Thai Navy has launched "Trat Strike 1" operation in response to Cambodia's new attack, and has successfully pushed back the Cambodian incursion at three key points, Thai Ministry of Defence spokesperson's office said on Saturday. The Thai Navy has dispatched a task force of four vessels to support the operation in Trat province, ready to provide fire support to ground forces, the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand reported on Saturday. Tensions have remained high along the Thai-Cambodian border in recent weeks. Both militaries started fighting on Thursday, causing casualties on each side. (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Wu Chaolan) Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union has requested the Chairperson of the African Union Commission to expedite the transfer of the African Union Liaison Office to Tripoli, given the security situation on the ground Lord Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein shopping for clothes in the Caribbean in 2005 Lord Mandelson called Jeffrey Epstein my best pal in a birthday message, according to reports. The Labour grandee, Britains ambassador to the United States, is alleged to have written the message for a birthday album put together for the paedophile financiers 50th birthday in 2003. Recent reports have rocked Washington amid claims that Donald Trump, the US president, and Bill Clinton, the former president, also sent letters for the album. Mr Trump fiercely denied the claims, while Mr Clinton has not commented. The letter from Lord Mandelson, in which he called Epstein my best pal, featured photographs of a tropical island and whiskey, according to The Wall Street Journal. The album is said to have been examined by the justice department when it investigated the paedophile, who was charged with sex trafficking in 2019 and later killed himself in his Manhattan prison cell. It marks an embarrassing development for Lord Mandelson both in the US, where high-profile figures are under pressure over their association with Epstein, and in Britain, where Sir Keir Starmer has previously been urged to sever ties with the ambassador over the relationship. A spokesman for Lord Mandelson declined to comment on the allegations. Dinner parties and shopping trips Epstein appeared to maintain a particularly close relationship with Lord Mandelson, whom he affectionately referred to as Petie, according to court documents released two years ago. A 2002 New York Magazine article listed Lord Mandelson as a dinner-party guest at Epsteins Manhattan home, along with Mr Trump and Mr Clinton. Photographs have shown Lord Mandelson and Epstein shopping for clothes in the Caribbean in 2005, in which the former Cabinet minister tries on a white leather belt, and celebrating a birthday at the financiers Paris apartment in 2007. Earlier this year, Lord Mandelson claimed the media had an obsession about his relationship with the paedophile. He said: I regret ever meeting him or being introduced to him by his partner, Ghislaine Maxwell. I regret even more the hurt he caused to many young women. He added: Im not going to go into this. Its an obsession and frankly you can all f--- off. Ok? Mr Trump is under mounting pressure to release all the documents held by the US government on Epstein. So far, his administration has refused to do so despite calls for transparency by some of the presidents closest allies, splitting his support base in the process. A pal is a wonderful thing For the birthday album, Mr Trump reportedly sent a letter imagining a cryptic conversation with his then-friend in which he said they had certain things in common and featured a drawing of a nude woman in permanent marker. Mr Trump also reportedly wrote enigmas never age and ended the message with the words: A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday and may every day be another wonderful secret. The president has denied writing or sending the letter and is suing The Wall Street Journal for defamation over the report. However, Mr Trumps name is listed among dozens of Epsteins acquaintances who were asked to contribute birthday messages for the album, The New York Times reported. A White House spokesman described the story as fake news. Mr Clinton is said to have praised Epsteins childlike curiosity in a birthday message to the paedophile in 2003. A spokesman declined to comment to the newspaper. Democrats in Congress have written to the Epstein estates executors asking for an un-redacted copy of the album. Its existence and contents have not been independently verified by The Telegraph. Brad Edwards, a lawyer for hundreds of Epsteins victims, said on Thursday: I know the executors of the estate are in possession of that book. A Georgia couple sued two funeral homes after their Marine-veteran son's brain was returned in a cardboard box. (Google Maps) A couple is suing two funeral homes after their veteran sons brain was returned in an unmarked cardboard box that was leaking biohazardous liquid, a lawsuit alleges. Lawrence and Abbey Butler are suing Nix & Nix Funeral Homes in Pennsylvania and Southern Cremations & Funeral in Georgia for the mishandling of the remains of their son Timothy Garlington, a Marine veteran who died in November 2023. He died in Georgia, but was originally from Pennsylvania. In November, the couple hired Southern Cremations & Funerals to transport their sons remains to Nix & Nix Funeral Home in Philadelphia. A week later, Lawrence Butler picked up a white, unmarked cardboard box that the couple thought contained their sons personal belongings, the filing states. The box began to smell and leak fluids in Butlers car. When the couple tried to remove the box, biohazardous liquid spilled onto them, the lawsuit alleges. They reached out to the funeral homes to learn that the box contained their late sons brain. "The family has been destroyed twice," their lawyer, L. Chris Stewart, told Fox 5. A Georgia couple sued two funeral homes after their Marine-veteran son's brain was returned in a cardboard box. Lawrence and Abbey Butler are suing two funeral homes after their veteran son's brain was returned in an unmarked box (Google Maps) The couple says they suffered serious mental and emotional distress as a result of the funeral homes mishandling of their sons remains, the suit stated. It called the defendants conduct extreme and outrageous. Theyve accused the defendants of negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress, among other claims, for an unspecified amount in damages. It was, and it is still, in my heart that I got in my car and I smelled death, Lawrence Butler told the Associated Press. I had to get rid of that car, he added. I just couldnt stand the idea that the remains were in that car. Stewart told the AP that after speaking to several other funeral homes, he learned the brain is not typically separated from [the] body in that fashion and shipped in that fashion. In the circumstances that the body parts are separated, they are labeled as a biohazard. The couple accused the defendants of negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress (Google Maps) Theres no excuse, there is zero excuse for this type of error to happen. For the Georgia funeral home, Southern Cremations, to ship unmarked, bio-hazardous material. For the funeral home here in Philadelphia to hand the parents an unmarked box, not examined, not on a list of the inventory that was the personal items, to not check it, Stewart told the AP. They have not received a single apology to this day from any funeral home. The owner of Nix & Nix Funeral Homes said that his team didnt know that the box contained brain matter and noted that the state board did a thorough investigation and cleared them of wrongdoing. "Any body parts should be in the body. I don't understand why they would send his brains in a box, a regular box," Julian Nix, the owner of Nix and Nix Funeral Home, told Fox 5. "We immediately reported it to the state board and the medical examiner for inspection," Nix told the outlet. "When the state board investigated, they said that we did everything correct." Zeina Kanjo was suffocated to death in 2021 A Lebanese man accused of murdering his model wife arrived in Britain on a small boat from France. While Ibrahim Ghazal is currently serving a nine-month sentence in jail for arriving in the UK without a valid entry clearance, concerns have been raised about whether he will be able to be deported once he is released. The 36-year-old allegedly suffocated his beauty queen wife Zeina Kanjo to death in Beirut in 2021 and was the subject of an Interpol red notice. The alleged killer arrived as one of the 23,000 people who have crossed the English Channel from France in 2025. There are fears he may try the same defence to avoid being deported from the UK later this year. Ibrahim Ghazal, left, allegedly strangled his wife Zeina Kanjo to death in 2021 Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said the Ghazal case showed the Government had no control over migrants entering Britain. As we know that the illegal immigrants arriving are from nationalities 24 times more likely to end up in prison, especially for sex offences, Mr Philp told The Daily Mail. Every illegal immigrant should be immediately deported upon arrival then the crossings would soon end. Ms Kanjos murder in 2021 caused outrage in Lebanon and started a national debate about domestic violence issues facing women in the middle eastern nation. The 33-year-old model, who had represented her country in a beauty contest in Egypt the previous years, had filed domestic violence and fraud charges against her new husband and was trying to divorce him when he allegedly killed her, according to The Daily Mail. I didnt want her to die Just hours after her death, Ghazal fled to Turkey. Al Jadeed, a Lebanese TV channel, broadcast an audio recording in which he appeared to admit responsibility. In a conversation with Ms Zeinas sister, he allegedly said, I didnt want to, I didnt want her to die, when she was screaming, I just put my hand on her mouth. Ghazal travelled through a string of European countries, including Greece, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, before he was arrested in Stockholm, Sweden, in December 2022. Ashraf Al-Moussawi, Ms Kanjos lawyer, said Ghazal avoided extradition for years by claiming he faced a possible execution for his alleged crimes if he returned to Lebanon. In reality, Lebanon hasnt carried out an execution since 1994, so it shouldnt have been an obstacle, he said. Detained by Border Force Mr Al-Moussawi and Ms Kanjos father, Mohammed, urged the UK Government to find a way to send Ghazal back to Lebanon to face justice. Ghazal was detained by Border Force and jailed by judge Ian Lawrie KC at Gloucester Crown Court last Wednesday after admitting entering the country unlawfully. A Home Office spokesman said it never commented on whether extradition requests had been received. It is also our longstanding policy not to comment on individual cases, the spokesman said. However, we will always do everything in our power to remove serious foreign criminals from the UK so they are not left free on our streets after completing their sentences. Rachel Reeves visits Rolls Royce factory where jet engines are made for commercial and military aircraft - Jane Barlow Rachel Reeves has challenged Cabinet ministers to do more to buy British as she seeks to boost flagging economic growth. The Chancellor and Pat McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, sent out the message in a letter to the Cabinet. It urged ministers to use procurement contracts, which are in the Governments gift, to help generate jobs in the UK by supporting British companies. The intervention comes amid a consultation about whether rules can be changed to give the Government more freedom to give contracts to UK firms. Each year 400bn is spent in public sector procurement, meaning small changes in approach could have a significant impact. Ms Reeves is facing difficult economic circumstances in her Budget this autumn, with official growth forecasts halved for 2025. New tax rises appear increasingly inevitable given that pressure on the public finances has intensified and the Chancellor will not break her borrowing rules. Excerpts of the letter from Ms Reeves and Mr McFadden were shared with The Telegraph. The pair wrote: We want people around the UK to feel the full impact of government spending through investment in skills and high quality jobs. Thats why were going further to ensure public procurement expenditure boosts British industry, jobs, skills, productivity, and expands the supply side. Every department needs to be pulling this procurement lever to support economic growth and strengthen our economic security. It is possible to do this within our trade agreements, as other countries do. They added: We are asking all Secretaries of State to satisfy themselves that your department, and arms length bodies, have the commercial capacity and capability to ensure the creation of British jobs, productivity enhancing opportunities, and skills are prioritised in every major contract. Rachel Reeves with Rolls Royce manufacturing manager Derek Allan (right) and executive vice-president Jon Goodwin (centre) - Jane Barlow They also told colleagues to set ambitious and stretching targets for increasing your procurement spend with SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) and social enterprises while stripping away requirements and processes that are barriers to these firms competing with established players. At one point they wrote: Your commercial team is not a back office function it is a strategic policy lever and must be a priority. Ms McFadden was once Sir Tony Blairs political secretary and has emerged as a key confidant of Keir Starmer in recent years. As the most senior minister in the Cabinet Office he is overseeing cross-government attempts to tackle Whitehall bureaucracy and make savings in the civil service. Whether the rhetoric of Ms Reeves and Mr McFadden will lead to a step change in procurement approach remains to be seen. During the Conservatives 14 years in office government ministers often talked publicly about the importance of using the Government machine to support British businesses. A consultation issued by the Cabinet Office is looking at changes to procurement rules that make it easier for the government to boost British industry. It will report back in September. Charlie Braithwaite caught a halibut almost as tall as himself off the coast of Norway - Grimsby Live At 18 years old and 6ft tall, Charlie Braithwaite is no small fry but he was shocked to reel in a fish as large as himself. Charlie and his father Carl Braithwaite, were on a fishing trip off the coast of Norway near Tromso with friends, as a double celebration to mark Charlie completing his A-levels, and his fathers 50th birthday. Charlie managed to reel in a 165lb halibut, which took an hour to get on the boat and three men to pull it back off again at the end of the trip. Photographs show Charlie posing alongside the fish, which is almost taller than him as it hangs from a weighing hook. Carl, from Holton-le-Clay, Lincs, said: Its definitely the biggest fish weve ever caught. We go every year, me and my friends, but weve never caught anything like this. This is the second time Charlie has been and he didnt catch anything last year, but now hes hooked a monster. Charlie Braithwaite hooked the biggest fish supper of his life for his dad Carls birthday - Grimsby Live Carl, whos been sea fishing for more than 15 years, said theyd be sharing it out among their friends and family. He said: We normally fish in the River Humber and Ive been sea fishing for more than 15 years now but its my 50th birthday, so this has been a bit of a break for my birthday and to mark Charlie finishing his A-levels, before he goes to Loughborough University to do chemical engineering. I dont know how many people this can feed. Weve caught a few more but nothing like this. Well be bringing it all home to share out among the group and for friends and family. If the fish is prepared to serve up fillets weighing around 6oz to 80z, the halibut could feed more than 260 people. Carl added: To be honest, Charlie was a bit overwhelmed. It was a bit frightening really. When the fish get on the line, they pull all the line off the reel and you have to drive the boat towards them. You have to drive alongside them and hopefully it eventually slows it down. It was only a small boat, not like a big commercial boat, so it was just the four of us trying to lift it on. None of us could believe it, even though weve been coming for years weve never caught anything on that scale. Woman's hands on a laptop keyboard They told us it was about protecting children. Thats how they always do it. Wrap tyranny in the warm fuzz of safety, and hope nobody reads the fine print. But let me be clear: the Online Safety Act is not about protecting children. It is a Trojan horse for the biggest assault on free speech in modern British history. And unless we act, it will drag our country into a digital surveillance state worthy of Communist China. This is not hyperbole. This is a blunt reality. Section 179 of the act makes it a criminal offence to say something false that causes non-trivial psychological harm. Thats not protecting kids from predators. Thats criminalising humour, satire, political dissent and angry tweets. Under this definition, a cutting meme, a sarcastic TikTok or a joke about a government minister could land you in court. This is not a safety law. Its a censorship law. Even George Orwell couldnt scarcely have imagined something so sweeping, so vague and so open to abuse. But it gets worse. Section 44 gives a single government minister the power to rewrite the censorship rules without Parliament. Let that sink in. A single person can direct Ofcom to impose new censorship obligations on the internet, and platforms will be legally forced to comply. No vote. No debate. Just diktat. This is the death knell of democracy. Its already happening. Content critical of government immigration policy including videos of public protests outside migrant hotels is quietly being censored from social media. Who can blame them? The act threatens them with fines of up to 10 per cent of global turnover and even criminal liability for their staff if they dont suppress content the Government deems harmful. Faced with that, who wouldnt over-block? Thats precisely the perverse incentive the act aims to create. This is not just an attack on public discourse, its an attack on private conversations too. The act includes your private messages. WhatsApp and Signal have warned that the UK Government is demanding access to encrypted chats. Thats right: the Government wants to read your DMs. And if tech companies dont build a back door, they face the full weight of the law. The Government claims it will hold off on this part, for now. Dont be fooled. The Tories put this power on the books for a reason they intend to use it. Today, they say its for child safety. Tomorrow, itll be about disinformation or extremism code for anyone who challenges the failed policies of the political elite. Even more chilling is the mandatory ID scanning this law introduces. Not just for porn, but for regular social media too. If youre under 18, youll be blocked from seeing harmful content which, in practice, means anything critical of the Government. This is especially sinister when you realise that 16- and 17-year-olds are being given the vote. They are being sent to the polls, but not allowed to see a political message the Government dislikes. And heres the final irony: this act wont even protect children. Anyone remotely tech-savvy and lets be honest, most teenagers are will use VPNs to get around the filters. Some will end up in the depths of the dark web, where the greatest dangers lie. So we get a censored internet, less privacy and no improvement in safety. This dystopian mess didnt come from Labour though dont expect Starmer to repeal it. No, it was cooked up by the Tories. The same Tories who pretend to champion free speech and civil liberties when it suits them. Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman both now trying to reinvent themselves as defenders of British values voted for this authoritarian legislation without question. No objections. No concern. In many ways this is the most insidious form of politician. One that says what we want to hear, and then sells us all out when it counts. The truth is this: the Online Safety Act is a disgrace to our democracy. It turns Britain into a state where truth is whatever the Government says it is. Where protest is suppressed, dissent is squashed, and your private thoughts are no longer private. Reform UK is the only political force willing to speak out against this. We believe in free speech, even when its uncomfortable. We believe the role of government is to protect citizens not to police their opinions. And we believe in repealing this dangerous act in full. Britain must remain a country where people can speak their minds without fear. Where satire thrives. Where criticism of the powerful is not just allowed, but encouraged. Clamping down on the free speech of British people will not succeed. Reform and Nigel Farage will see to that. Zia Yusuf is head of Reform UK Department of Government Efficiency Police have imposed restrictions to curb any violence or disorder ahead of fresh protests outside a hotel being used to house migrants. Sunday is set to see the latest in a series of demonstrations outside The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, after an asylum seeker was charged with allegedly attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl. Stand Up to Racism counter-protesters are also due to gather from 2pm. Essex Police said protest restrictions are necessary and proportionate, saying there has been repeated serious disruption, violence, and harm to the community. The force said there will be a ban on anyone wearing face coverings and that there will be designated sites opposite the hotel for protesters. A dispersal order will be in effect from 12pm on Sunday until 8am on Monday, covering Epping town centre and nearby transport hubs. The order gives officers the power to remove anyone suspected of anti-social behaviour. Political activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, said on his X account on July 20 that he was coming to Epping next Sunday and bringing thousands more with me. In a later post, Robinson said he may no longer be attending. Essex Police said that residents have reported feeling trapped, fearful of leaving their homes and anxious about protest activity. Hotel residents and staff have been advised to remain indoors after 5pm as some have experienced verbal and physical harassment, including a resident chased and injured while returning to the hotel, the force added. Essex Police said there was an escalation of violence during protests on July 13, 17, 20 and 24, involving hundreds of people. The force added that officers were assaulted, missiles were thrown, vehicles were vandalised and the hotel sustained broken windows and graffiti. Essex Police said on Saturday that two more men have been charged and will appear in court after the disorder. Lee Gower, 43, of High Street, Epping, was charged with violent disorder and assault by beating of an emergency worker on July 17. He was remanded into custody and was due to appear at Colchester Magistrates Court on Saturday. Joshua Meadows, 18, of Sunnyside Road, Epping, was charged with failing to remove an item worn and possession of cannabis on July 24. He has been bailed to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates Court on September 24. It comes after 10 people were charged in relation to the disorder, Essex Police said. Meanwhile, there was a peaceful protest outside a hotel reportedly housing migrants in Bowthorpe near Norwich on Saturday. Norfolk Police arrested two men in their 20s on suspicion of affray following demonstrations outside hotels in Diss and Bowthorpe last week. There have also been protests outside the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf which is reportedly set to be used to offer temporary accommodation for asylum seekers. The Epping protest was sparked by the charging of asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, with sexual assault after he allegedly attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl. He denied the charge at Chelmsford Magistrates Court and will stand trial in August. Rachel Reeves, left, enjoys a drink with Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister - Peter Byrne/PA Rachel Reeves has promised to slash red tape on pubs and bars to protect pavement pints. The Chancellor said that a new licensing framework would encourage al fresco dining and street parties not just for the summer, but all year round. Ministers have also pledged to make it easier to open new bars, music venues and cafes as part of plans to rejuvenate the high street. The new licensing arrangements will fast-track permissions for outdoor dining in dedicated areas, ministers said. More disused shops are expected to be converted into pubs, bars, cafes and other venues under the plans for dedicated hospitality zones. The zones could have permissions for outside dining, street parties and extended opening hours pushed through quickly. Developers in the zones will be made responsible for soundproofing buildings they construct near pubs or clubs, to protect existing venues from noise complaints. The Chancellor said: Whether its cheering on the Lionesses or catching up with friends, our pubs and bars are at the heart of British life. For too long theyve been stifled by clunky, outdated rules. Were binning them to protect pavement pints, al fresco dining and street parties not just for the summer but all year round. Jonathan Reynolds, the Business Secretary, said: Red tape has stood in the way of peoples business ideas for too long. This Government has a plan to replace shuttered shops with vibrant places to socialise, turning them into thriving cafes or busy bars which support local jobs and give people a place to get together and catch up over a beer or a coffee. But Andrew Griffith, the shadow business secretary, said: Though any cutting of red tape for hospitality businesses is welcome, this is pure hypocrisy and inconsistency from Labour. This socialist government is crippling the hospitality industry by doubling business rates, imposing a jobs tax and a full-on strangulation of employment red tape. As a result, shorter opening hours, shedding jobs and expensive pints are becoming the norm. Only the Conservatives are on the side of the makers and will support businesses across Britain to create jobs and wealth. The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) warned in July that the equivalent of more than one pub a day will close across the UK in 2025 after spiralling bills and taxes. The BBPA estimated that 378 pubs will close in 2025, amounting to more than 5,000 job losses. In 2024, 350 pubs closed. Brewdog, the brewery and pub chain, announced this week that it would close 10 of its venues. James Taylor, Brewdogs chief executive, told staff that the cuts were partly a response to rising costs, increased regulation and economic pressures. Trade body UK Hospitality strongly welcomed the proposals. However, they warned: They cant on their own offset the immediate and mounting cost pressures facing hospitality businesses which threaten to tax out of existence the businesses and jobs that todays announcement seeks to support. The Government has said the plans will be subject to a call for evidence. Credit: X / Keir_Starmer Britain will evacuate critically ill children from the Gaza Strip, Sir Keir Starmer has said, as aid groups warned that around a third of Palestinians in the war-torn enclave have gone without food for days. The Prime Minister said the starvation inflicted by Israel on Palestinians is absolutely horrifying and suggested that the Government could start airlifting the worst affected children to Britain. Sir Keir said: I know the British people are sickened by what is happening. The images of starvation and desperation in Gaza are utterly horrifying. We are urgently accelerating efforts to evacuate children from Gaza who need critical medical assistance bringing more Palestinian children to the UK for specialist medical treatment, he added in the article for the Daily Mirror. Palestinians in Gaza endure scorching heat while waiting in line for food amid Israels blockade - Anadolu It comes after the World Food Programme (WFP) said that one in three Gazans have gone without any food for days, as France, Germany and the UK all demanded that Israel immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid. The WFP said in a statement: Nearly one person in three is not eating for days. Malnutrition is surging, with 90,000 women and children in urgent need of treatment. Palestinians are now collapsing in the street and wasting away from mass starvation, a group of 100 NGOs said. Another charity, Doctors Without Borders (MSF), warned that Israel was using starvation as a weapon as part of its ongoing war on the Gaza Strip, launched in response to the Oct 7 Hamas massacre. The MSF said that 25 per cent of young people and pregnant women in Gaza were malnourished, as it strongly criticised food distribution by the controversial US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Dr Mohammed Abu Mughaisib, MSFs deputy medical coordinator in Gaza, said: Those who go to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundations food distributions know that they have the same chance of receiving a sack of flour as they do of leaving with a bullet in their head. Protesters lay cooking pots outside of Downing Street gates during a demonstration against the ongoing food shortages in the Gaza Strip - RHIANNA CHADWICK According to the United Nations, more than 1,000 people have been killed by Israeli troops in the vicinity of the purpose-built distribution sites. The Israeli military said it categorically rejects the claims of intentional harm to civilians and is investigating the deaths. In his article for the Mirror, Sir Keir went on to demand that Hamas release the hostages currently held in Gaza and called for a two-state solution to the conflict, including UK recognition of a state of Palestine. The Prime Minister wrote: The denial of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people to children and babies is completely unjustifiable. So is the continued captivity of the hostages. And so is Israels disproportionate military escalation in Gaza. The UK is working with Jordan on plans to airdrop aid into Gaza and evacuate children needing medical assistance, Sir Keir Starmer has announced amind mounting international pressure on Israel to let more aid into Gaza, as aid organisations warn of mass starvation . The Israel military confirmed it had resumed airdrops of aid on Saturday night. "The airdrops will include seven pallets of aid containing flour, sugar, and canned food to be provided by international organisations," the military said. But the UN has warned that the focus on airdrops is a distraction and could lead to more deaths in the war-torn strip. The Israeli military also said that it is prepared to establish humanitarian corridors for United Nations convoys. The military's statement did not say when any humanitarian corridors for UN convoys would open, or where. It also said the military is prepared to implement humanitarian pauses in densely populated areas. Sir Keir held emergency talks with French president Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday. In a readout of the call, a spokesperson for Sir Keir said the leaders had agreed it would be vital to ensure robust plans are in place to turn an urgently needed ceasefire into lasting peace. The three leaders agreed the situation in Gaza is appalling, the readout said, adding there is an urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, for Israel to lift all restrictions on aid and urgently provide those suffering in Gaza with the food they so desperately need. Starving Palestinians desperately seek food at an aid kitchen in Gaza City on Saturday (Reuters) The prime minister set out how the UK will also be taking forward plans to work with partners such as Jordan to airdrop aid and evacuate children requiring medical assistance, the statement added. However, the head of the United Nations' Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA has criticised aid airdrops, saying it will not reverse the deepening starvation" in Gaza. They are expensive, inefficient and can even kill starving civilians, Philippe Lazzarini said. It is a distraction and smokescreen. From left: Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz and Keir Starmer in The Hague on Friday (PA) Instead, he suggested that the starvation in Gaza can only be solved through political will. "Lift the siege, open the gates and guarantee safe movements and dignified access to people in need, he said. Israel says it has let enough food into Gaza and accuses the United Nations of failing to distribute it. The United Nations says it is operating as effectively as possible under Israeli restrictions. "The [Israeli military] emphasises that there is no starvation in the Gaza Strip; this is a false campaign promoted by Hamas," the Israeli military said in its Saturday statement. However, Mr Lazzarini said UNRWA has the equivalent of 6,000 trucks in Jordan and Egypt waiting for the green light to enter Gaza. Driving aid through is much easier, more effective, faster, cheaper and safer, he added. Its more dignified for the people of Gaza. It comes as Israeli airstrikes and shootings overnight killed at least 25 people, according to Palestinian health officials. The majority of victims were killed by gunfire as they waited for aid trucks close to the Zikim crossing with Israel, staff at Shifa hospital said, where the bodies were brought. The UN and experts have warned that Palestinians in Gaza are at risk of famine, with reports of increasing numbers of people dying from causes related to malnutrition. Al-Shifa Hospital in the Gaza Strip said on Saturday that five people in Gaza have died due to famine and malnutrition in the past 24 hours. Palestinians carry the body of a person who was killed while trying to reach aid trucks (AP) Gazas Government Media Office also warned of an unprecedented and imminent humanitarian disaster being committed by Israel. It said 100,000 children aged two years and under, including 40,000 babies, are at risk of death within days due to a lack of baby formula and nutritional supplements. The Israeli military says it is allowing aid into the enclave with no limit on the number of trucks that can enter. However, the UN said this is hampered by Israeli military restrictions on its movements and incidents of criminal looting. Israel is facing increased international pressure to end the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza as US-led peace talks in Qatar were cut short on Thursday. Washingtons special envoy Steve Witkoff accused Hamas of a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire. The deal under discussion is expected to include a 60-day ceasefire in which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others in phases in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Aid supplies would be ramped up, and the two sides would negotiate on a lasting truce under the deal. Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (PSC) emphasised the need to strengthen and unify all legitimate Libyan institutions to create conditions conducive to the successful holding of simultaneous, inclusive, credible and transparent presidential and parliamentary elections in the country A US car dealer in Fukaya, Japan. Americas vehicular behemoths are ill-suited to Japans narrow roads and tight parking spaces Photograph: Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump has declared that Japan is opening up its domestic market to US cars as part of the bilateral trade deal announced this week. But American manufacturers will find it no easy task convincing Japanese drivers to choose what they see as oversized, unreliable gas-guzzlers. Announcing the agreement which includes 15% tariffs on imports from Japan, including cars Trump posted: Perhaps most importantly, Japan will open their country to trade including cars and trucks, rice and certain other agricultural products. Earlier this month, the US president had complained: We didnt give them one car in 10 years they send out millions but they wont take any of ours. The US claims Japan uses non-tariff barriers (NTBs) to keep out American cars. Japan imported 16,707 American vehicles in 2024, according to the Japan Automobile Importers Association (JAIA). Related: Trump announces Japan trade deal as doubt cast over future of PM Ishiba European brands, led by Mercedes-Benz and other German automakers, sold more than 250,000 into the same market, which overall is dominated by Japans huge domestic auto industry. We dont receive any requests from our member companies to address non-tariff barrier issues, said the JAIAs Sho Matsumoto. Takeshi Miyao, head of the Carnorama auto consultancys Tokyo office, also says no such hurdles exist for US imports. There are non-tariff barriers on rice [another sticking point in the trade negotiations], because the government feels it has to protect Japanese farmers, but not on vehicles, he says. US manufacturers like GM and Ford simply dont focus on the Japanese market, according to Miyao. They dont really do any marketing, and often dont even offer right-hand drive models. So the cars dont sell. Size is also a problem, Miyao notes. The Ford F-150 pickup is around six metres long and 2 metres high. That kind of vehicular behemoth is particularly ill suited to Japans narrow roads and tight parking spaces. US cars also have longstanding image problems, says Takahisa Matsuyama, an instructor for chauffeurs and private hire drivers in Tokyo. Going back to the days when we first came across US cars like Cadillacs, theyre seen as having terrible fuel efficiency and breaking down easily; that impression hasnt changed much, says Matsuyama. The 2025 car reliability rankings from Consumer Reports, a US non-profit organisation, bear this sentiment out. The top four marques were Subaru, Lexus, Toyota and Honda all Japanese. The bottom four Jeep, GMC, Cadillac and Rivian were all American. Matsuyama points out that the biggest sellers in Japan have long been kei cars. Short for kei-jidosha (light vehicle), these compact cars and trucks are only allowed a tiny 660cc engine, and have topped sales rankings for decades even as the government has gradually eroded the tax and insurance advantages they receive over regular vehicles. The automotive antithesis of the giant pickup, the kei truck has actually gained a cult fanbase in the US, mostly through private imports. Japans automakers will now face 15% tariffs on their exports to the US, up from 2.5% and the highest levy in decades. But investors have welcomed the figure as much less than the originally threatened 25% hike, to a total of 27.5%. The news sent the Nikkei 225 index up more than 4% this week, and shares in Japans biggest carmakers surged even higher Toyota, Honda and Nissan all gaining more than 10%. One of Trumps perennial complaints in his trade and tariff war has been that other companies rip off the US by selling it more than they buy from it. In that vein, as part of the bilateral negotiations, Tokyo has agreed to encourage Japanese auto brands that also build cars in US factories to import some of them into Japan. That may at least put some US-built vehicles into the showrooms of Japan that motorists might actually buy. New Tottenham boss Thomas Frank played down injury concerns over Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie weeks out from the Super Cup against Paris St Germain on August 13. Left-back Udogie and England forward Solanke were set to feature in Spurs second friendly of the day at Luton, but were pulled out as a precaution hours after Wycombe had earned a 2-2 draw with the Europa League winners. Solanke was absent from the 0-0 draw at Kenilworth Road due to a minor ankle injury and Udogie was withdrawn before kick-off. However, the duo are expected to join the squad on Sundays flight to Hong Kong for Tottenhams week-long pre-season tour of Asia. It ends goalless in Luton pic.twitter.com/WqdKTY60qA Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 26, 2025 Dom has a minor ankle issue, nothing were worried about, just a precaution, Frank said. Destiny felt something in the warm up, so, again, just a precaution. We just want to be on top of that. Frank used two completely different starting line-ups for the friendly fixtures, with captain Son Heung-min involved in the 2-2 draw with Wycombe at the clubs training ground, but not with the squad for the stalemate at Luton. Son, who has entered the final 12 months of his contract, has attracted interest from MLS club Los Angeles FC this week, but Tottenham are yet to receive a bid for the South Korean attacker, the PA news agency understands. Two goals from Pape Sarr earned Spurs a draw with Wycombe after Rodrigo Bentancur was forced to pull out before kick-off due to illness. A different line-up was fielded at Luton where Tottenhams summer recruit Mohammed Kudus had an early shot cleared off the line before the hosts threatened in the second half, but Nahki Wells had a back-post volley saved by Antonin Kinsky and lifted another effort over to ensure it finished goalless in front of 10,071 spectators. Frank added: I would say the big takeaway on the positive side is that we got more or less 75 minutes into most of the players that was the reason why we played two mixed teams and subbed on all the youngsters. So, the physical, minute-wise box ticked. Im happy with that. Double duty: Thomas Frank oversees two Tottenham pre-season friendlies this weekend (Getty Images) Thomas Frank has a unique opportunity to take a good look at his Tottenham squad today. Tottenham began their pre-season campaign with a 2-0 win over Reading last Saturday as summer signing Mohammed Kudus made his first appearance following the move from West Ham. CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW LUTON VS TOTTENHAM LIVE! Though before Spurs head to Hong Kong next week for their pre-season summer tour of Asia, they have two more friendlies in the UK against League One opposition. Spurs will play Wycombe in a behind-closed-doors game at the training ground, before a game away at Luton a few hours later. The club have said both fixtures will be contested by the first-team squad, with players divided into two groups to compete in the respective games. Meanwhile Frank added: "We wanted an extra game in our schedule to give as many players as many match minutes as possible, in order to put them in the best position, physically. "We will play two even, strong teams and they will play between 60 and 75 minutes, maybe more. By the end of Saturday, 22 players will have played a lot of match minutes and they will be in a very good place before we go on tour. As a result, every Spurs player available for selection is likely to get a run out across the two games. James Maddison, Radu Dragusin, and Dejan Kulusevski are not expected to feature due to injuries sustained last season. That said, Frank is hopeful Manor Solomon, Richarlison, and summer signing Kota Takai can get some minutes under their belts after missing the Reading game. Confirmed team news Tottenham XI vs Luton: Vicario, Spence, Danso, van de Ven, Udogie, Bissouma, Gray, Moore, Kudus, Johnson, Tel Subs: Kinsky, Gunter, Scarlett, Donley, Yang, Lankshear, Devine, Kyerematen, Byfield, Rowswell, Russell-Denny, Olusesi Tottenham XI vs Wycombe: Austin; Porro, Romero, Vuskovic, Davies; Abbott, Bergvall, Sarr; Odobert, Richarilson, Son Subs: Bloedorn, Ashcroft, Cassanova, Arganese-McDermott, Akhamrich, Tyrese Hall, Olusesi, Williams-Barnett, O Irow, Lehane, T Thompson Injured: Maddison, Dragusin, Kulusevski. Doubts: Solomon, Takai. Time and date: 11am and 3pm BST respectively on Saturday July 26, 2025. How to watch: SPURSPLAY. Venues: Hotspur Way vs Wycombe, Kenilworth Road vs Luton. Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell attend an event on 15 March 2005 in New York City. Photograph: Patrick McMullan/Getty Images As Donald Trump reels from political fallout related to his justice departments handling of Jeffrey Epstein investigation files, the US president has directed his loyal attorney general, Pam Bondi, to release all Grand Jury testimony with respect to Jeffrey Epstein, subject only to court approval. It is an effort at damage control for a White House now engulfed in endless speculation especially among Trumps previously devoted Maga base about the extent of Trumps relationship with the late, disgraced sex trafficker and wealthy financier who killed himself in jail in 2019. Justice department attorneys quickly filed paperwork in Manhattan and south Florida federal courts requesting unsealing of grand jury testimony for Epstein. Justice department officials have also asked a New York judge to release grand jury transcripts for Ghislaine Maxwell Epsteins sometimes girlfriend and longtime confidante who in 2021 was convicted of sex trafficking for luring teenage girls into his orbit. A grand jury is a panel that decides whether evidence presented by prosecutors shows probable cause that someone committed a crime, and whether they should be tried. Should the grand jury, which is not the trial jury, find that there is sufficient evidence, an indictment will be issued. But veteran US attorneys, including those who have represented Epstein victims, told the Guardian that any release of grand jury transcripts around Epstein and Maxwell might not provide much insight into Epsteins crimes and whether others were involved in abusing minors or in covering up his years of predation of young girls and women. The lawyers, however, insist that meaningful information does exist in yet-to-be released Epstein files held by federal law enforcement authorities from multiple investigations into Epstein. Whether the political will and legal ability exists to release any or all of those files remains to be seen. Grand juries serve two functions: to indict and to investigate. The transcripts may contain testimony of victims or cooperating witnesses if the grand jury was investigating Epstein, Neama Rahmani, founder of West Coast Trial Lawyers, and a former federal prosecutor, said of grand jury processes. The grand jury transcripts could include graphic and explicit evidence, but they could also include more pro forma information about the actions of Epstein and Maxwell, who is serving jail time in Florida. If they were indicting Epstein, we can expect to see law enforcement witnesses summarizing the evidence of probable cause to support the charges. That would probably be less interesting, and similar to the factual allegations in the Epstein indictment, Rahmani said. He added: There is likely much more salacious evidence out there than the grand jury transcripts. The FBI interview summaries and internal Department of Justice memoranda probably contain the juiciest details. The grand jury transcripts are just a small part of the picture. If Bondi was serious about transparency, she would make public the complete Epstein files, subject to redactions to protect the privacy rights of the victims. Top lawyer Gloria Allred, who has represented multiple Epstein victims, said government files should be made public with several exceptions, such as redaction of victims names and identifying information, attorney-client communications and material depicting abuse. I think there is information that the government could release, such as texts, emails and other electronic communications of Jeffrey Epstein and anyone with whom he communicated. In addition, any communications on behalf of Mr Epstein made by his employees who may have played a part in recruiting or dealing with victims at the request of Mr Epstein and/or Ms Maxwell could be released, Allred said. All evidence in the file of the United States attorney for the southern district of New York which was gathered for the prosecution of Mr Epstein, with the exceptions which I have listed previously, could be released. Allred believes all files, both federal and state that reflect the investigation and potential prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein in Florida should also be made public. Thorough investigations of Epstein were conducted in New York and Florida, Allred pointed out, and those investigations would be in those files. Spencer T Kuvin, chief legal officer of GoldLaw and an attorney for Epstein victims, voiced similar sentiments. The real documents that the public needs to see are the documents maintained by the FBI and Department of Justice. They have thousands of hours of videotapes and investigative memos and documents regarding the data that was seized at his homes, he said. Kuvin said that unsealing grand jury testimony was a good first step but limits information to four victims over whom Epstein was charged in New York. I am aware that the FBI had interviewed over 40 girls during their investigations. Where are those interviews, where are those reports? The abusers should be disclosed to the public so that we may all know who they are, Kuvin also said, insisting that victims privacy must be protected in such a process. He called on Trump to act. This administration could end the dispute tomorrow by the president signing an executive order demanding the release of all the material in the custody of the FBI and DoJ, Kuvin said. Either Trump has the power to do this, or he must admit that he is not as powerful as he has professed to be to the public and his Maga followers. Trumps current political woes stem from his backtracking on previous vows to release the Epstein files. On the campaign trail, he vowed to declassify the files, but then attracted scathing criticism when his justice department released a memo claiming that there was no incriminating client list within the tranche of documents related to Epstein. The justice departments claim that they did not find evidence implicating third parties has further fanned the flames of suspicion, especially as last week the Wall Street Journal reported that Bondi had warned Trump that his name appears in the files. A smattering of reports highlighting Trumps friendship with Epstein several decades ago which reportedly ended following a real estate dispute, several years before the late financier admitted to a state-level charge of soliciting prostitution from a minor in Florida has proved yet another political minefield. Even if federal authorities and Trump drag their feet in releasing these documents, it is possible that new civil litigation could eventually force them to do so raising the prospect of yet more political scandals heading Trumps way. Maria Farmer, an Epstein survivor who in 1996 told authorities he and Maxwell were abusing minors including her sister, is suing the federal government over their handling of these claims. Farmers suit alleges that the FBI chose to do absolutely nothing. Farmer also claims that the FBI agent taking her call hung up on her, and no one at the FBI attempted to follow up with her or pursue her valid and serious allegations, most of which continued for many years, if not decades, with wide-ranging tragic consequences. If this litigation progresses, both sides would exchange evidence related to the claims in a process called discovery. While discovery is typically subject to a confidentiality agreement, and solidified by a court order, information from this exchange could come up in subsequent court papers that are public. What this lawsuit could reveal is what the FBI and the department did and did not do, what they failed to do they failed to do their job, Farmers attorney, Jennifer Freeman, special counsel at Marsh Law Firm, told the Guardian. Freeman noted, for example, that she has a redacted set of pages from what appears to be a 2006 field interview with Farmer, during which an FBI agent went to her home and spoke with her. Freeman said she had some 20 pages of handwritten notes, many of which are redacted. She said: Thats the kind of information we need. Its redacted. Ive been trying to get this information for years now, through Foia [Freedom of Information Act] requests, but weve been stymied every time. Neither the White House nor Department of Justice commented. The Met said about 80,000 phones were stolen in London last year, in what it described as an organised criminal enterprise. Photograph: Ammentorp Photography/Alamy Nearly two in every five phones stolen in Europe are taken in the UK, according to data collated an insurance firm. An analysis of claims made to the American insurance company SquareTrade showed that 39% of all phone thefts across the companys 12 European markets were in Britain. This was despite the UK only making up 10% of the companys European customers. The data revealed that phone theft claims in the UK had increased by 425% since June 2021 and 42% of phone thefts in the UK occurred in London. This equated to 16% of all phone thefts in Europe. The data, reported by the Times, comes amid growing concern about phone snatching, with police saying gangs are now stealing handsets as an easier way to make money than drug dealing. Related: MPs accuse Apple and Google of profiting from rise in phone thefts The Metropolitan police said about 80,000 phones were stolen in London last year, describing the phenomenon as an organised criminal enterprise. The stolen devices had a street value of about 20m, with iPhones being targeted most frequently. James Conway, a Met police commander specialising in phone thefts, said phone theft had become more prevalent among gangs partly due to a growing demand for such gadgets in overseas markets, creating opportunities for huge profitability. Conway said: These are the same sort of gangs that are also running county lines operations and dealing [drugs] but are getting increasingly involved in robbery and theft They can make a far greater profit than from dealing drugs in the same period of time with a lower risk from a criminal justice perspective. He added: The sort of sentences you see for drug trafficking or drug dealing offences, and those you might receive for a series of thefts as a young person are very different. The police have called for phone companies to cut off cloud services on stolen phones in an effort to reduce their resale value. Representatives of Google and Apple told the House of Commons science and technology committee last month that security features were already in place to protect customer data. Simon Wingrove, a software engineering manager at Google, said its system for such situations was robust and works very well. Gary Davis, a senior director in regulatory and legal at Apple, said the company was concerned about the potential for fraud. He said there was a risk of bad actors attempting to obtain data and the power to delete accounts for blackmailing victims. The Apple representative added the company had invested many hundreds of millions in designing protections for its customers against phone theft. Done deal: Viktor Gyokeres signs for Arsenal (Arsenal FC via Getty Images) Arsenal have completed the signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP. The striker joins the Gunners after a deal worth 63million (55m), with a further 10m (8.74m) in add-ons was struck between the two clubs earlier in July. He has signed a five-year deal and is expected to travel to Singapore to join up with Arsenals pre-season tour shortly. He could debut as soon as Thursday, when the Gunners face Tottenham in Hong Kong. Gyokeres is the latest arrival at the Emirates Stadium this summer in what has already been a busy window as Arsenal aim to end their five-year wait for a major trophy next season. Mikel Arteta has already bolstered his squad with the signings of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera. Now the Spaniard has got the centre-forward hes been craving. In signing Gyokeres, Arsenal have added one of Europes most prolific goalscorers over the past two seasons to their ranks. Upon joining Sporting from Coventry in the summer of 2023, the Swede went on to score 97 goals in just 102 appearances across all competitions for the Portuguese giants, playing a key role in their title win last season. As Gyokeres signed, manager Arteta added: Were absolutely delighted to welcome Viktor Gyokeres to the club. The consistency he has shown in his performances and availability have been outstanding, and his goal contributions speak for themselves. Viktor has so many qualities. He is a quick and powerful presence up front, with incredible goalscoring numbers at club and international levels. He brings a clinical edge with a high conversion rate of chances into goals, with his intelligent movement in the box making him a constant threat. Were excited about what Viktor brings to our squad and are looking forward to start working with him. Preliminary results of Taiwans unprecedented polls reveal voters have rejected the bid to oust about one-fifth of its lawmakers with alleged close ties with Beijing. Early trends after one hour of poll counting point to a lead in favour of most of the 24 lawmakers from the opposition Nationalist Party, KMT, Taiwan News reported. Thousands turned out to cast their votes in ballots across several schools, community centres and temples in Taiwan. The independence-leaning ruling Democratic Progressive Party won last year's presidential election, but the China-friendly Nationalists, also known as the KMT, and the smaller Taiwan People's Party have enough seats to form a majority bloc. Those who supported removing the 24 lawmakers were angry that the KMT and its allies blocked key legislation, especially the defence budget, and passed controversial changes that are seen as diminishing the power of the executive and favouring China, which considers the island its territory. A supporter of the recall election takes pictures with a mascot in Taipei on 22 July 2025, ahead of the recall votes, which will be held on 26 July (AFP/Getty) The opposition parties' actions sparked concerns among some Taiwanese about the island's democratic integrity and its ability to deter Chinese military threats, leading to the recall campaigns. The scale of the recall elections is unprecedented, with another seven KMT lawmakers facing similar votes on 23 August. But the KMT alleged the ruling party was resorting to political retaliation after it lost the legislative majority, saying the recalls were undermining and challenging Taiwan's democratic system. The KMT holds 52 seats, while the ruling DPP holds 51 seats. For the DPP to secure a legislative majority, at least six KMT lawmakers would need to be ousted, and the ruling party would need to win all by-elections, which would need to be held within three months following the announcement of results. For a recall, more than a quarter of eligible voters in the electoral district must have voted in favour of the recall, with the total number of supporters exceeding those against. The poll closed at 4 pm. local time. With vote counting still underway, the overall trend is against the recall. One closely fought campaign centred on KMT Caucus Whip Fu Kun-Chi, who served as Hualien County chief before being elected to the Taiwanese parliament. Early trends suggest he would survive the recall. Supporters and volunteers of the recall group gather outside of a metro station shouting 'Great recall, great success' in Taipei on 22 July 2025 (AFP/Getty) The elections have intensified tensions between those backing the status quo and those favouring improved ties with Beijing. Critics accuse China-friendly politicians of compromising Taiwan and take issue with their meetings with mainland Chinese politicians. But these Taiwanese politicians claim their connections are vital for dialogue given Beijing's refusal to interact with the DPP. When asked about the recall election, China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian said in June that since the administration of Taiwan president Lai Ching-te came into power, it has sought to achieve "one-party dominance" and practiced "dictatorship" under the guise of "democracy", state broadcaster CCTV reported. She was quoted as saying that Mr Lai's government has spared no effort in suppressing opposition parties and those who supported the development of cross-strait relations. Taiwan's mainland affairs council said Wednesday that the Chinese authorities and state media had tried to blatantly interfere with the vote. An Arizona man was awaiting extradition to Shasta County, California, where authorities say he's their suspect in a murder-rape case that's gone unsolved for nearly 41 years. Roger Neil Schmidt Sr. of Tucson was arrested July 19 in connection with the 1984 shooting death of 18-year-old Terry Arndt and the sexual assault of a girl Arndt was with when he was killed, the Shasta County Sheriffs Office announced July 23. The 64-year-old faces murder and sexual assault charges, authorities said. Schmidt, who was born in Shasta County, was 23 years old and a Burney, California, resident when the crimes were committed in 1984, according to investigators. Terry Arndt Arndt, an 18-year-old Shasta College student, was shot twice through the window of his parents' car with a rifle on a wooded lovers' lane near Burney High School, according to authorities. The assailant then sexually assaulted the teenage girl Arndt was with, authorities said. Another man was previously accused in the case. Thomas Elmer Brewster was exonerated during a 1997 capital trial. DNA taken from the girl's semen-stained blouse proved that Brewster wasn't her assailant. Nearly 30 years later, investigators had what seemed to be a breakthrough in the case, the Record Searchlight of Redding, California, first reported. Shasta County Sheriff Michael Johnson, left, speaks at a press conference on July 23, 2025 about the arrest of a murder-rape suspect in Tucson, Arizona. In a press conference, Shasta County Sheriff Michael Johnson said his department worked with Tucson law enforcement officials and a private company specializing in investigative genealogy to carry out a search warrant and collect DNA evidence from Schmidt. Authorities compared Schmidt's DNA to evidence collected from the girl the night she was assaulted and obtained a match, he said. The DNA analysis "opened up a whole new avenue to the investigation, which ultimately led to the suspect's arrest," Johnson said. Schmidt was booked into the Pima County jail. Michele Chandler covers public safety, dining and whatever else comes up for the Redding Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. She accepts story tips at 530-338-7753 and at mrchandler@gannett.com. Shawn Raymundo covers Phoenix and Scottsdale. Reach him at sraymundo@gannett.com or follow him on X @ShawnzyTsunami. News alerts in your inbox: Don't miss the important news of the day. Sign up for azcentral newsletter alerts to be in the know. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona man arrested after DNA match in 1984 cold case Bold and the Beautiful Star, 64, Goes Makeup Free on Her Birthday originally appeared on Parade. Katherine Kelly Lang looked as ageless as ever while shedding her makeup on her 64th birthday. The Bold and the Beautiful star celebrated the special occasion on Friday, July 25. In addition to sharing a bevy of birthday wishes via her Instagram Story, she also posted a video of herself being embraced by her loved ones while still in her pajamas. I love my morning happy birthday hugs!! she captioned the clip, in which she appeared to be fresh from bed with no makeup and tousled hair. Courtesy Katherine Kelly Lang/Instagram Lang who has played Brooke Logan on the CBS soap opera since 1987 also marked the milestone with a gushing Instagram post. SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox Its my birthday and Im laughing my way into another beautiful year, she wrote on Friday. Feeling so grateful for all the love, the lessons and the incredible support from each of you you truly make my life fuller and brighter. Earlier this year, Lang reflected on her 38-year tenure with The Bold and the Beautiful. The secret to enduring success is a melange of a lot of different elements, she explained to Numero Netherlands in April. Head writer Brad Bell knows how to strike a balance between keeping the show new and exciting and also giving the viewers the same great stories theyve always known and loved. The show is about a glamorous, successful fashion family in Los Angeles. The characters are unforgettable, and the plot twists are jaw-dropping. The fashion featured on the show is gorgeous, and there are a lot of mysteries. You never know when one of the many delicious secrets will be compromised and then which lives will be shattered. Of her character, she added: Through it all, Brooke has a heart of gold, and no matter what, the Forrester family always triumphs. During her decades on the soap opera, Lang has seen several factors change behind the scenes to keep fans on the edge of their seats. We keep shooting the scenes in less time. And the storyline reveals have sped up as well, she noted. But what stays the same is the broadcast schedule. Five days a week, Monday through Friday, with a cliffhanger on Fridays. Now there are several cliffhangers throughout the week and maybe three on Fridays. Bold and the Beautiful Star, 64, Goes Makeup Free on Her Birthday first appeared on Parade on Jul 25, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared. A 51-year-old tourist at Walt Disney World was charged with child abuse after allegedly "manhandling" a teenager to get a better view of a parade. The suspect, identified as Martha Lucia Zapata-Echeverri, was said to have grabbed a 17-year-old girl during a brawl at Disney's Magic Kingdom. The latter said she was simply "standing on the sidewalk of 'Main Street' in front of the castle" waiting for the parade. Disney Tourist Charged With Child Abuse The Colombian mom then allegedly put her hand on the teenage girl to try to make space. The latter then asked the 51-year-old, in Spanish, "not to touch her." But the tourist, who was with her daughter at the time, blamed the teen for starting the fight, claiming she pushed into her and said that it was "her spot." However, the mother was not able to provide a clear reason for how the teenage girl got the nail marks. The tourist was left uninjured by the altercation that occurred at around 9:40 p.m. and ended with deputies forcing the two parties apart, according to the New York Post. The Colombian mother was said to have arrived in the United States on a tourist visa on July 2 and was scheduled to fly back to Spain on Wednesday. For now, her bond was reduced from $5,000 to $2,500, and she has been banned from Disney properties. An affidavit said that the detained tourist "knowingly and wilfully" touched the teenage girl, adding she committed the intentional act of grabbing or pushing. So far, authorities said that there does not seem to be any independent witnesses or surveillance footage of the altercation between the two parties. Pleading Not Guilty Zapata-Echeverri's lawyer, Bryan Farinas, said that his client pleaded not guilty to the charge of child abuse against the teenager. The latter added that while they respect the investigative process, they believe this is a situation that has been significantly "mischaracterized," Telegraph reported. The lawyer said that based on the information they have reviewed, the Colombian mother was confronted and physically pushed by the alleged teen victim. He added that they are confident that after all the facts of the case have been evaluated, it will be clear that Zapata-Echeverri had no criminal intent and is innocent of abusive conduct. The situation comes as both the defendant and the victim have contrasting retellings of what exactly happened at the time of the incident, as per the Independent. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Colman Domingo Colman Domingo's resume before his acting career took off includes a few odd jobs. Speaking with moderator Mel Ottenberg for the Swarovski in Conversation panel on Thursday, July 24, the 55-year-old actor reflected on acting, fashion, and what he learned from one of his earliest jobs before making it big performing in a circus. "One of my first jobs was being in the circus and I did aerial web work and then trapeze and juggling and stilt walking because I was game," Domingo shared during the panel, after explaining that early on, he focused on absorbing as much information as possible wherever he worked. TheStewartofNY/GC Colman Domingo attends an event at the Swarovski Fifth Avenue Store in Midtown on July 24, 2025 "I think my career mostly started in regional theater and I started my career in San Francisco, and really I really just want to be a respected actor," Domingo said. "Everything I've learned was from being in rooms and rehearsals. I have no little to no formal training in anything that I do. I learned everything by showing up, doing it, asking questions, reading books, showing up for rehearsals that I wasn't called for." The Sing Sing actor also shared that despite landing roles in theater productions, he held onto bartending gigs make ends meet. https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf "Even when I was doing early shows in New York, I would take a bow and I know I was wearing thousands of dollars of clothes... I would literally run backstage, tear off my clothes, hop in a cab and go over to the 55 Bar that used to be next to Stonewall, where I used to bartend for five years," Domingo said. "I constantly had bartending jobs, I needed to pay my bills," the actor added. Lionel Hahn/Getty Colman Domingo attends the amfAR gala Cannes 2025 presented by Chopard at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 22, 2025 in Cap d'Antibes, France. Domingo's upcoming projects include a Michael Jackson biopic where he plays Joe Jackson, and a Nat King Cole biopic, which he will also direct. Additionally, he will be returning to Euphoria for its next season. He is also involved in the film Strange Arrivals with Demi Moore, and will be directing a film about Kim Novak and Sammy Davis Jr. titled Scandalous!. Read the original article on People Amy Sussman Few can say they skipped past the awkward teen phase of questionable makeup choices and embarrassing hair moments, but Selena Gomez is one of them. Journeying through a decades worth of TV episodes, music videos, red carpet appearances, and Instagram posts is far more inspiring than it is cringe-worthy. The big-bounce curly blow-dry Im still trying to master? She perfected it back in 2010. Her lived-in caramel balayage and wispy bangs of 2016? Im taking it to my hairdresser this month. Selena has this amazing ability to switch effortlessly from one genre to another, says Neale Rodger, style director at STIL Salon in London. Shes mastered retro waves, sleek, center-parted lobs, ashy blondes, retro-inspired updos, supermodel lengths, full-coverage bangspractically everything. Though the Rare Beauty founder has never strayed far from her chocolate tresses, shes served up heaps of hairstyle inspiration since she arrived on TV screens in 2007, and each look is as covetable and copy-worthy today as it was then. Whether its her chest-length natural curls in 2014, her blonde experiments in 2017, or the chic tousled lob she recently debuted, where better to look than the Gomez archives when your brunette lengths are in need of a facelift? Ahead, weve curated a timeline of Gomezs most iconic hair looks from her Wizards of Waverly Place days to now. December 2024 Congratulations, Sel! We all know how important a crisp, understated mani is when we hear wedding bells, but she also reminded us to remember our hairdo. Her baroque bob is fairly simple: its a one-length, blunt cut, but its the styling that sets it apart. Blown-out and flicked-in, its name derives from the elaborate charm of early 17th-century art and architecture. Health and wealth signaling are two key themes in hair trends at the moment, and this luxurious yet modern look ticks both boxes very well, shares hair forecaster Tom Smith. See the original post on Instagram October 2024 She turned heads with her shoulder-grazing long bob at the world premiere of the new Disney spin-off show, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. With a singular loose wave, positioned skillfully beside her jaw to enhance and define her face shape, this lob screams elegance and sophistication. Steve Granitz - Getty Images May 2024 Her equestrian-style ponytail was a standout red carpet moment at the Emilia Perez premiere, which took place at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival. Neatly slicked and elegantly perched at the crown of her head, this sleek updo is incredibly glamorous and complimented her off-the-shoulder gown perfectly. Samir Hussein - Getty Images December 2023 Looking to put a new-season twist on your monochrome tresses? Feather a honey blonde hue in and around the hair. It adds subtle dimension and feels different enough when you look in the mirror, without completely transforming your look. Gomez demonstrates that perfectly here. See the original post on Instagram March 2022 The French-girl bob has never looked so chic. It has enough Parisian charm and sultry, just-rolled-out-of-bed texture to last a lifetime. To recreate the look at home, lift the hair away from the face and mist a texturizing spray into the roots. Or, just roll out of bed! See the original post on Instagram September 2019 At this 2019 meet-and-greet in California, Gomez proved that brunette balayage really can be subtle. Not a blonde strand in sight; instead, her inky roots graduate into a mousy hazel-brown, adding depth without stark demarcation. Frederick M. Brown - Getty Images December 2017 Who remembers blond Selena? Spotted out and about in London in 2017, the megastar styled her newly buttered lengths into a boho-style wave and with wispy full fringe. Brunettes, take note: incorporating a root smudge is key to masking harsh regrowth if youre considering taking the platinum plunge. Neil Mockford - Getty Images June 2016 The bangs that made us all want bangs. Were still obsessed with her wispy fringe and syrupy caramel balayage era. See the original post on Instagram May 2015 At Louis Vuittons cruise 2016 show in California, Gomez subbed her signature chestnut hue for this near-black shade. Loosely crimped to add natural texture? Very 2015. Donato Sardella May 2013 Some may say Gomez was ahead of her time with these copper-brown highlights. Playing to her hairs natural undertone, these ultra-warm strands instantly add depth and dimension without being overwhelming. George Pimentel - Getty Images November 2011 For the 2011 American Music Awards, Gomez tried an Old Hollywood curl on for size, paired with a swept side part and a finish so glossy its literally reflecting light. Perhaps my favorite look of all. Jason Merritt - Getty Images June 2011 The 22nd Annual MuchMusic Video Awards in 2011 saw Gomez sport a tighter ringlet-style curl than shed worn previously. To replicate this look, resist brushing your curls out once cooled and apply hairspray to set them in place. George Pimentel - Getty Images April 2010 The highly covetable blow-dry in question. Gomez was in her element at the 2010 Wizards of Waverly Place fashion show, where her natural chocolate strands were perfectly coiffed into a voluminous, bouncy curl. Her layers serve this style well, adding body and shape to give the appearance of thicker hair. Antony Jones - Getty Images June 2009 In 2009, Gomez debuted a rounded bob with a thin side-fringe and fine, golden highlights. This shapely crop would go on to become her go-to hairstyle, experimenting with various fringes, lengths, and textures to boot. Mike Guastella - Getty Images August 2008 The 2008 NCLR Alma Awards saw Gomez gather her glossy espresso tresses into a loose bun, fit with a swooping side-fringe. Asymmetry was all the rage in 2008: think ponytails, fringes, plaits, and buns all worn off-center. Paul Mounce - Corbis - Getty Images September 2007 Perhaps her most iconic and internet-famous hairstyle of all? This electric blue moment for the 2007 Teen Vogue Party, of course (cue the viral interview clip). A very Alex Russo move, if you ask us. Jean-Paul Aussenard - Getty Images You Might Also Like The funding breakdown in education for federal money threatened, as presented by the office of the North Carolina attorney general, is shown on the map released Monday, July 14, 2025. NCDOJ.gov (The Center Square) North Carolina will be getting the rest of the $165 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Education that was held up by a federal review. The Office of Management and Budget said Friday it has given direction to Secretary Linda McMahons department following a review of grants the Trump administration wanted checked against policies outlined in a series of executive orders earlier this year. Nationally, about $6.8 billion in funding was frozen on July 1 with some money impacting summer camps and the bulk tied to the 2025-26 school year that was roughly two months away. Money is expected to transfer next week. Earlier this week, 99 after-school and summer programs serving more than 10,000 students through Title IV-B Funding were cleared for $35.8 million in operations funding. "It is good to see the federal government honor its commitment to our students, our educators, and our schools, said first-term Democratic Superintendent of Public Instructions Mo Green said in a statement. I hope this resolution and the release of funds next week marks a return to the predictable, reliable federal partnership that our schools need to serve students effectively. Through first-term Democratic Attorney General Jeff Jackson, North Carolina joined a litigation filed July 14 by 24 states and the District of Columbia in a federal Rhode Island court. Plaintiffs asked for declaratory and injunctive relief, and instruction to fulfill their obligations. When the filing was made, Jackson said the states share is $67.9 million and 507 jobs in supporting effective instruction; $37.2 million and 247 jobs in student support and academic enrichment; $35.7 million and 29 jobs in 21st century community learning centers; $19.3 million and 133 jobs in English language acquisition; and $5.4 million and 66 jobs tied to the migrant education program. Each of the states 115 public school districts was impacted by at least one of the five areas. Losses in all five could have happened in the districts of Ashe County, Edgecombe County, Lenoir County, Nash County, Pender County, Richmond County, Robeson County and Whiteville City. The five largest student population districts with the potential for most fiscal loss were Mecklenburg County ($12.2 million); Wake County ($8 million); Guilford County ($6.2 million); Forsyth County ($5.5 million) and Cumberland County ($4.2 million). Seven others exceeded $2 million: Robeson County ($3.1 million); Durham County ($2.9 million); Gason County ($2.7 million); Johnston County ($2.4 million); Pitt County ($2.1 million); Nash County ($2.1 million); and Buncombe County ($2 million). Nevada, led by Gov. Joe Lombardo, and Vermont, led by Gov. Phil Scott, were the only states with a Republican governor that were plaintiffs in the lawsuit. Kansas, led by Gov. Laura Kelly, was the only state with a Democratic governor not a plaintiff. composite image two images of gabriel megahey left in a sweater and jeans and right in a cap and black t shirt and shorts with a boxing gloves on A convicted terrorist and boss of the Irish Republican Army in North America may finally be getting booted from the United States. Gabriel Megahey, 82, lived in New York for decades but a June 20 letter from the US Department of Homeland Security warned his parole was being terminated, nearly 30 years after he and other IRA members were given dispensation to stay in the country, according to Our Town NY, which first reported the pending deportation. Do not attempt to unlawfully remain in the United States the federal government will find you. Please depart the United States immediately, reads the one-page letter, which Megahey shared with the Irish Echo. Gabriel Megahey was convicted in 1983 of conspiring to buy weapons to shoot down British helicopters. Gabriel Megahey /Facebook The Belfast native was convicted in 1983 in Brooklyn Federal Court for conspiring to buy missiles to shoot down British helicopters amid the violent clashes in Northern Ireland known as The Troubles. At the time, federal authorities considered Megahey the officer commanding (OC) of America and Canada for the IRA, he told PBSs Frontline. The married father of six served five years in federal prison for conspiracy and arms shipments. Megahey, known by the nickname Skinny Legs, was convicted with three others, with then U.S. Attorney John Dearie describing him at the time as the most culpable of these defendants, and the group as a whole as a network of men who sought to use this country as a base of terrorist activities, according to reports. No one wants peace more than us, Megahey, who first settled in Jackson Heights, Queens in 1975, insisted at the sentencing hearing. He was released from prison in 1988 but never deported. Megahey and four other IRA members were then allowed to remain in the country as part of the Good Friday Agreement, the historic April 1998 accords which ended decades of violence in Ireland between those who wanted to remain part of the United Kingdom and those who didnt. Now the grandfather of 14 and great-grandfather of five, who records show moved to Delaware in 2019, is reeling after DHS warned he would be fined and criminally prosecuted if he stays in the United States. Now 82, Megahey is facing deportation decades after he served his sentence. Gabriel Megahey /Facebook DHS is terminating your parole, according to the one-page letter, which Megahey shared with the Irish Echo. Do not attempt to unlawfully remain in the United States the federal government will find you. Please depart the United States immediately. Megahey, who relies on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid to pay for expensive medicine necessary to treat a heart ailment, also faces the loss of his benefits. It would cost me $4,000 to $5,000 a month to pay for it on my own, he told Straus News. I cant afford that. Ill have to go home. DHS and Megahey declined comment to The Post, but the Irish native told Our Town NY he had no regrets. Not a one. Id do it all again. But I wouldnt get caught next time. Resident Rosalyn Cash and a pile of bills. Homeowners in Lester Point, a 165-home community in Fairburn, Georgia, are caught in what many would describe as HOA Groundhog Day. Residents claim theyre racking up thousands of dollars in fines with new ones weekly while being systematically locked out of payment portals with no way to contact those in charge. You just get to the point you dont want to open these [letters] no more, youre afraid of what youre going to see, resident Labron Weems tells local outlet Atlanta News First (ANF). The torrent of fines has many worried theyll lose their homes with the HOA applying liens against homes for unpaid fines. It brings me back to plantation that people tell you where to live, how to do, said Shirley Bryant, a resident who has received violation letters for parking on the street and having the wrong screen door. Don't miss No way to pay, no way to appeal Lester Points homeowners association (HOA) is managed by Sentry Management, a company that oversees more than 400,000 homeowners across multiple states. However, residents claim theyve been unable to access the companys CommunityPro payment portal or contact anyone who can address their concerns. Once I see it from them, I go into a rage, resident Rosalyn Cash tells ANF. Im sick and tired of them wasting their 44 cents or whatever a stamp is now sending me a letter telling me I need to cut my grass. And Cash isnt alone. Margo Mincey, who was forced to refinance her home in 2020 to pay off an earlier $10,000 balance in HOA fines, says shes been hit with new fines for small issues like a leaning mailbox that was struck by a car. They said that I wasnt making payments, but I couldnt, Mincey told reporters. Like, they wouldnt allow me to. According to Sentry Management, once it refers a delinquent resident to the HOA attorney, homeowners are shut out of the payment portal and can only pay through the attorney creating a catch-22 situation where fines accumulate without recourse. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan works every single time to kill debt, get rich in America and that anyone can do it American dream turns into HOA nightmare For many residents, their home has become a source of fear and financial stress. Im the very first person in my family to own a home. I grew up in a trailer. I had no idea it was going to be like this, said Mincey, a single mother who claims shes now out of pocket nearly $20,000 in total HOA fees and fines. County records show Mincey is one of dozens of Lester Point homeowners with liens on their property. Under Georgia statute 44-3-232, an HOA can place a lien on any home for any amount. They can foreclose on a home if that amount exceeds $2,000. Labron Weems faced $15,000 in fines and fees in June, many of which were for an Airbnb he hadnt operated since September 2023. Yet, every week since then, he has been fined $150. One day, Weems got a Ring notification and found a marshal at his door there to serve a judgement on the $15,000. Weems represented himself in court and had most fines waived only to receive a new bill for $17,573.30 for unpaid fees and fines. Options for distressed homeowners fed up with HOAs Homeowners facing an HOA nightmare do have recourse. Housing experts recommend the following tips when filing complaints against HOA management companies: Read its CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions) to understand the official complaint process Write a formal letter clearly identifying specific problems with dates and details Send all correspondence via certified mail with return receipt requested Keep copies of all communications If direct communication fails, homeowners can always file complaints with state agencies and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. As a last resort, homeowners can consider legal action, though this can be costly and challenging. Many states, including Georgia, require homeowners to exhaust all remedies with the HOA before involving government agencies or courts. For the residents of Lester Point, these options may provide little comfort as they continue to receive fine notices while being locked out of payment systems. Margo Mincey, who has faced fines repeatedly, says bluntly: I will never buy another home with an HOA. What to read next Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. A closely watched piece of a trade deal announced with Japan this past week is a plan for a "new Japanese/USA investment vehicle" that Trump and his team said will put $550 billion aside for the president to personally deploy to finance new investments in the US. Observers are watching this unusual provision closely amid a growing expectation it will serve as a template of sorts for remaining trade talks even as conflicts grow over exactly what was agreed to, especially a disagreement on how profits might be split. It's just one of the questions that cropped up immediately after the president's announcement Tuesday and appears to have only grown in the days since. Trump and his team have deployed a range of metaphors to describe this part of the deal, from a "signing bonus for the country" (Trump) to a "national security sovereign fund" (Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick) to a "blank check" (trade adviser Peter Navarro). The Japanese are describing things very differently, suggesting that the provision is more akin to a non-legally binding agreement to look for joint investment opportunities for both US and Japanese companies. President Trump speaks to reporters before traveling to Scotland on July 25. (Yasin Ozturk/Anadolu via Getty Images) (Anadolu via Getty Images) "There are a lot of details that need to be worked out here," former trade negotiator Wendy Cutler, now at the Asia Society Policy Institute, noted on Yahoo Finance on Friday. She added that the very different accounts from different sides at the very least "does not bode well for smooth implementation." Yet the bumpiness has done little to slow momentum for the idea in Trump's orbit, with a sense that similar provisions could be part of any possible deal with South Korea and perhaps Taiwan. Trump also appeared to suggest Friday that it may be what's needed to close a deal with the European Union. As he left for Scotland, the president described a deal with the EU as far from a sure thing, adding that what might push talks over the line is a pact "where they buy down their tariffs." Trump officials, for their part, stand by their side's version of the deal with Japan and often note they have an easy way to make sure things work out to their liking: the constant threat of re-raising tariffs. A White House spokesperson declined to offer further details Friday on exactly how the investment vehicle would work and what Trump meant with Friday's comments around EU negotiations, which are set to continue this Sunday while the president is in Scotland. Read more: What Trump's tariffs mean for the economy and your wallet 'Hardly the operation of the free market' What is known about the investment portion of the deal has come under growing criticism. Iain Murray, a vice president at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, called the outline "hardly the operation of the free market in action." He added that the government-run process to direct funds could quickly become messy, with "all the usual problems of state-directed, industrial policy." This piece of the deal was one that was clearly hammered out quickly and late in the negotiating process. A social media post by White House deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino earlier this week showed the president sitting across from Japan's chief negotiator Ryosei Akazawa. Before him was a paper outlining the deal, with $400 billion crossed out and replaced in pen with $500 billion. The final agreement of $550 billion was then subsequently announced. The full text of the trade agreement has not been released, but a White House fact sheet describes the plan as for "a new Japanese/USA investment vehicle" that will be "over $550 billion." A staff member distributes an extra edition of the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reporting that President Trump announced a trade framework with Japan on July 23 in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) "At President Trump's direction, these funds will be targeted toward the revitalization of America's strategic industrial base," the document adds, listing energy, semiconductors, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, and shipbuilding as the five areas of focus. It's a provision Trump has likened to "a $550 billion signing bonus for the country," adding of the money, "We control the whole lot of it and it's really been great." Lutnick has gone further and described this part of the deal as "literally the government of Japan givingDonald Trump and the American people $550 billion to invest, at his direction, on things that are important to America and national security." Mounting disagreements around the deal The Japanese appear to disagree fundamentally. Japan's top trade negotiator told Reuters this week that "some people are saying Japan is simply handing over $550 billion, but such claims are completely off the mark." It all could complicate the overall pact that is set to reduce "reciprocal" and automotive tariffs on Japanese imports to the US from previously threatened levels of 25% to 15%. Murray of the Competitive Enterprise Institute added that the deal, depending on how much power the president ultimately has to direct funds, "has all the sorts of things that the founders were worried about about presidential power: the power of patronage, the capacity for corruption." It all adds up to a potential "end run around constitutional checks and balances," according to Murray. And as financial writer James Surowiecki put it on social media: "Trump and his people are pure, top-down central planners. They're just convinced they can allocate capital better than the market." Ben Werschkul is a Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance. Click here for political news related to business and money policies that will shape tomorrow's stock prices Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche met for a second day with convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell, without offering more than a broad rationale for his hours of questioning. Multiple former federal prosecutors told CBS News they were bewildered by his decision to launch into such talks and described the unfolding events as both unorthodox and concerning. "She's somebody who has been sentenced by a court to 20 years in prison, and she is likely also desperate to get out from under that sentence," said Elizabeth Oyer, a former Justice Department pardon attorney and federal public defender. "It's hard to really believe that the Justice Department would rely on anything that she might have to say." Oyer suggested that Maxwell was speaking with Blanche "in the hope that she might be able to cut a deal that will benefit her, and that raises fundamental questions about the credibility of any information she could possibly provide." Maxwell's defense lawyer, David Markus, said after the meeting that she answered everything asked of her "and she didn't hold anything back." Asked whether Maxwell is seeking a pardon, Markus said, "We haven't spoken to the president or anybody about a pardon just yet," adding, "We hope he exercises that power in the right and just way." "It's unprecedented for the deputy attorney general to be directly involved in interviewing someone who's been convicted of a crime and may be interested in cooperating to get leniency," one former senior Justice Department official told CBS News on the condition he not be identified. "It strikes me simply as an effort to address a political concern, which is not what the Justice Department does." Blanche is a senior Justice Department official who previously served as a personal attorney to President Trump. He is also a former federal prosecutor for the Southern District of New York. He announced his decision to travel to Florida to meet with Maxwell after days of public attention swirled around the administration's mixed messaging about the possible release of files on Jeffrey Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 as he was awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 for her role in the trafficking ring. Several aspects of the Blanche decision appear to break with longstanding Justice Department practices. Among the most concerning, former officials said, is having Blanche conduct the interviews, rather than the line prosecutors who helped win a conviction in the Maxwell case, and who are continuing to combat her efforts to appeal the outcome. Adding to the complication is that the prosecutor who led the Maxwell case, Maurene Comey, was fired by the Trump administration a week ago. One former prosecutor said a key reason for having a line prosecutor handle such an interview is their comprehensive knowledge of both Maxwell and the facts of the case against her. Otherwise, this attorney said, it could be very hard to determine whether Maxwell is being truthful especially since there were already past questions about her willingness to be fully candid about the misconduct that led to her arrest, and Epstein's. "The best way to determine that is to ask questions you already know the answers to," the former prosecutor said. "Todd Blanche is in no position to assess the truth if he doesn't know all the facts." Because Blanche's meetings were occurring behind closed doors, it is unclear if he was accompanied by other Justice Department officials or FBI agents. The Justice Department has not responded to a request for comment. Experts told CBS News that meetings of this nature almost always include an FBI agent who can memorialize the discussion in formal interview notes that could later have evidentiary value, if needed. "If Blanche was meeting with Maxwell alone, that's obscene malpractice," another former federal prosecutor, who had decades of experience, told CBS News. "He can't testify and become a witness, nor can he write a report of their meeting." Prosecutors are not permitted to write up interview reports and are not sworn law enforcement officers with training to document an interview of this kind. "It would be a mess," the former official said. "The first rule of a meeting with a witness is to have an agent present." As another former prosecutor put it: "This is not typical." "It's not the most effective way" to work if the goal is to gather additional evidence or identify potential targets for future prosecution, this person said. Mr. Trump has never been accused of misconduct in connection with Epstein's criminal activity, and he has consistently said he cut ties with Epstein before Epstein's first arrest in 2006 for his conduct with underage girls. Mr. Trump has sought to push past the crush of attention on the topic, even referring to it as "the Jeffrey Epstein hoax." Blanche explained his decision to meet with Maxwell by saying he would "pursue justice wherever the facts may lead." "If Ghislane Maxwell has information about anyone who has committed crimes against victims, the FBI and the DOJ will hear what she has to say," Blanche said. Like Oyer, many former federal prosecutors saw the meeting as a political move intended to dampen growing mistrust about the decision not to make public the files connected with Epstein's case. Multiple former prosecutors spoke with CBS News about the matter, but asked not to be identified because they feared retribution against them or their current employers. While many believe 10,000 steps a day is optimal, new study suggests different DOJ's closed-door meetings with Ghislaine Maxwell fuels pardon speculation Saturday Session: Tom Odell performs "Another Love" PARIS -Arab countries will for the first time condemn Hamas and call for its disarmament early next week at a United Nations ministerial event in New York, a move meant to lure more European countries to recognize Palestinian statehood, France's foreign minister said on Saturday. In an exclusive interview with French weekly Le Journal du Dimanche, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot said the move was part of a long-planned initiative between France and Saudi Arabia. "For the first time, Arab countries will condemn Hamas and call for its disarmament, which will seal its definitive isolation. European countries will in turn confirm their intention to recognize the State of Palestine. Half of European countries have done so, all others are considering it," Barrot told the JDD. "The British Prime Minister has stated his intention to do so. Germany is considering it at a later stage. We will launch an appeal in New York for other countries to join us in order to set in motion an even more ambitious and demanding process that will culminate on September 21," Barrot added. On Thursday French President Emmanuel Macron announced France would formally recognize the state of Palestine at the U.N. General Assembly on September 21, drawing condemnation from the U.S. and Israel. Earlier on Saturday Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni called it counterproductive to recognise a Palestinian state before it is established. On Friday a German government spokesperson said there were no plans to recognise a Palestinian state in the short term. At the upcoming United Nations event on Monday and Tuesday, France and Saudi Arabia plan to lay out a proposed post-war roadmap leading to a two-state solution covering security, reconstruction and governance, which will be compatible with the Abraham Accords negotiated by U.S. President Trump, Barrot said. The French minister added that in coming weeks the European Commission would take a tougher stance on Israel and demand a stop on building of any new settlement projects in the West Bank, and also an end to militarized policing of humanitarian aid distribution. Barrot also called on fellow European countries to demand a removal of the financial blockade on the Palestinian authority so it can receive 2 billion euros he said it is owed. (Reporting by America Hernandez in Paris; Editing by David Gregorio) Joseph Czuba at the Will County Courthouse in Joliet, Ill., in 2023. (Charles Rex Arbogast / AP file) An Illinois man who was sentenced to 53 years in prison for the murder of a young Palestinian American boy in a 2023 hate crime that shocked the nation has died in prison, authorities said Saturday. Joseph Czuba, 73, died on Thursday while serving his sentence, the Will County Sheriffs Office said in a statement. Officials did not release his cause of death. In February, Czuba was convicted of first-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery and hate crimes for fatally stabbing 6-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi and injuring the boys mother just days after Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks in Israel and the launch of Israels military campaign in Gaza. Authorities said Czuba targeted the boys family due to them being Muslim and the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict involving Hamas and the Israelis. The mother and son were living in a room rented in Czubas home in Plainfield Township, a suburb of Chicago. Czuba stabbed the young boy 26 times and attacked the boys mother, Hanan Shaheen, leaving her critically injured with 12 stab wounds, according to officials. Wadee Alfayoumi's father, Oday Al Fayoume, seated right, and his uncle Mahmoud Yousef attend a vigil for Wadee at Prairie Activity and Recreation Center in Plainfield, Ill., in 2023. (Nam Y. Huh / AP file) Czuba was sentenced 53 years in prison for killing Wadee and attacking Shaheen, after pleading not guilty. Shaheen, who moved to the U.S. from the West Bank as a teenager nearly 15 years ago, testified that in the days before the stabbings, Czuba told her your people are killing Jewish people. Czuba also demanded that she and her son move out of his home, she said. She added that she and her son had no prior issues with Czuba in the roughly two years they lived in the home, where she and her son shared a kitchen and living room with Czuba and his then-wife. On the day of the attacks, she testified that Czuba barged his way into her room, held her down and stabbed her more than a dozen times. She said Czuba put his fingers in her mouth at one point and tried breaking her teeth. Throughout the encounter, Shaheen said she pulled at Czubas hair while he shouted, You must die! Her son stood in the corner of the room and watched the encounter fearfully, Shaheen testfied. Czuba told the young boy, Wadee, I will take care of you. I will raise you, and, Dont tell people I killed your mom, as he stabbed his mother, Shaheen said. Shaheen said she then escaped to the bathroom and called 911 while she could hear Czuba stabbing her son. He is killing my baby, she said repeatedly to the dispatcher, according to a recording of the 911 call played at the trial. An attorney for Shaheen did not immediately return a request for comment. The boy's father said Saturday that he felt no satisfaction from Czuba's death. My son is gone. The justice is that I need my son back, Oday Al Fayoume said in his first public comments. This is the only justice for me. There is nobody who can give me that. He said Czuba got off easy after only serving five months of a 53-year sentence. He killed my son, Al Fayoume, said, adding that more people may be emboldened to attack Palestinians across the U.S. because of Czubas actions. Wadees killing stunned the nation and drew national condemnation at a time when tensions around the countrys Muslim and Jewish communities were intensifying after the Oct. 7 attacks. Then-President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris issued statements condemning the killing, saying that this horrific act of hate has no place in America. The childs Palestinian Muslim family came to America seeking what we all seek a refuge to live, learn, and pray in peace, he said. Ahmed Rehab, the executive director of Council on American-Islamic Relations Chicago office, said in a statement on Saturday that this depraved killer has died, but the hate is still alive and well. United Kingdom technology secretary Peter Kyle apologized to an entire generation of children for the government's failure to keep them safe from toxic online content. Kyle said that the length of time that it took to bring in laws to keep kids safe online had "sold a whole generation of children downstream." He added that lawmakers must now find a way to act faster in the face of rapid technological changes. Peter Kyle Apologizes to a Generation of Children The technology secretary's remarks marked the introduction of online safety measures for children that will put more responsibility on internet companies in protecting kids from harm on the internet. Kyle said it was the "biggest step forward for a young person's experience online since the internet was created." Kyle also apologized to any child who is older than 13 years old and has not had any of these protections that are now being given, as well as to parents who have worked and failed to keep their children free from harmful content, according to The Guardian. The UK minister said that this cannot be allowed to happen again in the future, noting that urgent safety measures that were made necessary by technological advances took years to come into force. He added that this is the reason why an entire generation of kids was exposed to "torrid, toxic material" online. Kyle is under pressure to work harder in clamping down on social media by kids, and his department has been thinking about curfews and time limits to help prevent addiction among children. The new changes are part of the Online Safety Act and will be enforced by regulator Ofcom. These will require online platforms to implement age checks, using facial age estimation or credit card checks, the Independent reported. Failure To Keep Them Safe From Toxic Online Content The latter would be needed if the companies host pornography or other harmful content, such as self-harm, suicide, or eating disorders. The changes also require platforms to ensure that algorithms do not harm children, for example, by pushing such content towards them when they are online. Ofcom's rules were also designed to protect kids from misogynistic, violent, hateful, or abusive material, online bullying, and dangerous challenges. If companies fail to comply with the new rules, they can be fined up to $24 million or 10% of their global revenues, whichever is higher, or have their executives imprisoned. The bill also requires online companies to show that they are committed to removing illegal content, including child sexual abuse, controlling or coercive behavior, extreme sexual violence, self-harm, illegal drugs or weapons, and terrorism, as per BBC. Simply Recipes / Getty Images / Adobe Stock Key Takeaways Adding brewed or instant coffee enhances the depth and richness of chocolate flavor in cake without making the cake taste like coffee. Use coffee in both the cake batter and frosting for the biggest flavor boost. If a cake recipe calls for hot water, simply replace it with equal-strength brewed coffee. If it calls for milk or buttermilk, dissolve a small amount of instant coffee into the dairy instead. Part of the reason I came to baking is because I love chocolate cake. In high school, I was interested in scoring the best recipe, so I spent a few months baking as many chocolate cake recipes as I could find in magazines, cookbooks, and newspapers. (I'm dating myselfthe internet back then wasn't the same. Today, a Google search yields nearly 750 million chocolate cake recipes.) To this day, my favorite chocolate cake recipe is Ina Garten's famous Beattys Chocolate Cake. It is easy to make, moist, and delicious. Most importantly, the cake is full of chocolate flavor, and that's because her recipe calls for coffee. Ina calls for coffee not once, but twice. Once in the cake batter and again in the chocolate frosting. Coffee is a natural chocolate enhancer. Its bitterness coaxes out the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee. The key is to add the right amount at the right timeadmittedly, too much coffee in any chocolate cake recipe will make it taste like mocha. Though Ina's cake is my go-to, whenever I bake another recipe that doesn't call for coffee, I make sure to add it. Here's how. Just Like Hershey's Black Magic Cake On the episode of The Barefoot Contessa where Ina baked the cake, she credited her friend's grandmother for the recipe, which was likely the original Hershey's recipe for Black Magic Cake. The ingredients and quantities are almost identical. Hershey's developed the recipe sometime before the 1970s and added it to a product label. Some claim the recipe goes back to the 1930s. According to cookbook author Stella Parks in BraveTart: Iconic American Desserts, "During the Great Depression, recipes for [chocolate cake] traded egg yolks for whole eggs and hot milk for hot coffee..." What Type of Coffee To Add to Your Chocolate Cake You can add coffee in a few forms depending on the cake recipe you're using. Regardless of what kind you use, it should be fresh and something you would enjoy drinking. You can find tips for how to add coffee to the recipe and how much coffee to use in the last section of this story below. Hot Brewed Coffee: Made in a drip coffee maker, a Bialetti Moka Express, or a French press. Shot of Espresso: If you're lucky enough to own an espresso machine, this is a great time to use it. You could also buy a shot at your local coffee shop. If the recipe requires more than a shot (about 1.5 ounces), mix it with hot water, basically an Americano. Instant Espresso Powder: I like the brands Medaglia D'Oro and Cafe Bustelo. Instant Coffee Granules: My parents drink Nescafe Clasico instant coffee, so that's what I'm used to keeping in the pantry. Decaf Coffee: If I'm sharing the chocolate cake with kids or caffeine-sensitive friends, I'll use decaf. I don't always have it, so I may stop at my local coffee shop for a cup. Simply Recipes / Myo Quinn How To Add Coffee to Any Chocolate Cake Recipe When the recipe calls for hot water: Many chocolate cake recipes call for hot water in the batter and there's a reason for this. According to the pro bakers at King Arthur, water's neutral flavor and moisture enhance the taste of chocolate and give the cake a longer shelf life. To maximize the flavor of chocolate even more, swap out equal amounts of water with brewed coffee. For example, if the recipe calls for one cup of hot water, use one cup of hot brewed coffee. When the recipe calls for milk or buttermilk: Some chocolate cake recipes use milk or buttermilk instead of water or coffee. Don't swap the dairy with brewed coffee because the recipe was likely developed with the milk's sugar, fat, and proteins in mind. Instead, dissolve one teaspoon of instant espresso powder or two teaspoons of instant coffee granules in the milk or buttermilk. Stir in instant espresso powder or instant coffee granules: When the recipe doesn't call for a liquid like hot water, milk, or buttermilk, add one teaspoon of instant espresso powder or two teaspoons of instant coffee granules to the dry ingredientstypically the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, baking powder, etc. Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker Read the original article on SIMPLYRECIPES Jim Dyson/Getty Johnny Depp joins Alice Cooper on stage at London's O2 Arena on July 25, 2025 Alice Cooper paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne during his latest performance in London but not without a little help from some pals, including Johnny Depp. The rocker, 77, showed love for Osbourne on Friday, July 25, three days after his family announced his death at age 76. Cooper surprised the crowd at London's O2 Arena with a special appearance from Depp, 62, as the group performed Black Sabbath's 1970 hit "Paranoid." Depp who is Cooper's Hollywood Vampires bandmate walked on stage with a guitar in hand halfway through "Paranoid." Cooper, rocking an Osbourne T-shirt, later raised his fist in the air as the song came to a close, as seen in concert video footage shared on YouTube. Jim Dyson/Getty Alice Cooper wears Ozzy Osbourne shirt during performance at the O2 Arena in London, England The performance itself was part of Cooper's sold-out London gig with Judas Priest, timed to the Alice Cooper band's first new album in over 50 years, The Revenge of Alice Cooper. The LP marks the band's first album of new material since 1973's Muscle of Love. https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf To celebrate the occasion, Depp stuck around for one final song after the Osbourne tribute, performing Schools Out with original band members Dennis Dunaway, Neal Smith and Michael Bruce. Cooper and Depp are longtime collaborators themselves, performing in the supergroup Hollywood Vampires alongside Joe Perry and Tommy Henriksen since 2012. They released their most recent studio album together, Rise, in 2019. Jim Dyson/Getty Johnny Depp performs on stage with Alice Cooper at the O2 Arena in London on July 25, 2025 In an interview with Planet Rock on July 25, Cooper shared memories of Osbourne, whom he said he shared a "mutual respect" for after collaborating and performing at the same shows over the years. "I was on my way to the stage when I heard about [his death]," Cooper said. "And I went, 'Oh, that's not right.' He just did this [show]. And I saw him. He was signing well. But when it finally hit, it was just one of those, 'Yeah.' Even though you know it's coming ... what a shock to the system." "At the end of the show, I just said, 'Everybody, let's say goodnight to Ozzy. And everybody just [chanted], 'Ozzy, Ozzy.' He was a very beloved character in rock," continued the rocker. Cooper also called Osbourne a "lifer" in rock music during an appearance on The Scott Mills Breakfast Show. "There's certain guys who are lifers. The Stones, The Beatles that are still doing it," Cooper said. "And doing it amazingly well. And I just felt, 'I'm going to do this til' I can't do it.' And I think Ozzy was the same thing." Osbourne's family announced his death in a statement shared with PEOPLE, revealing that he was "with his family and surrounded by love," five years after the rocker announced in January 2020 that he was diagnosed in 2003 with Parkinsons disease. Osbourne was also honored by Yungblud, Elton John, Jason Momoa, Gene Simmons and others following his death. Read the original article on People Alamy; Roadside Attractions William Hurt in 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' (1985); Tonatiuh in 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' (2025) The 2025 movie musical Kiss of the Spider Woman, starring Jennifer Lopez, Diego Luna and Tonatiuh, is coming soon to remind audiences of the power of queerness, escapism and living ones truth in the face of political oppression. The 1985 film starring Sonia Braga, Raul Julia and William Hurt which celebrates its 40th anniversary on July 26 did the same, and when queer representation was far more scarce. That is right at the beginning of the AIDS epidemic and people were screaming, Gay cancer! Tonatiuh, 30, tells PEOPLE exclusively. People were quite literally saying this is God's punishment for gay individuals. There were so many atrocities that our community was facing. The actor-activist, who identifies as queer and uses he/they pronouns, says that just 15 years after the beginning of the queer revolution in the United States with New Yorks Stonewall riots, the Hector Babenco-directed Kiss of the Spider Woman served its purpose in creating space for our community on a major platform. Alamy William Hurt and Raul Julia in 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' (1985) The Brazil-set 1985 film also introduced many moviegoers to their first openly gay character with the late Hurts Oscar-winning performance as Luis Molina. For a man of his stature and his positioning at that time to play such a deviant and I put that in quotes, because to me it's just a lived experience and it's a human experience at the time it was seen as such a radical ground-shaking, says the Carry-On star. Who would do that to their brand? I think it was so bold. It was Manuel Puigs 1976 novel about Argentinian political prisoners dreaming up a better life within prison that has inspired the 1985 movie, the subsequent hit Broadway musical from Terrence McNally, John Kander, and Fred Ebb, and now Bill Condons 2025 big-screen adaptation of that musical starring Lopez, 56, in the titular role. The bold and brave Hector Babenco-directed Kiss of the Spider Woman was daring in a way that our film is, explains Tonatiuh. We're daring but in a different, timely way. While the 1985 film was made relevant by relocating from Argentina to Brazil amid that countrys military dictatorship, the 2025 film arrives amid attacks on trans individuals [and] queer individuals and censorship on queer media, he says. We're almost holding the frontier, adds Tonatiuh. But I feel like that [1985] movie was really solidifying, setting the frontier. And we're holding it It's important for us to hold that ground and remind people of the beauty and the pride and the right to joy that queers and immigrants and everybody has. Courtesy of Sundance Institute Tonatiuh and Diego Luna in 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' (2025) Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Speaking on behalf of Lopez, Luna, Condon and the rest of the new Kiss of the Spider Woman team, Tonatiuh calls the upcoming film such a passion project and so full of love and a perfect mix of escapism and reality. Personally, he adds, I had the opportunity to tell such a complex story from so many different perspectives of the gender spectrum We live in a time and I work in an industry where my own duality, my own dual spiritness, my own expression of gender, was forced to be in boxes. And I was explicitly told that who I was was going to get in the way of me having the career successes that I wanted. Playing humanity on the entire spectrum with Luis Molina, as Hurt before him, was healing, says Tonatiuh. At the end of the day, I'm a spirit in a body, and how I express it is another form of my art form. And I hope that other individuals who feel that feel seen. George Pimentel/for Sundance Film Festival Tonatiuh and Jennifer Lopez at the Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 26 The movie musical Kiss of the Spider Woman is in theaters Oct. 10. Read the original article on People An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Police officers detaining several individuals outside a home, Image 2 shows Aerial view of a house where a sex trafficking warrant was served, Image 3 shows Robert Shinn, subject of the Netflix series Federal agents descended upon a California home connected to the TikTok Cult pastor who was the subject of a recent Netflix documentary series Friday as part of an investigation into sex trafficking and other criminal claims. Several people were detained after a Tujunga home partially owned by Pastor Robert Shinn was raided by agents from the FBI, IRS, US Postal Service and Department of Labor, the Los Angeles Times reported. Officials served warrants related to allegations of sex trafficking, money laundering, mail fraud, tax evasion and COVID-19-related fraud, according to the outlet. Federal agents raided a home partially owned by Pastor Robert Shinn. KTLA 5 The identities of those detained were not immediately clear. At least six handcuffed people and one woman holding a child were seen in KTLA chopper footage of the raid of the residence, which featured in the Netflix docuseries Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult, the station reported. One witness reported hearing flash-bang grenades go off at the start of the 6 a.m. law enforcement operation, according to the LA Times. Self-proclaimed man of God Shinn, who founded Shekinah Church in 1994, helped create 7M Films in 2021, and the LA-based talent management company allegedly lured dancers with promises of turning them into TikTok stars. Some of those dancers were also conscripted into the Shekinah Church and acted as recruiters for 7M, which they claim is inseparable from the religious organization. Former members of Shekinah Church who also worked for 7M films alleged Shinn abused and manipulated them, with some even accusing the guru of sexual assault. A source claimed the property involved in this search warrant was the same home that was at the center of the series, KTLA reported. KTLA 5 Several people were detained during the raid. KTLA 5 Melanie Goldman, a former dancer and parishioner, claimed in the documentary that she saw half a dozen girls run into the church screaming at the top of their lungs, TV Insider reported. Other former dancers also claimed that there is no distinction between 7M and the church, with Shinn instructing members in fiery sermons shown in the doc to die to their families, or no longer have contact with them. Dancer Aubrey Fisher, a former 7M and Shekinah member, claimed Shinn forced him to give as much as 70% of his income to the twisted church including a 10% man of God fee for himself, according to the outlet. Former member Melanie Wilking went viral with a 2022 Instagram plea to try and reach her sister Miranda, who was no longer in control of her life. The siblings had a popular joint TikTok page when they joined 7M and had a falling out when Melanie left over concerns about Shinns control over members, according to People, but have since reconciled. Shinn has previously denied claims that the Shenikah Church and 7M are affiliated, TV Insider reported. In 2022, he filed a defamation lawsuit against several former church members after they referred to the organization as a cult, CNN reported last year. Lion Travel The "Haifeng" Seaside Breeze dessert train as it pulls into the station. After planning two trips to Taiwan in three months, my biggest takeaway is simple: book early. Otherwise, you too might fight yourself taking five trains in one day just to chase your dreamnamely, riding the dessert train and still making it to the final night of the Taiwan Lantern Festival. Stressful? Yes. But still worth it. Honestly, next time I'd ride seven trains and maybe even sacrifice a pinky toe. (How important are those, really?) Officially named Haifengmeaning "Sea Breeze"this train debuted in December 2024 and carries just 60 passengers on a curated journey along Taiwan's scenic western coast in Tiffany-blue train cars with upholstered sofa-style seats facing out, oversized windows, and gold trim everywhere. The precisely curated retro-lux aesthetics and over-the-top elements left me waryI boarded in Taichung with a healthy dose of skepticism. But, as so often happened in Taiwan, I found myself suspending cynicism, setting aside my worry that I was only seeing the "touristy" bits and embracing the sheer delight of it all. This train wasn't just about dessert; it was about slowing down and seeing Taiwan through an indulgent, artfully composed lens. Lion Travel Interior and seating area on board the Seaside Breeze train. Twenty minutes into the ride, with soft piano music tinkling through the cabin, we paused at the sleepy seaside town of Xinpu. The town's claim to fame is that it is the closest station to the ocean on Taiwans western coast, but it's the 1922 cedar station housea relic from the Japanese occupation, its peeling paint worn thin by decades of ocean airthat captivated me more than the rocky shore. The town is so small that Haifeng's 60 passengers more than doubled Xinpu's usual daily foot traffic. From there, the train slowed to a leisurely 20 miles per hour so that passengers could fully appreciate Taiwan's coast and shoreline views. Though nothing outside could compete with the moment a uniformed attendant arrived bearing a two-tiered, Tiffany-blue box filled with desserts, accompanied by a souvenir menu with pop-up paper cutouts. Lion Travel Onboard desserts and treats from the Seaside Breeze train. Naomi Tomky/Travel + Leisure The Seaside Breeze ticket. Naomi Tomky/Travel + Leisure Exterior of the I pulled the gold knob on the top drawer and dove into the trio of savory bites, featuring upscale renditions of classic Taiwanese dishes: a sweet potato ball stuffed with duck, a mustard seed seafood salad sandwich, and my favoritea taro and scallion scone, made with locally grown taro and served with lemon-kumquat jam and a dollop of creamy, salty butter. From the bottom drawer, I grabbed a macaron bearing the train's name and logo, topped with a vivid strawberry from the town of Dahuhome to 80 percent of Taiwans strawberry industry and just inland from where I satand spread with yuzu cream cheese. My second bite was a rice whiskey canele crowned with a puffed rice crisp and flavored with lei cha, a traditional green tea-flavored, porridge-like drink considered to be a hallmark of Taiwan's Hakka community, the second largest ethnic group on the islandmany of whom live in Hsinchu, the routes terminus. I also indulged in a shot-glass parfait of chiffon cake layered with razor-thin grape and cantaloupe slices, custard, and Chantilly creamall while enjoying the seaside views. Not long after my box was cleared away, we arrived in Houlong, where we disembarked again to visit the 250-year-old Ciyun Temple, built to honor Mazu, a sea goddess who protects seafaring adventurers like sailors and fishermen. This stop included a guided tour, though only in Chinese. (Haifeng is, for now, largely designed for domestic travelers. English signage is minimal, and booking typically requires using Lion Travel's U.S. website or a bit of Google Translate finesse.) Back on board, the final dessert arrived as the train rolled forward: a petite box of ice cream from Minimal, the Michelin-starred shop in Taichung, and a souvenir keepsake seashell-shaped spoon. The flavors rotate, as do all the foods, and the info card described it as flavored with lactic acid and purple shiso. I pulled out my phone for a quick retranslation of the Chinese, wondering if something had been lost, and got clarity: it was designed to imitate Yakult, the beloved yogurt drink. The experience aboard Haifeng was nothing short of brilliant. I visited two small towns I would have never otherwise visited, indulged in a tasting menu that showed off local specialty ingredients, and got a delicious lesson in Taiwanese history, spirituality, and cuisine. Best of all, the desserts rivaled anything I ate in Taiwan. The entire 3-hour journey costs NT$3,600 (about $110). There are faster ways to get arounda direct train on the same route would have taken just 75 minutes, and the high-speed rail covers it in 25 minutesbut as the saying goes, this train is about the journey. Its touristyliterally designed to show off Taiwan to tourists. But it's also the opposite of touristy: a slow, intimate introduction to destinations that don't often make the guidebooks. The itinerary and menu change each season. In April started departing from Nangang, on the edge of Taipei, heading out to Yilan, on the east coast. My only regret now? Not booking in time to catch the new route on my next trip. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea will prepare a trade package that is mutually agreeable with the United States ahead of minister-level meetings planned next week and a U.S. tariff-pause deadline of August 1, the presidential office said on Saturday. The package will include shipbuilding cooperation, a sector of high interest to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who discussed the matter with South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan on Friday, it said in a statement. Friday's meeting was a follow-up to a meeting on Thursday, where Lutnick and Kim reaffirmed their commitment to reach a trade deal by August 1, after a joint meeting of finance ministers and top trade envoys that had been scheduled for Friday was postponed. South Korea, facing 25% tariffs, is rushing to reach a trade deal with Washington, with National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac visiting the U.S. recently for high-level talks and Minister for Trade Yeo Han-koo also in the U.S. for negotiations, as pressure grows on officials to clinch a deal that is no worse than Japan's that cut tariffs to 15%. South Korea's trade negotiations with the U.S. have included non-tariff barriers in the agricultural and digital service sectors, but foreign exchange has not been part of trade talks beyond usual consultations, according to South Korean officials. U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Scotland on Friday for bilateral talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday, which could yield a trade deal with the European Union, after making a deal earlier this week with Japan and the Philippines. Next week, U.S. officials will hold a new round of trade talks with China in Sweden for an extension to a separate deadline of August 12 set between the two countries. South Korea's Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol and Foreign Minister Cho Hyun will also hold meetings with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and State Secretary Marco Rubio, respectively, next week. (Reporting by Jihoon Lee; Editing by Jacqueline Wong) WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that he would like to maintain the limits on U.S. and Russian strategic nuclear weapons deployments set in the 2010 New START agreement, which expires in February. "That's not an agreement you want expiring. We're starting to work on that," Trump told reporters as he exited the White House on a trip to Scotland. It was the first time since taking office that Trump has said he wants to maintain the treaty's limits on strategic nuclear weapons deployments when it expires on February 5. "When you take off nuclear restrictions, that's a big problem," Trump said. The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, or New START, is the last remaining nuclear arms reduction accord between the world's largest nuclear powers. It restricts Russia and the U.S. to deploying no more than 1,550 strategic warheads on 700 intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarines and bombers. Former U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin extended the treaty for five years in 2021 but, as written, the pact cannot be extended further. Trump opposed an extension in his first term, calling instead for a new treaty that included China, which spurned the proposal. Trump has been an advocate for reining in nuclear weapons. He said in February that he would like to have conversations with Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping about limiting their nuclear arsenals. U.S.-Russia relations are at their lowest point in more than 60 years, in part fueled by Putin's threats to use nuclear weapons in his war against Ukraine and his development of exotic new weapons systems. With New START's expiration, the U.S. and Russia could begin deploying more strategic warheads and each could find it harder to gauge the other's intentions, arms control advocates warn. (Reporting By Steve Holland and Jonathan Landay; Editing by Don Durfee and Cynthia Osterman) (Reuters) -President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Friday that Ukrainian forces were facing fierce fighting around the city of Pokrovsk in the east, a logistics hub near which Russia has been announcing the capture of villages on an almost daily basis. Zelenskiy, speaking in his nightly video address, said Ukraine's top commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, told a meeting of senior officials that the situation around Pokrovsk was the current focal point of its attention in the war, which began when Russia invaded in February 2022. "All operational directions were covered, with particular focus on Pokrovsk. It receives the most attention," Zelenskiy said. Ukrainian forces, he said, were also "continuing to act" in border areas in the northern Sumy region, where Russian troops have gained a foothold in recent weeks. Syrskyi, in a separate report on the Telegram messaging app, described Pokrovsk and five other sectors as among the most difficult theatres along the 1,000-km (620-mile) front. "The Russian Federation is paying the maximum price for attempting a 'summer offensive,'" Syrskyi wrote. Russian forces have for months been trying to close in on Pokrovsk, a road and rail hub whose pre-war population of about 60,000 has been all but evacuated. Syrskyi in May reported that Kyiv's troops had stabilised the situation around the town, also the site of the only colliery in Ukraine producing coking coal for the country's steel industry. Russia's Defence Ministry on Thursday announced the capture of two villages on either side of Pokrovsk -- Zvirove to the west and Novoekonomichne to the east. A third village near the city -- Novotoretske -- was declared by Moscow to be "liberated" earlier in the week. Ukrainian officials have made no acknowledgement that the villages have changed hands. The General Staff of Ukraine's military said in an evening report that two of them -- Zvirove and Novoekonomichne - were in areas where Russian troops were trying to penetrate Ukrainian defences. In Sumy region, where Russian troops are trying to establish what Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin calls a "buffer zone", the popular Ukrainian military blog DeepState said Kyiv's forces had retaken a previously lost village. DeepState, which relies on open source reports to track the presence of Russian forces, said Ukrainian troops had restored control over the village of Kindrativka. There was no official comment from either side. (Reporting by Ron Popeski and Oleksandr Kozhukhar, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) By Jan Wolfe WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A federal judge in Massachusetts ruled on Friday that a nationwide injunction he issued in February that blocked President Donald Trump's executive order limiting birthright citizenship should remain in place. In a written ruling, U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin in Boston said his earlier nationwide injunction was the only way to provide complete relief to a coalition of Democratic-led states that brought the lawsuit before him, rejecting the Trump administration's argument that a narrower ruling was warranted because of a June decision from the U.S. Supreme Court. Sorokin wrote that the evidence before him "does not support a finding that any narrower option would feasibly and adequately protect the plaintiffs from the injuries they have shown they are likely to suffer if the unlawful policy announced in the Executive Order takes effect during the pendency of this lawsuit." White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said in a statement that "courts are misinterpreting the purpose and the text" of the U.S. Constitution's 14th Amendment. "We look forward to being vindicated on appeal," Jackson said. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, a Democrat, said in a statement that the states were thrilled with the decision. "American-born babies are American, just as they have been at every other time in our nations history. The president cannot change that legal rule with the stroke of a pen. The Supreme Court's June 27 ruling in litigation over Trump's birthright citizenship order limited the ability of judges to issue so-called "universal" injunctions -- in which a single district court judge can block enforcement of a federal policy across the country -- and directed lower courts that had blocked the Republican president's policy nationally to reconsider the scope of their orders. But the ruling contained exceptions allowing courts to potentially still block it across the country again. That has already allowed a judge in New Hampshire to once again halt Trump's order from taking effect by issuing an injunction in a nationwide class action of children who would be denied citizenship under the policy. A federal appeals court in California on Wednesday said Trump's executive order violated the citizenship clause of the U.S. Constitution's 14th Amendment by denying citizenship to many persons born in the U.S., and blocked its enforcement nationwide. Trump signed the executive order on January 20, his first day back in office, as part of his crackdown on immigration. The executive order directed federal agencies to refuse to recognize the citizenship of U.S.-born children who do not have at least one parent who is an American citizen or lawful permanent resident, also known as a "green card" holder. It was swiftly challenged in court by Democratic attorneys general from 22 states and immigrant rights advocates who argued it was unconstitutional. Last week, the states had argued at a hearing before Sorokin that a nationwide injunction was essential. They said restricting birthright citizenship in some states but not others would make it difficult to administer federal benefits programs like Medicaid. A patchwork approach would also lead to confusion among immigrant parents and a surge of people moving to states where Trump's executive order is on hold, straining resources, they argued. The Justice Department had countered that the states, by continuing to advocate for universal relief, had failed to come to grips with the Supreme Court's decision. (Reporting by Jan Wolfe; Editing by Nick Zieminski, Alexia Garamfalvi and David Gregorio) California law enforcement say they took custody of two grenades on July 17 after a resident called the police. One exploded and killed three detectives, and now the other one is missing. The fact is, right now, there's a second grenade that we're not 100 percent sure where it's at, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said in an evening briefing on July 25. Luna described the missing grenade as military-style," one of two recovered after a resident in Santa Monica on July 17 reported the devices had been found inside a tenant storage unit in an apartment complex's underground garage. Arson explosives detail detectives investigated, including with X-rays, and thought the grenades were "inert," officials said. But when detectives took the grenades to the department's explosives detail facility, one grenade exploded, killing detectives Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Victor Lemus and William Osborn the morning of July 18. Officials believe the second grenade arrived to the facility, but they don't know where it is, Luna said. The sheriffs department has closed public access to roads around the facility, located in East Los Angeles, as they search for the missing grenade. Officials have searched vehicles, gyms, lockers, office spaces and surrounding areas of the facility, Luna said. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives has taken over the investigation to find the grenade. Kenny Cooper, ATF's special agent in charge for the Los Angeles field division, said officials have meticulously examined a radius of 400 feet from the blast site over several days. Officials have also conducted interviews and served multiple search warrants, Cooper said. If someone believes they have come across the grenade, officials say dont touch it and contact 911 or local law enforcement. Sheriffs homicide detectives are still investigating the detectives deaths. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Military-style' grenade missing after deadly explosion: LA Sheriff Arnold & Itkin LLP filed a lawsuit against Chevron on behalf of five workers who were seriously injured in a catastrophic explosion at Chevron's Pascagoula Refinery. PASCAGOULA, Miss., July 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Arnold & Itkin LLP has filed a lawsuit against Chevron Corporation and Chevron U.S.A. Inc. on behalf of five workers who were seriously injured in a catastrophic explosion at Chevron's Pascagoula Refinery on July 14, 2025. The suit, filed in Harris County District Court, alleges that Chevron's negligence and gross negligence caused the incident and resulted in lasting harm to the plaintiffs. Attorneys Kurt Arnold and Jason Itkin of Arnold & Itkin LLP According to the complaint, Chevron authorized hot work in an area where flammable gases were present, directly injecting those gases into a space where workers were ordered to operate. The ignition of those gases led to a devastating fire and explosion, leaving the plaintiffs with severe burns, permanent physical and psychological injuries, and long-term impairments that have prevented them from returning to work. The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, physical impairment, emotional trauma, and other damages. The lawsuit also seeks exemplary damages, citing Chevron's conscious disregard for worker safety despite the extreme risk involved. The complaint outlines a range of Chevron's alleged safety failures, including improper gas monitoring, failure to purge flammable materials, lack of employee training, and failure to provide adequate warnings to personnel. Plaintiffs argue that Chevron had actual knowledge of the hazards but allowed the work to proceed anyway. A jury trial has been requested. The plaintiffs are represented by Arnold & Itkin LLP. About Arnold & Itkin LLP Arnold & Itkin LLP is a nationally recognized trial law firm that represents workers and families in high-stakes industrial and workplace injury cases, including plant and refinery explosions, equipment failures, and catastrophic on-the-job accidents. The firm has recovered over $20 billion in verdicts and settlements nationwide, including a $357.7 million settlementthe largest workplace accident settlement in Texas history. To learn more, visit them online at www.arnolditkin.com. Media Contact: Aya Garfaoui [email protected] SOURCE Arnold & Itkin LLP The U.S. Postal Service is celebrating its 250th anniversary this weekend, and you won't have to check your mailbox for the invite. The agency's semiquincentennial will be marked by an event at the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, two and a half centuries since its founding. Two newly announced commemorative stamps will also mark the occasion. USPS was founded as the U.S. Post Office Department on July 26, 1775, by decree of the Second Continental Congress. In 1970, Congress reorganized USPOD from a cabinet-level department into an independent agency the modern USPS. Historians see the establishment of a national postal service as a crucial factor in ensuring the young country stayed unified during the Revolutionary War. One of the new commemorative stamps, announced Wednesday by USPS, features Benjamin Franklin in a modern interpretation of one of the first two U.S. postage stamps ever produced in 1847. Franklin, a participant in the Second Continental Congress, briefly served as the first U.S. postmaster general after serving in the equivalent role under British rule from 1757 to 1774. Benjamin Franklin Commemorative stamp / Credit: USPS The other stamp celebrates men and women of the agency with a new collection of cityscape illustrations depicting a postal worker on her route through all four seasons. A 32-page booklet only the fourth ever released by USPS was also announced Wednesday and is set to feature selected stamp artwork from across the service's history. David Steiner, the newly appointed U.S. postmaster general, said that the new stamps represent enduring values every American can learn from, including perseverance, trust and imagination. "For the United States Postal Service, today is a milestone 250 years in the making," Steiner said in a statement Wednesday. "These stamps will serve as a window into our shared history." The museum does not comment on current or political events. Saturday's celebration comes months after sources said President Trump was mulling folding the USPS into the Commerce Department. Mr. Trump also said in December that his upcoming administration was "looking into" potentially privatizing the postal service. The White House is not actively considering or advancing such a proposal, a White House official said Saturday. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy announced he would be leaving the position in February, and Steiner, a former FedEx board member, took over earlier this month in the position. Steiner told USPS employees that he "did not believe that the Postal Service should be privatized or that it should become an appropriated part of the federal government." Smithsonian National Postal Museum / Credit: Smithsonian National Postal Museum But Saturday, the National Postal Museum family-friendly Postal Party will be celebrating. The museum will feature activities, crafts and games, as well as a Franklin reenactor, allowing kids to learn postal history directly from the founding father. Other historic touchpoints set to be highlighted at the event include Owney, the 19th century terrier that served as an unofficial Postal Service mascot, and the Stinson Reliant, an early airmail carrier model from the late 1930s. The event won't just be looking toward the past, however. Anne Matlock, the museum's youth and family programs manager, said that the event is "looking back and looking forward, all at the same time," with exhibits about the future of the Postal Service. "We often don't think about all the ways that the Postal Service is connecting us through our Family, our community, to other spaces," Matlock said. "We want people to kind of think about those connections, see them in their own lives, and share things with all the Postal Service workers." The museum is also teaming up with other Smithsonian institutions for the event, which will include an airmail delivery game with the National Air and Space Museum, a Franklin-focused creative design activity with the National Museum of American History and storytime with the D.C. Public Library. The free event will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. While many believe 10,000 steps a day is optimal, new study suggests different DOJ's closed-door meetings with Ghislaine Maxwell fuels pardon speculation California artist brings Bob's Big Boy statues back to life Belinda Jiao/Getty Rachel Zegler performs "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" live on the balcony as she plays Eva Peron in "Evita" at the London Palladium on June 18, 2025 in London, England. Don't cry for her, London Rachel Zegler was back in her lead role in Evita on Friday, July 25, after stepping out mid-show on Thursday, July 24, due to an illness. Zegler, 24, appeared back onstage in London just one night after her mid-show exit. The Golden Globe-winning actress is currently making her London stage debut as Eva Peron in director Jamie Lloyd's stripped-back revival of the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic rock opera. The actress shared fan-captured photos of herself on stage on her Instagram Stories on Friday, including the moment she took her final bow at the end of the show. Ming Yeung/Getty Bella Brown performs Don't Cry For Me Argentina live on the balcony as she steps in for Rachel Zegler to play Eva Peron in Evita PEOPLE was in the crowd at the London Palladium on Thursday to report on the moment when Zegler's understudy Bella Brown stepped into Eva's shoes after intermission. Brown was seen earlier as Eva's mistress in the musical. Brown's rendition of "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" earned her a five-minute standing ovation. https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf Zegler returned on Friday to perform the notable Act 2 outdoor balcony scene in which she sings "Don't Cry for Me Argentina," the most famous tune from composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and songwriter Tim Rice's score. The unique balcony-style performance is a hallmark of Lloyd's production. Like he did in last season's Tony Award-winning revival of Sunset Blvd. (which recently wrapped its run on Broadway after transferring from the West End), Lloyd utilizes cutting-edge video technology to capture an outdoor, live performance of a song and project it to those inside. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. In doing so, the performance becomes accessible to anyone who happens to be walking by the theater at that moment. In the iconic scene, Eva sings from the balcony of the Presidential Palace to her adoring Argentinian supporters. Lloyd stages the performance on the balcony of the London Palladium, with the public gathered below on Argyll Street in London mimicking the historic moment. Evita which follows the controversial second wife of Argentine military leader-turned-president Juan Peron is currently scheduled to run until Sept. 6 in London. Read the original article on People ALEXANDRIA, LA Sam Zeidan pulled onto the grassy shoulder at the airport, hoping to see his brother among the shackled men boarding a deportation flight. A jet roared on the sweaty tarmac. The site, known as the Alexandria Staging Facility in rural Louisiana, is the nation's only ICE jail-combo-airport and is the top hub for the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportation flights climbed to a five-year high in June, and Alexandria ranked first among the nation's five busiest deportation hubs, according analyst Tom Cartwright, who tracks ICE flights for the nonprofit Witness at the Border. The record pace has continued in July, with the Trump administration leaning heavily on the Louisiana ICE detention centers that feed Alexandria. The Alexandria Staging Facility sits on the tarmac of a small regional airport between a golf course and gated neighborhood. Zeidan squinted through the chain-link fence. A Palestinian immigrant with U.S. citizenship, Zeidan told USA TODAY he believed his older brother was going to be deported that day from Alexandria. "He's been making a lot of trouble here," Zeidan said on a Wednesday in mid-June, lacing his fingers through the fence. "Yesterday, they sent him over here but the flight was canceled." More: Trump approval rating drops in new poll; more Americans oppose immigration policies 'Cornerstone of ICE deportation flights' Louisiana's nine dedicated ICE facilities have been holding more than 7,000 detainees each day, on average, in recent months. The state dramatically expanded ICE detention during the first Trump administration, growing its network from four detention centers and about 2,000 detainees. Sam Zeidan looks through a fence to see if he can spot his brother in a group of migrants being loaded onto an airplane at the Alexandria Staging Facility in Alexandria, Louisiana, on June 11, 2025. Alexandria's holding facility is one of the oldest, dating to 2014. It has 400 detention beds, receives buses from the ICE jails in rural communities around the state and is run by one of the nation's largest private prison contractors, GEO Group Inc. "Historically, its a facility that people will go to in the couple of days before their removal flight, because its attached to the airport and ICE Air," said Deb Fleischaker, a former ICE official who served under the Biden and first Trump administrations. "Its designed as a short-term detention facility." On that mid-June morning, guards could be seen moving men and women off a white prison bus into the humid air, already nearing 90 degrees. Chained at the wrists, waist and ankles in five-point restraints, they climbed a stairway into a plane with "Eastern" painted on the body, blue on white. "If you had to pick one ICE facility that is the cornerstone of the ICE deportation flights, Alexandria is it," Cartwright said. "There are a lot of detention centers that feed into it." Deportation flights on the rise Nationwide, the number of deportation flights rose to 209 in June, according to Cartwright the highest level since the Biden administration conducted more than 193 flights during a mass deportation of Haitian asylum-seekers in September 2021. That's up 46% from 143 deportation flights in June 2024, he said. 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. The number of deportation flights has increased 12% since President Donald Trump's inauguration, according to Cartwright's analysis. But because the administration doesn't release details of who is on the planes, it's unclear whether the total number of people deported has risen at the same pace. Some deportation flights depart with seats full, 80 to 120 people, to Mexico or Central America, Cartwright said. Others like the charter carrying eight criminal deportees to South Sudan leave to faraway destinations with fewer passengers on board. ICE reported removing 271,48 immigrants in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2024. ICE removed 228,282 people from Oct. 1 through mid-July, according to ICE data. The agency didn't respond to USA TODAY's request for information on the number of deportations during the Trump administration so far. Congress recently approved a cash infusion to boost ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations division: $29.9 billion. The lump sum can be used, among other things, for "for fleet modernization" to support deportations. Alexandria may not hold the top spot for long: The U.S. Army plans to host a 5,000-bed temporary detention center on Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, with access to the airport on base. More: White House touts nearly 140,000 deportations, but data says roughly half actually deported 'It's Trump season' Zeidan and his family run a grocery store in Alexandria, and he drives Uber on the side, he said. But his brother got into trouble over drugs and was picked up by ICE after being released from a six-year state prison sentence. "He's been in Jena nine months," Zeidan said, referring to the ICE Central Louisiana Processing Center in Jena, Louisiana. His brother's wife is a citizen, Zeidan said, and the couple have five children. He wasn't sure why ICE held his brother for nine months. Or why, his family would later learn, he was held on the tarmac that day for more than four hours before being bused to Texas, then back to a detention center in Louisiana, where he is still being held. He shrugged: "It's Trump season, you know." Lauren Villagran can be reached at lvillagran@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: This rural airport has become Trump's top deportation hub A homeless encampment under an Oakland underpass in 2018. Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Grendelkhan/Creative Commons license Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Grendelkhan/Creative Commons license (The Center Square) San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond on Friday applauded the Trump administrations executive order addressing the national homelessness crisis. President Donald Trump signed the order Thursday, calling on state and local governments to end the "endemic vagrancy that has taken root in the country. Designed to protect public safety, the order encourages states and cities to remove homeless individuals off the streets and into treatment centers, and provides assistance to state and local governments who want federal help. The order came a day after California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced homelessness in local communities is decreasing. Im ecstatic, Desmond told Rapid Response 47, an X account launched by Trump, Friday morning about the executive order. Finally were going to get to the root causes of homelessness. The order says the federal government and the states have been spending money on failed programs that address homelessness but not the main causes of homelessness. The number of individuals living on the streets in the United States on a single night during the last year of the previous administration 274,224 was the highest ever recorded, the order states. The overwhelming majority of these individuals are addicted to drugs, have a mental health condition, or both. Therefore, the Trump administration decided to take a new approach. The order redirects federal funding toward projects that move homeless individuals, including drug addicts and those suffering from mental illness, into long-term institutional settings for humane treatment through the appropriate use of civil commitment. The order requires Attorney General Pam Bondi to reverse "judicial precedents" and terminate "consent decrees" to allow states and cities to remove homeless individuals, including drug addicts and those suffering from mental illness, off the streets and into treatment centers. Under the order, Bondi will act in consultation with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Desmond supports giving states and cities the authority to remove individuals off the streets, saying on his website it's more inhumane to keep people on the streets than to force them off the streets. Desmond told The Center Square Friday that Californias policies have failed to get drug addicts and those suffering from mental illness off the streets. He said he supports Trumps order. For too long, Californias failed policies have allowed lawlessness to spread while those battling mental illness or addiction are left to suffer and die on our streets, Desmond said. That is not compassion. Real compassion means getting people off the sidewalks, into treatment, and on a path to recovery and dignity. This executive order finally takes meaningful action to make that happen. Desmonds comments came after Newsom celebrated Californias decrease in homelessness in local communities in a press release Wednesday, mentioning his contribution in improving mental health services. The Trump administrations executive order requires Bondi and Kennedy to provide assistance to states and cities seeking federal help with relocating homeless individuals off the streets through technical guidance, grants, or other legally available means. Not all states and cities seeking help are eligible to receive grants, however. Bondi, Kennedy, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner, and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy are prioritizing federal grants to states and cities who: Enforce prohibitions on open illicit drug use. Enforce prohibitions on urban camping and loitering. Enforce prohibition on urban squatting. Enforce standards on relocating homeless individuals, including drug addicts and those suffering from mental illness, to treatment centers or other necessary facilities. Implement and comply with the obligations of the Sex Offender Registry and Notification Act. The order also specifies grants do not fund programs that operate drug injection sites and permit illicit drug use or distribution. Desmond told Rapid Response 47 he hopes California will ask for help from the federal government and will comply with the necessary standards. I am hopeful the state of California and the governor will say, Hey, we will take your help, Federal Government, Desmond said. We will take your dollars, we will build mental health facilities, we will put in the right treatment centers, and we will change from a housing first [policy] to treatment and care [policy]. Essex County DA Anthony Angelli Rea. Skeletal remains uncovered in Massachusetts more than three decades ago have been identified, according to authorities. On Thursday, July 24, authorities with the Essex District Attorney's Office announced they had determined the victim, found partially buried in marsh grass along Route 95 South in Newburyport on Nov. 28, 1992, belonged to Anthony Angelli Rea. When they first made the discovery, authorities conducted an autopsy, and the body was determined to be a teenage boy, although no cause of death was declared. For the next 32 years, his identity remained a mystery to the state police assigned to the Essex District Attorney's Office and the Newburyport Police as the agencies searched for answers, officials said. "Although investigators developed significant leads, due to the limitations in DNA identification, they were unable to make a positive identification," a spokesperson for the Essex District Attorney's Office said in a statement. Since then, the district attorney's office said it received assistance identifying Rea from Othram, a private forensic laboratory in Woodlands, Texas. Rea was born in 1973 and spent part of his childhood living in Malden with his mother, according to the DA's office. Newbury's Harbor School, which has since shuttered, reported him missing in August 1988. 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. "Othram scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from skeletal remains and used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing to develop a comprehensive DNA profile," the DA's office said. "Othram's in-house forensic genetic genealogy team then used the profile in a genealogical search to generate new investigative leads in the case, including the identification of potential relatives." The circumstances of Rea's death remain unclear, and those with information about him are asked to call the Massachusetts State Police's Unresolved Case Unit. Read the original article on People Two California surgery center workers are facing federal charges after being accused of scuffling with ICE agents. The July 9 incident captured on video shows the two workers standing in the way of agents, as they tried to detain a man who ran into the surgical building. To identify the workers, federal agents staked out the Los Angeles-area SCA Health Ontario Advanced Surgery Center for three days following the July 8 confrontation, in which masked, plainclothes ICE agents chased a suspected illegal immigrant into the building. Federal officials on July 25 said Jose de Jesus Ortega and Danielle Davila have been charged with assaulting a federal officer and conspiracy to prevent by force and intimidation a federal officer from discharging his duties. Ortega was arrested on July 25, and authorities said they're still pursuing Davila. The video, which went viral, shows two surgery center workers in scrubs yelling and blocking one of the agents from detaining the man. Federal officials criticized what they said was a "false narrative" in the media and online that portrayed the detainee as a patient at the clinic. According to authorities, the ICE agents saw the truck stop outside the building, and when they approached the men, the men ran. According to court records, the agents had no specific knowledge that the man who ran into the clinic was living in the country illegally, and had been following the truck in which he was riding as part of a "roving patrol" in their unmarked vehicle. Federal agents detain a man after his court hearing in immigration court at the Ted Weiss Federal Building on July 9, 2025 in New York City. "The illegal alien arrested inside the surgery center was not a patient," United States Attorney Bill Essayli said in a statement. "He ran inside for cover and these defendants attempted to block his apprehension by assaulting our agents. It doesnt matter who you are or where you work, if you assault our agents or otherwise interfere with our operations, you will be arrested and charged with a federal crime." In a July 9 social media post, Homeland Security officials said the man who agents were chasing is Honduran national Denis Guillen-Solis. They said he was living illegally in the United States. "He ended up near the Ontario Advanced Surgical Center where hospital staff assaulted law enforcement and drug the officer and illegal alien into the facility," DHS said in the post. "Then, the staff attempted to obstruct the arrest by locking the door, blocking law enforcement vehicles from moving, and even called the cops claiming there was a 'kidnapping.'" The video is among the latest examples of people delaying or obstructing ICE agents carrying out President Donald Trump's mass-immigration initiative, which has also sparked widespread protests. The identities of the two ICE agents involved in the surgery center detention were not released. Federal officials say ICE agents are increasingly being assaulted or targeted by community members, which requires them to remain anonymous. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Feds charge surgery center workers recorded in scuffle with ICE agents Getty Images/rustycanuck Given that Im a home editor and not a food editor, weekly meal plans at my house are typically decided by convenience rather than culinary expertise or a desire to experiment. As such, we have a few foolproof meals that regularly make it into our weeknight rotation, and an easy chicken-and-veggie stir fry over rice is one of them. My reliance on this dish is also why we always have a bottle of Terry Hos Yum Yum Sauce in the fridge. It makes even the simplest meal taste loads better. Related: We Asked 6 Southern Chefs Their Go-To Hot Sauce (Spoiler: Tabasco Didn't Make The Cut) Why You Should Always Have A Bottle of Yum Yum Sauce Terry Ho's The mayonnaise-based sauce may be most often associated with hibachi restaurants and Japanese steakhouses, but in constantly keeping it on hand, my husband and I have learned it tastes good on just about everything, from oven-baked salmon to chicken fingers. Ive even caught him dipping his pizza in it, which feels a bridge too far for me, but hey! His dinner, his choice. While Ive long loved Yum Yum Sauce, I only recently learned that the versatile condiment is actually a Georgia-born product, developed by Terry Ho himself, who immigrated to the U.S. from Taiwan as a child and grew up in Albany. The restaurateur behind Hibachi Express and more than 20 eateries throughout the South began bottling the stuff in 2012, and its now available across the country, including in my go-to local Publix. Good thing too, since a bottle of it never lasts very long in our house. And while I was delighted to discover the sauces Georgia roots, perhaps I shouldnt have been surprised. After all, the very best Southern foodsfrom pear salad to chocolate cakeall start with mayo. Read the original article on Southern Living Photo by Marie Martin on Unsplash Photo by Marie Martin on Unsplash (The Center Square) Texas will become the seventh state to ban the production and sale of lab-grown meat in September. Florida was the first, followed by Alabama last year. This year, five more states, including Texas, followed. They did so after the Trump administration took the opposite approach. In 2019, the first Trump administration was the first in U.S. history to begin the process to authorize lab-grown chicken, seafood and beef in the U.S. In 2023, under former President Joe Biden, the U.S. became the second country in the world to approve the production and sale of lab-grown meat. Recognizing the importance of the Texas cattle industry and health concerns expressed by Texans, state Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, filed SB 261 to ban the sale of lab-grown meat in Texas. The bill, which includes civil and criminal penalties, received bipartisan support and was signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott last month. It becomes effective Sept. 1. The introduction of lab-grown meat could disrupt traditional livestock markets, affecting rural economies and family farms, Perrys bill analysis states. There are concerns over transparency in labeling, risk of contamination, and the long-term health impacts of consuming cell-cultured products. The measure prohibits the production and sale of cell-cultured protein products in Texas to protect consumers and support traditional agriculture. Cell-cultured protein is made by harvesting animal cells and growing them in a bioreactor to produce tissue-based food products, the analysis explains. Earlier this year, the Texas legislature passed a resolution officially recognizing a State Steak of Texas, highlighting Texas as the birthplace of many iconic culinary traditions, including those tied to cattle drives, chuck wagons, and steak houses, all of which have cemented steak as an integral part of the state's culture and cuisine, The Center Square reported. Texas remains the undisputable leader with the most beef cattle in the U.S., representing nearly 15% of the national beef market, The Center Square reported. Texas cattle, including beef and dairy, are Texas top agricultural commodity, representing $15.5 billion in market value in 2022, according to state agriculture data. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was the first governor in the country to sign a lab-grown meat ban last year in an effort to protect the states cattle and agricultural industry. Alabama wasnt far behind. This year, five more states followed. In February, South Dakotas governor signed its ban into law. In March, Mississippis ban was approved. In May, Nebraskas ban was signed into law. In July, Indiana implemented a two-year ban on lab-grown meat. Georgia attempted to implement a ban this year, HB 201, which went nowhere this legislative session. Arizona passed a bill this year, HB 2739, requiring labeling on all cell-grown products. State legislative action was taken after the first Trump administrations departments of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service and Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration announced a formal agreement to jointly oversee the production of human food products derived from the cells of livestock and poultry. The regulatory framework directed the FDA to oversee cell collection, cell banks, and cell growth and differentiation. By 2023, the Biden administration continued the Trump administrations work. Its FDA and USDA approved California-based Upside Foods and Good Meat to sell cell-based chicken products, which are currently being sold in restaurants nationwide. Upside Foods sued Florida last year arguing its ban is unconstitutional. A federal judge allowed the lawsuit to go forward this April. It remains unclear if the California company or others like it will sue the seven states that have so far implemented bans. Last month, the second Trump administration continued the efforts it began in 2019 when the FDA and USDA approved a San Francisco-based cell-based seafood company Wildtype to market its products that are currently being served in restaurants. It was approved after agri-giant Cargill and partners invested more than $100 million to launch an alternative to salmon, Just Food reported. Although the U.S. began its process in 2019, Singapore was the first country in the world to officially authorize the production of lab-grown meat in 2020. The U.S. was the second in 2023. Last year, Israel became the third after an Israeli company, Aleph Farms, received approval to sell lab-grown meat in Israel and the Middle East. Several European countries are also moving toward approving lab grown meat, according to several news reports. Texas Democrats on Friday traveled to California and Illinois for meetings with Democratic governors who have criticized Republicans' plans to redraw the Texas congressional map to protect the GOP House majority. The day of meetings with Gov. Gavin Newsom of California and Gov. JB Pritzker of Illinois comes as Texas Democrats are weighing a walkout from the ongoing special legislative session where redistricting could be considered in Austin - in a bid to obstruct and delay the efforts. "They're changing the rules in the middle of the game this is cheating," Pritzker said on Friday of the GOP-led effort in Texas. "Everything is on the table." Scott Olson/Getty Images - PHOTO: Illinois Governor JB Pritzker speaks during a rally where he announced he would be seeking a third term in the Illinois governor's office, June 26, 2025, in Chicago. MORE: Texas Republicans might redraw congressional maps. Democrats plan to strike back Texas state Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins, chair of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, told ABC News she was hoping to receive guidance on how to navigate the redistricting situation from Newsom, who has frequently sparred with the Trump administration. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, proclaiming a special legislative session that focused largely on flood relief, included redistricting on the agenda "in light of constitutional concerns raised by the U.S. Department of Justice." Brandon Bell/Getty Images - PHOTO: The State Capitol is seen, July 21, 2025, in Austin, Texas. In a letter earlier this month, the Trump Justice Department told Texas that four majority minority districts represented by Democrats needed to be redrawn, citing a recent federal court decision and arguing they were now "unconstitutional racial gerrymanders." President Donald Trump has rubber-stamped the Texas effort, saying he wants his party to pick up five seats if Texas redraws its congressional maps. (States redo their maps every decade with new Census data, and rarely attempt to do so absent a court order mid-decade.) Taken with Republican-led redistricting efforts in Ohio and other GOP-controlled states, the changes to Texas' map could help Republicans insulate their fragile House majority from the historic midterm backlash presidents traditionally face from voters. Jemal Countess/Getty Images - PHOTO: The Capitol, July 24, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday suggested his state could revisit its map, which Republicans remade after the 2020 Census, because, in part, of "the way the population has shifted around Florida just since the census was done in 2020 -- I think the state is malapportioned." In response, Democratic leaders in states like California, Illinois and New Jersey have raised the possibility of revisiting their maps if Texas moves forward, though some states face more legal and constitutional restrictions than Texas to do so. MORE: House Republicans head home for recess, sure to face Epstein questions when they get there While there has been speculation that Texas Democrats could interrupt the special session by walking out or breaking quorum, the travels on Friday do not break quorum and members are not framing it as a walkout. In the state House, Democrats would need 51 members to agree to break quorum, and they'd all risk fines for doing so. The effort, which Democrats have attempted in the past, would be unlikely to do more than delay Republicans' efforts to redraw the maps. "I am more than willing to participate in a quorum break," State Rep. Gina Hinojosa told ABC News on Friday while cautioning that discussion of one is premature. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images - PHOTO: Maryland Governor Wes Moore addresses a commemoration ceremony on the anniversary of the Francis Scott Key Bridge disaster, March 26, 2025, in Dundalk, Md. MORE: White House, Texas Republicans weigh redistricting to protect GOP House majority Some Democrats, who for years have advocated for nonpartisan redistricting, say the party should respond in kind to GOP efforts. "I think one of the things we can say while maintaining a reform principle is that we believe in an independent commission and independent redistricting, but that should only kick in when Texas agrees to it, or when Florida agrees to it," said Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif. The chair of the Texas redistricting committee, Republican state Rep. Cody Vasut, said during a Thursday hearing that "it is prudent and proper" for the committee to deal with items the governor put on the agenda, and that "we have no plans to change any particular district." Others are waiting to see if Texas actually moves forward with changes to its map. "We have to think about what should our response be, and how do we make sure that we have a response that's actually meeting voters with what they're hoping for, instead of actually making a system worse for voters," Gov. Wes Moore, D-Md., told ABC News. Experts have told ABC News that either party could risk backlash from voters or in court, depending on how they redraw their state maps. And efforts to make Democrat-held districts in Texas more friendly to GOP pickup could weaken Republicans' hold on neighboring red districts. SAN FRANCISCO, July 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP is investigating a data breach impacting the sensitive personal information of individuals affiliated with Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah. BYU recently learned that an unauthorized actor gained access to files on its servers between April 25, 2025, and April 27, 2025. DATA BREACH ALERT: Brigham Young University (BYU). If your data was impacted, you may be entitled to money damages. Post this Although the breach occurred in April 2025, BYU did not begin notifying affected individuals until on or around July 23, 2025, which may have violated state and federal laws. The following information may have been compromised in the breach: names and Social Security numbers (SSNs). If your personal information was impacted by this incident, you may be at risk of identity theft and other serious violations of your privacy. As a result, you may be entitled to money damages and an injunction requiring changes to BYU's cybersecurity practices. If you received notification of this data breach or are affiliated with BYU and wish to obtain additional information about your legal rights, please contact us today or visit our website at https://www.classactionlawyers.com/brighamyounguni. About Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe represents shareholders, employees, and consumers in class actions against corporate defendants, as well as shareholders in derivative actions against their officers and directors. The firm is based in San Francisco, and with the help of co-counsel, litigates cases nationwide. Contact Sonum Dixit Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP [email protected] Tel: 415-299-8207 SOURCE Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called on lawmakers to draw new congressional maps during a special legislative session. (Brandon Bell / Getty Images file) COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. As Texas Republicans plow ahead with a plan to redraw congressional maps ahead of schedule, many governors are increasingly grappling with an issue that they didnt think theyd have to confront until the end of the decade. Texas unscheduled redistricting effort which Republicans hope could help protect their narrow House majority during next years midterm elections has had a ripple effect, with governors across the country floating the possibility of following suit to either add to or counter or the plan, depending on their party affiliation. At the summer meeting of the bipartisan National Governors Association in Colorado Springs, Democrats largely condemned the efforts in Texas while cheering on efforts by members of their own party in other states. Its deplorable, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, said in an interview on the sidelines of the summit, referring to Texas Republicans attempt. When it came to threats by Democratic Govs. Gavin Newsom of California and Kathy Hochul of New York to forge ahead with plans to redraw congressional lines in their states, Murphy added, I dont think we have a choice. If theyre going to play these games, were going to have to be just as aggressive, Murphy said, adding that we cant bring a knife to a gunfight. Asked if hed condone a redistricting effort in New Jersey, Murphy said all options are on the table in New Jersey, though he acknowledged that there were major obstacles to doing so. I fear there are significant constitutional constraints here in our own [state] constitution, he said. In New Jersey, like in many other states, an independent commission oversees redistricting. But we are looking at all options and we have to, as Democrats. If this is the way the other guys are going to go, we have to respond forcefully, Murphy said. We have no choice. Hawaiis Democratic Gov. Josh Green called the actions by Texas Republicans really sinister, unconscionable and completely unethical, and called on his fellow Democratic governors to fight fire with fire. Its an obvious attempt to steal elections, Green said, though he also said that the Democratic Party cant stand by and watch it happen. Its very unfortunate, because two wrongs dont make a right. But we cant allow one party to break the rules and then consistently in the future break more rules, he added. Its turning into a knife fight, Green said. Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott kicked off a special legislative session on Monday, with congressional redistricting one of the topics on lawmakers to-do list. The New York Times reported last month that members of Trumps political operation had privately urged Texas Republicans to redraw their maps ahead of the 2026 midterms. And Trump himself has publicly praised the efforts, urging Texas lawmakers to take actions that would help the GOP gain five House seats. Republicans currently control 25 of Texas 38 congressional districts. The redistricting process typically occurs at the start of each new decade, when new census data is available. Texas current maps were drawn in 2021, following the 2020 census, though they are still being fought over in court. The Republican effort in Texas has prompted some Democrats to fight back by threatening their own mid-decade redistricting schemes. Most prominently, Newsom, a potential 2028 presidential contender, has raised the idea of redrawing Californias maps. But that effort would come with major obstacles: An independent commission controls the redistricting process in California, not the governor. On Thursday, Hochul entered the fray as well, responding to a question about redistricting in New York by saying: Alls fair in love and war, according to Politico. While not promising action, she added that shed look at it closely with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. Elsewhere, Illinois Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker responded to a question about whether his state should pursue redistricting to counterbalance Texas push by accusing Republicans of trying to cheat ahead of the midterms. And a spokesman for Marylands Democratic Gov. Wes Moore told The New York Times this week he will continue to evaluate all options. On the other side of the aisle, just days after the state Supreme Court upheld the states newest congressional map, Floridas Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis said that there may be more defects that need to be remedied. He added that population shifts in the state since the census has led him to believe the state is malapportioned and that it would be appropriate to do a redistricting here in the mid-decade. And in Ohio, state lawmakers are required to draw new congressional maps before 2026 because their current lines passed without bipartisan support. Republicans control 10 of Ohios 15 House seats. Other Democratic leaders at the NGA did not urge their partys fellow governors to move forward with their own redistricting plans. I would really call upon Texas Republicans to not yield to the temptation and to stick with the map that they themselves drew that benefits Republicans in the Texas delegation and continue with that until the normal redistricting period occurs at the end of the decade, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said in an interview. In Colorado, like in California, redistricting efforts are overseen by an independent commission. Meanwhile, some Republicans at the NGA expressed displeasure with the redistricting threats from both parties. Ill be perfectly honest. I only think about it once every 10 years, Utah GOP Gov. Spencer Cox said in an interview. Obviously, theres concerns about gerrymandering, and both sides are doing it you know, nobody has clean hands. I dont love it. I wish there was a better way. I wish there was a nonpartisan way. Lots of states have tried, Cox added. Former Colorado Gov. Bill Owens, a Republican, said hed refuse to condemn Texas efforts, even though he himself helped Colorado advance its own independent redistricting commission. So long as so many Democratic states still redistrict the old-fashioned way, so will Republican states. So I have no criticism for Texas, given that theyre working within the same rules that have governed so many states Democrats and Republicans in the past, Owens said. He added that his own approach, if he were still governor, would be to try to do redistricting in a bipartisan fashion. Amid the Trump administration's ongoing crackdown on illegal immigration, the nation's immigration service is warning immigrants to carry their green card or visa at all times. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services posted the reminder July 23 on social media: "Always carry your alien registration documentation. Not having these when stopped by federal law enforcement can lead to a misdemeanor and fines." Here's what immigrants and American citizens need to know. 'Carry your papers' law isn't new The law requiring lawful immigrants and foreign visitors to carry their immigration documents has been on the books for decades, dating to the 1950s. The Immigration and Nationality Act states: "Every alien, eighteen years of age and over, shall at all times carry with him and have in his personal possession any certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card issued to him." But the law had rarely been imposed before the Trump administration announced earlier this year that it would strictly enforce it. The "carry your papers" portion fell out of use for cultural and historical reasons, said Michelle Lapointe, legal director of the nonprofit American Immigration Council. Federal agents detain a man after his court hearing in immigration court at the Ted Weiss Federal Building on July 9, 2025 in New York City. In contrast to the Soviet bloc at the time the requirement was written, "We have never been a country where you have to produce evidence of citizenship on demand from law enforcement." In a "Know Your Rights" presentation, the ACLU cautions immigrants over age 18 to follow the law and "carry your papers with you at all times." "If you dont have them," the ACLU says, "tell the officer that you want to remain silent, or that you want to consult a lawyer before answering any questions." A 'precious' document at risk Many immigrants preferred to hold their green card or visa in safe-keeping, because, like a passport, they are expensive and difficult to obtain. Historically, it was "a little risky for people to carry these precious documents such as green card, because there is a hefty fee to replace it and they are at risk of not having proof of status a precarious position to be in," Lapointe said. But as immigration enforcement has ramped up, the risks of not carrying legal documents have grown. Failure to comply with the law can result in a $100 fine, or imprisonment of up to 30 days. Attention Always carry your alien registration documentation. Not having these when stopped by federal law enforcement can lead to a misdemeanor and fines. pic.twitter.com/WAmOeQtLjP CBP (@CBP) July 23, 2025 Immigration enforcement and 'racial profiling' U.S. citizens aren't required to carry documents that prove their citizenship. But in an environment of increasing immigration enforcement, Fernando Garcia, executive director of the nonprofit Border Network for Human Rights in El Paso, Texas, said he worries about U.S. citizens being targeted. "With massive raids and mass deportation, this takes a new dimension," he said. "How rapidly are we transitioning into a 'show me your papers' state?" "The problem is there are a lot of people Mexicans, or Central Americans who are U.S. citizens who dont have to carry anything, but they have the burden of proof based on racial profiling," he said. "There are examples of U.S. citizens being arrested already, based on their appearance and their race." Strawbery Banke Museum of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in partnership with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, hosts a naturalization ceremony July 4, 2025. Not just immigrants: Why some Native American citizens worry about getting caught in ICE's net American citizens targeted by ICE The Trump administration's widening immigration crackdown has already netted American citizens. In July, 18-year-old Kenny Laynez, an American citizen, was detained for six hours by Florida Highway Patrol and Border Patrol agents. He was later released. Federal agents also detained a California man, Angel Pina, despite his U.S. citizenship in July. He was later released. Elzon Limus, a 23-year-old U.S. citizen from Long Island, New York, decried his arrest by ICE agents in June, after he was released. In a video of the arrest, immigration agents demand Limus show ID, with one explaining he "looks like somebody we are looking for." In updated guidance, attorneys at the firm of Masuda, Funai, Eifert & Mitchell, which has offices in Chicago, Detroit and Los Angeles, advise U.S. who are concerned about being stopped and questioned "to carry a U.S. passport card or a copy of their U.S. passport as evidence of U.S. citizenship." Lauren Villagran can be reached at lvillagran@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Carry your papers' law: What immigrants need to know A homeless tent set up in the City of Seattle. By Spencer Pauley | The Center Square (The Center Square) President Donald Trumps new executive order is a sharp blow to Washington state municipalities Housing First strategies, with potential loss of federal funding if they do not adhere to new requirements. Trumps executive order, signed on Thursday, aims to address the nations homelessness crisis by redirecting federal funding to substance abuse treatment, enforcing bans on open drug use and camping on public property, and prohibiting funding for drug injection sites, which no Washington municipality has established. The order also prioritizes grants for compliant states and municipalities, and ensures sex offenders receiving homelessness assistance are not housed in the same building as children. King County and Seattle, utilize a Housing First approach to ending homelessness, which Trumps order threatens to end. The King County Regional Homelessness Authority, or KCRHA, coordinates funding and services for unhoused people in the states most populated county. The agency faces a potential loss of $25.4 million in 2026 federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development if it does not revise its Housing First strategy, which prioritizes stable housing before addressing other root causes of homelessness. Proponents say providing housing first for people experiencing homelessness helps them regain dignity before they can tackle other issues, like drug addiction. But a growing number of people have grown uncomfortable with visible tent encampments on streets, reports of open drug use and crime associated with the unhoused population that continues to increase in King County and Washington. Republican-aligned organizations, including Future 42 and the Discovery Institute, have been staunch advocates for a treatment-first approach to homelessness in Washington. Supporters of this approach say it would better equip Washington municipalities to address homelessness, which they believe is interwoven with drug addiction and mental health issues. Future 42 Snohomish County Director Nate Nehring called the Housing First and harm reduction policies a demonstrable failure in Washington state and beyond, and believes Trumps executive order is a positive step forward for people advocating for community safety as a priority. To date, we have seen increased overdose rates and a reduced sense of safety, all while the tax burden has grown heavier as billions of dollars are poured into unsuccessful programs, Nehring told The Center Square in an email. We can now have confidence that by focusing on the root causes of homelessness, namely drug addiction and mental illness, the most vulnerable in our communities will be better served. Proponents of the Housing First approach acknowledge that a portion of people living on the streets suffer from substance abuse and mental illness, but they see a correlation between the homelessness crisis and the affordability crisis that leads to lives spiraling. In a previous interview with KCRHA Chief Research and Data Officer Tim Thomas, he told The Center Square that the unhoused people on the streets represent just a portion of the regions homeless population of over 16,000. He explained that people can be behind on one-months rent and begin a steep decline into homelessness. This dramatic change in ones life can sometimes lead to substance use as a desperate attempt to bear with stress. Still, treatment-first supporters, like Discovery Institute President Steven Buri, say Trumps executive order will save lives while improving communities. President Trumps historic action redirects the nations homeless response away from permanent housing with no restrictions to a compassionate alternative focused on treatment, recovery, and the goal of self-sufficiency for those suffering on our streets, Buri said. For Washington cities and counties grappling with homelessness, the choice may no longer be between Housing First or treatment first, but between following federal orders or losing the funding to try either. KCRHA acknowledged The Center Squares request for comment and is working on responses for a follow-up story. (Reuters) -Union Pacific, the largest U.S. railroad operator, could reach an agreement to acquire rival Norfolk Southern as soon as early next week, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter. Union Pacific had said on Thursday it is in advanced talks to acquire its rival, signaling that a deal to form a $200 billion coast-to-coast rail company could be close - and potentially trigger further consolidation among remaining freight rail giants. Union Pacific declined to comment, while Norfolk Southern did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. The combination, which would be the largest-ever buyout in the sector, would create the first modern West-to-East single-line freight railroad in the United States, significantly affecting how goods from grains to chemicals to autos move across the country. The fact that talks are advancing has surprised many in the rail industry and Wall Street as the U.S. freight rail system already functions as two regional duopolies by point of origin. The talks show how thinking around antitrust issues has shifted under President Donald Trump's administration, with his executive orders aimed at removing anti-competitive barriers and opening the door to potential megamergers in the industry. If completed, the deal would combine Union Pacifics dominant position in the western two-thirds of the U.S. with Norfolk Southerns 19,500-mile network spanning 22 eastern states. Union Pacific is valued at approximately $138 billion, according to LSEG data. The company has been grappling with sluggish automotive volumes and volatile coal shipments as power producers shift to natural gas, which is shipped by pipeline. Norfolk Southern, which is worth about $63 billion, is emerging from a turbulent period that included the ouster of its former CEO amid ethics investigations, a high-profile boardroom clash with activist investor Ancora, and a costly train derailment that set the company back about $1.4 billion. (Reporting by Anusha Shah in Bengaluru; editing by Diane Craft) Stephane Cardinale - Corbis - Getty Images If the French bob brings with it a chic, understated attitude and plenty of texture, the chin-length bob is the perfect cut for anyone who loves sleek, clean lines. Its much shorter than the Birkin cut and has a polished, grown-up vibe thats easier to wear (and to maintain) than a severe micro bob. A chin-length bob doesnt have to end strictly at your chin. Its more about where it balances with the clients neck and jawline, says Reece Wentworth, stylist at Blue Tit salon. I aim to enhance a clients strongest features and let the haircut bring those out. Fellow Blue Tit stylist Millie Jocic agrees. This is something Id always ask my client to confirmwhether they consider the length to be at the jawline, at the point of the chin, or a little below, she says. Hairstyles are subjective, and non-stylists (a.k.a. you and me) often define them differently, so a reputable hairdresser should always check in before making the chop. Who will a chin-length bob suit best? If you currently have longer lengths, a chin-length bob is a dramatic transformation, notes Elle Assoldelli, stylist at The Loch salon. Its a big change, but it doesnt require a style overhaul the way awolf cut might. Given the endless variations of a bob, Assoldelli recommends thinking about your personal style and tailoring the length to it. The looks versatility means your stylist can create an elegant, high-precision chin-length bob or a softer, grungier version. How do you maintain a chin-length bob? Like most short dos, this cut takes extra upkeep. I always suggest clients rebook their next appointment right after the cut to maintain that fresh look, Wentworth says. Generally, every eight to 10 weeks keeps the shape sharp. For your first appointment, tell your salon youre booking a restyle rather than a trim, Assoldelli advises. That signals to your stylist that youre making a big changeand that they should set aside extra time. How do you find the right chin-length bob for your face shape? Pictures help, but great stylists will also discuss your lifestyle, fashion choices, and maintenance habits: How often can you afford a trim? What does your closet look like? Which facial features do you want to highlight? Together, we create something that not only suits them but also gives them that extra boost of confidence. The right bob can frame and complement any face shaperounded, angular, or long, Wentworth says. Assoldelli adds: There are a hundred ways to cut a bobsoft edges, blunt lines, fringeor no fringe. Look for a cutting specialist and follow their advice on what will suit your features, style, and hair texture. Honesty about your styling routine helps your stylist tailor a cut that really works. How to style a chin-length bob A chin-length bob is a statement in itself, thanks to its strong structure. For special occasions, Wentworth suggests a wet-look product to keep things sleek. On curly hair, Jocic likes a sea-salt spray or a lightweight curl cream with serum, then either diffuse or air-dry for a relaxed feel. Those with straight textures can let it bewith a dab of leave-in conditioner to keep strands glossy. Prefer movement? A flat iron can add subtle bends. The coolest chin-length bobs to try now: Chin-Length Bob With Waves Saoirse Ronans side-parted bob is equal parts relaxed and elegant, thanks to its fresh color tones and minimal styling. Amy Sussman - Getty Images Chin-Length Bob With Textured Waves Gigi Hadids tousled, beachy bob hairstyle is the perfect embodiment of model-off-duty vibes. Gotham - Getty Images Chin-Length Curly Bob Voluminous curls and middle-part creates brings glamour to Ayo Edebiris bob. Gilbert Carrasquillo - Getty Images The Glossy Chin-Length Bob Let your color do the talking like Maude Apatow, and finish your style with plenty of shine spray or a hydrating serum. Getty Images Chin-Length Bob With Straight Hair America Fererras sleek, side-parted bob means business. One to try for those with straight strands. Michael Tran - Getty Images Chin-Length Bob With Flipped Ends Try styling your chin-length bob with flicked out ends. Its a gentle nod to the past that looks ultra-cool when worn with modern silhouettes. Francesca Babbi - LAUNCHMETRICS SPOTLIGHT The Clean-Cut Chin-Length Bob Ready to commit? Go for a clean chop that puts your face up front and center. Its chic, elevated, and fearless. Vincenzo Grillo - LAUNCHMETRICS SPOTLIGHT Curly Chin-Length Bob With Fringe Gentle layers and face-framing pieces bring softness to this curly bob. Francesca Babbi - LAUNCHMETRICS SPOTLIGHT You Might Also Like Cartier "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Welcome to the Week in Fashion, Bazaars at-a-glance guide to what the industry is talking about. Cartier Announces Zoe Saldana as Its Latest Ambassador Welcome to the Cartier family, Zoe Saldana! This week, the luxury jewelry house announced that Saldana had been crowned a global ambassador, which came as no big surprise, given that the Oscar winner has been sporting the brand on red carpets for years. Saldana celebrated the moment on Instagram, writing: Honored to be chosen as an ambassador and embark on the next chapter of this beautiful relationship . The title was commemorated with a new photoshoot, which saw Saldana modeling pieces from the maisons Panthere de Cartier collection, including necklaces, rings, watches, and bracelets. In all her forms, the Maisons Panther is magnetic, from the latest tete a tete creations to the simple suggestion of her distinctive spots, the brand wrote. This bold creativity is shared with the Maisons latest ambassador, Zoe Saldana. Kendall Jenner Joins a Crew of Models to Star in Prada Motion Pictures Lights, camera, Prada. This week, the Italian fashion house unveiled its Fall/Winter 2025 campaign for the womens and mens collections, which was led by Kendall Jenner along with a crew of models, all photographed by Oliver Hadlee Pearch. The campaign, titled Prada Motion Pictures, captures images of free movement, bringing the designs of Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons to life, through kinetic photography and videography courtesy of Frank Lebon. Motion here is an engine for progress advancing ideas, furthering knowledge in a synergic effort, a press release states. Grouped together, moving as one, amongst these figures there is the notion of collective encounter, a shared reality, a lived experience. Together, these individuals stand stronger than alone. Willy Chavarria Joins the ACLUs Artist Ambassador Program Willy Chavarria has just been named part of the American Civil Liberties Unions (ACLU) Artist Ambassador Program as an advocate for immigrants rights and LGBTQ rightstwo causes that have been a central part of Chavarrias craft since he launched his eponymous brand in 2015. In a statement, Chavarria said: The ACLU uses every tool theyve got to fight for the rights of immigrants and the LGBTQ community, and Im honored to be able to support them in that work. Im Mexican-American and I grew up in a farming community in California powered by immigrants; all of us exposed to the harsh realities of racial and economic injustice. My work as an artist and designer has been a dialogue between identity and art. My own Chicano culture, queer culture, and my familys immigrant roots are intertwined in the fashion that my team and I create, and in our activism. I believe in using our creative gifts to defend the rights of humanity and all impacted communities not given the same rights as others for who they are or because of where theyre from. Im so grateful to join the ACLU in the fight for our rights. Gucci Unveils New Portrait Series Captured by Catherine Opie To celebrate its Fall/Winter 2025 collection, Gucci unveiled The Gucci Portrait Series, a new campaign captured by legendary photographer Catherine Opie that incorporates 42 individuals who embody the modern spirit of Gucci. A press release from the brand states: Rooted in intimate and human-centered portraiture, Opies lens reveals the authentic relationship between person and garment. In moments both composed and spontaneous, the way a jacket folds, a bag is held, or a scarf moves with the bodys rhythm becomes a subtle language of identity. Here, clothing is more than fabric and form; it is a frame within which individuality emerges, not constructed through performance, but revealed through posture, ease, and attitude. You can learn more ahead of the August 28 launch here. Jonathan Anderson and Luca Guadagnino Are Teaming Up Once Again Gilbert Flores - Getty Images Jonathan Anderson and Luca Guadagnino are a fashion match made in heaven. In 2024, Anderson teamed up with the famous director twice, for the films Challengers and Queer. At the time, Anderson was still creative director of Loewe, but he recently made his transition to the same role at Dior. Despite these changes, its clear that Andersons partnership with Guadagnino is not slowing down any time soon. Earlier this week, Anderson announced that he will be designing the costumes for Guadagninos upcoming project, Artificial. Very excited to be working with the amazing Luca Guadagnino, Anderson wrote on his Instagram Story. According to outlets like Deadline, the film is being described as a comedic drama set in the world of artificial intelligence. As for how that collaboration will come to life through costuming? Well have to wait to find out. Schiaparelli Will Support New Man Ray Exhibition at the Met Portraits of Elsa Schiaparelli by Man Ray, 1933 MAN RAY TRUST Schiaparelli has just been announced as a supporter of the new Man Ray: When Objects Dream exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Running from September 14 through February 1, 2026, the collection will comprise over 150 works of photography, sculpture, film, and more that captures the life of the singular Dada and Surrealist visual artist. Throughout his life, Man Ray had a close relationship with Schiaparelli founder Elsa Schiaparelli, after the two were introduced by mutual friend Gabrielle Buffet-Picabia. In a new statement, current creative director Daniel Roseberry said: Ive always had a special feeling for Man Raylike me, he was an American (born in Pennsylvania in 1890), and a Virgo. He was also, more significantly, an outsider in Paris, a voyeur of a scene who later became synonymous with it. And like Elsa Schiaparelli, he blurred the lines between fashion and art: Before fashion became a commercial enterprise, it was an artistic one, and thats in no small part thanks to them, and how easily they moved between genres and creative identities. You Might Also Like two giraffes Monika Wanat Feeling thirsty? You might not want to ask a giraffe for a drink, or they could share the unusual beverage they consume and we can guarantee you wouldnt like the taste. Male giraffes drink from the urine stream of a female giraffe. Why Do Male Giraffes Drink Urine? Male giraffes taste urine to test if a female is ready to mate. Monika Wanat Ok, so giraffes dont actually drink urine for fun; there is an important reason for it. A Jan. 2023 study in Animals observed adult giraffes at the Namutoni waterholes at the Etosha National Park in Namibia. They do this to see if a female is ready to mate! First, they will sniff and prod female giraffes to get them to urinate. The female will take a wide, hind-legged stance to brace herself before urinating (if she agrees to the males request, that is). While the female urinates, the males will lean down to collect the pee in their mouths. But they arent actually swallowing it or drinking it for hydration. Instead, they will pull urine into two openings in the hard palate on the roof of their mouths and into the vomeronasal organ (VNO), a process called the flehmen response. This organ detects pheromones in the urine to assess if the female giraffe is ready to mate. Notably, they will only do this from a urine stream, never from urine on the ground. Detecting pheromones from urine is crucial, as its the only way for males to determine if the female is ready to mate, i.e., approaching ovulation. Monika Wanat, PhD in natural sciences Monika Wanat, PhD in natural sciences, is an artist and award-winning photographer who has recently photographed and observed giraffes in Namibia, Botswana, Kenya, and Tanzania (and provided photos for this article!). She discusses this interesting animal behavior in a chat with A-Z Animals. Dr. Monika Wanat photographs giraffes in the wild and studies their behavior. Monika Wanat Many animals such as giraffes, horses, cows, cats, and deer taste urine to check the pheromonal signals of potential mating partners, Dr. Wanat says. In some cases, urine may also be ingested for mineral supplementation (especially salt) or as part of a maternal strategy to remove scent traces that could attract predators. According to Dr. Wanat, tasting the urine is only the first step. The main purpose is to allow the urine to reach the vomeronasal organ (VNO), which detects reproductive pheromones. In most mammals, the VNO is connected to the nasal cavity, but in giraffes, it is connected to the oral cavity through the incisive papillae. After tasting the urine, males perform a short flehmen response curling the upper lip and raising the head which helps direct the pheromones toward the VNO for detection. Urine Tasting and Survival Urine tasting is crucial for successful reproduction in giraffes, as it allows males to detect when females are fertile. Since they mate year-round, and not just at specific time periods, they need to know when the female is ready. Detecting pheromones from urine is crucial, as its the only way for males to determine if the female is ready to mate, i.e., approaching ovulation, Dr. Wanat explains. There are no visible or behavioral signs of estrus in giraffes. Giraffes and other animals use the flehmen response to detect pheromones. Monika Wanat Giraffes are like humans in that way, as we also have no obvious signs of ovulation and must monitor cervical mucus, track the ovarian cycle, or use ovulation tests. In this sense, tasting urine is a giraffe males version of an ovulation test, Dr. Wanat says. What Happens Next? Depending on what the male detects in the females urine, he will make one of two moves. A male who doesnt find fertile pheromones simply moves on to another female, says Dr. Wanat. The males strategy is to spend as little time as possible with non-fertile females. According to the 2023 study, the male giraffe may have to taste the urine of the same female multiple times in order to see if shes ready to mate. He may also test the urine of as many willing females as possible, one after another. The males strategy is to spend as little time as possible with non-fertile females, says Dr. Wanat. What If the Female Is Fertile? Giraffes are non-monogamous creatures, and a male will leave after copulation. Monika Wanat If a male determines that the female is in proestrus and ready to mate, the female can then decide whether she wants to mate with him, influencing mate choice. When a fertile female is found, [the male giraffe] temporarily guards her for hours or a few days until he detects that ovulation is imminent, Dr. Wanat explains. This is important, so he can fight off any other males who might be (literally) sniffing around. And then mates with her. Since giraffes are non-monogamous, the male leaves the female after copulation mating is his only role in reproduction. A giraffes gestation period lasts between 400 and 460 days, or about 13 to 15 months (now 9 months doesnt seem quite so long!). Once their calves are born, female giraffes will stay in nursery herds with other mothers, raising the calves together. Baby giraffes are dependent on their mothers for the first 6 to 12 months of life, after which they are gradually weaned off milk. Calves may remain with their mothers and in nursery groups for up to 18 months before becoming fully independent. Female giraffes will reach sexual maturity at about 3 to 4 years old, and male giraffes will reach sexual maturity at 4 to 5 years old. The post Why Male Giraffes Drink Urine During Mating Season appeared first on A-Z Animals. MONTROSE, Colo., July 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Clearnetworx, a fast-growing fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) subsidiary of Vero Fiber, has officially acquired Ting's fiber infrastructure across key portions of Montezuma and La Plata County, CO, and San Juan County, NM. The acquisition bolsters Clearnetworx's footprint in the Four Corners region and reinforces the company's position as a dominant fiber player across Western Colorado and the Southwest more broadly. With this move, Clearnetworx assumes control of key strategic network assets. The acquired infrastructure enhances deployment efficiency, reduces build redundancy, and enables Clearnetworx to expand its market reach while maintaining a focus on delivering excellent service to underserved and rural communities across the state. "This acquisition significantly decreases our deployment timeline in the region," said Doug Seacat, President of Clearnetworx. "It allows us to streamline construction, minimize disruption for the community, and reach more customers faster. Our goal has always been to bring big-city fiber to small towns, with the resources of a well-funded company and the mindset of a local neighbor." Clearnetworx now serves more than 12,000 active fiber customers throughout Western Colorado and Northern New Mexico, with a growing presence in communities like Durango, Bayfield, and Cortez, CO, and Farmington, NM. The acquisition complements these efforts in addition to state and federally funded network expansions in Pagosa Lakes and along Highways 160 and 184 in Colorado. "With this move, we're the leading fiber internet company making substantial infrastructure investments in this region," added Casey Irving, VP of Business Development. "We're not just expanding we're investing long term. This is a key market for us, and we're here to build, grow, and serve our community." About Clearnetworx: Clearnetworx is a locally operated fiber internet provider based in Montrose, Colorado, and a subsidiary of Vero Fiber. With an expansive and growing footprint across the Western Slope and Four Corners region, Clearnetworx specializes in FTTH deployments in underserved and rural communities, combining scalable infrastructure with local expertise to deliver reliable, affordable gigabit-speed internet. SOURCE Vero Fiber Networks by Stefano Caprio The Duma is discussing marriage with war dead, to whom it wishes to attribute civil value even if it was not possible to make it official before they left for the front, raising the question of moral relativism based on war as a civil and religious value at the same time. This debate calls into question the Orthodox Church's role in indicating the level of traditionalism of the values to be defended, as in a Russian version of medieval scholastic casuistry. The new laws and draft amendments that are being rushed through the State Duma of the Russian Federation in an increasingly frantic manner, in an attempt to legally define Russia in the most correct and patriotic way possible, are increasingly seeking to apply the moral filter of traditional values, which are mostly filtered through the assessments of the Orthodox Patriarchate of Moscow. One of the issues concerns the religious justification of marriage to the fallen and wounded of war, to whom civil value is to be attributed even if it was not possible to make it official before departure for the front, raising the question of moral relativism based on war as both a civil and religious value. Some believe that the concept of traditional values can also include murder in military actions, if this is really necessary for the state, while others find this justification rather dubious. The chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Social Affairs, Senator Andrei Klishas, has published an appeal on his Telegram channel to Patriarch Kirill (Gundjaev) of Moscow, asking for his blessing for de facto marital relationships in wartime circumstances. In this sense, women who are living together or in a civil marriage with fallen or wounded soldiers should be considered on the same level as wives united in holy matrimony, which would allow them to be included in categories with greater social guarantees. The patriarch responded directly to the speaker of parliament, Vyacheslav Volodin, stating that the project deserves support. In reality, however, the two deputy speakers, Anna Kuznetsova, wife of a priest and mother of seven children, and Irina Jarovaja, author of the most restrictive laws on religious freedom, spoke out against the proposal, considering it a violation of traditional values and asserting themselves as more orthodox than the patriarch himself. Volodin himself was forced to support the version of the two traditional ladies, and the bill was postponed indefinitely. Behind this ideological conflict lies the friendship between the powerful protoierej Vsevolod Caplin, the traditionalist advisor to the patriarchate, who died in 2020 during Covid, and the then simple senator Klisas, who was in conflict with speaker Volodin. In assessing the canonical status of marriages, it seems that Patriarch Kirill has not forgotten the balance of sympathies and antipathies between politicians and ecclesiastical institutions, despite the fact that he himself had previously defenestrated Caplin in an attempt to remain more ideologically balanced. The protoierej, who had been in the circle of religious power since the end of the Soviet period, often recalled that Patriarch Kirill is a collective project, placing him alongside the presidency of the new tsar Vladimir Putin. Not all bills, at least for now, require patriarchal blessing, but the question of the level of traditionalism of the values to be defended is nevertheless clearly raised. Without a pronouncement from the top of the Orthodox Church, these values remain in a suspended and implausible state. The issue of war marriages, beyond the specifics of each situation, is raising a rather thorny contrast between different conceptions of these values, of which the population itself has a rather vague and variable understanding, considering the Russians' lack of inclination towards stable long-term family ties, as is the case with President Putin himself and the circle of the regime's top leaders, who are still very attached to the Soviet tradition rather than the Orthodox one. The divorce law was proclaimed by Lenin in March 1918, a month after the dissolution of the constitutional assembly that had established his absolute power, allowing the unilateral annulment of marriage by one of the spouses with a simple notification to the registry office, without even informing the husband or wife. At the time of Brezhnev, when the young Putin and Kirill were growing up, the Soviet authorities tried to revive the image of marriage by celebrating civil ceremonies that mimicked church rites, but with very little success. The tradition of values thus presented itself as a strange alternative between fundamentalism and ikonomia, using the Orthodox term for canonicity, considering that in the traditions of the Russian Church, second and even third marriages are permitted as reparation for the failure of the sacramental marriage. The indissoluble marriage is in fact mainly propagated by super-conservative lay people, such as the Orthodox oligarch and Putin ideologue Konstantin Malofeev, who, incidentally, left his first wife to marry the ex-wife of an Orthodox priest. Following the advice of the most fervent startsy of the monasteries, Malofeev and his followers of the Russian Orthodox Universal Council propagate the importance of canonical marriage, except when it comes to obtaining ecclesiastical dispensations for themselves. Russian Orthodox traditionalists are, moreover, partly influenced by the campaigns of the most conservative American Protestants, who had a considerable influence in Russia in the 1990s, in a short circuit of influences and negations that is now taking its toll at the global ideological level. The ban on abortion and opposition to divorce are also key issues for the most fervent Russians, who nevertheless have to contend with the habits of a people whose abortion and divorce rates are among the highest in the world. Malofeev and his supporter Ekaterina Muzilina, director of the Children's Aid Center, had very close ties to the World Congress of Families linked to American neoconservatives, which were obviously suspended in 2014 with the start of the conflict in Ukraine, but now seem to be gaining strength again with the new Donald Trump administration. This connection had been described as the moralistic turn of the Kremlin in recent years. Patriarch Kirill has therefore sought to reestablish the Orthodox principle of ikonomia, a more flexible version of the application of canonical norms, according to which different circumstances and factors must be evaluated in each individual case, as in the casuistry of medieval scholasticism also adopted by Russian theological academies. The Russian interpretation of this approach considers primarily the usefulness for the life of the state before the needs of individual believers: if the state is generally in favor of traditional values, then there is no need to split hairs over individual issues. The needs of the state are the source of redemption for various infringements of moral laws, and are capable of sacralizing even the most disorderly marriages, from that of the president to those of soldiers in the field. Civil widows can therefore hold their heads high and receive the material benefits of their status, which is considered honorable, thereby ensuring further support for the war with gratitude to the loving state and the merciful Church. The administrator of the patriarchate, Igumena Ksenia Chernega, has made it clear that the Church supports the bill not only out of sympathy, but to support the president's intentions in confirming the values of the heroes and veterans of the holy war. To support these principles, family parades have been taking place throughout Russia since the beginning of July in preparation for the solemn feast of the Baptism of Rus' on July 28, with hundreds of thousands of citizens gathered in various generations of families, from Kamchatka to Kaliningrad, grandparents, parents, children, and grandchildren, regardless of their canonical status, to exalt the slogan that Russia is the family of families. After all, until the day before the Baptism of 988, Prince Vladimir of Kiev himself was famous for his large number of wives and concubines (mostly minors), which ancient chronicles counted at over eight hundred, and even his twelve official sons, the future leaders of the tribes of the new chosen people, were fathered by different wives. Only one of them, the eldest prince Svjatopolk, known as the Damned, was the son of a foreigner, the Byzantine princess Irina, for whom Vladimir had accepted Christian baptism, partly because of economic agreements with Constantinople. It was he, the first foreign agent in Russian history, who started the war with all his other brothers, killing the youngest, Boris and Gleb, the first saints canonized in Russian history in 1025, when the schism with the Catholics had not yet taken place. Fortunately, Vladimir's successors, starting with his other son Yaroslav the Wise, put everything back in order with the successful war in the territories of present-day Ukraine, reestablishing the traditional values of Russian Christianity and its victories against all the temptations of the world. RUSSIAN WORLD IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO RUSSIA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY SATURDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE. by Melani Manel Perera Nadeesha Chandrasena has received the Global Award for Intellectual Property (WIPO) for her Smart Drain, an anti-clogging drainage system that prevents urban flooding. The device is patented and can be monitored in real time, overcoming the problem of drainage channels clogged with waste in large cities. The award is a source of pride for the country and its women's movements. Colombo (AsiaNews) - Dr. Nadeesha Chandrasena, a female engineer from Sri Lanka, has been awarded for her Smart Drain, an innovative rainwater drainage system, by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), a specialized agency of the United Nations that celebrates innovation and creativity driven by intellectual property. The news was received with great pride in Colombo: Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya met her personally on Monday in Colombo to congratulate her. The Smart Drainthe Sri Lankan engineer's project selected in Geneva as one of the 10 winners of the 2025 Global Awardsis a clog-resistant drainage system designed to prevent urban flooding, even when traditional drainage is blocked by debris. Thanks to a double-layer design, it captures solid substances such as plastic and allows rainwater to pass through unimpeded. The system allows real-time monitoring of water levels, enabling municipal officials to take effective measures against flood threats. Over 780 organizations from 95 countries have chosen Smart Drain, appreciating the scalability of the device, which addresses the effects of climate change in highly populated urban areas. Expressing her delight at the award, Dr. Nadeesha Chandrasena said that the recognition highlights local innovation that addresses global challenges. The Global Award for Intellectual Property (WIPO) offers winners global visibility, professional guidance, and assistance in using intellectual property to expand their businesses on a global scale. This opportunity could lead to wider large-scale deployment of the award-winning device. Nadeesha Chandrasena had already won another award for the world's best engineering invention, beating a team from a world-renowned company such as Tesla, which had access to cutting-edge technologies. Chandrasena was an officer in the Sri Lankan army, a journalist for a newspaper, and a consultant for the Land Reclamation Corporation. There were times when her skills did not find the space they deserved, and she eventually moved to Australia. Every time she received an award, she always reiterated: This belongs to my people who were born thanks to free education and healthcare in my country. She added: This victory is not only a recognition of our work, but a testament to the innovative potential of Sri Lankan engineers and scientists in solving real-world problems. AsiaNews has collected some comments from citizens. The doctor is an intelligent woman who has once again made Sri Lanka a world leader. We are proud of her. We thank her for making us proud as a country and as women before the world, was the first. Women like her are a great light for our country and for the whole world. She has shown us that as a woman and as a mother, she can achieve her dreams alongside her responsibilities. Dr. Nadeesha Chandrasena also represents the best example of how every woman can be a role model for the world if she believes in her abilities and works hard, because, whatever barriers she has faced in her life, she has not given up on her determination, said the Movement of Christian Women's Voice (MoCWV). We therefore congratulate her and wish her continued strength of will and openness to further innovation. Today's headlines: Death toll rises to 33 in Cambodia and Thailand, ceasefire stalled; Philippine Supreme Court dismisses impeachment request against Sara Duterte on procedural grounds; School collapses in Rajasthan, killing seven children; L'Osservatore Romano reports on Suhail, the young Catholic from Gaza who was seriously injured in the attack on the Church of the Holy Family. TAIWAN Nearly 6.79 million voters in nine counties and cities in Taiwan are voting today to decide whether 24 members of the Kuomintang, the Chinese Nationalist Party, will retain or lose their seats. The vote follows a political initiative by the Progressive Democratic Partythe party of President Lai Ching-te, which does not currently hold a majority in the local parliamentwhich, availing itself of a provision in the local constitution, promoted this popular vote of no confidence. In constituencies where the vote is successful, the representatives will have to resign and will not be able to run for the same office for a period of four years. If this recall vote does not reach the required quorum, the officials in question will not be subject to a similar procedure for the remainder of their term. Seven other Kuomintang representatives will face the same fate on August 23. THAILAND-CAMBODIA Despite attempts to reach a ceasefire, the death toll on both sides has risen to 33 in the border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, now in their third day. A total of more than 200,000 people are reported to have been displaced. Phnom Penh continues to declare itself ready for an unconditional truce, while Bangkok accuses its neighbor of seeking to internationalize the crisis and refusing direct negotiations. According to Cambodia, Thailand is further intensifying its attacks this morning, while Bangkok claims to have also used the navy to counter Cambodian incursions. PHILIPPINES The Philippine Supreme Court has blocked the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, requested by the Philippine House of Representatives in February on charges of misusing public funds and threatening to kill President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. The court (dominated by judges appointed by her father Rodrigo Duterte during his presidency) raised a procedural flaw, noting that the constitutional ban on initiating multiple impeachment proceedings in a single year had been violated. While not acquitting Sara Duterte, this verdict gives her a respite from possible removal from office, at least until February. INDIA Part of a public school building collapsed yesterday in the Jhalawar district of Rajasthan state, killing seven children and injuring 28 others. The section of the Piplod Public School building housing the 6th and 7th grade classrooms collapsed, burying the students. Angry locals said they had informed the local administrative official and magistrate about the dangerous condition of the school building, but no action had been taken. GAZA-ISRAEL The last word is not for death and war, but for life and peace. Because peace is stronger than war. Suhail Aboo Dawood, the young Palestinian Catholic from the parish of the Holy Family who kept a diary from Gaza in the Holy See's daily newspaper before being seriously injured in the July 17 attack, writes this in a new article for L'Osservatore Romano. In the article, Suhail recounts from his hospital bed what happened that day, the long surgery he underwent, and the deep faith with which his community is living through this new trial. RUSSIA The Russian authorities have put up for auction the Golden Beach of Sevastopol in Crimea, 2.7 hectares offered for rent for 20 years starting at 1 million rubles, with a ban on removing trees in the area, which is a national park much loved by lovers of wild tourism who come to relax in camping tents. The Crimean ports of Yalta and Evpatoria had also been put up for auction previously. MONGOLIA-KYRGYZSTAN-TAJIKISTAN After concluding his visit to Kyrgyzstan, Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh traveled to Tajikistan, continuing his travels to give a major boost to the expansion and strengthening of friendly relations with the countries of Central Asia, with official talks and the signing of cooperation agreements with Emomali Rakhmon in Dushanbe. Champion local news. Join our community of readers who value daily beat reporting and in-depth stories alike. Your membership allows us to continue the legacy of local, independent journalism in the Roaring Fork Valley. With your support, we can remain a free and accessible source of news for everyone, always without paywalls or corporate influence. Together, we can ensure that vital local stories are told. NEW YORK, July 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of the "Western Asset US Core Bond Fund" mutual fund classes Class I (ticker: "WATFX"), Class A (ticker: "WABAX"), Class C (ticker: "WABCX"), Class FI (ticker: "WAPIX"), Class IS (ticker: "WACSX"), and Class R (ticker: "WABRX") and the "Western Asset Core Plus Bond Fund" mutual fund classes Class A (ticker: "WAPAX"), Class C (ticker: "WAPCX"), Class C1 (ticker: "LWCPX"), Class FI (ticker: "WACIX"), Class R (ticker: "WAPRX"), Class I (ticker: "WACPX"), Class IS (ticker: "WAPSX") between January 1, 2021 and October 31, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 5, 2025. So What: If you purchased Western Asset mutual funds during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. What to do next: To join the Western Asset class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31956 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email [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. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Details of the case: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants failed to warn investors that: (1) Defendants favored certain WAMCO strategies, like Macro Opps, over other WAMCO strategies, like Core and Core Plus; (2) Defendants disfavored certain WAMCO strategies, like Core and Core Plus; (3) any "compliance policies and procedures" that WAMCO maintained "to result in fair allocations of investment opportunities to clients" were either insufficient to ensure that Leech and his WAMCO Team fairly allocated trades among the strategies they managed or were expressly disregarded by defendants in order to allow the favoring of certain WAMCO strategies at the expense of other WAMCO strategies; (3) any "oversight mechanisms" that WAMCO maintained were either insufficient to monitor Leech and his WAMCO Team or were expressly disregarded by Defendants in order to allow the favoring of certain WAMCO strategies at the expense of other WAMCO strategies. As a result, defendants' actions operated as a fraud or deceit on the Class, artificially reducing the price of the "Western Asset US Core strategy" mutual fund classes during the Class Period, damaging Class members. To join the Western Asset class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31956 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email [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. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 26 July 2025 14:21 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The Circassian genocide and forced deportation of 1864 remain among the darkest chapters of 19th-century history in the North Caucasus. This tragic event, often referred to as the Great Exile, was a direct result of the Russian Empires colonial policies aimed at crushing Circassian resistancemost notably following the prolonged resistance led by Imam Shamil. On May 21, 1864, after a fierce conflict, the Russian Empire decisively defeated the Circassians, triggering the mass deportation of approximately 1.5 million people from their ancestral lands in the North Caucasus to the Ottoman Empire, covering present-day Turkiye, Syria, Jordan, and other regions. Hundreds of thousands perished from hunger, disease, and exhaustion during this forced migration. To date, only a few countries, including Georgia (2011), East Turkestan (government in exile, 2023), and Ukraine (2025), have officially recognized the Circassian genocide. The Circassian diaspora, estimated at around 7 million worldwide, continues its tireless campaign for international recognition and the right of return. The United Circassian Council has recently called on major international organizations, such as the United Nations, European Union, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and UNESCO, to support the recognition of this historical injustice. Given these developments, Azernews asked Caucasus history researcher and author Cem Kumuk for his perspective on how the Circassian genocide recognition effort might resonate in the international community, and what role countries with strong historical ties to the Circassian people, such as Turkiye, could play in this process: Circassian and North Caucasian civil society organizations involved in immigration have been fighting for decades to have the Circassian genocide widely recognized in the international arena. It is well known that official recognition of genocide claims depends on legitimacy granted by the United Nations Security Council. However, ironically, all permanent members of the Security Council with veto power have histories involving genocide. This creates a significant bottleneck, making it unlikely that any genocide claim, including the Circassian genocide, will be accepted by the Security Council. Moreover, even if the Security Council were to accept the allegations of the Circassian genocide, it lacks sanctioning power over the current Russian Federation," Cem Kumruk noted. He added that it is challenging for individual states to recognize the Circassian genocide through official parliamentary resolutions due to their energy, trade, and diplomatic relations with Russia. Official recognition, as seen in the case of Ukraine, often depends on a countrys political relations with Russia having escalated to conflict. "While the Circassian genocide is often overlooked in international diplomatic circles for these reasons, Russia has long been condemned in the global public conscience for its brutal actions against the Circassians 160 years ago. No official confirmation or denial can change this reality. Therefore, the fundamental focus of the Circassian struggle should not be solely on formal recognition of the genocide but on legalizing and facilitating the return of Circassians to their ancestral homeland. This will require cooperation and concrete measures from relevant states, especially Russia. Today, the Circassians seek justice, not revenge, he he concluded. 26 July 2025 10:00 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more On July 25, the Supervisory Board of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) held its latest meeting, Azernews reports, citing the company. According to information, the session was chaired by Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Supervisory Board. During the meeting, the Board reviewed SOCARs audited financial and operational results for 2024. Members were also updated on various matters previously discussed at the Boards last in-person meeting. A key item on the agenda was the discussion and approval of SOCARs fully consolidated and adjusted budget for 2025. Additionally, the companys performance over the first six months of 2025 was assessed. The meeting also included presentations on several upcoming projects planned by SOCAR. 26 July 2025 14:49 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. As of the end of 2024, the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), part of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has approved a total of $135.2 million in financing for Azerbaijan since its establishment in November 1999, Azernews reports, citing the ICDs annual report. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 26 July 2025 10:55 (UTC+04:00) A cultural event titled "Voices of the Land of Fire" was held on the Espan Lava stage in central Helsinki, Finland, in celebration of Azerbaijans Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty, Azernews reports. The event was organized with the support of Azerbaijans State Committee on Work with Diaspora, and led by Ulviyya Jabbarova, head of the Helsinki Azerbaijani House and chair of the Azer-Turk Youth Organization. The gathering drew hundreds of attendees, including members of the Finnish public, tourists, and guests from Norway, Latvia, and cities across Finland. Representatives of the Turkish Embassy in Finland also took part in the celebration. Notable guests included Turkish Ambassador to Finland Deniz Cakar and Utku Yazan, the Finland director of Turkish Airlines. In her welcoming speech, organizer Ulviyya Jabbarova spoke about the significance of the Azerbaijani Constitution and the nations journey toward sovereignty. She also highlighted the mission and ongoing activities of the Azerbaijani House in Helsinki. The event opened with a choreographed performance showcasing Azerbaijans national and cultural heritage. One of the highlights was a traditional-style dance performed by Sevil Rannel, an Azerbaijani living in Finland, which captivated the audience. The musical portion featured renditions of Azerbaijani classical and contemporary pieces by talented vocalist Orkhan Jalilov. Another standout performance came from Aydan Vazirova, a professional pianist and lecturer at the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts, who performed a selection of Azerbaijani compositions on piano. "Voices of the Land of Fire" served as an important platform for building cultural and friendship bridges between Azerbaijan and European communities, while promoting Azerbaijans rich cultural heritage to a broader international audience. 26 July 2025 10:21 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more On July 25, Azerbaijans Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov, held a phone conversation with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan. Azernews reports, according to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, the two ministers discussed key issues stemming from the strategic alliance between Azerbaijan and Turkiye, as well as cooperation within regional and international organizations. The ongoing normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia was also a central topic of discussion. The ministers reviewed regional and global security challenges and expressed satisfaction with the continued success of the AzerbaijanTurkiye partnership, which is based on deep-rooted brotherhood and strategic alliance. Minister Bayramov briefed Fidan in detail on the current state and prospects of the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process, including existing obstacles and efforts underway to overcome them. The conversation also included an exchange of views on other matters of mutual interest. 26 July 2025 12:19 (UTC+04:00) The Support Group for the People of Corsica in the Milli Majlis (Parliament) of the Republic of Azerbaijan issued statement in response to the new draft resolution motioned by French National Assembly, Azernews reports. The statement reads: In recent days, the pro-Armenian and anti-Azerbaijani elements in the Parliament have put forward a draft of a new resolution. The very essence of this draft resolution clearly reveals the identity of its authors. This draft, representing yet another attempt to interfere in the processes occurring in our region, as usual, distorts realities, demonstrates blatant disrespect for Azerbaijans territorial integrity and levels false accusations against our country. It appears that the advancement of the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia, particularly pursuant to the Abu Dhabi meeting, is entirely contrary to the interests of certain forces. They have chosen a course of action aimed at re-escalating tensions and undermining the peace agenda. At this juncture, the attempt to adopt this futile resolution in the National Assembly of France serves as yet another stark example of such conduct. On the other hand, we ought to remark that the latest accords between New Caledonia and France already are indicative of the confident progress of New Caledonia towards the formation as a state. Given this situation, France is immensely irritated by the support to New Caledonia from the Baku Initiative Group, a civil society institution and a non-governmental organization. One could safely say that the French side are trying to respond to the activities of the Baku Initiative Group in their particular style namely, with the aforementioned draft resolution. The essence of such steps, whether it be the anti-Azerbaijani activities of individuals like Valerie Pecresse and Anne Hidalgo or the resolutions adopted thus far in the National Assembly of France targeting our country, lies in Frances inability to accept being entirely sidelined from the peace agenda in the South Caucasus. Consequently, France resorts to all means in an attempt to re-escalate tensions in the region. The Armenian Lobby and pro-Armenian circles provide the most significant support for these efforts. It should be particularly emphasized that a more significant point consists in the clear manifestation of activities of a unified, closely interconnected network in such steps taken against our country. Individual elements of this network, striving to advance the interests of certain forces, promote various provocations in the Swiss Parliament, the French Parliament, and the US Congress in an effort to undermine the regional peace agenda. However, they should be aware that such provocations cannot in the slightest affect the independent policy pursued by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, and that under no circumstances will external interference in the processes unfolding in the South Caucasus region be permitted. 26 July 2025 13:52 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijan expects Russia to assume responsibility for the tragic incident involving an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) aircraft, said Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, in an interview with Berliner Zeitung, Azernews reports. "There was a misunderstanding and heightened tensions in bilateral relations. Such situations can occur between neighboring countries from time to time. It all started with the plane crash, which deeply affected Azerbaijani society. It happened on Russian territory, in Russian airspace, and we know how it happened - that is no longer a secret. As a neighbor and partner, Azerbaijan expects Russia to take responsibility and ensure justice in this case," Hajiyev added. The passenger aircraft Embraer 190-100 IGW, registered in the state register under the number 4K-AZ65 and owned by Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC (AZAL), performing regular flight J2-8243 from Baku (Republic of Azerbaijan) to Grozny (Russian Federation), crashed on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan near Aktau airport on December 25, 2024. Following the accident, two crew members (the captain and co-pilot), a senior flight attendant, and 35 passengers were killed. Despite the loss of life and injuries, thanks to the professionalism, courage, and bravery of the pilots and flight attendants, the airplane made an emergency landing, which saved the lives of 29 people. The preliminary report, which was published by the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan, confirms the following facts: 1. The passenger aircraft Embraer 190-100 IGW, registered under the number 4K-AZ65 and owned by Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC (AZAL), performing regular flight J2-8243 from Baku, Azerbaijan Republic, to Grozny, Russian Federation, was in fully airworthy condition from the moment the flight started on the route to Grozny. This data on the airworthiness of the aircraft, including the operation of its control systems, was confirmed by FDR data. (2) Both engines of the aircraft were operating without technical problems up to the time of the accident. This information was also confirmed by the FDR data. 3. The aircraft lost GPS signals while flying in the airspace of the Russian Federation, including over Grozny Airport; 4. Owing to unfavorable weather conditions over Grozny, the aircraft was unable to make a second landing approach, after which the captain decided to return to Baku. Following this decision over Grozny, two external sounds were recorded in the CVR with an interval of 24 seconds; 5. Comparison of CVR and FDR data showed that the 3rd hydraulic system failed 4 seconds after the first external sound, the 1st hydraulic system failed 6 seconds later, and the 2nd hydraulic system failed 21 seconds later; 6. Numerous blind spots and through damage were found in the fuselage, documented through photographs and video recordings. These damages were found in the rear of the fuselage, the vast majority of which were on the vertical and horizontal stabilizers, as well as the left wing and left engine. 7. Information was provided that the damage found in the aircraft fuselage was caused by external objects. The preliminary report does not contain information that there are any facts indicating that the aircraft collided with birds. 8. The foreign objects found in the fuselage blind fractures that did not belong to the aircraft were removed; their photographs are made available to the public in the text of the preliminary report. Additional expert examinations are planned in the future to determine the exact identity of the foreign objects found. 9. At 05:13:32, the aircraft's main control systems failed; at 05:21:42, the liaison dispatcher informed Grozny of Operation Carpet; 10. There is no information containing the fact of oxygen cylinder explosion. According to the requirements of the ICAO Chicago Convention, following the preliminary report, a final report on the causes of the crash should be prepared within one year from the date of the accident. The work on the preparation of the final report has already been started by the Republic of Kazakhstan and other states participating in the investigation. 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''Dear Mr. President, On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I sincerely congratulate you and all your people on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Maldives - Independence Day. We are pleased to see the relations between Azerbaijan and the Maldives developing steadily and gaining new substance. Your visit to Azerbaijan last year to participate in COP29 marked a new chapter in the history of our bilateral relations. I am confident that we will continue our joint efforts to strengthen our friendly relations and expand our cooperation in areas of mutual interest. On this festive occasion, I extend my best wishes to you and wish the friendly people of the Maldives everlasting peace and prosperity,'' the letter reads. 26 July 2025 17:50 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, addressed speculation about possible U.S. involvement in the Zangezur Corridor project during an interview with Germanys Berliner Zeitung, Azernews reports. When asked about the alleged participation of the United States in the project, Hajiyev responded that such questions should be directed to the Armenian side. We dont know what they are negotiating. If they are cooperating with American companies, thats their business, he stated. He emphasized that Azerbaijan is focused on strengthening its own regional transportation links: We are doing our part. Were expanding transport and transit connections with all our neighbors Georgia, Iran, and Russia. These ties benefit the entire region. If Armenia is ready to engage, we are open to jointly developing the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. Hajiyev also commented on the role of USAID, the U.S. Agency for International Development, accusing it of covert influence rather than humanitarian support in the South Caucasus. USAID has never truly engaged in humanitarian activities in the region, Hajiyev said. Instead, they have funded certain media outlets with the intent to portray Azerbaijan negatively. Thats why, in the past, there were more critical articles about Azerbaijan in European outlets including in the German press. He claimed that such coverage has declined recently: Now there are fewer negative reports, because figures like Samantha Power USAIDs former head are no longer involved, he added. 26 July 2025 09:00 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. Hyundai Motors second-quarter net profit fell nearly 16%, even as the South Korean automaker posted record-breaking sales a clear sign that steep U.S. tariffs on imported vehicles are eating into its bottom line, Azernews reports, citing Korean media. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 26 July 2025 19:50 (UTC+04:00) Five people were injured during a wave of Russian attacks on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv overnight from Friday into Saturday, according to Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov, Azernews reports. The assault involved guided aerial bombs, ballistic missiles, and drones launched by the Russian Armed Forces. Five people have been injured, three of whom are rescue workers, Terekhov wrote on social media. He added that the strikesmore than 20 in totaldamaged multi-story residential buildings, civilian infrastructure, roads, and power lines. As of Saturday morning, firefighting efforts were still underway to extinguish seven blazes in the citys Kyivskyi district. 26 July 2025 20:45 (UTC+04:00) U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday during his visit to Scotland. Azernews reports that Trump made the announcement while speaking to reporters during his stay in Scotland. Well be working on a deal. Well see if we can reach one, he said. Ursula von der Leyen, whom I respect greatly, will be here. Were looking forward to it. Further details about the purpose and agenda of the meeting have not yet been disclosed. The Biden regime priorities were clear under their US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. They were for promoting the far left ideology, not improving America's transportation system. One of the most glaring examples that falls under the Department of Transportation is our badly outdated and struggling Air Traffic Control system. There seem to be constant glitches in that system and they seem to be getting worse. Under Buttigieg, the Biden regime allocated no money to fix and modernize our air traffic control system, creating more danger to the flying public. What could they find money for at Buttigieg's USDOT? $80 Billion in DEI grants to advance the far left ideology. DEI is both racist and Marxist but to Buttigieg and his ilk, it mattered more than keeping air travellers safe. Fortunately, the Trump administration is now starting to tackle the huge backlog of things that need to be fixed with the Air Traffic Control system. https://nypost.com/2025/07/21/us-news/pete-buttigiegs-dot-spent-80-billion-on-dei-grants-delayed-air-traffic-control-upgrades-records-industry-insiders/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=nypost $80 Billion spent on fixing Air Traffic Control problems would have helped a lot, but that money thrown away on DEI only created unnecessary political divisions in America. When one looks at President Trump's GOP primary endorsements in the Carolinas, conservatives have to scratch their heads in puzzlement. One can look at other levels, too, but lets just consider the US Senate races. In 2020, Trump appeared at a campaign rally for his own race here in North Carolina and in his speech endorsed the re-election of liberal Senator Thom Tillis At that time a strong conservative challenger had been gearing up to challenge Tillis in the primary, and the Trump endorsement of Tillis derailed his campaign. The crowd of Trump supporters erupted with loud boos for Tillis but the damage had been done. Fast forward to this week, when establishment hack and former DC lobbyist Michael Whatley, a longtime Tillis Republican, gets Trump's endorsement as soon as he announces for senate. This in spite of a solid conservative, Don Brown, already being in the race, and a solid conservative congressman, Pat Harrigan poised to jump in. Trump even met at the White House with Harrigan before endorsing Whatley. Moving to South Carolina, liberal Republican incumbent Senator Linsey Graham is up for election in 2026. Graham has long been weak on immigration and was part of the notorious pro-amnesty Senate "Gang of 8" and is liberal on a whole host of other issues. He has been repeatedly censured by South Carolina GOP organizations for his liberal voting record. It was clear that Graham was going to get a conservative primary challenge, so Trump endorsed Graham early on. Since that Trump endorsement, a very strong conservative challenger, former two term SC Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer, has in fact entered the race. The problem is not that Trump has suddenly gone liberal on us, but that he has so much on his plate as president, he has to depend on other people for information on races like these. Unfortunately, there is a RINO turd in the MAGA punchbowl and his name is Chris LaCivita. Establishment hack LaCivita is known to North Carolinians as the man who ran Pat McCrory's losing re-election campaign, ran it badly and into the ground. For whatever reason, he turned up in a high position in President Trump's 2024 campaign. LaCivita's connections to Whatley come from the 2020 campaign and from the fact that LaCivita worked for Whatley for a period at RNC. He is likely to turn up in some capacity in Whatley's senate campaign. LaCivita has already turned up as a campaign advisor to Lindsey Graham, and is also working to try to salvage the failing campaign of liberal Texas RINO Senator John Cornyn. Cornyn, who was loudly booed by delegates at the Texas GOP convention, has been trailing his conservative challenger, State Attorney General Ken Paxton in the polls since before either officially announced their candidacy. Trump ought to understand that LaCivita is a Fifth Columnist within the MAGA movement and reject his recommendations. One hopes that LaCivita does not get Trump to do in Texas what he has already done in North and South Carolina. https://dailyhaymaker.com/whatley/ Music, comedy, theatre, literature and visual arts events are all happening right now Clara Tracey (middle), who will perform in Duke Special presents forty years of Rain Dogs, cast members David Fleming and Rachael McCabe from a festival comedy favourite and audience interactive show "Murder, She Got Wrote Off" based on the TV show Murder, She Wrote The annual EastSide Arts Festival is underway until August 2, featuring more than 60 events across 10 days of music, workshops, comedy, walks, theatre, literature and visual arts. East Belfast is home to many unique spaces and places which will host a range of festival events, so were shining a spotlight on some of them and what festival-goers can look forward to. Dr David Colemans tips to help prepare your child emotionally, socially and academically for going back to school Belfast Magistrates Court also heard that when the alleged victims partner got off to remonstrate with Callum Fulton, the 25-year-old assaulted him. What is loyalism, what do loyalist women want and why do they not trust the media? Firefighters at the scene of a flat fire on the Antrim Road in north Belfast on July 25th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott) Firefighters at the scene of a flat fire on the Antrim Road in north Belfast on July 25th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott) Firefighters at the scene of a flat fire on the Antrim Road in north Belfast on July 25th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott) Firefighters at the scene of a flat fire on the Antrim Road in north Belfast on July 25th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott) Emergency services have dealt with a blaze in north Belfast. Firefighters were called to reports of a person trapped in a flat fire on the Antrim Road shortly before 10pm on Friday night. Two fire appliances attended the scene, where firefighters discovered the roof of the property alight. Firefighters at the scene of a flat fire on the Antrim Road in north Belfast on July 25th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott) Watch: Firefighters battle fire at north Belfast flat Wearing breathing apparatus, firefighters entered the flat with a hose reel. The Belfast Telegraph understands the occupants were out upon the fire services arrival. A ladder was used to gain access to the roof and extinguish the blaze. The mother and stepfather of a transgender teenager who took his own life after going missing are taking High Court legal action against a police force whose response was found to have potentially contributed to his death. Jason Pulman was found dead aged 15 in Hampden Park in Eastbourne in April 2022, with an inquest jury finding in April last year that his emotional and mental needs were inadequately assessed and provided for by multiple services, and that police responded inadequately to his going missing. Emily and Mark Pulman are now suing Sussex Police over an alleged breach of human rights, with around 10 hours passing between Jason being reported missing and an officer first attending their family home. They claim the force failed properly or at all to protect Jason against the risk of suicide after he was graded only a medium risk, and that there was a real prospect of a different outcome if there was a reasonable response to Jasons disappearance. They also say the force is flip-flopping over its position and whether it has learned from Jasons death. The force has expressed its sincere condolences to Jasons family. Speaking to the PA news agency, the couple said Jasons death, the subsequent inquest and legal battle had been devastating. Mrs Pulman, 39, said: If the police can actually take accountability for what has happened and what went wrong, that is the only way they can start making changes. She continued: I think about Jason and how much he used to fight for things he believed in. He used to go to protests and research and get involved in different things because he wanted to make change. I want to try and get some change for kids like Jason, as I know that that is what he would want as well. When I feel like quitting, I have got Jasons cheeky little head in my head, with his outfit, with all his badges on, saying you must fight for what you believe, and that is what gives me strength. Jason was found to have been failed by several organisations (Family Handout/PA) Jason began identifying as a male aged around 14, but never received specialist gender dysphoria treatment due to assessment delays. In documents filed at the High Court by law firm Bindmans, Nick Armstrong KC, for Mr and Mrs Pulman, claimed Jason also received insufficient mental health support. On April 19 2022, Mrs Pulman discovered Jason was missing from their home in East Sussex and called the police. She informed a call handler that Jason was transgender, had previously self-harmed and attempted to take his own life, and may have taken public transport. The call handler graded Jason as medium-risk, but an officer did not look at the case for more than three hours after the first call, despite Mrs Pulman ringing police twice more and stating Jason had informed a friend he was travelling to London, most likely by train. Jason remained graded as medium-risk, the British Transport Police (BTP) were not notified, and an officer did not attend the familys home for almost 10 hours after the first call. This was despite there being other opportunities to intercept Jason, Mr Armstrong said. Around an hour after police visited the house, Jason was found dead in Hampden Park by a member of the public. Jason Pulman with stepfather Mark Pulman, and his mother, Emily Pulman (Family handout/Bindmans Lawyers London/PA) In a prevention of future deaths report last year, a coroner said Jason died potentially through his mental health and gender identity issues, and that it was also possible Jason may have been prevented from committing suicide if BTP was made aware that he was missing. Mr Armstrong said police knew or should have known that Jason represented a real and immediate risk of life-threatening harm, but that their response was slow, and strikingly casual. He continued that Jason was a source of unlimited joy, describing him as funny, mischievous, artistic, rude and unconventional, and that his death was an unimaginable tragedy. Nine days after Jasons death, Mr and Mrs Pulman met then-chief superintendent Katy Woolford. Mr Armstrong said that Ms Woolford told the Pulmans that they had done everything right and that there had been failings by the police, including not immediately grading Jason as high-risk. But the barrister continued that there was a significant and distressing shift in the polices evidence at Jasons inquest, with the force allegedly seeking to exclude evidence related to the meeting with Ms Woolford and claiming there was no arguable omission by anyone. The force accepted the inquest findings, stating that its service fell below the standards expected, but is accused of changing its stance again when the family threatened to bring legal action. Mr Armstrong said that the forces reversal and re-reversal on its position was shameful, adding: The claimants do not know whether the defendant has or has not learned from the inquest process. Mrs Pulman said: You feel like youre getting close to answers and closure as to what happened and what has been happening, and then it is pulled away again. She continued: Its like torture, because youre getting somewhere, then youre kicked down. Mr Pulman, 50, said the forces flip-flopping left the pair feeling let down, hurt and confused, which, combined with the emotional impact of Jasons death, means he feels hopeless. He said: No amount of money, no apology, is going to make up for three years of what theyve done, because thats long-term damage. A Sussex Police spokesperson said: Our sincere condolences remain with Jasons family following their tragic loss; however, we are unable to comment further whilst legal proceedings are ongoing. A Palestinian looks at a makeshift tent camp for people who were displaced by the Israeli air and ground operations in the Gaza Strip (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) Sir Keir Starmer has rejected calls from MPs to immediately recognise a Palestinian state, as US President Donald Trump arrived in the UK amid the continued desperate situation in Gaza. Some 221 MPs have signed a letter urging the British Government to recognise the state of Palestine at a meeting of the UN next week. The UK would follow in the footsteps of France if it did, though Mr Trump claimed French President Emmanuel Macrons announcement was not going to change anything ahead of flying to the UK on Friday. Sarah Champion, a senior Labour MP who co-ordinated the cross-party letter, said recognition would send a powerful symbolic message that we support the rights of the Palestinian people. While the PM said he was unequivocal about wanting to see a Palestinian state, he insisted this needed to be part of a wider plan which ultimately results in a two-state solution and lasting security for Palestinians and Israelis. The UK and its allies must work together to broker a peace, he added, likening the effort to the coalition of the willing to support Ukraine. Sir Keir is expected to meet Mr Trump on Monday, as the US president stays in Scotland ahead of a full state visit later this year. President Donald Trump speaks to the media after he arrived at Prestwick Airport in Scotland (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) On Friday evening, amid mounting global anger over the starving population in Gaza, the Prime Minister also suggested the UK will play a role in dropping aid into Gaza by air. He welcomed that Israel said it would allow aid to be delivered by parachute to alleviate starvation in Gaza. The Prime Minister said the step had come far too late, but he insisted the UK will do everything we can to get aid in via this route. Britain is already working alongside Jordan to get aid onto planes, the PM signalled, also adding that children from Gaza in need of specialist medical care will be evacuated to the UK for treatment. In a video statement released on Friday, Sir Keir made plain his desire for a ceasefire. He said: I know the British people are sickened by what is happening. The images of starvation and desperation are utterly horrifying. The denial of aid to children and babies is completely unjustifiable, just as the continued captivity of hostages is completely unjustifiable. An Israeli soldier stands beside humanitarian aid packages (AP) Meanwhile, in a statement released alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Frances Mr Macron, the Prime Minister urged Israel to stop restricting the flow of aid into Gaza. A call between the three leaders was expected on Friday, but has been postponed until the weekend. US-led peace talks in Qatar were cut short on Thursday, with Washingtons special envoy Steve Witkoff accusing Hamas of a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire. The deal under discussion is expected to include a 60-day ceasefire, and aid supplies would be ramped up as negotiations on a lasting truce took place. Chinese envoy calls for continued efforts to promote political settlement of Ukraine crisis Xinhua) 13:52, July 26, 2025 UNITED NATIONS, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Friday called for continued efforts to promote the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. Russia and Ukraine have recently continued to implement the consensuses reached in previous rounds of negotiations and promoted the exchange of prisoners of war and remains of fallen soldiers. They also held the third round of direct talks a few days ago in which a new consensus on the continuation of the exchange of prisoners of war and other humanitarian issues was reached, said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations. "China welcomes these positive developments and calls on the parties concerned to maintain the momentum of the peace talks, continue to build consensus and enhance mutual trust with a view to reaching a comprehensive, lasting and abiding peace agreement," he told the Security Council. However, Russia and Ukraine have, in the past few days, continued to carry out large-scale drone and missile strikes against each other, resulting in heavy casualties and infrastructure damage and destruction. China is deeply concerned and saddened by this, he said. China, once again, urges the parties to the conflict to show maximum restraint, comply effectively with international humanitarian law, and refrain from attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure in any circumstances. It is imperative that the two sides make joint efforts to de-escalate on the battlefield at an early date, he said. Russia and Ukraine have recently appealed to each other to restore peace in Europe and achieve a political solution to the crisis. Major actors in the international community have also repeatedly released positive signals on dialogue, negotiations and the cessation of hostilities, and have continued to engage in diplomatic efforts for peace talks, he noted. China welcomes all efforts toward peace and encourages both Russia and Ukraine to continue to show political will and flexibility. China encourages the international community to continue to call for peace, build a consensus of peace and carry out efforts for peace. All parties should jointly make practical efforts to promote the political settlement of the crisis, he said. China has always maintained an objective and impartial stance on the Ukraine issue and has been committed to promoting peace talks and a political solution. China has actively carried out diplomatic mediation and maintained effective communication with both Russia and Ukraine. China will, as always, play a constructive role in the political settlement of the crisis, said Geng. (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Wu Chaolan) Access this story and all of our stories with 24/7 unlimited access. Stewart Edelstein, a Stockbridge resident, is author of several books, including Dubious Doublets: A Delightful Compendium of Unlikely Word Pairs of Common Origin, from Aardvark/Porcelain to Zodiac/Whiskey. Thailand and Cambodia are engaged in their worst fighting in over a decade, exchanging heavy artillery fire across their disputed border, with at least 16 people killed and tens of thousands displaced. Tensions began rising between the Southeast Asian neighbours in May, following the killing of a Cambodian soldier during a brief exchange of gunfire, and have steadily escalated since, triggering diplomatic spats and now, armed clashes. Advertisement What is the current situation? Clashes broke out between the two countries early on Thursday along a disputed area abutting an ancient temple, rapidly spilling over to other areas along the contested frontier and heavy artillery exchanges continuing for a second straight day. Thailand recalled its ambassador to Phnom Penh on Wednesday and expelled Cambodia's envoy, in response to a second Thai soldier losing a limb to a landmine that Bangkok alleged had been laid recently by rival troops. Cambodia called that accusation baseless. Damage from a fire caused by Cambodian artillery at a 7-11 convenience store in the Thai border province of Sisaket province. Photo: AFP via Getty Both sides accuse each other of firing the first shots that started the conflict on Thursday, which have so far claimed the lives of at least 15 civilians, most of them on the Thai side. Cambodia has deployed truck-mounted rocket launchers, which Thailand says have been used to target civilian areas, while the Thai armed forces despatched US-made F-16 fighter jets, using one to bomb military targets across the border. Advertisement Some 130,000 people have been evacuated from border areas in Thailand to safer locations, while some 12,000 families on the Cambodian side have been shifted away from the frontlines, according to local authorities. Where does the dispute originate? Thailand and Cambodia have for more than a century contested sovereignty at various undemarcated points along their 817km land border, which was first mapped by France in 1907 when Cambodia was its colony. That map, which Thailand later contested, was based on an agreement that the border would be demarcated along the natural watershed line between the two countries. In 2000, the two countries agreed to establish a Joint Boundary Commission to peacefully address overlapping claims, but little progress has been made towards settling disputes. Advertisement Claims over ownership of historical sites have raised nationalist tension between the two countries, notably in 2003 when rioters torched the Thai embassy and Thai businesses in Phnom Penh over an alleged remark by a Thai celebrity questioning jurisdiction over Cambodia's World Heritage-listed Angkor Wat temple. What were the previous flashpoints? An 11th century Hindu temple called Preah Vihear, or Khao Phra Viharn in Thailand, has been at the heart of the dispute for decades, with both Bangkok and Phnom Penh claiming historical ownership. The International Court of Justice awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962, but Thailand has continued to lay claim to the surrounding land. Smoke is pictured in the air as a multi-rocket launcher is fired near the Cambodia-Thailand border. Photo: AFP via Getty Tension escalated in 2008 after Cambodia attempted to list the Preah Vihear temple as a Unesco World Heritage site, leading to skirmishes over several years and at least a dozen deaths, including during a weeklong exchange of artillery in 2011. Advertisement Two years later, Cambodia sought interpretation of the 1962 verdict and the ICJ again ruled in its favour, saying the land around the temple was also part of Cambodia and ordering Thai troops to withdraw. What's behind recent troubles? Despite the historic rivalry, the current governments of Thailand and Cambodia enjoy warm ties, partly due to the close relationship between their influential former leaders, Thailand's Thaksin Shinawatra and Cambodia's Hun Sen. But nationalist sentiment has risen in Thailand after conservatives last year questioned the government's plan to negotiate with Cambodia to jointly explore energy resources in undemarcated maritime areas, warning such a move could risk Thailand losing the island of Koh Kood in the Gulf of Thailand. Tensions also rose in February when a group of Cambodians escorted by troops sang their national anthem at another ancient Hindu temple that both countries claim, Ta Moan Thom, before being stopped by Thai soldiers. Advertisement An effort by then Thai premier Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin's daughter, to de-escalate the situation in a call last month with Hun Sen spectacularly backfired after a recording of the conversation was initially leaked and later released in full by the Cambodian leader. Thailand's suspended prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Photo: AFP via Getty In the call, the 38-year-old prime minister appeared to criticise a Thai army commander and kowtow to Hun Sen, drawing public fury and a complaint from a group of senators, which led to her suspension by a court order on July 1st. Have there been any resolution efforts? After the May 28th clash, both countries quickly promised to ease tension, prevent more conflict and seek dialogue via their joint border commission at a June 14th meeting. The neighbours have issued diplomatically worded statements committing to peace while vowing to protect sovereignty, but their militaries have been mobilising near the border. World Thailand and Cambodia trade accusations as deadly... Read More Cambodia, meanwhile, said existing mechanisms were not working and it planned to refer disputes in four border areas to the ICJ to settle "unresolved and sensitive" issues that it said could escalate tensions. Thailand has not recognised the ICJ's rulings on the row and wants to settle it bilaterally. Since Thursday's clashes, Cambodia has written to the United Nations Security Council, urging the body to convene a meeting to stop what it describes as "unprovoked and premeditated military aggression" by Thailand. Thailand, on the other hand, wants to resolve the conflict through bilateral negotiations but says talks can only take place after Cambodia ceases violence. Thousands of people have filled the streets of Belfast for the citys annual Pride parade. Spectators lined the citys footpaths to cheer on the thousands who took part in the parade. Advertisement Belfast Pride Festival is one of the biggest festivals in the citys calendar, with hundreds of events taking place. People take part in the No Going Back themed Belfast Pride Parade, in the city centre (Brian Lawless/PA) Organisers of Belfast Pride said it is the biggest cross-community parade in Belfast and is a protest and celebration of the lives of LGBT+ people. The theme for this years event is No Going Back, as organisers said there must be no turning back from the advances made in visibility, legal protections and societal recognition. Throughout the city, many people had rainbows painted on their faces, while others waved LGBT+ flags and held placards with equality messages written on them. Advertisement A series of groups and floats, representing up to 250 charities and organisations, took off from Custom House Square at 1pm. It made its way north of the city before making its way down Donegall Place and past City Hall before finishing at Victoria Street. Friends, work colleagues and many young families, including pet dogs, were among those in the crowd. The parade started in 1991 and over the last 30 years has grown to be the largest single parade in Northern Ireland (Brian Lawless/PA) Belfast Pride organisers took the decision to ask political parties to not attend the parade in an official capacity, after Stormont backed a ban on puberty blockers. Advertisement The parade started in 1991 and over the last 30 years has grown to be the largest single parade in Northern Ireland. Ahead of the parade taking place, First Minister Michelle ONeill tweeted: Happy Belfast Pride to everyone celebrating today, I hope its filled with joy and love for you all. Your courage over many years has helped transform our society for the better. As your First Minister, Im committed to building a future where everyone in our LGBTQIA+ community is seen, valued, and treated equally. Be proud. Be you. Today and every day. Advertisement Have a wonderful day. Russia and Ukraine traded aerial attacks overnight resulting in two deaths in each country and many people wounded on both sides, according to officials. On the battlefield, the Russian military said on Saturday that it seized the village of Zelenyi Hai in the eastern Donetsk region that Moscow illegally annexed but only partially controls, and the village of Maliivka in the Dnipro region. Advertisement There was no immediate comment on the claim from Ukrainian officials. A rescuer looks at a damaged city hospital that was hit by a Russian guided air bomb in Kharkiv, Ukraine (Andrii Marienko/AP) Ukraines southern Dnipro and north-eastern Sumy regions came under combined rocket and drone attack, local officials reported. Head of the Dnipro regional administration Serhii Lysak said at least two people had died and five were wounded in the barrage. In the city of Dnipro, a multi-story building and business were damaged during the strike and outside of the city a fire engulfed a shopping centre. Advertisement In Sumy, the military administration said three people were injured. On Saturday, Russian drones hit a central square in the city of Sumy, and damaged the building of the regional administration. Kharkiv sustained an intense aerial bombardment overnight. Ukraines State Emergency Situations Service said six people were hurt in Kharkiv, including four rescuers who were wounded in a double tap strike where a second attack targets emergency workers trying to help people wounded in the initial attack. Advertisement According to the daily air force report, in total Russia targeted Ukraine with 208 drones and 27 missiles overnight. Rescuers clear the rubble after a Russian guided air bomb hit a city hospital in Kharkiv, Ukraine (Yevhen Titov/AP) It said according to preliminary data, air defence and electronic warfare took down or intercepted 183 drones and 17 missiles but hits from 10 missiles and 25 drones had been recorded in nine locations. Russias Defence Ministry on Saturday claimed that it successfully struck military facilities in Ukraine that manufacture components for missile weapons, as well as produce ammunition and explosives. The claim could not be independently verified. Advertisement Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an online statement that there can be absolutely no silence in response to such strikes, and Ukrainian long-range drones ensure this. Russian military enterprises, Russian logistics, Russian airports must feel that the Russian war has real consequences for them, Mr Zelensky wrote. In Russia, officials said that Ukrainian drones targeted multiple regions overnight. A drone attack on the Rostov region, on the border with Ukraine, killed two people, acting governor Yuri Slyusar reported. Advertisement In the neighbouring Stavropol region, drones hit an unspecified industrial facility, governor Vladimir Vladimirov said on Telegram. He added that the attack sparked a brief fire, but did not specify where exactly. Mr Vladimirov said internet in the region was restricted because of the attack a measure authorities regularly take across the vast country that critics say helps widespread online censorship. An unconfirmed media report said videos posted online by local residents showed that the drones hit the Signal radio plant that makes jamming equipment. The Associated Press was unable to verify the claim. Drones also targeted Moscow, but were shot down, according to mayor Sergei Sobyanin, and an unspecified industrial facility in the Penza region south-east of the capital, governor Oleg Melnichenko said. Russias Defence Ministry said that its air defences shot down or intercepted a total of 54 Ukrainian drones, including 24 over the Bryansk region on the border with Ukraine, 12 over the Rostov region, six over the annexed Crimean Peninsula, four over the Azov sea, three over the Black Sea and a few others over the Orlov, Tula and Belgorod regions. In Russias Ingushetia region in the North Caucasus, a woman and three children were injured after a drone fell on a private house, regional health officials said. Israels military has announced that airdrops of aid will begin on Saturday night in Gaza, and humanitarian corridors will be established for UN convoys, after increasing accounts of starvation-related deaths. The statement late Saturday followed months of experts warnings of famine. Advertisement International criticism, including by close allies, has grown as several hundred Palestinians have been killed in recent weeks while trying to reach aid. The militarys statement did not say when the humanitarian corridors for UN convoys would open, or where. It also said the military is prepared to implement humanitarian pauses in densely populated areas. International criticism about the situation in Gaza has been growing (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) The statement added that the military emphasises that combat operations have not ceased in Gaza against Hamas and it said there is no starvation in the territory. Advertisement Witness accounts from Gaza have been grim. Some health workers are so weakened by hunger that they put themselves on IV drips to keep treating the badly malnourished. Parents have shown their limp and emaciated children. The Israeli military statement said the airdrops would be conducted in co-ordination with international aid organisations. It was not immediately clear where they would be carried out and it was not clear what role the recently created and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, meant as an alternative to the UN aid system, might play. Advertisement Israeli airstrikes and gunshots killed at least 53 people in Gaza overnight and into Saturday, most of them shot dead while seeking aid, according to Palestinian health officials and the local ambulance service. Witness accounts from Gaza have been grim (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) Deadly Israeli gunfire was reported twice within hours close to the Zikim crossing with Israel in the north. In the first incident, at least a dozen people waiting for aid trucks were killed, said staff at Shifa hospital, where bodies were taken. Israels military said it fired warning shots to distance a crowd in response to an immediate threat and it was not aware of any casualties. Advertisement A witness, Sherif Abu Aisha, said people started running when they saw a light that they thought was from aid trucks, but as they got close, they realised it was Israels tanks. That is when the army started firing, he told The Associated Press. He said his uncle was among those killed. We went because there is no food and nothing was distributed, he said. On Saturday evening, Israeli forces killed at least 11 people and wounded 120 others when they fired toward crowds who tried to get food from an entering UN convoy, Dr Mohamed Abu Selmiyah, director of Shifa hospital, told the AP. Advertisement Palestinians carry the bodies of people who were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a school in Gaza that has been used as a shelter (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) We are expecting the numbers to surge in the next few hours, he said. There was no immediate Israeli military comment. Elsewhere, those killed in strikes included four people in an apartment building in Gaza City, hospital staff and the ambulance service said. Another Israeli strike killed at least eight, including four children, in the crowded tent camp of Muwasi in the southern city of Khan Younis, according to the Nasser hospital. Also in Khan Younis, Israeli forces opened fire and killed at least nine people trying to get aid entering Gaza through the Morag corridor, according to the hospitals morgue records. There was no immediate comment from Israels military. Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas were at a standstill after the US and Israel recalled negotiating teams on Thursday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday his government was considering alternative options to ceasefire talks. A Hamas official, however, said negotiations were expected to resume next week and called the recall of the delegations a pressure tactic. Egypt and Qatar, which mediate alongside the United States, called the pause temporary and said talks would resume. They did not say when. July 26, 2025: Inside Russia, protests in person or online against the Ukraine War can get you arrested and imprisoned. These protestors have found an ally in the videos sent home by Russian soldiers in Ukraine. The soldiers cannot be intimidated because they are armed, in Ukraine and constantly facing death while fighting Ukrainians. This is a major problem for the government because these soldiers regularly send photos and videos back home. The most embarrassing, to the government, images get on the internet and can never be removed by any government. China has spent billions of dollars to create internet censorship systems. These are only partially successful. Enough Chinese hackers evade the censors and get videos to Russian, Chinese and international audiences. While Russian media is censored, the internet is not, at least not to any real extent. That means a growing library of authentic photos and videos about the war exists. Any startling new event is quickly documented by participants and posted online. This visibility for what Russian soldiers face in Ukraine will, more than anything else, force the Russian government to consider ending its war effort. For decades the Russians have sought to censor to cope with embarrassing internet videos. Nothing seems to work. Even the government uses the internet to measure the extent of popular and soldier opposition to the war. Many civilians and soldiers still support the wars but that support is constantly eroded by the constant stream of videos. Families get images of their sons being killed or wounded in Ukraine. This is why Russia spends 20 percent of its annual budget on soldiers or their families. The money encourages men to join and remain in the army. Families are compensated for their losses. The continued existence of these videos has forced the government to carefully consider decisions made about how the war is fought. Secrets are no longer secret when the government is forced to operate in full view of their citizens, soldiers and the world. The traditional use of propaganda to control public opinion is much diminished. Governments worldwide are seeking effective methods to harness and control this new video environment. For over a century governments have had to deal with new forms of media and unexpected problems and opportunities created. It started with the telegraph nearly two centuries ago. A hundred years later there was the telephone, followed in about fifty years by broadcast radio. Fifty years after that came TV and cinema. By the 1980s their came analog and then digital video tape and DVDs By the end of the century the internet arrived and with it video streaming, smartphones and a growing avalanche of commercial and smartphone video content. For the military this was a major problem. Despite strenuous efforts, the troops could not be forced to leave their smartphones at home or back on the base camp or barracks. Officers tried, failed and learned to live with it. Soon, military advantages were discovered and exploited. Careless use of smartphones by troops, Islamic terrorists or criminals enabled these people to be tracked and attacked with smart bombs or an ambush. Despite the obvious risks, all but the most disciplined troops continued misusing their phones. A growing number of officers began using phones for deception, encouraging the enemy to waste shells or missiles on a few active phones left somewhere that the troops werent. Examples of how this worked abound. Three years ago a map of Russian cell phone users in Ukraine showed up online. It showed the concentration of Russian forces as already revealed via commercial satellite photos and news reports from Russia, Ukraine and world media. What was not explained was why the Russian troops were using their cellphones in Ukraine where they had to use Ukrainian SIM cards to do so. SIM cards work with only one cellphone service provider and, before the war, anyone visiting Ukraine or Russia needed to own or buy a SIM that would let their cellphone work in the foreign country they were visiting. In the Ukraines Crimean Peninsula and two eastern provinces Russia occupied in 2014, Russian cell phone service providers replaced Ukrainian ones. Russia considered these areas Russian and the occupation forces replaced Ukrainian cellphone service providers as quickly as they could and outlawed the possession of a Ukrainian SIM card. The original Russian invasion plan included leaving the cellphone infrastructure of towers and central facilities intact because Russia would soon own them. That did not happen, or at least not long enough for the Russians to make any changes to Ukrainian cellphone operation. Soon Russian troops were told to find any Ukrainian SIM cards they could and turn them in so they could be distributed to officers and other essential personnel. The Russians did this out of desperation because the Ukrainians had much better battlefield communications, and part of that was because their cellphone network still functioned. This should have made Ukrainian forces vulnerable to Russian eavesdropping but that was not the case. Between 2014 and 2022 Ukrainian and NATO signal experts studied the problem and came up with solutions, especially when it came to tracking and monitoring foreign troops in Ukraine using Ukrainian SIMs. Ukrainian troops have encrypted and reliable battlefield comms that dont depend on cellphones. Ukrainian civilians still used them to report on any Russian activity they might encounter while Russian forces have to use cellphones for most military communications. Both Russians and Ukrainians use the encrypted Telegram cellphone app. This is text based, making it less effective for battlefield communications. It was used by Ukrainian and Russian journalists, especially popular bloggers, to report to the people back home what is going on. The Russian military sponsored a lot of pro-Russian bloggers and allowed some to accompany combat troops and report from the combat zone. This worked for about two months but soon some Russian bloggers reported that the war effort was being mismanaged and getting a lot of Russian soldiers killed. While these Russian bloggers were still pro-Russian, they risked losing their online followers, especially those in the military or related to someone wounded or killed in Ukraine. These Telegram users could also report what they knew, witnessed or experienced but their reports spread more slowly. There were so many of these reports on the Russian language internet that the pro-Russia bloggers were forced to confirm them and demand changes in how the war was being fought. Russian forces were still not advancing while the Ukrainians were, on several fronts. There were also Ukrainian partisans showing up in Russian occupied areas. Russian leader Vladimir Putin is still micromanaging operations and that means no use of initiative by Russian troops. This makes no sense unless you consider the possibility that he does not trust the military and insists on direct control. For the Ukrainians, that is a major asset and more Russians were complaining about it, on the internet. Thailand and Cambodia traded accusations of fresh attacks as deadly border clashes entered a third day, leaving at least 33 people dead and more than 168,000 displaced. International pressure is mounting on both sides to reach a ceasefire. Advertisement Artillery fire and gunshots were reported near several border villages, expanding the area of the fighting that flared again Thursday after a land mine explosion along the border wounded five Thai soldiers. Cambodians sit on a tractor cart as they take refuge in Batthkoa primary school in Oddar Meanchey province, Cambodia (Heng Sinith/AP) Cambodian and Thai officials claimed to have acted in retaliation. Both countries recalled their ambassadors and Thailand closed its north-eastern border crossings with Cambodia. Cambodian authorities reported 12 new deaths on Saturday, bringing its toll to 13, while Thai officials said a soldier was killed, raising the deaths to 20, mostly civilians. Advertisement The regional bloc, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, is under growing pressure to defuse the situation between its two members. During an emergency meeting on Friday, members of the UN Security Council called for de-escalation and urged ASEAN to mediate a peaceful solution. The 800-kilometer (500-mile) frontier between Thailand and Cambodia has been disputed for decades, but past confrontations have been limited and brief. The current tensions broke out in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a confrontation that created a diplomatic rift and roiled Thailands domestic politics. Advertisement Cambodias Defence Ministry condemned what it said was an expanded Thai offensive early on Saturday after five heavy artillery shells were fired into multiple locations in the province of Pursat, calling the attack an unprovoked and premeditated act of aggression. Thai residents who fled homes following clashes between Thai and Cambodian soldiers line up for food at an evacuation centre in Surin province, Thailand (Sakchai Lalit/AP) Ministry spokeswoman Lieutenant general Maly Socheata said tensions flared in the province of Koh Kong, where four Thai naval vessels were reportedly stationed offshore and four others en route. She said the naval deployment was an act of aggression that risked further escalation. Lt gen Socheata said seven civilians and five soldiers were killed in two days of fighting. Advertisement Earlier, one man was reported dead after a pagoda he was hiding under was hit by Thai rockets. The Thai army had denied targeting Cambodian civilian sites and accused Phnom Penh of using human shields by positioning their weapons near residential areas. Meanwhile, Thailands navy, in a statement on Saturday, accused Cambodian forces of initiating a new attack in the province of Trat, saying Thai forces responded swiftly and successfully pushed back the Cambodian incursion at three key points, warning that aggression will not be tolerated. Thai authorities also alleged several Cambodian artillery shells had landed across the border in Laos, damaging homes and property. Advertisement Lao officials have not publicly responded to the claim. The conflict has so far left thousands displaced. Cambodias information minister Neth Pheaktra said on Saturday the clashes had forced 10,865 Cambodian families, or 37,635 people, in three border provinces to evacuate to safe locations, while Thai officials said more than 131,000 people had fled their border villages. A wildfire burned through a northern suburb of the Greek capital Athens on Saturday, and some residents were ordered to evacuate, the countrys fire service reported. Residents of Kryoneri, 12.5 miles northeast of Athens, received three SMS messages to evacuate to safe areas, fire service spokesman Vassilis Vathrakoyannis told reporters. Advertisement Greek media have shown houses on fire. The spokesman said there have been reports of damage. We will take stock when the fires have been put out. The real difficulties are ahead of us, Mr Vathrakoyannis said, adding that Greece has asked for six firefighting planes from the European Unions civil protection mechanism. A house burns in Kryoneri (Yorgos Karahalis/AP) On site, 145 firefighters and 44 fire engines, 10 firefighting planes and seven helicopters are attempting to put out the fire, the origin of which is unknown. Four ambulances are treating at least five people, most of them elderly, for respiratory problems. Advertisement Temperatures reaching, or exceeding, 38C, dry conditions and high winds are fanning the flames. Under such conditions wildfires expand very quickly and become dangerous. These conditions are expected to prevail over the coming days, Mr Vathrakoyannis said. The fire service is also dealing with three other major fires in the southwest on Greeces two largest islands, Crete in the south and Evia north of Athens, and also on the island of Kythera, northwest of Crete. At least 335 firefighters, 19 planes and 13 helicopters are involved, but can only operate in daylight. Advertisement Fifty-two wildfires broke out across the country over the past 24 hours, the spokesman said. Wildfires, many of them destructive, have become a common occurrence in Greece in recent years. Several have broken out in the past month. On Wednesdays, we wear pink. As the Liberal Partys first female leader Sussan Ley strode the corridors of Parliament House this week, dressed in a pink pantsuit and accompanied by women from her party, the intended girl power optics were clear. But optics only serve to highlight reality when the latter falls short. The Labor optics of dynamism and the Coalition optics of renewal only emphasise the ways in which both parties are falling short. Leys phalanx of femininity cant mask the fact that shes not just in a political minority in this parliament, but in a gender minority within her own political party. And that the gender skew has policy consequences. Anthony Albanese and Sussan Ley in question time this week. The most obvious one this week was the failure to seize on the emotive issue of the day to align the Coalition with the everyday concerns of a large portion of the electorate. On the female I say family issue of childcare, the Coalition is meekly going along with Labors more regulation will solve everything approach to answering the abuse scandal. Senator Maria Kovacic mentioned in the Senate that parents might like alternatives, and Ley said some sad words about the awful situation. But the distinct impression remained that there are just not enough Liberal ladies to effectively prosecute the party room case for a different approach in this area. August 6, 2025: Peace talks between Israel and Islamic terrorist group Hamas continue to not happen. Hamas has been interfering with Israeli and foreign efforts to bring food to the starving Gazans. Because of this the hungry Palestinians turned on Hamas, accusing them of prolonging the hunger. Israeli troops continue to fight Hamas while attempting to get more food into Gaza. Over a hundred Palestinians have been killed or wounded in the fighting, along with some aid workers and Israeli troops. Yemeni soldiers aligned with the exiled Yemen government claim to have seized nearly 800 tons of Houthi weapons supplied by Iran. The Houthi attacks have already sunk several ships and some of their missiles landed in Israeli. These caused property damage killing and wounding civilians. Israel has responded with a growing number of air strikes on Yemeni targets, including port facilities and other infrastructure. Two Americans destroyers The U.S. Naval aircraft bombed multiple sites in Yemen on March 15th, the first such operation against the Houthi movement in more than three months. The action came after the Yemeni nationalist group, which controls much of the country, said it would resume attacks on Israeli ships. This was the first airstrike against the Houthis ordered by the new Americans president, who did not specify how many targets were hit, or where inside Yemen. Yemens health ministry reported that 13 people were killed by the strikes in the capital city of Sanaa. The USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is currently in the area. The attack comes after several weeks of peace in waters around Yemen. Recently Houthi leaders said the group would begin attacking ships in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab al-Mandab Strait after Israel cut off the flow of aid into Gaza on March 2. On March 7th, the group gave a four-day deadline for Israel to end its blockade and allow aid into the Palestinian territory or face a renewal in attacks. Israel did not cease Gaza operations and Off the Yemen Red Sea Coast, the Yemen Houthi rebel group continues to attack passing ships headed north to the Suez Canal. Using various weapons supplied by Iran, the Houthis have launched attacks on nearly a hundred ships since late 2023. Most ships were undamaged, but several were sunk and one was seized. Sailors on these ships have been killed and wounded. The U.S. Navy responded with attacks on the Houthis using missiles fired from destroyers and airstrikes Israel and an American carrier in the vicinity. Recently an Israeli air strike on the Red Sea port of Hudaydah destroyed oil storage facilities as well as large and expensive port equipment used for unloading cargo and grain ships. The Israeli attack was in retaliation for a July 19th Houthi drone attack on the Israeli city of Tel Aviv that killed one person and wounded eight others. The subsequent Israeli retaliatory attack on Hudaydah was unexpected because of the long distance the Israeli fighter-bomber had to travel to reach Hudaydah and the Houthis were not expecting it. The Israelis were embarrassed that the Houthi drone somehow got past their air defense system and even were scrambling to fix that as their damaging raid on the port of Hudaydah took place. The Israeli attack caused some Houthi casualties but destroyed critical port equipment, like the large cranes that are used to unload ships. This meant that that for a year or more, much less foreign aid for hungry people in northern Yemen enters could enter the country via Hudaydah What triggered this catastrophe was the increasing aggressive attacks carried out by Yemens Houthi tribe. They used their large stockpile of Iranian missiles to attack ships moving up the Red Sea, with targeting assistance from their Iranian Quds Force sponsors. This capability developed over the last decade as the rebels launched attacks on more distant targets. The rebels obtained more powerful weapons as well, including Iranian ballistic missiles, which were disassembled so they could be smuggled from Iran to Yemen, where Iranian technicians supervised the missiles being assembled and launched into Saudi Arabia. In the last few years, the rebels have received longer range ballistic missiles fired from northern Yemen across Saudi territory to hit Saudi and UAE oil production facilities on the Persian Gulf coast. The rebels also acquired the reconnaissance capability to accurately fire missiles at ships moving up the Red Sea towards the Suez Canal. This has forced many ships to take the longer and more expensive and time consuming route around the southern tip of Africa. This has always been a potential threat to ships using the Red Sea to reach the Suez Canal. Egypt and Iran are enemies and reducing Suez Canal income is a win for Iran, which supported the Yemen rebels for more than a decade to make such an interdiction possible. Western nations reacted slowly to this interdiction effort and only recently began attacking Yemen Shia rebel targets with missiles and gunfire from warships as well as air strikes from air bases in the region and an American aircraft carrier. American destroyers belonging to the carrier task force also moved close to the Yemen shore and launched missiles against Houthi targets near the Yemen coast. With the war in Yemen dragging on into 2025, it is unclear when or if Iran will halt support for the Houthi. At the moment Iran is not sending any more supplies to the Houthis because of recent Israeli and Americans airstrikes. These attacks wiped out most Iranian air defense systems Currently, the Houthi avoid firing on Iranian, American, or Chinese cargo ships in the Red Sea. China is a trading partner of Iran, despite the sanctions imposed on Iran and the Americans have the most fire power in the region to inflict serious damage on the Houthis. Before the recent Israeli attacks on Hamas in Gaza and Iran-backed militias in Lebanon, Iran was under widespread internal pressure from Iranians protesting the expensive foreign wars in Syria and Yemen. Despite that, Iran smuggled in more and more weapons. These were not intended for the ongoing Yemen civil war but for use against targets designated by Iran. But then Iran suddenly had its own domestic uprising to deal with. The Iranian religious dictatorship held onto power and supported more violence against real or perceived enemies of Iran, even if they were Iranian citizens protesting the economic losses Iranians have suffered because the religious dictatorship continues supporting foreign wars. One of those wars was in Yemen. In 2015 Iran admitted it had been quietly supporting the Houthi Shia rebels for a long time but now was doing so openly, and that support was increasing. Many Yemenis trace the current crisis back to the civil war that ended, sort of, in 1994. That war was caused by the fact that, when the British left Yemen in 1967, their former colony in Aden became one of two countries called Yemen. The two Yemens finally united in 1990 but another civil war in 1994 was needed to seal the deal. That fix didn't really take and the north and south have been pulling apart ever since. This comes back to the fact that Yemen has always been a region, not a country. Like most of the rest of the Persian Gulf and Horn of Africa region, the normal form of government until the 20th century was wealthier coastal city states nervously coexisting with interior tribes that got by on herding or farming or a little of both plus smuggling and other illicit sidelines. This concept of nationhood is still looked on with some suspicion by many in the region. This is why the most common forms of government are the more familiar ones of antiquity like kingdom, emirate, or modern variation in the form of a hereditary secular dictatorship. For a long time, the most active Yemeni rebels were the Shia Houthis in the north. The Houthis have always wanted to restore local Shia rule in the traditional Shia tribal territories, led by the local imam, a religious leader who was a Houthi. This arrangement, after surviving more than a thousand years, was ended by the central government in 1962. Yemen also became the new headquarters of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula/AQAP when Saudi Arabia was no longer safe for these Islamic terrorists after 2007. Then came the even more radical Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant/ SIL and an invading army composed of troops from oil-rich neighbors like Saudi Arabia, which was very upset by Iranian/Houthi missile attacks. By late 2017 the rebels were slowly losing ground to government forces who, despite Arab coalition air support and about five thousand ground troops, were still dependent on Yemeni Sunni tribal militias to fight the Shia tribesmen on the ground. While the Shia are only a third of the population, they are united while the Sunni tribes are divided over the issue of again splitting the country in two and with no agreement on who would get the few oil fields in central Yemen. Many of the Sunni tribes tolerate or even support AQAP and ISIL. The Iranian smuggling pipeline continued to operate, and the Yemen rebels were able to buy additional weapons from other sources because they received cash from nations or groups hostile to the Arab Gulf state, especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The Shia Houthi rebels were from northern Yemen and controlled the Yemen border with Saudi Arabia. Over the last decade the rebels launched more and more attacks on Saudi targets. After Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023, Iran ordered its Houthi proxy to attack commercial shipping moving past Yemen to reach the Suez Canal. The world has long ignored the Yemen civil war but, now that the Yemen Houthi rebels are interdicting the Suez Canal, there are incentives for some Western nations, in Europe and North America who are most dependent on this trade route, to do something as long as it does not involve acting against Iran who is the real cause of the problem. Arab Gulf States do not have large warships. Saudi Arabia does have combat aircraft that have been attacking targets in Yemen for over a decade. None of these attacks were able to eliminate the Houthi threat. In 2014 Persian Gulf Arab states sent in ground troops. This was not sufficient to defeat the Houthis and There are problems with that. They tried that before and gave up the effort. On the other hand, a traditional Arab solution for such problems is to hire mercenaries, and the Saudis have in the past hired thousands of Pakistani mercenaries. They could again. The United Arab Emirates/UAE, a small Persian Gulf oil state, has only 20,000 troops in its military. But in 2015 the UAE sent 3,500 troops to Yemen but by 2020 nearly all these soldiers had been withdrawn. While in Yemen the UAE forces helped organize and improve local Sunni forces in southern Yemen to better deal with the Shia rebel forces in the north. While the Shia rebels have held the traditional Yemen capital of Sanaa in central Yemen, the more numerous Sunni forces in the south use the port of Aden as their capital. Aden and the local Sunni tribes continued to suffer attacks by AQAP and ISIL. CARLOW Citizens Information Centre handled over 10,500 queries from the public in 2024, as the national network marks its 50th anniversary this year. The Carlow centre, located at 43 Tullow Street, was among the earliest centres registered when the service was established in the 1970s. It formed part of the first wave of 25 centres officially registered on 8 July 1975 following a conference in Dun Laoghaire that identified the need for bridging the information gap between state services and the public. The service has proven its enduring relevance, with demand continuing to grow locally. Carlow dealt with 10,523 queries in 2024, while the broader South Leinster Citizens Information Service which covers Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wicklow and Wexford handled 127,421 queries. Nationally, the network dealt with 767,168 queries last year. After working all my life, I was extremely unsure about how to go about applying for my state pension, said one Carlow client. I visited the Citizens Information Centre and, not only have they armed me with information, they are actively helping me through the application process. Amazing service. Social welfare queries account for 45 per cent of all cases, with employment, housing, education, health and migration issues making up the remainder. The centre provides assistance with understanding social welfare requirements, completing application forms, housing issues and digital services like setting up MyGov accounts. Sarah Drea, development manager for South Leinster Citizens Information Service, covering the Carlow and Kilkenny area, highlighted the continued importance of the service as many public services have moved online. The movement of so many public services online has been difficult for some groups in society. Citizens information is here to help, she said. The service has supported diverse clients over the decades, including asylum seekers who have gone on to become Irish citizens, single parents rebuilding their lives and older residents planning their retirement. Today, the national network operates through eight regional companies and over 90 offices, providing face-to-face services alongside the citizens information phone service, which operates from 9am to 8pm, Monday to Friday. Tomas Doherty A wide range of stories feature across Saturday's newspaper front pages, including a vigil for the victims of the Fermanagh shooting. The Irish Times reports that European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and United States President Donald Trump will meet in Scotland on Sunday, in an effort to get a deal on tariffs over the line. TV licence fee revenue has decreased by over 58 million in the last two years, according to the Irish Examiner. Survivors and relatives of victims of the Creeslough explosion have filed a number of lawsuits, the Irish Independent reveals. The Irish Daily Mail reports that the health service lost more than 4 million last year by failing to submit bills to insurers on time. The Irish Daily Mirror leads with a vigil held in Maguiresbridge for the mother and two children killed in the Fermanagh shooting incident. Senior Kinahan cartel boss Thomas 'Bomber' Kavanagh has been order to pay 1.2 million or spend more time behind bars, according to the Irish Daily Star. The Herald reports that a woman who was tortured and falsely imprisoned in a Dublin flat over a false accusation about missing drugs told a court she will never forgive the sick human beings for what they did to her. A childminder who looked after the two teenagers killed in the Fermanagh shooting tells the Belfast Telegraph that the local commuity is broken. The Irish News reports that the taxpayer paid for the North's deputy first minister and her husband to attend Wimbledon and sit in the royal box. Planning permission has been refused for apartments on the site of the Bessborough mother and baby home, The Echo reports. Breaking News Would you like to receive our breaking news news? Signup today! e-Edition Subscribers e-Edition Only - $39.00 Year This is the exact replica of our weekly printed paper. Great for searching archives! General Interest Imported List: General Interest Drivers traveling along Alton Park Boulevard should be aware of upcoming railroad activities that will temporarily impact traffic. Beginning Monday and continuing for 10 days, Norfolk Southern will close Alton Park Boulevard near 31st Street to perform maintenance activities to a nearby railroad crossing. Drivers will detour via Broad Street. Drivers are encouraged to remain alert and avoid the area if at all possible. This work is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled in case of inclement weather or other unforeseen conditions. As always, motorists are reminded to use TDOTs motorist information tools and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before departure. Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on the phone while driving. For the latest updates, visit the TDOT SmartWay Map or dial 511 for statewide travel information. Tennessees Move Over Law requires drivers to move over for highway workers and emergency vehicles. Violation of this law can result in up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. A woman who sold fentanyl that took the life of a Chattanooga man was sentenced on Friday to serve 18 years in federal prison. Haley Kennedy appeared before Federal Judge Travis McDonough. Prosecutors said a local man contacted Ms. Kennedy to buy heroin, and he paid via CashApp. The drugs, instead, contained fentanyl, causing the death of the man on Nov. 29, 2021. Investigators said they found fentanyl powder on used foil at the man's home. Prosecutors said Ms. Kennedy had claimed it was heroin, but it was in fact deadly fentanyl. In another case, a Signal Mountain man was sentenced to 24 years in federal prison for being involved in a large ring distributing large amounts of drugs, including meth and fentanyl. Henry Lee Estill, who earlier spent years in prison on drug convictions, was also sentenced by Judge McDonough. On Dec. 21, 2021, police saw two vehicles driving suspiciously at Soddy Daisy. Police stopped a Cadillace driven by Estill. Agents said the other vehicle was driven by an Atlanta man who supplied large amounts of drugs to Estill and others. In the Cadillac were meth and an electronic money counter. Agents on Jan. 14, 2022, carried out a controlled drug buy from Estill. On Feb. 19, 2022, police were called to the home of Estill when he fired a gun into the air during a domestic incident. Officers found large amounts of drugs at the residence as well as multiple firearms. On May 19, 2022, police again found large amounts of drugs and $3,540 in cash at Estill's home. Judge McDonough noted that after Estill "was caught red-handed" with illegal drugs, he continued to sell them. The Fraternal Order of Police worked closely in 2021 with Mayor Tim Kelly and the Chattanooga City Council to secure critical increased compensation for Chattanoogas First Responders. As part of that process, we proposed implementing Cost of Living Adjustments for First Responders annually to avoid being the lowest-paid First Responders in the region within a few years. If fair compensation was addressed annually, such a large adjustment would not be necessary today. Chattanoogas First Responders are again the lowest paid in the region, and this reality is having a direct impact on the services provided to all of Chattanooga. The Fraternal Order of Police is once again working with Mayor Tim Kelly and his staff to help inform the City Council and residents about the consequences of underpaying First Responders. If the Council fails to take appropriate action to bring police pay in line with the market rate, and implement cost of living adjustments, Chattanooga will increasingly feel the impact of a decreasing First Responder workforce and the strain that puts on public safety in all Chattanooga neighborhoods. We look forward to continued dialogue with the mayor and the Council. The Fraternal Order of Police cannot stress enough the importance of the Council moving forward with fair First Responder compensation to ensure that public safety is not just a priority - but a reality - for all Chattanoogans. Fair and competitive compensation is essential to achieving the vision of One Chattanooga - where every neighborhood is safe, and where we have the resources to provide the public service that every Chattanoogan expects and deserves. Chris Mullinix President FOP Rock City Lodge 22 A $28,263.26 judgment is to be issued against former state representative Robin Smith in connection with the bribery and kickback case in which she pleaded guilty. The defendant has agreed to that amount, which is considered the amount of her proceeds from the fraud, it was stated. Ms. Smith earlier pleaded guilty to honest services wire fraud. Her attorney said she will provide additional help to the government against co-defendants Glen Casada and Cade Cothren. Ms. Smith faces up to 20 years in prison after her guilty plea early on in the case in 2022. She was the chief witness against former House Speaker Casada and his top aide, Cothren, in the federal trial in April in Nashville. Ms. Smith, of Hixson, testified three days and was available for a fourth. Casada and Cothren were found guilty by a jury of bribery and kickback charges. Sentencing for Casada, 64, and Cothren, 38, is set for Sept. 12. However, the government has asked for more time to respond to motions of acquital and for a new trial in behalf of Casada and Cothren. The sentencing for Ms. Smith, 61, is set for Oct. 24 at 9 a.m. Authorities said in November 2019 that Cothren set up a firm called Phoenix Consulting that was said to be headed by Matthew Phoenix, which in fact was a fictitious name and the actual operator of the firm was Cothren. The firm was set up to get payments from a program in which legislators could use up to $3,000 each per year for mailings to constituents. Ms. Smith at one time headed the state Republican Party as well as the Hamilton County Republican Party. She ran for the Third District U.S. House seat long held by Zach Wamp in 2010. The race was won by Chuck Fleischmann, who still holds the seat. Elizabeth Zoller Anderson Jones, a devoted servant of Christ and a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior on July 25, 2025. Born on December 21, 1939, in Orlando, Florida, Elizabeth lived a life defined by faith, resilience, joy, and a heart that overflowed with love for others. She was a proud graduate of Boone High School in Orlando, where she was a popular cheerleader known for her lively spirit and natural warmth. One of her favorite stories from her youth reflected her charm and sense of humor: In the early days of Elvis Presleys career, he visited Orlando. Elizabeths father, who was friends with the editor of the local newspaper, arranged for her to pose for a photo with Elvis kissing her on the cheek. Always thoughtful, Elizabeth declined the offer as she didnt want to make her boyfriend jealous. That story remained a favorite memory she loved to share with a twinkle in her eye. Later in life, Elizabeth pursued higher education and graduated summa cum laude from Chattanooga State Community College with a degree in Advertising Arts. Creative and driven, she used her talents not only in personal expression but also to serve God. She worked with several Christian ministries and ran a Christian arts business that allowed her to combine her love for art and her passion for sharing the Gospel. Elizabeths greatest desire was to bring honor and glory to Jesus Christ. She served faithfully in her church, both as secretary and an active member in various ministries. Her faith was at the center of everything she did, and her life reflected a deep, unwavering trust in God. Her favorite Bible verse, which she lived by every day, was: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13. In 1977, Elizabeth endured and overcame a devastating house fire at her home in East Ridge, Tennessee. After falling from a second-story window onto a concrete porch, she survived against all odds. Even in the face of that trauma, and many other challenges throughout her life, her spirit remained strong, and her faith never wavered. She was a true overcomer. Elizabeth was deeply devoted to her family. She is survived by her husband, Fred Jones; her four children: Rick Anderson, Kirk (Patti) Anderson, Vickie (David) Howland, Marchiel (Chris) Huskey, and Mark Brouillard, whom she considered a son. Additionally, she is survived by her stepdaughters, Jennifer (Chris) Parton and Amy Bailey, and two sisters, Zaida Zoller and Reeny (Danny) Dawson. She leaves behind many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were the pride of her life. She was a joyful supporter of her familys passions, especially motocross and camping, and could always be found on the sidelines cheering with pride. Her home was a warm and welcoming place, where her childrens friends were always greeted with love, and many came to affectionately call her their second mom. Her heart was generous, her smile infectious, and her presence comforting. Elizabeth was also a gifted artist and an exceptional cook, known for creating meals that were as memorable as they were delicious. She saw the best in everyone, found light in the darkest moments, and never hesitated to share words of encouragement and hope. She often said with a twinkle in her eye, Thats the way the ball bounces, the law of the jungle, and the cookie crumbles. In that playful phrase was her quiet wisdom, a reminder to embrace life with grace, humor, and faith. Elizabeth leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, creativity, and unshakable faith. Though she will be deeply missed, her example lives in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Lord. Matthew 25:23 A Celebration of Life will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday July 30, 2025, at Chattanooga Funeral Home, Valley View Chapel, 7414 Old Lee Hwy. Chattanooga, TN 37421. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 4-6 p.m. Visit www.chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com to share memories and view the video tribute. Arrangements are entrusted to Chattanooga Funeral Home, Valley View Chapel. A Wyoming native, Munsick embodies the spirit of the West in his dynamic and genuine performances. Home News Christian accused of blasphemy after calling out Muslim shopkeepers fraud LAHORE, Pakistan Police in Pakistan arrested and charged a 60-year-old Catholic man with blasphemy after he accused a Muslim shopkeeper of overcharging him, sources said. Amir Peter of Nishat Colony in Lahore, the capital of Punjab Province, was charged last Saturday under Section 295-C of the countrys controversial blasphemy laws pertaining to disrespect of Islams prophet, Muhammad punishable with death on the complaint of Sanor Ali. When Peter went to Alis shop to buy a few groceries on Saturday morning, Ali overcharged him for the items, leading to a verbal spat, said Katherine Sapna, executive director of the legal group Christians True Spirit (CTS). Angered by the Catholics rebuke, Ali lunged at the man and started beating him, Sapna told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. Peter was rescued by some bystanders, after which he came home, only to be arrested a couple of hours later on a false blasphemy accusation. Peter told her team the accusation was completely baseless, as there had been no mention of religion or Muhammad during the altercation. Peter has also claimed that he was beaten by police during custody, Sapna said. According to Peter, the police pressured him to admit to the false charge, but he refused, reiterating that he could not even think of saying anything derogatory about the prophet of Islam. According to Alis FIR, Peter first expressed his desire to leave Pakistan and suggested Ali also do so, then suddenly used derogatory words against Muhammad, she said. The claims made in the FIR do not make any sense, she said. Moreover, the complainant has not stated any word or remark that constitutes disrespect of the prophet Muhammad. This matter could have been resolved by the police amicably, but instead, they allegedly tortured an innocent man and then threw him in prison. Sapna said the legal team would file an application for a medical examination for Peter in light of the bruise marks on his face and body. We will pursue legal action if it is proved that Peter was tortured by police to elicit a false confession, she said, adding that future actions would be decided when police submit a chargesheet in court. Peters younger brother, the Rev. Henry Paul, is the priest of St. Francis Parish in the Kot Lakhpat area of Lahore. He said Peter retired from a low-level job at a government college four years ago. The accusation against my brother is baseless; he has been trapped in this false accusation just because he confronted the shopkeeper for profiteering from daily use commodities, Paul told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. We were hoping that senior police officers would investigate the matter before taking a decision on the FIR, but we were left disappointed by their harsh action. Blasphemy remains a capital offense in Pakistan, punishable by death. Although the state has not executed anyone under the law, mere accusations have triggered mob violence, resulting in dozens of deaths over the past decade. The accused often endure long pretrial detentions, unfair trials and constant threat of extrajudicial killing. In a June 9 report, Human Rights Watch stated that Pakistans blasphemy laws were being systematically misused to target religious minorities, dispossess the poor and settle personal and economic disputes. Blasphemy accusations are increasingly weaponized to incite mob violence, displace vulnerable communities and seize their property with impunity, states the 29-page report, A Conspiracy to Grab the Land: Exploiting Pakistans Blasphemy Laws for Blackmail and Profit. In several cases, blasphemy accusations were used to target business rivals or coerce property transfers, according to the report. It added that the laws broad and vague provisions allow it to be exploited with minimal or no evidence, creating a climate of fear among vulnerable groups. HRW criticized Pakistans criminal justice system for enabling these abuses. Authorities rarely hold perpetrators of mob violence accountable, while police often fail to protect the accused or investigate allegations, it stated. In some instances, officers who intervene face threats themselves. Political and religious actors accused of inciting violence frequently escape arrest or are acquitted due to lack of political will or intimidation. Failure to prosecute those responsible for incitement and attacks in the past has emboldened those who use these laws to extort and blackmail in the name of religion, said Patricia Gossman, HRWs associate Asia director. The Pakistani government should urgently reform its blasphemy laws to prevent them from being weaponized, she emphasized. Pakistan is ranked No. 8 on Open Doors World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian. This article was originally published at Christian Daily InternationalMorning Star News Home News 'Systematically slaughtered': Okla. student lost 34 family members in massacre; pregnant woman's stomach cut open WASHINGTON Barr Franc Utoo, a native of Nigeria's Benue state and a graduate student at the University of Central Oklahoma, awoke to several missed calls one morning last month. Fulani terrorists murdered 34 members of his immediate family during the June 13-14 Yelewata Massacre, including his pregnant aunt, by slicing open her belly and removing her twin unborn children. The extremists attacked the Christian community of Yelewata in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue, slaughtering more than 200 believers in what has been described as one of the deadliest assaults in the region's ongoing violence that has claimed the lives of countless Christians. "The first names that I asked after spontaneously, they were all killed," Utoo, who was in Oklahoma at the time, told attendees during a Thursday press conference hosted by Equipping The Persecuted, an organization dedicated to reporting on Nigerian Christian persecution and enhancing villages' security. The extremists who carried out the massacre "butchered" his aunt, he said, who had been pregnant with twins at the time of her death. The radicals pierced her belly and removed the twins, killing Utoo's aunt and her unborn children. The Nigerian, who comes from a family of Catholics, also said his sister was killed during the massacre. Utoo said his sister, a devout Catholic and an altar server, had her brain "peeled out." One of Utoo's friends, who had just graduated after studying pharmacy for seven years, arrived at the village on the same day that the killing began. The Fulani terrorists killed Utoo's friend by burning him to death in his room during their rampage, where they torched buildings and burned people alive. As Utoo noted, the village is "sandwiched" by two state capitals and is located near several military bases. However, the attack lasted around four hours without interruption. The Yelewata native believes this is a sign of what he calls the Nigerian government's complicity in Christian persecution. A May intelligence memo from Nigeria's Department of State Security reportedly even foreshadowed a planned assault by Fulani militias in Benue communities such as Yelewata. However, the Nigerian military provided no defense to Yelewata. "The Nigerian government, despite its pronouncement, has demonstrably failed to defend us," Utoo said. "Time and again, when our villages are attacked, help is either non-existent or deliberately arrives too late." "Worse, when our young men, driven by desperation to protect their families, organize themselves in self-defense, they are often met not with support, but with arrest and detention by the very authorities who should be protecting them, leaving our communities even more vulnerable." "This is not just neglect," Utoo asserted. "It is an active disarming of the victims." Advocates have spoken out for years on the rising trend of what they say are genocide-like attacks on predominantly Christian farming communities in Nigeria's Middle Belt states carried out by armed and radicalized Fulani militias. Thousands have been killed in recent years, and many more have been displaced from their communities and farms. Christian persecution watchdog organizations like Open Doors and ADF International note that more Christians are being killed in Nigeria each year than in all other countries combined. Local leaders have pushed back on the Nigerian government's narrative that increasing attacks are part of decades-old farmer-herder clashes and not sectarian violence. Last month, James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, paramount ruler of the Tiv tribe, said during an event attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that attacks like the one in Yelwata are not communal conflicts. "It's not herders-farmers clashes, not communal clashes or reprisal attacks," Ayatse said, according to outlet TruthNigeria. "It is a calculated, well-planned, full-scale genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign by herder terrorists and bandits." Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the Yelwata attack, saying in an Angelus message he is praying for those killed in "a terrible massacre," most of whom were "sheltered by the local Catholic mission." Leo prayed for "rural Christian communities of the Benue State who have been relentless victims of violence." In 2020, the U.S. government added Nigeria to the Countries of Particular Concern list during the final year of President Donald Trump's first term. During the first year of the Biden administration, the State Department removed Nigeria's CPC label to the dismay of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. There is some hope that Nigeria could be re-added to the CPC list with Trump back in the White House. Utoo shared several recommendations that he believes will protect Nigerian Christians from persecution and genocide. He called on the U.S State Department to redesignate Nigeria as a CPC and called for the prosecution of terrorist sponsors through the International Criminal Court "for crimes against humanity." The sponsors of Fulani extremists, according to Utoo, are well-known to the United States and Nigeria. "This is not merely about justice for the past; it is also about dismantling the machinery of terror that continues to threaten our existence," Utoo said. "My people are resilient, we are resourceful, but we are also systematically slaughtered," he added. "We are not asking for an army to fight our battles, but for the right to protect our lives, our families and our faith in the face of an existential threat." "The price of continued inaction, of polite diplomacy that ignores the brutal reality on the ground, will be paid in Christian blood," the Yelewata native warned. Home News Amnesty International says Iranian missile attacks on Israeli civilians violated humanitarian law An Amnesty International report published on Thursday concluded that the Iranian regimes deliberate use of cluster bomb warheads against Israel last month violated humanitarian law. Cluster munitions are inherently indiscriminate weapons that must never be used, stated Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty Internationals senior director for research, advocacy, policy and campaigns. Iranian forces deliberate use of such inherently indiscriminate weapons is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, she emphasized. Some 100 countries worldwide have already banned the use of cluster bombs due to the danger they pose to the civilian population. The Amnesty International report criticizing Iran is noteworthy because the human rights organization has a history of hostility towards the Jewish state. Iran fired over 500 ballistic missiles against largely Israeli civilian areas. At least 28 Israelis were killed, hundreds were injured and some 12,000 lost their homes as a result of Irans deliberate attacks on residential buildings in Israeli cities. Almost 100% of the Israeli victims were civilians, including women and elderly. By contrast, Israel mainly focused on striking Iranian nuclear and military assets during its Operation Rising Lion. Israel also issued evacuation instructions to the Iranian public in cases where the Iranian military targets were located adjacent to civilian areas. During last months Iran Israel war, one Iranian missile hit the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheva, severely damaging the Israeli hospital. Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who visited the damaged hospital, condemned the Iranian's deliberate attack on Israeli civilian patients. "We see the face of evil and terror spread by the Ayatollahs in Tehran, and at the same time we see the resilience and strength of Israeli society, united in our desire to see all the peoples of this region live in peace, Herzog stated. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar echoed similar sentiments. This is exactly the place where the Iranian regime targeted a civilian hospital. This is clearly a war crime. It reflects the Iranian regime's consistent strategy, they are deliberately targeting civilian population, civilian targets, civilians, children, elderly people. It is unacceptable, Saar said. The hospitals officials have estimated that it could take up to a year before the severely damaged hospital operates normally again. Miraculously, no patients were injured in the Iranian attack because the impacted hospital ward had been evacuated 24 hours ahead of the missile assault. In late June, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt personally inspected the devastation caused by Iranian missiles in the Tel Aviv suburb of Bat Yam. "Anyone who sees what the Iranians did to civilians here should fear what they could do with a nuclear bomb. We are 100% behind Israels actions in recent days, including the strike on nuclear sites, Dobrindt stated while being accompanied by the Israeli foreign minister. "There is no justification for attacks on a civilian population, as occurred here," the German minister continued. He emphasized that the international community must prevent the Iranian ayatollah regime from acquiring nuclear weapons. The nuclear threat is not only a danger to Israel but to all of Europe. Israel, Germany, and the United States will not accept a nuclear-armed Iran. This article was originally published by All Israel News. Home News Up to 200 Christians killed by extremists in overnight massacre: Catholic charity Up to 200 Christians were massacred by Islamic extremists in Nigeria's troubled Benue state last Friday evening, according to a Catholic charity reporting that it's the single worst atrocity in a region that has become known for communal attacks. The militants attacked families displaced by radicalized Fulani herdsman who were housed in buildings repurposed as temporary accommodations in the market square of Yelewata in the Guma Local Government Area, shouting Allahu Akhbar, according to a Monday report from Aid to the Church in Need. Buildings were torched as people were sleeping, and anyone who tried to flee was attacked with machetes. Local pastors told the charity that police had earlier repelled attackers who tried to swarm St. Josephs Church, a facility housing over 700 internally displaced persons. At the market square, sources allege that the militants used fuel to set fire to the doors of the displacement accommodation and then opened fire as more than 500 slept. When we heard the shots and saw the militants, we committed our lives to God. This morning, I thank God I am alive, parish priest, Father Ukuma Jonathan Angbianbee, told ACN. Angbianbee said he and others dropped to the floor of the churchs presbytery when they heard the shots fired. What I saw was truly gruesome. People were slaughtered. Corpses were scattered everywhere. Amnesty International Nigeria reported Saturday that at least 100 people were killed in the attack that occured between late Friday and the early hours of Saturday, noting that hundreds were injured without proper medical care and dozens are missing. Although the initial death toll cited by the human rights monitor was at least 100, ACN states that data collected by the Diocese of Makurdis Foundation for Justice, Development and Peace estimated the death toll was closer to 200. The death toll makes it the single worst atrocity in the region, where there have been a sudden upsurge in attacks and increasing signs that a concerted militant assault is underway to force an entire community to leave, the ACN report states. Thousands displaced in Yelewata are victims of Fulani attacks on communities across Benue state. Many have now fled to neighboring towns and villages, ACN notes. In Makurdis Gwer West Local Government Area, attacks that began over three weeks ago killed 100 people and displaced over 5,000. Pope Leo XIV acknowledged Fridays attack in his Sunday Angelus message, saying he is praying for those killed in a terrible massacre, most of whom were sheltered by the local Catholic mission. Leo prayed for rural Christian communities of the Benue State who have been relentless victims of violence. Advocates have long called for global attention to the rising trend in recent years of what they say are genocide-like attacks on predominantly Christian farming communities in Nigerias Middle Belt states carried out by radicalized herders. Thousands of people have been killed in recent years, and many more have been displaced. The Fulani people group numbers in the millions across Nigeria and the Sahel region of Africa and consists of hundreds of clans and various lineages. While many dont hold extremist views, others adhere to radical ideologies similar to the Islamic State or Boko Haram, according to the United Kingdoms All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief. Church leaders have voiced concern that a plan is underway to seize land and ethnically cleanse the region of its Christian presence, according to ACN. In Nigeria, nearly 10,000 Christians were killed by Islamic extremists between November 2022 and November 2024, according to a January report from the persecution watchdog group Global Christian Relief. Home News 'Beloved pillar of our community': ICE arrests Maryland pastor who overstayed his visa 24 years ago U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested a pastor living in Maryland for over two decades for overstaying his visa. He was transferred to a federal detention facility in Louisiana, where he awaits an immigration hearing. Daniel Fuentes Espinal, 54, originally from Honduras, was apprehended by ICE officers on Monday in Easton, a town in Maryland's rural Eastern Shore. The pastor of Iglesia del Nazareno Jesus Te Ama was detained while returning to a construction site after buying materials from a nearby Lowe's and picking up breakfast at McDonald's, The Baltimore Banner reports. In a statement, an ICE spokesperson said that "Fuentes entered the United States on a 6-month visa and never left in 24 years." "It is a federal crime to overstay the authorized period of time granted under a visitors visa," the spokesperson said. A GoFundMe campaign to support Espinal's family has raised over $29,000 as of Saturday morning. The pastor is described as "a beloved pillar of our community." "He has been in the U.S. for 24 years, has no criminal record and is known throughout Easton for providing food, shelter, clothing, emergency funds and emotional support to its most vulnerable residents," the campaign states. "This has devastated his family and traumatized a community that depends so heavily upon him." His daughter, Clarissa Fuentes Diaz, told CNN her father was unaware of why he was being stopped and only realized what was happening after a uniformed officer asked for his identification and placed him in handcuffs. Fuentes told her that the officers were nice to him. Espinal was initially held for a day in Salisbury, then transferred to a Baltimore facility, before being moved to Louisiana on Thursday, where he will be provided with his medication for heart and stomach conditions. "He is doing a lot better than in Baltimore," Fuentes Diaz told The Banner. "The nurse in Louisiana was going to provide the medication today." While being held at the Baltimore ICE Field Office, Espinal spent the night on a bench in a holding room. His daughter said there were no beds. He reportedly experienced joint pain due to the temperature and lack of rest. Since being transferred to Louisiana, the pastor has continued to minister to those around him, including ICE agents, according to his family. Espinal has no prior deportation orders and no criminal record, the family says. They are now working with an attorney to request a bond. More than a dozen letters from community members have been submitted in support of Espinal for any future court proceedings. The arrest has deeply affected his wife and three kids, the youngest of whom is 18. Fuentes Diaz described her mother as too distraught to eat or sleep, saying she was consumed by concern over whether her husband had access to food and medical care while detained. Espinal fled poverty and violence in 2001 and arrived in the U.S., hoping to build a safer life for his family, according to family members. His daughter said relatives had been killed back home and that the country's instability left her father with little choice but to leave. In Maryland, he initially worked in construction and later drew on his religious background as a former youth minister in the Catholic Church to join the local Nazarene church in 2010. He was appointed pastor five years later. Though Espinal's visa had long expired, his family says he was trying to legalize his status. Fuentes Diaz was in the process of becoming his sponsor for a green card and had been waiting for her interview date when her father was arrested. The pastor's congregation, where he has led services since 2015, is reeling. Church member Sandra Perez told The Baltimore Banner she first met Espinal when she arrived from Guatemala 10 years ago and has come to admire his leadership and compassion. "I have learned a lot from him, and I have seen his great work in the congregation as well as in the Easton community, and it has been very sad that they have arrested him," she was quoted as saying. "He is not a criminal. His work as a person, father and pastor is necessary for the congregation." Espinal's case is one of many immigration arrests that have increased across the country this year as the agency pushes to fulfill President Donald Trump's campaign vow for mass deportations and border security. Some Evangelical immigration advocates warned that mass deportations would "directly impact" churches in the U.S., especially immigrant-heavy congregations. In April, a coalition of Christian organizations including the National Association of Evangelicals and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Department of Refugee and Migration Services estimated that about 80% of the 10 million illegal immigrants who could be at risk of deportation from the U.S. are Christians. Maurilio Ambrocio, an Evangelical pastor in Florida who led the 50-member Iglesia de Santidad Vida Nueva and ran a landscaping business, was detained in April by ICE officers despite having complied for over a decade with the conditions of a stay of removal that allowed him to remain in the country after entering illegally. He was deported to Guatemala this month after living in Florida for 20 years. Last month, an Iranian pastor in Los Angeles said five members of his congregation were detained by federal agents, including one couple seeking asylum from Iran. The arrests were confirmed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which claimed the "two Iranian nationals unlawfully present in the U.S." and were both "flagged as subjects of national security interest." Home News Bi-vocational minister says he was fired from public library for refusal to use trans pronouns A bi-vocational minister who recently moved to Louisiana to lead a Southern Baptist church says he was terminated from his job after refusing to use the preferred pronouns of a transgender-identified trainee. In February, Pastor Luke Ash returned to his hometown of Baton Rouge with his wife and their four children to begin serving as pastor of Stevendale Baptist Church. In order to support his family, he also took a job at the Baton Rouge Parish Library. The controversy began on July 7 during a private conversation with a colleague about a trans-identified trainee who had recently been assigned to his department. Ash told The Christian Post on Friday that he used biologically accurate pronouns when referring to the trainee, who was not present for the conversation. The colleague, offended by Ashs word choice, informed him the trainee preferred he. When Ash responded, I dont do that, the colleague asked if he meant he doesnt use preferred pronouns. Ash said the colleague sarcastically mocked him by saying, Thats very respectful, to which he replied, That is very respectful, and excused himself from the conversation. The next day, I was called into the office and shown the inclusivity policy, said Ash. Whenever the supervisors asked me if I was going to continue to refuse to use preferred pronouns, I told them that I was not going to lie. He was subsequently fired from his job on July 10. Ash says his interactions with the trainee were limited but cordial. I only worked with the transgender trainee for three days. I am not sure if she knew anything about the pronoun incident. Pronouns never came up naturally in the course of limited conversation in her presence, Ash recounted. He described one lighthearted exchange with the trainee about eggnog, when a colleague requested his family recipe. He said that he loved eggnog, so I told him that I make it every year for Christmas, said Ash. I told him that I would be happy to give him the recipe that originally came from the internet but has been circulated in my family for more than a decade. At that point, Ash said the trainee popped out of her cubicle and asked for the recipe too. I found the recipe and printed it out for both of them, he added. The day before he was fired, Ash said he asked the trainee if she made the eggnog and had a little conversation about celebrating Christmas in July. At that point, he says, things were cordial enough to the point that she offered to share some of her French fries with Ash, but he declined because he already had some cheese crackers. While the librarys decision to fire him caught him off guard, Ash said he now views the incident as part of a broader assault on free speech and religious liberty. Pointing to Acts 22, he said, The apostle Paul appealed to the law of the land in his time to demand his rights as a Roman citizen. We, as Christians, should do the same in America. We have protections under the law that protect religious liberty and free speech. He believes compelled speech violates these protections. There will be a day when the only One (God) truly justified in compelling speech will do so. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of the Father, he added, quoting Philippians 2:10-11. CP reached out Thursday to the Baton Rouge Public Library for comment. This article will be updated if a response is received. After Ashs firing, a GiveSendGo campaign was launched and, as of Friday, has raised nearly $1,900. A coalition of Baton Rouge pastors, including leaders from the religious freedom advocacy group The Danbury Institute, is drafting an open letter demanding Ashs reinstatement and protections for religious conscience in public employment. Despite the personal hardship he faces, Ash says he stands behind his refusal to compromise. I was tempted to just quietly go away and find another job, but as I watched my children, I was reminded that if Christians remain silent the world under the leadership of the prince of the power of the air will only grow darker and our children will have to fight worse battles than we have now, he said. The pastor shared a quote from G.K. Chesterton, which reads, The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him. Home News Trump admin. releases AI 'action plan' calling for deregulation, removal of DEI references The Trump administration has unveiled its ambitious strategy aimed at cementing the United States as the global leader in artificial intelligence (AI), but some of even the president's die-hard supporters aren't on board. Announced on July 24, "Americas AI Action Plan" focuses on accelerating innovation, bolstering infrastructure, and prioritizing national security to counter Chinas aggressive AI advancements. By streamlining regulations, fast-tracking data center permits, and investing in workforce development, the administration seeks to unleash American ingenuity and maintain a competitive edge in the global AI race. The plan has drawn both widespread industry support and sharp criticism, revealing divisions even among Trumps traditional allies. With several key initiatives aimed at largely reversing policies from the Biden administration, the AI Action Plan prioritizes deregulation by removing references to misinformation, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and climate change from federal AI standards, aiming to foster an environment of what it called unrestricted innovation. The plan also proposes withholding federal funding from states with burdensome AI regulations, a move reminiscent of a previously rejected 10-year moratorium on AI regulation. It also emphasizes expanding data center infrastructure and energy production to meet AIs computational demands, while promoting workforce training to equip American workers for an AI-driven economy. The administration positions these steps as critical to outpacing China, which has pursued a national AI strategy since 2017. The plan has garnered significant support from the tech industry and business leaders, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who hailed it as an advantage for the U.S., stating, Americas unique advantage that no country could possibly have is President Trump. Chevron Corporation Chairman and CEO Mike Wirth praised the plans focus on infrastructure, noting, By streamlining permitting, investing in data centers, and unleashing American energy, the President is laying the foundation for a future where AI strengthens our economy, our national security, and our global leadership. Calling the proposal a giant leap forward, American Edge Project CEO Doug Kelly praised the plans role in countering Chinas influence and filling gaps in the nation's AI strategy. This is our moonshot moment, said Kelly. Now is the time for the country to rally together behind a shared, national mission to win the AI race. The stakes could not be higher. Elon Musks venture xAI called the plan a positive step toward removing regulatory barriers and enabling even faster innovation for the benefit of Americans and for humanity as a whole. We are pleased to see the White House prioritize AI innovation. However, the plan has faced sharp criticism, particularly from within Trumps own political base. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., expressed concerns about the strain data centers place on local resources and opposing penalties for states with AI regulations. Ive been in construction my entire life, Greene wrote on X. I can tell you firsthand, when you move dirt there is always an impact to the surrounding area. Data centers are like black holes when it comes to water requirements. They consume massive amounts of water for cooling, literally millions of gallons per day. Conservative commentator Steve Bannon, a staunch Trump ally who helped the presidents first presidential campaign in 2016, mocked the plans technocratic leanings, criticizing AI tech bros who advocate for deregulation while doing business with China. The tech bros scream about beating China, then lobby DC to keep sharing AI, Bannon said. Decouple now. Or stop pretending you care who wins. Some public policy groups in Virginia and other states are urging officials to hold off for at least a decade on any state-level AI regulations to allow Congress to take the lead. The Virginia Institute for Public Policy, which bills itself as an independent, nonpartisan, education and research organization committed to the goals of individual opportunity and economic growth, gave its public endorsement on June 25 to a proposed 10-year moratorium on AI regulations so that Congress can leverage its Commerce Clause 1 authority to establish federal pre-emption. Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone. Our work is made possible by the generosity of supporters like you. Your contributions empower us to continue breaking stories that matter, providing clarity from a biblical worldview, and standing for truth in an era of competing narratives. By making a recurring donation or a one-time donation of any amount, youre helping to keep CPs articles free and accessible for everyone. Home Opinion The hidden costs of 'staying married for the kids' Its been almost a week since the Coldplay kiss cam scandal rocked the world, initiating a global conversation about tragically familiar topics like abuse of power, betrayal, infidelity, and, significantly in the Christian world, the d word divorce. Because I try to write mostly about things I know, Ive written about divorce in the church a number of times, each time feeling more redundant and, perhaps a bit more jaded, than the last. I often feel like Im swimming upstream against a heavy current of Thou shalt not divorce, or your children will certainly die messaging. And I get it. We live in a throwaway culture that refuses to treat marriage as the sacred covenant that it is, and too much of this casual attitude seems to have crept into the church, where divorce rates are strikingly close to those of the secular world around 2732% for practicing Christians compared to 3337% for non-religious individuals, according to a 2008 Barna Group study. The gap narrows further when including nominal believers who rarely attend church. You will not hear me say divorce is inconsequential, and I understand why so many Christian influencers feel compelled to reiterate how important it is for adults to put their grown-up pants on, prioritize their vows, and do what it takes to remain faithfully committed to each other through thick and thin as best they are able. Divorce does hurt children. You wont hear me disputing this. You will, however, hear me loudly calling for more nuance in these important conversations, specifically as it relates to marriages where abuse and toxicity are present. As a previously single divorced mother, I remember being constantly inundated with messaging insisting that children would turn out terribly as a result of my decision to divorce. It was perpetually discouraging, and it was shortsighted guidance. This obsession with staying married at all costs ignores the kids who grow up watching mom cower under dads verbal tirades or worse, learning that love means enduring pain. What do kids learn about what it means to be a man when they see their father belittle, control, or harm their mother? Do they grow up believing masculinity is about dominance and rage? What do they learn about womanhood when their mother shrinks under abuse or sacrifices her dignity to keep the family intact? Do they internalize that being a woman means silently enduring suffering? Do boys learn to wield power without accountability, and do girls learn to accept cruelty as part of love? These dysfunctional cycles, often perpetuated in the name of preserving marriage, can scar children far deeper than a divorce ever could, with studies showing kids in high-conflict homes face a 3050% higher risk of anxiety and depression. They are 2-3 times more likely to have behavioral issues. They have a 15-20% likelihood to have poorer grades than their peers from stable homes. They are 50% more likely to struggle with relationship issues. They possess a 10-20% higher risk of stress-related health issues. Typically when I bring this up, Im immediately met with a fairly predictable chorus of, Abuse is bad, but statistics indicate that most divorces are not the result of abuse. Then theyll link me to some study, fold their arms, and insist theres nothing left to discuss. Data are important. I wont dispute this. But its also true that there are truths the data dont reveal. My no-fault divorce says we divorced for irreconcilable differences, when, in fact, it was the quickest, safest route out of abuse and infidelity. Family values groups often use data like this to claim abuse isnt the cause of divorce, but they arent working with the whole picture. In states where no-fault divorce is standard, reasons like abuse or betrayal are rarely documented, leaving us with a skewed picture that downplays their prevalence. If you dive into available data with a fine-tooth comb, though, you will find research to support the belief that reasonably high percentages of divorces are, in fact, linked to some pretty serious issues. A study cites infidelity as a cause of 59% of divorces, with substance abuse and domestic violence also ranking high as contributing factors. Another source suggests that domestic violence alone is cited in roughly 23.5% of divorces, though some surveys push this closer to 36% when including emotional or verbal abuse. When you factor in that 78% of American men (including 75% of Christian men) watch pornography, with 88% of the most popular porn including physical aggression and 48% including verbal aggression against women, youve got a troubling picture of how deeply intertwined these issues can be in the breakdown of marriages, especially when some studies claim that as many as 56% of divorces involve one spouses obsessive interest in pornography. These are complex problems with spiritual roots that can be profoundly difficult to overcome, challenging the narrative that most divorces stem from frivolous reasons. The truth is, the data we do have only tell part of the story. When you account for overlapping issues like infidelity, substance abuse, and domestic violence, the percentage of divorces tied to serious, toxic behaviors likely climbs into the 4060% range. Yet, these figures are often buried under the broad brush of irreconcilable differences in no-fault divorce states, masking the real pain behind many separations. Infidelity and abuse dont neatly fit into checkboxes on court forms. When family values advocates wave around statistics claiming abuse is a minor factor, theyre often leaning on incomplete data that fail to capture the lived experiences of survivors. When we reduce divorce to a moral failure or a lack of grit, we ignore the courage it takes to leave a toxic situation, especially when children are involved. The churchs reflex to double down on stay married at all costs can trap people in cycles of harm, teaching kids that love means enduring chaos, enabling sin, and playing the martyr rather than finding peace. Im not advocating for a cavalier approach to divorce. Marriage is a sacred covenant, and every effort should be made to honor it when possible. But we must stop pretending that staying in a toxic marriage is always the godly choice. Kids dont just need a two-parent household; they need a healthy one. We cannot continue to whitewash or ignore the scars of growing up in a war zone disguised as a family. And we must be especially careful not to unwittingly guilt battered, broken spouses into dangerous decisions that prioritize institutions above their physical safety. We need to listen to survivors, not silence them with statistics that dont tell the whole story. We need to acknowledge that divorce, while painful, can sometimes be the most redemptive path forward for both parents and children. The Coldplay scandal has reopened wounds and questions that deserve better than knee-jerk judgment. Lets use this moment to foster a conversation that honors the complexity of marriage, the reality of abuse, and the hope of healing. By all means, speak the truth that divorce is less than Gods perfect design for marriage. Remind people that children are often the casualties of it. Encourage people to fight tooth and nail for the vows they made. But be intentional about telling a more complete picture and seasoning these conversations with critically important nuance. Because when we cling to rigid rules over real people, we risk missing the heart of the gospel: love that restores, not destroys. Home Opinion Will Russiagate scandal forever taint Obamas legacy? Russiagate is one of the most significant scandals in American history, and it totally shatters the media-manufactured myth of Barack Obama. Newly released details by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard about the Trump-Russia collusion scandal paint a picture of an Obama administration that used official power to tarnish and destroy a political opponent. My colleague Virginia Allen had an excellent write-up on the Wednesday release from the House Intelligence Committee report, which, according to Gabbard, exposes how the Obama administration manufactured the January 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment that they knew was false, promoting the LIE that Vladimir Putin and the Russian government helped President [Donald] Trump win the 2016 election. Gabbard doubled down Wednesday, saying that Obamas national security team knew it would promote this contrived narrative that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to help President Trump win, selling it to the American people as though it were true. It wasnt. As details of the Russia collusion hoax drip out from the White House, the whole thing keeps looking worse for the Obama administration. The origin of the Russia collusion narrative, which was a constant source of media coverage through Trumps first term, began without any credible evidence. But top officials in the Obama White House used their final days in office to create the implication that Russia was backing Trump. This, despite the intelligence community telling them that they had no evidence connecting Russia to Trump. In fact, according to the files, its not clear at all that Russia even wanted Trump to win. That conclusion, according to the report, was based on a scant, unclear, and unverifiable fragment, from a single source. After Gabbards report simmered for a while, Obama issued this very Obama-esque statement. Out of respect for the office of the presidency, our office does not normally dignify the constant nonsense and misinformation flowing out of this White House with a response, the statement said. But these claims are outrageous enough to merit one. These bizarre allegations are ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction. As usual, the holier-than-thou former president said nothing in particular while pretending, as always, that hes above the petty workings and accusations of mere mortals. But Obama cant just eject from this scandal. If the report is true, then it suggests that the Obama administration, at the very highest level, attempted to weaponize the intelligence community, the deep state, to create a narrative about Trump and Russia that was meant to damage and delegitimize Trumps presidency. Thats a massive betrayal of public trust and makes Watergate seem like a nothingburger. Obama was a change agent focused on changing institutions to serve his political movement. On this end, he achieved a remarkable amount of success but ultimately sowed the seeds for a total collapse in American institutional trust. For the constant talk about how Trump breaks norms, it was the Obama administration that destroyed the notion of an amicable transfer of power between presidential administrations. This may be hard to come to grips with for some people who still buy into the notion of a moderate Obama who was above petty politics and the partisan fray, but the actions of his administration were ruthlessly partisan. Obama effectively wedded the power of the federal government to the Democrat political machine. His political movement co-opted the private sector and corporate America, too once the bogeymen of the Left into the larger project. The regime was set to carry out the Lefts objectives no matter who sat in the Oval Office. In 2016, what Obama once called the bitter clingers the basket of deplorables, as Democrat presidential candidate Hillary Clinton even more obnoxiously called them struck back and elected Trump. But the Obama machine wouldnt let this stand. So instead of gracefully accepting defeat, they weaponized the bureaucratic leviathan Obama built to stonewall and damage Trump at every turn. With the narrow election of President Joe Biden, it seemed the strategy worked. That Biden was a barely there empty suit may have even been a positive for the collection of Obama advisers and deep state bureaucrats who clearly ran the executive branch as the president snoozed and ate ice cream. They set the precedent for using official power to destroy enemies of the regime. And they had a vast bureaucratic apparatus that was eager to help them do it. So when the Biden administration worked with leftist prosecutors to jail Trump, it was done in the spirit of the Russia collusion hoax. And thats the line that runs through the Obama-Biden joint apparatus that created and linked two of the biggest scandals in American political history. The first was the Obama administrations weaponization of the deep state; the second was the deep state presidency where Biden operated as little more than a figurehead. The return of Trump to the White House is the ultimate rebuke of the institutions that Obamas minions corrupted. If Gabbards report is true, it should forever put to rest the notion of the scandal-free Obama administration. Obama entered office promising hope and change, but he left us with malaise and cynicism. Originally published at The Daily Signal. This is the 23rd year that free school supplies in a backpack will be provided to families who need them for the start of the school year. The event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1600 Pearl Road in Brunswick. There will be activities for children and families as well as representatives of community organizations with free information available for the families. Holy Trinity members have sponsored this event with the help of Brunswick Education Foundation, Stuff the Bus event, Salvation Army, Brunswick VFW 9520, Brunswick Optimists and private donors. They ask families to join the fun. For further information, call the church at 330-225-4148. If youd like to donate something, bring your school supply donation to Heritage Farm, 4613 Laurel Road between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Aug. 5. All donations will be added to the event at Holy Trinity. Its also mom appreciation day at the Sunday at the Farm market, so bring your mom, too. Yes, its time: It hardly seems possible but school starts for our kids on Aug. 19. The Brunswick Recreation Center is featuring a back-to-school outdoor concert with the band, Flashback, from 2-4 p.m. Aug. 9. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the great music. Its free. Business @ the Barn: You also know summer is flying by when its time for Business at the Barn. The 2025 edition, presented by MDG Flooring and Kiba Studios will be held from 3-6:30 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Barn at Mapleside Farms, 294 Pearl Road, Brunswick. The first two hours are for the VIP reception for businesses to network and interact. The public is invited from 5-6:30 p.m. and its always a great event to experience thanks to the Northern Medina County Chamber Alliance. Looking forward: Its been a long time since Brunswick hosted the Colors of Honor and thanks to the Rotary Club of Brunswick, it will be at Cuyahoga Community Colleges Brunswick Campus Aug. 15-17. Its a fantastic display of American, military branch and first responder flags plus the Medina County Vietnam Historical Project honoring 33 Medina Countians who lost their lives in the Vietnam war. Watch for the tents and flags that will be part of the event with the opening ceremony at 2 p.m. Aug. 15. Jazz under the Stars: Ohio Regional Music Arts and Cultural Outreach continues its summer Jazz under the Stars concert series with Organic Trio at 7 p.m. Aug. 2 on Medinas public square. Tapping into the current Hammond organ revival, Chris Hovans Organic Trio revisits the classic organ combo genre with a renewed sense of purpose that puts swing and soulful energy at a premium. Covering both modern repertoire and iconic standards from the jazz lexicon, the trio features Michigan natives Cliff Metcalf on organ and Chandler Carpenter on guitar. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnics to enjoy this free concert. In the event of rain, the concert will be held at St. Pauls Episcopal Church, 317 E. Liberty Street, Medina. For more information, call 419-853-6016. Chris Hovan attended the music conservatory at Baldwin-Wallace College where he studied classical percussion Hovan has played in a variety of Northeast Ohio venues. Hovan also performs as a percussionist with the horn-based ensemble Funkology, Doobie Brothers tribute band China Grove and with Bob Niederriter and The Jazz Shepherds. Cliff Metcalf is a graduate of Hope College in Holland Michigan, where he studied with jazz organ monster, Tony Monaco. In the fall of 2016, he participated in the first Jazz Organ Summit, a gathering of prominent artists and enthusiasts from around the United States. Currently working as a music teacher based in Holland, Michigan, Metcalf enjoys a healthy performance schedule and can regularly be seen at festivals and pubs in Central and Northwest Michigan. Chandler Carpenter is a Brunswick native and a rising talent on the Cleveland-Akron jazz scene. He did his undergraduate studies at the University of Akron and earned his Masters degree in jazz performance from Youngstown State University where he studied under many distinguished professors. He has performed with drummer Owen Davis, DANJO Jazz Orchestra, and has been a regular in the house band for BLU Jazz Akrons monthly jam sessions. In addition, his music has been performed by Third Law Collective at the Bop Stop on several occasions. Carpenter currently resides in New Jersey where he works as a private school music teacher. Additional times: Come view the Not Just a Pretty Dress display at the McDowell-Phillips House Museum, 205 S. Prospect St., Medina. Additional dates have been added including 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2; 1-4 p.m. Sundays, Aug. 3 and 17. This exhibit consists of wedding gowns, related apparel, and traditions from 1810s - 1980s presented by the Medina County Historical Society. Over 25 wedding gowns and apparel from our Collection. Display runs through August 17th. Admission donation is $10 per person. Private tours are also available. Please call 330-722-1341 or email mchs@zoominternet.net for information and to schedule. The Medina County Historical Society also has a special Yesterdays Toys display at the John Smart House Museum, 206 North Elmwood, Medina. The museum and this special exhibit will be open 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3. Last tour starts 30 minutes prior to closing. Private tour appointments are available upon request. Call for details. Admission donation prices are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for students from seven to 18. Children under seven are free with a hand-holding adult. Historical Society members receive a discount. For more information, contact the museum at 330-722-1341 or email mchs@zoominternet.net Mosquito update: The Medina County Health Department (MCHD) received notice from the Ohio Department of Health that five more mosquito samples collected as part of the mosquito surveillance program have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). This brings the total of WNV positive samples to eight in Medina County for 2025. The five new mosquito samples were identified at three locations: Brongers Park in Hinckley, Hubbard Valley Park in Seville, and Letha House Park in Spencer. West Nile virus has been confirmed in mosquito populations across at least 16 other counties in Ohio, according to the Ohio Department of Health. For more information about the Medina County Health Department mosquito control program or West Nile virus, visit www.medinahealth.org or call 330-723-9688, option 3. Affair on the Square: The historic Medina square will once again be filled with more than 170 booths of handmade crafts and vintage finds at the 34th annual Affair on the Square Craft & Vintage Fair from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 10. The event features specially selected crafters and artisans of handmade items in all mediums including beautifully handcrafted jewelry, home decor, soaps, lotions, metalwork, wood work, wearables, vintage and repurposed, and so many more unique items. Several of the areas most popular food trucks to tantalize attendees with some amazing foods and treats. Victor Samalot will bring his timeless Latin groove and Jazz instrumental styling to the Medina Gazebo from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Folk rock artists Parsons and Polk will follow from 2:30 to 5 p.m. covering favorite artists such as Neil Diamond, Jimmy Buffet, and James Taylor. For the kids there will be balloon animals and a make-it-take-it craft booth. Admission to the show is free. For more details, go to www.affaironthesquare.net Closed to the public: The Medina County Solid Waste District will be closed on Saturday, Aug 2 for repairs. There will be no residential specialty waste, hazardous waste, bulk waste drop-off or yard waste taken that day. There will be no access for commercial yard waste or transfer facility disposal. District employees said, The safety of everyone visiting our campus is of the utmost importance and repairs are needed to ensure that safety. We apologize for any inconvenience. Normal hours will resume on Monday, Aug. 4. 2025 MCBDD Stand Out Champion Award recipients: (left to right) Melanie Kasten-Krause, Trent Fumich, Nicole Moehring. MCBDD Stand-out champions: The Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Stand Out Champion Awards: Melanie Kasten-Krause, Trent Fumich and Nicole Moehring. This award recognizes people in the community who have demonstrated exceptional advocacy and commitment to the developmental disability field in Medina County. This years recipients have shown a dedication and passion to touching the lives of people with disabilities, and the MCBDD is proud to recognize their contributions. With over four decades of service, Melanie Kasten-Krause has been a steadfast advocate for individuals with developmental differences. As the former Executive Director of The Society, she played a pivotal role in transforming the organization into a cornerstone of support for individuals and families in Medina County. She also serves on the board of directors for the Medina County Mental Health and Recovery Board, collaborating on initiatives that integrate mental health and developmental disabilities. Despite her recent retirement, Melanie remains a passionate voice for inclusion and continues to inspire others to advocate for a more inclusive community. Nicole Moehrings advocacy is deeply personal. After her son Evan, who has Fragile X Syndrome and autism, was denied justice following a sexual abuse case, Nicole founded Voices of Change in 2018. This nonprofit educates, advocates for, and empowers people with disabilities. Through her writing and activism, including the book Evans Voice, Nicole strives to create a more educated, inclusive, and just world. Her efforts have led to her involvement in the Advisory Board for the Ohio Attorney General Committee for Crime Victims with Disabilities and the development of Evan and Gillian Says, an educational series aimed at reducing the risk of abuse for children with developmental and intellectual differences. Diagnosed with autism, Trent Fumich has turned his personal experiences into a platform for advocacy. His book, Autism Does Not Have Limits, offers an authentic look into the life of a high school student recently diagnosed with autism. Through his writing, Trent emphasizes that individuals with developmental differences are capable of achieving their goals. His determination and creativity serve as an inspiration to others, proving that a diagnosis does not define ones potential. Medina County has many great champions for people with developmental differences, states Stacey Maleckar, MCBDD Superintendent. Melanie, Trent, and Nicole exemplify the spirit of the Stand Out Champion Awards. Their unwavering dedication and advocacy have profoundly impacted people within our community and helped break down the barriers they encounter, and we are honored to recognize their contributions, and passion. Time to register: Medina and Brunswick Schools are now accepting enrollment for the 20252026 kindergarten class. Families are encouraged to begin the registration process early to ensure a smooth start to their childs educational journey. For more information or assistance with the registration process, please contact the Medina Student Registration Office at registration@medinabees.org or 330.636.3100 or in Brunswick contact Kim Frantz, Registrar, at 330-273-0470 or via email at kfrantz@bcsoh.org. Anniversary: The Medina County Health Department is proud to announce the 19th anniversary of the Medina County Medical Reserve Corps, a national network of volunteers, both medical and non-medical, who help make our communities stronger and healthier during disasters and every day. The MRC was created over 20 years ago after the attacks of September 11th, when thousands of volunteers, many of them healthcare workers, offered their services to support response and recovery efforts. Formed in 2006, the Medina County MRC had about 45 volunteers. Today, Medinas MRC has grown to over 550 volunteers. Volunteers are from all walks of life and assist in many ways including during emergencies as well as other events such as health fairs and preparedness activities. Both medical and non-medical volunteers are needed to help improve the health and safety of our communities. You dont need a medical background or any special skills to be a part of the MRC, just a willingness to help in a time of need. MRC plays a critical role in helping to keep our emergency response system running smoothly and also supporting first responders during an incident. Remember, emergencies and disasters come without warning. When emergencies happen, we want our communities to be prepared and have a team of volunteers ready to assist. To register and become an MRC volunteer, visit ohioresponds.odh.ohio.gov. For more information on the MRC and other programs and services offered by the Medina County Health Department, call 330-723-9688 or visit medinahealth.org. Contact Boyer at samboyersunnews@yahoo.com The U.S. Food & Drug Administration is investigating an 8yearolds June death following Elevidys treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and has paused distribution amid safety concerns. Uwe Anspach/Getty Images WASHINGTON, D.C. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration announced Friday that it has launched an investigation into the death of an 8yearold boy who received Elevidys, the gene therapy developed by Sarepta Therapeutics for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The child, treated in Brazil, died on June 7, and the agency has formally asked for, and secured, a voluntary suspension of Elevidys distribution in the U.S. while safety concerns are evaluated, the FDA said. Elevidys is a one-time gene therapy given through an IV. Its designed to help children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare and serious genetic condition that causes muscles to weaken over time, the Muscular Dystrophy Association said. The treatment uses a harmless virus to deliver a copy of a protein called micro-dystrophin, which helps support muscle strength in boys who are missing a working version of the gene responsible for making it, according to the FDA. Although the boy was not involved in a clinical trial, his death has been reported under post-marketing surveillance. Roche, which distributes Elevidys outside the U.S., said the treating physician assessed the fatality as unrelated to the therapy. Despite that, the FDA said it remains cautious. Reuters reported that this marks the third recent fatality involved with Sareptas gene therapy: Two teenage boys reportedly died of acute liver failure after treatment, and a 51yearold man receiving SRP9004, an experimental therapy using the same viral vector, also died. Initially, Sarepta resisted the FDAs request to halt U.S. distribution. However, facing mounting regulatory pressure and a sharp decline in its stock price, the company reversed its position and agreed to suspend Elevidys shipments, the Associated Press reported. The suspension could last several months. This story was created with assistance from AI. House Judiciary Committee Chair Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, leads the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government, Thursday, July 20, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) AP WASHINGTON - Ohios Jim Jordan chaired a House of Representatives subcommittee that examined alleged weaponization of the government by Democrats during Joe Bidens presidential administration. A 17,000 page report it issued found that a broad range of federal agencies collaborated with big tech to suppress content on COVID, elections, and political topicsespecially targeting conservative viewpoints. It concluded criminal prosecutions of Donald Trump were part of a pattern of lawfare against political opponents and found that FBI agents who questioned Jan. 6 narratives or overbroad investigations were punished. Now that Trump is back in the White House and controls the government, Democrats claim hes weaponized everything from the Department of Justice to the Small Business Administration to clamp down on political enemies. Jordan counters that he doesnt view Trumps activities as weaponization. President Trump is doing what he said he was going to do, Jordan said when asked about Democratic claims. Jordan cited Trumps promises to cut taxes, secure the border, impose work requirements on public benefits, and change energy and school choice policies. Its no secret that President Trump said he was going to round up bad people who came here illegally and repatriate them, said Jordan. Ive got complete confidence in President Trump and his people at the Justice Department. Jordan, a Champaign County Republican who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, said Trumps activities were different from those examined by his Select Committee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government. Jordan said that within days of Trumps 2022 presidential campaign announcement, then-Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed a special counsel to examine Trumps efforts to overturn results of the 2020 presidential election and his handling of classified documents after leaving the White House. Along with Special Counsel Jack Smith, he said Georgia prosecutor Fani Willis and Manhattan prosecutor Alvin Bragg all went after Trump. Thats the weaponization of government, said Jordan. Going after your political opponent just days after he announces hes running against you. Thats weaponization, not to mention what we saw from the Biden administration on censorship. But the breadth of Democratic allegations spanning from the Justice Department to the Small Business Administration illustrates the deep partisan divide over what constitutes legitimate government action vs. political weaponization. While Jordan and Republicans see the Biden-era prosecutions as unprecedented political targeting, Democrats argue that Trumps current actions represent the very weaponization that Republicans once condemned. Democrats counter with Trump weaponization claims Democrats in Congress deny that the Biden administration was weaponized against Trump and his supporters, and accuse the Trump administration of turning federal agencies into tools of political retribution. They cite a long list of examples. Agencies including the Justice Department, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Communications Commission, the Internal Revenue Service, the Small Business Administration and the Social Security administration now are being used for those ends, they say. Early in his campaign to regain the presidency, Trump told a crowd at a Conservative Political Action Conference event that he would seek redress. I am your justice, he said then. And for those who have been wronged and betrayed: I am your retribution. Earlier this week, Trump urged the Justice Department to prosecute former President Barack Obama for treason, accusing him of plotting to steal the 2016 presidential election, which Trump won. After what they did to me, and whether its right or wrong, its time to go after people, Trump said. An Obama spokesman called Trumps claims bizarre and a weak attempt at distraction from his administrations failure to release Justice Department files on financier and convicted sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein. The call to prosecute Obama reflects a broader pattern that Democrats say shows systematic weaponization across the Justice Department. Congressional Democrats, including top Senate Judiciary Democrat Dick Durbin of Illinois, have condemned Attorney General Pam Bondis creation of a Weaponization Working Group, a DOJ task force launched on her first day in office. It followed up on an executive order Trump signed during his first day on the job that called for correcting past misconduct by the Federal Government related to the weaponization of law enforcement and the weaponization of the Intelligence Community. Bondi said that she would investigate the investigators, and prosecute the prosecutors, and now shes doing exactly that to seek retribution against his [Trumps] political enemiesreal and perceived," Durbin said on the Senate floor. Durbin cites mass dismissals of career DOJ and Federal Bureau of Investigation staffers involved in the investigation of rioting Jan. 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol, or other Trump-related probes as another example of weaponization. Were witnessing an unprecedented weaponization of the Justice Department right now, at the direction of President Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel, Durbin said in February. The top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, Marylands Jamie Raskin, says Republicans are spending their time relitigating stale conspiracies about the Biden Administration instead of pursuing real oversight of federal agencies under Trump. Were not going to stand idly by while this administration tries to turn the FBI into an arm of a pay-to-play gangster state, said Raskin. Contrasting justice departments Democratic U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and Adam Schiff of California, Judiciary Committee members who are both former federal prosecutors, drew a sharp contrast between Trump-era DOJ actions and those of Biden in a May podcast. They argued the Trump administration is actively weaponizing the Department of Justice against its political enemies while Republicans falsely accuse Biden of doing the same to them. Theyve kind of inoculated themselves with all this talk about weaponization, said Schiff, saying that such claims are often projection. They will talk, talk, talk about how DOJ has been weaponized against them as the preview to their own weaponization. Schiff cited the targeting of Christopher Krebs, who had served as the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) under Trump and led efforts to secure the 2020 election. After Krebs publicly affirmed that the election was secure and free of fraud, Trumps DOJ announced it was investigating him at Trumps request. Schiff said the probe, though likely to fail, had real consequences, forcing Krebs to leave private-sector work out of concern for clients and to spend time and resources defending himself. The pair also pointed to the Justice Departments attempt to block the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, a clean energy initiative Congress had already funded and distributed. Whitehouse charged that political appointees at DOJ invented a criminal investigation in order to convince a bank to freeze the money despite having no evidence of wrongdoing. When career prosecutors refused to participate, they were fired or driven out. All of this, Whitehouse and Schiff argued, is happening while Republicans continue to accuse Bidens DOJ of weaponization without challenging the facts behind any of the major prosecutions. They never say Trump didnt have the classified documents, Schiff noted. They just go straight to the slogan: weaponization. The Supreme Courts ruling granting presidential immunity has only emboldened the abuse, allowing Trumps circle to act with impunity, Whitehouse said. The loaded weapon, he warned, is already going off. This month, after Trump accused Schiff of mortgage fraud and suggested hed be prosecuted for claiming his homes in California and Maryland were both primary residences, Schiff described Trumps actions as a terrible abuse of power. He said Trump was trying to distract from the fallout of his own failure to release the Epstein files. This is the kind of stuff you see tinpot dictators do, said Schiff. It is designed to intimidate his political opponents and somehow try to silence them. Trump has also sought a mortgage fraud prosecution against New York Attorney Letitia James, who won a $450 million judgement against Trump and his companies for inflating his net worth to get better loan terms. Her attorney described it as improper political retribution in a letter to Bondi. Schiff, a frequent target of Trumps attacks, defends the prosecutions that Republicans have labeled as weaponization. In remarks before the Senate Judiciary Committee this year, he said Trump was indicted more than any other president in history because he committed more crimes than any other president in history. Lets not propagandize about some weaponization, some double standard when grand juries found probable cause to believe he committed these crimes, said Schiff. And the only case that was actually allowed to go to trial, the jury found him guilty on every single charge. Broad government reach Democrats point to the use of military force as another form of weaponization. They cite Trumps deployment of federal troops to Los Angeles in response to protests sparked by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) workplace raids. Our warfighters are not political tools meant to patrol the streets of our own cities or to suppress the political views of their fellow Americans, U.S. Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware said in a statement. The forcible removal of U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla of California from a June press conference by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, and federal charges against U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver of New Jersey for intervening in the May arrest of Newarks mayor during a visit to an immigration detention center, drew similar criticism. This is how banana republics and authoritarian dictatorships work, not the oldest democracy in the world. Democratic U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman of New York said of the charges against McIver. Democrats also say the Federal Communications Commission is being used to intimidate the press and punish disfavored media. Members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee claim that since Trumps FCC appointee took charge, it has harassed CBS for routine editing practices, reinstated lawfully denied complaints against ABC and NBC, launched a bogus investigation into KCBS-AM in San Jose simply for reporting publicly available information, and directed the FCCs Enforcement Bureau to launch investigations into NPR and PBS based on false allegations. The top Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee, Richard Neal of Massachusetts, says that under Trump, the IRS had been blatantly weaponized to target critics of the President, citing Trumps threat to revoke Harvard Universitys tax-exempt status as an example. A statement from Neal recalled how Republicans including Jordan spoke out against weaponization over the years quoting Jordan saying: For an administration to use an agency as a weapon against their political opponents is as wrong as things can be in this country. Neal has also criticized the Trump administration for using the Social Security Administration to target immigrants. In an April joint statement, Neal and Connecticut Democrat John Larson condemned reported plans to erase Social Security numbers from legally present immigrants, calling it digital murder and outrageous. Even the Small Business Administration is being weaponized under the Trump administration, Democrats say. They claim that a March 6 decision to relocate regional SBA offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York City, and Seattle, in reaction to those cities immigration stances was politically motivated to hurt cities controlled by Democrats. Your decision to relocate regional offices in six major cities with high concentrations of Democratic residents is a blatant weaponization of the SBA for political gain, a group of Democrats on the House Small Business Committee wrote to SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. The targeting of these cities is clearly punitive, unjust, and counterproductive. Ex-Cincinnati City Councilman PG Sittenfeld is still appealing his corruption conviction to the U.S. Supreme Court despite being pardoned by President Donald Trump. (Win McNamee/Getty Images/TNS) TNS Rotunda Rumblings Still fighting: In a rare if not unprecedented move, former Cincinnati City Councilman PG Sittenfeld is still appealing his corruption conviction to the U.S. Supreme Court, even though President Donald Trump granted him a full pardon back in May. As Jeremy Pelzer reports, if the Supreme Court sides with Sittenfeld, it could result not only in the release of imprisoned ex-Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder but alter decades-old legal precedent for whats needed to prove political bribery and extortion in federal cases. Vance visit: Vice President JD Vance will visit a Canton steel plant on Monday as part of Trump administration efforts to tout the One Big, Beautiful tax and spending bill that Congress approved earlier this month, Sabrina Eaton reports. The legislation Cincinnati Republican will promote cuts taxes, boosts border security, and reduces spending on programs like Medicaid and food stamps. The Congressional Budget Office estimates it will increase deficits by $3.4 trillion over the next decade. No weaponization here: Ohios Jim Jordan chaired a House of Representatives subcommittee that examined alleged weaponization of the government by Democrats during Joe Bidens presidential administration, Eaton writes. Now that Trump is back in the White House and controls the government, Democrats claim hes weaponized everything from the Department of Justice to the Small Business Administration to clamp down on political enemies. Jordan counters that he doesnt view Trumps activities as weaponization. Power Price Surge: Ohioans electric bills are climbing, and its not just because of the summer heat. PJM, the grid operator for 13 states including Ohio, set record-breaking prices in last years auction that added 10% to 15% to bills starting in Juneand another 22% price hike this week could add more by 2026. Anna Staver reports that experts blame a backlog of new power projects and soaring demand from AI and data centers. Lawmakers like Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman are questioning whether the state should stay in PJM or explore joining another grid operator. All politics is local: As the Democratic Party charts their path back to electoral power after their 2024 losses, the message coming from those gathered at the Democratic Mayors Association summit in Cleveland was clear: local leaders must be the ones leading the way. As Mary Frances McGowan reports, over 50 mayors and other party leaders from across the country gathered last week to participate in the organizations 2025 conference hosted by Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, who is currently president of the organization. Four-star command: Gov. Mike DeWine has added his voice to the chorus insisting that a four-star general should lead Air Force Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton Daily News reports. I am concerned about the potential loss of the four-star commanders billet, Air Force Materiel Command, DeWine wrote in a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth that was made public last week. Four-star general is the highest rank a commissioned officer can attain in the U.S. military. These officers oversee the most important commands and missions. Denson departing? State Rep. Sedrick Denson, a Cincinnati Democrat, tells the Cincinnati Enquirers Erin Glynn that hes looking into leaving the legislature before hes term-limited out at the end of 2026. Denson didnt say exactly why he might step down, other than to suggest that unspecified different opportunities were coming his way. Hamilton County Democratic Party Chair Alex Linser said if Denson resigns, the race to take over his reliably blue district will be hotly contested. Cell service: Starting next year, state prison officials will use artificial intelligence to transcribe inmates phone calls and flag suspicious words or phrases, under a $1 million pilot project passed in the new state budget. As Jake Zuckerman of Signal Ohio reports, lawmakers behind the initiative say its a cost-effective way to reduce crime and drug smuggling in prisons, though critics expressed concerns about privacy, false positives for minority inmates, and the risk of recordings being leaked or misused. Heritage preservation: Even though President Donald Trump is withdrawing the United States from UNESCO, Ohios Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks will remain a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As Josue Perez of the Newark Advocate reports, thats because the U.S. still signs on to the 1972 World Heritage Convention treaty. The 2,000-year-old earthworks, which consist of eight sites in central and southwestern Ohio, became the states first (and, so far, only) World Heritage Site in 2023. Full Disclosure Here are five things we learned from the May 12, 2025 ethics disclosure form filed by state Sen. Casey Weinstein, a Hudson Democrat and potential 2026 U.S. Senate candidate, about his 2024 finances: 1. As a member of the Ohio House last year, Weinsteins legislative salary was $77,848.92. Weinstein also made more than $100,000 from ServiceNow, a California-based workplace software company, where he oversees sales and business development to U.S. military clients. 2. Weinstein augmented his salary with rental income from two single-family homes, including somewhere between $50,000 and $99,999 from a house near the Atlantic Ocean in Oak Island, N.C., and somewhere between $1,000 and $9,999 from a house in the village of Peninsula, in northern Summit County. 3. He reported owning at least $1,000 worth of stock in more than 150 different companies, including Amazon, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, CVS, Duke Energy, Intel, Meta, and United Health Group. 4. He owed Wells Fargo and Morgan Stanley at least $1,000 at some point last year. 5. His travel reimbursements last year included $2,449.92 in mileage and $286.70 in lodging from the Ohio House, as well as $65 from United Way of Summit County for a bus tour last September. On The Move Multiple roads in Cincinnatis East Walnut Hills neighborhood will be closed for a week while Vice President JD Vance stays at his home in the neighborhood, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. U.S. Rep. Bob Latta, a Bowling Green Republican, has been presented with the U.S. Nuclear Industry Councils 2025 Distinguished Leadership Award. Birthdays Vincent Keeran, Ohio Senate clerk Ex-state Sen. Lou Gentile Straight from the Source For the community, youll have a lot of people -- large, large number of people who are unemployed, instantly. - Gov. Mike DeWine, speaking with reporters Friday in Springfield after meeting with local leaders about handling the effects of Trumps decision to end temporary protected status for thousands of Haitian immigrants living there in early September, according to WKEF-TVs Eli Burgett. The governor said area employers have already laid off large numbers of Haitian workers, and he acknowledged there was no definitive solution. However, he expressed optimism about Springfields healthcare and education sectors, which have been strained by the arrival of the 10,000-plus Haitians. Capitol Letter is a daily briefing providing succinct, timely information for those who care deeply about the decisions made by state government. Subscribe to get Capitol Letter in your email box each weekday for free. A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 airplane taxis onto the runway for a departure from San Diego International Airport on May 10, 2025 in San Diego, California. Two flight attendants on a Southwest Airlines flight departing from Burbank, California, were injured and being treated on Friday after pilots took evasive action to avoid another aircraft, the airline said. Southwest Flight 1496 sharply descended nearly 500 feet, according to flight tracking websites. The airline and the Federal Aviation Administration said pilots took action after receiving alerts of a potential collision. The Southwest Boeing 737 continued on to Las Vegas, where it landed uneventfully. The FAA is investigating. No passengers were injured, but a passenger identified as Caitlin Burdi told Fox News Digital the sharp descent stirred panic onboard. "We really thought we were plummeting to a plane crash," she was quoted as saying. According to a statement from Southwest, the incident began when its crew responded to "two onboard traffic alerts" while taking off from Burbank, "requiring them to climb and descend to comply with the alerts." The incident came a week after a SkyWest Airlines jet operating as a Delta Connection flight from Minneapolis reported taking evasive action to avoid a possible collision with a U.S. Air Force bomber during a landing approach over North Dakota. The FAA said on Monday it was investigating last Friday's near-miss incident involving SkyWest Flight 3788, an Embraer EMBR3.SA ERJ-175 regional jet, which landed safely at Minot, North Dakota. The Air Force confirmed a B-52 aircraft assigned to Minot Air Force Base had conducted a flyover of the North Dakota State Fair last Friday and that military investigators were looking into the matter. In 2020, Adriel Sanders left her life in the U.S. behind and moved to Paris, France. After law school, Adriel Sanders, 41, found work as a corporate securities, mergers and acquisitions attorney. But she didn't enjoy practicing law. "The whole firm knew it. It was not a well-kept secret. I tried to pretend like I wanted to be a partner, but I couldn't maintain that image. I didn't even want to be a lawyer," Sanders, tells CNBC Make It. "I didn't enjoy the work and the expectation to work all the time and I will probably be one of the only attorneys who says it, but I don't think it's that intellectually stimulating." Sanders, who goes by Adriel Felise online, quit that job and eventually went to work as general counsel for a publicly traded company. At the time, Sanders was living in Washington, D.C. and making $286,656 a year, according to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It. She lived in a studio apartment and paid about $3,000 a month in rent. "What stereotypically happens to most Black women when they work in corporate America is the type of things I experienced my whole career. You're constantly hitting up against this glass ceiling," Sanders says. "I was deeply and truly miserable at the very depths of my little heart and little soul. I knew that it was not sustainable." Sanders says she felt like Paris was home the moment she first visited. Jai Nima Idowu of JADO Images While working her 9-to-5, Sanders dreamt of starting her own clothing line. She even pursued photography in her free time as a way to escape the endless grind of her career. "Photography was very much my creative outlet. For me, starting a fashion line is about doing what I should have always been doing and not about leaving a secure career. I feel like I'm stepping into my purpose," Sanders says. In 2017, Sanders and her two brothers went to Paris for the first time. That trip changed everything. When they first arrived in the city, Sanders was a bit disgruntled after having an uncomfortable flight. Her younger brother reminded her to look around and take in where they were. "It instantly clicked. I was like, 'This is your home. This is where you're supposed to be in the world and this is where you will always be," she says. "I knew I had to move to Paris." Sanders traveled back to Paris several times after that first visit. "The moment I stepped off the plane, I felt like I could just breathe," she says. In 2019, she decided she would make the move across the Atlantic. Sanders made the official move to Paris in 2020. Jai Nima Idowu of JADO Images At the beginning of 2020, Sanders quit her job, gave her landlord notice, and started the process to obtain a French visa. She contacted Adrian Leeds from HGTV's "House Hunters International" to help find an apartment and flew to France for a few days while a moving company packed up her belongings and prepared to ship it all overseas. Sanders landed in Paris the day before France closed its border due to the covid-19 pandemic. "The slowness of the world meant that France sped up. We were all operating from the same level of confusion, so the good thing is that I was confused by what was happening, but so was everyone else," Sanders says. "I arrived the day before the lockdown, so there was no one and it was a complete dystopia." Sanders signed a lease for a one-bedroom apartment that cost 1,550 euros, or $1,815 USD, where she lived for two years. She then moved into a two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment and signed a three-year lease. The rent was 1,980 euros or $2,319 when she first moved in. It has since increased to $2,540 USD. Sanders lives in a two-bedroom apartment where she pays $2,540 a month in rent. Jai Nima Idowu of JADO Images Sanders lives in what they call an "unfurnished apartment" in Paris, which means she had to purchase her own kitchen cabinets, stove, and washing machine. She estimates that she spent about $5,000 on the kitchen and close to another $10,000 to make the place really feel like home. "Could I have done it cheaper, 100% but my view is that I don't know when I will leave so I want to have things the way I want them," she says. In addition to rent, Sanders spends, on average, about 963 euros or $1,128 per month on expenses, which include household bills like cable, internet, renter's insurance, dry cleaning, electricity and gas, private health insurance, and a Navigo transportation card. She also has an annual subscription to the Louvre, which costs 95 euros a year and a second museum card that can add an extra 50-100 euros a year to her expenses. She also pays 1,069.20 euros or $1,252 annually to a guarantor service, which allows her to continue renting in France. When Sanders first arrived in Paris, she did some consulting as a lawyer but decided it was finally time to bet on herself. She says she had about $200,000 in her business account and $70,000 in personal savings when she quit that job and put all of her focus on creating her fashion brand, Adriel Felise, and becoming a content creator. Sanders stopped consulting as a lawyer last year to focus solely on her fashion line and content creation. Jai Nima Idowu of JADO Images That money and her income from content creation helps to fund Sanders' new business venture. Her parents are retired and have been able to help her out as well. "I'm grateful for it because it gives me the cushion to do the runway launching for the fashion line and that to me is the most important goal. It gives me the freedom to know that I'm not going to fall and can pursue my dream," she says. Sanders is self-funding the production of her initial samples and prototypes, but hopes to raise at least $2 million and have her 10-piece collection ready for launch in 2026. Paris is home for Sanders Sanders says leaving the United States and her corporate law career behind helped her realize she's more resourceful than she thought. "I can use my strategic side that I learned as a lawyer, but implement it in a very creative way." she says. "I love fashion and I'm so happy that I can now just say that and be upfront about it because for so long it was treated as something that made me less serious." Sanders is hoping to release the first Adriel Felise collection in 2026. Jai Nima Idowu of JADO Images When Sanders was working as a lawyer, she used to take walks around her office building and dream about starting a fashion line, and now seeing it come to life still doesn't feel real. "There's still a part of me that strives and pushes for more so I don't know if I'm fully ready to say I'm proud but I feel like I'm actually happy, which I wasn't for so long and that's huge for me," she says. "My goal and desire is to inspire women particularly black and brown women to just pursue their dreams and goals. When they do it does not matter. The most important thing is that they be bold, move wisely, and just go for it." Sanders doesn't plan on moving back to the United States. Jai Nima Idowu of JADO Images Bank of America said this week it sees a host of companies that are well positioned ahead of earnings. Analysts named stocks like Amazon that have compelling valuations or expected catalysts as quarterly reporting season continues. Other buy-rated names it cited include: Anheuser-Busch InBev, Oddity Tech , Bilibili and AppLovin. Oddity Tech The global beauty tech platform is firing on all cylinders, the firm wrote. Analyst Anna Lizzul praised the company's "innovative" digital offering in a recent note and says it has a wide moat for growth. "With the vast majority of its sales direct-to-consumer (DTC) we see ODD at a strategic vantage point to grow with this rise," she wrote. The firm also raised its price target to $80 per share from $68 in advance of the company's earnings report on Aug. 4. "We see ODD well positioned to benefit from the beauty category increasingly moving to online sales as consumers' preferred purchasing channels shift," she went on to say. Shares are up 64% this year. Bilibili Analyst Miranda Zhuang is standing by shares of the China-based online video platform. Bank of America recently attended an investor day and came away feeling even more constructive on the stock. "Management highlighted strategies centering on high-quality content, AI empowerment to content and monetization, long-lifecycle games," she wrote. Zhuang raised her price target on the stock to $27 per share from $25 citing the company's second-quarter earnings report in mid-August as yet another positive catalyst for the stock. "We reiterate our Buy rating given Bilibili's unique platform value proposition, long growth runway, and benefits from AI," Zhuang said. Bilibili shares are up 28% this year. Anheuser-Busch InBev Shares of the alcoholic beverage giant have plenty more room to run, according to the firm. The company is scheduled to report its second-quarter earnings on July 31. "Volume in Q2 will likely be held back, again, by China and the US, but we expect continued margin expansion in Q2, supporting +5.6% organic EBITDA growth," analyst Andrea Pistacchi wrote. However, despite the possible volume decline, the firm says there's plenty of other positive catalysts. "One of the main areas of focus for Q2/H1 results will be share buy backs," he said. Meanwhile, shares of the company are up almost 40% this year. "We continue to like ABI, as one of the most reliable staples compounders," he went on to say. Oddity Tech "An innovative consumer tech platform, ODD utilizes proprietary technology to provide consumers with product recommendations. We see ODD well positioned to benefit from the beauty category increasingly moving to online sales as consumers' preferred purchasing channels shift. ... With the vast majority of its sales direct-to-consumer (DTC) we see ODD at a strategic vantage point to grow with this rise." Bilibili "Management highlighted strategies centering on high-quality content, AI empowerment to content and monetization, long-lifecycle games. ... We reiterate our Buy rating given Bilibili's unique platform value proposition, long growth runway, and benefits from AI. ... We expect 2Q ad business to benefit from good ad spend from ecommerce campaigns and the digital products category." Anheuser-Busch InBev "Volume in Q2 will likely be held back, again, by China and the US, but we expect continued margin expansion in Q2, supporting +5.6% organic EBITDA growth. .... One of the main areas of focus for Q2/H1 results will be share buy backs. ... We continue to like ABI, as one of the most reliable staples compounders." AppLovin "APP remains top pick under coverage. We see big upside to CY26 EBITDA expectations, with this print potentially prompting upward revisions; the vast majority of investors we spoke with appear to exclude both a continued managed service onboarding ramp, and a major self-serve ramp in CY26." Amazon "Expect retail beat, AWS growth in focus for 2nd half. ... We think Amazon's focus on the customers and the buyer experience is right for the Internet. We think Amazon is well positioned to capitalize on the global growth of eCommerce and other secular trends such as cloud computing, online advertising and connected devices." Read more. The Trump administration has taken direct stakes in companies on a scale rarely seen in the U.S. outside wartime or economic crisis, pushing a Republican Party that traditionally championed free-market capitalism to embrace state intervention in industries viewed as important for national security. Japan's Nippon Steel agreed to give President Donald Trump a "golden share" in U.S. Steel as a condition for the two companies' controversial merger. Trump now personally wields sweeping veto power over major business decisions made by the nation's third-largest steel producer. "You know who has the golden share? I do," Trump said at a summit on artificial intelligence and energy in Pittsburgh on July 15. The president's golden share in U.S. Steel is similar to nationalizing a company but without any of the benefits that a company normally receives, such as direct investment by the government, said Sarah Bauerle Danzman, an expert on foreign investment and national security at the Atlantic Council, a think tank focused on international affairs. But the Trump administration demonstrated earlier this month that it is also willing to buy directly into publicly traded corporations. The Department of Defense agreed to purchase a $400 million equity stake in rare-earth miner MP Materials , making the Pentagon the company's largest shareholder. This level of support by the federal government for a mining company is unprecedented, said Gracelin Baskaran, an expert on critical minerals at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "This is the biggest public-private cooperation that the mining industry has ever had here in the United States," Baskaran said. "Historically, DOD has never done equity in a mining company or a mining project." Trump's unique hold over the Republican Party gives him the ability to intervene in companies on a scale that would be difficult politically for a Democratic president, Danzman said. "The Democrat would have been accused of being a communist and a lot of other Republicans probably would not have felt comfortable moving in this particular direction because of their greater commitment to market principles," Danzman said. Trump is expanding the range of what is possible in the U.S. in terms of state intervention in markets, she said. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Indians top list of foreign arrivals in visa-free Sri Lanka in 2025 so far WATCH: PM Modi captures glimpse of Ram Setu while returning from Sri Lanka, calls it a blessing To strengthen its tourism sector and drive sustained economic recovery, Sri Lanka is allowing visa-free entry to travellers from 40 countries, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath announced on July 25.The move follows cabinet approval to expand the visa exemption programme, which initially covered seven countries since March 2023, India, China, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan. The extended list now includes the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Pakistan, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Australia, among others.Despite an anticipated annual revenue loss of approximately $66 million due to the waiver of visa fees, Herath emphasised that the expected rise in tourist arrivals would provide broader economic benefits that outweigh the direct loss. "We have stabilised the economy, and through policy changes in tourism, we aim to ensure steady growth in arrivals," he said.Sri Lanka previously introduced visa-free entry for select countries as part of a pilot project in October 2023. That initiative, initially designed for six months, was extended and expanded in phases. Under the updated scheme, eligible travellers can receive a 30-day visa upon arrival, with no fees, although an electronic travel authorisation is still required.The policy is part of Sri Lanka's broader efforts to re-establish itself as a key travel destination in South Asia.Meanwhile, a replica of the ancient Ashokan Pillar was erected on the premises of a Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka in recognition of the "great service" of Emperor Ashoka to the island nation.Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha in his address said this initiative has "further strengthened" the cultural and spiritual ties between India and Sri Lanka.The replica, symbolising the one of the iconic stone-made pillars which were erected across the Indian subcontinent by Emperor Ashoka to perpetuate the ancient wisdom of Buddhism, was unveiled on the sacred premises of Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya, the Indian culture ministry said.The Buddhist temple is situated in the city of Waskaduwa in Kalutara district, a southern province of Sri Lanka about 42 km south of Colombo, the ministry said.The event took place with the participation of chief incumbent of the Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya, Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayaka Thero, Jha as the chief guest, and Deputy Secretary General of International Buddhist Confederation Damenda Porage, among other dignitaries.Mahanayaka Thero said the replica of the pillar has been made in "recognition of the great service of Emperor Ashoka to Sri Lanka".The complete sponsorship for this replica pillar was provided by Kyabje Ling Rinpoche, one of the Tibetan Buddhism's foremost spiritual leaders, denotes the lineage of Tibetan Buddhist masters, particularly the 6th and 7th incarnations, the ministry said in its statement. Did you guys hear about the Stephen Colbert thing? That was David Lettermans opening salvo to Barbara Gaines and Mary Barclay on his YouTube channel this afternoon, speaking from a remote part of Indiana where hes on a solo vacation. The question wasnt meant to be answered, however. It was merely an excuse to take off the gloves and start ripping his old bosses a new one. First, Letterman laid out the situation as he saw it. After he retired from CBS 10 years ago, Colbert took over his Late Show franchise and pretty quickly established himself as a precise, crisp, witty political satirist, Letterman said. And often, his target has been the current administration. Don't Miss The show attracted a sizable audience (especially by 2020s standards), and Colbert became the prominent face of the CBS network. Letterman also understood CBS and its parent company, Paramount, were for sale. Skydance Media and David Ellison, son of ultra-rich billionaire Larry Ellison, were eager to buy, but he didnt want trouble. So, according to Letterman, Ellison called CBS and told them to settle their 60 Minutes issues for millions of dollars. What happened next? Letterman speculated that Ellison asked CBS, What about that kid, Steven Colbert? He's always shooting his mouth off about the administration. We dont want any trouble from that guy. So the CBS people say, Hey boys, heres what were going to do. Not only are we going to get rid of that guy, were going to get rid of the entire franchise, so you dont have to worry about another guy. Its gone, buddy. At this point, Letterman admitted, Im making some of this up. The part that really irked Letterman? That was CBS saying it didnt fire Colbert for his satire. Instead, CBS claimed Colbert was fired for losing the network so much money. Cough. Yeah, right. Cough. Advertisement Heres what I know, Letterman explained. If they were losing this kind of money, youre telling me losing this kind of money happened yesterday? I bet they were losing this kind of money a month ago. Ill bet they were losing this kind of money six weeks ago. Or they have never been losing money. The bottom line: CBS did not do the correct thing, Letterman said. They did not handle Stephen Colbert, the face of that network, in the way he deserves to have been handled. But dont cry for Colbert. For Stephen, I love this, Letterman insisted. Hes a martyr. Good for him. And if you listen carefully, you can hear them unfolding chairs at the TV Hall of Fame for his induction, right? But Letterman is concerned about CBS likely new owners. They dont want any trouble along the lines of freedom of the press or free speech or freedom of expression. They dont want to get their hands dirty, he said. They dont want the government going after them because, you know, that concept of freedom of the press is so old-fashioned. Advertisement Letterman was just picking up steam at this point. These guys are bottom feeders, he argued. What the fuck is Skydance? Honest to Christ, is it a discount airline? This is pure cowardice, Letterman concluded. The people at CBS who have manipulated and handled this, theyre going to be embarrassed because this is gutless. 9th CIIE launches exhibitor recruitment drive Xinhua) 14:03, July 26, 2025 People take selfies at consumer goods exhibition area of the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng) SHANGHAI, July 25 (Xinhua) -- With just over 100 days to go until the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE), recruitment for the ninth CIIE was officially launched in Shanghai on Friday, and over 40 foreign companies have already signed up to exhibit, according to the event organizer. The ninth CIIE has already secured a contracted exhibition space of 30,000 square meters. Over 20 companies, including L'Oreal, GE Healthcare, Honeywell, Jaguar Land Rover and Lesaffre, were among the first to commit to a ninth consecutive year of participation. Vincent Boinay, president of L'Oreal North Asia Zone and chief executive officer (CEO) of L'Oreal China, said during a recruitment launch ceremony on Friday that thanks to the growing "spillover effect" of the CIIE, the company has launched more than 10 new brands, dozens of beauty tech products and hundreds of new items in China over the past seven years, accelerating the entry of international products into the Chinese market. The expo has not only witnessed but also boosted the development of companies, said Sheng Wenhao, CEO of Theland Asia Pacific Region. Through the CIIE, Theland has signed deals with dozens of professional buyers, covering more than 5,000 offline stores across 25 provincial-level regions in China. "Participating in the CIIE means embracing opportunities for us. Over the past seven years, we have signed more than 10 strategic cooperation agreements for fruit imports, with a contract value of up to 200 million U.S. dollars secured at the seventh CIIE last year," said Guo Min, Joy Wing Mau Chile Spa's deputy marketing director in China. (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Wu Chaolan) When 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, armed with a 20cm long chefs knife, walked into a Taylor Swift-themed dance class and began stabbing teachers and little girls, he not only took the lives of three innocents six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar. He also triggered a groundswell of resentment, confusion and anger that, one year on, has not abated. The resulting riots, fuelled by misinformation and, in particular, the erroneous assumption that Rudakubana was an asylum seeker (he was not, although his parents had come to Britain from Rwanda), exposed an ugly streak of anti-immigrant feeling. This was quickly suppressed by the authorities, and the perpetrators dealt with in uncompromising perhaps, in some cases, excessively harsh fashion. In particular, questions have persisted over the sentencing of Lucy Connolly, who received a 31-month jail sentence for a 51-word post on X (quickly deleted) in which she called for mass deportations now, urging protesters to set fire to all the hotels [housing asylum seekers] and adding if that makes me racist so be it. Lucys supporters and theres a growing number of them argue that, as a young mother who had lost a child, she was overcome with grief for Rudakubanas victims and simply let her emotions get the better of her. They consider her to be a political prisoner of a government that denies free speech to those with legitimate concerns around crime and immigration: concerns that have been suppressed over the years in the name of a multicultural utopian fantasy which exists only in the minds of out-of-touch politicians. One year on from Southport, and the situation is no less incendiary. Eighteen people have now been arrested following ugly scenes at the Bell Hotel in Essex, which is housing asylum seekers, after a resident, Hadush Kebatu, 41, allegedly left his room at the hotel, walked on to Eppings high street and assaulted two girls aged 14 and 16 just eight days after arriving in Britain. He denies the charges. The unrest has since spread to other locations. In Diss, Norfolk, concerns were raised after the Home Office said it was planning to change the occupants of a hotel housing asylum-seeking families in the town to single adult males. Protests broke out, with people shouting we want our country back. In London, rumours that a four-star hotel in Canary Wharf was preparing for new arrivals also led to trouble. The usual suspects Tommy Robinson et al, as well as masked and sinister Left-wing anti-fascists (Essex police first denied and then, when confronted with the evidence, admitted escorting them to the protests) have been piling in, fuelling the fire. Things are sufficiently concerning that even the Government has deviated from its hear no evil, see no evil stance, with deputy PM Angela Rayner warning the Cabinet that it is time to acknowledge the real concerns people have about immigration. More than 21,000 migrants have crossed the Channel in small boats since the start of the year a 56 per cent rise on the same period in 2024 The National Audit Office said the Governments spending on asylum accommodation is due to cost more than 15billion over ten years Even Downing Street admitted that Starmer, who has backtracked on his memorable phrase that we risk becoming an island of strangers, has been concerned about the unravelling of the unwritten rules that hold a nation together. Strong words, but words are no longer enough. This is not a problem that is going to go away on its own. More than 21,000 migrants have crossed the Channel in small boats since the start of the year a 56 per cent rise on the same period in 2024. In May, the National Audit Office said the Governments spending on asylum accommodation is due to cost more than 15billion over ten years three times the original estimate. There is no concrete plan on the horizon to tackle any of this. People are fed up. Theyve had enough and its becoming increasingly clear that theyre not just going to take it any more, even if that means putting their own liberty at risk. There are multiple dimensions to this story, and the roots of peoples anger and disillusionment stretch back years. What we are seeing has not just sprung out of nowhere. Its the result of a social and political paralysis that itself stems from a singular failure to have something decades overdue: an open and honest conversation about immigration in Britain. Im not talking about one of those echo-chamber, BBC-style chats, in which middle-class liberals parrot the same old platitudes about cultural enrichment and imperial guilt. No concrete plan on the horizon I mean an honest, unfiltered and judgment-free debate, in which those who have set the agenda for the past few decades shut up for once in their lives and listen to what ordinary people have to say about the ways in which wave after wave of migrants are increasingly making them feel about their lives, their futures, their country, their heritage. About how successive governments failure to tackle the huge numbers and vast costs associated with these men and it is, of course, mostly men has impacted on ordinary people, their families and their neighbourhoods. And thats just the easy stuff. The really hard conversations go much deeper. Lets talk about the repeated and flagrant favouritism couched as cultural sensitivity that has led to widespread abuse, injustices and scandals such as the Pakistani Muslim rape gangs. Or about the systematic imposition and, yes, it often has been an imposition of certain cultures and traditions that run utterly counter to our own way of life. Lets remind ourselves of the vast sums of taxpayer money spent defending the supposed rights of people who have no reason to be here other than the exploitation of this countrys generosity. The news revealed by the Daily Mail this week that in the past year alone over 6,000 migrants used or tried to use pre-paid cards intended to pay for food and other basics on gambling is a classic example. Lets recognise the obvious determination, once here and safely cradled in the bosom of our welfare state, of some of these visitors to repay our generosity by seeking to impose their own undemocratic and frankly medieval social codes, such as sharia law. Let us speak openly of how these practices and their ramifications the oppression of women and girls, predatory male behaviours, lack of respect or even hostility towards other religions have taken hold in certain parts of the country. One thinks of the Batley schoolteacher hounded out of his job and home for daring to show his religious-studies class an image of Muhammad. The Mail this week revealed that in the past year alone over 6,000 migrants used or tried to use pre-paid cards intended to pay for food and other basics on gambling All these, and more, are ugly and troubling truths. No wonder no one wants to confront them, no wonder theres a reluctance, especially by those insulated by wealth or status, to confront them. Far easier to order another artisan latte and pretend none of this is happening. But not having the conversation has led us to where we are today: groups of spittle-flicked protesters, crazy conspiracy theories swirling on social media, confusion, misinformation and heightened emotions including from millions of perfectly ordinary and non-political British people. All this is happening because no one has been listening. And when no one listens, people feel compelled to break the emergency glass. And, boy, are they breaking it. That is what we are seeing. Angry, frustrated men and women who feel ignored, disenfranchised, patronised, vilified and above all desperate, saying enough is enough. We ignore these people at our peril. Im afraid Nigel Farage was right when he said recently after the Epping protests: I dont think anybody in London even understands just how close we are to civil disobedience on a vast scale in this country. Unless we have these conversations, and have them quick, Britain is done. The rage and resentment that has been bubbling under for years now will build under the pressure of denial and violent, lawless outbursts such as the ones we have seen this week will only become more frequent and more fraught. Our politicians continue to gaslight us Troublemakers like Tommy Robinson will sink their claws even further into the impressionable and the ignorant, and others like him will garner support from legions of disillusioned voters sick and tired of being dismissed as deplorables by mainstream politicians, some of whom see the problem but refuse to acknowledge it because they fear the repercussions of doing so. But the truth is that we are witnessing a gradual but determined appropriation of a nations identity. Its evident in the way certain sectors of society the white working class, the Jewish community, women are being slowly but surely pushed into a corner. But its also there in the sinister rise of religious-based political sectarianism, supported by useful idiots such as Jeremy Corbyn and his new outfit (Your Party? Jezbollah?) and expressed in the increasing number of independent Islamic MPs. In some parts of the country it can feel almost like a hostile takeover, as though the historic population the indigenous people, if you will no longer belongs or is welcome. And unless some sort of balance is seen to be restored, unless we openly and honestly confront these challenges as a nation and accept that, as Suella Braverman once so bravely put it, multiculturalism has failed because immigration without controls and integration is a recipe for societal breakdown, then things will only get worse. Sectarianism, racism, isolationism, protectionism and fear will be the only winners. Resentment will deepen. And yet, apart from the odd speech here and there, our politicians continue to gaslight us. Anyone who dares voice even mild concern about these issues is still shouted down by the authorities, dismissed as a mindless, knuckle-dragging thug. To be honest, some of them are. But the vast majority are not. They are just ordinary people who have no objection to genuine refugees coming to build a life in a modern liberal democracy such as ours, far away from whichever lunatics happen to have taken over their world. But increasingly thats not what people see. They see boatload after boatload of young males arriving, some of them jeering and making TikToks about how theyre going to fleece the welfare system. They see alarming acts of criminality (such as Mohammed Wahid Mohammed, 22, an asylum seeker who this week was convicted of raping a 12-year-old). And they see a desire not to integrate, but to intimidate. Of course, troubling behaviours are by no means unique to people who come here illegally. There are plenty of born and bred Brits who are just as sinister, just as criminal. But the difference is they dont have armies of human rights lawyers exploiting the ECHR to get them off the hook because their child cant do without chicken nuggets. Nor are they sometimes protected from facing the consequences of their actions, as the Rotherham rapists and others like them were, by cultural sensitivities. It seems to me that the weight of liberal guilt about our imperial past and cases of historic racism made this country vulnerable to exploitation. Our kindness and tolerance were interpreted as weakness. And instead of helping the truly vulnerable, the women and girls living under the yoke of the Taliban, or the victims of Irans Islamic regime, or any of the other victims of terrible injustice the world over, we have ended up offering refuge not to the weak, but to those ruthless enough to clamber over these poor souls to get to us. This must change. Because if it doesnt, Britain will change. It will cease to be the peaceful, prosperous haven we have all taken for granted for so long and become a place which few of us truly recognise as home. Becky lives about ten minutes from The Bell Hotel in Epping. She used to pass by it when she went for a stroll with her daughter on nearby Bell Common. But that stopped when the asylum seekers arrived. I drive her past here now, she tells me. It doesnt feel safe. Its why shes joined the small group of protesters standing by steel railings, and surrounded by a polite, but large, group of police officers. I want them out, she says gesturing towards the drab-looking building opposite. All of them. Chris has lived in Epping for 45 years. My daughter lives here, my granddaughter lives here and my great-granddaughter, she says. In her hand she holds one of the ubiquitous signs Ive seen taped up around the area a Union Jack with the handwritten slogan Protect Our Kids. And a smiley face. We made it ourselves from an old M&S bag, she explains proudly. I ask her why shes part of the demonstration. Epping is being turned into a slum, she claims. The asylum seekers sit around in the streets spitting and drinking. Then theres all the shoplifting. She shakes her head. The people I feel sorry for are the real asylum seekers. The ones queuing up at embassies abroad trying to come in the proper way. It isnt fair on them. Angry residents protest outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, where concerns have not been addressed Over the past week the concerns of local residents such as Becky and Chris have been catapulted to the top of the national agenda. The violent clashes between demonstrators, counter-demonstrators and the police have led Reform leader Nigel Farage to warn of impending civil disobedience on a vast scale. He was condemned in some quarters for inflaming tensions, especially after making the false accusation that far-Left demonstrators had been bussed to the site by Essex Polices own officers. But then Downing Street revealed Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner had expressed similar concerns in Cabinet about simmering social tensions. According to briefings, she warned Britain faces a repeat of last summers riots unless the Government shows it can address peoples concerns. Concerns in Epping have not been addressed. And as a result the explosion of anger prompted by an incident that is currently the subject of legal proceedings has seen the nations political tribes retreat into their respective bunkers. For those on the Left, the disorder is further evidence of the growing tide of populist racism and extremism, with rage being stoked by outside, far-Right forces. In response, the Right claim this is simply an attempt to smear good, honest, working people who are reacting the only way they know how to protect their community from a foreign invasion, and hard-Left activism. Whatever the truth, the people of this affluent and previously placid corner of Essex find themselves trapped in the middle. On the day I was there the protests were broadly peaceful. But Epping was still a town under occupation. Offices and shops closed early as a dispersal order came into force. Police vans cruised the high street. Officers in riot gear from as far afield as Wales milled around. As a result, few locals wanted to talk openly about recent events. But speaking anonymously, they reinforced Farages and Rayners bleak picture of a nation on the brink. Tensions around The Bell Hotel have been simmering for years. One resident explained how his friend had been contacted by police and warned to stay clear of the area while the dispersal order was in place. Protesters Mairead, Shelley, Orla, Charlotte, Sarah and Lindsey outside the asylum hotel in Epping A protester wrapped in the St George's flag stands in front of a line of riot police in Epping He was followed by some guys from the hotel a while ago, and there was an incident. He ended up kicking in the front door, and he got arrested. It didnt all just start last week. Some older residents recall a time when the hotel was a relatively desirable location. You went there for a steak and a bit of posh on a Saturday, one recalled. Then, in 2020, the first refugees appeared. Locals and politicians complained but were ignored. In April 2024 the hotel was closed, apparently for good. But then in March again against the pleas of local residents it reopened. Before it was families. But this time it was just young men, local Conservative councillor Holly Whitbread explained to me. Speak to local people, and their description of the conduct of these men varies. Some describe basic anti-social behaviour, such as drinking or hanging around in the street. Others claim women and schoolgirls have been openly harassed. Police are investigating more serious incidents. Which provokes some predictable responses. We should all pile over there and give them some back. See how they like it, another resident suggested, to popular assent. Yet there is also a recognition that outsiders genuinely are entering the area and stoking trouble. People are trying to jump on the bandwagon, claimed local builder Mark [not his real name]. Whether you like immigrants or not, you cant just go around attacking them. Tommy Robinson, who is planning his own demonstration, was described as an agitator. As were the Left-wing counter-demonstrators. But that merely highlights a number of stark realities. The first is that local people are still being kept completely in the dark about what is happening in their community. When I was there I heard contrasting reports about whether The Bell is still being used to house migrants. The violent clashes between demonstrators, counter-demonstrators and the police have led Reform leader Nigel Farage to warn of impending civil disobedience on a vast scale Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has expressed concerns in Cabinet about simmering social tensions. According to briefings, she warned Britain faces a repeat of last summers riots unless the Government shows it can address peoples concerns Weve asked the Home Office, Holly Whitbread told me, but they wont confirm anything. All theyve said is the Government is committed to removing all asylum seekers from hotels by the end of the Governments first term. Another is that the outside agitators are merely exploiting a vacuum being created by the mainstream politicians. No local resident had seen or heard from the Prime Minister. Or the Deputy Prime Minister. Or any other senior politician. No ones listening to us, was a complaint I heard time and again. But the most unpalatable truth is this. Until the demonstrations and the violence that accompanied it no one in high office really cared about what was happening at The Bell Hotel. Yes, they were conscious of the broader political toxicity of the asylum-seeker issue. But the pleas of women such as Becky and Chris for urgent action were falling on deaf ears. Keir Starmer and his ministers cannot afford to remain oblivious to them. Because Nigel Farage and Angela Rayner are right. Britain is now a nation on the brink. The people of Epping have been told their problems will be addressed by 2029 at the latest. But by then itll be far, far too late. Angela Rayner narrows her eyes and grips the podium outside No 10. The moment calls for plain speaking and plain speaking, she tells herself, is what she does best. 'All right, let's be honest. The markets are out to get us. The bankers, the investors, the money men. The pinstriped scum, absolute pile of asset-stripping Old Etonian piece of scum.' She pauses, noting the reaction as foreign journalists try to process her vernacular. 'We didn't cause this crisis,' she declares. 'We inherited a broken system after 14 years of Tory failure. But we are going to clean up the mess.' Do lobby correspondents wince when she trots out the 'Tory failure' line? Never mind, this time it is the Tories and the vermin voting for them who are going to pay. 'I am not going to balance the books on the backs of working people. Instead of cuts, I will make the rich pay their share.' What follows is the most eye- watering package of tax rises ever announced by a British government vastly more shocking than the previous year's. Back in 2025, when Rayner's predecessor Sir Keir Starmer was still in charge, Labour tried to push through a mild slowing of the growth in benefits and of the spiralling special-needs budget. Labour MPs were having none of it, and Rayner had spotted her chance. First, she jumped on the small-boats issue. With Starmer doing his fish-on-the-slab look as Channel crossings reached record highs, she played the card of authentic working-class empathy. 'Angela Rayner narrows her eyes and grips the podium outside No 10. The moment calls for plain speaking and plain speaking, she tells herself, is what she does best,' writes Daniel Hannan During a Cabinet meeting, she argued that the Government must accept the 'real concerns people have' about the 'profound impact' of immigration. She made sure that those remarks were widely covered and then moved on to her second offensive, aligning with Labour MPs' calls for the recognition of a Palestinian state. With Rachel Reeves' reputation in tatters, and Wes Streeting overwhelmed by the doctors' strike, she was now the driving force in the Government. As the recession worsened, it was her agenda, spelled out in a private memo in early 2025, that was adopted: taxes on pensions, investments and inheritance, an increase in stamp duty and a freeze in tax thresholds. Raising those taxes had made things worse, of course. As the revenue-generating bit of the economy shrank and the revenue-consuming bit ballooned, Britain entered a downward spiral. The higher tax rates went, the less they brought in. Some people retired early. Others went on to benefits. And a substantial number emigrated. It wasn't just millionaires, either. Young people who made up in ambition what they lacked in qualifications were moving in droves. These were fitness instructors, hairdressers, builders. Meanwhile, the benefits bills continued to explode. Labour was constitutionally incapable of cutting spending. International businesses and financial institutions could see what was going on. First, they stopped investing in Britain; then, they stopped lending it money. Ironically, the 2026 gilt strike that sudden drop in the price of government bonds and all it meant for our already surging interest payments on the national debt was not triggered by events in the UK. The immediate cause was a sudden worsening in relations between the US and China. But markets are not interested in geography. They look for the weakest link, the zebra limping behind the rest. With its swollen budget, immigration and emigration crises and failing public services, Britain under Labour had become that hobbling zebra. What followed was a full-scale financial crisis. The cost of borrowing spiked. The Bank of England's interventions were overwhelmed. The pound collapsed and imports became luxuries. And so, the International Monetary Fund was called in. It demanded immediate cuts and long-term savings to restore Britain's credibility. Reductions in benefits for working-age adults were the least of it. When the disease was as serious as Britain's, the cure was going to be painful. Blairites made a half-hearted attempt to build a campaign around Wes Streeting, but the parliamentary party felt it could not leap-frog a female deputy, so Angela Rayner was anointed The state-pension age would have to rise to 70. Those receiving public-sector pensions would take a haircut. All but the poorest would have to pay to visit their GP. One in five government employees would be laid off, and the rest would see real-terms pay cuts of 15 per cent. MPs would take a 25 per cent cut, ministers 30 per cent. Sir Keir tried to haggle over the terms but he was in no position to bargain. Drained and pale, he put the cuts package before Parliament. Labour MPs were still in no mood to listen. They acted as if the cuts were voluntary. As one said when voting down the benefits reforms in 2025: 'I don't understand why this means tax rises when it's only a few billion pounds.' The exhausted PM seemed to grin for the first time in months as he accepted the inevitable and resigned. Blairites made a half-hearted attempt to build a campaign around Streeting, but the parliamentary party felt it could not leap-frog a female deputy. So Rayner was anointed on a promise to halt the cuts. Now the once teen mum from Stockport was standing in front of the world's most famous door, making good on her promise. 'As I said during the leadership campaign, I won't let ordinary people pay for the mistakes of the rich. Higher rate income tax will now kick in at 50 per cent on incomes above 50,000. The additional rate of 75 per cent will apply from 75,000. Those with the broadest shoulders should bear the biggest burden.' She is reading quickly now. 'Inheritance tax and capital gains tax will be set at 50 per cent, and there will be no more exemptions for people's primary residences. 'At the same time, houses or land holdings worth more than 1 million will pay 1 per cent of their additional value as part of our Land Tax. That's the way to get money into the real economy instead of sitting in portfolios.' Then comes the bombshell. 'After discussions with the CEOs of our main banks this morning, I am levying a one-off surcharge on idle money. Any bank account containing more than 50,000 will pay 5 per cent of the surplus. That levy applies to accounts as of midnight last night, and is being collected directly by the banks.' There is stirring before her. 'Some will say that tax rises don't work, but that's a rich man's argument if ever I heard one. Others will say that you can't buck the market, that the cuts will come sooner or later. I say nonsense. We are a democracy, not a hedge fund. You voted against the cuts, and I will honour your vote.' With that, she turns on her heel and disappears into No 10. As the big black door closes behind her with an ominous thud, the whole country seems to shake. Lord Hannan of Kingsclere is president of the Institute for Free Trade There are two permitted views on the horrors in Gaza, and I dont hold either of them. What should I do? I simplify only slightly. The first view, popular among Right-wing media, is that the hideous Hamas massacre of October 2023, and the seizure of hostages, justifies Israels actions and that if you oppose them you must therefore be a Hamas sympathiser and an anti-Semite. And quite possibly a terrorist. The second view is that Israel is committing anti-Arab genocide in Gaza and that the West ought to recognise a Palestinian state and condemn Israel on every available world stage as a criminal, racist entity. Both views are simple-minded rubbish. I have been a critical supporter of Israels continued existence for many decades now. This has forced me to recognise that Israel has many faults, has often been brutal, contains many bigots and fanatics, and has a system of government apparently designed by its enemies. Palestinians gather in a charity kitchen to receive limited rations amid a shortage of food in Nuseirat refugee camp in the centre of the Gaza Strip Protesters gathered outside Downing Street yesterday to urge Israel to 'stop starving Gaza' Its current policy in Gaza is wicked, cruel and indefensible. But to call it genocide is to engage in propaganda which will in the end lead to the destruction of Israel. And that would be a grisly disaster, for the hatred of Jews never goes away and there must be a reliable refuge for its victims. Israel exists because of a real genocide Hitlers very serious attempt to exterminate the Jews of Europe. Britain and the USA, though they knew this persecution and extermination were going on at the time, shamed themselves for all eternity by failing to offer asylum to its targets, or to do much to prevent the crime itself. No serious, informed person can accept the use of the word genocide to describe events in Gaza now, because to use it is to join in a campaign to undermine Israels very existence. Practically any other term of furious disapproval is correct. I believe myself that the words disgusting massacre serve very well. I used, before the latest attack on Gaza, to have some time for the Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu. Now I think he is a cruel, deluded fool and I regret my past defence of him. But if he has lost his wits, the rest of us do not have to. The idea of a two-state solution is now once again touted everywhere by the usual suspects in media and politics. But it would not be a solution. An Arab state next to Israel could easily fall into the hands of Hamas or someone even worse. In which case it would be the base for limitless repeats of the cross-border raid of October 2023. This is not the place to explain what we should do, except to say that it is the search for an ideal solution which has for many years made a workable compromise impossible. Start by considering the actual people who live there, who must be our main concern. Forget about Nobel Peace Prizes. But I refuse to join either of these fanatical, bloodshot camps. And I urge you to do the same. Palestinians wave their national flag and celebrate by a destroyed Israeli tank in the Gaza Strip Elisabeths drama is all smoke and no fire Thrillers really are running out of plots now so many of the globes villains have been shown up as incompetent, broke or just not that interested. So Channel 4s The Veil (warning, contains no veils) is a bit desperate. Elisabeth Moss, having finally escaped her scarlet wimple in The Handmaids Tale, is now an MI6 agent grappling with ISIS (is that still a thing?) as it tries to use the Bulgarian navy (I am not making this up) to deliver a dirty bomb to the USA. The biggest mystery is why Ms Moss smokes so furiously at the start of her tense struggle against Islamist terror, but has given up by the end. Did the product placement people go home in mid-shoot? Handmaids Tale star Elisabeth Moss as an MI6 agent battling Islamist terrorists in Channel 4s spy thriller The Veil A LARGE part of the great deception of the people of Britain over Ukraine has been the pretence that Kiev is the capital of a shining idealist democracy, pitted against the corrupt despotism of Russia. It is not true and never has been. And however they end (this is not yet clear), the events of last week show this. President Zelensky tried to push through laws undermining Ukraines anti-corruption bodies, amid a nasty stink of political repression and feeble cowardice in the national parliament. Even The Economist magazine, long a key cheerleader for the war, said of the move: It makes Ukraine look more like the enemy it is fighting and less like the country it aspires to become. Alas Vine & Hitchens: What's the big idea? Get the Mail's new politics podcast, hosted by columnists Sarah Vine and Peter Hitchens - wherever you listen to podcasts now. Farage is clueless about how to fix Britain The trouble with Nigel Farage is that he is a liberal and so cannot think conservatively. A man who can seriously argue for the decriminalisation of marijuana, as he has done, has no idea what is wrong with this country. His ridiculous bombastic law and order proposals last week only confirm this. They might as well have been generated by Artificial Intelligence: more police, longer prison sentences, mass deportations. This is the usual thought-free rubbish of the demagogue who knows how to get office but does not know how to use it, and who has yet to discover the iron law that he who leads a mob will pretty soon find he is being chased by it. We have plenty of prisons and legions of police officers. It is the way we use them that is wrong. If you want a decent order in this country you have to turn back the flood of selfishness and moral cowardice which laps murkily at our national foundations. This must be done by restoring the married family, bringing back discipline to schools, putting figures of authority back on the streets, perhaps above all by working to see that boys once again have fathers living at home. Most of these things are actually popular, though we have been made to feel ashamed of thinking them. But they require a deep, thoughtful challenge to the opinions of our new governing class. Mr Farage does not offer that. Save yourself some trouble and believe me now, rather than waiting the usual ten years to find out I was right all along. Paramedic and circus performer Paige Footner faces daunting situations every day - but she experienced an entirely new kind of fear when her world was turned upside down in June. She was meant to be jetting off on the trip of a lifetime, a whirlwind international adventure that would take the Adelaide-based star to the glittering stages of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the training halls of Quebec's elite circus schools. Instead, the 30-year-old now finds herself facing a different journey - one of brain scans, hospital beds and the terrifying unknown. Just weeks before she was set to board a plane to Scotland, Paige was dealt a devastating blow after doctors discovered a four-centimetre tumour growing inside her brain. 'I'd paid for everything on my credit card already,' Paige told FEMAIL. 'I have $13,000 to pay off from it - and I hadn't brought my travel insurance yet.' Thinking she had a full bill of health, Paige was beyond excited to jet off on June 27 and participate in paid shows at her favourite performing arts showcase in Scotland. 'I was supposed to be there right now performing, then we found the brain tumour.' Paige had been training hard too, working two shifts per week as a paramedic and honing her talents as one of Australia's best Cyr wheel performers the rest of the time. Paramedic and circus performer Paige Footner faces daunting situations every day - but she experienced an entirely new kind of fear when world was turned upside down in June Just weeks before she was set to board a plane to Scotland, Paige was dealt a devastating blow after doctors discovered a four-centimetre tumour growing inside her brain. Pictured here (left) with her close colleagues 'The circus is more than a full-time job,' she said. 'And because I'm 30, I'm considered old in circus, so I'm really trying to make it, and I just give it all I have.' However, after gruelling long hours perfecting her talents, Paige felt something wasn't right. It wasn't physical signs of distress that we're affecting her though. Paige had been living with a persistent sound in her ear, a condition known as tinnitus, for four years. It was frustrating, but not alarming, and in her line of work as both a circus artist and paramedic, a few knocks to the head weren't unusual. 'I had unilateral pulsatile tinnitus in one ear. It wasn't ringing, it was more of a whooshing and pulsing in my ear,' she explained. 'I mentioned it to my GP, because it can be a sinister sign of something, and then they referred me to an ENT. Eventually it showed I had some damage to the nerves on the left side.' Doctors suspected it was linked to a minor head injury during training. But out of caution, Paige finally booked an MRI scan on June 6. That scan revealed something entirely unexpected: a brain tumour, sitting in her posterior right frontal lobe. 'The circus is more than a full-time job,' she said. And because I'm 30, I'm considered old in circus, so I'm really trying to make it, and I just give it all I have' As one of Australia's best Cyr wheel performers, Paige was set to perform on the glittering stages of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in July And what's more unsettling, the tumour had absolutely nothing to do with her ear symptoms. 'It was a completely incidental finding,' she said. 'The tumour was in the wrong spot to cause the tinnitus. 'Both neurosurgeons said I was so lucky, because the tumour isn't causing me any symptoms. So in a way, circus saved my life.' Paige's tumour appears slow-growing, but its atypical structure had doctors concerned. 'Next I had PET scan, and they found no other tumors, but there still is now a question mark over what it is because of these atypical findings,' she said. With some of the features looking irregular, there's a possibility it could be more serious than a standard meningioma. Paige had been training hard, working part time as a paramedic two shifts per week and honing her circus talents every other minute Paige had been living with a persistent sound in her ear, something known as tinnitus, for four years. She decided to push for an MRI which revealed four-centimetre brain tumour that was totally unrelated Surgery for Paige is essential, and the full nature of the tumour - whether it's benign or malignant - won't be known until it's removed and biopsied. 'Meningiomas are benign. But there are three different grades of meningiomas, and you don't know the grade until it goes to the lab. That is better than a cancerous tumour though,' she explained. From all if this, Paige's world shifted in an instant. Her shows were cancelled. Her flights, scheduled for Jun 27th, were immediately called off. And her dreams of spinning across a global stage this year vanished overnight. After her impending brain surgery, Paige won't be able to drive for six months, which means that she won't be able to work as a paramedic - a significant portion of her income. 'To lose that for six months is a huge stress, as well as losing my performing income and then having to pay back all of my overseas trip, and medical bills,' she said. Going public with her diagnosis turned out to be a turning point. What began as a deeply isolating experience soon transformed into a moment of overwhelming connection and meaning for her Both neurosurgeons said Paige was 'so lucky' to have found her tumour completely incidentally. 'In a way, circus saved my life,' she said Initially, she didn't want anyone to know of her diagnosis. 'I felt vulnerable and scared and weak, and that's so far from how I normally see myself,' she said. 'In circus, I'm known for being incredibly brave. When you're facing scary tricks, you can overcome them with mental grit and determination. But this was different. There was nothing I could do to change the diagnosis, and that left me feeling so powerless.' Paige told only her boss, asking him to keep the real reason for her absence private. However, he knew that sharing it would bring support and he convinced her to open up. Going public with her diagnosis turned out to be a turning point. What began as a deeply isolating experience soon transformed into a moment of overwhelming connection and meaning. 'Before I told anyone, I was crying myself to sleep because I didn't know how I was going to survive the next six months financially. I was so stressed. And I was having really dark thoughts,' she said. One of the most painful, she confessed, was realising how much of life she feared she might never get to experience. 'My first thought when they told me was, "I'm going to die, and I've never been in love". I've never had a boyfriend. Every little girl dreams of finding true love, and I just thought that might never happen for me,' she said. But the outpouring of love and support from her community helped Paige reframe the journey ahead. 'I didn't know how much of a difference I'd made in people's lives until now,' she said. 'For me, life is about being part of a community and making a positive impact in other people's lives. And I had no idea that I'd done that until I until this. 'I guess I've achieved my purpose in life.' You can support Paige's GoFundMe via the link in the bullet points above A 45-year-old mother who is dating a man 20 years her junior got into an explosive row with her partner after revealing she'd converted to Mormonism in secret - meaning they could no longer have sex. Shorna, from south-east London, fell for Albanian national Adnand, 25, while on holiday in Crete two years ago with her 15-year-old daughter. The charming hotel worker came to Shorna's aid when she found herself locked out of her room - leaving her so charmed, she returned to the Greek island on her own the next month to get to know him better. Appearing on 90 Day Fiance, the couple gushed over their fairytale romance - until Shorna dropped an explosive bombshell on her partner. After a year apart, Shorna and Adnand were reunited as she flew out to Crete to see him - but she didn't kiss him on arrival. Later, she explained to her partner, who is Muslim but not practising, that she now followed the Church of Latter Day Saints - which believes that sexual desires should only be fulfilled within heterosexual marriage. When Shorna first broke the news to her partner she thought he was joking - but his bewilderment soon turned to anger that she'd hidden it from him. Despite the row, the pair had initially been besotted with each other - with Adnand describing Shorna as 'super hot' and boasting that they were having 'a lot of sex'. However, when the couple spent some time apart due to the thousands of miles between them, Shorna underwent a huge life change without telling her partner. She began to attend Mormon lessons, was baptised and committed herself to the Church of the Latter Day Saints and its conventions, which ban alcohol, tobacco and cigarettes, and sexual activity outside of marriage. Shorna, 45, from south east London, was on holiday in Crete with her 15-year-old daughter when she first met Adnand, 25 Adnand - who originally hails from Albania and is a year older than Shorna's eldest daughter - described his older girlfriend as 'super hot' and said they have 'a lot of sex' On 90 Day Fiance, Shorna spoke about converting to Mormonism and is seen reading The Book of Mormon Speaking to MailOnline, Shorna - who believes 'age is just a number' - said she first came across Mormonism when an Instagram post popped up on her feed after she came back from her romantic Greek trip. She said she was 'intrigued' by what the faith could offer her, after wanting to re-discover religion. 'I didn't exactly want to become a Mormon. Every Christmas or New Year's Eve, I would write things that I want to achieve, the goals I want to set, and then I would put them in a little jar,' she said. 'I thought this was the time for me to draw closer to God because things weren't working out for me. I wasn't married, I'm a single mum and I thought if I centred myself around God more I would be in a better situation with my life, so that was my initial goal.' Shorna reached out to the church and started attending Mormon lessons - and found she liked the message it was promoting. 'I [saw] the community vibe [and] everyone was lovely. It was such a welcoming experience to me, I felt connected to the church and to my brothers and sisters.' But she realised that it was a big commitment and questioned whether Mormonism was worth giving up the 'party' lifestyle she had always known. Shorna said: 'One day they invited me to a baptism at church and I witnessed the baptism and I felt something come over me, I started to cry, I was uncontrollably crying. 'I couldn't stop and they took me away and said the reason why I was crying was that the holy spirit was speaking to me and they said they thought it was my time to get baptised. I got baptised two weeks later.' She prayed Adnand would accept her religious calling and respect that she would not be able to be intimate with him until they are married - despite the fact they'd already had sex. But Adnand was left in a state of shock at his lover's revelation - after initially thinking it was a joke. He later told the camera: 'I am angry with Shorna because she didn't tell me before about her religion's rules.' Shorna - who believes that 'age is just a number' - said that she first came across Mormonism when an Instagram post popped up on her feed Adnand did not know that she had already converted to Mormonism and was shocked when she revealed her new faith Adnand said he was 'angry' with Shorna because they had previously been able to kiss and have sex and now they cannot until they decide to marry He sensed that something had changed, noting he didn't feel the same 'chemistry and passion' as he had the last time they'd seen each other. After Shorna apologised for not being honest with him, Adnand said: 'I am very disappointed and I don't know what to do or what to think.' He then retaliated: 'I didn't tell you before, but I am Muslim, I can have six wives. I will start to practise it tomorrow.' But an agitated Shorna argued the situation was not 'tit for tat' as the pair spiralled into a furious row. Later, a 'sad' Shorna reflected on their disagreement and admitted she understood why her partner was upset by the news. 'We were in a physical relationship and then I saw him a couple of months later and say that we can't have sex before marriage so I know that it was a massive thing thrown at him,' she said. '[I suppose] it's like we've gone back in our relationship rather than moving forwards. '[What he said] hurt me, because I'm thinking, hold on, I'm not competing with six wives, it's just me, me only. 'The reason I wanted to do it face to face is so that I could be there for him and for whatever highs and lows he was experiencing, we could go through it together. Which is why I felt like it was more appropriate to tell him face to face.' Eventually, Adnand decided to choose 'love over sex' after reflecting on the 'good time' they'd had together before Shorna converted. Shorna - who owns her own cleaning business - and Adnand have a two-decade age gap between them, but this has never bothered her. 'When I met Adnand, I didn't ask his age, we had an instant connection, I felt like I had known him for years,' she said. 'He was a gentleman and the conversation was flowing. We were enjoying the moment, we were enjoying going out to town and holding hands, walking along the pier.' Shorna - who owns her own cleaning business - and Adnand have a two-decade age gap between them, but this has never bothered her Shorna said she only realised that Adnand was 25 by the time she had arrived back in the UK but it was 'too late' because they had already built up a strong connection Shorna says it doesn't phase her that Adnand still goes out and parties in Greece because 'you can't have a relationship without trust' Shorna said she only realised that he was 25 by the time she had arrived back in the UK but it was 'too late' because they had already built up a strong connection. She added: 'I said to myself that age is just a number, if you've made someone and you're happy and you feel like this relationship can go further, why not? I don't care what people have to say, it doesn't matter to me.' Shorna's youngest daughter, who was there when the couple met for the first time, approves of Adnand and thinks he's a 'nice person', whereas her eldest child believes that he is too young for her. 'I think because there is a year or two age gap between [Adnand and my eldest daughter], she looks at life differently. She thought it was a holiday romance,' she said. 'She said "Mum, we are the same age, I like going out and partying. What makes you think he's not going to do the same? He's young, he says he wants to get married but is he ready to commit to you?" 'My eldest daughter was not behind the relationship; she thought he was too young for me.' Shorna says it doesn't phase her that Adnand still goes out and parties in Greece because 'you can't have a relationship without trust'. 'He's young, if he wants to go out partying, I don't mind, as long as there's no cheating,' she added. Despite Shorna going through a party phase where she would fall asleep at the club and 'kissing everyone', she claimed that she didn't miss going on a night out and getting drunk alongside her boyfriend. Shorna is pictured chatting with one of her daughters on the show 90 Day Fiance UK Shorna is confident that she has met 'the one' and wants to spend the rest of her life with Adnand - despite their large age gap. 'He's so caring, he's so thoughtful, he makes me feel safe, he makes me feel secure. He calls me to make sure I've eaten and to make sure I'm okay,' she said. 'I felt like this is what I wanted from a relationship, this is the person I've been looking for all my life.' Shorna said she would love for Adnand to become a Mormon so that he could 'experience my faith, we could go to the temple together and do things with the church'. In the show, the business owner said she had planned an idyllic bike ride to the top of a mountain in a bid to get them to reconnect without having a sexual relationship. However, she admitted that she found it hard to stop staring at his body while he was bent over the bike, as she peddled behind him. When asked if she found it hard to resist her urges, Shorna said: 'There were times where I was thinking, "Okay, we are going to get married so maybe we could kiss because if he's going to be my husband, then God's not going to judge me and it's going to be okay". Shorna is confident that she has met 'the one' and wants to spend the rest of her life with Adnand - despite their large age gap Shorna said that she would love for Adnand to become a Mormon so that he could experience my faith, we could go to the temple together and do things with the church' 'I questioned my faith many times as well, I was thinking if this was the right path for me, I was wondering about what would happen if I had sex with Adnand. How would this affect my life and my relationship with God? I was questioning myself because I didn't want to upset the church, God, or myself. 'Sometimes I would read the Book of Mormon or read the Bible to help me strengthen my faith because I'm not perfect. Even though I decided to get baptised, I still make mistakes; I'm not perfect. 'Once you repent your sins and you've forgiven yourself, then I know I can move on and put it aside. It was quite difficult at times, I'm not going to lie. It was very, very, very difficult.' The mother-of-two said that the only things she misses from her old life are drinking tea - which has caffeine in it - and having sex before marriage. And it seems Shorna is keen to tie the knot after she was convinced he was going to propose to her at the top of the mountain. 'At one point I thought I was going to get a ring but I didn't,' she said on the show. 'The view was perfect and then we couldve got married and then had a sexual relationship, so simple.' Shorna is currently going through perimenopause and has told Adnand that she cannot have children. She said: 'He was happy with that. He met my grandson over video call and said that even though I can't have kids, he was happy to be a figure in my grandson's life. 'I don't think he felt disheartened that we can't have kids. We were looking forward to getting married, for him to come to the UK to meet my family, settle down and have the family life that I had always wanted.' 90 Day Fiance UK S4 is streaming exclusively on discovery+ now with weekly Sunday episodes The calendar was cleared and the out-of-office replies turned on. Like many others at this time of year, Queen Mary and King Frederik of Denmark recently embarked on a European summer getaway. The Danish royal couple - joined by their 14-year-old twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine - have spent much of this past month enjoying some R&R at the royal-owned Chateau de Cayx in Cahors, France. Unfortunately, their private holiday came at the precise moment chaos and confusion were unfolding back in Denmark leaving the elderly and retired monarch Queen Margrethe to step in and clean up the mess. So how did it end up this way? Mary, 53, and Frederik, 57, had always planned to take time off this month to enjoy the summer break. Danish publications reported that in early July they jetted to Cahors, located in the Midi-Pyrenees region, an area famous for its Malbec wine. And it appears they were having such a fantastic time there that they decided to extend their stay twice. Like many others at this time of year, Queen Mary and King Frederik of Denmark recently embarked on a European summer getaway. They're pictured here in the Faroe Islands in June, a month before they clocked off from royal duties The Danish royal couple, along with their 14-year-old twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, have been enjoying an extended stay at Chateau de Cayx in Cahors, France The Chateau de Cayx has been owned by the Danish royal family since 1974. It is located in the wine district of Cahors in southern France Danish publication BILLED-BLADET reported that Frederik and Mary originally planned to return to their duties in Denmark by July 13, but later updated their plans, announcing they would stay a few extra days. This date was then extended further, with the royal family's official return to Grasten Castle slated for July 28. In the King and Queen's absence, the role as regent would fall to the next in line to the throne - their teenage son Crown Prince Christian - but he was initially unavailable. The lack of royal family members to pick up the baton meant there was no other option but to bring Queen Margrethe out of retirement. As Mary and Fred extended their vacation for a second time, the former monarch - who abdicated the throne following a 52-year reign in 2024 - was left to run the show from July 9 to July 15. When he was available, Crown Prince Christian then stepped up, with the 19-year-old holding down the fort until July 20. It's unclear whether Christian, Margrethe - or both - have been in charge as Mary and Fred enjoy the last days of their holiday. Former monarch Queen Margrethe, 85, stepped in to the role of regent while Frederik and Mary took an extended holiday. She is seen here on July 20 at a royal engagement in Grasten Queen Margrethe resumed royal engagements while the king and queen were on holiday. She was joined by her sister Princess Benedikte for a procession event in Grasten The couple's decision to prolong their holiday suggests it was a grand old time - but it also highlights just how few suitable royals are available when a regent is needed. Perhaps if it had been 'all systems normal' in the King and Queen's absence, their extended break would have gone unnoticed. But unfortunately, it wasn't exactly smooth sailing when Margrethe returned to duty. The 85-year-old, who only two months prior was hospitalised with a worrying cold, found herself at the centre of a crisis as a potential intruder situation unfolded. According to local Danish reports, Margrethe had a scare when royal guards were forced to detain a man who was careening towards her residence at Grasten Palace. Security rushed from the guardhouse to intervene as a man driving a caravan headed down a forbidden private access road. Fortunately, it wasn't a sinister intrusion but rather a tourist who'd lost their way. The misunderstanding was quickly resolved without posing any serious threat. But it certainly made Margrethe's time in the hot seat a little more eventful. Mary and Frederik were initially expected to return from holidays on July 13, but reports confirmed they had extended their stay twice. The royal couple are pictured here in 2024 at the Danish scenic spot Voderup Klinton on r Meanwhile, at Grasten Palace (pictured) while Queen Margrethe was at the helm, royal guards detained a potential intruder when a lost tourist drove down a forbidden private road Although it was ultimately a minor matter, one report suggested that Queen Mary was alarmed by the events. It sparked some soul-searching about whether the royal family had been left vulnerable and exposed with so few family leaders on the ground in Denmark. A source close to Mary even said they had considered cutting short their holiday to restore a sense of normalcy to the royal household. Meanwhile, Australian media outlets have been painting a very different picture of Mary and Frederik's twice-extended break. Certain publications declared that the holiday was a 'make-or-break' moment for the pair's 21-year marriage - and that the extensions were somehow proof of them working through unspecified personal issues. Quoting a supposed inside source, Woman's Day reported: 'Mary and Frederik are making a big effort to spend as much time as possible repairing their marriage. 'They both know what's on the line and neither of them wants to spend the rest of their lives in a miserable situation. This summer is a chance for them to make new memories together and reset their relationship.' It's well-documented that Mary and Frederik's marriage faced a crisis less than two years ago following the publication of paparazzi photos of Fred with a Mexican socialite in Madrid. Queen Mary and King Frederik were last pictured together at an official royal event in Aarhus on July 3. They have since been 'off-grid' taking a private holiday Is it cause for concern that the palace hasn't corrected the latest scurrilous rumours describing the holiday as a 'last-ditch attempt' to save the marriage? Perhaps. With Mary and Frederik 'off-grid' for the duration of their break, the royal family's normally active Instagram feed has been eerily quiet this past fortnight (save for a few posts showcasing Queen Margrethe's engagements and appearances - someone has to do the heavy lifting, after all.) But going dark on socials at a time when their marriage is under scrutiny has meant the royal couple have had no right of reply on the speculation. This is in stark contrast to their messaging all year, which has consistently projected the image of a united reigning couple. Reports have already confirmed that the royal ship Dannebrog will arrive at Port of Snderborg on August 6 - and it will be met there by the returning holidaymakers. The king and queen will also spend time at nearby Grasten Castle, where they will officially relieve Queen Margrethe of her temporary duties. The king and queen's return couldn't come a moment too soon. Dear Bel, I'm 35 and a new mum to a beautiful ten-month-old baby the result of years of trying and, ultimately, IVF. I know I'm lucky. So many women never get to this point. I told myself I'd never take it for granted, that I'd cherish every moment. But the truth is I'm struggling, and feel racked with guilt for even admitting it. After all the longing and waiting, I thought motherhood would feel like a reward. But day to day, it feels more like a life I no longer recognise. I gave up work when my son was born something I'd always thought I'd want and while I'm fortunate to have had that choice, I now find myself regretting it. I feel like I've lost the version of me I once was: competent, busy, fulfilled. Now my days revolve around naps, feeds, laundry and endlessly pushing a buggy around, trying to fill the hours until bedtime. It's not just boredom (although I feel that acutely), it's the isolation and the feeling that my world has shrunk to the size of a playmat. Meanwhile, my husband's life hasn't changed much at all. He goes to work, sees people; he has a life outside of us. I resent how untouched he seems by the seismic shift that's swallowed me whole. I love my son. I'm grateful he's here. But I also feel like I'm disappearing. Everyone around me expects me to be nothing but joyful after all, this is the baby I longed for. But I'm ashamed to admit how often I just feel . . . flat. Some days I fantasise about getting in the car and going somewhere alone, escaping for a few days to feel like a person again. People may judge me, but I don't know how to climb out of this fog. My National Childbirth Trust friends all seem to be thriving, so what's wrong with me? Why am I so bored, lonely and resentful after getting everything I wanted? ZOE Bel Mooney replies: Reading your letter catapulted me back to 1974 when I fell in love with my baby boy yet simultaneously fell out of a fantasy about motherhood. How was it possible to nearly faint with delight at the smell of his little head, yet long for his naps so I could have time to myself? How was it possible to adore pushing his carrycot across Clapham Common to shop for baby clothes, yet yearn for my noisy, smoky, boozy newspaper office? His high-achieving father was always away doing amazing, challenging things, while I was convinced the prison doors clang shut on me. That's why now I'm hearing you loud and clear and want to give you a massive hug, saying: 'Of course you love your baby but of course you get bored!' Please realise you are perfectly normal and there is absolutely nothing to feel guilty about. I don't believe you're describing post-natal depression (which is a very real condition) but the ups and downs of a phenomenal life change that millions of women experience. These highs and lows will stay with you because they go hand-in-hand with motherhood, so take deep breaths and accept the new reality. Including your wish to escape from it. Those friends you shared pregnancy with do you really believe they are 'thriving' every minute of their new motherhood? That sometimes their babies' unstoppable cries aren't like daggers to the breast, making them want to run away? Do they look at you and envy the fact that you seem to be such a happy, contented and efficient mum? You think you will be judged for not conforming to an impossible ideal of maternal contentment, and that's precisely why many women keep silent about their complicated moods. Stow your judgments, people! You're not the ones with the scent of baby poo in your nostrils, wondering how the days grew so long and empty; when the baby coos are adorable, yet you feel desperate for an adult to talk to. It is so important to realise at this point in your life, Zoe, that we don't feel one thing all the time; our moods and perceptions flit like butterflies as we walk through our days. It's equally vital to take a longer view and understand that this is one stage that will pass quite quickly. Yes, I'd love to be able to advise you to enjoy each stage, because all too soon you'll have a stroppy teenager on your hands. But I know you'll sigh because such counsel doesn't really help. Lean into this stage of your child's life. Make sure you take your baby out for a walk every day, preferably to new places where there are things to watch. Meet those NCT friends for lunch as often as possible. Try keeping a journal because that's making time for your inner self, even if you're writing one long moan. Punctuate that with a daily observation which isn't about you but describing something you saw or someone you met. Make this a project because it will fascinate you in years to come. Look at that pesky playmat and realise that in the astonishing development of two souls yours and your baby's it can turn out to be a universe in disguise. Believe one who really does know. I'm lonely and feel like such a loser Dear Bel, I'm just past my 60th birthday and on the surface life is fine. I have my own house and car as well as a big lonely heart. This is a very old (even same-old?) problem for you. I have only ever had three girlfriends. One when I was 18, the second later and lasting over ten years. I am still friends with both. But I'm useless at picking up whether a woman fancies me. And I cannot ask someone more than once for a date because once I've been turned down, that's it. Asking a woman out several times would feel like stalking. I like the company of women, sometimes paying compliments. But it confuses me to read (in the media) women saying they don't need men to tell them how beautiful they look. Several women have called me kind, but then go out with men who dominate them and worse. I collected one from the marital home on New Year's Day to save her from her violent husband. It doesn't make sense. I also hear incredible stories. One woman who I met on a date in a coffee shop told me her husband was in prison for offences against children, and the first she knew of his activities was the police at the door. A second date went well. We made plans for the next but it was as if she forgot or it may have been the alcohol she drank (I never drink). I was so upset. It made me feel more of a loser. RICHARD Bel Mooney replies: People often jeer or sigh, 'Same-old, same-old' when they think an opinion, problem or situation is a cliche. But a week ago I gave a talk about my work to one of the excellent WI groups in my area and told them that although problems do fit into the same five categories, each is different. So loneliness is perennial, but you are unique. Look at the positives in your letter. Those early relationships resulted in lasting friendships, revealing much about the kind of man you are. You've made a success of your life in material terms, yet you're not taken in by the surface of things. So, being straightforward and sincere, you don't know about flirting and game-playing. Perhaps you are too reticent but many women prefer that to brashness. Thought for the week 'Ghosts guide our actions even when the people are long gone.' From The Judgment Of Stars, by Jane Thynne (born 1961, British novelist, journalist and broadcaster ) Advertisement As for those compliments, where did you read that women dislike pleasant things being said? It's not true. All women of my acquaintance love being told, 'That colour is really good on you' or 'You look great today' as long as it's not leery. It's true quite a lot of women are attracted to 'bad boys'. More fool them but that's just how it is. There's nothing to be done about such women except be as kind and supportive as you are. Believe me, there are plenty of single women over 50 who long to meet a kind man for companionship and maybe love. You say you met that recent lady 'on a date in a coffee shop'. Does that mean you have tried internet dating sites? I hope so, because although they can be disappointing they can also provide practice. Put you through your paces, in other words. So why not continue or start, if it's a new thought? But you have to change your mindset and stop wishing and hoping that every encounter will turn out to be 'the one'. You have to learn to value your friendships as the beautiful thing they are a form of love. If that lady was indeed so drunk she forgot that you had made a date, then it was probably going nowhere anyway. The choice is: either get in touch with her casually and ask if she's OK, because you thought she might be sick; or decide that she was embarrassed at being a drinker, which means she probably wouldn't have suited you anyway. You can do no more than you are doing already except that you need to relax. Desperate people give off neon signs of neediness which are very off-putting. People happy in their own skins (which you should be; see the positives above) give off cool, attractive vibes which lead to others wanting to know them some more. So never, ever call yourself a 'loser' again. Never! It will turn you into one. And finally... We all need a 'safe space' to recharge The little cartoon tickled my imagination. It shows a very small dog lying on his back on a psychiatrist's long couch. His wee paws are folded over his chest. Pencil poised, the shrink is waiting with her notebook, but he says: 'To be honest, everything is fine. I was looking for a place where I am allowed on the couch.' Since our three dogs lie all over our furniture (muddy in the winter!), I thought it very sweet. But doesn't it also say something rather important about human life? How many people, young and old, just need a comfortable safe space where they are allowed to be themselves? Normally I dislike that phrase 'safe space' so misused by weedy students who can't cope with people who have different views. Here I use it to mean simply time to breathe, for a bit of peace and understanding. Or chill out and stop fussing. That thought is prompted by a story in our paper earlier this week. The headline: 'Pupils to be taught 'feeling down' isn't a mental health issue'. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson says it's time children are helped to realise that their moods and setbacks aren't a sign that they have a 'mental health issue' but that they are perfectly normal because such are the ups and downs of life. Hear, hear! We must all be concerned that people in their 20s are now more likely to be off work claiming depression, anxiety, etc. They can go to the doctors and claim sickness benefit and live a life dependent on medication. Is there anybody who can't see how damaging this is to them as well as to our country? It's time both teachers and parents encouraged them to be as honest as that little dog on the couch. Bel answers readers' questions on emotional and relationship problems each week. Write to Bel Mooney, Daily Mail, 9 Derry Street, London W8 5HY, or email bel.mooney@dailymail.co.uk. Names are changed to protect identities. Bel reads all letters but regrets she cannot enter into personal correspondence. Prince Andrew appeared deep in thought as he enjoyed the warmer weather around the Windsor estate on Saturday morning. The Duke of York, 65, typically heads out on his horse to kick off the weekend in Berkshire, and he didn't let the humidity sway him today. The royal wore a short-sleeved burgundy button down shirt for the outing, paired with black leather riding gloves and his typical white-striped riding helmet. He completed his ensemble with a pair of black trousers and thick riding boots. Andrew was accompanied by a groom for his riding session on Saturday, as he typically is. But the pair didn't appear to often be in conversation throughout the trip. Instead, the prince seemed to be lost in thought. It comes as an insider claimed Andrew was personally asked to contribute a message to billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein's 50th birthday album. Prince Andrew appeared deep in thought as he enjoyed the warmer weather around the Windsor estate on Saturday morning The Duke of York, 65, typically heads out on his horse to kick off the weekend in Berkshire, and he didn't let the humidity sway him today The Duke of York 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. The royal wore a short-sleeved burgundy button down shirt for the outing, paired with black leather riding gloves and his typical white-striped riding helmet '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.' 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. Lady Victoria Starmer embraced the warm weather in a bright orange sundress as she arrived at Ascot Racecourse today - without the prime minister. Sir Keir Starmer, 62, will likely be preparing for his talks with US President Donald Trump, who he is expected to meet the prime minister on Monday after a trip to Scotland. This left Lady Victoria, 52, free to attend the The King George and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, in Berkshire, on Saturday afternoon. The rarely seen wife of Sir Keir was dressed for the warmer weather in a bright orange shirt dress, which buttoned through the middle. She was photographed gleefully cheering on competitors at the racecourse, as the annual King George Racing Weekend got under way. The mother kept her brunette hair neat for the occasion, tucked simply behind her ears. She completed her look with very simple make up and wore a charm bracelet on her right wrist. Lady Victoria has been dubbed a 'reluctant political spouse' in the past - but she always seems to support her husband Sir Keir when it comes to the big occasions. Lady Victoria Starmer embraced the warm weather in a bright orange sundress as she arrived at Ascot Racecourse today - without the prime minister The rarely seen wife of Sir Keir was dressed for the warmer weather in a bright orange shirt dress, which buttoned through the middle The glamorous mother-of-two and NHS occupational health worker was snapped in an all-white ensemble as she joined her husband at Trooping the Colour last month. She wore a midi length frock with a v-neck, short sleeves, and small buttons down the front. Lady Victoria paired her dress with a large fascinator, also in white, and coordinating heeled pumps. Her chestnut locks were worn loose, and she opted for a chic make-up look, with a fresh base, pink blush, and natural lip. She was photographed sitting next to her husband as they enjoyed the parade. And they were not the only attendees representing politics at the event: such is the importance of the parade that senior representatives from allied nations also attend. The PM posted today on X: 'Sending my best wishes to His Majesty The King today at Trooping the Colour. God Save The King.' She was photographed gleefully cheering on competitors at the racecourse, as the annual King George Racing Weekend got under way The mother kept her brunette hair neat for the occasion, tucked simply behind her ears She completed her look with very simple make up and wore a charm bracelet on her right wrist Lady Victoria has been dubbed a 'reluctant political spouse' in the past - but she always seems to support her husband Sir Keir when it comes to the big occasions Trooping the Colour is a centuries-old tradition that marks the Sovereign's official birthday. Victoria and Sir Keir married in 2007 - 13 years before Sir Keir became Labour leader. They met sometime in the early 2000s, when both were working as lawyers. Victoria drafted documents for a case her future husband was working on during his time as a barrister at Doughty Street chambers, according to the Evening Standard. Their first date was at a Camden pub, where they enjoyed inexpensive pizzas - but they now live in a 1.75 million Camden townhouse in Sir Keir's Holborn and St Pancras constituency. Speaking on Piers Morgan's Life Stories in 2020, Sir Keir revealed how he met Victoria, explaining: 'I was doing a case in court and it all depended on whether the documents were accurate. The couple, who wed in 2007, met when they were both working as lawyers in the noughties (pictured: Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria Starmer on the third day of the annual Labour Party conference in Liverpool) 'I [asked the team] who actually drew up these documents, they said a woman called Victoria, so I said let's get her on the line.' When he spoke to Lady Victoria, who was then working as a ward sister in the NHS, he grilled her on the documents. Shortly before hanging up, he said he heard just one comment from her. He explained: 'She said, "Who the bleep does he think he is?", then put the phone down on me. And quite right too.' Lady Victoria grew up in Gospel Oak, north London, where her mother was a doctor, before forging out a career as a solicitor. She served as a governor at her children's school and now works in occupational health for the NHS. I have started to get thread veins on my legs and ankles. I hate how they look. Is there anything I can do to get rid of them? Dr Ellie Cannon replies: Thread veins are not usually treated on the NHS as they are considered a cosmetic issue but that doesnt mean theres nothing to be done. Also known as spider veins, these are small blood vessels that appear on the skin and often look like webs or branches. They can be triggered by ageing, hormonal changes such as pregnancy or the menopause, sun exposure, and prolonged periods of sitting or standing. However, thread veins rarely cause symptoms and do not affect blood supply. Some go private a treatment called sclerotherapy involves injecting the area with a solution to shut down the veins. Laser therapy can work on very small thread veins but can also darken or lighten the skin. A new treatment diathermy involves heating the veins with an electric current. This appears to be more effective than sclerotherapy and laser therapy. Also known as spider veins, thread veins are small blood vessels that appear on the skin and often look like webs or branches Sessions take less than an hour and require no injections. However, patients often need repeated sessions. Avoid crossing legs but try compression socks which can be bought from a pharmacist as they appear to help prevent thread veins from worsening. Patients should have thread veins inspected by a GP before any private treatment. This is because they can be triggered by varicose veins swollen or twisted blood vessels which are themselves caused by a fault in the valve that controls blood flow. If this underlying issue is not treated, then, even after private treatment, the thread veins will continue to come back. Im 57 and I have had a wheeze for four years now. It stops me from doing physical activity. But my doctor claims its not asthma and has suggested it is anxiety. I think he is wrong. What should I do? Having a wheeze is not always a sign of asthma. Asthma occurs when the airways narrow and swell. One symptom is wheezing, but this is usually accompanied by coughing, shortness of breath and a tightness of chest. GPs will usually check for asthma using a FeNO test. This test looks for signs of a gas called nitric oxide in the breath or blood, which suggests inflammation in the airways. If this is negative, patients might then be offered another test called spirometry which measures how much air patients can exhale, to give a sense of whether the lungs are functioning properly. Any patient with asthma symptoms who has not had either of these tests should request one from their GP. There are lots of other conditions that mimic asthma and this does include anxiety. People with severe anxiety can sometimes experience rapid, shallow breathing, known as hyperventilation. If this is the cause, talking therapy or antidepressants might help to calm the symptoms. However, there are a number of other conditions that trigger these asthma-like symptoms too. Bronchiectasis and COPD are two lung diseases that trigger wheezing, though they tend to also cause other symptoms like a cough. A post-nasal drip, where excess mucus in the nose drips into the throat, inflaming it, can trigger wheezing. In some cases, so too can certain heart conditions, such as heart failure. For this reason, anyone with undiagnosed wheezing might benefit from a heart check. Dysfunctional breathing disorder can also lead to wheezing. Respiratory physiotherapists can help these patients retrain their breathing, reducing symptoms. Im 88 and was recently diagnosed with an particularly severe abdominal aortic aneurysm. Ive had two scans in the past year but have not been informed of the results. How can I get my results back? No patient should be made to wait an unnecessarily long time for medical results particularly those later in life. In this situation, I would advise patients to ask their GP for help. Although its not strictly their job, GPs will often be able to find out what is holding up the results. If a GP cannot help, it might be worth contacting the Patient Advice and Liaison Service, also known as PALS. Their job is to help patients get the care they need from the hospital. PALS can also if necessary assist in filing a complaint about care. An abdominal aortic aneurysm or AAA is a condition whereby the largest blood vessel in the body, the abdominal aorta, develops a swelling or a bulge. A burst in this vessel is a life-threatening complication. Patients with a severe AAA should be scanned every three months. And, when the aneurysm reaches a certain size, patients should be eligible for an op to repair the bulge. This procedure can be minimally invasive. Dont let wellness spas trick you A patient recently told me hed been suffering persistent headaches but reassured me hed had tests at a private clinic that showed it was nothing serious. Curious, I looked it up. To my horror, it turned out to be one of those High Street spas that offers vitamin drips and vampire facials. And now, it seems, theyre also offering to diagnose illnesses or worse, give people the all-clear. This worries me deeply. Persistent headaches can sometimes be a sign of something serious. But the tests in these kinds of places arent clinically valid. My patient believed hed had a proper medical assessment. It was a wake-up call. Do customers of these commercial wellness outlets realise what theyre getting isnt proper medicine? Have you ever had health testing like this or been falsely reassured by results from a High Street clinic? Would you choose to have a mastectomy? Currently, preventative mastectomies are offered only to women who carry a faulty gene such as BRCA, who have a 50 to 80 per cent chance of developing breast cancer (picture posed by model) As someone with a family history of breast cancer, I was interested in research published this week about reducing risk of the disease. I have yearly mammograms in the hope of picking anything up early enough to treat but other options include surgery or medication. Currently, preventative mastectomies are offered only to women who carry a faulty gene such as BRCA, who have a 50 to 80 per cent chance of developing breast cancer. But modelling from Queen Mary University suggests any woman with a risk above 35 per cent should be offered the op possibly preventing 6,500 cases a year in the UK. I dont think Id opt into it any time soon but its more evidence of how far medicine has evolved around this once-deadly cancer. Would you have a mastectomy to prevent cancer? Or have you had one... and regret it? One of my favourite fashion moments so far this summer has been Emily In Paris star Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, 62 (below), attending the recent Schiaparelli haute couture show in Paris dressed in a killer outfit that showed off her legs to perfection. Predictably (and rather depressingly) this immediately divided the internet and sent the comment sections into overdrive. Shirt dress, Zimmermann. Sunglasses, Saint Laurent. Bag, Bottega Veneta. Sandals, Hermes Those disapproving of her sexy, feminine look didnt hold back. Shes a beautiful woman, I agree, but I think she shouldnt show her knees, said one commenter. Wearing clothes would make it better, remarked another. A particularly unkind commenter said: Face is filled with plastic. The knees are not (laughing emoji). And, wagging a virtual finger, came this dig: That dress is not for a woman of her age. Remarkably, the harshest critics of the French actress, who plays lady boss Sylvie Grateau in Netflixs hit show, were women. Why anyone would think its OK to publicly criticise her looks is astonishing to me. What happened to body positivity? Celebrating our figures and femininity at any age is surely a good thing. I say bravo to Leroy-Beaulieu, who is determined to be admired and seen in her 60s. Meanwhile, if youre looking for style inspo to get people talking, the skirt has been a big hit this summer, outshining the dress with its versatility. It is a piece that is set to rule autumn, too and, even better, its not just minis that are in Killer look: Leroy-Beaulieu The pencil skirt was central to designer Sarah Burtons debut at Givenchy, where she showed off her immaculate tailoring skills. Styling this corporate favourite isnt as difficult as you may think: either pair it with the contrasting silhouette of a loose oversized blazer or lean into the neat, polished look with a silky pussy-bow blouse. Knee-length A-line skirts were also key at Gucci and Prada for autumn worn casually with an oversized cardigan and long necklace. The length of choice at Miu Miu was also the knee, with styles including a lace slip. We really wanted to create an elegance through direct manipulations of simple pieces, said the brands creative director Miuccia Prada of the hero piece. @thestylistandthewardrobe @youmagazine SET THE TONE This embroidered-linen co-ord in dusty blue by Tyde London is perfect for holidays. Wear with your favourite sandals and raffia tote or, for evening, team the shirt with white linen trousers. WOVEN TROVE Im loving the collab between Rixo and cult woven-leather bag brand Dragon Diffusion this roomy Lucine tote is a favourite. SPOTTED Brit actress Keira Knightleys support for Chanel is as strong as ever. At its recent haute couture show in Paris, she was one of the VIP guests and looked elegant in a black-and-white tiered dress. Then a week later at the mens final at Wimbledon (right), she sat in the royal box wearing Chanel glasses and carried a bag from its new resort collection. Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Im still riding high after a recent trip to the glorious island of Mykonos. Yes, there were beach clubs and spicy margaritas but I also managed to convince my girlfriends to indulge me in a bit of wine tasting. Theyve all come home hooked on Assyrtiko, the elegant white grape that produces seriously impressive wines: crisp, layered and poised, with citrus brightness and a minerality evoking Chablis. Zacharias Peloponnese Assyrtiko 2024, (12.7%), 13, Waitrose . From a top sustainable producer, this has a floral bouquet, gentle zest and a saline finish. Serve with vibrant salads and grilled fish Shop David Letterman has backed his successor Stephen Colbert and suggested CBS canceled The Late Show because he was 'always shooting his mouth off' about Donald Trump. The 78-year-old late-night legend created The Late Show in 1993 after NBC denied him the chance to succeed Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show. Colbert took over for Letterman in 2015 and took the show in a decidedly more political direction but despite leading in the ratings, a shrinking late-night landscape led CBS to claim losses in the tens of millions of dollars. In his first comment on the show's cancellation, Letterman noted that his show was more about political satire than his version of The Late Show but was still complimentary, calling the decision by CBS 'pure cowardice.' 'I think one day, if not today, the people at CBS who have manipulated and handled this, theyre going to be embarrassed, because this is gutless,' he told former Late Show producers Barbara Gaines and Mary Barclay. Letterman then said that he believed CBS was acting on behalf of Skydance CEO and incoming Paramount CEO David Ellison to make their lives easier after they acquire Paramount, taking away a constant critic of Trump. 'Hey boys, heres what were gonna do: not only are we gonna get rid of that guy, were gonna get rid of the entire franchise so you dont have to worry about another guy. Its gone,' Letterman said. The long-time talk show host noted CBS's $16million settlement with the Trump administration over a deceptively edited interview with election rival Kamala Harris, which Colbert had previously mocked as a 'big fat bribe.' David Letterman backed his successor Stephen Colbert and suggested CBS canceled The Late Show because he was 'always shooting his mouth off' about Donald Trump Colbert (pictured) took over for Letterman in 2015 and took the show in a decidedly more political direction but despite leading in the ratings, a shrinking late-night landscape led CBS to claim losses in the tens of millions of dollars He also referred to Ellison as a 'bottom feeder,' saying he should've bought a Dairy Queen instead of a television network. 'Stay out of this business.' He also tore into the accusations that the show lost so much money, with both Gaines and Barclay saying that they had cut budgets to help the network several times when they were at CBS. 'Youre telling me losing this kind of money happened yesterday? I bet they were losing this kind of money a month ago, six weeks ago, or they have never been losing money,' he said. Letterman noted that despite the show losing tons of money, they're going to let him stay on the air for the next ten months continuing to lose it. 'Thats another huge chunk of money theyre gonna lose according to them. I dont think it was money, I think it was all to make sure the Ellisons were solid spending Dads money,' he said, noting Ellison's father, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison. He said of the treatment of Colbert: 'They did not handle Stephen Colbert, the face of that network, in the way he deserves to have been handled.' Letterman echoed Colbert's own joking words from earlier this week when the former Comedy Central comic called himself 'a martyr.' Letterman then said that he believed CBS was acting on behalf of Skydance CEO and incoming Paramount CEO David Ellison to make their lives easier after they acquire Paramount, taking away a constant critic of Trump (pictured) He also referred to David Ellison (pictured) as a 'bottom feeder,' saying he should've bought a Dairy Queen instead of a television network 'For Stephen, I love this: hes a martyr, good for him. If you listen carefully, you can hear them unfolding chairs at the Hall of Fame for his induction,' he joked. Ultimately, he said he envies the position Colbert is now in with his liberal viewers. 'I only wish this couldve happened to me. This wouldve been so great for me. Now weve all gotta kiss Stephen Colberts ring now,' he quipped. The comedian's decade-long run as the host of CBS's late night flagship will end next May, with network insiders suggesting the top-rated show was canceled because it was losing anywhere from $40 to $100million per year. Trump posted a celebration on Truth Social when the news was announced, saying 'I absolutely love that Colbert' got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings.' Colbert, who briefly addressed the move the day of its announcement, devoted much of his Monday show to the controversy, eventually uniting with almost every other liberal late-night talk show host in a show of support, as well as Adam Sandler and even Lin-Manuel Miranda. The 61-year-old comic opened after a standing ovation and a lengthy applause from the New York City crowd by saying 'cancel culture has gone too far' and then joked now that the show is ending, he can say whatever he feels. Colbert said sarcastically of Paramount: 'They made one mistake, they left me alive! For the next ten months, the gloves are off!' 'I think it was all to make sure the Ellisons were solid spending Dads money,' he said, noting Ellison's father, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison (pictured) The Late Show host then referenced Trump's comments, turning to an 'Eloquence Cam' and said: 'How dare you, sir? Would an untalented man be able to compose the following satirical witticism? Go f*** yourself.' He then referenced Trump stating in the same Truth Social post: 'I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next.' Colbert replied: 'Nope, no, no. Absolutely not. Kimmel, I am the martyr. There's only room for one on this cross. And the view is fantastic from up here. I can see your house!' He also said that cancellation meant he could finally admit what he felt about the president. In contrast to his often over-the-top anti-Trump monologues, he dryly, quietly said: 'I don't care for him. Doesn't seem to have the skill set to be president. Just not a good fit, that's all.' He addressed his bosses at CBS - who he said 'have always been great partners' - before talking about Paramount's decision to cancel the show which he took over from David Letterman in 2015. 'How could it be a purely financial decision if The Late Show's is number one in ratings? A lot of folks are asking that question, mainly my staff's parents and spouses.' 'I could see us losing $24 million but where would Paramount have possibly spent the other $16 million, oh...' he quipped, naming the amount the company settled with Trump for over his 60 Minutes lawsuit. Stephen Colbert jokingly referred to himself as a 'martyr' before delivering a crude, star-studded response to his cancellation and Donald Trump taking glee in his talk show's end He went back to bashing Trump and the recent news accusing him of writing a 'bawdy' letter to Jeffrey Epstein for his 50th birthday. 'I'll have more to say about all this after the commercial break. The only other story is a small one... the president is buddies with a pedophile.' Puck journalist Matthew Belloni revealed Colbert's 'lack of profitability' Friday, hours after CNN first broke the news that the show was canceled because it was in the red. Belloni outlined how The Late Show - whose cancellation was announced last Thursday - costs $100m a year to produce, with Colbert, 61, getting paid between $15 million and $20 million a year to host. Colbert beats ABC and NBC rivals Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon in the ratings, but that still wasn't enough to save him. Late night shows have slumped in profitability in recent years as viewers shun the format in favor of streaming services or watching content on their phones. Advertiser revenue has slumped sharply even in the last three years, Puck reported, making it harder to pull Colbert's show out of the red. Colbert was reported to be 'not angry, actually' about his cancellation and was chatting with his staff in a 'matter-of-fact' way before Thursday's show, Puck reported. Then candidate Donald Trump (left) appears on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert (right) in September 2015, when Trump was first running for president and the first year Colbert hosted the show Colbert, who will broadcast his final show in May 2026, was first informed his show was on the chopping block around July 4, it is claimed. Paramount Co-CEO George Cheeks made the decision, Puck reported. He then went on vacation, giving bosses at CBS time to plot behind his back, CNN reported. He moved to share it as quickly as possible so that his staff would not learn of their impending unemployment via leaks to the press. All three major late night hosts - Colbert, Kimmel and Fallon - have become notorious for their regular rants about President Trump, which many viewers have complained are boring and off-putting. But Belloni said he didn't believe the famously anti-MAGA Colbert was axed to appease Donald Trump, who recently won a $15 million payout from CBS after suing them over a 60 Minutes interview with Harris he said was deceptively edited. The axing of Colbert has delighted Trump, who posted about it on his TruthSocial network earlier today. Colbert's ouster could also make it easier for CBS parent company Paramount's efforts to merge with media company Skydance in a deal that must be approved by Trump's Federal Communications Commission. The Late Show launched in 1993 under David Letterman to compete with longtime late night juggernaut The Tonight Show. Colbert took over from Letterman in 2015 after his retirement. More than three decades later, CBS's entry into the late night sphere sits at the top, with second-best Jimmy Kimmel Live! raking in an average of 1.772 million viewers. Colbert, by comparison, collects an average of 2.417 million. Colbert - who once played a conservative character on Comedy Central's satirical late night program The Colbert Report - often aired jokes at the conservative's expense. Trump celebrated the news of the show's cancellation as a result. 'I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings,' he wrote in a Friday Truth Social post. 'I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next. Has even less talent than Colbert,' he added, before talking up right-wing Fox News star Greg Gutfeld. '[He's] better than all of them combined, including the Moron on NBC who ruined the once great Tonight Show,' Trump added, referring to Jimmy Fallon. Trump previously worked for NBC during his days on 'The Apprentice.' Newsmax Anchor Greg Kelly has been ridiculed after saying he believes Ghislaine Maxwell 'might be a victim'. Speaking on Greg Kelly Reports the longtime Trump loyalist portrayed Maxwell as a sympathetic figure, while discussing the crisis around the Jeffrey Epstein files, despite her conviction on child sex trafficking and exploitation. Kelly was talking about Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche two-day meeting with Maxwell to discuss the case. '[Maxwell] has also been subpoenaed by the oversight committee, I think this is great. I do have a feeling that she just might be a victim, she just might be,' Kelly said. 'There was a rush to judgement there was a lot of chaos there for a while, granted she hung out with Jeffrey Epstein, and I know that's apparently not good.' Maxwell is serving 20 years behind bars on child sex trafficking charges for her role in helping Epstein exploit and abuse multiple minors over the course of a decade. Epstein's victims alleged they were procured by Maxwell and passed around his billionaire friends and associates who regularly visited his homes, which included his private island. He was found dead in his cell from an apparent suicide while awaiting trial. Kelly's remarks have been circulated on social media where they were roundly slammed. Speaking earlier this week Newsmax anchor Greg Kelly made the shock comment, painting Maxwell as a sympathetic figure dispute being convicted of sex trafficking children Ghislaine Maxwell is serving 20 years behind bars on child sex trafficking charges for her role in helping Epstein procure victims One person commented: 'Just when you dont think they can be more depraved then they prove you wrong.' Maxwell reached out to the Department of Justice to set up the meetings with Blanche, ABC News reported. She apparently requested what's known as 'proffer immunity' so that anything she revealed couldn't be used against her at a later date. It is provided to people under investigation or facing charges to determine the value of a possible witness. Maxwell has already been tried and convicted. Maxwell's lawyer David Oscar Markus said after her questioning: 'There have been no asks and no promises.' Many believe Maxwell appears to be angling for a pardon from President Donald Trump after she 'didn't hold back' during questioning. She completed a second day of interviews with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche on Friday afternoon. Ghislaine was interviewed by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche amid a growing scandal around the handling of the so-called Epstein files Markus claimed that his client spoke with Blanche about '100 different people' in relation to Epstein's alleged child sex trafficking ring. He also said Maxwell is being used as the 'scapegoat' in the entire Epstein case and has been 'treated unfairly for the past five years'. Her attorney said that they had not put in a formal request with the White House for a pardon for Maxwell after the conclusion of the second day of questioning. But Markus did not rule out taking that action in the future, saying 'things are happening so quickly.' 'The president said earlier he has the power to do so, we hope he exercises that power in the right way,' he said of a potential commutation. Trump refused to rule out invoking his presidential pardon powers for Maxwell saying: 'I'm allowed to do it, but it's something I haven't thought about.' CNN's Maggie Haberman appeared on Friday night's The Source with Kaitlan Collins stating that if Trump did so, he would 'infuriate the MAGA base'. She also suggested that Trump administration officials might start touting that Maxwell was the victim 'who was caught up' in Epstein's child trafficking. The long and winding road back for NatWest from oblivion to robust domestic lender is complete. Paul Thwaite, the bank's chief executive post state shareholding, can enjoy the new freedoms. He has made no secret of his ambition to build on NatWest's already powerful presence through acquisition. As a standalone franchise, NatWest can now say what it thinks again. We know what happened to Thwaite's predecessor Alison Rose when judged to have spoken out of turn about the banking relationship between NatWest's posh offshoot Coutts and Reform leader Nigel Farage. NatWest's chief and his opposite number at Lloyds Charlie Nunn speak as one. With bank profits soaring and some Government members and backbenchers eyeing up the finance and wealth as tax targets, they are concerned. The future: Scottish Mortgage extols fintech - it praises pioneers Stripe, Wise, NuBank, SEA, Revolut and others for building 'scale financial systems' and broadening access One can see why Labour might regard NatWest's first half operating profits of 3.6billion, up from 3billion in the same period last year, as easy meat. If the bank can afford to buy back 1.5billion of its shares this year, recompense for taxpayers might seem in order. Indeed, the bank has increased its income guidance for the full year to 16.5billion from 16billion. Partly that reflects additional income from the Sainsbury's bank deal, as well as lower than expected bad loans. Good times do not last forever and a profitable bank, with healthy capital, ought to be good for UK growth. NatWest, Lloyds and the other banks have no room for complacency. A note from NatWest-RBS neighbours in Edinburgh, Scottish Mortgage, run by Baillie Gifford, extols fintech. It praises pioneers Stripe, Wise, NuBank, SEA, Revolut and others for building 'scale financial systems' and broadening access. Unless the incumbents can catch the digital train, High Street lenders could like IBM become sunset companies, as Microsoft, Nvidia et al sprint off with the prizes. Powell play After ugly scenes in the Oval Office in February, when Donald Trump berated Ukraine's President Zelensky, it might have been hoped self-restraint had been learned. Trump was at it again on Thursday. This time, the victim was Federal Reserve chairman Jay Powell. Trump, as a real estate magnate, has an expertise in renovation, yet quite why he felt it necessary to don a hard hat and tour the repairs to the 90-year-old Fed headquarters is puzzling. As the two men toured, with Trump towering over the diminutive Powell, it was an obvious ambush. Trump magicked a piece of paper from his pocket and questioned alleged $3billion of costs and an overrun. The clash had little to do with concrete and plumbing, and everything to do with central bank independence. Trump is engaged in a crude campaign to bully Powell into cutting the key Fed funds rate from 4.25 per cent to 4.5 per cent to support output. The greater the pressure, the more likely it has been that Powell would hold the line. He has nothing to lose by being obdurate. His most notable legacy could be his bravery in standing up for the Fed. Fashion refit The controlling Lewis family is taking flack for playing hardball with River Island landlords and reshaping its retail portfolio. The objective is to keep the brand on the High Street in long-term ownership rather than condemn it to administration or rapacious private equity ownership. That rarely ends well. Amanda Blanc embarked on an intense charm offensive among top BP shareholders last week to convince them that the choice of low-profile building materials executive Albert Manifold as chairman made sense. There had been an expectation in the City that a thorough recruitment process conducted by the no-nonsense Aviva chief executive who is BP's senior independent director and who led the search might yield a more prominent chairman with wider knowledge of the energy industry. BP was stung by early criticism of Manifold by City brokers Panmure Gordon, who accused the oil giant's board of a 'panic appointment'. The energy giant also found it necessary to repudiate derogatory comments made by an unnamed 'bitter and twisted' losing candidate for the post. Working from Aviva's Canadian headquarters in the last few days, Blanc spoke to all of BP's leading UK and American investors and has seemingly managed to turn the tide of opinion. Most now are reportedly positive about the BP board's final choice. But there was some disappointment at the oil giant's headquarters about the lack of a rise in the share price following the announcement, as well as at some of the negative briefing in the Square Mile. Blanc is said to have convinced leading investors that the naysayers who challenged the choice of Manifold 'lacked credibility'. Landlubber: Albert Manifold's success at Tarmac-maker CRH was brushed aside by brokers who wanted to see more oil and gas experience In selling the selection to the City, BP and its advisers have pointed to Manifold's stellar, under-the-radar performance at CRH, where he drove the value of the group's shares up 342 per cent during a ten-year tenure. The share price performance of CRH, which moved its listing to New York two years ago, is described by BP insiders as 'magnificent'. Blanc is also understood to have pointed to Manifold's considerable experience in making deals, and his knowledge of a building materials industry that has come under close scrutiny from regulators. Despite claims about the new chairman's modest Irish-based lifestyle, it has been noted that he became one of the best rewarded executives in the British Isles, amassing some 54 million of stock options between 2020 and 2024. But while Manifold has a reputation for successfully managing bids and deals, chairing the oil giant is regarded very differently. No-nonsense: Amanda Blanc Being BP chairman requires great diplomatic skills given that its operations include sensitive territories such as Iraq. He will also have to contend with the battle being waged by chief executive Murray Auchincloss to refocus the company on oil production after a disastrous effort under his predecessor Bernard Looney to transmogrify the company into a green energy pioneer. Nevertheless, BP insists that the job of chairman is to lead the board and hold the management to account. 'It is not to be the deep technical expert,' one person involved in the search noted. Being an industry expert is also no guarantee of success. Manifold's predecessor, Helge Lund, a Norwegian veteran of the oil sector, quit due to mounting investor pressure and criticism of his performance in the role. An adviser to BP's rival Shell expressed surprise that the selection panel overlooked its newest non-executive director, Simon Henry, who was appointed to the board earlier this month. Henry is a former finance director of Shell and has been influential on the board of mining giant Rio Tinto. BP's response is to argue that in bringing both Henry and Manifold aboard, the group 'had the best of both worlds'. Manifold's first task will be to keep notorious activist investor Elliott Investment Management onside. It welcomed his appointment and wanted to see him 'urgently' address the company's 'shortcomings'. But other leading American holders of BP shares have recognised that turning the tanker around will take time, and believe that the newish team deserve at least eight quarters, or two years, of grace to show that things are on the mend. The big question is whether Manifold will be able to withstand the pressure on BP to cut back spending on new oil and gas facilities while providing better returns to shareholders. He has experience in this area, having previously faced down activists at CRH. There has been some concern about the length of the process to appoint the chairman. Blanc insisted on a thorough process using head-hunters, a long-list and short-list, and bringing the board along with her. But the drawn-out procedure allowed speculation to build of a takeover approach by Shell. Fortunately for BP's top team, Shell denied any early-stage talks and took itself out of the picture for at least six months. Outside observers were not the only ones surprised by the choice of Manifold, with many BP insiders having no knowledge of his background. In a bid to bolster his credentials, he has in the past few days made a point of touring the oil giant's offices in St James's Square in central London and holding a series of one-to-one meetings with executives and colleagues. But only time will tell if the former building materials boss can cement his legacy at BP. Britain's two biggest drug makers are expected to reveal a profit surge this week as demand booms despite a looming threat of tariffs from the US. GSK, led by Emma Walmsley, is expected to report profit of 4.4 billion for the first half of this year on Wednesday, up from 2.9 billion the previous year, while sales are expected to inch up to 15.3 billion from 15.2 billion in 2024. AstraZeneca, the largest company on the London Stock Exchange, is forecast to report a half-year profit of 5 billion, which is 1.1 billion more than the year before, with sales expected to have increased 8 per cent to 20.6 billion. The sector is under pressure due to the threat of tariffs from the US, a critical market for both companies. President Donald Trump this month threatened to slap a 200 per cent levy on drug imports as part of an escalation of his trade war. Booming demand: GSK, led by Emma Walmsley, is expected to report profit of 4.4 billion for the first half of this year, up from 2.9 billion the previous year His threats have pushed many firms to begin moving factories to and making larger investments in the US to protect themselves from retaliation. Last week, AstraZeneca announced plans to invest 37 billion in the US, which accounts for 42 per cent of its sales. The move has also fuelled fears AstraZeneca could switch its London stock market listing to the US, which would be a hit to the City. GSK suffered a blow in the US last week when American regulators recommended against approving the relaunch of its key blood cancer drug Blenrep, which had been pulled from the country in 2022 due to concerns about its side-effects. RAF 'Top Gun' pilots could soon have a high-tech wingman in the cockpit with AI helping to select targets and assess threats. Defence contractor BAE Systems is overhauling its Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets. The AI is being trialled in a flight simulator at BAE's site in Warton, Lancashire, to help pilots assess 'threat information'. It is hoped the technology will be installed by the 2030s. BAE believes the Typhoon, introduced in 2003 as a partnership between Britain, Germany and Italy, can last into the 2060s. Its new technology includes a much larger control display for pilots who currently have to monitor three screens. Modifications include counter-electronic warfare measures and a helmet providing a 360-degree virtual display of the skies, projected onto the visor. Timely boost: BAE expects the Eurofighter Typhoon to last into the 2060s Paul Smith, head of Typhoon strategy at BAE and an ex-Typhoon pilot, said: 'There's still going to be a human in control, but the AI is just helping the pilot as decision maker.' BAE has been working with Swedish firm Avioniq to develop the AI tool, called Rattlesnaq. It can map areas where there is a risk of enemy missile fire beyond a pilot's visual range, recommend a safe path and suggest targets. Typhoons are in service in the Middle East and eastern Europe, and provide rapid-response cover around the UK. Smith said: 'When threats are constantly changing, you need live, on-the-edge situational awareness to enable pilots to operate effectively. Mikael Grev, co-founder of Avioniq and a Swedish air force pilot for 17 years, said the AI 'means a single aircraft can deliver greater force-multiplying effect, defeating a wider range of threats more efficiently'. He adds: 'Among western militaries it is unique and really innovative. I thought it would be a good idea to create a decision support system that can keep track of everything.' BAE, which reports its half-year results on Wednesday, received a boost to its Typhoon business last week when the UK signed a multi-billion pound deal to sell the jets to Turkey. Britons could face a large tax bill if they opt to keep a former home as an investment. Some people, particularly those moving in with a partner or spouse, decide to keep a property rather than selling it when they move - becoming an 'accidental landlord'. While it can seem like a good investment given the prospect of rental income and potential house price growth, it could inadvertently end up costing people when they do eventually come to sell in the future. This is because those who sell their main home, rather than letting it, are entitled to full Private Residence Relief (PRR), which will shield them from capital gains tax (CGT). But once they let out their property, they forfeit their right to full PRR when they sell. Tax trap: capital gains tax is currently charged at 18% for basic rate taxpayers, and 24% for higher rate taxpayers 'PRR is essentially your protection against capital gains tax, and while you're living in your home as your main residence, any increase in its value is completely tax-free when you sell,' says Eamon Shahir, founder of self-assessment platform Taxd. 'Here's the crucial difference: if you sell your home while it is still your main residence, you don't pay capital gains tax no matter how much it has increased in value. 'However, if you decide to start renting to tenants, you don't immediately lose all that tax protection. 'His Majesty's Revenue and Customs apportions the gain based on how long you lived there versus how long you rented it out.' What it could mean for you On residential property, capital gains tax is currently charged at 18 per cent for basic rate taxpayers, and 24 per cent for higher rate taxpayers but with any significant gain, people are likely to pay most of it at the higher rate. This is because a capital gain is added to a person's normal income to decide the tax rate. 'A lot of homeowners think their main home is always tax-free,' said Andy Wood, international advisor at Tax Natives. 'And it is, until you move out and rent it. 'That can mean a sizeable CGT bill, sometimes tens of thousands of pounds, which often comes as a nasty surprise if you weren't expecting it.' Plenty of people choose to rent their homes out for a while, rather than sell, according to Wood. 'Maybe they've moved in with a partner, taken a job elsewhere, or just don't think it's the right time to sell,' he adds. 'It often feels like a short-term, low-risk choice. But once you move out, the tax position shifts. 'You start losing the relief you get for living there, and the longer it's rented, the more of the gain becomes taxable.' Andy Wood, international advisor at Tax Natives Can capital gains tax wipe out rental profit? Ask a buy-to-let investor what has made them more money over past decades: rent or house price growth? The answer will invariably be house prices. Take a city like Manchester for example. Property prices there have almost doubled over the past 10 years, rising from 131,000 in May 2015 to 257,000 in May this year, according Land Registry figures. This means the average property in Manchester has risen in value by 12,600 a year on average over the past decade. Meanwhile average rents, which were 815 a month in the city in 2015 are now 1,143 per month, according to Zoopla's data. This means the average property has gone from making 9,780 a year to 13,716 a year in rent - but that's before tax, letting agent fees and any upkeep costs. Capital gains tax can be charged on any profit made on an asset that has increased in value, when someone comes to sell. It is the gain that is taxed, not the total amount of money they receive. For example, someone who doubles their house price from 131,000 to 257,000 will pay 24 per cent CGT on the 126,000 gain, though there is a 3,000 tax free annual allowance. To let or to sell: While it can seem like a good idea to hold onto a home for those who can afford not to sell, it can come back to bite them when they eventually do While the CGT bill is unlikely to wipe out all rental profits, there are situations where it might - particularly if house prices suddenly take off in an area. For example, someone who purchased in London in the aftermath of the 2008 crash, but moved in with a partner and kept their home to rent may have found themselves in this predicament. Between May 2009 and May and May 2016, average London prices rose from 321,000 to 627,000. That's a 306,000 gain over a seven-year period averaging out at 43,715 a year. Someone in this situation selling in May 2016 would have faced a 28 per cent CGT bill at that time, albeit with a 11,100 annual allowance. That means in such a scenario they would have potentially incurred a 82,572 CGT bill on the sale. 'This catches more people out than you might think,' says Andy Wood of Tax Natives. 'If your rental income's been fairly low, but the property's gone up in value, you could still face a large CGT bill when you sell. 'We've seen cases where landlords earned 3,000 a year in rent but paid 30,000 or more in tax when they sold. That's enough to wipe out all the rental gains and then some. 'Lettings relief used to help with this, but it was heavily cut back in 2020. Now, most of the gain will be taxed at 18 per cent or 24 per cent, depending on your income. 'That's a big hit for something that might have started off as a more of a stopgap solution.' However, it's worth pointing out that when someone moves out of their main home, they won't forfeit all their CGT relief. They will lose it for the years the property is let out, so when they sell they'll need to work out the proportion of time they lived in the home compared to the years it was let out. PRR also applies in full for the last nine months of ownership, whether or not someone lives at the property - provided the property was their main residence at some point. For example, if someone bought a property in 2010 and sold it in 2025, that's 15 years or 180 months in total. If they lived there for 10 years (120 months), they'd get PRR relief for 129 months (the 120 they lived there plus nine bonus months). That means 71 per cent of any gain would be completely tax-free. If they decided not to sell the property and rent it out, then only the remaining 29 per cent of the gain, representing the rental period, would be subject to capital gains tax. Eamon Shahir, founder of the online accountancy service Taxd Can it still make sense to let out your previous home? Ultimately, avoiding a potential CGT bill should not be the main reason for making a decision about whether to keep a property, rather than selling it. If someone could benefit from the rental income and feel the home will increase in value in the future, then there is arguably a strong reason to keep it as an investment. 'CGT is not necessarily a deal-breaker,' says Shahir of Taxd. 'It really depends on each person's specific situation, and once you understand how CGT works, keeping a property as a rental can still make perfect financial sense. 'And, with CGT, you're only ever taxed on the gain in the property's value, so you're never actually worse off for having owned it. 'The question is whether the rental income plus remaining capital growth makes it worthwhile. He adds: 'It often works well to let your property if you expect continued property price growth, rental yield after tax looks attractive, or you bought the property years ago and have already banked significant tax-free gains having lived there. 'On the other hand, it might not work if your property has already seen most of its gains and values are now stagnant or rental yields are poor.' There are also certain rule quirks that will benefit some people more than others, according to Shahir. 'Expats have a major advantage as CGT is only calculated on gains since 2015, which can make huge savings,' he says. 'And, if you move abroad for work, and then come back to live in your property - you will still qualify for PRR. 'For most people it depends on the long term goal. Holding the property and letting it out can be good as additional rental income, and potential CGT or PRR relief is available. Each individual should analyse, evaluate or seek tax support.' White widow Samantha Lewthwaite has become the third wife of a fearsome warlord and mothered two more children while on the run as one of the world's most wanted terrorists, MailOnline can reveal. Lewthwaite - the widow of 7/7 suicide bomber Germaine Lindsay - is said to be hiding out with Islamic terror chief Osman Abdullahi Dhaga'ade in Somalia, according to intelligence sources. She is described as living in a polyamorous marriage with a terror warlord husband and his two other wives. Lewthwaite, 41, was thought previously to have had four children with two previous husbands. It is claimed the fugitive - who is linked to a catalogue of atrocities that have led to the deaths of more than 240 people - continues to play a key role within the terror organisation, it's claimed. She is said to help prepare bomb vests and 'brainwash' suicide bombers alongside her husband who is also a propaganda chief for the outlawed fanatics. Sources told MailOnline the fugitive was last seen on July 8 in the southern city of Jilib - the de facto capital of the Islamic Emirate of Somalia controlled by al-Shabaab. It's claimed Lewthwaite had also been spotted recently in other areas in the south with the family regularly switching locations for security reasons while protected by an elite squad of heavily armed bodyguards. Samantha Lewthwaite, 41, is the Christian-born daughter of an ex-British soldier who grew up in Aylesbury, Bucks. She became a Muslim convert and married one of the 7/7 suicide bombers After the 7/7 bombings, Lewthwaite (pictured) initially portrayed herself as another victim of the atrocity and said she had absolutely no knowledge of her husband's murderous plans But some months after being paid 30,000 for a national newspaper interview, Lewthwaite then left the UK and is believed to have been masterminding terror attacks from Somalia Lewthwaite was married to British terrorist Germaine Lindsay (right) who detonated an explosive-filled rucksack on a Piccadilly Line Tube train at King's Cross killing 26 passengers This is what was left of the Tube train between King's Cross and Russell Square after fanatic Lindsay detonated his bomb on July 7, 2005. A total of 52 people died in the London atrocity An al-Shabaab source said Lewthwaite was 'highly regarded and respected' within the terror group. He said: 'She lives in several houses located in different areas. She does not move during the day but only at night and is highly protected by heavily armed elite Amniyat close protection security guards, which also includes women guards. 'The white woman also always carries a pistol and sometimes a rifle for her protection 'She does not stay in one location for long with her husband; they move around a lot.' He added: 'The white woman works closely with her husband in preparing explosives and the suicide vests 'She is also responsible for training and brainwashing women suicide bombers before they are deployed for a mission.' If the claims are true it would see a chilling switch in tactics for the terror organisation who are not known for using women in combat or suicide bombing missions. Their roles have traditionally involved intelligence gathering and logistics support which are seen as crucial to the movement's military resilience. A Somali intelligence source said: 'In 2023, she tried to leave Somalia to go to Yemen or Kenya. 'But al-Shabaab failed to find her a safe route, so had to stay in Somalia. The British woman helps recruit foreign fighters, especially women. 'She gets protection from her husband as he is high up in al-Shabaab. She speaks Somali and Arabic.' Lewthwaite first came to public attention when her 19-year-old husband detonated an explosive-filled rucksack on a Piccadilly Line Tube train at King's Cross in 2005. Lewthwaite left the UK after the 7/7 bombings to live in South Africa working in a pie factory Her 'martyred' husband - a Jamaican-born carpet fitter - was responsible for 26 of the 52 deaths in the coordinated wave of attacks on London's transport network. At the time Lewthwaite - who was eight months pregnant with the couple's second child - portrayed herself as another victim of the July 7 London bombings. In reality she was a dangerous extremist hell-bent on plotting her own murderous missions. She fled the country and was responsible for a string of atrocities in Africa while remaining one step ahead of law enforcement agencies and evading capture. A series of mugshots of the fugitive in various guises have been circulated by Interpol since the international law enforcement agency issued a warrant for her arrest in 2013. It followed a massacre after masked gunmen ran amok at the Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi, murdering 71 people. Lewthwaite is accused of planning, funding or taking part in the outrage, along with a grenade attack on a bar in the coastal resort of Mombasa the previous year in 2012 which left three dead. She is also said to be behind a 2015 massacre at Garissa University which left 148 dead and was also linked with a terrorist attack on a hotel in Nairobi that led to the slaughter of 21 people in 2019. Her transformation - from Home Counties prom queen to fanatical jihadist - is, controversially, being made into a feature film called Girl Next Door starring Bella Ramsey from the post-apocalyptic TV series The Last Of Us. It was recently revealed that beyond her notorious image she has remained a fan of pop superstar Beyonce and has compiled shopping lists with British items such as Weetabix when she has been able to source them. Lewthwaite - who is believed to have adopted a series of identities and altered her appearance through plastic surgery - is an unlikely jihadist mastermind after growing up as a shy schoolgirl in the Home Counties. Her father, an English soldier called Andy Lewthwaite, met her mother, an Irish Catholic called Christine Allen, while he was serving in Northern Ireland during the 1970's. Lewthwaite was born in Banbridge in County Down, Northern Ireland, in 1983 before the family moved to the Buckinghamshire market town of Aylesbury. She is said to have been introduced to Islam after her parents divorced in 1994 as she sought comfort from Muslim neighbours who she considered to have a stronger family network. Lewthwaite, who changed her first name to Sherafiya after converting aged 17, enrolled in a degree course in politics and the study of religions at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London in 2002, although she dropped out before completing it. After spending time in South Africa, Lewthwaite moved to Kenya and from there is believed to be living in Somalia. She was apparently last seen on July 8 in the southern city of Jilib - the de facto capital of the Islamic Emirate of Somalia controlled by al-Shabaab While Lewthwaite was married to Germaine Lindsay he was plotting with three more jihadis to commit mass murder on London's Tube network. Here are the four men - in CCTV provided by the Met Police - arriving at Luton train station at 7.21am on Thursday July 7 One of the 7/7 bombers - Hasib Hussain - was turned away from King's Cross Tube because it was overcrowded and he was carrying a backpack so instead the bomber boarded the Number 30 double-decker bus which he blew up at Tavistock Square in London (pictured) She first made contact with Lindsay, also known by his Islamic name, Jamal, in an internet chat room and they met face-to-face at a Stop The War march in London. They married in October 2002 and had a son in April 2004. Shortly afterward the 7/7 bombings, Lewthwaite, who had been given police protection in the aftermath of the atrocity, cradled her newborn daughter in her arms as she said: 'We are victims as well.' She added of her husband: 'I totally condemn and am horrified by the atrocities. I never predicted or imagined that he was involved in such horrific activities. He was a loving husband and father.' But just months later, Lewthwaite is thought to have first moved to Kenya before travelling to South Africa under her own name in 2008. She was deported to the UK the following year and returned to give birth to her third child at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Aylesbury in August 2009. Seemingly desperate to return to Africa, Lewthwaite changed her personal details and adopted the name of Asmaa Shahidah Bint-Andrews. She used her new identity to return to South Africa with her three children where she reportedly found work in a halal pie factory. While there, Lewthwaite activated a third identity - that of a British nurse called Natalie Faye Webb, whose details were stolen. She also gave birth to a fourth child at a private birthing clinic in Johannesburg. She later crossed into Tanzania in 2011 and then returned to Kenya - where she began masterminding campaigns. Today the children she had with Lindsay, a boy and a girl, would be around 21 and 19. The children she had with her late second husband, an Islamist terrorist she married in Africa are aged around 16 and 15. They are also a boy and a girl. Lewthwaite has also recently been described as the 'main financier' of the cell of frontline fighters. She narrowly escaped capture in 2011 after Kenyan police discovered the bomb-making factory in a villa in Mombasa. Hidden under a sofa, they found a haul of fuses and 60 rounds of ammunition with magazines of bullets for AK-47 assault rifles. They arrested a British man called Jermaine Grant at the scene who was later jailed but who named Lewthwaite as the senior member of the cell. Police discovered she was in the adjacent apartment the flats shared the same balcony - but the passport they found was in the name of Natalie Faye Webb. By the time they realised that the nurse had been a victim of identity theft and they had made 'a mistake' Lewthwaite had fled. This is the official version of events which was reported in the media at the time, but her getaway was more controversial, it seems. Local sources claimed officers found Lewthwaite playing with her children when they first entered her accommodation around midnight. Now 41 Lewthwaite was believed to be a mother-of-four, having had two children with Lindsay, a boy and a girl, who would be around 21 and 19. She had two more, also a boy and a girl by her second husband, an Islamist terrorist. But now MailOnline has established, she has married for a third time, this time to another Islamic warlord and shares him with two more of his wives They returned to their headquarters saying they thought she was 'innocent' of any involvement with Grant and another accomplice who was also taken into custody. But they were strongly suspected of accepting five million Kenyan dollars (nearly 30,000) from Lewthwaite on the night, which she produced from her handbag, security sources have claimed. The source said: 'She left the flat immediately afterwards. Officers returned the following day after anti-terrorist officers in the UK told them who she was. 'Several posh houses in the Nyali and Shanzu districts of the city were searched but she was nowhere to be found.' Police discovered Lewthwaite subsequently got out of Kenya with the help of a police informer - a woman - who was the widow of a Kenyan terrorist killed in Somalia. It is unclear whether she slipped back into the country again for the attack at the Westgate mall in Nairobi in 2013 or simply helped organise and fund the terror campaign from outside. Among her discarded possessions was her laptop which revealed a browsing history of any ordinary young woman including websites for hair, make-up, fashion, weight loss - and beyoncefan.net. There was a handwritten journal in which she tells herself to 'look fabulous' for social occasions, along with a typical weekly shopping list: '32 eggs, 12 cheese, Weetabix, orange juice and tuna ...' On the computer she had written a poem praising 9/11 terror mastermind Osama Bin Laden while fingerprints found at the property were also said to be hers. And police discovered through a forensic examination of the device that Lewthwaite had spent eight years researching bomb-making and searching for the deadly chemicals used to make improvised explosives devices. An app offering an amazing array of free perks has been launched but there's a catch - you need to be pretty to cash in. Larissa Drekonja, a former model and actress, co-founded the app Neon Coat, with Dan Berger. The app offers a selection of experiences, services, or comped food and drink, in exchange for the model or influencer receiving the freebie to post online about it. The exclusive app is a saddening reminder that being pretty can pay, as criteria to join the app requires models to have at least 1,000 followers on Instagram and a substantial portfolio of work, and, for influencers, they must have at least 5,000 followers on Instagram or TikTok. There are currently more than 12,500 models and influencers who have used the app as well as over 1,500 businesses and brands across New York, Los Angeles, Miami and London. Lauren Karowski, a travel content creator, finds herself opening the app every day when she's in a city Neon Coat runs in. 'I try to use it to either find things that I was going to do anyways. So again, like getting my eyebrows laminated, getting my nails done, going to a workout class, or it's a really good way to find new like restaurants,' she told the Daily Mail. 'There'll be offers for, you know, comp dinner for two people and drinks. And it's a restaurant I've never heard of. So I'd say I use it like a mix of trying new places, and also just like doing things in my day-to-day life that I would normally do.' More than 12,500 models and influencers have used the exclusive app Neon Coat, as well as over 1,500 businesses and brands, across New York, Los Angeles, Miami and London Larissa Drekonja (pictured), a former model and actress, co-founded the app, Neon Coat, which offers a selection of experiences, services, or comped food or drink, in exchange for the user to post about it Lauren Karowski (pictured), a travel content creator, opens the app every day when she's in a city Neon Coat runs in The founders said the app 'fundamentally' works as a marketing service that allows models and creators to work with brands they love and take more control of their finances and career. Drekonja founded it after her experience as fresh talent landing in New York City from Slovenia as a teenager. She found the 'exclusive' nature of the industry held herself and other models back from being able to thrive in their career and lifestyle, including just affording the basics. As a young model, Drekonja experienced late payments, cramped apartments, unsafe working conditions, bouts of loneliness and 'unsavory' promoters. She created Neon Coat with a vision of helping young women have a very different experience than she did. In her early days in the industry, Drekonja found that booking anything from routine appointments, dinners, or free haircuts, had to be done through her agents or promoters - and one wrong move or the wrong reputation could bar you from the scene. 'A lot of times, as a model, if you embarrass them, or talk to other people when you were out, or - depending on the promoter - if you said something wrong, if you weren't a party girl, you're just not invited anymore,' Drekonja told the Daily Mail. 'Part of what this was is not like financially empowering, but just empowering talent to be able to pay for daily life in an expensive city,' she added. Part of Neon Coat's mission was to help young models or influencers more easily access the things necessary for the industry as well as necessities for life Even though the models or creators may be making a lot of money, through agencies or promoters 'you might be on that stipend and then most of your expenses are being deducted from the agency' The app, according to Dan Berger (pictured) and Drekonja, 'fundamentally' works as a marketing service that allows models and creators to work with brands they love and take more control of their finances and career 'Just for the basics, food, workouts, beauty treatments, the basic things they might need as a model or lifestyle creator in a big city.' Even though the models or creators may be making a lot of money, through agencies or promoters 'you might be on that stipend and then most of your expenses are being deducted from the agency,' Drekonja said. 'So, it's very limiting what a model can do in an expensive city like New York or London, Paris,' she continued. 'So having Neon Coat definitely kind of puts the control into a model's hand.' Now, the app has blown up among young influencers and models who can get their hands on free drinks, dinners, or workouts - and all they have to do is post about it. Karowski found the app was a great way to save money through the collaborations. Since joining the app last fall, she has found it worked much better for her than experiences with promoters or agencies. 'I used to be signed to like an influencer management agency like two years ago, where I feel like I would be like begging for any opportunity, like a comped meal,' she said. 'I think, in my personal experience, in their minds, it's like, "why would I even bother to, you know, set up this nail appointment or why would I bother to set up this dinner?" Because they're genuinely getting no financial like gain from that,' she said. A major advantage of Neon Coat for Karowski is that it gives creators and models the freedom to 'do as much or as little as you want'. Now, the app has blown up among young influencers and models who can get their hands on free drinks, dinners, or workouts - and all they have to do is post about it For lifestyle content creator, Jaynie Miller (pictured), the app has allowed her to get to know New York City and build up her portfolio For lifestyle content creator, Jaynie Miller, the app has allowed her to get to know New York City and build up her portfolio. 'I've been using it for about a month now and I feel like it's a really cool way to explore different restaurants and things around the city,' Miller told the Daily Mail. 'A lot of my content right now has been restaurant reviews or day in my life videos and I'll just hop around,' she said. 'Like maybe one day I'll start with a coffee shop on Neon Coat, and then I'll show like a dinner place that I like going to. 'And in between that, I'll go to a nail salon or a hair appointment and just show how I can like spend my day creating content and trying out new places in the city.' Like many in the industry, Miller found that finding a way to work with and collaborate with businesses was tough. 'It's a little trickier having to reach out, usually through [Direct Messages] and sometimes you don't hear a response or if you have the wrong email, or they're just not open to collaboration at this time,' she said. 'So with Neon Coat, it's great to know that this restaurant, let's say, for sure want[s] to collaborate.' Even models signed to agencies have been encouraged to bolster their social media presence with the rise of Instagram models and influencers. Miller has been in New York City for about a month, and found the app helped her find new places to go and create content in an unfamiliar city Free pasta! Miller found it difficult to reach out to companies, brands and businesses herself, and has been able to take advantage of more opportunities for content through Neon Coat Users on the app can open it every day and see what offers are available, and often they will choose the promotions for their genuine lifestyle habits or needs. Among the perks can be free workout classes For Valeria Nanclares, she has seen the industry change over the course of her 14 years in modeling. 'I always was like, "Oh, I don't have to post that much on social media, because I'm a model. I don't need those other followers,"' she told the Daily Mail. 'But that perspective definitely has changed over the last five years for me, because like, now it has become a thing. You really have to have a good social media and good followers, because some brands, not all of them, but they would prefer someone with more followers than someone who doesn't have [them].' Berger and Drekonja told the Daily Mail that, not only does Neon Coat help the talent, but it also offers businesses an opportunity to promote their brand with creators and models who are already interested in their service or product. Drekonja said that Neon Coat allows businesses to increase 'the likelihood of matching somebody that the brand actually can identify with, rather than just getting a[any] model and having a shoot.' Craig Houston, managing partner of Jack & Charlie's No. 118, found that filling the restaurant with attractive influential people who post about their experiences there worked incredibly well for the business. 'The West Village is an extraordinarily competitive market,' Houston, who offers around 30 to 40 comped meals on the app per month, told the Wall Street Journal. 'The energy in the room is really what the business is about.' Drinking a beer and cracking jokes with colleagues, he seemed like any co-worker enjoying a night out after a busy day in a Manhattan office. But once he left the bar and headed back to his Massapequa Park, Long Island home the architect Rex Heuermann allegedly went Jekyll and Hyde and prowled his neighborhood looking for his next victim to kill as his wife and children slept. Katherine Shepherd worked with Heuermann in the same midtown Manhattan office at 525 Seventh Avenue in New York City's Fashion District during the early 2000s. She was working for an architectural design firm and his company was providing city permits. On occasion, she and her co-workers would gather at Pete's Tavern in Gramercy Park. She remembered Heuermann acting like the life of the party which later earned him the nickname Sexy Rexy' amongst colleagues. He was fun. He was funny, Shepherd told Daily Mail. He would tell funny stories and jokes that made everyone laugh. During working hours, she said he was always professional towards her and the other female employees. Katherine Shepherd was 27 when she first met the then 41-year-old Rex Heuermann when they shared an office space in midtown Manhattan in the early 2000s. Pictured together on a night out Shepherd and Heuermann gather with their co-workers at Pete's Tavern in Manhattan Rex Heuermann has been charged with seven murders and has pleaded not guilty If he ever made me feel uncomfortable, touched me in any way or would've made any inappropriate sex jokes there was no way I would have worked with him,' she said. 'Never ever did he ever make me feel uncomfortable,' she added. However, she said he liked pretty girls in the office and using them to help get what he wanted professionally. 'He knew how to get permits and was renowned for it. He knew all the people and had all the relationships,' she said. He had women in the office that were petite and beautiful and he would send them down to the city to get those permits.' Heuermann was arrested two years ago in July 2023 and initially charged with the murders of three women: Amber Costello, Melissa Barthelemy and Megan Waterman. Since then, he has been charged with the murders of four more victims: Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Sandra Costilla, Jessica Taylor and Valerie Mack. All the victims were working as sex workers when they vanished after going to meet a client. Heuermann is seen drinking beer and mingling with his colleagues When Katherine Shepherd learned Heuermann had been arrested for murder and was not the 'normal, everyday, nerdy guy', but a cold blooded killer she was stunned Their bodies were found dumped along Ocean Parkway near Gilgo Beach and other remote spots on Long Island. Some of the victims had been bound, others had been dismembered and their remains discarded in multiple locations. The 61-year-old has pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him. Shepherd said: It's just hard to come to grips that this is the same person. It just doesnt match. It doesnt match. 'Though I know in my heart he did it. The evidence is overwhelming. He was able to separate his life - somehow put a divider in-between murderous spawn of Satan to a caring father and business owner. I dont know how but he was able too. She recalled the first time she met him and said she was stunned by his 6ft 4ins size - a client of one of his alleged victims has described him as resembling an 'ogre'. 'Hes one of the biggest men youll ever meet in your life. It is very intimidating having someone that large,' Shepherd said. Shepherd described Heuermann as someone who was 'fun and funny' 'He joked around a lot and made you feel comfortable because he knew he was big and intimidating. I think he was trying not to be intimidating, she added. However she said he was 'soft spoken' and described him as coming off as arrogant and cocky. She said: He was very smart. He was very confident. Shepherd remembered how kind he was to her when she injured herself on black ice on a city street and took her to the emergency room when the pain became too much to bear. That day in the hospital, she said he waited for her for hours as she took tests, including an MRI. Once discharged, they went by cab to her apartment in Hells Kitchen and after he got her settled, he went to the pharmacy to pick up her painkiller prescription. She remembered he made her a slice of toast when he returned before leaving her by herself. I was grateful for his help. I felt like he was almost taking care of me like a dad would, Shepherd said. The day that happened was November 17, 2003, four months earlier one of Heuermann's alleged victims 20-year-old Jessica Taylors body was found decapitated with her hands cuts off in a wooded area in Manorville, Long Island. Heuermann's victims were found along the 16-miles strip of Ocean Parkway in Suffolk County, Long Island near Gilgo Beach He (allegedly) cut her head and hands off, spread them around Long Island and four months later took me to the hospital because I was in pain and needed help, she said. When Shepherd learned Heuermann had been arrested for murder and was not the 'normal, everyday, nerdy guy', she thought he was but a cold blooded killer she was stunned. I have a totally different view of this guy because like I said, he took care of me. He helped me. He took time out of his day, his job to take me to the hospital to take care of me. I saw that as, "Wow what a good co-worker realizing that I needed help stopping his day to help me. No one else did,"' she said. In 2005, she started consulting on her own and working with Heuermann directly. She said, theyd meet at job sites and one time, the avid hunter and gun aficionado, taught her how to shoot a gun while they were at a job site in the Bronx. She said she didn't plan on it but went for it. It was a 9mm - the kind you see in movies all the time - the black square gangster gun,' she explained. 'Anyway that is what I fired. He was telling me where to put my hand because when you shoot the whole top part goes back and if you put your hand in the wrong spot you can hurt yourself'. On some days theyd travel in the same vehicle to a job. She said their conversations were always focused on business and that he would never talk about his wife or kids. However, she did meet them once when she went to his home to do some measuring for a home renovation project he was planning. Heuermann's Long Island home is seen above. Shepherd once visited the home to take measurements She was horrified to later learn that she took measurements in the same area that held a secret room where he would allegedly torture his victims. She recalled her final communication with him was in summer 2011 while she was working in California. She sent an email to Heuermann for some permit expediting work she needed done. She said she jokingly called him Rexy like Sexy Rexy - the playful term that she and her colleagues sometimes used. It was also the time when some of the bodies were being discovered along Ocean Parkway in Suffolk Countys GIlgo Beach. She said that he never responded. This month marked two years since Heuermanns arrest and the interior designer still grapples with the idea that her kind-hearted co-worker who became her knight in shining armor when she was in distress, is the accused Gilgo Beach serial killer and charged with the brutal murders of seven women. I didnt even know about the Gilgo Beach Killer until two years ago. It feels like someone is playing a trick on me. It feels like you are talking about someone else.' 'I am a little bit in denial, still. The practical side of me understands what happened but I just dont get it. It is really hard to comprehend. The firing range in the Bronx where Heuermann taught Shepherd how to fire a gun 'I didnt know he was capable of that. How is anyone capable of that? He has kids. How do you have kids and a wife and go off and do something like that,' she added. After all this time, Shepherd said her time with Heuermann still haunts her but she concluded: It is good to talk about it. Every time I talk about it - it is like a little therapy and it helps me. Top Utah Tech University administrators covered a breakroom cabinet with crude and inappropriate notes, a bombshell lawsuit claims. Three school employees initially sued the university in November, claiming they were the victims of a toxic work environment. A recently unsealed court document obtained by Daily Mail alleges that a metal cabinet in the university's marketing department break room was allegedly covered in over 200 vulgar Post-it notes. Nearly a quarter of the notes are attributed to the Vice President of Marketing and Communication, Jordon Sharp, whose salary in 2024 was $205,658, according to Utah's state transparency website. The notes Sharp allegedly wrote include, 'I've accidentally hired two prostitutes' and 'Oh my gosh. I just grabbed his little penis. That felt really unnatural.' Other messages he is accused in the complaint of writing are: 'She tried to put her balls in my mouth' and 'Eat those ball(s) or throw them away.' 'Do you have any friends that are minority or ethnic in nature? Could you bring any of those?' the complaint alleges he penned. 'You can both go to hell and have a great day,' and 'If you ever feel stressed, come on over & smack it till you smile' are also notes the court claims Sharp wrote. Unsealed court documents showed a metal cabinet at Utah Tech University's marketing department break room that was allegedly covered in over 200 vulgar Post-it notes Nearly a quarter of the notes are attributed to the Vice President of Marketing and Communication, Jordon Sharp (pictured), whose salary in 2024 was $205,658 Other notes allegedly include: 'She bugs the p**s out of me. It's all over the floor,' and 'Do you like red balls?... better than blue.' The lawsuit was filed by Becky Broadbent, the university's former general counsel; Jared Rasband, the former Senior Associate General Counsel; and Hazel Sainsbury, Utah Tech's Title IX coordinator. They launched their case after Utah Tech's former President Richard 'Biff' Williams allegedly gave Sharp a phallic-shaped vegetable display and listed the plaintiffs' names as the senders in November 2023. '[Williams] left a display of an assortment of vegetables shaped as male genitalia, including a long zucchini referred to as a "zuweenie," on VP Sharps front porch to "help" with his recovery from his medical procedure that day,' the lawsuit says. The group believes framing them for the raunchy gift was retaliation for their response to discovering the Post-it note cabinet, the lawsuit claims. According to the complaint, after discovering the cabinet in September 2021, the plaintiffs stated that they were legally obligated to report it, but human resources minimized the misconduct. 'These Post-it Notes were highly obscene, offensive, and vulgar, and included derogatory references to sex, race, individuals, and investigations conducted by the University,' the lawsuit said. 'Plaintiffs were viewed unfavorably by Sharp, other senior administrators, and the UMAC department, for simply fulfilling their job responsibilities.' Becky Broadbent, the university's former general counsel; Jared Rasband, the former Senior Associate General Counsel; and Hazel Sainsbury, Utah Tech's Title IX coordinator, filed the lawsuit They launched their case after the school's president allegedly gifted Sharp a phallic vegetable display (left) and listed their names as the senders (right) in November 2023 Sainsbury told The Salt Lake Tribune that when she first learned of the notes, she thought it was 'too outrageous to be true'. 'Nothing prepared me for the shock of seeing that wall of Post-it notes,' she said. 'But there I was, standing in front of something even worse than I had imagined. 'What I saw was not just a violation of policy - it was a reflection of a culture where power protected certain individuals from scrutiny, even when their behavior was clearly inappropriate.' Daily Mail contacted the employees' lawyers, Utah Tech University and the Utah Attorney General's office, which is representing the school, for comment. The school said in a statement to Daily Mail: 'As a university, we are focused on the future and moving forward together and continuing to build upon our universitys incredible momentum. 'However, the university acknowledges challenges over the past few years, including an internal confidential Title IX investigation conducted four years ago related to a quote board, which included statements taken out of context. 'When the Universitys Title IX coordinator investigated a complaint connected to the quote board in September 2021, no Title IX-related policy implications were identified. 'Subsequently, the university conducted a separate HR process and implemented corrective measures. The plaintiffs claim Utah Tech's former President Richard 'Biff' Williams (pictured) sent the gift as retaliation for their response to discovering the Post-it note cabinet 'As we look to the future under new leadership, the university remains focused on continuing to make positive changes for the benefit of our students, our mission and the community were building together.' Broadbent, Rasband and Sainsbury claimed they suffered as a result of the administrators' actions and are seeking damages to be determined at trial. The university has sought to have the case dismissed, arguing that Utah's governmental immunity law protects it because it is a public university. A mysterious new Australian link to Jeffrey Epstein has been exposed in a massive data leak that has revealed the movements of hundreds of visitors to the sex trafficker's island. Analyst Dhruv Mehrotra claims to have laid bare their trips to and from Epstein's Caribbean seedy resort on Little Saint James, in the United States Virgin Islands. Hidden data leaking from the mobile phones of more than 200 super-rich guests has revealed precise details of their movements - and where they originated from. A huge cache of metadata contained in a dark web database, which had specifically targeted the island, allowed him to pinpoint exact home addresses and workplaces. In among a string of addresses linked to wealthy areas of the US, Europe and the Middle East, was metadata from mystery locations within Sydney. The exact addresses have not yet been revealed, nor the identity of the phones' owner or owners. But the revelation of the claims have sparked fresh speculation over who in Australia had such close ties to the convicted paedophile's dark inner circle. Epstein died by suicide in a New York prison in 2019 after being charged with federal sex trafficking offences. A mysterious new Australian link to Jeffrey Epstein has been exposed in a massive data leak that has revealed the movements of hundreds of visitors to the sex-trafficker's island In among a string of addresses linked to wealthy areas of the US, Europe and the Middle East, was metadata from mystery locations within Sydney Analyst Dhruv Mehrotra claims to have laid bare their trips to and from Epstein's Caribbean seedy resort on Little Saint James, in the United States Virgin Islands He was accused of grooming young and underage women to be sexually abused by his powerful and wealthy contacts who remain shielded from public exposure. Epstein was a registered sex offender in Florida after pleading guilty to two felony prostitution-related charges in 2008. The White House has recently come under increasing pressure to release the full contents of the Epstein files, which allegedly name many well-known accomplices. In October last year, Mr Mehrotra, a journalist for tech site Wired, said he had uncovered mobile phone data from devices belonging to those jetting into the island. 'The data was so precise, we were able to map the paths of these visitors to within centimetres, including their neighbourhoods, buildings of origin and the paths they took to get to the island,' he said in a YouTube video outlining his analysis. 'These digital trails document the numerous trips of wealthy and influential individuals, seemingly undeterred by Epstein's status as a convicted sex offender.' Epstein purchased Little Saint James in 1998 for $7.95million and made the island his primary residence. An interactive map shows how Mehrotra plotted 11,279 coordinates from the exposed metadata, represented as red dots on the screen An interactive map reveals how Dhruv Mehrotra (pictured) was able to plot 11,279 map coordinates from the metadata after they were exposed online, shown by red dots onscreen Ghislaine Maxwell (pictured with Epstein), former British socialite and Epstein's accomplice, was convicted in 2021 on five counts including sexual trafficking of children by force 'They were left exposed online by a location data broker with ties to the Defence Department, called Near Intelligence, between 2016 and Epstein's final arrest in 2019,' he said. 'Near collected data on more than 200 cell phones that visited the island. 'We don't know why they did that or which client or prospective client of Near decided to query the data in this way to produce the maps.' The firm, which had offices in Singapore and India, sourced its location data from advertising exchanges. Before a targeted advertisement appears on an app or phone, information about the owner is sent to bidding platforms and ad exchanges and often includes users' location data. The painstaking and detailed metadata reveals where visitors to Epstein Island spent most of their time, including the main house, beach and pool area, and when. But the information tracking on their phones wasn't limited to Little Saint James and the surveillance continued after the visitors left to return home or to their work. 'A lot of people were visiting the island, even after Epstein had pleaded guilty in 2008, and served jail time for procuring a minor for prostitution,' said Mehrotra. Epstein purchased Little Saint James, part of the US Virgin Islands, in 1998 for $7.95million and made the island his primary residence Maxwell was arrested in New Hampshire, tracked to a million-dollar home by federal agents using location data pulled from her mobile phone 'If we keep following the data trail and we widen our view, we'll see that the tracking of visitors continues once they have left the island, and presumably gone back home.' The Near Intelligence data pinpoints 166 locations throughout the United States, in 80 cities across 26 states. Topping the list were Florida, Texas, Michigan and New York and even included details of holiday homes. 'The data points are labelled as 'Common Evening Locations,' or 'Common Daytime Locations', typically, their home or work,' he said. Mehrotra zoomed out the map to reveal Australia had been picked up in the tracking, with specific points identified in Sydney. He noted that some of these points could also represent victims or employees who worked on the island. However, many of the coordinates captured by Near point to multimillion-dollar homes, in upmarket areas like Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts. Ghislaine Maxwell, former British socialite and an Epstein accomplice, was convicted in 2021 on five counts including sexual trafficking of children by force. Maxwell was arrested in New Hampshire, tracked to a million-dollar home by federal agents using location data pulled from her mobile phone. A Florida eye doctor accused of brutally murdering his ex-wife, a Spirit Airlines flight attendant, outside her Palm Beach condo allegedly carried out a shocking act after the killing. Richard Seith, an ophthalmologist from Jensen Beach, is facing a first degree murder charge for what detectives have described as a cold-blooded and calculated ambush. On July 15, Seith, 53, allegedly shot his ex-wife Cynthia Sciarrone (Seith), 55, upon her return from a late night shift as a flight attendant. The Spirit flight attendant, also known as Cindi, was discovered face-down on the sidewalk 75 feet from her Lake Worth gated community condo by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Engine 32 at 3:22am. According to arrest records obtained by Daily Mail, Sciarrone had a gunshot wound to her head. She was pronounced dead at 3:26am. Detectives received an anonymous tip later on July 15 indicating that Seith was responsible. The tip claimed 'the victim was believed to be scared of the suspect and had disclosed this information before the victim's death'. Upon further investigation, detectives discovered that Sciarrone and Seith had divorced just months earlier, on May 5, 2025, and that her ex-husband owed her $285,000. Dashcam footage found in Cynthia's Subaru showed a shadowy figure - now believed to be Seith - bending near the rear hatch of her car, and investigators think he was retrieving a GPS tracking device that had been attached to her vehicle. Richard Seith (pictured), an ophthalmologist from Jensen Beach, is facing a first degree murder charge for what detectives have described as a cold-blooded and calculated ambush On July 15, Richard Seith, 53, allegedly shot his ex-wife Cynthia Sciarrone (pictured), 55, upon her return from a late night shift as a flight attendant Detectives discovered that Sciarrone and Seith had divorced just months earlier, on May 5, 2025, and that her ex-husband owed her $285,000 This discovery led to a mountain of evidence insinuating that Seith had been relentlessly stalking his ex-wife in the months before her death. In Seith's home, detectives found (along with multiple firearms, ammunition and a silencer) a Cube GPS tracker. Seith purchased the device in May and made the chilling move to cancel its subscription just 3.5 hours after Cynthia's murder, records show. Seith's distinctive orange Jeep Wrangler was also spotted repeatedly by neighborhood surveillance cameras near Sciarrone's home before and after the shooting, though he denied being in Palm Beach County and claimed he hadnt seen Cynthia since December 2024. Seith is also accused of stalking his ex-wife by friends of Sciarrone and witnesses mentioned in the arrest record. One witness, a previous ex of Seith, described the doctor's 'emotional and psychologically abusive behavior' toward Sciarrone. These accusations included sexual coercion, in which Seith would demand that Sciarrone 'swing' with other sexual partners - which she was not comfortable doing, according to the witness. According to the arrest affidavit, Sciarrone 'was promised by Richard Seith that he'd pay for medically necessary dental care in exchange for agreeing to these intimate relations'. The same witness had previously been granted their own petition for injunction for protection against stalking in regards to their relationship to the Seiths. The Spirit flight attendant was discovered face-down on the sidewalk 75 feet from her Lake Worth gated community condo by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Engine 32 at 3:22am In Seith's home, detectives found (along with multiple firearms, ammunition and a silencer) a Cube GPS tracker. Seith purchased the device in May and canceled its subscription just 3.5 hours after Cynthia's murder Seith's distinctive orange Jeep Wrangler was also spotted repeatedly by neighborhood surveillance cameras near Sciarrone's home before and after the shooting (Sciarrone's condo is pictured) The witness also shed light on why the Seiths relationship came to an end, saying Sciarrone 'realized that she could not stay in the abusive relationship'. Sciarrone then trained to be a flight attendant to become financially independent, having previously worked at Seith's medical practice, the witness stated. While she was away for training, Seith allegedly confided in Sciarrone that 'he could not drink alcohol when home alone because his mind went to "dark place" imagining what she was doing when away from him.' Seith also previously admitted to his then-wife that he had stalked a former girlfriend using a fake Facebook profile, according to the affidavit. The same ex-girlfriend later contacted Sciarrone to tell her Seith had recently re-contacted her and that the flight attendant should 'run run run' from him. Earlier this week bodycam footage was released that captured the moment Seith had complained about their four-way relationship with another couple. Seith was seen in the footage from July 2024 being stopped by deputies responding to reports of shots fired at a home. The home belonged to a couple, who have not been identified, that Seith and his ex-wife Sciarrone had been in an 'intimate relationship' with, investigators said. Newly released bodycam footage from July 2024 captured the moment Florida doctor Richard Seith had complained about their four-way relationship with another couple Sciarrone trained to be a flight attendant to become financially independent, having previously worked at Seith's medical practice Deputies arrived at the home to find a bullet shattered a window and another pierced a child's bedroom wall. A deputy spotted Seith driving nearby and was heard in the bodycam saying he was 'exactly who I am looking for'. Seith denied firing the bullets but admitted he was cruising outside the couple's home, looking for his wife. 'I look to see if shes here. Were still married, and I dont approve of it,' he told the deputy in the bodycam footage. Despite the bullet holes in the couple's home, deputies were unable to link the bullets to Seith's gun and they let him go from the traffic stop. 'Unfortunately, our deputies didnt have enough to arrest Mr. Seith, and had to give him his gun back,' Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said during a news conference on Tuesday. Sciarrone's friends told WPBF25 News that she had feared her ex-husband for months, and believed he was dangerous. 'She was really scared and she had said that on numerous occasions that hes just not a nice man and she was scared of him,' said Gary Stamper, a former Spirit Airlines flight attendant who went through training with Sciarrone in 2022. One witness, a previous ex of Seith, described the doctor's 'emotional and psychologically abusive behavior' toward Sciarrone, including sexual coercion Friends of Sciarrone are distraught and horrified by her death, especially given her valiant efforts to escape from her 'abusive' ex-husband Seith remains held without bond in the Palm Beach County Jail. He has denied involvement in Sciarrone's death Friends of Sciarrone are distraught and horrified by her death, especially given her valiant efforts to escape from her 'abusive' ex-husband. Lisa Melichar, a fellow flight attendant and friend of Sciarrone, posted on Facebook about the murder. 'Theyve arrested the man who murdered my best friend. Her ex-husband, who stalked and harassed her for more than a year. Who drained her financially, psychologically, and emotionally. Who couldnt stand to lose control so he took her life instead,' she wrote. 'She was finally stepping into freedom. Beckoning herself,' she continued, adding 'She gave the best hugs. Showed up even on her hardest days.' 'I pray for the harshest possible sentence. What he did was calculated and evil,' Melichar wrote. Seith remains held without bond in the Palm Beach County Jail. He has denied involvement in Sciarrone's death. John F Kennedy's numerous rumored affairs are arguably as much a part of the Camelot legend as his presidency, his alleged mafia connections and his subsequent assassination. But JFK's twisted romantic life might have turned about so very different had his father, the fiercely controlling patriarch Joe Kennedy, allowed his charming, quietly intelligent middle son to marry his first love, Inga Arvad, a woman Joe referred to as a 'Nazi b***h.' In the new book JFK: Public, Private, Secret, author J Randy Taraborrelli claims that JFK never truly got over the heartbreak and being forced to split from Arvad - and held it against his father until the day he died. The young Jack Kennedy met Inga Arvad in October 1941. At 28, the Danish journalist was four years older than him and already twice married. But their attraction was electric, writes Taraborrelli. 'He had charm that makes the birds come out of the trees,' the book reports that Arvad wrote of Jack, 'natural, engaging, ambitious, warm, and when he walked into a room you knew he was there, not pushing, not domineering but exuding animal magnetism.' Arvad's son, Ron McCoy, told Taraborrelli: 'For my mom it was pretty much love at first sight. That's how she described it to me anyway. She called it an "awakening," her chemistry with Jack Kennedy being so instantaneous. 'It was as if they'd known each other in some other life and were now picking up where they'd left off. It felt natural. It felt organic. Above all, she said, it felt real.' At 28, Arvad (pictured) was four years older than Jack, and already twice married. But their attraction was electric In the new book JFK: Public, Private, Secret , author J Randy Taraborrelli claims that JFK never truly got over the heartbreak and being forced to split from Arvad - and held it against his father until the day he died. For his part, Jack was apparently also smitten. She had it all: brains, beauty, and the uncanny ability to see him for who he truly was. He could open up to her in a way he'd never been able to with anyone else. And, according to Taraborrelli, Jack referred to her as 'Inga Binga,' and they spent every night they could... in bed together. But just two months into their passionate romance, America was on the brink of war, and Arvad found herself accused of being a Nazi spy. The source of the accusation was an alleged photograph of her with Hitler. And when news reached Joe, he was incandescent. His son was going to carry the Kennedy name into the White House - he was sure of it - and this latest revelation was 'bad for his future and bad for the future of their family,' according to Taraborrelli's book. Unsurprisingly, the FBI - and its powerful director J Edgar Hoover - got involved, and Hoover demanded nothing less than weekly updates on the case. Arvad was forced to admit that she had, indeed, met the Fuhrer in Berlin six years earlier, when she'd interviewed him for a Danish newspaper. The following year, Hitler invited Arvad to join him in his box at the 1936 Olympics, then to a private lunch, during which he'd presented her with a questionable gift: a framed photograph of himself. 'She accepted it,' writes Taraborrelli, 'but it made her nervous because it was starting to feel to her that maybe he was interested in her.' One of the few photographs that exist of Inga Arvad with Jack Kennedy Arvad had it all: brains, beauty, and the uncanny ability to see Jack Kennedy for who he truly was. She had reason to worry. Hitler was likely infatuated with the bombshell, having described her as 'the most perfect example of Nordic beauty.' Arvad told Jack - and the FBI - that, following the lunch, 'someone with strong Nazi connections suddenly tried to recruit her as a spy' but she 'immediately rejected the proposition.' Terrified at the implications of her refusal, she escaped to Denmark, then Washington, where she met Jack. While disturbed by the revelations, Jack believed his lover, according to Taraborreli. They'd been together only three months, but they'd already discussed marriage. He was determined to fight for her. But Joe Kennedy was reportedly having none of it. During a heated showdown with his son, he demanded that Jack break it off with the 'Nazi b***h' immediately. The FBI eventually dropped its investigation in August 1942, finding no evidence against Arvad. But, ultimately, it wasn't enough to save the affair. Jack had caved under pressure and broken off the relationship five months earlier. It would be 10 years before he was ready to commit again. Like Arvad, Jacqueline Bouvier was incredibly intelligent, and disarmingly independent. And, while her dark hair and close attention to her perfect makeup were in stark contrast to the free-spirited Dane, what she had on her side was timing. The family was all in agreement: Jack needed a wife if he was ever going to be president. They worried that he was 'obviously lukewarm' about Bouvier - but if not her, then who? Joe reportedly responded: 'I actually don't care who, so long as she didn't go to Hitler's funeral.' Jack proposed the following summer, but the author suggests that it took a long time - years, in fact - before it became a love match. He reports Bouvier's mother, Janet Auchincloss, asked her daughter, upon hearing of their engagement: 'Do you love him?' 'It's not that simple,' she replied. 'It is, Jacqueline,' her mother shot back. 'Do. You. Love. Him?' The future First Lady's response remained non-committal: 'I enjoy him.' Taraborrelli also claims Bouvier confided in Betty Beale, the society columnist at the Washington Evening Star, around the same time, saying she felt 'Jack had been pulling away ever since the engagement was announced.' 'True to his character,' writes Taraborrelli, 'while they had been dating, he was interested in her on some days, less interested on others.' While her dark hair and close attention to her perfect makeup were in stark contrast to the free-spirited Dane, what Jackie Bouvier (pictured) had on her side was timing When her mother asked Bouvier if she loved Jack, she responded with a non-committal answer 'She said she saw in him what she often noticed in his father toward his mother: indifference,' writes the author, quoting Betty as saying: 'This told me Jack wasn't really in love with her, and that she was naive to it, the poor dear. When she said, "He treats me the way his father treats his mother," I said, "But, Jackie, have you seen their marriage, the two of them together? They're miserable. That should be a warning to you."' Indeed, just a few weeks before his wedding, Jack insisted on going on a boys-only vacation to the famous Cap-Eden-Roc hotel in Cannes where, if he'd had his way, he would have begun a torrid affair with a woman who bore more than a passing resemblance to Inga Arvad, according to Taraborrelli. Gunilla von Post was Swedish, and just 21 when she met the future president in the south of France. She was 'definitely young,' writes Taraborrelli, 'but he didn't see that as a problem.' 'Fair and blonde, she was very different from the dark brunette he was supposed to marry in about a month. However, she was very much like the woman with whom she shared Scandinavian heritage, the one who'd captured his heart so long ago.' Both blondes also bear an uncanny resemblance to the woman who would be forever inextricably linked to the Kennedy: Marilyn Monroe. In von Post's book about the affair - Love, Jack - she wrote that, on that trip they stopped short of having sex when she realized he was soon to be married. She also claimed he told her: 'I fell in love with you tonight. If I'd met you one month ago, I would've canceled the whole thing.' However, Taraborrelli doubts that was the case. 'While that may have been her memory,' he writes, 'it certainly doesn't sound like Jack Kennedy, this man who rarely if ever expressed emotion for any woman after Inga. Besides that, would he really have defied his father and canceled the wedding to Jackie? That doesn't seem likely, either.' He adds: 'But the flirtation with Gunilla [von Post] does underscore that what he had with Jackie wasn't completely fulfilling. The question remained: If not for his and his father's political aspirations, would he even be planning to marry Miss Bouvier?' On Jack's return to the US, he made the unusual step of asking his future mother-in-law to add his first love, Arvad, to the wedding guest list. But under questioning about this last-minute addition, he let it drop. Taraborrelli notes: 'While Jack hadn't seen Inga in six years, apparently he was still in touch with her. Maybe it shows the bond he still had with her that he wanted her at his wedding, but it also shows a foolish lapse in judgment. Certainly not much good would come from Inga's presence.' Two years after his wedding, however, it seems Gunilla von Post's rejection of his sexual advances was still very much on his mind. And, in the wake of a devastating miscarriage, which left his now-wife with crippling anxiety attacks, Jack made the astonishingly selfish proposition that they go on separate trips: she to visit her sister in England, while he would attempt once more to get von Post into bed on her home turf. A devastating miscarriage left Jackie Kennedy (pictured) with crippling anxiety attacks Gunilla von Post (pictured) wrote about her romance with John F Kennedy in her 1997 book Love, Jack Taraborrelli believes that, while Jack grew to love his wife despite allegedly wedding for political reasons On a boys-only vacation a month before his wedding, Jack was tempted to have an affair with Gunilla von Post (left); years later, another blonde would be in his life, Marilyn Monroe (right) Kennedy and von Post reportedly spent a week together in Sweden, with Jack's partner in crime Torbert Macdonald as fixer. And this time, he got what he wanted, says Taraborrelli. 'Some of Gunilla's descriptions of her time with Jack that week - "We were wonderfully sensual. There were times when just the stillness of being together was thrilling enough" - sound a great deal more like some sort of starry-eyed, fictional version of JFK than a realistic one,' reasons Taraborrelli. 'Much of what she'd recall sounds unlikely given what we now know of his remote personality of the 1950s. It does, however, maybe sound like the JFK of the 1940s, the more romantic version of him back in the days when he was with Inga Arvad. Maybe, in this case, the devil isn't in the details, though. 'There are enough witnesses to Jack and [Gunilla von Post's] public outings, including close friends and relatives she identified by name, to confirm that they were definitely together.' On the flight home, Macdonald told a friend that Jack suddenly felt the weight of what he'd done, and was filled with remorse. 'This was a sh***y thing to do to Jackie,' the book reports him as saying. 'This was a mistake.' While von Post was convinced it was just the start of their affair, in the end, the two never saw each other again. 'Jack told intimates that he'd been rationalizing his bad behavior for so long, it had become second nature to do so,' writes Taraborrelli. 'His father was to blame, he'd sometimes reason. After all, if not for Joe, he would've ended up with Inga Arvad, someone he truly loved, instead of Jackie, someone he married for political purposes and then grew to love.' JFK: Public, Private, Secret by J Randy Taraborrelli is published by St Martin's Press Puffing with exertion as he dragged his two victims' bodies down the street in a suitcase, Yostin Mosquera believed he had carried out the perfect murders. The Colombian sadist sex worker was only rumbled on the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol when a passing cyclist saw his luggage was almost bursting open with blood leaking from the seams. Mosquera planned to throw the remains of Albert Alfonso, 62, and Paul Longworth, 71, into the gorge below Brunel's masterpiece. But MailOnline can reveal that the police officer leading the investigation in the West Country has set out how he believes he could have 'got away with it'. Det Insp Neil Meade has said that had Mosquera just killed the men and then booked a flight back to Colombia - he would probably be a free man today. 'He's killed two people in a premises. They are the only two people who live in the address, so nobody else is going to come and find them', he said. 'He didn't need to dismember them, he didn't need to take them to Bristol. 'If on July 11 he had booked himself a ticket back to Colombia I am confident he could have committed those murders and in inverted commas, got away with it'. 'But he did what he did.' Yostin Andres Mosquera carries the large suitcase containing human remains to Clifton Suspension Bridge - but police have said he should have just left the men dead in their flat and fled back to Colombia Mosquera (right) knifed Albert Alfonso (middle) during sex after he bludgeoned his partner Paul Longworth (left) with a hammer Mosquera was wearing a blood splattered t-shirt when he was arrested Mosquera dumped the red suitcase on Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol and ran when a cyclist confronted him about blood seeping out of it Yostin Andres Mosquera, 35, faces a life sentence after he was convicted of murdering civil partners Paul Longworth, 71, and Albert Alfonso, 62, at their flat in Scotts Road, Shepherd's Bush, west London, on July 8 last year. He had dismembered the men, stolen Albert's money and then travelled 115 miles to Bristol to dispose of their bodies in the back of a rented van. The corpses had been chopped up after he had stored them in a chest freezer he bought on Facebook Marketplace and had it delivered to the murder scene. He might have got away with the killings, but for the chance encounter with a passing cyclist on the 160-year-old Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, who confronted him and asked what the red liquid oozing from the suitcase was. Det Insp Neil Meade has said that had Mosquera just killed the men and then booked a flight back to Colombia - he would probably be a free man today. It was blood. But Mosquera said it was oil from car parts but the cyclist, who spoke Spanish, persisted and asked if someone could look inside. The killer then fled but was found and arrested two hours later outside Bristol Temple Meads Station. Back on the bridge, police officers opened up the suitcase and found two torsos - dismembered and decapitated. 'Those cops on the bridge that night - not in a million years did they expect to see what they found,' said Det Insp Meade, the senior investigating officer in the case for Avon and Somerset Police's major crime team told the BBC. 'Opening those suitcases had a massive impact on those people'. Det Insp Meade went on: 'My reaction was "this is big". 'At the time we knew that we had bodies that had been cut up. That's really rare that's really rare in Avon and Somerset, that's really rare nationally'. A luggage tag led police to Shepherd's Bush in London where Scotland Yard officers found blood in every room and the chest freezer containing the men's heads. They also found that the killings were caught on four cameras used to film extreme sex games. The footage also showed Mosquera dancing Det Ch Insp Ollie Stride, from the Metropolitan Police, said: 'I remember I was sat in my office when one of the officers came in... he was white as a sheet. 'At that point it became quite obvious that it was going to be quite a traumatic thing to watch... it absolutely proved to be one of the most harrowing videos I've watched in my career. 'One moment they're engaging in sexual activity together and the next moment Yostin is stabbing him and murdering him right in front of our eyes'. Det Ch Insp Ollie Stride said was 'revelling' and "celebrating" Albert's murder on film. 'He's dropped Albert on the floor and the next thing he does is dance and sing', he said. Your browser does not support iframes. June 29: Mosquera (right) is seen leaving the Scotts Road flat with Mr Longworth (left) and Mr Alfonso (centre). They went for a trip to Brighton July 8: Mr Alfonso returns home from work. He was unaware his partner had been murdered and that he would be next July 8: Cameras in the home show how Mosquera was singing and dancing naked after killing Mr Alfonso In a country where more than half of crimes go unreported due to fears about corruption, police inaction and reprisals, it is perhaps unsurprising that there is little documented about Mosquera's murky background. By day, Mosquera claimed that he worked in IT in an office in Medellin, Colombia, where he lived with his wife and child. But he spent his nights doing 'modelling', earning extra cash as a 'performer' on a pornography website where he performed various sexual acts under the name 'I am black master' and 'Mr d*** 20cm'. Albert Alfonso first came across the tall muscular Colombian more than 10 years ago on a specialist website where he sold videos of himself performing sex acts involving defecation, urination and vomiting in return for payments between 20-80. The 62-year-old swimming instructor had what Prosecutor Deanna Heer, KC, described as a 'predilection for extreme sex, which he videoed and posted online on specialist websites.' When Mr Alfonso became a regular customer, Mosquera worked hard to befriend him and his 71-year-old handyman partner, who did not engage in the sordid sessions. In October 2023, the couple invited Mosquera to Britain where the trio enjoyed sightseeing trips around London, posing for pictures at Madame Tussauds, trips on an open top bus and a river boat. When Mr Alfonso paid for everything, Mosquera began to formulate a plan. On his return to Colombia, he filmed a provocative video, entitled 'For me, slave Albert' in which he appeared dressed as Father Christmas. A short time later he invited the couple to holiday in Colombia in March 2024. Photographs on social media show the two greying men with their arms around the laughing younger man on speed boat trips, swigging beers and sheltering from the intense heat under a parasol. But behind the sunshine snaps, Mosquera was planning something darker. Yostin Mosquera bought a chest freezer on Facebook Marketplace and had it delivered to the murder scene July 10: Mosquera and a man he hired with a van carry a suitcase containing human remains. There is no suggestion the man knew what was inside Yostin Mosquera dragging the suitcase containing body parts to Clifton Suspension Bridge July 13: Police have also revealed footage of the moment that Mosquera was arrested outside Bristol Temple Meads station In June last year he was invited to stay again in the couple's home in Shepherd's Bush, this time with Mr Alfonso paying for a month-long English course, gym membership, and trips to Brighton where Mosquera was seen grinning drinking beer and going on a zip-wire. Even before he had landed in Heathrow, Mosquera had started researching the value of the victims' home. In the days that followed, he downloaded Mr Alfonso's bank details, passwords and started searching on Facebook Marketplace for a chest freezer and an 'industrial blender'. Other internet searches included 'serial killers of London', 'Jack the Ripper film' and he started looking for properties for sale in his home city. On the morning July 8 after Mr Alfonso went to work, Mosquera pounced on his elderly partner shattering his skull with nine hammer blows to the head. He bundled his body into a divan storage space under the couple's bed before going online to arrange for his flight home. When Mr Alfonso came home at 7.45pm, a masked Mosquera led him to the bedroom to make a sex tape. Jurors were shown graphic images from the video showing Mosquera approaching Mr Alfonso with a knife as the victim knelt naked on the floor in a submissive position. Mosquera, who was wearing a number of strap-on prosthetic penises, plunged a knife into Mr Alfonso's neck, stabbing him 13 times asking, 'Do you like it?'. During a prolonged struggle the two naked bloodied men fought, knocking over the web cam before Mosquera forced the victim onto the bed and slit his throat. The prosecutor said: 'What is striking, when one considers the footage, is just how calm and in control the defendant remains throughout. 'Indeed, so unconcerned does he appear by what he has just done that, as Mr Alfonso lies on the floor dying, the defendant starts singing and breaks into a dance before making his way directly to Mr Alfonso's desktop computer, which he then begins to use, and to access Mr Alfonso's finances.' As Mr Alfonso lay dying a few feet away from his hidden dead partner, Mosquera attempted to get into the victim's bank and Paypal account. Ms Heer described the chilling look on Mosquera's face: 'It is not shock, it is not horror, it is not concern for anything that is happening. 'It is elation, it is behaviour unperturbed by what has happened.' 'His actions were cold and calculated. He knew he had two bodies to dispose of. 'He continued to cover his tracks all the way to Bristol.' Over the next two days, Mosquera chopped up their remains with a saw, placing their heads in a chest freezer and body parts in suitcases before ordering an unsuspecting man with a van to take him to Bristol. Yostin Andres Mosquera, pictured here eating fish and chips in a British pub, brutally murdered two men in their London flat He would later killed the couple in their London flat. Pictured: Mr Longworth (left) and Mr Alfonso (right) on holiday in Colombia After withdrawing hundreds of pounds from the victims' accounts, Mosquera sent messages from Mr Alfonso's phone to his boss claiming the victim was flying to Costa Rica for a family emergency. CCTV released after Mosquera was convicted offers the clearest timeline yet of his calculated plot to cover up the double murder before he was arrested outside Bristol Temple Meads station following a police manhunt. The brutal killing of Mr Alfonso was captured on a camera which had been set up in his bedroom to record a sex session with Mosquera. With the camera still rolling, it also showed the killer's twisted reaction to his second murder of the day. Casually walking across the bedroom, he rips off a face mask and gloves before he starts singing and dancing 'in elation' with his arms and hands visibly covered in blood. He then threw a towel over the body and made his way to his victim's computer, accessing his online banking and withdrawing cash with his card in the early hours of the morning. In a bid to cover his tracks, he cut off his victims' heads and hid them in a chest freezer at their flat where he had been staying. Two days later, Mosquera hired a man with a van who unwittingly drove him from London to Bristol so he could dump a suitcase and a trunk containing their chopped-up bodies on Clifton Suspension Bridge. But was spooked at the scene by the hero cyclist. When he was arrested he tried to blame the murders on his victims, claiming he had stabbed Mr Alfonso in self-defence after watching him kill his partner. Jurors were unconvinced, convicting him of the double murder on Monday after just five hours of deliberations. Mosquera showed no emotion as he was convicted at Woolwich Crown Court. He will be sentenced on October 24. The Daily Mail revealed last week that detectives believe the Jack the Ripper obsessed double murderer may have killed before. Police suspect that Mosquera may have been involved with the ruthless drug cartels which made his home city the murder capital of the world. But despite extensive inquiries in the UK, Colombia and elsewhere in the world, Scotland Yard have been unable to dig up anything from Mosquera's past to explain the brutally cold efficiency with which he carried out the murders which were captured on camera. The hammer used to kill Paul Longworth The chest freezer where the victims decapitated heads were found by police The storage space of the divan bed where Paul Longworth's body was hidden by Yostin Mosquera Police found bloody towels in the storage space of the divan bed which contained Paul Longworth's DNA Detective Chief Inspector Ollie Stride said: 'Our first thought was that this is not your first crime so we have done quite a lot of work looking at previous offending either here, or there or anywhere. We have not come across anything. 'We have got no evidence that he was involved in drug gangs but that was something that we thought about and looked at.' He revealed the level of violence used by Mosquera shocked detectives after he was caught on a web cam dancing and singing in jubilation within seconds of slitting the throat of Albert Alfonso. 'Watching the video it was quite brutal, clinical, we wondered whether there was any military training,' the officer added. No ragrets There's a certain irony in watching the PM trumpet his government's education credentials with a handwritten note that flunks basic punctuation. 'In case you missed it,' Anthony Albanese scrawled on prime ministerial letterhead, 'Yesterday we introduced our legislation to cut 20% off every students HECS debt.' Every students? No apostrophe, no possessive, no proofread. Just vibes. The message, of course, was meant to sell a headline HECS cut: 20 per cent off existing student debt - an average saving of $5,500. But instead of reinforcing Labor's education bona fides, it raised another question: does our PM need to go back to school? Who thought it was a good idea for Albo to handwrite policy announcements like a Year 6 student struggling to keep up with the syllabus? Style aside, it's the substance of the error that sticks. Albo's announcement about slashing HECS debt was missing an apostrophe. Am I being pedantic? Maybe. But think of how many taxpayer-funder advisers read this before it went live If you're going to talk about education, maybe it helps to demonstrate a basic command of grammar. This isn't pedantry (okay, it probably is). It's about professionalism: how many taxpayer-funded communications advisers missed the error? Besides, a real investment in education would mean fixing the system, not just cutting HECS debts in an expensive one-off election bribe. Of course, Albanese is hardly the first PM to stumble with his words. Who can forget Tony Abbott's (note the possessive apostrophe) infamous declaration that 'no one is the suppository of all wisdom'? Albo just proved that. Trans-gressive views The expulsion of Drew Hutton, a co-founder of the Australian Greens along with Bob Brown, reveals what's rotting beneath the party's selfrighteous veneer. Drew Hutton (pictured with his wife) has been expelled from the environmentalist party he co-founded for questioning the Greens' doctrinaire approach to the transgender debate Contrary to their supposed progressive mission, the Greens aren't prepared to tolerate debate. When pressed about the expulsion in an ABC interview, new federal Greens leader Larissa Waters floundered. Eventually she conceded it wasn't so much the content of Hutton's critique that got him kicked out, rather it was the tone he used. A polite dissent on biological sex? Unforgivable. A hostile display in parliament or a sign insulting political opponents? Totally fine, according to the Greens, so long as it's your ideological allies doing it. Make no mistake, Hutton stated that he supports trans rights, while also upholding the right to debate the implications of trans-inclusive policies on women's spaces. Yet party gatekeepers deemed that debate unacceptable, revoked his life membership and expelled him from the party via a secretive internal process led by an ideological faction embedded in disciplinary committees. What a joke. This is not about protection or care - it's about controlling the narrative. The Greens demand transparency until the camera hits their own internal conferences. They demand due process until the target is someone they dislike. Hypocrisy isn't a bug to them - it's a feature. Greens leader Larissa Waters floundered in an ABC 7.30 interview about Hutton's expulsion With some prodding, Sarah Ferguson got Waters to concede that it was the tone of Hutton's critique, rather than the substance of what he was saying, that saw him kicked out of the party More than 40 former members have been either expelled or driven out over this issue alone. Many are veteran environmentalists whose only crime was stepping out of line on gender discourse. If you refuse to bow to groupthink, you have no place inside the Greens. That's the lesson learnt by one of the party's founders. Consider this: the Greens thrive on disruptions in parliament. Shock tactics, offensive placards, dramatic theatrics - including the waving of a dead fish. But heaven forbid a founding member questions them using reasoned language. Waters claims the expulsion occurred under state branch rules and membership endorsement, and says no one is above those rules. But when your own co-founder is kicked out for lacking grace, rather than any substantive opposition, have you not fallen into the authoritarianism you once opposed? Isn't that when the rules need a rewrite? This purge is more than a political dispute. It reveals a party that demands ideological purity over democratic debate. You can't propose climate justice while muzzling voices that deviate from internal orthodoxy. You can't demand inclusivity while forcibly ejecting those who express respectful disagreement. At the end of the day, the Greens are saying that members must speak their language or get out. But democracy thrives on dissent, not enforced politeness. This party claims to be radically progressive, yet tone-polices and clutches its pearls - behaviour that is, frankly, conservative. If Waters - who, I note, appeared on the ABC wearing watermelon-shaped earrings in solidarity with Palestine - wants credibility, she must either reverse this authoritarian purge or make peace with what the party has become. That is, a selfcensoring echo chamber masquerading as a bastion of diversity. The core issue here isn't trans rights - it's the politics of silence, and the Greens are leading that charge under a banner of progressive intolerance. Net zero clue At a moment when the Opposition can barely afford a stumble, Barnaby Joyce and Michael McCormack have decided to reignite the Coalition's most toxic internal battle: climate policy. Their push to walk away from net zero - or at least reopen the debate - is a political gift to Labor and a curse for Sussan Ley. It hands the government a clean line of attack and signals to voters that the Coalition still hasn't learned the lessons of its 2022 defeat, let alone its 2025 smashing. This isn't a fringe distraction: it's a direct challenge to the party's attempts to modernise, appeal to younger voters and speak credibly on economic and environmental issues alike. The Nationals might think they're representing the bush, but they're selling it short: pretending that climate action is still optional, when regional Australia is already bearing the brunt of inaction, puts Joyce and McCormack at odds with the National Farmers' Federation - and that's just for starters. The Coalition is already underpowered in parliament and under-resourced. The last thing it needs is a civil war over a policy it committed to years ago. And remember, it's just a target anyway. If Ley can't shut this down quickly, the Opposition risks being trapped in the same internal chaos that helped drive it into irrelevance in the first place. A clinical child psychologist made her eight-year-old son use his allowance to buy underwear after he had multiple accidents - and refused to reimburse him after discovering he had a medical issue. Dr. Andrea Mata, who runs the webinar 'Gentle Parenting Doesn't Work', made the shock confession while speaking with The Wall Street Journal. The 41-year-old spoke with the outlet about a growing number of parents who are ditching a soft approach to parenting and adopting a harder stance. She said that recently her son had multiple accidents, with Dr Mata telling the Journal she believed he'd been deliberately ignoring the urge to go to the bathroom during a fun activity. Dr Mata said she worked with her son to try and solve the issue - but that after this failed she made him use his allowance to replace his underwear. On later discovering her son's accidents were related to a medical condition, Mata apologized. But she says she did not give him any of his allowance back because her son had lied to her - and says she continues to back appropriate repercussions for children who misbehave. Contacted for a comment by Daily Mail, Dr Mata said: 'Thanks for asking. And yes, I firmly stand by how I handled my sons accidents. ' My decision was based on my PhD work, 20 years of walking with parents, research from my parenting book, and knowing the context of the behavior. Happy to have an unedited conversation!' Dr. Andrea Mata, who runs the webinar 'Gentle Parenting Doesn't Work', made the shock confession while speaking with The Wall Street Journal She said that recently her son had been having accidents and she believe he had been ignoring the urge to go to the bathroom Dr. Mata has been widely criticized for her remarks by readers of the publication, with some branding her 'tone deaf' for her response. One person said: 'If you've embarrassed a kid with a medical issue - you owe them way more than an apology. 'What a horrible unfeeling parenting. Really? We're penalizing the kid for being ashamed about peeing in his pants at eight? Poor child.' Another said: 'The clinical child psychologist telling this story ignored an important flaw in her own thinking. 'She was tone deaf to a young boy's shame and embarrassment, she punished him anyway when he understandably hid it as any eight-year-old would do, and then she publishes the details using her own name so all of her son's friends will be aware of his humiliation. 'That is a lesson in poor parenting, and her son will never forget it.' One other added: 'No "doctor" Mata, you don't need a PhD. You do, though, need yours taken away for putting a child's health at risk.' Another reader said they agreed with the hard parenting stance but still took aim at Dr. Mata. They added: 'The child psychologist who can't admit their own mistake and still made their eight-year-old kid pay for something caused by a medical issue that the parent ignored is a useless example for this article. 'That person probably needs an adult psychologist to help with their own issues.' According to an online profile, Dr Mata graduated from Valparaiso University, in Indiana, after majoring in psychology For her remarks, Dr Mata has been widely criticized by readers of the publication According to an online profile, Dr. Mata graduated from Valparaiso University, in Indiana, after majoring in psychology. She previously worked as a college professor at the University of Findlay, Ohio, for nine years. She and her husband Jim have three children, girl-boy twins and a younger daughter. After the article went live she expressed her delight in being featured by sharing a post to her Instagram. She said: 'HOLY S***!!! I'm featured in the WSJ. Goodbye, gentle parenting! It wasn't nice knowing you! Good riddance'. Poised and polished, she looked every inch the leading lady she once aspired to be. In the weeks after her brother, Bryan Kohberger, committed his hideous crimes it emerged that Amanda had harbored ambitions of stardom in her youth, even winning a role in a schlock horror movie as a student. Now, with Bryan set to spend the rest of his life behind bars, the director of that film has told the Daily Mail about Amanda's involvement, saying, 'I liked her very much.' Dr Kevin Alexander Boon, who teaches English and media studies at Penn State Mont Alto campus said, 'She was a wonderful person - I'm sorry that all this has happened, for the victims and her family.' When Amanda turned up in Boise, Idaho on Wednesday, with her form-fitting scarlet dress, nude heels and highlighted hair tonged into loose waves, the rarely seen 37-year-old certainly made an impression. Exclusive photos taken by the Daily Mail show her accompanying her mother Maryann into Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho on Wednesday, to witness Bryan Kohberger receive four life sentences for the November 2022 murder of four University of Idaho students and ten years for felony burglary to run consecutively. Amanda and Maryann arrived at 7:40am, driven by Kohberger's defense attorney, Anne Taylor. They pulled up at the side of the courthouse, away from the waiting media and crowds that had gathered in front of the courthouse. The women walked up the side building's side ramp, Amanda held her mother's arm and hand tightly, a possible sign of the physical and emotional support she was surely there to offer her. When Amanda (picture, left) turned up in Boise, Idaho on Wednesday, with her form-fitting scarlet dress, nude heels and highlighted hair tonged into loose waves, the rarely seen 37-year-old certainly made an impression. In the weeks after her brother, Bryan Kohberger, committed his hideous crimes it emerged that Amanda, pictured with her mother, Maryann, leaving his sentencing hearing in Boise, Idaho, harbored ambitions of stardom in her youth. Amanda held her mother's arm and hand tightly, a possible sign of the physical and emotional support she was surely there to offer her as the women entered Ada County Courthouse through a side door The hearing lasted just under three hours. Amanda and Maryann sat through 15 emotional often angry - victim impact statements delivered by the friends and families of Kohberger's four victims: Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. Kohberger barely glanced at his sister and mother where they sat in the front row of the public gallery. Amanda looked straight ahead as the victims's statements were delivered rigid and unmoving. Her likeness to her brother was uncanny and her calm composure undeniable. It was just after Kohberger was arrested that it emerged that Amanda had starred in a gory low-budget slasher film, in which hikers in the woods are stabbed to death in a frenzied attack. The parallels with his crime were immediately, shockingly, apparent. Dr Kevin Alexander Boon, who directed Amanda's film, began working with 15 students back in 2009, spending two years writing a feature-length screenplay and preparing the shoot. The students issued an open casting call for volunteer actors, who would spend 19 weekend days filming. Boon jokes that the budget was 'less than most films spend on donuts' - but he was thrilled with his students' work. 'Amanda showed up at the audition, did well, and was chosen,' he explained. 'She was very easy to work with, no complaints if we needed reshoots, and showed up for the premiere in 2011 and for all the publicity calls.' He said he did not stay in touch with her, and 'to the best of my knowledge' she only made the one film. 'Then she went back to her life,' he added. Kohberger barely glanced at his sister and mother where they sat in the front row of the public gallery to witness his sentence hearing Left to right: Surviving roommate Dylan Mortensen, with victims Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen (on Kaylee's shoulders) Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and fellow survivor Bethany Funke. Mortensen and Funke both gave victim impact statements on Wednesday Amanda is a graduate of Lehigh University. The picturesque campus in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania boasts more than 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students or 'future makers.' Amanda and her younger sister Melissa, 33, both went into social work: Melissa moved to Union City, New Jersey and became a therapist. Amanda appears to have remained at their parental home in Chestnuthill Township, Pennsylvania, and found work in behavioral health rehab services at KidsPeace. On its website KidsPeace describes itself as a private charity 'dedicated to serving the behavioral and mental health needs of children, families and communities.' It provides psychiatric hospital care as well as residential treatment programs, education services and a variety of foster care and community-based treatment programs. Both sisters were fired in the spring of 2023, once their connection to the accused killer became clear. It's not known if they have found new jobs. The Daily Mail reached out to KidsPeace for comment and did not receive a response. One of the sisters - it is unclear which expressed her concerns about Kohberger whom, according to author and investigative journalist Howard Blum, she regarded as 'problematic.' Indeed, during his teenage years and up until the age of 16, Kohberger was a heroin user who stole Melissa's cell phone to sell and buy his fix. He also robbed the houses of two of his friends. Amanda, a former actress, portrayed 'Lori' in the low-budget thriller 'Two Days Back' in 2011 with characters being stabbed and slashed with knives and hatchets Listen to On The Case: The Idaho Murders wherever you get your podcasts now. Subscribe to The Crime Desk, Daily Mail's podcast network for ad-free listening, plus hours of exclusive True Crime content, including the No.1 True Crime podcast, The Trial Amanda was fired from her acting job shortly after Kohberger's arrest in 2023 According to Blum, one of his sisters grew suspicious after he arrived home on December 16, 2022. Speaking on a special edition of NBC's investigative show, Dateline, Blum revealed that this sister had heard about the Idaho murders and suggested to their parents that they search her brother's car. By that time, it was widely known that police in Idaho were searching for a white Hyundai Elantra, the same car that Kohberger had just driven home across the country from Washington state to Pennsylvania. His sister knew fine well that Kohberger's home in Pullman, Washington was just ten miles from the murder scene in Moscow, Idaho. She was troubled by this and by his odd behavior which included repeatedly wearing surgical gloves around the house. She never took her concerns to the police, and the car when checked had been scrubbed clean. Notably absent from the sentencing were Melissa and Kohberger's father, Michael, 70, a maintenance man. Maryann, a 65-year-old teacher, wept quietly throughout Wednesday's session. She sobbed when Madison Mogen's grandmother, Kim Cheeley, told how the 'foundation fell out of our world,' with Maddie's death. Then she spoke of her grief for the other victims' families an empathy she extended to the Kohbergers. Maryann 'shuddered' as Cheeley spoke. Documents released in the aftermath of the sentencing have revealed just how close mother and son remain with Kohberger, who had been held in Ada County jail, regularly speaking to his mother in lengthy phone calls. The families of his victims were led from the courtroom after Judge Steven Hippler handed down his sentence they walked out into the sunshine together. But when Amanda and Maryann emerged at the courthouse's side door, the composure had gone. The strain and the heartache of it all was clear in Maryann's eyes which she kept, for the most part, hidden behind large sunglasses. She looked wrung out with grief. The women walked swiftly towards a waiting SUV around which several Sheriff's Deputies stood guard. Bryan Kohberger did not so much as glance at his mother and sister as he was led from the small fourth floor courtroom to being his term in Idaho's Maximum Security Institution twenty miles away near Kuna, Idaho. For more on Bryan Kohberger, search for On The Case: The Idaho Murders on all good podcast platforms now - and be sure to subscribe or follow to never miss an episode. The adulterous Colorado dentist accused of fatally poisoning his wife had taken out life insurance policies totaling $4 million on her, the lead detective in his case testified on Friday. Aurora Police Det. Bobbi Jo Olson took the stand for the second time in the murder trial of father-of-six Dr James Craig, who was arrested on March 19, 2023 - the day after his 43-year-old wife, Angela, was taken off life support. Craig has also been charged in relation to an alleged jailhouse plot to order a hit on Olson calling her the worst, dirtiest detective in the whole world along with other victims, jurors have heard during nearly two weeks of testimony. He's pleaded not guilty to murder, solicitation to commit murder and solicitation to commit perjury. Prosecutors argue Craig poisoned his wife's shakes and administered fatal doses of arsenic, cyanide and tetrahyrdrozoline, a chemical found in eye drops, amidst mounting financial struggles and multiple affairs particularly a budding romance with a Texas orthodontist. Olson testified on Friday that the dentist had several policies with Kansas City and Lincoln Life insurance companies totaling $4 million in the event of Angela's death. The detectives also outlined Craigs alleged movements in the days before and after his wife first got sick on March 6 as the court was shown in-home surveillance footage from the familys kitchen. Angelas relatives alternately smiled, wiped tears and laughed as they watched their late loved one interact with her children on camera. James Craig, 47, is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the March 2023 poisoning death of his wife, Angela, 43, his spouse of 23 years and mother to his six children But all lightness faded from the courtroom as footage showed Craig get up before 5am on March 6 the date Angela first exhibited mystery symptoms after drinking a shake he prepared to mix something in the kitchen and use the microwave. Hed ordered arsenic to the family home two days earlier, Olson testified on Friday - and footage showed Angela consuming the drink he appeared to have made her. Craig affectionately dog-whistled at his wife twice on the morning of March 6, and they discussed their childs car seat before he left the home, footage showed. Angela began feeling ill and went to the hospital later that day, feeling 'heavy' and like her body wasn't working properly, jurors heard earlier in the trial. On Friday, they watched as Angela accused Craig of failing her the day after that first futile hospital visit - when doctors simply sent her home and told her to speak to her primary care physician. Craig was arrested one day after his wife's March 18, 2023 death; the lead detective on his case told his murder trial on Friday that he was the beneficiary of several policies on Angela totaling $4 million It may not be your call that they didnt do their due diligence or anything like that, but its your fault they treated me differently, she said. Its your fault they treated me like I was suicidal like I did it to myself. She complained that Craig didnt actually defend me and his behavior was 100% selfish and had nothing to do with being there for me. You ask all the details, in every medical everything, everywhere you go, and you didnt even ask. Carrie Hageseth, who met Craig months before his wife's murder on a 'sugar dating' site, said he told her a divorce would be financially ruinous - and she suggested he find a 'homeless person' to solve his 'problem' of Angela You didnt try to do anything, she said. You just brought me home. Olson testified on Friday that records showed Craig had also ordered oleander and cyanide in the days after Angela first fell ill. Date and time stamps from footage shown in court on Friday of Craig's trips to and from the family residence matched up with previous evidence about trips he made to the supermarket - where receipts showed his credit card purchased Visine - and the loading dock of a medical company from which he'd ordered cyanide. An expert testified on Thursday that Craig's phone had pinged off towers corresponding to the locations. Jurors also watched footage on Friday from the hospital on March 15 - the date of Angela's final admission - in which Craig appears to have what Olson called a 'thin white or clear object in his left hand.' He later entered his wife's room for 'exactly 60 seconds,' she testified, before coming out and telling the nurse's station that Angela's arm hurt and her condition was deteriorating. Texas orthodontist Karin Cain testified tearfully on Tuesday about how Craig claimed to be in the final stages of divorce, continuing to woo her as he allegedly poisoned his wife Craig has occasionally appeared to shed tears throughout the trial - and regularly takes notes, consulting animatedly with his attorneys Doctors told Angela's family later that day that all brain activity had ceased - and she was taken off life support on March 18. Craig's defense team - his third, after two others dropped out as the dentist racked up more charges from behind bars - argues that Angela was 'manipulative' and suicidal. The jury has heard evidence about how Craig repeatedly claimed Angela wanted to end her own life, asked him to obtain poisons for her and engaged him in a game of 'chicken.' Angela's friends and family have steadfastly testified that she loved life and being a mother - and was neither suicidal nor a risk-taker. There was also no mention of the 'game of chicken' in a four-page explanatory timeline Craig detailed himself the day after Angela was declared brain dead, Olson testified. Reading Craig's own words, she told the court how he claimed to have returned from the Vegas conference where he met his latest paramour on February 25 - then asked Angela for a divorce. 'She said she was just going to end her life,' Craig wrote in the timeline Olson read out. 'I begged her not to do that, but she said she couldn't get a divorce. 'She talked about driving her car into a pylon but was worried she wouldn't die but just be maimed,' he continued. 'That's when she started talking about poisons ... she asked me to research some poisons for her to find one that would kill fastest with high accuracy and the broadest spectrum.' Angela asked him to poison her shakes and voluntarily consumed arsenic and tetrahydrozoline, he claimed. Olson testified there was no evidence Angela ever searched for poisons. The court previously heard, however, of her desperate searches of her symptoms as she tried to figure out what was making her so sick. The court has also heard that searches about poisons and their lethality were found on an exam room computer at Craig's dental practice. Witnesses, including a former cellmate, another inmate and even Craig's 20-year-old daughter, have testified about his attempts to plant evidence and bribe witnesses to lie for him. Annabelle Craig told the court last how week how her father, soon after his arrest, asked her to create a deep-fake video to clear him showing her mom asking for the lethal substances. Four of Craig's mistresses from the months before Angela's murder have also testified at the trial. That included three 'sugar babies' he met on Seeking.com - and lavished with gifts like cars, money and out-of-state trips - and a Texas orthodontist he love-bombed and exchanged 4,000 texts with in under three weeks after meeting at a Las Vegas dental conference. Two 'sugar babies' testified that Craig told them a divorce would financially cripple him. The trial continues on Monday. Grandparents who pushed their two-year-old grandson out of the way before they were mowed down by a car have been praised for their final act of love. Vicky's parents were struck by a Toyota Yaris while walking along a footpath in Wantirna South, in Melbourne's east, about 12.20pm on Thursday, July 10. They were on their usual walk home from a playground at Coleman Road Reserve with Vicky's toddler son, their grandson, in tow. The grandmother, 59, died at the scene. The grandfather, 60, was rushed to hospital in critical condition and died two days later from a traumatic brain injury. Miraculously, their grandson survived. He was found near the scene of the crash by a neighbour, Tracey Jean, with only scratches to his face. Vicky and her husband Ethan, both aged 35, are certain that their son survived the horror crash thanks to the final, desperate act of his grandparents. 'They had the pram in front of them. The second they saw the car, they didn't save themselves,' Ethan told The Age. 'They got my son out of the way.' Vicky is pictured alongside her husband Ethan. Their son miraculously survived the crash A Toyota Yaris driven by a 91-year-old driver smashed through a playground after the crash Vicky sad her son had 'meant the world' to his grandparents. Her parents had relocated from China only months before the tragic incident with the sole aim of spending their retirement surrounded by family. It was at their insistence that Vicky decided to have a child. Now, her son and his miraculous escape is the reason she will continue to live. 'If it weren't for my son, I don't think I would have made it through this,' she said. 'Because of him, I need to keep going.' A 91-year-old woman was behind the wheel of the silver Toyota Yaris at the time of the collision. She suffered minor injuries and was 'horribly shaken' by the incident. Police said the Toyota approached the family from behind and continued driving for nearly 200metres after the fatal impact. It is not clear whether a medical episode caused the woman to come off the road, but police have suggested she may have been out of control for up to 50metres. Neighbour Tracey Jean (pictured) found the toddler near the scene of the crash A pair of smashed glasses are pictured at the scene of the fatal crash Two weeks out from the loss of her parents, Vicky hopes the incident will encourage Victorian lawmakers to impose stricter rules on elderly drivers. Mandatory yearly medical and driving assessments for drivers over the age of 75 and a system to spot high-risk drivers are among the changes she has recommended. The 91-year-old woman was interviewed by police and released pending further enquiries. Police have not laid any charges. A Bronx mother accused of dumping her newborn twins in a rat-infested alley in New York City has been arrested, five years after the heinous crime. Stephanie Castillo, 36, was taken into custody Friday morning and charged with multiple counts of murder and manslaughter in connection with the deaths of her infant sons, law enforcement sources confirmed. The arrest follows a years-long investigation that recently linked Castillo to the crime through DNA evidence. She kept her head low during her perp walk. On November 9, 2020, the babies were discovered in a filthy alley behind a College Avenue apartment building, near East 171st Street, in the Claremont section of the Bronx. One of the newborn babies was partially wrapped in a pet training pad with visible head trauma and an umbilical cord tied around his neck. The other was found about 20 feet away, tucked inside a black plastic bag. Both were less than 24 hours old and had been born alive, according to police. Castillo was arrested at a nearby shelter, just blocks from the apartment where she had previously lived - and from which police believe she may have thrown the babies out a fourth-floor window. Stephanie Castillo, 36, was taken into custody Friday morning and charged with multiple counts of murder and manslaughter in connection with the deaths of her infant sons On November 9, 2020, the babies were discovered in a filthy alley behind a College Avenue apartment building, near East 171st Street, in the Claremont section of the Bronx (pictured) The NYPD Crime Scene Unit walked out of the fourth floor apartment carrying evidence bags following Castillo's arrest (pictured) 'The perpetrator in this case resided on the fourth floor of this apartment building, and we believe that the babies were disposed of out the window,' NYPD Assistant Chief Michael Baldassano told CBS New York. The twins, later named Zeke and Zane by detectives, were buried after officers raised money for their funeral. The case remained unsolved for years despite a $10,000 reward and repeated public pleas, according The New York Times. Castillo is now charged with two counts of murder and manslaughter. She is being held at the 44th Precinct and is expected to be arraigned in Bronx Criminal Court. According to sources speaking to the NYPost, the mother unknowingly nailed herself to the crime after DNA was taken from a drink container she used - matching the genetics of the suspected baby killer. Castillo is now charged with two counts of murder and manslaughter. She is being held at the 44th Precinct and is expected to be arraigned in Bronx Criminal Court (pictured: NYPD Crime Scene Unit carrying out evidence bags) The arrest follows a years-long investigation that recently linked Castillo to the crime through DNA evidence The case dates back to 2020 when the building superintendent made the disturbing discovery behind the College Avenue property (pictured) 'This is exactly why we come to work every day. The NYPD, we don't give up. Our detectives are the best in the world,' Baldassano said. The case dates back to 2020 when the building superintendent made the disturbing discovery behind the College Avenue property. The citys medical examiner later ruled the deaths homicides in April 2021, citing blunt force trauma to the head and torso as the cause. In the years since the incident, members of the NYPD and local community have held annual vigils in memory of the boys, who were given a proper funeral after officers and detectives pooled donations to pay for burial services. Iconic Riverdance star Michael Flatley could challenge MMA champion Conor McGregor in a bid to become the next president of Ireland. The Lord of Dance's political ambitions were revealed during a High Court planning battle concerning his Castlehyde mansion in Cork. Flatley, 67, who held the Guinness World Record for tap dancing 35 times per second, notified the court of a 'material change in circumstances'. In doing so, he gave away his plan to move back to Ireland to run in the October 2025 presidential elections. An affidavit, signed by Flatley's solicitor Maxwell Mooney, was submitted to the court stating that the Irish-American is 'to seek nominations to run for president of Ireland'. But he's not the only celebrity running for president. In March, days after a controversial trip to the White House Conor McGregor, 37, announced his bid to become Ireland's President. The MMA fighter, who was found to have raped a woman in a civil case in November, announced his plans with an Instagram post which shows him standing in front of a private jet and wearing a Make Ireland Great Again cap. Riverdance star Michael Flatley (pictured) is to seek a nomination to become Ireland's next president In March, days after a controversial trip to the White House Conor McGregor, 37, (pictured) announced his bid to become Ireland's President It came after he spoke of an 'illegal immigration racket ravaging our country' at the White House. Meanwhile, last week on a radio interview, Flatley said he did not believe the Irish people 'have a voice, not a true proper deep voice that speaks their language.' But the face off may not happen as it is unclear if Flatley will have sufficient support and if McGregor will clear the threshold necessary to qualify for the race. Candidates need to be nominated by at least 20 members of the Irish parliament or at least four local authorities. They must also be an Irish citizen who is 35 or older. The role of president is mainly ceremonial but carries symbolic weight. The next election has to happen 60 days before the current President Michael D Higgins's term ends on November 11. So far, two candidates have secured sufficient backing to enter the race. The Lord of Dance's political ambitions were revealed during a High Court planning battle concerning his Castlehyde mansion in Cork McGregor announced the plans in an Instagram post where he is stood ahead of a private jet and wearing a Make Ireland Great Again cap Former farming journalist and EU commissioner Mairead McGuinness, who is the Fine Gael nominee. And Catherine Connolly, a left-wing independent and former Galway mayor who has received the backing of opposition parties and independents. At the High Court on Friday, defence barristers in Flatley's case argued against the affidavit being accepted by the court, and stated that it was an attempt by Flatley to 'move the goalposts'. Andrew Fitzpatrick SC said Flatley had said before in 2024 that he intended to move to Paris and then Valencia. 'That didn't happen,' he told the court. He also said that if the court was prepared to admit the affidavit, it would undermine previous assertions made by Flatley's side that the reason he is living in Monaco and cannot return to the state is because of the condition of the Castlehyde. Ms Justice Eileen Roberts said that as Flatley's residence 'is so central to the issue of security of costs' in the case, she would allow the affidavit to be taken into account, but said she 'entirely' heard submissions made by the defence about the characteristics of the affidavit and what weight it should be afforded. She said she expected the judgment in relation to the costs application to be delivered in a 'reasonably short period', and that it would be given 'shortly after' the end of the courts term. Donald Trump's Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche offered Ghislaine Maxwell a limited form of immunity during her two days of questioning over former lover and billionaire pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Maxwell, who is serving 20 years' prison for her involvement in Epstein's sordid crimes, was the one to reach out to the Department of Justice to set up the meetings, ABC News reported. She apparently requested what's known as 'proffer immunity' so that anything she revealed couldn't be used against her at a later date. This form of immunity is specifically provided to people under investigation or facing charges to determine the value of a possible witness. Maxwell has already been tried and convicted. However, Maxwell's lawyer David Oscar Markus said after her questioning: 'There have been no asks and no promises.' Daily Mail has reached out to the Department of Justice for comment. Many believe Maxwell appears to be angling for a pardon from President Donald Trump after she 'didn't hold back' during secret questioning from the Justice Department. Maxwell, 63, completed a second day of interviews with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche on Friday afternoon. Donald Trump's Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche offered Ghislaine Maxwell (pictured right) a limited form of immunity during her two days of questioning over former lover and billionaire pedophile Jeffrey Epstein (pictured left) Rumors have swirled that Trump (pictured) may offer Maxwell a pardon for her testimony Markus claimed that his client spoke with Blanche about '100 different people' related to Epstein's child sex trafficking ring. 'They asked about every possible thing you could imagine everything,' Markus claimed. He also said Maxwell is being used as the 'scapegoat' in the entire Epstein case and has been 'treated unfairly for the last five years.' Her attorney said that they had not put in a formal request with the White House for a pardon for Maxwell following the conclusion of Day 2 of questioning. But Markus didn't rule out taking that action in the future, saying 'things are happening so quickly.' 'The president said earlier he has the power to do so, we hope he exercises that power in the right way,' he said of a potential commutation. Trump refused to rule out invoking his presidential pardon powers for Maxwell when asked on Friday morning. 'I'm allowed to do it, but it's something I haven't thought about,' he said. Maxwell, 63, completed a second day of interviews with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche on Friday afternoon Blanche flew down to Florida on Wednesday as President Donald Trump's administration continues to take heat for the alleged 'cover-up' of the Epstein files review. The number two at the Justice Department met at the courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida on Thursday with Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence for her crimes. After their meeting, he announced on X that he would have a second day of meetings with Maxwell and her attorney on Friday. 'She literally answered every question,' Markus went on. 'She was asked maybe about 100 different people, she answered questions about everybody and she didn't hold anything back.' Over the course of two days, Maxwell and her attorney have spent more than nine hours answering Blanche's questions. It's not clear when or if the DOJ will release what was learned in the meetings. Markus said Maxwell is grateful to have had the chance to sit-down with Blanche. 'This was the first opportunity she's ever been given to answer questions about what happened,' Markus said. 'The truth will come out about what happened with Mr. Epstein and she's the person whose answering those questions.' Maxwell is continuing to appeal her sex trafficking conviction. The latest effort was opposed by the DOJ last week as she sought for the Supreme Court to take up the case, arguing that she shouldn't have been charged due a 2008 plea deal Epstein struck with the court. Outside the courthouse in Tallahassee on Friday a plane flew overhead with a banner reading: 'Trump and Bondi are protecting predators.' Markus detailed the poor conditions he says his client has experienced over the last five years since Epstein's death in prison on August 10, 2019. He said Maxwell was 'treated like an animal' in prison and 'woken up every 15 minutes.' Horrific new blunders in the operation to identify and repatriate victims of the Air India disaster emerged last night as the grim scandal began to widen. When one family unzipped the body bag shown to them at a mortuary, they were reportedly aghast to find two heads one belonging to their relative, the other unrecognisable. And a distraught British widow received the remains of her husband in two coffins, delivered weeks apart, obliging her to cremate him twice. The heart-rending mix-ups were revealed as a lawyer representing about 30 of the 53 bereaved British families insisted flaws in the process were widespread, with more claims of relatives being given the wrong remains. While the fiasco has hitherto been blamed on the incompetence of Indian rescue workers and doctors, aviation law specialist Sarah Stewart says some responsibility lies with the team sent by the UK Government to assist them. Sadly, the stories of mixed remains have been repeatedly recounted to us by families we represent, said Ms Stewart. Our clients feel that they were let down, with allegedly apparent mistakes by the forensic teams in India and insufficient support by British consular services, the Foreign Office and the British crisis response teams. We have been working with [British] families to prepare a letter to the Prime Minister to address these distressing errors. On Wednesday, the Daily Mail revealed how the grief of two British families had been exacerbated by the botched operation. The following day, Sir Keir Starmer raised concerns with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi during his visit to London. Mr Modi is said to have agreed that this was extremely distressing for the families of the victims. A government spokesman said: Formal identification of bodies is a matter for the Indian authorities. Ine one case, the remains of microbiologist Shobhana Patel, 71, (left) from Orpington in Kent, had been commingled in the coffin with those of an unknown victim A firefighter stands next to the crashed Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, in Ahmedabad The Air India Dreamliner crashed just minutes after taking off on June 13 In one case, an unnamed family were told the wrong body had been returned. The error only emerged when a DNA match found by the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad was double-checked by scientists acting for Inner West London Coroners Court. The lab also found the remains of microbiologist Shobhana Patel, 71, from Orpington in Kent, had been commingled in the coffin with those of an unknown victim. Indian scientists had identified Mrs Patel who was travelling back to London on Air India Flight 171 with her husband, Ashok, 74 using DNA supplied by her son, Miten. That his mothers remains had to be separated from the other persons before she could be cremated in a Hindu ceremony this week has deepened his familys trauma. He said: People were tired and there was a lot of pressure, but there has to be a level of responsibility that youre sending the right bodies to the UK. Theres a lot of anger and frustration. For Miten, poignant consolation has come with the return of a ring his father was wearing. He is sure it would have been on the hand clutching his mothers as the plane crashed and will wear it in their memory. How the mistakes happened is now under severe scrutiny. Since 81 of the 242 on board the aircraft had the surname Patel, there are suggestions this may have caused confusion. But Mahnendra Patel, 54, who lost his mother, brother and nephew, pointed out every Patel also has another last name which acts as their bar code. Instead he puts it down to a recovery operation that differed from those we see after disasters here. He added: They were taking relatives DNA samples round the clock but they could only do about 15 or 20 tests a day, so the bodies were put in bags, marked with an identity code and stacked in the freezer. The tailpiece of Air India flight AI171 after it crashed in a residential area near the airport in Ahmedabad The passenger jet crashed in one of the deadliest air disasters in decades, killing more than 250 people on board and on the ground It was when they unzipped one of these bags that a family found the two heads, according to the Times of India. When DNA tests threw up a positive match, relatives were asked to sign for their family members and be photographed with their assigned coffins, says Mahnendra. International emergency services specialists Kenyon then flew them to Britain. Checks in London have thankfully proved Mahnendra received his loved ones remains. However, the Indian coroners report said the three bodies would be intact, with his nephews broken leg the only visible injury. But the British report lists multiple fractures and one of his mothers hands is missing. I dont blame them, Mahnendra says. Its a Third World country, so you are going to get a bit of a mix up. The sister of Kaylee Goncalves, who was murdered by Bryan Kohberger, has recounted the chilling moment she came eye-to-eye with her sibling's killer. Alivea Goncalves delivered a fiery and unwavering victim impact statement during Kohbergers sentencing in Boise, Idaho, on Wednesday, directly confronting the quadruple murderer and commanding him to 'sit up straight when I talk to you.' In an interview released Friday with NewsNation correspondent Brian Entin, Alivea recounted the moments leading up to her powerful courtroom statement, delivered in the harrowing presence of her sisters killer. She explained that no words could truly convey the reality of standing just feet from him - and the only way she could describe it was: 'He is not human.' 'When I tell you... there is not a human there,' she said during the interview. 'I'm not scared of this individual, I'm not intimidated by him - truly I'm not,' she added. 'But when I tell you there is... a primal sense of alarms. My body was telling me, "Run. Get out. This is a threat. This is not a human capacity."' Alivea has since been widely praised on social media for her powerful victim impact statement, where she spoke with unwavering confidence - directly confronting Kohberger and boldly calling out his failures. Alivea Goncalves (pictured), the sister of Kaylee Goncalves - who was murdered by Bryan Kohberger - described her sibling's killer as 'not human' after coming eye-to-eye with him in the courtroom on Wednesday Alivea delivered a fiery victim impact statement during Kohbergers (pictured) sentencing in Boise, Idaho, directly confronting the quadruple murderer and commanding him to 'sit up straight when I talk to you' Alivea explained that she was nervous until her father, Steve Goncalves (both pictured), boldly turned the podium toward the defendant - despite warnings not to - that the atmosphere in the courtroom 'shifted' While speaking with Entin, she explained that although she initially felt confident in her words, once inside the courtroom, the overwhelming emotions made her fear that her statement might not fully do justice to the victims and their families. It wasnt until her father, Steve Goncalves - known for his outspoken presence since the murders - boldly turned the podium toward the defendant, despite warnings not to, that the atmosphere in the courtroom 'shifted.' As she sat in the pews, making last-minute tweaks and notes to her statement while listening to others deliver their emotional speeches, she steeled herself to deliver hers - determined to say everything she had been planning. 'My speech wasnt to Kaylee and Maddie - it was for them,' she said during the interview. 'If Kaylee and Maddie had been here today, it would have been something that I feel like would have rung true to them.' Her goal, she explained, was to hold eye contact with him for as long as she could - but as she stared into his eyes, every instinct in her told her she wasnt looking at a human being. 'The best description I can give you is, like, if I had come face-to-face with an alien,' she described. 'Because, back behind there, theres no human being - theres no humanity.' Alivea's (pictured) goal, she explained, was to hold eye contact with Kohberger for as long as she could - but as she stared into his eyes, every instinct in her told her she wasnt looking at a human being Alivea has since been widely praised on social media for her powerful victim impact statement, where she spoke with unwavering confidence - directly confronting Kohberger and boldly calling out his failures (pictured: victims) In the closing moments of her interview, filmed less than 24 hours after the sentencing, Alivea told Entin with conviction, 'I truly believe Kaylee wouldve kicked his ass' (pictured: crime scene) Alivea recalled seeing raw anger and raw rage in Kohbergers eyes as she confronted him, but despite the intensity, her focus remained steadfast - seeking justice for her sister Kaylee and Madison. 'I could feel that specific stare the entire time. It was unrelenting,' she explained. 'All I remember feeling is, "This guys pissed,"' she added. 'This is anger Ive never experienced firsthand before.' 'I was ready to stand on business. There was nothing that was going to make me back down from that moment. All I felt was rage, almost from the very beginning.' During Alivea's blistering impact statement on Wednesday, she said: 'I wont stand her and give you what you want. I wont give you tears instead. I will call you what you are: sociopath, psychopath, murderer.' 'The truth is youre basic. You're a textbook case as insecurity disguised as control. You spent months preparing and still all it took was my sister and a sheath,' she added. Youre as dumb as they come. Stupid, dumb, weak, dirty', Alivea continued, before she then hit him with the very same questions that Kohberger posed in a survey on Reddit as part of his criminology degree at DeSales University. She went on to blast Kohberger's past and all his failings, including unanswered questions in the Idaho murder case. Alivea recalled seeing raw anger and raw rage in Kohbergers eyes as she confronted him, but despite the intensity, her focus remained steadfast - seeking justice for her sister Kaylee and Kaylees childhood best friend, Madison Mogen (both pictured) Alivea told Kohberger he was a delusional, pathetic, hypochondriadic loser' who 'thought you were so much better than everyone else.' In a damning conclusion, she added: 'If you hadn't attacked them in your sleep like a pedophile, Kaylee would have kicked your f****** ass.' The courtroom erupted in clapping at the end of Aliveas statement. Koberger remained emotionless throughout. 'My whole purpose of that speech was taking back this power and giving it back to Kaylee and Maddie. Xana and Ethan as well. I wanted to give them the hero moment that I truly feel like they deserve,' she told Entin regarding her statement. 'For me, it was about taking back that control from him getting under his skin, as best as I psychologically could with my limited understanding of what he is,' she added. 'It was all genuine. It was all incredibly true. Everything I did say was accurate to who he is and who they were.' In the closing moments of her interview, filmed less than 24 hours after the sentencing, Alivea told Entin with conviction, 'I truly believe Kaylee wouldve kicked his ass.' Kohberger, a 30-year-old PhD candidate, declined to speak at the hearing as he was told he would spend the remainder of his life behind bars without parole. For more on Bryan Kohberger, search for On The Case: The Idaho Murders on all good podcast platforms now - and be sure to subscribe or follow to never miss an episode. Vice President JD Vance again tore into the Wall Street Journal for refusing to provide any evidence that Trump wrote a 'bawdy' birthday letter to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Vance ramped up his attacks on the Wall Street Journal's article, which he has called 'complete and utter bulls***.' He added in another sharply worded tweet that he has 'no idea' whether the letter exists, because the paper has refused to show the administration. The vice president said: 'I have no idea if the book exists - WSJ won't show it to us. I have no idea if the letter exists - WSJ won't show it to us.' His remarks came after MSNBC host Chris Hayes pressed him on social media for clarity, asking if Vance was claiming the entire book of birthday letters to Epstein was fake, or just the contribution attributed to Trump. Vance doubled down on his issue not with the content itself, but with what he described as irresponsible journalism. 'What I find absurd is the idea that Donald Trump was writing poems to Epstein, and I find it equally absurd that a major American paper would attack the President of the United States without revealing the basis for the attack.' He then accused the Wall Street Journal of running a partisan smear campaign. Vice President JD Vance slammed the WSJ for a 'bawdy' birthday letter to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein Vance's stance ripping into the Wall Street Journal 'They're going to dribble little details out for days or weeks in an effort to assassinate the president's character The WSJ is acting like a Democrat SuperPAC. It's disgraceful, and it's why the president sued.' Indeed, Trump's legal team has filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal, calling the report 'fake news' and a 'sick fabrication.' Trump, for his part, has flatly denied ever writing such a letter - or ever writing anything like it. 'This is not me. This is a fake thing. It's a fake Wall Street Journal story,' Trump told the paper in response to the report. 'I never wrote a picture in my life. I don't draw pictures of women. It's not my language. It's not my words.' The Wall Street Journal has not yet addressed why it hasn't presented evidence of the card to the White House. Following Vance's post on X, many chimed in that his stance showed weakness between him and the president, but those claims appear to be unfounded. One person wrote: 'This is really weak s**t from Vance.' Another highlighted the irony: 'Lawyers representing the Epstein estate: 'We have the birthday book, including Trump's letter' JD Vance two days later: 'Nobody even knows if the book exists!'' A third said: ' Is it me, or is it weird that Vance has 'no idea if the letter exists' (that Trump wrote to Epstein) instead of taking Trump's word for it?' While a fourth added: 'So you're backtracking now that there's proof it's real? Got it.' On Friday, Trump again denied having written anything for Epstein's birthday and reiterated his skepticism when asked if the letter existed at all. Trump and Epstein are pictured in 1997 Trump has recently attempted to blame the Democrats for Epstein letter. Pictured, infamous sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell at Bill Clinton's White House There is escalating pressure over the Trump administration's handling of the Epstein files, which have become a lightning rod on the American right. Supporters of Trump have been demanding the release of classified records, believing Epstein's death was part of a broader conspiracy to shield powerful pedophiles with many suspicious of the president's previous friendship with the disgraced financier. On Friday, Trump again denied having written anything for Epstein's birthday and reiterated his skepticism when asked if the letter existed at all. 'I don't even know what they're talking about,' Trump said. 'Now, somebody could have written a letter and used my name. That's happened a lot Everything is fake with the Democrats. Take a look what they just found about the dossiers. Everything is fake. They're a bunch of sick people.' Despite the denials, the issue continues to dog the White House, as Trump's trip to Scotland was overshadowed by renewed questions about Epstein and his imprisoned associate Ghislaine Maxwell. 'People should really focus on how well the country is doing,' Trump told reporters, brushing off the questions. 'I don't want to talk about that.' The birthday letter controversy is just the latest flare-up in an increasingly volatile administration battling internal divisions and external conspiracies. Despite having stacked the Justice Department with loyalists like Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, Trump has found himself boxed in by rising demands for transparency from his own supporters. Bondi previously suggested on Fox News that she had an Epstein 'client list' on her desk. Patel, along with Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino, has long trafficked in Epstein conspiracy theories, demanding the public exposure of alleged abusers. But when the Justice Department recently released a letter denying the existence of a client list and declaring the case effectively closed, the backlash was immediate and furious, particularly among Trump's base. 'Put on your big boy pants and let us know who the pedophiles are,' Patel had said in a 2023 podcast- a sentiment still echoed by large swaths of MAGA supporters online. Pedophile Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in his jail cell in New York in 2019 Attorney General Pam Bondi had previously suggested that she had an Epstein 'client list' on her desk Now, those same supporters are increasingly doubtful of the administration's willingness to reveal the truth, especially as Trump attempts to shift focus back to his legislative agenda and away from the growing scandal. Behind the scenes, tensions are said to be boiling over. According to insiders, a contentious meeting earlier this month between Bondi and Bongino erupted into a shouting match, as the two clashed over how to manage the fallout from the Justice Department's abrupt about-face. Faced with a restive base and a deeply skeptical media, Trump has once again turned to his favorite fallback: the 'Russia hoax.' 'They have gone absolutely CRAZY,' Trump wrote Thursday on Truth Social, 'and are playing another Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax but, this time, under the guise of what we will call the Jeffrey Epstein SCAM.' Trump has also relied on familiar figures to shift the narrative. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who recently appeared to split with Trump on foreign policy, returned to his good graces this week after pushing the release of old intelligence documents from the Russia probe in an apparent attempt to reignite grievances and distract from the present crisis. A third of MPs last night piled pressure on Keir Starmer to acknowledge Palestine as a state as the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza worsened. In a letter to the Prime Minister, 221 members across nine parties joined forces to press for UK recognition of Palestinian statehood at a UN Conference next week. They said they were 'expectant' that the outcome of the congress will be the Government 'outlining when and how it will act on its long-standing commitment on a two-state solution'. But Sir Keir resisted, insisting that recognition 'must be part of a wider plan which ultimately results in a two-state solution and lasting security for Palestinians and Israelis'. The letter came as UN agencies warned that Gaza is running out of specialised food to save severely malnourished children. Supplies of ready-to-use therapeutic food will run out by mid-August if nothing changes, they warned. Palestinians have accused the IDF of 'cutting off' Gaza, but Israel has insisted that Hamas is to blame for failing to deliver aid to civilians. Yesterday, journalist Ahmed al-Arini shared horrifying pictures of severely malnourished Muhammad Zakariya Ayyoub al-Matouq in his mother's arms in the spartan tent they now share in Gaza City to highlight the situation. Last night Donald Trump claimed Hamas didn't want to make a deal on a ceasefire in Gaza, as the US and Israel withdrew their negotiating teams from Qatar. A third of MPs last night piled pressure on Keir Starmer to acknowledge Palestine as a state as the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza worsened Journalist Ahmed al-Arini shared horrifying pictures of severely malnourished Muhammad Zakariya Ayyoub al-Matouq in his mother's arms in the spartan tent they now share in Gaza City to highlight the situation Donald Trump claimed Hamas didn't want to make a deal on a ceasefire in Gaza, as the US and Israel withdrew their negotiating teams from Qatar Following the breakdown of talks, the US President who was on his way to Scotland said: 'It was too bad. Hamas didn't really want to make a deal. I think they want to die. 'Now we're down to the final hostages and they know what happens after you get the final hostages. Basically, because of that, they really didn't want to make a deal.' On Thursday, France announced it would recognise a Palestinian state the first G7 nation to do so. President Emmanuel Macron said he would honour a 'historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East', and also called for the 'demilitarisation' of Hamas. But Tory leader Kemi Badenoch warned Sir Keir against following France's lead. She said: 'The French government's decision to unilaterally recognise a Palestinian state in this context, outside any direct negotiations, while hostages are still held, undermines the prospects of a lasting peace and sends a dangerous message to the world. 'Keir Starmer must assist in seeking a peaceful end to this conflict rather than follow France's misguided decision to reward the terrorist group that started it. President Emmanuel Macron said he would honour a 'historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East', and also called for the 'demilitarisation' of Hamas Tory leader Kemi Badenoch warned Sir Keir against following France's lead and called for the 'complete eradication of Hamas' 'The only path to peace that will see an end to the appalling suffering in Gaza is the complete eradication of Hamas.' US Secretary of State Marco Rubio branded France's decision 'reckless' and said the US 'strongly rejects' the announcement. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu also condemned Mr Macron's move, saying: 'A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel not to live in peace beside it.' But France's decision has piled further pressure on Downing Street over its stance on Palestinian statehood. Health Secretary Wes Streeting called for recognition 'while there's still a state of Palestine left to recognise'. The UK Government has said it will designate Palestine as a state in conjunction with allies at the 'point of maximum impact' though has not specified what that would be. Labour MP Sarah Champion, who organised the cross-party letter to Sir Keir, said that while 'recognition alone will not end the suffering in Gaza... it is an important symbolic step on the path to the two-state solution. That remains the only viable proposal to secure a lasting peace for the region'. The plea came as Israel said aid can be dropped into Gaza via parachutes. Last night the Lib Dems called on the RAF to 'lead the way' in delivering the drops. A state MP is set to lose his seat after he was found guilty of sexually abusing two young men - one of whom was a teenager - during his time in office. Kiama MP Gareth Ward, 44, stood trial in the NSW District Court after pleading not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent and indecent assault charges. He was accused of inviting a drunk 18-year-old man - whom he had met a year prior - to his South Coast home in February 2013. The man told the jury that Ward plied him with drinks before indecently assaulting him three times in one night, despite his attempts to resist. Two years later, the long-time MP sexually assaulted an intoxicated political staffer after a mid-week event at NSW Parliament House in 2015. The man, who was 24 at the time but is now in his 30s, said Ward climbed into bed with him, groped his backside, and sexually assaulted him despite him repeatedly saying 'no'. After deliberating for two-and-a-half days, the jury on Friday returned unanimous guilty verdicts for the four sexual offences. A verdict on a fifth charge of common assault was not necessary because the jurors found the act amounted to an indecent assault. Kiama MP Gareth Ward, 44, stood trial after pleading not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent and indecent assault charges (pictured with former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian) Ward will be sentenced at a later date. After the jury was dismissed, crown prosecutor Monika Knowles applied for Ward to be taken into custody. The application was adjourned until Wednesday but Ward will be restrained by strict bail conditions until then. He is required to report to police daily and notify officers when he is planning to move between his Sydney and South Coast homes. Ward didn't speak as he walked out of Darlinghurst Courthouse on Friday afternoon - a stark contrast to his usual smile at waiting photographers. His parliamentary position could become vacant as a result of the convictions, one of which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in jail. The NSW Constitution states MPs will have their seat vacated if convicted of offences punishable with a term of more than five years' imprisonment. But Ward still has time to lodge an appeal. Ward, a state MP, is set to lose his seat after he was found guilty of sexually abusing two young men - one of whom was a teenager - during his time in office (pictured leaving court on Friday) A NSW government spokesperson said the justice system had delivered a decisive outcome and Ward should resign from parliament immediately. 'Should Mr Ward refuse to resign, the government will take steps to protect the Legislative Assembly's integrity,' the spokesperson said in a statement. Liberal Party leader Mark Speakman has called for Ward's resignation. 'The Member for Kiama must resign from Parliament. If Mr Ward does not resign, then upon its resumption the Parliament should swiftly take all appropriate steps to protect its integrity,' Speakman said. Ward denied the allegations against him, claiming the incidents either didn't happen or didn't amount to sexual abuse. But Ms Knowles said there were too many similarities between the accounts of the two complainants - who didn't know each other - to be a coincidence. They were emotionally vulnerable and had been drinking when Ward invited them over, plied them with more drinks and sexually abused them without consent while they were lying down, she said. 'You might think what happened to (the complainants) did not happen by random chance or just dumb luck,' Ms Knowles told the jury. Liberal Party leader Mark Speakman (pictured) has called for Ward's resignation Ward (pictured) has held the Kiama electorate since 2011, winning three elections under the Liberal banner before securing the 2023 poll as an independent 'Similar behaviour, similar setting, same man, same conclusion. This is not a coincidence.' The evidence showed Ward had a tendency to act on his sexual interest in young men less powerful than he was by committing sexual offences against them, the prosecutor argued. 'These people weren't overtaken by force, they were taken by surprise,' Ms Knowles said. Ward has held the Kiama electorate since 2011, winning three elections under the Liberal banner before securing the 2023 poll as an independent. A widowed Christian mom-of-five scored a major legal victory after a federal appeals court ruled that the state of Oregon violated her constitutional rights by barring her from adopting foster children because of her refusal to support gender transitions. Jessica Bates, who says her faith prevents her from using preferred pronouns or facilitating hormone treatments, was blocked by the state after she said she could not affirm an LGBTQ+ child's identity. She sued - and now, the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals has sided with her, calling the state's policy a violation of her free speech and religious freedom. 'This is a win not just for me, but for people of faith who want to help kids without compromising their beliefs,' Bates said after the ruling. In a 2-1 decision issued on Thursday, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals struck down an Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) policy that effectively barred Bates from becoming a foster parent. Bates was refusing to comply with the state's requirement to 'respect, accept and support' a foster child's gender identity and sexual orientation. 'We hold that Oregon's policy violates the First Amendment as applied to Bates,' wrote Judge Daniel Bress in the court's majority opinion, joined by Judge Michael Daly Hawkins. The court ordered a preliminary injunction blocking the state from using its current policy to prevent Bates from moving forward with the adoption process. Jessica Bates, from Oregon, a widowed Christian mom of five scored a major legal victory after a federal appeals court ruled that the state violated her constitutional rights by barring her from adopting foster children because of her refusal to support gender transitions The Christian mom-of-five wanted the option to adopt after losing her husband. She said she felt 'called by God' to care for additional children Bates, who lives in Malheur County, said she felt 'called by God' to care for additional children after losing her husband. The five children she already has are her biological kids. She had hoped to adopt two siblings under the age of nine but was disqualified after refusing to sign a commitment to fully affirm an LGBTQ+ child's identity, including using chosen names and pronouns or providing access to gender-related medical treatments. 'I believe God gives us our gender/sex and it's not something we get to choose,' Bates wrote in her application. 'I have no problem loving them and accepting them as they are, but I would not encourage them in this behavior.' The state of Oregon argued that its policy is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable children in its custody. But the appeals court disagreed, finding the regulation was overly broad and imposed an unconstitutional burden on Bates' free speech and religious liberty. 'It is not narrowly tailored to impose on Bates an extreme and blanket rule that she may adopt no child at all based on her religious faith,' Bress wrote. The court emphasized that the state could simply avoid placing LGBTQ+ children with Bates while still allowing her to foster or adopt. The lone dissent came from Judge Richard Clifton, who warned that Bates was seeking to foster 'only on her terms,' and that the state had a legitimate interest in protecting children from potential rejection or harm. Jessica says it was her faith that encouraged her to adopt more children following the loss of her husband, David, pictured 'Parents would not be expected to entrust their children to caregivers who volunteer that they will not respect the child's self-determined gender identity,' Clifton wrote. The case has drawn national attention and praise from conservative groups, including the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), which represented Bates. 'Because caregivers like Jessica cannot promote Oregon's dangerous gender ideology to young kids and take them to events like pride parades, the state considers them to be unfit parents,' said ADF senior counsel Jonathan Scruggs. 'That is false and incredibly dangerous, needlessly depriving kids of opportunities to find a loving home. The 9th Circuit was right to remind Oregon that the foster and adoption system is supposed to serve the best interests of children, not the state's ideological crusade.' In an interview with KGW8, Bates reiterated her commitment to loving all children in her care, but said she would not affirm an LGBTQ+ identity or allow permanent medical interventions like hormone therapy. 'I'm still gonna love them deeply,' she said. 'But just like my biologicals, I probably will not allow them to do any, like, permanent... hormone injections, anything that's going to rob them of their God-given body.' Bates said she would not use a child's chosen name or pronouns and would instead steer the conversation toward her Christian faith. 'God makes our identity,' she said. 'It might not feel like a gift right now... but that's something actually really special, and you are beautiful and perfect, just how you are right now.' Asked whether she would reject an LGBTQ+ child, Bates said she would never kick a child out - except in cases of 'sexually aberrant' behavior. 'The Christian sex ethic is very narrow and simple... any of the sexual activity that's outside of God's defined institution of marriage is something I would not be OK with in my house,' she added. The court's decision now sends the case back to a lower court in Oregon, where Bates' constitutional claims will be reconsidered under strict scrutiny - the most rigorous standard in constitutional law. Historically, policies that fail this test are rarely upheld. ODHS has not yet said whether it plans to appeal the decision, but a spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Justice acknowledged the setback. 'We are disappointed in the ruling but are reviewing to determine next steps,' said Jenny Hansson. Meanwhile, Bates says she intends to continue the foster care certification process - and insists that her position is about faith, not hatred. 'I would hope that we would have open communication,' she said. 'But I would probably, you know, remind them of Christ, my Christian faith that... God makes our identity, and that's something sacred and holy.' The ruling is expected to have wide ramifications for how states balance nondiscrimination policies with religious freedom in the child welfare system and is already being hailed by Christian conservatives as a landmark win in the culture wars. A music teacher captured kissing a teenage girl in a photo booth has claimed the passionate embrace was supposed to be a 'pretend kiss'. Adelaide educator and flautist Janelle Colville Fletcher, 40, is standing trial in the South Australian District Court accused of sexually abusing a teenage girl. Fletcher also stands accused of grooming the girl and another teenage girl to make them more amenable to sexual activity. The prosecution, led by Chris Allen, alleged Fletcher sexually abused the girl in various locations, including the girl's home, over several months. Mr Allen presented photographs and correspondence between the pair, including a snapshot taken in a photo booth at a cinema which showed them kissing. Fletcher, under questioning from defence lawyer Andrew Culshaw, told the court she did not voluntarily engage in the kiss. 'It was meant to be a pretend kiss, like we had done previously where your lips don't actually touch, and in that particular photo we got close and she did sort of pull me in and yeah, the photo went off,' she said, as reported by The Advertiser. 'Her hand was on my neck and then the lips touched.' Janelle Fletcher (pictured) is standing trial over alleged sexual abuse of a teenage girl Fletcher claimed the teen continued contacting her after the photograph was taken, but that she blocked all further contact from the girl. The prosecution has alleged the relationship began after a game of truth or dare in which Fletcher allegedly dared the girl to kiss another teenage girl. Mr Culshaw, Fletcher's defence lawyer, told the court his client had not engaged in any such game and did not encourage the girls to engage in sexual activity. Fletcher pleaded not guilty to one count each of sexual abuse of a child and communicating with intent to make a child amenable to sexual activity. During cross-examination, she denied ever being sexually involved with the girl, and insisted she was heterosexual. 'That just never happened,' she told the court. The court was also read emails sent by the pair, including one message in which Fletcher told the girl: 'My feelings for you are not lust but love'. Asked to distinguish the difference between lust and love, Fletcher replied that love was 'not necessarily sexual or romantic'. The trial is listed to continue next week The music teacher said she had intended to 'slowly get her to think it was her idea to not be with me, but to be with someone her own age'. Fletcher admitted she had told the teen she loved her but insisted it was only because she believed it was what she wanted to hear. She characterised her feelings as a 'big sister' type of love. The trial continues, with closing arguments expected to be held on Monday. Brady Kiser, husband of influencer Emilie Kiser, will not face criminal charges in the drowning death of their three-year-old son, Trigg. The decision, announced Friday by Arizona's Maricopa County Attorney's Office, comes nearly two weeks after Chandler Police recommended a felony child abuse charge in connection with the May 12 incident. Authorities say Brady, 28, was home alone with Trigg and the couple's newborn son, Theodore, when the toddler accessed the backyard pool and was found then unresponsive. Trigg died six days later, on May 18, at Phoenix Children's Hospital. 'Every case submitted to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office is evaluated using the same standard: whether there is a 'reasonable likelihood of conviction,' Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said in a statement. 'After careful review of the evidence submitted by Chandler PD, it was determined this case does not meet that standard.' According to a search warrant affidavit, Brady told investigators he was distracted by the couple's infant and lost sight of Trigg for several minutes. When he went to look for the child, he found him unconscious in the pool and called 911. Brady Kiser, husband of parenting influencer Emilie Kiser, will not face criminal charges in the drowning death of their 3-year-old son, Trigg. Pictured: TikTok influencer Emilie Kiser with her husband, Brady, and son, Trigg Emilie, 26, who has more than 4 million followers on TikTok and 1.7 million on Instagram, has not posted publicly since her son's death Authorities say Brady, 28, was home alone with Trigg and the couple's infant son, Theodore, when the toddler accessed the backyard pool and was found unresponsive. Pictured: Emilie Kiser with her three-year-old son, Trigg Surveillance footage from the home showed how the drowning occurred, officials said, but no further details were released. Prosecutors emphasized that, to pursue a child abuse charge, they would need to prove that Brady 'failed to perceive a substantial and unjustifiable risk' and that his actions were a 'gross deviation from the standard of care a reasonable person would show.' His attorney, Flynn Carey, said in a statement that his client is grateful the case was thoroughly reviewed and classified as a tragic accident. 'We are grateful to law enforcement and the county attorney for conducting a thorough investigation and confirming that this was a tragic accident. 'Brady remains in the midst of the grieving process and is thankful to be with his family as they heal together,' Carey said. 'We appreciate the compassion and support shown during this difficult time.' At the time of the incident, the famous TikTok influencer, Emilie, 26, was not home. According to police, she had been out with friends. In the weeks following Trigg's death, she filed a lawsuit to block public access to records related to the incident, including surveillance video, autopsy reports, and the 911 call. Prosecutors determined there is insufficient evidence to secure a conviction against the father-of-two The decision, announced Friday by Arizona's Maricopa County Attorney's Office, comes nearly two weeks after Chandler Police recommended a felony child abuse charge in connection with the May 12 incident Prosecutors emphasized that, to pursue a child abuse charge, they would need to prove that Brady 'failed to perceive a substantial and unjustifiable risk' and that his actions were a 'gross deviation from the standard of care a reasonable person would show.' Pictured: Emilie Kiser with her son, Trigg Trigg (pictured), 3, died six days after the May 12 pool incident at Phoenix Children's Hospital A Maricopa County judge granted a temporary confidentiality order on June 4, citing the volume of public records requests - more than 100 - made to multiple agencies following the incident. A source close to the grieving family said the legal action was not an attempt to suppress information but to protect the family's privacy in the midst of intense online scrutiny. Emilie's personal declaration 'reflects an intensely personal account of her grief and trauma, submitted to help the court understand her perspective - not for public consumption,' the source told People. Emilie, who has more than four million followers on TikTok and 1.7 million on Instagram, has not posted publicly since her son's death. Her comment sections have been disabled, and her husband has made his social media accounts private. The Chandler Police Department has said its investigation into the incident remains open. Two sisters have been hailed as heroes after leaping into action to rescue a four-year-old girl who had 'turned blue' beneath the water at a Michigan apartment pool. Ava and Addison Apostopolos, both nine, pulled a drowning girl from the pool during a visit to their grandmother at the Hillside Apartment Complex and quickly sought help - ultimately saving her life, according to WXYZ Detroit News. The twin sisters were honored this week by the Wixom City Council and the police chief for their heroic actions, receiving the police department's prestigious Civilian Citation Award. 'I am very happy she's alive now, and I hope she's having a good time,' the twins told the outlet. 'And I'm happy.' Last month, while swimming in the apartment complex's pool, the pair spotted a terrifying sight - a little girl lying motionless at the bottom of the water. 'I got goggles to go under,' Addison recalled. Without hesitation, Addison dove into the pool, swam to the bottom, and pulled the unidentified child to the surface. At that moment, Cody Boyette - a maintenance technician for the apartment complex - was startled near the end of his workday when one of the girls burst into the leasing office, urgently pleading for help. Twin sisters Ava and Addison Apostopolos (pictured), both nine, are being hailed as heroes after leaping into action to rescue a four-year-old girl who had 'turned blue' beneath the water at a Michigan apartment complex pool While visiting their grandmother at the Hillside Apartment Complex, the sisters were swimming in the building's pool (pictured) when they saw an unresponsive four-year-old at the bottom - immediately pulling her to the surface Cody immediately abandoned his closing duties and rushed to the pool, where he pulled the four-year-old out of the water. 'She was totally blue, not breathing,' Cody told CBS News. 'When you see a kid in that stress, you kind of think about your own kid in that situation. If it turns bad, it can turn south really quick.' While another adult called 911, Cody quickly checked for a pulse and administered rescue breaths - miraculously reviving the little girl. 'I think we had maybe minutes before it would have been too late for anybody to do anything,' he told CBS. 'I'm just glad I was in the right place at the right time.' Thanks to the quick and courageous actions of Ava, Addison, and Cody, the child was rushed to the hospital and survived what could have been a catastrophic tragedy. Despite their efforts, both Ava and Addison were left in shock by the terrifying ordeal, struggling to fully grasp the gravity of the life-or-death situation they had helped to prevent. 'She asked me if I was okay so I could share my feelings too,' Addison told WXYZ about the emergency responders. Cody Boyette (pictured left) - a maintenance technician for the apartment complex - was notified of the incident from one of the girls and quickly pulled the child out of the pool, subsequently performing CPR and reviving the four year old Now, more than a month after the incident, the girls are beginning to embrace their roles as heroes - with their father, Jason (pictured), saying it has been 'a wonderful thing for them and our family' The sisters, along with Cody, were honored this week by the Wixom City Council and the police chief for their heroic actions, receiving the police department's prestigious Civilian Citation Award (pictured) According to Jason, the girls were taught 'if you see something, do something' (pictured: Jason and twins) Now, more than a month after the incident, the girls are beginning to embrace their roles as heroes - recognizing that the experience they endured was both meaningful and life-changing. 'Happy that we were in the right situation,' Addison said. According to their father, Jason, the incident has 'really been a wonderful thing for them and our family,' as reported by WXYZ. 'The city of Wixom really honored them, and that was wonderful, and they were really proud of that,' he said. 'We're just all about helping, we're aware of our surroundings and taught them the same thing, if you see something, do something.' Cody expressed admiration for the girls' swift response to the unresponsive child, adding that he holds no blame toward anyone for the incident. 'I think it was 100 percent a freak accident. You look away for a second, stuff can change in the matter of a blink of an eye,' he told CBS. In the end, he urged everyone to take a CPR or first aid class, stressing the importance of being prepared to act when an emergency strikes. 'I'd rather try to help and do what I can than stand there knowing I'm doing nothing,' Cody added. Donald Trump admitted his own Supreme Court victory granting 'presidential immunity' means it's unlikely Barack Obama will be charged with treason over his handling of the 'Russia hoax.' Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard released a declassified report allegedly implicating Obama and his administration of 2016 election interference that accused Trump of colluding with Moscow. Trump has accused Obama of treason, while Obama issued a statement denying any allegations. Even if Obama were to be in trouble, the Supreme Court ruled in a monumental 2024 decision that the President of the United States has immunity from prosecution for official acts in office, in a case argued by lawyers on Trump's behalf. Trump was asked if 'presidential immunity' would apply to Obama before his trip to Scotland on Friday and the president didn't deny it, going as far as to say he'd done his predecessor a favor. 'He has done criminal acts, no question about it. But he has immunity and it probably helps him a lot. He owes me big. Obama owes me big,' Trump said. The ex-president's team argued in late 2023 that Trump, and any president, must have absolute immunity from prosecution over actions taken while in office or it could impair important decision-making. The 6-3 decision split along the court's ideological lines ensures that Trump will not face another blockbuster trial anytime soon - with the case sent back to a lower court to determine what is considered his 'official' versus 'unofficial' acts. Donald Trump admitted his own Supreme Court victory granting 'presidential immunity' means it's unlikely Barack Obama will be charged with treason over his handling of the 'Russia hoax' Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard released a declassified report allegedly implicating Obama and his administration over 2016 election interference that accused Trump of colluding with Moscow Trump celebrated the decision, writing on Truth Social: 'Big win for our constitution and democracy. Proud to be an American!' A new report released by DNI Gabbard accused Obama of being behind a 'treasonous conspiracy' to fabricate what Trump repeatedly calls the Russia 'hoax' to bring him down. Gabbard made a series of criminal referrals to Pam Bondi's Justice Department and the agency is reportedly considering the request. Obama spoke out about the case via his spokesperson Patrick Rodenbush earlier this week, refuting many of the accusations circling around him. 'The bizarre allegations are ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction. Nothing in the document issued last week undercuts the widely accepted conclusion that Russia worked to influence the 2016 presidential election but did not successfully manipulate any votes,' Rodenbush noted. 'These findings were affirmed in a 2020 report by the bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee, led by then-Chairman Marco Rubio' Rodenbush concluded. Regardless, GOP leadership in both the House and Senate are pursuing investigations into members of the Biden and Obama administrations as they fend off clamoring calls for transparency in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal enveloping the Trump administration. Democrats have portrayed the reintroduction of the 'Russian hoax' saga as a way for the Trump Administration to distract from the demands around Epstein. Even if Obama were to be in trouble, the Supreme Court ruled in a monumental 2024 decision that the President of the United States has immunity from prosecution for official acts in office, in a case argued by lawyers on Trump's behalf The president pointed the finger at Obama for trying to 'head a coup' with acolytes like former FBI Director James Comey and former DNI Director James Clapper doing his dirty work. Trump also called the Steele report, which examined his campaign's ties to Russia, as 'all lies' and a 'fabrication.' The Mueller Report found that while Russia did interfere in the 2016 election, the Trump campaign did not conspire or coordinate with the Russian government, despite at least 140 contacts between the Trump campaign and Russian nationals. Trump was asked earlier this week who the Justice Department should investigate following the report's release for a potential criminal referral. He didn't hesitate to name Obama and top members of his security team. 'It would be President Obama who started it and Biden was there with him, and [James] Comey was there, and [James] Clapper, the whole group was there,' Trump responded. At another point, Trump said Attorney General Pam Bondi should 'act' on the matter while also indicating it was at her discretion. 'We have a very competent, very good, very loyal to our country person in Pam Bondi very respected. And she it's going to be her decision,' Trump said. Trump repeated calls to prosecute a wide circle of former Democratic officials come after he posted AI-generated video images of Obama being arrested and thrown in jail wearing an orange jumpsuit. Trump accused his rivals of organizing a failed 'coup' in 2016, when he defeated Hillary Clinton and captured the White House. Trump has hammered his rivals for what he calls 'no collusion' ever since the release of the Mueller report, even though Mueller himself never used that phrase. His comments come six months into his second term, following a campaign where he both vowed 'retribution' but also said he would allow law enforcement officials to make their own decisions on who to charge. A three-year-old girl who was stabbed to death by her mother has been farewelled by loved ones just two days before her fourth birthday. Sophia Rose was killed by her mother, Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, on the front lawn of their home in Moore Park Beach, in Queensland, on May 26. Her younger siblings, aged one and two, were inside the home at the time. Flanigan, 32, was charged with her daughter's murder but died after being found unresponsive inside her Brisbane jail cell. She never entered a plea. Sophia's funeral service was held in Victoria on Saturday, where her father Jai Ruane, 39, and her siblings have since relocated. 'Instead of celebrating Sophia's fourth birthday, we're having a funeral,' Mr Ruane told the Courier Mail. 'A funeral that shouldn't be happening, as there is supposed to be systems in place to protect children but that clearly failed.' He said Sophia's birthdays were always special occasions for the family. Sophia Rose, three, has been remembered as a bright and curious 'girly-girl' (pictured) Sophia's first birthday was celebrated with a lavish cake. She is pictured with father Jai Ruane Her first birthday involved a lavish cake, her second was celebrated twice, and her third was crowned with a fairy-themed party. 'Now, this weekend's going to be a big event, but it's not a birthday,' he said. Mr Ruane last saw his daughter two weeks before she died. His job as a fly-in-fly-out miner meant that his trips home to his family wee intermittent. He recalled holding her hand at their local zoo and a Hungry Jack's lunch. It was an otherwise ordinary day, he said, but now one he will never forget. Mr Ruane still has a drawing the three-year-old made for him that day. Attendees at Sophia's funeral were asked to wear a 'touch of pink' in honour of the little girl's favourite colour. Mr Ruane remembered his first-born as a real 'girly-girl' with a 'strong character' and a curious, social nature. Lauren Ingrid Flanigan was charged with the murder of three-year-old Sophia (both pictured) The grieving dad has since relocated to Victoria with his two other children because of the 'memories' attached to the Queensland home. They now live closer to Mr Ruane's siblings and their children. Queensland Corrective Services said in June it would review how Flanigan died despite being assessed as high-risk and requiring close monitoring. It's understood she had been placed in a specialised unit for high-risk prisoners known as the Crisis Support Unit at Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre. Asked about Ms Flanigan's death, a spokesperson for Queensland Police told Daily Mail Australia a report would be prepared for the coroner. 'Due to this no further comment can be made at this time,' they said. In September last year, Flanigan shared pictures of Sophia in a pink princess dress on Instagram with the caption 'my divine babies'. An employee at a luxury hotel has been charged with attempted murder after she allegedly stabbed her co-worker with a pair of scissors in a 'frenzied' attack. Emergency services were called to the Intercontinental by IHG on Phillip Street in Sydney's CBD around 2.20am on Saturday, following reports of an assault. A 30-year-old woman was found with wounds to her face, back and hands after she was reportedly attacked in a back room at the hotel's reception. She was rushed to St Vincent's Hospital in a serious condition and has since undergone surgery for her injuries. Another female worker was injured when she tried to stop the attack. Their alleged attacker, named as 31-year-old Crystel Shillingsworth by the Daily Telegraph, was arrested and taken to Day Street Police Station. She was charged with cause wounding/grievous bodily harm to person with intent to murder and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Police have confirmed the women were known to each other. Detectives are seen leaving the hotel during the early hours of Saturday (pictured) Police and paramedics also attended the hotel in Sydney's CBD (pictured) It's understood they both worked in concierge roles at the hotel. Sydney City Police Area Command's Chief Inspector Gary Coffey described the alleged attack as 'frenzied'. 'We are unable to confirm the exact motive for this crime other than the fact all three persons involved are co-workers,' he told media on Saturday. 'This was a (frenzied) attack We have to pay tribute to the co-workers who intervened because the situation could have been a lot worse than what it is.' Investigations into what triggered the alleged outburst are underway. Shillingsworth was refused bail and will face court on Sunday. Staff at the Intercontinental are receiving support following the 'isolated' incident, a spokesman for the hotel said. 'The incident remains an ongoing police investigation so we're unable to provide further details. We are supporting our colleagues and the wider hotel team in whatever way we can at this difficult time,' he said. A young woman will face court after allegedly crashing her $600,000 Rolls-Royce into a Mercedes in one of Sydney's most exclusive suburbs while drunk. A chauffeur was seriously injured during a high-speed head-on collision about 3.30am on Saturday at New South Head Road in Rose Bay, in the city's east. NSW Police alleged LanLan Yang, 23, veered onto the wrong side of the road, slamming into a Mercedes van being driven by 52-year-old George Plassaras. Mr Plassaras, a well-known local chauffeur who runs Dakota Limousines, operates a service frequently used by celebrities and personalities including radio star Kyle Sandilands. Following the incident, he was trapped in the wreckage for up to 30 minutes as horrified witnesses rushed to call Triple-0. The injured man could be heard yelling for help inside the crushed vehicle, as emergency crews from NSW Police Rescue and Fire and Rescue NSW worked to free him. Paramedics treated him at the scene before taking him to St Vincent's Hospital, where he remains in a serious but stable condition with hip injuries. It is understood he underwent surgery later on Saturday. A Rolls-Royce collided with a chauffeur-driven Mercedes early Saturday morning in Rose Bay Driver George Plassaras (centre) was taken to hospital, and was trapped for 30 minutes Both cars were completely destroyed in the front, following the high-speed collision The crash was captured on nearby CCTV which appeared to show Yang's luxury SUV allegedly crossing into oncoming traffic before the violent collision. She allegedly stepped out of the mangled Rolls-Royce and checked on Mr Plassaras from the passenger side of his van. Moments later, she could allegedly be seen running from the scene, only to return about a minute later with another person. Police alleged Yang carried out a roadside breath test, which returned a positive result, and she was arrested at the scene. At Waverley Police Station, she allegedly refused to undergo a breath analysis. Yang was charged with causing bodily harm by misconduct, being in charge of a motor vehicle, and refusing or failing to submit to breath analysis. She was granted conditional bail and ordered to surrender her passport. Under the strict conditions, she has been banned from driving a car and must remain at her Waverley mansion between 8pm and 6am daily. Rolls-Royce driver LanLan Yang was allegedly drunk when she veered into another lane The 23-year-old allegedly refused to undergo a breath test while in police custody New South Head Road was closed for several hours following the crash, with both severely damaged vehicles towed to a police holding yard for forensic examination. The front of Mr Plassaras' Mercedes was flattened, while Yang's Rolls-Royce was so damaged that its make and model were almost unrecognisable. Yang is scheduled to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on August 15. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers. A fraudster who masterminded a 1.2million VAT con and blew 19,000 on his birthday party has been jailed. Nicholas Adams handed in bogus company tax returns to HMRC and then used the VAT repayments to pay for his 40th birthday party, flights to the UAE and luxury hotel stays in London and Dubai. Over a 19-month period between January 2022 and August 2023, Adams posed as the director of a shell company, Greenpoint Technologies, which he claimed specialised in aircraft and spacecraft maintenance. However, this was only a front for the scam, which made him 373,706. In total, Adams tried to claw back over 1.2million in total before raising suspicions of officials at HMRC, who then withheld further payments. He splashed hundreds of thousands of pounds on what prosecutor Martha Smith-Higgins said was 'a very lavish lifestyle'. There were three stays at five-star hotels - two at The Savoy in London and one at the Atlantis in Dubai. Nicholas Adams handed in bogus company tax returns into HMRC Adams outside Newport Crown Court before he was jailed for knowingly being concerned in the fraudulent evasion of VAT Newport Crown Court heard that Adams lived it up on the proceeds, throwing a 19,000 birthday party at The Botanist in Cardiff, and splashing out on luxury trips to Dubai and London, including stays at The Savoy and Atlantis The Palm. He also spent 43,000 on clothes and jewellery and jetted off to the UAE using the stolen money. But the lavish lifestyle came crashing down when HMRC launched a probe and raided his home, uncovering a trove of forged paperwork. Initially when officials queried the tax returns, Adams lied and created fake documents to support his story but these proved to be wrong after the raid. 'He was the controlling mind behind a substantial and sophisticated VAT fraud,' said Miss Smith-Higgins. 'This was fraud from the outset.' The court was told Adams spiralled into debt after losing his job following Brexit and was sectioned under the Mental Health Act in 2021. His defence lawyer, Peter Dennison, said he had since tackled alcohol dependency and was 'ashamed and remorseful'. Newport Crown Court, pictured, heard that Adams lived it up on the proceeds, throwing a 19,000 birthday party at The Botanist in Cardiff, and splashing out on luxury trips to Dubai and London, including stays at The Savoy and Atlantis The Palm But Judge Daniel Williams was clear: 'It was sophisticated offending and happened over a period of time - 19 months. The culpability was high.' Adams, of Whitchurch, who had pleaded guilty to knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of VAT at an earlier hearing, was jailed for two years, though he's likely to serve just one behind bars. Following sentencing, an HMRC spokesperson said: 'Tax fraud is not a victimless crime. 'It has real consequences for the public services we all rely on and we are working hard to ensure tax cheats like Nicholas Adams do not gain an unfair advantage over their law-abiding competitors who pay the tax that's due. 'We encourage anyone with information about any type of tax fraud or money laundering to report it online at www.gov.uk.' Brits trying to embark on the big summer getaway on Saturday will be faced with huge queues and long delays as millions hit the road on the busiest day of the summer. Around 3 million car journeys are expected to take place in a 'Saturday Scramble' and another 2.7m set to be completed on Sunday, according to RAC estimates, with huge traffic jams likely to keep holidaymakers sitting stationary for hours. Traffic is expected to be at its worst in the middle of the day as families flock abroad. Motorists have been warned they should leave before 10am on Saturday or after 7pm on Sunday if they want to avoid painful pile-ups. Around 10,000 cars are expected to travel through the Port of Dover on Saturday as they set off on trips to Calais and Dunkirk - popular routes for those travelling to France or Belgium. The port has already said it is facing 'tourist traffic delays' as it reported processing times of over an hour from 6am, although that reduced to 50 minutes by 9am. It warned travellers to travel via main routes to avoid delays and disrupting nearby residents. Doug Bannister, chief executive at the Port of Dover said his organisation has been 'preparing for a busy summer' and have brought in measures to 'minimise disruption'. Brits trying to embark on the big summer getaway on Saturday will be faced with huge queue Around 3 million car journeys are expected to take place in a 'Saturday Scramble' according to RAC estimates Your browser does not support iframes. He said: 'We know how vital it is to keep things moving, not just for holidaymakers but for our local community too. 'That's why we've boosted staff levels, strengthened traffic management, added welfare facilities and introduced AI-powered forecasting - all to minimise disruption and ensure both residents and travellers have the best possible experience during this busy season.' The Port of Dover added it was expecting nearly 40,000 cars this weekend and more than 270,000 in the next six weeks. Nick Mullender, RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader, said 'Saturday is expected be the single busiest day for summer traffic with many drivers travelling long distances to get to their holiday destination.' A swamped Saturday follows a 'Frantic Friday, where another 2.7m Brits set off abroad, days after the end of the academic year for most English schools. Many families were on the move but there was disruption for those travelling to London Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports. An area of Heathrow Terminal 3 was cleared on Friday morning while a fire alarm was investigated, which passengers said had caused huge waits for passport control. The alert just after 11am led to the temporary evacuation being carried out by staff for safety reasons, which some travellers complained had led to two-hour queues. Your browser does not support iframes. Huge traffic jams over the weekend will likely to keep holidaymakers sitting stationary for hours Areas of Heathrow's Terminal 3 were evacuated on Friday while a fire alarm was investigated Christina Warren, who had just arrived on a Virgin Atlantic flight, tweeted: 'Landed at Heathrow an hour early but there was a fire alarm so the line for passport control is literally backed up literally the entire terminal because of a fire alarm going off.' Meanwhile, in Essex, drivers on the M11 were warned of seven-mile queues after it was blocked in both directions near Stansted after two crashes between junctions eight and nine. Those heading to Gatwick were hit by train chaos after a points failure at Haywards Heath impacted services operated by Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink. Other disrupted rail services included LNER between Retford and Newark after a train hit an obstruction on the track; and the Mildmay line in London due to defective track. Great Western Railway trains between Castle Cary and Westbury were affected by a points failure; while four Hull Trains services were cancelled due to Aslef strike action. The past week has been the busiest period for midweek car trips since records began, with 13.9m journeys taking place between Monday and Thursday, according to the RAC. The parents of a trans teenager who took his own life while on the NHS gender clinic waiting list are suing the 'slow and casual' police force who failed to find him in time. Jason Pulman, 15, was tragically found dead in a park in Eastbourne, East Sussex, in April 2022, having struggled with mental health problems as well as his gender identity. Described as a 'cheeky fun ball of energy', the talented artist was born as Jessica into a family who were frequently relocated by social services in order to try and keep them safe from his violent convict birth father. Last April, an inquest jury found that the youngster's emotional and mental needs were 'inadequately assessed and provided for' by multiple services, and that police 'responded inadequately' to him going missing. Now, Jason's mother Emily Pulman and stepfather Mark Pulman, are taking High Court legal action against Sussex Police over an alleged breach of human rights. Around 10 hours passed between the time that Jason was first reported missing to the force and when an officer visited the family home. Mr and Mrs Pulman have claimed that Sussex Police 'failed properly or at all to protect Jason against the risk of suicide' after he was graded only a 'medium risk'. They also believe that there could have been a 'real prospect of a different outcome' had there been a 'reasonable response' to Jason's disappearance. Emily Pulman and Mark Pulman (both pictured), the mother and stepfather of 15-year-old trans teenager Jason Pulman, who took his own life while on the NHS gender clinic waiting list, are suing the 'slow and casual' Sussex police force who failed to find him in time Described as a 'ball of energy', Jason (pictured) was found dead in a park in Eastbourne in April 2022, having struggled with mental health problems and his gender identity. A police officer took around 10 hours to visit the family home after he was reported missing The devastated pair added that the force is 'flip-flopping' over its position and whether it has learned from Jason's death. Speaking about the 'devastating' inquest and legal battle that has succeeded her son's tragic death, Mrs Pulman, 39, has now urged the force to 'actually take accountability for what has happened and what went wrong'. She added: said: 'I think about Jason and how much he used to fight for things he believed in. He used to go to protests and research and get involved in different things because he wanted to make change.' 'I want to try and get some change for kids like Jason, as I know that that is what he would want as well. 'When I feel like quitting, I have got Jason's cheeky little head in my head, with his outfit, with all his badges on, saying 'you must fight for what you believe', and that is what gives me strength.' While Jason began identifying as a male aged around 14, he never received specialist gender dysphoria treatment due to assessment delays. His parents claim that their son received 'insufficient' mental health support. In the morning of April 19 2022, Mrs Pulman discovered her son was missing from his bed at the family home in East Sussex and immediately called the police. At the time, she informed a call handler that Jason was transgender, had previously self-harmed and attempted to take his own life, adding that he may also have taken public transport. Mrs Pulman discovered her son was missing from his bed at the family home in East Sussex and immediately called the police. The call-handler graded Jason (pictured) as medium-risk, however an officer did not look at the case for more than three hours after the first call The call handler graded Jason as medium-risk, however an officer did not look at the case for more than three hours after the first call. Mrs Pulman then made two further calls to the police, telling them that Jason had informed a friend he was travelling to London, most likely by train. But Jason remained graded as medium-risk. The British Transport Police (BTP) were not notified, and an officer did not attend the family's home for almost 10 hours after the first call. Around an hour after police visited the house, Jason was tragically found dead in nearby Hampden Park by a member of the public. Nick Armstrong KC, for both Mr and Mrs Pulman, said police knew or should have known that Jason 'represented a real and immediate risk of life-threatening harm', but instead their response was 'slow, and strikingly casual'. In a prevention of future deaths report last year, a coroner said Jason died 'potentially through his mental health and gender identity issues', and that it was 'also possible Jason may have been prevented from committing suicide' if the BTP was made aware that he was missing. In the run-up to his death, Jason was regularly self-harming and abusing drink and drugs, Mrs Pulman previously told Hasting Coroners Court. By early 2022, Jason's worsening behaviour, including shoplifting and being excluded from school for cannabis, meant the family knew he needed more significant psychiatric help. Nick Armstrong KC, for both Mr and Mrs Pulman (pictured with Jason), said police knew or should have known that Jason 'represented a real and immediate risk of life-threatening harm', but instead their response was 'slow, and strikingly casual' 'He needed more than just a conversation on the phone', Mrs Pulman told Assistant Coroner Michael Spencer in her witness statement. The family 'were done trying to get help from CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)' and Jason himself thought it was 'pointless'. While the youngster had undergone a social transition successfully, he remained 'adamant' that he wanted to see doctors at the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) in order to 'feel better in his body', but did not have the chance before his death. GIDS, run by Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, was shut in early 2024 following a series of scandals. The night before Jason disappeared from his bedroom, Mr Pulman thought he was 'off his face' so delayed a family conversation, over a glass of whisky they had found in his room, until the following day, Hastings Coroners Court previously heard. Describing Jason's death as an 'unimaginable tragedy', Mr Armstrong said that the young teenager was a 'source of unlimited joy', with a 'funny, mischievous, artistic and unconventional' personality. Nine days after Jason's death, then-chief superintendent Katy Woolford met with the Pulmans, informing them that they had done 'everything right' and acknowledging that there had been failings by the police. However, Mr Armstrong said that there had been a 'significant and distressing shift in the police's evidence' at Jason's inquest, with the force allegedly seeking to exclude evidence related to the meeting with Ms Woolford and claiming there was 'no arguable omission by anyone'. The force accepted the inquest findings, stating that its service 'fell below the standards expected'. However, Jason's parents claim it altered its stance again when the family threatened to bring legal action. Nine days after Jason's death, then-chief superintendent Katy Woolford met with the Pulmans, informing that they had done 'everything right' and acknowledging that there had been failings by the police. Pictured: Jason prior to his death Mr Armstrong said that the force's 'reversal and re-reversal' on its position was 'shameful', adding: 'The claimants do not know whether the defendant has or has not learned from the inquest process.' Mrs Pulman described the force's 'flip-flopping' as like 'torture', while Mr Pulman, 50, said that the pair had been left feeling 'let down, hurt and confused' by the actions of Sussex Police. He added: 'No amount of money, no apology, is going to make up for three years of what they've done, because that's long-term damage.' A Sussex Police spokesperson said: 'Our sincere condolences remain with Jason's family following their tragic loss; however, we are unable to comment further whilst legal proceedings are ongoing.' For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support Revellers hoping to score a front-row seat to Sydney's iconic New Year's Eve fireworks could be forced to hand over $50 for the privilege. North Sydney Council is considering a proposal for one of the city's most popular vantage points to be transformed into a ticketed zone. The plan, set to be debated at a meeting on Monday, would introduce paid access to Blues Point Reserve. The site regularly draws thousands on December 31, offering a harbourside view of the midnight and 9pm fireworks. Access to Blues Point, Bradfield Park and Lavender Bay is currently free with the council covering the cost of crowd safety, traffic control, waste management and event infrastructure. But amid growing financial pressures, councillors are being asked to consider ticketing as a way to gain back some of the expenses. A report to the council estimated the total cost of staging the event at $1.086million. Introducing ticketing at Blues Point alone would add another $95,000 in expenses for staffing, scanners, security and public communications, bringing the overall cost to $1.181million. A Sydney council could introduce a $50 ticket for vantage points during New Year's fireworks But with 8,000 tickets sold at $50 each, the proposal said the council could generate $400,000 in revenue, reducing its net expenditure to $781,000. Supporters have argued ticketing would guarantee attendees a spot at a premium location and help ease congestion, especially the dawn queues that have become more frequent in recent years. But the move has sparked concerns over fairness and public access. Critics have warned that charging for an event traditionally free to the public could tarnish the council's reputation and spark backlash over monetising public land. The council's report identified potential risks, such as fake ticket scams, disruptions to entry scanning from mobile data dropouts, and frustration from patrons anticipating amenities the ticket does not include. A similar ticketing trial at Blues Point in 2018 saw mixed results. While most ticketholders rated the experience highly, many residents and local businesses were less impressed, citing reduced access, a drop in foot traffic, and equity concerns. A community survey conducted at the time found no clear consensus, though among those who supported ticketing, full cost recovery was the preferred model. Only Blues Point Reserve would be affected by the proposed ticketing scheme North Sydney Council will vote on the proposal to implement the trial on Monday The council is now considering three options: ticketing all three sites to fully recover the $1.2million cost, ticketing Blues Point only as a partial recovery model, or maintaining the current system of free, managed access. Staff have recommended the second option as a 'balanced' compromise, preserving free access at two major sites while recouping costs at the most in-demand location. If approved, the $50 ticket would be trialled this December, followed by community consultation before any long-term policy is introduced. Daily Mail Australia contacted North Sydney Mayor Zoe Baker for comment. A Christian preacher of 25 years was arrested after reportedly asking a woman in a headscarf what she thought about Quran verses on domestic violence. John Steele, 60, had been out in Rotherham town centre on June 21 when he engaged in a '30-second conversation' with the passerby at a public awareness stall. But following the encounter he was detained by police and threatened with a 'non-crime hate incident' (NCHI). The South Yorkshire town has already been mired in accusations of 'two-tier policing' amid police reluctance to act on the systematic rape of young girls by predominantly Pakistani men due to community cohesion concerns. In body worn camera footage of the incident Mr Steele chuckles to himself and tells police 'the world's gone mad' adding 'I asked a simple question'. But an officer explains: 'This is the world we live in. I think it was your delivery.... You could deem [this] behaviour and [your] actions as anti-social behaviour.' Another police officer says the victim felt 'frightened', adding: 'That lady has flagged a police officer down and said she has felt threatened by your manner. So for me that's anti-social.' Mr Steele, who has been preaching the gospel for 25 years without incident, had been holding a sign that read 'God now commandeth all men every where to repent - Acts 17.30'. Following the encounter John Steele was detained by police and threatened with a 'non-crime hate incident' (NCHI) In body worn camera footage of the incident Mr Steele chuckles to himself and tells police 'the world's gone mad' adding 'I asked a simple question' Mr Steele, who has been preaching the gospel for 25 years without incident, had been holding a sign that read 'God now commandeth all men every where to repent - Acts 17.30' The former miner and long-serving bus driver claimed the conversation with the member of the public had been brief and polite. Despite this, officers can be heard demanding Mr Steele's personal details which he refuses to provide. A policeman says: 'John, we're saying you've behaved in an anti-social manner because she's felt harassed, alarmed and distressed by your behaviour - by how you've approached her and the question that you've asked her and the manner that you've asked it.' The officer adds: 'I've never had any issues with you before.' Following his continued refusal to provide his details, Mr Steele is then led away to a police car. His representatives have claimed he was taken to Rotherham police station, where he was detained, fingerprinted, and DNA-swabbed. A court date was set but the Crown Prosecution has since discontinued the case, stating the prosecution was 'not needed in the public interest'. Mr Steele, a former heavy drinker and militant during the 1984 miners' strike, said he became a born-again Christian in 1987 after reading Psalm 7. Following his continued refusal to provide his details, Mr Steele is then led away to a police car. The long-standing preacher is pictured here rolling up his sign Speaking on his experience, Mr Steele said: 'I've spent my life trying to help people find hope and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. I've seen the devastation caused by abuse, and I wanted to speak truth in love. Instead, I was treated like a criminal. 'I was shocked and gobsmacked. How can asking a question be labelled as hate? 'It was degrading. They took my DNA and fingerprints, for what? A 30-second conversation. 'This wasn't about me. It's about the erosion of our hard-won freedoms and the right to speak truth in love. 'I've never been arrested in 25 years. I wasn't there to cause trouble, I was there out of love, to share hope and to help people understand the love of Christ.' Mr Steele had reportedly been questioning the passerby on a Quran verse that reads: 'if you sense ill-conduct from your women, advise them first, if they persist, do not share their beds, but if they still persist, then discipline them gently'. The verse has caused controversy with critics saying it justifies domestic violence while proponents argue it has been taken out of context. Andrea Williams, Chief Executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said: 'We welcome the fact that this case has now been dropped, but it should never have progressed as far as it did. 'This is a clear and disturbing example of two-tier policing. It is both irrational and unlawful for officers to threaten members of the public with so-called 'non-crime hate incidents' simply for expressing lawful and peaceful views. Ms Williams added South Yorkshire had been 'one again undermining public trust' following the incident and her group would be investigating whether a 'hate incident' had been wrongly recorded against Mr Steele's name 'despite his complete vindication'. Over 250,000 NCHIs have been recorded in England and Wales since 2014 - an average of 68 per day. Critics argue that NCHIs are being weaponised to silence dissent, especially on controversial topics. NCHIs are defined by the UK College of Policing as: 'Any non-crime incident which is perceived, by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person's race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or transgender status.' No evidence is required, and no crime needs to have occurred. If someone feels offended or distressed, police are instructed to record the incident, often placing it on the individual's police record despite no crime having been committed. Police are hunting for a woman who allegedly sexually assaulted a male train worker as he walked through a carriage late at night. At the time of the assault, the railway employee had been passing through a carriage as it travelled between Sutton Parkway and Shirebrook in northern Nottinghamshire. The attack is said to have occurred at around 9pm on Saturday, May 31. The British Transport Police previously issued an urgent appeal for the public's assistance and are hoping to speak to a woman captured on CCTV on the day of the incident. Officers believed that she could hold vital information that could help aid their investigation. Anyone who recognised the woman was asked to contact British Transport Police. A spokesperson for the force said: 'Police investigating a sexual assault on a rail staff member in Nottinghamshire have released this image in connection. 'At around 9pm on Saturday 31 May, a member of staff was on a train between Sutton Parkway and Shirebrook. The British Transport Police have issued an urgent appeal for the public's assistance and are hoping to speak to a woman captured on CCTV on the day of the incident. Officers believe that she could hold vital information that could help aid their investigation (file image) 'As he walked down the carriage, a woman sexually assaulted him. 'Officers would like to speak to the woman pictured as they believe she may have information that could assist their enquiries.' Any individuals with relevant information or able to identify the woman pictured have been asked to contact the British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 682 of 31 May. Information can also be reported anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. It come after a Great Western Railway train manager was jailed for seven years in February after he sexually assaulted an 18-year-old passenger when asking to check her ticket. Nicholas McMurray, 38, approached the victim and asked to see her ticket, and adjusted the woman's dress, British Transport Police said. The 18-year-old had been standing and chatting on the phone in the vestibule shortly before it arrived in Swansea when McMurray sexually assaulted her on June 22, 2024. He continued to hold the victim until the train pulled into the station and made sexually explicit comments to her before touching her again as she got off the train. It comes after Nicholas McMurray, 38 (pictured), a Great Western Railway train manager, was jailed in February for seven years after he sexually assaulted an 18-year-old passenger when asking to check her ticket The 18-year-old had been standing and chatting on the phone in the vestibule shortly before it arrived in Swansea when McMurray sexually assaulted her on June 22, 2024 (file image) The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, bravely reported the incident to officers at the station. Police found the 38-year-old standing by the stationary train when he was arrested. Predator McMurray was 'immediately removed from duty as train manager for GWR' and no longer works there. He was been found guilty of sexual assault and assault by penetration as Swansea Crown Court on February 5. Last year he was sentenced to seven years in prison and put on the sex offenders register for life. Anyone who is a victim or a witness to a sexual offence on a railway has been urged to report it by texting 61016. A GWR spokesperson said: 'We are committed to upholding the highest standards of safety and trust for our customers and employees. 'As soon as we became aware of the incident, we took immediate action to remove the individual from duty and he no longer works for the business.' An Australian academic has been caught up in a sweeping crackdown in Hong Kong, learning through a WhatsApp message that he is wanted by authorities. Dr Feng Chongyi, who is an associate professor in China Studies at University of Technology, Sydney, is one of 19 overseas activists targeted in arrest warrants issued by Hong Kong police. Slapped with a bounty of HK$200,000 (AU$38,000), he has dismissed the latest charges against him as absurd. Hong Kong has seen its pro-democracy movement crushed in recent years under the weight of increasingly draconian laws supported by the Chinese government. The recent warrant relates to Dr Feng's involvement in the 'Hong Kong Parliament', a self-declared pro-democracy body based outside the city. Authorities have accused the organisation of attempting to form a 'shadow legislature' and 'pursuing the ideal of Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong'. They've called the group's activities subversive and in breach of sweeping national security laws imposed by the Beijing government in 2020. 'This action shows the world the brutality of the Chinese communist regime,' Dr Feng told ABC News, adding that he found out he was wanted on the messaging service WhatsApp. Sydney-based academic Feng Chongyi (pictured) is wanted for arrest by Hong Kong police Feng is among 19 overseas activists targeted by authorities over a pro-democracy campaign Born in mainland China, Dr Feng has advocated for democratic reform in Hong Kong and was previously detained and interrogated by Chinese authorities in 2017. '(This warrant) also reminds the world that Hong Kong has been completely controlled by China,' he said. 'The autonomy is gone, basic liberties protected by law (are) gone, they've completely destroyed a beautiful city, it's so sad.' Dr Feng said he was not overly concerned by the warrant, given he has no plans to return to Hong Kong or mainland China: 'I do not take it as a big deal.' Authorities say the wanted individuals either helped organise or took part in the Hong Kong Parliament's unofficial election. The campaign saw 18 candidates from Australia, the UK, US, Canada, Taiwan and Thailand win more than 15,000 online votes. Police have offered the bounty of HK$200,000 for information leading to the arrest of 15 individuals. Meanwhile, they are offering HK$1million (AU$194,000) for four people who were previously issued warrants: Elmer Yuen, Victor Ho, Johnny Fok and Tony Choi. Foreign Minister Penny Wong (pictured) condemned the arrest warrant against Dr Feng Dr Feng faces a $38,000 bounty which he discovered via WhatsApp The police warned that anyone assisting or supporting the group, including via the internet, could face prosecution under national security laws. In a statement, they urged the accused to 'turn back before it's too late' and 'surrender themselves in Hong Kong.' Dr Feng, a close friend of jailed Australian writer Yang Hengjun, said he joined the organising committee out of solidarity. 'I have many friends in Hong Kong who want democracy,' he said. The crackdown has triggered widespread condemnation from Australian politicians across parliament. 'Australia has consistently expressed strong objections to the broad and extraterritorial application of Hong Kong's national security law,' Foreign Minister Penny Wong posted on social media on Saturday. 'Freedom of expression and assembly are essential to our democracy.' Shadow Foreign Minister Michaelia Cash said the Coalition held 'serious concerns' over the targeting of pro-democracy activists abroad. 'We fundamentally believe in free speech,' she said. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who is currently visiting Sydney, also labelled the move 'totally, totally unacceptable.' Bonnie Blue has confirmed she is getting divorced and that dating may 'be difficult' - while also suggesting Andrew Tate may be gay. In an interview the 26-year-old from Derbyshire - known for her notorious stunt of 'sleeping with more than 1,000 men' in 12 hours - also insisted she is 'empowered'. Bonnie Blue - real name Tia Billinger - shared the story of her split from her ex-husband, the privately educated Ollie Davidson, and claimed her work had nothing to do with the divorce. Speaking to The Times, Ms Billinger recalled she had met her then-boyfriend Ollie at a New Year's Eve party when she was 15. They bought a home together and were saving for a lavish wedding but the soon-to-be porn star said she felt deeply dissatisfied. She was unable to get pregnant after 18 months of trying - thinking a baby might help with the emptiness - but tests revealed it would be hard for her to conceive. Following the end of lockdown she and Mr Davidson, an estate agent, sold their house and cars and had a register office wedding in February 2022, moving to Australia's Gold Coast. Not long after, Tia Billinger became Bonnie Blue. Bonnie Blue - real name Tia Billinger - shared the story of her split from her ex-husband, the privately educated Ollie Davidson. The pair are pictured here together when Bonnie was 18 The 26-year-old from Derbyshire - who claimed she slept with 1,000 men in 12 hours - has insisted she is 'empowered' Bonnie Blue started out as a 'cam girl' talking with and performing for men online, insisting her husband 'encouraged' her when she asked him how he felt - 'though he didn't pimp me out'. Unfortunately it was not to be as Mr Davidson returned to England and the pair are now divorcing - though the 26-year-old says her work had nothing to do with it and 'we just grew apart'. Following the separation, Bonnie Blue decided to become a 'full-service' escort as well as joining OnlyFans - a British-owned subscription platform that is chiefly known for porn. It comes as earlier this year Bonnie Blue also claimed her divorce had 'nothing to do with' her controversial 1,000 men a day sex stunt and said she and her ex 'grew apart naturally'. She said: 'We were together from when I was 14 and he was 15. 'We got married at 20, we were together a long time and we just grew apart.' The now multi-millionaire added there 'was no dramatic split up or anything like that' insisting herself and Mr Davidson still had regular contact - with him helping edit her X-rated videos - and had grown 'apart naturally'. Bonnie Blue has now told the Times she is concerned about her dating prospects for the future admitting she is 'taking a break' and a loving intimate relationship will 'be difficult'. Bonnie, who is from Derbyshire and whose real name is Tia Billinger, said she tied the knot with her school boyfriend Oliver Davidson in 2022 after meeting aged 15 She said: 'Me and my ex were together for a very long time and I'm fine not being in a relationship. It's going to be difficult when I'm ready to date, because of what I do.' The X-rated star added: 'Some of the sex I have with people is loving, but it's not boyfriend and girlfriend loving.' She later weighed in with her new theory on Andrew Tate following her appearance with the controversial self-proclaimed misogynist on the Disruptors podcast where he claimed men who 'enjoy gangbangs' are gay. Asked whether she thought Mr Tate was gay, Bonnie Blue said: 'Andrew? Absolutely. Sometimes when you're very anti something, it's because you're actually for it.' Mr Tate had previously described her as 'the perfect end result of feminism'. In the interview, Ms Billinger, who grew up in Draycott - a village between Derby and Nottingham - described her early surroundings as the sort of place 'where your parents are neighbours with people they went to school with, and they live two minutes down the road from their parents. Which is nice, but it's as if you can't leave.' Her father was a welder who repaired railway tracks, working long hours often away from home, while her mother stayed in the house looking after her and her sister before working as a childminder, shop assistant and nursing home carer. Ms Ballinger described her childhood as close and loving. She lost her virginity at 13, to a boy of 14, and first started watching porn at 12. In January, Bonnie told DailyMail.com that she was raking in '$1 million a month' from her sordid sex stunts on OnlyFans Bonnie Blue has revealed she is concerned about her dating prospects for the future admitting she is 'taking a break' and a loving intimate relationship will 'be difficult' Bonnie previously took to social media to flaunt her brand new custom $500,000 (387,300) Ferrari, which she claimed she purchased with her earnings from OnlyFans The controversial star also reflected on previously holding a sign saying 'Bonk me and let me film it' (made by her mother) before sleeping with 150 18-year-olds at Nottingham University freshers week and 122 during US spring break in Mexico. She argued men had 'made porn content with schoolgirls since day one' so 'why can't I do a schoolboy'. Bonnie Blue concluded: 'Each day I wake up so excited. I can't believe this is my life.' She insisted she would never be caught crying like her peer Lily Phillips - another controversial OnlyFans star - who broke down after a 100-men stunt. The 26-year-old, who has now gone mainstream, is the subject of a new Channel 4 documentary - 1,000 Men and Me: The Bonnie Blue Story - that will air on Tuesday next week. Suicide prevention charity Samaritans are planning to close around half of its 200 branches across the UK and Ireland. The charity has said that its current operation is 'not sustainable' and while an exact number of closures is yet to be confirmed, volunteers have been told it is likely to affect around 100. Founded in 1953, the charity aims to prevent suicides by connecting trained volunteers with people who may be struggling. It estimates that volunteers answer a call for help every 10 seconds and many of its staff view themselves as the fourth emergency service. But plans to work from home have raised fears among volunteers, with up to a quarter of branches having voiced concerns, as some believe it will cause many to leave the charity. Some volunteers only began helping out after feeling isolated at home themselves, while others are concerned about the pressure of dealing with suicide related calls alone. Some female volunteers have also said working alone could leave them dealing with abusive and sexual calls by themselves. The charity is also considering withdrawing from some activities, such as talks in schools and providing the Veterans Emotional Support Line. Suicide prevention charity Samaritans are planning to close around half of its branches 200 branches across the UK and Ireland The charity has said that its current operation is 'not sustainable' with around 100 set to be closed Founded in 1953, the charity aims to prevent suicides by connecting trained volunteers with people who may be struggling 'We're not against change,' one volunteer told the BBC, 'but they've not provided any evidence these changes will improve the charity. It feels more like the professionalisation of the Samaritans.' The location of the closures are yet to be decided. Despite half in danger of being cut, the charity has insisted its volunteers will continue to be available as usual, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. The organisation is also understood to be considering scaling up other branches or increasing their volunteer capacity, as fewer but larger branches could mean less resources spent on managing buildings and more spent on delivering and improving its listening service. The charity's chief executive Julie Bentley said: 'Samaritans provides a life-saving service, day and night, 365 days a year but the changing needs of our callers and volunteers means thinking differently about the way our services need to work. 'We are engaging with our volunteers on proposed improvements that will mean we are able to answer more calls, have more volunteers on duty, and be there for more people in their darkest moments. 'Samaritans volunteers are hugely dedicated to being there for our callers and they remain at the heart of our service, but it has become increasingly clear that having over 200 branches, varying in size from 10 to 300 volunteers, is not sustainable and hinders us providing the best possible service to people who need us.' The charity's board is expected to meet about plans in September. Closures could begin in April in the UK while consultation on potential closures in Ireland could start in 2027. WA Liberal Party votes on Welcome to Country Members of the Liberals in Western Australia have voted to support the scaling back of Welcome to Country ceremonies. Delegates at the state council, the WA branch of the party, backed the motion for fewer ceremonies during a closed-door meeting in Canning, southeastern Perth, on Saturday. It was introduced alongside a proposal to remove the Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander flags from behind the Prime Minister at press conferences. Both motions reportedly passed without the need for a formal vote, with one attendee describing the support as 'overwhelming'. Attendees also reignited internal divisions between state and federal Coalition members by voting to abandon the commitment to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Canning federal MP Andrew Hastie, who represents one of only four Liberal-held seats in WA, said the vote was intended to send a 'clear signal' to Australians. 'We stand for something, we are willing to fight for our values and convictions,' he told The Australian, doubling down on the stance on carbon emissions. 'Energy underlies everything in the economy, energy security is national security.' The WA Liberals have voted to reduce the number of Welcome to Country ceremonies Liberal Federal MP Andrew Hastie (pictured) said the motion sent a 'clear signal' to voters 'If we're not getting cheap, reliable, affordable power then we're not going to be competitive as a nation,' he said. The policy shift has exposed a widening rift between state and federal branches of the party, with ongoing internal debate in the opposition over whether net-zero targets should be dumped. One senior Liberal source criticised the WA division's stance as out of touch with the rest of the country on the issue. 'It is evident that WA Liberals refuse to listen to modern Australia,' they told Daily Mail Australia on Saturday. But Mr Hastie has rejected claims, saying: 'Well I got the biggest swing in WA, 5.5 per cent, pretty sure I got a strong endorsement.' He also argued that attacking Labor's climate credentials could be a winning strategy. 'We export a lot of our coal and gas to India and China, both their emissions are growing... and yet we deny coal and gas to the Australian people,' he said. Nationals Party Senator Matt Canavan took to social media to welcome the move by sharing an applause emoji. One Nation Senators turned their backs during the Welcome to Country in Parliament The WA Liberals were nearly wiped out during the state election in 2021, reduced to just two seats in the lower house. They improved their position slightly in 2024, winning seven seats, but Labor continues to dominate with 46. The motions by WA Liberals follow a renewed national debate on Welcome to Country ceremonies, reignited by One Nation leader Pauline Hanson. On the first sitting day of Parliament earlier this week, Hanson and her colleagues turned their backs during the ceremony, which drew widespread attention. Defending the action, Senator Hanson claimed the practice had lost its meaning and become 'divisive' and 'increasingly forced.' 'We took this stand because we're listening to Australians, hardworking, decent people who are sick of being lectured to in their own country,' she said. A Welcome to Country is a traditional Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander ceremony in which the local custodians formally welcome visitors to their ancestral lands. While widely seen as a gesture of respect, its growing presence in official settings has become a flashpoint in Australia's culture wars. A California home linked to a 'TikTok cult pastor' was raided by federal agents as part of a probe into sex trafficking. Robert Shinn, pastor of the Shekinah Church and the subject of a Netflix documentary, had an address linked to him in Tujunga raided on Friday. Authorities executed warrants related to allegations of sex trafficking, tax evasion, mail fraud, money laundering and Covid-19 related fraud, according to KTLA. Several people were detained at the home, at least six people could be seen handcuffed in helicopter footage captured by the outlet of the raid. Shinn founded the church in 1994 and founded a talent management firm named 7M Films which was formed 'to help social media stars and TikTok dancers find jobs'. The Netflix series, titled 'Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult', centered on the property and accusations that Shinn had abused and manipulated former members. It examined stories and lawsuits relating to the church and the company, some of which accused Shinn of sexual assault. No charges were brought against him Neighbor Jake Hartmann spoke with the LA Times, saying he heard flash-bangs being let off in the early hours on Friday. Authorities executed warrants related to allegations of sex trafficking, tax evasion, mail fraud, money laundering and Covid-19 related fraud Shinn founded the church in 1994 and formed a talent management firm named 7M Films which was formed 'to help social media stars and TikTok dancers find jobs' He said: 'I was getting ready for work when I heard the flash-bangs go off. Then a loud speaker, "you need to come out, hands up".' An unknown man who exited the property on Friday told a Times reporter that the raid was 'just a misunderstanding'. Officials in the Golden State have not confirmed if anyone was arrested during the raid. Shinn was accused of indoctrinating members with his religious ideology while profiting from their talents by claiming a portion of their income in the documentary. One member, Miranda Derrick, serves as the documentary's focus, with her family claiming she was brainwashed by Shinn and encouraged to abandon her family. Derrick later took to her Instagram and branded the series as being 'one-sided' and assured her fans that she is 'not a victim'. Shinn never personally responded to the Netflix series, but his company 7M posted on Instagram branding it a 'slanderous work of fiction'. It added: 'We will continue to pursue all legal remedies available to stop the spread of salacious lies and expect to be fully vindicated in court.' Officials in the Golden State have not confirmed if anyone was arrested during the raid An unknown man who exited the property on Friday told a Times reporter that the raid was 'just a misunderstanding' CNN reported that Shinn filed a defamation suit against former members, claiming they had made false statements about the group and had tried to cancel him. Defendants in the case then joined with other members against Shinn and his wife, alleging 'fraud, forced labor and human trafficking'. The countersuit alleged Shinn had been responsible for 'brainwashing, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, manipulation and exploitation'. KTLA reported that a trial has been set to start in October, authorities would not say if the raid was in connection with controversy surrounding the Netflix series. A provocative piece of street art has taken aim at Defence Minister Richard Marles, labelling him 'Australia's biggest brownnoser'. The crude installation hung from a pole outside his Geelong electorate office on Saturday and featured a large sculpted nose smeared with what appeared to be fake faeces. There was also a pile of 'faeces' resting on a nearby sign which said: 'This memorial erected by The New Radicals in honour of Australia's biggest brown-noser Richard Marles'. The placard was chained to a nearby post in the city's CBD before disappearing by 5pm, but photos of the artwork had already circulated on social media. Some Aussies praised the artwork as 'incredible', with one user on X quipping: 'The drips on the ground are what makes it'. The New Radicals have previously claimed responsibility for similar stunts in the same location, including a mock submarine called 'HMAS Richard'. The submarine is understood to have been a reference to that promised to Australia as part of the AUKUS trilateral defence agreement between Australia, the UK and the United States. Meanwhile, the latest piece of art coincided with Marles' formal signing of a historic bilateral security pact with the UK on Saturday. Artwork was erected on a post in Geelong's CBD where Richard Marles serves as an MP A group called 'The New Radicals' were behind the art portraying 'fake faeces' The deal, dubbed the 'Geelong Treaty', was signed in the city to represent a 50-year co-operation arrangement between the two allies under the AUKUS banner. Marles described the agreement as a transformational moment for the nation's defence industry. 'In doing this, AUKUS will see 20,000 jobs in Australia,' he said. 'It will see, in building submarines in this country, the biggest industrial endeavour in our nation's history, bigger even than the Snowy Hydro scheme. 'In military terms, what it will deliver is the biggest leap in Australia's military capability, really, since the formation of the navy back in 1913.' The announcement followed the annual AUKMIN talks in Sydney, with Marles and UK Defence Secretary John Healey celebrating the deal with a beer at a Geelong brewery. It came just days after the Albanese Government transferred a further $800million to the United States under the AUKUS program, despite the agreement being under a review ordered by US President Donald Trump. 'There is a schedule of payments to be made, we have an agreement with the United States as well as with the United Kingdom,' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told ABC's Afternoon Briefing on Wednesday. Foreign Minister Marles (left) signed a 50-year deal with UK counterpart John Healey (right) 'It is about increasing their industrial capacity, and as part of that, we have Australians on the ground, learning the skills so that when it comes to the SSNAUKUS - the submarines being built here in Australia, we have those skills.' The AUKUS deal includes Australia acquiring eight nuclearpowered submarines expected to cost between $268billion and $368billion over the next three decades. Despite internal unrest, with several local Labor branches voting to oppose the deal over the previous months across the country, the government has remained firm in its support for AUKUS. The timing of the expected conclusion of the US review into AUKUS remains unclear. It is being led by Elbridge Colby, who has publicly expressed scepticism about the pact and warned it could leave American sailors exposed and under-resourced. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Marles' office for comment on the artwork. A male artist has denied allegations that he harassed and blackmailed Little Britain star Matt Lucas, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. German-born Aljoscha Quooss, 35, who lives in London, was arrested on suspicion of blackmail, harassment and malicious communications at the end of June after Matt Lucas, 51, made a report to the Metropolitan Police. He was released on bail and is under investigation. This newspaper can also reveal that the arrest came just three weeks after Mr Lucas failed to get a gag order against Mr Quooss at an emergency High Court hearing. Mr Lucas, represented by a KC, was seeking an interim injunction against Mr Quooss, who represented himself, but the judge dismissed his application. Last night illustrator and model Mr Quooss said: This has completely turned my life upside down. I did not do what I have been accused of by Matt Lucas, I have never harassed him or tried to blackmail him. He tried to silence me at a High Court hearing but failed, despite the fact that I had to represent myself against a powerful law firm. 'But then three weeks later I was arrested, held in a prison cell for 20 hours and had my phone and iPad taken in evidence by police, which has been extremely distressing. German-born Aljoscha Quooss (pictured), 35, who lives in London, was arrested on suspicion of blackmail, harassment and malicious communications at the end of June after Matt Lucas, 51, made a report to the Metropolitan Police. He was released on bail and is under investigation This newspaper can also reveal that the arrest came just three weeks after Mr Lucas (pictured) failed to get a gag order against Mr Quooss at an emergency High Court hearing Matt Lucas recently came under fire after posting photos of Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown, 21, on social media in which he compared her to one of his Little Britain characters. He later apologised and said he was mortified for writing no but yeah but - a catchphrase from Vicky Pollard - alongside images of the actress wearing a pink jacket and a blonde updo. The comedian reported allegations to Scotland Yard about Mr Quoos on June 26 after he failed to get an injunction against the artist at an emergency hearing in the afternoon of Sunday, June 8, heard by Mr Justice Johnson. Mr Quooss is not allowed to contact Mr Lucas or go near his address as part of his bail conditions. He works as an illustrator and barista but says that the current police investigation has made his work impossible. He said: Its cut me off from my support network, I have been logged out of all of my accounts, including email and online banking, and have been left to fend for myself. The comedian (pictured October 2024) reported allegations to Scotland Yard about Mr Quoos on June 26 after he failed to get an injunction against the artist at an emergency hearing in the afternoon of Sunday, June 8, heard by Mr Justice Johnson Because my iPad was taken, I am also unable to continue my work as a digital artist. I had just set up my website at the beginning of the year and even invested money in an online course, because I was dreaming of becoming a freelance illustrator. Matt Lucas declined repeated requests to comment by the MoS. A Met Police spokesman said: On Friday, June 27, a 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of harassment, blackmail and malicious communications. He was taken into custody and later bailed to return pending further enquiries. He is next due on a date in mid-September. The arrest follows allegations reported to police on June 26. The investigation is ongoing. A 67-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a woman more than 30 years after she was found in the woods. Shona Stevens, 31, was discovered badly injured on a path just 200 yards from her home in Irvine, North Ayrshire, on November 10, 1994. The 'beautiful' mother died in hospital three days later. Yesterday, Police Scotland announced a man had been arrested - with an update today revealing he has now been charged. Senior investigation officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Gillies said: 'I would like to thank the members of the local community who assisted us in our inquiries. 'I am grateful for their information and input which greatly contributed to our investigation.' The man is expected to appear at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Monday, July 28. DCI Gillies said earlier this year he was 'confident that there are answers in the community' and 'there is always the possibility that there are further witnesses that haven't been identified or haven't come forward'. Murder victim Shona Stevens was found yards from her home in Irvine, Ayrshire in November 1994 Ms Stevens (pictured with her daughter) suffered severe head trauma and died in hospital three days later. Her killer was never caught Ms Stevens' daughter was just seven-years-old when her mother was killed. She said: 'My mum was my inspiration. Every moment I got to spend with her I cherished and I only wish I could have known her as an adult. I have tried to follow her ideals. She was incredibly bright, academic, multi-talented and just such a beautiful person. I was seven-years-old when I lost my mum. When I saw her coffin thats when it hit me that she was gone. 'Losing my mum has impacted every facet of my life. To anyone thats got any information about Shonas case, please, please share whatever you know with the police. 'Any little bit of information, however insignificant you think it may be, please share it. Its been 30 years. My mum deserves justice, my gran is 90-years-old and she deserves justice and so do I. Police said Ms Stevens walked to the Co-op in Bourtreehill shopping centre at around 1pm on the day she was attacked. Ms Stevens (pictured) daughter Candice has described her mother as an 'inspiration' and 'a beautiful woman' She was last seen walking alone on Towerlands Road at around 1.10pm. Ten minutes later, she was found in a wooded area near to the back of Alder Green, only 200 yards from her home. Police said they believed her killer had local connections and urged anyone with information to contact them. In 2021, detectives released images of a distinctive novelty keyring in a fresh bid to solve the cold case. Police said the cartoon-style figure looked as if it had broken off a keyring and was found during the initial search of the crime scene. Australians living in the metro areas of the Northern Territory have been issued a public health alert after someone infected with measles visited popular tourist spots. The unnamed man, who is believed to have contracted the virus while overseas in Indonesia, spent several days travelling through parts of the NT while infectious. He visited multiple hotspots, including national parks, airports, and well-frequented attractions, NT Health said on Saturday. 'The NT Centre for Disease Control is urging Territorians to be alert following confirmation of a measles case who travelled through Darwin and Alice Springs while infectious,' it said. Authorities have urged anyone who visited affected locations between July 17 and 23 to watch for symptoms including fever, sore eyes, runny nose, a cough, and a blotchy red rash. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to serious health complications and, in some parts of the world, it remains a leading cause of death among children under five years old. 'Check your vaccination status,' an NT Health spokesperson told news.com.au 'Measles is highly contagious but preventable with two doses of a measles-containing vaccine.' A man is understood to have contracted measles while overseas in Indonesia (stock image) The measles virus is typically spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, with the particles lingering and potentially infecting anyone nearby. Experts warn that simply being in the same room as an infectious person may suffice to contract the virus. A person is generally considered infectious from shortly before symptoms appear until four days after the rash develops. On July 17, the man believed to be infected took part in a full-day tour with Ethical Adventures at Litchfield National Park, NT Health said. The next day, he departed on an overnight trip with AAPT Kings and dined at the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel in Jabiru between 6pm and 8pm. On July 20, he visited the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory from 1pm to 3pm. Later that afternoon, he travelled through Darwin Airport, departing at 3.30pm on Qantas flight QF1960, and arrived at Alice Springs Airport at 7pm. Finally, on Tuesday, July 23, the man flew from Alice Springs to Cairns on Air North flight TL361. He visited a number of popular NT tourist spots including the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel He left the NT to Cairns from Darwin Airport on July 23 on the Air North flight TL361 According to NT Health, symptoms of measles can take up to 18 days to appear after exposure. 'Anyone who attended these locations during the listed times should monitor for symptoms and seek medical attention if unwell,' the alert said. 'The vaccine is safe and effective, and available from your GP, local health centre, Aboriginal health clinic, and vaccinating pharmacies.' Measles poses the highest risk to young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. In Australia, a vaccine is available as a combination vaccine containing measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) or measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV). All children are currently recommended to get vaccinated for measles at 12 and 18 months of age as part of the National Immunisation Program. Infants can be vaccinated from six months old if travelling overseas, or when an outbreak happens, but will still need two more doses at 12 months and 18 months. Keir Starmer has confirmed the UK is working with Jordan on plans to air drop aid into Gaza and evacuate children needing medical assistance. The Prime Minister held emergency talks with his French and German counterparts on Saturday amid mounting global anger at the humanitarian conditions in the enclave where thousands of people are facing famine. During the call this morning, Starmer told Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz that it is 'vital to ensure robust plans are in place to turn an urgently-needed ceasefire into lasting peace'. 'The Prime Minister set out how the UK will also be taking forward plans to work with partners such as Jordan to air drop aid and evacuate children requiring medical assistance,' a Downing Street spokesperson said. The emergency meeting took place just hours after hundreds of people gathered in Whitehall on Friday to protest against the starvation of Palestinians by Israel. The 'Stop Starving Gaza Protest', organised by the Stop The War Coalition, saw a wave of protesters armed with pots, pans and other objects descend on Downing Street to place pressure on the Government to act. Sir Keir had earlier condemned the 'appalling' and 'unrelenting' conditions in Gaza where around 90,000 women and children are suffering from malnutrition, according to humanitarian organization the World Food Programme. 'The continued captivity of hostages, the starvation and denial of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, the increasing violence from extremist settler groups, and Israel's disproportionate military escalation in Gaza are all indefensible,' he added. Keir Starmer (pictured in March) has confirmed the UK is working with Jordan on plans to air drop aid into Gaza and evacuate children needing medical assistance His announcement came just hours after hundreds of people gathered in Whitehall on Friday to protest against the starvation of Palestinians by Israel Protesters gather outside Downing Street to take part in a protest against the starvation of Palestinians by Israel Israel said on Friday it would allow airdrops of aid by foreign countries into Gaza to alleviate starvation in the Palestinian territory, where there is widespread devastation. However, the head of the UN's Palestinian refugee agency warned airdrops were 'a distraction and a smokescreen' that would fail to reverse deepening starvation in Gaza, and could in some cases harm civilians. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said on Saturday: 'A man-made hunger can only be addressed by political will. Lift the siege, open the gates and guarantee safe movements and dignified access to people in need.' The readout of today's meeting made no mention of the issue of Palestinian statehood, which the Prime Minister has faced calls to immediately recognise after French President Mr Macron confirmed his country would do so in September. However, Downing Street said the leaders had committed to 'work closely together on a plan' to 'pave the way to a long-term solution and security in the region'. Once the proposals have been 'worked up', they will seek to advance them with other key partners, including in the region, the readout said. Some 221 MPs from Labour, the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, SNP, Greens, Plaid Cymru, SDLP and independents have signed a letter pressuring the Government to recognise a Palestinian state. Donald Trump suggested Mr Macron's announcement, which saw him commit to formally recognising Palestinian sovereignty at the UN General Assembly in September, 'doesn't matter' as he left the US for a visit to Scotland. Jeremy Corbyn, independent MP and former leader of the Labour Party, stands at a police line during a pro-Palestine demonstration in Whitehall on Friday Thousands of people used pots, pans and other objects to stage a loud protest in Whitehall against the starvation of Palestinians by Israel A protester holds a sign that reads 'let the aid in now' during a protest outside Downing Street Sarah Champion, the senior Labour MP who organised the letter by parliamentarians, said recognition 'would send a powerful symbolic message that we support the rights of the Palestinian people'. Other senior Commons figures who signed the letter include Labour select committee chairs Liam Byrne, Dame Emily Thornberry and Ruth Cadbury. Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey, as well as Tory former minister Kit Malthouse, and Sir Edward Leigh - Parliament's longest-serving MP - also signed it. The majority of those who have signed, 131, are Labour MPs. The Government has so far said its immediate focus is on getting aid into the territory and insisted that recognising sovereignty must be done as part of a peace process. Charities operating in Gaza have said Israel's blockade and ongoing military offensive are pushing people there towards starvation, warning that they are seeing their own workers and Palestinians 'waste away'. The Prime Minister will meet the US president during his trip to Scotland, where he arrived on Friday evening. US-led peace talks in Qatar were cut short on Thursday, with Washington's special envoy Steve Witkoff accusing Hamas of a 'lack of desire to reach a ceasefire'. The deal under discussion is expected to include a 60-day ceasefire in which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others in phases in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Aid supplies would be ramped up and the two sides would hold negotiations on a lasting truce. Angry protests erupted outside a taxpayer-funded asylum hotel in Leeds today, with demonstrators shouting 'back in your rubber dinghies' to those inside. Police were out in force as crowds waving Union flags and banging instruments converged on the Britannia Hotel in the Seacroft area of the city. Officers formed a defensive cordon around the building, which was targeted during last summer's riots. Today, protesters - some of them masked - were seen shouting 'get them out, get them out' in the faces of police, who refused to let them through. One man screamed 'back in your rubber dinghies', while another said: 'Not only have they got a free hotel they have extra bobbies looking after them'. There were also screams of 'paedo' by protesters who accused one migrant of taking pictures of a young girl at the nearby Tesco. Residents were instructed to remain inside the hotel during the protest, which saw at least one man arrested - according to a livestream video. Police were out in force as crowds waving Union flags and banging instruments converged on the Britannia Hotel in the Seacroft area of the city Officers formed a defensive cordon around the building, which was targeted during last summer's riots Footage of the demonstration ended with the organisers thanking people for coming, with one speaker saying: 'You have done yourselves proud.' Protests took place earlier this week outside The Britannia International Hotel in London's Canary Wharf. Multiple demonstrations have also been held outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, since July 13 after an asylum seeker was charged with allegedly attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl. In response, the Home Office has said it is working to close hotels and 'restore order'. And in a bid to stop migrants rejecting alternative housing without a valid reason, ministers will bring in new rules to tackle non-compliance. A 'Failure to Travel' policy will ensure illegal migrants who are moved from hotels to other 'suitable' accommodation must take it. If they refuse they could lose their housing and support, the Home Office said. Around 100 asylum seekers refuse to move accommodation each week, the Mail understands, and ministers currently have no powers to force them. Residents were instructed to remain inside the hotel during the protest, which saw at least one man arrested - according to a livestream video Footage of the demonstration ended with the organisers thanking people for coming, with one speaker saying: 'You have done yourselves proud' Under the Conservatives, the Government threatened to remove housing and support from those who refused to move to the Bibby Stockholm barge, which is no longer in use. Labour's new plan will mirror the Tory rules, but will be applied more widely to other forms of accommodation. The 'firm but fair' policy is part of the Government's drive to end the use of expensive hotels to house asylum seekers. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has vowed to put a stop to the practice by 2029 - in a move she says will save 1billion a year. Currently, taxpayers are forking out 5.7million per day to house asylum seekers in hotels - at an average cost of 118.87 per person per night. Other accommodation, such as shared houses, is estimated to cost just 15 per night. Ministers are looking to buy tower blocks and former student accommodation to house migrants in a bid to reduce the hotel bill. More than 106,000 asylum seekers were in receipt of taxpayer-funded support as of March this year, including 32,000 in hotels. Large barriers around the four-star Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf, which has also been targeted by protestors The Home Office has said it is working to close hotels and 'restore order' Asylum seekers are given free accommodation and a weekly allowance if the Home Office believes they would otherwise be destitute. The majority of those arriving on small boats qualify. Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle, said: 'We inherited an asylum system on the brink of collapse - mismanaged, under strain, and costing the public a fortune. We are getting a grip. 'We are working to close hotels, restore order, and put fairness and value for money at the heart of our asylum system. This government is making those necessary decisions to protect the taxpayer and uphold the integrity of our borders. 'These reforms to the Failure to Travel policy are another example of this government's action to transform the asylum accommodation system and crack down on those who abuse our system, so it operates fairly and saves the taxpayer money.' Meghan Markle reveals who said 'I love you' first out of her and Harry, says she 'doesn't like baking' and reveals her love for McDonald's 'Happy Face Killer' Keith Jesperson believes Bryan Kohberger would be safer sharing a cell with him in Oregon after the latter took a plea deal for killing four university students. Jesperson, 70, fears Kohberger, 30, will face grave danger if he stays housed in an Idaho prison as fellow inmates will want to teach him a lesson. 'His best hope is to be transferred to here, the max prison in Oregon to be away from those who want to make a name for themselves by killing him,' he wrote to Keith Rovere, a crime podcaster, according to Fox News Digital. 'This prison gets inmates from other states in order to protect them from the drama.' The former criminology student is currently being housed at the Idaho Maximum Security in Kuna, which is nearly 500 miles from Jesperson's lockup, the Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem. Oregon, among other states, houses prisoners from other states when a security concern is present. Idaho is not part of the agreement, so it's unclear if the murderer will be able to seek reprieve in a different state. Authorities have acknowledged that Kohberger could face security concerns as his case made national headlines and many have strong opinions about the quadruple murder. Earlier this month, Kohberger pleaded guilty to killing Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Goncalves and Xana Kernodle in their university housing in Moscow, Idaho, in November 2022. 'Happy Face Killer' Keith Jesperson believes Bryan Kohberger would be safer sharing a cell with him in Oregon after the latter took a plea deal for killing four university students Jesperson, 70, fears Kohberger, 30, will face grave danger if he stays housed in an Idaho. 'His best hope is to be transferred to here, the max prison in Oregon to be away from those who want to make a name for themselves by killing him,' he said Jesperson, who is serving multiple life sentences, killed at least eight women in the 1990s. He garnered his nickname 'Happy Face Killer' after often putting smiley faces on letters to investigators and reporters. Kohberger is expected to be housed in isolation while corrections determines where he will spend his life sentence. The 30-year-old's legal team had repeatedly brought up Kohberger's social awkwardness and autism as a reason he could be targeted in prison as well. 'In the general population, he will be singled out right away to be made a target for those who see him as weak for the crimes of that kind of murder,' the Happy Face Killer wrote to Rovere. 'Most likely, Idaho will put him in protective custody like Jeffrey [Dahmer]. But we all know how that ended.' Dahmer, a cannibalistic serial killer, was beaten to death by his cellmate in a Wisconsin prison at the age of 34. 'I will write to the Idaho Department of Corrections to tell them to consider sending Kohberger here to save them the high-risk security issues in protecting him in Idaho,' Jesperson wrote to Rovere. Kohberger took a controversial plea deal that spared him the death penalty, but will see him serve four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. He told Keith Rovere (pictured) that he believed Kohberger should be taken to Oregon The former criminology student is currently being housed at the Idaho Maximum Security in Kuna, which is nearly 500 miles from Jesperson's lockup, the Oregon State Penitentiary (pictured) in Salem The deal left unanswered lingering questions that a trial might have explored, such as Kohberger's motives, and divided the victims' families, with some left outraged that the quadruple killer now cannot be sentenced to execution or death by firing squad. The deal also had Kohberger give up his right to appeal the case. Several of the victims' loved ones shared their desire for Kohberger to be attacked in prison during their addresses to the court. And even though his fellow inmates already 'think he is a 'f**king weirdo,' a former police investigator warns, murder is not something Kohberger has to fear. Kohberger is 'vulnerable' being confined in the general population unit, retired NYPD inspector Paul Mauro admitted to Fox News, but can find some safety in the fact that 'Idaho is a death penalty state'. 'If you're in for life, and you kill somebody, well, that's going to get you to death penalty,' Mauro explained, suggesting that for most prisoners murder is too risky. The State of Idaho has not indicated that it will send Kohberger to a different state. Police have failed to arrest supporters of the banned group Palestine Action as 11 activists sat holding signs for 60 minutes without being detained. Protests were held in both Totnes and Edinburgh today as part of a campaign opposing the proscription of the direct action organisation. But despite more than 100 arrests last week and 200 total arrests since the ban came into force on July 5, protesters today were allowed to hold their signs. It marked a stark contrast to last week when rallies were held in London, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh and Truro where activists were physically carried away and detained by police amid shouts of 'fascist' and 'Starmer's project of fear has failed'. The ban on Palestine Action means membership of or support for the direct action group is now a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison, under the Terrorism Act 2000. Due to the ban, inviting or expressing support for the organisation - through chanting, clothing or displaying articles like flags, signs or logos - is a criminal offence. Organisers behind today's protests, Defend Our Juries, have argued police's decision to 'exercise discretion to leave peaceful protestors be' has suggested the ban on the group is unworkable as activists (in Totnes) 'defend our ancient liberties in a small, rural town'. It comes as yesterday UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk argued the proscription of Palestine Action was a violation of international law. Protests were held in both Totnes and Edinburgh today as part of a campaign opposing the proscription of the direct action organisation Despite more than 100 arrests last week and 200 total arrests since the ban came into force on July 5, protesters today were allowed to hold their signs Yvette Cooper has claimed Palestine Action's activity has increased in frequency and severity since the start of 2024 and its methods have become more aggressive, with its members demonstrating a willingness to use violence' The group was proscribed by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper after its members caused an estimated seven million pounds worth of damage to RAF Brize Norton planes on June 20. Ms Cooper also claimed '[the groups] activity has increased in frequency and severity since the start of 2024 and its methods have become more aggressive, with its members demonstrating a willingness to use violence'. Defend Our Juries says around 500 people are expected to take part in a 'mass sign-holding' on August 9 after today's protesters held signs saying 'I Oppose Genocide. I Support Palestine Action'. In Totnes protesters were joined by dozens more holding signs with their own wording, as well as people holding trade union flags and hundreds of supporters singing 'Lift the ban, now, for Gaza' and applauding speeches calling for the Home Secretary to Lift The Ban. Attending the protest was journalist George Monbiot who argued 'Palestine Action are protesters not terrorists'. He said: 'The proscription of Palestine Action is the most illiberal thing any Home Secretary has done for at least 30 years. 'The result is an Orwellian situation, in which people gently calling for peace are arrested under the Terrorism Act, while the government actively assists Israeli state terror, as it perpetrates genocide in Gaza. This is an assault on free speech, on logic and on human decency.' In a letter to police ahead of the demo, the Totnes residents claimed: 'In continuing to support the Israeli government in its genocide, including through the ongoing export of parts for F-35 fighter jets, the British government is committing crimes under the Genocide Act 1969, which is binding in UK law.' The police clampdown on Palestine Action saw more than 100 people arrested nationwide, at demonstrations across Bristol, London (pictured) and Manchester last week The network of protests, organised by campaign group Defend Our Juries, saw participants hold placards reading: 'I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action'. Pictured: A protester is carried away by police at the demonstration in London last week Rallies were also held in Edinburgh and Truro last week to protest the proscription of the campaign group as a terrorist organisation earlier this month. Pictured: Protesters hold up signs in support of Palestine Action at the demonstration in London Similar sign-holding protests are scheduled to take place today in Derry for a third week where, so far, the local police have made no arrests. On Wednesday Derry City & Strabane District Council became the first elected politicians to openly defy the ban and call for it to be lifted. Activists have been protesting against the UK's supplying of arms in Gaza, which has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians since October 7 - when 1,200 Israelis were killed by a Hamas incursion into the country amid the continued occupation of Palestinian territories. Although seemingly absent from today's protest, Devon and Cornwall Police said in a statement on demonstrations last week: 'A number of placards which were contrary to the law remained on display despite police advice. 'Eight people, two men and six women, were arrested on suspicion of offences under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000. They remain in police custody.' The force has been contacted for further comment as has Police Scotland. A Wyoming town is at war over the decision to change the name of its historic local beauty spot from 'Swastika Lake.' The body of water has been rechristened Knight Lake, in honor the late Dr. Samuel Howell Knight, who was a beloved professor of geology at the University of Wyoming. County commissioners approved the name change on January 11, 2024, following a fierce debate. But more than a year on locals in Albany County, which encompasses Laramie, are still torn over the decision. According to the Wyoming Board on Geographic Names, the reason for the change was due to the derogatory association with Nazism, with the Swastika the formal sign of the fascist party. The proposal to initially change the lake's name launched a bitter debate among townspeople who wanted to use it as a teachable moment. On the other side of the aisle were those who argued that the lake's name was offensive. Albany County Commission Chairperson Terri Jones dissented on the the vote to approve the name change, telling local outlet Cowboy State Daily that she still stands by her decision. 'Swastika Lake' was changed to 'Knight Lake' after a fierce debate ensued in Albany County, Wyoming The Board of Commissioners voted in favor of the name change in January 2024, but the original name still appears on most maps 'I think there should be a sign up there, telling what the word "Swastika" actually means,' she said. Jones argued that before the Swastika became affiliated with the Nazi regime, it was a symbol of peace. She said that the name doesn't condone the atrocities of Nazism, but offers an opportunity for a teachable moment about the history of the Swastika. During a commissioner meeting in 2023, Jones argued, 'Why would we remove the teaching opportunity to explain the history of the swastika, both good and bad?' 'The bad was very bad. However, the good predated the bad by eons. And the good is truly good and represents hope and goodwill,' the Laramie Reporter reported at the time. Jones added that names shouldn't be changed to 'suit sensitive people' and that educated people have the ability to speak to both sides of the issue. 'Limiting knowledge and removing history are the calling cards of communism,' she added. Despite Jones' argument, she was outvoted by two other county commissioners, and the name was officially changed. Albany County Commission Chairperson Terri Jones opposed the name change The name was changed to 'Knight Lake' to honor a beloved Wyoming professor. Many supported the decision, citing the painful past of the Swastika Jones recently told Cowboy State Daily that another reason for her staunch stance against the change was that it was prompted by 'a woman from California'. Daily Mail reached out to Jones for further comment on her remarks. Others in the county supported the change, citing the horrific association the Swastika has with the Holocaust. Lindsay Sanders, a California resident, submitted the original proposal, arguing the name should be changed to Fortune Lake to reflect the meaning of the Swastika before it became World War II, the Laramie Boomerang reported at the time. The fierce debate even caught the attention of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who is Jewish and has consistently spoken out against antisemitism. Kraft wrote a letter to the Board of Commissioners that read in part, 'While we appreciate the history and original meaning of the swastika symbol, it has unfortunately become synonymous with one of the greatest atrocities in human history after being appropriated by the German Nazi Party in 1920.' 'Although the name of Swastika Lake precedes the rise of the Nazi party, today the symbol as well as the word swastika serves as a traumatic and painful reminder of the Holocaust for Jewish people and all communities that were victims of the Holocaust including members of the LGBTQ+ community, people with physical disabilities, and the Roma and Sinti,' he wrote, according to independent Jewish publication Forward. Another proposal to name the lake, Fortune Lake, was submitted as well to honor the Swastika's original meaning before World War II (Pictured: Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest) Knight Lake is located in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, which extends almost 3 million acres in Colorado and Wyoming The Albany County Historical Society's proposal to change the name to honor Knight was ultimately approved. However Swastika Lake still appears on digital maps, including Mapcarta, Google Maps, and Apple Maps. Kim Viner, a member of the society, told Cowboy State Daily that he believes the name change was the correct decision, agreeing that the Swastika's association with the Holocaust negated any teachable moments. He added that local businesses that previously used the Swastika as branding changed it after World War II. Knight Lake is located in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, but still appears on most maps as 'Swastika Lake.' The World Health Organisation's (WHO's) special envoy for Covid has died aged 75. Sir David Nabarro famously suggested that humanity would have to learn to 'co-exist' with the virus, in a staggering interview with Sky News in June 2021. He was appointed to the role in 2020 amid the outbreak of the pandemic and regularly appeared on television news throughout the crisis. The London-born official worked for the United Nations (UN) between 2000 and 2017 where he also tackled outbreaks of malaria, bird flu and Ebola. Sir David expanded nutrition programmes to underdeveloped countries during his stint at the UN. He was knighted at Buckingham Palace in March 2023 for his outstanding contribution to global health. The WHO's director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote on X: 'Deeply shocked and saddened by the passing of our dear friend, colleague and WHO Envoy David Nabarro. 'David was a great champion of global health and health equity, and a wise, generous mentor to countless individuals. Sir David Nabarro, the World Health Organisation's (WHO's) special envoy for Covid, pictured in 2023, has died aged 75 He famously suggested that humanity would have to learn to 'co-exist' with the virus (pictured: Sir David in 2017) 'His work touched and impacted so many lives across the world. 'On behalf of WHO, I'm extending our heartfelt condolences to David's family, friends and colleagues. 'Rest in peace, my dear friend. We will dearly miss your expertise, wisdom and kindness.' The lover of a married dentist who gunned down his wife during an African safari in order to be with her has broken her silence from behind bars. Lori Milliron, 67, was sentenced to 17 years in prison for her role as an accessory to the brutal murder of Bianca Rudolph, who was shot in the heart by her husband Lawrence 'Larry' Rudolph during a hunting trip in Zambia. The shocking case has now been featured in the new Hulu docuseries Trophy Wife: Murder on Safari, which argues the Pennsylvania dentist's own arrogance became his downfall. But his lover, who was accused of being his 'partner in crime' still insists she she's not a killer. Speaking from prison in the ABC News Studios production, Milliron vehemently denies she pressured Rudolph into killing his wife of 34 years to be with her. 'There was no ultimatum. Why would I wait 15 years to give him an ultimatum? It just didn't make sense,' Milliron said over the prison phone in video obtained by Business Insider. Milliron and her lover were ultimately nabbed after a bar worker claimed he overheard Rudolph yell: 'I killed my f***ing wife for you' during an argument. 'I'm not violent. I didn't kill anybody. I didn't hurt anybody. But they really wanted to put me in jail,' Milliron said from jail. Lori Milliron, the lover of a married dentist who gunned down his wife during an African safari has spoken out from behind bars Speaking from prison in the ABC News Studios production, Milliron (pictured left with lover Larry Rudolph) vehemently denies she pressured Rudolph into killing his wife of 34 years to be with her Rudolph was charged in December 2021 for the murder. The 68-year-old claimed his wife accidentally shot herself while she was packing to head back home. He said he was in the bathroom when he heard his wife say, 'come here and help me' before hearing the shot and finding his wife on the floor bleeding. 'The police did an investigation and they said it was an accident,' Milliron said. 'Everyone believed that it was an accident, so I assumed it was an accident as well.' After Bianca's death, her dentist husband fraudulently claimed $4.8 million in life insurance payouts. During his trial, the prosecution told jurors that Rudolph was overheard blurting out: 'I killed my f***ing wife for you!' during an argument with Milliron at a Phoenix steakhouse in 2020, after he learned that the FBI was investigating his wife's death. Rudolph has denied confessing to his wife's killing. Rudolph claimed what he actually said was, 'Now they're saying I killed my f***ing wife for you.' The shocking case has now been featured in the new Hulu docuseries Trophy Wife: Murder on Safari, which argues the Pennsylvania dentist's own arrogance became his downfall. (Lawrence 'Larry' Rudolph and Bianca Rudolph pictured together) He said he and Milliron were having an argument about their finances and how the COVID-19 pandemic would affect the Pennsylvania dental franchise that had made him a small fortune. But he was irritated because he said his top concern was the FBI's probe. A jury of six men and six women sided with prosecutors - who believed the dentist pre-planned to kill his wife of 34 years in cold blood to begin a new life with Milliron. Milliron was found guilty by the same jury of being an accessory after the fact to murder, obstruction of a grand jury. She was also convicted of providing false and misleading testimony to a grand jury about the money and the nature of the relationship with Rudolph. Milliron was found not guilty on three other counts of perjury. During the hearing, she told the judge that she was innocent of the crimes, but the judge proclaimed that the lengthy sentence was deserved based on the evidence that Milliron encouraged the heinous act. Elon Musk allegedly ordered Starlink to cut internet services in parts of Ukraine as its troops mounted a crucial counteroffensive just months after the Russian invasion began. Musk gave an order that led to a communications blackout, causing the attack to fail, as Ukrainian troops attempted to regain Kherson in September 2022, according to Reuters, who spoke with three people familiar with the command. The order severely diminished Kyiv's trust in Starlink, the satellite internet service Musk provided early in the war to help Ukraine's military maintain connection in the battlefield. Staff at the American tech firm are said to have deactivated at least 100 Starlink terminals after receiving instructions from the billionaire, who told a senior engineer at California offices of SpaceX, the Musk venture that controls Starlink, to cut coverage. It shocked Starlink employees because it allowed Musk to 'take the outcome of a war into his own hands', one of the sources familiar with the command said. The blackout also affected other areas seized by Russia, including some of Donetsk. Although Ukraine reclaimed Kherson in November 2022, Musk's order directly contributed to their failure when they launched their earlier mission. Ukrainian troops suddenly faced a communications blackout, causing soldiers to panic. Elon Musk allegedly ordered Starlink to cut internet services in parts of Ukraine as its troops mounted a crucial counteroffensive just months after the Russian invasion began The order severely diminished Kyiv's trust in Starlink, the satellite internet service Musk provided early on into the war Although Ukraine reclaimed Kherson in November 2022, Musk's order two months earlier directly contributed to their failure Drones surveilling Russian forces went dark, and long-range artillery units, reliant on Starlink to aim their fire, struggled to hit targets, according to a Ukrainian military official, an advisor to the armed forces, and two others who experienced Starlink failure near the front lines. Troops therefore failed to surround a Russian position in the town of Beryslav, east of Kherson. The encirclement stalled entirely, said the military official in an interview. 'It failed.' It is the first known instance of the billionaire actively shutting off Starlink coverage over a battlefield during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The decision to cut the network is thought to have come from Musk's fears that advances by Ukraine might have provoked a Russian nuclear retaliation. A spokesman for SpaceX, the aerospace company that owns Starlink, told Reuters the account of the incident is 'inaccurate'. The Ukrainian ministry of defence has been approached for comment. The account contravenes Musk's narrative of how he has handled Starlink services during the war. Musk gave an order that led to a communications blackout, causing the attack to fail, as Ukrainian troops attempted to regain Kherson It is the first known instance of the billionaire actively shutting off Starlink coverage over a battlefield during the Russia-Ukraine conflict President Volodymyr Zelenskiy publicly expressed gratitude to Musk for Starlink earlier this year In March, in a post on X, the American wrote: 'We would never do such a thing.' 'To be extremely clear, no matter how much I disagree with the Ukraine policy, Starlink will never turn off its terminals,' he added. Musk did not respond to requests from Reuters for comment. Starlink continues to provide service to Ukraine, and its military relies on it for some connectivity. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy publicly expressed gratitude to Musk for Starlink earlier this year. It also provides customers with internet access in remote and unreliable locations across the world. Zelensky uses the network to transmit broadcasts to the nation and it is also used to allow Ukrainians to speak to relatives. Musk has previously boasted of Starlink's importance to Kyiv. 'My Starlink system is the backbone of the Ukrainian army,' he wrote on X in March. 'Their entire front line would collapse if I turned it off. Starlink continues to provide service to Ukraine, and its military relies on it for some connectivity Britain began using Starlink for 'welfare purposes', including for personal communications for troops, in 2022 President Zelensky uses the network to transmit broadcasts to the nation and it is also used to allow Ukrainians to speak to relatives It is the world's largest satellite operator with 8,000 in orbit and gives Musk enormous geopolitical power with political leaders, governments and militaries worldwide. Some Western militaries, including Britain's armed forces, are using Starlink. Britain began using it for 'welfare purposes', including for personal communications for troops, in 2022. The Ministry of Defence said it has fewer than 1,000 Starlink terminals and doesn't employ them for sensitive military communications. Spain's navy is also using Starlink, but only for recreation and leisure of troops. Musk was previously accused of switching off the network in Ukraine, in the biography of billionaire author Walter Isaacson. Musk believed a planned Ukrainian attack on Russian vessels in the Crimean port of Sevastopol could prompt nuclear retaliation, Isaacson wrote. The American billionaire denied a shutdown and Isaacson later admitted his account was inaccurate. Staff at the American tech firm are said to have deactivated at least 100 Starlink terminals after receiving instructions from the billionaire SpaceX is the first company to establish an extensive network of communication satellites in low-Earth orbit The accusations also raise questions about the unchecked influence of Musk, an unelected billionaire, on global politics As of April 2025, Kyiv has more than 50,000 Starlink terminals circling the globe. The accusations also raise questions about the unchecked influence of Musk, an unelected billionaire, on global politics. Baroness Lane-Fox of Soho said Musk's 'current global dominance exemplifies the dangers of concentrated power in unregulated domains', in a debate in the House of Lords earlier this year. Meanwhile, Polish foreign minister, Radoslaw Sikorski, wrote on X that 'if SpaceX proves to be an unreliable provider we will be forced to look for other suppliers'. Poland pays for much of Ukraine's Starlink connectivity alongside the US and Germany. SpaceX is the first company to establish an extensive network of communication satellites in low-Earth orbit, a region of space that is closer to the planet than areas where satellites have historically resided. California's dramatic fast food wage hike may have backfired, according to a new economic study wiping out an estimated 18,000 jobs across the state in just one year. The research, published this month by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), analyzed the impact of Assembly Bill 1228, which mandated a $20 hourly minimum wage for fast food workers at large chains starting April 1, 2024. According to the economists behind the study, fast food employment in California dropped by 3.2 percent, while jobs in the same sector grew slightly across the rest of the U.S. 'Our median estimate translates into a loss of 18,000 jobs in California's fastfood sector relative to the counterfactual,' wrote researchers Jeffrey Clemens, Olivia Edwards, and Jonathan Meer. Before the law took effect, California's fast food industry was tracking the same employment trend as the rest of the country, the study found. But after AB 1228 was passed, the sector began to shrink. 'Following AB 1228's enactment, employment in the fast food sector in California fell substantially,' the paper states, citing declines 'even as employment in other sectors of the California economy tracked national trends'. Critics say the figures confirm what many feared: that a massive onesizefitsall pay hike would push jobs out of reach for the workers it was meant to help. Californias new $20 minimum wage applies to fast food chains with 60 or more U.S. locations Governor Gavin Newsom defended Californias $20 fast food wage law despite a new study blaming it for thousands of job losses 'When it comes to central planning, history keeps the receipts: Wage controls never work,' wrote Heritage Foundation economist Rachel Greszler in a column reacting to the findings. 'That's because policymakers can set wage laws, but they can't outlaw the consequences.' She warned the law should serve as a wakeup call for other cities especially Los Angeles, which recently voted to raise wages for hotel and airport workers to $30 an hour by 2028. 'The consequences of that wage hike on the fastfood industry should be a warning sign,' she said. The Wall Street Journal editorial board echoed that message, slamming politicians for 'magical thinking' around wage hikes. 'The Democratic Party's socialist nominee for New York mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has called for increasing the city's minimum wage to $30. Andrew Cuomo, his supposedly more moderate competitor, wants a $20 minimum,' the board wrote. 'These guys will never learn because they don't want to see the world as it really is.' But Governor Gavin Newsom's office has pushed back hard questioning the integrity of the NBER paper and insisting California's wage law is working as intended. Tara Gallegos, Newsom's deputy director of communications, dismissed the study as politically motivated, telling Fox News Digital that it was 'linked to the Hoover Institution,' which she claimed had previously published 'false or misleading information' about the state's wage policies. She pointed to an October 2024 report in the San Francisco Chronicle, which said the early effects of AB 1228, 'defy a lot of the doomandgloom predictions' made when the bill was signed. Californias fast food sector reportedly shed 18,000 jobs after the $20 minimum wage took effect in April 2024 The NBER study found a 3.2 percent decline in California fast food jobs compared to the rest of the U.S. Gallegos also cited a February 2025 study by a UC Berkeley professor, which looked at fast food employment trends through December and found 'no negative effects.' 'Workers covered by the policy saw wage increases of 8 to 9 percent, with no negative wage or employment effects on noncovered workers,' she said. 'No negative effects on fastfood employment.' She added: 'The number of fastfood establishments grew faster in California than in the rest of the U.S.' As for prices, the Berkeley study claimed menu costs rose by only 1.5 percent - about six cents on a $4 hamburger. The NBER paper also looked at whether the law had a knock-on effect in full-service restaurants, which werent subject to the $20 mandate but compete for the same workers. The authors found smaller but still negative employment effects - a median drop of 2.12 percent. And while critics were quick to blame the law for economic pain, the researchers warned against cherry-picking isolated data. They used placebo inference methods to compare Californias job trends with other states - and in most cases, California showed the steepest employment drop. A woman wearing a Union Jack dress was turned away from a Wetherspoons so as 'not to increase tensions' after an anti-migrant protest in the area. Tanya Ostolski, 54, from Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, says she was knocked back from The Picture House last night, despite being a regular in the pub. Dozens of protestors had gathered in the town centre from around 4.30pm after Reform MP Lee Anderson went against police advice to make an unverified claim that a local man charged with rape was an asylum seeker. It followed similar anti-migrant demonstrations outside The Bell Hotel in Epping, near Essex, and the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf in central London, in recent weeks. Last night's protests in Sutton-in-Ashfield had ended at around 7pm when protestors made their way back to the where the gathering began, around 50 metres from the pub. Many of those who took to the streets were waving Union flags or were wrapped in the St George's Cross flag and had sought to get into the pub after the demonstrations were over. But clashes with bouncers outside the pub quickly ensued when they were denied access due to a 'no-flag' policy deployed by Wetherspoons in their establishments. Ms Ostolski says she was holding a St George's Cross flag when she was first refused entry by bouncers on the door, before putting it in her bag in the hope that would allow her access. Tanya Ostolski says she was knocked back from The Picture House in Sutton-in-Ashfield last night, despite being a regular in the pub But the 54-year-old said she was 'absolutely disgusted' when she was told by those on the doors that she still wasn't allowed in because of her dress. She said: 'I go in there all the time and they refused entry. They didn't let me in with my flag, the flag is the English flag, so why shouldn't I be allowed to have an English flag? 'It's our flag, it's our nation's flag. I wasn't being aggressive or anything I didn't get lairy or anything. I put the flag back in my bag, and they said I can't come in because of my dress. 'They kept refusing me. I'm probably going to get barred now. They just said Tanya, you're not coming in. I feel absolutely disgusted, why should I be refused entry for wearing a dress or a flag?' The spokesman for Wetherspoons, Eddie Gershon, said the decision was made to ensure calm in the area and 'as a matter of common sense'. He said: 'Pub managers have a duty under the licensing laws, and as a matter of common sense, to judge every situation on its particular circumstances. The protests in had ended at around 7pm when protestors made their way back to the where the gathering began, around 50 metres from the pub (pictured) 'In this case, the pub manager felt that it was important not to increase tensions. Therefore, on this occasion the manager asked customers not to enter with flags or any placards.' Ms Ostolski's knockback comes just days after a schoolgirl was put into isolation for wearing a similar Union Jack dress to celebrate being British at her school's culture day. 'Straight A' student Courtney Wright, 12, wore a Spice Girls-esque dress and wrote a speech about history and traditions as part of the celebrations on July 11. But the Year 7 pupil was told the dress was 'unacceptable' before being hauled out of lessons and made to sit in reception until her father collected her. Downing Street would go on to condemn that decision, with a spokesperson for the Prime Minister saying: 'The PM has always been clear that being British is something to be celebrated. 'You can see that from everything this government has done. We are a tolerant, diverse, open country, proud of being British.' Another protest outside an asylum hotel in Leeds erupted today where demonstrators shouted 'back in your rubber dinghies' to those inside. Police were out in force as crowds waving Union flags and banging instruments converged on the Britannia Hotel in the Seacroft area of the city. Officers formed a defensive cordon around the building, which was targeted during last summer's riots. Police were out in force as crowds waving Union flags and banging instruments converged on the Britannia Hotel in the Seacroft area of the city Officers formed a defensive cordon around the building, which was targeted during last summer's riots Today, protesters - some of them masked - were seen shouting 'get them out, get them out' in the faces of police, who refused to let them through. One man screamed 'back in your rubber dinghies', while another said: 'Not only have they got a free hotel they have extra bobbies looking after them'. There were also screams of 'paedo' by protesters who accused one migrant of taking pictures of a young girl at the nearby Tesco. Residents were instructed to remain inside the hotel during the protest, which saw at least one man arrested - according to a livestream video. Footage of the demonstration ended with the organisers thanking people for coming, with one speaker saying: 'You have done yourselves proud.' US artillery rocket systems are proving vital in allowing Ukraine to strike deep behind Russia lines with remarkable accuracy. High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) were first provided to Ukraine in June 2022 to stem the tide of Vladimir Putin's advances in the Donbas. Months later, Russia's progress had not just screeched to a halt but had headed in reverse, thanks in no small part to the HIMARS. Rockets ride atop a heavily armoured and hermetically sealed vehicle, which boasts six wheels and six-wheel drive ensuring high mobility and the capacity to reach high speeds. HIMARS launches the impressive Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) artillery which have a vast range of 45 miles, much further than the standard 18 miles. Three times bigger are the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) rockets. These can be fired up to 186 miles and are used for targetting higher value sites, including enemy buildings. And the artillery rocket systems have been used to devastating effect throughout the Ukraine-Russia conflict, demonstrating their incredible accuracy in striking key targets, including massive artillery stockpiles. This forced Putin to move ammunition further away from the front line, meaning it could not be used to the same devastating effect. US artillery rocket systems are proving vital in allowing Ukraine to strike deep behind Russia lines with remarkable accuracy Rockets ride atop a heavily armoured and hermetically sealed vehicle, which boasts six wheels and six-wheel drive ensuring high mobility and the capacity to reach high speeds Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania all ordered quantities of HIMARS to protect themselves from the Russian threat. In the latest episode of Daily Mail's War On Tape YouTube series, Chris Pleasance uncovers why the HIMARS rockets are so crucial by watching them being tested and chatting to those who operate them. Pleasance headed to a huge US firing range in Grafenwohr, Germany to witness a HIMARS live firing drill which demonstrated the range and speed of the artillery. He also chatted to Staff Sergeant Russell Jaso about how the rockets work and which sites they are used to target. An Oklahoma education boss is under investigation after colleagues say he allegedly showed images of nude women on his office TV during a meeting. Republican Ryan Walters, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, hosted a meeting on Thursday where two State Board of Education members claim they saw the explicit images. Walters has flatly denied the accounts, claiming they are the result of a political agenda'. But board members Ryan Deatherage and Becky Carson told The Oklahoman that they couldn't quite believe their eyes. Carson told the outlet: 'I was like, "those are naked women", and then I was like, "No, wait a minute. Those aren't naked, surely those aren't naked women. 'Something is playing a trick on my eye. Maybe they just have on tan body suits. This is just really bizarre".' She added that it then became clear what she was watching, and that it had left her 'disturbed'. Carson said: 'I was like, "What is on your TV?" I was very stern, like I'd been a mother or a classroom teacher. And I said, "What am I watching? Turn it off now!".' Ryan Walters, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, hosted a meeting on Thursday when two State Board of Education members claim they saw the explicit images of nude women on his TV screen The two said that Walters, who has four children to his wife Katie, had his back to the TV at the time and that he did not apologize or offer any explanation as he turned off the TV The two said that Walters, who has four children to with his wife Katie, had his back to the TV at the time and that he did not apologize or offer any explanation as he turned off the TV. An inquiry is now underway into the incident, according to state Senate President Lonnie Paxton. Paxton said in a statement: 'This is a bizarre and troubling situation that raises serious questions about the events and what took place during yesterdays executive session at the Oklahoma State Board of Education meeting. 'The accounts made public by board members paint a strange, unsettling scene that demands clarity and transparency. 'Senator (Adam) Pugh and I appreciate the quick action by OMES to help coordinate through this situation to get details on exactly what happened. More transparency is essential before strong conclusions can be drawn.' On Friday, Walters issued a defiant statement suggesting that both Deatherage and Carson had made the whole thing up. He said: 'Some of these board members are blatantly dishonest and cannot hide their political agenda. 'It is disappointing that they are more interested in creating distractions than getting work done for Oklahoma families.' During his tenure as State Superintendent he has railed against sexual material, labeling some books as 'pornography' while attempting to ban them from schools. On Friday, Walters issued a defiant statement suggesting that both his colleagues Ryan Deatherage and Becky Carson had made the whole thing up In October of last year, he mandated that every public school classroom in the state must have a Bible. Offering specifics, the Bibles must include a text of the Pledge of Allegiance, the US Constitution and other historical documents not typically associated with the text. The only Bible that fit the bill was county music star Lee Greenwood's God Bless the USA Bible, which is endorsed by President Donald Trump. Trump received royalties for their sales, according to The New York Times, with disclosure reports from last August showing he made $300,000 from endorsing it. In March the state Supreme Court blocked the attempt, Walters filed a motion this week to lift a stay that pauses the purchases of the Bibles for the approaching school year. A former public school teacher who was elected to his post in 2022, Walters ran on a platform of fighting 'woke ideology,' banning books from school libraries and getting rid of 'radical leftists' who he claims are indoctrinating children in classrooms. Conor McGregor has broken his silence after his Dublin pub was engulfed by flames yesterday morning in an incident that has seen police launch a 'criminal damage' investigation. The 37-year-old MMA star bought The Black Forge Inn for around 2million and the latest fire is not the first time it has been seen fully ablaze in the years he has owned it. In 2022, thugs attacked the pub with petrol bombs just hours after the former UFC world champion was there. And on Friday morning footage emerged of the building on fire again, with bright flames and thick plumes of smoke seen billowing out of the entrance. Several firefighters descended on the pub on Drimnagh Road in Crumlin, a southern suburb of the Irish capital, as they battled to put the fire out just after 3am. Garda officers were also called to the scene. Now, McGregor has taken to social media to thank the fire service for their 'incredible' and 'swift' response time as he shared a picture of the pub staff holding a cake outside the premises today. He wrote on X: 'Happy fourth birthday to the best pub in the world. I wish to extend my sincere thank you, respect, and appreciation to our Dublin Fire Brigade, who were so incredibly impressive and swift in their response time! 'Record breaking Dublin Fire Brigade! Thank you! I also wish to thank my internal team, who sprung so quickly into action to defend, mend, and repair our world and way of living, that even I jumped! Bravo all round!' McGregor thanked the fire service for their 'incredible' and 'swift' response time as he shared a picture of the pub staff holding a cake outside the premises today Emergency crews descended on the pub, in Drimnagh Road in Crumlin which is now being probed as potential 'criminal damage' Conor McGregor, who is from Dublin, bought The Black Forge Inn for around 2million McGregor concluded the post by writing 'Up the Forge, Vote McGregor' in what is seemingly a nod to his audacious bid to become the President of Ireland, which he first announced in March. A Garda spokesman told MailOnline after the blaze yesterday: 'Gardai attended the scene of an incident of criminal damage at a licenced premises on the Drimnagh Road, Crumlin that occurred at approximately 3:00am on Friday, 25th July 2025. 'The fire was extinguished by Dublin Fire Brigade. No injuries have been reported. The scene is currently preserved and a technical examination will be conducted in due course. Investigations are ongoing.' Dublin Fire Brigade said it was called at 3.08am, where firefighters found a 'small fire at the front of the building'. 'Using a high pressure hose reel, one fire engine dealt with the incident and no injuries were reported,' a spokesman added. 'The scene was handed over to Gardai.' MailOnline contacted The Black Forge Inn and McGregor's representatives for comment. McGregor is often seen hosting celebrities at his Dublin boozer. American rapper 50 Cent celebrated his 50th birthday there ahead of his performance at Longitude Festival earlier this month. The blaze also follows a tumultuous period for McGregor who has been embroiled in another scandal amid claims he has cheated on fiancee Dee Devlin. In 2022, thugs attacked the pub with petrol bombs just hours after the former UFC world champion was there Firefighters were seen battling to put out the blaze at McGregor's pub in Dublin yesterday McGregor found himself in controversy this month when he was photographed kissing a mystery brunette woman on a beach in Fort Lauderdale. With his partner Dee - whom he has been engaged to since 2020 - nowhere in sight, questions were raised about their relationship. Rapper Azealia Banks then added to the furore as she took to X - formerly known as Twitter - to accuse McGregor of sexual harassment. Last week, Ms Banks, 34, shared nude photos which purported to show McGregor, which she claimed he sent to her unprompted. Amid the storm, McGregor and Devlin have firmly brushed off the criticism by continuing to show their affections for one another, and put on a very cosy display in one outing. The couple have been enjoying time in Sardinia together to celebrate McGregor's 37th birthday - which was on July 14. But it is the latest embarrassment to hit the sportsman's relationship with his partner Dee, who was ever-present by his side throughout his sexual assault court case last year. In 2024, Conor lost a civil case as jurors at the High Court in Dublin found him liable of raping Nikita Hand, 35, in a Dublin hotel on December 9, 2018, with the judge awarding Hand 250,000 in damages. Conor McGregor and fiancee Dee Devlin shared a family snap on Monday amid concerns that their relationship could be on the rocks Their united display came after concerns when Conor was seen smooching a mystery brunette in full view of fellow beachgoers in Fort Lauderdale Azealia Banks set the internet ablaze after sharing alleged nude photos of Conor that she claims the disgraced star sent unprompted (pictured in 2022) But despite the verdict, Dee emphatically made it clear that she intended to back McGregor - attacking Nikita in a series of posts on Instagram at the time. In the posts, she wrote: 'Conor and I dealt with these issues privately many years ago, as should be done in a relationship and we have come out stronger than ever. 'We have four beautiful children now whose smiling faces and happy hearts are a testament to who he is and who we are!' The pair have been together for 15 years and got engaged in August 2020 after Conor proposed while they were celebrating his birthday. The couple met as teenagers at a nightclub in 2008 and Dee has been a key player in the MMA star's story, supporting him when he was jobless and focused on making it as a professional fighter. His love of the outdoors, nature and hiking is well-known, with these passions said to have been developed during his time as a pupil at Scots boarding school Gordonstoun. Now, a group of intrepid youngsters have followed in the footsteps of King Charles by completing the same route he trekked with his classmates as a teenager. In 1965, the then 16-year-old Charles completed almost 29 miles trekking through forests and mountains in winter weather, with a 60-year-old log of the trip noting the pupils endured stormy wind, showers and mist. The Highlands route, which the seven modern day pupils followed, took in the scenic Glenfeshie Forest and passed by Ben Macdui on the way up Glen Dee. The Prince and four other students took part in the expedition in October 1965, ascending heights of 850m, as part of the Silver Duke of Edinburghs Award (DofE) developed by his father Prince Phillip, who was also a former pupil. A log from the trip stated the weather on the first day of the young monarchs trek was rainy with a stormy wind while the second day was overcast with showers and low mist. There was some respite though as the third day was said to be a fine day but with mist on the tops of the surrounding hills. Despite the challenging conditions, Charles and the other four adventurers were said to be in good spirits. Prince Charles in his final year at Gordonstoun School The log book from Prince Charles' Cairngorms DoE expedition in 1965 The log details the weather the pupils encountered and parts of their route Seven Gordonstoun students have re-traced the route taken by King Charles Reminiscing about the trek, former Gordonstoun student Michael Fabianski, who completed the expedition alongside the King, said: My memory from the expedition was camping for the first night on the banks of the River Feshie and wading across the River Dee, whilst walking up Glen Dee to the Corrour Bothy, where we camped for the second night. Its very atmospheric walking up Glen Dee with Cairn Toul on one side and Ben Macdui on the other. Unlike the modern clothing and equipment pupils can now enjoy, King Charles would have been provided with a much simpler selection. This would have included walking boots and socks, an anorak, gloves, a hat and a rucksack. As for food, they most likely were provided with dried food, which would have been prepared using a camping stove. Charles arrived at Gordonstoun as a 14-year-old in 1962 and left in 1967. His brother Edward and father Prince Phillip - the late Duke of Edinburgh - also attended, as did the Kings nephew and niece Peter and Zara Phillips. After discovering the expedition log in the school archive, seven Gordonstoun students re-traced the route through the Cairngorms this summer. A young Prince Charles arriving at Gordonstoun with Sir Iain Tennant (left), the late Prince Philip and headmaster Robert Chew (right) The King has remained a keen outdoorsman since his time at Gordonstoun Their own four-day expedition, between 19-21 June, took them from Glenfeshie to Rothiemurchus, via the Lairig Ghru, the best-known hill pass in Scotland. The five girls and two boys, aged between 15 and 16, were inspired to replicate the trek as part of their own Silver DofE Award. Another team of seven students walked the route in reverse. The students spent three nights camping in the wilderness, navigating along the route and cooking their own food. Student India Lewis, 16, said: To be, quite literally, retracing the footsteps of The King was so cool, and something we can always say we have done. Gordonstoun is the birthplace of the DofE award after school founder Kurt Hahn first set up a scheme in 1936 called the Moray Badge, to connect with the local community. With the support of Prince Philip, one of the first pupils at Gordonstoun, this evolved to become a national programme in 1956. Gordonstoun Principal Peter Green said: In the spirit of our founder, Kurt Hahn, I firmly believe that students must be regularly challenged to grow, both inside and outside the classroom. The pupils followed the same route past some of the stunning peaks of the Scottish Highlands The recent expedition through the Cairngorms, retracing the footsteps of The King, was a powerful illustration of that philosophy in action. According to numerous accounts, it was during his time at Gordonstoun that Charles first developed his love of the outdoors, hiking and camping. Former classmate at Gordonstoun Johnny Stonborough once discussed his time at the school with the young monarch and said they and the other pupils did a lot of hiking. He added: I think we all became very keen on the environment as a result. A pair of cyclists even encountered the monarch in 2023 as he walked a section of the same famous Lairig Ghru mountain pass that was part of the route he completed as a teen for his DofE award. The men asked the King if he was still on his summer holiday. He responded, saying: Yes. It is wonderful up here. The midges are horrendous. Its typical. I like my walking. The monarch also added that he liked walking because it was good for the soul despite the rainy Scottish weather. A pile of rubbish under a sign warning of $6,000 fines for littering highlights the concerning issue. Source: Supplied As Australia's population continues to expand in record numbers, there is an urgent need to solve the housing crisis sweeping almost every part of the nation. But doing so is having far-reaching ramifications for the environment, with wildlife fatally impacted by busier roads and an ever-growing problem with waste and illegal dumping as housing rapidly expands into rural areas. Photos supplied to Yahoo News this week lay bare the issue in sobering light. One image shows a massive pile of litter directly under a sign warning of fines of up to $6,000 for the destructive act. The "frightening" reality, one resident who painstakingly collated the rubbish from the 30 metres surrounding the sign told Yahoo News, is that if he hadn't picked it up, "it would all still be there". ADVERTISEMENT The resident, who asked to remain anonymous, told Yahoo that he grew fed up with looking at the piles of discarded items near the sign, so he decided to give it a quick tidy-up. But the mess took six hours over three days to remove. While this small stretch of Ironbaark Road, which connects Baccus Marsh to Ballan on the outskirts of Melbourne, was clear, thousands of kilometres of road in the region remain covered in litter and illegally dumped items. "This sort of thing happens on roads all over Victoria," he said. "I get the sense that people just don't care." Electronic waste dropped at 'random intervals' along a road on the outskirts of Melbourne. Source: Supplied A sign warning dumping rubbish will be reported in a cemetery in Maddingley. Source: Supplied Rubbish overtakes up-and-coming Aussie suburbs Last year, Melbourne was crowned Australia's most liveable city thanks to its affordability, infrastructure and access to education and culture. In 2024, it also had the highest level of population growth in the country, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, with developers scrambling to keep up with demand. ADVERTISEMENT Bacchus Marsh, near where the photo was taken, is an up-and-coming suburb on the outskirts of Melbourne, popular for its new housing developments and affordable house prices. As the cost of housing reaches record highs, Aussies are increasingly being pushed into regional areas, with developers racing to keep up with the demand. Illegal dumping has become an unintended consequence. Danny Gorog, CEO and founder of council reporting app Snap Send Solve, previously told Yahoo News illegal dumping "signals a bigger issue with waste disposal accessibility and awareness". "Whether its dumped tires in fields or household waste dumped in laneways, it shows we need better solutions to make proper disposal easier and more convenient. While most people do the right thing, it only takes a few to create a big mess for everyone else." In Victoria alone, there were 263,000 reports of illegal dumping to Snap Send Solve last year, exposing just how widespread the problem is. Piles of household waste, including a rice cooker and a sofa dumped in Wombat State Forest. Source: Supplied A sheet of polystyrene used in building houses stuck on a fence. Source: Supplied The Melbourne resident who is documenting the problem in his local area said that he is "confronted with plastic waste" every time he leaves the house. ADVERTISEMENT "There is not a day where I dont feel compelled to clean up something. The only way to avoid seeing the mess we are in is to stay at home," he said. What are the penalties for littering? As the sign above states, littering can result in a maximum penalty of $6,000 if the matter goes to court, but on-the-spot fines are only $200. Moorabool Shire Council councillor Steven Venditti-Taylor previously told Yahoo the problem is exacerbated by the fact that "no one is taking accountability for it". He believes the council is doing everything to battle the problem, but there is a "lack of care" from key stakeholders in the region including both developers and residents. Mattresses and building waste in a housing estate in Maddingley. Source: Supplied Escaped polystyrene is seen across the suburb of Maddingley. Source: Supplied Why is littering such a big issue? When materials like plastic are exposed to the environment, they break down into smaller pieces, forming microplastics, which can enter ecosystems, where they can have harmful effects on humans and animals. ADVERTISEMENT Microplastics have been recorded in even the most remote parts of our planet, and there is evidence that their toxins affect every level of creature from tiny insects to apex predators. They are present in more than 1,300 animal species, including fish, mammals, birds and even humans. Microplastics have been identified in the water we drink, food we eat and even the air we breathe. Scientists don't know the full health effects of microplastics in humans, but there is evidence they cause inflammation, immune responses and damage to genetic information in our cells, which can lead to cancer. It's predicted that by 2040, the release of microplastics could more than double. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. The daughter of a senior Tory politician last night told how she was left in tears after pro-Palestine activists hijacked a university open day for prospective students. Abigail Wolfson and her mother Louise, who are Jewish, attended two presentations thrown into chaos by protesters in face masks and Palestinian 'keffiyeh' scarves. Video footage shows activists brandishing flags and banners and shouting 'free Palestine' during the events at the University of Bristol. Abigail, the daughter of shadow attorney general Lord Wolfson of Tredegar, said: 'The reception we received on campus can only be described as hostile. I've never felt so isolated. For the first time in my life... I wished I wasn't Jewish.' There have been reports of Jewish students being abused across Britain, with a 117 per cent rise in anti-Semitic incidents since Hamas' attacks on October 7, 2023. StandWithUs UK, a charity that supports Israel, has accused universities of a 'systematic failure' to respond to the rising hostility. The first protest at last month's open day started four minutes into a presentation about studying history at Bristol. Abi Wolfson was attending an Open day at Bristol University when a lecture was disrupted by a Palestinian protest Abigail told how four activists entered the lecture hall chanting 'From the river to the sea' regarded by many as a call for Israel's elimination. They then accused the university of 'funding the Zionist war machine'. Abigail told how four activists entered the lecture hall chanting 'From the river to the sea' regarded by many as a call for Israel's elimination. They then accused the university of 'funding the Zionist war machine'. Abigail said: 'My mother started shouting "Shame!". We felt intimidated, isolated and unsafe. We were both visibly upset, [but]no-one said anything to us.' The second protest took place minutes later during a presentation about studying politics and international affairs. Two masked activists unfurled a banner while Louise, a lawyer, again shouted 'shame' and implored university security to intervene. This time, a distressed Abigail left in tears. 'When they [the protesters] finished, the entire auditorium [was] clapping,' she said. 'I got up and left. I was just absolutely hysterically crying. The staff at the event asked 'what's wrong?' I felt like saying, 'how can you not know?'.' Abigail, who is at sixth form in London, still intends to apply to study in Bristol. 'I'm not going to allow people to dictate my future because I'm Jewish that's essentially them winning,' she said. Lord Wolfson, expressing his disgust at the protests, wrote on X. 'Is this what my daughter, and other Jewish students, can expect at Bristol University, daily, for three years? With the lecturers just standing by, and no security intervention (despite requests)?' Naima Abu Ful holds her malnourished 2-year-old child, Yazan, at their home in the Shati refugee camp in Gaza City on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 Demonstrators take part in a protest to demand the immediate release of hostages held in Gaza since the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, July 26, 2025 Dr Sam Appleton, a lecturer who was giving the second presentation, responded to Lord Wolfson by defending the activists, saying: 'The audience received them warmly... students have every right to express their views about political matters, same as you do.' In another post, he described pro-Palestine activists as 'heroes'. The University of Bristol said it has apologised to the Wolfsons and 'discussed their concerns', adding that it aims to make all students 'feel safe and fully supported'. Dr Appleton declined to comment. A South Carolina dance teacher is accused of plying students with alcohol, touching them inappropriately and showing them explicit images of herself. Andrea Mizell, 45, was hit with criminal charges after an investigation was launched following complaints by parents that she had choreographed an inappropriate routine. Mizell was arrested and charged with four counts of second-degree assault and battery, four counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and three counts of disseminating harmful material to minors. The alleged abuse at her studio in Hanahan came to light in March after parents complained about a dance 'went against their morals,' according to a police report. The confrontation escalated and police were called. Mizell fled in her car, telling police she left out of fear, per the documents. Parents later told officers that when they initially objected to the choreography, Mizell threatened to pull their children from competitions they had already paid to participate in and refused to offer a refund. Students told the authorities they were touched inappropriately by Mizell and were uncomfortable in her classes, the outlet reports. They alleged that Mizell would 'go out of her way' to touch them and would grab them by the waist and butt. Andrea Mizell, 45, was arrested for second-degree assault and battery, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and disseminating harmful material to minors Another alleged incident was described in the report where Mizell invited the students to her home and gave them margaritas. She allegedly confided in the children about her sex life and showed them explicit images of herself. The students claimed Mizell often engaged in 'vulgar conversations' with them and allegedly changed her clothes in front of them. Mizell allegedly scheduled a meeting with a parent to discuss their concerns around the 'inappropriate' dance, but when other parents arrived, she left in a panic, according to the police report. When officers arrived, she had disappeared, but her fiance, sister, and several parents were at the studio. Authorities believe the alleged abuse occurred inside and outside the studio from May 2023 to May 2025. Mizell was arrested on June 13 and later posted a bond of $3,000. She is not currently in custody. Mizell taught at a South Carolina dance studio (pictured) and was accused of abusive behavior against her students 'Protecting our youth and vulnerable populations remains a top priority for the Hanahan Police Department,' Chief of Police Richard Gebhardt said. 'We are actively working in collaboration with the Ninth Circuit Solicitors Office to ensure that this case is thoroughly and appropriately adjudicated. As with all criminal matters, Ms. Mizell is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.' According to county court records, she has appeared in court multiple times for preliminary hearings. Mizell has not yet entered a plea for the charges against her. Daily Mail reached out to her representation for comment. The Hanahan dance studio Mizell was employed with has since closed, and their website was taken down. Prior to that, it listed classes for students aged two-years-old and up. A suspected shoplifter received instant karma when he was taken down by two police officers on bicycles manufactured by a toy store. The footage, shared by the Havering branch of the Metropolitan Police, shows the man leaving the Marks & Spencer store in The Liberty Shopping Centre, Romford, east London, with a basket full of seemingly stolen goods. Wearing a checked blue shirt with denim shorts and white trainers, the suspected thief then appears to notice he is being tailed by one officer and begins running away from them while holding the basket. Looking to cross the road, the man then runs straight into the path of the other officer, whose oncoming bike he collides with. Shouts of 'Alright, mate, stop where you are,' and 'Police. Stop where you are now,' can be heard before he is apprehended, his basket whittling away as he is brought down. Prior to being caught, CCTV footage in the store, captured at around 1pm on June 10, shows the man packing items such as bacon into his basket. It is unknown what else he appears to have stolen or the total value of the basket, but alternate angles of him leaving the shop show the basket to be much fuller than just one packet of meat. Posting the video to X, Havering MPS hailed the apprehension of the man as 'community policing in action' which helps 'keep local people and businesses safe'. The footage shows the man leaving the Marks & Spencer store with a basket full of seemingly stolen goods Wearing a checked blue shirt with denim shorts and white trainers, he then appears to notice he is being tailed by one officer and begins running away Looking to cross the road, the suspected thief then runs straight into the path of the other officer, whose oncoming bike he collides with before being apprehended They also revealed that the bikes were donated by Romford Business Improvement District (BID) after being built by Smyths Toys. They said: 'Romford BID donated the bikes. Smyths Toys built them. We used them to stop shoplifting.' Last September, officers announced that they would be using the bikes, first manufactured by the toy store, as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour and theft in Romford. Sgt Aaron Harris, of the Romford Town Centre policing team, said plain-clothed officers using the bikes would increase their chances of stopping crime. He added: 'Crime in our town centre will not be tolerated and anyone committing crimes against local people, visitors or business will be seeing us soon. Prior to being caught by officers, CCTV footage in the store, captured at around 1pm on June 10, shows the man packing items such as bacon into his basket 'We will continue to use every resource available to us to make Romford town centre unattractive to criminals.' He also thanked Julie Frost, the director of Romford BID, who said: 'I truly hope this initiative helps visitors and our community feel safer, knowing that steps are being taken to address anti-social behaviour and prevent crime. 'By working together with the local police force, we're committed to restoring confidence and making Romford a welcoming and enjoyable place to live, work, and visit.' MailOnline has approached the Metropolitan Police for more information. A spokesperson for Smyths Toys told MailOnline: 'We at Smyths Toys are incredibly proud that bikes built by our in-store bike building team are playing a role in enhancing community safety in Romford. It's truly rewarding to see them used by the Metropolitan Police to deter crime. 'We were delighted to partner with the Romford Business Improvement District (BID) on this initiative. Our dedicated bike-building colleagues expertly assembled each bike, showcasing the quality and precision of our in-store bike building services, a service available across all Smyths Toys Superstores. 'It's fantastic to see the Romford Town Centre policing team's dedication to making the area a secure and pleasant place for all.' Sir Keir Starmer will be forced to bow to pressure from 'the real Prime Minister' Angela Rayner and agree to recognise Palestinian statehood within weeks, Labour MPs claimed last night. They predicted Sir Keir would have no choice but to make the historic move by autumn now that his deputy has thrown her weight behind the plan. One MP told The Mail on Sunday: 'In response to Israel's murderous actions in Gaza, it's Rayner not Starmer who's acting like the real PM. 'There's no way Keir can hold the line on this. Angela speaks for Labour MPs and members on this.' The claims come amid a mounting humanitarian disaster in Gaza, with UN agencies warning of the territory running out of specialised food to save severely malnourished children. But yesterday, the Prime Minister made clear he was sticking to his policy of insisting that recognising Palestine statehood must come as part of a wider 'pathway to peace' in the region. In a social media post after speaking to French president Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Friedrich Merz, Sir Keir turned his attention to getting food aid into Gaza. The Prime Minister said: 'Israel must allow aid in over land to end the starvation unfolding in Gaza. The situation is desperate.' Sir Keir Starmer will be forced to bow to pressure from 'the real Prime Minister' Angela Rayner and agree to recognise Palestinian statehood within weeks, Labour MPs claimed last night Muhammad Zakariya Ayyoub al-Matouq faces life-threatening malnutrition as the humanitarian situation worsens due to ongoing Israeli attacks and blockade, on July 21, 2025 Smoke rises to the sky following an Israeli airstrike in the northern Gaza Strip as seen from southern Israel, Saturday, July 26, 2025 Last night, Israeli ambassador to the UK Tzipi Hotovely told the Telegraph that recognising a Palestinian state would 'reward' the terrorists behind the October 7 atrocities. The statehood row erupted on the eve of Donald Trump's four-day visit to the UK sparking concern that it could overshadow discussions tomorrow between him and Sir Keir over a trade deal. Mr Trump, who arrived in Scotland on Friday, has made clear his disapproval of Mr Macron's declaration on X last week that France will recognise Palestinian statehood in September, telling reporters at the White House: 'What [Mr Macron] says doesn't matter. He's a very good guy. I like him, but that statement doesn't carry weight.' The row in the UK escalated yesterday amid reports that Ms Rayner was '100 per cent' behind other Cabinet ministers who wanted Sir Keir to follow the French president's lead. Her intervention came hot on the heels of the revelation that more than 130 Labour MPs almost a third of the parliamentary party wanted 'immediate recognition'. Last night, one Labour MP said the combination of Ms Rayner's intervention and the views of so many of his MPs would force Sir Keir's hand. But he added that her move regarding Gaza is only the latest sign of how powerful the Deputy PM is becoming. He said: 'Her importance in keeping Starmer's Government going is only matched by her clear ambitions to replace him. 'Everybody knows what Angie is doing. She is sending a clear message that she is ready when the time comes.' Last week, the Deputy PM presented the findings of a year-long study commissioned in the wake of riots after the Southport stabbings last year, warning of the risks illegal immigration now poses to social cohesion in Britain's poorest communities. Last night, one Labour MP said the combination of Ms Rayner's intervention and the views of so many of his MPs would force Sir Keir's hand Palestinians wait in queue to get hot meals distributed by aid organizations in Gaza City, Gaza on July 26, 2025 Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike targeted a residential area in Gaza City, Gaza, on July 15, 2025 She warned follow Cabinet ministers to 'acknowledge the real concerns people have' about immigration and economic insecurity. Ms Rayner also won favour with many Labour backbenchers earlier this year when it emerged she had suggested raising taxes by up to 4 billion a year ahead of Chancellor Rachel Reeves's Spring Statement in March. However, allies of the Deputy PM pointed to her insistence two months ago that she had no desire to replace Sir Keir. 'I do not want to run for leader of the Labour Party. I rule it out,' she told Laura Kuenssberg in May. A man was robbed of over $500,000 in jewelry after being attacked two robbers with a stun gun in New York City, according to police. The victim, a 39-year-old man, was walking near 73rd Avenue and 180th Street in Fresh Meadows, Queens when he was approached by a masked man wearing a distinctive orange and yellow reflective vest. The suspect used a stun gun to shock the man and then knocked him to the ground. A second man, also wearing a reflective vest, then 'joined in to forcefully remove the victim's jewelry,' which was valued at $559,000, Gothamist reports. The two robbers then fled the scene in a silver Mercedes-Benz SUV driven by a third person. The NYPD stated the investigation is ongoing and has released descriptions of the two suspects. The first man was described as wearing an orange-and-yellow-striped reflective vest, a bucket hat, brown pants, black shoes, a white mask, and black gloves. The second was described as wearing a yellow-striped reflective vest, a black hat, black pants, black shoes, and black gloves. Police did not comment on whether they believe the robbery was targeted or part of a larger pattern of similar crimes. A man was robbed of more than $500,000 in jewelry after being attacked by two robbers with a stun gun in New York City, according to police The victim, a 39-year-old man, was walking near 73rd Avenue and 180th Street in Fresh Meadows, Queens when he was approached by a masked man wearing a distinctive orange and yellow reflective vest The Queens robbery shares similarities with an attempted smash-and-grab heist that occurred in Midtown Manhattan this past May, according to NBC 4 New York. In that incident, two men disguised as construction workers entered a jewelry store on East 53rd Street and Madison Avenue. Surveillance video showed one man holding the door while the other, wearing a yellow construction vest, used a hammer to try and smash a display case containing high-end watches. A security guard quickly intervened, however, forcing the would-be robbers to flee empty-handed. No one was injured in the attempted robbery. Both the NYPD's Major Case Squad and local precincts are currently investigating these incidents. Ghislaine Maxwell was grilled about Prince Andrew during her nine-hour meeting with the US Deputy Attorney General, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. The 63-year-old convicted sex-trafficker - a former close friend of the Duke of York - answered all questions 'honestly and truthfully' as she was quizzed about Andrew and 'more than 100 different people' connected to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, her former boss and ex-lover. While it is not known exactly what Maxwell said about the Duke, this is the first time she has ever been formally questioned about him. A source said: 'This is the first time anyone has asked Ghislaine about any of the men. 'She told the truth and didn't back away from any questions. She wants the truth to come out.' Andrew has always vehemently denied claims by Virginia Giuffre that she was sex-trafficked to him by Epstein when she was just 17. The Prince paid Ms Giuffre a multi-million-pound sum to settle a civil suit with no admission of wrongdoing. Ms Giuffre committed suicide earlier this year. Maxwell is serving 20 years in Tallahassee Federal Prison in Florida for procuring and grooming young girls to be sexually abused by Epstein. This week's extraordinary two-day meeting with US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche took place on the orders of Donald Trump, who has found himself embroiled in a huge political row by promising - and then failing - to release the full Epstein Files. Ghislaine Maxwell, pictured with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, was grilled about Prince Andrew during her nine-hour meeting with the US Deputy Attorney General, The Mail on Sunday can reveal Andrew has always vehemently denied claims by Virginia Giuffre that she was sex-trafficked to him by Epstein when she was just 17 (pictured: Andrew and Ms Giuffre in 2001) Maxwell, far right, pictured with (L-R): Donald Trump, Melania Trump and Epstein in 2000. Convicted sex-trafficker Maxwell answered all questions 'honestly and truthfully' as she was quizzed about Andrew and 'more than 100 different people' connected to Epstein Now The Mail on Sunday can reveal how: Maxwell is hoping for a full presidential pardon. Mr Trump, who is in Scotland, told reporters he is 'allowed' to pardon her but that 'it is something that I haven't thought about'; Elon Musk - Mr Trump's former 'First Buddy', who ignited the crisis by claiming that the Epstein files are being withheld because the President is in them - is sensationally named in the documents, along with his brother Kimbal; Maxwell was granted 'limited immunity' for her cooperation, which included revealing what she knows about a host of other men, including former President Bill Clinton, Microsoft founder Bill Gates and powerful Wall Street titans; Plans are under way to move Maxwell from Tallahassee Federal Prison because of growing fears over her safety. 'Everyone in the case is getting death threats,' a source said; Mr Blanche will meet with Mr Trump after the President's five-day visit to Scotland to discuss a pardon or commuting Maxwell's sentence in return for her help prosecuting others involved in Epstein's sex-trafficking ring. On Saturday night, a source familiar with this week's meeting said: 'Ghislaine has never told her story to anyone in government before. 'At times it was very emotional but she answered every question asked of her. Elon Musk, pictured in 2024, who ignited the crisis by claiming that the Epstein files are being withheld because the President is in them - is sensationally named in the documents Musk's brother Kimbal also appeared in the documents This week's extraordinary two-day meeting with US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche took place on the orders of Trump, pictured with Epstein in 1997 Maxwell was spotted returning to prison with a box of materials after she was grilled by Trump's Department of Justice on Thursday 'The limited immunity deal is a huge risk for her because this case is so politicised she only has immunity so long as she hasn't lied. She answered everything truthfully but she is taking a risk. 'She was asked about a laundry list of people including Prince Andrew, Bill Gates, Les Wexner, Bill Clinton, Alan Dershowitz, Leon Black and a Who's Who of powerful Wall Street moneymen and financiers. 'There were Silicon Valley names in there along with world leaders, other non-British royals aside from Andrew and famous names from the world of showbusiness. 'It's ironic that Elon Musk kicked this whole thing off when he fell out with Trump and then made that post on X about Trump allegedly preventing the release of the full Epstein documents as some sort of 'cover-up'. Well, Elon is in there, as is his brother. 'It was a monumental moment for Ghislaine to finally be asked about these people and to tell the truth.' Maxwell's latest plea to have her appeal heard before the US Supreme Court will be submitted tomorrow and she has been called to testify before a Congressional committee on August 11. The MoS understands that if a deal has not been reached by this date she may have to plead the Fifth Amendment, which means she will invoke her constitutional right not to answer any questions which might incriminate her. The source said: 'Of course she wants a pardon, what prisoner doesn't? But that isn't something which has been discussed. Maxwell is hoping for a full presidential pardon. Mr Trump, who is in Scotland, pictured, told reporters he is 'allowed' to pardon her but that 'it is something that I haven't thought about' The Prince paid Ms Giuffre, pictured in April, a multi-million-pound sum to settle a civil suit with no admission of wrongdoing. Ms Giuffre committed suicide earlier this year Maxwell is serving 20 years in Tallahassee Federal Prison in Florida for procuring and grooming young girls to be sexually abused by Epstein 'The President could commute her sentence in return for her cooperation. No one knows what will happen now. Todd Blanche will sit down with President Trump when he returns from Scotland and that is when the discussions about any potential deal will take place.' Prison officials at Tallahassee Federal Prison, where Maxwell has been held since her 2021 conviction, are said to be 'terrified' about her being attacked or killed. 'The events of the past few days have made her the most high-profile prisoner in America,' the source added. 'She is likely to be moved very soon for her own safety. 'They don't want what happened to Epstein to happen to her.' The 66-year-old financier killed himself in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on child sex-trafficking charges. Earlier this month, Mr Trump's Attorney General Pam Bondi released footage from inside the prison on the day Epstein died which caused outrage when it was discovered that at least a minute of footage was missing. Many - including Maxwell and Epstein's brother Mark - believe that he was murdered. The two-day grilling last week took place in a 10ft by 20ft conference room on the fourth floor of the Tallahassee Federal Courthouse. The MoS can reveal the full list of attendees for the first time. This week's extraordinary two-day meeting with US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, pictured in June, took place on the orders of Trump Maxwell was granted 'limited immunity' for her cooperation, which included revealing what she knows about a host of other men, including former President Bill Clinton, pictured in June Earlier this month, Mr Trump's Attorney General Pam Bondi released footage from inside the prison on the day Epstein died Maxwell sat on one side of a long polished wooden conference table with her lawyers David Oscar Markus, Leah Saffian and Melissa Madrigal. Opposite her sat the team for the Government, including Mr Blanche, Associate Deputy Attorney General Diego Pestana and FBI agent Spencer Horn. An armed US Marshal stood guard at the door because Mr Blanche, the lawyers and Maxwell have all received death threats. 'The number of death threats have increased exponentially since this case has been back in the headlines in the past couple of weeks,' the source said. 'Everyone is getting them.' Maxwell was spotted returning to the prison on Thursday carrying a cardboard box, prompting scores of headlines questioning what could be inside. The source said: 'It should come as no surprise that the box was filled with legal documents. There are at least five million documents related to this case.' Maxwell is 'exploring all her legal options' and is feeling 'a sense of relief' that her story is finally being heard. 'She has been silent for so long,' they added. 'She has always vowed to tell the truth and she did so this week. 'Where this all leads, only time will tell.' Yvette Cooper will use new laws to prosecute migrants who dangerously overcrowd small boats and put women and children at risk. The Home Secretary has ordered officials to expand the endangering lives at sea offence, currently going through Parliament, to specifically include cases where up to 100 passengers can pack on to a single dinghy. It comes as the number of people per small boat has reached record levels this year, with insiders warning it is a matter of time before one sinks from overcrowding. Ms Cooper is worried about women and children being crushed at sea and told this newspaper: If you storm a boat, trampling over the bodies of tiny children, you are complicit in putting other people in danger. She wants to use the new powers in the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill to tackle migrants who overcrowd the dinghies. But critics suggested the plan was pathetic tinkering that will not make a difference in stemming the flow of illegal migrants to Britain. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: The only way were going to stop the boats is to do what America are doing. Deport every single illegal immigrant upon arrival either to their home country or a third country like Rwanda. And The Mail on Sunday can reveal the second-most overcrowded boat crossed the Channel on July 18 with 97 on board, including 22 women and 17 children. The dinghy spent around ten hours limping towards the Channels midpoint before eventually being rescued by a Border Force catamaran. Yvette Cooper will use new laws to prosecute migrants who dangerously overcrowd small boats and put women and children at risk The Home Secretary has ordered officials to expand the endangering lives at sea offence, currently going through Parliament, to specifically include cases where up to 100 passengers can pack on to a single dinghy The number of boats carrying 80 or more people has spiked in the past six months, helped by French officials doing nothing to stop smugglers bringing taxi boats close to shore. By contrast, five years ago the dinghies typically had about 15 on board, sources said, and smugglers have been driven by greed to cram more people on amid helpful calmer seas. In the six years since the small-boat crossings began, up to the end of April 2024, only 20 boats crossed with 80 or more people on board. There have been 50 such dinghies after that point, and more than a third of those have arrived in the past two months. Ms Coopers proposals would allow the Government to prosecute anyone found to be enabling boat overcrowding, or endangering passengers lives by refusing help from French lifeguards (which would involve them not crossing the Channel). A Home Office official said: If the smuggling gangs carry on cramming 80, 90 or even 100 people on to these flimsy dinghies, it is simply a matter of time before the bottom falls out of one of them, and we will see a mass casualty event in the Channel. We should not have to wait for that to happen before we take action, which is why we need to get this endangerment law on the statute books and start enforcing it against anyone responsible for putting the lives of women and children at risk. Tony Smith, former director general of the Border Force, said that anything combatting the vile people-smuggling trade was welcome. But he added the devil would be in the detail of Ms Coopers powers, warning that pilots of small boats try to conceal themselves among other migrants as their dinghies approach the authorities. All migrants who come to the UK on small boats breach the law of illegal arrival, but usually seek asylum immediately which makes prosecution harder as they wait for their applications to be processed. Only 1 per cent of all those who entered illegally since Labour came to power have been charged. Ms Cooper is also pushing for French police to start targeting such boats at the moment when smugglers bring them to shore, and force migrants wading through water before boarding to turn back. The Home Secretary said: We wont stand by as lives are put at risk and our border security is so badly undermined. That is why we are making it much easier to prosecute those who act in this callous and dangerous way. The number of boats carrying 80 or more people has spiked in the past six months, helped by French officials doing nothing to stop smugglers bringing taxi boats close to shore She added: Vile people smugglers are increasingly cramming more and more people into these flimsy boats to inflate their profits with no regard for the lives they put at risk. Women and children are put into the centre of the boats where we have even seen people crushed to death. But Opposition frontbenchers claimed the plan would not be enough to tackle overcrowding. Mr Philp said: Its pathetic. A piece of tinkering that will make absolutely no difference whatsoever. The Government promised to smash the gangs but has totally failed to do that. The gangs are using bigger boats and cramming more in just so they can make more money. It is already a criminal offence to facilitate illegal immigration with a long prison sentence. They need to start enforcing that, not replicating existing legislation. Protests against migrant hotels escalated this weekend with tense standoffs in Norwich, Portsmouth, Bournemouth and Leeds. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside The Best Western Brook Hotel in Bowthorpe, Norwich, on Saturday chanting 'we want our country back' and 'Keir Starmer's a w*****'. Police officers separated the main group from a set of counter protesters, some of whom were waving Revolutionary Communist Party flags. Three masked antiracism activists tried to force their way in at one point, causing angry scuffles. The hotel one of two Norwich sites used by the Home Office to house migrants has been the focus of fury since April when a 'predatory' asylum seeker staying there was jailed for more than eight years for raping a woman. Eritrean Dan Tesfalul, 27, who arrived in the UK on a small boat, attacked his victim in the city centre after she left a nightclub and only fled when he was challenged by a security guard. Last month, another asylum seeker staying at the hotel was jailed for 20 months after admitting three attempted child sex offences and an indecent images offence. Rashid AlWaeli, a Yemeni, tried to persuade a 14yearold boy to send naked images of himself, a court heard. Scenes at the Brook Hotel in Bowthorpe on the edge of Norwich on Saturday Pictured: Groups of protestors clash outside the Royal Beach Hotel in Southsea, Portsmouth Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside The Best Western Brook Hotel in Bowthorpe, Norwich, on Saturday Protesters against asylum seekers being housed in the Brook Hotel protest outside with flags and signs during the demonstration in Norwich Police officers separated the main group from a set of counter protesters, some of whom were waving Revolutionary Communist Party flags The hotel one of two Norwich sites used by the Home Office to house migrants has been the focus of fury since April Protesters on Saturday brandished placards with pictures of both Tesfalul and AlWaeli. 'That's what this is about,' a 54yearold protester who livestreamed the demonstration on YouTube said. Norfolk Police said on Saturday they made two arrests following demonstrations in Norwich and Diss last week. In Portsmouth, more than 40 antiimmigration demonstrators confronted almost 30 activists holding Stand Up to Racism placards outside the Royal Beach Hotel on Friday evening. Some on the antiimmigration side hung a banner which said 'protect our children' outside the hotel. The Mail on Sunday last week revealed how a migrant named Rabie Knissi, who was staying at the hotel, was jailed for ten years in March last year after a sex attack against a woman in her 40s. Protesters also gathered outside the Chine Hotel in Bournemouth on Friday night. Demonstrators waved signs with slogans including 'bring back Rwanda', 'twotier Keir, twotier policing' and 'it's not racist, it's a national security risk'. When two migrants arrived with their belongings in bin bags, some chanted 'send them back'. Angry protests also took place in Leeds on Friday outside another asylumseeker hotel, with demonstrators shouting 'get back in your rubber dinghies' to those inside. Officers made a defensive cordon as crowds waving Union Jacks surrounded the Britannia Hotel, in the city's Seacroft area. Members of a prorefugee counter demonstration wave signs and chant by the Brook Hotel in Norwich on Saturday Pictured: Groups of protestors clash outside the Royal Beach Hotel in Southsea In Portsmouth, more than 40 antiimmigration demonstrators confronted almost 30 activists holding Stand Up to Racism placards outside the Royal Beach Hotel on Friday evening The Mail on Sunday revealed how a migrant named Rabie Knissi, who was staying at the hotel, was jailed for ten years in March last year after a sex attack against a woman in her 40s One protester said: 'Not only have they got a free hotel, they have extra bobbies looking after them.' Meanwhile, protest organisers in Epping expect 2,000 to attend a demonstration outside the town's Bell Hotel on Sunday. Sarah White, 40, said she expected it to be the biggest so far and vowed they would continue until the hotel closes. She added: 'Women and families are terrified. People are living in fear when this is their home. They should not feel unsafe.' The protests started after an Ethiopian asylum seeker was charged with sexual assault against a local girl. FarRight activists have since become involved, clashing with police. The motherofthree condemned those who 'cause trouble', saying she hoped the event would be peaceful. Essex Police said it had a 'robust policing operation in place' to deal with any disorder. The mayor of a Florida city where cops were caught on camera smashing a driver's window because he did not have his headlights on has weighed in on the controversy. Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan said she understands the public's frustration with the events surrounding William McNeil Jr.'s arrest on February 19 - but urged civility as an investigation into the incident continues. In the dashboard footage, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office officers were seen breaking McNeil's window, punching him in the face, pulling him out of his car, then striking him again as they threw him to the ground to arrest him. 'I understand the angst. I understand the upset, I get all of that,' she said. 'But at the end of the day, let's wait and see where it all goes. Hopefully there's a good resolution,' Deegan told News4Jax. 'I am a very pragmatic thinker when it comes to how these things go, and it's not to diminish whatever happened there, I'm simply saying there has to be an investigative process,' the mayor continued, adding that she has 'faith that that process will be carried out.' 'But I can't really say much beyond that because there is a lawsuit that may happen,' as McNeil has now retained famed civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump and Harry Daniels to represent him after they said his now-viral video sparked 'outrage across the country.' A police report obtained by News4Jax stated that McNeil, 22, was pulled over after an officer allegedly saw his headlights and taillights were off in inclement weather. But when the video begins, McNeil expresses confusion about why he was pulled over with another officer, who is on the passenger side of his car. Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan has weighed in on the controversy surrounding William McNeil Jr.'s violent arrest Dashboard footage from the February 19 arrest showed Jacksonville Sheriff's Office officers breaking McNeil's window - even as he seemed to comply with their orders 'When he pulled me over, he walked up and I opened my door because my window doesn't work, and I said, "What did I do wrong?"' McNeil said. 'He said, "Well, for one, your headlights are off under this weather." I'm like there's multiple people with their headlights off first of all, and then there's no rain.' The officer whom McNeil was talking to replied, 'It doesn't matter. You're still required to have headlights on.' McNeil asked the officer to show him the law that requires that, and the officer told him he would once he stepped out of the vehicle. At that point, the college student asked the officer to call his supervisor - when Officer D. Bowen smashed his window and punched him in the face while shouting at him to exit the vehicle. In the police report, Bowen alleged that he believed McNeil was reaching for a knife under his seat and was 'continuing to pull away from officers' during his arrest. Yet McNeil's video showed that when Bowen broke the window and punched McNeil asked him to show his hands, McNeil complied. It also seemingly refuted Bowen's claim that McNeil was not wearing his seatbelt - as the North Carolina college student could be seen with his buckle across his chest, and Bowen having to unbuckle it himself. Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan has waded into the controversy surrounding 22-year-old William McNeil Jr's February arrest Cops from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office broke McNeil's window, punched him in the face, pulled him out of his car, then hit him again as they threw him to the ground Once McNeil was free, he was pulled out of the car and was punched by a second officer, while a group of cops forced him to the ground. An officer then shouted, 'What is wrong with you?' but when McNeil tried to reply that he was putting his hands behind his back, the cops told him to stop talking. At a news conference on Wednesday, McNeil claimed he suffered from a concussion and a tooth fracture that required nine stitches in the aftermath. 'That day I just really wanted to know why I was getting pulled over and why I needed to step out of the car,' he said. 'I didn't do anything wrong. I was really just scared,' McNeil insisted, though he ultimately pleaded guilty to resisting arrest without violence and driving with a suspended license, according to Fox 13. His attorneys are now arguing the violent arrest was the result of racism - noting that McNeil is a black man and the arresting officers were white. 'What happened to William McNeil Jr. is a disturbing reminder that even the most basic rights - like asking why you've been pulled over - can be met with violence for black Americans,' they said in a statement. The video showed that McNeil was wearing a seatbelt and the officers actually had to unbuckle him - despite a police report claiming he was driving without wearing a seatbelt McNeil was punched again and after was pulled out of the car and told to stop talking while he tried to explain to cops that he was putting his hands behind his back 'William was calm and compliant. Yet instead of answers, he got his window smashed and was punched in the face, all over a questionable claim about headlights in broad daylight. 'This wasn't law enforcement, it was brutality,' the lawyers continued, urging the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office to release all video from the incident. 'We demand full accountability from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and justice for William McNeil Jr.' Jacksonville Sheriff TK Waters has since announced that he has instructed his department to begin both a criminal and administrative review of his officers' actions. 'These administrative reviews are ongoing, but the state attorney's office has determined that none of the involved officers violated criminal law,' he said as he released body camera footage from the incident. McNeil claimed he suffered from a concussion and a tooth fracture that required nine stitches in the aftermath Body camera footage showed McNeil had the door open when he was first pulled over It showed McNeil had been repeatedly told to exit his vehicle when officers first pulled him over. He had his car door open at the time - but he later closed it and appeared to keep it locked for about three minutes before the cops forcibly removed him. 'Yes, there was force that was absolutely used by the arresting officers and yes, that force is ugly,' the sheriff acknowledged. 'The reality is that all force, all violence is ugly. Just because force is ugly does not mean it's unlawful or contrary to policy.' Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also defended the officers' actions, as he implied McNeil's video was posted online to advance a 'narrative' and generate attention on social media. 'That's what happens in so many of these things. There's a rush to judgment,' he told The Hill. 'There's... a desire to try to get views and clicks by creating division.' In the meantime, Mayor Deegan said she is asking the public 'to be a little patient' while the investigation continues. Heroic shoppers forced a man to drop his weapon after he stabbed 11 people inside a Walmart in Michigan on Saturday afternoon. The extraordinary moment four men confronted the deranged suspect in the parking lot of the Traverse City supermarket was caught on camera. During the urgency of the situation, one of the brave men lost his shoes and was walking barefoot as he ordered the knife-wielding man to drop his weapon. 'Get on the ground!" one of the men could be heard shouting. 'Drop the knife! Drop it!' another bellowed. 'Throw the knife that way! Throw it away!' the barefoot man continued to yell. Eleven people were stabbed during the bloody incident - with police saying that it appeared to be a random attack. Around 4:45pm, a 42-year-old man entered the store and used a folding knife to stab people, the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office said. The suspect, a 42-year-old man, is seen being confronted by ordinary shoppers after he rampaged through the Walmart in Michigan Witnesses say shoppers fled for their lives after a suspect brandished a knife inside the Walmart Supercenter on Crossing Circle just after 5pm A sheriff's deputy arrived within minutes and took the man into custody, and people in the store also helped apprehend the suspect and treat victims. In the clip, one of the citizens can be seen holding a gun in his hands aimed squarely at the suspect - yet the man still did not comply immediately. 'Get on the f***ing ground!' the men continued to yell as the man attempted to move between cars before finally placing the knife on the ground. Sheriff Michael Shea said in the aftermath: 'Eleven is 11 too many, but thank God it wasnt more. The victims were not predetermined.' Shea the suspect, a Michigan resident, apparently acted alone. The weapon involved appeared to be a folding-style knife. Michigan State Police confirmed the suspect is in authorities' custody. Witnesses said shoppers fled for their lives as they ran from inside the Walmart Supercenter on Crossing Circle just after 5pm. Six victims were in critical condition late on Saturday, and five were in serious condition, Munson Healthcare said in a statement. Walmart employees and customers wait outside while law enforcement investigates the scene after a stabbing incident in Traverse City, Michigan on Saturday Sheriff Michael Shea said the suspect, a Michigan resident, acted alone Local media reported three victims were undergoing surgery, citing police. The victims included six men and five women. The victims' ages weren't immediately released. The suspect is in custody, and police have not indicated a possible motive. Emergency vehicles and uniformed first responders gathered in the parking lot of the shopping center that houses several other retail stores. Police were seen interviewing workers from the supermarket across the street following the incident. Many were seen still wearing their Walmart overalls. One eyewitness posted to X how the incident occurred near the pharmacy counter, and many of the victims were said to be elderly. Tiffany DeFell, 36, who lives in Honor, about 25 miles from Traverse City, said she was in the store's parking lot when she saw chaos erupt around her. 'It was really scary. Me and my sister were just freaking out,' she said. 'This is something you see out of the movies. It's not what you expect to see where you're living.' Another eyewitness Julia Martell said she heard screaming and saw a man with a knife running through the store's pharmacy section. Emergency services were quickly in attendance following the incident on Saturday afternoon Grand Traverse Sheriff's deputies tape off the parking lot of a Walmart after a stabbing incident Martell said she saw the man shoving and stabbing people as he moved through the store. The 30-year-old also witnessed three people with stab wounds and described seeing 'blood everywhere.' Shea said the stabbing spree initially started near the checkout area of the store. 'It is very uncommon for our area,' he said of the violence. First responders were seen applying tourniquets at the scene. Deputy Director of the FBI Dan Bongino said his personnel were responding to the ordeal and providing help to the Traverse County Sheriff's Office. Michigan State Police officers talk to employees near the scene after the stabbing incident The stabbing victims were transported to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. 'Munson Healthcare is aware of the tragic incident that occurred earlier today at the Walmart in Traverse City,' Munson Healthcare, which runs Munson Medical Center posted on social media. 'Our thoughts are with all those affected by this event, and we are grateful to the first responders and law enforcement for their swift action.' The healthcare system said it is working with local authorities and emergency services to 'ensure the best possible care for those impacted.' Additionally, it said it is 'currently experiencing a higher-than-usual volume of patients.' The Michigan State Police released a statement regarding the incident: 'Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office is investigating a multiple stabbing incident at the Walmart in Traverse City. The suspect is in custody, details are limited at this time. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said her office was in contact with police about the 'horrible news.' 'Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this brutal act of violence. I am grateful to the first responders for their swift response to apprehend the suspect,' Whitmer said. Police were seen interviewing workers from the supermarket across the street following the incident. Many were seen still wearing their Walmart overalls Walmart said in a statement that it would continue to work closely with law enforcement in the investigation. 'Violence like this is unacceptable. Our thoughts are with those who were injured and were thankful for the swift action of first responders,' the statement said. Officials say there is no longer any danger to the public at this time. Drivers were asked to avoid the area as the investigation remained ongoing, state police said. Traverse City is a popular vacation spot on the coast of Lake Michigan. It is known for its cherry festival, wineries and lighthouses and is about 25 miles east of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. An American Airlines flight departing from Denver Airport issued a forced evacuation when the plane experienced an issue with its landing gear while on the runway. Flight AA3023 bound for Miami, Florida, was preparing for takeoff when first responders were alerted about the issue on Saturday afternoon and evacuated everybody onboard the Boeing 737 MAX 8. Video posted online showed all 173 passengers and six crew members frantically exiting the plane on a slide as smoke billowed from underneath the aircraft. Five people were treated at the scene, while a sixth was transported to a local hospital for what has been described as a minor injury. The plane had been scheduled to depart from Denver at 1.12pm, and the FAA said that a 'possible landing gear' incident happened during takeoff on runway 34L. All 173 passengers and six crew members had to be evacuated from an American Airlines flight on Saturday. All 173 passengers and six crew members had to be evacuated from an American Airlines flight on Saturday. American Airlines planes are pictured in Miami It remains unclear what exactly went wrong during takeoff, but a spokesman for American Airlines said the aircraft experienced a maintenance issue with one of its tires and had to be taken out of service to be inspected. Customers are now said to 're-depart to MIA on a replacement aircraft later today.' The incident has caused more than 200 delays at the Denver Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration is now investigating the incident. This is a breaking news story and will be updated. Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, is known for her down-to-earth nature and was reportedly viewed by the Queen as The Firm's safest pair of hands. Patron of more than 70 charities and organisations, including Childline and the London College of Fashion, she undertakes over 200 engagements each year, including visits to schools, hospitals and military bases. For this reason, it was an incredibly poignant moment when the former Countess of Wessex became a Duchess in 2023 to mark Prince Edward's 59th birthday. This was in keeping with his parents' wishes and in recognition of Edward's commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award youth scheme. Sophie said in a recent interview that the change in title 'felt like quite a big moment' because of its connection to the late queen. But according to friends of Sophie, she was also relieved that her move up the royal ranks means she no longer needs to curtsey to Meghan Markle. The relationship between the two women has been tenuous since the beginning. A friend of the couple said: Sophie is relieved. She no longer has to curtsey to someone in the family who has not only left Royal duties but has spent the past three years criticising the institution that Sophie works so hard to support. When Meghan entered the Royal Family fresh from her role in Suits, the late Queen enlisted Sophie to teach her the ropes. According to friends of Duchess Sophie, she was also relieved that her move up the royal ranks means she no longer needs to curtsey to Meghan Markle When Meghan entered the Royal Family fresh from her role in Suits, the late Queen enlisted Sophie to teach her the ropes Sophie and the late Queen Elizabeth II attend the Women's Institute AGM, Royal Albert Hall, London on June 4, 2015 But according to royal author Gyles Brandreth, Meghan 'wasn't interested' in receiving advice from her new mentor. This led Sophie to make a cutting remark when asked about 'stepping in' for Meghan and Harry after they stepped down as senior royals. According to royal expert Katie Nicholl, Sophie said: 'What did people think we were doing beforehand?' This wasn't the only time Sophie addressed Harry and Meghan's exit from the family. Following the Sussexes' explosive tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, Sophie and Edward made a cheeky remark. When asked about the much-discussed interview by The Telegraph, the Prince simply said, 'Oprah, who?' while Sophie added with a laugh, 'What interview?' Speaking about Harry and Meghan's exit from the Firm, Sophie added: 'I just hope they will be happy.' More pointedly, she then stated that the royals do all they can to try to assist new members to adjust, adding: 'We all try to help any new members of the family'. Sophie curtseys to Queen Elizabeth II as she attends Ladies Day of Royal Ascot on June 22, 2017 Speaking about Harry and Meghan's exit from the Firm, Sophie added: 'I just hope they will be happy'. Sophie and Meghan are pictured at Ascot in 2018 Sophie and Meghan travelled together in a car down The Mall ahead of the Queen's State Funeral in September 2022 Sophie and Meghan travelled together in a car down The Mall ahead of the Queen's State Funeral in September 2022. After travelling together, Sophie was described as a 'savvy peacemaker' who may be tasked with 'soothing tensions between the Sussexes and the rest of the Firm.' According to royal expert Camilla Tominey, writing in the Telegraph, the job of making sure the 'Sussexes are made to feel part of the sombre proceedings' appeared to have fallen to Sophie. The royal expert cited reports of previous times the former Countess is believed to have 'stepped in to soothe tensions,' including after the funeral of Philip, when she is said to have sought out Harry and spoken with him for some 30 minutes. And a former aide of Sophie told the Telegraph that she 'is made for the role of mediator.' They said: 'That's why she's the Queen's favourite daughter-in-law - she's down to earth and just gets on with it.' Speaking during her visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina last week, Sophie said in an interview with The Mirror: 'First of all it was quite large shoes to fill because not as many of the population alive today will remember but the Queen was Duchess of Edinburgh for the first few years when she and my father-in-law first married. 'For me, it was quite an emotional thing to sort of step into her shoes [as being Duchess of Edinburgh], it felt like quite a big moment.' And a former aide of Sophie told the Telegraph that she 'is made for the role of mediator' According to royal expert Camilla Tominey, writing in the Telegraph, the job of making sure the 'Sussexes are made to feel part of the sombre proceedings' appeared to have fallen to Sophie' The Duchess of Edinburgh visits Sarajevo's Old Town during her visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina She explained, however, that in practical terms her and her husband's role is to support the King as it was to support the Queen. In her interview, Sophie also opened up on what it is like being seen as the Royal Family's 'secret weapon'. She explained that she doesn't see herself as being in a 'front and centre' role, which allows her more time to pursue her own interests. Sophie said: 'I like to fly under the radar. It's all very well being a secret weapon but if no one knows, maybe it's too secret.' 'I suppose I should take it as a backhanded compliment,' she added. Royal expert Russell Myers previously claimed that Sophie 'undoubtedly benefited' from Harry and Meghan stepping back from royal life because it has 'raised her profile'. Speaking on True Royalty TV's The Royal Beat, he explained: 'Are the Instagram generation going to be as obsessed with Sophie and Edward Wessex as they are with the Sussexes? Obviously not. 'However, when you're dealing with them Sophie's really across her subject matter. It's not just for show and she has really grown into that. With the Sussexes not here, the Wessexes will undoubtedly benefit.' The Duchess of Edinburgh meets mothers of victims of the Srebrenica Genocide William and Kate, Harry and Meghan and Sophie and Edward are pictured at the 2020 Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey, the Sussexes' final official engagement before they quit royal life Kate speaks to Sophie at the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in 2020 while Harry looks on Meanwhile he also pointed to how similar Meghan and Sophie's interests are, saying: 'The similarities between Sophie and Meghan are there to be seen. 'Sophie's working with girls' education, she's done a lot of stuff about violence against females in Africa.' Most recently royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told MailOnline that Sophie's hard-hitting advocacy work could have allowed Meghan to flourish in the Royal Family. In recent years the King's sister-in-law, who is married to his brother, Prince Edward, has travelled to current and former war zones including Chad, the Congo, Kosovo, South Chad, Lebanon and Sierra Leone. She has devoted much of her latter working life as a royal to supporting the Women, Peace and Security Agenda and is passionate about championing gender equality. Fitzwilliams said: 'Meghan is struggling to be an influencer, Sophie has influence in ways that really matter, which Meghan could have been. 'Meghan has always boasted about how she promotes feminism. 'Yet contrast the occasional speech she makes in comfortable surroundings with the remarkable work of Sophie who actually visits areas of the world such as Sudan and Chad which have been devastated by war and attempts to comfort the women who are victims of rape and exploitation.' Sophie was described as a 'savvy peacemaker' who may be tasked with 'soothing tensions between the Sussexes and the rest of the Firm'. Harry and Meghan with Sophie and Edward are pictured at Ascot in 2018 Your browser does not support iframes. He added that Meghan's departure from frontline royal duties is a case of 'wasted potential', while Sophie has 'proved she's the Royal Family's champion of women's rights'. In the most recent YouGov opinion poll, 51 per cent of Brits said they felt positively about Sophie, compared to just 20 per cent for Meghan. Just 12 per cent of people had a negative view of Sophie compared to 65 for Meghan. Sophie is currently ranked as the sixth most popular royal, compared to Meghan who falters in 19th place. In 2019 Meghan was the sixth most popular royal and Sophie was in 11th place. Meghan's popularity has been on a steady incline since she and Harry stepped down as senior working royals. Meanwhile Sophie's popularity has only increased over time as she uses her position to platform causes for change. Back in the summer of 2009, The Black Eyed Peas had a hit with I Gotta Feeling, Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince was showing in cinemas and the world was in shock over the death of Michael Jackson. But for Kate Middleton, who was 27 at the time, it was a 'difficult period' as her university friends were getting married and there was much talk about her future marital status. Royal biographer Katie Nicholl wrote in The Making Of A Royal Romance: 'William had signed up for 18 months of training with the RAF and there was simply no time to even think about a wedding. 'Although they managed to see each other most weekends, their time together was fleeting.' Meanwhile, Kate had been dubbed 'Waity Kaity by the media and was dividing her time between her flat in London and her parents' Berkshire home. Perhaps it was salt in the wound when one of her best friends got married in May as Kate and William pulled out at the last minute, causing speculation among their friends. Kate was said to be dreading the inevitable 'When will you two be next?' question. But her spirits had been lifted when a vacancy popped up at Harrods, owned by Mohamed Al-Fayed, father of Dodie, who had been romantically involved with Princess Diana at the time of their deaths in Paris in 1997. Kate Middleton, who was 27 at the time, was in a 'difficult period' as her university friends were getting married and there was much talk about her future marital status Prince William and Kate saw each other most weekends while William was training in the RAF. They are pictured at a polo match in May 2009 Prince William signed up for 18 months of training at RAF Shawbury in 2009 Nicholl wrote: 'She had a contact at Harrods, who told her there was a vacancy for a buyer's assistant in the fashion department. 'Kate had always wanted a job in fashion, and was keen to pursue this new opportunity.' A senior source told Nicholl: 'It was discussed. Kate is a regular shopper at Harrods and the chairman [Al-Fayed] had an idea to approach her to do something, but it never came to anything.' The royal author continued: 'The Knightsbridge store is owned by Mohamed Al-Fayed, who has installed a shrine to his son Dodie and Diana in the lower ground floor of the store, and according to sources close to Kate she was worried the job could turn into a potential PR disaster.' And it seems this was for the best, because in 2023, historic allegations of sexual abuse by Al-Fayed - dubbed The Monster of Harrods - came to light. It was around this time that the Queen gave some stinging advice to Kate. In her book, William And Harry: Behind the Palace Walls, Nicholl wrote that the Queen was concerned about Kate's lack of a stable job and the number of holidays she was taking in her book. She wrote: 'While the rest of the world speculated that an engagement was on the horizon for William and Kate, the Queen believed an announcement should be postponed until Kate was settled in a career.' Royal biographer Katie Nicholl wrote in The Making Of A Royal Romance: 'William had signed up for 18 months of training with the RAF and there was simply no time to even think about a wedding' Kate's spirits had been lifted when a vacancy popped up at Harrods, owned Mohamed Al-Fayed, father of Dodie Kate had been dubbed 'Waity Kaity' by the media and was dividing her time between her flat in London and her parents' Berkshire home One insider told Nicholl that 'it is Her Majestys opinion that if Kate is one day going to be Williams consort, then she needs a proper job.' MailOnline reported at the time that sources close to the Queen said she was acutely aware that Williams public image could suffer if his girlfriend were not recognised as a working professional in her own right. The Queen has had conversations with a few trusted friends about how to tackle what is being called the Kate problem, a senior aide told The Mail on Sunday. On the few occasions the Queen has met Kate, she has thought she is a nice enough girl. But the Queen has admitted she has no idea what Kate actually does. Privately, she is very concerned about what the repercussions could be if Kate is not in a stable job as and when William is ready to propose.' When she left St Andrews with a 2:1 in art history, Kate attempted to set up her own childrens clothing line as a subsidiary to her parents mail-order company, Party Pieces. But she was forced to close it before it launched for financial reasons. She then got a job as an accessories buyer at Jigsaw, but quit in 2007. By June 2008, Kate was working for her parents company, Party Pieces. Kate and her sister Pippa Middleton (left) sip champagne with friends, Thomas Van Straubenzee and Melissa 'Missy' Percy, at the Audi Polo Challenge Polo in May 2009 Biographer Nicholl wrote: 'Kate had a contact at Harrods, who told her there was a vacancy for a buyer's assistant in the fashion department' Kate (pictured in September 2009) worked for her parents mail-order company, Party Pieces Wedding fever! William and Hugh van Cutsem attend the wedding of Nicholas van Cutsem and Alice Hadden-Paton on August 14, 2009 In Nicholl's book Kate: The Future Queen, a family friend tells how Kate's mother, Carole, expressed her fears to William that he had not proposed. But he assured her that not only would there be an engagement and subsequent marriage, the couple hoped to have children and he promised Carole that she would be fully involved in their upbringing. From the beginning, William had made it clear that he would not rush into marriage. Back in March 2005, Kate had been invited to Klosters with the royals where William gave an interview to the press during an arranged photocall at the Swiss ski resort. The 22-year-old reportedly blushed when he was asked about his long-term girlfriend Kate and said he was lucky to have a close circle of trusted friends. He said: 'Look, I'm only 22 for God's sake. I'm too young to marry at my age. 'I don't want to get married until I'm at least 28 or maybe 30.' From the beginning, William had made it clear that he would not rush into marriage William with his flying instructor Craig Finch at Royal Air Force Shawbury, in Shrewsbury, where he was based for his military helicopter training in June 2009 In December 2006, Kate and her mother attended Sandhurst to watch Prince William receive his army commission, which sparked a frenzy of engagement rumours. Woolworths even commissioned its own range of memorabilia in anticipation of the event. These included traditional china plates, thimbles, mouse mats and even Wills and Kate shaped pick-and-mix sweets. Sadly, Woolworths went out of business in January 2009, before the engagement was announced. But according to Nicholl, it was senior royals who told William to take the relationship steady. She wrote: 'William had been having second thoughts and sat down with his father and his grandmother to have a frank discussion about his future with Kate. 'Both advised him not to hurry into anything.' After dating for nearly a decade, William finally proposed in October 2010, in a cabin roughly 11,000ft above sea level on the side of Mount Kenya in Africa. Kate and William announced their engagement on November 16, 2010, before tying the knot in April 2011 The wedding took place at Westminster Abbey with 2,000 guests and 2.6billion people around the world watching on television William had been carrying his late mother's engagement ring in his backpack for three weeks before giving it to Kate. True to his prediction, he would later marry Kate Middleton two months before his 29th birthday. They announced their engagement to the public on November 16, 2010, before tying the knot in April 2011. The wedding took place at Westminster Abbey with 2,000 guests and 2.6billion people around the world watching on television At the time, People called it the 'greatest and grandest royal affair' since Prince Charles and Princess Diana's 1981 wedding. Looking back now, that long, hot summer of 2009 must feel like a lifetime ago to Kate. The Duke of Sussex went off-grid and was uncontactable for three days during his week-long visit to Africa, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. After completing his work with landmine-clearing Halo Trust charity in Angola, he is believed to have travelled to the neighbouring country of Botswana last weekend. There, he is thought to have met with a mother figure in his life who lives in the southern African country, Tania 'TJ' Jenkins, whom he calls 'mom'. She and her husband Mike Holding played a pivotal role in Harry's life for many years before he met Meghan. They were so important to him that he flew his future wife to introduce her to them within a month of meeting her in 2016. It's unusual for the duke to spend so long away from the family home in Montecito, California, without Meghan. Trips abroad without her usually involve a tight turnround, with Harry jetting home after just two or three days. The Duke of Sussex went off-grid and was uncontactable for three days during his week-long visit to Botswana, The Mail on Sunday can reveal There, he is thought to have met with a mother figure in his life who lives in the southern African country, Tania 'TJ' Jenkins (centre), whom he calls 'mom'. She and her husband Mike Holding (left) played a pivotal role in Harry's life for many years before he met Meghan. On this occasion, however, he spent a full week away from Meghan and their children, Archie and Lilibet. A source said: 'This time he took some more time and space, and made the trip into a week-long visit to reconnect with old friends and get some headspace away from his phone and emails. 'He went off comms for two days or so. 'It was a good moment for Harry to take some time away from everything, enjoying total peace of mind and being somewhere so remote that he couldn't even get emails or texts or calls.' As the population of Arizona's capital city soars, around two and half hours north of Phoenix, another city with milder weather and a smalltown vibe is facing it's own boom in popularity. Prescott, Arizona, has seen a steady increase in population in recent years, with the number of residents sky rocketing 6.16 percent from 46,056 in 2020 to an estimated 48,891 inhabitants in 2025. Prescott is certainly benefitting from the spillover of Phoenix's migration swell. The capital is not only the most populous city in Arizona, but also the fifth most populous city in the country. Between 2023 and 2024, 85,000 new residents flocked to Phoenix, largely because of its comparably low cost of living and thriving job market. With a rich history as a frontier gold and silver mining town, Prescott has now become a soughtafter spot for second homes and a popular weekend, summer and vacation destination for Phoenix locals. Prescott's City Manager Dallin Kimble told the Daily Mail that the city is unique in many ways. While only 90 minutes from Phoenix, it offers a far milder climate and four seasons. The pleasant yearround weather makes Prescott a perfect place to enjoy all the outdoor recreational activities it has to offer including high lakes and many miles of hiking and biking, Kimble explained. The City Manager also touted Prescott's rich history and culture as attractive qualities the community has to offer. As the population of Arizona 's capital city soars, around two and half hours north of Phoenix, another city with milder weather and a smalltown vibe is facing it's own boom in popularity (Pictured: Prescott, Arizona) Kimble attributed Prescott's steady rise in population to families that come and grow there, as well retirees - 'especially from California and the Phoenix area' who decide to settle down there. 'We're focusing on particular businesses and industries that we hope are contributing to that,' Kimble said of the growing population. 'For example, we've got three colleges in town, and we're trying to encourage certain industries', he said, specifying aerospace, advanced manufacturing and tech as examples. The median age of residents in Prescott is 60.5 which, Prescott realtor Gwen Holloway explains, is because many of the houses being sold are second home to clients whose primary home is in Phoenix or surrounding areas. Phoenix residents in a postpandemic era are still favoring homelife, which means city dwellers are opting for a smalltown vibe as opposed to the hustle and bustle of a state capital especially as employees have more opportunities to work from home, and the flexibility that comes with that. Prescott is the ideal location for these people. With a blend of smalltown charm, Western history and scenic beauty the slower pace of life offered in Prescott is highly attractive to those who are getting older and growing tired of city life. The downtown area, with its historic courthouse and surrounding shops, contributes to the classic smalltown feel. The pleasant yearround weather makes Prescott a perfect place to enjoy all the outdoor recreational activities it has to offer including high lakes and many miles of hiking and biking (Pictured: Watson Lake in Prescott) With a rich history as a frontier gold and silver mining town, Prescott has now become a soughtafter spot for second homes and a popular weekend, summer and vacation destination for Phoenix locals Residents often describe a strong sense of community and neighborly connection in fact, the city is often referred to as 'Everybody's Hometown', because people find it reminds them of where they grew up. The downtown Prescott area features Victorian homes, saloons along 'Whiskey Row' a block of historic bars, once a popular spot for cowboys and outlaws and other retro sites that harken back to the Old West. Surrounded by the Prescott National Forest, the city offers ample opportunities for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The area features five lakes, providing options for kayaking, canoeing, fishing and enjoying scenic views. Prescott's mild seasons and fresh air make it an appealing destination for those trying to escape the stifling heat and humidity of Phoenix where there are 111 days of scorching temperatures above 100F each year. But it's not just Phoenix people are flocking to Prescott from. Brenda Duncan Cusick, 61, left Moorpark, California, a town an hour northwest of Los Angeles after nearly two decades in favor of the Arizona city. Cusick's mortgage payment plunged from a staggering $3,309 to just $1,672 monthly, and she's now living her retirement dream in a 'Hallmark movie' city. The downtown Prescott area features Victorian homes, saloons along 'Whiskey Row' a block of historic bars, once a popular spot for cowboys and outlaws and other retro sites that harken back to the Old West Prescott's mild seasons and fresh air make it an appealing destination for those trying to escape the stifling heat and humidity of Phoenix where there are 111 days of scorching temperatures above 100F each year When COVID19 unleashed remote work possibilities in 2020, Cusick and her husband took a chance on a new life. They sold their California home and joined the wave of retirees flocking to more affordable Arizona. The major financial relief was immediate. After downsizing from their 4bedroom, 3bathroom Moorpark home to a 3bedroom, 2bathroom property in Prescott, their mortgage payment plunged from a staggering $3,309 to just $1,672 monthly. Their utility and HOA bills in Arizona now average a mere $373 monthly, compared to the $400$1,200 they routinely paid in California. And Cusick says the move has completely transformed her quality of life. 'It's a very western town in the mountains of Arizona,' she said. She added that the downtown area reminds her of a Hallmark movie. Cusick is one of many California residents making the migration from the Golden State to Arizona. Brenda Duncan Cusick, 61, left Moorpark, California, a town an hour northwest of Los Angeles after nearly two decades of emergency evacuation procedures A stock photograph of a woman expressing freedom at Watson Lake, Prescott, Arizona In 2023 alone, 54,222 people relocated from California to Arizona, representing over 20 percent of all inmigration to the state. On top of affordable housing, lower taxes and a rapidly growing economy, Arizona also offers all of the sunshine that California boasts, but without nearly as many natural disasters. While California is the state contributing most significantly to Arizona's population growth, Washington, Texas, Colorado and Illinois are also losing residents to the Grand Canyon State. Paradisal beaches, raving nightlife, and endless parties with killer sunsets. It sounds like Ibiza, but what if we told you it's only a train ride away from New York City. The talk of the town in the Big Apple every summer is the wealthy flocking to their Hamptons homes to enjoy a good workout class, exclusive parties and rub elbows with the world's top one percent. But neighboring Long Island hamlet, Montauk, is where the real party has been this summer. As more music festivals and DJ parties continue to pop up along the idyllic beaches and hotspots around town, causing influencers and ravers alike to flock there, the hamlet of 4,000 is starting to be referred to by some as 'America's Ibiza.' Over Memorial Day and July Fourth weekends, party after party filled with hot young people dancing the night away to up-and-coming DJs like Beau Cruz. Plenty of huge parties take place at Surf Lodge, one of Montauk's go-to places for influencers to let lose against the gorgeous summer sunsets and fall into their expensive hotel rooms on the premises, that start at around $795 a night. Radio host and music curator Bobby Hendrickson, who has 129,000 followers, called Montauk the new Ibiza in a TikTok that has quickly gone viral. He said the New York hotspot resembled the Spanish archipelago due to its rising tourism in the summer, vibey nightlife and day parties, and the wealth of its visitors. The talk of the town every summer is the wealthy flocking to their Hamptons homes to enjoy a good workout class and rub elbows with the world's top one percent. But neighboring Long Island hamlet, Montauk, is where the real party has been this summer. A party at the Surf Lodge on July 5 is seen above As more music festivals and DJ parties continue to pop up along the idyllic beaches and hotspots around town, causing influencers and ravers alike to flock there, the town of 4,000 is starting to be referred to by some as America's Ibiza (pictured: a party at Surf Lodge in Montauk on July 5) Guest party at the NYLON Residency at The Surf Lodge over July Fourth weekend Large summer homes along the Montauk shoreline are seen above 'Let's go, Montauk!' the 29-year-old Miami resident told Daily Mail in a phone interview. 'It's got similar vibes to Ibiza.' Both have become well-known places that are filled with celebrities, the wealthy, gorgeous beaches, crazy parties, and lots of money. 'And it's an island,' he said of both places. Hendrickson, who was in Ibiza this week, said nothing will truly compare to the Spanish vacation spot, but he does believe Montauk could develop into a rival. 'Nothing is like Ibiza,' the SiriusXM host said. 'That's its own animal.' Before the Ibiza-esque takeover, the hamlet - located on the farthest eastern point of Long Island - was a sleepy surfer town known for its quaint charm. Now, it's anything but. 'It's people with money,' Hendrickson told Daily Mail. And people who want to party. Your browser does not support iframes. Bobby Hendrickson (pictured) said the New York hotspot resembled the Spanish archipelago due to its rising tourism in the summer, vibey nightlife and day parties, and the wealth of its visitors Brunch at Bounce Beach in Montauk on July 19 is seen above. People tuck into food and drink as the music plays Nightclub consultant, Jonas Young-Borra, 40, of Manhattan, said Montauk's new popularity is due to social media trends and he doesn't know how long it will last. 'People are chasing the trend of the moment and they'll chase the next,' Young-Borra told Daily Mail It has well-known DJs coming out, like Cheat Codes - who have a song with Demi Lovato - who will be taking over the Surf Lodge. Other beach places like Gurney's Montauk and Duryea's - which has a $97 Cobb salad on its menu - are other popular places. The Montauk Beach House is hosting a Palma Day Club, which features a party at the clubhouse every Saturday with two pools, DJs, and food and drinks. And if influencers are lucky, they'll score tickets to private parties or get to attend brand parties. Last summer, Dolce and Gabbana held a beach pop at the clubhouse and had items for sale. Hendrickson thinks social media has played a huge role in putting Montauk on the map. 'Social media has that effect,' he said. 'It created a hype culture [around Montauk].' Nightclub consultant, Jonas Young-Borra, 40, of Manhattan, said the only comparison is the wealth of those enjoying it as the New York destination is much, much smaller than the Spanish island. He also said that Ibiza, unlike Montauk, was 'built as a party community'. The Surf Lodge (pictured) is a popular place for partiers to go in the summer Other beach places like Gurney's Montauk (pictured) and Duryea's - which has a $97 Cobb salad on its menu - are other popular places 'Ibiza has monster huge clubs,' he told Daily Mail while driving out to Long Island. 'I'd never call it the Ibiza of New York... As a party destination, you can call it boutique Ibiza.' But he agrees with Hendrickson that it is more of a 'destination now than ever before'. Although Hendrickson and Young-Borra don't know how long the hype will last. 'People are chasing the trend of the moment and they'll chase the next,' Young-Borra told Daily Mail. 'It's a seasonal place,' Hendrickson, who tries to visit Montauk at least once a year, said. 'In the summertime, it's a lot of fun.' A former emergency medicine and pediatrics doctor who has been going out to Montauk for 10 years agreed that the town has seen a 'complete change in culture' more recently. Dr. Fidel Garcia, 47, of Brooklyn, works with Beautique Concierge and Ring My Belle offering partygoers in Montauk at-home IV hydration. Dr. Fidel Garcia, 47, of Brooklyn, who works with Beautique Concierge and Ring My Belle, said IV hydration is a huge hit in Montauk for partiers and the elite and some even get it before their big weekends out. 'There's lots of pregaming,' he told Daily Mail A mother and son look at the stores in the quaint downtown area of Montauk 'Clients are treating it like an ultimate weekend destination,' Garcia said. 'It's the next big party center' (pictured: Montauk) He said their services have been a huge hit especially amongst revelers preparing for a big weekend. Like their counterparts in the Hamptons, they too are ordering IV drips to their doors to ward off dreaded hangovers. 'Clients are treating it like an ultimate weekend destination,' he said. 'It's the next big party center. 'There's lots of pregaming,' he told Daily Mail. Clients will often pregame on Thursday and Friday before partying the weekend away. On Saturday and Sunday, recovery efforts begin, he explained. Nearly a third of his clientele are New Yorkers in their 20s and 30s enjoying a summer away from the hot concrete jungle, while others come from different states and countries. The hangover drip, which retails for $350 and is delivered to one's door, is in 'high demand' during the summer months, Garcia said. The NAD+ drip, which retails for $850, is also 'having its moment,' the former emergency medicine and pediatrics doctor told Daily Mail. The majority of those looking for party bender recovery are young adults, while the wealthy elite between the ages of 30 and 50 are more focused on health-related aspects, he added. An eyewitness to the supposed crash-landing of a UFO in a small Pennsylvania town nearly 60 years ago now claims investigators have made new, startling discoveries about the incident. On December 9, 1965, people in seven US states and Canada reported seeing a giant fiery object lighting up the night sky. Ronnie Strubel, 82, lived in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, at the time and described it as a 'fireball with a red rooster tail behind it'. Contrary to more recent reports where witnesses claim UFOs they saw were unnaturally quick, Strubel told Daily Mail the object he saw was moving about as fast as a commercial airplane. Then, he said, it came down in a wooded area in the unincorporated town of Kecksburg, which lies in Westmoreland County. 'It only took like 15 or 20 minutes for us to get out to the site, and the military was already there,' he said. But in the decades since, this strange event likely seen by thousands of people has largely been erased from the collective memory. That is, until the History Channel aired a documentary on the subject earlier this month, where a mix of experts used modern technology to uncover what may have happened all those years ago in Kecksburg. Many locals who claim to have seen the UFO pass over Kecksburg, Pennsylvania, say it looked like an acorn (Pictured: A model of the UFO is seen displayed in town) Pictured: The History Channel team, alongside first-hand UFO witnesses Bill Weaver (second from right) and Ronnie Strubel (right), stand in the woods near the supposed crash site Kecksburg is a small, unincorporated town in Westmoreland County. The nearest big city is Pittsburgh The 42-minute long episode, titled 'Pennsylvania's Roswell', was part of reality TV series Beyond Skinwalker Ranch, a show that focuses on sites around the country where there has been supposed paranormal activity. Strubel and another local, Bill Weaver, were featured in the episode. During a shot near the crash site, Strubel told the same story, but Weaver added some more context about the government response. 'The police and the military, they were all over the place. And there were guys out there in dark suits. They were the ones that seemed to be in charge,' Weaver said. 'While we were standing there watching what was going on, the state police and the military came up to us and they told us, "If you don't move, we're going to confiscate your car." And I figured I better move,' he added. Hosts Andy Bustamante, an ex-CIA officer, and Paul Beban, an award-winning journalist, unpacked much of the lore surrounding the UFO sighting and crash. This included the persisting claim from longtime residents that the object they saw was shaped like an acorn. An acorn-like model of the alleged UFO has been sitting outside the Kecksburg Volunteer Fire Station since the 1990, when it was created as a prop for the NBC show 'Unsolved Mysteries.' They also discussed many of the explanations that were thrown out by the federal government in the days, months and years after the incident. Pictured: The very first Greensburg Tribune-Review article on the Kecksburg UFO incident, dated December 10, 1965 Pictured: The History Channel team did a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) scan of the ground near where the UFO was thought to have crashed. Technologist Pete Kelsey claimed that this blue area was abnormally flat compared to the rest of the surrounding topography The team then returned to that exact spot with handheld spectrum analyzers to measure the radio waves. The reading on the left was taken from the flat area discovered by the LiDAR, while the reading on the right was taken just 20 feet away Very early reports quoted astronomers claiming it was merely a meteor, but this didn't hold much credibility because of the unprecedented military presence documented by witnesses and local media. NASA still maintains that it was likely a meteor, but also acknowledges speculation that it could have been Soviet satellite. Beban said the strangest thing about the case was that it got plenty of media attention at the time before it 'faded from view' under 'a cloak of secrecy'. Bustamante and Beban turned to the expertise of technologist Pete Kelsey in hopes that he would be able to uncover the exact site of the UFO crash. Kelsey used LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) imaging from a drone and slam scanner to get a topographic map of the ground, which would reveal possible impact points. Later, the team gathered to look at the results of the scan and found what Kelsey called a patch of 'man-made earth work'. 'It's level against this otherwise very steep slope. Straight lines, right angles. Those kinds of things do not occur in nature,' he said. They then returned to that exact spot with handheld spectrum analyzers to measure the radio waves. Strubel revealed the findings at this past weekend's 20th annual Kecksburg UFO Festival, an event he founded with permission from the fire department in 2005 Pictured: An alien themed parade at the 2013 Kecksburg UFO Festival The alleged crash site had a vastly different radio signature than a spot just 20 feet away, which had a flat frequency. 'This doesn't make any sense. How is there a radio signal in one place that doesn't exist just a few feet away? That's not how radio energy works,' Bustamante said. 'We're getting even more evidence that suggests that there really was something strange that happened on this spot, in this ravine, in Kecksburg,' he added. 'We might have actually found the real crash site.' Strubel revealed these findings at this past weekend's 20th annual Kecksburg UFO Festival, an event he founded with permission from the fire department in 2005. Strubel himself is a 50-year veteran of the Kecksburg Volunteer Fire Department, once serving as chief. The three-day festival routinely attracts thousands of visitors from all over the United States and the world as a whole, he told Daily Mail. 'We've had people from Japan, from Germany, from England with this little town event that we have,' he said. The first two days of the festival were not solely dedicated to the extraterrestrial, with attendees enjoying a cornhole competition, a parade, fireworks and even a hotdog eating contest. A visitor enjoying a previous Kecksburg UFO Festival in 2012 'Years ago, we used to have a street fair, and that went to the wayside. And this was our idea for some kind of event to draw a little bit of money into the community. So we started the UFO Fest,' Strubel said. It remains unclear what truly happened in Kecksburg six decades ago, but the mythos surrounding the UFO crash is clearly buoying the area to this day. Britains new porn laws sparked a huge surge in VPN use, suggesting porn users are rushing to dodge the strict new age checks. Under rules that came into force on Friday, UK users must prove they are over 18 to access pornographic websites, with some platforms demanding ID uploads or even facial scans. Major sites including Pornhub, YouPorn, RedTube, Cam4, and others have told regulator Ofcom theyve rolled out these checks. Social media and messaging platforms such as Reddit, Discord, Bluesky, Grindr, and X have also introduced age verification measures. But the clampdown appears to have backfired as online searches for VPNs, which can disguise a users location, spiked by more than 700 per cent on Friday morning, suggesting thousands are already looking for ways around the restrictions. VPNs help users appear as though they're browsing from another country, allowing them to access sites without triggering the local ID checks. Experts had previously warned that the technology could be used by users trying to bypass the system. Marcus Johnstone, a criminal defence solicitor, told The Independent that such measures won't prevent access to fringe forums or the dark web, where much online exploitation occurs. Pornhub, the most-visited pornographic service in the UK, is just one website that's agreed to online age checks Online searches for VPNs, which can disguise a users location, spiked by more than 700 per cent on Friday morning. Pictured: Stock image He said: 'It will also do nothing to restrict access to [fringe] forums, where much online exploitation takes place, or to the dark web, which remains easily available to those with the motivation to look.' Under the new rules any sites fail to do the checks, Ofcom can impose fines and in very serious cases apply for a court order to prevent the site or app from being available. 'We will be actively checking compliance from 25 July and, should it be necessary, we expect to launch any investigations into individual services next week,' Ofcom said. Why is the porn crackdown happening? According to Oliver Griffiths, Ofcom's group director of online safety, making life safer online 'is one of the defining challenges of our era'. 'Society has long protected youngsters from products that aren't suitable for them, from alcohol to smoking or gambling,' he said. 'But for too long children have been only a click away from harmful pornography online. 'Now, change is happening. These age checks will bring pornography into line with how we treat adult services in the real world, without compromising access and privacy for over-18s.' How do the age checks work? Ofcom has listed seven methods that porn providers could use. Ultimately, which one they opt for is their decision, not Ofcom's, but their chosen method must be 'highly effective' at correctly determining if a user is under 18. Ofcom's seven suggested strategies are photo-ID matching, facial age estimation, mobile-network operator (MNO) age checks, credit card checks, email-based age estimation, digital identity services and open banking. Open banking works by accessing the information a bank has on record regarding a user's age, while photo-ID matching involves uploading a verified photo-ID document, like a PDF of a passport of driving licence. Ofcom has listed seven methods that porn providers could use. Ultimately, which one they opt for is their decision, not Ofcom's, but their chosen method must be 'highly effective' at correctly determining if a user is under 18 UK porn sites that have agreed to age checks Pornhub BoyfriendTV Cam4 FrolicMe inxxx Jerkmate LiveHDCams MyDirtyHobby RedTube Streamate Stripchat Tube8 YouPorn Bluesky Discord Grindr Reddit X Advertisement Facial age estimate works by analysing the features of a user's face from a photo to work their age, while MNO age checks involve mobile-network operators applying age-restriction filters themselves. Because you must be 18 to get a credit card in the UK, credit card checks are also listed as 'highly effective', as are email-based age estimations, which estimate your age based on other services where you've provided your email address. 'The process can be as simple as submitting an email address and will return an accurate result in seconds,' explained Lina Ghazal, head of regulatory and public affairs at safety tech firm Verifymy. What happens if porn sites don't comply? Ofcom says that many porn sites have already put their age checks in place. It stresses that the law applies to all sites and apps that allow pornography whether they are dedicated adult sites or social media, search or gaming services. Fines for non-comply could be up to 18 million or 10 per cent of the platform's qualifying worldwide revenue, whichever is greater. The Online Safety Act The crackdown is part of the Online Safety Act 2023 a set of laws that protects children and adults online. Mrs Ghazal said it is a 'great step forward for child safety', adding: 'It means some of the world's biggest sites will have highly effective age assurance in place that protects children and also preserves the privacy of users.' They're some of the most popular platforms in the world. But Brits now have to prove they're over-18 to access porn sites across the UK (stock image) The idea of implementing age checks on pornography websites, and fining those sites that don't comply, has existed for several years now. Back in 2016, the UK government launched a public consultation over plans to implement age checks on pornography sites. It was then included in the Digital Economy Act 2017 but the provision was delayed and eventually abandoned in October 2019. Government said at the time age checks would be delivered through its 'proposed online harms regulatory regime' in other words, the Online Safety Bill. One criticism of age-checking technology for porn is regarding concerns about handing sensitive identification information namely age or date of birth to third parties. 'Everyone realised right from the start 2016 that users were not going to want to share their name, let alone a copy of their passport or driving licence, with a porn site,' said Iain Corby, director of Age Verification Providers Association. An urgent air quality warning is in place for New York and parts of New England as smoke from the Canadian wildfires continues to choke the US. Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, parts of Eastern New York, and Southern Maine are under air quality alerts through Saturday. Areas like Boston, Providence, and Burlington will face 'unhealthy' levels, with the capital of Massachusetts reaching as high as 155, according to Fox Weather. 'Good' air quality is from zero to 50, while moderate is 51 to 100. Over 150 means some of the general public will experience health effects and sensitive members have a higher risk of serious reactions. Short-term health effects include irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, and could cause sneezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Residents in some areas are being urged to limit the amount of time they spend outdoors. The majority of the Northeast will fall in the moderate and unhealthy for sensitive people - including pregnant women and young children - but that doesn't mean residents won't see the side effects. New York City, which falls in the moderate category, has already begun to see hazy skies through the middle of the day on Saturday. Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, parts of Eastern New York, and Southern Maine are under air quality alerts through Saturday (pictured: Montreal on June 6) Areas like Boston, Providence, and Burlington will face 'unhealthy' levels, with the capital of Massachusetts reaching as high as 155 Air quality is expected to be between 101 and 150 on Sunday in the Big Apple, NYC's Emergency Management advised. The smoke came in behind a cold front on Friday, according to Fox Weather. Northerly winds and high pressure trapped the smoke, leading to air quality issues across the region. The smoke will move toward the ocean as rain from the Great Lakes and the Ohio Valley move toward the area late Saturday. The haze should fully clear out by Sunday, according to Fox Weather. However, it might not leave for long as it could return early next week. There are currently 550 wildfires burning in Canada, scorching 15million acres. The blazes have left Montreal with the worst air quality in the world on Saturday morning, according to Town and Country Today. The smoke came in behind a cold front on Friday, according to Fox Weather. The smoke will move toward the ocean as rain from the Great Lakes and the Ohio Valley move toward the area late Saturday. The haze should fully clear out by Sunday A fire in Canadian in May. There are currently 550 wildfires burning in Canada, scorching 15million acres By the afternoon, it dropped to second place, behind Kinshasa, Congo. Environment Canada has urged Canadians in Montreal to reschedule outdoor events and to stay indoors. 'During heavy smoke conditions, everyones health is at risk regardless of their age or health status,' the agency said. Quebec is also expected to return to normal air quality levels by Sunday. Johnny Depp joined Alice Cooper on stage at his gig in London's O2 Arena to honor the late Ozzy Osbourne in a special tribute on Friday night. Ozzy, nicknamed the Prince of Darkness, died on Tuesday at the age of 76 just weeks after he took to the stage for his final show with Black Sabbath, with his family confirming the devastating news. The Hollywood legend, 62, and rocker, 77, paid tribute to the legendary musician as they performed Black Sabbath's track Paranoid. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Honor: Johnny Depp joined Alice Cooper on stage at his gig in London's O2 Arena to honour the late Ozzy Osbourne in a special tribute on Friday night Depp made a surprise appearance for the heartbreaking tribute, rocking out on his guitar to a medley of songs. Cooper screamed at the crowd 'Let's hear it for Ozzy!', before belting out some hits. Earlier this week, Cooper dedicated his Cardiff show to Ozzy as he took to the stage with his band in Wales. 'Well, we all know that time is going to take us rockers, but when the giants fall, it's really hard to accept,' he said on stage. 'Even though everybody saw it coming with Ozzy, it just took our breath away when it happened. 'So Ozzy and family - your records and your music and your legend and all that you brought - the humour to the rock business - will live on forever and we're gonna miss you man.' Last gig: Ozzy died on Tuesday at the age of 76 just weeks after he took to the stage for his final show with Black Sabbath Hollywood legend: He joined Cooper as they performed Black Sabbath's Paranoid Elsewhere Cooper and his band said: 'The whole world is mourning Ozzy tonight. Over his long career, he earned immense respect among his peers and from fans around the world as an unmatched showman and cultural icon. 'I always saw Ozzy as a cross between the prince of darkness, which is the persona his fans saw, and the court jester. That was the side that his family and friends saw. 'He was and will continue to be a rock n roll legend. Rock n Roll is a family and a fraternity. When we lose one of our own it bleeds. I wish I would have gotten to know my brother Ozzy better. 'Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and the rest of the Ozzy brood - our prayers are with you tonight. A titanic boulder has crashed, but rock will roll on.' He signed off an Instagram post with: 'Rest easy Ozzy and we'll see you on the other side! - Alice, Sheryl, Chuck, Ryan, Tommy, Nita, Glen and our entire crew.' On stage: Depp made a surprise appearance for the heartbreaking tribute, rocking out on his guitar to a medley of songs Crowd: Cooper screamed 'Let's hear it for Ozzy!', before belting out some hits Smoking hot: Depp puffed on a cigarette while rocking out on stage